Pre-occupied

May crossed over the halfway mark this week and the month past has been incredibly busy. I am approaching the close of my first week of the new semester and the lack of motivation has reached climactic levels. Things in the last few weeks have simply crowded out my desire to "apply myself."

As a recap, I would have to say that going back to my Salt Flats weekend began the ball rolling down this inevitable path of yearning for the elusive graduation cruise planned for August. To say the failure at Salt Flats has affected me would be an understatement, but so much else has taken place as well.

The first week of May brough about two massive projects: Finals week for the previous semester that fell in pace with scheduled Annual Training with the Guard. Long days of Military Decision Making Process training did not fair well with the research papers that required a significant amount of my time. Upon conclusion of the week, I was ready for a break.

It was not to be. While AT wrapped up on the 11th, my daughter graduated college on the 12th. Debbie amazingly arranged all logistics for her, thankfully, since I had to devote my time elsewhere. The graduation was okay, the dinner good, but the significance of the event took an emotional toll.

Then, without a blink, this semester launched and with came all sorts of new adventures. A family member required several medical appointments that took some time, Debbie's schedule changed, going from days to swings resulting in sleeping patterns being altered, and I have scheduled another 100miler for next week.

To top it all off, I had to go through a job interview. Enough said on that. I can add to that the fact that grades have not yet posted from last semester, and this semester is shaping up to be less than desirable in comparison to last. I have already had run-ins with other classmates through the discussion boards. First week? Really?

I am not complaining. I am not unhappy nor am I even slightly depressed. I just needed to get my fingers typing a bit to redirect my focus back on school and current events seemed to be a good place to start. I am beyond emotional for my college graduate. I am beyond grateful for Deb, putting togeether a significant effort for her. I am excited at the prospect for going back to work. And I cannot wait to finish up this school. Time to fix up my foxhole, lean into it, and drive on.