December is upon us. I can’t believe it! Only two classes left for the semester, one small paper, one big paper, and a huge reference project. I donÂ’t know how I am going to get them all done. Juggling a reference class, a childrenÂ’s lit theory class, a husband, and a toddler has been manageable for most of the semester. I did a fair amount of procrastinating from September-November, like any student, but nothing that would sabotage my productivity as fall draws to a close. Then why do I feel frozen in the pit of my stomach? I think itÂ’s because I canÂ’t figure out how to prioritize the steps and projects I have left. My to-do list is full – full of half-started project pieces, half-highlighted essays, and half-read novels. I guess if I think of it that way, IÂ’m halfway done? Everything will get done, eventually, and it will all be good work and submitted on time. ThatÂ’s my mantra for the next two weeks until the end of final exams.

I started out writing this entry to encourage married parents and say that yes, you too can pursue two masterÂ’s degrees at Simmons College, but I just allowed myself to see how much I really have to do/freaked myself out. I should be reading! IÂ’m sure IÂ’ll have more positive things to say on December 18^th when this is all done. But for now, consider this a reality check. ItÂ’s not easy!