In the trenches

Well I am now well into my first semester at my new job and I must say that the first semester is certainly a demanding one. I find it a blessing that I was slated to teach two courses that I have already taught (general psych, and 2 sections of developmental psych). I say this because I know that if I were teaching courses that were new preps that I am unsure of how my psychological state would be right now. Even though I have taught the two courses that I am teaching this semester, I still find it difficult to keep up to date! I have been busy reformulating, reworking, and incorporating new activities and assignments into my courses. If I were doing this, plus these were new preps, I think I would die!

Next semester will be interesting, I only have 2 courses, but one will be a new prep and an upper level course at that (Cognitive Psychology). I alwyas seem to forget how much work it is to prepare a new class! Once again, I find it a blessing that I have started this semester with courses that I have already taught.

In addition to this, I have been busy being introduced to being a senior thesis advisor. All graduating seniors in our department are required to do an extensive project (lit review or research project) in order to graduate. I have been 'eased' in with taking only 3. One is a lit review and (hopefully) will be finished by early November. The other two are research projects that will require more of my time.

Additionally I have been trying to keep up with some research projects that I have had on hold for a while.

On top of all of this, I am sick.....having a chest cold that has lingered for the past week. I'm sure my students are to blame for this! Nothing enough to keep me from work, but enough (at least for a few days) to require an extended amount of sleep to be able to function the next day. I'm feeling more energetic now, but still have a nagging cough and congestion.

Luckily there are only 2 weeks until mid-term break.....not that I'm counting!