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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Late Nights and Lost Weekends

After enrolling in a science degree mid-year, I've spent the past three months at university on an emotional roller-coaster ride, hanging on for grim death! To stick with the roller-coaster analogy, I've experienced sheer terror, blind panic and adrenalin-fuelled excitement - sometimes within the space of a single day - and have wondered at times whether my tired old brain and my tired old body are up to the task.


If nothing else, enforced abstinence from my woodwork and art hobbies has certainly boosted my motivation levels, and I'm really looking forward to making some sawdust and finally completing some paintings that have languished behind the art room door for months, if not years (take note Colette Therialt!). 

I have a lengthy summer break from university ahead of me and, with the benefit of one semester's study behind me, I'm in a much better position to assess my priorities and think about my future. Studying towards a three-year degree on a part-time basis means I have another five or six years of study ahead of me; after factoring in my heightened stress levels, lost income and the frightening fees I'll incur, my immediate inclination is to accept that I've left it a little late in life to be embarking on such a journey. On the other hand, I've enjoyed the learning process, the opportunity to make new friends, and the satisfaction I've derived from the results all those late nights and lost weekends have earned me. 

Partner Sandi deserves lashings of credit for her unwavering support and patience with this often withdrawn, sometimes grumpy student over the past few months!

Cheers Pete

6 comments:

Colette Theriault said...

WOW!! I admire your determination Peter and wish you all the best in your studies. I, at times feel like going back to school to work on my master's degree in Biology but am too damn chicken to commit to anything that structured and demanding, physically and emmotionaly! At least I have my art...

john said...

I can relate Peter. I recently enrolled in the University of Alaska, and I am experiencing the same heightened stress levels as you described. I have not picked up a brush in months.
The sad truth is, I have no desire to paint at all these days. Will my artistic burn out last? I'll probably be better off if it does.

Peter Brown said...

Colette, having just completed the semester (last exam tomorrow), I'm probably not in a good position to decide whether I'll go back next year. Either way, I have a three month break ahead of me to catch up on my hobbies!

Peter Brown said...

John, I guess time away from your painting will either present you with new opportunities, or reinvigorate your passion for painting. It's sure to work itself out one way or the other. Good luck!

Roger Brown Art said...

Wow quite an undertaking,hope a wallaby will soon find itself in your sunlit cave:)

Peter Brown said...

Roger, the wallaby is waiting patiently in the queue!