Studying is proving to be difficult today. My focus isn’t focusing. The house feels especially alive, full of sounds and constant movement. Everest has decided that today is the perfect day to spend outside, and she wants to go out every half hour or so. If I don’t immediately take the hint, she jumps on me until I give in and let her outside.

Meanwhile, the kids are in the living room, talking and laughing together. I can hear the television in the background, adding another layer of noise to the day. Sandy keeps jumping onto my desk, adding to the interruptions. There always seems to be something happening, and it’s hard to find a quiet moment long enough to really settle into studying.

I also got a later start than I intended this morning. Before I even sat down with my coffee, I filled the pill boxes and took a shower. By the time I finally got around to studying, the morning had already slipped away, and before I knew it, lunchtime had arrived. I made myself some toast and eggs, and now I’m back at my computer, trying to get into the right mindset.

It doesn’t help that it’s such a beautiful day outside. Every time I let Everest out, I end up spending a few minutes outside myself, enjoying the sunshine and the fresh air. The weather is so pleasant that sitting indoors at my desk feels much less appealing. Each trip outside makes it a little harder to return to my computer and concentrate on studying.

Today just feels like one of those days when studying requires extra effort. Between the distractions, the late start, and the temptation of the beautiful weather, staying focused has been a challenge. Ok, I’m going to start reading and then do some quizzes.

I’ve been getting text messages about my old Volkswagen Beetle again. The first one warned me about a recall affecting the 2016 Beetle. The second and third messages were much more optimistic, inviting me to stop by the Volkswagen dealership to check out special deals and admire all the shiny new vehicles.

The amusing part is that I haven’t actually owned my Beetle in years. Or maybe it’s only been a year or two. At this point, time has become a vague concept. Whatever the exact number, the Bug has long since moved on to its next adventure in a scrap yard. Apparently, nobody bothered to tell the dealership.

Despite the fact that my Beetle and I broke up ages ago, I still receive texts and occasional phone calls reminding me about recalls, oil changes, and maintenance appointments. According to Volkswagen’s records, I’m apparently still cruising around town in my trusty little Bug.

Part of me wonders if somewhere there’s a giant computer that firmly believes my Beetle and I are inseparable. Meanwhile, I’m over here being constantly reminded that my former car needs attention.

Someday, I should probably call the dealership and explain that the Bug and I have gone our separate ways. Until then, they can continue their valiant efforts to help me maintain a vehicle that has been out of my possession for so long that I’m surprised they haven’t started asking how the family is doing.

Ok, the last text they gave me asked me to schedule an appointment for the safety recall. I texted them back that my Beetle is no more. I haven’t got an answer back. I wonder if I just texted a bot. I guess I will find out if I get more texts.

I’ve been studying networking and the OSI model. I need to remember the 7 layers of the OSI model. Tommy has helped me with remembering: “Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away”

* Layer 1: Physical
* Layer 2: Data Link
* Layer 3: Network
* Layer 4: Transport
* Layer 5: Session
* Layer 6: Presentation
* Layer 7: Application

I’m going to read now and wait for everyone to come home. We are having burgers and fries tonight. 🙂