Wednesday, September 8, 2010
I've Picked Up A New Hobby
It's called Homework. Ughh!!! Maybe taking 5 classes my first semester back to college in 18 years was not such a good idea. I am on a homework treadmill that won't turn off. At least the pace it manageable right now. Maybe that's because I'm not working. Actually, I am starting to get into the groove of things so hopefully it will settle down. I am such a creature of habit that when I start a new routine life is always a little unsettling.
I took my first college test since the semester began yesterday. I was a little nervous, but actually reverted back to my former college day test taking habits. I put off doing the outline and the study guide until right before my exam. Of course, my memory is still in working order so I remembered everything really well. It was a 50 question multiple choice history test. I took it in 11:58 minutes. I'm not sure how I did yet, but I know I missed a few. The ones I missed were the ones I didn't have any information on so it was purely a guess.
This morning at 7:30 a.m. is my first Algebra test. (Since being back to school.) I actually feel pretty good about it. I think I've got the gist of the formulas down. I guess we'll see. My first English paper, the teacher gave me a 9 out of 10. I completely disagree with his assessment. I could go into detail, but what he took the one point off for was not right. I think he was just trying to make a statement. Plus, he made a snide comment about it. What's the deal with English teachers, anyway? (Except for you Marissa.)
I don't feel like I an "A" student yet--which is what I wanted to be. But, maybe B's. The old gears are starting to turn again. My advice: if you haven't been to college in a couple of decades, start off slow.
I took my first college test since the semester began yesterday. I was a little nervous, but actually reverted back to my former college day test taking habits. I put off doing the outline and the study guide until right before my exam. Of course, my memory is still in working order so I remembered everything really well. It was a 50 question multiple choice history test. I took it in 11:58 minutes. I'm not sure how I did yet, but I know I missed a few. The ones I missed were the ones I didn't have any information on so it was purely a guess.
This morning at 7:30 a.m. is my first Algebra test. (Since being back to school.) I actually feel pretty good about it. I think I've got the gist of the formulas down. I guess we'll see. My first English paper, the teacher gave me a 9 out of 10. I completely disagree with his assessment. I could go into detail, but what he took the one point off for was not right. I think he was just trying to make a statement. Plus, he made a snide comment about it. What's the deal with English teachers, anyway? (Except for you Marissa.)
I don't feel like I an "A" student yet--which is what I wanted to be. But, maybe B's. The old gears are starting to turn again. My advice: if you haven't been to college in a couple of decades, start off slow.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
The Good News...and the Bad News
The kids pick up the funniest things. I can't believe how much they mimic our words--a scary reflection sometimes. Tonight Porter said, "Mom, I have bad news and I have good news." I said, "What's that?" He said, "The bad news is I am not tired and don't want to go to bed. The good news is you won't make me go to bed!" He said that with a big smile on his face--after I had tucked him into bed.
Not to be out-done, Madison said, "I have good news and bad news. The good news is I am a GREAT sister! And, the bad news is that sometimes we don't get to stay at the park as long as we want to."
Lane tried to get his two cents in. He said, "Bad news. Good news. Mom." He thought for a second, then held his hands face up and said, "Nothing!" Then he laughed. We all laughed too.
Madison has been on a roll with her sayings. Tonight I showed her a pair of dance shoes I bought for her from Ebay. She looked at them and approved. I told her I had already ordered them and they would be coming next week. She exclaimed, (with hands uplifted) "Well call the manager!" I started laughing and asked how she even knew what that meant. I asked her what would happen if we called the manager. She said, "Then he will bring them right over."
____________________
Yesterday Lane was talking to Brant, cuddled up in bed. Out of the blue he said, "You're my best friend, Dad!" Brant had a huge smile on his face. I keep reminding Brant about it and he still smiles.
Not to be out-done, Madison said, "I have good news and bad news. The good news is I am a GREAT sister! And, the bad news is that sometimes we don't get to stay at the park as long as we want to."
Lane tried to get his two cents in. He said, "Bad news. Good news. Mom." He thought for a second, then held his hands face up and said, "Nothing!" Then he laughed. We all laughed too.
Madison has been on a roll with her sayings. Tonight I showed her a pair of dance shoes I bought for her from Ebay. She looked at them and approved. I told her I had already ordered them and they would be coming next week. She exclaimed, (with hands uplifted) "Well call the manager!" I started laughing and asked how she even knew what that meant. I asked her what would happen if we called the manager. She said, "Then he will bring them right over."____________________
Yesterday Lane was talking to Brant, cuddled up in bed. Out of the blue he said, "You're my best friend, Dad!" Brant had a huge smile on his face. I keep reminding Brant about it and he still smiles.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
To Be A Kid Again
Not a care in the world, enjoying the warm summer days. They were eating ice cream after playing in the sprinklers.
They discovered a fun little hiding spot in the dryer.Their cousin, Krew, was visiting and they had popcorn and movie night.
The boys on the front patio at 7 pm. It's still nice and warm outside. Hopefully the neighbors don't mind their love of running around in nothing but their boxers.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Then and Now
Life is full of discoveries. I am amazed that even on the eve of approaching 40 I am still learning so much and am so eager to learn. If I could stamp a word over this week I think it would say, “overwhelmed.” I started my “back to college” this week. It has been quite an adventure.
You know when you watch those time travel movies and there are all kinds of new technology introduced? That’s how I kind of feel. Being back in an academic setting has brought back many memories of my previous college years. Funny though, how I was a completely different person. The “Then and Now” is so interesting I can’t help but compare.
I am taking 3 classes online. That was not even a possibility before. They were starting to use “remote” classrooms. It was a new idea that teachers would lecture on video and the classes would be broadcast on PBS or a special local channel. Students who were ahead of the game, recorded their classes to VHS. And, if they had a really fancy VCR, they could record it without even being home.
Every class has emphasized “no cell phones or texting during class.” That was not an issue before—hardly anyone carried around a big brick cell phone back then. And texting—I would have been like texting? What’s that? Sending your textbooks to other people? Then, if someone explained, “Oh, it’s like online chatting just on your phone.” I would have been like, “What? You can’t do that.”
All of the teachers have made their email and cell phones available to students. Before—you had to catch the professor during his office hours or leave him a note. And, as an added bonus, all of your classmates can become your friends on Facebook.
Powerpoint is the new way to lecture. One teacher walked in with his jumpdrive and plugged into the computer that was in the classroom. That’s new. In the 90’s someone would have said, “Jump what?” Or what is that tiny little thing on your keychain, a 16 MG memory chip. No…it’s the equivalent of a 2GB hard drive. And then, I would be like, “What? That’s impossible. That’s like putting the storage space of 50 of my Mac’s on to that little chip.” That’s right—at least 50 of my Mac’s. And, I was really cool because I had a computer. No one had computers back then. At least not in college.
I think I have changed as a student. I thought I was a nerd back in the day, I have grown into an even bigger nerd. I can’t stand being late and I’m over cautious about neatness. In math, I typed my homework, included all of my information and put it in two columns with lines dividing each problem. The poor girl next to me said, “Were we supposed to type our homework?” I responded, “No, I’m just anal. I have issues—as in psychological disorders. You know, lots or problems that have initials—OCD, ADD, ADHD.” She just said, “Oh.”
I actually love to sit in the front row and be early as opposed to previously sneaking in just under the wire and grabbing a backseat. I’m very worried about getting perfect scores now. I used to just be glad to pass—although I would do average or above.
The first day of my math class, we had to take a pretest. It included a section on your perception of your abilities and ideas towards math. The last part was actual algebra problems. I gave myself high marks for confidence, but failed miserably on the skill section. I smiled as I imagined the teacher looking at my paper. He probably thought I was a little out-of-touch with reality. I’ve just been through enough in life, that I know I can do anything I put my mind to. I don’t think I believed that in my twenties. I also have gained a lot of life skills over the years that I have kind of taken for granted. I’m not at all afraid to talk to the person next to me and ask their name. I’ve been much more outgoing. In fact, I enjoy reaching out to people and making them feel more comfortable.
There’s still old fashioned fun about buying new notebooks, pens, pencils, and highlighters. The hard chairs and teachers lecturing hasn’t changed. History is still history, and math is still the same bunch of formulas. I’ve kicked myself many times over the years for not finishing my degree when I was so close. But, I don’t think I really new what I wanted to be when I grew up. It’s taken me a long time to discover myself and what it is that I actually want. I wish I could have known sooner, but life is a journey. Even if you get to where you’re going, you don’t stay there very long.
You know when you watch those time travel movies and there are all kinds of new technology introduced? That’s how I kind of feel. Being back in an academic setting has brought back many memories of my previous college years. Funny though, how I was a completely different person. The “Then and Now” is so interesting I can’t help but compare.
I am taking 3 classes online. That was not even a possibility before. They were starting to use “remote” classrooms. It was a new idea that teachers would lecture on video and the classes would be broadcast on PBS or a special local channel. Students who were ahead of the game, recorded their classes to VHS. And, if they had a really fancy VCR, they could record it without even being home.
Every class has emphasized “no cell phones or texting during class.” That was not an issue before—hardly anyone carried around a big brick cell phone back then. And texting—I would have been like texting? What’s that? Sending your textbooks to other people? Then, if someone explained, “Oh, it’s like online chatting just on your phone.” I would have been like, “What? You can’t do that.”
All of the teachers have made their email and cell phones available to students. Before—you had to catch the professor during his office hours or leave him a note. And, as an added bonus, all of your classmates can become your friends on Facebook.
Powerpoint is the new way to lecture. One teacher walked in with his jumpdrive and plugged into the computer that was in the classroom. That’s new. In the 90’s someone would have said, “Jump what?” Or what is that tiny little thing on your keychain, a 16 MG memory chip. No…it’s the equivalent of a 2GB hard drive. And then, I would be like, “What? That’s impossible. That’s like putting the storage space of 50 of my Mac’s on to that little chip.” That’s right—at least 50 of my Mac’s. And, I was really cool because I had a computer. No one had computers back then. At least not in college.
I think I have changed as a student. I thought I was a nerd back in the day, I have grown into an even bigger nerd. I can’t stand being late and I’m over cautious about neatness. In math, I typed my homework, included all of my information and put it in two columns with lines dividing each problem. The poor girl next to me said, “Were we supposed to type our homework?” I responded, “No, I’m just anal. I have issues—as in psychological disorders. You know, lots or problems that have initials—OCD, ADD, ADHD.” She just said, “Oh.”
I actually love to sit in the front row and be early as opposed to previously sneaking in just under the wire and grabbing a backseat. I’m very worried about getting perfect scores now. I used to just be glad to pass—although I would do average or above.
The first day of my math class, we had to take a pretest. It included a section on your perception of your abilities and ideas towards math. The last part was actual algebra problems. I gave myself high marks for confidence, but failed miserably on the skill section. I smiled as I imagined the teacher looking at my paper. He probably thought I was a little out-of-touch with reality. I’ve just been through enough in life, that I know I can do anything I put my mind to. I don’t think I believed that in my twenties. I also have gained a lot of life skills over the years that I have kind of taken for granted. I’m not at all afraid to talk to the person next to me and ask their name. I’ve been much more outgoing. In fact, I enjoy reaching out to people and making them feel more comfortable.
There’s still old fashioned fun about buying new notebooks, pens, pencils, and highlighters. The hard chairs and teachers lecturing hasn’t changed. History is still history, and math is still the same bunch of formulas. I’ve kicked myself many times over the years for not finishing my degree when I was so close. But, I don’t think I really new what I wanted to be when I grew up. It’s taken me a long time to discover myself and what it is that I actually want. I wish I could have known sooner, but life is a journey. Even if you get to where you’re going, you don’t stay there very long.
Friday, August 20, 2010
What doesn't kill us...
...makes us stronger. Really? Is it just me or has life gotten really treacherous lately? I feel like there are so many things "attacking" from every direction. And, there's just not enough time to do everything that needs to be done. Especially, when you're trying to get to a better situation in life. I feel a day late and a dollar short almost every day.
I went to campus today to find the bookstore and purchase my books. I had no idea where it was. BTW, it's not on the college campus map they hand out. How dumb is that? I didn't want to be the old lady that asked where the bookstore was if it was right next to me. I noticed a flow of students coming with books in plastic bags. Obviously, if I followed the line of ants then I would find the anthill. After stalking a few students, I finally found it. And, yes, books are still way overpriced. Why can't they send out digital files of the textbook? Do you know how much cheaper that would be. I just got three of my books today--a mere $174.
Our computer is riddled with viruses so I haven't been able to upload any pictures. I'm bummed because I have so much going on and would like to blog about it. Brant doesn't understand my need to blog. Writing is my outlet. If I ever become famous, I will have a well-documented life. :) The computer also will freeze up in the middle of using it. Ughh!!! Frustration.
We are putting the kids in a "dance" class on Monday nights. Ever since Madison saw her cousins Emy and Averi Frampton perform at a dance competition in St. George, she has been wanting to go to dance classes. I bought her some leotards and dance skirts in pink. She is so excited. Porter doesn't want to go. We told him to try it and if he doesn't like it he doesn't have to go. If the boys don't go it will save me a lot of money. It's actually such a beginning class that it's the basics of tumbling, following directions, and some toe pointing.
Lane has been our ER poster child this month. He fell out of the bunkbed and cut his head open on an open dresser drawer. We shaved it, cleaned it, and glued it. It's healed nicely. As a result, he's sporting a mohawk. Two days ago he ended up in the ER because he got into Brant's Adderall. He was one stoned little kid. If you don't know, it's an amphetamine. Or, more commonly referred to as "speed" on the street. If you need it, it calms you down. If you don't, well then you become very happy. And, yes Brant does have a prescriptioin for it. It's fairly potent and requires a regular visit to the doctor to continue prescriptions. Lane kept saying, "Me happy. Me feel good." They had to give him the maximum dose of sedatives--or "downers" in street-speak. He was tweaking like a mad man. I felt horrible. Hopefully, that will be the last and only time I have to go to the hospital because my son overdosed on a controlled substance. He didn't go to sleep until 4:30 am.
Brant and I have been tag teaming on the work schedule. He works Wednesday through Sunday nights and I work Monday through Thursday days. We are still trying to catch up from being unemployed for two months. But, despite it all, we are making ends meet. And, for that we are grateful. Plus, we all still have our health. You can't put a price on that.
I'm trying to get into the academic mode. It's been a long time. About 18 years to be precise. Funny how I came to the realization that I have been forty for most of my life. The out-of-place feeling I had today on campus is the same one I had back in college. I think I have always been older than everyone. It's just a mindset, I guess. I had to laugh to myself. I guess I've finally reached my age. I am starting with English, Elementary Algebra, Computer Literacy, American History, and Library Information. All general classes, so nothing too hard yet.
I went to campus today to find the bookstore and purchase my books. I had no idea where it was. BTW, it's not on the college campus map they hand out. How dumb is that? I didn't want to be the old lady that asked where the bookstore was if it was right next to me. I noticed a flow of students coming with books in plastic bags. Obviously, if I followed the line of ants then I would find the anthill. After stalking a few students, I finally found it. And, yes, books are still way overpriced. Why can't they send out digital files of the textbook? Do you know how much cheaper that would be. I just got three of my books today--a mere $174.
Our computer is riddled with viruses so I haven't been able to upload any pictures. I'm bummed because I have so much going on and would like to blog about it. Brant doesn't understand my need to blog. Writing is my outlet. If I ever become famous, I will have a well-documented life. :) The computer also will freeze up in the middle of using it. Ughh!!! Frustration.
We are putting the kids in a "dance" class on Monday nights. Ever since Madison saw her cousins Emy and Averi Frampton perform at a dance competition in St. George, she has been wanting to go to dance classes. I bought her some leotards and dance skirts in pink. She is so excited. Porter doesn't want to go. We told him to try it and if he doesn't like it he doesn't have to go. If the boys don't go it will save me a lot of money. It's actually such a beginning class that it's the basics of tumbling, following directions, and some toe pointing.
Lane has been our ER poster child this month. He fell out of the bunkbed and cut his head open on an open dresser drawer. We shaved it, cleaned it, and glued it. It's healed nicely. As a result, he's sporting a mohawk. Two days ago he ended up in the ER because he got into Brant's Adderall. He was one stoned little kid. If you don't know, it's an amphetamine. Or, more commonly referred to as "speed" on the street. If you need it, it calms you down. If you don't, well then you become very happy. And, yes Brant does have a prescriptioin for it. It's fairly potent and requires a regular visit to the doctor to continue prescriptions. Lane kept saying, "Me happy. Me feel good." They had to give him the maximum dose of sedatives--or "downers" in street-speak. He was tweaking like a mad man. I felt horrible. Hopefully, that will be the last and only time I have to go to the hospital because my son overdosed on a controlled substance. He didn't go to sleep until 4:30 am.
Brant and I have been tag teaming on the work schedule. He works Wednesday through Sunday nights and I work Monday through Thursday days. We are still trying to catch up from being unemployed for two months. But, despite it all, we are making ends meet. And, for that we are grateful. Plus, we all still have our health. You can't put a price on that.
I'm trying to get into the academic mode. It's been a long time. About 18 years to be precise. Funny how I came to the realization that I have been forty for most of my life. The out-of-place feeling I had today on campus is the same one I had back in college. I think I have always been older than everyone. It's just a mindset, I guess. I had to laugh to myself. I guess I've finally reached my age. I am starting with English, Elementary Algebra, Computer Literacy, American History, and Library Information. All general classes, so nothing too hard yet.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Back to School
I finished my registration for classes for the Fall semester at Dixie. I'm going to be the old lady in class. :) I'm so excited. It was fun picking out classes. I actually had alot more transfer credits than I thought. Can't wait to get started--probably won't be saying that around Finals.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Twin Birthday Pics
They had a blast for their birthday. It was the most fun thing they've ever done. The anticipation leading up to the day--and the day of. I don't think they could contain themselves. Lane kept shouting, "My birthday too!" So we had to include him in everything. We took pictures of him with a cake and we wrapped a few presents for him.
Madi's pic of me
This is supposed to be me....can't you tell? I don't know what I'm doing in this. Maybe flying or falling.
Random pics
This is my last week of a two jobs...Yeah!!! I've worked a month straight with only 2 days off. And, one was on the twins birthday, so it wasn't really a day off. I'm downloading my camera and came across some of these pics.The boys were feeding their alligators in the backyard. Apparently the alligators like my flowers too.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
4-year olds say the darndest things
You can always tell when I am super-busy, because the blogging gets put on the back burner. I have been working 2-1/2 jobs and don't seem to have a moment to spare. I did take Saturday off to spend the twins birthday at home. It was a lot of fun. This was the first birthday they've had that they actually knew it was something to look forward to. We started counting the weeks down two weeks ago on the calendar. Every day we would mark off another day. They kept asking me to mark more than one day off so we could get closer to their birthday. I want to write more and post pictures, but will have to wait until I have more time.
At the end of the night, when we put them to bed, Madison said the funniest thing to me. I'll paraphase:
Madi: Mom, I have this feeling inside of me and I don't know what it is. It's right here. (pointing to her stomach.)
Me: Are you sick?
Madi: No
Me: Do you need to throw up?
Madi: No. I feel like I just want to play forever...and eat lots of sugar.
****
Today Porter asked me if he could have some cake. I said, yes, after lunch. He said, "I can do whatever I want now because I'm four years old." Right, Porter, right.
****
Madison told Brant today that he needed to go buy more presents, because they were going to turn 5 this weekend.
****
Of the age subject...we have occasionally read scriptures together. Madison could sit and listen without any problem. Porter sometimes has the attention span of a gnat. To engage him, I often get him to act out parts of the scriptures. I asked him to try to be the Devil and convince people to follow him. He started dancing around the room saying, "I'm the Devil! Come to my church. It will be really fun." It was hilarious. Much more fun to watch then read about.
****
On another note...it was hard for Lane to understand why he was the only who wasn't getting a birthday. We bought him a few presents so he wouldn't feel left out. I feel bad...he's too little to understand that they are twins, thus have the same birthday. But old enough to know he's not in on whatever it is.
Grandma and Grandpa Smith drove over from Vegas for their birthday. They were more excited about that than anything else. They spent the night and the kids had a blast. They sure do miss their Grandma. She took such good care of them.
...more later. Off to bed. Double shift tomorrow.
At the end of the night, when we put them to bed, Madison said the funniest thing to me. I'll paraphase:
Madi: Mom, I have this feeling inside of me and I don't know what it is. It's right here. (pointing to her stomach.)
Me: Are you sick?
Madi: No
Me: Do you need to throw up?
Madi: No. I feel like I just want to play forever...and eat lots of sugar.
****
Today Porter asked me if he could have some cake. I said, yes, after lunch. He said, "I can do whatever I want now because I'm four years old." Right, Porter, right.
****
Madison told Brant today that he needed to go buy more presents, because they were going to turn 5 this weekend.
****
Of the age subject...we have occasionally read scriptures together. Madison could sit and listen without any problem. Porter sometimes has the attention span of a gnat. To engage him, I often get him to act out parts of the scriptures. I asked him to try to be the Devil and convince people to follow him. He started dancing around the room saying, "I'm the Devil! Come to my church. It will be really fun." It was hilarious. Much more fun to watch then read about.
****
On another note...it was hard for Lane to understand why he was the only who wasn't getting a birthday. We bought him a few presents so he wouldn't feel left out. I feel bad...he's too little to understand that they are twins, thus have the same birthday. But old enough to know he's not in on whatever it is.
Grandma and Grandpa Smith drove over from Vegas for their birthday. They were more excited about that than anything else. They spent the night and the kids had a blast. They sure do miss their Grandma. She took such good care of them.
...more later. Off to bed. Double shift tomorrow.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Pretty Girl
For Father's Day I am taking pictures of the kids and having them framed in 11x14 format. I am trying to do it all myself and it's taking alot longer than I planned. I wanted to capture each of their personalities at this time in their life. And, I am trying to do it without Brant finding out. Not so easy.This one is Madi. She is wearing a frilly, but delicate pink and white dress my sister Vicki gave me. It's simple, but beautiful--like Madi. With, of course, her favorite color pink on it. She loves dresses right now. That's all she wants to wear. I let her pick out all of her clothes. I figure if she's ready to start make choices, this is a good place to start. She has a bow in her hair from my sister, Kim. She adores Kim. Kim does all of those cool things little girl love. She painted gel toes on her last week--and did her nails. Madison was showing everyone and telling them "Kim did it." As if everyone in the world knows who Kim is. Madi is totally into everything girlie.
The picture was taken in our backyard on a minature kids bench I got for $20. I know I'm her Mama, but I think she looks gorgeous.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
To be a kid again...
Here's the two best friends...unless they are fighting. Pictures ARE really worth a 1000 words. This IS Madi and Porter's relationship. She is definitely in charge; he is by her side waiting for the next order. If you mess with "her" Porter she will come after you. She's very protective of him. He is of her too, it's just that she's such a tough little cookie she doesn't need it that often. Porter's outfit was picked out by Mom--and in his true Tom Sawyer-like boyishness, he prefers to be barefoot. Madi's outfit was selected by her--after two or three other tries. She digs boots, hair bows, and dresses. (All provided by her cool, stylish aunts.) Mom is none of those things. I could look at this picture forever, and I am sure in 10 years or more it will bring a tear to my eye as I look back and remember my today with my little cherubs.And for the singlet...let me tell you about this picture. He is always trying to be funny. So, when he found this empty cereal box he thought it would be hilarious to wear it as a hat. It was not as funny to everyone else as it was to him--which made it even funnier. He is sporting open-toed shoes and he must almost always because he has such big, fat feet. The cushions have been removed from the back of the couch, by him. It's his favorite thing to do--throw them in a pile and then dive into them head first. The shirt on the arm of the couch is the one I picked out for him, but not the one he wanted to wear. Madi's favorite blanket is on the floor because he found it and wanted to give it back to her--he is sensitive to others and knows how much she likes it.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Look Mom! No Cavities!
We took the kids to the coolest dentist's office. It was a Children's Office and was totally decked out for the kids. They had a blast, and on the way home they wanted to know when they get to go back. Now, that's a good dentist.Before leaving, they got to pick out a free children's book, a helium balloon, and they each got a gift certificate from Red Robin's for a free kids meal. (That was a bonus because had no cavities.)
Here's the dentist website: http://www.childrensdentalstgeorge.com
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