I remember bliss

In my struggle to find a way to support myself, I've enrolled in an intro to graphic design class at a local community college. It seemed like a good way to put my credit card to work, and maybe to pick up a marketable skill. Sound reasoning, right?

The first class was last night, and for our very first project we have to make a self-portrait collage. I am in heaven. Collage, followed by scanning and photoshopping. These are a few of my favorite things.

And then I got suspicious. Fun college class, awesome homework assignments . . . isn't this what got me into trouble in the first place? I mean, I love school. I loved-loved-loved getting my MFA. But honestly, it didn't bring me much closer to being employable. And it did bring me many student loans.

I spoke with the instructor after class--she's wonderful (another warning sign?)--and asked her about pursuing a graphic design degree. Her response was to follow my bliss. And then I got to thinking . . . do I have any bliss left? Where did it go if I don't? And can you get a loan for bliss-following?

Where's the point where you just have to give up on bliss?

I know I'm fortunate to even have bliss on my radar. A lot of single moms don't, or can't. And for a lot of people, career change is impossible. But I suppose if I've never really had a career, it's not considered change, right? And how did that happen? How did I manage to roll into my second decade of adulthood without a career? How did I end up an unemployable housewife?

So today, I'll be calling the financial aid office and asking about bliss. Wish me luck.

The one beer hangover

Will someone please explain to me the physics of beer? I truly am baffled. Last night, I went out for a grand total of 3 hours. I had one beer, dinner, two glasses of water, and two tylenol pm's. I slept more than usual (actually went back to sleep after the hounds of hell woke me at 6--one glorious hour later than usual!) So why do I feel like a train ran over me?

Ah well. At least I can take more tylenol this morning.