April 27 - End of Day Ritual

Today Shauna was discussing 'end of the day' ritual which to her was her workday when she worked at home.  While I did work at home with grading and planning, I did focus on a ritual of sorts when I ended my day on campus.

After I taught my last class, I always sat for a bit in my office, just to collect my thoughts, to unwind, to reflect. Even after a night class I would sit for a few minutes, check my email, click on Facebook, check my phone for messages.  

Before I left my office, I would clean off the desk so that it was ready for the next day, putting away things I had been working on or setting aside projects. Since I didn't share my office with anyone and had my own table and chairs in the middle of the room, I could use it for stacks of things.  A stack of handouts for the next day's classes.  The bag for Rochester.  Stacks of graded  assignments to return.  My bag that I took to class with me.  All of it was organized, for the most part.

Why did I do this?   So I would be ready for the next day.  I liked to walk in and know what I was doing.  I liked to be on top of everything so that my students would know, but more importantly, *I* would know that I had everything under control.

Then I could go home.

The time to drive home was spent in thinking, relaxing, listening to music, and often, trying to stay awake.  Since I would be SO sleepy, especially on the road between Thornhope and Base Road, I must have used that time to really relax to the point of energy draining out of me.   Calling Gary was a good pastime also since he could be sure I would stay awake. 

Even the 'end of the day' ritual was similar while I was teaching at West Central.  Cleaning up the desk. Sorting through papers and putting them in the baskets.  Stacking handouts for the next days.  Organizing.  I liked to keep the room neat and ready for students and whatever the next day's classes would bring.

Then I could go home and on to other things.