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Burnt out.
This is where I am at.
As you can see, I am studying for my exams. Studying so hard I have decided to listen to an audio book rendition of Virginia Woolf”s Mrs Dalloway because I might go blind if I read it again. I have hit the wall of ‘college burnout’ and can now totally understand ‘why’ people drop out.
College.is.hard. and for me, seemingly never-ending.
The thing is ….. when a girl is burnt out….one can tend to drag the whole family down so I have to do my best to keep my head above water.
I should try harder to stay calm and just make make some tea to have with these delicious muffins that I baked.
Yes. Do not adjust your screens or volume control …
I did in fact bake them but I got the chef to decorate them.
That is why they look so tasty.
If you are getting ready to ice some Christmas cookies or a gingerbread house then watch this video first …. then go over and follow the tutorials on this blog and then send me some photos to share of what you are baking and decorating this Christmas (on Twitter or on Facebook or right here on the blog).
Note – I have not shared what mine look like . . but if want to turn this into the ‘worst’ decorating job ever then I am so there.
A copy of our book (or maybe two copies if y’all are fabulous like) goes to the winner which the Chef will choose by December 15th.
(on a side note – Kenny’s is still shipping our book for free worldwide so if you want to send a fabulous present to your loved ones abroad – please keep us in mind).
This recipe is an easy one and the mascarpone cream cheese frosting is sinful. As in, one might eat it by the spoonful it tastes so good.
- For the muffins:
- 250g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking/bread soda
- 140g cherries (from a tin)
- 100g white chocolate chips
- 100g dark chocolate chips
- 100g raw cane sugar
- 3 eggs
- 150ml vanilla yogurt
- 100g butter, melted
- For the frosting:
- 250g Mascarpone cheese
- 60g powdered/icing sugar
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- Pre-heat the oven to 180ºC. Line your muffin tin with some muffin cases.
- Sift the flour, and baking soda into a bowl, then stir in the chocolate and sugar. Add the beaten eggs, yogurt and then the butter and mix until it has formed a good batter-like consistency. Add in the juice from the tinned cherries if you wanted added sweetness. Then add in the cherries (cut in half) at the last minute.
- It doesn’t matter if the mixture looks a bit lumpy. Over mixing might make your muffins a bit tough. On a side note we made ours with Spelt wheat flour and they were pretty kick ass.
- Fill the muffin cases and bake for 20-25 mins until risen and golden brown. Transfer to a rack to cool. If you eat them warm, the chocolate is all melty and messy. And, I’m told, delicious.
- While they are cooling, mix the mascarpone cheese, sugar and vanilla together using an electric mixer until it fluffs up nicely. Add colour if so desired and ice away!
Yesterday, I gave a lecture ‘on blogging’ to first year students at NUIG. This was one of the best experiences I have had thus far since starting my blog in 2007. I gave a one-hour presentation and had a Q&A session afterwards and I brought these muffins in for all the students.
So. College is hard. Damn hard.
The decision as to whether I should carry on to do an MA or take a year off is impossibly hard because it affects more than just me. It affects the kids, the husband and of course, my Mum. And we all know that she is ‘the boss’ so we have to keep her happy.
I hate having to make decisions like this … but all the paperwork and applications have to be submitted in December / January … so a girl has to put her thinking cap on and make a decision.
What would you do?
Those are all the WiseWords I have for today,
WiseMóna
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About MónaI am a native Galway girl that seems to be drawn to professions that rhyme with 'err'. Writer, Mother, Restauranteur, Wedding Planner, Dishwasher, Grass cutter, Cocktail maker. I suppose you could say I am a well rounded entrepreneur.
You can find me here
About the ChefYou can't find the Chef here.
You might as well just come visit.
He prefers face to face communication.
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You’re burnt out. Holidays are coming and you will feel refreshed after a break. Go with your gut, but I’d say stick it out and finish your MA if/while you can! Those muffins sound divine. Best wishes, Imen xx
Thanks Imen.
Lets hope the break does me the world of good.
Having ten kids underfoot might be enough of a distraction :0)
Hope we get to see you guys over the break xx
It’s hard to make a decision like this when you’re in the middle of one of the most stressful times of the academic year! But I think once the exams pass, and you get a bit of a break, you might also gain more perspective on the situation – can you wait ’til January to decide??
Either way, as Imen says, go with your gut. That year will go so very fast, whether you’re studying or taking time off. I’m always in favour of ‘getting things done now’ but, for this type of postgrad, you may need to have a fresh (rested) mind to give it your best.
That probably wasn’t very helpful at all. I’ll still have one of those muffins though
x
P.S. I hope you didn’t mind that I ambushed you in the Starbucks coffee queue. :-/
Hi Arlene,
Thanks for this. Deeeelighted you ambushed me at Starbucks :0)
The end of January is the deadline for the courses I would be interested in so I have to get cracking soon
as the funding etc. paperwork is lengthy.
I am leaning more towards the break from studies … and get more work experience.
Funny – the idea of taking a break from school to get a job and work excites me the most!
That, and getting back to writing the second book. And …. the muffins were inhaled.
Best of luck to you with your own exams x
Tough decision when there’s kids involved. Best to wait till after Xmas until you’ve all rested to decide. I loved every second of my MA but I did put a lot of work in (and mine was pre-children) so yep, you’re going to need the support. If you’e going to do it at all though, go for it rather than taking the year off as will be harder to get back into it (for everyone!)
That’s my 2 cents
I know Lorna – I think that is why I am hesitating.
I feel like I am not able to give this year my best effort and would feel that spending
all that money on an MA would not be ‘wise’ if I could not give it my better-than-best effort.
I know it will be hard to get back into it – but the MA is only twelve months … not 4 years.
I will give the Christmas break to mull over and plod on as they say.
Thanks for chiming in. xxx
No lecturer, no guest speaker, no tutor ever brought in the most meagre muffin for me when I was a NUIG student: I bet you are already legendary there. Legendary plus burnt out is no good, though: do have a gin and an early night.
And wonderful Kenny’s rang me today to make sure I’d received the book I ordered – such exemplary customer service.
Ha ha … legendary. Yes. That is me!
I took your advice and had a nice gin last evening and it did smooth over the troubles temporarily.
I think I will wait a while till the exams have passed and then give it more thought over the Christmas break. Thanks for the support Mise; the folks at Kenny’s are top notch.
Oh Mona, please take of yourself . I really do not know how you do it all ! I remember when it came time to finish my degree I decided to take some time before I carried on. I was totally burnt out too at the time ( I had Conall 2 months before my finals ) but I really wish now that I had just ploughed on. It was still just as crazy when I did go back and that two year break made it seem even harder to get into the swing of it all again. I know you will make the right decision for you and the family. Those muffins look and I bet tasted very yummy, lucky first year students x
Hello there,
Ah . . thanks Brenda x
I am trying to keep head above water – but am certain four years is just too long for a (mature) student to get a degree. I will manage to keep head-above-water … I can’t imagine not finishing up now – only twelve weeks of class left after Christmas … so I am sure I will make it to the end.
I do not know how you managed with wee ones underfoot though! At least mine are all past the toddler stage.
Hats off to you. Hope the Nor’easters are not too cold and you are settling in for a lovely white Christmas x
Oh the lucky students!
Mona you sound exhausted, try and get some rest over Christmas, if possible. As previous people have said no one knows better than yourself whether to continue of take a break. I think, though the prospect of continuing is exhausting it will be better in the long run as harder to resume studies after a break plus your children will be that bit older and will be pulling even more on your time.
Go for it girl, we’re all here to support you x
Hi Siobhán,
I am wrecked for sure. I know. Rest over Christmas and hopefully emerge rejuvenated
and ready for the final 12 weeks of class.
A lot of people keep asking me ‘how I do it all’ so I was prompted by that question to blog
honestly about that fact that I am not doing it ‘all that well’ right now.
But – this too shall pass and I think a break from college – one way or the other will be great for me :0)
Thanks for the love and support Siobhán xx much appreciated. And – the students did like the muffins!
Your tired now….Holidays are coming….Get you degree, take some time off, your can always go back and further your education at a later stage.I think fair play to you all your doing! Be kind to yourself!!
PS think I might try your muffins,yum
Jx
Ah … thanks. I know. Wrecked.com here.
I think getting through Christmas exams and the end of this degree will be it for a while.
There is a part of me that wants to continue on and ‘finish up’ with an MA but it is putting ‘life on hold’
for the whole family while I am in college and I just hate that. Thanks for the support x and do try the muffins!
For all tricky decisions, do the following: Get a sheet of paper. Draw a line down the middle. Put all arguments for on the left, all against on the right. Put the paper away for a couple of days and review. Then, when you are at the time that you need to make the decision, you will be clear on it. I do think I already know what you are going to do but it would be wrong to say…
Best,
Conor
Thanks Conor. I am one of those list-making-kinda-gals so this sounds like a great idea.
You are right – I think I have already made my mind up … but for some silly reason feel like if I walk away from ‘staying in college now’ I might never go back. I think because I never went to college as a youngster
it is harder …. Anyway … a wee rest over the Christmas break and the final twelve week hurdle to get the degree . . then who knows what the summer will bring. Maybe we will go on holidays!
Thank for chiming in Conor.
Hi Móna, do you ‘need’ an MA now? You have so much to do if you take a ‘gap year’ with your next book, blogs, newspaper column, family, etc. And now lecturing?! That’s amazing! That sounds like plenty for a year until the dust settles. I think that you can always return to college but you can’t return to your kids’ childhoods. But if it’s all working well now, maybe you need to plough on. Good luck! Cathy
You make a great point Cathy…’want v’s need’.
I think the fear is that I will not go back once I get released from college and I suppose at this
stageof the game I feel like I might need the MA? That being said, I am all for taking ayear off and have plenty to keep me busy. Giving the talk ‘on blogging’ was a great experience, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to do so @NUIG of all places. Hope your own projects are all trucking along and you are enjoying your freedom from college!
What would I do?
Drop out right about now and move to the other side of the world to annoy my sister.
Sure CA will help you get back up on your feet?
Not recommending you follow my lead… Just
Saying what I did
Ha ha!
Well, if you were my older and wiser brother then I would totally take your lead on
this one….but seeing as you are my younger brother I have to go with my gut here.
Looking forward to seeing your munchkins over Christmas xx and you too of course.
Hey doll!! Awesome post, look at you with your presentation and q&a and everything!! I don’t have any gems of wisdom about going on from the BA only than don’t make any decisions while your in this mental head wreck of a time.. I always think its pretty mean of unis to make you choose if you wanna progress when they know that at this time of the year you have the study stress the exam stress library stress other people’s library stress ! Gotta say, the next step is a bit of a game changer too.. I’m in at night and no one is ever around.. But it is worth it for those letters!! Hope your awesome tho! Would love to catch up for a coffee soon! Xx
Emer,
Thank you so much for this. It is a game changer. I was wondering why I had not seen you recently
evenings…eeeekkkk…my usual bedtime of 8:30pm would be tricky x
It is horrible that the paperwork procees is between now and January. I cannot figure that one out
at all. There is stress all around for sure…and yes, if you are in over the next two weeks send me a text or tweet for coffee xx
I surely can’t tell you what you should do Mona I just know that whatever you decide you will have given it much thought and taken your needs and that of your family’s into consideration. You have had so much on your plate since you went back to school and it seems that more just keeps getting added to it.
Personally, I feel a break from the studies would be good for you. Besides getting a bit of a breather, you will be able to stand back and get some perspective and from that you can make your decision.
You do have a wonderful support system and for that you are very fortunate. You also have more guts, drive and bull-headed determination than anyone I think I’ve ever known. You have also found your way through much tougher things than college in your past and whether you get your MA now or five years from now, if you want it I know you will find a way to get it.
Now, have one of those lovely looking cupcakes with a cup of tea and get some rest and really enjoy your family and friends over the holidays. College will be there next year, the year after and the year after…..
xo ~ Paula
P.S. So sweet of you to link to my site. Many thanks
Hello Pauala,
Thanks for this. I needed a reminder that ‘college will always be there’ and to be honest,
the kids are growing up so fast, it might be a little easier once they are off in Secondary school and more
Interested in their friends than their parents. Right now, they actually still like hanging out with us!
Your site is always worth linking to. So pretty and perfect xx
Reading through, MY gut says take the time to be with the kids ( and do all those other things.) As parent of two grown kids, I say get time when you can, ESPECIALLy if they like being with you. (Say to self/all now, you’ll do it in a year, if it helps. Then you know you are going back.).
And also important: do you need the advanced degree?
I like the two columns, write out pro’s and con’s. It helps me often.
I wish I could run into you at Starbucks. Are you ever in midcoast Maine? I’ll look for you next time I am in Galway!
Hi there,
)
I know. You are right of course. You can’t get that time back with the kids.
These past few weeks – and weekends – have been spent inside/studying while the kids are
Trying to get me to go see/do stuff with them and, for the most part,
I have closed up the books and done just that
You know everyone keeps asking if I need the advanced degree and I guess until I get into the throes of
job searching it is very hard to answer that question, but as a student, I think we always feel like
too much is never enough? Industry experience is where I am headed for right now and I am getting plenty of that with The Sunday Times column and feel very fortunate to have that opportunity.
Thanks for chiming in .. I do appreciate it.
Ah, I can so imagine with your busy life you feel a bit burnt out at times Mona! I’ve been wondering how you keep it all up anyway, and I’m sure you will feel a lot better after a good nice Christmas break. And I’m pretty sure those delicious darlings will help somewhat in the process. Looks lovely. Although I have a bit of cupcake overload since I’ve had to make and bake and photograph sooooo many over the last year. No more cupcakes for me!
I’ll be doing a little shipping research this week, so will mail you shortly!
Whoopee … on the shipping etc. Reckon by my birthday in Feb I will be ‘all sorted’ and have a trip planned to France on a Wine tasting / cultural weekend with folks from Galway so perfect timing I reckon!
You are right … a break is needed Simone. I am heading off to a job fair right now before my English exam this afternoon!
xx
One time when I couldn’t make my mind up about something a friend advised me to ‘Flip a Coin’. I was annoyed at this flippant suggestion. But he went on to say that while the coin is in the air, in your head, you are rooting for it to land one particular way. And that is the answer…..go with what you were hoping would be the outcome because that’s your honest real fervent desire. Don’t go with what you think you should do. Deep inside you know what you want to do. Listen to that voice. It’s your inner voice speaking to you. M
Wow…does that ever call it like it is.
I like it. I think you are right. I am thinking I should go one way as opposed to the other,
but with four small kids and hubby and Mum to factor in, I just can’t do what ‘I want’ – I have to make the best decision for the family. They have been very understanding for the last four years.
I think we all need a little break…from the world of academia :0)
Thanks for popping in for a visit here and your two cents worth. I am loving that coin toss trick!
I love Chocolate Cherry Muffins. That is more suitable for coming holidays. Thanks. That is great.
Thanks! Have a happy Christmas too!
My Dear Mona, I have always been in awe of your energy and commitment, you have something very special there.
As I am much older than you (ahem, elder wisdom and all that!) I feel much more connected to the fact that life is incredibly short and that kind of governs how I make decisions now. If it doesn’t make my heart sing well it’s not for me….I am often quite confused and make wrong turns but I drop the wrong thing like a hot potato…..and keep on my path, I haven’t any time to waste. Which one is your true path only you can decide but as far as I can see from outside, you are a natural talent and I’m not sure you need any more than just that and to trust your self completely. X
Ah Catherine – you are so kind to say that.
I too have decided to no longer do anything that does not make me happy – I had to learn the hard way and be miserable for a while – but it was a great lesson.
Learning how to trust oneself is hard – and I am working on it :0)
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and exciting new year xx