I haven't posted an update on my classes in a while. They have really taken over my life, as you probably could tell. So while I adore them, I miss the hours and hours of time they have taken up. I've had to cut back on a lot of other activities like hanging out in the forums.

Right now I'm taking a Marketing and a Journalism class. Both are extremely valuable with tweaks and changes to make to online content.

Once these two are done, then I only have 2 fall second-half classes, 4 winter classes, and 3 spring classes before I am completely set and have my bachelor's degree. So the end is in sight!

OK time to take my quizzes and do my assignments for Week 2 of 6! I always aim to earn As in each class, so I take them seriously. I've got my tea, I am clearing my desk and shutting down my browsers. We'll see how it goes!

OK now my shoulders are all tense again despite my nice yoga in the morning . I am striving to do my very best on each test and I think I hunch over too much. In any case, two hours later and I'm all set for the week. My tests and assignments are submitted.

So now I can start working on my to-do list!

Life has been insanely hectic for me. I had two writer's retreats that I was at back to back. One I won on Facebook, and then the second I ran out on Plum Island. So I am barely recovering for them.

I did end up earning an A in both my Journalism and Marketing classes, but it was rough!

I am now in my first week of my "second half of fall" classes. One is on public speaking, which I desperately need. The second is on crisis communication, which will be quite helpful. These are six weeks long, with a break part-way through for Thanksgiving.

After that there is a break until January, and the winter classes start up. At that point I'll only have seven classes left before I graduate!

I will both miss the classes and be able to breathe a bit again. My schedule has been fairly overwhelming these past few years.

You are very busy! Slow down and enjoy life a little .. all work and no play!

I recently joined my local county literacy program and I am taking classes to be certified to teach adults to read and write. It breaks my heart to think that someone cannot read or write. I try and read at least 4 books a month.

I am also performing equine sports massages at a local horse rescue and volunteering my skills as a horse trainer to help some of them get adopted or to get healed and then adopted.

In January, I am mentoring 2 students who are going for their certification in equine sports massage and helping them get started on a new vocational path.

I am also babysitting to earn a little extra and then I have my own grand children too.

I am busy but I do play and take plenty of time to do the things I enjoy.

I am enjoying these classes immensely. They are part of my play!

One of the classes is on crisis communication so we've been talking about Hurricane Sandy quite a lot, how it compares with other US storms, how it compares with disasters in other locations. We're reviewing how the US media reports on it, how we report on other disasters, and so on.

It's quite fascinating to look at it all.

That is fantastic that you are helping to promote literacy! I agree that it's a key skill for all people to build.