Thursday thanks (end of semester edition)

This week I'm thankful for the end of the semester. While the ending of each academic term is bittersweet, the wrap-up week of classes always feels like a huge accomplishment. I practically float through the week after the last exam is graded.

Old Schoolhouse, Fort Walton Beach, FL

In many ways, each semester is like training for a long race:

• 16 weeks of preparation.
• A detailed plan that serves as a guide for each week's work.
• Goals! Both teaching and race-training have a clear goal at the end of the cycle.
• A mix of really great days and not-so-great days.
• Doubt. (Can I really get all this work done in 16 weeks? Am I doing this right?)
• Successes.
• Setbacks.
• The flurry of activity right before the finale.
• Carbs! (On the final day of class I usually host an in-class meal of some sort.)
• A feeling of accomplishment (and exhaustion) when it's over.
• A good, long rest when it's all done.
• A week or two later, I'm planning the next one...

Yep. Teaching is just like marathon training.

And during the winter break, I fully intend to enjoy a well-deserved rest...

Are there parallels between your work life and fitness life?
What are you thankful for this week?