When things have quieted down in our home, the kids have left the nest, the student loans are paid off, and we have peaceful evenings together - I am stirring things up. I went back to college this week, and feel like I’ve lost my mind.  I find that rather amusing for someone who wants to be a counselor.   

I took my last college course ten years ago, and things are markedly different.  I am the oldest person in the class; older than my professor.  Thank God there is another student with gray hair who looks to be in his early forties. I am so glad my blond hair is mixing in well with my gray.  Highlights help!

As everyone went around the class introducing themselves, many mentioned how old they were, if they were married or had children.   I was praying the professor would wait to call on me because I hit a moment of shocked realization -  I have 10-15 years on the other students.   I know I am not the first person to go back to school at the age of 51, but there was no way I was sharing my age. 

I am working through 12-18 hours of homework, and my anxiety level is accelerating at the speed of light.  I keep doing deep breathing exercises.  My contacts are drying up on my eyelids after hours on the computer and reading through three chapters in my textbook.  I have confidence in myself, but I am in need of a booster injection. 

My dear husband is extremely supportive.  He greeted me with a big hug and kiss, and said he missed me Monday night while I was gone for four hours.  He set up 24 on TIVO, so we could watch it together Tuesday evening and enjoy our couch/snuggle time 

As I look at my calendar and plan out assignments for the weeks ahead, I have this sinking feeling that change is coming to couch/snuggle time.