I can see the light...

The light at the end of the tunnel is FINALLY in sight. I started my executive summary for my final project tonight (what a thrilling way to spend a Friday night). Hopefully, I can complete it tommorow and also write my talking points for my final presentation, which will be part of the final project I turn in for a grade and guide my discussion with one of the Vice Chancellors and others in his office when I present in late December. If I can accomplish that tomorrow, that leaves Sunday for proofing, final formating, etc. And I'll get it sent off to my mentor by Monday, leaving time for do the homework for my other class before we hit the road.

Granted I'll need to spend some time over the Thanksgiving weekend catching up in my other class and writing a (waste of time) reaction paper for my final project class, but I'm OK with that!

It's fabulous to finally feel like I've got this project under control and that maybe, just maybe it won't be the death of me. : )

On a different note, I spent an AWESOME day with Jeremiah. I think he would have preferred that it didn't involve shots, but he was a trooper and so well behaved today. He sat perfectly for his haircut and stayed seated in the stroller while I picked out sweaters for him and me for the picture we are having taken tomorrow. We were busy people today, as you can tell, and I didn't even mention an oil change or taking his money to the bank. Can you believe the kid had $70.80 in his duck bank?

I'm going to end a great day by not working on my report too late. I need to not be exhausted tomorrow so I can plug away at it. I better go see if my hubby, who isn't feeling well, is passed out in his chair.

Have a great weekend! I plan to, even if it does involve spending a large amount of time staring at the computer. At least I have some great Christmas music on Pandora. : )

Total rambling...I better stop now.

Whining and poise

Lately, I've found myself often reminding my big, little 2-year-old that he is whining and Mommy doesn't like whining. (read it in a book - don't know if it's really working) However, after a conversations with friends the other night I was reflecting on my own whining and realizing that perhaps I needed to listen to my own warning. Whining about my school load, etc. is getting me no where. The only thing that will is buckling down and doing it and that's what I'm doing. I'm going to do my best to not complain or whine about school from now until the "Big 'ole project" is turned in on December 1. I'm also going to plan to have a nice dinner out that evening to celebrate! 'Nough said.

Now, on to poise. It's no surprise to anyone that I freak out in crisis. I did not get my father's calmness, but rather my paternal aunts' tendencies to lose all focus. However, I am proud to report that yesterday I kept my poise in the face of a little financial crisis that would have in the past sent me retreating in to worry and depression. Perhaps it's realizing that there are so many people out there in much worse circumstances. I didn't lose my job, no one is repossessing my house. We're just buying a new sewer line for Christmas - not a cheap ticket price. With poise, I made some phone calls and will methodically work through the needed steps to make this happen.

Perhaps, it's silly, but I really am proud of myself. This is BIG!

Today's blooper

I just washed a diaper. You should see how that little beady absorbent stuff can spread. Before I was done cleaning it up, I ran the rinse on the washer, shook out each piece of clothing and used the shopvac to clean up the mess.

The load of Jer's clothes are now back in the machine for round 2. I can't believe 1) I likely put the diaper in the hamper rather than the trash and 2) I didn't notice when I threw things in the washer.

All I can do is shake my head and smile about it. Amazingly enough, the diaper was still in one piece.

Pretty lame

I took the afternoon off from work to do homework. How lame is that? I will certainly be toasting the end of the semester this year!

I'm certain my husband will be even more celebratory. I'm an emotional wreck because I'm spending so much time on school work. I know I haven't been the nicest to him and probably completely unpredictable emotionally. I'm not mad at him. I'm not mad at anyone, not even myself. I just want to be done with this ridiculous project! He's heard that alot but hopefully he knows there is much more behind that statement than just the fact of finishing the course.

Better get back to data analysis.

My 15 minutes

I peeled myself from the bed just 15 minutes earlier this morning and what a difference it made! The time change assisted with this, as it is much easier for me to get up when I can see the light of day. That 15 minutes made a huge difference in my attitude to start the day. I wasn't scrambling to get out the door, I actually ate breakfast, and arrived at work when I'm supposed to! Now, I just need to keep this up. Oh - and to those that have lived with me, I should note that this little trick involved me setting an alarm that is across the room. I have to break the habitual snoozing habit, somehow.

AND, my husband is back home and lending a hand. We had a great talk over the weekend about the support I'm going to need in the next 3-4 weeks to survive my academic demands. He's on the right track with helping little J do his treatment and getting himself in the shower at a decent hour. Little does he know that he'll also be giving little J his bath tonight and possibly overseeing dinner prep depending on what time he gets home. I appreciate his help so very much!