Deadlines

Things that absolutely must be done before 3:00 today, or there will be serious consequences. (Naturally this list ignores all that must be done before 3:00 tomorrow--such as reading and preparing for my classes--because that list is too far off to even contemplate right now. Those items will be dealt with tonight--assuming I can keep myself awake--or before class tomorrow. [Thank goodness for teaching texts for which I have course notes!] Also excluded are those necessary life tasks, such as going to the grocery store to pick up Important Item I Forgot on Sunday and breathmints for LG, who says she will trade those for her pacifier.)

1. Finish syllabus for spring course and submit it to program administrator. (Note to self: this is not a time to be a perfectionist; this is the time to submit the document)

2. Write cover letters and put manuscripts in the mail to meet the Sept postmark deadline. [This will be accomplished after a life-needs break, during which I run to the grocery store and take a much-needed shower. As it is only 12:18, I am ahead of schedule.]

3. Write a letter of recommendation for grad student without making it sound like you've only seen one finished chapter of the dissertation. Remember, you are not her chair. Proofread letter and send to dossier service. Remember, you are not her chair. Letters of recommendation may be rhetorical triumphs, but they cannot be fiction.

Updated to add: It is now 1:37 and I have done everything on my NEED TO list, with the exception of actually going to the post office. Now, some cleaning in the kitchen and dinner prep, before leaving for appointment at 2:30. Then, all the other stuff on the list, like remembering I need to teach tomorrow.