From the Sabbatical Front: Dateline January 15

by Marsha Miller

I've only been on sabbatical for a few days [fourteen if you count all days starting with January 2; 10 if you just count 'working days'] but my brain is so much clearer now [especially since I got rid of a Florida head cold]. Here are a few items that have occurred to me to share with future sabbaticalites.

1) Don't use the sabbatical to 'catch-up' on sleep. There is no such thing. Twelve to fifteen hours a day should be sufficient.

2) If working at home, set limits as to the amount of TV to watch 'during working hours'. Be critical. Tune into the Orange-glo informercial only if it's the uncut, hour-long version.

3) Don't lose focus in your goals or your time frame. Six months is only 183 days [January 2-June 30], or 10,980 hours [or 5,490 if you work 12/sleep 12], or maybe its 4,392 hours. Yes, I'm on sabbatical but not to improve my sad math skills.

4) Remember, people 'out there' dress differently. When you prepare to leave the house, remove your 'comfy clothing' and dress appropriately. This involves, at a minimum, the least stained sweat pants and the least baggiest sweatshirt [or vice versa]. Put the popcorn bowl down. Footwear is not optional.