tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post5916527249691944998..comments2024-03-25T22:38:39.934-07:00Comments on THERESA'S TALES: Balancing ActTheresa Milsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-58146041606024873952010-11-23T03:17:24.011-08:002010-11-23T03:17:24.011-08:00@ Lenny, each day I'm becoming more balanced. ...@ Lenny, each day I'm becoming more balanced. I have a cold and I'm not freaking out, even though I can't even call out over them. It's great to be able to hear from my blogging friends who provide so much support and encouragement. Thanks!<br /><br />@ Jen, I'm going to post this morning. Miss you too!<br /><br />@ Saumya, thank you. I've been bummed about the manuscript because I had such a flow going. But I got 600+ words done last night and I'm thinking about it again. Perhaps the rubble is clearing.Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-8165124024509719552010-11-22T20:32:52.864-08:002010-11-22T20:32:52.864-08:00Yes, life is such a balancing act and you are doin...Yes, life is such a balancing act and you are doing SO much!! You definitely deserve a million pats on the back. It takes a lot of awareness to realize that we have to find the middle ground among all of our roles and from the looks of it, you are doing a fantastic job. Your manuscript will understand and will always be there for you!Saumyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08517289532769906489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-14346768595012454012010-11-22T18:47:36.940-08:002010-11-22T18:47:36.940-08:00Stopping in to say hello :) I heart you, miss you ...Stopping in to say hello :) I heart you, miss you and look forward to a future post! Hope all is well!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03667521490706435608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-11288088566811192742010-11-22T17:44:05.555-08:002010-11-22T17:44:05.555-08:00hi miss theresa! wow you sure got a lot of that re...hi miss theresa! wow you sure got a lot of that real life stuff happening. you gotta think you mostly just got back started teaching so it gonna take a little time getting comfy. for sure you gotta do that balancing stuff but so far youre doing ok and it could only get better. do some nice stuff just for you and let you just be you. keep sharing stuff right here cause you blogger friends care bout you lots. for sure i do!<br />...big hugs from lennyLenny Leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12822588007434789481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-22906965430844155712010-11-22T13:34:03.420-08:002010-11-22T13:34:03.420-08:00@ Jules, I'm glad you're back and things a...@ Jules, I'm glad you're back and things are better.<br /><br />@ Talei, thank you. I'm glad it's a short week.<br /><br />@ Shelley, it's nice to hear all this encouragement when I feel a class (or two) hasn't gone as well as I'd hoped.<br /><br />@ Paul, I'm just impatient to be in the "expect" place, but I have to earn it. I wish I were getting more advice and support. I'll just have to ask for it.Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-67930443947444396372010-11-22T11:20:12.495-08:002010-11-22T11:20:12.495-08:00Teaching is such an amazing experience where you h...Teaching is such an amazing experience where you have hi and low points. I hope you find some balance. And yes, stepping in six weeks into the year is a very tough thing to do. As challenging as it is, it sounds like you are doing an amazing job :-)Paul Grecihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11340974339238587138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-41010149225565970732010-11-22T10:06:40.066-08:002010-11-22T10:06:40.066-08:00Theresa, I really admire all that you're doing...Theresa, I really admire all that you're doing. You appear to be working hard in every area of your life, even when it's exhausting. I can relate to the busyness, and I hope you'll find time to rest this holiday season. Remember, you're doing great, keep up the good work! :)Shelley Slyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07981620646634240160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-78043293277087439122010-11-22T07:42:06.259-08:002010-11-22T07:42:06.259-08:00Theresa, you star! ((Big hugs)) I agree with Lydi...Theresa, you star! ((Big hugs)) I agree with Lydia and everyone here. Hats off to all working Mums who are trying to run a house, keep family time and write. It's hard but little by little we get there. Don't sweat it. You're not alone. Hope this week goes well for you my dear! xxTaleihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07317577935549931974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-30389062624292862452010-11-22T06:04:38.207-08:002010-11-22T06:04:38.207-08:00Looks like you the busy of a good kind. :) Congrat...Looks like you the busy of a good kind. :) Congrats on the paycheck.<br /><br />Also, thank you for the kind words you left in a comment on my blog. My wings are flying again thanks to people like you. :)<br /><br />Hang in there.<br /><a href="http://fragilemouse.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow</a>Juleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02136045025997662057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-45447183610274103982010-11-22T04:33:44.245-08:002010-11-22T04:33:44.245-08:00@ Marina, thanks for the advice. It would be nice...@ Marina, thanks for the advice. It would be nice to be without discipline issues and dealing with parents, but prepping for four college-level courses is a lot of work for the money. In the long-run, I hope to get a high school job. We'll see. My biggest dream is to be paid to write, so I'll work on that as well.<br /><br />@ Pat, a bigger paycheck is a bonus. Besides college, we're looking at braces + we need a bigger place because my children need separate rooms. Like now.<br /><br />@ Medeia, work has calmed a bit. I don't know if that's permanent or just a lull. The kids' after school activities add to the hectic schedule.<br /><br />Hope your writing is going well.Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-73315845702288095192010-11-21T20:01:02.809-08:002010-11-21T20:01:02.809-08:00I'm sorry your life feels so cramped right now...I'm sorry your life feels so cramped right now.<br /><br />At times I'm barraged by the day job. Then things slow down and I find news ways to prioritize and multi-task.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-81133549707914918092010-11-21T19:15:07.489-08:002010-11-21T19:15:07.489-08:00This was an excellent post, Theresa! I think you ...This was an excellent post, Theresa! I think you voiced what almost every mother experiences when they return to ful time work. It's always a challenge to get it all done and please everyone but as time goes on you'll be able to sort out what really matters and concentrate on that. I'm sure a full paycheck is a bonus, especially when you are saving for your children's future college expenses. Just remember to take a deep breath every now and then, and save time for a good laugh and cuddle with your family. <br />Good luck with the P-T conferences!Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoritihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08922525910685129822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-81330996540817019552010-11-21T17:12:47.183-08:002010-11-21T17:12:47.183-08:00Theresa, thanks for commenting on my blog about &q...Theresa, thanks for commenting on my blog about "Six Writers Who Saved My Life." Deenie was one of my favorites also. <br /><br />I think it's great that you went back to work, but I understand the disadvantages that come with it. I went for a job interview recently, and although I want the job, I haven't worked full time in a long while. I will be losing all the freedom that I have had these past ten years. <br /><br />Have you considered teaching on the college level as an adjunct? Teaching four classes a semester will yeild you the same money as subbing, and there are no discipline problems. And if you Adjunct for a Community College, you have a good chance of being hired when there is an opening in the department. I've been teaching as an adjunct for the past five years, and I cannot go back to teaching High school. There are no discipline issues and you actually get to teach your subject. Just an idea. Good luck in all your aspirations and thanks for visiting!marina Delvecchiohttp://marinagraphy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-22764640384074194372010-11-21T15:36:19.058-08:002010-11-21T15:36:19.058-08:00@ Aubrie, thanks. I hope your flute playing and t...@ Aubrie, thanks. I hope your flute playing and teaching, along with your writing is going well. And I hope you get more time to write soon.<br /><br />@ Lydia, thank you. I appreciate it. You've been doing it a lot longer than me.<br /><br />@ Susan, thanks. Friday was one of the best days, so I hope it is getting easier.Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-12105769650260759312010-11-21T14:08:55.904-08:002010-11-21T14:08:55.904-08:00Hang in there - it sounds like you're doing gr...Hang in there - it sounds like you're doing great with the kids! And like you said, you're getting better all the time. That's the most we can hope for. And I'm sure it will just get easier and easier with time.<br /><br />I hope those conferences are great!Susan Fieldshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02433408456603462774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-86941149537308629332010-11-21T07:54:13.909-08:002010-11-21T07:54:13.909-08:00Oh, my post just got eaten by blogger!
Suffice it...Oh, my post just got eaten by blogger!<br /><br />Suffice it to say, you are amazing for doing what you're doing...being you and trying to be the best you can.<br /><br />And from one working mom to another, I take my hat off to you. You are amazing and strong, and I can see it between the lines. <br /><br />Hugs, Lydia<br />p.s. I hear you on the household chaos part. ;PLydia Kanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00484415427764822386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-81179079233608075862010-11-21T06:54:11.507-08:002010-11-21T06:54:11.507-08:00I feel the same way about balancing flute and writ...I feel the same way about balancing flute and writing. Right now flute is winning. Oh well. You'll write again soon and I'll be here waiting to read it!<br /><br />:)Aubriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10884036126491922530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-77540485111587241142010-11-21T05:34:55.284-08:002010-11-21T05:34:55.284-08:00@ Hilary, thanks. Friday was a good day. I hope ...@ Hilary, thanks. Friday was a good day. I hope I have more of those.<br /><br />@ Jackee, it's nice to hear you know how difficult it is to be stretched thin. A second from an anxiety attack sounds about right.<br /><br />@ Jamie, thank you. Working on my inner-fierceness while I nurse my cold. Why do I almost always get one just before Thanksgiving?<br /><br />@ J.C. Martin, the paperwork is out of control. It all takes time away from perfecting lessons. <br /><br />My children take Taekwondo and they respect their instructors. How great you get to teach martial arts.Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-85833007666746111812010-11-21T03:19:32.546-08:002010-11-21T03:19:32.546-08:00After five years of that, I'm glad I don't...After five years of that, I'm glad I don't have to put up with marking and parent-teacher conferences and reaching students. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed teaching--just not all the paperwork and long hours that came with it. I guess my manuscript called louder than my students did.<br /><br />In any case, you'll get there soon. It takes time developing your own teacher voice, as you already know, just like it takes time to develop a writer voice. At the moment, I'm developing two martial arts instructor voices: one aimed at young children (younger than what I used to teach) and the other aimed at adults. Slowly getting there...<br /><br />Chin up! :)J.C. Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01567971311643106302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-57388232719535690862010-11-20T13:13:07.112-08:002010-11-20T13:13:07.112-08:00To me, you are AMAZING! I couldn't do all tha...To me, you are AMAZING! I couldn't do all that. Thinking of you and hoping you find that balance soon.<br /><br />Hope you are enjoying the weekend, taking time to relax and recharge. Wishing you more days where you find your inner-fierce-teacher.<br /><br />Have a Happy Thanksgiving with your family!<br /><br />Take care...:)Lunahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08284738955789123035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-42596957799778551142010-11-19T20:46:26.146-08:002010-11-19T20:46:26.146-08:00Such a nearly impossible balancing act. I don'...Such a nearly impossible balancing act. I don't know how others do it either. With me, when I was in that work/home/mom/write situation I always felt like I was one second away from an anxiety attack. I couldn't do it all as perfectly as I wanted no matter how much sleep I gave up to my many "causes". People like you and me just struggle along because we have more than enough dreams and aspirations to fit into a dozen lives. Either we have to lower our standards for some things or I'll have to invent a human replicator/cloner. My money's on the replicator. :o)<br /><br />Good luck, Theresa. I'm pulling for you. Know you are making a difference!!!Jackeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03351019926958000627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-42609989200661365812010-11-19T10:31:13.963-08:002010-11-19T10:31:13.963-08:00Hi Theresa .. I can feel you .. I can see you .. b...Hi Theresa .. I can feel you .. I can see you .. but you're there and you're succeeding .. you'll be exhausted - but what achievement ..<br /><br />Life is life .. and this post expresses that life!<br /><br />Sounds fun .. but hairy scary .. it's the highs we enjoy & the highs we remember .. enjoy!! Happy weekend ... HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-51042518742531521282010-11-19T03:19:38.926-08:002010-11-19T03:19:38.926-08:00@ Joanna, thank you. I can use all the luck I can...@ Joanna, thank you. I can use all the luck I can get!<br /><br />@ Katherine, it's good to know I'm not alone. I appreciate it.<br /><br />@ LTM, being paid for writing full-time would be easier in a many ways, right? So many mothers struggle for balance. I hate when I get home and feel like I've been wrung out. I wish you luck too.<br /><br />@ Kathleen, thanks. More days are better now but there are plenty of setbacks too.<br /><br />@ Nicole, thank you. I'm happy the conferences are over. I plan to add to my manuscript this weekend. I'm in my own NaNoWriLe. I've missed writing personal posts too. I'm glad I was able to get my feelings across.<br /><br />@ Len, I appreciate the comment. You know the struggle to try to do it all well. I'm glad you liked the post. I'm striking a balance about being vague about school specifics and sharing my feelings.<br /><br />@ Haley, thanks for sharing that. I hope in four years, I'm much more confident.Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-52860181622122769612010-11-19T03:12:55.899-08:002010-11-19T03:12:55.899-08:00@ Joanne, thank you. I have some coffee brewing r...@ Joanne, thank you. I have some coffee brewing right now.<br /><br />@ Anne, thank you for the thoughtful comment. I try to put it in perspective so I don't have a stroke. I'm not the first mother to work full-time. Plenty of teachers have had to endure being first year teachers and survived. I'll get a handle on it. This will pass. Then I freak out all over again.<br /><br />@ Melissa, thanks. I do care. But it makes me agonize all the time.<br /><br />@ Judy, thanks. The conferences weren't bad. Only one or two felt negative. I tried to be inspiring about what I had planned for the class. Now I have to live up to it.<br /><br />@ Slamdunk, this is the hardest time I've hard achieving balance yet.Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-47196605174003828192010-11-18T18:01:57.420-08:002010-11-18T18:01:57.420-08:00Good luck with your conferences. I've worked a...Good luck with your conferences. I've worked as a 7th grade History teacher for 4 years now and I still dread conferences. It sounds like you're hitting good strides with the kids and that matters a lot.Haleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14142423078965347484noreply@blogger.com