Sunday, June 24, 2007
Family Vacation
Right now I am writing from beautiful Sanibel, Florida. My husband and our two young children (Camryn and Ramone) are on a much needed vacation. This year has definately been a whirlwind for me. I have learned so much thus far in my program, but it has taken up an immense amount of time. There have been so many days where my husband has come home form working a 12 hour day in the hot sun and had to immediately take on all the responsibiliies with our children so that I may finish an assignment for school. I don't think I've ever heard a complaint from him or the kids. My husband has taken so many solo park trips, movie days, and other activities so that I can have a quiet working environment. He has listened to me moan, groan, and panic. He's helped me brainstorm topics and listened with interest to my ideas. He has been my rock. Even now as we are on vacation, my family is so understanding about "Mommy's Homework". I think my seven year old is starting to get worried that homework never ends! The concept of this blog is to honor the people that support me in what I do. If you find it boring, I apologize, but I felt that it might be a creative outlet to express my thanks to them, as well as get aquainted with my classmates. I'm not sure how this blog will evolve, being that blogging is a new concept for me. I plan to add pictures to the blog as soon as we return home. I recently got a notebook and forgot to load the software from my digital camera to the notebook before our trip so that I could post pictures. I'm a little stressed about that because it was a large part of what I had envisioned for the look of the blog, but I will not let it affect my much needed vacation.
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11 comments:
Your blog is not boring. In fact it provides a good opportunity for all of us to reflect on how fortunate we are. Also, you must remember that you and your husband are being extremely good role models for your children and relatives. Your children should develop good work ethics and values. Thank you for sharing.
Support from your family is so important in this program and in life in general. Like you, my husband takes over in the house so I can work and he provides a calm demeanor when I suddenly think I cannot get school projects done in time. We are really lucky to have patient husbands and undestanding children. Your kids are learning from you the value of an education through your example. Although they are losiong some direct contact time with you now, you are setting them up for a future as life lonmg learners.
Your blog is very refreshing as we all are able to be in our doctoral programs due the support of our family and friends. I salute your family for walking beside you as you take this journey. I think your children will see how your hardwork pays offs and serve as a positive influence on them.
Frank
Leslie, I feel your pain. Working full time and participating in this doctoral program is a lot to endure. I don't even have kids but my social life certainly suffers. Hang in there. Your family will be very proud of you when you're finished and hopefully you'll be rewarded with your dream job and can live a balanced life again.
Family recognition and salutes are important. Without their support, it would be kind of lonely, and no one to share our peaks and valley with.
It is the strength and power of family that helps to guide us in what we do. As we accomplish our tasks, we often have family members in mind, and unknowingly, we are building a legacy for them to share in.
Continue to relish family and friends because the time passes quickly.
Leslie, This is the coolest idea for a blog. I know your family is so proud of you and appreciate the time you took to thank them for their support!!!We are all so fortunate and blessed.
Thanks for making me take the time to reflect on my own blessings!
Mendi
Leslie,
I think it is great that you want to thank your family publicly on your blog. What a great idea. I wish I would have thought about doing a blog in honor of my family. I think we can all agree that our loved ones have taken the brunt of our not being available to do all those family building activities. When I first started the program, my first professor told us to say good-bye our families until we finished our doctorates, and from now on we would not have time for them. I laughed when the professor said that, but secretly I feared she was right. And she has been right so far. Between work and school not much time is left for anyone else.
I applaud you for being so young and already getting your doctorate. I wish I would have gotten started on my doctorate about 10 years ago. You definitely have a wonderful opportunity to take full advantage of your doctorate over the course of your life.
--Linda Duran-LaHodny
I like the Diary tone of your blog. It is inspiring to know your family supports you. You are blessed and favored to have such wonderful cheeleaders in your life. You provide us with an inspirational TV drama a la Touched by an angel.
Leslie, you recognized the loved ones that are going through this process with you----good for you!!!!!!!!! They deserve it. I too am finding that God and my loved ones are the sources of my strength to continue and to have gotten as far as I have. Good luck to you and continue to press on! WE CAN AND WILL DO THIS!!
Dedra Baskin
Leslie,
What a thoughtful gesture...without support, I believe we all would be completely
overwhelmed if not drop outs by now! After reading your blog, I am more aware of
those who have supported me, not just through NSU, but through changes in career,
moving, and work...thank you for the reminder.
Christina
Your seven year old is very perceptive; homework never will end. However, hopefully homework will not always have deadlines. It is good you have so much support from your husband and children. Sometimes I think one of the most difficult parts of this program is getting other people to understand how much work it is even though we are not attending class at NSU. It is hard for people to believe it could be so much work (even though it is doctoral study) when you work from home (or wherever you can plug in a laptop and get a wireless connection). I'm actually at home at the moment, but will probably be somewhere else in a few hours, and then back at home again to work. Luckily, there are a few close people who do understand, and provide me with support at times that might be equivalent to how your husband helps you. Good luck and keep your support system involved. You are right that it would be impossible without them. A few years ago, I had an interview for a PsyD program in psychology, and the woman asked me about my family and significant others. She wanted to know if I had a support system!
Chris J.
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