46 degrees and overcast. It’s chilly, chilly outside. Took Sis to the college this morning and saw her adviser, so she could choose her classes. It’s hard to believe I’ll have 2 kids in college this year. It’s really hard to believe how OLD I am! LOL! Oh well…They have done so much better than I did and that’s a huge relief!

Today must be Cardinal Day - they were everywhere when I pulled into the driveway!

Cardinal

I’ve been plowing through all of this college stuff for months, trying to decide what I’m taking and get everything situated. I had so many questions that nobody but I could answer. Do I want to enroll in a University, College, or a Technical School? Do I want to get an Associates Degree or a Diploma? Will I enroll in online classes or traditional?

Luckily, in our area, we have access to several different institutions for higher learning. After a little investigating, I had my choices narrowed down to two. I could attend a branch of the same University my son is enrolled in or I could enroll in the local Community College.

I must admit, the University had the most appeal. My boy goes there! My daughter will go there too! It’s a “University”! So, I started comparing the two. Both had the same programs I was interested in. Both had evening classes and online classes through the same outlet. So, how did I decide?

It turned out to be relatively easy. The only real difference I could find in the two choices, was the cost. I decided that 12 credit hours (full-time) was the most I could handle along with working and the kids. The University would cost me over $3000 while the Community College would only charge $1452. For me, in my position, a no-brainer. I chose the Community College and I’m definitely getting more bang for my buck!

So, if you’re thinking about college be sure to check with your local community college. It might just save you a bunch of money!

I’m lovin’ it!

Not only was today my first real college day (switched to a hybrid class), but also the first day of Hillary’s confirmation hearing! I am full of wonder and a little in awe of it all.

I saw my advisor yesterday and switched my online computer class to a hybrid class that meets once a week. My advisor teaches the class and I’m really impressed with her. I love the way the class is set up too. You can work through the assignments and finish as soon as you’re able. Too bad high school wasn’t set up that way. I think I’m going to like all of my classes, but English will probably be my least favorite. For whatever reason, I’ve never cared for the subject. I still don’t have my History or English books - hoping I’ll get them soon.

It’s been an eventful day. I’m thankful!

Today’s the day my boy goes back to college. I’m not happy about him going back to the dorm. I like having all my kids here where I can see them every day. I’m going to try and get out of here by noon, but the kids aren’t moving very fast this morning and I hate to rush them on his last day at home. The weather’s warmed up - it’s around 50 degrees - and it’s looking like thunderstorms might be in our future.

I think I’ve had this computer class on my mind all through the night. I really want to drop it and take something else. The extra software I need to have really bothers me since there’s no money right now. I have no idea how I’ll end up getting it and I just don’t see the sense in worrying about it when I don’t have to. Monday morning, I’m talking to my advisor or someone about it.

Today is Friday and I’m SO tired! I’ve put about 400 miles on the car this week, just running back and forth trying to get this college stuff together. What made everything that much harder was having my computer be unavailable due to a Trojan Horse dropper thingy. Anyway, all’s clear now and everything’s good.  I’m having to reinstall and remember way more than I’m really in the mood for right now. On with the college stuff!

I’m officially a college student!!! I’m also a nervous wreck about it. I’m taking 4 classes and they’re all online. I haven’t had a chance to figure anything out about them yet, since today’s my first day back on the computer. I have English 101, General Psychology, History of the US (since 1865), and Intro to Computers. I now have my Psych book, but everything else had to be ordered. I should have them by Tuesday or Wednesday. The WIA program pays $700 on books, so I’m covered there. I’ve got a lot of software that I need to get for my comp class, but hopefully I’ll know people who can help me with that, since that comes out of my pocket.

After going to Orientation and finding out that I’m not too old for this, I wish my car was dependable enough for me to be able to attend classes at the college. Oh well, maybe another time. For right now I guess it’s enough for me to do, figuring out how to get into everything.

I’m off to check out my stuff! See ya!