I Don't Think I Can Go Back to School

I went to an engineering presentation with my youngest yesterday so that he could learn more about the college he is applying to and we could get his application fee waived.  I attended the same day with my oldest a couple of years ago. 

The university changed how the program was presented this time around.  I knew I would be hearing a lot of stuff I already knew, so I took my Kindle and read during the first hour of the program.  The second part of the program was led by deans or professors in different areas of engineering studies.  The first lecture was on robotics and megatrons.  The second lecture was on energy sustainability, and the third was  "RF in the Jungle."   

The first lecture was extremely boring except for the little films shown.  I thought the man was never ever going to shut up.  Maybe I was bored because my oldest did robotic competitions and I wasn't hearing anything new or exciting, but I think others were bored too.  However, I did manage to look like I was at least pretending to listen.

The second lecture on energy sustainability was very difficult to sit through. I kept writing my youngest notes about how bored I was and when was he going to just shut up.  It didn't help that he kept showing a particular "youtube" video over and over again that I had already seen several times before, or that he was droning on and on about what he had done before joining the staff of the university. If I had not been sitting so close to the front, I would have walked out to get fresh air and wake up.  

The third lecture was by a professor in the computer science area and he was actually funny and interesting.  I am sure he was embarrassed that his whole lecture was about wireless networks and he could not get the wireless to work in the room we were in.  He recovered nicely and gave a talk that everyone could understand and relate to in some way.  I was ready to give him a standing ovation.  I don't think I read more than a couple of pages in my book while he was on stage, and that was just when he was fiddling with the computer.  

One thing my youngest, his friend, and I discussed during the break was how each of the lecturers had trouble showing their power points.  One kept pushing the wrong button and getting himself off the slides, another one couldn't get his started.  It was funny to us that here we were in front of all these computer geeks and none of them could run a power point.  

I did tell my youngest that I don't think I could ever go back to school. I have lost my tolerance for boring. 

I Don't Know Which One is Giving Me the Most Gray Hair

I am not sure if my oldest or my youngest is giving me the most gray hair right now.

The youngest is struggling in several of his classes.  If he does not make a certain grade point average he will not be asked back to finish his senior year.  The problem is he really does not know how to study.  We talked about it this weekend and realized that until he went away to school he had never studied for test. I don't remember him ever opening a book during his time here, except a math book to copy the problems for homework, and not even that very often.  We talked study strategies this weekend, and I hope he listened.  The stress of this is really getting to both of us.  We have a game plan in place in case it doesn't work out, but he assures me he can get his grades back to where they need to be.  I hope so, but I won't be able to quit worrying until I know for sure.  

The oldest is actually doing great at school and work, but his personal life leaves a lot to be desired in my book right now.  He is so much like Raymond, and is such a good guy.  He deserves to be recognized and loved as such.  Hopefully he will figure that out before I have only a full head of gray.

They are still the best boys in the world.  I love them so very much, and that is why I worry so.  

I have been yelling and talking to Raymond about all of it. I tell him to whisper advice in the their ears so they will know what to do. Hope he is listening.

Christmas Present on its Way!

When I was at Huffines Art Festival last weekend I ordered a ring from one of the artists there.  I had to order it because he did not have my size with him, and since he had to make it I asked him for a small change in the design.  He admitted he wasn't sure he could actually make it work, but he would try. 

Yesterday his wife called to tell me that my ring was being shipped, and that he was able to make the design change.  I am so excited.  I have missed having a ring since I took off my wedding ring.  This ring is for my right hand, and has green stones.  

It is a Christmas present to myself from Raymond.

Shoulder Therapy

I hurt my shoulder back at the end of September at work, but after keeping it still and resting it healed on its own after a couple of days.  Then just as it was feeling almost normal I reached up over my head to remove a box from the top of a file cabinet and heard/felt a pop in the same shoulder.  Even after resting it there was no improvement, but lots of pain.

I am now in the process of going through the Worker's Compensation paperwork.  I have seen a doctor, had one PT session, and I am waiting for the approval for five more and another doctor's visit.  I have been doing the PT at home, and but I don't see or feel a lot of improvement.  

I am hoping I can get this healed up soon and move on to a very healthy 2011.

Daring Cheryl Update

 Here is an update on how I am doing on my daring tasks for this 51st year of my life:

1. Drive to DFW Airport.  - I have accomplished this task several times now.  Not alone, but without a lot of guidance the last couple of times. I am pretty sure I could do it by myself if I had too now.
2. Change a tire. - Not done, may not get done.  I may not have the strength to do this one.
   
3. Drive to Fort Worth Zoo. - Done
4. Ride Dart train to Downtown Dallas. - Soon, I have a plan.
   
5. Try new food at regular restaurants. - Tried a couple of new restaurants, but not new food yet.

Bonus:

Got on stage and kicked up my feet at "Menopause, The Musical"

Remodeled the two biggest rooms in my house.

Added a very nice patio deck to back of house.

Trip to Fort Worth Zoo 10/10/10

Gorilla - best picture I could get since the rest of the time he was showing his backside.

We fed the birds.  After a while your arm gets tired.  Loni got a bird to sit on her stick.  I wasn't so lucky.  The nice thing was they had big sinks to wash up in a when you left.  Happy to report no bird doodoo was released in my vicinity during the aviary visit.

I enjoyed all the different turtles.

Saltwater Croc

I wasn't tall enough to get a good picture of his cute face.

Flamingos do not smell as bad as penguins because they are in the open air.

Penguins - like them but their exhibit always smells bad.

Prairie dogs are the cutest.

Spotted Pond Turtle

I'm Far From Perfect, But Come On Parents

I spent a lovely day at the Fort Worth Zoo with Loni yesterday. It was one of my dares for the year to drive to the Fort Worth Zoo, and I did it!

It was a beautiful day, and there were lots of families there.  Loni and I witnessed many examples of very well behaved children.  Young children who stepped out of the way so we could see into an exhibit, children of all ages, from very young to teenagers that opened doors for us, and children waiting patiently for their turn at feeding the birds or to get to a window.  In fact, I really did not see any children that I considered to be obnoxious or throwing a huge tantrum.  

I wish I could say I only saw well behaved parents, but I that would be a lie.  It was all I could do to not go up to a few of them and say "Hey, you are supposed to be setting an example here!"

Some examples of ill behaving parents that I witnessed yesterday:

• A parents feeding the meerkats candy  (M&M's or Skittles - couldn't tell which)
• Several parents littering.
• Parents pushing people out of the way so that they could have a better view or get a picture of an animal.

Come on parents, set an example!

Mr. Squirrel

I have a lot of different types of oak trees in my yard, and there seems to be a bumper crop of acorns falling to the ground this year.  Mr. Squirrel is quite happy with all the acorns. 

I have been watching Mr. Squirrel hide acorns the last few days.  I can't figure out how he decides where to hide them.  He put several around the fence and the porch edges, and that seems reasonable to me.  Landmarks.  Today he is out in the back field just hiding them willy nilly.  How will he find them again?  There are no landmarks out there.  It is just a big open field.  

He sure is cute when he is digging.  I like how he looks around to see if anyone is watching him.  Another squirrel came around and he chased him off.  

Mr. Squirrel has also been getting a lot of drinks out of the fountain lately.  He is so cute when he jumps up there and lays down to stick his face in the water. 

I love squirrels. 

FFI #194

1. My favorite month is October because of cool fall nights and mornings with warm sun on my face in the afternoon.

2. I love a fresh breeze when I am hiking up a mountain.

3. I love to sniff anything with the scent of sandalwood.

4. Fiber One Banana Nut muffins is what I like to have as a treat for breakfast.

5. The hobby I enjoy most is reading.

6. So many projects, oh my!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to seeing my youngest, tomorrow my plans include sandwiching at least one quilt,  and Sunday, I want to go to the zoo!

Thought I Would ... But Alas

I was going to spend the morning catching up on posts since I don't work on Fridays, but alas, it seems I must get out of my pj's, shower, and go in for a few minutes to help someone in need.

I guess that means I will need to go run my errands, and pick out the items for remodeling my bathroom.  I would rather just sit here in my pj's, watch my critters, and play on the computer. 

Love This!

I like a lot of Lady Gaga's music, I have also liked her when I have seen her in interviews with Cindy Lauper and others expressing some of her views.

I love videos that showcase talent of people we wouldn't necessarily see on tv everyday, so this video has captured my heart. I don't think it captured Loni's heart, since she did not know anything about Lady Gaga.



The original by Lady Gaga