conjectural navel gazing; jesus in lint form

File me under "mututal befuddlement," please.

Ohhhh, boy. I shudder to think how often I've made this kind of transition. Every couple of years, including solo cross-country moves and such. Feel free to fling questions in my general direction.

I think you're already on the right track with aiming to connect with things you already find familiar, though they may still have some freshness to them in your new environment. Your music, your marriage, and your Chicago-area friendships should all be able to help with that. For me, the familiar things I try to establish right away in a new job/state/time zone are, finding an ensemble to sing with, and finding the local branch of my gym. Regular exercise *really* helps me with sleep -- you may want to look into that, especially since you've naturally got some early morning time available.

You might also want to take a look at Wayne Muller's book "Sabbath," which (surprise!) is not about religious services. It takes the approach to sabbath that focuses on rest and renewal. I found it very useful, and in fact, I'm just now buying it for another friend for her birthday.

If I were you I'd make sure to do a little exercise in the late afternoons and write a short morning journal as soon as you wake up. Yes, before the coffee and the brushing of the teeth. Get that excess mental and physical energy out of your body on a daily basis! Regardless, you'll get used to it. And if not, there's always speed or cocaine. ;-)

Megan, Wayne Muller actually came to CCW before I was called to be their pastor and presented this book...had a lecture the whole deal. I understand it was quite interesting and well attended.

I was at a dojang last night...Tai Chi/Kendo school about a mile away. I am itching to do something. Perhaps riding my bike in the morning will help. I dunno.

I am seriously thinking about kicking the caffeine habit as well. But it is one of the few conscious vices I am allowed. Harumph!

Regarding days off: Take them. Take two. Everybody else in the working world ... well, not everybody, but everybody would like to ... takes a two-day weekend. Why are we any different?

And I understand about writing sermons on your day off. I didn't mind it because I enjoy that. But maybe you should think about writing it over milk and donoughts at Winchell's or something (or Starbucks, or that sandwich shop in Wilmette on Central by the Metra station).

And as far as trying to get everything done ... it ain't gonna happen. And maybe you should also consider not going into the office until noon on the days of you vestry ... um, council ... meetings.

You aren't going to do anybody any good by burning out in two years. And, simply put, you aren't going to accomplish everything ... today.

And regarding caffeine... eliminating it from my diet had an amazing, surprising, stupendous effect on reducing my anxiety level. It's back now in greatly reduced amounts (the caffeine, not the anxiety) -- so, moderation in all things, grasshopper.

Thanks for sharing your struggles about this stuff. I found it very, very difficult to transition to a new place (across the country from what had always been home) and a new role (as a doctoral student). After three years, in some ways, I'm only now finding my traction. And part of that has been also getting to see a spiritual director for the first time in years.

I have felt rather like I've been living off the reserves of a once-rich spiritual life, but now the reserves are too low to keep stealing from them.

I affirm your taking time off--this is a spiritual discipline in itself. Perhaps one of the most important ones in this consumerist world of 24/7.

I also wonder if you might be able to share some of this (in a properly boundaried way, of course) with your congregation. I wonder how many people in your pews are feeling overworked, overneeded, and underfed?

PS I'll drop you an email about doctoral work in liturgical studies after I take my comprehensive exam on Monday. I'm looking forward to our conversation.

I agree with all the comments that have been made, Tripp. Do take time off for yourself. The older I get, the more I know I can't get everything done all at once, or perfectly, like I'd like to. You're in a great place to be, actually, among all the changes in your world. They're good changes; rich ones, and you're quite blessed to have them in your life now. You're obviously noticing them because you're struggling a bit, but I promise you, it gets better. Your sermons come from all that is happening to you and all that is you, so you're doing just fine. Enjoy that coffee...especially while you're smelling the roses in your life.

Okay, I'm off my soapbox now. Have a good weekend. Catch some fish. Or if not, I hope you loved the experience.

Nancy