I have had a little car trouble in recent days - nothing too serious: a fender-bender in the midst of a heavy snow storm (it was the other driver's fault!) and a dead battery one cold morning. Both experiences were quick reminders that I am not as much in control of my life as I would like to think. My plans can easily be set aside by unanticipated interruptions. Responding to things beyond one's control is part of everyday life to some degree, and part of university administration for sure.