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