Thursday, December 31, 2009

Words of Wisdom

"The only way of finding the limits of the possible
is by going beyond them into the impossible."
- Arthur C. Clarke

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

How has it been??

The past 6 weeks have been a blur. I must have too much happening and therefore my time speeds by at an incredible rate!

I have learned that time management is a valuable tool to have on my side.

Having more than one class means that my day must be more organized between my business, family, Church obligations and course work. It also means that I must learn to say "No" to additional projects that come up including social events.

Obtaining a passing grade at Kaplan is determined by a point system. If coursework is completed in a timely manner fulfilling all requirements as noted on the syllabus, the maximum amount of points are possible. If the work is late or not completed and therefore missing these points, my overall grade will be affected.

Completion of coursework (in a timely manner)must be taken seriously. Doing extra work for credit to make up for missing points is unfortunately not an option.

Therefore, for the first time in my 40+ years on this planet, I will be ringing in the new year immersed in coursework...until each and every assignment is complete!!

Happy 2010! I anticipate it to be filled with abundance and blessings!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Today's thoughts...

When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile!


Make peace with your past so it won’t mess up your present. When necessary use chocolate to ease the process.

Today I have found that my eyesight is diminishing. Staring at my laptop screen to read various research articles and discussion board post may be a contributing factor. I am not sure why I have not been posting to my blog on a regular or timely basis. I quite enjoy writing. When I was in high school, (many decades ago, I am thrilled that I can remember that far back!) I begrudgingly took a creative writing class as part of an English requirement.

Much to my surprise I absolutely loved the class! I had no idea that I would enjoy it as much as I did. I don't remember learning grammar or mechanics of writing. I only remember writing and writing and more writing. Developing short stories which completely carried me away...from reality. Something I desperately needed at the time. During the class I found out that my boyfriend, love, confidant and best friend for 4 long years cheated on me! He found an easy chick that would give him what every high school boy thinks about all day and wants...all day if they could!

Writing is certainly therapeutic. Studies on those who journal on a regular basis has been shown to have healing effects.

I think I need to start a journal to get me through the stress of being a college student. :) or perhaps start a blog!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Life Challenges :)

Life can be challenging... we are either headed for a crisis, in a crisis or coming out of a crisis!

Dealing with crisis is all about your perspective...how you choose to handle the situation before you.

In my 46 years I have had joys and heartaches. Married at 18 (not sure why so young except that I was absolutely certain that it was what God wanted me to do. I was completely at peace with my decision... no jitters or question in my mind. I was the most calm bride you have ever laid eyes upon....cool, calm and at peace.

Until...a few months into the marriage, I was asking, "What did I get myself into??!!"
It was an extension and continuation of the sheltered life I led for 18 years !!

Smothered...isolated...controlled. (Although, always felt loved.)

Endured the marriage for 20 years even though I came to the point where I contemplated ending my life because I was so incredibly miserable. I did not understand why I was being treated like a worthless piece of trash. But, I knew God had a plan for me. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" ~ Proverbs 3:4. This verse got me through the darkest times of my misery. God taught me that no one has the authority to circumscribe my worth as a person.

During that time my oldest daughter (at 16) decided to hang with the partying, drinking crowd and eventually got into drugs. She was arrested several times.

This event in my life was THE most painful and frightening. Especially since I did not want anyone in my family or any friends to know what was happening. I felt so inept, so powerless to guide my daughter back to the sweet child she once was. (of course she blames the escapades on her father whose attention she so desperately needed.)

I did a lot of praying during this time...seriously many conversations with God where I told Him I would do anything to get my beautiful daughter back.


God has a sense of humor... I found myself in the emergency room one night after passing out. Before my head hit my nightstand, I thought my head was going to explode...literally.

I was alone, nearly midnight.

When I awoke I immediately called my ex-husband. (Fortunately, we have remained friends.I was able to forgive him for what he did to our marriage.)

It was an aneurysm...conveniently located in my brain! When I got to the hospital, I was told my brain was bleeding, which required brain surgery. Great fun, I thought. I also wondered if this was my answer to prayer...this may get my daughters attention. But, God had even more surprises in store for us!

(to be continued...)

Saturday, December 12, 2009

My ( rather late) Unit 3 Post

Since medical ailments are so prevalent these days, I would like to take the opportunity to write about one that is close to home in my family.

My father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease about one year ago. Even though he is doing quite well since I started him on a nutritional program, it is difficult to see him go through the challenges associated with the disease.

At first, I hesitated enrolling for an online only education. I did not want to miss out on interacting with others in my class. I soon realized that the online environment is not isolated. It is interactive and still allows for connections with others.

Online learning is beneficial in a number of ways. Such as the ability to “attend class” from the comfort of your home (in your jammies or comfy outfit and with no makeup- for us girls of course and guys don’t need to worry about shaving and otherwise being presentable!) Save gas money and spare the air. Great time management as we are saving time commuting to and fro as well as saving money on parking and meals away from home.

The anonymity is an interesting factor, as even someone who is typically shy can feel more comfortable in this environment. It can be frightening for some (I speak from personal experience) to ask questions in a classroom setting concerned about being ridiculed or the perception of others.

The self-directed style of the course can be challenging to those (like me) who have a difficult time with managing their time.


A closer class community can be created perhaps by encouraging study buddies in small groups. I believe the discussion boards are a great venue. Perhaps an area that encourages sharing non-class related chats, etc. ?


I view blogging as an online journal. Due to the anonymity, it can allow sharing personal information a bit easier. I have read some interesting blogs that have made me question human species and others that have inspired me tremendously. It is a vehicle of expression to share thoughts, ideas, pains, sorrows, joy and triumphs.