Geez, where to start? I guess you could say that school has influenced my life greatly and mostly for the better. I decided to go back to school, which I have never done by the way, after 20 years! It wasn't a difficult decision really, I always knew that I wanted a degree so I could get a better job, I just wasn't sure what to go to school for. So I started to research online schools and that's when I found Kaplan University. The programs sounded really interesting, especially the Health Information Technology degree, I was very intrigued by this one. I thought to myself, it's a great field to get into, I work in a pharmacy now so it seemed logical, and I said okay, I'll do it! I just didn't realize how much time and money it would take! I don't always have a lot of free time because I work in a retail pharmacy so my hours are never the same from one week to the next, I do usually have my weekends off, so that is nice. I've recently become engaged, so I have even more motivation now to finish school so I can have a better life with my fiancee. We've been together for almost 5 years, and he was a big part of why I decided to go back to school. We both work for the same company, and he knows how difficult it is working the hours I do. He was, and has been, extremely supportive of my schooling, I think that's why I feel bad sometimes telling no I can't spend time with you now because of school work. He understands that this is important to me and for us, it's just hard sometimes that's all. Anyways, school is the biggest influence now for me, I always have to think of what I need to get done for school before I make plans, whether it's for a night out; vacations - extended or just weekend getaways; or just hanging out with friends, I'm learning how to prioritize things better though. It was really hard when I first started back in July of last year to try and balance my life with school and work, but I think I've done okay so far!!

Well another week has gone by and nothing new has happened. I still feel like I can't get ahead with my school work, but I think that will be a constant feeling unfortunately :(!!! I just got finished with my initial post for Comp class and I still have work to do for my Intro to Health Info class, finishing up laundry, trying to pick up the house a little and maybe eat something in there as well!!! Any ways, I better get on with finishing my homework so I can maybe go out tonight with friends! Have a great week everyone!!

I can't even tell you how tired I am now. I can't seem to find enough time this week in particular to do all of my homework, keep the house clean, get all of my laundry done, and finding time to have a life!! It's been really hard this week, but I think I'll get there, just not sure how long it will take!! I have a lot of research to do for Comp class and some homework for my Intro to Health Info. class. I better get started on both, talk to all later!

OK, so I'm getting frustrated with the Financial Aid department for this school. I never get to talk with appointed FA officer, I always get someone different on the phone, they kept losing my documents or telling me they never received them even when I have a confirmation sheet saying it was sent to them, and because my documents were put onto my profile late because of this, I missed out on a loan that would have helped pay for the remainder of my schooling. Now I found out about another loan but I have to be denied 2 different times by 2 different lenders before I can apply for this loan through Kaplan. It's extremely frustrating, exasperating, and I'm getting fed up with it!!! My experience at this school would be so much better if it wasn't for the Financial Aid Department!!!! I hope that all of you aren't dealing with this as well, because it stinks!!! Sorry, I just needed to get that off my chest! Thanks for listening to my ramblings!

Jen

Well, here it is, another Saturday night on the computer doing school work. It seems like every weekend I'm on the computer doing homework, research, playing games.... I think I need to cut back on that last one!!!:) Anyways, we just came back from dinner, we went to the new Babe's restuarant on the East side of Madison, it was very good food, my fiancee couldn't stop bragging about the chicken fajitas he had! So, I guess I should go and get some work done, have a good night everyone, talk to you all later!

Jen