I think I've finally reached the point I can thank my mother.

And I mean this in all sincerity.

Recently, as I've mentioned in previous postings, I've been getting my life together- from figuring out my life goal for the next two to three years (I'm graduating early, getting certified to teach, applying to grad schools and teaching jobs in my semester off) to deciding which grad schools I would actually like to attend, which schools I would like to teach in, and which courses I have to take and when to graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in 3 semesters. This hasn't been the easiest task as I also have about 30 pages of term papers due within the next month, the majority of those papers being research. And with a project due each week for a theatrical design course, it's been hard to find the time to organize everything in my life. But I have completed it, with time to spare- and feel much better for it.

As I look back on my life and attitude a year ago, I don't think I would even recognize myself. I've come such a far way, and matured in many great ways. A year ago today, I was squatting at my boyfriend's apartment because I "hated" my roommate on campus, I was just doing enough homework to get by, and leaving friends and most aspects of my life to the dogs. Since that time, I have learned to take on responsibilities for my actions, create lists and keep on top of assignments, and still have time at the end of the day to go to bed early, relax or attend a party. Social drinking has become much less of a "Hey ya'll, let's get plastered tonight!" and more of a "Just one glass of wine would be great." I feel healthier, I feel free, I feel myself. And I'm glad for it.

This is where the title comes into play- I wouldn't be any of these places without my mother and her hard-ass ways of functioning and organizing. One of the major memories throughout my childhood is of my mom, keeping on us to get our work done. "No, you cannot watch TV until I check over all your homework." "You can't have friends over until you've cleaned your room and the major living areas of the house." From the time I entered school until the past year, I was the world's biggest procrastinator. The words of "Hold on, I'll clean it, I just have to go pee first." were issued from my mouth on so many occasions- oh, and I never came back to clean. But now, I have finished two of my papers due this month, with plenty of time to edit, a full week and a half before they're due. This evening, I will be starting on a paper due the 21st. I'm on top of life, and it feels great. And I wouldn't be here without my mom pounding this stuff into my head for 20 years.