3 weeks in

This is the third week of the semester and it feels more like it should be at least midterm by now.  All four of my classes are quite intense.  I feel like I'm spending every spare second I have watching lectures, reading a textbook, taking a quiz, researching for a paper, writing a paper, or reading and participating in online discussions.  Two of my four classes are taught by the same professor.  I've had her before and she is very demanding and has very high expectations, which is a good thing but definitely makes my life a bit more busy.  She is also very big on group projects.  So, this semester I will be doing three large group projects which all include research and papers.  I've never done group work for my online or distance classes before, so this will be interesting. 
So far I'm keeping up with everything.  Let's hope I can maintain that and still get the laundry done.  =) 

Financial Aid

It's just about time for the spring semester to start and I'm faced with the same dilemma that I find myself encountering every semester.  I rely on financial aid to pay for my classes.  I mostly use federal PELL grants and student loan money to pay tuition and buy my books.  While I am immensely grateful that these programs exist and that I qualify for them (because let's face it, school is ridiculously expensive!), I get really annoyed with the timing of the distribution.  My financial aid hits my USU account one week before classes start.  Then whatever is left over after paying my tuition and fees is direct deposited into my checking account.  The problem is that it isn't deposited until around the first day of class.  So what's the problem?  Textbooks.  That's the problem.  As a distance education student it's not like I can just run to the bookstore on the first day of class and pick up what I need.  I have to order my textbooks online and wait for them to be delivered.  In order to save money, I usually rent as many textbooks as I can instead of buying them all and this means that they're usually sent from farther away than if I ordered them from the bookstore in Logan.  What does all this add up to?  Well, it usually means I'm a week or so behind on reading or assignments for my classes unless I have one of the few very understanding professors who will post the first weeks' reading online for those of us who haven't gotten our books yet. 
Why don't I just buy or rent my books before my financial aid gets here and then use that to reimburse myself?  Well, I just don't have a few hundred dollars laying around for just such an occasion.  I really wish I did. 
Anyway, so that's my frustration of the day.  I just hope I have four understanding professors who will be willing to work with me for the first week or two of class.

Enjoying a break

Well, fall semester is over and done with.  I came out with A's in both of my courses.  I'm all registered for spring semester.  Classes start on the 9th of January, so I still have another week until I have to dig in.  I'm still feeling a bit apprehensive and anxious about the next semester, but I'm also eager to get started. I'll be taking Current Issues in Family Life Studies, Family Culture and Diversity, Teenage Development, and Families and Social Policy.  It's going to be a heavy semester, but it also promises to be really interesting and engaging.
 For now, I'm trying to focus on relaxing during the break and taking some time to get things done around the house and also to spend time with my family. 

This poor blog I created has  been quite neglected lately.  It is now almost the end of fall semester.  My two classes have been uncharacteristically easy for me, which has been nice.  I just hope it doesn't translate into total overload once my much heavier spring semester comes along.  Due to some changes in the semesters that certain classes are being offered, I've had to change my graduation plans.  I was planning on graduating in December of next year, 2012 and only taking 2 or 3 classes per semester in an effort to achieve that ever elusive "balance" in life.  But now if I did that, I wouldn't be able to graduate until spring semester 2013.  So I've decided to buckle down and get this degree finished in August of 2012. 
In order to do that, I'll be taking four classes spring semester and three classes summer semester.  It's going to be a whole lot of work.  I've taken three classes before, but I've never made the jump to full time with that fourth class.  I'm a bit nervous about how I'll do.  I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my school work and I hate to get anything less than an 'A'.  It's definitely going to be a stressful and busy nine months. 

Fall Semester

Well, my fall classes are now in full swing.  So far, so good.  I love that I'm not feeling completely overwhelmed.  I definitely did the right thing by downsizing to 2 classes.  My family finance class is interesting and promises to be something I can definitely use in my everyday life.  I like my persuasive writing class as well.  It's a blend of debate, research, and writing skills. 
The kids are back in school now too.  So I try to get my school work done in the morning or early afternoon so that I'm free to make sure they get their homework and reading done.  I do still have one child at home, but luckily she's great at entertaining herself for a little while so that I can get things done. 
It's looking like it's going to be a nice, calm semester.  Just what I need. 

Goodbye Summer Semester!

Summer semester is officially over!  I can't tell you how thrilled I am about that.  I finished up all my exams and assignments last Saturday at 4:30am.  Then we left late that night for a family camping trip to Oregon.  It was so nice to have all my school work finished before we left so that I could just relax and enjoy. 
I feel like I did pretty well in my classes.  Final grades aren't posted yet, but I'm pretty sure I'll have two A's and a B.  The B will likely be in statistics.  As much as I loathed environmental chemistry, I think I got an A, maybe an A-.  
So I'm finally taking my own advice and slowing things down a bit.  I know I said that at the end of spring semester, but this time I mean it.  Since January, I have been taking 3 classes each semester.  I have been stressed out, tired, a bit moody, and insanely busy ever since.  So I am only taking 2 classes this fall, Family Finance and Research Writing with a Persuasive Emphasis.  Scaling back by one class per semester will only delay my graduation by one semester.  So I figured I'd rather graduate with my sanity intact and my family taken care of. 
Fall semester starts August 29th.  I'm really looking forward to having the next 2 weeks to breathe. 

I see the light at the end of the summer semester tunnel!

I realize that I haven't really made good use of this blog.  I don't update it as often as I had initially intended to.  But I do like having a place specifically for all my education related musings, rants, questions, etc. 
The summer semester is finally winding down.  By that I mean that it's almost over.  The workload has done nothing but increase.  We're going on a family vacation during finals week, so I'm scrambling and cramming to get everything finished and turned in and all my tests taken by next Friday.  I didn't think that this would be too difficult because finals week usually just consists of one exam per class.  But for some reason, two of my three professors have deemed it appropriate to have several assignments during that week in addition to our exams. 
So, more for my benefit than yours, here is the breakdown of everything I have to get done in the next 9 days:

• For Psych Statistics----luckily my professor is very straightforward and sensible.  I've already completed all of the assignments, including the one that's not due until next week.  She's posting our take home test this Friday and then the proctored portion of the exam is available next Friday, just in time.  The take home will be the most time consuming and requires a few hours at the distance education center in Salt Lake to complete.  I plan to have it finished by next Tuesday or Wednesday so I have time to study for the proctored portion.
• For Environmental Chemisty---This one really kind of irritates me.  We usually have one set of chapter problems per week, but for some reason my professor decided to have two sets of chapter problems due during finals week as well as our final exam. So I have three sets of chapter problems to complete and I have two exams to finish by next Friday.  He just posted Exam #2 yesterday and said that when I email him that I'm ready, he'll post the final for me.  His exams consist of 2 very extensive essays as well as an analysis and report on an article from a popular news source.  Here's an example of one of my essay questions:      

 Starting with a brief description of the ‘spheres’ on earth (e.g.,
atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, etc.) describe the chemical cycle of
one of the nutrient or micronutrient elements. Be sure to answer the following in your
description
 How does how the molecular identity of the element changes in space and/or time? Be sure to make the distinction between organic and mineral forms of the element.
How does sunlight influence the chemistry?
 What influence does oxygen have on the oxidation state?
 What are typical species found on the surface? How does speciation change with environment?
 Describe at least two mechanisms for interaction between the ‘spheres.’
Incorporate equations, e.g., Henry’s Law, where possible, pointing out what each term in the equation means, and how the equation is used to model the environment. What are the main transportation mechanisms in the air, soils and in water?
 How, if anyway, is man influencing the role of this element?
 Speculate how understanding the natural cycle may help understand pollution chemistry.
Yes, that is all one question.   I find that each question takes about 4 to 5 pages to answer thoroughly and if you don't answer it all thoroughly, you don't get the points for it. 

• For Middle Childhood Development---We have weekly discussions we have to read and contribute to.  During finals week, the professor wants us to watch a movie depicting middle childhood, something like 'The Sandlot' or 'Stand By Me' and write up an analysis of examples of different theories of middle childhood development that we saw in the movie as well as any textbook cases of various developmental stages that were shown.  In addition to this, I have one more observation paper to write.  This requires me to carry out one of her listed activities with a set of school-aged children and analyze the results in a 5+ page paper.  

I'm still not sure how I'm going to get it all done.  But, on the bright side, in 10 days it will all be over and I'll be enjoying my 3 week break before fall semester.  I'll just take a deep breath, order some pizza for dinner, pour myself a tall, icy glass of diet Coke and get to it!

Is it just me, or does having 3 psych stats exams within 30 days sound like a bit much to anyone else?  I'm just saying. 

Seriously, Chemistry is Frying my Brain!

So this week is my first exam in my environmental chemistry class.  The good news is that it is an at home, non-proctored exam and is open book, open anything.  The bad news is that it consists of doing research and writing 4 separate essays.  I emailed the professor today to ask how long he wants these essays to be, because the questions that he poses could easily be 3-5 page research papers and I'm not sure how to condense it all down into an "essay".  I haven't heard back yet. 
I started the first one today and it's just exhausting.  I think it's because I have absolutely no interest in the subject matter.  The test is due next Tuesday, which wouldn't be a problem except that we've decided to take an impromptu camping trip this weekend.  Nate has a rare three days off in a row, so we thought we'd take advantage of it.  We're leaving early tomorrow and will get back on Sunday.  So I guess my Monday and Tuesday will be fabulous cramming days finishing up this test.  Hooray! 
I can't wait for this semester to be over.  I'm usually such a stickler for getting A's, but with this class there will be rejoicing in the land if I can at least pass it.  Eight weeks.   Eight weeks.

Writing yet another paper that feels pointless

I have a paper due this weekend that I have been putting off for a few weeks.  Why? Partly because procrastinating is something that I'm really good at and I think that I sort of crave that little bit of drama that comes with getting things done at the last minute, but mostly because it just feels like a pointless assignment. 
It's for my middle childhood development class.  It's a library paper.  I have to use the university's online library system to do a series of searches and find an article, any article as long as it as to do with middle childhood. I have to document every search I do, which keywords I use, how many results I get, etc. Then I have to pick an article and write a review about it.  My professor says that the purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate that we know how to look up a scholarly article on the library's database.  Here's what irks me.  This is an upper division class!  If you don't know how to look up a peer-reviewed journal article on a subject that you're interested in, you really should go back to your freshman year and retake that library class that they make you take or the research class that we've all taken already in order to get to this class. 
Yes, I feel like this assignment is a waste of my time.  I can find an article in one search, but she wants us to do at least 4 and document what we learned with each search.  Seriously?! 
Anyhoo, thanks for letting me get that off my chest.  Guess I'll get back to reviewing the article that I found in my first search and then did three more "searches" for just so I could put in on my search log.  I really don't think I'm going to have 5 pages worth of things to write on what I learned from doing this assignment.  Oh well, I'm sure I'll come up with something so that I can please the professor and get that 'A'.

I should have listened to my gut.

Summer semester is only 3 weeks along and I'm already feeling burned out and overwhelmed.  I should have taken my own advice and either taken the summer off or just taken two classes instead of three. 
Oh, and my chemistry class is of the devil!  That is all. 

Getting in the Swing of Things

This is the second week of the summer semester and all my classes are in full swing.  I can already tell that environmental chemistry is going to be my least favorite.  The lectures are insanely long.  We're talking 3-4 hours worth of lectures for each chapter.  I just can't stay interested in chemistry for that long.  It's just not in me!  My goal for this class is simply to pass, hopefully with at least a B. 
My psychological stats class is pretty easy so far because it's just reviewing things I learned last semester in intro to stats.  I'm pretty confident that as long as I keep up with the pace and watch the lectures, I'll do well.  She's a good teacher and explains things really well. 
As for middle childhood, I think it will be really interesting.  Right now the professor is having some technical difficulties, so a lot of the course content isn't posted.  She's just got us doing the reading and discussions and working on a library assignment that is due next week. 
I made it through my first week without missing any deadlines and I've figured out the schedules for the classes.  Chemistry is due on Wednesdays, stats on Tuesdays, and middle childhood is due on Fridays.  My two girls got sick over the weekend.  So in between playing nurse and hauling around my clingy 2 year old I've been trying to listen to lectures, do my reading, and remember how to convert parts per million to molarity. 
So far, so good. 

My 5 day break and Jumping Back In

I'm thrilled to report that I received 200/200 on my stats exam and 98/100 on my development and aging exam!  I love ending the semester strong.  I earned A's in all three of my spring semester classes.

Since summer semester starts today, I only had a few days off in between.  I wish I could say that I used the time to get something grand accomplished such as my spring cleaning or some big project or something, but I mostly did the opposite.  I used the time to do absolutely nothing!  I read a book that was NOT a text book, and enjoyed spending time with my kids and husband.

I dug right into my summer semester classes today.  I'm taking PSYCH 2800--Statistics in Psychology, FCHD 3520--Children in the Middle Years, and CHEM 3650---Environmental Chemistry.  It's going to be an interesting semester.  The first two classes are required for my major and the chemistry class fulfills a depth requirement that the university has set for undergraduate degrees.  I'm most worried about the chemistry class.  I've never been very good at the sciences and I took CHEM1010 a long time ago.
So, that's whats happening in my neck of the woods.  Wish me luck!

One more down.

Well, I did it. I survived spring semester.  I took my finals on Tuesday.  I don't have my final grades yet, but I'm confident that I did well.  This marks the end of my 3rd semester and one entire year of classes.  Now I have a little break until Monday when summer semester begins. 
I went against my own advice and registered for 3 classes again this summer.  Mostly because I just want to get done with my degree as soon as possible.  My goal is to graduate in December 2012.  If I take 3 classes per semester through next summer and then do my senior capstone project in the Fall of 2012, I should make it. 
So the line-up for this summer is....
Environmental Chemistry
Statistics in Psychology
Children in the Middle Years

I know, right?  You're all wishing you could join me in my madness.  I took a peek online and my Environmental Chemistry class is up and running.  I read through the syllabus and introduction, but I'm not letting myself get started on the coursework until Monday.  I need and deserve a few days sans schoolwork. Besides, that's the class I'm most worried about so I'm really not too enthusiastic about jumping in. 
I'll post my final grades as soon as I get them.  But for now I'm just reveling in the joy of one more semester down and 5 more to go. 

My Support Staff

I just had to post about how wonderful and supportive my husband is with my schooling.  This week has been a good example.  I had a few hundred pages to read this week, an exam to take, a short paper to write, lectures to watch, and a 7 page paper to write for my adult development class.  Let's just say that on Monday I was feeling more than overwhelmed. 
I managed to get almost everything done by yesterday afternoon.  When Nate came home from work he asked if I'd gotten my paper done yet.  It was the last thing I had to do and I had hardly started on it.  He immediately informed me that he was going to make dinner so that I could get to work. 
I was expecting macaroni and cheese or something equally as simple and quick, but my fabulous husband proceeded to whip up a delicious made from scratch meal.  We had lemon chicken with rice and a homemade pound cake with lemon icing for dessert.  I'm not gonna lie.  It was better than what I was going to make.  =) He even cleaned up the kitchen afterward. 
I'm so grateful for a husband who doesn't hesitate to jump in and help out when I need it.  There's no way I could do all this on my own.

Ace!

I just got my results back for my latest Adult Development & Aging exam.  Can you say 100%?!  I'm lovin' it!  Top that with the fact that I just finished my shortest and easiest stats module of the semester and today is a good school day.  Two more weeks!

What are you going to do with that?

When people first find out that I'm going to school I usually get three questions.
1) What's your major?

2) When you will be finished?

3) What are you going to do with that?

My major is Family Life Studies, I will be done in approximately 2 years (I decided to go back to 2 classes per semester), and I really hate question number 3.
I didn't go back to school with some lofty career goal in mind. I really didn't go back to school with any goal in mind other than to learn and to get my ever elusive bachelor's degree.
I'm a stay at home mom and I love being home with my kids.  For me, getting a college education was always just a given.  It was non-negotiable and I was well on my way until the man of my dreams interrupted me and we got married and started having babies!  (side note: I love my husband and my babies to death and I in no way harbor any ill feelings towards them for detouring me on my educational path.  They simply educated me in an entirely different way which has molded me into who I am now.) 
Now the stars have just aligned in a way that allows me to finish a degree online while still being a stay at home mom.  So what am I planning to do with my degree?  I plan to frame that sucker, put it on my wall, and use all my new found knowledge to make my life and the lives of my family better.  Whether that will include working full-time or simply applying the things that I learn to my own life, relationships, financing, etc. remains to be seen.  I'll cross that bridge when I get there.  So until then.....just don't ask. 

Getting Ahead

So, I've posted before about how my statistics modules are due on Wednesdays and I usually spend Monday and Tuesday cramming them in, right?  Well, I'm happy to report that I finally learned my lesson and got a head start on my stats work this week.  I finished it all up this morning and even did all my reading, discussions, and my quiz for my economics class as well.  It's a nice feeling. 
I figure I'll finish up my adult development and aging work by Wednesday and then get a jump on my next stats module as well.  It's definitely better than cramming it in at the last minute. I think I remember things better this way too without having to get through it as fast as possible. 
So here's to a week with a slower pace!  Hopefully I can stick with it and can the procrastinating for good!

Walmart Video Assignment

This week is officially spring break, but I thought I'd get a jump on a couple of assignments.  For my economics class, I had to watch this video about Walmart an write my reaction to it.  After watching this movie, my heart is breaking for all the people who have endured hardships in the name of Walmart profits.  I'd always heard that their practices weren't perfectly ethical, but I had no idea how bad it really is.
Take the time and watch it.   Click Here to be linked to the movie. It will open your eyes. 
 

Stats Midterm

I got my midterm back for my statistics class.  I got a 98!  Oh Happy Day!