I know that an Associates Degree from IUPUI is nothing fancy, but to me, it's a milestone that I am SO thankful to say that I"ve finally earned. Finally.
Last night I completed my last exam for the grueling 12 credit hours I've been working on this semester.
And it felt so good.
So, now I just have to wait for my degree/piece of paper to be "certified" and I can go pick it up. I've scheduled my summer session(s) classes and fall - and by December I will have my Business Foundations Certificate as well.
Since i'm not 100% sure what I want to major in, I wanted to at least complete those two milestones so I can have some sort of "completed education" listed on my resume in the future, should I ever need it.
In other news, this weekend my girl had her first Softball game, and looked SO CUTE! I just love little softball girl uniforms! She talked me into coaching her team this year, thankfully there's another dad that is coaching and then Joe is also helping me, so it's been pretty fun! It's a lot of time commitment, but I do really like little kids, so I am enjoying it. And I know it makes Bek feel good that I"m involved.
I've been doing more and more work at the new house. Waiting to finish up all the painting and get my stuff moved in. At first, the thought of moving/selling my house made me really sad, but now that I am getting a taste of life with my 'new' blended family - I have no second thoughts. I am ready.
Today, I"m working from my little office in the upstairs of the new house, which is really nice. I can shut the door, get away from the rest of the house and not go back in the room until I am ready to work again.
Taking care of a family of 5 isn't so bad. The kids are playing together really well and I think overall, the transition is going smoothly. I've tried to be overly cognizant of the effect this type of blending will have on my kids, so i'm taking it one step at a time. There's a lot of laundry, and a lot of dishes and picking up and quite a few capri suns that we are going through, but things are going well. And I am so thankful.
I'm going to Las Vegas for a few days later this month to photograph one of my childhood friend's weddings. I"m super excited for the time away for a few days, but also eager to get back and get serious about moving this crazy house!
Once I get moved... it's back to wedding planning!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
Not A Second to Lose
I'm not sure what I was thinking when I set out in December and registered for 12 credit hours at school.
Well, I know what i was thinking... my Associates Degree is literally within reach, so why not just finish it up right now?
I won't say it was a 'bad' idea, because I'm extremely thankful that I did, however... it was certainly a challenging decision to say the least. I had no idea when I registered for classes that I would be getting engaged, buying a new home and everything else. I think I'll save my current commitments for another blog post. It should be a doosie.
Anyway - I know that an Associates Degree is just a piece of paper, and I'm really excited about finishing my Bachelors, however... it feels really good to meet one of my milestones that I created.
I always said that, when my kids are both in school, I'll go back to finish my degree. And I did. At the time, I set my major to a program that offered an Associates Degree because i was worried if I didn't set a some-what tangible goal, I'd get burnt out really quickly. So, here I am... getting ready to complete my 78th credit hour toward my Bachelor's Degree and meeting all the requirements of the Associates that I pushed myself to get a couple of years ago.
These last 2 weeks of school are absolutely killing me. Mainly because I know that it's almost over... the last 14 weeks of my life have been nothing but juggling my day-to-day stuff along with 4 classes of homework, lectures that put me to sleep, sitting in bed at night with the computer overheating on my lap and analyzing philosophical works using different types of logic and argument forms. It's enough to send me over the edge!
However... I'm almost there. That's what I keep telling myself. And i'm sure, after taking 12 credit hours this semester (which I have promised myself I will never do again) anything else I take will be no biggie, right? If I am able to keep up the momentum I have now on staying enrolled in 6-9 credits each semester (including summer) - i should finish this Bachelor's up in about a year and a half.
I'm hopeful.
I can assure you though, after this semester I will:
-Not care one bit more about Indiana Geology or caves. I will never think twice about bedrock, sedimentary rock, caves, sinkholes, limestone, coal, etc. Indiana Geology has killed me this semester and I fully intend on NEVER practicing ANY of what I have "learned".
-I will be able to effectively pose arguments using antecedents and forming hypothesis and theories in valid form. I will also try not to commit formal fallacies when structuring any type of argument or deduction in my future. Taking a logic class this semester was awesome - it challenged my brain in a different way, and I am going to be amazing at arguing. HA!
-I will NEVER apply for a job where using HTML is a requirement. I really thought I would enjoy the web design class - and it is possible that I have not gotten what I wanted to out of it because of the commitments required for some of my other classes, but I am so frustrated with HTML, that it disappoints me. I really wanted to learn that.
-I will view people and societies differently as a result of taking Anthropology. I have thoroughly enjoyed this class as it has taught me a great deal about other cultural norms and how many, many people are extremely ethnocentric. It's opened my eyes to trying to help my kids understand other places in the world and how, just because we do it one way, doesn't mean we do it the RIGHT way.
Is it April 28th yet?
Well, I know what i was thinking... my Associates Degree is literally within reach, so why not just finish it up right now?
I won't say it was a 'bad' idea, because I'm extremely thankful that I did, however... it was certainly a challenging decision to say the least. I had no idea when I registered for classes that I would be getting engaged, buying a new home and everything else. I think I'll save my current commitments for another blog post. It should be a doosie.
Anyway - I know that an Associates Degree is just a piece of paper, and I'm really excited about finishing my Bachelors, however... it feels really good to meet one of my milestones that I created.
I always said that, when my kids are both in school, I'll go back to finish my degree. And I did. At the time, I set my major to a program that offered an Associates Degree because i was worried if I didn't set a some-what tangible goal, I'd get burnt out really quickly. So, here I am... getting ready to complete my 78th credit hour toward my Bachelor's Degree and meeting all the requirements of the Associates that I pushed myself to get a couple of years ago.
These last 2 weeks of school are absolutely killing me. Mainly because I know that it's almost over... the last 14 weeks of my life have been nothing but juggling my day-to-day stuff along with 4 classes of homework, lectures that put me to sleep, sitting in bed at night with the computer overheating on my lap and analyzing philosophical works using different types of logic and argument forms. It's enough to send me over the edge!
However... I'm almost there. That's what I keep telling myself. And i'm sure, after taking 12 credit hours this semester (which I have promised myself I will never do again) anything else I take will be no biggie, right? If I am able to keep up the momentum I have now on staying enrolled in 6-9 credits each semester (including summer) - i should finish this Bachelor's up in about a year and a half.
I'm hopeful.
I can assure you though, after this semester I will:
-Not care one bit more about Indiana Geology or caves. I will never think twice about bedrock, sedimentary rock, caves, sinkholes, limestone, coal, etc. Indiana Geology has killed me this semester and I fully intend on NEVER practicing ANY of what I have "learned".
-I will be able to effectively pose arguments using antecedents and forming hypothesis and theories in valid form. I will also try not to commit formal fallacies when structuring any type of argument or deduction in my future. Taking a logic class this semester was awesome - it challenged my brain in a different way, and I am going to be amazing at arguing. HA!
-I will NEVER apply for a job where using HTML is a requirement. I really thought I would enjoy the web design class - and it is possible that I have not gotten what I wanted to out of it because of the commitments required for some of my other classes, but I am so frustrated with HTML, that it disappoints me. I really wanted to learn that.
-I will view people and societies differently as a result of taking Anthropology. I have thoroughly enjoyed this class as it has taught me a great deal about other cultural norms and how many, many people are extremely ethnocentric. It's opened my eyes to trying to help my kids understand other places in the world and how, just because we do it one way, doesn't mean we do it the RIGHT way.
Is it April 28th yet?
Monday, April 9, 2012
Spring Break
This year for Spring Break, I was really looking forward to taking the kids back to Panama City Beach, as the last time we went, it was absolutely gorgeous, there's a ton of things to do, the beaches are just powder perfect and the water is a nice shade of emerald.
Exactly what I'd expect out of a March getaway.
This year, it was extra awesome because The Joey and his little boy traveled with us.
Admittedly, I was a bit nervous to spend a whole week, uninterrupted together as a family. I knew it was necessary as we will be blending families soon, but I was still just a tad anxious about it overall.
We went with 2 other families with children, so it was nice that our kids weren't cooped up on top of each other the whole time, and i think Joe and I did a good job of making sure all of the kids had individual time with us and so on. Overall, the 3 of our kids did a really good job of getting along.
We arrived early Saturday morning after driving all night Friday night. Joe and the kids headed to the beach to check it out while I got us checked in. We spent the day playing it low-key as the adults were tired and the kids were ready to go from sleeping all night!!
Sunday, we had another low-key day, exploring the area (as Joe and Dylan had never been) via Limo Golf-Cart, which unlike last time, did not break a wheel off during our drive. Thank goodness!!
Monday, we headed to Ripley's Believe it or Not and Wonder Works, which are really cool buildings at the end of the strip in PCB. Ripley's looks like the Titanic crashed in the middle of the street, and then across from it, the Wonder Works building is build literally upside down like the White House! It's really a sight to see! The kids declared that those two places were their favorite part of the trip until...
Tuesday when we headed out on the Pirate Ship. Despite the fact that it's pretty pricey, it is a ton of fun. The kids are fully occupied for nearly 2 hours, while the parents watch and enjoy the music and a nice 2 hour Gulf Cruise!
After the pirate ship, the kids declared that THAT was the best part of the trip.
Wednesday, I believe we took it easy and played by the beach and pool most of the day so we could prepare for a fun day on Shell Island the next day.
So, we got up and ready and headed to St. Andrews State Park where we boarded the little shuttle that took us to Shell Island. We took a cooler bag with sandwiches and drinks and enjoyed a fun picnic on the beach! On the way there, we passed about 4 dolphins swimming beside the boat. One kept flapping its tail and splashing water on us! It was the cutest thing! The kids really enjoyed exploring shell island and thanks to Joe and another friend that went, we were able to get real sand dollars out of the ocean for the kids. They were THRILLED.
Wednesday night, the kids met some friends in our hotel and proceeded to hang out and "party" with them every night. I remember being that age and thinking i was SO COOL... so it was really funny to watch the kids, especially my pre-teen son ... think he was cool. I mean, he KNOWS he is cool, but to watch him, was a totally separate thing.
So, each night the kids would all take chairs down to the laundry room area of the hotel (just about 6 doors down from our room, so we could hear them and easily check on them) and just "hang out" listening to music from ipods, chatting, etc. It was really, the cutest thing.
All i could think about was the memories they were all making of an evening, thinking they were super cool and independent without parents.
And I felt so thankful to be sharing in that experience/memory making with them. Joe would take some popcorn down, drinks, cookies, and they'd just hang out until curfew!
...and that...
...is where my son's first crush was developed.
(wiping tear from 'ol mom's eyes).
Reaghan.
Sweet Reaghan.
A little girl who was just months older than him, but at least 6 inches taller and ... well... more developed.
Wow.
Although he'd never admit to the crush, a picture of the two of them resides as the "wallpaper" on his ipod.
I think it's serious, guys.
I wonder if i should tell her that he still sleeps with "blankie and blue bear".
BHAHAH!
Anyway - the forecast was calling for rain on Friday, so we were trying to get the kids packed and ready to leave Friday during the day. The kids were NOT having it. They begged and begged to stay one more night so they could "party".
...we gave in.
So, we started the long trek home on Saturday morning and ... after about 237489237942 bathroom stops, i was ready to pull over, cash out all of my life insurance and pension and invest in an RV with a bathroom on board. Aside from all of the bathroom breaks, almost crashing somewhere in Alabama or Tennessee and miles and miles of road ahead of us to drive, we had a great time.
I consider Spring Break 2012 a success.
Exactly what I'd expect out of a March getaway.
This year, it was extra awesome because The Joey and his little boy traveled with us.
Admittedly, I was a bit nervous to spend a whole week, uninterrupted together as a family. I knew it was necessary as we will be blending families soon, but I was still just a tad anxious about it overall.
We went with 2 other families with children, so it was nice that our kids weren't cooped up on top of each other the whole time, and i think Joe and I did a good job of making sure all of the kids had individual time with us and so on. Overall, the 3 of our kids did a really good job of getting along.
We arrived early Saturday morning after driving all night Friday night. Joe and the kids headed to the beach to check it out while I got us checked in. We spent the day playing it low-key as the adults were tired and the kids were ready to go from sleeping all night!!
Sunday, we had another low-key day, exploring the area (as Joe and Dylan had never been) via Limo Golf-Cart, which unlike last time, did not break a wheel off during our drive. Thank goodness!!
Monday, we headed to Ripley's Believe it or Not and Wonder Works, which are really cool buildings at the end of the strip in PCB. Ripley's looks like the Titanic crashed in the middle of the street, and then across from it, the Wonder Works building is build literally upside down like the White House! It's really a sight to see! The kids declared that those two places were their favorite part of the trip until...
Tuesday when we headed out on the Pirate Ship. Despite the fact that it's pretty pricey, it is a ton of fun. The kids are fully occupied for nearly 2 hours, while the parents watch and enjoy the music and a nice 2 hour Gulf Cruise!
After the pirate ship, the kids declared that THAT was the best part of the trip.
Wednesday, I believe we took it easy and played by the beach and pool most of the day so we could prepare for a fun day on Shell Island the next day.
So, we got up and ready and headed to St. Andrews State Park where we boarded the little shuttle that took us to Shell Island. We took a cooler bag with sandwiches and drinks and enjoyed a fun picnic on the beach! On the way there, we passed about 4 dolphins swimming beside the boat. One kept flapping its tail and splashing water on us! It was the cutest thing! The kids really enjoyed exploring shell island and thanks to Joe and another friend that went, we were able to get real sand dollars out of the ocean for the kids. They were THRILLED.
Wednesday night, the kids met some friends in our hotel and proceeded to hang out and "party" with them every night. I remember being that age and thinking i was SO COOL... so it was really funny to watch the kids, especially my pre-teen son ... think he was cool. I mean, he KNOWS he is cool, but to watch him, was a totally separate thing.
So, each night the kids would all take chairs down to the laundry room area of the hotel (just about 6 doors down from our room, so we could hear them and easily check on them) and just "hang out" listening to music from ipods, chatting, etc. It was really, the cutest thing.
All i could think about was the memories they were all making of an evening, thinking they were super cool and independent without parents.
And I felt so thankful to be sharing in that experience/memory making with them. Joe would take some popcorn down, drinks, cookies, and they'd just hang out until curfew!
...and that...
...is where my son's first crush was developed.
(wiping tear from 'ol mom's eyes).
Reaghan.
Sweet Reaghan.
A little girl who was just months older than him, but at least 6 inches taller and ... well... more developed.
Wow.
Although he'd never admit to the crush, a picture of the two of them resides as the "wallpaper" on his ipod.
I think it's serious, guys.
I wonder if i should tell her that he still sleeps with "blankie and blue bear".
BHAHAH!
Anyway - the forecast was calling for rain on Friday, so we were trying to get the kids packed and ready to leave Friday during the day. The kids were NOT having it. They begged and begged to stay one more night so they could "party".
...we gave in.
So, we started the long trek home on Saturday morning and ... after about 237489237942 bathroom stops, i was ready to pull over, cash out all of my life insurance and pension and invest in an RV with a bathroom on board. Aside from all of the bathroom breaks, almost crashing somewhere in Alabama or Tennessee and miles and miles of road ahead of us to drive, we had a great time.
I consider Spring Break 2012 a success.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)