Thoughts From the West

My job neither demands nor precludes professional publication.  My job description is predominantly teaching responsibilities and that is where my passion lies so it is a great fit.  Once in a while, though, I dip my toe into the pool of technical/professional writing and submit an article.  The publication pool is more of an ocean at times.  It is not always friendly.  One submits an article, waits for a long enough time that they have often forgotten what they wrote, and hopes beyond hope for a magical "revise and resubmit" notification.  This tells the author that they're on the road but there are things that need addressed before the article can be accepted into publication.  More often than not my publishing life has been a not-so-magical "reject" notification.  Sometimes editors are kind in their delivery and simply say that I could try to submit it elsewhere, to another journal.  Sometimes, most times, it's simply a form letter. This...

I've spent a lot of time in waiting rooms the past nine years. Today my view is beautiful.  There is a wall of windows in front of me and the snow is falling lightly.  The bare trees are dressed up in white.  It looks like a painting.  Just beyond is the busy road with cars and trucks moving slowly due to the road conditions.  The world moves on while several of us sit here and wait.  We wait to join a loved one undergoing a procedure.  We wait for news. My life is chaotic lately.  I'm sure it is not much different than most of those waiting here with me.  We are busy people, filling life with tasks and passions and deadlines and work and play.  I don't take time to sit and take in the view very often.  I don't give myself permission to watch the snow fall.  I convince myself it is wasted time and every single second lost is a loss in productivity.  I guess some would say that I'm driven.  I am starting to think I j...