Radical Eclecticity

Spring break is finally here, and while that is a source of great joy for me, it may not be for the most common reasons. On a day to day basis, I am able to accomplish those things that need to be done. I grade assignments, make tests, read the assigned readings for my class, and write the papers I’ve been assigned. I even have some semi-regular time arranged with my friends so that I can keep sane (or at least, maintain present levels of sanity) and socialize with normal peers (or at least, as normal as my friends are).

When I get a week off, however, I am able to catch up on some stuff, and get ahead on others. One of my colleagues referred to this as his “little project” time. He had scheduled time to complete major projects, and worked them to completion, but still had many projects on his list that were too small to demand his attention, but not small enough to knock them out in five minutes before dinner. Since they seem to fall in that in-between zone, they sit and wait.

I can relate to this, except I tend to have big projects that get held at bay lest they overwhelm me. I have some research that I need to do, a proposal to write, a unit to build using online course ware, my classroom website to update, and plans to write through the end of the year. I will tackle them all in bits throughout this week, but there is a lot of work ahead of me. This is the work I love, however, and will enjoy being on the border of overwhelmed by them.

I’ll let y’all know how the break progresses.