Random Thoughts, Keeping in Touch

I start my sabbatical in two weeks. It’s a totally artificial starting date—I’ve been on Winter Break since December 18, and so technically, I haven’t reported to the office or the classroom since then. And what with having turned in my grades before leaving the office, I have had no contact with campus since the 18th of December. Well, except for a few calls to the department administrative assistant for clarification and paperwork. Sherry reported that things were very quiet on the floor. The cliché amongst teachers is that schools would be a great place if only there weren’t any students; I thought of that sentiment when Sherry commented on the quiet she was experiencing: Departments of Education are so peaceful for administrative assistants and secretaries when the faculty aren’t present.

Actually, I have written about the start of sabbaticals in my yet unpublished tome concerning my first sabbatical. But I think you‘ll have to wait until the book is actually published to read further on this important matter—a publishing event I can’t promise will ever occur. Note: not that it shouldn’t occur; just that it might not occur.


In the meantime, I pace about my cabin completely confused by the lack of obligation: no meetings to attend, or to avoid attending; no classes to meet; no committees on which to sit. I dress everyday as if I were going somewhere, but really, I’m not going anywhere, thank you! I love dressing up for myself, and intend to continue to do so throughout the sabbatical. I intend to remain rigorous and productive and full of life, and well dressed—just at a pace more reserved and self-directed. I want to remember what it feels like to breathe.

In the meantime the weather here has been abominable. Oh, it has been relatively warm, but we have seen no sun or light for at least ten days, I think. The gray seeps into my soul, but it is relieved by single-malt scotch whiskey and fine cognac. Why not? I’m on sabbatical.