Exhausted

I guess I shouldn't complain too much since I did get a week away. But, boy did real life hit me hard when I returned! My life is consumed by three major things right now...getting a school up and running despite every challenge possible, trying to work through the ever elusive doctoral process so I can be done, and just that other small thing of trying to start a family by pushing through all the thick red tape of the international adoption process.

We had our official home visit yesterday from our social worker. It was much easier than I imagined. Of course there were lots of questions and then a tour of the home. We had to identify the potential kiddo's room. Our social worker asked how we were feeling about the process so far. So, we did express our frustration with how long everything takes. She confirmed our feelings by letting us know when we send our completed home study (in about a month) to immigration, it will take a minimum of 2-3 months. While we wait for the home study to be typed and checked by the agencies fact checkers (yes, they do check the document against all our paperwork to make sure we haven't told any fibs anywhere), we will complete our at home courses and finish gathering the dossier documents (along with notarizing and sending it off to the Secretary of State's office for the apostille process).

As for my doctoral studies, I am very close to proposing my chapters 1-3. This is a big step since approval means I can conduct my study and get closer to the defense. I met with my chair this morning and received all my "to-do's"....it was a long list! But, I should be proposing in a few weeks. So, I am preparing for high stress now.

Finally, opening the school year has been difficult. I'm still finding it difficult to accept all my fantastic teachers that were laid off. The teacher contract stipulates random permanent teachers get to pick my school. I'm still not fully staffed and support is lacking. I wish lawmakers and all those making judgments on public education would truly understand what it takes to run a school. Getting off my soapbox....

Alaska

Our vacation to Seattle and a cruise to Alaska was just what we needed! We had a great time! Unfortunately, I spent the first few days sick...but took lots of medicine and was better by the 2nd day of the cruise.


An anniversary cake greeted us in our cabin


Killer whales we saw in Juneau, AK

A group of whales on a feeding frenzy for herring


Glacier Bay, AK


A special anniversary dinner at the French bistro on the cruise