Although life is chaotic...it has it's simple moments. Like when you first see your newborn baby, kiss your spouse for the first time as husband and wife, or have your morning cup of Java listening to the birds sing their morning song. I had a similar moment this past week.
Education is said to be the most rewarding investment you will make in your life. Being a single mom, working essentially 3 jobs, and taking a minimum of 12 credit hours a semester, money is tight. This past week I was informed that I am being award a scholarship that Tanger applied me for. So this scholarship came at such a great moment for me. The best part of the scholarship is that Cleary matches it!
The day before I found out I was receiving this award, I had met with my advisor at Cleary and was reviewing my education plan. My goal now is to graduate and partake in next summers commencement ceremony (per my goal) with my bachelors degree in Marketing and then go for a minor in Corporate Communication. Although I knew I would make it happen one way or another, you still worry. Now I don't have to worry as much! I can concentrate on trying to make the Dean's List again!!! :)
My work-study job at Cleary has really been a treasure to me. I have met some really great people, had the opportunity to see just how great Cleary is from the inside, learn some PR skills, and network with even President Sullivan. How many other people going to college can say they network with the president of the college??!!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Time flies by so fast
Summer life has begun...school (for the kids) lets out this week. Each summer is a reminder to me that yet another year that has past. This brings on feelings of sadness for me. It reminds me just how fast kids grow. It's really hard for me to believe that my baby boy is finishing his junior year of high school...(sigh)...next year a senior, and then off to boot camp for the Marines. As well, my youngest is starting drivers education. He has just a few years left of high school. They grow so fast!! Although I am extremely proud of them and love to see them grow into the wonderful young men, I am bit selfish and wish I had just a little more time.
Summer also brings on graduation ceremony's. Cleary just had their commencement ceremony this past weekend. What an exciting time for the graduates! I was honored enough to help set up for this years commencement ceremony! It made me that much more eager to finish!
We spent last weekend at the camper building a HUGE, beautiful 26' x 8' deck complete with a fenced in area for the dogs to do their business, a custom made sliding gate on the main entrance, solar lights, and of coarse, the American flag blowing in the breeze. Our "summer home" is now ready! A little landscaping around the camper and deck and we won't want to leave!!
Each of the girls (my boyfriends daughters) have/will be celebrating birthdays. Saylor's was last month, she turned 9 and Regan's is this month, she will be 7. Youth and summer...remember when??? Both girls are very excited for summer! They enjoy camping, swimming, eating outside, and playing at the beach. I'm sure they will have a full summer of wonderful fun things! Not a thought of school for another 3 months!!
This summer will miss someone very special...Thor. Thor was our 10 year old Rotweiller. He and his sister (Zelda) about 5 years ago came to live with us after we opened our home and rescued them both. Sadly, 2 1/2 years ago Zelda pasted on and yesterday Thor went as well after battling cancer. It's never easy to say good-bye...so instead I say "See ya later". Thor...we will miss you tearing up and jumping throw the screens, digging up the flower beds to find a cool place to lay, seeing you find a warm yet shady place under the cars in the driveway, or sleeping in the hallway (or in Saylor's room (staying close to your humans)). You maybe gone...but never forgotten-we will miss you!!
Summer also brings on graduation ceremony's. Cleary just had their commencement ceremony this past weekend. What an exciting time for the graduates! I was honored enough to help set up for this years commencement ceremony! It made me that much more eager to finish!
We spent last weekend at the camper building a HUGE, beautiful 26' x 8' deck complete with a fenced in area for the dogs to do their business, a custom made sliding gate on the main entrance, solar lights, and of coarse, the American flag blowing in the breeze. Our "summer home" is now ready! A little landscaping around the camper and deck and we won't want to leave!!
Each of the girls (my boyfriends daughters) have/will be celebrating birthdays. Saylor's was last month, she turned 9 and Regan's is this month, she will be 7. Youth and summer...remember when??? Both girls are very excited for summer! They enjoy camping, swimming, eating outside, and playing at the beach. I'm sure they will have a full summer of wonderful fun things! Not a thought of school for another 3 months!!
This summer will miss someone very special...Thor. Thor was our 10 year old Rotweiller. He and his sister (Zelda) about 5 years ago came to live with us after we opened our home and rescued them both. Sadly, 2 1/2 years ago Zelda pasted on and yesterday Thor went as well after battling cancer. It's never easy to say good-bye...so instead I say "See ya later". Thor...we will miss you tearing up and jumping throw the screens, digging up the flower beds to find a cool place to lay, seeing you find a warm yet shady place under the cars in the driveway, or sleeping in the hallway (or in Saylor's room (staying close to your humans)). You maybe gone...but never forgotten-we will miss you!!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Summer begins
Well now that Memorial Day has come and gone, summer is well on it's way! This year, we had a fantastic Memorial Day weekend. Although Monday, Memorial Day, it's self the weather was a bit crazy, the weekend was great!
For me, it was crazy as always! We hosted a duel birthday day party for both of my boyfriends daughters. That meant the house (which is still under construction) required some much needed attention, the yard needed to me mowed, flower beds weeded, flowers planted, weed whipping done, edging of driveway and walk way completed, cakes to be baked and decorated, gifts wrapped, goody bags stuffed, outdoor furniture brought out and cleaned, coolers cleaned and filled, and not to mention decorations displayed. Decorations this year was a bit easier. We did a camping theme. Therefore, we popped a couple of tents, displayed a fake campfire, placed a few chairs around the fake fire, and we had a camp site under our favorite maple tree. The kids loved running in and out of the tents and through the yard with all the goodies they received in their bags. We also had an excellent story written and read by Saylor, made smores (used marshmallow fluff instead of real marshmallow's) and you can't have a Memorial weekend party without ice cream cones. The weather was perfect...it was a true success!! I do have to give credit where credit is due. Jeff (my boyfriend) was my sanity to complete all of the above. While I was completing all of the interior stuff, he and the girls were busy getting the outside in FANTASTIC shape!! Thanks honey for a job well done!!
This weekend also started the second part of Spring semester for me. I finished up my financial accounting class the week before....I 4.0 the class (yeah yeah yeah). I am now starting managerial accounting and finishing my last class for my associates degree. 6 weeks to go until summer term starts! I don't normally take summer classes; however this year I am going to. If all plans go as planned, I should graduate December 2011 with my bachelor's degree in Corporate Communication.
Kids are finishing up classes this week. They will be out of school is a very short period of time. They are very much looking forward to that. Won't be long and we will hear "I'm bored!" Hopefully having the trailer as a seasonal camper at Taylor's Beach will help with that. The campground offers a lake with a great beach, a large playground for kids, a game room, a small store, and lots of kids around to keep they occupied! It should be a fun summer "camping" a few miles from home!!
For me, it was crazy as always! We hosted a duel birthday day party for both of my boyfriends daughters. That meant the house (which is still under construction) required some much needed attention, the yard needed to me mowed, flower beds weeded, flowers planted, weed whipping done, edging of driveway and walk way completed, cakes to be baked and decorated, gifts wrapped, goody bags stuffed, outdoor furniture brought out and cleaned, coolers cleaned and filled, and not to mention decorations displayed. Decorations this year was a bit easier. We did a camping theme. Therefore, we popped a couple of tents, displayed a fake campfire, placed a few chairs around the fake fire, and we had a camp site under our favorite maple tree. The kids loved running in and out of the tents and through the yard with all the goodies they received in their bags. We also had an excellent story written and read by Saylor, made smores (used marshmallow fluff instead of real marshmallow's) and you can't have a Memorial weekend party without ice cream cones. The weather was perfect...it was a true success!! I do have to give credit where credit is due. Jeff (my boyfriend) was my sanity to complete all of the above. While I was completing all of the interior stuff, he and the girls were busy getting the outside in FANTASTIC shape!! Thanks honey for a job well done!!
This weekend also started the second part of Spring semester for me. I finished up my financial accounting class the week before....I 4.0 the class (yeah yeah yeah). I am now starting managerial accounting and finishing my last class for my associates degree. 6 weeks to go until summer term starts! I don't normally take summer classes; however this year I am going to. If all plans go as planned, I should graduate December 2011 with my bachelor's degree in Corporate Communication.
Kids are finishing up classes this week. They will be out of school is a very short period of time. They are very much looking forward to that. Won't be long and we will hear "I'm bored!" Hopefully having the trailer as a seasonal camper at Taylor's Beach will help with that. The campground offers a lake with a great beach, a large playground for kids, a game room, a small store, and lots of kids around to keep they occupied! It should be a fun summer "camping" a few miles from home!!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
What is your measure for success?
When one says they want to be successful, what does that mean? Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines success as: 1 obsolete : outcome, result; 2 a : degree or measure of succeeding b : favorable or desired outcome; also : the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence; 3 : one that succeeds. To me to achieve success is to obtain your goals. If your goal is to buy a house, or a new car, or graduate college, then obtaining those goals makes you successful.
Everyone has their own measure for success; however, I think sometimes that measure gets distorted. Distorted by what others have that you don't, by feeling that you should be more successful than you are at that point in your life, or the end result not happening soon enough. The old saying "The grass isn't always green" is so true. Throughout our lives we all have made choices with regard to the paths our lives will take. Those path choices have taken you on a journey that has lead your life to the place you are today. If you look back to an earlier point in your life through today, you can begin to see how truly successful you are and have become. For me, I measure my success by seeing my teenage boys as true gentleman, making the deans list yet one more time, following through with things I said I would do, or making someone smile.
It's very easy to get caught up into the day to day drama and monotony. When that happens, step back and take a look at the big picture. You will begin to truly appreciate all that you have and all that you have become.
Everyone has their own measure for success; however, I think sometimes that measure gets distorted. Distorted by what others have that you don't, by feeling that you should be more successful than you are at that point in your life, or the end result not happening soon enough. The old saying "The grass isn't always green" is so true. Throughout our lives we all have made choices with regard to the paths our lives will take. Those path choices have taken you on a journey that has lead your life to the place you are today. If you look back to an earlier point in your life through today, you can begin to see how truly successful you are and have become. For me, I measure my success by seeing my teenage boys as true gentleman, making the deans list yet one more time, following through with things I said I would do, or making someone smile.
It's very easy to get caught up into the day to day drama and monotony. When that happens, step back and take a look at the big picture. You will begin to truly appreciate all that you have and all that you have become.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Reflection
Pretty slow week. After a week of break from Cleary, its back to the regular routine. Tanger, work-study, classes, Miche, and home.
However, as of April 1st, the campground that our trailer is at has opened. We can now start getting ready for the nice weather to come...it will come! We have painting, cleaning, building, and rearranging to do. A new adventure to uphold.
I also have just learned that my 17 year old, junior in high school is signing up with the marines. Although not surprised, I am concerned. He can't really do anything until he graduates and he knows that, but they can prepare everything now for him so right after graduation he can be shipped to boot camp. My baby!!!! He has always wanted to be in the military. He would find and wear anything camouflage. Now he gets to do it for real and defend his country. I am very proud of him! This adds a whole new level to my chaos!
My youngest is venturing into drivers training. Although not eager to do it, he knows his older brother isn't going to be around to keep driving him around. It makes me sad and yet excited to see how my young little monsters have grown. It truly does not take long!! They both have become handsome little gentlemen.
The same is true of my boyfriends daughters. They have been apart of my life for 3 years now. When I first met them they were 3 & 5, just getting ready to turn 4 & 6. Today, they are 6 & 8 getting to turn 7 & 9. To see where they were just 3 short years ago to where they are today is exciting. Things they couldn't accomplish before are now easy, the growth in their individual personalities is amazing, and the genuine love they offer is priceless. It all goes by so fast.
Sometimes you need to step back and take a look around you. The world you have around you is really quite amazing. Although we all have our day to day structure and chaos, it only reminds us that we are alive.
However, as of April 1st, the campground that our trailer is at has opened. We can now start getting ready for the nice weather to come...it will come! We have painting, cleaning, building, and rearranging to do. A new adventure to uphold.
I also have just learned that my 17 year old, junior in high school is signing up with the marines. Although not surprised, I am concerned. He can't really do anything until he graduates and he knows that, but they can prepare everything now for him so right after graduation he can be shipped to boot camp. My baby!!!! He has always wanted to be in the military. He would find and wear anything camouflage. Now he gets to do it for real and defend his country. I am very proud of him! This adds a whole new level to my chaos!
My youngest is venturing into drivers training. Although not eager to do it, he knows his older brother isn't going to be around to keep driving him around. It makes me sad and yet excited to see how my young little monsters have grown. It truly does not take long!! They both have become handsome little gentlemen.
The same is true of my boyfriends daughters. They have been apart of my life for 3 years now. When I first met them they were 3 & 5, just getting ready to turn 4 & 6. Today, they are 6 & 8 getting to turn 7 & 9. To see where they were just 3 short years ago to where they are today is exciting. Things they couldn't accomplish before are now easy, the growth in their individual personalities is amazing, and the genuine love they offer is priceless. It all goes by so fast.
Sometimes you need to step back and take a look around you. The world you have around you is really quite amazing. Although we all have our day to day structure and chaos, it only reminds us that we are alive.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Benefits of chaos
Time flies...It has been 3 weeks since my last post and a lot has happen.
The chaos was abundant. At home we framed in the laundry room, hung dry wall and insulation, rebuilt the work area in the garage, wired lights and switches, and exposed the issue that was going to be the bearer of all; the plumbing for the washing machine. Plus we pulled up carpet in the dining room, waterproofed the cement floor, and then laid and hand nailed in the 150 year old barn wood for the floor. Rented a sander and did a quick once over and put furniture back into place. Turned out great!
All of this home repair was at the same time as the last 2 weeks of classes. My economics class was my major concern. I wasn't doing so well on the quizes; however I did very well on all my assignments and participation. Now it was coming down to the final exam and the capstone. I was getting nervous. My final exam ended up like most of my quizes but my team and I received a 100% on our capstone. That was exciting! Therefore, I ended the class with an A! I was thrilled!! That enabled me to finish the semester with a 3.9 GPA. Made the Dean's List yet one more time! I guess chaos works for me.
The chaos was abundant. At home we framed in the laundry room, hung dry wall and insulation, rebuilt the work area in the garage, wired lights and switches, and exposed the issue that was going to be the bearer of all; the plumbing for the washing machine. Plus we pulled up carpet in the dining room, waterproofed the cement floor, and then laid and hand nailed in the 150 year old barn wood for the floor. Rented a sander and did a quick once over and put furniture back into place. Turned out great!
All of this home repair was at the same time as the last 2 weeks of classes. My economics class was my major concern. I wasn't doing so well on the quizes; however I did very well on all my assignments and participation. Now it was coming down to the final exam and the capstone. I was getting nervous. My final exam ended up like most of my quizes but my team and I received a 100% on our capstone. That was exciting! Therefore, I ended the class with an A! I was thrilled!! That enabled me to finish the semester with a 3.9 GPA. Made the Dean's List yet one more time! I guess chaos works for me.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Spring forward
Time is flying by. I am 2 short weeks away from finishing winter term at Cleary. That means I am a few steps closer to that degree. I have since scheduled my classes for spring term. All of those classes will be conducted online. No more sitting in a class for 4 hours, 1 night a week.
Winter term ends at the beginning of spring time. Meaning, the weather is getting nice and spring fever hits! I see plants emerging from the ground and can't wait to see the beautiful tulips I have planted. However, I look out into the yard and see lots of stuff that needs to be done. Thus, the stuff that STILL needs to be done inside, still needs to be done, but now I have to add the outside duties as well. The weather also reminds me that I have a motorcycle to bust out. Since I didn't get to ride it at all last year, I need to make up for it this year. All I need is to get my helmet back and I will be crusin!
We also have a new adventure for this year. We have a camper that we purchased end of year last year and have placed it permenately at a campground. Now we can "go camping" anytime we want. The campground is about 8 miles from our house and offers a beach, a game room, and lots of away time. I am looking forward to the get aways, even if I am still close to home.
The laundry room addition is still in progress. We have a good start on it, but still have lots to do! We both are looking forward to the completion of that.
Miche parties are finding their way into my calendar, Tanger is coming into one of its busy seasons, and I am learning more and more from Amanda at Cleary through Communications. I don't know if there is such a thing as knowledge overload, but I am willing to find out.
Winter term ends at the beginning of spring time. Meaning, the weather is getting nice and spring fever hits! I see plants emerging from the ground and can't wait to see the beautiful tulips I have planted. However, I look out into the yard and see lots of stuff that needs to be done. Thus, the stuff that STILL needs to be done inside, still needs to be done, but now I have to add the outside duties as well. The weather also reminds me that I have a motorcycle to bust out. Since I didn't get to ride it at all last year, I need to make up for it this year. All I need is to get my helmet back and I will be crusin!
We also have a new adventure for this year. We have a camper that we purchased end of year last year and have placed it permenately at a campground. Now we can "go camping" anytime we want. The campground is about 8 miles from our house and offers a beach, a game room, and lots of away time. I am looking forward to the get aways, even if I am still close to home.
The laundry room addition is still in progress. We have a good start on it, but still have lots to do! We both are looking forward to the completion of that.
Miche parties are finding their way into my calendar, Tanger is coming into one of its busy seasons, and I am learning more and more from Amanda at Cleary through Communications. I don't know if there is such a thing as knowledge overload, but I am willing to find out.
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