I need time to study!

Today was my designated study time. I need it, I deserve it and I have to do it!

Woke up at 9a, started in at approx. 11a. Sat down to read.

Hubby has to talk almost the entire time, has to be in the kitchen rattling around, asking if I want this or that.

Kids running in and out asking this and that....

I finished by skimming the last 50 pages of reading. Started working on the next class reading, and the same...

Hubby had volunteered my time to one of my step children (who hates me) to help her with an acid base experiment (which she never came over, thank goodness), which I really don't mind helping her thru school, but I had my day totally planned and didn't want to be disturbed.

*SIGH* I got some reading done, but not enough and tomorrow I have to go to class, drop a granddaughter off to pre school (which I wasn't asked about. but hubby volunteered me for too), try to go to a lunch lecture in the AM and a Nursing Jumpstart program, then work from 6p-10p.

*Just venting guys...feeling pretty upset without time to myself already*

Sorry for complaining, I just am feeling so many demands on my time and feel that no one else is willingto lift a finger to do anything around here but me...

Does anyone else feel that sometimes if they didn't remind their children to breathe, it just wouldn't happen?

One more load of laundry to do and I am done for the night! YIPEE!!!

[rpbear]

If this is going to be the case when you try to study at home, then leave the house! I found leaving the house and going to the library or even starbucks was sometimes the only way to get uninterrupted time to study. Even when my hubby said that I would not be interrupted it never failed that he would just have to ask one little thing, or he would ask me if I needed anything, or my daugter would pop in to ask "are you done yet Mommy?"

Good luck with the readings and studying!

[Dorrie]

I can definitely relate. throughout all of my pre-reqs it was the same thing. I started writing my class and work hours on a visible calendar and adding time to one or the other end. that bought me some time to do some homework in the car. I also have to leave the house, no matter how much everyone wants to "support" me, they certainly don't understand how much time and patience it takes to get schoolwork done. on a crazier note, the last time my hubby volunteered me for something, I called and cancelled myself. I simply explained that i just couldn't arrange my schedule around it, and appologized for my husband forgetting to check with me. good luck

[NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN]

Today was my designated study time. I need it, I deserve it and I have to do it!

Woke up at 9a, started in at approx. 11a. Sat down to read.

Hubby has to talk almost the entire time, has to be in the kitchen rattling around, asking if I want this or that.

Kids running in and out asking this and that....

I finished by skimming the last 50 pages of reading. Started working on the next class reading, and the same...

Hubby had volunteered my time to one of my step children (who hates me) to help her with an acid base experiment (which she never came over, thank goodness), which I really don't mind helping her thru school, but I had my day totally planned and didn't want to be disturbed.

*SIGH* I got some reading done, but not enough and tomorrow I have to go to class, drop a granddaughter off to pre school (which I wasn't asked about. but hubby volunteered me for too), try to go to a lunch lecture in the AM and a Nursing Jumpstart program, then work from 6p-10p.

*Just venting guys...feeling pretty upset without time to myself already*

Sorry for complaining, I just am feeling so many demands on my time and feel that no one else is willingto lift a finger to do anything around here but me...

Does anyone else feel that sometimes if they didn't remind their children to breathe, it just wouldn't happen?

One more load of laundry to do and I am done for the night! YIPEE!!!

Go to the library. If you're not around to be interrupted, people will have to learn to do things on their own. Also, learn to say no. You did the LPN thing I see, so you probably already did some of this already, but study time is not flexible or optional. I know that once I realized this, my family was able to catch on. My MIL (who I love dearly) volunteered me to go to a shower for a distant relative and as a result volunteered me to take her shopping for above mentioned shower (twice) the weekend before I had a test. Needless to say, the test was the pits. Dh tried volunteering me again to do something for a family member and attend a family function and I told them that I had to study. Some people were unahappy at first, but now they understand.

I also learned to live with a messy house. Do I like it? No. But I am also not the only able bodied adult living here. Yes, hubby works, but so do I and I'm in school too. It makes it hard to have company with laundry accumulating and dust, but that's not necessarily a bad thing since I have so much homework. Sigh! Maybe for Thanksgiving.

You're not alone Julie. I think, in all SO's defense, that unless you are in or were in a nursing program you just have NO idea how demanding it is on your time. It does get better. Also, I have seen some of you other posts as well, you just plain have a lot on your plate. Period! I don't know how you're doing it, but you have my undying admiration! For you!

[RN-TO-BE]

I totally understand what you are going through. I was planning on studying Saturday and today and things just didn't turn out right. I know that I should probably leave the house to study but I live in such a small town that I don't even know where I could go. Plus, I already feel guilty about trying to study so much even when I am at home with the hubby and kids. I just keep telling myself only 8 more months of this....but that is a long time to deal with everything. Being a mother, wife, student, employee, etc. is very stressful!! Just remember to take everything one day at a time...maybe tomorrow will be better than you anticipate.

I agree with the other posters...no one can really understand what we as nursing students go through even as much as they would like to. That is why I love to come here and post with people who are going through it with me....:balloons: Take a couple of deep breaths!!

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Hugs Julie. Good luck to you! :)

[Browneyedgirl]

It's 5:30 am. do you know where your books are?

This asked while on my 2nd cup of coffee and after being awake for 1.5 hours.

[jschut, BSN, RN]

It's 5:30 am. do you know where your books are?

This asked while on my 2nd cup of coffee and after being awake for 1.5 hours.

Haha! The funny thing is, I am usually up and about at this time of the day...but this week (and past week) has been he** and I do have alot on my plate. Didn't wake up till 6a this morning. I'm getting the kids off to school and sitting down to study.

I think yesterday I was a bit overwhelmed cause I had laundry to do for 1 weeks vacation for 6 people and all laundry to do for the son who came home with me on Saturday. Last load is in the dryer and just needs folded.

I'm skipping the nursing jumpstart today and the luncheon. :stone

Life is more focused this morning for me and I know what I can and cannot do.

The library is a great idea and I may put that into use. :)

Just don't know exactly when I can fit it into my schedule, but I had to quit the nursing program once before...I WILL NOT quit again!

Thanks for all your advice everyone! Love Ya!

[lisamc1RN, LPN]

You can do it, Julie! I know it's a struggle to find that "groove" that makes the kiddos and hubby satisfied and that also gets the homework done! Come here and vent away! We are here for you! *hugs*

[Browneyedgirl]

((((((Julie))))))) school sure is hard when you have kids. I have 3. and looking back at my post...it was 5:30am, my books were in front of me but my mind was in here. lol

DON'T QUIT.

i take my books everywhere. I cursed nursing school demands a 1000 times yesterday while I watched my kids swim and fish. I wanted to join them so badly.

HANG IN THERE.

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

If this is going to be the case when you try to study at home, then leave the house! I found leaving the house and going to the library or even starbucks was sometimes the only way to get uninterrupted time to study. Even when my hubby said that I would not be interrupted it never failed that he would just have to ask one little thing, ....

Good luck with the readings and studying!

Julie, I couln't agree with this more.

You're right.. you DO need it, DO deserve it, and DO have to have it ! So do what you MUST to get it !!!

No reason dh couldn't have taken the little one to preschool, and tell him the next time he "volunteers" you for these other things, that HE will be the one who ends up DOING it!

Put your foot DOWN, and HARD. Do NOT budge. Teach the family to do their own dang laundry, and do NOT give in !

I'd let it rot on the floor before I before I did another load. They ARE capable.. at least the older ones, and most certainly dh. They will NOT learn to do these things for themselves as gong as YOU continue to do it.

On your planned study days, simply inform dh you will NOT be there at home, and I would not even bring a cellphone with me.. to prevent him from calling you with unneccessary little whiny "crises". If he needs you that badly for something, he'll have to get off his duff and come to where you are.

You are allowing yourself to be used and I would NOT tolerate it a moment longer. This is YOUR life, too. If dh doesn't like it, too bad. Just TOO BAD.

Plain and simple.. tell him he'll get over it.. and the sooner the better.

I'd be telling the kids if they dont give YOU the time YOU need, to not expect the time THEY need from you in return.. such as hauling them around to play with friends, afterschool activities, etc. It's give and take.. they WILL be expected to do their fair share of GIVING and not merely the TAKING.

End of story. Stuff like this just really gets my bloomers in a wad. :angryfire

[RedSox33RN]

I have had the same problem in the past, when I was "only" doing my pre-req's. I now study in my room with the a/c on (for white noise, blocking out the kids), and let them know I'm studying and can't be disturbed for one hour. After that hour, I take a break, maybe throw in a load of laundry, and help them with whatever they may need for a while. (They're old enough to be self-sufficient with making a meal or things, but still fight like cats and dogs!)

I also have a calendar up in the kitchen for everyone to see my schedule. I include studying on it. Like tomorrow my oldest son has baseball practice at 5pm, so I'll take him, stay for an hour, then have my husband pick him up.

If you have to, politely decline requests for help (or tell hubby to stop offering your services!), or suggest a time that is good for you. I know, easier said than done, but you are PAYING for your education, and need to squeeze every last drop out of it you can.

Good luck! :)