What to do while I wait for my child? They say it’s best to “keep on with your life” – to keep busy, keep doing the things you love, keep moving forward. I had hoped to apply to graduate school this past fall, but wasn’t able to manage both applications at the same time (the adoption and grad school both!? unrealistically ambitious)

But now, I have three whole semesters to get myself ready for a doctoral program. I’m going to jump in with both feet and audit a couple of classes this semester. Just reading over the course syllabus lists got me all excited. I feel like part of me has been asleep and just woke up. I found myself thinking, I wish I’d done this earlier. Was I not-ready until now? I don’t think it’s that, exactly. But I’ve built up some strange strengths these past few years: emotional stamina, a higher tolerance for frustration, and more patience with uncertainty and change. Possibly these strengths will serve me well in a graduate program. :P

They’ll probably serve me well as a parent too.