nail-biting

Today I've been beating myself up over things...like the fact that I supposedly missed the "drop with a full refund" period at the community college by less than 7 hours, and they will only refund 60% of my tuition for two courses...and that 40% is quite significant. I've been trying to do everything I can to stay on top of things, but it's been hard. I sent them an email explaining the situation and hope to hear back, although I'm not expecting anything. It is frustrating. I have been trying to find places to live in Philadelphia but no one will show an apartment until later on this summer. I am moving in less than two weeks. All of this is very complicated and I'll be happy when it's over. I'm trying to look on the bright side, but my stomach has been in knots all day.

A&P I is officially over and done with, which is a relief. Because I dropped the aforementioned classes, I have until June 21 to "relax," after I grade papers and pack up my life at school.

Haven't done too much for the wedding. I've been looking at dresses online and have a few that I like. The most important thing for me is that the dress is comfortable, classy, and doesn't cost a huge amount of money--I just have a personal problem with spending tons and tons of money on a wedding. I would rather put it toward our life after the wedding day itself. I think things just spiral out of control and suddenly people are spending money on things that guests won't notice or care about, and neither will the couple. We have our church, venue, and date, which are the most important things to us. Our bridal parties have been chosen and everyone has happily accepted. I want to keep in the forefront that this wedding is a celebration of Tim and me and we are blessed to have such wonderful families and friends.

So I am trying to put the worries aside. I've been taking the "day by day" mentality. Otherwise, things quickly become too overwhelming. I am attempting to focus on all that I do have--my fiance, my job (for the moment), upcoming career change, the summer, my health, friends, family, a home. It may sound trivial and Mooney-ish (people who work with me understand that allusion), but it's what is getting me through right now. I am a creature of habit and I resist change. I just hope that I am making the right decisions as I storm into the summer.

photo from http://boomerwellness.files.wordpress.com

education

Today I arrived at work and found out that the great state of Maryland does not have any of my certification materials. So that means I will be paying to resubmit forms, pay more money, and waste more time in the land that is educational bureaucracy. All for a piece of paper that says I'm able to teach English (something that I've been doing for the past three years).

Students are ready for the end of the year, which means they are not able to hand things in on time. Usually, I receive pieces of paper that have been lying in car trunks for months. That and a whole lot of excuses from both parents and kids. Do parents actually believe they can make these excuses for kids in college, or in real life? I try to make my work as meaningful as possible because I hate "busy work." But I'm starting to hate excuses more.

My "online" courses actually require me to test in Maryland. I am moving in less than three weeks: first to Massachusetts and then to Pennsylvania. Which means I am dropping these "online" courses and signing up for courses in Massachusetts--three accelerated courses in less than 2 months. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it, I suppose.

Moral of the story: It's no wonder so many people have difficulty teaching or pursing formal education.

photo from gallery.ca

changes

Alas, I knew that this year would be busy when I started this blog. I had no idea quite how crazy it would be.

I am leaving my teaching position and going back to school full-time to study occupational therapy in the fall. It has been a very difficult decision, complete with blood, sweat, and tears, but I think that it's a good one. Next week is my last week of teaching. It doesn't seem possible.

The other big piece of news is that Tim proposed on May 8. It was thoughtful and sweet, and we are both very happy. We are looking at an August 2011 wedding on the Cape. The above picture is from Kate Spade, posted on snippet & ink, a great wedding website.

Lots of changes, lots to look forward to!