Wildlife attacks!

This morning, I decided to go for a quick jog.  By quick, I mean just for 10-15 minutes...I was certainly not referring to my pace.  To the casual observer, I'm sure I look like I'm taking a casual stroll about the neighborhood.  Anyway, as I was huffing and puffing into minute 12, I looked down to see a GIANT* MOLE running at me, teeth bared and beady eyes ablaze with hatred!!!  I jumped into the middle of the street, narrowly avoiding contact with the evil beast.  This is the second time in my life that rodents have tried to kill me, or maybe it's the third.  I distinctly remember an incident at school during which a mouse charged at me and forced me up onto a desk.

Later in the day, I retrieved the mail from the mailbox, only to be greeted by what could only be a GIANT TARANTULA, or at least a black widow or a brown recluse.  Luckily, my quick reflexes kicked in and I was able to slam the door shut before it pounced.

I live in the city for a reason, and that reason is to avoid creepy, scary critters.  What is going on?  Are these encounters some sort of sign of the apocalypse?  I may have to spend more time indoors if that's the case.

*At least three inches in length!

Why I'm going to school...again

Growing up, I wasn't a fan of going to school.  I was always an above-average student, but the social aspect of school didn't make for a fun time.  I didn't really fit in -- due in part to bad haircuts, questionable fashion choices, and a lack of anything in common with my peers -- nor did I feel terribly challenged by or interested in my classes.  I succeeded in school because I was supposed to, not because I wanted to. I graduated with honors from both high school and college, and I still didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life.  I enrolled in a master's program because my job was boring and why not go back to school for a random degree?  I took some classes while working as a teacher because they were free and fulfilled my certification requirements.

At this point, I have a high school diploma, a bachelor of arts degree, a master's degree, and another half of a master's degree.  All of that education, and I didn't really want to be in most of those classes.  Don't get me wrong...I learned a lot, but most of the time I was going through the motions.

And here I am.  I'm enrolled in a program that actually interests me, a program that won't ensure a better job or higher social status, a program that will push me out of my comfort zone.  It's stuff I want to learn about so I can help fix public education.  I certainly don't need an EdD to do the work I'm doing, but I want to know more so I can do more.  I realize that I sound like a total nerd, but it's the truth.  I'm excited even though I'll be sacrificing a great deal of my free time (and most likely some of my sanity!).  I may be less excited, however, a few months and essays down the road....