Busy.

I'm still adjusting to a busier-than-I-thought-it-would-be fall schedule. Most of you know that I took up finishing the college degree I started at the tender age of 16 as a full on hobby after Anna Sofia was born. Though I'd taken classes here and there for the past 7 years, this is the longest time since my first stint at college - did I mention, at the tender age of 16? - that I've stuck with it this long. I always knew that "someday" I'd get back to school. Well, the past few years have been my someday and I've been happy to do it on my terms, in no particular rush, just for the fun and enrichment of it. This semester, however, is challenging to say the least because while I was taking most of my classes online, this semester I actually have to show up on a regular basis. And how! I am now clocking in 9 hours of campus time a week taking some required courses that have absolutely nothing to do with the PhD in Underwater Basket Weaving I am seeking. (that is a joke) (mostly) 9 hours of face time doesn't sound like much but, let me tell you, when you're adding that to 3 kids' busy-ish schedules, co-managing a household and still having time for self it can throw you for a loop. Especially when there are nights and weekends involved. It just worked out that way. Such is life! Sometimes complicated, always fascinating. Of course, it helps that I do this entirely by choice, at my leisure, with the encouragement and support (in all ways imaginable) of my amazingly, wonderful husband. (MAWM) (That's for you, JK! lol)

So, if you don't see me around these parts much, then you'll know why. In fact, you won't see me in October at all save for some purty pictures you've probably seen before organized in a new fun way.

Suddenly I'm reminded of a bookmark Ma Mere had when she was completing her Master's when I was 12 years old. It had a picture of a chimpanzee laying upside down on a pile of books and it read:

Now I lay me down to rest

a pile of books upon my chest

if I should die before I wake

that's one less test I have to take.

I loved that bookmark. But I won't kid you, those were some dark times. After many, MANY separations, my parents were officially divorced for the first time that year. Ma Mere worked full time while raising 7 children, 4 of whom were still living at home and managed to finish her Master's in one year at the top of her class. I felt alone, scared and forgotten a lot that year. The sadness and hardship permeating our family hung in the air thickly. However, as an adult, I'd sacrifice that one year of my life all over again and then some just to have the privilege of having a Mother whom I love, cherish and admire. If I manage to become half the woman she is today, I will be successful beyond my wildest dreams. She is my greatest inspiration.

Comments

[Sandi P.]

Hey Nino! Wow -- you amaze me more and more every. single. day! If you weren't an inspiration to me before, this post definitely puts the icing on the cake. I had no idea you were (currently as well as in the past three years) pursuing your degree. You go girl!

One day, I will get back into the swing of college life (maybe once my oldest does so?), but until then, I will live vicariously through you.

And the paragraph you wrote of Ma Mere...made me cry big sloppy tears!

You may not be "around" much, but I'm always thinking of you and your beautiful family!

[Rebekah]

Well, we will miss you while you are "gone", but we sure do love your beautiful pictures. 9 hours of class is a lot! That's only about one class less than I took in college most of the time, actually. Especially when one hour of class time equals two hours of homework. Plus 3 kids, a husband, Charlie Brown and a home? Yeah, that is BUUUUSY! But you are going to be just fine, my friend. Excellent, even!

What are you getting your degree in? Other than being fantastic, I mean. ;)

[Jennifer]

Awww...the internet will be a lot lonlier without you! But I get it...good luck with your classes!

[jean]

holy cow, now im really convinced you are a superwoman :) i have no doubt you will breeze through it, and have fun along the way.
love your mother's bookmark. and your relationship with her -- just enviable!

[Sandi P.]

I swear, Nino. You inspire me more and more with each new post. If I weren't amazed by you before now, this entry definitely put the icing on the cake. I had no idea you have been taking classes towards your bachelor's degree for the last three years!

A beautiful mother of three daughters, a doting wife, and a college student to boot? I'm greatly impressed!!

And that last paragraph -- made me cry big sloppy tears!

[Andie]

I love your mom too just from reading this. One of best gifts I recieved from becoming a mother myself was seeing my own mother in a new light. Looking back and seeing how well she managed under the cirmcumstances is heroic indeed.
Hugs,
a.

[Kelly]

Sooooooooooooooooooo proud of you and love you so much.

YOU wow me!!!!!!

[Irene]

I'm just so proud of you, of everything you manage to achieve while raising three BEAUTIFUL girls.

and I love your mere too.

[Hannah&boys]

Good luck with it sweets. Keep us informed as to how you're going.

[Sandra]

Ooohh! i do so wanna go back to school too...wanna be a professional student but am not doing it in any other language than English - so that's on a back-burner till later... know that i'm rooting for you - go go ... yes it will be a little crazy ... but go go go gal! & i'm inspired by you & your MaMere too.