School Daze

So here it is, folks: my view for the next few months. :)

I close the door in the office and study, study, study, write, write, write. I am really enjoying school! It's more challenging than I thought it would be, and I'm learning more than I thought I would learn, and all of that is super exciting. After reading in one textbook about the author's opinion of what makes a natural teacher (and how everyone else can become more like them), I think I've figured out that I am a natural teacher already ~ and it makes me so excited to learn as much as I can this semester and then begin my new career!!

Most of my schoolwork is done online. Basically, I'm writing three papers a week - one for each of three classes at the moment - and to prepare for each paper I've got lots of reading and pondering and working through ideas to do. Then after we write our papers we are to post them online where all the other students (and teachers, obviously) can access them... and then we write substantial peer responses for three other students' papers for each assignment -- equaling nine peer responses each week! It is mentally exhausting, but I'm getting into the swing of things, and my confidence is building. I can't imagine how others get through this who have full-time jobs and/or kids. It's almost a full-time job for me.

And how's my back? Much, much better!! I can move almost completely normally now. I can even put on my own socks and shoes! Although, two months later, I'm still not pain-free. I had x-rays done which indicated that I have a degenerative disc. Hmph. The orthopedist said it's not bad enough to get surgery, but she says I will never be completely without pain in my lower spine. Well, we'll see about that. I plan to fight that diagnosis with exercise (directed by my physical therapist) and supplements. And prayer, of course. :)