It's Spring...End of Semesters...Graduation...New Beginnings

Well, it's that time of year again. Students are finishing up, (Congrats to all you graduates) and I'm ready for summer. Summer brings a refreshment before the next academic year. I'll be teaching, but summer still seems lighter; perhaps it's all that sunshine. Some of my students will be moving on to college classes or jobs or new places. I pray that they take some of the things they've learned (only if it's a little time management or new outlook on education) and make their lives better. I'll be looking forward to the fall's changes (new students...new building...new classes!). So, I guess spring is a time of new births. Happy birthday!

What has spring brought now?
New life..new ideas...
Movement with spirit.

It's Been Eight Years...

It's hard to believe it's been eight years since 9/11. I remember walking by the student lounge where a few staff were watching with mouths open. Someone said planes...I thought invaders' airforce...said shoot them down before I realized they were passenger planes. By the time I turned on the television in my room, it was far too late. I saw only the rerun of the burning Twin Towers, so I called my husband in a panic. He told me the buildings had collapsed, but I was still in disbelief and said, "No, I can still see them on television!" But it was only a replay of the original footage.

A few days later, as they covered every detail of the disaster on every channel, I lay on the sofa and cried. How would we recover? Now, I know that many of my students knew someone affected directly by the attacks. I've heard of "near-misses" of those who didn't go to work that day.

We visited New York a couple of years ago and went to see the site of the Towers. It was very dark...not even the memorial light. I felt a bit overwhelmed by it all. Then this year, we went to Boston and remembered this is where it began...again a lump rose in my throat. I love history, but this is history that I wish I would never have to talk about. Was it inevitable? Perhaps so, but God will take care of it in the end. God bless America!

Wow! It's Fall Already!

Well, we're starting a new semester. Many new faces and new places are here! I wonder what the students are thinking and hope that they stay motivated. Unfortunately, I know some of the faces will be gone in a few weeks and some are returning for a second or third go-round. Motivation and change come from within. No one can tell them to stick with it or to manage their time so they can move on to bigger and better things in life. I understand all the things that make life hard because I've "been there seen that...". I been a young mother who worked at night and went to school at the same time, I've taken care of sister who had cancer, I watched my mother die from cancer. My husband have struggled financially, having one car and a very small house for a number of years. My mother suffered from alcoholism when I was growing up (she did get clean and sober for her last years and we were best friends). I grew up poor without a father. So, I do understand, but you can overcome! So let's get to it!

Cape Cod and Whales!

We've just returned from spending five days in Cape Cod. We drove all over the Cape from Plymouth (Yes, it's where the Pilgrims landed--we even saw "the rock"!) to Provincetown. Our favorite spot was the beach at Nauset Lighthouse. We also drove to the dunes (more like small mountains) at the very end. On Saturday, we set sail on The Portuguese Princess and went looking for whales. The captain found an entire pod of humpbacks! We watched one whale lie on its back and let the birds clean fish out of its mouth! The whales were quite close to the boat and did not seem bothered by our presence (silly humans!) Although, the week was cool (It's early spring there), we enjoyed our summer vacation there. Thanks to Alyce at Dunscroft by the Sea, our bed and breakfast; it was very comfortable and Alyce prepared great food! The house was a very short walk to the beach at Harwichport. If you haven't been, and want a nice quiet place, visit the Cape in May. We drove back via a detour through part of Pennsylvania, so we could avoid the Washington traffic. It was a pretty drive through the mountains. So we're back to class tomorrow!

Boston Tour--What a trip!

Well, we've spent almost three days in Boston, and here's my take on visiting this historic city.

1) Never drive into the downtown, even on Sunday. The roads change and parking lots seem to hide.
2) Wear good walking shoes (I did). Find a better map than the AAA one. I'm glad I have a good navigator (my hubby).
3) Feel free to roam. Take time to sit and enjoy the water views and parks.
4) Eat at Legal Seafood.
5) Visit the MIT museum. It's a great view of our technological growth and limitations.
6) Ride the subway--but watch out for rush hour. Close quarters are the norm.
7) Listen and watch the people. It's almost as entertaining as the sights.
8) Know your history, and enjoy the historical significance of this city.
9) Don't stay too long. Cape Cod here we come!

I'll post pics later!

On Our Way to Boston! May 2009

Well, we made it all the way from Cary, NC to Stamford, CT. That's twelve hours on the road. Our biggest roadblock was Washington, DC. It took two hours! (2:30 to 4:30) to go AROUND D.C. We sat in traffic, looked at license plates, waved at other North Carolinians, and waited...waited...We don't plan to come back that way. BTW, New York looks quite bright and pretty at night (but not New Jersey--looks like a giant industrial complex). We recommend the Hampton Inn in Stamford. Well, we're off to Boston this morning! Go Canes!

I GROW UP--Going to the University is Hard on Mom

Wow! Has it been a year since I've posted? It's been one really exciting one--for both the country and for me. You know what's going on with the country, so here is one important change in my life.



This week we delivered my youngest child, Tim, to Appalachian State. He's living off campus in an apartment and is transferring in as a junior. (Thanks Durham Tech for getting him prepared! He earned two associates degrees at the community college!) It was a bit sad for me since this is the last of our flock leaving our nest empty. He was a bit disappointed that I wanted to paint and redecorate his room, but it's my way of coping. Of course, he can always come home and the room will be his until he gets married or moves into his own permanent place:)



It will be a bit quieter (not that Tim was noisy) at our house, and I've lost my best buddy for talking about sci-fi, college, anime, weird tv shows (Dexter!!), philosophy and religion. We had some great discussions over the last few years. I'll need to get re-engergized about cooking since cooking for two is not as interesting, although it will give me some opportunities to "experiment" with some unusual foods as my husband will eat almost anything (Tim curtailed this move.)



I heard some very interesting things at the ASU parent orientation sessions!

1. Transfers from the community college are very successful!

2. It's not that students are unable to do the work; it's whether they WILL DO the work.

3. Resources! Use them all at the college!

4. Many freshmen enter college reading at a middle-school level!

5. One of the most important skills they'll learn is how to negotiate with roommates and work in a team environment.

6. Most employers are looking for INTEGRITY in their possible hires, so the college emphasizes this tremendously.

7. Don't move without telling your student where you'll be.

8. Give them a big hug when you leave.



So I hugged my son, and I did get a bit teary-eyed. I didn't sleep as well last night because I didn't hear his late footfalls on the stairs (he's a night owl). Our larger terrier was confused and kept coming into our room (he missed his roommate). But, I will move on and grow up just as my son is now doing at the university. I love you Tim!