Halfway

This week I begin the second half of my first semester back at school. It has been challenging and stressful but full of excitement and wonder as I learn new things and surprise myself at how great I can be as a student. The first time didn't go so well. I'm taking 9 units. Listed in order of favorites, I've got Survey of Music Lit & History, Nutrition and Child Development. All interesting topics, one not so interesting teacher, although as the semester progresses I'm more and more amused by her quirks and disorganization. Plus, I've got my lil sis, Stevie in that class with me. Some people may wonder if I'm her mother although I don't think most have put it together that we're related. It's really fun having her with me. On another musical note, I recently emailed Dr. Bowman. He is retired from CSUC music faculty and was my teacher from middle school into college. I did lessons with him during my pregnancy with Cooper and then had to stop when I had the baby because I could no longer swing the heavy(but absolutely worth it) cost of lessons from someone so amazing. Anyhow, I emailed him just to check in and update him on my life. I was really excited for him to know I'd gone back to school. He responded and offered me lessons again. I won't spill the whole story but he is being very generous in giving me lessons and is helping me tremendously in preparing me for auditions into the Sac State music program when I'm able to transfer. My music history professor at ARC, has mentioned a few opportunities to me as well. She leads the orchestra and is very involved in musical theater. So, when I mentioned to her that I do a decent amount of accompanying at church but wish it was more challenging she said she'd like me to work with her from time to time as an accompanist for musicals. She's going to pass the script and music along to me for next years big project to see if I can make it work. I honestly don't know that I can commit to something that big but I'm feeling very motivated to make sure my performance ability is up to par for it. If my schedule doesn't allow it, I'm ok with that. The kids are also busy with school work. I think they've now gotten used to me being checked out for part of the evening while I'm studying. Often we do our homework together. Spencer is itching for me to have a math class or something that I'll need him to help me with. I'm pretty sure I'm going to bump up to full time next semester. I would really love to get this done. The biggest challenge is balance. School itself isn't too bad. If you saw the state of my home you might cry for my family. My bedroom looks like a hoarder has taken over. Well, I guess that's what did happen. And, the laundry is piled higher than ever. My cupboards are almost always bare. I run to the store to get just what I need to get by for that day and maybe the next because I don't have 2 hours to dedicate to proper shopping and putting away groceries. I've gained some weight....ughhh....because I'm eating and drinking at night to keep me up late enough to finish my homework. (Diet Pepsi is as crazy as I get) It bugs me that my house is a wreck but to be honest I'm so flipped out happy to be in school that it makes the down side better for me. Just don't be offended if I don't invite you in for a visit. ;) Better sign off, gotta get ready for Spencer's soccer game and prepare for my nutrition test I have to take tonight. Have a great weekend!!