Before we moved into our new facility, our faculty had a cramped faculty workroom/lounge which contained three computers, a long table, mail boxes, a toaster oven, a few microwaves, a refrigerator, and a blue couch.  The room was not big enough to accommodate all of us, but it was warm and inviting.  I spent a lot of time discussing ideas with colleagues.  Unlike some schools in which I have worked, the faculty lounge at my school was often a place of intellectual stimulation.

Our new facility has some amazing technology and beautiful architecture and decor; we no longer share rooms or float, which is very nice, too.  But we don’t have a blue couch.  Our administration is working on creating some space that will bring back the warmth of our old faculty lounge, but I think many of us had been missing this gathering spot.

My department head took matters into her own hands and organized a gathering she dubbed the Blue Couch Club at a restaurant near our school.  About 10 of us gathered there last night.  It was nice be social with my colleagues outside of school.  It was great to have the opportunity to talk about stuff besides school and students with my colleagues.  We had a great time.  It was so nice to get to know everyone better.

Everyone agreed, I think, that we have to do it again, soon.  The old saying goes that if Mohammed won’t come to the mountain, the mountain must come to Mohammed.  I guess if the blue couch doesn’t make it to the new faculty lounge, the faculty has to make it to the blue couch.  Or something like that.