For as long as I can remember, December 28th has always been The Day.
The Day that I start getting twitchy about not doing work. The Day that I can no longer justify sleeping 10 hours a night because "I need to catch up from the semester." The Day that I crack a textbook/paper/whatever to try to make some (teeny tiny) progress towards my massive winter break to-do list.
In college this typically consisted of working on essays for summer research applications. In grad school it varied, depending on the year. Some December 28ths I needed to study for prelims, others I worked on a paper. On one Very Special December 28th, I worked on job talks.
Now my December 28ths generally consist of picking at syllabi. I really do enjoy the syllabus writing process, so it isn't that bad. This December 28th I am working on a new prep. This class promises to be very, very fun, so I am greatly enjoying picking out course readings and suggested problems.
N.A., of course, thinks I'm insane, but he has learned not to question my need for December 28th. His magic work number typically falls some where between Jan 2 and 6th, depending on the year.
Do you have a magic work number?
