The older I get, the more I read. When I’m happy? I reach for an inspiring book. When I’m not happy? I reach for an inspiring book. The end result? I tend to feel energized and surprisingly fulfilled for someone who lives relatively simply. I associate the act of reading with some of the best…
This happens. I’ve learned this lesson before (I even wrote about it in my book), and I had to learn it again a few weeks ago. Here’s the situation: I now split my time between working at home teaching online classes, and teaching on campus in the morning three days a week. I wasn’t getting…
I just finished reading the cutest, furriest, most adorable- and enlightening- book about finding happiness. About a mouse* on a fact-finding mission to discover what makes other wild animals happy. Yes, the main character is a mouse*. (*Okay, it’s actually a rat, but I just can’t handle that- so to me, Lucky is a sweet…
A few months ago, I made it a personal goal of mine to spend at least one hour outside every day. I felt a little pathetic having to make it a point to do something so easy and natural, for such a short amount of time every day, but it seems like we get so…
I’ve mentioned before that I go through various phases from time to time, and honestly, I think we all should. I tend to get into a hobby or new interest (very heavily) for a year or so, then move on and invest my time in something new, and eventually I’ll circle back to an old…
I wrote a book over the summer about how to enjoy life as a part-time college instructor, despite low pay, by being efficient and adopting a very simple lifestyle. Those crucial elements still help me to be successful, happy, and free on a day to day basis. However, I didn’t realize that shortly after publishing…
Every person has had something happen in their life that changed them forever. I’ve had a few life changing moments at this point, but the very first one, the one that I believe set all the others into motion, was going to college. A degree isn’t for everyone, but for someone like me, the classes,…
Over winter break, I finished reading Michelle Post’s book, Building Your Adjunct Platform. It was insightful, helpful, positive, and filled with extremely valuable links and resources (if you’re a struggling or aspiring part-time professor, you need to get this book). Many of her tips included things that I felt I’d taken care of, like establishing…
I’ll admit it. I live for burgers, tacos, and anything chocolate, despite my yoga-loving ways. However, I’m a big believer in moderation. I was raised by smart parents who taught me the importance of living a balanced life. Essentially: work, play, relax, spend time alone, and don’t overdo any one thing. I still take that…
Today marks the official start of the second week of college classes (at least at most Central Florida colleges), and with the uncertainty of a new workload and new students, comes the excitement to be in the classroom again. I’m loving my new students at UCF, but I’m also getting used to teaching in the…