Good News and Bad News

This summer has really been full of changes.  Changes that keep happening quickly.  And now, finally, I feel like I've gotten things figured out.  And I can tell you what the heck has been going on.

Good News:  I took a lab job at the beginning of the summer.  Yay for full-time employment.
Bad News:  I commute 45 minutes, I work second-shift and I often have to put in extra hours.  I was also supposed to be working Sundays.  I put off registering for races because I didn't know when I'd switch to Sundays.  I'm bummed because I really wanted to do the Danskin Tri this year, but it's on a Sunday and I didn't think I'd be able to do it.  I probably could have.  Oh well.

Good News:  I can sign up for races now because I landed a teaching job (in NH, closer to home, making more money)!  Hooray!!!!!  This is truly what I wanted to do and I am so excited.  I get to see my classroom on Thursday and pick up curriculum materials.  I simply cannot wait.
Bad News:  How could there really be bad news to this one?  Except maybe the fact that I really wanted to teach chemistry and I'm teaching 9th grade physical science instead.  I was offered a chemistry position too, but it was a lot less money and more of a commute so it wasn't worth.  In the end, I'm really happy with my decision.

Good News:  I get to go back to school so to speak.  I get to shop at Staples, one of my favorite places (send gift cards now!) and I get to have school vacations again.
Bad News:  I'm staying at my current job later into August than I wanted to because I'm a sucker and a nice person.  But the trade-off is that we could use the money.

So now that I know what the heck is going on in my life, I feel like I can finally plan out some races for the fall.  I'll update you when I make some decisions.  Thank you for those of you that have stuck around and continue to read this blog.  I know my posting has been rather sporadic.  How are you all doing?

New, New, New!

As I hinted, there have been lots of changes going on around here.  I feel like now I can share some of them with you.

In the world of exercise in fitness, I had my bike tuned up (that was probably waaaaay overdue).  I also got a new helmet and new cycling jersey.  Check it out:

We also got a new car!  We survived the past year with just one car.  It really was great in terms of saving money on gas and insurance and because I was going to school close to home and Patrick was working close to home, sharing the car wasn't an issue.  However, it was time for a second vehicle.  This is our brand new Mazda 3.  We are totally in love with this car (especially the color, notice a trend?):

The real reason we needed the second car is because I got a big-girl job.  Hooray!  It's at an environmental lab in Massachusetts.  I have to commute about 45 minutes and I'm working second shift.  That would have made sharing one car a little more difficult.  Poor Patrick would be stuck at home a lot.  I worked my first full week at my new job last week.  Unfortunately the hours have been long and things may be changing again soon.  We shall see.  In the meantime, it's nice to have a job that pays more and has benefits.  I can't wait until the 4th of July - it will be my first paid holiday!

What's new in your world?  Fill me in!

Kids & Careers

Happy Monday everyone!  I hope you all had a nice weekend.  I got lots of homework done, which was a much needed evil.  Hence why I didn't blog this weekend.  I didn't think that you'd want to hear about all the special education reading I did or the biological chemistry assignment I finished.  Then this morning, I registered for classes for next semester.  I can't believe I only have one more year left of school.  It really goes by so fast. 

But it got me thinking about what I might want to do next.  I've always wanted to complete some level of grad school and I still want to.  For awhile I thought I'd just get my undergrad degree in Chemistry and then get a masters in Education and then teach.  But then I got involved doing chemical education research, which I enjoy.  That got me to thinking about skipping my masters and going into a 5 year PhD program in Chemical Education.  Then I could be a college professor.  I thought that would be a pretty sweet gig. 

However, as I approach my final year of my undergrad, I'm starting to think that I might like a little break before starting grad school.  I'm starting to get burnt out and sick of sitting through boring lectures.  Then again, grad school could be new and exciting enough to hold my interest.  Then, the more I learn about all the hoops you have to jump through to become a college professor, the less I want to do it.  And although Patrick and I don't plan on starting a family anytime soon (read: at least 5 years before babies), one thing I know for sure is that I want to be a mom at some point.  Becoming a college professor does not really coincide with having a family, unless I'm willing to wait until I'm about 37 to start a family, which I'm not.  I do want to be able to enjoy my kids.

Honestly, I don't know why I even worry about this stuff because I know it will all work and I should just go with the flow.  But I was curious to hear from some of my readers who are moms.  I personally believe that there is never a "perfect" moment to have kids.  Sure, there are better times than others, but there's never a perfect moment.  Would you agree?    And if your a working mom, how do you balance being a mom and your career?  I would also be curious to hear if you had a plan for your career and having children and how reality really panned out.  I'm always just kind of curious so I appreciate you sharing!