Explanation

I've already gotten and responded to a worried email from mom, so I might as well enlighten anyone else who reads me. Especially given the hopelessness associated with studying at this point.

I got an email from my boss yesterday (sent to all the new lab managers), reminding us that we needed to be in town for the week of August 19th so that we can learn how to be managers. This isn't an issue for me, as I'm here for band camp that week, so I emailed her and let her know. Then I got a phone call at work this morning.

Bridget: I read your email.
AJ: Yes.
B: There's going to be a problem. That week is when everyone gets in, trains, learns everything there is left to learn, checks up on the labs, makes sure they're ready to go, sets up weekend pager duty...all that stuff.
A: OK.
B: It just wouldn't be fair for me to tell the other managers that you would be in town but would be excused from the meetings. I know marching band is a commitment for you... (she trails off. She's uncomfortable).
A: So you're asking me to choose between the two.
B: Yes.
A: When do you need to know by?
B: Tomorrow at the absolute latest. Sorry to put you in this position...
A: You do what you gotta do. I'll get back to you tomorrow.

After that exchange, I was basically wasted trying to study for my English exam. I wrote a few more sentences, so that I am now marginally prepared for seven of the nine questions posed us. Seven of the nine will appear on the exam, and I only have to write on five. Will the right seven appear? We'll see. It's out of my hands now.

So I expected to spend the afternoon and much of tomorrow agonizing over whether I should choose band or the job. I don't think I'll need to. I think I already know what my decision will be. As long as I am in a position where the choice is mine to make, I will never choose misery over joy.

Let's just see if there is a compromise to be made.

May 02, 2002 - 11:11 AM