Gaining Ground

Life threw me a curve the last week or so, and I've been busy as a one-legged man in a butt kicking contest. No kidding!

My financial aid showed up in my bank account on Thursday so that entailed shopping on my part for books, supplies, etc., including a new task chair. I've been sitting on a dining room chair at my new desk, previously at the dining room table, and my office space upstairs on a folding camping chair. Back, ass, and leg problems ensued any time I spent any length in front of the computer. Ouch.

So I've been looking for over a month now, waiting to find just the right chair. I came close at Office Max last week, but I wanted one that is adjustable in height, seat tilt, and back support. I decided I needed a second person to help me walk through my decision, and although he spent most of the trip in the bathroom *ahem* I found one I loved--loved--at Staples, and it was $50- off. And they put it together for me for only $8-. I picked it up today. Office Max charges $20- to put together a chair. Just something to keep in mind.

But I have "IN" boxes, folders--one for each class and one for my NEW job as a project manager (working from home); a stand for my printer so that I can store printer paper and other items underneath; pens, paper, post-it notes, page markers, printer ink, folder holders, a Rubbermaid rolling filing cabinet that slips under my desk--I just got it all sorted out this evening--textbooks, and a USB headset with a mic (and mute button) because, again, my course is all done online. Fortunately there are only two textbooks, but one of them was $100!! OW!! The other was only $22- and I can use it for years (APA stylebook).

I also bought some shit I needed (and didn't need *coughpedicurecough*) and took care of some bills and things that got put off much too long, and made sure to put a huge lump aside to pay bills in the event my NEW job doesn't pay dick. I still need to meet with the owner this week and sign a contract.

I also have been helping my husband prep for his NEW job, also. One he's been trying for for a long, long time. WITH benefits that start September 1. *fingerscrossed*  We have no idea what type of benefits are offered, but we'll both know by the end of the week.

But....the good news is, I just finished unit 6, out of 9, of my pre-class, tech prep course. Classes start on Wed, officially, and I hope to knock out the last three units tomorrow. My plan is to spend my whole day, butt planted in seat in front of computer, finishing up. There's a huge unit on accessing the library via the net. I'm very excited about that.

I am nervous about class starting, I think that's normal, but this is such a HUGE step for me. I never really seriously considered grad school before....well, before I finished my undergrad degree a few years ago, anyway. And there is a lot of collaborative learning and tasks in the program. I really hate that--I think a lot of people do--but it's become very popular in the workplace. I'm one of those people who is either totally in charge, running the show, or sitting back and letting someone else do it and just do what I'm told. As an undergrad, I usually took a back seat and let the youngsters run the show because I had a lot more experience than they did and they needed the experience more than I did (although not always).

This is different. I need to find the "middle way"; not in charge, not a follower, either, but someone in the middle who contributes, brainstorms, participates, and builds consensus. Yes, that last bit was taken right out of a PDF file I read tonight. But it's true. I need to play nice with others. Sometimes that's hard for me. I'm a solitary person who is very happy spending large quantities of time alone. It's my preference. My sister is just the opposite--she loves to be around people. And why she has a huge group of close friends, and I have just a handful of close friends. I know lots of people, but I don't easily or quickly open up to people I don't know or just met, i.e., don't trust. That's just how I am. So I'll be stepping outside my comfort zone albeit on the net.

Good thing we've got plenty of alcohol in the house. :-D And those anxiety meds may be doing overtime in the weeks and months to come.