May 5, 2008
Apparently, this wait is making me a bit delusional because I’ve done something entirely crazy and inappropriate.
I’ve registered for school. I’m going back to school. I’m gettin me an edumacation. Fancy that.
But Jamie. You are adopting a child, you will soon have TWO disease-spreading, grimey, loud-mouthed short stacks running around your house and through your head, screaming banshee-like chants that will leave your brain feeling like mush by about 10 am every day. Do you not realize that your brain can barely press play on the tivo at night, let alone study algorithms and juxtaposed sentences?
Well, there is that.
I plan to counteract this decay of my brain by drinking lots of Tahitian Noni Juice and forcing myself, in all my snot-streaked glory, to the classroom whereupon which I will staple my eyelids open and slip a smart girl a 20 for her notes. (Was Tahitian Noni Juice all the rage where you lived too? Cure cancer, liver disease, flat feet and a lazy eye…. ringing a bell? Well, let me tell you, it was quite the miracle potion here in Mormon-land for a long time, maybe it still is, I’m out of the loop these days).
The thing is, I finally have the motivation and drive to go back to school. So I’m going with it. Because who knows when this feeling, this feeling of optimism, ideal and positive outlook, who knows when this will hit me again. I feel smart right now, like I could be smart, like there is this possibility of being smart. And I feel ready. I figure I best do something rash like enroll in school before my body (or my mind, whichever is playing this awful trick on me) realizes what has happened.
Plus, now that Mike is done (next week) I’m thinking it’s HIS turn to put MY arse through school. That’s what I’m talking about. MMmmm-hmmmm.
It’s not that I didn’t want an education before, I enjoy learning and of course I wanted a degree, I just didn’t know what in. What did I want to study? I was petrified that I would either A. waste my time studying something I would eventually loathe or B. waste my time studying something that would turn into ZERO job opportunities for me. Which is maybe why I avoided the whole inner-mind altercation and did things like enroll in 20 dance classes my first year of college.
So when I started this quest a couple months ago, I explored all options. What did I want to do. What were my options. What could I see myself doing. And I asked friends and family these questions as well. I got all kinds of responses back. Be a Nurse. A Wedding Planner. Be a Dental Hygienist. Get a Business Degree. Be a Flight Attendant. A Politician. A French Teacher. All of which I really put thought to and strongly considered. These and many more. I think my problem was that I could see myself doing any of these things, in fact, I would switch professions every year if I could! Be a Sheepherder for a year and then pack it in and be a Researcher for the next.
But then I watched Oprah, that job intervention show and realized I was thinking about it all wrong. I needed to be thinking about what my strengths were, what I was good at, and what I enjoyed doing.
That’s when I stumbled on the Journalism section of the catalog and realized that every single class offered within the program was a class I would LOVE to take. And that’s how I knew this was what I wanted to study. FINALLY. Journalism, who knew? Sheez.
So, I’m off and away to conjure up the courage to walk amongst 19 year olds and fight for parking. Buy notebooks and pens that say GO BRONCOS! Spend a disgustingly large amount of money on books and feel tired, even more tired, all the time. To take tests when I don’t want to and do assignments I don’t want to. To suck up to Teachers and pretend I don’t want to stab other students in the eye with that new Broncos pen. Oh the joy. But I’m ready.
Wish me luck. Here’s to studying Journalism.
And then I was kind of sort of thinking of trying for Law School after that. The End.
Posted by Jamie @ 11:32 pm • random goodness
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May 5th, 2008 at 11:47 pm, Rebecca Says:
Yeah Jamie! Good for you! I already love your writing on this blog…can’t wait to read your first book!!
May 5th, 2008 at 11:54 pm, dawn Says:
Ah a girl after my own heart. I have been in school since 1996. I graduate on Saturday with my MA in English (composition emphasis) and am currently also working on my PhD in Education. School is awesome. You will love it and Journalism—awesome.
Best of luck. I am an old pro at going to school and being a mom. We’ll have to totally compare notes. Welcome back to world of Academia. It rocks!
May 6th, 2008 at 12:04 am, Betina Says:
Great news! Good luck, eh! I wish I would have seen Oprah’s school before I signed up for College. Everyone should wait till their 30’s (or so) to make major life decisions.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:05 am, Rebecca W Says:
Kudos to you! I love learning, but didn’t love going to school. I know you’ll do well and I’ll buy your first book. I know I’ll love it if it’s anything like your blog
May 6th, 2008 at 7:41 am, April Says:
Go girl! I am perusing our University’s catalogue on a near daily basis. One of these years I will go back for a Masters. I can’t see how I could do it now (but I’m sure it will be easier to figure out with 3 kids. Oh yeah;) but somewhere under all the playdough, the mud-pies and the whining induced headaches is a brain that i hope can still function.
Glad you found something you are excited to pursue. Now grab on and hold tight for the ride. I suggest using your teeth if you need to.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:59 am, Kristy Says:
Oh, I just love your wittiness and I think that you are spot on with journalism! I so enjoy a good laugh when I check our your blog. The road to international adoption is not so funny so thank you for keeping it fun and real!
Blessings,
Kristy
May 6th, 2008 at 8:35 am, Karen Says:
Good for you, Jamie! School and family makes an interesting mix, but the trick is to cut something out of the priority list. Like keeping up with the laundry, or vaccuuming or other inane household chores.
We just returned on Saturday with our youngest, and I’m very glad I don’t have to go back to school until the end of August. How would I catch up on my Grey’s Anatomy episodes otherwise!?!? 
May 6th, 2008 at 9:25 am, Jess Says:
YAY going back to school, and especially for journalism! And maybe just hold off on that whole law school decision until after you’re done with journalism school? And then see how things are going.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:44 am, becca Says:
That sounds just like me! I did get my degree… in Liberal Arts. Why? Because I couldn’t decide on anything else, and Liberal Arts essentially let me pick two majors and two minors. Perfect! So I did Rhetoric and Writing (my fave) and Psychology. And now I’m a stay at home mom who writes for a local website and constantly analyzes my kids. Kidding. I would go back to school in a heartbeat, except 3 yr olds aren’t really equipped to care for 1 yr olds. I constantly think about getting different degrees, but it would just be for the fun of learning at this point since I’m home. After they get in school, I may go back seriously. But then I think, do I really want two Bachelor’s Degrees? Do I want to try grad school with two kids? I don’t know. Sorry about the rant. Just letting you know that I get it.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:06 am, MM Says:
I have “degreeis interuptus” - having started and stopped over 19 years for my PhD in cultural anthropology! I measure my interest by noting what section of the book store I run to first! (It continues to be the anthropology section and women’s studies as a close 2nd). So I teach HS, which is sorta kinda my answer to “what the heck do I do with all of this schooling?” I can tell you that the road will be awesome and difficult. I agree with an earlier post that you’ll have to settle on “good enough” lots of times in order to survive the ride. Good luck! Write like a madwoman. OH! You already do that! Write more!
May 6th, 2008 at 10:41 am, dcrmom Says:
Wow, that is some major big news! Good for you!
May 6th, 2008 at 10:51 am, Shawn Says:
Based on how well you write your blog (which I love reading and stalk on a regular basis), you will be a fantastic journalist. Good for you - go get ‘em girl.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:16 am, Kristen Says:
of course! You are a genius writer already! It only makes sense, and you can handle 2 kiddos and school. It may actually be what keeps you sane. Enjoy the learning!
May 6th, 2008 at 11:40 am, melissa Says:
Hey, those are my degrees too — Journalism then Law. I’m actually jealous…I did things in the “normal” order and regret, now, that I was just a stupid kid when I had access to all that great education. I skipped classes, crammed like crazy, did the minimum to maintain good grades…what a wasted opportunity, upon reflection. If I were doing it now, I’d still do the same degrees, but with a new appreciation for it.
I think you’ll be fabulous — “who knew” that journalism was right for you? We all did.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:49 pm, Stacy Says:
How funny. I was thinking about doing the school thing again myself.. law school even, what a coincidence. I actually got in once before, a long time ago since I’m old, but I won’t bore you with my sappy story of not going…boo hoo…. What am I thinking with a kid on the way though??
Maybe you can come down here, and we can go together, sit in the back and throw gum in people’s hair when they say stupid things. :)~
May 6th, 2008 at 1:16 pm, Abbie Says:
Awesome awesome awesome! I’m excited for you!!
May 6th, 2008 at 1:40 pm, JMC Says:
Good for you! I’d go back in a skinny minute! I LOVED college.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:13 pm, Lori Says:
That is a PERFECT major for you! While I am a total loser when it comes to any writing skill, my hubby has his journalism degree, so, if you ever want to pick his brain let me know!
Best of luck, sounds like fun!
May 6th, 2008 at 2:14 pm, emily Says:
Good for you! Wish I lived close by and I could help out with your wild banshees.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:42 pm, haze Says:
I was hoping you would say something in the writing field. Good on ya! I think it’s smart to go for it while you have the burning desire. No regrets that way.
And being a ‘mature student’ (ahem) means you’ll get more out of it and really make the most of the opportunity.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:20 pm, HabeshaChild Says:
this is FANTASTIC. And you are such a natural for journalism, if this blog is any indication of your writing skills. MAD SKILZ, girl.
And go ahead and be loud and proud about the law school thing. I loved law school - crazy, but true. It was awesome, and I would have loved to stay and get some kind of post-JD degree if I hadn’t amassed a googillion dollars of student debt and needed to go get a J.O.B. to start paying them off. That’s how much I loved it. And I’m thinking you would love it too, being the smarty-pants that you are.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:46 pm, Half-Past Kissin' Time Says:
Good luck!! If it ends up being too much, you can always back off (you’ve waited this long). It’s nice that you have the luxury of choice; I’m happy for you and your family.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:43 pm, Rae Says:
1. Good thing you still look like a 19 yr old (reference: Las Vegas pix)
2. I find the more things I have to get done, the better I do them.
3. I’m toying with going back for a social work degree. Excited about the education. Not excited about the “peers.”
4. We’ll probably be “expecting” again soon too. But, by then, you probably won’t be expecting–you’ll be…drowning in the sea of toddler and preschoolerhood, and books. Lots of books.
5. I like lists. But not as much as my husband.
6. Good think you still look like a 19 year old…
7. Go Broncos!
May 6th, 2008 at 8:09 pm, Tam Says:
Good for you! I think you made a great choice. We already know you’re a good writer. Have fun with it!
May 7th, 2008 at 12:09 am, Wendy Says:
Hi, just recently discovered your blog - may I say that I read your (classy) response to anonymous a few posts back. Excellent writing skills. I wish I could express myself that well (and humorously). I think you’ll do great at journalism.
May 7th, 2008 at 12:42 am, megan Says:
college, wow. i am so totally jealous. pep rallies, keg stands, homecoming. and… you’re legal. you are going to be soooo popular.
go get ‘em!
May 7th, 2008 at 9:29 am, mandy Says:
That is great! You are a wonderful writer and you will make an awesome journalist! I agree can’t wait to read the first book. Congratulations on your decision!!
May 7th, 2008 at 3:27 pm, tracy atwood Says:
I guess it’s time I should say hello since I’ve been reading your blog for a couple months. It’s VERY entertaining. Congrats on your decision. I studied broadcast journalism and worked as a television news reporter off and on for 10 years. I wouldn’t recommend TV to my enemies, but it is exciting. Print is more heady, but they too are bound by corporate overlords. Take a look at all the online opportunities and don’t let those college professors try to sell you into something that doesn’t exist.
Again, you’ve got a GREAT blog. often the best journalists are those who can take something seemingly ordinary and make it shine. I think you do that!
May 7th, 2008 at 8:09 pm, Melissa Says:
You are a total stud! I love that you’re going back to school. Journalism couldn’t be a greater fit and I love what tracy said that you can take something seemingly ordinary and make it shine.
Let me know if you need a Theta rec.
May 7th, 2008 at 9:45 pm, katy Says:
Yessss. Congratulations on making big decisions and going for it. I loved law school too. You’ll be great at it.
May 7th, 2008 at 10:13 pm, eatmypress Says:
good for you, FOBS. i think this is great. if my wife hadn’t said to me “no more student loans!” i’d have gone to law school myself. best of luck. i really enjoy your blog.
May 8th, 2008 at 1:15 pm, K Says:
That sounds awesome!
I stumbled across your blog a couple of months ago and could not get away from it! Your way of writing is enchanting, keep it up!
And good luck for school too, you’ll do great I’m sure!
May 8th, 2008 at 1:49 pm, Laura Says:
Jamie- you go for it!! I went to law school nights with 3 kids. You can do it. By the way you look fabulous so I think you will fit right in with the 19 year olds! Good Luck with the Journalism major and beyond.
May 8th, 2008 at 6:34 pm, Sharon Says:
Journalism sounds perfect! Your blog is SO fun and easy to read, put me down for your book, too!
As one juggling 5 kids right now, the idea of going back to school makes me want to gag, but if you feel a leading, go for it!
May 8th, 2008 at 10:34 pm, Julie Says:
Yay, a girl after my own heart. I
May 8th, 2008 at 10:35 pm, Julie Says:
…heart journalism, was what I was going to say. Dumb computer. Seriously, those classes were the most fun and gave me the most marketable skills. You’ve got a knack for writing already; you’ll go far!
May 8th, 2008 at 11:57 pm, Margie Says:
You go girl!!
May 9th, 2008 at 11:21 am, Tasha Says:
I spent 20 years as a journalist. Here’s a tip: best paying jobs are at the tabloids.
There. I said it.
May 10th, 2008 at 12:24 am, Suzanne Says:
Excellent choice! You’re a natural writer. BTW, if you lose interest in journalism, you might consider writing for advertising. It pays a lot better and you spend a lot of time laughing while doing it. And you don’t really even need a degree. Email me if you ever want to learn more about it. So far, it’s been berry, berry good to me.
-Suzanne
May 14th, 2008 at 10:52 am, Each Says:
JOY!
May 15th, 2008 at 8:15 am, p registered nurse Says:
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