Life changes us all. It has recently come to my attention that if we don't continue learning, we stagnate. I have developed the bad habit of reading 'mind candy' almost exclusively. In my 20s as a new mommy and wife, I had started studying on my own. I read a biography of Dickens-that book was lost in our moves as a military family. I remember thinking, "oh, that is why he wrote 'A Christmas Carol.'" Most of his writings were diatribes against the British way of life-the upper crust of society. Unfortunately, the message wasn't always received-what else is new.
Recently I told my husband that I would really like to go to school full time. This was something he had 'promised' me in the late 80s when he was going full time on the old GI Bill. I was working full time and he worked part time and went to school full time. We are finishing paying off his student loans this year. (finally) His response was that we could not afford it. No, we can't afford it because we are partially supporting ds and dd and still enjoying a comfortable life. I agreed with him. I had a crochet meeting a few evenings later and was describing how I felt to a young mother who is an artist-has sold her work and enjoys creating items. She looked at me and said, "Go for it! There are so many grants available here in DC for woment going back to school." Last night my husband looked at me and said, "You are beginning to get depressed. What is going on?" I told him that we had discussed what my issue was and I was thinking of other options. I told him about the grant possibilities. He was more open to the idea, but like a child I want it all-I think I will be going part time soon-need to find school in DC ( they have at least 3 that I know of.)