Decisions Decisions

So, yeah, it seems that getting up early is becoming a habit for at least one day a week. I think it's because I have a lot on my brain this morning. Mike hasn't talked to HR yet about the whole "not allowed in the store" thing. Last week it was because he had no time to call. Well, he did but the person never got back to him. Yesterday he was home because his grandmother died on Sunday night and he wanted to spend some time with his mother (it was her mom -- her dad, his grandfather, died about a month ago so you can see the kind of fun we've been having). That was very sweet and completely an impromptu choice on his part. I feel really bad for her. I don't think that it matters when your parents die. . .losing them is always hard. And to lose both in quick succession has got to suck the most.

Anyway, I've been trying to decide what to do about the store. At first I thought that I should just look for a new job all together so that I can get out of there. But I realize that I just don't have the time in the fall for that on top of teaching five classes. I need to focus on that and the dissertation. I can always get something else in the spring. So, I will tough out the job until the end of July to give myself a breather.

At that time I will probably turn in my resignation. A part of me would like to stay on at the store because I really do enjoy working with the books and stuff but I just can't handle the stress from all of the bs. My brain latched onto it this morning and suggested that I request staying on for Tuesday mornings and Wednesdays as a keyholder. I mean, I am basically left alone by Jessica at those points. I like getting out the new stuff and Wednesday is her day off. If I did that, I would have a solid work block of Tuesday through Thursday for earning money and then four days for focusing on the dissertation. I would still have to teach Monday night (for 8 weeks) and Saturday morning (all semester) but I would have more time for me. And I could avoid the stress of dealing with the political bs, earn a little extra money which could go towards the wedding fund, and keep my discount. If Jess doesn't like this idea, well, no sweat, I leave completely. If that ends up being the case, Mike and I will no longer be shopping at the store. He is adamant about that -- if I no longer work there, he will no longer patronize it. And so long as he works for the Columbia Mall store, well, we still have a discount that we can use there or at Borders. So, it will be a win win situation.

I think it's a good solution for now. It's one that I can live with. It may not work but at least it is an option to complete termination. I have a feeling that Melissa will end up as the assistant. But we'll see. I suppose it depends upon whether she wants the job but I have a feeling that she does. Anyway, I should run. I have some emails to send out about Valerie's bridal shower and should do them while I'm thinking of it and have time.