Thankful Thursday | No Writing 101 for me!
This week, I am thankful:
that I do not have to take Writing 101
When I graduated from high school, my SAT scores got me straight into an honors English college class, which covered English 1 and English 2 (Words have always been my thing. Numbers, not so much.)
Because of the two-fer nature of my English class, when I transferred to my BSN college, it was showing that I only had credit for English 2.
And that meant the Writing 101 class was still on my to-be-completed list.
Obviously, I could do that class with no problem, but I am not interested in taking more classes than I need to, especially when they are at a much lower level than where I am currently.
My advisor put in a transfer exception request, and this week, I found out that it was approved. YAYYYYY!
I was going to seriously hate having to waste time doing a 101 class. Geez. So, I am thrilled with this news.
(I probably would have tried to do a CLEP test to get out of taking Writing 1. But now I don't even have to do that.)
that I'm not running my heat
I am grateful for my toasty warm oil heat, but woo, it comes at a price. I am grateful to not be slowly draining my oil tank at this time of year. 🙂
Looking at the forecast, I might be all done running it until fall, actually!
for my floor fans
It's been uncomfortably warm (in my book) for the last few days, and I am grateful for the floor fans I got off Facebook Marketplace a few years ago.
It's not really time to turn the AC on (!), and the fans made this little heat wave quite tolerable.
The real feel outside yesterday was 89, but luckily today is cooler.
that I was able to host my friend and her son
My friend Mia (also a single mom who is a nurse!) and her son had plans in the area, so they stayed with me for a few days this week. I'm glad I was able to provide lodging for them (and we joked that the amenities here include off-street parking, since I have a long-ish driveway!) 🙂
that I like my job
I'm headed to work today, and I am actually working five twelve-hour shifts in the span of six days (two on, one off, three on).
This is a lot to work so close together, and I know I will be tired by Tuesday, but I am grateful that I like my job and I like my coworkers.
And mercifully, I have quite a few days off in a row after this string of shifts. Yay!
that my residency program is going to end fairly soon
Our last monthly class is in July, so I only have four more to go. I'm ⅔ done with it!
The classes are not hard, and they don't really have homework, but still, I'll be glad to have one less thing on my schedule.
for the early blooms
Every time I go for a walk, I see more and more flowers and leaves!
I am a fan.
that my driver's license renewal was easy and affordable
I was able to do it by mail, and it was $64 for an eight-year renewal. SWEET.
that my car is a hybrid
I went to fill up at the pump yesterday and I was like, "ummmmmm, whoa." about the price per gallon.
So it's a nice bonus that my Civic is the hybrid variety. I don't use a lot of gas these days!
I am thankful for all the daylight we have this time of year. It is nice to have daylight in the evening. I also appreciate the warmer weather. I washed a winter coat yesterday and put it away for the summer. It's a beautiful spring with lots of flowers, flowering trees and shrubs, and budding trees.
I am thankful for general good health. Even though I am in my late 60s I just get up and go about my day.
I am thankful for a good annual gynecology exam. My GYN had a second year med student with her so I had quite a thorough exam. I was happy to be a guinea pig.
I'm thankful our daughter lives walking distance from our house. It's about a five minute walk. It's perfect as we're close but not too close.
I'm thankful for the Pilates classes at my yoga studio. The teacher is great and I feel stronger after just a few months.
I giggled when I read the beginning of your post about Writing 101. I'm thankful for you that you didn't have to take a class you are qualified to teach!
For myself, I'm thankful for a fall last February. That fall exposed a thyroid nodule that, at the time, was labeled benign. This past February, the same nodule was labeled suspicious. Had a biopsy and it had indeterminate results. Had genetic testing on the nodule and it came back as having a gene that is positive for cancer. Am scheduled for surgery in May with a wonderful surgeon who studies thyroid cancer. This nodule is small enough that it can't be felt and I have no symptoms. Am very grateful for the fall that set these events in motion and for all the people who choose to work in the medical profession. ❤️
wishing you a full and speedy recovery.
Ditto. MH I m glad they found it early
I've had to take a class (training really) that I _have_ taught. Stupid but easier than trying to get an exception. You know the phrase "if it's stupid but it works, it's not stupid"? Not always true.
MH, it sounds as if you had a "fortunate fall"--or, in the Latin phrase, a "felix culpa"! I hope all goes well with the surgery.
What a great attitude that you have about all of this-sorry you are having to go through it. Take good care.
I'm thankful for:
--the beautiful spring weather (our yard really needs some cleanup after the winter).
--a working washer and dryer in our home. Laundromats are thankfully far in our past, but the memory is strong!
--being very fortunate to afford what we want to eat rather than having to take item from the shopping cart (also a strong memory).
--for a healthy happy family!
--for my nice little Subaru Impreza with it's good gas mileage and reliability.
--That I noticed before I left the track meet town last night that my gas light was on. I probably would have made it to the next town, but when I stopped at the closest gas station (and the last one before leaving town), the price on the pump was almost 20 cents cheaper per gallon than the price on their sign. No idea why, but I'll take it.
--That it was cool and cloudy at the track meet. This is the first track meet I've been to that hasn't featured burning sun/heat/high winds (take your pick, or all three). Such a relief to not be hiding in long sleeves and a hat for four hours in the sun. The wind was blowing, but it wasn't too bad.
--That I had an active childhood that not only taught me how my body is supposed to work but also how to MAKE it work. My sports schedule was kind of intense as a kid, but I have a lot of knowledge about exercise and nutrition thanks to that and my very active parents that has been helpful as I age and have to constantly re-adjust my lifestyle. I'm naturally calm and sedentary (unlike my jittery family), but a lifetime of intentional movement that started with team sports has kept me healthy.
--That I can sing this Easter. Last Easter, I was sick just before and lost my voice. It was so sad to not be able to sing at all the Holy Week Masses, and especially not being able to sing the Alleluia at the Easter Mass. Today is Maundy Thursday, the beginning of the Easter Triduum (the three days before Easter Sunday), and we have Mass every day through Sunday, so I can sing for four days. 🙂
--That our priest can lead us in singing. Our churches are too small to have musicians or choirs, so it's just him leading the congregation a cappella. In our church, I'm the only one more or less confident singing without musical accompaniment, so he pitches the hymns so I can easily follow him. My range is not as high as it used to be, and following men's voices sometimes makes me have to pitch higher than I'm comfortable with, so I appreciate that.
--For some good, very open conversations with a friend this week in which both of us learned more about each other. This is a new-ish friend, and we're still at the stage of deepening the friendship. This can sometimes feel a little scary because it requires some vulnerability, but the trade-off of having a true friend who really knows me (and still loves me 🙂 ) is worth it.
Kristin, your last one reminds me of the quote "A friend is someone who sees through you and still enjoys the view." I love that.
Thankful:
- For spring ethereal plants that I never knew about until living in the woods and now can appreciate this beautiful signal of the season shifting.
- For a trip with my mom to visit extended family this weekend out of state and reconnecting with some I hadn't seen for decades!
- For the chance to see, photograph, and understand some fascinating to me memorabilia and photos (with accompanying stories, as far back as 1800s).
- For the chance to visit and reconnect with a teen who considers me her Auntie and the ability to help her with her first car purchase (proud that she saved 75% on her own). My research told me it's a terrible financial and legal decision to lend her this money so I'm just counting it as an investment in her and her future, whatever thr result. I am confident that she fully intends to repay and also aware that life is life.
- That I don't and won't have my name on that car title or be involved with the insurance. Risky and expensive! To all parents, y'all are heroes. And seriously brave.
- For spring break and a truly beautiful week! The ability to breathe a little and focus a bit on my personal life.
Disclaimer: this post will be about the loss of a pet
I'm thankful that she was a foster fail. She came to staying 2014 on temporary basis to help out a friend.
I'm thankful that my friend was still involved with our girl and was able to be here when she passed away.
I'm thankful that our vet service offered at home euthanasia for pets. Our beautiful girl crossed over the rainbow bridge Monday evening, at home surrounded with love.
I'm thankful that she had her favorite treats and people with her these past few weeks.
I'm thankful that we had the financial means to pay the extra fees to help lessen her anxiety.
I'm thankful for our neighbors who dropped off sympathy cards.
Most of all, I'm thankful for the years full of memories we created and loved she was by so many people.
I'm so sorry about your pet. It's a special kind of love and a special kind of loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. We give a bit of our hearts to our pets. May the memories be blessings.
Sam, I'm very sorry for your loss. I read your comment after I posted about my love and gratitude for my own pet. They're so special.
I’m so sorry. The loss of a furry family member is heartbreaking.
I'm sorry for your loss, It's Me, Sam. And I wish I had a vet who did at-home euthanasia. DH and I had to put down two dogs and five cats in the course of our marriage, and having to crate up a suffering animal for that last awful trip only added to the misery.
We are of the opposite thought - at home would have been far, far worse with the far too young cat we euthanized last summer. We could have never looked at the place in our house again without heartbreak.
He knew we tried but we could not cure him. He even urinated and defecated right before he went into the carrier.
No matter where or when, it is the responsible but heartbreaking thing to do.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m glad you were able to do it at home.
Thinking of you with heartfelt wishes at this time. Our pets are pure love and we here know how hard it is to say good-bye to them.
Never easy no matter what the circumstances. The grief lessens over time but she'll always be with you.
I’m so sorry! It’s so hard to say goodbye to a dear friend. I’m glad you could be at home.
It’s been a while since I commented on thankful Thursday, and I will probably only be a sporadic commentator. But I enjoy reading Kristen’s post and the rest of the comments.
This week I am very grateful for our NHS and the wonders they are able to perform.
I have been having pain in both my thumbs and after a referral to a hand clinic I have quite back arthritis in both which obviously isn’t going to improve. I thought I would be offered steroid injections to manage the pain but instead I was offered a thumb joint replacement!!
Two weeks ago I had the first operation on my left (non-dominant) hand, which was weird as I was awake listening to the operating staff talking their way through thee op. Today had the plaster cast taken off. The operation scar looks really good and most of the stitches have already dissolved. Another 3-6 months and I should have full weight-bearing use of that hand at which point I will hopefully be scheduled for the other thumb joint to be replaced.
If anyone is interested, here is a link to what I had done https://ledaortho.com/groupe-lepine/maia-cmcj-replacement
I'm always thankful for the NHS! I hope your thumbs feel better soon.
Your weather sounds very warm. We’re still dealing with snow—not just on the ground; it’s still falling! But I think I’d prefer that to 89 in early April.
Thankfuls:
-for freedom, mostly from the horrible marriage I was in (yesterday was the anniversary of the end), but also from things like living in a war zone and having to deal with chronic poverty as so much of the world does.
-for having time to quilt this week. I really don’t get much chunks of time to do that, but I’m making steady progress on my project and hoping to have the top together soon so I can get it quilted before recipient’s birthday.
-sleep! I spent a lot of years not being able to sleep through the night for various reasons, and now I feel extra joy when I sleep all the way to my alarm. It’s nice to feel rested when I wake up!
-snow, I guess. I am ready to be done with winter but I do love a mild summer so I will enjoy the snow knowing it is soon ending and I will get to enjoy a summer that doesn’t need AC.
-my kids—they’re growing from the funnest littles into the loveliest (and still fun) tweens, and I am the luckiest to get to be their mom. Knowing them keeps getting better and better.
Your last one resonates with me. I love getting to know my children as they grow up. It's like watching a really good movie, but in real life.
Thankfuls:
1. I'm having a lovely time being home for Easter and seeing my family 🙂
2. I planned to go to yoga with a friend today. The class was cancelled which was frustrating, as we had already arrived, but it gave us more time to hang out and enjoy breakfast together. I went running when I got back which I hadn't done in a while. I ran for thirty minutes.
3. I enjoyed hanging out with another friend one evening. We went to the pub, did a quiz and enjoyed a meal and some drinks.
4. I've been going for some lovely walks in nature and seeing the flowers come into bloom. I saw a cat and was able to say hi to it the other day, which was an added bonus!
5. I'm looking after my sister's cat this week. I'm enjoying that a lot...except for when the cat wakes me up at 6 AM for breakfast 😉
4.
...not sure why there's an extra 4 at the end of my post!
You're very lucky with your #5, Sophie. Betty cat routinely wakes me at 4 am. She knows exactly what she can get away with, which is a lot. 😛
Today I am thankful for:
Learning that my shoulder pain will not require surgery, just meds and PT.
Feeling better after feeling bad. Is there anything more wonderful than that?
Retirement. I would not have gotten through this week if I had been expected to work! Retirement gives me the ultimate luxury -- time.
Libraries -- real ones, virtual ones, little free ones, random ones (like the one in the train station). I can never say I have nothing to read, and it's all free.
Modern medicine. Yes, it's expensive, but what a miracle, to have all these helpers dedicated to making you feel better.
This week I am particularly thankful for our dog. She is a rescue and is the best dog in the whole wide world - bringing light, joy, laughs and love to everyone she's with. She is so smart, sweet, brave, beautiful, funny, friendly and loving. I love being her mama. Right now, she is wrapped up in a blanket - a beagle burrito!
I love a dog who is content with blankies... I'm thankful that she's a good girl and has found a safe, loving home with you. 🙂
thankful for you. that my zozo is adjusting to her regular school nicely. that m-i-l is still around despite 5 visits to the ER in the last two weeks. that my girl will decide between dutchess community college and college of staten island soon. my son will b 15 in two weeks. where did the time fly?
thankfuls:
- We are in the season where I sometimes run the heat and air conditioning both in the same day. I'm thankful that our income is sufficient to not have to worry about the cost of being comfortable in our home.
- We've had beautiful warm weather this week. I would enjoy getting outdoors more if my pollen allergies weren't so bad.
- We've hit the peak of pollen season so hopefully in two to three more weeks, going outside won't make me feel horrible.
- We've been invited to Easter lunch at our daughter's in-laws. I love that our families celebrate holidays together. A bonus for me is that I don't have to do much for the lunch since I was asked to bring only fruit salad. I plan to make a loaf of sourdough to take as well.
- We're taking our grandson to Easter luncheon at my MIL's assisted living facility tomorrow since it is my day off. MIL will be thrilled to see him and show him off to her friends.
Yay for not having to take that class!
1) Grateful that my car is an electric right now. We have other cars, with four drivers, but this is the primary whenever we can.
2) That the earthquake very nearby didn't do any damage. It definitely woke me up in the middle of the night. DH slept through it. 😉
3) I'm always pretty grateful for leftovers, which provide us with easy meals right during the week when we are super busy.
4) For amazing friends. I went on a hiking trip with two of my friends (one from bay area, one from when we lived in Seattle) & as expected they got a long great & it was a fabulous experience all around. I know some incredible women.
5) That my dad was released from the hospital after a few hours on Monday. he was dehydrated, and it caused him to pass out. My poor mom thought the worst, which was horrible for her. He is 75. He was all sorted out after a few IVs of fluid. Also lucky that he didn't injure himself on the fall when he passed out.
I'm glad your dad is okay!
Thank you! Such a relief.
HP, I'm glad you're safe from the earthquake. I thought of you when I saw the headline. Also glad your dad is okay.
I am in the same area as you, I think. I was awake last night when the windows shook due to the earthquake. So glad it wasn't more. Glad your dad is doing well.
*Thankful for Holy Week. Easter is my favorite holiday. Grateful for the ultimate sacrifice for my salvation.
*I am thankful that I am of off work this week. It has been lovely to do things at my own pace, especially making phone calls to businesses and to offices for med appts. Those calls are hard for me to fit in during the work day.
*Meeting a dear friend for lunch today at a favorite spot. Bring on the hummus & grape leaves!
*Seeing a play with my two favorite men tonight.
*We're going to have a full table for Easter dinner. Lots of prep work involved but the conversation will be lovely. Looking forward to it.
Well, I'm neglecting my homeschooling duties (sort of--the kids get started on their own these days and don't need me as much) to write this, but since I had a giant pity party for myself last night, I need this exercise. This week I am thankful:
*for a fun field trip with friends at an art museum yesterday. It's nice to reconnect. It's also good for me to push myself for more outings with the children because we sometimes get so caught up in the grind-- trying to get all the things for school done.
*that my daughter (16yo) spear-headed cleaning out the chicken coops last weekend. She came home from cleaning the church and said, "And now it's time to clean out the chicken coops since it's cool." She rounded up her siblings, and out they went to do the dirty and smelly work. And they didn't complain. And neither my husband (who was working on church work) nor I (whose face wouldn't tolerate the chilliness of the day very well) lifted a finger to help. The kids trooped back in, took showers, and went about their day. I don't know why I am blessed with such gifts, but I am so thankful.
*that my father is paying for piano lessons for my children. I am trying to prepare myself to sing the alto part in our church choir's piece on Sunday. I do not have the know-how to sing parts well. I've always just sung the melody. And because I'm taller, I must stand behind the other alto ladies-- most especially, the one who has the know-how and sings very well. I like to follow her lead, but I can't when I'm standing behind her. Enter my daughter (and son) who are playing my part on the piano and helping me practice. I also like hearing the kids practice.
*for the fog this morning. It is so pretty in these hills.
*that I made time to read for me. Not something for the kids' school. Not something that somebody else wanted me to read. But a book I wanted to read. So what if I only read the first chapter?
*for coffee and veggies. For seeing my son in love (Not that he's told me he's in love, but I can see it. And I can see she's in love with him, too). That another son who has been fighting the flu still has his sense of humor about it-- and it's such a fun sense of humor. For the first 2 spears of asparagus my youngest boy found and picked yesterday. For the rain. That my son got a good flight in, despite the wind. That his plans for next year are working themselves out. For the time this week to remember and worship the One who did the hard work (without a pity party like the one I had last night) even though it wasn't His fault.
In re-reading my thankfuls, I realized I neglected expressing gratitude for my baby. I am so grateful to watch her grow up because I see in her so much of me (the baby of my own family). Through her, I am understanding myself more. Plus, she says delightful and unexpected things.
I'm glad you made time to read for yourself!
Thanks for sharing- I especially enjoyed reading your thankfuls today!
When I sing alto, sometimes I hold a finger in one ear so I can hear my voice and the nearby sopranos or really bad altos won’t drag me away. However, you might feel weird doing that while being the tallest! So you could just put an earplug in one ear. But maybe you don’t get led astray as easily as I do.
I try this....but I can't put fingers in both ears. 🙁 And I am so very easily led astray.
The weather is cold, wet, and dreary here, so this is a good exercise for me. Let's see ... thankful for going to a movie with a friend the other day--I'm not a big movie-goer, but it was a fun movie (Project Hail Mary) and it was good to catch up with her. For coffee after work with a different friend yesterday. For the three young adults in our young adult group who are taking on more responsibility in the group and showing increased maturity. For my daughter coming home for Easter this weekend. And for the meaning of Easter.
That my friend FG is in a much better place than a few years ago, and that she could get the help and support she needed.
That when someone I know said shes never had a nice nurse, I could tell her that they do exist. Lots of them, starting with the ones writing and in this blog.
That during my 24 hrs in the big city, I had a great time with my father and brother, ate great food, and had smooth travels.
That the reason I went to the big city was a success.
I have a big grateful this week. I turn 40 this year (In June... but it's gettin' kinda close...). And this year feels different. My coworker, who is 26, just quit as she had a baby three weeks ago and wants to be a full-time mother. Admirable, and I'm so grateful she has the ability to do that. But I am SO lonely in the office without her. I genuinely enjoyed her company and working with her (which I feel is very rare these days). So I decided to treat myself to something with the blessing of my husband. One of my bucketlist items has been to go visit Harry Potter areas within Universal Studios. And I doubt I'll want to go when I'm older... and who knows if my 6-year-old will want to go when he's older?
I have major guilt over spending this kind of money on myself, and dragging my husband and kid with me. But I booked it. Nonrefundable airfare. It's HAPPENING. We're going for a Sunday through Friday. I've pulled out all the stops to try and get a good deal. And we'll be at the two main parks for two days, and then Epic Universe for one (a certain little boy has very politely asked if we would consider also visiting Nintendo World ;)). And then we'll have two days of no plans.
So if anyone has any tips or tricks or places they LOVED while there.. I'd love to hear it! We're staying at the Loews Royal Pacific for two nights, and then moving to Cabana Bay for three nights (a price difference of $200/night!). Royal Pacific gets us early park entry AND free express passes for Studios and Islands of Adventure...
I did it. I spent money on myself. And I'm so grateful we're in a position I could do that!
Just enjoy the heck out of it—squeeze it dry, soak it up, take it all in! THIS is one reason that we all live frugally. So, happy birthday to you!
I’m assuming this is in Los Angeles, so my answer to anything there is always GO TO THE BEACH!!
How wonderful!!! Hope you and your family have the best time!
I'm thankful that I will soon be able to get a new car. What should I know about/consider with the hybrid option? I don't know that that was 'a thing' when I bought my current car.
Thankful for the spectacular double rainbow brightening the sky right now.
* That I filled my diesel tank last year.
* Warm fire to take the chill off
* a cat or two on my lap as I read...who needs a quilt?
* A full house for our Maundy Thursday dinner
It makes my mama heart proud to share this Holy season with all my kids that are close enough and those who FaceTime to partake from afar.
Thankful that:
-despite my husband being unemployed since a layoff in October, we're still doing ok. The discussion yesterday about being prepared for the unexpectedness of life (divorce, illness, widowhood) was so poignant. I think living our lives in the way we have has allowed us some breathing room while things aren't ideal.
-this morning my new haircut doesn't look as much of a disaster as it did yesterday!
-my parents are ok. My uncle recently passed away and while things are certainly changing with them, they are still here and still ok.
-my parents are so giving. They didn't exactly come from loving homes and yet they turned around and have poured so much love into my brother, me and our families.
-my kids are who they are. My 13 year old tries to toe the line sometimes but it seems their fate has been cast. I think they are great people.
-for longer days. I'm coming up on my 50th trip around the sun and it still delights me that the days get longer in the spring. Why does it feel so hopeful and refreshing?
Mostly, I am thankful for your bestie Mia and her son had a wonderful time with you. (IYKYK) I can just imagine all the nurse talk.
Hahaha, YES there was so much nurse talk.
So happy to read your thankfulness!
This week, I’m thankful …
- That sickness has stayed wayside for us. Hopefully, no one in the family will get sick this Easter weekend.
- For my body and the ability to walk and pick up heavy items. It came in handy when I helped volunteer at church yesterday.
- For warm fleece blankets and cuddles with my 3 girls on the couch in the mornings to school.
- For the chance to walk my 2 youngest to school and back home since they still want me to. Got to take advantage of all the time they want to hang out with me before they become teenagers and think it’s uncool.
- For finding a book that I enjoy reading. Not all books are that way. I’ve already finished it halfway through yesterday and look forward to reading the rest.
I think I missed what your residency class(course) is? Whatever it is, I’m glad you are wrapping it up in the nearish future.
Hooray for visits with friends!
I'm counting my blessings as I'm 10 days post knee replacement and feeling sorry for myself and need the attitude adjustment. I know it will get better, but I was hoping it would get better faster!
Thankful things:
Thankful for my husband and all his unwavering support. Thankful for a cracker jack PT and medical team at my surgeon's office. While I've normally been actively avoiding giving Bezos my money, I have been able to order and get quickly delivered a few items needed for my PT so my husband didn't need to make a special trip. While I can't get to mine currently I am exceedingly thankful for hot showers and looking forward to the next time I can take one!
Susan,
I'm about 2.5 years out from having a right total knee, and trust me - it DOES get better. I know how you feel, though - I had times of thinking I'd made a mistake, sadness for what I can no longer do, etc. The rehab is so long, it's a marathon, not a sprint (okay, maybe not the best way to phrase it, since a marathon race AND a sprint are both out of the question. Lol.). Kudos to your supportive husband (mine is, too) and being able to get the things you need for PT/rehab.
Happy to see that you've put a pin for Oregon on your map, but want you to know that you're always welcome to return!
In lieu of yesterday’s topic, my thankful post begins with how thankful I am over and over again that I was able to get a divorce all the years ago. My children and I were not in a good situation and I needed to make sure we were safe. I had a job, a path forward, and resilience to make it work.
I’m also thankful I married again and we have a long and good marriage. It’s nice to put in the work for something successful.
I’m thankful for the children who came with their dad and I helped raise.
I’m thankful for where we are in life now.
Currently, I’m thankful for PT and the progress I’ve made following a joint replacement.
Thankful today for:
Library books, as always.
Kristin and this lovely community.
A very comforting email exchange with my mom's pastor about having a deacon assigned to her who I can call on if there is a crisis or emergency. It's just the two of us now and she's 86-this is a big relief for me.
The week coming up is my favorite week of the year-Masters week (the golf tournament) and my birthday. Looking forward to little birthday freebies from Starbucks and Nothing Bundt Cakes. AND...that NBCakes offers a gluten free option. Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all who celebrate.
I was in honors English classes in high school, and scored very high on the SAT, but my university didn't use the scores for placement, so I ended up in English 101. I attended a university in a southern state that admitted any high school graduate who applied. Many students were from very rural areas--towns so small they didn't have libraries, they went to very small schools, etc.
On the first day, the professor asked us to write a paragraph so that she could gauge each student's writing ability. While everyone was writing their paragraphs, one student raised her hand and asked "do you spell 'cause C-U-Z?" All I could think of was "I need to get out of here!!!". After class I asked the professor if there was a higher level English class I could take instead. She told me there was an honors level, but "it's very hard". I transferred to that class. And got the highest grade in the "very hard" class that didn't come close to the rigor of my high school English classes in another state.
I did some tutoring in English there too. I was shocked to be working with students who didn't know what a noun or a verb was, and couldn't identify a complete sentence. I know I would have been driven crazy if I stayed in that first English class.
Glad you got credit for the class! Anyone with questions about your writing ability need only read this blog.
Bet you are also very happy that you got you Civic when you did. I imagine the price of hybrids and ecars are going to rise almost as much as the price of gas...and the 2 facts are interrelated.... the law of supply and demand.
Meanwhile, I'm thankful for the heavy rain this morning and also for the nice sound it made on the metal roof.
Also grateful for redoing/ itemizing the income tax. Was able to get credit for the roof installation last year and this shaved about $1000 off what I owe the IRS.
Thankful another worker wanted a day off so I was able to work enough hours to make up for the (mandatory) day off Sunday when store closes for Easter.
Kristen, you are a prolific writer and I'm sure you would have had no problem with that 101 class. But, your plate is consistently full so it is good that you were able to bypass that requirement.
I am grateful for good friends that are always there for me to hear me gripe.
I am a cat mom and I am grateful for the unconditional love they give to me, even though I know it requires food on their plate consistently.
I am grateful to be working at home and that I do not have to make that drive to work Every Day because my Jeep Gets Lousy Gas Mileage.
I am grateful that my new crop of potatoes have sprouted and I can't wait to see what they do in a few months. They will either make baby potatoes or I'll just have a really pretty green plants.
And, exceptionally grateful for the Frugal Girl followers who always give me hope and laughter for things that are going on in their life.
Blessings.
Oh, man, the English classes for a BSN!
I already have an engineering degree, and it's currently looking like I may have to take what is essentially English 2 when I do my RN to BSN. So annoying - I got a 780 in the written portion of the SAT back in the day (800 is a perfect score), I've been doing professional communication since I graduated, I've worked on writing a TON of instructional and reference manuals, and I've done countless professional presentations in front of numerous types of audiences, from stuff for work to grassroots organizing. I had to write all of my lab reports completely from scratch for my engineering degree (8-10 pages every other week or so), detailing exactly what we did and the conclusions drawn.
And I read on my own time for fun and education!
I just do NOT understand the requirement, especially since my BSE required 2 English classes already. The second one was titled "Professional Communication for Engineers", and the current BSN program I'm looking at, the second English class is "English Composition", so maybe they think the work we did doesn't "count" somehow?
I usually find English classes incredibly annoying - my experience has been that the teachers don't like it when you argue with them about conclusions if your conclusions are different from theirs, even when you use textual evidence and/or secondary sources (like author diaries, other works, or contemporary reporting/interviews). I've had exactly one English instructor (my first English class in college) who seemed to genuinely be interested in the different ways students could read the same text. Every other class I've taken (honors English all the way through high school, then the 2 classes in college), the teachers just seemed to want the students to affirm their (the teacher's) conclusions.
I don't want to pay, yet again, for that experience. Still hoping to get out of it, but it's not looking likely because my "old" school doesn't have a detailed-enough syllabus to supply to my "new" school on the content of the course.
Right there with you on the frustration. The whole BSN program has seemed mostly...silly to me so far. I am spending hours doing what is essentially busy work, and as of this point, I see almost no way that this program is going to impact my work as a nurse in any meaningful way.
But for some weird reason, it's required hoop to jump through. SIGH.
Very thankful on a Friday for . . .
-the offer of a campus visit for a job for which I am interviewing. I've been on the academic job market for five (five loooong) years, and I want out. I am interviewing at a local prestigious private school, and I am surprised I hadn't considered this before. It kind of feels like a perfect fit. I can't wait to visit, and I hope they make me an employment offer next.
-the opportunity to spend the kids' entire spring break back home at the family home my family shares with us. I did have to commute to my university for two days, but it was worth the longer drive to spend an entire spring time week back home.
-the weather. Speaking of the spring time, it has gotten warm in the middle of the day, but not too warm to spend all week with the windows open all around the house 24/7. In the middle of the country, it feels like we are camping. Heaven.
-my sweet little family and their health. It's been a long road for me with breast cancer, but I am starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank goodness my children and husband are healthy.
Oh, I'm thrilled for you about this job opportunity!