Bette:  I know this is a little underhanded, but did either George or Grace have any comments about their upcoming year as my graduate assistants?

Holly: Only positive things. Both were grateful that you were specific in what you expected as far as your class duties. They were glad that you warned them about the work load during the Thanksgiving holidays. And they were really thankful to know they would have the final two weeks of summer without any obligations whatsoever. I think they feel that they have won the lottery as far as graduate assistant positions go.

Bette: Really? Well, that’s a high standard.  I hope that I will live up to that. Well, I’ll tell you that I was fairly impressed with the two of them. I liked Grace particularly in that she seemed to accept the fact that there would be a heavy workload at Thanksgiving rather easily. George seemed a little upset about it. But they are both young people with lives and families and other interest besides being graduate assistants.

Holly: Well, I wish that Professor Nelson was a thoughtful as you have been. She hasn’t sent in her handouts to be produced yet. I imagine she will produce it about lunch time and then want to leave immediately after. This will be the first opportunity I have of actually working with her graduate assistants.

Bette: Well, if I can be of any assistance, let me know. I am not going to allow Professor Nelson to take advantage of you and your time. Now, I expect that beginning today, that you will take a regular lunch hour and that you will dictate as to when that is. And I am going to ask that you get away from your desk for that hour whether you eat or not. This is California, and you should get out and enjoy the weather when you can.

Holly: Oh, and how is your wife? Is she recovered from her surgery?

Bette:  Yes, she has fully recovered thank you. She was a mess that first couple of days out of the hospital. She was so sleepy, she had difficulty doing what she wanted to do. But my sister came and stayed with her while I ran our errands. And the kids pitched in as well.