To say it's been a long semester for Ashley would be the understatement of the century. I won't bore you with all the details, but let's just say it has not been an easy one. A new baby, breastfeeding, teaching, conferences, an out of commission two times over husband, job uncertainty, sleepless nights, mounds of grading, and a partridge in a pear tree.
The load has been more managable with the frequent visits by CC ...
... and at some point Ashley had the idea to turn the wall next to our TV into project countdown to help keep her sanity since she is mostly working from home with two online classes -
Marking things off is therapeutic if you didn't know.
She is done with everything from Fall and is teaching a Wintersession course (2 week intensive course) that ends the first week of January (they have a week off for Christmas). After that, she can breathe a bit - she is going to part time, teaching one class, in the Spring. That will be a good "break" of sorts giving her time to recoup and get ready for her new position as Basic Course Director in the Fall (yeah! a long time coming on that one if you are interested in a long and emotionally intense story). Part-time professor is a title she is very much looking forward to, even if just for one semester. Luckily, she has kept her sanity through it all (not sure how, but strength and courage are two virtues she has down). We keep our heads high, pray alot, and thank God daily for such awesome friends and family (and the sweetest two girls in the world).
Ashely's wall organization style has stuck with me since I first saw it several years back during a visit to your place in Lafayette. I still say she has the best handwriting of anyone I know, which really makes the list visually pleasing (I'm sure it is especially so when so much is crossed off!). Hugs to you both and congratulations to Ashley on the basic course director position - perfect!
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