Wednesday ...

Couldn't find a catchy name for Wednesday's blog entry. Oh well ... it's hump day. Four days and the commencements will be a thing of the past.

It doesn't look like Dad will be strong enough to attend. Which means Mom stays at home, too. Dad needs help to do anything anymore, from getting out of bed, up from a chair or walking across the room. Even sitting in his wheel chair at his computer poses a falling risk for him. He needs constant supervision. There's no way I want him to put himself at the risk of falling by being at commencements. And the sit, two and a half hours ... he can't sit that long anymore. He and Mom are the sole reasons why I'm even going to commencements. I'm still going, since the kids are all attending. I'll just have to purchase the DVD of the ceremony for Dad and Mom. Thank heaven for digital recordings!! I tell ya!

Mother's Day went good, minus the argument I had with Married Son about getting the lawn mowed. But, it got done. Just not by him. He hired his brother in law to do it. The kid does a good job, puts a lot of effort and attention into it. Lawn looks great. I'm thinking of having him do the work from here on out (he doesn't charge much for my tiny lot) ... but one of my sons will have to pay him - as the lawn is their responsibility!

So ... Married Son and DIL got me a cute book, "Aging With Attitude". Funny Maxine-type illustrations, lots of age attitude in those pages. Single Son had to pull a prank on me again. Him and his pranks! He had taken my car in for an oil change last week. It ended up costing him $250! Of course, that included some other repairs that needed to be done. So ... on Mother's Day he hands me this really sweet card and tells me that the oil change was my gift. I can deal with that. Really. Monday he says we're going out for a while. Our first stop we went to Best Buy where he bought me the upgrade for Windows 7. Yay!! I hate Vista with a passion. We spent Monday evening upgrading my laptop. We also stopped at the sporting goods store and looked around at some stuff he wanted to price. Then we had chinese for dinner.

The one thing I hate about upgrading the operating system is all the work needed to transfer files and to personalize it, to really make it yours. I'm still working on that two days later. LOL. K, I'm slow, what can I say?

But there's lots of distractions here. Facebook ... and email ... and stopping to get the mail, and ... well, all those mundane things that one has to do (like facebook is a must do - right?).

So ... a huge distraction today has been the mailman. He brought a package from Penguin Girl. She sent me a book called "Squirrels of the West" and a graduation card with ... what else ... penguins on it!! And Starbucks inside (no, she didn't pour coffee in the card, she added a gift card). I've been thumbing through the "field guide" ever since!! I'm taking my book and grabbing a carry out from Starbucks. I see squirrel watching in my future!! Hell, I may be making an appearance at a tree near you!

Saturday Stuff

Don't pass out from the shock. I know ... a few posts this month already. What gives with that? LOL. I told ya I wanted to get back to blogging. Well, looks like it may have finally happened.

Today is Grandson's 5th birthday. My how time flies!!

We hung out yesterday. I asked him what he wanted for his birthday. He points to his Army t-shirt and says "Anything A.R.M.Y. Gramma". And spelled Army! I asked him what one Army thing he wanted the most. "Cargo Pants, Gramma. Camouflaged Army Cargo Pants". Slowly he said it so I could let each word sink in.

Of course, Gramma ran up to the Army Surplus Store today and bought him those cargo pants.

I can't wait until his party. He's gonna be sooo excited.

He doesn't want toys. He wants Army supplies. I was tempted to get him a mess kit, too. But Married Son (who was with me at the surplus store) said absolutely not! The kid would never want to eat off regular dishes again. I'm gonna go back later and buy one. Give it to Grandson when they move back in.

Gramma's house. Gramma can give the kid an authentic mess kit to eat from.

Grammas can do that, you know. Hehehe ....

Not sure when they're moving in exactly. Yes, it will happen. Just a matter of DIL coming over and cleaning her crap out of what used to be Alien's bedroom - turned storage room. My house, my room, their crap is stored in it.

At least it'll get cleaned out, and will be transformed into a little boy's room. No, I am not camouflaging the walls!! Okay, maybe I'll remove the doll border that's up there now, but I'm not painting over the power blue walls with white sponge paint (I like that room the way it's painted). He'll just have to pretend the walls are *sky* and deal with it.

Even Grammas have their limits. Painting a room for short term occupants is mine.

That'll be my office and craft room when they finally move out.

If they don't chase me away first. Or ... my *landlord* decides to sell as the talk has been lately. But that talk has been on and off for over a decade now. So ... who knows. Funny thing is, I am ready to move! I don't know if it's more because I want a smaller place that's really not kid friendly (you know what I mean) or if it's because in the last half a decade this neighborhood has gone to hell in a hand-basket. Or both.

Ah well, no need to solve all my *problems* today.

Grades have been posted ...

Yeah, sign of relief. Grades posted today at noon. You know I was watching the clock.

So ... I got an A in both Principles of Management and Human Resource Management. I got a B+ in Advertising and a B- in Principles of Retail Management.

I'd been teetering between Dean's List and "Student in Good Standing" for the last few semesters. That D I got in that freaking Earth Science class last term really had me in a panic as if I'd end up with even a B GPA. Obviously I worried for nothing. Or ... worry made me study twice as hard to make up the difference. Whatever it is, I'm so relieved with my GPA  of 3.14.

Yay me!! I was one of those kids in High School that could have done well, but I just didn't care. I think my gpa in high school was 1.89. Yeah, I passed, barely. And that was having to take a night school class to make up for a flunked course or two. One teacher wrote of my performance "smart girl, if only she would apply herself".

Thirty two years later, my butt is on the Dean's List! And not the shit list (like I was in high school). How'd that happen? LOL.

I finally was able to sell two of my books back to the school. I should have waited, I could have sold it for more on Amazon.com, but I was a little cash short that day and needed a quick sale. A $177 book I got $55 for. Can we say ouch? The other book wasn't too bad. I paid $45 for it, and sold it for $23. Man, I tell ya, I'm looking to get in the wrong business, I swear! They sure make a hell of a profit on text books!

I just realized that this will probably be my last college related entry, well, minus Commencements anyway. And pics ... plenty of pics!! I haven't told him yet, but Single Son is in charge of the camera that day. And if he knows what's good for him, he'll take plenty of pictures of Dear Ol' Mum.

Last Day of School ...

So, this is the day I've been counting down to for like forever. It's here, it's finally here... and why am I suddenly somewhat sad over it?

It's not the people I'll miss. Well maybe it is ... some awesome teachers that I really enjoyed their lectures or bumping into them in the hallways long after their class ended. A few friendships made that will be part of the rest of my life ... a few acquaintances that I'd just as soon forget.

It's not that heavy-assed book-bag I had to lug around. I won't miss that a bit, neither will my shoulder or back for that matter. Hell, maybe now the lack of feeling (and usage) of half of my right hand may return soon. And I sure won't miss the sticker shock of book buying at the beginning of each new semester or wondering if they'll buy back that $150 textbook I'll never open again. And of course I learned about some of these textbook buying sites way too late in the college game. At least I can use them to sell those unwanted textbooks.

I can't say I'm going to miss homework. I'm not! I got so burned out towards the end that it'll be a long time before I think fondly of those end of chapter questions, the weekly papers (four pages, double spaced) - or the overused power point presentations. Gawd, those I'll never miss!

Maybe it's because as long as I was a student, I felt in touch with my long-lost youth? Although, I have to admit, I am proud to have been a teen in the 70s, I'd never survive being a kid today. The much younger than me teachers would often ask me about how I perceived changes in such things as the job market, advertising, marketing, retail stores and just life in general. The kids seemed to enjoy those "back in my day" discussions. This is "living history" as one of the kids once said.

Maybe it's just because I love to learn?? I'm even contemplating returning to the University to get my bachelors in Business Management. It won't be for a while (I need time off!!) and it sure won't be at the four or five class per semester that I have done for the last four years. Dummy me for changing my major THREE times! A two year degree turned into four years! But it was fun. And I got to learn things that I might not otherwise have had the opportunity to learn.

Okay, so I admit, life is a learning experience. I don't need a college classroom to learn something new every day. And Life sure doesn't expect those four page (double spaced) papers once a week!

Maybe it's now I have to take this new knowledge, this new education and hopefully apply it to the rest of my life? College afforded me some structure, some certainty. I know first hand how uncertain it is out there in the big bad world - after fifty years it's a lesson I've learned well ... could it be that losing my security blanket called College just reconfirms insecurities I've long had?

I do have job prospects. One I think I can rule out, there's complications involved in a civilian performing this particular job. And NO! I am not going to go to the police academy so I can get the proper training. Can you see ME in the academy? I wouldn't last a day - not in the physical shape I'm in. It'd be worth a few laughs maybe, until the paramedics had to be called (it's only fun until someone gets hurt, right?). Not to mention, would you like to run into a pre-menopausal woman packing heat? I didn't think so!

The other job prospect that opened up to me in just the last day or two is more up my alley. Dispatch Supervisor. Perfect for me. And as a supervisor, I'd actually be able to put the education behind my new degree to good use!

May First

Wow, time sure flies when you're having fun.

The last day of school fast approaches. Monday. Yay. I'm so ready to move forward. Really. My finals didn't go too bad, for the most part. I think the worst I did was on my advertising class, and that should be a C. Not that the class was too hard or anything, it was just one of those classes. Ya know. Ah well.

No final exam on Monday. Well, we took it already. A week early. Teacher didn't feel like lecturing so he gave us the final exam instead. "Feel free to talk amongst yourselves, discuss your answers." A few of us worked on it together. I feel real good about that one, LOL. Gotta love group tests! LMAO

Graduation commencements will be at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Huge place, no having to worry about getting tickets for my guests due to limited seating. There's seating for everyone (and then some). Those who don't have front row seating may view the jumbo-screen television as their loved one trips on stage. And to remember the moment forever, there will be DVDs available by pre-order. Get yours today!

Whatd'ya wanna bet I'll be the one tripping across the stage? I'm klutzy like that.

Still waiting to hear about that job. I have to go through certification. Long boring story as to why it's not happened yet. Ah well, patience is a virtue, right?

Married Son, DIL and Grandson have no moved in yet. They are waiting for the stress of my finals to end (I haven't told them about Monday's final being done already LOL) before they bring chaos and confusion back into my life. How nice of them, right? Until then, my blogging material is pretty scarce.

Which may be a good thing. Typing is a bear these days. I'm not quite sure what I did (and no insurance to have it properly checked out) ... but I have weakness and numbness in my right ring and baby fingers. To the point that pressing the P key is a pain (oy, could I type any more Ps there?) Question marks are out of the question, as is most anything that requires a downward motion from the pinky. I did talk to a medical person I know and he believes it's either the ol' arthritis is acting up ... or ... the nerve pinch in my neck/shoulder is worst than I thought. Being a diabetic doesn't help.

Regardless, since I live in Michigan and no longer have children under 18 ... I DO NOT qualify for medicaid any more. Hmmmm, I didn't know I'd be miraculously healed when my youngest turning 18.

So ... anything else? Hmmmm ... let me take a sip of my Starbucks while I think ... nope not a thing. Ya, Starbucks. Me. Who'da thought? I don't usually buy over-priced coffee. Single Son wanted to go hang out at Starbucks but didn't wanna go alone. So he invited me. Even offered to pay for my coffee and a cookie for me. And it's not even Mother's Day yet! How sweet is that?

LOL... Starbucks. We had to write a paper called "Fixing Starbucks". Teacher liked my ideas, said I had some pretty radical ideas. LOL. Radical? I don't think so. More like realistic. Modeled after McDonald's business plan (which I've studied for my three years as a business mgt major, LOL). And don't knock McDonald's ... they've continued to make a profit during these economic difficult times - so you know they know their business. Anyway ...

I'd love to get paid for "Fixing Starbucks" ... I've got some damned good ideas, but I'm not sharing for free. LOL.

On that, I'm outta here. Hand is past being sore and tired. Coffee is getting cold.

Have a great weekend everybody!

Friday's Ramblings

Been a while, eh? I can't say nothing is going on. It's been hectic around here. No drama, just busy. At least no drama for now (tomorrow is another day, LOL).

So, the Easter plans ended up with us visiting my father in the hospital. Gall bladder problems this time. Ended up they put a stint in his g.b. to help drainage. It seems to have helped a lot. He was in the hospital for about a week. He's still very week all this time later. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers, please?

It looks like Married Son and family may be moving back in again. He and his FIL got into a huge fight. I'm not sure who said it would be in the best interest of all if he and his family left. They have no where else to go, so it's looking like it's back to Mum's house. But, and what confuses me, he's back on the road driving his truck, and DIL is at her folks house. So, where do they live? I dunno. Here when Married Son is home, there when he's not I'm guessing.

Empty nest. Where's my empty nest?

I can handle Single Son's being around, I barely see him. He's either working long hours or sleeping. It's almost like he's not even here, lol.

I'm finally a week (and one day) from graduation. I'm so ready. I'm burned out. Big time. Finals should be pretty easy. Three teachers have given study guides that we can actually use during the exams. The fourth teacher has decided we'd do a take home exam. Turn the exam in and head on over to the bar across the street. Yay! My kind of final exam!

Not a whole lot else really going on here. Kids, school and my dad. I'm still waiting for training for my new job to begin. When that happens is anyone's guess. Hopefully soon. I can't see staying home much longer, especially if I'm homework free!

Hope ya'll have a great weekend.

Saturday Ramblings

Oh geesh, there were a few updates I wanted to share. Do you, for the life of me, think I can think of any of them now that I'm sitting at the keyboard? Of course not.

The onset of early senility? Oy ... guess I have to wing it. ::looks around room for ideas::

Spots a new teddy bear I have. He is wearing an OCC Graduate t-shirt. Oh!! Yeah ... So I bought my cap and gown. They had a grad pack with it. Picture frame, the teddy bear, an alumni travel cup and a window static cling decal. Our colors are green and white, the same colors as my high school had. I'll be able to hang my 2010 tassel next to my faded 1978 HS tassel.

I'm thinking that I may have too many OCC travel mugs, though. I just went to grab the green cup I *thought* had the soda I had just poured into it, only to grab the other green cup that I have dish soap soaking in. Yup, I didn't discover my error until I took a sip. I didn't swallow .... but I sure have the cleanest mouth in town now. Yuck!!

No big plans for Easter. I talked to my mom the other day and she was telling me she'd been trying to call Brother Deere all week with no luck. Bro has only a cell phone and he often leaves it in his truck when he doesn't want to be bothered by the outside world. Ahhhhh, the luxury of living in the country ... closing out the outside world when you want to. Can't seem to do that as well in the crowded city (well, the crowded 'burbs in my case). So ... Mom's thinking Brother Deere is so totally ignoring her calls because he doesn't want to get stuck hosting another holiday meal. I can't say as I blame him ... some of our cousins come over, eat his food, never help clean up and have never offered to so much as bring a dish or offer to help with a donation to the large grocery bill (nor have they ever hosted one family meal in five decades) ... not that we're really keeping score, but certain patterns tend to develop over time. He complains about their kids treatment of his bachelor pad ... and a beautiful pad it is. The cousins do not monitor the kids - it's pretty bad when almost 5 year old Grandson is policing the other children. It's funny in a way to watch Grandson bark out orders (get off the couch, no drinks in this room, WALK, etc). Sad, but funny.

And I'd rather just stay home, too. The spring holidays aren't my favorite since my brother died. I'd be happiest with a ham sandwich and reruns of old Star Trek shows.

LOL, this is how long since I've blogged here. I actually had to go look to make sure none of said cousins were actually on my friends list!! They are over on facebook ... so I watch what I say there.

Not much else going on.

I have the windows and front door wide open. Started out with sunny and warm. It's now overcast, the temps feel as if they've dropped a few degrees and boy, is the wind picking up. Could it be an April shower is on it's way?

I hope so ... I love April Showers!!

Well, I still haven't remembered everything I wanted to blog. Guess I write it down should I remember what it was and blog it later.

Until then ...
I hope ya'll are having a good Easter weekend.