I'm Trying

Alright, I know, I know....It's been a while again. 

I DID start some projects, but couldn't get into the swing of it since I had my grandson here almost everyday.  By August/September my daughter and her son moved out and in with her steady boyfriend--no worries, they are here everyday.  I watch him while she goes to work. 

I searched for a job all summer but had no luck.  The deal was that if I didn't find a job, I'd finish my second associate degree.  I have 3 classes to finish and decided with the babysitting and looking for a job (still) I'd take only two this semester and one in the Spring semester.  I JUST want to find a job I can be happy with.  I hear so many horror stories of people getting treated so badly and I am not one to stick around for that.  I want something that will last a little while.

So, I'm taking Geology and Statistics.  FUN!!  I have really great instructors, so it really isn't too bad.  Only one class is in-seat the other is online.  That frees me to not only look for a job, but to be available to actually work at one.  The one class I have left will be fine to take at night or around any job I have at the time--crossing my fingers that I have a job by then.

Ever wondered where our gem stones come from, or what they are even made of?  We learned all about the different types of rocks already.  Here are some minerals....and then some "pretty" rocks....

 

Hard to separate myself from the "gem-speak" in this class. 

And please, excuse the typos!

A proud-mommy-moment....My oldest (the one that just moved out) is now crafting on her own regularly.  She wants to decorate her house for her boyfriend and son for Halloween and is just so crafty!  She is trying a tulle wreath and has added some fall foliage to her drapes to "dress them up too" she says.  My grandson is almost 14 months, so anything within his reach will get ruined and/or eaten, so she is still limited.  She's anxious for Christmas decorating too--already.  She'll be starting on those crafts soon. 

Now, if I could find time to get into crafting.....I'd be so happy and relaxed!  HA!!

Back in the Saddle Again!

WOW!!  I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted!!  It couldn't be helped with school and all but I'm done for now with that--I think.  I've graduated with an Associates in Accounting and a 3.8 GPA!!  I have one more semester (or 3 classes) left for my transfer Associates degree to go on and get a Bachelor degree.  I am going to try and get a job now and see how that goes.  Going through the job search part now--I think I'd rather be in Speech class again....haha!

Well, I guess life and fun were put on hold for a very long time.  I was just telling my oldest daughter how I have the creative itch again--bad!  it came on me like a hot flash! 

With it being so hot (around 105 here) lately, I don't even want to look at a skein of yarn.  Aside from the winter scarf sets, a few sundresses for my girls (they didn't look very good on me), and current planning (or assistant planning) of my grandson's first birthday, I haven't done anything.  I'm hoping to begin bead journaling again!!  I love the feel of beads and it helped me to relax and de-stress, plus--I still have a lot of materials left from when I did the last bead journal project two years ago!  It's been WAY too long!!  I'll have to see what's going on in that "world" these days.

Now with more time on my hands I hope to be creating more, writing more, and doing more.  Maybe I'll write a book on being a returning adult college student--LOL  Hey, it could happen!





 

Three Months ~ The Final 2010 Challenge

With the year winding to an end, I thought I'd finish up the 2010 challenge I made for myself --finally!

In October, I learned the hard way (and quite quickly) that I should never feel comfortable with where I'm at with my schoolwork.  It got a lot harder and I seemed to have gotten double the homework overnight.  This, I was told, was what happens at midterms.  I hadn't thought of that!  One student I got to talking to said that from now on, always mark the calendar for mid-term and you'll be ready.  We'll see how that goes for my next semester.  I also found that the expectations of the instructors changed along with this.  They seemed to want and expect more, without telling you.  Good thing most of the papers we had to write we could resubmit again if there were major issues, and/or that you could actually ask the instructor for feedback before submitting an assignment.  This amazes me!

In November, I learned that no matter what I did, I seriously couldn't please anyone but maybe myself -- and apparently, that's a bad thing!  My sister-in-law held a baby shower for her daughter, on a Saturday, when I had class.  I apologized that I couldn't miss that class (which was true), my oldest had to work and couldn't get that day off; therefore, my two littlest girls wouldn't be coming.  I explained this a couple of times.  I also stated (a few times) that I would still get her daughter a gift, along with several apologies.

In the end, I heard that they were very mad at me for not coming because I had asked this niece (an English teacher) to help me with an assignment in September and I heard nothing back; therefore, I was mad that she wouldn't DO my homework for me and I was just too cheap to buy a gift.  AHAHAHAHA!!!  I find this VERY funny since I have every email we ever exchanged still.  I showed my husband how ridiculous this all was.  I even sent his sister a nice email (for real!  It was quite nice.) explaining everything and that I had these emails to "prove" myself as well as receipts to show that I did get a gift.  I heard nothing back from her.  Rudeness must run in that part of the family, I guess.

Oh well, I tried.  I don't think I need to do more than that.  As a matter of fact, I won't do more than that.....and my husband agrees!  I also learned NOT to count on anyone for anything (again this was drilled into my head for about the millionth time ~ when will I really learn this!) even when help is offered.  A terrible shame when you're there for family, but they can't be there for you.  Hmmmm.......I'm over it!

In December, I learned that it's quite difficult to maintain a 4.0 GPA in four classes, but feels so wonderful to have been able to actually do it.  That's right! For the first time in my life, I've gotten an A in each of my four classes!  There were so many days I didn't want to do what I needed to, or not go into class, and I'm so very glad I stuck with it.  I'm so proud of myself!  I've also learned this month, with the semester over already, that I sort of miss the classes and the homework~I had a routine.  Even with a million other things I need to do for the holidays and around my house now that I have some free time on my hands....I seem to miss homework.....what's up with that?

All said, I think I have learned a lot this year, I've enjoyed this year, and I can only hope that next year brings me more things to learn (all good I hope!).  It doesn't matter how old you are, there are so many things out there to learn.

Happy Holidays to all!  And thank you all for the uplifting comments you've given me over the year!

August/September Challenge 2010

In August I returned to school as a full time college student.  As scared and excited as I was, I learned several things:  one - I was not the oldest student in any of my classes; two - I was not the only one who had no clue about the class subjects; and three - I wasn't the only one with a full life who was a full time student.  I also learned I was disgustingly impatient. 

By September, I had learned more.  No, not just in class (hahahaha).  I learned that babysitting and school schedules do not mix very well.  I had decided to type out all my homework onto my calendar and then thought it would be a great idea to print it out with my babysitting schedule.  I figured it would give me a good idea of what I had to do and when I might have time.  Yeah, it showed me I only had a little bit of time to study becasue I have a lot of baysitting hours and if I wanted any family or me time, I had to plan very carefully.  None of that worked very well.  I had to learn how to re-evaluate - fast!

I also have learned that as much as everyone was supportive of me going to school in the beginning stages, that changed once reality hit.  With my babysitting schedule on the verge of being too much, I had to change a lot of things that had been in place since the beginning.  I finally learned how to say "No" and not feel to badly about it.  I really don't think the parents appreciated it too much (and of course I was nice about it).  I also think that my family thought I would still have most evenings free to still be around for them.  That has not happened.  I'm doing school work with every free second I have.  Well, at least I'm getting some good grades.  But, at what expense?  My family is suffering the most by me not being available.  Something has to change.  But what?

I may learn the answer to that in October.  The schedule I printed out looks like my ink cartridge exploded on it.  I've already requested that the babysitting parents leave the schedule where it is and if any changes need to be made, I'd only be able to honor time taken off ~ not extra time.  I really don't think that made them any happier.  It may come down to already knowing the answer and having to put it into action.  I'd really hate to do that, but I may have no other choice.  School has become one of my top priorities.  I really don't think I can let too much stand in my way of succeeding.  But what to do?  What to do?

Catching Up on My Challenge 2010 June and July

Apparently I'm busier than I thought!

June brought me a challenge I didn't see coming.
One of my babysitting kids will be attending preschool this fall.  She's not quite 3 yet and is as smart as a whip!  So, she is one of the fortunate to get asked to start early.  This is great!  However, I will be losing some money in the process.  All of a sudden it hit me....she'll be in Kindergarten soon and I'll really lose money.  I had to think of something and fast.  So, after much thought, I decided to go back to school.  I figured I could just pick up where I left off many many years ago ( I only needed 2 more classes).  NOPE!

I found out the hard way that things don't work like that.  I found that though my classes will transfer, the program has changed.  I basically have to take the whole program over minus a few classes.  So, another choice to make.  Continue with the plan - Accounting, or start fresh with something new....Once I searched the catalog of classes and degree programs I saw nothing that piqued my interest.  So, I decided to maybe go with a certificate program-fast and easy.  Then I found out that *fafsa* will not cover anything but a degree program.  So, back to the catalog.  Nope, still nothing....Once I found out I could get the finacial part taken care of I figured I would be better off going with what I already know for now.  I made the appointment with the nice counselor and he then tells me I can go for the Bachelor's degree along with the Associates....Hmmmmm more decisions....
To make a real long story not so long, I have time to make that decision.  I learned here through all my many visits to the college, that I am not alone in my quest to better myself at my age (or any age really).  I figured I'd be the oldest person there ~ NOT so!!!  I learned that I have the support of my immediate family, and a lot of my friends as well.  I'll surely be counting on them to help me along....

As for what I learned in July...It would certainly have to be patience.  I was so excited to have gotten myself signed up and registered for classes (and then my 24 yr old too), that I wanted to start right then and there.  Well, I couldn't do that!  So I had to wait.  I wanted to get my books so I could start reading and refreshing my mind on what I would be learning....at least review what I should already know.  But, books didn't go on sale until a week or two ago...I had to wait.  I had such a hard time being patient, I drove myself nuts. 

I finally got my books last week.  YAY!  But, I can't open the packaging until after the first class.  WHAT?  How am I supposed to know what the instructor is talking about?  Apparently, leaving the books in their original package ensures that I will get a full refund in case the instructor changes the book and I have to make an exchange....Now why would they do that right before class?
I guess I didn't really learn how to be more patient yet, did I?  LOL 

Better Late than Never ~ July '10 BJP

Well, I didn't even think I'd get this one done.  It didn't take me long at all....I just had about 20 sequins left to sew on and I had put it away (babysitting kids).  As of yesterday when I came accross it, I thought I'd just photograph it as is and post.  But, I didn't.  Early this morning I stitched the rest on and photographed it.  My whole plan by mid June was to get ahead.  I was going to crank out July and move on from there.  I wanted to get all 6 months finished or almost finished by the time I started school so I wouldn't have more to stress about (I had 2 months).  Unfortunately, that never happened.  Between getting me all signed up and ready, I had to help my 24 year old daughter do the same.  I also had babysitting (which in the summer months is a bit unexpected).  I have one week left until I start.  I highly doubt I'll be getting 5 more done in that one week....lol... But, I intend to try my best. 

I chose to be a little patriotic for July. I knew I wouldn't have time to totally bead the whole piece and found some material I had gotten for something a few years ago. We had just gotten a new flag and this one we could proudly watch blow in the breeze, so I had to do something to that effect. The piece was straight however, when I sewed the material in the one corner, no matter what I did, it wouldn't stay straight.  Well, here it is.  Enjoy!

Now off to try and figure out this months page!

June complete ~ "Time for Change"

June has brought on many changes for me. I chose the clock floating in the center of the piece and did a quick border ~ and left it looking unfinished for a reason.

The clock represents the fact that it really is a time for a change with me. I realized I needed to do something different, when one of the parents informed me that in the Fall one of her daughters would be going to preschool. This will be a reduction in my pay. So, I needed to plan what to do about it. Getting a job would take forever for me in this market with my resume looking the way it does. At this same time, my oldest had declared she wanted to go to college to pursue a different carrer. BINGO! I had college classes! I wondered how many would transfer at this late stage....time to find out! I was on a mission!

I left the clock floating and the piece not totally encrusted (looking unfinished) because: 1) the waiting involved in finding out what I could do after so many years away from school. 2) the schooling that I left unfinished. 3) The waiting I still have to endure to find out if all I have planned will actually be able to happen (financial aid, scheduling, and hoefully when the parents find out what my plans are, they will not go off to find a new sitter until I'm done with school ~ I havent' told them yet of these plans).

I chose the colors to coordinate with the clock. I originally was going to use the turquoise for the whole thing, but a song was stuck in my head from the moment I came up with my theme...."Time for Change" by the Brady Kids...the episode where Peter's voice changes ~ anyone remember that? This song was stuck in my head the WHOLE time I stitched this piece and left me smiling ~ ENJOY!!!

I finally got an OK picture (replacing the bad one I had).  Enjoy!!!!  I'm off to get July's going.