Holy Cow

I literally checked my calender this morning to see how many weeks I'd been in school. I seriously felt like it had been more than a week, but it hadn't! Man! That doesn't sound like such a great start. Maybe it'll go faster as it goes.
*
I'm feeling a little numb, or spaced out, or something today. I felt like time was crawling by until time for me to leave for school this morning. I completely got my kitchen cleaned up, including cleaning the floor with the shop vac then mopping. I even got a roast in the crock pot for Mike and Shael tonight. I won't be there to eat it, since I don't get out of class until 9:00 tonight! I just feel out of sorts since Mike took Shael to my parents this morning and I didn't have to get up for anything early. Made my whole day start off kilter. Not a bad off kilter, just... off.
*
There's something in the air. I can feel it. But, I'm not sure what it means. I have been praying and crying out to God for Mike and my marriage. And this last weekend, I asked five men to partner up with me and pray for Mike. Five men who know Mike, and Mike respects. Then I also partnered up with two women who are in the same situation as I am. We all three have husbands who won't go to church with us. So, we vowed to pray for each other and each other's husbands. Also, for two weeks now, I have been praying for this lady in church who has been having severe marital problems. I've asked her to pray for me, also. So, I figure with all these prayers going up for me, Mike, and our marriage, somethings gotta give. And soon! I'm looking for something to happen. Immediately. Last night at prayer, I told one of the men I asked to pray that Mike and I are either going to get a divorce, or he's going to come back to God. And since divorce is not an option, he's going to have to come back to God.
I am tired of living this way, and things are going to change. Thank God.

Cowabunga, Dude!

Ya know, you gotta make sure you put that "e" on the end of that word or it says something entirely different! "Cowabunga, Dud" just isn't the same, now is it?

*

I saw the funniest thing today as I was getting into my car after lunch. I had a little over an hour to get something to eat so I went to Arby's and actually did some homework while I was there. When I was getting back into my car, I happened to look up after getting my seat belt on, and this dud(e) was just stepping up onto the sidewalk by the front door and WOOP! His jeans fell down. I mean, all the way down. Ha! He had to bend over to retrieve them and that just showed off his big ole whitey tidy clad butt. I got a good laugh out of it, and I was oh, so glad that I was in the car with the door shut or the poor guy would most certainly have heard me.

hee, hee, too funny.

*

I am completely caught up on all my homework. Starting tomorrow I have to start working on my Science lab. I'm not too sure how to do it, either, I'm going to have to ask for some help. I've looked at it several times and the solution just hasn't popped out at me yet. I worked very hard on my chapter 1 assignment and got it done and turned in nearly a week early. Yay, me! This class is not going to allow me to procrastinate. Not one iota. If it's not done by a weekly time schedule, I get a 0. I'm kind of relieved about that, because you all know what a procrastinator I eventually get around to being.

*

My algebra class is going to be starting late tonight. Oh, joy. I already have to wait from 1:50 to 4:30 for the class to begin, now I have to wait until 5:00. He isn't going to make us stay late to make up for it. How big of him.

*

Hey, does anybody remember who Louis Skolnick is/was? Revenge of the Nerds. I think I mentioned Ogre the other day, if I didn't I will take care of that later. My algebra teacher is a high school teacher in this area, not Grove, but another school around here. He looks so much like Louis I keep expecting him to laugh that unforgettable nerd laugh that was the trademark of the whole Revenge of the Nerds movie. Imagine, Louis Skolnick teaching high school algebra during the day and moonlighting as an intermediate algebra teacher at the local jr. college. Sounds appropriate.

*
Okay, I looked and found that I hadn't told the Ogre story yet. Well, here goes. The other day I went to the main campus in Miami to get my transcript for my financial aid through the tribe. I had to park way over by the dorms and when I was walking back to my car, I came upon two of the biggest guys I've ever stood between. They were so big, I don't think they even saw me. I walked right between them. To top it all off, they were wearing only towels. I had to keep my eyes peeled to the sidewalk to keep from staring, my gosh, they were luscious. All wet, fresh from the showers, and walking around on the sidewalk wearing only a towel around their waist. And I walked right between them! Anyway, one wasn't really as luscious as the other, because he was the walking image of Ogre from Revenge of the Nerds. I mean, he had the 80's bushy head of hair and everything! If they would have acknowledged my presence, I don't think I would have been able to stop myself from saying "Okay, give me one word here, and give it to me like you mean it......NERDS!!!!!!!!"

Wasted Time

I can't remember if I posted this song recently, but if I did, too bad, I'm posting it again. This is Wasted Time by the Eagles. I know the name of the band is just plain "Eagles" but it sounds funny to say "Wasted Time by Eagles". It's got to be "THE" Eagles. Sue me.
I was so afraid this was what was going to happen to me. But, I have made up my mind that it won't. I will not allow this.
Well baby, there you stand
With your little head, down in your hand
Oh, my god, you can’t believe it’s happening again
Your baby’s gone, and you’re all alone
And it looks like the end
.And you’re back out on the street.
And you’re tryin’ to remember.
How will you start it over?
You don’t know what became.
You don’t care much for a stranger’s touch,
But you can’t hold your man.
You never thought you’d be alone this fard down the line
And I know what’s been on your mind
You’re afraid it’s all been wasted time
The autumn leaves have got you thinking
About the first time that you fell
You didn’t love the boy too much, no, no
You just loved the boy to well, farewell
So you live from day to day,
and you dream about tomorrow, oh.
And the hours go by like minutes
And the shadows come to stay
So you take a little something
To make them go away
And I could have done so many things, baby
If I could only stop my mind
from wondrin’ whatI left behind
and from worrying ’bout this wasted time
Ooh, another love has come and gone
Ooh, and the years keep rushing on
I remember what you told me before you went out on your own:
sometimes to keep it together, we got to leave it alone.
So you can get on with your search, baby,
and I can get on with mine
And maybe someday we will find ,
that it wasn’t really Wasted time

Bigger Sigh Of Relief

I went to my first Intermediate Algebra class last night. Oh my GOSH, I was so relieved to find that I knew what I was doing in that class! So, next semester I really hope that I will be ready to tackle the College Algebra. I mean I REALLY hope I am because there is nothing else between Intermediate and College Algebras.
But, it did feel mighty good to know I wasn't a total ignoramus.

*sigh*

I feel completely and utterly stressed right now. I couldn't sleep last night because of it nagging at the back (and front) of my mind all night long. I started crying by 5:30 a.m. I did finally get my books today. Mike told me to get the money out of our savings and replace it when my financial aid came in. Then I went to work on my algebra homework. Or, I tried anyway. I started with #1. ???? So, I skipped to #2. ????? Same thing! I then tried to just read to understand what was going on. After all, the dude did start on page 78. I was so totally lost that I was near tears sitting here in the lobby of the Grove campus. I made the decision to drop the class and take a more basic, non credit earning, intermediate algebra. I've taken this class before, but it was 15 years ago. Now, I'm taking it again, just so that next semester I might be able to get through college algebra. I felt so humbled and embarrassed. The ladies in the office were nice about it, though, and said it was no biggie. That people should do exactly what I was doing if they didn't understand because it only gets harder as it goes along.
So, now, all of my classes are either on line or on Tuesdays and Thursdays. MWF are empty. Sort of. I'll probably be working my butt off on homework and that Science class I've got online.
Please, don't stop praying for me. I feel discouraged about this semester already and it's only the 2nd day!

I'm A Tree, I'm A Tree, I'm A Green Olive Tree, In The House, In The House Of The Lord

Does anyone else remember that song?
Can it be? Is it me?

You Are Olive Green

You are the most real of all the green shades. You're always true to yourself. For you, authenticity and honesty are very important... both in others and yourself. You are grounded and secure. It takes a lot to shake you. People see you as dependable, probably the most dependable person they know.

What Color Green Are You?

I Made It

I can do this, I can do this, I can do this.
I made it through my first class in College Algebra. This class is going to take lots of effort on my part. It's a satellite course. It seems weird, so I hope it works out for me. The teacher seems nice enough and willing enough to help everyone. He doesn't seem like some teachers who think they are above others and if you don't understand, tough cookies. He seems genuine. And he's got some sort of an accent. Can't quite figure that one out yet. I think it's British, but it sounds as if he's been in the States a long time because the accent has worn down quite a bit. He's understandable, at least! One time, though, he did use "English English" like Austin Powers and his Dad. But, he was only teasing and everyone kind of did the "should I laugh or is he serious?" kind of chuckle.
Please, if you have ever uttered a word in prayer, pray for me this semester. It looks like I've got quite a bit on my plate for the next few months. Between this class and my Science class. Pray Pray Pray! I'm going to be.

It's Quiet Again

There's just a different feeling in the house when Shael isn't here. She was absent from home several weeks over the summer, but this, this is different. She's in SCHOOL!
Wyandotte is doing something different this year, and I think it's a good thing. A very good thing. They made an advisor period and each student goes to his/her advisor for 20 minutes between 2nd and 3rd hours. Shael's advisor is a woman I went to high school with. She's real close to the Diva. Since Shael is still in middle school, they will be discussing issues that concern middle schoolers, such as bullying, drugs and alcohol, that sort of thing.
I'm so glad because Shael's been a victim of bullying the past few years and it goes all through me. Some of it has even come from (*GASP*) teachers. I'm sure the teachers aren't even aware that what they are doing is technically bullying. But, since they're teachers, they get away with it. In fact, Shael never reports it when it happens so even the students get away with it. So, I'm hoping that she will become comfortable enough with her advisor that she will report it if it happens again.
Bullies suck. No matter what age they are. Last year this girl stole a bunch of Shael's things right in front of Shael and when Shael told the teacher the teacher did nothing. The things the bully stole were nothing serious, they were her post cards she got in South Dakota on our vacation, but that is not the point. The point is, they were Shael's and that girl took them from Shael. Then when Shael stood up to her and demanded them back (after the teacher wouldn't help) the girl ripped the post cards to shreds and got up and threw them in the trash can. Is that not bullying? Shael was so mad, and so hurt because you can't replace post cards like that without going there again.
She also had to get a lock for her locker because people kept getting into her locker and tearing her stuff up. Why do kids have to be so cruel? Especially to the most tender ones. It's like they have this radar that picks up the weaker ones, or the soft hearted ones and they pick on them until they graduate.
Poor Shael, she's got her Dad's underachiever reputation and her Mom's soft heart. Not a good combination for middle school. She got all excited with the thought of high school in only one year. I think that what Mike and I have told her is starting to sink in. About how fast it goes and before she knows it she will be graduating high school. That's only 5 years away! I cannot believe that next year at this time I will be typing about how I'm the parent of a high schooler!
*
Well, my schedule got changed around a little bit. Instead of being able to take the Intro to Lit class (which was already full) I opted to take Physical Science. Online. Please don't let me regret taking 2 Internet classes this semester! That is a 4 hour course, so it brought my total hours up to 17.
And to top it all off, I lost my new job before I even got to start it. She called last night and told me that some of the parents pulled their kids out and so now she doesn't have enough kids to need me. The place is owned by a church and I seriously think they need to rethink their decision to hire her as director. She's ran a lot of people off. Not just employees, but potential clients as well. One lady I know personally, she was going to put her little girl there but after talking to the director, she changed her mind and said no way, she'd rather put up with the high count over at Jack & Jill's than leave her with that lady. That's not good.
*
That leaves me kind of up in the air about what I should do. Should I try to find another job? Should I concentrate on getting through school? I don't know. To get Mike off my back, I'll have to have some kind of income, so getting some sort of job is going to have to be in my plans. *sigh*
*
I am off to watch Cash In The Attic. I love that show. My days of leisure are coming to an end. I might as well watch it while I have the time.
Ta!

Remember When....

Remember the days before pads with wings? I certainly do. The last time I bought pads I accidentally bought "wingless" pads. Oh, man! Now I remember why pads with wings was like the greatest invention since sliced bread! Gosh.
*
Well, I am now a full time student at NEO. I was able to take all my classes at the Grove campus. How great is that? When I enrolled Monday, the lady left out one class I wanted to enroll in. I don't know if she didn't see where I'd written it down, or if she forgot to type it in, or maybe the class was already full. But, I'm going to have to go back and add one class to my schedule. Then I'll be taking 16 hours this semester and working at my little part time job 10 hours a week. I'll be working from 3:30-5:30 each day. Taking care of 3 or 4 five year olds, it should be a cinch. I'd better not have any hellions on my hands. LOL.
I'm excited about this semester. All except for one class that is really intimidating me so far. And I haven't even started class yet! That's college algebra I'm talking about. Please pray for me!
I'll also be taking yet another evening class. I was not wanting to do that, but in order for me to be able to take it in Grove, and to fit it in with my other classes, I had to take it in the evening. Oh, well. I'm also taking one 8 week course, so half way through the semester, I'll only be taking 15 hours. That 8 week course is with Dr. Deichman, which is who I had for Psychology. I hope she doesn't give us another big paper that's due during mid terms. I liked her real well, but that paper was hard work and it took most of my attention when I was only taking 2 classes! I don't want to suffer through that again when I have 5 other classes to work on. I can do it, I know. With the way my schedule is set up, I'll have time each day after class to work on either homework or the one online class I'm taking (yes, I'm stuck with another online class this semester. I vow to do better this time and keep my work up to date and not get behind. I actually know how to do an online class now, unlike the last time where I kept putting it off because I didn't know what to do to get started) before I have to go to work. I won't have time or gas money to go back home between class and work, so I plan on staying at the school or even the library until time for work. I should get to know that custodian real well at the school. The way he lurks around all day long, he gave me the creeps at first, but now I'm more use to him and he's more use to me so he's actually friendly.
*
So, there's my plans for the next 4 months. I've been cleaning my house like crazy the past week to make sure that it at least starts out clean before everything gets busy. Who knows when it'll get a good cleaning again. Probably the week before Thanksgiving when Mike's family comes over for dinner! Then that will give me a head start for Christmas at my house this year.
*
I hope I don't get motion sickness from moving from this slow pace that I've had all summer long to warp speed next week. Not just my schedule, because really, it's not that crazy. I'm talking about the speed at which my mind is going to be thinking.
Heeeeeerrrre weeeeeeee goooooooooooo!

The Rain Got Us AGAIN!

Mike took off work about 2-1/2 hours early yesterday to take me to Tulsa to go see one of The Aunts who's been in the hospital since May. Bless her heart. She's actually in rehab right now, but she still has that trache in so she can't talk. I'm still no good at reading lips.
But, we didn't get gone when I was expecting (and hoping). Mike got home at 1:50, I'd been ready to go since 1:30. He'd called my cousin, Mitchell, to see if he wanted to go with us. It is, after all, Mitchell's Mom. He said he didn't feel good, he'd taken a Benedryl and was sleepy, so give him time to take a nap, then he'd go. So, we waited around on him. Mike even took a nap. What was the point of Mike even taking off work so early, was my question. Finally, around 3:00, we headed on over to Mitchell's house and he wasn't even there. We waited on him for about 5 minutes and when he got there, he farted around for another 15 minutes, then stretched out in his big Laz-Y-Boy and said "Mikey, I don't think I'm going to make it today". It was 3:30 by the time we left his house. Then we stopped to get gas and try to get a hold of someone else who had expressed a little interest in going with us only to be told "Hell no, I don't wanna go! It's too hot!" So, after waiting around on these people who didn't want to go, we left. Finally.
Mike had this idea that we'd go a different way than usual, which is fine by me, I'm all for seeing new things, or at least things I don't see all the time. We went through Ketchum, where Mike cussed and was getting downright pissed at the slow driver in front of us who we couldn't get around. Then we went through Langley, and when we were about a mile from Adair, it started raining. When we hit Adair limits, it was pouring! It went from scorching hot to hard rain in 5 seconds. And guess what? There was a train. So, what else could we do? We sat in line with all the other vehicles waiting on the train. Only all the other vehicles were pickups and cars. There we sat, in the torrential down pour, on the bike. There was not one dry spot on either one of us by the time it was all said and done. Our jeans felt like they weighed about 50 lbs. When the train finally got all the way by, we crossed over and stopped at this gas station that had a pavilion over the pumps. Although, I'm not sure why, because we were already as wet as you can get. We sat there for a good 30 minutes waiting for the rain to slow down and when it finally slowed down to a light sprinkle, we took off. And get this, we had hardly gone a mile when the rain stopped and the pavement was dry. It hadn't even rained there! We'd sat in hard rain for 30 minutes when a mere mile away it wasn't even raining.
It was so hot that we dried off, for the most part, in 30 more minutes of riding. It did rain off and on the rest of the way in to Tulsa, but never enough to get us real wet again. The only things that wouldn't dry on either one of us was our butts and our crotches. We both looked like we'd peed in our pants. Mike's butt really wasn't as wet as mine, I guess because I was sitting behind him and absorbing most of the water, but my butt was super wet.
We got to the hospital at 6:30. And guess what(again)? They don't have visiting hours between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. each night. We went and ate at our favorite Mexican joint in Tulsa and then stopped off at a Walgreen's for some insoles for my boots, and got back to the hospital at 8:06. We stayed and visited her for an hour and she was getting really sleepy by the time we left, we could tell.
The whole time, Mike was sweating and complaining about how hot it was in there, and I kept telling him he was crazy, it wasn't hot. There ended up being two factors making both of us wrong. Mike had gotten one of those sticky heat pads for his back and had me put it on him at Walgreen's and it was heating him up something fierce! I was still pretty wet, so I was kind of cooled off because of that. Auntie "mouthed" that it was hot in the whole building, but keeping the over head lights off and the fan on the wall on helps it stay bearable.
On the way home, we went our usual way, Route 66. We stopped in Vinita for me to use the bathroom and Mike made the comment that if we'd gone that way on the way down, we probably wouldn't have even run into any rain at all. Of course not! I'm telling ya, it's always an adventure.

A really funny lady sent this to me. Even Mike laughed and said it was pretty good.
Enjoy.
http://jbreck. com/itsshardtoki ss.html

Yay, Wednesday

Yesterday I was so unforgivable bored. I kept waiting and waiting on Mike to get home so I would at least have someone to talk to! I had planned on eating out, but when 6:30 rolled around and he still wasn't home, I decided to cook. At least it gave me something to do. He finally strolled in around 7:00. He'd been at the casino gambling. He at least gave me his $50 winnings (actually, he'd spent $40, so he really only won $10). When I mentioned doing something he sighed and said "Not tonight, I'm tired and I have to go to work early in the morning."

I didn't get mad, I had a live, warm body to talk to! And he wasn't kidding, he had to be at work at 3:45 this morning. Yikes! He was home by 12:30 this afternoon and he even called me and asked me if I wanted him to bring me home something for lunch. Of course! I never turn down an offer for him to spend money on me.

Now he's in bed, fast asleep. And I'm bored again. I've already gone to Wyandotte to put gas in my car, gone to Seneca to pick up a few things like, laundry soap and oh, uh, FOOD. It's only 3:30 and all my errands are done. Now I'm marking time until church tonight. Maybe this stay at home thing is not for me anymore.

Hmmmm....I've always loved irony.