Riding Out the Week

I’ve had some good days and some bad days lately with my back and leg pain. Monday wasn’t too bad, Tuesday was not so good, and yesterday turned out to be a pretty good day. The trouble is, my migraines seem to have struck a bargain with my body—if the back and leg aren’t bothering me, then the migraine will.

I’m about two weeks out from another round of Botox treatment, so the timing of these flare-ups is not entirely surprising. Monday began with a migraine that thankfully lifted by Tuesday, only to come back again yesterday. Yesterday’s was minor (if there is such a thing), but around midnight it flared up again and hasn’t eased this morning.

Still, I’m determined not to call in sick. I have things that need doing, emails to send, and hopefully I can get through them quickly. If the migraine doesn’t ease, today may turn into a half-day. The good news is that I’ll be working from home tomorrow, which should make it easier to take things at a slower pace if I need to. And after that comes a three-day weekend—something I’m definitely looking forward to.

Here’s hoping a little rest, a quieter schedule, and some time away from the grind will bring more good days than bad in the week ahead.

And of course, no week is complete without the Isabella Pic of the Week—Her Majesty all curled up in a soft gray blanket, perfectly demonstrating how to do rest and relaxation the right way.

A Migraine Morning

I woke up this morning with a bad migraine. Sometimes, if I get up, take my morning medicines, and have a cup of coffee, the pain will ease enough to get through the day. Unfortunately, this is not one of those mornings.

I’ll wait until just after 6 a.m. to text my boss and let her know that I won’t be in. There are times when I can push through a mild migraine, but this one is anything but mild. I’m nauseated, and every movement makes the pain worse.

My back and leg are aching too, but they’re background noise compared to the pounding in my head. So today, I’m doing the only sensible thing I can do: calling in sick and going back to bed.

I do have physical therapy tomorrow morning, and maybe that will at least help improve my overall well-being. Here’s hoping tomorrow looks a little brighter.

The Trouble with Monday Morning

Isabella decided I didn’t need to sleep in today. She woke me up way too early, and while that’s nothing unusual, I really wanted to stay asleep a bit longer and avoid the pain radiating down my leg. No such luck.

The good news is I took a vacation day today. The bad news—besides the pain—is that the only reason I took a vacation day is because of car trouble. I can’t get the car into the mechanic until tomorrow, and I don’t dare drive it anywhere else. So here I am, stuck at home, with no transportation except for that one hopeful trip to the shop tomorrow.

Honestly, with the way I feel this morning—leg pain and day two of a migraine—I probably could have taken a sick day. But since HR has managed to screw up some of my leave paperwork, I’m trying to be cautious. Until that gets fixed, I’m afraid my sick leave will get eaten up too quickly.

All I really want is to feel better. I’ve said that for years about my migraines, but at least with them, I’ve learned how to keep going and live my life. This back and leg pain is different. It makes even basic mobility a challenge, and that’s not something I can just push through as easily.

So today’s plan is pretty simple: hope the pain eases a bit, or at least that I can get some more sleep. That’s about all I’ve got in me for now.

I hope your Monday morning is starting off better than mine. Here’s to a smoother week ahead for all of us.

TGIF!

While my bosses refused to let me work from home for an extended period, I did at least get to keep my regular Friday work-from-home day—and I am so glad it’s here. This week has been a trying one, my first back in the office after my medical leave.

The first three days of the week, our parking lot was closed, which left me with two choices: park in a lot up a steep hill or park in one three times farther away but on level ground. On Monday, I tried the hill. Going down that morning was rough; going back up in the afternoon was pure agony. On Tuesday, I chose the level route—only to discover that the extra distance was even worse.

By Wednesday, I’d been told that the museum’s reserved spaces would be available because campus security was going to deal with the cars parked there that didn’t belong to museum patrons. I bet you can guess what I found when I arrived—the same cars, still in those spots. So, back to the hill it was. Going down wasn’t terrible, but going up… well, let’s just say I took my time. Once inside the museum, I had to sit before I could do anything else. By then, I knew what my body would and wouldn’t tolerate, so I paced myself.

Yesterday, the parking situation was finally back to normal. But the workday itself made up for it. A two-hour meeting in uncomfortable plastic chairs is never fun, but it’s worse with a pinched nerve. I switched to a padded chair after the first fifteen minutes, but it wasn’t much better. By the end, I was shifting around like I was sitting on a bed of nails. Lunch in the break room wasn’t an improvement—the wooden chairs are no kinder to my back.

Back at my desk, my chair finally let my leg relax, and I took my midday meds. The relief lasted until I had to get up to let someone into a locked room. That part was fine; what wasn’t fine was running into a talkative professor who’s also president of an arts organization board we both serve on. He asked about my back, and I told him about the pinched nerve. He had a similar problem before a hip replacement fixed it, and he went on to talk about the board meeting tomorrow—which I doubt I’ll make. Eventually, the pain got so bad that I had to stop him mid-story and say, “I have to go sit down.”

In short, I overdid it yesterday, and I’m paying for it today. My leg is in a lot of pain this morning, and I’m hoping my meds kick in soon. At least I can work comfortably today from my own couch.

And now, to send you into the weekend on a happier note—here’s your Isabella Pic of the Week. She’s sleeping peacefully—though she wasn’t quite so peaceful at 1 a.m. last night when she insisted I get up. Turned out her water bowl was low. I filled it, and she let me go back to bed without complaint. She’s lucky she’s cute, and even luckier that she’s the perfect Friday reminder to rest, recharge, and keep a little sweetness close at hand.

Here’s to a weekend with no steep hills, no long walks, no terrible chairs… and maybe just a few cat naps of our own.

Just Two More Days

So far, this week at work has been rough. I expected a lot of catching up after being out on emergency medical leave, but I didn’t expect the added challenge of my boss being openly—or at least quietly—hostile about it. It’s not always outright confrontation, but her demands and unwillingness to even discuss accommodations have been deeply disappointing. She’s also requesting documentation that, according to my physical therapist, should only come from HR. I’ll have to tell her that today, which I’m sure will be another fun conversation.

The whole situation has triggered a lot of anxiety and deepened the depression I was already feeling from the fact that my pain doesn’t seem to be getting any better. Part of that, I think, is because of how far I’ve had to walk from our temporary parking lot. Our usual lot is closed for repairs, and the longer walk from the temporary lots has been rough. The lot is supposed to reopen tomorrow, so I asked to move my work-from-home day from Friday to Wednesday to help reduce the strain. She refused.

When I tried to find another solution—asking her to address the problem of our two museum-reserved parking spaces being used by people who aren’t even patrons—she told me to take it up with her boss. It felt less like “couldn’t” and more like “wouldn’t,” but I did as she said. Thankfully, he actually took action, going out to take pictures of the cars parked there and contacting campus security. He’s dealt with severe back pain himself, though for him walking brought relief. I explained that for me, it’s the opposite—every extra step makes the pain worse.

There are other issues I could get into, but honestly, I’m too tired to go into detail. I just hope today is a better day, and I hope all of you have a good one too.

I just need to survive two more days.

Back to the Office… Ready or Not

Today, I head back to work. My paid medical leave officially ended yesterday. Technically, it should have shifted from continuous leave to intermittent leave for the next two months, but the Human Resources Department at my university managed to botch the approval. They didn’t follow through with everything my doctor requested, so now I have to sort that out. I need to contact my doctor this morning to see if HR even sent him the paperwork needed to fix this.

I wish they had at least considered a work-from-home arrangement, but my boss refuses to even request it. So, that’s off the table. Instead, I’ll go into the office today and spend my time reading and sending emails—tasks I could easily do from my laptop at home. I have no appointments or meetings scheduled, and if I did, they’d be virtual. My boss seems to lack any sign of empathy or sympathy, but there’s no point in continuing to complain about her. It’s just not worth the energy. There’s nothing I can do except quietly keep an eye out for other opportunities. I’d prefer to stay in New England, but I might have to look farther afield. What I won’t do is move back to Alabama.

Sorry for the work rant, but it’s what’s on my mind this morning. Since I have to face the day regardless, I’m trying to focus on the positives—like how well things went when I ventured out yesterday.

Yesterday, I ran a few errands and—surprisingly—it went great. I had no pain, walked without a limp, and felt like myself again. The only odd moment was leaving the gas station, when my right leg suddenly got wobbly. It didn’t hurt; it just wasn’t cooperating. Still, I considered the outing a success. The only caveat: I never walked more than 20–30 yards at a time. We’ll see what happens today when I have to walk farther and sit in my office chair for hours.

This morning didn’t get off to the best start. I woke up with pain in my leg and had to sit down while my coffee brewed. Maybe the day will smooth out like it did yesterday, but honestly, with the way I’m feeling right now, I’m not overly optimistic. Still, I’m holding onto the hope that today will surprise me for the better—because I could use a day that ends with me feeling proud I made it through.

International Cat Day: A Tribute to My Faithful Companion

 

International Cat Day is celebrated every year on August 8th—a day set aside to honor our feline friends and raise awareness about the welfare of cats around the world. It was originally created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and is now promoted globally by a number of animal welfare organizations. The day encourages responsible pet ownership, support for shelters and rescue organizations, and, of course, a little extra love and attention for the cats who share our lives.

It’s also the perfect excuse (as if I ever need one) to shine the spotlight on Isabella. She’s been a part of my life since 2016, and in that time, she’s proven herself to be equal parts queen, comedian, and comforter. But during these past few weeks, as I’ve dealt with pain and limited mobility, she’s shown me just how deeply cats can sense when something isn’t right.

Normally, Isabella claims her favorite spot draped across my thigh, but lately, she’s been avoiding that area entirely. Instead, she’s taken to curling up on my chest, purring in a steady rhythm that feels like a balm to both body and spirit. She stays close, often stretched out nearby like a furry little sentinel, watching over me with her calm green eyes. Even when she’s sleeping in another room, she pads in at regular intervals to check on me—almost as if she’s clocking in for her nursing rounds.

Like Queen Alexandra making rounds during wartime or the Queen Mother comforting bomb victims during the Blitz, Isabella has stepped up in my time of need—furry crown and all.

Cats get an unfair reputation for being aloof, but Isabella is proof that they can be as loyal, attentive, and empathetic as any companion animal. On this International Cat Day, I’m grateful not just for her beauty or her quirks, but for the quiet, steady presence that has made these difficult days so much more bearable.

If you’re lucky enough to share your life with a cat, give them an extra scratch, treat, or cuddle today—they’ve probably done more for your well-being than you realize.

“Nurse Isabella reporting for duty. Vital signs: stable. Blanket: warm. Human: monitored.”

Finding a Rhythm Toward Recovery

 

I started physical therapy yesterday, and while I’m still dealing with quite a bit of pain, I’m hopeful for the first time in a while. The exercises they’ve given me seem to make a real difference—small movements, but with noticeable results. That feels like a very positive sign. I’m also finding that the medication I’m on is finally starting to help in a meaningful way.

For now, I’ve worked out a schedule that lets me stay productive during the day with only minimal pain, which is a huge relief. I’m not sleeping the mornings away anymore, but I am finally getting better rest at night. My routine still starts on the couch—it’s the only place I can reliably fall asleep—but once I’ve settled and my body has relaxed, I can shift to my bed and stay there through the night.

These little improvements give me hope that I’ll be able to return to work on Monday without too much trouble. One step at a time, but it’s progress—and I’ll take it.

A Delayed Start

I still plan to post a poem today, but if I do, it’ll be later. I woke up around 3 a.m. with intense pain in my leg. After getting up to take some medication, I couldn’t fall back asleep right away. So, I made a cup of coffee and started searching for a poem to share.

Eventually, the pain meds kicked in and I managed to drift off again—but now it’s after 6 a.m., and I can barely keep my eyes open. Once I’m more awake (and a little more coherent), I’ll see about posting that poem. Stay tuned.

Back in the Game… Briefly

My back and leg seem to be getting better—but this weekend reminded me I’m not quite there yet.

On Saturday, I actually managed to run some errands. Things were going surprisingly well, and for a little while, I felt almost normal. That is, until I stepped off a sidewalk the wrong way and lost my footing. I didn’t fall, thankfully, but the sudden jolt brought the pain rushing back with a vengeance.

I had one last store to visit, and since sitting in my car usually helps, I thought I could manage. Big mistake. By the time I finished shopping, the pain was so bad I nearly threw up—and judging by the way the cashier looked at me, I must have been white as a sheet. When I got home, I only unloaded what needed refrigeration, then collapsed on the couch and took my pain meds.

The rest of Saturday and all of Sunday were spent recovering from what should have been a simple errand run.

This morning, I’m calling physical therapy as soon as their office opens. I need to get started healing the root of the problem, not just managing the pain. Until then, this week will be focused on continued recovery, gentle movement, and hopefully no more sidewalk surprises.

Fingers crossed I’ll be back to work next Monday.

Wishing everyone a good week ahead—stay safe out there, and watch your step!

Moment of Zen: Sleep

This week, I chose sleep as my Moment of Zen—mostly because it’s been so elusive lately. Ever since the worst of my back pain began, restful sleep has been nearly impossible. The pain got so bad I ended up in the ER, and while the doctors provided medication to manage both the pain and my sleep, I’ve still only had two truly restful nights in the past two weeks. I’ve managed short naps during the day, but real sleep—deep, healing, uninterrupted sleep—remains rare. We often take it for granted until it’s out of reach, and only then do we realize just how essential a good night’s sleep really is to our happiness and well-being.

Friday, More or Less

Normally, I’d be saying, “Thank goodness, it’s Friday!” But honestly, the days have been running together lately. Being stuck at home with limited mobility and not much to do, each day feels pretty much like the last. The only reason I knew yesterday was Thursday? A new episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds dropped.

It was one of those quirky episodes, and I tend to enjoy when SNW leans into its weirder side. Star Trek, across all its incarnations, has often done quirky well—though sometimes it goes completely off the rails. Still, I appreciate the risk when it works.

I’ve gotten off on a tangent, but to be honest, I’m not sure I had a point to begin with. That’s kind of the vibe lately. I’m not sure what today holds. I probably need to make a run to the pharmacy, but that can likely wait until tomorrow. I should also follow up with my doctor’s office about the physical therapy referral. Other than that, there’s really nothing urgent.

Maybe I’ll just sleep the day away. I haven’t been sleeping well in general, but last night was an exception. I’ve figured out that I fall asleep most comfortably on the couch. Once I wake up from that first stretch of sleep—usually still groggy—I’ll move to the bed and sleep the rest of the night. If I try to start out in bed, I toss and turn for hours before inevitably giving up and heading to the couch anyway. So last night I skipped the middleman: I started on the couch, drifted off, then transitioned to the bed when I woke up. It worked.

Another thing that helps? Not wearing clothes. I know that sounds like an overshare, but anything with a waistband—no matter how loose—puts pressure right where the pain originates. It’s amazing how much relief comes from just avoiding that added tension. So I’ve embraced comfort and ditched the waistband altogether whenever I can.

If I don’t nap the day away, maybe I’ll read a little or find something to watch on TV—maybe a series to binge or a good movie to pass the time. If anyone has recommendations, I’d love to hear them. I could use something new and distracting.

That’s probably enough rambling for one post. I hope you all have a great weekend. I doubt mine will be entirely pain-free, but here’s hoping it’s at least a little less painful—and a little more restful.

Thursday Check-In

I spoke to my doctor last night as he was preparing the paperwork for my leave request. Unfortunately, things aren’t improving as quickly as I’d hoped. I still can’t sit or stand for more than a few minutes at a time, and walking more than a dozen steps makes the pain nearly unbearable. I told him I was aiming to return to work on Monday, thinking I might finally have the right combination of medications to function again. He told me that was overly optimistic. Realistically, he expects I’ll be out at least two more weeks.

Today has already started off rough. I had a hard time falling asleep last night, and Isabella, ever punctual, wanted to be fed at her usual 5:00 a.m. breakfast time. She was somewhat patient and let me sleep until 5:30.

After feeding her and brewing a cup of coffee, I settled in with an episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. That might sound like a decent way to start the day—except I’ve also got a migraine on top of everything else.

At least I can sleep the day away if I want to. And right now, that’s probably the best plan.

Isabella Pic of the Week:
She’s been curling up on a black blanket lately—so well camouflaged that I nearly jump out of my skin every time the blanket moves. It’s her own personal cloaking device. Somewhere, a Romulan engineer is taking notes. 🖖🐾

Still Kickin’ (Just Not Very High)

The news from the MRI wasn’t what I’d hoped—but it also wasn’t the worst-case scenario I’d braced myself for. The results showed that my liver is far from healthy, though, thankfully, not beyond hope. It seems I drew a losing ticket in the genetic lottery more than anything else; there’s no obvious cause rooted in lifestyle. In fact, the radiologist noted I show hidden signs of liver disease, but no outward ones. No jaundice. No swelling. No visible markers at all.

That’s not nothing. And considering I’d already made a lot of lifestyle changes before this diagnosis ever came into the picture, there’s reason to be cautiously optimistic that things may not progress—at least not quickly, and hopefully, not at all. I’m asymptomatic now. 🤞 And with any luck (and a continued commitment to healthy habits), I’ll stay that way.

As far as lifestyle changes go, the only major shift I really have to make is to completely give up alcohol. That won’t be hard. I’ve never been much of a drinker—an occasional margarita or glass of wine at most. And honestly, over the past ten years, even those moments have been rare.

Now, turning to my back—which has been the more urgent issue, pain-wise—the x-ray results haven’t come back yet, so I don’t have any answers on that front. My doctor and I are currently in the trial-and-error phase of finding a balance between pain management and actually being able to function like a human being. The higher dosage of medication yesterday knocked the pain out… and me along with it. I was barely able to stay awake, let alone do anything useful. We’re adjusting things again today and hoping for a better balance.

If we can get it right, I should be able to return to work. That is, assuming I can walk far enough and stand or sit long enough without the kind of pain that makes you question your entire spinal column’s existence.

In the meantime, my doctor has put in orders for physical therapy and an MRI of my lumbar spine and has referred me to a spinal specialist. I already have an appointment—but it’s not until October 14. I’m on their cancellation list, though, and I’m crossing all fingers and toes that something opens up sooner. No word yet on when PT or the lumbar MRI will happen, but I do hope I get to see my usual physical therapist. She knows my body and we get along very well. It’s nice to know that the staff at my doctor’s clinic—which includes the PT clinic—have remarked to my doctor how pleasant it is every time I come in. They genuinely look forward to seeing me, though I know they wish it was only for routine stuff and not more urgent medical needs.

That’s the state of things for now. If I don’t overdo it, I can function fairly well. But the moment I push too far—bend too much, stand too long, walk too far—it’s excruciating.

I know this blog hasn’t looked quite like itself lately. I miss writing poetry posts and art history features just as much as you might miss reading them. But for now, all I can manage are health updates—and I appreciate you bearing with me while I get through this stretch. I hope we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming soon.

Until then, be well—and take care of your backs, livers, and everything in between.

Starting the Week, One Careful Step at a Time

My sciatica still hasn’t improved much. I’ve found that if I can get into just the right position, stay still, and do a little gentle stretching, I can be somewhat pain-free for a while. But for the most part, walking remains difficult. That said, today has been a little better—just enough to give me some hope.

Yesterday, I had to make a run to CVS, and I was dreading the outing. But surprisingly, sitting in the car turned out to be quite relaxing. I always step out of my car with my left leg, but when I get up from the couch or bed, the pressure usually falls on my right leg—which is where the worst of the pain is. Because I wasn’t putting as much weight on that side, I was able to stand and walk around the store with relatively little discomfort. It seems the key is avoiding any twisting of my torso. I only wish I could replicate the ergonomics of my car seat elsewhere, but my couch is too low and my bed too high to offer the same kind of relief.

Today is going to be a long one. I have to be at the hospital by 7:15 this morning (which means I’ll be walking out the door right as this post goes live) for an MRI of my liver. While I’m there, I’m also scheduled for a lumbar x-ray to take a closer look at what’s happening with my back.

Since I had to fast for the MRI, I’ll be very glad when I can finally drink some water—and even more so when I can get something to eat afterward. Depending on how I’m feeling, I may stop by the grocery store to pick up a few things before heading home.

One thing’s for sure: I’ll be happy to walk back through the door to my apartment when the day is done.

Here’s hoping the rest of the week is gentler, more comfortable, and maybe even a little brighter. Wishing you all a peaceful Monday and a good start to the week.

Easing Into the Weekend

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Doctors, X-rays, and More Medications, Oh My!

After three weeks of worsening right-sided lower back pain and sciatica, I followed up with my doctor yesterday morning. The pain radiates from my lower back through my glute and spirals down my leg to the top of my foot—sometimes feeling like fire in the lower leg. It’s particularly aggravated when I try to walk upright or wear anything that presses against my waist. Getting dressed is an ordeal, and some days I end up in the loosest, softest clothing possible—more accurately draped than worn—while I try to find a semi-comfortable position on the couch.

We also talked about some of the stranger symptoms I’ve been experiencing—odd sensory disturbances, like feeling a blanket over my legs when nothing is there. My physical exam pointed to probable nerve root involvement—likely L5, though L3 or L4 could also be affected. Thankfully, there were no red flags like muscle weakness or foot drop. The steroid I’ve been taking (dexamethasone) hasn’t helped much, though oxycodone gives me a few hours of temporary relief.

My treatment plan now includes continuing the steroid and anti-inflammatories, switching to Flexeril for muscle relaxation, and a higher dose of oxycodone for pain control. I’m staying on gabapentin and Tylenol as well. X-rays of my lumbar spine have been ordered, since the spine specialist won’t see me without them. We also discussed my upcoming liver MRI at UVM, but unfortunately, it can’t be modified to scan my lower back. The liver MRI is a specialized study to measure scarring and uses different protocols than spinal imaging. Plus, the hospital plans to bill for two separate MRIs—not just one. And since most spine MRIs aren’t ordered until symptoms persist beyond six weeks (I’m currently at week three), we’re holding off on that for now.

All of that was already weighing heavily on me when last night brought something new: a zing of pain so sharp it made me jump. I accidentally touched a spot on the top of my foot, and it felt like an electric shock—like the nerve pain was suddenly shooting outward from my body instead of into it. It was a strange, almost surreal sensation. That’s when the lower half of my leg started aching fiercely, from knee to foot. It felt like the pain was caught in a funnel cloud, swirling away and dragging my nerves with it.

I probably overdid it yesterday—between the doctor’s appointment, the pharmacy, and picking up some orders at Walmart and Kohl’s, I was on my feet more than I’ve been in a while. I thought I was pacing myself, but apparently my body had other plans.

Today I’m trying to rest again. It’s hard not to get discouraged, but at least I know I have a treatment plan in motion and a few more pieces of the puzzle. I just hope tonight brings a better kind of stillness.

—

Have you ever experienced pain that felt… strange? Not just sharp or dull, but eerie—like your body was telling you something in a language you didn’t understand?

And here’s your Isabella pic of the week:

The Search for Relief

This morning I have a doctor’s appointment to figure out what’s going on with my back. Over the past several days, the pain has become much worse and nearly impossible to ignore.

It started as lower right back pain, but now it spirals downward in a strange, radiating pattern — wrapping around my thigh, then shooting straight down my leg all the way to my foot. Walking is tricky at best. I can take maybe two to four steps upright before the intense pain kicks in, or I can shuffle around stooped over at almost a 90-degree angle, which oddly makes the pain more manageable.

Sitting is out of the question. After just a few minutes in a chair, the pain flares and forces me to stand. The only position that gives me any real relief is lying on my couch with my lower legs slightly elevated. When the pain is at its worst, I’ve found a couple of stretches that help — either pulling my knee up to my chest or resting my ankle and gently stretching my bent leg downward.

Even getting dressed has become a bit of a challenge. Every waistband, seam, and bit of fabric seems to press exactly where it hurts most, making clothes feel more like punishment than comfort. So you can imagine how I’m “dressed” while lying here on the couch, trying to find the most comfortable position — let’s just say modesty has taken a back seat to relief.

I’m hoping the doctor can figure out what’s causing this and how to treat it. At this point, I just want to walk upright again without feeling like someone’s driving a hot poker into my back and leg.

I’ll update you all later when I know more.

Have any of you ever experienced something like this? How did you cope while waiting for answers?

Another Rough Weekend

My back pain got considerably worse over the weekend, and by last night it was unbearable enough that I ended up in the ER. They gave me some stronger painkillers and sent me home, but nothing has really helped so far. I tossed and turned all night, trying to find a comfortable position — there wasn’t one.

I’m hoping to get in to see my doctor today and figure out what comes next. Fingers crossed for some relief soon.

Easing Into Monday

I woke up this morning with my back feeling better. Once I got up and started moving around, it did hurt a little — but it’s definitely an improvement over the last few days. No migraine today either, even though it’s supposed to rain this evening. That feels like an accomplishment in itself.

I didn’t sleep particularly well last night, but somehow I still woke up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. I think a good, restful weekend helped. I really took some time to relax, which seems to have made a difference.

There’s never a lot to do at work this time of year. I’ll start making inquiries into speakers for the fall, work on refining some classes, and begin a project on branding for the museum with our communications office at the university. It’s a good time to ease into the week without feeling overwhelmed, and I’m feeling positive about what lies ahead.

I hope it’s a good Monday — for me, and for you too. Let’s make the best of it.

How are you starting your week? Do you have anything you’re looking forward to or working on?

And to my French readers, I wish you a joyful and meaningful Bastille Day — Bonne Fête Nationale!