Today marks the end of my first week of online class. I have to say, it is a little overwhelming. I didn't have Internet until Saturday, four days after class started. The same class started again tomorrow, so I was just going to take it then. But NOOOOOO! It would make a difference in my financial aid, so I went to talk to JMR (the big man at work). I explained my situation and he graciously allowed me to use my computer at work last week until I got my Internet working Saturday. I spent so much time at the office and even if I wasn't working all that time, I am sick of my corner!
I think the people on my team are smarter and more verse than I am. Not to say that I don't have an opinion, but I think they are better at putting their thoughts on paper. Sigh, here I am beating myself up already! I think I am the only one that is going with the MHA/Gerontology field, so this is only one class that is 3 weeks long. One week down and two more to go for Class One.
What the blazes have I done now?
Monday, March 1, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Sounds...
Most of the time, I don't realize it, think about it, or even notice it. But sometimes, I can't ignore it, get away from it, or escape from it. Having a disability has never slowed me down, gotten in my way or made a difference. But these last few years, I have notice that slowly, my life is changing around this one fact. I don't go to the movies anymore. I have to have closed captions. I can't hear well on the phone. The more people in the group, the quieter I become. Driving in a car is bad and driving in a car at night is even worse. Hard to read lips and drive at the same time and forget about doing that when it is dark! And that little buzzing/ringing I always had - it is now a loud buzzing/ringing sound at times. Just D R I V E S me bonkers! Sometimes, I can't fall asleep because of that noise. Makes me want to pop a sleeping pill or something! Anything to get rid of the sound. While it is true that my hearing problem does not define who I am as a person, it most certainly defines my actions and activities anymore. I can honestly say that I feel out of touch with things a lot and thinking it will not be getting any better.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Well, it happened. After almost five months of trying to go back to school, it is a done deal. I start classes on the 23rd of this month. Now that I am finally here, I think I am scared spitless! What the heck was I thinking? Okay, one class at a time. I can do it! The scary stuff is all the things that they are sending me since yesterday. I have to do this, I have to do that, oh and don't forget this and that too. Breathing slowly now, innnnn and outtttt, innnnn and outtttt, innnnn and outtttt.
Okay, I CAN do this, I know I can. I just am feeling a little ovewhelmed and need to sort through all this material. This too shall pass :)
One day at a time, folks - that I can handle!
Okay, I CAN do this, I know I can. I just am feeling a little ovewhelmed and need to sort through all this material. This too shall pass :)
One day at a time, folks - that I can handle!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Changes are a good thing, right?
Change is coming my way. I am convinced that this is what I need in my life right now. I have decided to go back to school and work on a Master in Business Administration with an emphasis in Health Care. I tried to go for the Master in Health Care Administration but you have to be working with patients, in a doctor's office, etc. What's up with that? Anywhooo, it will be alright. Classes start on September 15th, so watch out world, here I come!
Why would someone of my age, who has been out of school 30 years as of this summer, decide to go back to school? Well several reasons actually. I first started thinking of this when I heard that government was doing a health care reform which meant my job may be in jeopardy. You see the government now has to think up ways to make more money since they have to pay for the auto industry bail out, the bank bail out, the war, the cash for clunker program, all those stimulus packages that was created. The FSA plan allows people to save taxes and if you eliminate the plan or put a cap on it, then the money that WAS being saved now goes to the government. Wow! Now they can start paying on their bills. However, this means eliminating my job and unless I can find another one (sure, in this economy that will be a breeze), the government will be paying for expenses for me to live on, eat on, be well, and hell? Why am I worried? I probably have a better chance at being okay sitting home and doing nothing....not!
In addition to that, I now have a crappy insurance plan at work. The deductible is $2500 per calendar year. Only, the change was made in the middle of my plan year for FSA and I can't change my elections. Oh wait, more money for the government. I probably make as much sense as the government or new health care reform at this point!
I am also going to Dave Ramsey financial classes as of next week. If only I actually apply what I learn, I might have a chance :) I hope that this will help me financially in the future as well.
AND.....starting next Wednesday, work is having another 16 week Biggest Loser campaign to lose weight. I thought why not? I don't have anything else going on, right? I really didn't do too bad the last go around (16 weeks) considering that I was off my feet and healing from surgery. Only a .2 pound gain overall. Good thing I walked my ass off the first part of the program!
So, what is new in your life may I ask?
Why would someone of my age, who has been out of school 30 years as of this summer, decide to go back to school? Well several reasons actually. I first started thinking of this when I heard that government was doing a health care reform which meant my job may be in jeopardy. You see the government now has to think up ways to make more money since they have to pay for the auto industry bail out, the bank bail out, the war, the cash for clunker program, all those stimulus packages that was created. The FSA plan allows people to save taxes and if you eliminate the plan or put a cap on it, then the money that WAS being saved now goes to the government. Wow! Now they can start paying on their bills. However, this means eliminating my job and unless I can find another one (sure, in this economy that will be a breeze), the government will be paying for expenses for me to live on, eat on, be well, and hell? Why am I worried? I probably have a better chance at being okay sitting home and doing nothing....not!
In addition to that, I now have a crappy insurance plan at work. The deductible is $2500 per calendar year. Only, the change was made in the middle of my plan year for FSA and I can't change my elections. Oh wait, more money for the government. I probably make as much sense as the government or new health care reform at this point!
I am also going to Dave Ramsey financial classes as of next week. If only I actually apply what I learn, I might have a chance :) I hope that this will help me financially in the future as well.
AND.....starting next Wednesday, work is having another 16 week Biggest Loser campaign to lose weight. I thought why not? I don't have anything else going on, right? I really didn't do too bad the last go around (16 weeks) considering that I was off my feet and healing from surgery. Only a .2 pound gain overall. Good thing I walked my ass off the first part of the program!
So, what is new in your life may I ask?
Monday, July 20, 2009
Life's Blessings
To some, being rich means having lots of money. To me, it means much more than that.
To some, family means the group of people to which you were born, and thus inherited. To me, it means much more than that.
To some, being lucky means being successful at everything you do. To me, it means much more than that.
To some, being blessed means being lucky, being rich and having a family. To me it means much more - way more than that!
I recently had foot surgery, again. Having hammertoe is a pain in the foot, pun intended. Having to ask for help really is a major problem for me. When I had foot surgery the first time, I had to ask for help getting to the surgery center and back. I was lucky enough to have a person in my life (thanks Deann) that was able and willing to do this for me. I had people check in on me, call me, and etc., for which I was grateful. This time, I had to ask for much more than that.
You've heard the saying that you don't chose the family into which you are born, right? Where would I be without my chosen family? I have a sign in my kitchen that says "Friends are the family ones finds along the way." This is so true for me and how lucky am I? I am truly blessed with my chosen family. When I pass on, I want/need to have my chosen family sitting with my family into which I was born. They are as important, and at times more so than others, as my blood family. I expressed this to Deann this past weekend and the more I think of this, the more I am determined to make this an absolute (no I am not being morbid, but did have a funeral recently that has me thinking).
I don't consider myself to be a friend to the world, however I feel that I do try to be helpful to anyone in need. I am very picky about those that I call my friend. I really don't have a lot but the ones that I do have have been around for a long time. I am not opposed to meeting and making new friends, but it takes a lot for a person to be considered my true friend. I have those that I call a friend and they are in the lighter sense of the word. But when push comes to shove, I have my family friends and they know who they are.
I would do just about anything for my friends, but for my family friends I WILL do ANYTHING, all they have to do is say the word. It has just taken me this long to realize that this is a two way street and they will do ANYTHING for me, all I had to do was say the word. This last surgery period has been a testament to this. I had a situation that required some transferring of me from one family friend member to another. WOW! Did they come through for me or what?!
I am blessed! I am rich with family friends that makes me feel rich and lucky.
To some, family means the group of people to which you were born, and thus inherited. To me, it means much more than that.
To some, being lucky means being successful at everything you do. To me, it means much more than that.
To some, being blessed means being lucky, being rich and having a family. To me it means much more - way more than that!
I recently had foot surgery, again. Having hammertoe is a pain in the foot, pun intended. Having to ask for help really is a major problem for me. When I had foot surgery the first time, I had to ask for help getting to the surgery center and back. I was lucky enough to have a person in my life (thanks Deann) that was able and willing to do this for me. I had people check in on me, call me, and etc., for which I was grateful. This time, I had to ask for much more than that.
You've heard the saying that you don't chose the family into which you are born, right? Where would I be without my chosen family? I have a sign in my kitchen that says "Friends are the family ones finds along the way." This is so true for me and how lucky am I? I am truly blessed with my chosen family. When I pass on, I want/need to have my chosen family sitting with my family into which I was born. They are as important, and at times more so than others, as my blood family. I expressed this to Deann this past weekend and the more I think of this, the more I am determined to make this an absolute (no I am not being morbid, but did have a funeral recently that has me thinking).
I don't consider myself to be a friend to the world, however I feel that I do try to be helpful to anyone in need. I am very picky about those that I call my friend. I really don't have a lot but the ones that I do have have been around for a long time. I am not opposed to meeting and making new friends, but it takes a lot for a person to be considered my true friend. I have those that I call a friend and they are in the lighter sense of the word. But when push comes to shove, I have my family friends and they know who they are.
I would do just about anything for my friends, but for my family friends I WILL do ANYTHING, all they have to do is say the word. It has just taken me this long to realize that this is a two way street and they will do ANYTHING for me, all I had to do was say the word. This last surgery period has been a testament to this. I had a situation that required some transferring of me from one family friend member to another. WOW! Did they come through for me or what?!
I am blessed! I am rich with family friends that makes me feel rich and lucky.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
GOD Bless America
I am so tired of the group of people who hang around the main corner down town with their signs that say 'HONK FOR PEACE' or 'BRING OUR TROOPS HOME' or 'END THE WAR'. Do they not realize that we have to defend our country? While I don't agree that Bush started this over the 'mass weapons' possibility, I believe he really wanted to strike back for the 9/11 disaster, without those men and women overseas, these people would not even have the right to congregate on that corner. It is their right, I am just tired of it.
The freedom to do what we do is what it is all about. Regardless of where you fit on the thought scale about the war, you have the right to feel, think and act on it however the law allows. If standing on the corner suits your style, go for it. I am still tired of it.
Those people that died in 9/11 were casualty of a war, one that was not started by us, but was aimed at us, the United States of America. There is no question of this fact. There are those that hate Americans, can't stand Americans and plot against Americans. This was directed toward Americans. I am proud to be an American.
I am further proud of the men and women who serve our country. These are the people who loved our land, our people, our country so much that they made the decision to protect 'US' at a cost. To some, that cost may very well be there life. How does a person say Thank You? It is hard. The prayers I say for them are small in comparison to the prayers that they need to get through this, sustain the strength to overcome the things they have seen, been through and will feel for the rest of their lives.
I live in a great and wonderful country.
Thank you to those that serve this country.
Thank you to those that gave their lives on behalf of my country.
Those people on the corner, they thank you too.
The freedom to do what we do is what it is all about. Regardless of where you fit on the thought scale about the war, you have the right to feel, think and act on it however the law allows. If standing on the corner suits your style, go for it. I am still tired of it.
Those people that died in 9/11 were casualty of a war, one that was not started by us, but was aimed at us, the United States of America. There is no question of this fact. There are those that hate Americans, can't stand Americans and plot against Americans. This was directed toward Americans. I am proud to be an American.
I am further proud of the men and women who serve our country. These are the people who loved our land, our people, our country so much that they made the decision to protect 'US' at a cost. To some, that cost may very well be there life. How does a person say Thank You? It is hard. The prayers I say for them are small in comparison to the prayers that they need to get through this, sustain the strength to overcome the things they have seen, been through and will feel for the rest of their lives.
I live in a great and wonderful country.
Thank you to those that serve this country.
Thank you to those that gave their lives on behalf of my country.
Those people on the corner, they thank you too.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
My Life and the Merry-go-round!
The weight lost program continues....I have managed to make this a little better than I thought, just not perfect or as serious as I should. The strangest thing is that my employment has decided to step into the mix with a few new offers. The first, The Biggest Loser ASI way. We pay $10 to join and at the end of 16 weeks, the person that wins the biggest percentage of their body weight wins this pot. In addition, for every pound you gain over 1/2 pound, you have to pay $1 overage fee. The person that has the greatest number of pound lost at the end of 16 weeks, wins the overage money pot.
Well, the start at workd did not go as smoothly as planned, which is a lot like my start with this idea over a month ago! I found that the pounds are not coming off as easily as they did 5 years ago, which is depressing in itself. I also found that it is making me a little moody about trying. Anyway, the scales used for the weigh-in turned out to be faulty, so we have new scales with the second week weigh-in; the first week weigh-in didn't count.
ASI has also purchased 50 pedometers for a Walk Fitness program - turns out the first ones ordered were faulty as well. It would count movement even if you were sitting at your desk. So they had to order new ones. Received those and haven't walked much since due to rain, being out of town, etc. OY!!! I am really having a time with this round of watching food and exercising.
I just returned home from a few days in St. Louis. It started with Marcy and I going to the Billy Joel/Elton John concert on Thursday evening. The original plan was for me to park and North Hanley metro and meet Marcy at Union Station for dinner, where we would then go to the concert, she would ride back with me on the metro to my vehicle, I would drive her to her vehicle, then follow her home. WELL....due to work being not so busy, I took off early. I drove to Scott Air Force base, met Marcy, we grabbed a sandwich, took the metro to the site of the concert and LOVED EVERY MUSIC NOTE PLAYED BY THE TWO GREATEST MUSICIAN'S EVER!!!! What I didn't love were the seats....my ass was just too wide!
When the concert was over, we stopped at the restrooms, we stopped at the merchandise booth, then we went to the metro stop. The platform was jammed packed full of people. The gentleman from the Metrolink informed us that the next metro to Scott Air Force Base would be there around midnight. Twenty minutes seemed no problem to wait for the next train compared to being sardines on the platform. We waited, and waited, and waited, and waited. Turns out that that guy was wrong. The train we didn't catch was the last one to Scott Air Force Base. OMG!!!! Marcy found out that there was a shuttle from Fairview Heights to Scott Air Force Base. Well, we caught the last train to Fairview Heights, which was a lot closer to our vehicles, but still 15 miles away. By the time we got there, we think all shuttles have stopped. We really believe that they had, but the gentleman who ended up taking us home did so out of the kindness of his heart. Thank you Steve! We love you and are blessed that you were working that night. :-) Got back to Marcy's about 3 a.m., whew, we made it without having to call Tom to come get us (which meant he would have had to get both children out of bed, load them up and drive, etc...). Had we just stuck to the original plan, we would have been home by 12:30 or so; hindsight!
Friday was a relaxing day for me...Marcy on the other hand, had to get Evan up and off to school. She then had an appointment with Colby's therapist at 8:30, but waited to get me up until after she returned home. Colby got the honor of actually waking me up. I got to see all his vehicles, tractors, bobcats, cranes, and machines I have no clue what they were called. But he did and could tell you what their purpose was! After a shower, Marcy and I made a late breakfast, followed by a trip to return a movie and walking around Wal-Mart. Marcy lives in a small town, so you have to drive 10 miles to the next town to go to a Wal-Mart. In between you see nothing but farmland. Really pretty if that is your thing.
Friday evening - pork steaks on the grill, followed by me watching the boys and neighbor girl running through the sprinklers while Marcy and Tom went to St. Charles tent shopping. Once the fun wore off, the boys went into the shower. It didn't take long for Colby to drop off to sleep on the couch, but Evan was still up when mom and dad arrived. Stormed like the dickens that night too, but I was sleeping in the basement, so no worries :)
Saturday, I met my friend Lisa for breakfast, then followed her back to Catherine's for shopping. I didn't NEED any clothes; just wanted some :) so I got some! Then I traveled to five different Wal-Mart's looking for matching gold napkins, something I had 12 of and needed 12 more to get for my parent's 50th anniversary that will be next year. I have given up and will be returning the 12 I have - it just isn't worth the driving around I am doing right now.
Today - I need to go to the office so tomorrow isn't so full of emails and problems. I just need to get my body in the shower. Hasn't happened yet, but the day isn't over either!
Thanks Marcy for a fantastic time at the concert! It was worthy every penny, even with the tight seats! LOVED IT! LOVED IT! LOVED IT!
My summer calendar has filled up quite full already - something every week between now and the end of July, when I have foot surgery.
May
Next weekend - Ginny's birthday party and Memorial weekend
Last weekend - going to KC for hearing aid repair and to spend time with Becky, Deann, & Laura
June
First weekend is the bridal shower for Jacquie's daughters, Savanah and Caitlyn, both getting married this summer
Second weekend is my mom's 75th birthday, heading to Marshall
Third weekend is the I-70 baseball game in KC plus Father's Day on Sunday
Last weekend is the first of the weddings for Savanah
July
First weekend is Fourth of July - heading to Marshall
Second weekend is 85th birthday party for Norma - heading to Marshall
Third weekend is the girls weekend in KC
Fourth weekend - heading back to KC to pick up Kaycie so that she can stay with me during my recovery time after surgery
August
Have a wedding at the lake, but no invitation yet, so don't know if it is the first or second weekend....hoping second or I may not be able to go! Not certain when I will be able to drive or get Kaycie home yet....hope she isn't too BORED (popular word) while she is here :)
Ascanio's birthday party will be the third weekend and then school starts.
I am sure that other events will pop up before all is said and done. In the midst of the above, I am trying to walk daily (as long as it is not HOT outside). A person has to stay busy I guess - far better than sitting around the house. But sometimes, I want the merry-go-round to stop and take a breather. I just don't know when that will be.
Well, the start at workd did not go as smoothly as planned, which is a lot like my start with this idea over a month ago! I found that the pounds are not coming off as easily as they did 5 years ago, which is depressing in itself. I also found that it is making me a little moody about trying. Anyway, the scales used for the weigh-in turned out to be faulty, so we have new scales with the second week weigh-in; the first week weigh-in didn't count.
ASI has also purchased 50 pedometers for a Walk Fitness program - turns out the first ones ordered were faulty as well. It would count movement even if you were sitting at your desk. So they had to order new ones. Received those and haven't walked much since due to rain, being out of town, etc. OY!!! I am really having a time with this round of watching food and exercising.
I just returned home from a few days in St. Louis. It started with Marcy and I going to the Billy Joel/Elton John concert on Thursday evening. The original plan was for me to park and North Hanley metro and meet Marcy at Union Station for dinner, where we would then go to the concert, she would ride back with me on the metro to my vehicle, I would drive her to her vehicle, then follow her home. WELL....due to work being not so busy, I took off early. I drove to Scott Air Force base, met Marcy, we grabbed a sandwich, took the metro to the site of the concert and LOVED EVERY MUSIC NOTE PLAYED BY THE TWO GREATEST MUSICIAN'S EVER!!!! What I didn't love were the seats....my ass was just too wide!
When the concert was over, we stopped at the restrooms, we stopped at the merchandise booth, then we went to the metro stop. The platform was jammed packed full of people. The gentleman from the Metrolink informed us that the next metro to Scott Air Force Base would be there around midnight. Twenty minutes seemed no problem to wait for the next train compared to being sardines on the platform. We waited, and waited, and waited, and waited. Turns out that that guy was wrong. The train we didn't catch was the last one to Scott Air Force Base. OMG!!!! Marcy found out that there was a shuttle from Fairview Heights to Scott Air Force Base. Well, we caught the last train to Fairview Heights, which was a lot closer to our vehicles, but still 15 miles away. By the time we got there, we think all shuttles have stopped. We really believe that they had, but the gentleman who ended up taking us home did so out of the kindness of his heart. Thank you Steve! We love you and are blessed that you were working that night. :-) Got back to Marcy's about 3 a.m., whew, we made it without having to call Tom to come get us (which meant he would have had to get both children out of bed, load them up and drive, etc...). Had we just stuck to the original plan, we would have been home by 12:30 or so; hindsight!
Friday was a relaxing day for me...Marcy on the other hand, had to get Evan up and off to school. She then had an appointment with Colby's therapist at 8:30, but waited to get me up until after she returned home. Colby got the honor of actually waking me up. I got to see all his vehicles, tractors, bobcats, cranes, and machines I have no clue what they were called. But he did and could tell you what their purpose was! After a shower, Marcy and I made a late breakfast, followed by a trip to return a movie and walking around Wal-Mart. Marcy lives in a small town, so you have to drive 10 miles to the next town to go to a Wal-Mart. In between you see nothing but farmland. Really pretty if that is your thing.
Friday evening - pork steaks on the grill, followed by me watching the boys and neighbor girl running through the sprinklers while Marcy and Tom went to St. Charles tent shopping. Once the fun wore off, the boys went into the shower. It didn't take long for Colby to drop off to sleep on the couch, but Evan was still up when mom and dad arrived. Stormed like the dickens that night too, but I was sleeping in the basement, so no worries :)
Saturday, I met my friend Lisa for breakfast, then followed her back to Catherine's for shopping. I didn't NEED any clothes; just wanted some :) so I got some! Then I traveled to five different Wal-Mart's looking for matching gold napkins, something I had 12 of and needed 12 more to get for my parent's 50th anniversary that will be next year. I have given up and will be returning the 12 I have - it just isn't worth the driving around I am doing right now.
Today - I need to go to the office so tomorrow isn't so full of emails and problems. I just need to get my body in the shower. Hasn't happened yet, but the day isn't over either!
Thanks Marcy for a fantastic time at the concert! It was worthy every penny, even with the tight seats! LOVED IT! LOVED IT! LOVED IT!
My summer calendar has filled up quite full already - something every week between now and the end of July, when I have foot surgery.
May
Next weekend - Ginny's birthday party and Memorial weekend
Last weekend - going to KC for hearing aid repair and to spend time with Becky, Deann, & Laura
June
First weekend is the bridal shower for Jacquie's daughters, Savanah and Caitlyn, both getting married this summer
Second weekend is my mom's 75th birthday, heading to Marshall
Third weekend is the I-70 baseball game in KC plus Father's Day on Sunday
Last weekend is the first of the weddings for Savanah
July
First weekend is Fourth of July - heading to Marshall
Second weekend is 85th birthday party for Norma - heading to Marshall
Third weekend is the girls weekend in KC
Fourth weekend - heading back to KC to pick up Kaycie so that she can stay with me during my recovery time after surgery
August
Have a wedding at the lake, but no invitation yet, so don't know if it is the first or second weekend....hoping second or I may not be able to go! Not certain when I will be able to drive or get Kaycie home yet....hope she isn't too BORED (popular word) while she is here :)
Ascanio's birthday party will be the third weekend and then school starts.
I am sure that other events will pop up before all is said and done. In the midst of the above, I am trying to walk daily (as long as it is not HOT outside). A person has to stay busy I guess - far better than sitting around the house. But sometimes, I want the merry-go-round to stop and take a breather. I just don't know when that will be.
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