Boldly Going Places

 

As we wound down the switchbacks of a sweltering southern British Columbia highway this summer, it was the dog that caught our eye, scurrying back and forth in his seat and clearly having the ultimate face-out-the-window experience. While I'm sure there are many reasons why this is technically Not A Good Idea, I am equally confident that almost any dog on earth would gladly trade old age for the chance to ride in a sidecar on the open road.

Speaking of boldly going places, I've gotten it into my head to embark on the educational process towards a new career. Actually, it's more of a parallel career stream to the one I left five years ago, but since their respective channels are carved very deep, there was no way to truly get from one to the other (and I am very very sure that I want to be in one and not the other) without going right back to the beginning. Thus, I'm presently working my way through a selection of senior undergrad psychology courses, preparatory to applying to a Masters program and hoping like heck that 15+ years of hard core experience in a related field will stand me in good stead. (Also that my brain works as well as it did 20 years ago, though based on my first final exam, I think that's reasonably likely.) 

The plan (if all goes well) is to do undergrad and the first phase of grad school entirely by distance learning, to allow me to be present for my kids and (nearly) equally importantly, to continue the yarn business. Summer was challenging, but with the return to school day routines, I think the yarn/university duo is doable. Apart from the financial imperative, one of my prime goals in this endeavour is balance - to hold on tightly to the creative identity that was crushed insensible by the Other Profession. Remember the ridiculously cryptic Athena post? This decision was essentially the point, and I'm holding on tight to Athena's model of womanhood: textile artist, intellectual, warrior, and protector of heroes. It works.

Comments

[Kimberly]

That picture reminded me of when I was much younger and drove a scooter everywhere. The scooter had a floor board and my dog would go everywhere with me. She would stand on the floor board and keep her paws on the handlebar area. We got comments everywhere we went. I miss that scooter almost as much as I miss that dog.

Thanks for the good memory reminder.

[Gillian]

More power to you and your plans!

[Karen]

Hearty Congratulations to you!j
My mother went back to school when I was in junior high, after a major episode of burn-out in her career. She was a great example to me, there was something special about mom and I both doing our homework together. (Just don't ask my dad about the hormone-fueled fights over the typewriter--dueling puberty and menopause) And, yes, I did say typewriter. Computers were still the size of small houses back then. And no, that wasn't that long ago.

[Marji]

I finished my master's degree at 56. Completely new field. Damn, was I tired. And proud.

LOVE the dog.

[Kathy Sue]

Great picture! And it sounds like you have a great plan. You are perfectly capable, I am sure, just from reading your blog. Remember that after it is done, you will look back and be amazed that you have it done already!

[Deb from Kingston]

Well congratulations. I think you have hit on exactly the right thing. Good for you! And good to get the old brain synapses going!!!!!

[Judy G.]

I went back and read your "cryptic Athena post" again, and I was reminded of a line from a long-ago song about the joy being in the journey. I wish you happiness and success along the way.

[Cindy]

So here's to wishing you luck as you finish up the semester, a relaxing holiday with your family, and a post in the new year! Miss your posts, but completely understand.