Ach, so...next semester, I will NOT take 15 credits. I will NOT take 15 credits. I will NOT take 15 credits...this is insane. Elementary Algebra (3 credits), German 202 (4 credits), History 341 (Alaska History) (3 credits) and Beginning Handbuilt Ceramics (3 credits) and CIOS Powerpoints (2 credits)...as well as a Hebrew class from ETeacher in Tel Aviv. What was I THINKING?!? Sometimes I think I'm like the starving person who sits down at a lavish banquet...my eyes are bigger than my (metaphorically speaking) stomach. Don't get me wrong - my GPA seems to be pretty good...but I'm never home and I get very little sleep and my cat, Arthur, has taken to putting up "Have You Seen This Woman?" posters...
You can imagine, then, that my spring break has not been what one might call "restful"...quite the opposite. Definitely productive, but restful? Nnnnn...no. Sigh.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Sunday, July 24, 2011
My Perfect Day
Okay…so. I said yesterday that I would write about the incredibly amazing day that God gave to me..so here goes.
To begin at the beginning, my great uncle Chester David Jaques was a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps in WWII. He flew B-17 bombers (aka Flying Fortress). He was trained in Iowa and New Mexico and when it came time for him to go to war he was transferred to a former RAF base in Molesworth, England.
Like so many others, Chester Jaques actually flew very few missions. His final mission, on 15 May 1943, was only his fifth credited; he was dispatched on a total of seven missions, but on two of these was forced to abort and return to Molesworth. On his final mission he was accompanied by a crew of nine men. They were:
Since the day I received her note, I have been praying that all the pieces of this remarkable puzzle would fall into place easily and that has indeed been the case. Sally and her daughter Ruth arrived on July 22 at 11:30. My daughter Kate and I met them at the airport. Sally and I have been exchanging emails since our initial contact and she joked that she would wear a bow in her hair so I could recognize her, to which I replied that I would be carrying a sign with her name. So we both, proudly flying our badges of recognition, met at the arrival area of the Ted Stevens International Airport. The instant I saw Sally and Ruth, there was a bond established and the four of us were fast friends, chattering away as we headed downstairs to the baggage claim area. We collected their luggage and headed off to the Anchorage Hilton, where they were to stay overnight prior to embarking on the cruise.
Over lunch at the Hooper Bay Café, we talked about her brother Ward and how very young he was at the time of his enlistment. He graduated from high school in 1941 at the age of sixteen. Naturally, when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Ward could see nothing else but enlisting in the Army Air Corps. He told their father that he wanted his permission, because at the time he was just barely seventeen years old and the American military would have refused to allow him to enlist at such a young age without parental consent. Ward also told their father that if he refused to sign the enlistment papers, he would go to Canada and enlist with the RAF. Sally said that their father agonized for an entire weekend over the decision whether or not to sign those papers. At last he gave his consent and signed Ward’s enlistment papers.
On December 27, 1941 Ward Kirkpatrick enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, the forerunner of the United States Air Force, and quickly became such an expert ball turret gunner that he was, for a time at least, an instructor. After completing his training he was shipped to Europe in the fall of 1942, joining the 303rd Bomb Group, 427th Squadron. He flew a total of twenty-four missions, the final one being the same flight that claimed the life of Chester Jaques, my great uncle, as well as the rest of the crew.
It was a bittersweet visit, talking about who these men were and how they must have met in the States during training, as both were posted to Iowa and New Mexico during the same period of time. Chester Jaques, however, was a pilot and as such was able to fly a B-17 over to England via Morocco. Ward Kirkpatrick went over on the Queen Mary, which at the time was enlisted as a troop transport.
For me the most poignant part of our visit was when Sally shared with me the memories of her final contact with Ward, who was 8 years older than she. The family received word that Ward and his group were due to ship out to an unknown destination and were afforded the opportunity to see their son and brother one last time before his departure. They were not allowed to come through the fence surrounding the military installation; nor were they permitted physical contact. Sally said there was a guard present at all times during their visit and they were sternly warned not to do this or that, or to pass objects to Ward. And so he was shipped off to England…and they never saw him again.
On May 24, 1943, Mr. and Mrs. Warren Kirkpatrick received a telegram from the Adjutant General that Ward was missing in action following a bombing mission on May 15. After seven years, the War Department declared a finding of death in the case of Ward Kirkpatrick, but his body was never found. Of the ten men who took off on May 15 for that mission, only four were located following their deaths, and one of these was my great uncle. The bones of Ward W. Kirkpatrick lie somewhere in the North Sea, approximately 25 miles west of Wilhelmshaven, Germany.
Following our lunch, we headed down the Seward Highway to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center which is located near Portage. The drive down was glorious. Temperatures hit a high of 81 degrees and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky; and while it was warm, there was also a following breeze and this lessened the heat quite a bit. The Center is a great place to bring visitors who want to see Alaskan animals in a relatively natural setting. Granted, musk oxen are not exactly “native” to Southcentral Alaska, but this can be forgiven when you consider the beauty of the setting and how well-cared for the animals are. I have never seen such glossy fur on a bear! All of the animals were relaxed, well fed and well adjusted, in clean enclosures with water and plenty of space. A visitor can either park their vehicle and walk all around the Center, or drive slowly through and get out for a closer look at the animals. In our case, we opted to drive through and get out when we wanted to see more or take pictures. It was beautiful ; I think that both Sally and Ruth were well pleased with the experience. I know that Kate and I certainly were.
Needing to be back at the Hilton to take care of some issues with their room, we opted to head north to Anchorage. The day continued as fine as could be. We saw quite a few slightly insane people out on the water windsurfing(!) and agreed that, while it looked like fun, there would be no way any of us would consider doing such a thing…but it was fun to see. We stopped at our house to pick up Rhys so that he could join us for dinner.
We arrived back at the Hilton in good time. Sally and Ruth took care of their room and we headed off to the Sourdough Mining Company for dinner with my mom and dad. I had hoped that my parents would hit it off with Sally and I am pleased to report that this was indeed the case! Dinner was a resounding success and we had a wonderful meal and conversation. Mom brought both of her books (Journey to a Dream and Suddenly…It’s Spring!) which she autographed and presented to Sally as a memento of the trip. By the time we finished dinner, all of us were exhausted, especially Sally and Ruth who had been on the go since early that morning. We made our farewells to Mom and Dad at the restaurant and took our guests back to the Hilton for a well deserved night’s rest. They were to board their cruise ship at 4 PM today (Saturday) and embark on a 12 day trip to Alaskan ports, with the final destination of Vancouver, British Columbia, and then home to Spokane, Washington by plane.
It has been a rare and wonderful experience. I have connected in a very special way with someone whose family has also made the supreme sacrifice of a loved one in the service of our country. As I told Sally and Ruth, the connection we have is one that very few people are able to make and it is one that I cherish.
Finally, the day was like receiving an unexpected gift from God, all the more appreciated because of the surprise of making the connection with Sally, and then to actually meet on such a beautiful day – my heart is full and words fail me…I can only say thank you, thank you Lord…toda raba, Abba, and vielen Dank, liebe Gott! A perfect day.
To begin at the beginning, my great uncle Chester David Jaques was a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps in WWII. He flew B-17 bombers (aka Flying Fortress). He was trained in Iowa and New Mexico and when it came time for him to go to war he was transferred to a former RAF base in Molesworth, England.
Like so many others, Chester Jaques actually flew very few missions. His final mission, on 15 May 1943, was only his fifth credited; he was dispatched on a total of seven missions, but on two of these was forced to abort and return to Molesworth. On his final mission he was accompanied by a crew of nine men. They were:
- Co-pilot Lt. Alvin D. Holder
- Navigator Lt. John W. Bradshaw
- Bombardier Lt. Robert C.A. Carlson
- Engineer T/Sgt. Lester O. Corns
- Tail gunner Staff Sgt. Keith L. Clapshaw
- Radio operator Sgt. Warren T. Vasel
- Ball turret gunner Staff Sgt. Ward W. Kirkpatrick
- Right waist gunner Staff Sgt. W.G. Morrison
- Left waist gunner Sgt. Clayton W. Ryan
Since the day I received her note, I have been praying that all the pieces of this remarkable puzzle would fall into place easily and that has indeed been the case. Sally and her daughter Ruth arrived on July 22 at 11:30. My daughter Kate and I met them at the airport. Sally and I have been exchanging emails since our initial contact and she joked that she would wear a bow in her hair so I could recognize her, to which I replied that I would be carrying a sign with her name. So we both, proudly flying our badges of recognition, met at the arrival area of the Ted Stevens International Airport. The instant I saw Sally and Ruth, there was a bond established and the four of us were fast friends, chattering away as we headed downstairs to the baggage claim area. We collected their luggage and headed off to the Anchorage Hilton, where they were to stay overnight prior to embarking on the cruise.
Over lunch at the Hooper Bay Café, we talked about her brother Ward and how very young he was at the time of his enlistment. He graduated from high school in 1941 at the age of sixteen. Naturally, when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Ward could see nothing else but enlisting in the Army Air Corps. He told their father that he wanted his permission, because at the time he was just barely seventeen years old and the American military would have refused to allow him to enlist at such a young age without parental consent. Ward also told their father that if he refused to sign the enlistment papers, he would go to Canada and enlist with the RAF. Sally said that their father agonized for an entire weekend over the decision whether or not to sign those papers. At last he gave his consent and signed Ward’s enlistment papers.
On December 27, 1941 Ward Kirkpatrick enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, the forerunner of the United States Air Force, and quickly became such an expert ball turret gunner that he was, for a time at least, an instructor. After completing his training he was shipped to Europe in the fall of 1942, joining the 303rd Bomb Group, 427th Squadron. He flew a total of twenty-four missions, the final one being the same flight that claimed the life of Chester Jaques, my great uncle, as well as the rest of the crew.
It was a bittersweet visit, talking about who these men were and how they must have met in the States during training, as both were posted to Iowa and New Mexico during the same period of time. Chester Jaques, however, was a pilot and as such was able to fly a B-17 over to England via Morocco. Ward Kirkpatrick went over on the Queen Mary, which at the time was enlisted as a troop transport.
For me the most poignant part of our visit was when Sally shared with me the memories of her final contact with Ward, who was 8 years older than she. The family received word that Ward and his group were due to ship out to an unknown destination and were afforded the opportunity to see their son and brother one last time before his departure. They were not allowed to come through the fence surrounding the military installation; nor were they permitted physical contact. Sally said there was a guard present at all times during their visit and they were sternly warned not to do this or that, or to pass objects to Ward. And so he was shipped off to England…and they never saw him again.
On May 24, 1943, Mr. and Mrs. Warren Kirkpatrick received a telegram from the Adjutant General that Ward was missing in action following a bombing mission on May 15. After seven years, the War Department declared a finding of death in the case of Ward Kirkpatrick, but his body was never found. Of the ten men who took off on May 15 for that mission, only four were located following their deaths, and one of these was my great uncle. The bones of Ward W. Kirkpatrick lie somewhere in the North Sea, approximately 25 miles west of Wilhelmshaven, Germany.
Following our lunch, we headed down the Seward Highway to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center which is located near Portage. The drive down was glorious. Temperatures hit a high of 81 degrees and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky; and while it was warm, there was also a following breeze and this lessened the heat quite a bit. The Center is a great place to bring visitors who want to see Alaskan animals in a relatively natural setting. Granted, musk oxen are not exactly “native” to Southcentral Alaska, but this can be forgiven when you consider the beauty of the setting and how well-cared for the animals are. I have never seen such glossy fur on a bear! All of the animals were relaxed, well fed and well adjusted, in clean enclosures with water and plenty of space. A visitor can either park their vehicle and walk all around the Center, or drive slowly through and get out for a closer look at the animals. In our case, we opted to drive through and get out when we wanted to see more or take pictures. It was beautiful ; I think that both Sally and Ruth were well pleased with the experience. I know that Kate and I certainly were.
Needing to be back at the Hilton to take care of some issues with their room, we opted to head north to Anchorage. The day continued as fine as could be. We saw quite a few slightly insane people out on the water windsurfing(!) and agreed that, while it looked like fun, there would be no way any of us would consider doing such a thing…but it was fun to see. We stopped at our house to pick up Rhys so that he could join us for dinner.
We arrived back at the Hilton in good time. Sally and Ruth took care of their room and we headed off to the Sourdough Mining Company for dinner with my mom and dad. I had hoped that my parents would hit it off with Sally and I am pleased to report that this was indeed the case! Dinner was a resounding success and we had a wonderful meal and conversation. Mom brought both of her books (Journey to a Dream and Suddenly…It’s Spring!) which she autographed and presented to Sally as a memento of the trip. By the time we finished dinner, all of us were exhausted, especially Sally and Ruth who had been on the go since early that morning. We made our farewells to Mom and Dad at the restaurant and took our guests back to the Hilton for a well deserved night’s rest. They were to board their cruise ship at 4 PM today (Saturday) and embark on a 12 day trip to Alaskan ports, with the final destination of Vancouver, British Columbia, and then home to Spokane, Washington by plane.
It has been a rare and wonderful experience. I have connected in a very special way with someone whose family has also made the supreme sacrifice of a loved one in the service of our country. As I told Sally and Ruth, the connection we have is one that very few people are able to make and it is one that I cherish.
Finally, the day was like receiving an unexpected gift from God, all the more appreciated because of the surprise of making the connection with Sally, and then to actually meet on such a beautiful day – my heart is full and words fail me…I can only say thank you, thank you Lord…toda raba, Abba, and vielen Dank, liebe Gott! A perfect day.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Sad News.....
Sometimes life really, really, REALLY sucks. Nick Raitt, the son of my friend Lori Brower, passed away in Salt Lake City at 2:19 AM, Thursday, June 2. Nick fought cancer almost to a standstill for four years...he had a very rare type called alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, which occurs in about 1% of all cancer patients. He was a patient of the same sarcoma specialist as my adopted sister, Lisa Buechler, which is how we got to know one another. When Lisa was dying, Lori and her friends Ruth Taillac, Jennie Magnesen and Denise Cummins (aka The Fairy Godmothers) were there for me 24/7 and I most certainly could not have survived the whole ordeal without them. They are a gift from God.
For those who are interested in learning a little more about rhabdo, here's a link to Nick's website, "My War With Cancer." http://nick-raitt.blogspot.com/ Reading it certainly has helped me to put MY problems into the proper perspective...Lisa only had rhabdo for less than a year before her death and Nick dealt with it for four years. I can't imagine going through all of that and not getting totally depressed, but he never quit. Not once.
Back to school tomorrow. I'm telling you, summer school is insane! In five short (and I do mean SHORT!) weeks we're covering the same amount of material that is normally covered in a full-length semester...oy. I'm very glad I chose to take just one class, as it's seriously kicking my butt...! I have an A at the present time, and if I can pull it together and write my 6 page paper in a somewhat coherent fashion, there's a good chance I may actually end up with an A. One can only hope. Anyway, just three weeks left and I can get my summer back. I am soooo looking forward to just existing...at least until August 29 when the fall semester starts back up! Both of my kids will be attending UAA with me, which will be fun. ;-)
For those who are interested in learning a little more about rhabdo, here's a link to Nick's website, "My War With Cancer." http://nick-raitt.blogspot.com/ Reading it certainly has helped me to put MY problems into the proper perspective...Lisa only had rhabdo for less than a year before her death and Nick dealt with it for four years. I can't imagine going through all of that and not getting totally depressed, but he never quit. Not once.
Back to school tomorrow. I'm telling you, summer school is insane! In five short (and I do mean SHORT!) weeks we're covering the same amount of material that is normally covered in a full-length semester...oy. I'm very glad I chose to take just one class, as it's seriously kicking my butt...! I have an A at the present time, and if I can pull it together and write my 6 page paper in a somewhat coherent fashion, there's a good chance I may actually end up with an A. One can only hope. Anyway, just three weeks left and I can get my summer back. I am soooo looking forward to just existing...at least until August 29 when the fall semester starts back up! Both of my kids will be attending UAA with me, which will be fun. ;-)
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Revised Fall 2011 Schedule and Some Random Thoughts
Summer in Alaska is the greatest gift from God...there is nowhere else on earth that I would rather be than right here, especially when the sun is shining and the clouds are lacy and high above me. It makes me think of the poem by John Gillespie Magee, Jr. It goes like this:
HIGH FLIGHT
By John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
By John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of -- Wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of -- Wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
When I was a child, this poem was something we heard every night at midnight when KTUU Channel 2 signed off the air. (And yes, once upon a time there was only 12 hours of programming broadcast every day!) It was recited by someone with a wonderful speaking voice...and was accompanied by a beautiful video of an Air Force jet streaking through the clouds. Brings back such memories...and a feeling of peace.
My son came to me late last week and mentioned that his classmate, Brianna Aspelund, had invited him to help her family place American flags and crosses (decorated with American Legion poppies) on the graves of each veteran in the Catholic section of Angelus Memorial Cemetery. So that is what we did this morning...it was an honor. When we finished and looked back at all those crosses and flags, it quite took my breath away.
Decided to ditch the Physical Geology class and am taking Prealgebra instead. I hope I'm not making a mistake...I think, however, that I'm much closer to graduation than I had originally thought. What's complicating things is my change of major. It adds about another year at least, so it looks like I may graduate in 2013 or 2014. Sooner would be nice, but what the heck, it's taken over 28 years to get to this point - so what's another two or three years?
I've been thinking a great deal recently about our veterans, past and present. Two of "my boys" are in Afghanistan or Iraq right now - one in the Army, one in the Marines. I'm very proud of them...and terrified at the same time.With Memorial Day coming up, this is the perfect time to pay tribute to our men and women in uniform all around the globe..thank you for your service, each and every one of you!
Chester D. Jaques
Army Air Corps
Killed in Action 15 May 1943, 25 miles west of Wilhelmshaven, Germany
Wayne E. Lovel, United States Navy (and his baby sister Lulubelle)
Clyde W. Lovel, Sr. (my dad), United States Air Force
Glen V. Lovel, United States Army
Served in Burma
and
Charles A. Lovel, United States Army
Served in WWI, in France
THANK YOU...
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Finals Week is HEEEERE!!
I learned a lesson this week about not holding on tight to my expectations. It's finals week here, and I see tired faces all over the campus. Sleep deprivation is the norm and people are studying well into the night, and waking up exhausted the next day. So, what is the lesson, you ask? Ah, listen my children! It's not complicated at all. I was dreading this week, because unlike last semester, I had to actually TAKE my German final...and tests in German can send me into a tailspin like nothing else. I also have a final in Anthropology and a final paper in Western Civilization, so there are MANY hand grenades in the air at the present time.
Monday and Tuesday evening I was able to work with a German tutor, which eased my concerns about that particular final. The University also makes free food available to those who are attending late night study sessions, so I didn't have to stress about my dinner for either evening. The University also makes tutors available in almost every subject taught here, and there is a wonderful Writing Lab where you can go for help. I have been using the Writing Center a great deal, and my final paper is nearly finished. This is important to note as it is also due TOMORROW. No pressure!
Finally, I was able to secure extended time for my German final, which meant that I could take as long as four HOURS to finish. I was so much more relaxed...it made all the difference! Then we had a study session for Anthropology which went really well, and I was able to work some more on my paper for Western Civ. Ran into a good friend from German class and bless her heart, she bought dinner for me! So you see, if you just let go of the controls, God can bring all things into their proper order and supply all of your needs!
And now, dear friends, I must finish my delicious dinner and get back to work on that paper. Western Civ waits for no man!
Monday and Tuesday evening I was able to work with a German tutor, which eased my concerns about that particular final. The University also makes free food available to those who are attending late night study sessions, so I didn't have to stress about my dinner for either evening. The University also makes tutors available in almost every subject taught here, and there is a wonderful Writing Lab where you can go for help. I have been using the Writing Center a great deal, and my final paper is nearly finished. This is important to note as it is also due TOMORROW. No pressure!
Finally, I was able to secure extended time for my German final, which meant that I could take as long as four HOURS to finish. I was so much more relaxed...it made all the difference! Then we had a study session for Anthropology which went really well, and I was able to work some more on my paper for Western Civ. Ran into a good friend from German class and bless her heart, she bought dinner for me! So you see, if you just let go of the controls, God can bring all things into their proper order and supply all of your needs!
And now, dear friends, I must finish my delicious dinner and get back to work on that paper. Western Civ waits for no man!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Well, It's Been AWHILE...
I looked up finally from the crushing weight of homework, papers,classes and more of the same, and realized it's been like...since February? since I last posted on this...oh well,I'm maintaining a respectable GPA and getting my course work done and turned in, so something's happening as it should. We're getting down to the wire with less than 2 weeks of classes left before FINALS WEEK...aaaauuuuuggghhhh........................alles is GUT.
Signed up today for Fall 2011 classes...I must be insane. German 201, English 121 (Literature), Physical Geology and...last but not least....PreAlgebra! Shoot me, just SHOOT ME NOW.
Signed up today for Fall 2011 classes...I must be insane. German 201, English 121 (Literature), Physical Geology and...last but not least....PreAlgebra! Shoot me, just SHOOT ME NOW.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Thoughts on Writing College Papers
Did I mention that I HATE WRITING papers? Reeeeeallly hate it. Don't like it at all. Would rather stick NEEDLES in my eyes, in fact. I'm fine if you tell me, "Write something! Be creative!" but when you tell me that I have to write NO MORE than TWO pages (who the sam hill writes that little?!?) and that it has to be 1/2" from the top and bottom of the paper, with left and right margins at 1", and that you have to use this stupid style or that stupid style (APA, MLA, Chiacgo-Turabian)....screw that!! Bite me.
Okay, done venting now.....back to writing about something I DO NOT CARE about....and I'm paying to do this...isn't that AA's definition of insanity?
Okay, done venting now.....back to writing about something I DO NOT CARE about....and I'm paying to do this...isn't that AA's definition of insanity?
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Midterm Report
Hi guys...holy wow. This semester is more than twice as tough as last semester, even though I'm only taking two more classes. Every professor figures that theirs is the ONLY important class you're taking and none of them cares whether or not you're swamped in any other class....go figure. Kind of like life, nu?
So far my grades are so-so, but the first test in German 102 was AWFUL....a real wakeup call. The next one was much better, so pray for me with the third chapter test, next Thursday! And I have a test in Anthropology 250...a paper in Western Civilization....a paper in Critical Thinking...followed by a nervous breakdown on Friday...hahahahahha....
Received an email from my dear friend, Kathy McEwen, who lives in Washington State. She started walking half-marathons a couple of years ago and is working her way up to actually RUNNING a marathon - and she's 64 years old! WAY TO GO, KATHY!! Check her blog out and be inspired to change YOUR life - http://toenailsareforwimps.blogspot.com
So far my grades are so-so, but the first test in German 102 was AWFUL....a real wakeup call. The next one was much better, so pray for me with the third chapter test, next Thursday! And I have a test in Anthropology 250...a paper in Western Civilization....a paper in Critical Thinking...followed by a nervous breakdown on Friday...hahahahahha....
Received an email from my dear friend, Kathy McEwen, who lives in Washington State. She started walking half-marathons a couple of years ago and is working her way up to actually RUNNING a marathon - and she's 64 years old! WAY TO GO, KATHY!! Check her blog out and be inspired to change YOUR life - http://toenailsareforwimps.blogspot.com
Friday, December 10, 2010
Merry Christmas...Or, Thank God For the Holidays!
After sweating literally buckets of blood over Linguistics 101, I am thrilled beyond measure to report that my final grade - drumroll, please! - is an earthshattering C! Thank you, Jesus...it's a great load off my mind to know that I will NEVER ever have to take that class again...!!!! Whew!
And the best news of all? My grade in Elementary German 101 is...are you ready for this?!? An A!! God is so good...He does help those who help themselves!
I studied hard in both classes - but German was where I really clicked. I'm so looking forward to next semester! I'm privileged to have Frau W again as my Professorin and I know at least four of the students in the class already. We're planning to work together on the group project, if there is one.
So now I can truly relax and enjoy the next 5 weeks of peace and joy...Froehliche Weihnachten, y'all!
And the best news of all? My grade in Elementary German 101 is...are you ready for this?!? An A!! God is so good...He does help those who help themselves!
I studied hard in both classes - but German was where I really clicked. I'm so looking forward to next semester! I'm privileged to have Frau W again as my Professorin and I know at least four of the students in the class already. We're planning to work together on the group project, if there is one.
So now I can truly relax and enjoy the next 5 weeks of peace and joy...Froehliche Weihnachten, y'all!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Perhaps Some Explanation Is Necessary...
I just gave the link for my blog to my German professor - who I like a lot (and I am not just saying that to get a good grade, meine Frau W...wirklich!) and so I thought that perhaps I should explain the etymology of the title.
Some years ago a woman wrote a book called "I'm Running As Fast As I Can!" in which she detailed the story of her life and her struggles with either prescription drugs and/or alcohol, amidst the stresses and struggles of her life. It was an extraordinary book and has remained with me to this day.
So how did I get from there to my blog? Well, at divers times my life has closely resembled a three-ring circus, one in which the ringmaster is juggling hand grenades....with the pins pulled out! As most people know, it is generally considered inadvisable to hold onto a hand grenade after one has removed the pin, as it will in most cases explode...hence the need to juggle the grenades, so as to keep as many in the air at the same time as possible, whilst looking for somewhere to throw them and thus deal with the potential for explosion. The hand grenades, quite simply, are a metaphor for the stresses and demands one's life makes of one...and the trick is to get through it with most of your body parts (and your mind!) intact....and if I can help someone else to avoid some of my pitfalls, so much the better - hence the blog.
Also, I seem to have a rather strong need to write as I get older...I wonder why that is...?
Shalom!
Some years ago a woman wrote a book called "I'm Running As Fast As I Can!" in which she detailed the story of her life and her struggles with either prescription drugs and/or alcohol, amidst the stresses and struggles of her life. It was an extraordinary book and has remained with me to this day.
So how did I get from there to my blog? Well, at divers times my life has closely resembled a three-ring circus, one in which the ringmaster is juggling hand grenades....with the pins pulled out! As most people know, it is generally considered inadvisable to hold onto a hand grenade after one has removed the pin, as it will in most cases explode...hence the need to juggle the grenades, so as to keep as many in the air at the same time as possible, whilst looking for somewhere to throw them and thus deal with the potential for explosion. The hand grenades, quite simply, are a metaphor for the stresses and demands one's life makes of one...and the trick is to get through it with most of your body parts (and your mind!) intact....and if I can help someone else to avoid some of my pitfalls, so much the better - hence the blog.
Also, I seem to have a rather strong need to write as I get older...I wonder why that is...?
Shalom!
Some Fun Things to Consider
I'm a big fan of the concept in marketing that's known as word of mouth...when I had a transcription business, 100% of my clients came to me via WOM. And it follows that in the world of the Internet, the same is true. So I would like to share with you all some links that have been a blessing in my life in the last few years:
First, I have to give thanks for HebrewOnline and their business, ETeacher. This is a phenomenal language school, teaching (among others) the language of Modern Hebrew and Biblical Hebrew. Check them out at www.ETeacher.co.il. You will not be disappointed!
Another link that I have to share with you is that of CoboCards. This is a website founded by three young men in Germany. I believe they originally started the site as a senior thesis at their university. It's a phenomenal tool and I have come to view Ali Yildirm, one of the co-founders, as a friend. Here it is: www.cobocards.com. This is a free service, at the basic level, but if you want to use the full features, there is a fee, which in my opinion is rather modest in nature.
Well, that's all for now. Happy Thanksgiving to one and all.
First, I have to give thanks for HebrewOnline and their business, ETeacher. This is a phenomenal language school, teaching (among others) the language of Modern Hebrew and Biblical Hebrew. Check them out at www.ETeacher.co.il. You will not be disappointed!
Another link that I have to share with you is that of CoboCards. This is a website founded by three young men in Germany. I believe they originally started the site as a senior thesis at their university. It's a phenomenal tool and I have come to view Ali Yildirm, one of the co-founders, as a friend. Here it is: www.cobocards.com. This is a free service, at the basic level, but if you want to use the full features, there is a fee, which in my opinion is rather modest in nature.
Well, that's all for now. Happy Thanksgiving to one and all.
And I Thank You...Thank You, Lord!
As we head to Thanksgiving, I have tried every day (when I remember!) to post to Facebook at least one thing for which I am thankful. By and large my thanks are to my Lord and my God, the Master of the Universe!
In my life there have been many things, which seemed at the outset to be insurmountable obstacles or problems for which I could see no solutions. When I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl in 1988, I had no way of knowing that her autism would both challenge and bless me, but such has indeed been the case. Our daughter is now 22 and a student at our local university. Far from just barely making it through the educational system, she has excelled in many ways - for example, in Algebra. You have to understand: I am what is charitably termed "math impaired" and it is a source of constant wonder to me that my child can do equations with aplomb! Well, strictly speaking, she uses a calculator, but you get my meaning.
And we have a son who is now 18 and preparing to graduate high school. He is a kind, sensitive young man with a heart on fire for Jesus Christ. He is deeply loyal and cares a great deal about his fellow man. He makes us very proud. He isn't sure what course he wants to pursue in higher education, but we have always told our children that higher education is the minimum requirement for success in this world which we inhabit, so he will start at our local university in the fall of 2011.
Last but by no means least, there is my husband, who completes our nuclear family unit. He is my strength and comfort and I love him very much indeed. We've been married 24 years now and nothing ever seems to really faze him, which may be one big reason why our marriage has lasted this long! I tend to react to everything and my husband calmly assesses the situation, and then proceeds to just deal with it. What can I say? I'm blessed indeed.
In my life there have been many things, which seemed at the outset to be insurmountable obstacles or problems for which I could see no solutions. When I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl in 1988, I had no way of knowing that her autism would both challenge and bless me, but such has indeed been the case. Our daughter is now 22 and a student at our local university. Far from just barely making it through the educational system, she has excelled in many ways - for example, in Algebra. You have to understand: I am what is charitably termed "math impaired" and it is a source of constant wonder to me that my child can do equations with aplomb! Well, strictly speaking, she uses a calculator, but you get my meaning.
And we have a son who is now 18 and preparing to graduate high school. He is a kind, sensitive young man with a heart on fire for Jesus Christ. He is deeply loyal and cares a great deal about his fellow man. He makes us very proud. He isn't sure what course he wants to pursue in higher education, but we have always told our children that higher education is the minimum requirement for success in this world which we inhabit, so he will start at our local university in the fall of 2011.
Last but by no means least, there is my husband, who completes our nuclear family unit. He is my strength and comfort and I love him very much indeed. We've been married 24 years now and nothing ever seems to really faze him, which may be one big reason why our marriage has lasted this long! I tend to react to everything and my husband calmly assesses the situation, and then proceeds to just deal with it. What can I say? I'm blessed indeed.
Friday, November 19, 2010
What HAVE I Done?
Having survived thus far (we are at T minus 5 class sessions and counting!) I find myself in a panic because I have one paper that is due by December 6 at 3:45 and it covers material that makes absolutely NO sense to me, whatsoever. I read this stuff and no matter how often I read it, find myself scratching my head and saying, "What..huh?"
I have to say, folks, that never in all my days as a student - and I am talking about all the way back to my first day in kindergarten! - have I felt as stupid as I have this semester, just in this one particular class.
Try as I might, I cannot make heads or tails of the material. The book is unbelievably BORING and the professor never teaches from it, which leads one to ask the question: Why in the world did the professor assign the text? I am not a proponent of book burning, but I have to tell you, this is one occasion in which I will cheerfully make an exception.
The instant this class is over, I am headed to my backyard, where, far from any structure or other flammable materiel, I am going to RIP up the textbook and I am going to BURN IT. And then I am going to spit on the ashes.
Have a nice weekend!
I have to say, folks, that never in all my days as a student - and I am talking about all the way back to my first day in kindergarten! - have I felt as stupid as I have this semester, just in this one particular class.
Try as I might, I cannot make heads or tails of the material. The book is unbelievably BORING and the professor never teaches from it, which leads one to ask the question: Why in the world did the professor assign the text? I am not a proponent of book burning, but I have to tell you, this is one occasion in which I will cheerfully make an exception.
The instant this class is over, I am headed to my backyard, where, far from any structure or other flammable materiel, I am going to RIP up the textbook and I am going to BURN IT. And then I am going to spit on the ashes.
Have a nice weekend!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Well, Well, Well...
Guess what? After all my advice about not letting anything get in the way of finishing your degree, I found myself once again dropping out of college. This time, however, I know that the time interval will be short, and I will be back in classes again in the fall of 2010.
What else could I do? My best friend called me to tell me that she was dying and needed my help to wrap up her affairs. She had no one else who either could or would help, So off my daughter and I went to Salt Lake City for 40 long and difficult days.
What else could I do? My best friend called me to tell me that she was dying and needed my help to wrap up her affairs. She had no one else who either could or would help, So off my daughter and I went to Salt Lake City for 40 long and difficult days.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Whaddya Mean, You're Dropping Out?
So who knew that I would wind up dropping out of college after investing three or four years of my life in the pursuit of higher education? But I did, and it has been an upstream battle to get back, 26 years later! If I could give any advice to college students today it would be, first of all, this: Don't quit. Don't let ANYTHING dissuade you from following the path to your diploma and success.
I would also advise people to avoid student loans, as much as humanly possible. Too many college students wind up, at the end of the educational road, with overwhelming debt in the form of "financial aid" - also known as student loans. Granted, mine never topped $10K, but all the same, it took me years to pay them off. I won't go there again...nope, it's pay as you go for me - or I simply won't go to college.
At the moment this means working many hours every day and not turning down any reasonably profitable transcribing jobs, to writing blog posts and articles, selling kitchen tools - whatever it takes, within the bounds of the law, of course! Consequently, I am tired and in some pain, but my tuition account is getting fatter all the time.
I would also advise people to avoid student loans, as much as humanly possible. Too many college students wind up, at the end of the educational road, with overwhelming debt in the form of "financial aid" - also known as student loans. Granted, mine never topped $10K, but all the same, it took me years to pay them off. I won't go there again...nope, it's pay as you go for me - or I simply won't go to college.
At the moment this means working many hours every day and not turning down any reasonably profitable transcribing jobs, to writing blog posts and articles, selling kitchen tools - whatever it takes, within the bounds of the law, of course! Consequently, I am tired and in some pain, but my tuition account is getting fatter all the time.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
What Took Me So Long To Get BACK To College?
When I left college, it was pointed out to me that returning would be difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish. This was indeed the case. Very quickly it became apparent that life was now about that paycheck and the (perceived) security it afforded. As time went by, my goal of graduation from college with my BA receded further and further until it became a distant echo and finally died out almost completely.
So what happened? Well, Charles E. Hummel calls it "The Tyranny of the Urgent". We allow the things that seem critical to crowd out the things that are really important - like finishing my BA, for example - until it seems that life is one long crisis with rare periods of calm.
Oh, it hasn't been all bad, really. In the years between 1983 and 2009, I met the love of my life and we were married in August 1986. I ran a medical transcription service for nearly 20 years and managed to stay home to raise the two children that we had (girl and boy). I was active in my church and community, and all in all my life has been very good.
With one exception, that is...the niggling reminder, every time I saw someone in a cap and gown or saw the notice in the paper that UAA was preparing to bestow degrees and honors on yet another crop of graduates - and I was not going to be among them! I am a person who has to finish what I start - and dropping out of college was leaving unfinished business. Like a burr under a saddle blanket, it kept wearing at me and wouldn't go away.
I started to think about how I could go about getting back to college. What steps could I take? What were my options? Could we afford it? I certainly didn't qualify for any sort of financial aid! While I didn't work full time, between my husband's full time income and my very part time income, we always were over the maximum for Pell Grants.
So what happened? Well, Charles E. Hummel calls it "The Tyranny of the Urgent". We allow the things that seem critical to crowd out the things that are really important - like finishing my BA, for example - until it seems that life is one long crisis with rare periods of calm.
Oh, it hasn't been all bad, really. In the years between 1983 and 2009, I met the love of my life and we were married in August 1986. I ran a medical transcription service for nearly 20 years and managed to stay home to raise the two children that we had (girl and boy). I was active in my church and community, and all in all my life has been very good.
With one exception, that is...the niggling reminder, every time I saw someone in a cap and gown or saw the notice in the paper that UAA was preparing to bestow degrees and honors on yet another crop of graduates - and I was not going to be among them! I am a person who has to finish what I start - and dropping out of college was leaving unfinished business. Like a burr under a saddle blanket, it kept wearing at me and wouldn't go away.
I started to think about how I could go about getting back to college. What steps could I take? What were my options? Could we afford it? I certainly didn't qualify for any sort of financial aid! While I didn't work full time, between my husband's full time income and my very part time income, we always were over the maximum for Pell Grants.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Maybe I'm Not The World's Oldest College Student...
At the outset, I would like to assure my readers that I do not possess, nor have I EVER possessed (let alone set eyes upon) a hand grenade...it is, rather, a metaphor for the life of a typical working woman, whether married or single, with or without children...like juggling hand grenades and praying that you don't accidentally pull out the pins!
I dropped out of college in the mid-1980s, after realizing that I was living on an income that was so far below the poverty line that poor people were richer than me. For example, at that time my idea of a rip-snortin'-living large-no holds barred celebration was a plate of hot tamales and all the fresh chips and salsa that you could eat at La Casita Dos. Sad, isn't it?
So I set out to work and earn a decent wage as a secretary. Held quite a few jobs, most of which were reasonably enjoyable. Some not so much...(one accounting firm I worked for actually drove me to drink for the first and last time in my life.) I didn't get rich, but my standard of living certainly improved.
At that point in my life I was a full time art student at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). My friend Elaine, a fellow Starving Artist, warned me that if I dropped out I'd probably never go back to finish my degree. Well, she was partly correct...it took me 26 years to dredge up the courage to set my foot on the path back to that elusive BA, but here I am - look out, world!
I dropped out of college in the mid-1980s, after realizing that I was living on an income that was so far below the poverty line that poor people were richer than me. For example, at that time my idea of a rip-snortin'-living large-no holds barred celebration was a plate of hot tamales and all the fresh chips and salsa that you could eat at La Casita Dos. Sad, isn't it?
So I set out to work and earn a decent wage as a secretary. Held quite a few jobs, most of which were reasonably enjoyable. Some not so much...(one accounting firm I worked for actually drove me to drink for the first and last time in my life.) I didn't get rich, but my standard of living certainly improved.
At that point in my life I was a full time art student at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). My friend Elaine, a fellow Starving Artist, warned me that if I dropped out I'd probably never go back to finish my degree. Well, she was partly correct...it took me 26 years to dredge up the courage to set my foot on the path back to that elusive BA, but here I am - look out, world!
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