Dirty dishes

So... I created this page a year ago anticipating that I could chronicle my educational journey toward my Master's degree.  Hence, Living busy, learning more.

Ask anyone,  I had the Fullest Plate.  I was spending every other week at the skatepark with Skate Chaos 4H Club, every Thursday at the fairgrounds advising the 4H county Glee Club, heading up a girl scout meeting every other week, working 3 different jobs for a total of 42 hours per week, 3 daughters at home and a husband.  I was busy and yet, to my satisfaction not TOO busy.  I mean, I like being busy.  Having a full plate means I don't have to clean it, right?  Cleaning is something I detest.  Let's organize all day!  Not cleaning!!  So if I keep busy enough, I have an excuse. Right?!

Here I am doing all these activities that frankly center around my kids.  At this point in the spring, when marching band and soccer are over, 4H is the focus.  So as we determine that not one child is interested in softball anymore, and we have other interests.  It's all good.

Here I make the leap to go for my Master's degree.  A step I've been looking at for 10 years. Finally, I have some money that gives me time to do it.  Yeah, time is money and so money gives me time.  What I mean is I quit my job(s) to take grant money and go to school with no financial impact on my family.  So who would have thought when I stepped away from so many activities I'd be so busy.  I mean, I'm barely meeting with skaters, Chris is, I'm not meeting with Glee Club at all :-( I don't have a "job."  So why is my head about to pop off my shoulders?

Once I cleared my plate, it just got fuller.  I am finishing this program soon but currently taking 3 classes, with 2 extensive group projects, assessment modules, and I teach (at least try) 60 7th graders day. All these activities and I'm struggling to keep my head above water.  Trying to tread water is more like it while I stare down the barrel of a Sweet Sixteen party, Mother's Day (yes, I have a mother too), and a high school graduate looming within 3 weeks. Job hunting, And the most difficult part is preparing for a standardized test.  A test to say I know what I should know to teach, a content test like our high school graduates are required to take.  Super!  I planned to chronicle my year's experience but have been too busy, but at this point I find it's easier to fill my plate with this activity than to sort out how to do the rest of it.