Going a Little (Worm) Crazy

As a citizen of this planet, I like to do my part to conserve the resources that we have available to us. My husband and I recycle our cans, bottles, and paper, even though we have to haul them to a recycling center ourselves. We try to remember to use reusable shopping bags (I can't promise that we don't forget sometimes). We also try to keep our gas consumption low. We own a few vehicles, so we choose to use our more fuel efficient vehicles as often as we can. This includes our Honda scooter (100+ mpg) when the weather permits.

But of course, there is always more that we could do. Our latest conservation adventure is vermicomposting! Vermicomposting is a process that utilizes worms to break down organic garbage like paper and food scraps. We recently purchased a Worm Factory 360. This will be our worm’s home, and it looks like this.

This plastic bin allows air to flow through the unit, promoting aerobic (odorless) decomposition right in your home. The worms live in the bin, eat your paper and food scraps, and leave behind worm castings for your garden or houseplants. We placed an order for 1000 red wrigglers (composting worms) and we are expecting them to arrive this week. I hope they like their new home and enjoy eating my garbage!

So Much for That Plan...

And the PE countdown is gone. I knew this was a real possibility, but I was really hoping it wouldn't happen. My application to take the PE in April was denied. Thanks to an unfortunate technicality, I'm one month short of the professional experience requirement to take the exam.

I'm bummed, but I'm making the best of it. My grad school has been really great about getting me signed up for a class at the last minute. And I'll just apply for the October exam date this fall.

Countdown with Me!

If you glance a bit to your right, you'll see that I've added a PE Exam countdown to the blog. Now you'll all be able to see how many more days you'll have to listen to me whine about the exam. Don't worry folks, it will all be over in --->

Feeling A Bit Puzzled

Well, here it is, 2011. I'm going to keep my resolution post simple.

I just want to pass the PE Exam. That's it. Sure it would be great to become more organized, lose some weight, yada yada yada... But as long as I pass the PE, I will consider 2011 to be a success.

I cracked open my massive review book for my first attempt at real studying this week. I'll admit that I felt a little lost. I've always been a good student, but this is a whole new challenge. Where the heck do you start when you need to brush up on 8 years worth of acquired knowledge in just 3 months??? My current strategy is to just start somewhere, anywhere. I picked a topic, and tried to work some problems. That's ok, but I really ought to have a more systematic approach. Perhaps I'll do some planning this weekend.

Despite it all, I'm still knitting

It just occured to me that I haven't posted about knitting in quite a while. Well, even though I've been crazy busy, I'm still making time to knit. I can't really concentrate on anything more complicated than a basic 2x2 ribbed sock, but I'd probably go crazy without it.

I can't give a lot of details about what I've been knitting, because it's been mostly Christmas presents for my family. I decided to knit lots of Christmas presents this year because I know that they'll be appreciated. In fact, one was even specifically requested! :)

It started a few months back with one gift. As I knitted it, I thought about how much I care about that person, and the joy she has brought to my life. Then I realized that if I really commited to it, I could probably knit gifts for lots of people that I care about. It's a bit a of drive to visit my family, so I see them just a handful of times each year. If I could knit something for each of them, they'd have a little reminder that I think of them.

And now it's December and I'm making really great progress. Worst case scenario, I give a few gifts that consist of one lovely sock, and a note stating "IOU one lovely sock." Let's hope it doesn't come to that!

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!

I'm typically a very honest person, with one exception. I shamelessly lie to myself on a constant basis.

I'm about 2 weeks away from finishing classes this semester. I've handled the course load pretty well this semester. My husband has even commented that I'm much more sane than I was last semester. Even though things have been going well, I'm really excited for the semester to end. I keep telling myself that as soon as I'm done with classes for the semester, things will get easier.

But they won't.

I've put off studying for the PE until next semester, when I plan to dedicate several hours each day to studying. This will be a much bigger time commitment than my class work, much more stressful, and have much higher stakes. SIGH...

But after the PE in April, things will get easier.

That's another lie I keep telling myself. That's actually about the time that the construction season will be in the full summer swing. And after that I'll start school again in August.

But after I finish my Master's degree, things will get easier...

Midterm Madness

I recently completed my midterm exams for both of this semester's classes. That means it will be all downhill from here! I feel like I'm handling the course load pretty well. It's been far less stressful than last semester. Which brings me to my next dilemma... What the heck should I do next semester?? I suppose my options include 2 classes, 1 class, or no classes.

2 classes - I can start by ruling this one out. The aforementioned PE Exam makes that impossible. Even I have limits.

1 class - This is the option that I feel myself wanting to choose. I like making progress. I like knowing that every semester I'm stepping closer toward the finish line. I've already promised my own mind that I'll graduate in May 2013. But I also know that the PE Exam is critically important, and I don't want to jeopardize my chances for success on this exam.

No classes - This is the most responsible choice. I could devote my efforts toward studying for the PE without the added burden of more coursework. I've already checked with my advisor, and he doesn't think it would be a problem to put things on hold for a semester.

I suppose now that I've written it out, my decision seems obvious. There is no point in stretching myself beyond my limits just because of my own hesitation to take a break. I could always "double up" in some future semester to make up for it, and still meet my anticipated graduation date. I've got to focus on the PE in the spring, and then I can get back to this Master's degree business next fall.