I found someone at the school I plan to attend that will get a letter of acceptance to me! The problem was that I actually filled out an application to be a student there about 20+ years ago, and so the first person I asked said they couldn't send out the letter. This kind woman on Monday told me they do it all the time and she will send it out immediately. That was one more check on the "to-do" list I need for the forms for the government! Yippee! I am so close to completing the paperwork to see if they will pay for my schooling, I can almost taste it from here! Then I have to 'study' for the placement tests. I took a little looksy at the type of questions, and oh boy! It's hard. I forgot how to add fractions and algebra is just like a foreign language to me! They sure aren't making it easy on this old broad, but I will get through it!
I updated my unemployment file so that should be ready to roll. Found out that I won't get any payments from them until mid-November, so I am struggling to think of ways to cut back on my expenses. The obvious things have been done (changed my Netflix account to one movie out vs. two; removed my artificial nails - don't think that didn't hurt physically and emotionally; stopped payment on the student loan for my daughter - since she is a full-time student, it doesn't have to be paid). Now trying to think of other things I can do. Next to go will be cable TV (yes, it makes me cry but Chelsea told me to try hulu for watching my favs). The more I get through this, the more I hate "the Evil Red". What they did to me and to many others is just terrible. We were good, faithful and productive employees and they just dumped us like yesterdays news. But...I'm not bitter. Nope. Not me!
So I just keep taking baby steps towards returning to school. This is a good thing. Another good thing: spending the weekend with friends at my friend Nona's cabin in WI. The weather is supposed to be spectacular and hoping the trees will be displaying beautiful fall colors. Then the following weekend is my annual "Sister's Weekend" in Grand Rapids with my sisters. I always look forward to that. This year will be a little different now that there are only 5 of us, but we plan to celebrate Sandy's life in a very special way!!
Hope things are going well for you (anyone who reads this any more). If you have some seemingly impossible task before you - just take it one baby step at a time!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Wow - what a weekend!!
I had the most fun-filled, family/friend-filled, football-filled, volunteer-filled weekend I've had in a long, long time!
Started out Friday night with a nice dinner prepared by my little sister Trish. She made a delicious meatloaf with a family favorite, sugar rice and some carrots. It was Divine! Then she and I went to a play at a local community theater. While we were waiting for the play to start, I mentioned that my friend Sandy had season tickets for this theater, too, and I wondered when she was going to see the play. Well, next thing I know - in walked Sandy and her friend! The really cool part is that their seats were right next to ours! The play was good ("Cat On A Hot Tin Roof") but long. Three hours long.
Saturday I met my friend Cathy for lunch and then we went to the U of M Gopher's football game. She has season tickets and had invited me to join her. I have never in my entire life watched an entire football game! This was fun! The Gopher's didn't win, but it was an exciting game. But I guess to be honest, I didn't watch this entire game either. We left with about 3 minutes left and they were behind by 14 points. When we got in the car, we heard that they had made a last minute touch down, so only lost by 7 points.
Sunday I volunteered at the Pancreatic Cancer Purple Ride event. People signed up to ride bike either 8, 25 or 50 miles to raise money for pancreatic cancer research. My friend Terry (Cathy's husband) died of pancreatic cancer in February, so this cause is near and dear to my heart. I was assigned a corner where the riders doing the 25 or 50 mile ride had to turn. My job was to direct them in the turn. Tough job (Not!). It was sooooo nice outside, it felt great to be there. Then after that I did my regular Sunday night shift at the shelter. By the time I got home, I was exhausted!!
Today I had a doctor's appointment, just a 6 month follow-up with my endocronologist. All my blood work was great: cholesterol was 150, A1C was 6.1, good cholesterol was up, thyroid function was good. Only suggestion was to increase my vitatmin D intake. I also have to go see a neurologist about a droopy eye problem I asked him about. So that's not making me too happy, but we'll see what happens. Oh and my weight was 4 pounds lower than last time I weighed at home, so that was encouraging too!
All in all a great weekend and a good start to the new week!
Started out Friday night with a nice dinner prepared by my little sister Trish. She made a delicious meatloaf with a family favorite, sugar rice and some carrots. It was Divine! Then she and I went to a play at a local community theater. While we were waiting for the play to start, I mentioned that my friend Sandy had season tickets for this theater, too, and I wondered when she was going to see the play. Well, next thing I know - in walked Sandy and her friend! The really cool part is that their seats were right next to ours! The play was good ("Cat On A Hot Tin Roof") but long. Three hours long.
Saturday I met my friend Cathy for lunch and then we went to the U of M Gopher's football game. She has season tickets and had invited me to join her. I have never in my entire life watched an entire football game! This was fun! The Gopher's didn't win, but it was an exciting game. But I guess to be honest, I didn't watch this entire game either. We left with about 3 minutes left and they were behind by 14 points. When we got in the car, we heard that they had made a last minute touch down, so only lost by 7 points.
Sunday I volunteered at the Pancreatic Cancer Purple Ride event. People signed up to ride bike either 8, 25 or 50 miles to raise money for pancreatic cancer research. My friend Terry (Cathy's husband) died of pancreatic cancer in February, so this cause is near and dear to my heart. I was assigned a corner where the riders doing the 25 or 50 mile ride had to turn. My job was to direct them in the turn. Tough job (Not!). It was sooooo nice outside, it felt great to be there. Then after that I did my regular Sunday night shift at the shelter. By the time I got home, I was exhausted!!
Today I had a doctor's appointment, just a 6 month follow-up with my endocronologist. All my blood work was great: cholesterol was 150, A1C was 6.1, good cholesterol was up, thyroid function was good. Only suggestion was to increase my vitatmin D intake. I also have to go see a neurologist about a droopy eye problem I asked him about. So that's not making me too happy, but we'll see what happens. Oh and my weight was 4 pounds lower than last time I weighed at home, so that was encouraging too!
All in all a great weekend and a good start to the new week!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Getting Closer
OK, so I am getting closer to becoming a student. I got the word that I can use the government program to attend two schools - first the community college for my generals and then transfer it over to the 4-year school for the bachelor's degree. So that's good to know. Thursday me and my friend (who also happens to be named Cheryl, I call her "C2" and she calls me "C1") are going to the community college to ask all our questions and see about getting registered. We can't start until the Spring Session (which, in tri-mester world is really winter - January). But that is OK, gives us time to study for placement tests and to get our backpacks and pencil cases!
Regarding the weight - OMG, I don't know what is happening here! I weighed today and now I'm up about 8 pounds from pre-summer. I haven't had a McDonald's sweet tea in over a week! What's up with this (besides my weight)?? I am going to start doing the protein drinks in the morning to see if that helps fill me up. I switched from my protein infused cereal to Cheerio's and maybe that wasn't a good idea. I've been working out 3x week for the last few weeks, so don't think I'm slacking in that area. I still want to blame some of it on my doctor taking me off the depo shots. OK, that's probably some of it. Guess I'll pump up the protein and see if that helps. Very frustrating!
Not a whole lot of other stuff going on. I have a very busy and fun-filled weekend coming up: A play with my sister on Friday night (community theater), Gopher's football game on Saturday with my friend Cathy and volunteering at the Pancreatic Cancer "Purple Ride" event on Sunday. Hoping for nice weather for both Saturday and Sunday's outdoor events!! Soon I'll be getting prepared for the 12th Annual Sister's Weekend! It's always a special time for us to be together. Although Sandy wasn't able to be with us last year due to her health, it will be different this year with her in heaven. We plan to salute her with a drink (not that she ever drank, but we thought it would be fun). More about that to come!
Regarding the weight - OMG, I don't know what is happening here! I weighed today and now I'm up about 8 pounds from pre-summer. I haven't had a McDonald's sweet tea in over a week! What's up with this (besides my weight)?? I am going to start doing the protein drinks in the morning to see if that helps fill me up. I switched from my protein infused cereal to Cheerio's and maybe that wasn't a good idea. I've been working out 3x week for the last few weeks, so don't think I'm slacking in that area. I still want to blame some of it on my doctor taking me off the depo shots. OK, that's probably some of it. Guess I'll pump up the protein and see if that helps. Very frustrating!
Not a whole lot of other stuff going on. I have a very busy and fun-filled weekend coming up: A play with my sister on Friday night (community theater), Gopher's football game on Saturday with my friend Cathy and volunteering at the Pancreatic Cancer "Purple Ride" event on Sunday. Hoping for nice weather for both Saturday and Sunday's outdoor events!! Soon I'll be getting prepared for the 12th Annual Sister's Weekend! It's always a special time for us to be together. Although Sandy wasn't able to be with us last year due to her health, it will be different this year with her in heaven. We plan to salute her with a drink (not that she ever drank, but we thought it would be fun). More about that to come!
Friday, September 10, 2010
School Daze
Ugh. Why is school so confusing? I met with the advisor at the school of my choice, and he suggested that I first get my generals completed at a community school. It makes sense, the community school is closer to home, they offer CBE (Competency Based Education) meaning I could just write a paper for some courses and get credit for them. But the question now is - will the Federal Program allow me to go to two different schools? So I have a call into the Feds, we'll see how long it takes for them to get back to me. Not holding my breath!
I also changed my mind about what I want to get my degree in. I was leaning towards Social Work, but after some conversations with a friend who is already in that program and the advisor, I am thinking it's not for me. Instead, looking at a bachelor of arts in Human Services Administration. I'd be more 'behind the scenes' at a non-profit organization doing grant writing and/or other office type things. Still doing good, but not dealing face-to-face with clients on a daily basis.
My baby girl completed her independent study on Iceland and she got an "A" on it! Yeah! I knew she would do well with that! I'm so proud of her! She will graduate next Spring. Now she is deciding if she wants to go for a masters or get a double major. I know she can do whatever she puts her mind to, so we will see!
A cool and cloudy weekend ahead! I'm going to facilitate an information table for the shelter at a wellness event in our city tomorrow. My first official 'speakers bureau' assignment since I completed my training. I'll be with another volunteer so I am sure it will be a snap! Wishing everyone a great weekend.
One final note: Prayers requested for my sister-in-law and family on the loss of her sister Lisa. It was sudden and unexpected, which makes it all that much harder. I know first hand how hard it is to lose your sister. Sad!
I also changed my mind about what I want to get my degree in. I was leaning towards Social Work, but after some conversations with a friend who is already in that program and the advisor, I am thinking it's not for me. Instead, looking at a bachelor of arts in Human Services Administration. I'd be more 'behind the scenes' at a non-profit organization doing grant writing and/or other office type things. Still doing good, but not dealing face-to-face with clients on a daily basis.
My baby girl completed her independent study on Iceland and she got an "A" on it! Yeah! I knew she would do well with that! I'm so proud of her! She will graduate next Spring. Now she is deciding if she wants to go for a masters or get a double major. I know she can do whatever she puts her mind to, so we will see!
A cool and cloudy weekend ahead! I'm going to facilitate an information table for the shelter at a wellness event in our city tomorrow. My first official 'speakers bureau' assignment since I completed my training. I'll be with another volunteer so I am sure it will be a snap! Wishing everyone a great weekend.
One final note: Prayers requested for my sister-in-law and family on the loss of her sister Lisa. It was sudden and unexpected, which makes it all that much harder. I know first hand how hard it is to lose your sister. Sad!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
As Per Your Request....
OK, so here is an update!! I apologize to you, lone reader (aka Schmidtdahl) that I haven't made frequent updates to the blog. There has been a lot going on and at the same time - nothing going on. Not much note-worthy stuff anyway! But here we go!
I have decided that I need to be more strict with my caloric intake. I became addicted to the McDonald's sweet tea this summer (and I mean the "REAL" stuff, not the unsweetened stuff). I was grabbing a large one at least 3-4 times/week this summer because they are delish and they were only $1. However, I also gained 5 pounds this summer! I have to think that there is some correlation between the two. So, no more sweet tea. I'm thinking it's gonna be a 12 step program for me to get off it, but I'm trying!
My summer of "Chaunty Eryl" days are now behind me as well. We had so much fun, me and my three nieces (Marissa, Amanda and Grace). We did a lot: movies, lunches, mini golf, Coon Rapids Dam, Feed My Starving Children, site seeing in Mpls, the Mpls Art Institute, "Free Hugs" and much more! Each day was an adventure and I really enjoyed spending time with the girls. We may have a 'grand finale' sleep-over sometime in October (depending upon their busy schedules). You never regret the time you have spent with special people in your lives!
Today is the first day of school for most kids in Minnesota. It's a cold, windy, rainy blustery day. That's not fair! It's supposed to be cool and sunshiney on the first day of school! Just the smells of the new supplies (notebooks, crayons) and thinking about what you will wear that first day, who you'll sit by, which classes you'll have with your friends, etc. I wish I was able to go back to school for just the first day experience! Well, I am going back to school, but I get the feeling it will be a lot different than what I am thinking! I have a meeting with the advisor on Thursday so hope to get all my questions answered! Will probably start school with the Winter session (January).
I completed a training course to be on the Speakers Bureau for the shelter that I volunteer with. My first "gig" is at the Blaine Wellness Fair this weekend. I won't be speaking, but will be representing the shelter at an information table. Stop by if you're in the neighborhood!
I think that's about it for now. Wish I had more entertaining words to share, but if I did then I'd be making it up! Anyway, thanks for reading!!
I have decided that I need to be more strict with my caloric intake. I became addicted to the McDonald's sweet tea this summer (and I mean the "REAL" stuff, not the unsweetened stuff). I was grabbing a large one at least 3-4 times/week this summer because they are delish and they were only $1. However, I also gained 5 pounds this summer! I have to think that there is some correlation between the two. So, no more sweet tea. I'm thinking it's gonna be a 12 step program for me to get off it, but I'm trying!
My summer of "Chaunty Eryl" days are now behind me as well. We had so much fun, me and my three nieces (Marissa, Amanda and Grace). We did a lot: movies, lunches, mini golf, Coon Rapids Dam, Feed My Starving Children, site seeing in Mpls, the Mpls Art Institute, "Free Hugs" and much more! Each day was an adventure and I really enjoyed spending time with the girls. We may have a 'grand finale' sleep-over sometime in October (depending upon their busy schedules). You never regret the time you have spent with special people in your lives!
Today is the first day of school for most kids in Minnesota. It's a cold, windy, rainy blustery day. That's not fair! It's supposed to be cool and sunshiney on the first day of school! Just the smells of the new supplies (notebooks, crayons) and thinking about what you will wear that first day, who you'll sit by, which classes you'll have with your friends, etc. I wish I was able to go back to school for just the first day experience! Well, I am going back to school, but I get the feeling it will be a lot different than what I am thinking! I have a meeting with the advisor on Thursday so hope to get all my questions answered! Will probably start school with the Winter session (January).
I completed a training course to be on the Speakers Bureau for the shelter that I volunteer with. My first "gig" is at the Blaine Wellness Fair this weekend. I won't be speaking, but will be representing the shelter at an information table. Stop by if you're in the neighborhood!
I think that's about it for now. Wish I had more entertaining words to share, but if I did then I'd be making it up! Anyway, thanks for reading!!
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