It is week 10 already. I always keep count of the weeks of the semester, mainly because homework is easily managed in weekly chunks. Beyond that, however, is a psychological boost for me because I assign week 10 as my I-think-I'm-going-to-make-it week. Since the start of school and their regimented weekly schedules, there is something about this week that changes everything. For one, it is usually the first week past the final date for dropping a class. It's almost as if the students realize they will have to finish it now and for some, just relax and go with it. I'm one of those students. I know I'm locked in at this point unless something so drastic happens that I need to put the class on academic hold. It would have to be a medical or family issue as I can't think of anything else that would qualify for doing that. In any case, I know there are six weeks left in the semester and I have an idea of how I'm doing and what will be needed to finish strong.
My friend Natalie said to me the other night that I'm so much more relaxed this semester than any other she's seen me go through yet. I agreed with her, and said that it just feels different knowing it is my last semester. I know this is it and when I finish I will have done something worth while (to me, anyway) and that I did my best. I got the official word that I will be graduating with Commencement Honors and I'm absolutely thrilled with that. One of my goals in coming back to college was that not only was I going to finish my bachelor's, but I was going to excel. I really wanted to make the Dean's List, but UWM doesn't recognize part-time students for that honor. I think that really, really sucks. But, I'll settle for graduating with Honors.
I can't wait to graduate. It has been a long struggle, both for me and for Scott. We have started serious talk of building a house again, and I think he was waiting for me to finish school so that he didn't have to go it alone. I kept saying I would help, but homework comes first. But, I'll be done soon and I won't have to face several hours of homework after a day of working anymore, too. I won't miss that one bit. And, I have so many projects lined up that I don't even know where to start. I have so much cleaning and organizing to do, it feels a bit overwhelming. But, keep your fingers crossed, maybe those projects will turn into cleaning, sorting, and PACKING! We are looking at a lot that we saw months ago and are debating whether to put a bid in or not. I hope we will as it's a really nice lot and we can offer with contingencies that should prevent us from getting into a money trap. We just have to make the call. Kinda scary, but it's time. We've been looking for 10 years now. The house we are in was supposed to be a starter home, and it is, but we need something more custom for us now.
With any luck I'll be jumping from the pan of school into the fire of building a new house. Rest? I don't need no stinkin' rest.... anybody got some tape and boxes?
