One Step Closer

As this semester comes to a close, I'm satisfied with how I did overall with both of my classes. Turning in two research papers in one week put a high level of stress on me but I did all the work necessary and it showed through my grades. This takes me one step closer to finishing my degree. It also makes me realize how close I am to welcoming my second son into the world. Five years ago I would have never thought I would be where I am today. A wife, student, and soon-to-be mom of two under two. I wouldn't change it for the world.

Stress

As this semester comes closer to the end, I realize that there is still so much to be done; not only with schoolwork but life in general. After an A/C leak one month ago, the repairs are just now looking close to being finished. Therefore, I'm one step closer to putting my house back together. I have two final drafts for my classes to submit this week. Making sure they follow all the criteria isn't as easy as I thought for I seem to be mixing them up often. The exhaustion has started to kick in with only 7 weeks left before the arrival of baby no. 2 and what I am chalking up to as teething for my 17 month old. My motivation varies from day to day knowing that with the end of these classes, I'm one step closer to my degree and a job. At least hoping it goes that way.

Decisions

Life is full of decisions, from small, mindless ones to life-changing ones. I have seemed to make both this week. I think that we finally have a name for our boy that will arrive in approximately 8 weeks. Not easy, but we seem happy with it. Just hope it fits him. I'm also trying to decide about next session for school. I would be less than halfway into the classes when I would have my son. Do I try to jump into the classes and get as much done early on as possible? Or do I put off school for another session? While writing papers this week, my motivation has seemed to kick in and I just want to get everything finished now (nesting maybe?). I've realized that writing is something that not only comes easy for me but can release stress as well. Maybe this blog isn't so bad after all.

Closing in...

As this week has come (and almost gone) the stress has started to pile on. Having family in town for the last week felt more like babysitting than relaxing so I unfortunately didn't get much done. My homework suffered and here I am trying to finish it all at the deadline. I hate doing that but realize that things will get in the way and I just have to do what I can. Doing peer reviews isn't necessarily something easy for me probably because some of what I'm reading I'm not interested in. Doing something just for a grade doesn't exactly motivate me but I would like honest feedback from others so that is what I'm giving in return, hoping that it helps the writer in some way.

Final Trimester!

So I have entered the final trimester of my pregnancy , and for those of you who can relate, I am feeling all of the typical feelings. Tiredness (also probably helped out by my 16 month old) and that good old nesting feeling have really seemed to kick in. And still no name. We also had an a/c pipe leak while on vacation so we are still in the cleanup process of that. The dryer went out on Friday so many trips to the laundromat are to come. I'm trying to stay positive during all of this knowing that stress will only make me feel worse. Having two research papers due the same week for my two classes isn't helping but I have to get them done so that will happen as well. Just thankful for my family, health and the roof over our heads. Ready to see what tomorrow will bring.

Baby Names

With two and half months left, my husband and I have yet to choose a baby name for our second son. Is it harder for the second child? It seems to be. I want to choose something that goes with our first son's, whose name we had chosen by this point during my first pregnancy. I don't want to feel rushed or get to the hospital and just pick the first name that comes to mind. I want to be able to finish his room decorations prior to him coming home. After reading multiple baby name books and websites, doing the baby name finder and whatever else I could come up with, all I can do is tell you what names I have vetoed. I feel such a responsibility to give him a name that he can live with but choosing a name prior to meeting him, all I can come up with is Active or Kicker. Don't think those would go over too well. Wish me luck!!

Plagiarism

I believe that in society today, plagiarism is commonly found. Laziness and little knowledge of how to properly cite could be reasons that people don't give the credit to the deserving authors. Websites can be easily found with information for students to use for assignments that doesn't always give proper credit. There are also websites that let anyone add or edit information so what is found is not only unreliable but often copied from somewhere else.

The online environment

Taking classes online seemed like a no brainer decision for me. Being military and moving every few years, I have proved it difficult to start and finish my degree at one school when taking classes on campus. Although more self discipline and dedication is required for online classes, I have found it easier most of the time. Being able to work on homework at my own pace throughout the week and attend class only one a week has made the process of getting back into school after taking a break easier. I'm at the point where I'm just ready to be done with my degree and out in the working environment.

Summer Life

My life is currently like many out there. I'm a stay at home mom (to a very rambunctious 15 month old boy), wife to a Marine, pregnant with our second boy due in Sept. and a full time student. Living in Virginia Beach currently, our son is growing up at the beach and he loves it. Not sure where we'll be in two years but I think his vote is somewhere on the coast. I've never done the blog thing before but will do my best to keep up with the technology. I hope to finish my degree before moving again but that is the main reason I go online. Just ready to be done with school overall.