I know better than to complain about being busy. I watch my colleagues struggle with the same issue I do -- time. As in, I don't seem to have enough of it. Between family, meetings, more meetings, presentations, meetings, and the occasional opportunity to actually accomplish some work (yard, desk time, or whatever) getting focused time seems to be more and more difficult these days. I can't tell if I am getting any better at juggling it all or if I am just delusional ... really no need for anyone to answer that one.
The one thing I have been doing a lot of lately (and more and more in the coming days and weeks) is giving talks, presentations, or leading discussions around topics I am interested in. That, to be honest, is one of the highlights of my work. I've said it before that I am lucky enough that my hobby is closely tied to my job, so I get to spend a great deal of time working/playing in the space I enjoy. What is even cooler is the opportunity to actually engage other smart people in conversations that are tied to the work we are doing at ETS.
Tomorrow I get to present at the PSU Web Conference with Jim Leous. Anytime you get to do a talk with Jim you do it. His depth of knowledge and approach makes any co-presenter look good. If it is anything like our "Sonny and Cher" routine from last year it should be a blast. Tuesday I get to hit the road and visit Google in Pittsburgh with our CIO, Kevin Morooney. I have been spending way too much of my time lately working to understand all of Google's offerings in the web space to be ready for this. Return on Thursday to present at an interesting conference here at PSU -- Technology In Business Schools Roundtable Annual Meeting. It is hosted by my former boss and friend, Dean James Thomas -- again, should be fun. A couple of days later I am one of the keynote speakers at the Third Annual One-to-One Computing Conference, hosted by Kyle Peck. Dr. Peck is a pioneer and leader in the field of instructional systems and has been a very good friend to ETS over the last 2 years -- anything Kyle wants we try to deliver.
So there it is ... nothing too crazy, but a week that I have been pointing to as being a bit over the top for me. Would I trade any of it? Not in a second. All I wish I could do is print a ticket for more time with the family -- maybe Summer will kick in sometime in July!
