No more papers!

I’m super-duper glad that for the first time in a few months, there are no papers I need to work on!

I would be even more glad if I also didn’t have to grade student portfolios. But, let’s focus on the positive.

A draft, a revision plan, and a partridge in a pear tree

Alright. I have a mostly complete draft, a stellar revision plan, and one day until this semester is donezo. I am dazzled by the light that greets me at the end of this tunnel!

Smart ideas, just not about my paper

So, I woke up feeling blech because I stayed out too late last night (by which, of course, I mean around midnight) and my weary body punishes me for such things at this time of year. And feeling bad seemed like an excellent reason to A) sleep in until 10 (10!); and B) watch HGTV all day. Pretty much. Apparently, my psyche has decided to take back my weekends a little too early. Anyway, I lazed around looking at things on the internet and pinning things on Pinterest and watching design shows, and that produced some fantastic ideas about how I want to decorate my kitchen (since I’ll have time to do that during the break). So, I may not have gotten work done on my paper, but I’m glad that I had some smart ideas today. Even if they weren’t pointed in quite the right direction.

A good hair day

So, this morning I was actively procrastinating. I mean, I had the [blank] document open, I had a note pad with today’s writing plans set out, I even moved all the books to my workspace [aka my kitchen table]. And after getting all of that accomplished, I decided to curl my hair a little with the flat iron. I mean, I’m going out tonight and finals always kind of makes me feel like a slob. So that’s what I did. I worked on the hair in shifts–which is always a good plan to keep my arms from getting sore–and worked on papery stuff in between hair layers. And when I finished, I was a little shocked (as I always am) that I ended up with rodeo queen curls. That just seems to be my hair’s immediate default, especially now that it’s layered. But I shook it out a little and let gravity do its work and it turns out that I am having an awesome hair day. Which is utterly silly, but a good hair day during finals is practically a miracle. Hegemonic hair has transformed into heroic hair. So I did the only rational thing and donned my Captain America shirt. And now . . . to writing!

Mike’s Pastries

Yesterday, I was obviously grateful for a chance to mow down on some Mike’s Pastries. The sugar-rush combined with my exhaustion and stress literally resulted in a panic attack, but I STILL think it was worth it!!! It was so good!

 

Lately, I’m pretty worried about contingency plans myself. What if I don’t get into any PhD programs? What will that mean? What will I do then?

 

It’s better if I don’t think like that right now. Instead, I’m going to finish my work at the Dean’s office for the semester, work on my paper, and look forward to a couple of hours out with friends tonight. Hopefully. everyone will bring some fun, lighthearted conversation and avoid ranting about school and teaching, in which case it will be a great night and I’m looking forward.

Another one bites the dust

I spent most of today working on my UT application, which has now been submitted. I’m less than delighted with my writing sample and anxious about my personal statement, but I think they’re both good enough. And, more importantly, that’s another application done. BAM!

Also, I took a break to read a comic book today. And then I had an epiphany–a contingency plan, in case I don’t get into a PhD program. Are you ready for this? COMIC BOOK EDITOR/RESEARCHER. I didn’t have a contingency plan before, but now I do. And let’s face it: it’s a pretty good one. [Obviously, not practical, but fun.] So, double BAM!

And now on to writing my last paper this semester, grading and working on my MA exam proposal. Allllllmoooooost there . . .

 

Patsy

I’m sitting listening to the 8th minute of Patsy’s story about her 4-foot ceramic Santa Claus, and it makes me realize how happy I am when I’m in the Dean’s Office. I love her ridiculous stories and rants. I rarely leave this place without at least one good laugh.

care package

Yesterday I got a small package from my mama. It had peppermint saltwater taffy, Ghiradelli peppermint bark, a super cute wreath with gingerbread people on it that she made for me, and rawhide chews for Spur (and thank goodness! We’ve been out of rawhide for a while now). Surprises are the best, aren’t they?

Quote of the Day

“Harry, I’m gonna let you in on a little secret. Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don’t plan it, don’t wait for it, just let it happen. Could be a new shirt,a catnap in your office chair or two cups of good, hot, black coffee.” -Agent Cooper, Twin Peaks.

Classes are finished!

Last night I had my last class for this very long semester. I’ve still got plenty of work to do before the break, but I don’t have to teach, read for, or attend any more classes. And thank God for that!