Thursday, June 07, 2007

The countdown

Okay, so I have officially hit "mid-life," I think. The winning of tenure, while not all that tangible, has brought about a thoughtful moment of "where do I go from here?" And for me, that question is compounded by a larger question, "And how fast do I have to get there?"

The gf and I did some math last week, looking at a proposed age of retirement and the corresponding length of my career. I know I want to move on into higher administrative posts. If, let's say, I want to retire at 63, then I should be in my final leadership position by my late 50's or early 60's. (For those of you laughing at the thought of retiring so early, let me point out that it reads "childless" above, so there are no pesky college tuitions to pay for. And the gf is older than me, and I want some time to be retired together...) That "final position" timetable seems closer than ever, since I have a step or two (or three) to take before I reach that position. If each step takes 3-5 years, and the awarding of full tenure along the way, that seems to require a little more focus on securing a bigger job in the next couple of years.

Okay, I will admit that I am a driven lesbian...I find that I do best when I have a goal. That said, I try to learn (and flourish) where I am. I am always looking for opportunities to try something new, take on a challenge, and just do better at my current job. I have plenty to accomplish in my current position, over the next year or so, and I am going to be participating in a leadership training program. But I am starting to think more long-term... to make more concrete plans, knowing that plans can be completely upended by family tragedies, health issues, changes on the job, etc.

On the lighter side, the gf talked me into asking the powers-that-be for new office furniture, and lo and behold, they said YES!! So, in celebration, I plan to paint some walls, hang a picture or two, and try to feel more settled in my office.

I am leaning toward an adobe-type color (the main color of the wall in http://www.sherwin-williams.com/do_it_yourself/paint_colors/color_trends/2006/). The gf thinks it is too much for a small space like mine with only one window. I am sensitive to light (and darkness), and can't stand too dark a space. However, I need to ditch the white walls for something a little warmer. I am up for suggestions...

8 comments:

richard said...

No bookshelves? You sure you're a prof? :-)

The gf's right that it's too much for a whole wall in a small room, but if it's broken up with furniture, it should be fine. Depends on the furniture, though! And is that green carpet? Hmm...

Sisyphus said...

"Maple" is the color all the house-restoration-decoration tv shows are using this season (Don't ask how I know. Heh.) But it must be from another brand.

Don't forget to splurge for pictures! Or, as someone in our art studio dept. mentioned, you can buy framed original art or photos from the students for cheapie --- and be making a really cool supporting gesture! (and who knows? They may end up becoming famous!)

Anonymous said...

LOVE the color idea! Don't be afraid of it--paint just one wall first and if it feels like it will be too dark for the whole room, leave it just as an accent and choose something lighter for the others.

I think you will definitely need to add an earthy vase with dried flowers to put on top of one of the filing cabinets or something. Plus a large photo of your goddaughter in a decorative frame.

Bardiac said...

I painted two of my walls a really nice, rich green, and two an off-white, ivory, and wow, I love it! Not too dark, but very restful. People comment on how good it looks all the time :)

undine said...

What Sherishu said: paint one wall and put some framed art or dried flowers in the office.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
payday loans
accupril
aciphex
actonel
actos
advair
aldactone
allegra
altace
amaryl
amoxil
antabuse
arava
aricept
atarax
atrovent
avandia
avapro
bactroban
benicar
biaxin
buspar
cardura
carisoprodol
ceftin
celexa
celebrex

Anonymous said...

buy cephalexin
buy cialis
buy cipro
buy clarinex
buy claritin
buy clomid
buy clonidine
buy colchicine
buy combivent
buy compazine
buy coreg
buy coumadin
buy cozaar
buy depakote
buy detrol
buy ditropan
buy doxazosin
buy effexor
buy elavil
buy evista
buy famvir
buy flomax
buy flonase
buy flovent
buy fosamax
buy glucophage
buy hyzaar
buy imitrex
buy keppra
buy lamisil
buy lanoxin
buy lasix
buy levaquin
buy levitra
buy lexapro
buy lipitor
buy lisinopril
buy lotensin
buy lotrisone
buy meclizine
buy medrol
buy metformin
buy mircette
buy motrin
buy naprosyn
buy neurontin
buy nexium
buy nizoral
buy norvasc
buy paxil
buy plavix
buy plendil
buy pravachol
buy prednisone
buy premarin
buy prevacid
buy prilosec
buy propecia
buy proscar
buy protonix
buy prozac
buy relafen
buy remeron
buy risperdal
buy serevent
buy seroquel
buy singulair
buy skelaxin
buy buysoma
buy synthroid
buy tetracycline
buy toprol
buy tramadol
buy trazodone
buy tricor
buy ultracet
buy ultram
buy viagra