Something fabulous has happened.  I. Have. Free. Time.  I know–it is completely insane.  But not having homework any more–AWESOME.  I know I have this whole dissertation thing hanging over my head, but that is a long-term project.  I also have some other writing projects I need to work on, but I don’t have weekly homework–other than the homework for the class that I am teaching.  But, no weekly papers to write.  No, heavy and highly over-written article to read.  No, classes held every week in the evening.  It is awesome.  So awesome, that I don’t have a bunch of shows backlogged on my dvr to watch.

Because I have free-time.  I actually was able to watch Project Runway and didn’t have to avoid all mention of the show, because I only have time to watch TV one day a week–like in previous years.  This is the first time since the Fall of 2004 that I have not taken two classes (at least–sometimes 3) classes a semester.  This is the first time since the Fall of 2004, that I am not a student.  I am done being a student. DONE.

And it feels frickin’ incredible.  I am still busy.  Yesterday I left my house at before 8am and didn’t get home until nearly 10pm.  I had research, dissertation group meeting and board meetings to attend.  But, I didn’t have class and that rocks.

It really just hit me yesterday that I am not taking classes and I am really enjoying being able to go home and not even look at my computer if I don’t want to.  If I want to read–I can pick what I want to read.  I’ve been reading Lisa Gardner’s books for some enjoyable mysteries.  I can sit on my couch at night after the littles are in bed and just relax without deadlines looming, without contrived assignments mocking me that are only for class and isn’t something that I’ll use later on.

I am done with school.  I am done dong the homework.  I don’t mind assigning the homework.

Yippee.  I have forgotten what this feels like.  I am never going back.  NEVER.