there's a point

My dinner "guests" just left; the dishwasher is going strong; the left-over lasagna is in the fridge; I am two steps away from collapsing on the couch for the evening with, yet again, nothing productive accomplished on my proposal - it's been a good evening.

This is why all the pain of a PhD is bearable: because I get to work with pre-service and student teachers for the rest of my life. I can't tell you what that does for my psyche after the recent turmoil.

My student English teachers came tonight for a "let's get ready for our semester of student teaching and observation" meeting and, since they have numerous other things they could be doing, the least I can do is feed them. It gives us a chance to talk without the interruptions, a place to share experiences and swap suggestions. I need to get more insight into their questions and concerns before I start their observations; they need to know what to expect from me as their supervisor.

And I love listening to them. They're so energetic and thoughtful and interesting and honest. This is when I know I've made the right decision - finally - with what to do with my life.