Counting Down to Getting Rest & Time Away from the Hustle & Bustle. I Look So Forward to the Winter Break

I realized something last night as I was yawning and trying to keep my eyes open. I'm exhausted. This body has gone 13.5 years with little, to no break, especially with 3 years of R&T winter break commitments and another 3 years of covering winter session for classes that needed instructors, as well as May/June classes that needed the same. This preceded the July/August run of CWP work, only to be followed by two semesters and more winter sessions. There have been zero moments to simply "let it all go." 

This year, I've said, "No." I'm not teaching all those extra courses and I'm giving myself a mental break. Now I'm seeing the conference season, followed by the turkey break, followed by Fall semester closure, and then time to rest. My countdown has begun and although I'm not used to unwinding and sitting still, I am looking forward to not have to be in pre-mode 24/7 and/or grading what comes in. 

I'm taking a mental break and I can't wait. 13.5 years led me to the promotion as a full professor and I'm rewarding myself by separating from the work for a short while (well, the teaching part. I will always be writing and planning). I just won't have to do that on a clock, especially when I should be getting rest. This time, I rest...and Chitunga and I will plan a way to do this.

I see the light (in all this day-light saving time darkness). Bry-time, sleep, and not the constant need to be on my computer sorting through emails and responding to students who are also exhausted from the demands of winter/summer sessions. 

I'm prepped for NCTE next week and now need to grade so I'm ready for Tuesday/Wednesday classes, then travel to Boston. In my yawns, I'm counting in my head. Things will and must slow down.