Bring it on

As of today, I am on vacation until Jan. 12. YAHOO! I am so grateful for a break from both work and school.

On Jan 12, everything changes. I will begin working 30 hours, instead of 40, at the city magazine where I have been an editor for the last five and a half years. I will also begin my 20-hour per week field practicum at TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). On Tuesdays, I will have four classes on campus. And somehow, in the remaining hours, I will study, do homework and try to carve out time for my husband, my dog and myself!

I am so grateful for the many helpful and supportive comments I've received from you, the readers of this blog. I hope you will continue to leave your thoughts and ideas for me and others to read. It's like a safety net for me. I especially like to hear how you did it and how you are continuing to plow through.

I am impressed and somewhat mystified when I read about those of you who, in addition to work and school, also have the responsibility of parenting. I don't know how you do it, and I tip my hat to you. Whenever I feel like whining in the weeks and months to come, I am going to think about you and know that I could have more to manage than I already do.

--Ms. T. J.