Somewhere back a few weeks ago, I passed a milestone of sorts--the end of my first year teaching. I almost missed it, in the middle of everything else I was trying to keep track of. Presented for your amusement and edification, a brief (and certainly incomplete) accounting of what I've been up to in the last six weeks or so.
- Wrapping up the semester, academically. I've been really impressed with my students this year. I see it more clearly with my seminar students, because I know them better, and I've seen more of their work up-close; my seminar students turned in a set of well-written, well-researched senior thesis papers, each of which was a pleasure to advise. There weren't as many opportunities to interact with the students in the lecture class, but they asked great questions in class, which goes a long way towards making the whole classroom experience more enjoyable.
- Attending Commencement, as a member of the faculty. More than just a great excuse to wear the regalia, it was a great opportunity to really feel like a member of the community. I met the parents of some of my graduating seniors, got to say goodbye (and good luck) to some grad-school colleagues who are moving on to other things.
- A few days of vacation with friends in Madison. First a couple of days with T. in his gorgeous condo near the capital building, then a couple of days with Karen and her family in their lovely home. (The latter being the source of the Battleship story.) I had two different kinds of house-envy that week; I also had a great time, welcoming and relaxing.
- WisCon! Wonderful as always, and thought-provoking too. Barring catastrophe, I expect to post more about it in the next week or two.
- A few days of vacation with my family. I had a chance to meet my new cousin (second cousin?) Sophia, and to spend some time with my best friend from high school.
- A wedding, in upstate New York. Matt's cousin got married, in a beautiful historic old chapel, and we had a fun couple of days with his family.
- A joyful reunion with my apartment. I know I've said mean things about it, but after nearly three weeks living out of a suitcase, I was genuinely thrilled to see this place again.
It's left me a little bit exhausted, and I've been sleeping a lot since I got back, trying to sort out the email and paperwork that accumulated while I was on the road. I'm starting to get back into a normal routine again, which is nice. (Just in time to set off on some business travel, week after next! More on that later.)
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