WEEK SIX

I am feeling more at ease since my last post. I'm still stressed but I need to stop complaining. I complain,complain, complain and fail to see so many things I should be grateful for. I just had to stop and say thank you. I know everyone has their own beliefs but God is good. He has bought me a mighty long way.

I went to the library to get more books on steroids. They had such a limited selection. I almost wanted to change my topic. However, I will move forward. This is another area where I won't complain. I will look at it as more of a challenge. I do have some great resources but wanted more. I also found an educational DVD on steroids. I can use information from that in my paper and cite it. Things are coming along smoothly. I  must say I have been more focused this term than any other.

People in Florida are so helpful. I had car issues, everyone was there to help. They made sure I made it to work on time, lent me their cars to grocery shop, and much more. The car was up and running today. Then it started leaking again. The mechanic came to my job and fixed it in the lot. Co-workers leaving work would stop and ask if I needed help. I even have one co-worker who has a degree in history, agree to come over thursday night to help me with my assignment. I have never seen so many people volunteer to help someone out. So many people have their own issues that they can't handle for self, so they aren't prone to trying to help others in a time of need. I do help others but I am selective in who I choose to help. Maybe I should change that about myself.

WEEK 5

Time is moving along and the holiday season is almost amongst us. I plan on cooking a jerk turkey this year for the holidays. I work for Kaplan in their admissions department. I worked for them downtown Chicago and they relocated me to their Orlando office in September of 2009. I really enjoy living in Florida. I relocated because I have three children. Two are in highschool. Chicago is such a violent city. I have seen many people die due to the gangs and drug distribution there. I know violence is world wide but living here is much better than the things children are exposed to in a big city such as Chicago. I love Chicago and I miss my family and friends dearly. I had to make this sacrifice for my children. My life is advancing so much since being here. I recently moved into a house. I didn't purchase it but am renting. However, this is a stepping stone for me. In due time, once things are more secure and stable, I will look into buying a home of my own. I want to have a huge Thanksgiving day dinner. Christmas will be better this year as well.

I lost an aunt last week due to Cancer. I won't be able to travel back home for the homegoing services. I will be there in spirit though. I did see her in August when I was home for a vacation. I did call her periodically to check on her as well. I lost my Grandmother to Cancer back in March. This is just a time for me to really focus and get my priorities together. I never thought I'd be in a situation where I couldn't be home to support my family. I know I made a sacrifice to be where I am. I know my aunt would not be upset. It's importanct to show people you love them and care when they are alive. Once they are gone, it's too late. God is good. Life and death are real. I never knew when I left that this terrible disease would come quick and destroy my loved one's body as it has. My Mom always tells me to be happy that I have good health. I love my family and these are times when I get homesick. I just remember what bought me here. I can't have my children going through metal detectors to go to school. I can't afford to have them exposed to gangs and drugs. They are not cut from that cloth. They need me. It's best that I am here because I will hurt someone to protect my kids. It's not a good look to have a mother incarerated. However, I will do all that I can to protect mines. Obviously, I am cut from that cloth. Survival of the fittest. You would not understand the method to my madness unless you grew up in a city where seeing a 14 year old shot in the head and killed is normal. It happens so much that it gets to a point where it is accepted by many. It will never be accepted by me. I am just venting in this post so please excuse me. I want everyone to enjoy their week. I will talk with you all in seminar, on the blog, or on the discussion post.

Week Four

Hey, this is week four and I am moving along. I had a few issues last week by feeling intimadated with excel and also with my Comp Research Paper. I decided to write my research on Steroids. I am feeling good this morning. I am now at work until 7pm. This week I won't wait until the last minute to post on the discussion board. I wanted to stay home today but I knew I needed to be at work as well. I am in much need of a vacation. I used all my time earlier this year and now wish I held on to some for the holiday weeks which are nearing. Such is life. I know next year to at least put a week to the side to use later in the year. I am so happy I made the decision to get back in school. I feel like I am doing something constructive and productive and it feels good. When I am on the computer logged into class you would think there was a do not enter and do not disturb sign posted. My children know I do not need any interruptions. I had a friend contact me last week. They wanted me to do them a favor and got upset when I stated they would need to give me a minute because I was doing homework. They got so upset that they hung up on me. Oh well, they have a degree and I don't. Also what they wanted was not an emergency and it wasn't even important and could have waited. I am growing and maturing. I am weeding people out of my life who are simple minded and petty. I am advancing and have little tolerance for things like that. That was one of the reasons I couldn't focus the many times I wanted to further my education. No more, I am in it to win it. It feels good.

Week 3

I am doing it and loving it. I am in week 3 of class and am doing very well. I see that my Software Applications course is starting to introduce excel in our word assignments. It's all good though. I say that because I feel intimidated with excel. It's just something tricky about those formulas. But, the purpose is to learn. GO KAPLAN UNIVERSITY!!!!!

TGIF

I am so glad it is Friday. I get to sleep in tomorrow. I love the weekends. They do by quite fast though. This week went by fast for me and I am happy. Much rest and relaxation is on the agenda.