What was I thinking...

I did it again - forgot how to access my own blog!! :) So why the long gap since my last post?

Was trying to decide whether to stay in the first course - or bail.

When I met with the department head and discussed with her my concern about needing to miss several Wednesday classes. I failed to look at the weekends I would also be missing. This year has been heavier than usual with four retreats, two weekend meetings and a video shoot. Where was the time to study? Do the necessary research? Write the papers? Do the interview of a justice worker?

What was I thinking?!

I did need - and was granted - an extension for the midterm.. Once again, I felt bummed about the quality of my work but had to let it go.

And right after turning it in, the tuition was due.

Pay it - and slug it out?

Or bail - and give it up until my schedule changes? Maybe until my LIFE changes?!

I finally paid it (choke).

Last night I got my four grades for the four midterm papers. Knowing I now have that "gold" in the bank to offset a future "deficit", I am determined to do the best I can with all the remaining requirements.

I have talked with other 50+ women who are workign full time and working on a masters. What were we thinking?

That we wanted to fuel our passions and prepare for the next decade of ministry! Not even knowing what form it will take but just being obedient to God's leading.

And we all are saying the same thing: lower your standards and learn as much as you can!

I can think of three such women, all in the Covenant - Karen, Toni, and Linea. Know of any others??

Whew! I finally got back into my own blog! :)

I have had to replace my computer and lost the automatic log-in! Took me awhile to figure it out.

Cl;ass update: I did ask for an extension on the midterm due date. I was able to finish three of the four essays and submitted them on time. Was in Denver over the weekend; hoping to finish the last question tonight.

New challenge: class presentations by teams of four students start this week. My group's date is Oct. 28. I can attend class this week, the 14th, but am in Dallas the 21st. That means my team needs to determine what it will do and who will do what when we meet after class tomorrow. They are very understanding, but...

So is all this added stress worth it?!

Uh, I think so. :)

Mid-term - already?

Back from a 13-day trip speaking at retreats, Covenant retirement communities and churches in California. Attempted to participate in two Wednesday classes via an Internet access called Wimba, but both 2-1/2 hour classes were a technological nightmare. If only I had time to give you details! :)

Now, in less than 48 hours I need to turn in a midterm paper.

Already?!

The test involves selecting four of five questions on their corresponding class discussions and demonstrating an understanding of the topic and integrating it into analysis of readings.

With a very tenuous grasp of the material, only able to give it my attention the day before each class, I am incredibly intimidated.

So I am taking a "comp day" tomorrow to focus solely on reviewing all the readings to date, all the class lectures and PowerPoints, and see how many questions I can complete.

If unable to do all four in such limited time, I will need to ask for an extension - which the professor has repeatedly said she will graciously grant when needed.

If unable to complete the midterm, what then? I leave Friday, back Sunday; out the following weekend; gone 20-22 to Dallas; 23-25 to Canmore; Oct. 29-Nov. 1 to San Francisco...

How to people working full time also work on master's degrees?? Just ONE class, yet...