remember that one time when i decided to go back to school and work full-time?

oh, wait, that has happened 2 times in my life.

but why did it seem easier the first time around? when i worked a full-time internship, had full-time classes and also slung lattes at Starbucks on the side (in my FREE time)?

folks, i don't know. maybe it's because i have a pretty demanding job (that i commute to once a week - 2.25 hours each way). and maybe it's because i live in 2 places - mostly not at the place where i list as my permanent address. and i'm only taking 2 classes, not 5. maybe it's because i'm older?

class is going well, and i'm grateful that i am gainfully employed.

but i'm losing it.

case in point: i locked myself out of my house 2 weeks ago when my friends were here. luckily i had my phone and a friend had a spare key and all was well. minor delay.

this morning (and i am not proud to admit this, by the way. i WILL NOT ever tell my mother, lest she scold me and come down here and hide a spare key herself): i walked out of my house with my dog with phone and keys locked inside.

it was 9:10 am. and for SOME reason, in my haste, i decided that turning on the stovetop (it's a ceramic one) and putting a pan on it to heat it up was a great idea. i've never done this in my life - turned on a stove before walking my dog.

so, as the laws of nature would have it, i lock myself out. with phone inside. my place is on the second floor (trust me, i did try to envision myself scaling the brick wall or shimying up the entrance/overhang thing) in order to...what??! well, heave myself through a locked window, of course.

my neighbor saved my life ultimately. he pulled up (looking like he was on some sort of overnight shift at the hospital) and handily had programmed in his phone our emergency maintenance number. and soon onto the scene comes lifesaver number 2 - maintenance man.

it's been one of those.....couple of months.

i am not complaining. i'm simply stating that this balancing act has been harder for me than i ever thought it would be. i'm just sayin' that i feel a little all over the place and a little frantic at all times. and i'm hoping for it to level out in some way. wishful thinking? yes, but i'll just keep on wishing for now!