This past month has been one of the busiest and most stressful periods that I've had in a long time. I've kept on thinking, "If I can just get through October, then I'll be alright until the end of the school quarter." I've pulled several sixty-hour work weeks, which has been rather taxing on top of parenting, day-to-day errands, etc. But now, after grading about 50 essays and 115 essay exams over the past three weeks (in addition to lecture prep and teaching), I can say that I have survived October. Phew! I'm not sure how it happened. Somehow I even ended up writing an eight page paper, which I'll be delivering at a conference later this week. The worst is over. I've made it through October, and this Halloween seems especially celebratory.
About two weeks ago, J's work hosted a Halloween costume party (which replaced the "holiday party" that the company typically throws in December). J's co-workers decided to dress up in "holiday sweaters," as a witty reference to the fact that we were attending a holiday party. So, here we are in holiday sweaters, courtesy of J's parents. We had a fun time, but I think I look a little stressed and tired in the picture. My smile also says, "I have ten more essays to grade after I get home tonight."
Doctor Sam!
This year Sam has been so excited about the Halloween season, since this really is the first year that he understands about the holiday and the concept of trick-o'-treating. I even purchased some decorations for the house (which is uncharacteristic for me), just because Sam was so excited to see decorations around the neighborhood.
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