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Lull

I have always enjoyed the rhythm of the academic year. The variety of the pace is in and of itself exciting to me.

I've just finished some tasks that required lengthy preparation. There are many things yet on my to-do list and yet I feel freer to choose among them with less of a sense of urgency. This is one of the many lulls in the academic year, between the second and third exam in the Spring term. I have fewer students scheduling meetings with me, and the ones who do actually show up. 

For me March always involves a conference (this year two) and the first part of April is busy with exams and projects. This year I also had a concert at the end of March and a Title IX hearing this week where I served as faculty advisor for the complainant. Ad hoc but there always seems to be something ad hoc in the first half of April every year.

There are fewer meetings toward the end of the month; people being people most monthly meetings are scheduled in the first or second week.

I am trying not to waste my lull but rather to embrace it thoughtfully: trying to rest more, approaching my to-do list with a slower triage, taking more time with friends and colleagues.

Intent is everything no matter the pace. 

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