Working 9-5...what a way to make a livin'

The tune from the 80's movie 'Nine to Five' has played in my mind as I have risen early in the morning to prepare for the 8 hour work day. Thankfully, my work environment is a bit more ethical and sane that what D. Parton and L. Tomlin experienced in their hit movie.

Creating a new position and forging my own paths connecting to the main university road creates an environment that can stimulate some and paralyze others. Thankfully, this is not my first position to establish within university life. This particular department has not had administrative assistance in three years and with a growing student, faculty, and staff population, it is greatly needed. My first three days have been filled with the 'get to know you' conversation between myself and dozens of people, of whom I'm desperately trying to remember their names. The confusing, and at times comical, situation I am encountering concerns my first and last name. Unbeknownst to either of us, one of my office-mates began on the same day as me and we share a very similar first name and the exact same last name. At least the other E uses a hyphenated last name to ease some of the confusion--on paper. We are about the same age and wear extremely similar glasses, which brings people to immediately ask if we are sisters or cousins.

C has given more than half of his mid-term tests within the last 3 days. Having 13 sections of class to teach, test, and document takes much more of his time in the evenings and weekends than his previous semesters. The principal has urged him to find another teacher to help in the load and promising prospects have interviewed within the past few weeks. Continue lifting up C as he works the extra hours in and out of the classroom.

Remembering us:
-praising Him for the start of new position at university; ask... remember names/faces of students and staff
-seeking discernment and guidance concerning additional teacher in C's department
-E: preparing to lead music at weekend conference in mid-November held at fellowship
-remembering C's Aunt Juanita; Uncle Chris passed away Sunday, October 26th, we hurt when we cannot be with family during crucial life moments