This...That...and What's on my Mind

It's been over a year since I have blogged here and it's not that I have forgotten, just tons of things going on and this seemed to take a back burner.  I have been trying (with just a tad bit of success) to make a real go of my food blog, Blogghetti, and also keeping up with my classes. At my age, that seems to be harder than I thought it would.  Age does not always bring wisdom, sometimes you lose it.  Maybe, I can replace some of what I lost with new wisdom.  Haha!

Anyway, let's start with the classes.  I am in the process of changing my major from Business Admin to Public Service. Why? Because (again, at my age), I want to be able to enjoy what I am learning and doing as a career. Not just have a degree because it's what's expected and presumed to be on your resume.  Public Service is a much better fit for me. I love helping people and when I worked at the technical college, that's what I did and enjoyed every minute of helping others.  Sad that I quit that job after almost 10 years because I was not moving forward no matter how hard I tried and management seemed to want me to step back even though I was doing great there. Going back to college was a major factor of that decision to quit and only every now and then I regret quitting but only because of my addiction for Hobby Lobby, which requires money!

The food blog is an adventure, a hobby, and hopefully I can make it popular - more than what it is, which is not so much. I am not giving up though.  I am learning more every day about blogging, photography, and promoting blogs.  It's not as easy as some make it seem.  New recipes are fun to try and even if they turn out not great, it's a learning experience. Bless my family's hearts and stomachs for being guinea pigs! If you are so inclined (just a bit of begging here), please check the blog out and follow it as well as the Facebook page for it. I'd appreciate it tons!

Quitting my job put quite a few things into perspective for me along the lines of friends and coworkers.  You quit a job and those that you thought were your friends (coworkers) are never to be heard from again, not all but some.  I've always tried to be the best friend I could be to all those I considered friends because that's how I would like to be treated.  This worked well for me for many years, or did it really? Maybe treating others how you want to be treated is just a crock, it sure is exhausting at times with some "friends" and very easy with others.  The "others" are the ones who are worth it and remain true, no matter what.  Being the wife of a retired military man, I've moved a few times, made great friends only to have them or me move.  I love the fact that I have remained great friends with many of them. Over the last few years though, I've come to realize how hard it can be to be friends with some that only seem to want to be "friends" when it's convenient for them.  Why am I the friend that needs to call, or makes plans with you all the time? Why can't you be the one to do that?  I feel like I am being needy or desperate with some friends when I do this, or like you really don't want to be friends.  I shouldn't feel like that...ever...with friends.    I guess I just want those friends to treat me as I do them after all...as a friend and maybe even do the calling and planning sometimes.  Life, is busy...I know that and I have a busy schedule with full time classes and my family but I always make time for my friends.  If you care about people in your life, you make time for them.  It may seem petty that I am complaining about this and you're probably right but it's my blog and I can write whatever I want. Ha! I am blessed with a great family and some great friends, a great life as well. I know this but it doesn't take away the emotions I have about this...

Cats really do have nine lives!

The next two weeks are finals...starting to get nervous about 3 of the 4. One I already did (the video speech.) I really am not worried about passing them, but about making the grade to keep my GPA at this point. If all goes well, I will have a 4.0. 

Still worried about oldest daughter and her exam which is next week (Tues or Wed, she picks)

Worried a bit about youngest and her finals too...

I realize worrying doesn't do anything, it will be what it will be BUT I am worried. 

On other news, after these two weeks, I have a break (a month I think) before summer classes start. I plan to do more home decor stuff. I hope to have the kitchen finally finished BEFORE the inlaws come on May 9.

One of youngest daughter’s friend's parents had chairs that matched ours for the dining room table (that is in my kitchen) so we bought 4 of them from for $60! They got a new set and the chairs were just sitting in the garage.

I need a few more prints for the eating area to hang and still have YET to find any REMOVABLE wall decor stickers for the the back splash. Apparently, I am still living in the 90s when those were popular. Had I known....

Belle, our wonderful old kitty has been through hell this week...all because of ME. It's a wonder she doesn't hate me. Cats are very forgiving though. Saturday evening I gave her the frontline treatment...she didn't look my way till Sunday when it was time for breakfast and then what do I do? I dropped the tupperware container of food on her head (spilling nearly half its contents) and she ran and hid in Val's room...which I might add she has NEVER stepped foot in. She didn't look my way or come out for hours. When she did, she snubbed me! Wait...it get better....Monday she was under the desk sleeping and I knew it (no where near the chair) as I was working on class assignments. An hour later, I got up to check laundry and as I moved the chair I hear this crying/screaming/shrieking from her. I freaked a lifted the chair fast and saw her run but I saw a chunk of what appeared to be her tail!! OMG I freaked and shrieked and cried and picked the dang thing up! Noticed it was NOT tail but just fur. OMG..I went to her and she wouldn't even let me touch her. I tried to bribe her with treats to come down from the window ledge...nothing. I moved the couch to get to her and by this time she was gone...ran upstairs...to her safe haven...the closet in Val's room. I was still freaking out but I went there and laid down on the floor by her. She let me pet her and I felt all over and she didn't cringe or try to bite me so I guess mainly she was scared and the fur coming off pain didn't last long...IDK but I was so upset. She stayed up there most of the day. She did come down to eat at night and I watched her, she seems fine. Yesterday...nothing major happened...thank God. I am a horrible mama....

Will itching count against me?

 just did my video speech...it's the best it is going to get...I mean I scratched my nose in it...BUT the rest is good...good eye contact, emotion in voice, etc...will the itching count against me?  I cannot do it over...

Keep on Educating

Just registered for summer and fall classes...all are online but one. I also am looking into the co-op program with the base...but for now, I am going to clean the toilets and do laundry...yea I am having fun.

Conversations with oldest daughter

Oldest Daughter and I had a text convo today and I wanted to share it:

Oldest Daughter: I am sitting in my last college class ever.

Me: yay!!!

Me: Took a hard test today..got an 85 on it...brought my 99 avg down.

Oldest Daughter: Yeah that happens haha but it's still a good grade.

Me: Yea but it bums me out some. Oh and I get to register for classes when the "seniors" do and not the junior that I am - Sunday at midnight. hahaha

Oldest Daughter: I do not miss registration, ours was at 3am. You just have to do better at the next test to bring up average but an A is an A no matter if it's 100 or 90. And C's get degrees.

Me: thanks for the pep talk. Nice to know that you were listening all those times I told you the same thing, minus the C's get degrees. lol.

They do listen to us LOL. Made me smile and proud.

Celebrations...

OK..you know how much I hate to exercise so when I do and feel good about it, I do not want to log on to FB and see Chic-fil-a's add for their banana pudding shake. C'mon! I don't even know if I like it but I like banana pudding! I just walked 2 miles and did strength training too...now all I see when I look at my pretty water bottle that Jennifer got me to use in "school" is a milkshake and not the water that is in it. Thanks Chicken place. 

Classes update...another test done and aced it...a HARD one tomorrow...World Lit. I hate that topic just as much as exercising. Yes, I rebel at studying for it too. I don't even know what to study for since she will be giving us essays to write. ICK.

This past Friday marks the one year date of Mark's brain surgery. It's funny how we remember things like that but can't remember what we need to get at the store. Thanking God every day that he came out of it just fine! So, he celebrates by going on a 65 mile bike ride Saturday, I celebrated by going to Hobby Lobby. We all have our ways! Oh and then we went to dinner with friends at a great Mexican place, Margaritas....and yes I did have one. 

I'm rambling but I didn't feel like posting on open FB. I will be updating the food blog today too. 

Life is good...even with World LIt

It's been a whirlwind past few days with my classes. Ok that's a lie. I played hooky Friday. The entire weekend I did nothing. Yesterday back on it. BUT I have been like the wind and gusting through researching for my papers. The one I asked for opinions on it due in a couple of weeks and is the longest. I actually started it and have two whole paragraphs done! Yeehaw! You may be saying, "is that it?" Well..Introductions are the HARDEST for me to do. I tend to write them last LOL. But not this time. 

Two English short papers done, that next quiz there is gonna be a nightmare. Two other short papers for two classes done. I need to start on my final project for one class like last month. 

I have a headache from thinking about all of this. BUT - I have homemade, fresh salsa and oven chicken fajitas in the works for dinner so life is good.

First Exam...yikes

OK first BIG exam tomorrow...send good wishes and prayers for a good grade! Professor already told us, it is a hard exam and expect to see your A's go to C's. That will not happen to me. (power of positive thinking)

Unorganized, Insane Day

Well, I was heading to get that cup of coffee when I got distracted by my DIRTY Kitchen. So I started on a cleaning binge. When I worked, my house wasn’t spic and span all the time but it was kept up. After I quit my job, my house is still not spic and span BUT I have been deep cleaning things…cleaning closets….finishing up projects, etc. Now that I am back in school, my house is so bad. I haven’t mopped since before Christmas and sweeping the kitchen floor…OMG it needs it so bad that if I don’t do it today, I feel I may have visitors that I do not want. I have a problem organizing my time now with school. It was easy with work…you cleaned on the weekends. Bleck. When I quit, I did stuff every day so all was good. Now, I have to add the “chores” in my planner that I keep for classes. No lie. I have post it’s with what I need to do on it.

Yesterday was one of the most unorganized days I have had in months. I was so stressed that I felt my BP rise and RISE. I was supposed to have a quiz posted for World Lit….well I guess the auto upload for it failed and no quiz was posted till noon. Not that I was ready for that one…and when I saw the quiz finally…OMG…it isn’t a quiz. It’s a freakin TEST! Five essay questions that have 2 parts each. One response paper that had to be one page long.

Ok so, no quiz at first…practice test for a PowerPoint Exam…6 wrong the first time through it. Oh boy! 60 questions took me over an hour! Then off to watch a video for another class…most of these videos have been interesting – this one was not! In between all of this, I was doing 5 loads of laundry (still have 3 beds with bedding to wash.) Then, I remembered I had a doctor appt. in the afternoon. So showered for that and went to it. Two hours of study time lost there. Now the time is going on 4pm.

I finally sit down to work on quiz and it took me till 6pm to do this. I sent it. I hope I got a C. Yes, I should be more confident but I am not. I knew the play and all its themes, etc. but I do not do well on analyzing material like that. I did the practice PPT exam again and 3 wrong. Still an A so…yea. Now it’s 8pm. I think I ate yesterday.
I watched a bit of TV with hubby and then went to BED. I need to be more organized. I didn’t feel my BP go back to normal till bedtime. I laughed when the doctor said my BP was 128/something. It has been 116 since I have been on meds.

SO, today I guess I am making up for being so disorganized yesterday. Oh and Jennifer left her watch here that she needs for clinical so I need to go mail that…wasn’t on the post it!!! Darn! Hahaha.

There will be MANY more days like yesterday, this I know. Moral of the story – make margaritas to relax me while I am studying…no that’s not it…but it’s a good one though! Off I go to answer to the broom and dustpan! (Yea…I get all the fun!)

OH….grade for PPT exam today….100% (I rock!)

And...Let the FUN begin!

When I left you last, I was preparing myself to go back to college after a 20 plus year absence and I was pretty much freaking out.  Well, I still am just not as much!  I have everything I need except a working webcam which I need to use to make two videos.  Mine will work on Skype but not on it's own...yea...great.  I tried everything my technical mind could think of and used the resources of the internet as well.  My computer background is pretty good too.  SO, I will do what I do in this situation and call my DAD!  He knows everything about anything!  I will most likely have to buy an external one though.  Sigh.  

I have a very full load to carry this semester and everyone thinks I can do this but me. Guess I need to get on the train with them, eh?!  Last night was my first night of class in the classroom (since all other classes are online) and I have to tell you I was pretty nervous almost to the point of wanting to throw up.  But as my wonderfully brilliant daughter (whom I called to get a pep talk from) told me, "if you puke now, that tuna salad sandwich you had for lunch will not be pretty the second time and you will stink. Not a good first impression, Mom."  TOLD you she was brilliant!  I did not throw up the tuna.  I went in to class and for an hour and 15 minutes I listened the Professor talk about World Lit and what she expected from us.  She was cool.  She had an accent from the Caribbean thrown in with a bit of British.  I have to tell you, I read the chapter we were to read AND if you were to ask me to tell you what I read, I would have to shoot you.  It was in one eye and forgotten.  The Professor made this subject come alive, fun and I wanted to read it like she was telling us about it.  Drama, Love, Soap Operas, etc.  I sure hope I can, that will help writing all those papers she wants us to do.  

Yes, when the hour was up I was breathing normal and left for home.  I have tons to do for all the classes and if I organize myself I can do this...yes I can.

Now, for my oldest daughter's advice (see this post for that blog)

• Bring either a bookbag or a purse, not both.   - Brought a purse
• bring mechanical pencils - forgot the pencil but had a pen (didn't need a pencil!)
• old people your age sit in the front because they can't see or hear well 
• best seat to sit in is the sides, 3rd row  - sat in the back as it was the only row available when I got there, 10 min early even!
• if you have classes with desks that have the arm desk you pull up...you're screwed because you're left handed.  bring your computer - sat at computer tables
• make friends fast because old people aren't usually picked for groups quickly unless the younger people like you - made a friend!
• you have an advantage because you know how to use technology...some old people don't - found this to be true with one of the younger ones there!

SO...there you have it, my first day of class.  I survived, I was fine, it will be OK.  Breathing again.  

First day of college classes...

OMG...first day of classes with online classes was eye opening. I have SO much writing, reading and thinking to do. Tomorrow night is my first in class class...World Lit....

Ok from 2pm to 5pm I organized a bit of the material I need to do and did 3 assignments...easy ones like introducing myself on the discussion boards. I have an orientation assessment to take and it's based on the syllabus I printed out and I have to get a 100 on the blessed thing and I keep getting a 90! Oy Vey! You can't access the materials for the course without the 100! I can see the instructor shaking his head at the number of attempts I am using...probably thinking I am a total idiot.

Topic of a 10 min video paper - something/someone from the year you were born relating to computers...I am old...is that year even going to have anything??? I found a few things....maybe I can get 10 min which is about 5 pages maybe?!! 

Practice what you preach, MOM

I'm beginning to think I should rename this blog to "Life of a OLD College Student" because I think that is all I will be posting about the next few months.

I begin back to college Monday, well actually I did yesterday "unofficially" with the syllabus' and the pre-assignments to the assignments.  I think I bit off more than I can chew! What was I thinking with FOUR classes all online!  So much to do, so much thinking, writing, thinking, writing, and on and on it goes.  I felt nauseous when I saw all I had to do and the classes didn't even start.  I felt a little throw up in mouth as I read what was due the first week.  I panicked.  I freaked some.  I texted my daughter who just started college and told her I was gonna fail.  She told me to have positive thoughts.  I replied with "I'm positive I am going to fail."  She then told me all the things I told her when she was nervous, scared and wanted to puke.

You'll do fine
You can do it
You are smart
Organize
Make a schedule
Stick to it
Force yourself to NOT procrastinate like I do
Breathe

Yea, I forgot to breathe even while I was thinking of all the reasons I needed to drop classes.  I know she is right.  Even my older daughter told me some of the same things.

How do they do it?? Well I am going to find out.  I sat down in front of my laptop at the desk and for three hours:

I read 4 syllabus'
Introduced myself three times
took a orientation assessment 5 times (had to get a 100 on it to pass - kept getting 90's and 97's)
Printed documents out that I knew were on the site but wanted hard copies.
Made a list of things to buy
Made another list of what I need to do in class the first week
Did one assignment
Looked over at the thick World Lit book and frowned...yes I have to read a portion before class Tues.  This is my only hybrid class...
Breathed

Then I made dinner and poured a glass of red wine. Now, I am still overwhelmed, just not wanting puke.

Are you listening??

Well...................................wouldn't ya just know it...my girls taught me a lesson and they don't even know it. Practice what you preach! I tell them all the time when they get like I am now (overwhelmed, negative vibes galore, wanna puke feeling, etc) - You will be fine, make a schedule, positive thinking, it won't be easy but you can do it. 

I am giving myself 30 min on here and then I am going to sit down and take one class, one assignment at a time and make me a schedule. All day I have been giving myself excuses and things to do, grocery shop, cleaning, lunch with hubby . Valerie told me today, "You have to force yourself to stick to a schedule...don't be like your daughter and procrastinate." She was referring to herself. 

At least I know they "hear" what I tell them all these years!

Things I need to know about going back to college from my college Daughter

I was having dinner one evening with Jennifer when she let me know upfront what I am up against going back to college "at MY age."

• Bring either a bookbag or a purse, not both.
• bring mechanical pencils
• old people your age sit in the front because they can't see or hear well
• best seat to sit in is the sides, 3rd row
• if you have classes with desks that have the arm desk you pull up...you're screwed because you're left handed.  bring your computer
• make friends fast because old people aren't usually picked for groups quickly unless the younger people like you
• you have an advantage because you know how to use technology...some old people don't

Yea...Tell me why I am torturing myself....

On my mind...

Meeting with the college adviser today to go over classes to take in January...I am a bit nervous and anxious. Maybe if I tell them I hate math, they will just give me those credits free. hehehe.

Just another day of Life...

Well no calls from the college adviser and no calls returned either. Classes start Monday. I guess not for me though. I will be calling first thing in the morning to see if I can still get in.

I had two moments of panic today both within 5 min. One with Val leaving and one with where the money will flow from when we run low. Mark has this theory and I am not sure I am on board with it all the time. He worries about things when he needs to...Me on the other hand...I am a planner, I need to know everything is where it needs to be so I don't worry.

I guess if I am not going to class I need to find a part time job - feels like I am back to where I was. LOL. I had a moment of "did I make the wrong decision" but This too shall pass.

I joked with a coworker (when i was working) that when Val left for college I would be a crying mess...Oh Lord...today the mere mention of her not being here had the tears flowing. I know this too shall pass but until it does, Puffs and I will be close friends. LOL. I am going to enjoy this week with her and try my best to not blubber everywhere Saturday while we are moving her in. Positive thinking!

The other thing that is bothering me is, I really only have a few close friends and a couple of them are moving (and have moved). You think I would be used to this from when we were in the military. But then again, we were the ones leaving and this time, the moving truck is on the other side and I am left here. I guess this is where Valerie gets it from - I am slow to make friends and when I do, they are forever. I feel like by the time I am close they leave or I do. Most people can't believe I am not an outgoing person...it isn't easy for me to be that. Over the years, my husband's friends usually were mine too (their spouse) and over the years we now have his friends and my friends. No our friends really...there is one couple that we go to dinner with once a month. I am sure this will pass too.

I am just having a blah moment tonight so don't mind me LOL.

College update

Very quick update on going back to college:

The college has everything they need finally and they are going through my credits to transfer. This is good. They told me an adviser would contact me this week. This isnt' so good. It's Thursday and registration for classes begins today. Classes start on the 15th.

I don't think I will be going to classes until Spring. This is bad. I now have to figure out what to do for the next 3.5 months...yep think I may have to look for a job.

I'm a bit depressed about this.

Oh and heads up...9 days till Val leaves for college.

I have to get how many shots??!!

Now. Getting shots...let me tell you...this isn't gonna be fun! Apparently I am behind in getting them??? Not sure how that is even possible but "according" to the computer at the clinic I am.  Why do I have to have these stupid things to go to school...yea yea yea I know rules...health and all that too. SO - NOW I am thinking I may not get to go to school until the Spring Semester. Why?! Because I have to get shots. More paperwork. AND my transcripts won't be here on time most likely. Man I hate to admit this BUT I feel like one of the students I work with...they would ALWAYS be late to register for classes and complain that it wasn't fair. I would always tell them, ya shouldn't have waited so long...See where I am going with this...uh huh.

At least, if that happens, I will be ready for Spring! 

I also found out who my friends were/are at that place I worked. yea...fun times there. My rose-colored glasses are clear now. Thankyouverymuch for the life lesson. 

BUT I am not dwelling. I am looking ahead. IF they wanted to know why I really left, my phone would be ringing. This is where one might insert the bleep you comment but I am not dwelling. I have to get shots tomorrow...gotta be relaxed LOL.

Hello world!

Being new to blogging I hope this does three things for me..,,one - clear my mind; two - gain new insights on my thoughts; and three - meet others who are blogging and enjoy what they write.

If you read my profile about me it says I am married with children but that isn't just all I am.  Though, sometimes, it is all I feel I am.  Things have been crazy the last few months in my house and my life.  You never know what can happen till it happens.

One child in college, one heading there this fall, husband who just had brain surgery to remove a tumor, a job that I love but drives me insane at times and me - who is at a point in my life where I am starting to wonder when is it time for what I want.

My intent with this blog, for the moment, is to clear my head...even if it's just to vent to myself if no one comments, I will have accomplished something.  Sometimes you can't tell the person (s) you want to complain about that you are so here I can do that and blow off steam.

This will be boring I am sure to most but it is Life as I know it...