Monday, February 11, 2013

On Self-Discipline

I may be away for a bit.

The class I'm taking wasn't supposed to be heavy on homework - only some dense readings.  Dense is an understatement.  For my next class meeting, I need to read eight chapters of literary theory, two chapters on research methodology, and an entire book that I need to review (it sucks so I may pick a different one).  I also have to write a summary of one of the chapters on theory and present it in class.  On top of that, I'm also doing historical research (the point of taking the class).

Last week, despite all the work I had to do for class and the thing where one of my kids was on his second week of being very sick, I was able to write over 3,000 words and write up a detailed plan for the remaining chapters.  

I also got my groove on with taking notes on the reading for class.  I understood it (mostly) as I read it, but it all got mixed together and fuzzy the minute I sat down in class.  OneNote saved me.

The bottom line is that this adventure has made me profoundly more disciplined, the way I would be if I was trying to write while working a full-time job.  I need to make the most of every spare minute I have. 

I love the interaction I get here with you, but I've reached my limit on how much I can do.  I dropped out of A-Z and plan to put a 'Closed for April' sign on my blog so I can work on the final project for my class.  We have the option to write a research paper or an 'annotated creative reading' - which is basically just reading a chapter or two with the context leading up to the chapter.  Sounds easy, except we are also required to do an abstract, an annotated bibliography, and a research plan/plan of study.  I get that for research, but for creative writing I'm not so sure.  Either way, I have a lot of work to do in April and up until then.

So I'm only going to post on Mondays until April unless something comes up that I feel like saying.  I'll pop in and out to see what you all have to say when I come up for air. 

21 comments:

  1. School is more important - focus on that, Tonya. Sounds like it will keep you occupied. And that discipline will help!

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  2. I'm sorry, but that sounds awful! lol

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  3. Alex is right. School is more important. Don't worry. I understand. I remember those college days. Not easy.

    Hugs and chocolate,
    Shelly

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  4. We are all behind you on this, so don't worry about the bloggers. We understand!!

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  5. Oh, good luck at school - it can be hard to find time to write during a stressful semester, but I'm glad you're doing so well! And you know your limits, which is also very good. :)

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  6. Good luck with all your work and finding that discipline.

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  7. Definitely put school and life first. And isn't it amazing how much we can get done when it all has to get done? :)

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  8. It's great that you've managed to impose a self-discipline to get everything done! And good idea about April. Last year, I took a blog hiatus for the entire month of April and banged out the first third of a book. Don't know if I can do the same this April, with a release scheduled for May, but I will definitely cut back.

    Good luck with your class! You can do it!

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  9. Thanks for the heads up. We're all on your side though. Do what you have to.

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  10. Good luck with everything!!

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  11. Tonja - you inspire me. I don't think you realize how much you are doing. You are rocking it! I am not a Mom and not taking a class and STILL have a hard time keeping up. Just reading your first paragraph about the class, stressed me out. :-) Good that you are finding ways to balance it all and always good to take breaks. We will always be here! Sending you positive thoughts!

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  12. You need to make school a priority and no one's going to hate on you for that. School is more important; we will be here when you get back.

    Would I sound too much like the old mom (that I am) if I said I was proud of you?

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  13. Best of luck with school and good for you! Sometimes it's important to know how to prioritize and take a step back. :)

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  14. That's a lot of reading to get through!
    School first! Everything will fall into place later...

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  15. You definitely have your hands full. And you're right - there's nothing like school to make you disciplined - if you want a good grade!

    Good luck with your studies and see you in May!

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  16. Sounds like school is going well even if it is quite busy. Best on all your endeavors, Tonja!

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  17. This class sounds like a huge commitment, but I'm sure that it will be worthwhile. Good luck with everything Tonja! Julie

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  18. Through all the chaos....u wrote a lot, wow!

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  19. Good for you, Tonja, and good luck to you as well! I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by life, too. Settling parameters and working within them is super smart. Sounds like you're gaining a lot from your classes and I'm so glad you are!

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