Today is the first day of spring. More than ever, it feels like a time of transitions.
The change in weather has been noticeable and predictable. It's been slightly warmer and we've had more hours of daylight since turning back our clocks a couple weeks ago.
But changes have been apparent in our private lives, too.
Most obvious, Jordan's enlisting in the Army -- and finally shipping out to basic training -- means his life will be turned upside down. It also means Lori and I will at long last become empty nesters, with more time as a couple.
Nathan is finishing up his final exams at Portland State this week, meaning after next week's spring break he's down to one more quarter before he gets his degree. It's been a long time coming.
Simone is preparing to take some well-deserved time off the next few days, heading up to Orcas Island with a friend to stay in our cabin. There's no better place to trade in the stresses of work for some down time.
Lori is checking out a couple of different business networking groups. On their face, there may be nothing that shouts "transition" but one never knows how meeting new people will affect business or personal relationships.
As for me? Teaching a weekend seminar at PSU was a nice switch from the newsroom to the classroom, but it also means I'll spend the weekend immersed in students' homework and preparing final grades. That'll clear the plate for Monday, when representatives of Newhouse (owners of The Oregonian) come to town to discuss the newspaper's finance and, presumably, cost-cutting measures to keep us afloat in these tough times.
It does no good to speculate about the scope of possible changes. All I can do is prepare for what comes next. I've weathered the technological changes in the profession -- from print to new media - while staying true to the values and purpose of daily journalism. Let's see if whatever comes out of Monday's meeting amounts to mild change or wrenching transitions.
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