Remember all that angst I ran into several months ago regarding grad school and my ability to get things done? Well, it got the best of me. I ended the term with a more-than-100% average on 65ish% of the coursework required to complete PSYC 6211 — and an “I” designation so I could finish up the work.

Life got in the way. Gavin got sick (and again and again — what’s with this kid?). I had minor surgery (elective; I’m fine). I was diagnosed with a crazy load of food sensitivities and am re-learning how to feed myself. I discovered that by avoiding said allergens, I’m less moody, more energetic, and more focused. And, I neglected to read what Walden presented in clear text: that I had exactly 60 days in which to complete my unfinished work. Just as I was ready to get those final projects done, I stumbled upon this information (okay, fine — I realized I’d been assigned an F — THEN, I found it). Oh no, what now?

Well, I can retake the class. It’s an expensive mistake ($1800 for 5 quarter hours), but it’s one I made, and it’s one that I’ll have to pay at the end of my loans. There’s been more strife, more wailing/gnashing of teeth, more tears related to this incident than that, but it’s not worth rehashing. Point is, I’m revisiting PSYC 6211. Gavin is a wee bit less clingy now. And, when he becomes so, I have more resources at my disposal (new friends! babysitters!). Whatever the case, Walden allows me to retake the course, and my new grade will calculate into my GPA, even though the stain of the F will be there forever. Ouch.

I’ll allow myself the luxury of blogging as long as I’m caught up with school. Frankly, knowing that I had unfinished work for the Winter Quarter is what’s kept me from it for this long; how could I justify blogging if I still. had. a. paper. to. write? Yeah, that worked well, didn’t it? Whatever the case, I have my first two “primary” pieces done, and only need to write a few responses to classmates’ work for this week. That feels good, and I like what I’m writing, for the most part.