We are now down to two students in my house. My oldest son, David, has decided not to enroll in classes this fall, and is looking for a full time job, instead. I understand his reasoning, but can't help but feel a little disappointed, in both of us.
As a mother, I am sure I could have done more to support him, but as a future educator I think I probably should have done less. Part of me says I could have helped him with homework and studying more, because, if his grades were better, if he had struggled less, he would be more encouraged to go back. On the other hand, the educator in me says I probably already did too much, babied him, helping him with research and editing papers. Like most things, I am sure the truth is somewhere in the middle.
Unfortunately, realizing this does nothing to curb my disappointment.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Only 47 more business days!
There are still two months to go before my department shuts down, or 47 more business days. It is funny how two months seems like a long time, but 47 days seems like nothing. In fact, thinking about 47 days makes me panic a little. I have more than 47 tasks to complete. There are 100 tasks on my checklist. Not that I need to do them all myself. Many are delegated. But I still have to ensure they get done. And I am not as good at delegating as I am at doing.
Not everyone in my home shares my excitement. I am learning that some people, no matter how hard they try, worry. Even those that have lived for years with the threat of joblessness continue to fret. My husband is one of these. He worked for TWA for years, and now for American Airlines. He endured bankruptcy and an uncounted number of layoffs. He has never learned to say "whatever". For as long as we have been married (11 years), every day has been a day he could come home without a job. But I never worried. Never did I stew over being able to keep vehicles or pay the light bills.
Not that it didn't concern me. But what good would worrying do? Will worrying change the business decision putting me out of a job, or change current economic conditions? No. So, if I have to cut my grocery budget, I can find more ways to dress up less expensive cuts of meat. And, if incoming funds won't cover cable, I can live watching 4, 5, 9, 38, 41 and 62. That is still more choices than I had as a teenager. Que sera sera.
Not everyone in my home shares my excitement. I am learning that some people, no matter how hard they try, worry. Even those that have lived for years with the threat of joblessness continue to fret. My husband is one of these. He worked for TWA for years, and now for American Airlines. He endured bankruptcy and an uncounted number of layoffs. He has never learned to say "whatever". For as long as we have been married (11 years), every day has been a day he could come home without a job. But I never worried. Never did I stew over being able to keep vehicles or pay the light bills.
Not that it didn't concern me. But what good would worrying do? Will worrying change the business decision putting me out of a job, or change current economic conditions? No. So, if I have to cut my grocery budget, I can find more ways to dress up less expensive cuts of meat. And, if incoming funds won't cover cable, I can live watching 4, 5, 9, 38, 41 and 62. That is still more choices than I had as a teenager. Que sera sera.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Who is in Your Wallet?
$53.00. That is right $53.00. Last night I filled up - it cost $53.00. I am thinking of telling my boss I am adding a fuel surcharge to the cost of my employment.
I drive a mini-van, which is very economical, compared to most vehicles on the road today. So much so, that it is fast becoming the family car (up to now we have preferred to use the Silverado locally, with its heated seats and XM radio). I can tell she (my van is definitely a lady) really doesn't like it. I think she enjoys the quiet life, going back and forth to work, and the occasional stop for groceries. She is not the rebellious type, but I fear she may start giving me the silent treatment if things don't slow down.
A few days ago we were helping my college-aged son with his budgeting, and found he was spending 10% of his income this summer on gas. Imagine, it is costing him 10% of his pay to be employed (and that was about 20 cents a gallon ago)! What is the exponentially-rising price of fuel costing you?
I drive a mini-van, which is very economical, compared to most vehicles on the road today. So much so, that it is fast becoming the family car (up to now we have preferred to use the Silverado locally, with its heated seats and XM radio). I can tell she (my van is definitely a lady) really doesn't like it. I think she enjoys the quiet life, going back and forth to work, and the occasional stop for groceries. She is not the rebellious type, but I fear she may start giving me the silent treatment if things don't slow down.
A few days ago we were helping my college-aged son with his budgeting, and found he was spending 10% of his income this summer on gas. Imagine, it is costing him 10% of his pay to be employed (and that was about 20 cents a gallon ago)! What is the exponentially-rising price of fuel costing you?
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