The beginning and end of the semester are the busiest times for me. We have just two weeks left of the fall semester and I am TIRED. Not just physically tired but emotionally tired. A lot of effort goes into making my online classroom run smoothly. We use Blackboard as our basis for all courses regardless of if they are 100% online or face-to-face. I review my classes over and over to make sure all assignment instructions are clearly written, that all grading is done before the end of the week, and that all student questions have been answered.

With just two weeks left until graduation, there is a lot to grade. Two classes have a final exam and one class has a final presentation. There are journal entries to read and respond to, a discussion board to grade, and final grades to post. We have a five-week winter break and that feels like a little carrot of inspiration being dangled in the distance. One concession I usually try to give myself a week to relax before I begin working on getting my spring courses set up.

I like the symmetry I feel from semester to semester. I know what I am going to be teaching, and the concepts stay the same. The change in students is what adds the unknown to the mix. I love teaching for this exact reason. It never gets boring. I learn new things all the time.

Why so Tired?

So, why am I tired you ask if this is what happens every semester? Maybe part of it has to do with the extra work I have done being face-to-face again for my mental health nursing course. Well, I have been the facilitator for three special events—a student appreciation lunch, a fall crafting activity, and a holiday movie night. I started a book club and have been voraciously reading in my spare time. I babysit my grandson 1-2 times a week. He and my daughter have recently moved in with us. I serve on three committees at work. I have been a contributing author for a couple professional entities and have been a poster judge for the American Psychiatric Nursing Association (I am a member). Geez, I guess I have done a lot this semester, beyond my teaching duties.

Oh, and I turned 59 in September. I am on the cusp of not being a spring chicken anymore. I try to ignore the numbers but I can feel the joint aches if I sleep on my side too long. Just have to keep on moving. I will do that after I get up from my afternoon nap:)