Gratitude

Our church has it's own 'welfare system', they help members of the church with food items when their finical situation warrants it. I didn't qualify for food stamps with our state,due to my income(they look at income and don't factor in your out-going expenses). I was walking out of the supply house this afternoon, and I was feeling really grateful to have this service available to me. My state of bliss was interrupted when a woman in front of me started complaining she didn't get a cantaloupe. She then started asking her associate, who did the food order?( the normal procedure is a representative from the church comes to your home, they evaluate your food supply, and your needs then they fill out an order). Her associate replied that the procedure was performed as I out-lined it. I then hear, "That's Bull Shit". The blood in my veins curdled. This food is given to those who are in need, it is given with out a cost. It is basic food that will keep your family from becoming hungry. This woman complained that she was not given enough food the entire time she loaded her min-van. When I say this woman and her associate could lose a few pounds with out jeopardizing their health is an under-statement. I suddenly felt sad that this person could not feel gratitude for what had been given to her. I then began to reflect upon the situation I'm in: I will voluntarily surrender my car this week, I have filled out the papers to file bankruptcy, I have to borrow my daughters car to get to school. But.... I feel grateful that I still have a home with food on the table. I have the opportunity to gain an eduction. I realized that this is one of the most rewarding times of my life, a time when I feel true happiness. Things can not make you happy; happiness is a feeling that comes from with-in the depths of your soul.

It's 1980 all over

Life is funny we think our direction in life is going down one path and then you find yourself walking along the same old path you left. I worked in the beauty industry for many years(over 25). When I moved away from Seattle I thought I left that part of my life. In searching for work for the past 6 months I found that I was not qualified for the positions I applied for. I found a job posting for a nail tech. in a busy salon close to my home. I applied and got hired over the phone! I try not to get discouraged over the fact that I have to give 40% to the salon, I'm charging almost half what I charged in Seattle, and I don't have a clientele. It's work, and I have the ability to do it well, and they'll be flexible with my hours so I can keep attending school. I lived in Utah in 1980 I decided to walk upon a different path. I Should have: could have (stayed)...... I guess it was my destiny to walk along this path in my life. I hope I get it right this time, I'm getting too old for do overs!

A week off

Today I finished my two classes I have been taking at UVU. I got an A in both of them. Yes I am patting myself on the back. Eight credits done and a lot more to do. The beginning of this block my daughter told me it would be really hard for me to do 8 credits for this block. Today she told me my classes are going to get harder and I'm not going to be able to get as good of grades in them. I hope I keep proving her wrong. The only class I'm not sure of this next semester is my math class. Time will tell. My prayer is on December 17th I will writing a post saying, "my classes are all finished I got A's in all of them.

One Week Left

We only have one week left for this block of classes. The time has gone by so fast; between going to class everyday, homework, job searching, basics of home life, and family drama. The summer is almost over! I love the fall season but I'm NOT looking forward to the snow and winter. Looking towards the fall, we have lots of pumpkins, we have football games, more college classes to attend, and not so much watering to be done.

English paper

I am writing a paper for English, on childhood obesity. This is my opening statement.
I am not an expert on nutrition or exercise; I am a mother of three healthy daughters. My middle daughter gained about 10 lbs when she was 7 years old. Her father and I are divorced, and had different nutritional styles. I knew her weight gain would affect her body image, and self esteem. I needed to do something before her weight increased. I decided to avoid purchasing snack foods such as: chips, cookies, candy and soft drinks. Providing healthy snacks like apples, carrot's, and small bagels. We cut down on her T.V. viewing. We never focused on her weight gain; we talked about eating healthy and exercise. After a year of changing our living style she lost her extra weight. She continued to visit her father on weekends, and did not chage her lofe style at his house. She has grown-up with an intrest in nutrition and health, she is now studing to become a pediatric nurse.

The Writer

In my English class we write every day. We have essay's to read (3 a week) then make comments about them. And,we have our first paper due this week. I guess you could say, I'm written out. I am finding I love to do research and write. Thinking about my high school days, I loved to do reports. I hated English because I didn't understand the verb, noun, sentence structure, commas, and etc. Now, when I have a grammar question I can look it up in my notebook! School was torture for me, being A.D.D. (and not knowing it)and having to memorize rules. In English you had to know the grammar rules; math had its set of rules too. With a brain that goes 100mph remembering an assignment was an accomplishment. I feel that is why I did so well on reports and projects. I could go into my own little world and explore and create. Doing nails for a living was creative and different. I have always loved to create; I'm finding writing is very creative. I have a real passion for expressing my opinion in words and sentences. And, it's never to late to be the person you want to be.

Over Achiever

I have my first week of school under my belt my jitters are going away. I'm finding I am an over achiever. I worked on a paper for two days rewriting it 4 times. I asked the professor when it was due and what format he wanted us to turn it in, he says "Oh you don't need to turn it in. We might just talk about it in class. It was for your benefit!" I stressed out over getting the book we needed and printing the materials we would go over in class. Most of the students who come to class haven't purchased the book and don't have the materials printed. Yesterday was an"on-line class day" if we had questions the professor would be on -line to help us, today he announces that your not to e-mail the questions it's a live chat opportunity. I haven't grown up using computers and being computer savvy, I do know my way around a bit (if all else fails click and search). Here I am with kids that have graduated, some college experience,or adults that have worked and are taking some classes.I was able to figure out the procedure. I hope this college stuff is going to be a piece of cake after working and living in the real world for a long time.