Day 4,331—Making it to Friday and the end of the Month—

 

      Why are so many things more complicated than they should be? This is what I was thinking about as I was both in a good mood because it is Friday, and still recovering from what has been one of the longest weeks ever. I got into a deep dive on salaries last night, comparing what I make to what most people who do my job make and to other jobs in education. What blows my mind the most about salaries is that they seem to be distributed at random. I was thinking that I should be able to get a pay raise if I become nationally board certified or if I get my doctorate degree, but I am already at the second-highest pay for additional schooling, so it is not a huge difference. My district isn’t showing any of the additional steps that it used to in the schedule, so it is confusing. I ran as far as the trail by the retirement center when I noticed the group of deer sleeping. I wanted to get a picture of a deer sitting down while looking at me, but I got too close, and it ran away. I would like a picture where you could see the green in the eyes of the deer like I see them when I spot them when I am running. I kept looking down at my watch because I was surprised by how slow I was moving, but I thought I was going fast. What was the deal? 

I have still been thinking about what's best to do tomorrow, and part of thinks, why not stay up all night tonight? But then I keep thinking, I need to catch up on my sleep, so why risk it? Whatever I do, it will be okay. I am not exactly at the point where I start ratcheting it down, but that will start on Monday. I've got two easy weeks coming up, and the countdown until the Thunder Kiss 100 starts a week from tomorrow! I know it will be about two months between ultra races, but it feels like such a long time, and this will be the first new race I have done since August. I have to figure out how I can squeeze in another race in November or December.