Student Me

Well, I'm a student again. I attended my first Statistics class last Wednesday and I'm already a little overwhelmed. My Ed classes start next Monday so there is a bit of a reprieve so I'd better get back to learning the Stats--can't get too far behind!

Merry Christmas

If you enjoy games here is a site that will keep you busy during those cold winter nights: http://www.miniclip.com/games/en/christmas.php

Wishing you a very merry musical Christmas, too! Check out Strait No Chaser at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8

And a Happy New Year!

Registered

Now I'm beginning to be excited about the Master's program! I registered for classes tonight--next, I'll get my fee waiver approved. Now that's excited! I wonder what the end of this journey will be? Meanwhile, back to wrapping Christmas gifts since we can barely walk through our office at home.

The Value of a Visa Gift Card

I stopped in at the credit union this morning to make a deposit and pull out a little cash for the hairdresser's Christmas gift. Spying the gift visa cards and thinking cash might be a little "tacky" I asked about the cards and learned 1) they cost $3.50 and 2) they expire in one year. So for a small amount of cash they don't make sense. I asked whether they are accepted in Europe and of course "they are accepted everywhere Visa is accepted" so that's a plus. My next thought was--Wow, wouldn't this be a nice way to send money over to my brothers' kids for gifts!! My next thought was--bad idea! who would want American dollars anyway these days?!!

The Gift of Opportunity

I received word today that I have been accepted into the Master's program (Higher Education Administration). Of course this came on the day I am beginning to feel my annual Christmas stress! It's great news but I don't feel excited about it yet. It's a little surreal to be going back to school at age 58 (almost 59!) to complete something I've wanted for many years. We'll just see how this goes. Tonight I'll begin figuring out how to get through the maze of paperwork in order to get started in January!

Making a Christmas House

Last night Ryder wanted to decorate for Christmas after observing the lights on E. Hampton Way on the way home from Jakie and Christian's house. I investigated one of the green and red Christmas tubs from the garage and Ryder was ecstatic to find our 2' high green and red Christmas ball tree from last year, a white trumpet (decorative only), a large metal birdhouse ornament, two fake battery operated candles and a plushy soft snowman. After finding 4 double A batteries and lighting up the fake "candles" Ryder entertained himself by looking at his multiple reflections. He spent what seemed like hours "playing" the trumpet and finding suitable decorative locations for the various holiday paraphernalia. This entire process took in actuality only a half hour. Ryder had made his "Christmas House" and it was enough for me!

Miriam and Stu

We drove to Costa Mesa on Tuesday, November 20 and stayed overnight at the Holiday Inn http://www.hicostamesa.com/. The hotel was very nice with a very comfortable bed. I would stay there again.

On Wednesday the 21st we stopped in for a visit with Miriam and Stu in Irvine.

They are doing well enough although I would have liked to have spent more time with them. They have their routine and seem to be comfortable with it. I have to remember to send Miriam that book list I promised her! Here is one of my favorite pictures of them from 1978.