I've missed only one day of work this year, for a doctor's appt. I am scheduled for jurying of my artwork at Tamarack on Thursday. I have personal leave for this. But, instead of just going ahead and arranging for it, I stupidly went into the principal and told her what I needed to do. She went into a speech about stopping teachers for taking off work for "fun" stuff, and said, "You have a job!" I replied that it was not "fun" stuff, and was related to my 4 years of work on the weavings I had done for my M.A. I acquiesced and said I would not take the day off.
Other teachers said to me that it was not right. Go ahead and take the day off, as I have the personal leave and that is what it is for.
Long story short, I found a sub for the day off and he will be there for me on the day of the jurying.
I should add here that I care nothing for artistic recognition, but I could sure use the extra income from selling my work, and it's hard to get into Tamarack. Two reps actually called me and emphasized that they really liked my weavings and even offered to come pick them up themselves to take to the jurying for me. I have my whole guest room taken up with these weavings and nothing to do with them, so this would be a good opportunity to put them "out there." Also, hopefully, make some money.

Sorry for the whine.
Patty