View from the Empire State Building
I went to New York City! But this blog actually isn’t about that.
I’ve been back about a week, but haven’t been in the mindset to blog about anything. Most importantly, I had some much needed catch-up time with the husband and kids. But I’ve also been a bit stressed and thinking about things and my mind was too all over the place to write about it all but I’ve talked with a couple good friends (a HUGE thank you for listening to my craziness!) and I think I’m a bit more centered now and I can actually manage to get some thoughts out that make sense. Uh… well, maybe anyway. Reading back over this paragraph, I’m doubtful. Oh well, let’s proceed.
You see, the thing is… I decided to go back to college. I intend to get my Associate’s in Radiology Technology. And since it’s been about 12 years since I’ve gone to college and I only ever completed one semester, I’ll be pretty much starting back at the beginning (I haven’t taken my placement test though so we’ll see what I can skip. I don’t have super high expectations for myself. It turns out you just get dumber as you get older. It’s crap!)
So I’m facing new things. I’m facing being the 30 year old in classes full of 18 year olds. I’m facing having to actually pay for school and for daycare while I’m in school. I’m facing two or three years of getting my general requirements. After that I’m facing half-moving to Elko for a couple of years once I get accepted into the Radiology program because all the classes and clinic hours have to be completed there from what I understand.
Yes, I am a bit stressed, a bit nervous. But I’m ready to do this. It’s something that I’ve always talked about doing and I kept saying I’d wait til the kids were in school the full day but… why wait? Other women can have kids and full time jobs AND still manage to go to school.. so why can’t I, when all I do is sit at home anyway?
So, there’s that.
NYC was beyond awesome. Had the best food, saw the coolest things, and I want to move there effective immediately. Honestly I can’t even really say that much about it because whatever I say won’t do it justice. I am so glad I went, it was the best vacation EVER.
Also, my friend Denise? I already knew I loved her from talking online/on the phone but meeting her in person re-confirmed that. I still have some people that react negatively when they hear I’m meeting/have met “online friends”. I prefer to think of it this way: when you live in a town, especially a small town, your ‘pool’ of people to draw friends from is pretty limited. (Not saying that there aren’t awesome people here because there totally are. Just… interests and personalities differ.) But when you have pretty much the whole WORLD of people to interact with, the chances you’ll find someone whose personality meshes perfectly with yours is much greater.
So, I had a great time in NYC but I realized that I am not a very independent person and I hate that about myself. I thought a lot (especially on the plane ride because what else is there to do other than breathe the same air as other people and drink tiny plastic cups of ice water) and came to the conclusion that I need to stop talking or dreaming about becoming the person I want to be and actually DO something about it.
As trite as it sounds: YOU GO, GIRL!!
I’m so proud of you, Rach! I know it seems hard, and I will guarantee, it will be hard at times. I decided to go back and do it myself and in one month, I will finally graduate with my masters. I think what makes it amazing is I did it through the hardest of circumstances…a failing economy, being pregnancy, having an over-active toddler, and being broke as can be. When I stand up to be hooded next month, I will do it knowing all that had to overcome, and that my friend, makes it worth so much more.
You will rock, you will be amazing, you will soar! I am so proud of you! If you ever need a kick in the butt along the way…just let me know and I’ll give it to you. Annoyingly over-supportive support groups are the best!
Thought provoking and well said! Make a copy of your blog and put in your purse. When it gets overwhelming, pull it out, take a breath and read. Because no matter what you do life gets overwhelming at times. This will help you keep your eye on the prize! I cheering for you!
Go, Rachel! You can do it. I believe in you.
People thought I was nuts for inviting a “stranger” into my house. Explained time and time again that you weren’t a stranger! We really had become friends through twitter, gchat, phone calls and texts! I am so happy you came and I really had a blast. You are welcome any time
I am so proud of you for going back to college. I know how hard it is, but I also know the huge reward when you are done. You are so smart and lovely that I know you will do great!!!
Good for you! I recently went back to college too. I’m the 37 year old in a room full of 18 year olds. It was scary at first, and it makes life super hectic since I also work full time too, but I know in the end it will be worth it. I should graduate with my BS in Legal Studies in about a year if all goes according to plan.
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Kick ACE! That’s an excellent idea. power to you for going back – and forget those dumbass kids in class, you’re way cooler than they’ll ever be!
Vicki @ Crowning Victoria´s last blog ..Hebrew Shebrew
Hi Rachel. I can’t believe that I have just stumbled across your web site! This is Erica, used to be Clark. I would ask how you are, but I just learned all about you!
How is your mom and dad? You have a nice looking family. This has been surreal! Email me sometime.
I’m so sorry I hadn’t read this before. I’m so proud of you for going back to school! You should definitely follow your dreams, even if they are inconvenient at times. If it’s meant to be, you will find a way to work it out.
Also, I have also received a lot of criticism for thinking of you guys as my friends, but what are friends anyway? People who support you and love you no matter what! That’s the way I feel about you. So what if we live in different countries? That just means we haven’t seen each other in person, it doesn’t mean we don’t know each other. LOVE YA BABE!
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