What I've learned this year... as a Writing Student.

• That I am where I am supposed to be. This is my purpose. I love story. And learning the craft of story telling is the most amazing, challenging, frustrating and satisfying experience I've had to date.
• That my most productive hours for writing are the first 4 hours of my day.
• That my least productive hour of the day is between 2-3pm. I look forward to the day when I don't have to caffeinate myself to get through this time, and I can have a siesta.
• That in the evening, after dinner... I'm pretty much brain dead and love to just turn off and be entertained. Not entertain others, big difference. Which is why I have been more unsociable this year more than any.
• That what I am paying for most in school is the deadlines, so I no longer complain about them.
• That not ever idea, thought, story is worth telling.
• That as an adult student, I work harder than I ever did when I was in college twenty years ago. That said, I don't know if I recommend the practice - in general - of kids going straight off to school without any life experience. That said, there certainly are some gifted souls who know their path, and I only wish I had had such foresight.
• That being overloaded with classes is not conducive for quality work. Hence I have reduced my electives, which is unfortunate but realistic.
• That lounging is a luxury. After having only two realities - sitting in a chair writing or laying down sleeping. Having the in between - a couch, or lounge chair is a future goal.
• That you can go to school full time and work, but it is the last thing I would ever recommend.
• That I don't have time to grocery shop or cook when juggling this schedule. Pre-packaged meals are the way to go, (thank God for Deli's), to not break stride or burn up time that I don't have to waste.
• That when in school time flies, when out - it crawls.
• That I can't have a social life while juggling school, homework and a part time job. I really can't, if I am not doing one of those three things, I am sleeping.
• That sometimes I just need a hug, and I am thankful that between school, work and life, there are more than enough people to oblige me :)
• That vitamins are crucial when you don't have the luxury of time to be sick. I tend to be one of those people who stores up my colds. When I have time, I will be bed ridden :{
• That the people who know me well, don't take my absence personally. I am thankful and grateful for offers to connect, but hope they understand that while I am writing my stories for the masses, I can't be the "story teller" I once was. Mostly, I hope they will still be around when I surface from this year.
• That seeing friends when my view of the world is a "glass half empty" isn't good for anyone. I've been on such a roller coaster ride this year that I tend to hibernate when things aren't going well - better for everyone involved :P.
• That shifting gears mid life is not for the faint of heart. This has been the hardest year of my life to date, and I am thankful for my reality of few responsibilities to afford me the opportunity to take on this challenge.
• That though I do not have a home, I will never be homeless.
• That if you ask, you shall receive. I have made so many requests of those in my life this year, and I am still surprised when people have generously been available with their time and spirit.
• That it takes a village. I have several people in my life who have supported me this year - Financially, Physically, Emotionally and Spiritually. Some of who have even been kind enough to share a meal with me, when I've had a rare moment off to enjoy their company. Heaven!
• That the rain doesn't last forever and neither will this reality!

A note to those in my life... I don't know what I would have done without you all. I feel blessed to have you in my life and enrolled in my dream. I hope to make you proud sooner than later, and share any successes that may come. To my friends and family, I thank-you from the bottom of my heart!

Xo P.