2005: Me on a bridge over the Thames River in London (with Big Ben in the Background)
For a few weeks, I've been contemplating reviving my blog as I finally can see the forest from the trees. I have been extremely busy as always. What college professor trying to get tenure isn't busy? But because I work full-time at one university, adjunct teach at another and try to stay somewhat active with my sorority, I'm swamped. Add to it, being married and maintaining a home and you get the drift.
I finally came to terms with the fact that until I do get tenure, the notion of "balance" is an esoteric dream for me. Getting tenure not only saves my job but also ensures free college tuition for our yet-to-be-conceived-children and my husband won't leave me for a younger richer model :) All jokes aside, for the next 3 years, balance ain't happening. But for the first time since 2008, the hubster and I are going on vacation in a little over a week to England. We are spending Christmas and New Year's with relatives and friends and will freeze our asses off. But we're very excited because at least we get the heck out of here.
We bought a home in January 2009 and then I experienced a 10% salary cut due to state furloughs so a vacation was the last thing on our list. But after we took down our artificial Christmas tree last year, my husband said to me, "I don't care what we have to do but we have to go on vacation next year." So I worked extra gigs, paid off my car and saved up money for our tickets. And honestly, the other thing that has helped me endure craziness at work, article deadlines, grading papers and so forth has been this trip. For the next 21 days, I'm not going to worry about work, bills, my nosy neighbors, or how much wine I drink goes straight to my belly.
When we get back home in January, I'm going back to Weight Watchers meetings, resuming my interval run program, donating unused clothes to charity and finally catching up with a massive paper shred project. But for now, all I can focus on is Ribena (black currant juice), fish and chips, the British Museum and trying to stay warm.
