Such an Optimist. Thought After a 12-Hour Day, I'd Have the Energy to Plan for Another 12-Hour Day. Didn't Happen. Needed Sleep, Instead

There's a truth to back-to-school work that most educators don't talk about, especially at the collegiate level. In order to start day one on the fly, you need to know where you'll be day 180....or 90 if you go by semesters. This, of course, must be planned backwards, take into consideration dates and intrusions, factor in new policies and procedures, all while dealing with national and local politics. All this is to say that a lot of ground work goes into that first day, so that when you get there, it will run somewhat smoothly. 

Of course, this also factors in that the technology will be working, including audio, which was not the case last night as Canisius Hall was loaded with digital issues. At least my room had wi-fi so students could access with a QR code on their phones (and I have everything on Padlet, anyways). Nothing like setting the trend on night one and realizing, "Well, that ain't going to work." Like Big Brother...expect the unexpected, but in the case of University life, it is to be expected that things will be amok for a while. As many of us were saying, "Administration works overtime to find new ways to make what was working not work, so the not working remains part of the plan - see Workday for all our University needs this year...a program designed for corporations but chosen to run course management. Can't make it up. 

I did have a great class, though...an intimate crew of 8 and most of them YA Literature enthusiasts. I also sealed a deal three years in the making, as I owed two student workers payment from working with CWP to help teachers. It was through a grant but because of numerous issues, the university wouldn't allow me to pay them. The money just sat in my account waiting to be handed over to them. I figured out a way and met with them both this afternoon with apologies and embarrassment...here's what I promised you for your work three years ago. 

I always try to do what is right and it is infuriating when our systems don't allow us to do that. I channeled Sue McV on this one. Who do you go to until you hear, "Yes"? I went to everyone and only got denials. But you learn how the systems operate, and you learn how the games are played, and when you want something done...especially because it is ethically right...you find the way. All of this is to say it made me so happy to get this burden off my mind, because it has weighed on me for years. 

We're back in the wild again and that is why I post this photo of the pillow I got on Clearance. It had White Lotus opening credit vibes, so I went with it to have a pillow to lay on when I fall asleep on the porch while trying to work.

Today: full day of meetings. Thursday morning 8 a.m. - class for 2.5 hours in the library with 20 college fresh people. I don't do mornings. They're in for it.