I chose this unusual subject line because yesterday was  Yes, for the explanation of how it was, I am a writer without the words! It's understandable that so many things are going on at one time. As a departmental secretary, I work for an average of 10 professors daily and the department chair. All of whom teach multiple classes, are on committees, work with various school activities etc., and most of them have multiple accounts divided into so many sections and different numbers I can get a headache just thinking about them  Must less, when I'm trying to get them paid through the all powerful purchasing department 
On top of that, we are in the second day of school. So there are students still trying to get into class, who have forgotten where their class is and/or who teaches it, copies to be made, problems with textbooks that have to be straighten out etc. etc. etc. (We won't even get into trying to take my own classes) So long story short - it was hectic. So you do what you can to get through it. Bite your tongue, take deep breaths, grab a  ... AND always, always you remind yourself that this will pass. AND you always count your blessings:
I am grateful to have this job. It's not perfect but I couldn't pay the bills without it.
I have students workers for at least a good part of the day to run errands.
Almost every professor in my department is a good person and reasonable in their expectations.
And then there are the everyday things we are grateful for: My children, my dogs, my dependable vehicle, my home... You get the point.
But I had something even more special to dwell on. It's kind of an honor that I have only worked with the college paper, and on a part time basis before last semester when I was given the honor of being the managing editor. While others had been with the paper much longer the board chose me because they said I had the talent, drive, committment and ability to bring it around (it was kind of on a down hill slide last year). And I am doing that according to the latest survey which showed the campus population rated us at an 86% approvement from last year and 14% said they saw no change and/or did not read the paper last year (freshman, new faculty, staff etc). With no one saying we were worse, of course I am celebrating within myself. And we did this with a minimal staff, a group of great people, by the way. And the later part of the semester more people were showing interest and the staff is growing. So all of that is a blessing, something to be proud of. But give me just a little more bragging time here, if you will.
I also received in the mail that I am a winner in the 2005-06 Society of Professional Journalist. This is an honor for a couple of reasons. For one thing this contest includes professional newspapers statewide. I am also flattered because I only sent a couple entries in while during the entire year and different semesters of writers, photographers, designers and so on sent as many as 12 entries each in and I am only one of two that has received a letter of award. So forgive me for bragging but that letter really got me through the day. (And I have a feeling already it might have to help me get through this one) 
Oh, for those who asked, "No, I didn't get straight A's this semester. (Pronounced in a soap opera voice: "Will I ever get my 4.0 back or is it a sign of a down hill slide?") I almost made it though. 3 A's and 1 B.
And so we are back to this subject line. Yes, the stress can be overwhelming, but as long as I can find some success in the midst of it all, then things just aren't so bad!
Here's wishing that each of us continue to overcome life's stress as we strive for success. Until next time... 
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