Drowning in Grad School

So I totally enjoy reading, maybe to the point of a little too much. I can easily get side tracked in my “research” reading. This love of reading that I have has come in handy with the fact that I am an English major, working on my Graduate degree with an emphasis in Literature. Now with that being said, for the past two months, I have been submerged in reading. I read approximately 600-800 pages a week. Thats right, A WEEK!!! Not to mention the weekly movie and all the papers that I have to write to go along with my reading. Now before you say but you get to watch a movie, I am watching but also analyzing this movie to relate it to something that I am reading for the week also. SOOOOO, not joy watching by all means.

Now what in the world am I reading you ask? OH, well there is psycho-analysis books, Irish mythology, and lets not forget how to teach literature! That doesn’t sound bad, right? Look back to where I said I am reading between 600-800 pages a week and writing papers!!! Thats a lot of reading people! Irish mythology is NOT my friend right now. W.B. Yeats and I are coming to a slow understanding.

I know when it is all said and done, I will have a wealth of knowledge and understanding but right now I feel like I am DROWNING and quickly.

I keep plowing through and am determined to maintain my 3.5 GPA.  This story is To Be Continued…

This Thing Called Life

WOW, so life has completely taken over!  Between school, work, and what ever my son is currently into, I haven’t had time to breathe it seems.  School is winding up which I am glad.  I will be able to breathe more and a whole lot easier.  I have enjoyed my semester but it has been stressful.  Also work, which is school also, is coming to an end.  I am ready for summer which brings me to my son.  He is currently into baseball and I am loving it.  

He didn’t want to take the picture. Can you tell by his weird smile?!?

HOWEVER, it takes up sooooo much time and it is getting to be EXTREMELY hot!!  But I have to say I am a huge baseball fan.  Although according to Dayton, I will cheer at anything he does (and he is totally right!)  I have a loud mouth and I use it at any sporting event that my main man plays as well as any my students play also.  My students would tell me all the time I had no idea about the game but I was yelling!  

So what in the world has been so stressful about school, well I am currently working on a manual.  This manual is for hotel staff, specifically front desk.  I worked as a front desk clerk for 3 years and then as a manager for almost 2 years.  I enjoyed the work because I am a people person.  With this class, Professional Writing, I was given the assignment to create a manual for some type of company.  Being that I have only worked in the restaurant, hotel, and education worlds I decided to create one for the hotels.  I have enjoyed it but man has it been work.  On top of that class I am also creating a unit lesson plan for a literature class.  I have really enjoyed my time with all four classmates.  YES four!  It has been GREAT!  But again stressful because I have been very picky with my work.  I can’t wait to see all of the projects done.  

Now, with all that been said.  I have squeezed in some fun time.  We have a place called Global Wildlife and its like going on a safari.  You get up close and personal with the animals.  Although Dayton and I have been many times, it is always fun to go.  Spring Break also has included zoo time, great times with awesome friends, and of course…BASEBALL! 

 

Zebras were showing out!

 

CHEEEEEESE!

 

What you got??

LSU!!

“Real men ride the pink Zebra!”

Best and Biggest ice cream EVER!!!!

 

 

School Is Back

Well school has officially started back for the Spring semester.  I had to lighten my load this semester due to financial reasons.  It sucks having to work to pay bills!  So to accommodate a working schedule I am taking an online course and a night course.  So far I enjoy them both.  My night class has only 4 students enrolled so that is going to be interesting!  I like small classes, I have to be more active with those.

I am also excited to start a new adventure in my writing career.  I have started to write for my local newspaper.  The paper comes out once a week and I am one of the community correspondents.  I have written two articles so far and I am looking forward to many more.

Speaking of new writing adventure, I am looking into doing some freelance writing.  Any ideas or suggestions on where to go to get more information on this?  I have been wanting to freelance write for sometime but I do not know how to begin.  I would love input.

Winter Blues

I find it hard lately to get motivated with my writing.  Now that I have been free from school and work free for a couple of months, you would think I’d be pouring into my writing.  However, every time I begin to write something breaks my thoughts.  Most of the time it would be my son, but he can’t be blamed for all my slackness.  Sometimes I find that I just do not have the writing mojo flowing.  Some times I sit down at my laptop, I open my novel, and I realize I am blank.  I have no idea what my characters are doing.  So I am finding myself, closing my laptop and reading a book, or watching Netflix until I am deliriously crazy.

I am blaming these blocks on winter blues.  I hate winter.  Its bleak, dead, and somber!  And I live in Louisiana where there isn’t any snow!!!  The only good thing out of winter is I get to wear my awesome hats.

Now these are only a couple, I have a larger selection than this of course 😉

However, winter blues or not, writing block or procrastination, I am still being somewhat productive with my novel.  Since there is a hindrance seeming to block my advancement of writing, I have decided to return to my mapping of the novel.  I am revisiting where I want this novel to go and the paths to get there with each character.  I am waiting for the fog to lift and the AHA moment to arrive!

Go away winter blues so my characters’ voices can return, so I can be inspired!

 

 

Literature, Literature, Everywhere Literature

I love the fact that literature references are all around us.  When I taught middle school and high school I found pleasure pointing out this aspect.  In the way they spoke, the music they listened to, and the movies they watched, literature was all around them and they didn’t even know it.  I was amazed at the novel studies we would encounter and how many students would say, “they stole ______’s saying”.  I would correct them and say “NO, _______ stole their saying!” and loved to see the development and complete understanding unfold.

I enjoy watching movies based on novels, but of course I have to read the novels first.  This is so I can compare the difference and almost always the movie can never compete with the novel.  I know I am probably going to sound completely nerdy with what I am fixing to reveal but oh well!  I enjoy reading classic literature and analyzing it, for a hobby!  YES I know, WHAAAAT!!  This is why I know I am destined in my journey of my M.A. in English.

I use this hobby to hone my own writing skills.  I am learning from the masters of writing.  Lucky for me I am hardly short of novels to read and analyze.

What is your passion and how is it incorporated around you?  We all have a passion and find in all around us.  It is what inspires us!

Approaching Finals Week

Oh man is the stress level rising!  As I approach finals week with college, I find myself wanting to indulge in other projects.  Maybe this is me avoiding the inevitable but what ever the purpose, I have to find someway to focus.  I know what you are thinking and yes the fact that I am cranking out a blog post instead of conquering one of my many assignments is proof that I am totally in avoidance mode!

Just thinking of all that I have to do before the end of the semester, I wonder how in the world did I accomplish anything during my undergrad courses.  I had a full time job, full course load, and found time to party all the while making good grades with minimal stress.  Now, being a parent, part time job, part-time course load, and not partying I am highly stressed and thankfully my grades are still good.  I am already thinking of how I can condense my load so I can remain financially stable and go to school and be a mom.

I have to say a big thanks to my family, especially my mom who steps in and picks up my slack when I can’t get my son to practice due to work.

So Starbucks and PJ’s Coffee shops have become my best friend, sorry Jamie, for the time being.  I am reading novels at night and writing papers during the day, all in between working and being a mom.  I am one busy gal!  Most times I don’t know if I am coming or going; I just know I am moving!

This semester only has one week left of classes then finals.  I am hoping for more calm for next semester as I apply for a GA position.  Until then I am going to enjoy my few days off this week for Thanksgiving holidays.  I hope you guys have a great holiday with family and friends.  Don’t eat too much!

NaNoWriMo 2013: Want to Write a Novel?

I love the fact that there is something to hold me accountable, at least for a month. This is just the jump start I need to get things moving again with my novel.

You can always join in on the fun! Who knows, you could be the next best seller.

WordPress.com News

It’s just a few days until November, and you know what that means: National Novel Writing Month, better known ’round these parts as NaNoWriMo, is near.

Have you always wanted to write a novel?

We know some of you have been waiting all year for this month! For those of you who are new to this project, here’s the gist:

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Location, Location, Location

Location means everything to a writer.  Writers have a tendency to majorly procrastinate.  We have to be “in the zone” in order to write most of the time.  This is why having a writing location is very important.  If you are lucky enough to have a room in your home, then make it cozy and only use it for writing.  However, if you are not lucky enough for a special room, designate a special place.

If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you know that for me this special place is a coffee shop.  I have two depending on the town I am in.  Yes, you read that right, TWO coffee shops!  If I am in my college town I go to PJ’s.  The atmosphere is awesome and the chairs at my favorite table are painted with inspirational quotes.  The table is in the window so I still get plenty of procrastination in but also I am put in my zone for writing.

My second location is a Starbucks in a town close by.  This Starbucks is a small one but a cozy one.  Again, there is a window table that I sit at and I write away.

First red cup of 2013 season

Now, writing will not happen if I do not have music playing.  Pandora is AWESOME!!!  I have a 3 Doors Down channel that I plug into and write a way.  It is kinda crazy, I owe much of my writing inspiration and long essays to 3 Doors Down.  They get my writing juices flowing.

Also as you can see from my pictures, coffee is essential to my writing also.  I always have a mocha beverage beside me, whether it is cold or iced depends on the weather outside.  With all my procrastination I need the caffeine to stay awake to write all those needed words.

So where do you write?  Is it a particular set location?  Do you write with music playing also?  Is there  a preferred music type?

Would love to hear from you guys!

What inspires you?

I am always amazed at the times inspiration is sparked.  It almost is never when I want it or it happens when I least expect it.  Those are also the times that it turns into something great, so I guess I shouldn’t wine too much about it.

My home town just finished up having their annual “Worlds Largest Free Fair” which is AMAZING if I do say so myself.  Little history, you get in free and all stage entertainment is free and there are big names that come to perform.  Rides and food of course are NOT free but you may come and go as you like for no charge.  The town basically shuts down for the week, even the students get a week off of school.

He won second place on his artwork!

As I walked around, enjoying the time with my son, I notice so many things that are inspiring. From “Mile Branch Settlement”where many original log cabins reside to the mid-way with all the rides, inspiration is all around.  The mass of people sparked characters and the festivities sparked an event.  The reunions being made and the smiles on faces all spark some type of inspiration.

So as I am taking all of this in, I pondered how many times was inspiration sparked and I was too busy to see it.  It is a shame that life is so busy and we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of things we do not slow down and let that spark ignite.

Where do you get inspiration from?  What has been the strangest place you received a spark?

School is Back in Session

Well, school has started back and I am excited.  I have been adjusting for about two weeks.  

Reading Literature and typing up History notes

I was fortunate enough to grab a publishing class and it has been interesting thus far.  I can’t wait to see where this class takes me and my novel when I finally finish it.  Yes, my goals for finishing it before school started have been blown out the water and now I am aiming for Christmas but we will see.

Early morning read before class starts

I enjoy being on campus again.  I know that sounds crazy to some people but college campuses are unique environments.  You never know what is around the corner and it’s the best place to people watch!  I have very unique characters in two of my classes and it would be perfect for a psychology major.  I know some are saying “Nancy that is horrible!”  but come on you know you have all seen or encountered those people that you just can’t help but say “Why?”  I also have a love/hate relationship with stalking the parking lots for a parking spot.  You all know what I am talking about if you ever were a commuter! For those of you that do not know what I am referring to, it is where you circle the parking lots that you are only allowed to park in until you see someone with keys in hand going to their car.  You will drive very slowly behind them to grab their parking spot.  Now experts, such as I, have the class schedules down and know when classes let out and which parking lots people leave and stalk only those!  This is less stressful and really narrows your stalking to certain time frames.  I fully believe college parking lot stalking is a preparation for Black Friday shopping or shopping in general!  

Stalking the Parking Lot!

I also enjoyed today walking into my last class of the day and someone in the prior class must have been really been bored.  There was an origami bird with a very tiny one underneath.  The larger “mamma” one was colored one by pens while the “baby” was tucked in a nest it seemed like.  I couldn’t help but be amazed at the talent, time, and shear boredom that was involved to create this and left for someone to find.  I left it for the next class hoping they found amusement also.

Well on the agenda for tomorrow is to write at least another chapter and not worry about critiquing what I have wrote just yet.  I decided to change some aspects up in the novel which put me in ADD mode of correcting mistakes on top of rewriting.  This put me behind my schedule of my writing timeline so I am now writing as often as I can to make up the difference.  I just do not want to write so quickly that my work is sloppy.  It is literally a work in progress just as I am!

Well I think I have rambled enough for tonight.  I hope ya’lls week ends on a good note!