Guess what? Today is the last day of classes before spring break! That’s right, after classes today I am going to head off to party on a beach full of strangers, where I will get good and sunburned all day and funnel beers all night. Well, probably not. I am too old for that shit. There will, however, be plenty lounging on the beach, fine wine, friends, and a prudent amount of sunscreen. But still, you get the idea.

Let me just assure you that I am oh so ready for a few days off. We’ve just finished midterm season around here, which means I’ve had major papers and exams to grade in addition to the usual classroom assignments. Here’s a quick look at some of the rest of life — things that happened squeezed in between marathon grading sessions:

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I’ve been going to physical therapy for my hip flexors (my psoas muscle is super tight and rock-like and my hips are/were out of alignment, but we are working on it) and getting in a few light workouts in the pool and on the elliptical. While I don’t love either swimming or ellipticizing, I am enjoying the opportunity to get my sweat on nonetheless, and trying to view it as the road back to running.

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I got dressed up (please admire my sock-free bun) and went to see Cabaret here at the university, directed by one of my good friends, and it was great. I found myself really enjoying it in spite of my general preference to avoid musical theater. The students were just so talented!

The weather has been inching on toward spring in spite of my vehement objections. Not only did I not get the chance to fully enjoy my winter wardrobe, but I missed out on the past two months of colder-weather running! Winter running is my favorite. Hopefully I’ll get to enjoy it next year. As it is, once I am back to running again I am sure I won’t take it for granted and I will try not to complain about the heat.

And now, off I go to Florida. Things I am not taking: my watch, my laptop, schoolwork, closed-toed shoes. Things I am taking: my camera, my kindle, my flip-flops. Catch you all when I get back!