I realize the rest of my academic career will not be as easy, but still.  It makes me feel good to point out that I did it, I'm doing it, I win.

So...  Ha.

It really is pissing me off.  My first class is worth ONE measly credit.  My second class is called "Intro to Computer Based Systems" and doesn't start until March.  I think I'll survive.

Why can't people just be happy for me and encouraging about my goal and my long overdue progress?  Is that really something too ridiculous to ask for?

So I reviewed.  And then I stewed.  And then I reviewed again.  And I opted to bail on a class before they began.  Rather than bombarding myself during the first half of the semester with a library study class, a US History class (for which the books would have cost me $90!), and the birth of a new baby, I dropped History.  And in the semester's second half, I'll just be taking my Computer-Based Systems class.

These changes dropped my tuition to $710, and negated the need for me to buy any books.

I keep justifying these changes in my head.  Everybody has predicted my failure already.  I've heard from at least two different people (whose opinions I greatly value), "How do you expect to be able to do that?" when I mention school.  So now the pessimist in me is already counting the dropping of that History class (that wasn't even going to begin for another 23 days) as a total loss.

My justification is that this semester I am taking it easy.  Taking it slow.  Taking baby steps.  Being sensible.  I'm going to have another baby.  I'm going to take two classes that should be fairly low-key.  I'll have time to settle into a routine, and time to adjust.  And I'll have time to take my placement exams so that next semester I can start working on the "real" academics (to include not only History but also Math and English).

This is smart, right?  Baby steps are what will get me into a groove and keep my stress levels down and not break the bank.

Between FAFSA and my California Governor's Scholarship, I should have my first semester taken care of for the most part.  But somehow, I am struggling to get ends met.  My FAFSA was reviewed, approved, whatever.  But I've tried two different computers for a grand total of 3 different web browsers and two different operating systems and absolutely can not view my SAR.  I've called customer service and dealt with a guy who clearly felt superior to me.  No dice.  I figure I'll give it another couple of days and if UMUC can't access my report I'll call in and whine some more.

My scholarship is ready to use, but only for me under my maiden name.  So I filled out the required information change form and then read that my account will be frozen for 30 days after they receive changes unless I send it in with a "signature guarantee".  NOT a notary seal, but a signature guarantee.  They note that these can be obtained through certain banks and credit unions.  So today I headed over to Navy Fed.  I hate Navy Fed.  Seriously.

They won't issue a signature guarantee unless it is regarding a transfer of money directly to or from their institution.  Even though the signature guarantee I am asking for has nothing to do directly with money, and instead is the way the Savings Trust is trying to verify my identity.  Navy Fed sent me on my way.  I've never gone into that branch and had success.  They have never been able to assist me with anything I have ever needed from them.

So anyways I can send the form in to make changes to my scholarship account, but I won't have access to the funds for at least 30 days.  Which would make my tuition overdue at my school, because the account being accessible will happen too late.  And since my school requires immediate payment, that means I won't be able to register.  I'm in limbo.

I'm frustrated.  I feel like I'm no further progressed than I was when I was sitting on my ass being lazy about school.  The difference is that now I am actually TRYING to get things accomplished and am not having success.  It's totally obnoxious and I feel like I should just go back to bed.