You can't always find the balance. Today I've graded several presentations, worked on a book review, and done the dishes (except for those dishes left by my roommate - a trait against which I am peacefully protesting by ignoring them). Then I spent half an hour reading The Chronicle of Higher Education - for fun. Yep, that's somehow become a fun thing for me. 

I didn't go to a friend's unofficial birthday celebration last night. I feel a little guilty, but I had some really good reasons beyond being busy. The problem is that I also have counters for each of those reasons. And then counter-counters. Analysis is ongoing.

I leave for my San Diego conference on Thursday. I'm absolutely dreading it, even though I'm sure everything will be fine. Negotiating all of the different travel arrangements is the most intimidating. I haven't had time to stress about the actual presentation yet. This is the first time I've thought that I truly needed a car. I'm going to be stuck in Chicago for a night. Or I can walk half an hour home through downtown Milwaukee at 2am. Neither option is ideal.