Little Pieces of Me

But apparently not. Pursuant to a previous post, I resolved my problem with wanting to wear multiple bracelets that I could put on AND take off. It's Memory Wire of course. One continuous springy length that looks like many bracelets but wears like one. Loops and loops of lovely beads that wrap on, wind off, don't get tangled and require no closure (for the clasp-challenged like me). If you've not heard of memory wire, it is a wonderful thing. It's fine stainless steel wire that is cold forged into a spring. It returns to its original shape after being stretched so it is ideal for jewelry that sits close to your body - like chokers and bracelets and rings. It comes in a variety of diameters and finishes and looks sort of like a flaccid slinky. It's easy to use, just don't cut it with your fine jewelry grade wire snips! I speak from personal experience here. It's as hard as well, steel, and will nick the heck out of the cutting edges of your good t...

OK, there is no easy way to say this, so I'll just spit it out: Going back to work after being on sabbatical totally sucked. Was it worth it? Completely. Even with the beginning and end transitions being so hard. Did I learn stuff. Of course. Plenty of new skills and improvements in process and quality. But the most important things I learned were quantum lessons . You know, the hugely tiny things that change how you think. I can sum these up in 3 points: 1) Apparently I do exist outside my job - after 25 years I wasn't really sure. 2) Apparently the program can run without me, albeit due to the strong curriculum and a great group of part time folks who filled in for me. 3) And because of points 1 and 2, I will retire the minute I qualify for a full pension. This last point came as a big surprise to me. I love my job (OK I didn't love it at all for the first month or so going back) and I really enjoy the teaching, the students and my colleagues. But I now know ...