Transitioning

I'm back from the blogging hiatus of a ridiculously busy spring quarter which was filled with writing too many research papers and grading too many from my students. However, I was quite pleased with the variety of topics and overall writing skills my students developed throughout the past year. I'd say most, if not all, improved their writing skills, which was no small feat (for either of us) but I trust it will pay off for them in the long run. But the best news is that I am finished with coursework. HALLELUJAH! Now, onto prepping for exams and writing that darn dissertation... Oh yes, and welcome back to the real world (see above comic for real life experiences with this so far).

Moving from the frenetic pace of reading, writing, teaching, and pumping coffee just to stay awake into this stagnant stillness of not having any classes and having to gear up for pending exam studying is quite disconcerting. I'm spending many hours a day looking for work (apparently, not a huge market for us overqualified academics at the moment) and trying to build up a core of students to teach lessons to. It's amazing how quickly life can shift from completely crazy over-scheduled madness into unfettered sluggishness. No close deadlines or upcoming projects--it all feels so foreign and far-removed. Thankfully I've had friends to entertain me to keep me from cleaning my living room AGAIN and trying out a ton of new recipes for fun.

But really, WHAT'S NEXT? I recently experienced high competition applying for a barista job. The sad part that everyone looked over 30 and probably was either in or finished with grad school. Oy. (Again, see above comic).

I guess this is a lesson in how to transition. I think I'm not doing very well as I'd much rather plunge forth into work than figure out whatever it is I'm supposed to be figuring out but I guess during the "figuring out," everything will fall into place.

Buried

My apologies for a lengthy absence, it's been a busy couple of terms. I am currently allergy-ridden and buried underneath a pile of term paper drafts and midterms. I will probably reappear at the end of the quarter once I finish my term papers. Bear with me. In the meantime, I was seduced by New Orleans and think I would immediately move there if I had the opportunity. The PCA conference was awesome, my paper was very well-received, I met many new friends from different disciplines, danced onstage at a drag show, and now have academic groupies...all in all, an awesome trip. I'm also currently pining to go back to Vienna, but that's not in the cards at the moment.

Back from Blogging Hiatus

I haven't updated in what feels like forever, but I am back. I anticipated blogging during my travels to Austria, but I was running around so much and having a great time I decided not to spoil it with things such as keeping my blog updated. So I filed away all the adventures in my mind to share when I had the time, and I found myself with a couple hours...so now you get to read about my Austrian travels and adventures. The conference was a success and I was glad to have met so many new international friends. I cam back to piles of grading and my own work to deal with...but it was all worth it. I made it through another quarter of perilously lengthy term papers and finals week grading mania. I am pleased that the majority of my students did very well in the course and hope they continue on this path as we begin our journey through the 19th century this winter. I'm excited about the holidays as well, I fly back to Syracuse on Sunday for a week and am ready to enjoy a really white Christmas!