It's been too long, but not long enough

So I'm back here.  There is so much going on in my world right now that it's almost too much to talk about; on the other hand, nothing is going on.  I've decided that I'm attempting to go back to school for IT.  My boyfriend suggested I look into it since I'm always (not now, though) on the computer.  I was looking up what IT professionals make versus what journalists make, and I'm sad to say that journalism pales in comparison.  To put it into perspective for you, professional journalists, after a few years, make less than half of what entry-level IT professionals make.  I think it will be wiser to go for more money, and keep my writing on the side.
I'm quite nervous, though.  At this point, I don't even understand what the different IT degrees mean, much less whether or not I like them enough to pursue them.  I'm worried that the classes will be too difficult and over my head, and I'll fail this like I've failed everything else.  This time, though, I'm going to study my ass off.  I'm not going to let myself get distracted, I'm going to study for my tests and I'm going to strive for a 4.0 GPA.  I owe it to myself to get my life started on the right foot, instead of standing still, letting it pass me by.  I'm going to look up everything I can about IT so I can familiarize myself with it, instead of just jumping into it without knowing what I'm getting myself into.  I'm even thinking about getting a For Dummies book on it so I can get a better grasp on the basics.  I'm not a cylon, but I definitely have a plan.
On that note, I am also not going to be on the computer as much.  I'm not going to waste my time on facebook anymore.  I'm going to read more, and I'm going to improve on my intelligence.  I have floated through life so far, but it's sink or swim time, and I'm not going to join my mom at the bottom of the pool. I am going to make the jump, and I'm going to have something to be proud of.  I'll be honest, I considered having kids just so I could feel worthwhile.  So I'd have a title.  But my title is not now, nor will it ever be "Mother."  Mark my words, it will be "IT specialist," or "programmer," but it will not be something that will control my life like having a child would.  I am very lucky to have such a wonderful, encouraging boyfriend to help guide me to the right decisions, instead of all the negativity and stress brought on by my family.  That's just a little side note.

Anyway, I am leaving this blog with a sense of pride in my decisions, and my question for you is this: Have there been any major distractions in your life that you have realized are holding you back?