The Best of Times, and the Worst...

I generally enjoy the weeks leading up to the winter holidays. The joy of anticipation mixed with decorations, Christmas music, family gatherings, and general good will make this time of year special. It is a happy time for most people and it is hard not to feel good even though the days are getting shorter and I often start and end my work day in the dark. As I said, I really do enjoy the holiday season. But there is one aspect of it I do not enjoy. It seems that as soon as December arrives the demands on my time increase ten-fold. Committee meetings, budget meetings, winter sports events, and various other engagements at which my attendance is expected, all seem to compress the time before the winter break and that is certainly stress-inducing. It seems as if I am out several nights a week beyond my usual evening obligations. Make no mistake, most of the events I attend are thoroughly enjoyable and some are even holiday-related social events, however it often feels as if I have little time for myself or my family. Lest I sound like an administrative Grinch, I really do enjoy watching our students perform whether on the stage, on the basketball court or hockey rink, or in some other venue. I just wish the events didn't all happen so close together during a time when I would rather sit back, relax and enjoy the coming holidays.

Well, it is time to turn my attention to preparing for tonight's School Committee budget meeting. I have just enough time to review my budget, head home for a quick dinner and then get back to school for the meeting. The latter effort made all the more difficult because of the relaxing comfort of the wood stove on a cold night.

Given my apparent inability to write in my blog on a regular basis, I should take advantage of this opportunity to wish everyone who reads my blog a joyous, peaceful holiday season and a happy, prosperous New Year. Perhaps I can find some spare time to craft a resolution to be more faithful and timely in my blog posts in the new year.