Monday, October 31, 2011

happy halloween!

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.

9 comments:

Matt and Joanna said...

You survived!!! Cute Sammy, I miss that boy. He's a very studious doctor. I hope you have an especially nice and "relaxing" Halloween, you deserve it! I hope I see you soon (even for 10 minutes)... keeping my fingers crossed.

m.m. said...

so glad you made it!! good luck at your conference this week. hopefully we can catch up when you have some time off for thanksgiving.

joolee said...

wow, i don't know how you do it, M. being a mom is taxing enough! here's to getting a much-needed break. enjoy the conference!

Carrie said...

Congratulations on surviving your busy month. And congratulations on being chosen to present at the conference! Can't wait to hear all about it. You are such an amazing woman!

Rachsticle said...

I like that Sam was a doctor. How very scholarly.

Adam said...

Glad you survived October. Now it's November! Good luck presenting your paper.

Zillah said...

congratulations on surviving!

M said...

Thanks for the comments! Zillah, you're kind to give congratulations. I'm sure my schedule doesn't even sound stressful in comparison with what you have to do in graduate school. You amaze me. :)

Rach, don't you love the idea of Sam as a little scholar? He actually likes doctors for a completely different reason. Yesterday we had a conversation about how "doctors are kind of like superheroes."

Bryson and Tara said...

Good heavens, Monica. You are hardcore. Way to go surviving the month.

And I love the Halloween sweaters and Sam's cute costume.