Not Part Of The Plan

I spent the weekend studying. Thank goodness Thomas is my study partner and lets me know--in subtle ways-- when I need a break.

Environmental Science will fulfill my degree requirements and as luck would have it, Dr. Biology is once again my instructor. I know what you're thinking, and I originally thought the very same thing. But I figure I am already aware of his teaching style--plus, there's no textbook required. That's a massive savings!


But I checked the school catalog anyway for the last day to drop with a full refund. I have a technology class with a lab the same day as my Enviro Lab, so they're back to back. All my other classes are technology oriented, so the Enviro class really requires me to change gears. This semester would be so much easier without the environmental science class.

I was prepared to drop and went to class Friday with the satisfaction knowing it would be my last. Then I listened as Dr. Biology spoke about the rain forests and the euphotic zones in water.

He finished up his lecture with an explanation of the pH, complete with an in-depth formula.

One chickie (with hot pink streaks in her hair) asked if we would have to know that particular formula. He stopped, looked back at her, stuttered as if trying to find the proper words, adjusted his glasses and then blurted, "Stop your whining!"

Needless to say, I didn't drop.

The High Cost of Education

I splurged and made myself a wonderful ham and cheese omelet yesterday morning before school , complete with portabello mushrooms and onions. I usually start my day with a bowl of Grape Nuts Trail Mix Crunch (wonderful tasting stuff) but had a taste for something different.

As I started my 25 minute commute to class, I felt the twinge of stomach pains. I dismissed it and drove on.

I was within 5 minutes of school, when I realized it could be dismissed no more. I made a quick stop at the local McDonald's. My lovely omelet had turned out to be a gut grenade.

I was an hour into my lab class, when the grenade began exploding again. I slipped out quietly and, in an attempt to diffuse it, stopped by the bookstore for assistance.

Can you believe I paid $1.19 for one Pepcid pill? Puhleese!

I spent the evening in a fetal position...

When I returned to school this morning,
the parking lot was packed so I made my own spot.
Wrong move...

But can you believe that for making my own spot I got a $15.00 parking ticket?
Geez! Fifteen bucks!

If they were trying to teach me a lesson, they succeeded. From now on,
I will pack my own Tums or Rolaids and I will definitely park between the lines.
And, as for the omelet? I think I'll start dating the ham in the frig with a grease pencil.

Resolving To Continue

Monday I climbed the 85 million steps once again to begin working on one my resolutions for 2008--to complete my degree.


The steps aren't near as intimidating as last semester. Maybe it's because I'm really excited about the classes and truly interested in the subject matter--3 technology classes and Environmental Science.

My schedule is far less than desirable, but I realize sometimes you just have to suck it up and get it done.

And speaking of getting it done, my Jeni is starting her final semester of college on Monday. Here's a photo of the newly engaged couple:

Ah, to be young and in love... (and finishing school!)

I've also been stopping by the hostage location frequently and leaving notes for the terrorist that has my TR6. I got a phone call midweek from an individual who has a VW bus held captive. And yesterday I got a call from someone who has a Mercedes that is keeping my TR6 company.
I believe there is strength in numbers.

This is resolution number 2--to retrieve my car.

And hunting season is finally over! WooHoo! No more gunfire.
I am so glad my deer can roam freely without fear of "blood lust."

And for you beer connoisseurs, here's one I bet you haven't seen that was introduced at our last Friday Night Get-Together. I'm not a beer person so I can't help you, but the men seemed to like it just fine.

2(20) + X = This Nontradtional Student

I understand life is a series of continual changes and bumps in the road. I'm learning that more and more as I embark upon life (once again) as a nontraditional student. I'm learning, because I'm paying attention.

The first challenge to overcome was the 85 million pounds of books to carry up 38 concrete steps only to walk uphill to a building and climb 30 steps to Math class. By spring, I suspect I'll have legs that will challenge Tina Turner's. I do this 3 times a week so I'm thinking this qualifies as exercise, right?

Parking deserves mention.
The parking lot I chose might be below 38 concrete steps, but the other two student lots are in the next county! I'm not 20 anymore so I try to park in the same county. (Well technically, I am 20-- twice and then some!)
But, I've figured out how to outsmart the young folks. If I arrive at least 15 minutes prior to class, I can easily find a space. Maybe it doesn't take a younger body much time to get to class. Or maybe they need that extra 10 minutes of sleep... who knows?

Another thing that has changed is that desks have went by the wayside for tables. I sit in front where there is always (elbow) room. The majority of the traditional students want to sit in the back, it seems.

I ask questions. If I don't understand or didn't hear, I ask questions. At this stage in my life, peer pressure is long gone.

I asked a question in math the other day about linear equations.
Mr. Math Professor said "Listen while I explain so I won't have to tell you this again."
Why would I not listen? I asked the questions, didn't I? Was that a "canned" response?
I ignored whatever implications were intended because I genuinely want to know so I can get through this algebraic nightmare!

After class, a young man in his 20s came up to me and offered further explanation. He then commented, "I bet it's been a really long time since you had math, huh?"
Without missing a beat, I said "Oh, about a hundred years."
(I'm doing okay.)

Now Biology is the killer for me... filled with long words I can't even pronounce, let alone spell. And I'm a good speller, too!
Dr. Biology bases all tests on lecture alone. We haven't cracked that $150 "required" book yet.
During Lab last week, I pulled out my fan to fend off a hot flash. I was waving it and my hair was flying when suddenly, a young man notices me.

"Hey, my grandma had a fan like that," he said. "She used to take it to church with her. She used it all the time."
To which I replied, "I bet I know why."

Dr. Biology saw me waving the fan and immediately went to the thermostat in an effort to adjust the room temperature. I explained it wasn't his thermostat that was the problem, it was my thermostat. He gave me a look of acknowledgment and walked back to the blackboard, trying desperately to hide his amusement. Okay Dr. Biology. That's fine. What do you say we check back and see how amusing hot flashes are when your wife hits menopause?

I'm settling in, I think.

When I begin my 30 minute drive to school, I have an escort to the end of the road. It makes me feel good that the dogs think they are looking out for me.

I've clocked old Jake here at 22 mph!

And when I park my car at home in the afternoon, this is the first thing I notice:

I'm establishing a routine. I'm sleeping better.
And on most nights, I fall asleep sitting up before 10 p.m.