That entry seemed a little dry, so let me wrap up the evening on a - um, I don't know... different note.

That entry (damn, I better not start the next line 'that entry' -  because that would be three lines in a row with that entry starting the line... Okay, stop it!  The guy behind the keyboard  - 'aka' the loose nut behind the wheel - is manipulating the outcome.  Yes.  Yes, I am.  So?

Just what I thought - harumph!  (Sure feels good to win an argument with yourself, doesn't it?)

So, that last entry was all about setting the stage for this post.  I have to remind you, I have 'sometimes-heimers' - it's not as bad as Alzheimer because it only happens 'sometimes' not Alz time...  Sooooo. Just in case you have read the following before, I will keep it brief.  It's time for me to slow down.  I have been teaching too many hours for too many years.  I have been chasing the almighty dollar like each and every one was the holy grail...  I only briefly held that dollar - before it wended it's way down the road to whichever debt I was repaying.  It has been a grind.  Whew.  I am so glad I said it.  It has been a grind.  I am worn out.

This isn't to say I'm tired of doing what I do each day - not at all.  This is me saying I only want to do one job right now - professionally, while I also take care of myself.

Oh.  I just stumbled on to it right there.  It is time for me to think about me and exercise selfishness.

Perhaps I am at the perfect school for me right now.  Everything does happen for a reason.  If I were still at Samo, I'm sure that several nights a week would still be spent watching dance revues, band concerts, water polo matches, tennis, baseball, wrestling, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, football, poetry slams, plays, etc.

I remember one memorable trip to La Jolla and sitting in on an Academic competition...  They were not accustomed to fans showing up, as it turns out.  (I am searching for the proper name for the competition in the deep dark recesses of my mind, but it could have been AcaDeca, but I'm not sure...) All I know is, those students were off the charts smart!  Wow!

I'm also seriously toying with finishing my dissertation.  In fact, leave a pro/con statement in the comments if you would.  I would only do it if I could change my dissertation topic...

I want to switch from a Correlational Study investigating the attitudes of California teachers regarding Merit Pay.  (My previous topic - and, actually my second topic - my first was an Phenomenological Study exploring the reasons why there are so few male elementary school teachers... - I still kind of like that topic, but my committee killed it, hence the merit pay idea...  Only problem with that is that I COULDN'T CARE LESS about merit pay.  There! I said it.

Anyway, I want to do a Phenomenological Study to discover how teachers deal with stress/burnout.  Did you know that about 50% of teachers leave the profession within the first 5 years?  Damn.  That is sad.


It's time for me to re-focus (I know, re-focusing implies I was once focused at all!)

The bottom line is that some of those 'going out' hours are going to be redirected.  Next up: Establishing a healthy exercise routine...  I'm providing my body with better fuel, now it's time to go burn it...

Tonight's closing comes from my son.  He doesn't pull many punches.  (PS - to read this entire entry, go to my post from January 17, 2014 that starts 'Good evening.' and see his reply down below)

"At times, I hated you, wished I would grow up to be nothing like you.  I of course was an idiot.  You are a great person with a big heart, a great father, and now a great grandfather..."

Just Petronis's being Petronis's.  (editior's note: I have no clue how to write that correctly...)

I love you, too, son.  Carpe Diem to you, good man.

Carpe Diem to all.

Speaking of 'Carpe Diem,'  I forgot to tell you that I rewarded myself last night for my super-productive day by watching 'Dead Poet's Society'  - one of my all time favorites.  If any of my students are reading and you happen to see the film, you'll pick up on a few things, I'm sure.  I get very motivated to teach every time I watch that movie.