Buckle up!

Busy: working hard, or giving your attention to a particular thing; not free or available to do something; have a lot of things to do.
~ Cambridge Dictionary

For a very long time, I have schooled myself not to use the word “busy” to describe my life (admittedly, I’m not always diligent about that). I worry about using the word “busy” because of the middle definition above – “not free or available.” Too many people have at one time or another said that they knew I was “busy” so they didn’t want to bother me with a phone call, or an invitation, or an offer. I don’t want to add fuel by ever admitting that I am busy.

But – for the rest of this year – I am busy. Happily, the things I am giving my attention to, the ways I am working hard, and the reasons I am not free are all good. It’s just that they are ALL happening in the next three weeks, which means I truly have a lot of things to do.

So if you are trying to track me down… here’s what I’m up to:

Florida trip

Train down – Sunday-Monday, December 3-4

The Learning 2023 conference – Tuesday-Thursday, December 5-7
For the first time since 2019, I am attending and presenting at an in-person industry conference (I have done a few online in the meantime). The conference is being held at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, and I’m giving a presentation on developing people to develop people on Thursday morning. I love that the hotel is across the street from Disney Springs, so good food and a terrific walking path are both easy to access (not always the case in conference hotels). Wednesday is my birthday (64 – Will you still need me? Will you still feed me?). Since Tad and his family will also be in Orlando at that time, they promise to take me out for dinner (so it looks like at least he will still feed me).

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Thursday-Sunday, December 7-10
Daniel and I have planned to go to The Wizarding World since I first heard it was begin built. We went to several of the midnight book release parties when he was growing up, so HP has kinda been our thing. Daniel’s parents took him to Universal Studios as a graduation present many years ago, so he’s had at least some experience at the park – but mostly on the roller-coaster-ish rides which are not on my agenda. I’m sooooo excited that our long-anticipated trip is now finally going to come to fruition! We’re staying on site at the Surfside Inn and Suites and planning to take in the Wizarding World on Friday and Saturday. Protego horribilis!

My annual retreat – Sunday-Thursday, December 10-14
My friend Maria and I have lately been getting together for an annual visioning retreat where we talk about personal and professional direction. We went to Sommers Point, NJ in January 2022, Ocean City, MD in January 2023, and we plan to take 2024’s retreat a bit early by splurging on a combination retreat/working vacation in Winter Park, Florida. Maria lives in Florida, so she won’t have to travel far. We’re staying at the truly decadent Alfond Inn. Exact activities and excursions are TBD, but options include interesting museums, a relaxing boating trip, great meals, and long conversations. We’re planning our own version of a book club discussion. (We are leaning toward Enchantment, by Katherine May.) Plus, both of us have to set aside time for work to do (see below). We’ll spend the last night at Maria’s house in Deltona, and I can’t wait to see it in person.

The adjunct faculty gig commitments
This whole trip certainly sounds like fun, and it will be, but my adjunct work continues throughout and after. I’m currently teaching three classes and ALL have papers and projects coming due. I’m teaching a doctoral class in scholarly inquiry at George Washington University, a master’s level instructional design course for Clemson University, and an introductory course (Master’s in Learning, Leadership, and OD) for University of Georgia. To wrap them all up, I’ll have:

• 7 literature review papers and annotated bibliographies / GWU- Due Dec 1
• 1 4-hour live online class co-facilitated with Russ Korte / GWU- Dec 2
• 7 literature review executive summaries / GWU- Due Dec 4
• 5 final design projects / Clemson- Due Dec 7
• 15 final reflection papers (6+ pages) / UGA- Due Dec 8
• 19 guided reflection papers (5-7 pages) / Clemson- Due Dec 14
• All final grades are due by Dec 18

Train home – Thursday-Friday, December 14-15

Closing out the year

Perhaps that should be in all caps somewhere – closing out THE year. That’s better. Who knew what changes were afoot this time last year?

I can’t relax too much once I get home, because – oh yeah – I’m moving into my new condo. Plus, I’m getting ready for my adjunct faculty commitments for Spring 2024.

Spring 2024 Adjunct Faculty prep
I am teaching 3 courses in spring of 2024, and all of them have to be put up in a learning management system (different universities, different LMSs). Two are new for me, and the third one is getting a substantial revision (change in textbook). Since they start January 8, they need to be ready for students by the last week in December.

Christmas interlude
I’m going to Christmas Eve service in Lewes, but I haven’t decided which church; I’ve been attending two different ones to decide on my new church home. (I’m going to miss the Christ-Church-level spectacular Christmas Eve service – with fantastic choir and brass accompaniment that truly ring the rafters – but some kind of joyous service can be found everywhere.) Weather permitting and invitations forthcoming, I’ll run up to see the Middletown Lombardozzis and the Pennsylvania Lombardozzis on Christmas day. I have friends to see, too, so plans will be made, I’m sure – not on Christmas, but around then.

The new condo move
Sad to say I still don’t have a closing date on the condo, but I’m told to expect late December to mid-January. I have some shopping to finalize to get all set up (fridge, washer/dryer, mattress, etc.) so I’ll have fun doing that as the year winds down. I can’t wait to open the 2024 calendar for visitors!!

Blog updates
You can count on multiple posts to chronicle these adventures… I just can’t say they’ll be in real time, because – hello – I’m a little busy. But I look forward to telling you about all these escapades in time. And then I’ll look forward to a quiet new year’s weekend and – please God – a fantastic 2024.

Cheers to you and yours this holiday season!! Comments, phone calls, and texts welcome.