I can see the light & feel the ocean breeze!

Once again I am embarrassed at the date of my last post (Jan 25th). I do have to admit that these past 4 weeks have probably been the busiest that I have had thus far. I find it amazing how easilty time is sucked away from all of the other responsibilities of the job. For instance, it was my responsibility to go to breakfast and dinner with a number of job candidates for psychology this past month. I am still of the mindset of college and grad school that when food is offered and paid for....you go! But this takes up mornings and evenings when I can be doing something like....oh grading and prepping.

However I have learned that these 'unofficial' events of the job interview is where many important things are learned. Does the person fit socially as well as academically. Fit is vital, especially in a small department like ours. We work closely together and we do this best when we all get along.

Then there are all the little meetings and other events that take your afternoon time away. Committees, stdents meetings, event meetings, faculty meetings, department meetings, etc. Plus I've been very good about keeping up with my fitness and going to the gym at least 3 days a week. More time away for that, but time well used.

With all of this and the crazy business that has been this year I am really looking forward to my spring break which officially starts at about 3:30 next Friday for me! My husband and I are going to a tropical location for a vacation by ourselves. We have not had a big vacation on our own for several years. It will be very nice.

I can also tell that the students are ready for a break. Being a private college, we do not have the typical federal holidays off that the publics usually do, so no 3-day weekends thrown in here and there for MLK jr. day or President's day. Just another day at work for us. I never realized how nice those little 3-day weekends were until I had lost them. Some students seem to be at a breaking point. A little time away will be healthy for everyone.

I was also contacted by a grad school friend this week to help with her dissertation. She says she reads this so "Hi Alison!" So far it is looking promising and what a neat experience for some psyc students to be a part of someone's dissertation research! I hope it all works out. It's very cool to still have the connections at UND and that I can still be of help to folks up there!