Three Days of Work

Last week, after a long discussion with my husband (translation, me talking lots and lots, him nodding his head in agreement every so often to give the perception that he is listening and really does care) I decided to cancel the Labor Day BBQ I had planned. This single act was so freeing for me. I simply didn't care. I just can't do it all, and I'm OK with that.

Who ever said wanting to be a teacher would be great? You only work 9-3, have 2 weeks off in the winter, 1 week in the Spring and all summer? Yeah right! Let's see, this week I think I put in a total of at least 50-60 hours, lesson planning, grading and staying after school for meetings....wasn't this supposed to be the perfect job for a working mother?

My school district is really great because they give us "Big Sister" mentors. My mentor came in, brought me a huge double expresso frapaccino, and assured me that being five minutes ahead of the kids is completely normal the first year of teaching. I keep telling myself, next year I'll have it all together...

On a happier note, I have completed my thesis. My grade has been posted and well, not to brag (Ok, I am bragging but it's my blog and I have that inordinate right) I successfully finished graduate school with straight A's. That's 4.0 baby! My professor said, and I quote, "Stacey—I rarely get to perform in the role of “cheerleader” for theses, but this is really excellent work. You’ve really owned your project, and have created an important critical investigation into the developing field of memoir. Your work is among the top 5 theses I’ve read, if not the best one." WHOA...after I picked myself off the floor, I did the dance of joy. IT IS FINISHED!