Friday, January 16, 2009

School is in session!

School has begun!!!  Thankfully I am only taking 2 classes. I am wondering if online was the way to go? Its funny how you hear all the negatives "after" it too late! While online is convenient in some ways, there a few things you should know before hand. One is that online takes two to three times more time commitment. For example, English, I have one class of English a week. Doesnt sound too bad right? Well on top of that one day, I am expected to log in atleast 3 other times a week. How long I am online then depends on why I am there. Is it peer reponse or a chat session for an assignment. Thankfully I like English. When there are tests, I go to the college to take them. 
Then I have math. I am horrible at math. It has been about 16 yrs or more since I have had to be in school. And I did the bare minimum of math credits. Since school has started, I have been doing math atleast 3 or more hours a day! And it has only been review for the assignment I have yet to start. The program that I log into is really cool. The first time I logged in I had to finish an assessment to determine what I needed to learn to accomplish the assignment. Lets just say it was ALOT. The first assignment covers 3 chapters! Seriously? What a way to begin! 
Mark has been amazing. Because its online there is not teacher to show you anything. No lectures, no peer help, nothing. You are in charge of your own progress. Again the program is really cool. It has a pie chart to keep track of your progress. It shows you what you need to know to do your homework. You choose the order of the categories you  need to learn. That is kind of difficult. Its does not tell you which you should learn first. That has proven to be a BIG negative. There is a definite order to learning math. 
Now it seems like I have not like starting school again. But for the most part, it feels good to want to do something and act on it! I have a long way to go but less than before! For now Im going to bed! Im sure there will be more on the subject of school. Kudos to those who have gone to school while working or taking care of your family or maybe even both!!!  Time is something I no longer claim for just me. "Me" time just turned to school time. Thankfully I have a fantastic family who supports me. My kids even think its pretty cool. We shall see if it lasts.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

WOW A New Year!

So many possibilities!!!!  We are still seeing if the family is going to be able to buy our house.  I have decided to let go and let the chips fall where they may. Heavenly Father knows where we need to be. Thats good enough for me. In  about 10 days I will be starting my journey towards my Bachelors in Sonography ( Ultrasound). Im a little freaked out. I am also extremely excited! Also the first part of February, Taylor will be baptized and Cayden will be ordained a Deacon! Im so proud of my kids! 
A few things that we are hopeful for in this new year is the economy moving up. Construction is something that follows right along with wherever the economy is. I know there is some concern as to whether Mark can stay busy enough. We have felt it somewhat already but are optimistic, especially if the house sells!
I have a year and a half until I have my oldest daughter Talia driving and dating! Knowing how fast time flies, Im wishing it would slow down. Im not sure Im ready for this part of being a parent! Thankfully Talia is a smart cookie! I pray that she and I will still be close so the communication will be open between us. Teenagers can be so unpredictable.
For the most part Im excited to see what path we will take this year. With the sale of the home etc looming over us, there are so many directions open to us. Hopefully we will be patient and continue to remember we have an amazing guide to lead us along.
Happy New Year everyone!!!