Day 4 - 58 -- The Pace Changes

Today brought a definite change of pace. I was up late with the Oscars, but left long before the drama there really began. When the alarm went off at 6 AM I was in a sound sleep and was sure something had happened to make the alarm go off in the middle of the night. So began the first day back to the manic work schedule after Reading Week. Classes went well with most students back, but several stuck due to flight delays and cancellations or illnesses.  I managed to get many things completed for deadlines tomorrow, but still have a couple of key items that need attention smartly tomorrow.

Even going back to work after a long weekend can take some adjustment, but after a week away, with the workplace work done during the week, can be long enough to readjust to a schedule that works well for the individual. The work schedule in the office is a totally different creature. The faster pace with demands coming from all directions creates a very different schedule. On a good day, the frenetic periods are interspersed with brief pauses that allow one to catch one's breath and be ready for the next sprint. Other days are at high octane level from start to finish and even beyond into one's dreams.

When pondering a song for today, I wanted one that illustrated the change of pace that the return to classes brings along with the ramped-up pace that will be needed to finish the term in 6 weeks after missing the better part of a full week with snow days before Reading week. Several songs came to mind. I got down to two and then chose one. The song is mainly fast paced but with some slower tempo changes and complex rhythms. The lyrics bring the drama that can find its way into an overfull workday. I found the fast pace to be somewhat frantic which fit parts of the day. There were moments to breathe between, though. The title also indicates how my morning started with the abrupt waking and running around. Enjoy!

Bat out of Hell -- Meat loaf

 (I would also suggest Paradise by the Dashboard Light which has many tempo changes and lots of drama -- rather like an operatic piece -- that fit today well, too)