College started August 17 but I had to have my ducks in a row earlier than that before the term began.

Despite that, there have been so many technical issues that ruined the first week and most of this week of school, and my class is struggling already with keeping up.

I’m struggling with keeping up. I’ve never had to come up with daily lesson plans before (to fit 45 minute classes!) and it’s taking everything out of me to find stuff to fill the time. I had issues with time management at Zane State, filling classes that were over an hour 2x a week, but this constant need for new material is sucking my soul away.

I haven’t posted anything on the blog in five days, but I know that I have three graphic novel reviews in the woodwork to publish before September 1, when their NetGalley archive closes. So I need to find some time for that.

My cosplay for Matsuricon never got completed. In fact, I tried to work on it multiple times and just ran out of steam. The costume has been barely touched. I will have to relegate it for next year and hope I’m in better shape by then.

Speaking of Matsuricon, that’s in eight days. I don’t know when I’m presenting yet, but I hope I’ll know soon, just because I get antsy waiting for stuff like that. I can only afford to go the day I’m presenting, unfortunately (even though I had to get a 3-day badge) just because money is so tight. Also, I blew way too much with my birthday money…going overboard on books and manga. I have the self-control of a flea.

I am hoping and praying things will get better school-wise and schedule-wise. I got off on the worst foot ever with my CCP students and I’m trying to rectify that, and I’m also teaching an online Intro to Fiction course which should be my bread-and-butter, but online courses have been harder for me in terms of interacting with students. I’ve made videos so far and commented here and there on their discussions, but I always wonder if I can do more.

The Fear and the Flame is on an unintended hiatus. I haven’t touched it since July 12 and my health isn’t in a good place. I’m barely surviving for my job as it is. I hope to get in better shape and overcome this block. I only have until January to finish the trilogy.