Advice at Your Own Risk

A former grad student of mine sent me an email about two weeks ago to let me know that she is driving from NYC to LA and will be passing through my state. She said that she hoped that she could see me; she's trying to figure out what to do with her life.

I would really love to see her. She was one of my absolute favorite students. I had her as an undergrad and sort of dragged her into grad school, too. She was awesome.

However, I told her that before she went out of her way to come to me, I had to be totally honest and let her know that my life is crazy and I just don't have much hanging out time. During the week, I'm gone 7:30-6 every day and then 6-8 is kid time and 8-9 is get ready for tomorrow time. 9-10 is pretty much it. Spouse is out of town most of the next 2 weeks so it will be even more insane. Oh, and I have 0 vaca days left until Jan. Isn't that AWESOME? Doesn't my life sound spectacular and don't you think that you could learn so much from me?!

We've exchanged a few emails. She doesn't want to inconvenience me but she wants to see me. I don't want to deal with a guest this week (spouse gone, busy at work, parents coming next monday so I have to get ready) but I feel like I should support her. I still don't know if she's coming down or not.

CRAP.