Independance Day!

Happy Independence Day! How appropriate that I am studying both American History and American Government right now. I don't know, it just makes it more fun to cram for tests when you get to enjoy a holiday relating to those tests! I am studying to try and test out of two general education classes that I've somehow missed in my VAST college educational experience. My political science class doesn't count and apparently I've avoided history, so I'm off to cram this in before student teaching.

The blessing is that I find both of these topics SO interesting (yes, I'm serious!). The downer is that I have just a week to study. There is nothing like the pressure of a deadline to make me study. I'd planned to study for this throughout the spring semester, but my two literature classes took way too much time. What was I thinking? I didn't have time to blow my nose, let alone read and learn information on top of what I was already reading and learning!

So, now I cram. I will be studying day and night through the weekend into next week. I'm taking Thursday and Friday off and we are headed Up North. Maybe the change of scenery and wonderful sunsets will help me learn this material :-) I can't wait to get away! Maybe this year I can capture photos of fireworks? I plan to ride my bike and walk barefoot on the beach. May you enjoy the holiday as well!

Updates: Here are the tidbits that are not enough to make a full post!
- My trifecta of new nieces are all doing great. Their parents (all first timers!) are starting to get broken in. They all seem calm about things. Maybe being an older parent does that for you? I was not yet 30 when I had mine so perhaps that explains the difference? Maybe I'm just really high strung...
- I got an "A" in both of my spring classes -- YES, grades validate me as a person. I'm not proud of this, but it is true.
- Hubby is doing well with the kids this summer. Hopefully finding a job will be easier than we fear for this fall. With me student teaching we will desperately need him to have a decent income.
- The inlaws: They are still manipulative. They got Hubby to work for free yesterday vs. getting his studying done. Hubby swears it will not happen again. I must support and hold him to this.... I wish his parents were not like this...
- My Brother: Divorce final, made a serious mistake, lost drivers licence for a year, is on probation and riding his bike to work. Maybe he is learning from this? I hope so.
- Controlling brother inlaw: My sister admitted that he needs to lighten up. I gently teased on a few things when she gave me the opening, she complained about his controlling attitude, I agreed with her. This was good. I'm still monitoring the situation. Watching, waiting, supporting. I will hold my tongue and let her come to her own conclusions. Strange how my Hubby and best friend share my feelings of uneasiness about the brother inlaw. It is something you can't put your finger on...
- Weight loss: Yikes. Time to focus on this. Hopefully my weekend will be a great start to moving more and making better food choices. I've been so tired from work and school -- time to get trim & fit! I think I can, I think I can!