I find the need to justify everything I do right now to myself, my friends, family, family friends. It doesn't help that whenever someone ask what i'm doing, I can't just answer "working" because then my mom has to back that up with "...but she's applying to..." basically saying that what i'm doing in life right now is not noteworthy or anything to be content with...its really aggravates me.

You however. You have a plan. You have put that plan in action against what others may think, and you have chosen to place yourself most important in your life. That is quite admirable!! And not only are you taking care of your needs, you are doing what you want, and what you see fit for your life. Thats just awesome to me. In every way. =]