Tuesday was my BIG day. No, I'm not talking about the swearing in of our president Barack. I've heard enough of that the last three days. I'm talking about my first day back to class in about 10 years! It was exciting. One of my best friends asked me if I was nervous. My answer was 'no', but as I was driving to Columbus last night, the closer I got to the school, I will have to admit, I was getting a few butterflies in my stomach.
I was the first to arrive, so I had my choice of the best seat in the room. Just like at church on Sunday, the front row remained open ;-) There are several other ladies in my class. Surprisingly, I'm not the oldest, but I'm not the youngest either. A couple ladies were teachers at Ivy Tech and were attending the class to enhance their skills.
I'm really excited about my new adventure. Added to my already overloaded schedule, I'm now squeezing in six different classes from now until the end of March. Bess is our instructor for the class, and taught us lots of new and different things the very first night! I couldn't believe how quickly the two hours passed. Before I knew it, it was time to go home for the evening.
My next class isn't until next Monday, but I'm ready to go back already!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
History
Most Americans, and probably millions of others around the world, had their eyes on the computer screen, or were watching the television somewhere today as Barack Obama was sworn into office as our 44th president of the United States. The conservations I had at lunch today brought back some memories of years ago. Someone, younger than me, made a statement about not remembering past inaugural celebrations.
I remember way back in 1981 when Jimmy Carter was the out-going president and Ronald Reagan was the newly elected president being sworn into office. This was during the Iran hostage crisis, and as Jimmy Carter stood on the steps of the helicopter for his farewell flight as the former president, I recall the news anchor telling us the hostages had just been released from captivity in Iran.
I sit here and wonder about 25-30 years from now, when we have another inauguration celebration, what I will remember about today and what I will be able to share during a lunch conservation.
I remember way back in 1981 when Jimmy Carter was the out-going president and Ronald Reagan was the newly elected president being sworn into office. This was during the Iran hostage crisis, and as Jimmy Carter stood on the steps of the helicopter for his farewell flight as the former president, I recall the news anchor telling us the hostages had just been released from captivity in Iran.
I sit here and wonder about 25-30 years from now, when we have another inauguration celebration, what I will remember about today and what I will be able to share during a lunch conservation.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Harlem Basketball is Still Popular
I was lucky enough to answer a trivia question on Friday afternoon and won four tickets to the world tour of the world famous Harlem Globetrotters, who were playing Sunday afternoon in Louisville, Kentucky at Freedom Hall.
Of course, the Globetrotters I remember, Curly Neal, Meadowlark Lemon, Marques Haynes, and Sweet Lou Dunbar, have since retired and a new team of Globetrotters wear the uniform. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the Sunday afternoon and actually laughed out loud several times.
Some of the tricks they did several years ago, they still do today. The fans still laugh and enjoy those same tricks. The famous water bucket is still funny today, as it was 35+ years ago. First, one of the Globetrotters wants a drink of water, another player knocks it out of his hand, one of the players decides to go get another drink. This time he gets a bucket of water. Accidentally, it gets thrown in the face of the official. With the official irritated, he begins chasing the Globetrotter. Like always, the Globetrotter gets another bucket of water, and begins chasing the official. As the official ducks, the bucket of water is thrown into the crowd, only it's not water, the bucket is filled with confetti. The crowd 'thinks' they are getting drenched, and duck for cover. Same joke for the past 35+ years, same outcome, same laughter.
The Globetrotters are introduced:
The Globetrotters play their theme song, Sweet Georgia Brown and perform their magic circle:
Just like over 20,000 times before, the Globetrotters beat the Washington Generals 74-69.
Of course, the Globetrotters I remember, Curly Neal, Meadowlark Lemon, Marques Haynes, and Sweet Lou Dunbar, have since retired and a new team of Globetrotters wear the uniform. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the Sunday afternoon and actually laughed out loud several times.
Some of the tricks they did several years ago, they still do today. The fans still laugh and enjoy those same tricks. The famous water bucket is still funny today, as it was 35+ years ago. First, one of the Globetrotters wants a drink of water, another player knocks it out of his hand, one of the players decides to go get another drink. This time he gets a bucket of water. Accidentally, it gets thrown in the face of the official. With the official irritated, he begins chasing the Globetrotter. Like always, the Globetrotter gets another bucket of water, and begins chasing the official. As the official ducks, the bucket of water is thrown into the crowd, only it's not water, the bucket is filled with confetti. The crowd 'thinks' they are getting drenched, and duck for cover. Same joke for the past 35+ years, same outcome, same laughter.
The Globetrotters are introduced:
The Globetrotters play their theme song, Sweet Georgia Brown and perform their magic circle:
Just like over 20,000 times before, the Globetrotters beat the Washington Generals 74-69.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Survey Says...
Who invented the age groups and when are we supposed to consider ourselves old? When I have done baby contests, I’ve done the age groups in months from 0-3, 4-6, 7-12, 13-24 and 25-36. Then you graduate to a different category all together…years! When I was involved with the youth league we had ages from 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, and 13-15 years. Then you’re in high school at 15 years old. You’re a snot nose Freshman, graduating to Sophomore, Junior and finally 18, and a Senior! But hold on…now you’re 18 and you have moved to another category. The group of 18-21 year olds. When doing surveys, it is funny how someone determines what groups to categorize everyone into.
The latest survey I completed had the age group 46-50 and 50+! What? Why are they ending the age groups at 50? That is waaaaay to young to stop counting. So, is that when they think we are to consider ourselves old? It’s funny when we were in the lower age groups, we aren’t thinking of health issues, retirement, and all the other old topics.
I think we are just as old as we feel and as old as we want to be. I don’t care what category the survey says I’m supposed to be in, I’m feeling way to young for someone to tell me I’m old!
My grandparents are the old ones!
The latest survey I completed had the age group 46-50 and 50+! What? Why are they ending the age groups at 50? That is waaaaay to young to stop counting. So, is that when they think we are to consider ourselves old? It’s funny when we were in the lower age groups, we aren’t thinking of health issues, retirement, and all the other old topics.
I think we are just as old as we feel and as old as we want to be. I don’t care what category the survey says I’m supposed to be in, I’m feeling way to young for someone to tell me I’m old!
My grandparents are the old ones!
Friday, January 09, 2009
A New Friend
Last night Ric, Patrick and I had the opportunity to attend a seminar in Clarksville. From the beginning of the presentation we were captivated with the speakers. The first lady to speak was Carolyn McKee. She was awesome! You could tell she was a 'people person', and loved her job. She made us feel comfortable and right at home.
At the end of the presentation I told her what a blessing she was to me and my family. If everything goes according to my plans, I will continue to see Carolyn on a weekly basis. I'm excited about making a new friend and feel blessed by meeting Carolyn McKee!
There were to other gentlemen who spoke to us last night. One was Mr. Hamilton, but I don't recall the second man's name. They, too, loved their profession, and it showed by the way they spoke to us.
I have lots to do before I go back and meet with Carolyn again, but I will write more in the near future of my plans and my visits with her.
Thanks Carolyn!
At the end of the presentation I told her what a blessing she was to me and my family. If everything goes according to my plans, I will continue to see Carolyn on a weekly basis. I'm excited about making a new friend and feel blessed by meeting Carolyn McKee!
There were to other gentlemen who spoke to us last night. One was Mr. Hamilton, but I don't recall the second man's name. They, too, loved their profession, and it showed by the way they spoke to us.
I have lots to do before I go back and meet with Carolyn again, but I will write more in the near future of my plans and my visits with her.
Thanks Carolyn!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
A 2-Hour Delay
Early this morning, January 6, there was an ice storm that went through our little Burg, and caused the start of school to be delayed by 2 hours. It was a great opportunity for me to get some serious work done...without any disturbances. By 10:00 this morning I had my list of 'to do' items dwindling. I've managed to mark 7 year-end items off my list!
Yes, I know, I'm tooting my own horn!
Looking at the weather forecast for the next 10 days, it looks as though I won't be blowing my horn for awhile. No delays in the near future. Like underwear, maybe things will change!
Yes, I know, I'm tooting my own horn!
Looking at the weather forecast for the next 10 days, it looks as though I won't be blowing my horn for awhile. No delays in the near future. Like underwear, maybe things will change!
Monday, January 05, 2009
Year End Procedure(s)
I can remember a few years back in 1978, when I had my first job. At the end of the year I couldn't wait to get my W2 so I could file my taxes. My second job was no different, and at the end of the year I was ready for my W2 on January 1st. Of course, I never got it that early, but I always wanted it early.
Now, it's different. I am the one who prepares the W2's for the employees and I can tell you they won't (and didn't) receive them on January 1st! Ha, ha! I couldn't imagine preparing the W2's for a large company with hundreds of employees! Gasp!! I know I would fret over getting them done, just the same way I fret over the ones I do now.
Having to do year end procedures on both jobs I do, makes my nerves stand on end just thinking about ending the year for both programs. Everything went extrememly well the end of December, and on January 2, with few customers coming in, I completed the end-of-year on the billing program. Ahhhh, one accomplishment under my belt!
This morning, it was time to move on to the payroll, something I dreaded all weekend. Today, I wasn't as lucky with my customers. In between waiting on them, reading and re-reading my W2 instructions, talking to myself, and actually answering myself a few times, I wasn't as lucky as I was with my billing, so I didn't get completely done with the w2's today. Tomorrow isn't looking too good right now either. :-(
The good thing, I don't have to have the employee's their W2's till late in January. I'm sure I'll have them done way before then, but it's good knowing I have a few weeks to work with! ;-)
You'll never hear me say, "I'll be glad when this year is over with!" When the year is over with, my headaches begin!
Now, it's different. I am the one who prepares the W2's for the employees and I can tell you they won't (and didn't) receive them on January 1st! Ha, ha! I couldn't imagine preparing the W2's for a large company with hundreds of employees! Gasp!! I know I would fret over getting them done, just the same way I fret over the ones I do now.
Having to do year end procedures on both jobs I do, makes my nerves stand on end just thinking about ending the year for both programs. Everything went extrememly well the end of December, and on January 2, with few customers coming in, I completed the end-of-year on the billing program. Ahhhh, one accomplishment under my belt!
This morning, it was time to move on to the payroll, something I dreaded all weekend. Today, I wasn't as lucky with my customers. In between waiting on them, reading and re-reading my W2 instructions, talking to myself, and actually answering myself a few times, I wasn't as lucky as I was with my billing, so I didn't get completely done with the w2's today. Tomorrow isn't looking too good right now either. :-(
The good thing, I don't have to have the employee's their W2's till late in January. I'm sure I'll have them done way before then, but it's good knowing I have a few weeks to work with! ;-)
You'll never hear me say, "I'll be glad when this year is over with!" When the year is over with, my headaches begin!
Sunday, January 04, 2009
The Golden Rule
Golden rule living. How many of us can say we do that? Day in--day out? This was our Sunday School lesson for today. And what a great lesson to begin the new year with! How many of us are without prejudging people at times based on superficial evidence? We've all done it at one time or another, at least I know I have.
Our story today was of a man, riding on a train, on a Sunday morning in New York City. Most of the passengers were either sleeping or reading. At one station,a father and his three children got on board. As the train went on, the children became more hyperactive. They soon were playing games of tag up and down the car--all to the father's apparent disregard.
The man judged the father, wondering what kind of father would allow his school-age children to be so completely disruptive in a public environment. Didn't he notice? Why did he look as though he didn't care?
Finally, the man put his paper down, confronted the father and asked him why he allowed his children to run so wildly all over the train. "They are disrupting everyone on board!" Exclaimed the man.
The father seemed to snap suddenly out of his stupor and quickly gathered his children, who came immediately at his command. "I'm sorry," he replied. "You see, we've all just come from the hospital where their mother passed away from cancer this morning. I guess they're a little wound up."
The man said his judgmental attitude and disrespect for the father and his kids immediately evaporated. He sat down, wondering how many other situation he had misjudged.
How many times have we ourselves been in this man's shoes? In the bible, Matthew 7 tells us about judging others and how we will be judged. Don't look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in our own eye.
Now, for the gold rule: Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law of the Prophets.
Hopefully, everyone can incorporate this into their daily lives in 2009. Imagine how great the earth would be!
Our story today was of a man, riding on a train, on a Sunday morning in New York City. Most of the passengers were either sleeping or reading. At one station,a father and his three children got on board. As the train went on, the children became more hyperactive. They soon were playing games of tag up and down the car--all to the father's apparent disregard.
The man judged the father, wondering what kind of father would allow his school-age children to be so completely disruptive in a public environment. Didn't he notice? Why did he look as though he didn't care?
Finally, the man put his paper down, confronted the father and asked him why he allowed his children to run so wildly all over the train. "They are disrupting everyone on board!" Exclaimed the man.
The father seemed to snap suddenly out of his stupor and quickly gathered his children, who came immediately at his command. "I'm sorry," he replied. "You see, we've all just come from the hospital where their mother passed away from cancer this morning. I guess they're a little wound up."
The man said his judgmental attitude and disrespect for the father and his kids immediately evaporated. He sat down, wondering how many other situation he had misjudged.
How many times have we ourselves been in this man's shoes? In the bible, Matthew 7 tells us about judging others and how we will be judged. Don't look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in our own eye.
Now, for the gold rule: Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law of the Prophets.
Hopefully, everyone can incorporate this into their daily lives in 2009. Imagine how great the earth would be!
Friday, January 02, 2009
Do you like to share?
Have you ever been in a situation where you had to share a computer with another person? If you haven't, let me tell you, it can become a nightmare!
Once the computer is set up and running smoothly, without any problems, it should be left alone. Set the antivirus and spyware to update and scan while you are away from the computer, and it won't slow you down when you are trying to operate the computer.
Once the background screen is set...leave it alone. I will be the first one to admit looking at the same background for days on end could get boring. But, if you are only seeing the background once the computer is turned on, then again when you are turning the computer off, maybe for 10 seconds total, there is no need to change the background screen on a weekly basis.
Then there is the changing and DELETING of my picture files! Yes, MY PICTURES! The pictures I took from my vacation, in Florida, and some from Tennessee! I take a great deal of pride in my picture taking. I am by no means an expert photographer, and don't claim to be. But, don't delete MY pictures I've uploaded to use during a presentation! That is just plain rude!
I find it strange how I can operate the system for weeks and weeks with no problems, only to have another person set down and the entire system fails (so they say). I've spent the last five hours looking through my photos, trying the find the perfect ones I was using. I've found some of them, but not all of 'em...grrrrr! It's coming up on my week to use this computer again...
I'll let you know if there are any kinks!
Once the computer is set up and running smoothly, without any problems, it should be left alone. Set the antivirus and spyware to update and scan while you are away from the computer, and it won't slow you down when you are trying to operate the computer.
Once the background screen is set...leave it alone. I will be the first one to admit looking at the same background for days on end could get boring. But, if you are only seeing the background once the computer is turned on, then again when you are turning the computer off, maybe for 10 seconds total, there is no need to change the background screen on a weekly basis.
Then there is the changing and DELETING of my picture files! Yes, MY PICTURES! The pictures I took from my vacation, in Florida, and some from Tennessee! I take a great deal of pride in my picture taking. I am by no means an expert photographer, and don't claim to be. But, don't delete MY pictures I've uploaded to use during a presentation! That is just plain rude!
I find it strange how I can operate the system for weeks and weeks with no problems, only to have another person set down and the entire system fails (so they say). I've spent the last five hours looking through my photos, trying the find the perfect ones I was using. I've found some of them, but not all of 'em...grrrrr! It's coming up on my week to use this computer again...
I'll let you know if there are any kinks!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Happy New Year
2008 is now history, and today we welcome and start a new year. Seems like the entire year has simply flew by and now it's starting all over again. I haven't made any new year resolutions for '09, and haven't made any for several years. If I decide I want to do something, I will just do it, not necessarily start it because it's a new year.
I'm blessed with a great family and awesome friends who are very supportive. They should know how much they mean to me, as I've sent best wishes to the important ones and have let them know I love every one of them.
In a couple weeks I will begin taking more classes at Ivy Tech, that will last for several months. I will have to work that into my overloaded schedule. I can't wait to begin my exciting, new adventure to see what doors open for me.
Before we know it, 2009 will be a memory. We should live each moment as if it's our last and make the most of every situation and not sweat the unimportant things. My blessings are abundant, and hopefully they will continue into the new year!
Happy New Year!
I'm blessed with a great family and awesome friends who are very supportive. They should know how much they mean to me, as I've sent best wishes to the important ones and have let them know I love every one of them.
In a couple weeks I will begin taking more classes at Ivy Tech, that will last for several months. I will have to work that into my overloaded schedule. I can't wait to begin my exciting, new adventure to see what doors open for me.
Before we know it, 2009 will be a memory. We should live each moment as if it's our last and make the most of every situation and not sweat the unimportant things. My blessings are abundant, and hopefully they will continue into the new year!
Happy New Year!
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