Oops!

I am the type of person that admits my mistakes.  It may not always be the smartest move, but I at least have a clear conscience.

I admit- I completely forgot the MAIN rule of our narrative composition essay assignment.  I whipped out a quick rough draft that I was pretty happy with.  The more time that went by, I felt that I had missed the point of the piece.  It is to be based around one moment.  I felt that my one moment was kind of missed and I was sure that I could do it better if I re-wrote it.  Completely forgetting the half hour to hour time limit, I started over.  It wasn't until I saw the notice posted that people who went over the hour time limit would be penalized that I realized my error.  Ah, I am so glad that we can learn from our mistakes!  Yes, I will likely get points off, but I accept that because I deserve it.  I will also ensure that I will do better next time.

This assignment has been difficult for me.  I really am having a difficult time writing details.  I have just been so consumed with medical details that I forgot about life details at some point.  This has really made me look at things in a different way, but I still feel a little lost.  What made this paper more challenging was the 600-800 word limit.  The tutor that reviewed my paper suggested including more details, anecdotes and stories.  My paper was at 768 words when I turned it into the tutor.  I saw the advice and somewhat panicked.  How can I do that with so few precious words left to use?  I have spent the past two days pondering my paper.  I have made some revisions, however I do not feel that they are enough.  I am at a stop, not knowing what I should do next.

Again I have to laugh because when I was in high school, while I did not mind doing well, I certainly did not strive to do well.  I really was a terrible student.  Suddenly, school is all that I think about.  While I am definitely being challenged as a student, person, parent, and employee, I am actually enjoying this.  I am even kind of glad that I waited until now.  Here I am, I just turned 37 only six days into my first semester ever of college.  And I am ready to take on the world.  From the kid that couldn't stick to anything to a woman that has been working for the same company since 1995, I am happy that the time is now.   Am I overwhelmed?  A little bit, but it is getting easier every day.  I think that if I can get through this semester, I can do anything.  I am praying that I can do this with the strength, wisdom, and knowledge of the good Lord with me at all times, for I know that I can do all things through Him.  This is His plan for me, and I will complete it in faith for Him.  Now if only I can do well enough to possibly get into medical school.  While I don't think I want to be an actual doctor anymore, it would be nice to have the option in a few years.  :)

Oh, how I love a good exclamation point!

Oh, I really do love exclamation points.  Yes, I am often rather excited, so I tend to use them quite often.  I suppose the question to ask myself would be, how do I make a sentence sound exciting without the use of an exclamation point?  I do believe that I will have to make this one of my goals. 

I also take issue with commas, but in a different way.  Try as I may, when I read about proper comma placement in punctuation, it just never seems to stick.  I often feel as though I overuse commas.  I have read through quite a bit of the chapter, but apparently I need to read through a few more times.  I actually printed it, wasting a LOT of ink the way that it printed.  I suspect it was my view that caused it to go awry.  If I could copy and paste it into a PDF or Word document I would be overjoyed!  Alas, that is not to be. 

After messing up several things this week, not being quite as organized as I would have liked, and feeling like I need another twenty hours added to my average day, I feel as though I am at least making a decent start.  No, I don't think that I will ever study enough to satisfy me, and I really wish that I could remember some more of my math skills, but it is a start.  I love new beginnings!  The week has been filled with chaos, frustration, rage, happiness, peace, and love.  New beginnings are not supposed to come easily, are they?  I would hope not.  Would it really be as much fun if it were easy?  I think not.  I am certain that in another week or two I will be able to feel as I did on Tuesday.  "I've got this."  I may not become an "A" student overnight, but I will certainly try!  In the meantime, I will do the best that I can to learn from my mistakes. 

Revelations

I realized two things last night. Number one is that, like at work, I don't think that I will ever feel like I've studied enough. I was such a terrible student when I was young. I love that I want this so badly that I could not work hard enough to satisfy myself. I will have to find a balance with family and relaxation, though.

I also realize how spoiled I have been. As a blogger that writes about medical stuff and events that are close to my heart, I realize how little I have had to use my imagination to write. I write often, I write to vent, I write to make sense of things. I cannot remember the last time that I wrote a story or poem. I have not really had to be descriptive or think about word choice for a very long time. That makes me appreciate more having to write stories that are out of my comfort zone.

Off to bed now. I worked an 8 hour day and studied for 5. Math is my true nemesis, but it will not beat me!!!

First post!

This blog has been created to practice writing skills.  There are specific rules that I need to work on, the first of which is to avoid using "I"!  This may prove to be difficult for me.  I often write in the first person in my primary blog.  

Today has been a bit overwhelming.  As my first attempt at schooling in many years, there is a LOT to absorb.  There are pages upon pages of text to read, as well as homework to do.  It is rather exciting!  Stressful, yes, but exciting nonetheless!  My family is excited as well, but that is mixed with a bit of worry.  They will certainly be supportive, though the little ones do love to talk and forget that some people are working.  We have had so many changes over the last few years, but we really needed some positive changes.  This new path will help them eventually.  And perhaps they will develop better study habits themselves.  Not to mention all of the reasons that this is good for me!