Coming to the end..

           As they say time fly’s when you’re having fun is the saying that relates to my first semester back to school after thirteen years.   I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I decided to return to school.  All in all I would say I feel like it was a good decision, and I’m glad I took the plunge.  I really enjoyed this English class, even though it scared me the most I feel like I learned a lot. 

            School this time around was different because it was my decision.  I now have two kids and a husband to work around.  The first time I went to school, I went just to make my mom happy, and I was single with no kids.  Ideally that would have been the time to get it done with, but it didn’t happen and I can’t go back in time, so here I am. 

            I really don’t know what the future holds but the plan as of now is to stay in school till I have a diploma in my hand.  I’m planning to get my bachelor degree in health care management, wish me luck.  This has been a good semester and I have enjoyed my classes, best of luck to everyone.

Why I'm Choosing College

I believe you must be the one to choose college in order to make it a success. I believe you must be ready to go to school in order to succeed.  I’m returning to college because I’m currently looking for a new job and was turned down for my dream job based on the fact I don’t have a four year degree.  I really want there to be more doors to open and I believe this is the only way.  Money is a huge motivator for me, and I want to make millions… HEHE  Ok not millions but I want to feel like a success and with a four year degree I believe I will be more successful.  This is my second go round with college and my mom really wanted me to go to school and both my parents have 2 year degrees and she really saw the value in a four year degree, but she couldn’t afford to pay for it either. I did qualify for financial aid and that was great, because it was like free school or so I thought. Never the less I skipped a lot of school and my grade point average went way down. So here I am 13 years later working my butt off and it's twice as hard as I have a full time job and a family now. I’m doing well in life and make a good living but I just want more, and in order to make more money I’m returning to school. My biggest dilemma when returning to school was the cost. I looked at attending a 30 month program to get my bachelor’s degree and it was going to cost me like $53,000. I was like there is no way I’m going to make that much more money a year to make paying it back in a timely manner and that was important to me. I decided to go the longer but much cheaper route and return to RCTC. So here I am. I wish I would have finished 13 years ago, but I’m truly enjoying school this time around so it totally makes the whole college experience more enjoyable.

My First Research Paper

                            This is the first research paper I have ever had to write.  I’m struggling to find a topic, and topics I feel really strong about there is no statistical info on the net that is legit.  So the topic I’m writing about is drug testing for a welfare check.  To be completely honest I was for the testing before I started reading all the info on the net.  Talk about a change of heart in like two seconds. So I have the paper all mapped out, and I’m ready to begin writing.  Reading everyone’s thesis’s really got me excited to do peer review even though I usually hate it.  I’m horrible at English, and I’m like who am I to critique you, I have no clue..  Happy writing to you all.

Logical Fallacy

This chapter on logical fallacies has opened my eyes.  I never realized the importance or how often they were actually used.  They are everywhere you go, whether you are watching TV or looking at the ads in your favorite magazine.  I can’t specifically remember a time that I have used one but, I’m pretty stubborn so I’m pretty sure I have used one to get my way.  My husband is just as stubborn and actually I do recall a time I wanted to buy a different car and he didn’t agree with the kind of car I wanted.  I was so annoyed that I said fine I’m keeping my old car then you can just continue to pay to fix it.  You see we had just put like $1000 into and it would probably been ok for quite a while but I was trying to guilt him into it.  I did get the car I wanted, but I’m not so sure it was the right decision.  Next time I won’t be so pushy.

Something I care about.

                   This is a subject that not only means a lot to me, it is very dear to my heart.  The stigma around Pitbulls drives me crazy.  I currently own an 11 year old female American Pitbull Terrier.  Her name is Alexis.  She is a great dog.  She isn’t my first dog and not my last.  Over the years I have owned many different breeds of dogs.  I have owned a Miniature Schnauzer, three Doberman Pinchers, a pug Chihuahua mix, and two Pitbull Terriers.   Six years ago this May I put my best friend Rocky to sleep he was my first pitbull terrier.   Rocky was seven years young , he had bone cancer, it was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in my life.  To this very day it still makes me cry.  He was by far the best dog I have ever had with Alexis a close second.  I love the pitbull breed because they are loyal, very smart and easy to train.  I trust the dogs with my life and trust them fully around my two young children.  I believe that a dog can be whoever you make it.  I have done research over the years, and research says that the pitbull terrier is a people pleaser, which I fully believe because all I have to do is raise my voice and Alexis is under control.  Pitbulls are more apt to hunt/chase other animals because they are more of a game breed.  They get their name because in the early days they were raised to take down bulls. 

            Over the years I think pitbulls have gotten a bad reputation because of some well publicized horrible acts that have happened.  I also think the fact you only hear the bad traits about the breed, has a huge impact on what you think about the breed. Ten years ago my uncles Doberman pinscher ripped my other uncle’s throat out from ear to ear, because we can only assume he was jealous.  My uncle almost bled to death and receiver thousands of stiches and could have died.  There wasn’t even an article in the local newspaper.  If he had been bitten by a pitbull I would be willing to bet that it would have made not only the local paper but possibly the national news.  The bottom line is dogs will be dogs and pitbulls are not the only breed to bite or seriously harm someone; it’s just more talked about.

The Glass Castle

The Glass Castle, written by Jeannette Walls, is one of the better books I have read.  The first couple pages where Jeanette see her mother digging through a dumpster made me go wow, how could anyone this successful allow her mother to remain homeless.  The book for me was a bit of a rollercoaster ride, I couldn’t put the book down but at times it made me mad, sad, but ultimately very proud of Jeanette and her siblings.  They are truly amazing people and I can’t believe they turned out as good as they did.  I myself grew up in a rather dysfunctional family, and I could relate to some of the situations that is why I found the book to be quite emotional.  I would recommend the book to anyone who is looking for a great read and a true eye opener.  Just when you think you have a bad life you read a story like this and you realize you have had life easy.  If you’re looking for a great book I would recommend it.

Teens and Tattoos

Tattoos are a form of art.  I could go either way on this topic.  I myself have multiple tattoos, all of which I got when I was less than 18 years old.  I have had them for more than ten years now, and I could at this point in my life take them or leave them.  I don’t necessarily regret them but I think I would think twice before I get another one.  I do think that they are a way to add a little spice to your body and they are something you have control over.  In life you can’t choose your looks but you can choose your tattoo.  I will be very strict with my kids about getting a tattoo.  I didn’t think or plan out my tattoos and I wish I would have gotten something with more meaning.  My sister has many tattoos, and I love hers.  She put a lot of thought into them and they all have a lot of meaning, where mine don’t really mean anything.  Lesson learned for me and that is why I will talk with my kids to make sure they don’t make any rash decisions.

My First Spring Break in 14 years.

  So last week I had a pleasant surprise.  One month ago my sister and I decided we would drive to Grand Forks, North Dakota for a long weekend.  I was a little worried how I was going to handle school work, but I was really in need of a long weekend.  So here is the surprise.  I totally forgot you actually get a break in school.  You see it’s been 14 years since school, but I never enjoyed anything but the breaks, so this was a pleasant surprise.  So this was going to make our 6 hour drive with two two years olds and two five year old in one car for 6 hours, just a little bit better, or so I thought.  The drive to North Dakota was quite nice we left on Thursday night about 6:45pm and arrived about 1:00 am.  We made great time and the kids were great.   My cousin has four kids also; she has a sixteen year old, six year old, four year old, and a three year old.  So there was quite the house full.  Friday we didn’t do much, but hang out and let the kids play and take long naps due to the fact we were up so late the previous night.  Saturday we took all 7 kids under the age of 6 to a huge water park.  It was so much fun, even though I had to wear a swim suite. This is where the trip gets a little hairy.  My Five year old started running a fever about 3 in the afternoon, and went to bed early and that was that.  The next day my sister’s daughter woke with a fever, and continued to run one on the drive home.  When we left on Sunday my cousin was running a fever as was her three year old. I woke on the following Monday(first day of spring break) feeling like a had a 10 lb. weight in my chest and had a slight fever, I thought no big deal I have meeting all day at work, I can handle it.  Well it’s the next Monday night and I didn’t go to work today.  I have been sick a full week with bronchitis and some sort of repertory virus.  So this was a much need week off from school as I didn’t leave the couch for more the 4 days.  Yuck, I’m just sorry to say I worked half the week last week when I should have been home taking care of myself.  So once again, God works in mysterious ways.  So this is the first thing I have done in more than a week.

Dysfunctional Family...

What makes a dysfunctional family?   I believe that everyone has their own idea of what dysfunction is.  My thoughts on what dysfunction is in a family would be everything that the Glass Castle talked about.  The fact that the father couldn’t hold down a job, and the mother was truly capable to work and didn’t even when they were all starving and cold.  The fact that the children had to take care of each other and their parents at times, truly breaks my heart.  I know what it is like to have to grow up before you’re ready and that never leaves your being.  I’m the oldest child of three and my dad was definitely not a competent father.  I took care of my little sisters as far back as I can remember.  My parents worked, but when my mom was working and we were with just my dad, we were lucky to get warm meals.  I thought that was bad till I read the Glass Castle.  I had a great childhood, and I have my mom to thank for that.  She made me who I am today.

Life...

              Do you ever feel like life is a rollercoaster ride?  This week I feel like life is out of control.  Started this last Friday when we got our taxes done.  We were expecting thing to go as usual.  Lucky for us.  We defiantly did something right for once.   Well you start thinking, what are we going to spend this extra money on? I said let’s put it in savings for a rainy day.  Little did I know that a rainy day would be upon us so soon?    My husband told me tonight, that tomorrow is his last day of work.  Yeah for me.  Not!!!!  I wish he was the one in school so I didn’t feel like I was the only on doing anything.  I work fulltime, go to school part time and do a million things in the middle.  I realize it’s not his fault and I'm not mad, I just need a break… I feel like I’m married to this dam computer.  I live on it from the time I get home to the time I go to bed.  I don’t even get to go to bed when he goes to bed anymore.  Life can you be more like the marry-go- round I so used to love without all the curveballs….. ThanksJ

Fakebook

            When thinking about what I would do if a parent were to ask me if they could be my friend on Facebook.  Two things come to mind; one will this have an effect on what I would or could post.   Two will this effect what or who they think I am.

            I have encountered this. My mom is my friend on Facebook, and I don’t regret it for a minute.  I am 32 years old and I’m pretty sure my mom knows what to expect from me.   When I was reading the fakebook, it brought light to the fact that I do see  people on Facebook who are not who they are pretending to be.  People on facebook sometimes post things that will create the image they are portraying not necessarily who they really are.  I primarily use Face book to communicate with my friends near and far.  I’m not trying to be anyone I’m not, so there for I had no problem excepting my mom as another Facebook friend.

Stresses of life

The last few weeks have been a little stressful.  Ok a lot stressful!  My husband just found out they are going to close the doors at his job.  He has worked there since he was 16 years old.   I have been helping him get a resume together and he has been busy applying for jobs.

 Just when you think life is on a steady path, things can change.  I’m trying to be positive.  Hopefully this brings many new opportunities for growth.  God only gives us what we can handle.  I have faith that God will help us through. 

My next task is to convince him to go back to school, I better keep dreaming….Life goes on at least we have our health.

The most wonderful man I know

            His hands were large and as rough as tree bark, with deep crevices on the tips and his nails stained from oil.  This came from years of hard work. He farmed his whole life. He always dreamed of the golden years. I still wonder to this very day was he really waiting for the golden days of retirement or was he in his glory riding his big red tractor? After all he did say he was going to retire almost every year after the farming season was over.  Those golden years never came for him he didn’t live to see them.  He was all of 5’7 and 150 pounds. He had salt and pepper hair cut short, and the brightest blue eyes I have ever seen.  He had a smile that could light up a room. My grandfather was the most kind and gentle man.  I never in my life heard him complain, or talk bad about anyone.  He always had a minute to play catch with his grandkids. He liked to tell stories of the days leading up to playing professional baseball, but being so proud he turned them down to continue on with his one true love of farming. I miss my grandpa every single day. He has been and always will be a huge influence in my life.

Favorite Quote

One of my most favorite quotes is... Ok maybe it’s not a quote, but my mom sure preached it to me growing up. Treat others as you would want to be treated.  I think this phrase is very important.  This phrase can most defiantly fit into every aspect of your life.   You’re at the grocery store, you and another person walk up to check out line at the same time. You have a whole cart full of stuff and the other person only has bread and milk. You got there 2 steps ahead of the milk person. Put yourself in their shoes.  What would you want to happen if the roles were reversed?  Think about when you were a kid on the playground.  You’re going to get into a game of kickball.  Billie is the last kid picked every single time.  What would you do?  Wonder if Billie was you son/daughter? Now what would you do? This time you’re a captain would you pick Billie first?  Treat Billie how you would want to be treated.  I think the bottom line is be nice.  Respect everyone and you will be respected.

School Days.

All I can say is wow.  This is the third week in school and I still feel like I'm lost.  I'm kicking butt in my math class, but this English stuff is sort of confusing.  I'm liking online classes so far, but switching between all the different sites gets a little overwhelming.  I almost forgot about the blog page so here I am.  I'm so scared of getting bad grades that I feel like I'm over thinking everything. English interests me, I want to learn in the worst way. I love to read, so I hope I can make a go of this class.  I'm actually looking forward to writing my first paper in more then ten years. Wish me luck..