Oh, how we love dirty laundry. Really?

I have been noticing a growing trend in the social network arena.  It, as of recently, has become rather disturbing.  Not to say that I have not been guilty of such things in the past, but I have overcome the need of such things.  I think more people should.

I have put in my status for the day a reminder of how I feel about his issue.  And,  I am sure there will be people who may want further insight into my comment.  So I thought it best to put it down here.

The title of this installment, I think, says it all.  But, there may be some that don't get it.  And for you, I will spell it out.  What I notice is this: people all over the internet seem to be plastering items in their statuses as a "take that" and "so there" to people they have chosen to jab at.  I think it is a crying shame that people need to air their dirty laundry in a public forum.  Some things are better left unsaid or if they really need to be spoken, put your big boy pants on and say what you have to say to the person.

 I think that putting something out there on facebook for the world to see is still, in my book, backbiting.  Why go behind someones back and air that stuff?  Why not just go to whom you have the problem with and deal with it?  We have become a society of slanderers and are obsessed with making libelous comments about people we once cared about.  Even if you never cared about them, you just had to show some form of respect due to their position.  Continue in that air of respect and think before you speak or type.  It may just save a life.  Now, with all the cyber-bullying, individuals are killing themselves over things like this.

I have to admit I used to be one of those who really enjoyed a good rumor.  That was a long time ago, and even while ingesting that bit, I never let that morsel make my mind up as to how I felt about the person.  I later came to feel sorry for the one spreading it around.  I have since, refused to hear these things about people and have chosen to make up my own mind as to how I feel and not let the opinions of others shape my thoughts.

Some of you may be thinking that I have just recently been wronged in this fashion, and to be honest with you, I have not.  This is just something that has been on my heart.  What's more, I had just read something a friend had posted and I was a little surprised to see it.  I will not mention any more about it, because I would then be contributing to the thing I detest.

Remember to love one another and be the example of how you would like to be treated.  I could go on and on with all sorts of quotes and cliche's, but alas, I will not.

In the mean time, thats just the way I see it and how it is...

Fall Update

I have to start by saying I'm sorry for my lack of thought provoking (or any) posts at all as of recently.  I really thought I would be be better at this than I am.  I have come to the realization that I am not the best at journaling.  But of course you knew that from the start of this blog.  I suppose when I had more to complain about I was far better at blogging.  I may have to take a different approach to this and see how it goes.

I would like to bring you all up to speed as to where I am in life since August.  I started the semester at the Oakland Campus of the University of Pittsburgh with much apprehension.  Something just didn't feel right about the whole thing.  I knew parking was going to be a problem from the start, but I did not think it would be half as bad as it actually was.  Blatantly obvious point number one: Parking is expensive in any city.  I should have known this and for the life of me, I can't imagine why I convinced myself it would not be a problem.  The Friday before classes I found myself at the parking office to find there were no more parking passes for commuter students.  Honestly, that was fine, as when I found out how much they charge I nearly puked on the lady.  She explained that parking was $350 per semester, and that I would be placed in a lot quite a ways off campus.  To beat that, on days where there are "special events" sports events, etc. I would not be permitted to park in the lot I had paid for!?  I did manage to find some on street parking but, there were restrictions and drawbacks to this as well.

The way I see it, if a student is shelling out $16,000 a year for school they should be able to provide cheaper parking than an additional $700 for that said year.

Like I said, I was uneasy about the semester and all this garbage just kept pilling up making it worse.  As I got into my classes for the week I started hearing a word I have never been to fond of.  What's that word you ask?  Math is that word.  I have never been a fan of math.  I have done well at it post high school but I have never liked math.  Sitting in my Networking class, that I didn't feel I needed to take anyway, the instructor says the class will heavily rely on trig and calculus.  Two math courses I have never taken.  Then in my Java programming class the instructor hands out a math test and says (not to add pressure or anything) "if you do not know trig inside and out you will FAIL this class!".  He also proceeds to tell us that this class is not a "weeding out" class.  Hmm, I beg to differ.  I spent the better part of my summer learning Java so I would be more prepared for this class in particular.  Not once did my online tutorials speak of trig.

After a week of dread and contemplation, I came to the place I didn't think I would ever show up at.  I had made the decision to drop out for the semester.  You can fail at many things, but the moment it starts costing you, say, 16 Grand you have to review your priorities.  I feel I made the right choice.

In the mean time I am going to attend a local community college and brush up on my math skills so that I may be better equipped for the coming Baccalaureate degree.  My goal is to finish my degree at the school I love, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.  I was most comfortable there and I got the personal attention I need.

So as the leaves change and our region turns cold I will be caring for our sick chickens and working to buy into our first business venture as a married couple.  My wife has not let this out of the bag yet, so I suppose I should not either.  Some of you may already know this information, as there are a select few who were made aware.  For the rest of you, you will have to wait.

Until next time, that's just the way I see it and how it is...

Time Flies... But sometimes, I wish it wouldn't.

               I can't believe it has been over 2 months since my last post.  There has been nothing short of a whirlwind of activity here.  The sad thing is, I can't seem to recall what all the business was exactly.  I have seen summers fly by and years crawl by with the insane drudgery of life, but I do not ever recall a summer to go by so fast.  Like I said, I have been remarkable busy.  But doing what?

A portion of my summer was set to the unfruitful task of finding an internship.  The market was very dry and the excuses were abound as to why no one was hiring interns.  Another chunk of time was set the daunting and terrible upsetting labor of dealing with my grandmothers death and settling her estate.  I would've never dreamed the family that I held so dear could be so truly evil.  I pray for them, oh how I pray for them.

The day in and day out grind of just daily house and home stuff.  Not to mention the farm work.  Mind you the chickens and rabbits are by no means a heavy chore, nonetheless they are work.  I also had set about to get a new vehicle before school started.  Now. those of us who have taken on this great misery know how un-fun this can be!

The vehicle purchase went a little something like this: My Ford Explorer was slowly working its way to it's end.  It was decided that I would get a new vehicle.  I set out to find one through internet search and by stealthily perusing dealership lots.  I did find a really nice Toyota FJ Cruiser with low miles.  The sale went as could be expected but I did not have to go through the customary stomping, yelling, and fighting for the "best deal".  Instead our salesman was really pretty descent.  Not that we didn't have to haggle, the sale just went smoothly.

2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser

After signing on the dotted line and taking home my wonderful vehicle, I got a chance to really look it over.  I found a few flaws that the dealership graciously took care of.  I though to myself that this is unreal. I have never seen a dealership be so good to a customer in my years.  After getting it back I notice that a few things were not taken care of as they should have been.  Thus, my many returns to the dealership had begun. I have been back to them to redo and fix what they broke while fixing other things around 5 times.  I find this a bit excessive and outrageous that they couldn't just fix it right the first time.

After owning the FJ for about two weeks we thought it may be a good idea to re-evaluate insurance.  In sitting down with an agent we happened to notice the dealership screwed up our loan.  We were promised a price and payment that matched our budget for 48 months.  Somehow they managed to sneak in another year of financing.  Suffice it to say, a screaming match with the sales manager resulted in NOTHING!  They would do nothing for us and this is their mistake.  We foolishly did not go over the contract with a fine tooth comb before signing it and now we are stuck.  Interestingly enough the insurance agent we spoke to has the same thing happen to her with the same dealer, ending with the same result as ours.  If any of you want to know who this dealership is I will tell you but not on here.  I do not want to irritate the issue any further.

Now hear we are two weeks and classes start and where did my summer go?  Poof!  Gone!  History!  And I do not like it one bit.  I did not get any of the reading and prepping done for a couple of my classes.  I am going to have to cram some of that in this week.

On a good note, Rachael and I did get the opportunity to Bless her Mom and Dad by helping them seal their home.  They have a cedar sided home that needs to be sealed every so often.  We were compelled to help them and get this rather difficult task done in the small window the weather left us.  See, you need to let the sealer soak in for 2 to 3 day without rain.  As you all are aware for the past could of weeks it has rained inconsistently and hampered many a plans I'm sure.  We did get it done.  Her parents are ecstatic that ti is complete and it looks great.  I am so fortunate that I have wonderful in-laws and so blessed that we had this opportunity to help them.

As the school year nears I do not know how much time I will have to devote to the Blog, but I will do my best to keep you all up to date.

For now, thats the way I see it...

An Awakening...

It's kind of strange where one has epiphanies.  Rachael and I were out the other day at one of our favorite stores (REI), and stumbled across a t-shirt.  I have always been one of those suckers for a good bumper sticker, so why not put it on a t-shirt?  Well this shirt in particular had something rather profound written on it.

In the late 1800's, early 1900's there was a Cree Indian Prophetess by the name of Eyes of Fire that had made a prophesy a company by the name of Green Label saw fit to put on a t-shirt.  I would like you to really think about what you read as you take this in.  While ingesting these words please think about what you can do to change your ways.

The Cree Indian Prophesy says: "Only after the last tree has been cut down;
                                                     Only after the last fish has been caught;
                                                     Only after the last river has been poisoned;
                                                     Only then will you realize
                                                     that money cannot be eaten."

After reading this profound statement I came to realize that I am not doing enough to be kind to Mother Earth.  We recycle, limit the amount of trash we put in the landfill, almost never use plastic bags from the store, composting, raising some of our own food, and just overall trying to be more "green".  Some would say we are doing more than enough.  I don't think we are.

When will we as a people stand up to big industry and big brother and say NO!?  They need to stop destroying the world.  I suppose I need to say this now, as it may have come across your mind.  I do not believe in global warming for a whole host of reasons.  But that is for another rant at another time.  I do however, believe in green living and reducing our footprint.  Our world is changing rapidly every day.  Most may not notice as the change is gradual.   Our highly consumeristic society is tragically running this world right into oblivion.  I would be willing to bet that most children think that food comes from the store, where in reality food comes from the ground, through farmers hands.

I say buy local.  I say buy fresh from farmers markets.  Support your local farmers who are struggling to survive.  Buy in season, which means only buy food that will naturally grow in the US for that time of year.  Produce from other countries is not treated to the same standards as ours is.  It may have chemicals on it that are far beyond toxic to your family.

I recommend that you unplug the the electronics in your house that you are not using.  You would be surprised at your next electric bill if you do.  Electric rates are about to go through the roof as the caps come off just in time for winter.  So the time to change is now.  Go gradual.  You can't do it all over night.  But try to make some changes in your life that will help sustain you for the future.  Here is a great idea - get outside and grow a small garden with you children.  Teach them about the land and let them play in the dirt and have fun in the earth.

There are many websites out there that would be good resources for safe gardening.  Don't use chemicals on the food you grow.  Use manure for fertilizer, and food grade diatomaceous earth to kill the bugs on the plants.  We would be defeating our purposes if we planted and ate chemically ridden vegetables.  A good magazine to read is called Mother Earth News.  It can be found at your local book seller, or you can subscribe to them online.  Rachael has been reading it for a few years now and we have gotten many great ideas from them.

Please, I beg you, do you, your family and the world a favor and do something, one thing toward being kinder to the planet today.  Try to change one thing at a time.  Pace yourself to a new way of living.  Thats just the way I see it...

Wah I find most jaggin and laughable abaht picksburg...

I have lived in Pittsburgh on and off for over 10 years.  I have taken the time to learn the loved dialect known as Pittsburghese.  Mind you I do not speak it as is done here, I just have a learned understanding of the language.  With so many people who speak it, it would behoove one to learn it to prevent yourself from feeling like a stranger in a strange place.  I have also found if you say "Huh?" all the time you will be the one who sounds like the goof.

I go into supermarkets and here the announcements over the intercom done in this thick accent.  I have to ask myself, "Did they always sound like this, or are they trying to sound like a dummy?".  I'm sure this post will ruffle some feathers, but quite frankly, I don't care.  I feel it needs to be pointed out that one can embrace the culture here and not have to sound or talk like one of the dialectically challenged.  I mean, you guys sound ridiculous.


The Brooklyn accent is almost as bad, but at least the people are understandable.  Pittsburghers have created their own language.  While some may say that it's just the creative nature of the place.  Well I say, it makes you all sound like a bunch of dopes!  There I said it.

I will have to admit that it does make me laugh, how you have to raise your tone several decibels just to sound like a "true" Pittsburgher.  I certainly do get a kick out of this city and it's wild and wonderful people.

I realize that their language is very embraced here, and I am not saying the language should die, just evolve a little so the place doesn't feel so uneducated.  Sure, use the terms you grew up with, embrace the language that you love, just try for a moment to speak with some accentuation and without all the slurring of words.  I was listening to the radio the other day, and a fellow from Pittsburgh called in, his accent was so strong I could hardly understand him.  He was definitely a "South Side Johnny".  That is my term for people who speak with a thick Pittsburghese accent.

For those of you who want a taste of Pittsburgh, the website  www.pittsburghese.com has some very interesting features.  They have a translator that I used for the title of this post. They also have an extensive listing of the words used here, split up into nouns, verbs, adjectives, phrases, people, places, sports, and then some.  Feel free to humor yourself.

In closing I feel it should be said that I do really like this town.  I love its rich culture and diversity.  I even love its goofy language.  I may be contradicting myself a little in saying that, but you guys can really have an effect on people.  Today was just one of those day where I had to spout it off the way I see it...

Also, for those of you looking for a translation of the Title, it is: "What I find most annoying and laughable about Pittsburgh...

After yinz read this and in yinzes spare time hauscome don't yinz alls go on over and check aht da website and see wah being a picksburger is all abaht.

Chris the Alpaca Wrangler...

I spent the day with my wife and our friends at Highland Alpaca in Grove City, PA.  They have a fantastically beautiful farm with over 100 Alpaca.  It is quite an operation.  The main reason for our trip today was to help out with shearing.  Let me tell you this was more of an endeavor that I imagined it to be.  They had arranged for a Shearer to be there and shear 32 Alpaca and we were the assistants (with others who were also there to help).

As some of you know my wife and I have the dream of having Alpaca of our own one day.  So, we are taking every chance we get to gobble up all the experience we can and glean all the knowledge possible to ready ourselves for our next big adventure.

Pictured above is me and one of the Alpaca just after being shorn.  This can be rather stressful for them, as they have to be tied and drawn on the ground so they don't struggle and get hurt, or hurt the people shearing them.  And so, after shearing they usually have to take a minute to get their faculties before being returned to the herd.

The guys that were doing the shearing were very good and rather efficient.  They travel the country for 3 months solid shearing these wonderful creatures.  It can occasionally get messy and the Alpaca, when stressed, tend to spit, which really is just half digested grass and alfalfa.  But nonetheless, it stinks.  The fact of life is, if you have Alpaca you have spit.

One mess that happened to me occurred while I was holding one of the Sires and he decided it was time to pee.  And so he went, all over my leg, which happened to be under him at the time.  You can laugh I did.  It could have been worse.  Spit could've been added to the mix.

Here you can see one of the Alpaca stretched out on the ground during the shearing process.  This does not hurt them in the slightest.  In fact they submit quite nicely and don't really struggle at all.  Minus some of the fussy noises they make and spit they produce.  Spitting and noise is not a constant either.  Some do, some don't.

Rachael and I feel very fortunate to have been included today.  We have learned so much and are very eager to learn more.  And, can't wait to tend to our own herd one day.  There is plenty of information out there on Alpaca for those that are interested.  Also, if inclined, one could browse over to Highland Alpaca's website and take a look at all they have to offer.

I do believe I will sleep like a baby tonight.  I am already sore from all the activity today and know I will sleep great.  There is nothing like putting in a hard day and resting really good because of it.

The Next Chapter Begins...

Friday marked the day I said my goodbyes to my grandmother's house.  It really makes me feel old to say that I have known that place for 39 years.  I have spend a lot of time there.  Grown there, dreamed there, cried there, fought there, screamed there, but most importantly, learned to love there.  Grandma may have been many things to many different people (mostly good, mind you) but to me she was one of the purest forms of grace and perseverance through the storm.  She was a fighter and never ever gave up hope.  That home was always filled with warmth and love.  I will truly miss it.

This weekend is the first time in nearly a year that I do not have to leave my wife on Sunday to travel back for school.  What a relief that I can stay here and sleep in my own bed with my wife right beside me (and the dog in the middle as usual).  It feels good to be home to stay.

Getting settled and all of my stuff unpacked will be the next big chore.  It is amazing how much stuff I had up north.  I would've never thought that I had accumulated that much in such a short period of time.

As this next Chapter begins and the blank page lays there before me I can't help but sit and stare at it's pristine emptiness.  Knowing that as soon as I make one indelible mark the new journey has begun.  One Degree down and at the very least, one more on the way.  I will sincerely miss you Pitt Bradford.  I will miss all of the memories we have created together.  I will miss all of the friends and connections made.  It will be hard not to see all of you every day.  In some ways it feels like my safety net has been taken away and I must walk this tight rope all alone.  I just have to make the first step and the journey begins.

The relationships we build must always be cherished.  Never burn bridges they always say.  I now, fully know the truest meaning of that phrase.  The most important thing I have learned while at Pitt Bradford is not to place so much stock in what pen and paper say about you.  But, you should define your worth in the the relationships you have built along the way.  The friendships and alliances you have made will define you more than any grade or title they can give you.  The respect you have earned and the gifts you have given of yourself to aid others in their success will speak louder than any mark on a page.

To all of my professors, colleagues and friends at Pitt Bradford I wish all of you the best in your own personal journey.  I do hope, however, that you will all continue to be part or mine for the foreseeable future.  Because, I am not nearly ready to bid any of you adieu.

A bit of joy...

I have been wanting to get on here and add something new and exciting, but there really has been nothing new and noteworthy to report.  Until now.  I was just chatting with a friend who asked me how I did on my final exams.  I knew about 2 of them and happily reported that I earned A+'s.  Out of curiosity I checked to see if my final project had been graded yet.  It has, and I have also earned an A for that class.  This class being the class I dread, that I have mentioned in previous posts.  I did work very hard on that project and am rather pleased with the grade I have received.

I have one more final to go.  It is on Friday morning at 9am.  This is the class in which I complained about the test with the ambiguous questions that were not discussed and not in the book.  I am feeling pretty confident as this week has been rather productive as far as studying goes.

In a week full of ups and downs, today makes it all worthwhile.  Learning that I did so well on my project finally gives my mind some peace and has allowed me to exhale.  I have been nearly purple from holding my breath so long.  It is good to breathe a sigh of relief.

As each day ends, I draw nearer and nearer to the close of this chapter in my life.  I have so many people I need to thank for their instrumental roles in this theater called life. Though, I certainly will not list them all by name as this would turn in to something like "I wish to thank the Academy..." sort of speech.  And frankly, I just ain't going there!  Those people, however, I do hope they know who they are.  I thank you, all of you, for helping me to become who I am today.

These past two years have been years of great growth and maturity.  I have learned much in this time and relish the opportunity to sing all of your praises.  I could not have done it without you.  For a while there, I really felt my sanity was wavering, but I was brought back to earth through the kindness of friends and family.

Two more years to go and maybe more.  Who knows, but thats just the way I see it...

Mixed Emotions...

Maybe it's the rain.  Or is it more rejection added to the top of an already heaping plate?  It could be the emotions of moving on.  Moving on to a new stage in life; another fork in the road.  Leaving behind new friends, who's impact on me has yet to be fully felt.  Loss of security and heading off to somewhere old but new at the same time.  Trepidation fills my heart as I look forward to this new life and the old one left behind.  Or is it the same old life with a new spin?

Part of me is eager for change.  Another is screaming for things to stay the same.  I really really dislike change; my loathsome friend.  Sadly we live and change occurs all around us.  Something we just can't control, but beg, plead, kick and scream to resist.

These mixed emotions I feel today are so indescribable.  It almost feels like a hole is being torn in my soul(that might be a bit extreme). I would not say that I am depressed.  Just unusually sad.  I slept quite poorly last night.  Could that be a contributing factor?  I don't recall feeling this way last night.  I do wish some ray of light would appear to break this haze that has fallen over me.

As I take these steps into the future, maybe I, like everyone else has some fear of it.  I should not, though I guess I probably do.  It is not the fear of the future that plagues many regarding the age old question, where will I go when I die?  It has more to do with the uncertainty of tomorrow and the hollowness that it can sometimes bring.

What is most odd, I had many laughs today.   My day at school was fairly unremarkable, not unlike any other.  Small graduation/going away lunch for the graduates of the department I work for went well.  In light of the previous weeks events, I felt appreciated for all my efforts.  I will miss seeing my new friends and being a part of their everyday lives.  This almost feels like moving away from family.  I am happy yet sad, confident yet unsure.

It's just a very bizarre day.  One that I thought would improve with a little writing therapy.  I figured that sharing this would lighten my heart, and yet I feel surprisingly the same.  Blah!  I can hear a  friend say to me now, "stop being so damn emo!".  It's an inside joke we share.  Maybe one day I fill y'all in on it. You know, that actually made me smile.  Thanks Adam.  Whether you know it or not you just made my day.

This crazy life of mine; filled with rejection, sorrow, happiness... whatever.  Wow! I am getting far to poetic and dull.  It is time to stop this nonsense and get my head out of my backside.  The way I see it, I need to just get on with it.  If you have ever had a day like mine, think of a sarcastic funny moment.  It'll turn you around.  At least it just did for me.  How does it feel to witness a transformation right before your eyes?  Really, let me know.  Because this is pretty cool.

I officially feel better, and that's how it is!

Going Beyond? Well not exactly...

The "Branding" moniker for The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford is, "Beyond".  As in going Beyond to exceed all your expectations in a university.  Well, in my case the ball seems to have been dropped.  I have visited every office I can in attempts to get the recognition I deserve for my QPA and it all my efforts have been met with and successfully blocked by the "Almighty Policy".

As I mentioned before policy states that a graduate must have at least 60 credits and a QPA of 3.75 or better to receive the distinction of Suma Cum-Laude at graduation and on their diploma.  I have a QPA of 3.98 and 54 credits.  I transferred in 11 credits from another college to apply to my current degree, giving me a grand total of 65 credits (only 54 earned at Pitt).

I realize that this degree is an Associates and other degrees are to follow.  I will/should be able to keep up this pace for my Bachelors and I then can put this issue behind me.  I just really feel that this policy is a bit ridiculous and should be waived in this case.  Others at the University feel the same as I do.  I also realize that there is a prestige with a University of Pittsburgh degree and with it comes their policies that supposedly make their degree so coveted.

In meeting with President Alexander today, I was met with the same response as before.  "We're sorry, but we do have to adhere to the policy."  One doesn't become a straight A student over night; I have been working at this fervently for 4 semesters.  One would also think that those in the know would inform someone of the requirements to avoid this tragic situation.  I never once heard of this policy the entire time I have been there.  If I had known, I would have gladly taken the two extra classes I needed to insure I get the credit I deserve.

As this is a University wide policy, I have contacted the Main Campus and am awaiting their response.  At this point I feel lied to and am very disappointed.  The branding moniker of Go Beyond has failed me in my time of need.  Thats just the way I see it.

Not Quite Enough...

This week has had many ups and downs.  For instance, I have done very well on my two tests this week, achieving A's on each one.  On the other hand I have found out that the job I was counting on for the summer has disappeared.  The door is open for work during the semester, but at this point I am not interested.  The worst news came at about 4pm today, when I received a call from the Dean of Students.  He informed me that because I transferred 11 credits into Pitt and have earned "only" 54 while there for my two year stint, I (even though I have a killer QPA of 3.982) will not be honored at graduation nor on my diploma with Suma Cum-Laude Distinction.  Due to University policy I would have to have earned 60 credits in order to receive this distinction.

Mind you, I have busted my butt to earn these grades, and have been told for a year that I would graduate with Most High Honors.  What an extreme disappointment to find out that for all that hard work I receive NO formal recognition.  I have worked at the University for 2 years, 20 hours per week during the school year and 40 hours per week over the summer.  I have really worked hard and deserve this recognition.

I have met with the Registrar and was told he could do nothing because it is University policy.  I have met with the Vice President/Dean of Academic Affairs, and he of course reiterated what I was told at the Registrar.  Tomorrow I meet with the President of the University.  I do not know what to expect there, but I pray I will get a different response.  I hope I can convince them to waive this policy and allow me the honor to receive the recognition I am due.  If I get no joy from the President, I am left with my final option in the chain of command.  I will then meet with the Chancellor of the University and see if he will have compassion for this non-traditional student.

I feel it important to mention that all of the individuals I have spoken to have been very empathetic to this situation, and while they feel bad, their hands are tied by policy they have no ability to undo.  The assured me that if this was something that was within their power they would help me the best they could.  Once again, if the right people ruled the world...  Nonetheless, I am most appreciative of their compassion for me in this time.  They are well aware of my work and my grades, as I have interacted with them not only as a student but on a professional level as well.  I just believe there has to be a way for me to get the credit I am due.

I realize it is just a piece of paper and words printed on it.  What matters most is the experience I have had and the grades should speak for themselves.  The problem I have is I bought all this regalia to showcase my smarts, i.e. honor cords and stoles.  Without them announcing my distinction as Suma Cum-Laude will have me looking a bit foolish with all my garb on.  So the question is, do I wear it?

For now I close.  Tomorrow is a new day with new challenges.  The way I see it, they should waive this policy.  I will have to let you know later, how it is.....

Nearing the end...

The Spring Semester is drawing to a close and I am very ready for a break.  Internships for some reason have become rather scarce.  Some say it is due to the downturn in the economy.  I just can't see that being the only good explanation.  Simply because the stock market tells me so.  The Dow has closed over 11,000 for a week now.  Some one is making money somewhere...where is the question.

If I had hair to loose it would all be gone.  As I work to complete my final project for the class I dread, piles of mythical hair clump in gobs beside my chair.  It's not that it's so hard or complicated that have a problem with.  It's the fact that it is monotonous and tedious work.  One typo or mismatch in words and the whole thing can be thrown off.  Then you sit and search and stare at code for hours trying to find the error.

I have two final exams this week.  Well, not really final exams, because technically we are not supposed to have final exams early.  So they are "tests".  However, there is the belief among some professors that we should not have any tests or exams the week before finals.  This is so we (diligent students) can be spending the time reviewing, prepping and studying up for the big ones the following week.

Alas, things never go they way they should.   I guess they all have their way of seeing things too, and of course how it really is.  Nevertheless, the test that I spoke of last time, well, I didn't exactly bomb it but 75 out of 100 is not good at all for me.  I expect way better for myself.  Not humbling at all mind you.  In fact it just stood to really tick me off.  It may have motivated me to ace the final though.  I went and spoke to the professor and he was staunchly against my claims that the questions were very ambiguous.  I spoke to the majority of the class and they all felt the exact same way I did.  It did no good and we are all stuck with our lousy grades.

The way I see it, is he should have given points back for the garbage questions he posed.  Sadly he felt that he was justified in giving a crappy test for 4 semesters running.  Unfortunately, thats just how it is.

Truly exhausted...

So much has gone on since my last post, I don't even know where to begin.  I figure I won't go too far into the past, as I am so tired today I don't think I can muster the energy to think any farther back than 24 hours or so.

As I have stated before I work part time and attend college full time.  So my life is rather hectic much of the time.  As of 8:20 this evening I feel as I have just been freed from the snare of absolute boredom.  The lecture I just sat through for 2.5 hours was truly monotonous.  I really, really like my professor.  He is a great friend to me, but this lecture was so long and dry.  I know I did not retain an ounce of it.

I was up last night studying for a Sociology exam I most likely bombed today.  Now my wife of course would tell me that I always say that and I always wind up doing very well.  You don't get to be a straight A  student by bombing tests.  With that in mind, I really have never done poorly on an exam.  I feel like I guessed a lot on this one though.  Many of the questions were not in the textbook and I know they were never lectured on.  Moreover, another part of the test posed questions with the most ambiguous answers I have ever seen.  Have you every had questions where more than one answer is correct, but one is more correct than the other? They are horrible and you just never know till the test is returned how you did.  I went and visited the professor and made my case.  He seems to believe that all but one question was covered in the book.  I meet with him on Thursday to discuss the matter further.  I really hope it I don't need to, but if I do that means I didn't do well and need to beg for extra credit.

On a much lighter note.  I am applying for a scholarship through the National Honor Society in which I am a member.  My advisor/professor/director/boss (yes he really fills all those roles in my situation) wrote me a gleaming letter of recommendation.  One would think after reading this letter that sun shines out my backside.  I was blown away by it's content.  To know that someone thinks so much of you as to write such a letter is very humbling.  Thank you, Don!

All in all the day was not too awful.  Some good, some bad, but over all I made it through one more.  One more day closer to the end of the semester and the completion of my Associates Degree in Information Systems.  I will try and update on the situation with the exam in case I did better than I thought.

Odd feelings and very odd weather...

I find that I'm dreading a certain class I take.  However, once the class is over I tend to be ok and I am able to press on and head home.  What happens next is truly puzzling.  As I get in the car to head home I get very tired and feel almost depressed.  Funny thing is, I am not a depressed person.  Tired, I can definitely relate to that.  It seems as of lately I can never get enough sleep.  I spend 20 hours of my week working for the University I attend, approximately 12 hours driving two and fro, 10 hours in class, and the rest of the time is designated to homework, studying, and special projects.  Oh yeah, and maybe 6 hours a night of sleep.

I have such a major case of senior-itis and I still have two more years till my Bachelors is complete and an additional year and half to two years more to get my Masters.  The good thing, is that next semester I will only have to concentrate on my studies.  Unless of course something wonderful comes along.

I am currently struggling to find a paid internship for the summer.  Most of the large companies have a freeze on hiring due to the economy.  Or at least that is what they blame it on.  The stock market tells me different.  I am an avid stock watcher and pay attention to the trends.  The country seems to be on an upswing, but is that just a false positive?

I suppose I should be doing something school related right now, but I need a little therapy.  Thankfully the weekend has arrived.  At least I don't have to work.  I do however, have to work on my big final project for the class I dread.  Not that I suspect I will get anything less than an A, it's just a lot of work for not a lot of gain.

My wife comes to see me this weekend and we are going to an Alpaca farm for an educational visit.  One day I would like to get my wife a couple of Alpaca so she can just love them and spin their fleece till her hearts content.  I get the technology gadgets to satisfy my geekness and she gets animals and paraphernalia for her "crafting".  It's a good trade off as most of her goodies are rather expensive too.

What weird weather we are experiencing here in the North-East.  It has been unseasonably warm for several days.  A cold front has moved in and now the weather people are calling for slushy snow tomorrow.  80's one day and below freezing the next.  And what's up with all the earthquakes lately?  Should we all be preparing for something bigger than this world?  Natural disasters, weather disturbances, death, destruction, and chaos; we just may see Jesus riding in on the clouds one of these days.

If you are not a believer and have questions I am available answer all I can.  What I cannot answer immediately, I will find out and get back to you.  Life is precious, but eternity is a very long time to be confused about the truth.  A wise man once asked me this question:  Is it better to believe in God and be saved and find out when you die there is no heaven, or not believe in God, not seek Him, and not be saved and find out that there is?  Heaven or hell is our choice.  We have been given the testimonies and the Truth.  We have to be the ones to come to Him.  Remember, He loved us first.

Well, I have successfully rambled on from one topic to the next and should have by now confused myself.  I hope that I have not confused anyone in the process, it's just the way I see it...

The first of many posts to come.

My first blog post.  How bout that?  I have been told for years that I needed to find a creative outlet for my thoughts, ideas, writings, and the like.  My wife, of course, has told me that I'm a very good writer and I really should be doing something with it.  She has been writing a blog for a little while now and seems to really enjoy it.  This blog is the result of much contemplation and the need to break the tiresome routine I seem to be stuck in.  I am getting tired of the daily garbage on facebook.  I went there to meet up with friends and to keep in touch.  Sadly, it has become a haven for trash talk, foul language, and immaturity.  I must say that I will gladly leave it if this becomes a truly inspiring and productive outlet for my energy.

I have no misconceptions about legions of followers and publishers banging down my door for a book deal.  I do have the belief that I will get more out of this than most reading it.  I suppose this may just turn out to be an experiment in journaling.  Which happens to be something else I was always told to try and never did.

Through this outlet I fully expect to discover many things about myself.  I hope to inspire others to delve deeper into the regions of their mind.  I suppose some of my banter and ramblings may stir emotions and elicit quality comments that will further help us to see the way I see it and how it is....