Day 2 - 280 -- Entering the Vortex

Today was another jam-packed day. I'd hoped to get to a luncheon event for at least 30 minutes but had a number of unscheduled meetings about an assignment due tomorrow. Similar events filled my afternoon that had been blocked for grading and paper reviews. In between there were many e-mails and other outside requests to field -- as I've mentioned earlier this week, so much so that I'm afraid I'm becoming repetitive. It is all-consuming, though, so it can be difficult to see beyond the piles in front of me <smile>.

That stuck record feeling brings with it challenges to break free. The feeling reminds me of a vortex that sucks you down making it nearly impossible to climb back out. I often hear myself say that I have to get a life, but this is my life and I need to find a way to manage such feelings. Getting out into the world outside my office and house does help. Speaking to others, walking in the sunshine, taking time to check in with a friend, eating well and getting some sleep -- all can help. Knowing that almost everyone on campus feels the same can help a bit, unless I deconstruct that one too finely <smile>.

Two songs came to mind when thinking through this 'same stuff, different day' mode and struggling to get back to a more balanced way of thinking. The first selection has a great title (was also a film title) that explains the stuck feeling. This one is a bit harder than most rock songs featured here, but it fits too well to let that worry me <smile>. Besides it contains some great guitar work from a double-neck -- just plain cool. The second selection is a lighter piece from a favourite group that deals with the the struggle to stay afloat. The lyrics are amazing (you may need to google them) and demonstrate a bit of the overwhelmed feeling one gets as anxiety and panic knock on the door. Enjoy!

The Song Remains the Same -- Led Zeppelin

Goin' Down -- The Monkees