This is a Sunday Post About a Ritual, Followed by Another Ritual, and the Philosophy, "It's All Good" - Customary Crandall. Just Move On

I'm usually the type of guy who submits a day or two early. There are deadlines, but I like to be ahead of the game. I want to move on. This time, however, I was 24 hours past the due date...not because I didn't have it done, but because I couldn't clean up what I wanted to before I hit send. There just hasn't been enough time, even though I seem to be working non-stop.  I've had a sloppy week and needed more time. Sloppy, that is, because the back-to-a-new-semester insanity of work demands (ZOOM this, and ZOOM that) kept me from the ebb and flow I was able to maintain while on sabbatical.

Saturday morning I gave myself time.

When I woke up, I immediately wrapped my head in a scarf, because that is a writing ritual that works for me - when I need to focus, I find ways to hold my crazy, manic, always-firing mind still. In my brain, the logic goes, 'if something is containing my thoughts, and wrapped roundly head, I'm more capable of focusing on getting the tasks done'. That's what happened yesterday morning. Scarf to head. Containment. Lots of writing. Hit send. Presented at conference soon after, and moved on. Love the NCTEAR family and was super happy that I found time to shower before I joined Tracey Flores for the presentation.

As soon as that gathering ended, I went for a walk, only because I hate to know that Glamis doesn't get much attention during my zanier days. It was freezing cold, but it was okay. A few years back, I purchased several knitted, bearded masks to keep my face warm on the coldest days. They were perfect for the ass-chilling day like we had. My face was kept warm from the winds, and I could go 5 miles rather than 3.

In the evening, Chitunga and I met Tom, Melanie, and Mikayla Carrol for dinner in Southport at the Grey Goose. They stayed at the Del Amar across the street, and the Grey Goose, has always been one of my favorite CT restaurants. It's where I took Kelly Gallagher in 2011 - an introduction to my job as an NWP Director. The Carrols were dropping off their daughter at Fairfield, and we gathered to have an incredible three-course meal and outstanding conversation. Of course, they drove 5 hours, followed the University instruction for returning their daughter, only to be told they didn't follow the directions correctly, so their daughter couldn't return. It was Covid-related and a tremendous miscommunication. Kids from out-of-state everywhere were denied entry to campus. They tested, and expected to quarantine for two weeks in their dorms. Apparently the University wanted students tested in a window of a few days (which wasn't communicated to families) and those that were tested a day before those days were told to leave. 

They were not happy people. I wouldn't be either. 

Tom picked up the check and it was pretty hefty. I am shaking my fist at you, Tom...I'll get you, you bastard. I'll get you. Tunga said, "That meal must have cost a fortune. Bottles of wine, three courses...it felt rather festive and eventful." It was.

Seriously, it was wonderful to hear all the connections Melanie and I have between one another. I am simply dumbfounded for how many crossovers we have had within our academic work. It is pretty remarkable. Her Syracuse people are my Syracuse people.

I am waking up today, however, exhausted from the week that just was. I need sleep, but there are classes to teach so I cannot rest. Bridgeport Public Schools is likely to have a snow day tomorrow, so I have to figure out another plan for the 8 a.m. class. I can't imagine the University would call a snow day...not with our online capabilities. We shall see.

Great to take the evening off. Today, however, much to get done.