03.14.05 * 7:31 p.m.

A year ago today, I had already signed my contract for the '04-'05 year.

It's contract signing time. In a parochial school like mine, this is a stressful period. There's very little job security -- they can drop you for the simple explanation of: "Sorry, Charlie. Our enrollment is down."

Of course, it's the disadvantage of not being a part of a teacher's union.

Still, I'm a little nervous about next year. Even the ancient veterans are confused. "We've always had them signed by Easter!" they insisted.

What are they doing in administration?

They can't be closing the school -- we're the best in town and nationally recognized. They can't be discussing a major pay raise -- when Mom suggested this, I let out a long, heavy laugh.

What are they doing?

Do I really want to stay in a school where, come March, I'm biting my nails in agony, depending on politics and enrollment...?

Oy.