Well, Damn. It's Monday Again. I Am a Salt and Pepper Shaker Richer (& a Few Vegetables, Too)

 I guess I have to succumb to the fact that it is not normal to wake up at 7 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays so one can get as much work done as possible during the sunlit hours. Of course, I do that so I can have the occasional experience of a normal life - like going to a beach community benefit to raise money for summer bands and paying $20 for tickets and a chance to win a gift bag....

which I won! Gift bag number 9, which included $20 in Outback Steak House cards, $10 in Chili's (Baby Back, Baby Back Baby Back Ribs) cards, $50 in pedicure/manicure cards - already gifted (as if I'd use them), $30 in hair salon cards, and my favorite, an Outback Salt n Pepper shaker.

I don't normally win, but I won. I spent about $60 for the event, and was awarded with $110 in products. I guess that is a good exchange.

Otherwise, I spent the weekend reading and writing and grading, and am feeling somewhat ready to tackle the hours that are this week: at the end of a semester for undergraduates and graduate students, it's all about celebrations, activities, meetings, and hoopla. You'd think we'd be better about arranging our end-of-the-semester schedules. It seems like a lot if you ask me. There isn't a second to spare this week, and I'm looking at my calendar with acid rising in my stomach.

I did, however, get two days of great runs and Glamis the Wonder dog want on very long walks. I also grilled a week's worth of food so that I can pace myself with packed meals and snacks - it's that crazy this week.

I just want to survive it all with a smile and not go at it with resentment, frustration, aggravation and fear (that's what can come at you at this time of year). Rather, I want to approach the finale with zest and optimism, which is hard to muster when one doesn't feel there's any more energy to find or insight to offer. It will happen, though - it always does.

This too shall pass (as Sue always said in Kentucky).

I'm ready for it to pass, simply because I need to move onto other things that need my attention...like the business time of year! Summer!