An empty wooden bench in the foreground with a misty pink view of trees and and a hazy purple sky.
Academic life

A restful and productive sabbatical

I'm just starting my 2nd year-long sabbatical. A privilege, I know, only afforded those with tenure-track/tenured positions and a decent employment contract. My 1st sabbatical didn't really go as planned (I guess we all know what happens to best laid plans). But I did learn a few things and get some good advice that I'd… Continue reading A restful and productive sabbatical

View through an airplane window of blue sky, blue water, white clouds, and the tip of an airplane wing.
Academic life

Why I don’t work on airplanes

For the first time in over two years, I'm flying to attend conferences, book fairs, and seminars. My carry-on items will include my e-reader, noise-cancelling headphones, and an in-flight version of a snuggie. They will not include anything to do with work. I'll be re-instituting a rule I made for myself several years ago: no… Continue reading Why I don’t work on airplanes