Money for School

I attended the Collin County Foundation Scholarship Awards Ceremony this evening. I was prepared for a boring, yadda, yadda, yadda hoopla.
I was wrong. Happily so.
I received a foundation scholarship for the Fall and the Spring for my nursing school tuition. It isn't a huge sum, but free money is free money. The fun thing was checking on my bill for my tuition and finding that I had a $43 amount owed to me for books. Rock on.

One semester paid for, three to go.

The ceremony itself was really well run and very interesting. The officials from the school did an excellent job in keeping the speeches succinct and yet interesting. No one nodded off, not even the donors!

The one thing that showed through: the enthusiasm for education.
A nursing program graduate spoke about her experience at the school. She is a living illustration of what an education, at any level, can do for your self esteem, your future and the future of your children. She also had been a recipient of several of the grants and aid programs Collin County offers. And it paid off. She and her husband, who had just returned from Iraq, were now able to send their kids to school.
What a difference.
Truly, knowledge is power.
An education is the one strength everyone has the ability to possess. With the programs that are available, you can still get it done.

Education is worth every penny because the price of ignorance is astronomical.

Australia!

I did have a great time in Australia. I will write more later, and have pictures.

Suffice it to say the highlight of the trip was diving with Minke Whales.
Spiritual...

I have now completed the check list....

After this morning, I have completed all the errors associated with being a new motorcyclist.

1. Droping your bike from a standstill-left side.
2. Dropping your bike from a standstill- right side.
3. "Hugging" the pavement at (albeit very small) speed.
4. Having to have bike repaired.
5. Acquring a nail in the tire.
6. And the finale: Running out of gas.

I think I am done with the Bike error list!!

But I still totally love it!

I Almost Died Today

I was west bound on I-190 today. Well, for most of the time.

There was moderate traffic, nothing too congested and everyone was going fairly swiftly, about 60-70mph. I then realized that someone was getting really close to me on the right side. Right flush even almost.
Don’t you see me? I am electric blue for god’s sake!
I sat on the horn and braked to give them time to react.
Then I came to the realization that they were not stopping and I was about to be smushed.
In a big way.
At 70mph with lots of other cars.

Mistake #1:
I didn’t quite get the foot off the brake before steering into the lane next to me. So my car began fish-tailing severely. I couldn’t accelerate out of the fish-tail because there were cars in front and I knew I wouldn’t straighten up before I hit them. I kept driving as best I could but I then ended up facing east but still traveling west staring at all the other drivers trying to avoid me.
It is a very unsettling feeling; watching people coming at you, trying to avoid you, while still going away from them.

I decided that if I was going to get in a wreck, I wanted to be hit from behind or on the side, so I gave the wheel another tiny squeeze and 360 degrees later I was heading the right way on 190. Or would that be 540 degrees?

I finally regained control still going about 45mph in the far left lane. No one was hurt, and I have no idea how I missed everyone or how they missed me.
Amazing.

The one tension breaker occurred as I entered the highway again, having driven on the shoulder long enough to know my car was OK. I man in a ford 150 rolled down his window and gave me a VERY enthusiastic “thumbs up.”

I am so glad my near death experience was entertainment for someone.

He really enjoyed the show.

I have a new appreciation for how my car handles and how well put-together that little Subaru is. I think anything else would have flipped once it got sideways at 60mph. The all wheel drive is an attribute I will require from now on.

I love my car. I think in anything else, I would have been in a horrible wreck.

Let’s hope I don’t have to do that on my motorcycle.
Ever.

One More Class Down, 4 Semesters to go!

I finished my Developmental Psychology class...finally! It felt as though it would never end. I am glad to have the next few weeks off before I start my statistics class. Yes, I still have to take statistics. It shouldn't be bad at all.

Then it will be the foray into nursing school! I know it will go quickly but it is still going to be tough. I have survived worse. After that, an RN will allow many possibilities.

Such excitement!

Thought of the Day

I went to lunch with one of my brothers the other day. This statement came up in conversation:

Don't marry someone you can live with, marry someone you discover you cannot live without.

I thought it was very profound. We can live with lots of things in our lives, but typically those things come and go. Our mate, our partner, should be the one element we find non-negotiable in our lives.

Sage advice.

Update on Fight Night

My Monday night sparring is still great! I am learning lots and I feel that I am getting better. I am still getting clobbered fairly regularly, so I still suck at it.

So much to learn...

So few ice packs.

I got tagged a little tonight again on the right cheek. Not too bad. I do really enjoy the fighting and the learning. So, I am still going, still getting fairly beat up, but I do feel I am progressing, slowly but surely.

It is a fantastic stress relief as well. By the time you come down off the adrenalin, you are tired.

I'll keep you posted as to how things develop. Until then, keep your hands up!

Turner Falls 2006, Spring

Friends and I went camping this past weekend at Turner Falls Park in Davis, Oklahoma. It is a park that is maintained by the city of Davis. I have been here a couple times before and really enjoy camping and hiking the hills and wading in the streams and rivers.

This time was a little different. First of all, we went in a little warmer weather than I like to camp. So bugs were an issue. There were lots of bugs, and ticks. Three of the four people who went were black belts in Tae Kwon Do, the fourth trains horses and is no stranger to hitting large animals trying to hurt her. In short, no sissies here.

However, we are still women and flying bug things are NO fun! We did in fact scream like girls on several occasions. Jen showed the utmost in composure having been awakened one night by having a cold, squishy something land on her upper chest. Said squishy thing turned out to be a caterpillar, but at 2AM, it could be a small alien. She flung it away with silence, a testament to her self control.

In addition to bugs, there was a certain different, um, demographic of the people partaking of the park. We actually moved our camp after the first night because of the 6 tents of people, dogs and children that moved into the camp site next to us at, no kidding, 3:30 AM. One of the more clothed of us got up and screamed liberally at the unruly folks being a high decibal nuisance. It was awful. The next morning, as we ate breakfast, we unanimously decided we would move camp as we observed that four of the larger men of the group were starring constantly at us as if we were livestock. I don’t think we can adequately explain to men what that type of stare feels like to women. Needless to say, we moved.

Once that was done, fun and frivolity ensued! Everyone got their junior mountain goat award, as we rock-climbed with the best. We forged trails where there were none and sat for quite some time in the cool stream by our camp site. Ok, freeking cold stream, but it felt good.

Sunday AM proved to be a really hot day, so we packed it in a little early on got on to home.

Jen has pictures from her blog, check them out!

Next time we will camp where there is a curfew on letting people into the park. We will camp in colder weather. We will have a large fire (no burn ban!)

Still, a great time was had by all!

Phrases/ words of the trip.

• Pretty, Pretty, Pretty
• Picture, picture, picture ( said while clapping hands and jumping up and down)
• Yes, we are jumping ship
• Lisa, where are we going?
• What beverage will be the sacrificial honey bee diversion?
• What fire ban Mr. Park Ranger? We are just cooking dinner…
  

Darwin's Radio

With the assistance of Dr.'s ordered quarantine because of Strep throat, I just finished a book by Greg Bear, Darwin's Radio.

It is a fiction (OMG, yes I read a fiction book!) that is based in the current time and deals with human evolution.

It is very correct in the research regarding endogenous human retroviruses that are buried in our DNA. The premise of the book deals with these very old viruses human beings have accumulated through time being the 'machine' used for making leaps in human evolution by restructuring us at the genetic level.

It examines the political and psychological aspects of such a leap and the ramifications of such a biological change occurring in our society. As unpleasant as the book illustrates society and our government behaving, I think it isn't too far off the mark of what could really happen.

Even if you are not scientifically versed, it is an excellent read with enough explanation to follow the science, but doesn't become bogged down in the science.

Thumbs up!

Quotes for Thought

A sad thing: To survive something bad and yet learn nothing from it

In the words of Dove Chocolate: Learn something from everyone you meet.

How is it that stuff seems to rate about people?

How is it that fear can control so completely? The truth is, people treat you how you allow them to treat you...even if it is yourself that is treating you badly.

How can little fish be so damn noisy?? I mean, they are about 3-4 inches long and they can wake the dead with there gulping.

Different people have different expectations. Finding someone with a set of expectations resembling your own is worth the wait. However, you have to first be truthful with yourself about what those expectations are, otherwise, how can you tell anyone else?

Pain is inevitable, it's about what you do about the pain that counts.

Martial Arts Pick-up Lines

WARNING! If you are under-aged or have a weak constitution, don't read this post!!

A friend and I were discussing some of the fawning that goes on among our more youthful students in martial arts class. As you can imagine, the XY out number the XX by quite a bit. The conversation turned hysterical when "martial arts come-on lines" were bantered about. Here, for your entertainment:

• It just doesn't hurt bad enough. (Ike or Jujitsu)
• I just love being in the guard. (Randori)
• NO, not there, just over a bit....OHMYGOD that hurts So right! (joint locks in general)
• It is best if you come from behind. (sparring)
• I might have to hit you with my BIG stick (Kobudo)
• Yeah, it's solid wood (ditto)
• The mount is my favorite (Randori)
• Here, I have to touch you to show you the proper position (side kick)
• Oh, my, did I bleed on you? (well, just pick an art)

And my current favorite:

That yellow and greens of your black eye really go well with that scarf....

I'm In!!

The word is in….I’m accepted!

Fate was looking out for me when I did not get into El Centro’s nursing program last semester.

This time around the powers that be told of a different path.
I will be attending Collin County’s nursing program this fall, 2006. I am very excited!

I have most of the classes already so the only big classes will be the nursing rotations. Two years of “starving student” and then it will be oh so much better!

The Ten Tenors

Last nightI went to see the Ten Tenors at the Majestic Theater in Dallas. What a treat! Ten Australian men with fantastic voices! I must admit, I was a little dubious after their first two pieces, as these were a bit stiff and very traditional. My opinion changed very promptly with a fantastic rendition of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody and then a equally impressive medley of the Beach Boys. People around us became teary-eyed at Simon and Garfunckle. Opera “without the boring bits” was an great experience. I must listen to live music more. It is a complete sensory experience. You see the performers, you feel the reverberations of the music, and your nervous system responds. It is great!

Last night was their last night in Dallas and you missed a treat if you like exceptional singing. Catch them next year. Wonderful!

Excellent thoughts...

Most of you know I do not lend myself to religiously slanted stories. But I felt this was meaningful enough to over look its slant. I hope you enjoy it. I have actually witnessed this type of situation, so it is especially meaningful.
As humans, we have so much to learn from the critters around us.

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing. Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing. If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where he is, so he can follow her. As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray. When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell. Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need. Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see. Good friends are like this..........You don't always see them, but you know they are always there. Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.

Quote of the Day

There are two ways to live your life.
One is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other is as though everything is a miracle.
-- Albert Einstein

You Are What You Eat...

Tonight I watched Supersize me. Wow, what an eye-opening experience. I am not someone who eats lots of fast food. As a matter of fact, I don’t recall the last time I had fast food. I like to cook and pretty much eat most of my meals at home or at friends’ homes. Even at friend’s homes, I am still sometimes the cook.

Basically, you are what you eat. (Yes, I know this makes me chocolate) If you put bad fuel into a car, the car runs badly. Your body is no different. The really upsetting issues were the ones dealing with what our public schools feed our children. There is so much sugar! Our education is devoid of nutrition classes and becoming less and less supportive of physical education.
Scary.

One alternative school, yes the school where you send “bad” kids, completely changed most of their behavior problems by feeding the kids a better diet.
Low carbs, low to no sugar, good protein that is not beef and all of it freshly prepared.

You know, like moms used to cook. I grew up with a mom who cooked three meals a day. We had a proper diet, and I have the adult health to show for it. Thanks, Mom.

Health is really taken for granted in the US. Making the right food choices is really hard. Our food environment doesn’t help, nor does the food industry.

It’s not about health, it’s about money.
Sad.

Our health as a nation is worth so much more than just cash.

A New Semester

With the semester back in swing, my blogging is in a lull. Hopefully, once I get things whipped into shape, I will blog with gusto once again. This semester is Developmental Psychology which I am taking online. The first test was this week and I am still all A’s!

I like Psychology of any sort because it really helps to explain the world around you considering most of the world around you is occupied by people. By being only a little more observant, you can learn volumes about those around you; their behaviors, where those behaviors come from and what their actions/reactions can be.

People behave the way they do for reasons. If things don’t make sense, you usually can be patient and observant; OK, maybe ask a few questions, and usually you will be able to understand. There is always a reason. We all have our warts, our shining qualities and just plain normalcy too.

The part of psychology that always fascinates me is the nature vs nurture issue. In my opinion, we are obviously a combination of the too. I think your genetics sets you on a scale and your environment places you and your behaviors/perceptions somewhere on that scale either up or down. One can change where they are on that scale but one must find the scale in the first place.

Ah, self awareness….

Another blog topic…

The Devil's Playground

I watched an interesting movie this weekend, Devil’s Playground.

It is a documentary about the Amish youth during their ‘Rumspringa’. This is the time from the age of 16 to about 22 that the Amish youth are basically forgiven anything and allowed to experience the outside world. The purpose of this time is for the youth to decide whether they want to stay within the bounds of the Amish faith and culture or integrate into western or ‘English’ as they refer to the outside world.

First of all, it is really amazing that these kids can do anything and I mean anything, then choose the Amish way of life, dedicate themselves to Christ and the entire culture accepts them and forgives completely.

However, these kids are so ill equipped to deal with the outside world. They have all quit school after the 8th grade, every technological thing save the cell phone is new and having led such a regimented life, their naiveté is overwhelming. They are hobbled before they even try.

And if they choose to leave the Amish ways, they must embark on a totally new way of life.

I felt both sorry for them and strangely curious about their lives.

One of the interviewees discussed how choosing the Amish ways basically involved putting one’s self second and the community first. A great deal of self sacrifice. It was obvious this was of great comfort to many of the youth. Accepting the ways of the culture meant you would always have help, regardless of where you were. Your duties and place in society would be spelled out and generally there was always a family business or family trade you would be taught and thus have a way of living. Both genders have distinct roles and expectations. A great deal of confusion and discord are eliminated with such definition to one’s life.

Other youth were simply not able to see themselves in this way of life. So they chose do go it on their own. It was difficult; an eighth grade education, totally different schooling, a social structure completely different from the rest of the world, these issues made this choice challenging to say the least.
But the ones that chose this were happy, none the less.

It was really an interesting documentary. Many facets of the Amish way of life, its choices and the advantages and disadvantages were shown.

I recommend it.

So, how does this help me??

I ask, what possible biological and evolutionary benefit did PMS hold for evolving woman-kind? As a scientist, I believe the majority of our biology evolved because of a benefit it gave us or our offspring.

How would being moody and irritable at one particular time of the month and then affectionate and happy the next only to transition into “please, can I kill something that fights back?” and then weeping about the whole thing later possibly have been of evolutionary benefit? Or, were pre-Homo sapien females not troubled by these crazy hormonally driven behaviors? Surely they were…

We are exactly what our hormones dictate us to be. And, to be really honest, it is a pain in the posterior being female at times. Your logical brain knows what is causing your particular behaviors at the time, but that primal, emotional part of you just seems to tell that logical part where to go and exactly what it can do to itself.

Sigh…

Miss Whiskers Invades...

Miss Whiskers Invades...
Originally uploaded by lgmontgomery2005.

Well, as you can see, great progress has been make with my kitty-friend. She was happily melted into the sofa Sun AM. Very content. She is still an outdoor kitty, but she enjoys her inside visits.