Reflections

Something about my Saturday morning commute that is so much more pleasant.. oh yeah, that's it, all those other maniacs I encounter during the week are still at home! But really, the drive into Memphis from the east can be beautiful, as it was this morning, when the sun begins to rise over the Eastern horizon and begins to reflect off of the taller buildings along the Memphis down town riverfront... wow, I was coming in at just the right moment and angle to catch the reflective beauty of the morning sunrise. What makes it more panoramic is the fact that you are driving in dark while the reflections are lighting up the downtown skyline!

Anyway, I like it. Next semester I won't have a Sat class, so all my commutes will be with other idiots. That is funny, because when I was speaking to a few colleagues and students about the approaching bad weather last earlier this week, specifically a chance for snow, the fact that southerners can't drive well in bad weather came up. Without fail, everyone of them said something like, "these idiots in Memphis can't drive in snow"! I got news for you boneheads.. YOU ARE THE IDIOTS!

And, I am picking up a night APII class at SouthWest TN CC next semester, which I hope turns into a long term steady flow of extra income. They pay pretty well and the additional monthly checks will be greatly appreciated in the Gearheart house. I guess I take what I do for granted, but getting paid to teach AP is like stealing money for me! I enjoy it and I don't have to actually work too hard to make pretty good money at it. I imagine that at this point in my career I have the experience and resources to make teaching much less of a chore that it really can be. Paperwork, record keeping and other clerical type chores are part of it, but preparing a good lecture and actually having the knowledge and communicating skills to deliver a good lecture are learned over time. Being knowledgeable enough to answer unexpected questions, or at least faking a good answer, is a learned skill also. I also think that some part of me likes the control I have in my class room. I am in charge, the MAN, so to speak and there are very few places on times in life that people really have any control. That is why home and family are so important to us... a place and people where we can relax and not have to have control to be comfortable. In the workplace and out in the world, we have to be guarded, protective and always on guard, and for most people, there is no real control out there so we feel more vulnerable. At least for that lecture, in that classroom and with those students, I am in control. Feels good at some sublime cerebral level!

Well, got of tract there a bit. Got to try to finish my Patho final exam now. Did 50 questions Friday evening at home and hope to finish the other fifty today.

Later,
Good Day