No School For You!

Hi! It's Jilly. Remember how a couple weeks ago I was SO excited to be going back to school to finish my degree and went to class for a week?!

Well, it turns out I can't go this semester. Waaaaahhhhh! I was SO bummed about it and moped around the house for a few days.

Why can't I go this semester, you ask? Well, there were several problems. One, because I was a non-matriculated student I didn't qualify for any financial aid! They suggested taking out a loan, but my hubby just graduated from med school. We already have almost a quarter-million dollars in student loans. I don't want any more!

Another problem is that some of the classes I was planning on taking wouldn't transfer to my old school as upper division credit, so they would be pointless to take. Why does everything have to be so hard and complicated?! I just want to finish my degree!! I only need 9 stinkin' credits! That's less than one semester! Argh...

So, the new plan is to apply as a transfer student for Spring semester, and in the meantime figure out exactly what classes I can take that will transfer! Also, I need to get the kids on a good after-school schedule and myself on a good "while the kids are at school" schedule. That way things will run a little smoother next semester while I'm in school.

I *am* worried about putting it off until next semester, though. If I don't graduate by next summer my old school will have to change my catalog year, thus changing the requirements for my degree. That would make everything a lot more complicated! Plus, who KNOWS what will happen between now and January?! Oh, and did I mention my hubby will be gone TWO months during Spring semester?! Yikes!! Wish me luck, guys!!

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My First Day of School- Eek!

Hi! It's Jilly. Yesterday was my first day of school! These are the things I have to say about it.


#1- The campus is huge, at least it feels like it to me. I spent way too much time wandering around with my nose to the map in the school's app. If I hadn't asked several people for help I never would have found my classes!

#2- Once I got inside the right buildings I was STILL in trouble. They are like a labyrinth! Except, there was no David Bowie. *sad face* Oh! And, the stairwells aren't clearly marked. Oy!

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#3- I feel a little bit like an old fogey! I'm sure most of my classmates have not been married over 10 years and have 8 year old triplets! Ok, so most people don't have triplets period, but that's not the point.
#4- I wish I had been more focused and had finished up my degree when I was in my 20s. I didn't realize how much easier life was then, and how much more energy I had! It's like they say...hindsight is 20/20. Why didn't I finish back then?! Crazy kid...

Here's hoping the rest of the week is smooth sailing!

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Back to School -- for MEEEEE!!

Hi! It's Jilly. Guess what?! I'M GOING BACK TO SCHOOL!! Whoa, right?! I am only 9 credits away from earning my Bachelor's degree in Music, and I'm FINALLY going to finish!

Back in 2008 I had everything all set up to graduate. I had been attending Utah Valley University (well, it was UVSC then), and we decided to move to Texas so my hubby could get Texas residency for med school. (Med school is WAY cheaper there!) We also wanted to move there to be close to my family, since my Dad had cancer and we didn't know how much longer he had. We wanted the kids to get to know him and I wanted to be near him.

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So, I registered for online classes, found a voice teacher in Texas and got her approved through the Music Dept at UVU...all that jazz. I was going to graduate!

But, two weeks after we moved to Texas my Dad took a turn for the worse and ended up in the hospital. They told us that we could either care for my Dad at home, or he would need to go to a nursing home-type place. Of course we chose to bring him home! Because my mom had to work and my younger siblings were all in school, the bulk of my Dad's care fell to Hubby and I. We moved in with my parents, since someone had to be there with Dad 24/7.

At the time my triplets were three. They were going crazy because they didn't have any of their stuff, since all our stuff was in storage at the house we bought & had started remodeling. They resorted to getting into my sisters' nail polish and candy stashes. Oh, and they couldn't go play outside very much because of the fire ants. So, it was Disney Junior all. the. time. Oy.



Needless to say, it was a stressful time. There were many blessings along the way, and it was very fortunate that we were able to be there during that time. But, it didn't leave me much time to do schoolwork or work on my voice lesson music!

A couple months after my Dad came home he passed away. We knew it was time. He was in so much pain, and his dementia because of the tumors was getting so bad. Although it was sad to see him go, we knew it was for the best. And, we know we will see him again, which is very comforting!



After my Dad passed away I couldn't sing. I would open my mouth, but nothing wanted to come out. It's hard to have a voice lesson or perform in a recital if you can't sing! My online classes suffered, too I *think* I was able to eek out a passing grade in one of my classes. But, the others? Fugetaboutit!

A few months later we moved to Arizona for podiatry school. That's another crazy story! Another time, perhaps. ANYway, there's no way in heck I could have taken classes while Hubby was in med school! Now that we've been in residency a year I feel like it's time! The kids are in school now, and I just neeeed to finish my degree!! I plan to complete the credits I need this semester, then apply for graduation. Woooooohooooo!! Wish me luck!!

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