Connie, the best thing to do is to see if you can talk with the chairman of the department you're interested in. That will help you get a feel for whether they want to work with you. Many universities these days are trying to attract older students.

Even going back ten years later, I don't think I reached out to anyone connected to my undergrad when I was applying for grad school. I mean, I got the transcript, but that was it, I think.

Likewise. And then my freshman comp teacher ended up being hired as a poetry professor in my MFA program! So random. He claimed to remember me but I find that hard to believe.

it's coming clear that a 30-year gap between bachelor's and master's may be a bit much

I had 22 years between my BA and applying for my master's program. My school was great and didn't require an academic recommendation (I was able to get by with several professional ones). Definitely check with the program and see what they say!

Before I get to the chatting stage, I should look at financing and time. And, honestly, dedication. I don't have a plan for a degree, I just have a longing for the physical company of people in thought. Yeah, I know, a classroom, not always a lot of people thinking, but still. Maybe there are some intellectual clubs I can start with.

msbelle, I wish I could wave a wand and fix everything.

I, like Amy, am slightly hungover. In a good way. It was so lovely to see her again.

Also, my name is unique. Had I legally taken the last name I have on the board, I suspect it would be unique to the point of absurdity, as there are fewer than 1000 or so people with this particular last name variation, and they're all related to my spouse.

I just have a longing for the physical company of people in thought.

I will say that, as much as I sometimes feel like a really old fart when I'm in class with people 20 years younger than me, I love the whole feeling of being in a classroom again! I'm learning, listening, and since I am older and have lots of library experience, I'm able to contribute a hell of a lot more than I did when I was 22.

Happy Birthday to Megan, Cashmere, Matt, and ita's dad.

I have 3/4 of an apple pie at home and I may eat it all tonight after the day I've had. With ice cream.

I applied for a job! A part-time job shelving books that requires a high school diploma. But it's at my local library branch and would be a good thing to do while I wait for the right job to come along. Although I did not tell them that.

Library jobs are fun. And they're a great way to get to meet your new neighbors. Good luck--hope you get it!

I was disappointed the whole time I spent in college in Rochester, there weren't any big snowfalls. But I was happy I was out of town the time it snowed in May, and extremely relieved that I missed the killer ice storm.

I was here for the killer ice storm. Actually, my aunt died during that, but not because of the ice storm, she had cancer. It just made a bad thing even worse.