I'm still here!

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, even though some people probably think I have. It's the end of the semester, so everything is coming due.

My research paper for Human Growth and Development is due Tuesday. If you're counting, it's now about 11:00 Friday night. I've barely started on the actual paper, still trying to read the research I've collected. For the most part, it's kind of interesting. My topic is the causes of downward aging of menarche in America. If, like most people, you aren't familiar with the word "menarche", it just means a girl's first menstrual period. Apparently, a hundred years ago, the average age was around 16 years. Now it's around 11 or 12 years. We have poster presentations, in which we present a summary of our research papers, due on December 3. I'll try to take pictures of my poster and post them.

My research proposal for my educational research class is due December 2. I found out last week that the articles have to be from 2005 or later. The one article I found that is most on point with my topic is from 2001, I think. Anyway, it is definitely before 2005. I asked Dr. L about it; she said I could use it, but I need more recent research to back it up. I may just have to adjust my topic, which she told us may be necessary. I can't concentrate on this paper, though, until I finish the research paper that's due first.

I'm ready for this semester to be over. Mainly because I want these papers to be over. I got smart for next semester; I only registered for two classes. The funny thing is that both of them are web classes. I'll only have to go to the university for class meetings a total of four times the whole semester. That just means I'll have more study time at Starbucks!

Ah! Spring! And Meet Noelle

My research has been going okay. I'll probably end up changing my question for my Research Proposal a little bit, but I think I have almost all the articles I need. (I need to go to the library at Texarkana College for the last two articles.) My research paper for Human Growth and Development is on hold until I finish my Chapter Review, which is due next Tuesday. God's got this, so I know I'll do fine.

Registration for the Spring semester started today for Grad students and Seniors at A&M - Texarkana. After talking with a nice gentleman in Financial Aid, I decided to register for two classes instead of three. It won't hurt my future financial aid and I'll be awarded aid based on the number of hours for which I register. I was looking at three classes, two education classes that my adviser had suggested, as well as a reading class she had suggested for next summer. The first seven weeks of this semester were pretty hectic. I am thankful that the tech class lasted only seven weeks. I'm hoping next semester will be a little less hectic. It will definitely be less hectic than if I had decided to take three classes.

While I was at Target last night, I found an Elf on the Shelf. There were only two left, both girls. Meet Noelle.

I have all kinds of mischievous and cute plans for her this holiday season! I'll be sure to post some of her adventures. 

One last thing. Paul almost never gets sick. He's been sick since Thursday. His fever keeps going up and down. He has a constant headache, apparent sinus problems, and his appetite is pretty much non-existent. Not that I want to be sick, but I almost wish it were me that's sick. At least I have medical insurance. I was able to add him to my vision and dental insurance, but medical was almost $300 out of each paycheck. We can't afford that big a hit twice a month. Any prayers for him would be greatly appreciated.