Happy groundhog day. I heard nothing about the groundhog prediction today. Has the groundhog legend run its course?

Eleven PM is not too far away. Why am I up so late? I probably could have fallen asleep before eight but I wrenched myself awake because I didn’t work out this morning. And why didn’t I work out this morning? I woke before five but decided I wanted to reach the office early because I had so much I wanted to address before my 1PM class. I had watered the plants, cleaned off my desk, and completed my email lists for the semester before 8AM. After talking with Preston about his dissertation committee candidates and finalizing Chicago hotel plans, I refined my afternoon agenda and searched the convention website for exactly what in goddamn hell I said I was going to present. This presentation leaves me ambivalent. First off, I’m supposed to lead an “interactive dialogue” but the description of said context sounds like a glorified paper presentation. Second, I’m in the last slot of a four day convention. I’m convinced 75% of the attendees will be on their way to O’Hare by Sunday afternoon. So…I guess this is what I mean by “teachers need to think on their feet”, eh? Stupidass poetic justice.

So, anyway, I worked on a modified powerpoint, including some time/guiding questions for my conceptualization of an “interactive dialogue” (and by the way, what kind of dialogue ISN’T interactive?) until lunch. Then I walked over to the other building to reserve a car. The afternoon class went well. I’ve had every student before and they catch on quickly. We covered objective creation and Bloom’s Taxonomy, basic material, but I pushed them pretty hard on practicalities and they responded well.

After work Dan and I talked while I drove home. He and I talk most often when I’m in the car, lately, anyway, which works until I pull into the garage and cut off the conversation. We ate dinner, after which N was pissed when I wouldn’t let him back on the computer. Later T and I visited the library, where I picked up a book on literary travels (e.g. tourist attractions revolving around books) and he conned the librarian into letting him check out his own books.

Tomorrow I’m working at home. I have a shitload to do and need to remain focused, like back when I was writing the dissertation. I should get some sleep. Good night! Cold tomorrow, then warmer later in the week, maybe in the 50s, even, in Chicago this weekend.