Memorial Day

It's a day set aside to remember those who served to protect our country. And so I honor them by respecting what they have done and continue to do. I have a great deal of respect for those who put their lives in danger at the call of duty. Not just military men/women, but police, firefighters, teachers, doctors, etc. Seems like there is no safe place any more. Even the corner gas station attendant is not safe. Makes me wonder if there needs to be another day for all those who just "survive" their jobs despite the bad people out there. Oh, but now I'm getting a little soap-box-ish. Sorry. Off topic!

I always think of Memorial Day as a day to remember those we loved who have gone away as well. All of my grandparents, my parents, my aunts & uncles, my sister, friends. So many. I'm reading the book "90 Minutes In Heaven" (just started reading) and he is telling of the wonderful 'family reunion' taking place in heaven. I like to think of that. But if you think too hard on it, you may want it too much. So I am going to just try to enjoy the family/friends that are still here with me as much as possible and wait for that other reunion later!

And now the bad news: Summer Semester starts tomorrow! OK, not really 'bad' news, but seems like my time off went much too fast. It was only a little over 2 weeks, and it seemed to have sailed by! I did get a lot of fun things done: lunches with friends, two movies, a bit..just a bit of reading, lots of volunteering and much needed sleep! Summer Semester is in two chunks: first chunk starts tomorrow and goes until the end of June with classes M-Th in the AM; second chunk starts just after Independence Day through early August and is M & W for 1/2 day. Hopefully it won't be as stressful as Spring Semester was. And then right when that's done: Fall Semester!

Enjoy your day, enjoy the people in your life and just be happy!

Stick a fork in me...

...cuz I am DONE with school (at least this semester!). Took my final final yesterday afternoon. It was harder than I thought, so not sure how I did on it. But I received all A's in the other 3 classes. I'm pretty sure I'll get an A in Psychology as well, but if not I will have a good solid "B" in that class. This was a very tough semester, being my first venture back into the realm of school and studying and writing papers, etc., in over 20 years! Took way too many credits, but feel very accomplished having completed this semester and maintained some sanity! Now a couple weeks off and then summer semester starts May 31. What on earth will I do with my time until then? SLEEP, enjoy the weather (not today - it's raining), visit friends, maybe clean a bit, garage sales, maybe read, go to a movie!? Just enjoy life without studying!

On a sad note, went to a memorial service this morning for my friend Chrissy's baby. The baby was due to arrive in about a month, but something went wrong and she died invetro. I just found out last night. So sad. Chrissy had to go through labor to deliver little Emily Rose. I can't even imagine how painful this loss is to her and her husband, Brian as well as the rest of the family. Please say a prayer for them. No words can be said to ease their suffering. Just hugs & prayers.

Wishing everyone a good day and a remarkable weekend to come!!

Merry Merry Month of May

It's May today! That means only 10 more days until I am done with this semester of school! My final final is on May 11. Then I have a couple weeks off until Summer semester starts on May 31. What will I do with all that free time!?

Had a great weekend. Went to the High School play, "Wizard of Oz" on Friday night with my sister and my niece. It was unbelievably good! Best special effects I have ever seen in a community performance. Saturday was the "Day of Two Showers". No, I didn't take two showers - I helped hostess two showers. One for my niece Krista who is pregnant and due the end of May. The other was for my future niece-in-law, Abby, who is engaged to my nephew Brent (Krista's brother) and they are getting married June 11. Saturday night I attended the Youth Musical at my church. Busy and fun weekend. Except today - cold, windy and studying for finals.

I also have tendonitis in my right hand, so this is painful and difficult to type! I want to say it's from all the papers I have had to write, but I think it's also due to a computer game I am addicted to! In any event, I have to wear this brace 24/7 for 3-4 weeks. Hopefully that will take care of it.

No other news to report. Just that it's MAY and it's colder today than it was last week. Will Spring ever get here?!

April Showers...bring me closer to the end of this semester!

Feels like I have been going to school now for months. Well, I guess that's because I have. Started in January and won't finish (this semester) until May. It's getting closer and that's a good thing. This summer I am only taking 2 classes and they are not at the same time. One is from May-June and the other July-Aug. Hoping that goes better and not as stressful as taking 4 classes at once.

Been keeping very busy between school, volunteering, family & friends. I've tried to make sure I have time away from the school work, but not so much so that I don't do relatively well in school. Seems to be working OK right now, although I do stress over school more than I really probably have to. Just don't want to get to relaxed with it. Had 2 tests last Thursday and found out I had an 86 in one of them, won't get the other score until tomorrow. So far I'd guess I'm averaging a "B" in all classes. Not too bad for an old lady!

We've had some wonderful weather so far this month..but they are saying "snow showers" for Friday. It's APRIL. Did someone forget that? Easter is in a couple weeks. We shouldn't have snow coming! But give me a few months and I will be complaining that it's too hot.

Been keeping my 3x week at the gym (at least for the last couple weeks). Still feel that extra weight and actually went and bought a new pair of jeans in the next size up (sad, sad day). Hopefully they won't fit (meaning too big) by summer. Trying to steer clear of the over abundance of Easter Candy that seems to jump into my cart this time of year. Oh but I do love chocolate bunny ears!!

So Happy Spring to all you readers (you are still reading, aren't you)?

Mid-March Melt Down

Blah! It's supposed to be Spring and we got a BUNCH of snow on Tuesday night into Wednesday. It's still here. It's the thick heavy wet kind of snow that refuses to go away. So our little taste of Spring we had a few weeks ago is a faint memory.

I had my 6 month check-up with my endochronologist and had some not-so-good news. My A1C (a 3 month average of your blood sugars) was 7.0 - compared to 6.1 last time. As a diabetic, they want that under 7.0. On top of that, I had gained about 20 pounds! Yes! 20! He was not pleased, and neither was I. He wanted to increase my diabetes meds, but I said "no". Then he asked, "well, what do you want to do then?". I said I would try to do better in the food/exercise categories. If it's not better at the next 6 month check-up, he said I will have to adjust my meds (meaning: increase or go back to insulin).

So this is my new plan. Stop buying/eating all the JUNK I have been eating. Stop making excuses for not going to the gym. Refer to earlier days of drinking protein shakes and healthy snacks. I have to remind myself of how hard I worked to lose that weight and get healthy. How horrible I felt when I was heavier. I don't want to go back there. It just wasn't a good thing.

If you see me with a candy bar or a bag of chips in my hand, slap it out of my hand!

Wishing you all a Spring sometime soon. Wishing me the willpower to get healthy again!

In Like A Lamb

Is it really March already!? The year is going fast so far. Somehow the months are flying by, but individual days sometimes seem to take forever! How is that?

I am about half way through my first semester of school. It is really draining me (in case I haven't whined enough about it already). Two tests this Thursday and they are both big ones. I should be studying right now, but my mind needs a break. I also have about 4 papers that I should be working on. One just assigned today, the others are ones that are going to be due later this month. I feel overwhelmed on what seems like a daily basis. Can't wait for this semester to be done. Next is the summer semester and I promised myself to take fewer classes and ones that I might actually enjoy. We'll see. But so far it seems that I am pulling a "B" in the classes, so hopefully I can maintain that!

Trying to get in 3 days/week at the gym. But, honestly, it's been more like two. My excuse has been snow. Lots of it. And we're due for more snow on Thursday. Another reason to look forward to Spring! Maybe I'll be motivated to walk more when it's not wet, icy or cold out there.

There is really nothing new in my life. Well, unless we count the fact that I finished my taxes and I'm expecting a HUGE refund. So huge that it scares me. I already got the State refund back. Waiting for Federal. I will put it safely away in case I messed up and they come after me. But I'm only giving it a few months and then I am spending it - maybe shipping my baby girl to Minnesota for a visit!!

So the question is: If March came in like a lamb, does it mean we are going to have a horrible end of the month??

Happy Valentine's Day!

That's me and my Valentine (who also happened to turn 29 over the weekend!) I don't really celebrate Valentine's Day - probably because I don't have a "sweetie" to celebrate with (well, my real sweetie lives in Seattle now!). But I do like the concept of it, talking about love and being nice to people and giving flowers and hearts and CHOCOLATE and that stuff. I think it's always good to be nice to folks, so why just have one day set aside for it? Oh well, take it for what it is! I got a package from Chelsea, but haven't opened it yet - she called earlier and asked if I had gotten it and my mail hadn't come yet. So she is going to call back, and so I'm thinking I will open it "live" on the call! Fun!

School Update: The results of the tests were OK. The Environmental Studies test (the biggy) I got 81% or an "B". It was hard! The World Religions test I got 100% (I really missed one question, but they are only worth 1/2 point each - 15 points total, so not a big one). I turned in 2 papers last week, found out I received 100% on the one for Environmental Studies, haven't heard yet on the one for English. So I guess that's pretty good for an old brain! It does feel like things are settling down more. Now I know which classes I really have to pour over the books and which ones I can just skim and then pour over the class notes. A bigger test for Psychology is coming up in March -- it will be for 8 chapters! That's gonna create some stress! But I guess I have to say things are getting slightly better.

Stressing over the update for health insurance. Still not sure how that's going to go. I may have to pay the first month (nearly $400) on my own with no reimbursement. Not a good thing at all. Still looking for alternatives that are reasonable..but not much luck there. I have to have insurance, lots of prescriptions in my drawer! Without insurance, I wouldn't be able to pay for them all. So we'll have to see what happens.

That's it for now! Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day. I found a quote from Winnie The Pooh that I put on my Facebook page: "Some people care too much. I think that's called love". Very cute!

Stress..it's what's for breakfast!

Well, sometimes lunch and dinner, too! I feel very stressed as of late. I didn't get the job I was so hoping for, so I'm going to remain in school for awhile. This week I had to turn in the first draft of one paper and took 2 tests. I haven't received the results of the tests yet, so hoping I did OK. You can study your buns off and when you look at those questions, it's like you read the wrong book! How does that happen? But they are done and gone now, can't stress over those two tests any more. On to new tests to stress over!

Other than that, everything is status quo. Still whining about not getting the job, whining about school, whining about the weather, whining about not having any money. Just whining. I will get over it..but not sure when. In the meantime, I am eating more than my share of chocolate. It's almost Valentine's Day and there is chocolate EVERYWHERE! For a whiner, that can be good or bad.

Thanks for listening/reading. Hope things are going well for you!

School Daze

Oh boy! Kids, trust me when I say this, "Go to college right after High School!!". These old brain cells are really struggling! I started school on January 11 - just a little over a week ago. Already I am exhausted! I'm taking 4 classes; all in the same day and two days/week. My brain hasn't had a work out like this in over 30 years. The mice up on the wheel are all burnt out. They have been clearing cobwebs like crazy up there, and still it is a mess. Not to mention carrying around about 50 pounds of books from room to room all day. Good thing I've lost weight and have been working out, or that would have killed me already!

I'm not complaining, mind you (no..really..I'm not). There have been some fun moments, too. But right now I can't think of one. I am a firm believer that if you have to learn something new, do it when you are young!! And getting a degree when you are young is the best idea. They can never take it away from you, so getting it when you are in your 20's will still benefit you when you're in your 50's. Then you can just lounge around with it on your wall - instead of trudging around a school full of 17-25 year olds trying to get the degree! Ugh. But, no, not complaining!

The good news: I was called back for a 2nd round interview for the job I had applied for. I cried I was so happy! God is good! So the interview is on Monday. I still have to continue to do my school work (in fact, I have a test tomorrow), but also have to prepare for the interview. If I wasn't stressed out before, I am now! I hope and pray that this job comes through. I know I should be happy with the opportunity for free school (and I am, really I am), but I sure would be happier with a job, health insurance and all that goes with it!

So there you have it! That's what I've been up to! Now..if you read this, please SAY SOMETHING - and wish me luck with the job!! Thanks!

What I did last year (A year in review)

My Year 2010 in Review
I started the year unemployed, and have ended it that same way. In December of 2009, I was laid off from my job at Target after 31 years. At first it felt like a long Christmas vacation, but as time went on it didn’t seem to be as “fun” as it first was.

But being unemployed also had its benefits. For one thing, it allowed me to take a trip to California in late January to visit my brother and his family. I soaked up the sun and warmth. I visited with each of my nieces and their families. I spent a lot of time with my California family and then spent a few days with my “California Angels” – three very good friends of mine in the Hayward area. The trip was relaxing and fun, but when I got back to Minneapolis, my car was buried in snow and ice at the hotel parking lot where I left it. A very cold shot of reality!

Another benefit of being unemployed is that it allowed me to spend more time with my sister Sandy. She had breast cancer and it required many doctor appointments for chemo or draining fluid from her lungs. I was able to help her get there and spend more time with her during her treatments and at home afterwards. This time was precious to me as Sandy passed away on March 25. She fought a very brave fight. Having watched her courage during this battle has inspired me many times while I face difficulties in my life. We all miss her very much, but I feel her spirit with me many times!

A friend of mine, Terry, passed away on February 11 of pancreatic cancer. He also fought very hard. He had been diagnosed the year before and was given only months to live. He and his wife, Cathy, made a trip to Paris during that year. The day of his original “sentence” he rode his bike to his gravesite and lay down on it as if to laugh at the cancer! He lived life to the fullest and also taught us all lessons on how to live life.

My nephew, Keith, married Meghan over Memorial Day weekend in Ohio. While I wasn’t able to be there in person, I sent much love and good thoughts their way. Together they now are a family along with Bri, Bella and Caleb. I wish them all the best in the years to come.

In June I made a trip to Seattle to visit my daughter Chelsea, her boyfriend Chris and his son Mally. I had a great time! The weather was perfect and we got to do a lot of outdoors things this time (last time I was there it rained almost the entire trip). I spent a lot of quality time with Chelsea which was great!

During the summer months, I became “Chaunty Eryl” to my nieces Grace, Marissa and Amanda. The nickname is a long story, but basically we would designate one day of the week to “Chaunty Eryl” day and we would do something fun and special together. We visited museums, movies, the Coon Rapids Dam, the new Twins Stadium and lots of good places to eat. I treasure the time I was able to spend with them and hope they enjoyed it even half as much as I did.

The year marked my 50th birthday. I wanted to celebrate with all my family and friends (without the suspense of a surprise party), so I coordinated my own party! I reserved a park in Anoka and provided the brats & burgers asking others to bring a dish to share. The day was wonderful and there was one great surprise – Chelsea came for the party! I was shocked to see her at my door the morning of the party! It made the day even more special for me. The weather didn’t really cooperate; it was one of the hottest days of the year! But we managed to make the most of it (along with a huge fan my sister brought). I had a great time and felt blessed to have so many wonderful friends & family with me!

In September I volunteered for both the Pancreatic Cancer’s Purple Ride fundraising event (I didn’t ride, I just helped along the bike path) and the Alexandra House Walk. Both organizations are near and dear to my heart, so I wanted to help out as much as I could (being unable to help financially). I’ve also been volunteering at the Alexandra House 2-3 days each week this year at the shelter. I find it both fulfilling and humbling to work with such wonderful people.

October was another busy month! I spent a weekend with my “Fourever Friends” at Nona’s cabin in Wisconsin. The next weekend was the annual “Sister’s Weekend” with my sisters in Grand Rapids, MN. The weekend after that, my friends Doug and Susan came from Rockford, IL for a visit. It was busy but jam packed with fun! I just love spending time with my family & friends!

At Thanksgiving, my niece and nephew Krista & Matt announced that they are expecting their first child this Spring! It’s nice to have another baby coming into the family. My sister JoElla and her husband Bill will be first-time Grandparents!

In the Fall, there was also heartache. Our Pastor John lost his 3-year battle to lung cancer. He was another that fought so hard and valiantly. And my friend Sandy’s mother died from a rare form of cancer. She had been diagnosed earlier in the year, but it was already at stage 4 when she was diagnosed. So sad to see both of them go.

It was about this time that I also started my plans for school. As a result of our jobs being sent overseas, we were told that a group of us are eligible for a special Federal program (TAA) wherein we can receive free schooling for up to 3 years, extended unemployment while in school and subsidized health insurance. I registered for classes in November and they will start January 11 (unless I find a job prior to that). I have an interview soon, so I am still hoping to land a job and not have to go to school. While it’s a great opportunity, I would prefer the security of a job!

Finally December and all the food, fun, family & friends that go along with the Holidays! I attended many plays and dinners with family and friends. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy those times! I had a wonderful Christmas with my family and now looking forward to a new year…and more time with old and new family members & friends!

One thing I know for certain after this year of so many moving events, so many highs and lows, is that I am not alone in my journey here on earth. I have a wonderful family and many wonderful friends. You have helped me through some of the most difficult days of my life, and have helped me to celebrate some of the most fantastic days of my life. I also know that God is with me every step of the way! He has blessed me richly, He is with me always and only He knows what my future holds. I found a great quote for the New Year that says it all:

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.” ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce