It's been a rough weekend

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2003
It's been a rough weekend
8
Mon, 05-12-2003 - 10:54am
I managed to avoid all the graduation stuff until I went to work today. I guess I'll just withdraw from the world for another week.

Would you believe that I can't take Tylenol PM because it's main ingredient is the same thaing that's in Benedryl and I'm allergic to it. It gives me insomnia. I only get about 4 hrs of sleep & come home from work and sleep all afternoon. Haven't been at the computer--just sleeping & reading.

Your responses have been so gracious. When mortality knocked on my door, I went from smelling the roses to wanting them to grow faster. If I'm not productive (sleeping?) I feel like I'm wasting precious moments of my life. It's one of the reasons I had such a hard time adjusting to this slow format. It's gotten a little faster. I'll look at the homepage for tips to help me navigate better.

I feel so out of the loop--in more ways than one. Hope to be back soon, but I'm not making any promises on when.

On a more positive note--

Because the radio station did the spot on my working with the social worker program, the American Cancer Society is looking for $4 million to add this program in all its divisions.

Because of the problems I had getting enrolled for school this fall (there is no procedure for students who withdraw before a semester & there were a lot of things I should have been told before I made my decision) that the college is creating a procedure to help other students. I did manage to get on the overflow for my two classes. The other two are the internship and an independent study with my advisor. It was a nightmare & I almost just walked out twice. Fortunately, three former classmates, also non-traditional met up with me, and that helped.

Have a good week. I'm going back to sleep.

Hugs,

Karen



Karen
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 05-12-2003 - 11:29am
hi karen,

isn't it funny what people are allergic to? i'm allergic to aspirin, gives me severe headaches and makes me swell. so, all i can take is tylenol.

hope you get everything straightened out with school.

feel better soon,

ellen

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 05-12-2003 - 12:25pm
Hi Karen, it's good to hear from you. I've missed you. The part of your post about your difficulties with the school, and how they are now putting a program in place to help future students, reminded me of a situation a friend's son encountered. He had just finished his freshman year in college when he became very ill. He continued to struggle through his second year, and towards the end of it, was finally diagnosed with cancer. He was so determined to survive, and, for a while his condition improved. He continued with his studies, but the situation at the university was made even harder for him as there was nothing in place to help students facing what he did, and no allowances could be made for him. I forget the details, but even small things like having to run all over campus to get a paper, and then back again to get it signed, going up and down steps in his condition which was weakened by all his treatment. He was so worn down. He could do the schoolwork because he was so determined, but the bureaucracy just exhausted him. At Thanksgiving, he finally gave up and returned home, too tired to go on. He died in March. Since then, his school has set up a program to assist students with some of the small things that they can do to make life a bit easier for students who are facing similar situations. His mother had expressed to me how frustrated she had been at the time, and this has given her some comfort. Hope everything is working ok for you these days; just withdraw and rest for one more week until the graduation madness is past! Keep in touch. Seren
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-05-1999
Mon, 05-12-2003 - 3:11pm
Hi, Karen

It seems like ages since I've talked with you here in the Garden. I'm sorry things have been so difficult for you lately. But as usual you are handling things quite well! She Who Accomplishes Great Things! I *knew* that would be a good name for you.

About sleep ... This is the body's time for healing at it's best! Same for the mind and spirit, too! Don't deprive the three best parts of *you* of what they need the most: sleep ... wonderful healing sleep!

Have a good night.

F.

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-1999
Mon, 05-12-2003 - 9:56pm
Karen, you have had a rough few months. Your body is still in the healing stages. You are sleeping because you need the rest, and you will probably just have to accept it. You are so used to being full of energy and going at full speed, and I know you are frustrated right now. But you will get that energy back, I know you will. It just might take some more time.

Hang in there, and be thankful that you are well and have your whole life ahead of you. You will accomplish your goals, plus some you haven't even dreamed about yet, I have no doubt about it. This is just a minor setback for you. When you do finally get there, it will have even more meaning for you.

Some years ago, there was a 7 or 8 part series on PBS called "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize?" It was a wonderful series about the Civil Rights Movement. Maybe you saw it. I have always loved that phrase (Keep your eyes on the prize), and think of it often when I'm trying to reach a goal and meeting obstacles along the way. I will tell you also.....keep your eyes on the prize, Karen. Never give up. I don't even have to tell you not to give up, because I know you won't.

We are here for you when you have some free time. I miss you, Karen, a lot. Love, BB

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Avatar for hope_bou
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 05-12-2003 - 10:05pm
Karen- so nice to hear from you. I've missed you and your posts. You kept me on my toes with my reading. I'd say now if Karen can finish a certain amount in one week, I should be able to do one. Thanks for the inspiration. Glad about that $$$ for ACS. DHs first job was with them back in the time of ibm cards with holes in them.He worked on this hugh computer that was as long as the seven foot wall. LOL

Sorry, academia gave you such a hard time. College beauracracy can be difficult. But, remember you can always go directly to the Dean or the President. Go to the top. I am happy your friends convinced you to hang in there.

Love,

Hope

Hug Hope
Avatar for kacee2002
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 05-12-2003 - 10:39pm
Karen, nice to see you back! I hope that your school problems work out and that you get plenty of rest. Take Care! KaCee

Poof!!! I'm gone!!

KaCee

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 05-13-2003 - 12:18am
Good to see you Karen, sorry things aren't as well as they should be; but glad to hear that you're still moving on towards your goal of graduation. I'm glad too that you toughed it out and stayed there. We will all be cheering along with you when you graduate.

Take care and try to come back often...Hugs, Susie

Hugs,

..

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 05-13-2003 - 5:10am
Karen,

It was nice to see you posting here. I am so sorry about all of the difficulties that you have encountered with the school. Bureaucrats are sometimes inflicted with tunnel vision, and it seems that they cannot function if something out of the usual is presented to them. Believe me, I went through a similar situation with my DD1 in high school. So very frustrating! But hang in there and take care of yourself, my friend. It sounds like you are getting lots of support from some of your school friends.

We look forward, eagerly, to your coming back to the board and posting regularly when you feel up to it. The board is getting easier to use. I think that we finally got it "broken in". LOL.

Hugs,

Dannie