What was I thinking?

[mariemc]

Well, I know what I was thinking, but I don't know how I'm going to not be stressed out for the next several months. I just started my first Master's class (notice the word in singular form, there) and it's overwhelming already!!! Handling 3 kids, the household, volunteering at the school several times a week (and having to trade kid-watching to get that done which means basically for every hour I volunteer, I'm watching a friend's kid for that long), and doing all of the other things I have to do without a husband at home is proving harder than I expected. Adding in 1 little Master's class to all of that - well, I will be lucky if my stamps see ink before summer!!

My courses are online, and I thought that perhaps it would be "easier" since I've gotten the feeling that many people kind of "look down upon" online degrees. With my life the way it is, getting to a classroom is virtually impossible. Well, I can tell you, that every time in a "real" class that you raise your hand to speak, you don't have to write in APA format, and have at least 6 citations/references. To top that off, in a live classroom setting, you aren't GRADED on everything that you say. That's how it works - at least in my program.

I'm working towards a Master's of Education with the focus being Elementary Education. I will get a teaching certificate when all is said and done.

I think I might have grandkids before I'm done... LOL

[s1itcher46]

It'll get easier, or you'll give up sleep.

[Melissa]

Oh Marie, I think it will get easier too. Hopefully not before long you will fall into a groove. Best of luck! It will pay off in the end.. hopefully while you still have your sanity

[CindyE]

Marie, I really admire what you are doing. Wow, I don't think I could do it!

[lyn44]

Congratulations Marie! That is a big step but I am sure you will be up to the challenge...after all consider all that military training you have! Good luck!

[Brnidgrl]

Best of luck to you! Remind yourself when it gets tough that you are doing this for yourself! Far too option we do for everyone else and not enough for us! I have no doubt that you will find your routine and things will get easier.

My Dad went back to college at 40 - this is before the world of online campuses and I have never been more proud of anyone. As your children grow up they will feel the same way!

And...whenever you need to vent....you know where you can find friends!!!

[hcarnes]

It'll get easier, or you'll give up sleep.

It will get easier AND you will give up sleep! But you will live over it. I've spent the last five years in school (both in education). I went back to get a second master's degree (let me say - the first one was MUCH easier before I got married and had children!) and then decided it would be easier to keep going, so I applied and got in to a doctoral program. (My caveat is that I really do love school.) None of my classes were online, but several have had online components like those you've mentioned. It's not easy! I had my second daughter half way through my master's degree. If I finish my dissertation in the next three weeks (insert unprintable thoughts here), I can graduate in May. We'll see. That's what I really want.

All that being said, YOU CAN DO IT! I know you can. It takes a lot of work and it's hard. Be sure you have a support system in place (there is no way I could have done it without my husband and mother) and take care of yourself. I believe in you!

[Stampin'Shell]

congratulations! and best of luck!

[Debadoo]

Wow, good for you!! Is there anything you can cut out? You are a super woman, but you aren't superwoman. Is the school volunteering part of your degree? That would cut out two things (volunteering and kid sitting) you are doing if you could take a break from that until this course is done. Do the kids help out? Not sure how old they are, but they could each take over a couple chores maybe. Can you say casseroles and stews? Take one day and cook up 3-4 things that use similar ingredients in different ways and chunk em in the freezer. Makes supper and grocery shopping much easier. So does hot dog night. lol Remember if you get more sleep, you will be more productive when you're awake, so perhaps adopt this idiom....... (not sure if this is an idiom or not, but if not pretend it is and correct me, and adopt it anyhow), "If I don't do _______ will it stop the world from spinning on it's axis" If the answer is no, consider not doing it and take a nap. Best of luck to ya hun!!

Heather that's awesome!!

[mariemc]

You gals are awesome!! Thanks for the words of encouragement. It's funny, I can jump out of an airplane, and do all kinds of unmentionable things that the military taught me to do, but handling 3 kids under age 7 with a husband gone all of the time, and I turn into such a whiner!!!!!

I appreciate you all, and will check in now and again. My computer time now is mostly consumed with doing classwork, so I won't be around as much. I'll still be around though!!!

{{{HUGS}}}}