Tired and Frustrated

My laptop gets internet

My PC does not

No cloud communication

For quite a while now so

What’s the point?

I started a two-week assignment

January 31 to February 13 –

And I’m still there

A few have asked if I can work

For them

I said “Yes” to one and the boss asked

If I could work longer

Yesterday I had others ask if I could work

May and June.  Their boss (our boss) said “No”

She wants me to continue with the

Assignment I started in January

I have to give a speech this week for

The only class that I am taking right now

I am so glad there is only one.

It was tough taking two classes with work

I know many people work full time and go

To school full time.  I think I

Could handle it once

Not anymore.

I wish my PC was more vibrant

I wish the screen on my laptop was bigger

I wish my house would clean itself

This is a boring post and I

am drained.

Up And Running

I was supposed to work this week but 
the schools have been closed 
first due to the storm and then 
because we were part of 
many that were without power.  

During that time I've 
had so many thoughts 
going through my head 
and have jotted a bit 
on paper - some on my 
laptop but nothing concrete.  

I still have classes next week and 
the week after that.
I am grateful for the generator
that gave me enough power to
at least start my assignments 
Amazingly I have finished up and
can finish a few other things that
got neglected during our
power outage.

I realize that four days is
nothing compared to some others
who have experienced without for
much longer.  Roland's sister
for example, had gone two months
as she lives in Puerto Rico and 
Hurricane Maria was quite unkind.

I'd rather lose electric power than
running water - even if it was 
equivalent to river water.  
Okay to drink, but not 
to bathe in.

Thoughts, thoughts
so many thoughts
I hope my mind does not
forget what I wish to write

Time Spread Too Thin

Online work

Check

Turned in

Both Classes

Have even received

my first week's grade

in one class

Resumes, cover letters, references

so many weaknesses

Next week will be

setting up a LinkedIn account

and preparation for

mock interviews

I'm getting the

experience that will

take me to a job

career opportunity before

the end of the year

I even have my interview

set up

Now to build confidence

and prepare to answer

questions

Welcome the Fog

                After fire season, the misty fog and rain are always welcome signs for our thirsty part of the world.  It does impair the vision to see far ahead.  I drove in it yesterday as I had an assignment through the school.  At least the light can be seen through the fog, unlike the darkness I had to drive the day prior.  I told Roland that when we set the clocks back, I will need him to drive as I won't be able to see at the time that I've been going.  But I would do okay to leave just an hour later - I think.

                Currently, the fog covers the sky and hides everything past the neighbors' house.  Usually, it lifts by 10:00 or so.  I don't think the sun peeked through until 11:30 yesterday.  I was on recess duty and had to find my sunglasses.

                I have been at the middle school most of this week, but not today.  It is teacher intervention and all of the students and subs are off today. I would like to spend time with Jenna but have been neglecting my room with each assignment that I've accepted. This week I've had four math classes each day.  Most of the classes have been learning about integers.  I would rather help in history or English than in math.

                Even though there is no school today, there is a homecoming dance tonight.  Jenna plans on attending.  She would like to be dropped off at the school at 5:00.  I think she is currently getting ready for it.  She still has seven and a half hours before she leaves.  Silly girl.

What Am I Supposed To Do Now?

                Wednesday is generally my busiest day with school.  Generally.  When the libraries reopened and had asked for volunteers, I said I could - however I couldn't be scheduled.  Sometimes Mondays will work for me, but not always.  I could volunteer on Fridays regardless of my scheduling - however, no one else can work that day; therefore, the library is closed.

            I said I could substitute, which I have done before, but not for a long time.  I told them when I might be available and when I would not.  Wednesdays and Saturdays are definite NOs as I am trying to finish my schooling by Wednesday or Thursday and Saturdays are for family.

            Wednesday is also the designated day for potluck luncheons on 2nd Wednesdays every month and movies on the 3rd Wednesday, though on occasion I have missed both due to schooling.  Today my brother is in town - though it's not taking away from school.  It is the school and program itself that forbids me (among many other students) from viewing the textbook or pdf (mentioned here) in full content.  Students aren't expected to fulfill assignment or assessment at this time as we don't have the information in its entirety.  Gads!

                I will meet Corey and Joh this morning and introduce them to one of my friends over breakfast. I am happy to spend time with them and would not be doing any schooling today even if it was available.  But come on.  I don't want to repeat this course due to an error that I, myself, didn't create.  I don't suppose turning assignments in late is going to affect our grade, however.  As is, I just barely received my assignment grade from last week.   Unlike my database instructor who grades assignments right away, my accounting instructor seems to put it off as long as possible.  I would think that would create more work for him as he teaches at least three classes. 

            It's an accounting class, but thus far the discussions have made it seem more like a management class.  How odd.  It's okay though.  I'd rather Write my opinion than have to come up with an exact number with calculations.  Blech!

I may come across as a bit long-winded

            The discussion for this week is to: "Think about a time when your mind was successfully changed either by a message delivered in print, on a screen, or in person from someone else. What factors swayed you?"  The first thing that came to mind was accepting gay rights.  As with many others, I grew up believing in the influence of society.  "Homosexuality was wrong and therefore anyone who practiced was wrong" and I think made to feel worthless. It was something I had been taught all of my life.  But through Corey, I've come to realize that to be gay or attracted to the same sex is often NOT a choice.  Really, why would an individual go through all the pain and prerecession in addition to having desires that he/she can't seem to control or explain? Why shouldn't they have the same rights as others who develop feelings for the opposite sex? No person has control over developing a love for another person.

            Discussion posts are to be at least 150 words long.  If I were to try to explain the details of being swayed to gay rights, my post would have been over 700 words.  I wanted to find something less personal - although the topic is on world culture and the subject matter of homosexuality would fit into "culture". I didn't wish my subject matter to be on such a personal level in the classroom.

             I ended up with over 250 words focusing on the digital camera versus my desire to use film.  But then I had to add more words as there were steps required for the post - plus an extra assignment given by the instructor during the lecture (for the benefit of forcing others to pay attention to the lectures) - bringing my total to over 500 words.

            When responding to somebody else's post, the word count needs to be at least 50.  My first response was to a classmate who doesn't deal well with change and chooses not to deal with it at all when she can help it.  End of story.  I did not notice that she had included the rest of the requirements that we were expected to post.  My response was that I don't like change myself, but I do understand the need for it.  I provided a few examples of rotating merchandise, updating equipment and social media - which may not have been pertinent to those living in the 20th century, but is pretty much a necessity nowadays.  Like it or not, the internet is now a part of life.  I don't think she's understanding of the purpose of this class as a requirement. She needs to know that she shouldn't appear to be so closed minded.  I would not hire someone who is not open to suggestions and change.

            The assignment focuses on four parts about accepting world culture and applying culture intelligence.  Word count needs to be 500 words or more.  I had over 800.  Why is it that I can ramble on and on with this class but struggle to find to the minimum required words for accounting - or why an essay would even be a requirement for accounting. 

            In addition to taking classes online, I have put in my application to work as a teacher's aide in the South Umpqua school district.  Thus far I have had interviews for three different schools.  I did not get the job for the first one as they had decided to go with someone else, but I did get a request that I should apply as a sub.  Meanwhile, school has started, but neither of the other schools has made their decision.  Jenna and I are hoping for the one near the high school so that she can ride home with me instead of taking the bus. 

            Things are kind of laid back for me otherwise.  Starting the 17th I will be back to two classes: database and intermediate cost accounting.  I should be able to handle it, but if I'm working, I will have to adjust my schedule.  Jenna and Roland might never see me except for morning and dinner perhaps.

            Feast or famine.  I have learned to enjoy the famine that seems to dwell around me right now. 

Spring Break is Near Its End

            Spring break is over for Jenna.  Her cousins don't need to return to school until Wednesday.  I gave Jenna the option of staying home today, but she doesn't wish to ruin her perfect attendance.  Plus I think she is wanting a break for the chaotic noise level that has been a part of our house for the last four-going-on-five days.  That's right, Bill and Kayla brought their three children for a spring break visit.  I didn't even tell Jenna - which I'm glad, as I had my dates wrong and had expected Kayla a lot sooner thinking her children had the same amount of spring break that Jenna did.

            Funny thing, Jenna had asked if I would take her to the library on Thursday - which actually happened to be a part of my agenda - thinking that her cousins would be here already - but they were actually due to arrive that very day.

            I drove Jenna to the library so that she could paint a flower pot and hoped that Bill and Kayla would be able to meet us there.  We pulled up to the library at exactly 12:34.  Upon seeing the numbers lined up in order, Jenna told me to make a wish.  I said I wished some family member could be with us.  Our wish came true after 3:00.  I have much to post about and seven titles saved in drafts.  Only one class this mod, so hopefully I will be able to make the time to add details to the titles and post them.

showing off her flower pot creation

seeing Kayla and family in our driveway

            Roland is now back at work.  Bill has to go to Roseburg for an unexpected expense involving the car (another post) and my plan is to take Kayla and the kids to the library for story time and then we will have a picnic and drive around.  I'm tired.  I need to get dressed.  See that Jenna gets off to school.  She has talked Bill into taking her.

Just a Few Thoughts to tie Us Over until my Next Post

          There is no topic for

discussion this week. 

No assignment to turn in.  It is

the final week and all I

have to do is one assessment. 

Worked out great as Jenna

is off school this week for

spring break.  Her spring break is

twice as long as

any of her friends in Utah.

Yesterday, Jenna helped set

up for my primary class. 

Roland came in and insisted

the temperature felt nice.  Nice? 

It was too warm.  I could not

open the window and so

covered the vent with

hymn books (as they were

 all I could find) Later the

primary president

nearly praised me for

my clever act.

I went to the instructors'

class.  I don't remember ever

having laughed so much in

that class before.  It felt

nice to share that laughter with

those others who attended.

I haven't been sleeping well.  I

look like a football player with

dark marks under my eyes - though

they're not really that dark.  I guess

I look more like a ghoul. 

Roland still has his

stupid cough.  Be Gone Already!

I may take the assessment either

Wednesday or Thursday.  I

probably ought to study for

it, but first I am going to return

to my bed and take a nap.

Later.

So Unmotivated Right Now

For the last four mods
I have had only one
assigned class
which in a way
has been nice.

I noticed with this last
week, I was never asked
to do a survey in order
to continue with my class

On Monday I start
another accounting class
This one will focus on
Taxes.  Good thing
I'm only getting one.

Taxes.  I hope that
I will understand and
stay focused.  Perhaps
one day I will
actually be able to
do my own.

A Different Book for Liz

He graduated with a

BA in graphic arts the
October before we moved to
Oregon.

He had planned on walking in

the graduation ceremony the
very day that he and Jenna came
to Oregon to start unloading
furniture. I went
to my uncle's
funeral.

For over a year he's been

online, creating plans for a
business.  He took his
assignments seriously and
did the research as though
he were really going to start
a business here. 

Except for just one week, his

business plan focus was always on
starting an adult day care which
this area is in great need of.  It
hasn't been done before.  It sounds
like a good idea, but he doesn't have
the funding.  He has
done the research and had even sent
out surveys.  We call it
"sunk" investment.

He graduated with his masters last

month.  He would like to
walk across the stage in June.
It would be so nice to
see the family again, but
I fear it will be a repeat of
our visit to Utah this year.

I will be wiped out and not the
person I am in Oregon.  I will
need to pray that my
body doesn't give out, and that
I will be alert to my
surroundings and drink in my
family and allow my love to
overpower my health issues.

I was certain that Roland would

get bored and try to spend more
time with me.  But he found another
project.

He doesn't want to start a business -

not the adult daycare.  He misses
the graphic arts.  Recently he
created cards for Halloween, Thanksgiving and
Christmas. He also would like to recreate
the ABC books we have given to
Jenna, Anna, Devin and Ally (here).

He would like to be in charge of

creating a new one for Liz.  I think he
should.  I hope he can utilize his
skills for the purpose that he
desires.

Family Fun Night

            Jenna came home with a flyer last week ordering us to attend the family fun night at Coffenberry Middle School.  

In this post I briefly mentioned the first one I had attended with her the first year that we had lived in Oregon.  I didn't mention the one that took place last year - a pirate theme, I believe.  Both Roland and I had gone with Jenna who hustled us from one room to the next.  Last year definitely felt the most crowded.  This year was the most fun for all three of us.

            Each year there is a theme and this year it was Western.  One of the faculty from the school had left a cheesy message as a reminder to attend.  Jenna is currently taking a class in leadership and so was expected to not only attend the event, but participate as well.  This is how she was dressed the entire day:  

             The faculty let her in early to eat and help set up. The front doors were locked, but Roland had gone around in order to let us in.  So he and Jenna were inside and I stood outside as other students arrived.  It was hot outside.   It felt cooler in the school initially.

            We were told to pick up to forms at the door - one was a map of the what activities were offered and one was for a treasure hunt to look at clues and turn in your "treasure" for a discount at the book fair. 

I don't normally purchase books because I  only need to read it once and move on.  That's one reason why I like libraries so much.  Less costly and book can be stored on their shelves freeing up space on my own.

            Jenna pointed out the two books that she would like to have.  Both good selections - but both she will tire of within a month.  She tends to become bored with things rather quickly.  I feel bad as I must have done that to my own parents as they spent money on things I would also get bored with. 

          Since Jenna was playing Sherriff, Roland and I were able to take our time moving from room to room.  This is the first year I remember participating in the activities and not just watching Jenna participate.  Roland and I each made bookmarks.  

I threw four hoops toward a forest of cones.  Amazingly I managed to wrangle three of them.  

            I had just finished decorating a cookie when Jenna found us and told us that she had warrants for our arrest.  Roland's cinema buddy had paid for the warrants. 

Convicts could leave after five minutes or pay a dollar (same price as warrants) to get out.  Most people were arrested for NOT wearing western attire.  I had worn a bandana.  Big whoop.  It actually reminded me of a time when my niece and friends were three or four and had decided to play dress-up.  Ellen and Nate dressed from head to toe in dresses and jewelry and hats and what have you.  Matthew wore beads.

            Though we were allowed to leave after just five minutes, it was quiet in the jail.  We had participated in everything but the line dance - though I don't know why we hadn't gone to try our hand at line dancing . . . whatever.  We stayed in jail about 30 minutes or so before the drawing and it was time to go.  I took a star.