09th Jan 2008
my every year’s resolutions
I make the same resolutions every year:
1. Lose weight
2. Start an exercise program and stick to it
3. Write more, of all kinds but (now) particularly the kind that can get me tenure
4. Take more time off
5. Be more organized
Notice anything about these resolutions? At least two of them are mutually incompatible. If I exercise more and write more, how am I taking time off? How does that work? Also, how do I get more organized, when the time that takes is significant? Case in point, I spent more than an hour sorting through THOUSANDS of messages in my inbox that I have to respond to. So, from the very beginning, I am caught in a catch-22 that seems insolvable. I could jettison all of the others for this one:
1. Be happy
But then, will I get tenure? Get fatter and fatter? End up in my office buried under paper, screaming where no one can hear me? I kid a little, but I am also a little serious. New Year’s resolutions are all about changing everything. Being happy is all about being happy with what you have — or does change bring about happiness? At what point are you truly happy and when have you passed that point and are just obsessing about things?
A dilemma.
Like your new look!
I hear you. What I’m trying is not to be “happy” but to be “happier.” Or maybe more at peace, or more balanced, or more appreciative of the good things in life. Maybe that is something achievable. And tenure…will it make us happy, or is it simply one tool that will allow us the space to seek that which brings us joy?
May you find your zen space this year. How’s that for a goal?
Like your new look!
I hear you. What I’m trying is not to be “happy” but to be “happier.” Or maybe more at peace, or more balanced, or more appreciative of the good things in life. Maybe that is something achievable. And tenure…will it make us happy, or is it simply one tool that will allow us the space to seek that which brings us joy?
May you find your zen space this year. How’s that for a goal?
Wow-We have nearly the same resolutions…and mine tend to be the same every year too. Why can’t I be satisfied with my weight, i dont know. We always want more, dont we? …or less, in the case of weight…haha. I heard on some tv survey that at the top of a lot of people’s list is to spend more time with friends and family. I like that one.
And tenure—you’ll definitely get it. You’re an extremely wise and knowledgeable professor…but you’re open to your students’ ideas and wisdom too. You conduct yourself in a professional manner but still remain “hip” and cool. You give fair feedback and while your classes are entertaining and even “fun,” they are by no means easy. I really learned a lot in your classes. Plus, you have a flair for fashion. They have to take that into account when they think about tenure:)
Happy New Year, by the way!
Hey Dr. Dana,
How are u doing lol? How is Bloomfield- your new home? Too bad winter break is almost over. School again next week. I wonder how read102 will be like. Ok then, see ya around the campus sometimes. Karolina