A little bump in the road.

Yesterday was registration day and the next step into my career change process. I need Human Anatomy and then a Physiology class as my last two pre-req's to apply for Nursing school at this particular Community College. I made sure I had all my registration materials by the computer. I practiced my login to the website. I set my alarm clock for extra early so I could make sure I was ready to register at 8am when the website opened. I did all this and much to my dismay found that every single session of Human Anatomy was full before registration officially opened. Perplexed, I called the registrars office and they explained that there was an early registration for some students but to check the website almost daily as a new pre-requisite had been added for that class and some of the students registered will find they are not eligible to take the class before the January start date, others will find that they can't find babysitting, will leave for personal issues, will change their mind, will find that they can't get the time off of work or drop for a myriad of other issues. Don't give up! she said. I won't say that I was wasn't a little....a lot disappointed but it also identified a problem in my get into Nursing school plan. I don't have a plan B. So, I made one. There are several routes I can take. I can apply for a Vocational school and become an LPN. There is a vocational school very close by. When I become a registered LPN, I can apply for a local Nursing schools bridge to RN program. If I am actively employed, my employer might even pay for it OR, I can apply to the local Nursing school which accepts students straight out of High School and immediately do a Bachelor of Science in Nursing right off the bat but that option costs A LOT! Nevertheless, I filled out a form for more info. If the RN test can be taken after the second year, I might be able to finish that program while working. That program is 3 years to the tune of 14K a year but the program outlined is excellent! THe third year is mostly clinical experience in many different settings, Psych, pediatric, general etc. RIght now, the plan is to try to wiggle into that Anatomy class but, I will have to look at the idea of Vocational school or even the very expensive school for Nursing and institute a plan B. My bad for not thinking of that. I was so certain that I could get into the class I needed and didn't think to apply at other nearby colleges just in case I couldn't. Live and learn.
So, the past two weeks has been a challenge. Sitting in class for 4 hours a night is no easy feat and as expected, even after all the conversations with the kids, there have been a few strike outs at the plate but it is better than the last time I went to class. Emily's father finished up paramedic school in June. While he was going attending classes, visits were missed, rescheduled, shortened all to our great inconvenience as we all planned outings, movies etc. that were more big kid oriented for the days that Em was with him and the older kids had to give up social life to care for her when he canceled. My ex told Kris and Cass he would pay them for their time when he canceled and of course, that never happened. My ex has ADHD, Anxiety disorder, and a Borderline Personality. Aren't you all glad that people like him are Paramedics?? But, he thanked me for my "flexibility" while he finished the 10 month program and offered to help me in any way he could while I started my journey. Here is how he "helps".
Me: I have class on Wednesday at 6 and EMily has a Dr. appt at 6. It's a med refill and she has to go. Can you take her? I'll drop her off at "daycare provider" and you can pick her up there.
HIM: I think so. Let me check with my boss. Maybe I can leave 30 minutes early. I'll get back to you.
On Wednesday at 3pm, he calls.
HIM: Sorry. My boss won't let me leave early today and since I was laid off for 6 months, I need the hours. Can you move her appointment to Saturday?
ME: I'll call and see if that's an option.
HIM: OK, Thanks call me back and let me know.
....HE hangs up...then calls back 2 minutes later.
HIM: Wait! Is this Saturday MY Saturday?
Me: No.
HIM: Can you move her appointments to MY Saturdays?
ME: *Sigh* nevermind. I"ll handle it.
HIM; OK.. Thanks. Remember, I'll help you out whenever. Just ask.
ME: Can you find a day where you can take her for a couple hours on M,T, Wed so that the kids can have a little break?
HIM: Sure but on Mondays I have work. ON TUesday, I have firehouse and on Wednesdays, we work late.
ME: OK.. thanks for helping out.
Yesterday, in my inbox, I received a little gem from his mom. Mind you, I like his parents but sometimes.....
THe email said:

"Kathy please do not burn yourself out or get sick (blogger note --ha ha ha ha!) because you know "Big Box Mart" will be asking you for more hours because of the Holidays plus your other things (blogger note: Other things is cancer). It wears thin after awhile of doing it all. Make the kids step up & clean up your house. There is no reason why they can't help out more when it comes to that. I think EM acts up at your house because she can't get the attention she needs because she was very good here on Friday & I even took her to Justice for Girls to try to find something for Thanksgiving & we didn't so she said okay lets go to "competing box store" & try. She picked out a outfit, tights & shoes & then we left there & I took her to Wendy's for a Jr Frosty she wanted to eat it at my house. Then after awhile she fell asleep in my arms. She told me the last weekend "Borderline ADHD, Anxiety ridden dad" had her that she likes going to Daddy house because they do things together & go places. So I think that is why she acts out alot because she is craving the attention & I know it is difficult for you to give it to her all the time because you are busy alot. I know you want this but it is only my opinion you should of waited til EM got alittle bit older. Please don't get yourself all upset by this note. I just feel for you because you will get burnt out & I feel sorry for EM because she has no structure at home. Who helps her with her homework & make sure that it is done? I am sorry I worry so much. Say hi to all.
"Emily's Grandma"

Note the offer in the email about helping me out. Oh wait! It's not there!
Note that Friday is Daddy's day with Emily and note who was taking care of her.
Note that my ex has her 4 days a month and I have her the other 27.

Can you hear me beating my head against a wall?