This is it, I tell myself, as I settle into bed Saturday night. Monday morning I am back at the desk taking notes… Oh man! I forgot to buy a notebook!
Our family had spent all of Saturday gearing up for this coming week. We went back to the college bookstore, as I still had two books that had not previously arrived that I would need for my classes. I was relieved there was no line at the entrance of the store. I easily found the missing books myself, while Tom scouted for supplies that the kids may need for school. We are strapped right now financially, and the funding does not hit until next month, so we were intending to get some of the kid’s items with our bookstore credit. That would not work, as there was precious little left in the way of items to be used for elementary and middle school students.
Which brings me to a side note: I had some issues at first accepting the funds for school. I have never taken a dime of government money that I did not earn. I have never been on unemployment, never had welfare, and never applied for assistance. But the Pell Grant makes it possible for me to achieve the degree I have long since put on the back burner. I will not quit working while I go to school, and when I am in a better position in my professional career, I will be paying higher taxes. I will be contributing more to economy, so this is basically return on the government’s investment or the tax-payer investment if you will. And the majority of the funds are loan based, so that is not an issue, as I will pay it back with interest.
So, from the bookstore, Tom and I did the “divide and conquer” portion of the day. I took our daughter to get her some clothes, which she desperately needs to start school. Her growth spurt over this summer has rendered her spring wardrobe unusable. Tom went to the home improvement store to get roofing shingles. We have a few that will need replacing before the rain hits soon.
Then it was off to the big box store to get the rest of the clothing, shoes, and groceries for the next two weeks. Returning home we organized the groceries, attended to chores and began dinner. When we sat down to dinner, it was with reflection and appreciation of having my family at the table. Listening to my children talk about the upcoming week, and what they are looking forward to. And it occurred to me that this will be the “norm” going forward. The pattern my children will base their memories on, and what will form their adulthood is happening right now, and will continue until they themselves are ready for college. Tom and I have quite a while until we graduate.
So, my children will see the value of education. They will understand the importance of self improvement, and they will see that we don’t quit. That in itself is reason enough to see this through and earn our degrees. I am looking forward to the adventure.