January flew by it seemed as lots of personal challenges marked the beginning of the spring semester. My family's personal journey is chronicled in two places, both on CaringBridge.org - my husband's page (robertdalton) and the other of a dear friend, fabulous geographic educator, and mentor (kristinalvarez).
I sent a several text messages and e-mails in the first hours after our arrival at the emergency room -- five important ones professionally -- my husband's school secretary and assistant principal; and my program coordinator, department chair, and dean. Yes, it was early on a Saturday, but it was quite clear he wouldn't be able to return to work on Monday and would need a long-term substitute for his classes. The administrative staff would need time to find an acceptable replacement. I didn't have obligations on campus until the following week, but depending on his condition I might not be able to make all of the pre-semester meetings as required. And then, there's that pesky tenure package due at the beginning of the summer. (Would I have enough already published and documented if I were unable to start any new projects this semester?)
What helped me make it through the two weeks that my husband was in the hospital (7 days in ICU) -- very good friends, an awesome support network at both of our jobs, and faith of lots of folks.
I also learned that something as subtle as the "white noise" of our lives made a difference in my ability to function. Normally, I'm an NPR girl. I listen to Morning Edition or All Things Considered during my commute. I love that Mississippi Public Broadcasting is available state wide. However, during the past month, my playlist has been tuned a little differently. In the CVICU waiting room -- it was Pandora's Ambient Radio that helped me nap between visiting hours. In my car, Pandora's Trance Radio gave me energy and kept me focused on the tasks at hand.
What's on your playlist to helps get you through teaching? Keep in mind that the soundtrack of our lives often sets the tone for our mood and productivity. (New research in the neurosciences is confirming this, too! It's not just for yoga instructors, massage therapists, and coaches anymore.)
