Day 27: The Senate Recess

Day twenty-seven of furlough. I woke up at 0500, not because I wanted to, but because my brain decided to start a committee hearing on everything I haven’t done yet. Sleep was more of a suggestion than an accomplishment. There’s been a lot on my mind lately, the kind of restless thinking that even Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha can only partially fix. The Amazon returns still sit by the door like judgmental little cardboard senators, filibustering my motivation. Maybe today I’ll finally get them shipped out. Maybe not. We’ve reached that part of the furlough where every errand becomes a philosophical question. Workwise, it’s a Canvas day, time to log in and grade papers for the students. It’s a strange feeling to be furloughed from one side of government work while still serving as the academic traffic controller on another. But I finished my Air Command and Staff College Joint Warfare course, so I’ll take that win. Even better, I officially dropped my November course. Taking a break until January. If the Senate can take some unpaid time off, I figure I’ve earned the same courtesy. Might run out to the boot and cowboy hat store, might not. The rodeo clown dream flickers on, equal parts midlife metaphor and genuine curiosity. I imagine myself standing there, sipping coffee, trying on hats while explaining to strangers that yes, technically, I work for the government… when it works. Remington spent the morning pacing by the window like she’s on patrol. Mittens continues to maintain judgmental eye contact from his perch. Tabby is in stealth mode, likely napping in a place I’ll discover three days from now. Morale check: thoughtful but steady. Coffee strong, coursework done, boots undecided, sleep elusive. The Living Room Republic remains in session, though I might adjourn early for a nap.