Work-Life Balance!
What is that, right?
We are all juggling work, academic pursuits, leadership activities, friends, family and health issues (if you are in the boomer generation like I am- you have to include “health issues”). I’m a member of the sandwich generation as well as being a boomer (born in the middle 50s- I’ll admit it!).
I live in Birmingham, AL and visit OSU campus during non-snowy months. (It is about a 9 hr drive without stops, and goes by quickly with a good audiobook). I primarily telecommute and work online. The challenge of working from home is the 24/7 nature of work. I live with my work. I have significant national and international collaborations that are a skype or cell phone click away and despite the isolated nature of telecommuting, I am highly engaged. My challenge is to find the OFF BUTTON and to embody wellness.
Prior to working at OSU, I worked for 15+ years at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, located in Downtown Birmingham.
Welcome to my home office in Birmingham, AL
Suzy Thomas, my 86 year old mom (and former nurse!) and Lucy, my canine office assistant are my housemates (unless a kid drifts home for respite for a few months- which happens!!). My mom is a wonderful cook and gardener and so far is able to be active in those great pursuits (which we all benefit from). I’m chronicling the wonderful Italian food that my mother makes during the holiday- and one day will put that together in a stellar cookbook for the whole family.
I have 2 children (really 5 if you include my 3 step-children) and 2 grandchildren and 5 siblings (I’m the oldest) and 8 nieces and nephews (most live in town). The painting of Lucy, my sweet dog was done by my niece, Molly, who is a budding artist!
[Those are my kids! And of course Suzy and Me; Lucy and Suzy’s flower garden!]
And my Art Studio
And here is a sneak peek at my art studio, down in the basement. Admittedly, I’ve neglected my studio some- since joining OSU in 2014 but I hope to return to a painting routine once all new courses are developed and we have transitioned to a new learning management system. My leadership activities in IACRN, CoAPCR, ACRP, and MSGERC have also nipped at my heels. First, perhaps a trip to the Gulf Shores beaches!