Late-Summer-cone-flowers
Terri Webster Schrandt

Under Construction

Late-Summer-cone-flowers

If we were having coffee today, I would wish you a happy Labor Day weekend and toast the holiday with a nice Colombian medium roast. I can offer you a variety of teas if you prefer.

Labor Day, observed as a national holiday on the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. This holiday traditionally bids farewell to summer as schools and universities begin and autumn is in the air (supposedly).

I am spending the three-day weekend at the delta enjoying the last of the windsurfing season. My wrenched knee is healing slowly, so I’m not sure how much water time I will get. Luckily,  I can stand-up paddle a little, and get up and down the launch OK. We also have to pack up a load to take home, then starts the de-construction of our camp.

I like to think of this time of year as being “under construction.”

Back to Teaching
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that this week I started back to my part-time lecturing gig at the university. My last time teaching was in December. When I retired from public service in recreation, I had to take 6 months off (really eight) from my CalPERS public agency. Both my full-time work and part-time teaching are public agencies that pay into CalPERS. As I go back to teaching, my new title is “Retired Annuitant.” Retired annuitants can go back to work at their former workplace on a half-time basis, and still receive a pension.

Not to brag, but I “work” 8 hours a week on campus. Of course there are lots of papers to grade which can done at anywhere. Teaching two classes per semester is fantastic. And my students are enthusiastic (and laugh at my jokes).

One of my classes is new to me, so I am still constructing lectures and putting together good class activities to keep my 80 students occupied.

Master Bedroom Construction
master-under-constructionIf we were having coffee, I would show you how the bedroom addition is coming along. You will have to check out my Pinterest boards for the decorating ideas we are choosing. I am particularly excited about my bedroom office nook, where I plan to spend hours blogging, grading papers, and generally organizing my life.

Summer into Autumn
Are you ready for autumn? I sure am. Ironically, fall is the driest time of year in Northern California and the threat of wildfires is worrisome. Fall seems to also be under construction, as the sun goes down earlier and the nights and mornings are blissfully cool, and the leaves slowly change from green, to yellow, then to vibrant oranges, reds and browns.

I think my attitude goes under a little reconstruction as well. Does this happen to you when the seasons change? I enjoy the unique things that each season brings, but the Fall brings a sense of peace despite the sometimes frenetic pace of school, work, the imminent holiday season, and perhaps some travel.

I hope you enjoyed coffee with me today. What parts of your life are under construction now?

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33 comments

  5. I take a cup of tea while we talk. It has been awhile since I have taken the time to take a rest. The weather here as turned cold at nights but warm days. The air is clear of smoke as most of the nearby fires are out or undercontrol. I have decided to read some of my favorite authors for a few days. My health is about the same. It doesn’t take much to tire me. My caregiver problem has calm down. Enjoy your wind surfing and your teaching

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  10. I definitely go into reconstruction mode with the change in seasons. My latest ‘projects’ are preparing for our sail southward for the cyclone season and looking for a job in Australia to replenish the cruising kitty.

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  11. I am SO ready for some cooler weather! It’s still very, very hot and humid here in Texas.
    I’m enjoying a little time off at home, been doing a lot of sailing, went out Saturday for a nice cruise, took the dingy in for lunch and a dockside BBQ party afterwards.
    I hope your knee gets better soon so you can get out and do all the things you enjoy. Have a great weekend! 🙂

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  14. Terri, I hope you were able to partake in paddle board time. There’s not much summer left to do those types of activities. I didn’t paddle anywhere over Labor Day weekend. Instead, I ate way too much sugar and now I feel like a slug. So, that’s where I’m under construction…back to the gym this week and saying “no!” to sugar.

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  15. It definitely feels like fall here today! I relate to so much of this, having just completed my own office. I love all the light you will have with those big windows. Good luck with your classes, I am also teaching one started in mid- October. It is fun to teach without all the added committee work!

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  17. How exciting to choose to return to work. If I returned after I retired, I’d have to wait 1 full year to go back into the Florida Retirement System. I love that your office corner is flanked by 2 large windows. Thanks for sharing at the #AnythingGoes Link Party.

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  18. Oh I love the construction photos of your new office looks great! Also it is so hard to give up work altogether isn’t it Terri – as long as you still have time for you and enjoy life I think it is wonderful to keep going. You have a great balance now and that is what I’m working on. Thanks for sharing with us at #WednesdaysWisdom

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