Goodbye Cabin Fever!!!

I am mobile!  I bought a bus pass today and went on my maiden voyage to Anchorage via public transit.  I am so excited!  It was half price because the month is halfway through, so that was nice.  I learned a lot today, and the bus system is fairly easy downtown.  That is a benefit of having a city that is relatively small - less chance of you getting completely lost downtown.  Just jump on a bus, and you will at least get to the transit center and you will be able to figure out from there.

I started off at the Eagle River transit center when my cousin Barbara dropped me off.  I spoke to a lady on the phone yesterday that told me the bus only came to the Eagle River Transit Center, even though there is a bus stop right outside our housing area.  After talking with people at the bus stop, and later the bus driver, it was confirmed that the bus does move along Eagle River, although it is limited service.

I went into town for an interview at a staffing agency.  It went well.  I got there an hour and a half early so I hung out in the downstairs lobby.  I walked to the bus stop and jumped on the first bus that rolled through.  Wouldn't you know it?  It went right where I wanted it to go! :)  I found a big Starbucks to work on my homework and take some tests for the staffing agency.

A pleasant surprise, was Barbara came and had her lunch break there with me and helped me apply for some military base jobs.  I know she laughs at me and thinks I'm a dork, but that's okay.  I spent most of my day in that Starbucks, then went on foot to try and find that transit center!  I totally passed my street and ended up on a fun trek through Anchorage.  I finally found my way and the need for gloves was apparent.  I left them in my jacket I use when I take the dogs out, so I was missing the gloves today. It was negative three when I left home, and it was nineteen degrees when I finally made it home.

I missed my bus to Eagle River, because I was waiting in the wrong place.  Another thing learned today.  Oh, and I also learned that I have to take pay more attention to the street and bus signs.

So, when I got to Eagle River, I pulled the chain too early!  LOL!  So, it was a nice trek on foot to make it home, and without gloves!  So, needless to say, I was a little cold when I got home!  But, I love the briskness of the weather, providing I am wearing appropriate clothing.  Sheesh!  it is all about the gloves.  Have I already mentioned that? =)

ej

Cabin Fever

Here I am...just a few days into a  new chapter in my life and I am already getting cabin fever.  Not that I have been cooped up the whole time, but as active as many know I am, it is hard for me to sit around this much.  I have managed to do a good deal of homework though.  I have been here since late Saturday night and here is what I have managed to get accomplished:
Sunday:
I went to the YSA ward in Anchorage and met a few new people.  One girl, Kirsten, was especially helpful when she pulled the price tag off my cute coat I bought just for Alaska.  I got it on clearance just for Alaska while on vacation in San Diego.  Sheesh!  Sure glad she caught that before I met too many people.  LOL!  Church was fairly uneventful, mostly because my head was pounding!  Lack of sleep will do that to you!!!   It was a beautiful drive to church.  Snow sparkling on the side of the road, pulling up to the church building and seeing snow all over the place.  As I walked into the building there was a seperate area before going into the building where there was an empty trash can and two snow shovels.  It made me grin to see that.  We don't see those in the Bay Area.
The rest of the day was spent putting up some clothes in the closet and an early bedtime.  I was so tired and had to be ready to roll by 445 the next morning to catch a spin class at EAF with Barbara.  It was a fun class!  I have only taken one spin class before over ten years ago and was confused when I walked out.  At any rate, it is a nice facility and their pool was beautiful!  I hope to try it out sometime soon!


Monday:
I was on a mission to pass my DMV test!  I read quickly through the manual for Alaska when I woke up and then Barbara and I headed into town to print out a bill and then head out to the DMV.  We didn't have to wait long and sooner than you can say "Bob's your Uncle" I was taking my test.  I passed with flying colors and only missed one!  I surrendered my CA license happily and in a few minutes had taken my picture and it was in my hands!  I only had to wait 90 seconds!  Whoo hoo!!!  Now I can try and get a job!
I spent the rest of the day at the house looking online for jobs and such.  Got a callback and set up an interview for the next day.  Early to bed.


Tuesday:
Got dressed and ready to roll out for my interview.  Got there early so I did some things on my computer while chilling with the nice ladies in Cafe Ristretto on the 5th floor before going up to the 7th floor.  It went well, and they are confident that I can get a placement with my resume, so let's cross those fingers!!!

Then it was back to the house.  Sheesh!  A lot of sitting around huh?  Yeah, as soon as I move into actual Anchorage, I will be more mobile having access to the bus and such.  For now, I depend on Jimi and Barbara, unless I decide to try and buy a car.  We'll see though...

Wednesday:

Spent the day at the house, although I got to go outside to let the dogs out a few times.  LOL!  Jimi showed me how to use their gun in case I had need of it while they were gone during the day and I was home alone.  I am gonna have to save for a gun of my own!  
Got a lot of homework done, and did some more job hunting.  Hopefully, I will get a call back soon for another interview.  Never been unemployed before, so this is strange for me.  Talked to my Twinners for awhile and she made fun of me!  Hahaha!  She said she could hear "cabin fever" in my voice!  I am happy, but not being able to go out and do things is definitely a challenge for me.  I don't do "cooped up" very well, but I believe I am doing a good job so far!  Good thing I like to do my own thing!  I even got a chance to cook a yummy lunch for myself of a piece of chicken breast and sauteed red bell pepper in sesame oil.  It was yummy!

Today:
It is "Stay Sexy Thursday" and I have to go shopping for a suit.  Can't go to interviews without one.  There are lots of sales going right now, so I hope to find something good.  I also will have a chance to move around downtown on my own and go on an adventure.  I can't forget to get some cleats!


ej

Touchdown, Anchorage!

I arrived at the Anchorage airport at 904pm local time.  A little later than scheduled, so Barbara and Jimi were already waiting for me.  It had been a long wonderful day, but I was ready to start my  new adventure.  After getting my luggage, we went on a bit of an adventure in the airport.  In other words, we got lost.

Yes, we got lost.  It wasn't a waste of time though.  We walked down a hall where hanging on the walls were pictures of Anchorage throughout the years.  On the opposing wall were displays of different native clothing and pottery of sorts.  All along the ceiling of the walkway were clouds that changed color as you walked as to simulate the northern lights.  Since we got lost, we got to see them twice.  =)

Eight o'clock in the morning looking at the backtard with the light on so I could take the pic.

There were other animals on display and we walked passed them as we searched for the exit Barbara swore she knew existed.  Eventually, we did find the parking garage and the car.  I was very tired, after only having a few hours sleep the night before, but still I wanted to stop at Starbucks for my favorite drink-hot chocolate soy, no whip, 170 degrees. =)  yeah, I am one of those...


I was on two hours sleep, and had spent the day traveling, so I went to bed after unpacking some pajamas aka basketball shorts and a t-shirt, and setting up my guitar corner and making sure it was tuned and played a little Pearl Jam to break it in.

The Backyard

Me in the backyard

The Sun sits kind of low in the horizon.  This is afternoon sometime.

driving to church.  those are big mountains!

Never seen snow shovels at the church entrance before.

made it to church!

That is the "beach" and the ice and snow moving in the water.

Downtown Anchorage with the water in the background.

the backyard during the light hours

I slept a few hours before rising early to begin the unpacking process and just soaking in my surroundings.  It was dark until 830am before the "dawn light" started to break through.  So different than what I am used to.  My morning was half over and the light was just starting to come.  I went through my suitcases to try and find some church clothes.  I found a pair of slacks and a sweater and called it good.  Just getting my feet wet, as they say, so there will be more to come on my experiences here.  Right now, I am focusing on getting a job and getting settled!

T-Minus 4 Days

This has been a busy two weeks.  I am almost off on my Alaska adventure!  Friday is my birthday/going away party.  I don't know who will be there, but I hope to see my friends!  More to follow!  It is too busy to write a long entry today!

Vacation in Oceanside

I am finally getting a hang out this whole vacation bit!  A quick synopsis on what I have done over the last, nearly two weeks:  arrived in San Diego, spent a few days studying, passed my final on Monday, spent time with my Twinners, my Ninja, and their respective kids and spouses, watched three movies at the theater, kissed baby Twinner's chicks on more than one occasion, drawn and colored a fair amount of pictures with crayons, markers, and what I think was blood at one point (either that it was red bell pepper juice).  It's been great.  Oh, and did I mention I was able to see a friend of mine that I haven't seen in ten years???  So amazing!

I'M MOVING TO.....ANCHORAGE!!! (Well, Eagle River to start)

Yes, I am moving to Alaska.  It's been a long road getting here.  An unexpected path, but now that I am on it the excitement is beginning to bubble over.  I have spent months trying to decide on exactly what course of action to take and here I am.

It all began with my research on rural America.  I am studying to become a teacher and want my focus to be rural education.  Alaska was on the list by default, but it wasn't on my list.  Initially, despite the low pay, I had planned on moving to Montana after graduation.  I guess Heavenly Father had different plans in mind.  I researched, I questioned, I prayed, and I pondered.  I started feeling the draw of Alaska, and somehow it landed on my list too.  This was all supposed to in the future, but the revelations and kept pushing the move up.  So here I am.  It's six in the morning and I've got my flight confirmation, and one phone call in to Alaska Air (I somehow clicked on the wrong flight, so I had to fix it), and hopes and dreams in my front pocket.

Am I scared?  A bit.  But not afraid of the move.  No, that doesn't scare me.  Will I miss my friends?  Sure, but they'll always be there.  Isn't that what Facebook is for? =)  I'm scared, but for reasons I cannot share here.  It's deep within me stirring.  I'm not a very emotional being, as far as the shedding of tears is concerned.  I have a very limited number of "soft spots" in my heart.  This move affects one.  That is all I am gonna say about that.

I'm leaving my job behind, with hopes to find a new one in Anchorage.  I've had the same job for over ten years.  I've been happy there.  I love the people I work with.  They have inspired me both in and out of the workplace.  A company that I have been loyal to.  I will miss the people there.  I will have to un-memorize all the numbers I have come to store in my noggin over the years.  The rapport I have with some of the "people in my life" that I only know over the phone, is something I am going to miss.

I will be staying in Eagle River to start, which is just outside of Anchorage.  My cousin and her husband live there, so it will be nice to be with family.  I will go more into detail as things move forward.  I fly out on February 5th.  I am so excited but I have a lot to get done by then!  I am spending two weeks in San Diego in the beginning of January, so that doesn't leave a lot of time.

I feel so blessed to be able to take this step!

ej

Following up on June 29th Post "Taking a Risk"

I know it has been some months now, but the time has finally come to shed some light on that somewhat cryptic post.  It started with some research.  It started with just an idea.  All I wanted to do was see what the options would be after graduation.  Now it's come to this...

The official news and announcement to follow very, very, very, very soon...

ej

NyQuil Gone Bad #0328

I had been feeling under the weather for about four days.  I had friends bring me nyquil gel tabs two evenings in a row to help me feel better.  I slept soundly for two straight nights and was thinking I was on the mend.  I tried to pretend I was going to go on a run on a Monday, but I just couldn't do it.  On a Tuesday, a dear friend of mine purchased for "Christmas" a bottle of green NyQuil (I like Green) and I was elated!  Another night of splendid sleep!

I came home from my meeting at church and prepared for bed by taking a dose of nyquil.  Oh, the warm, burning sensation as I feel the liquid go down through my body.  Reminds me of a nice tumbler of Johnnie Walker Black, but any hoo...back to the story.  I sat down in my recliner and put on a movie to wait for the effects to kick in and chatted with some peeps on Facebook and Gchat.  I knew it was working when I couldn't type coherently any more and said my goodbyes...sorta.

I woke up around 11pm to say goodbye to a person I had apparently been saying goodbye to since two hours prior, so I hit the "enter" key.  The next thing I remember I am roused awake by a loud "THUNK!!!"  as I watched in slow motion my laptop finish it's fall with a second "thunk" onto the ground at my feet.

"HOLY COW!" I shriek!  "MY LAPTOP!!!!"  I quickly pick up "my baby" and make sure he's still in good working order and notice I am still "talking" to someone on Gchat, still logged in to Facebook, and apparently I was in the middle of typing something in excel (though I am not sure why I had excel open in the first place).  The movie I was watching was happily looping the song on the start menu, and that is when I finally look at the time.  It's 2 a.m. I'm still in my clothes, so I feel like Marty McFly, and I am still groggy from the effects of the NyQuil.  I debate climbing into bed or just sleeping the rest of the night in the recliner.  This is a real pickle for me, because, in case you don't know, I have a loft bed and I really do have to climb into bed.  I quickly assess how "drunk" I still am from the NyQuil and finally decide to climb into bed under my nice and warm blankets, but not before I give a little "Sana sana colita de rana si no sanas hoy sanaras mañana" to my baby....errrr....my laptop.

Of course, this didn't happen to me.  This is just what I heard. =)

25 Random and Not So Random (FB post repeat)

in no particular order fyi

1. i greatly dislike a cold toilet seat
2. i recently decided i enjoy a properly prepared pound cake
3. i am not afraid to try something new, especially if it involves something physical (ie. hunting like katniss everdeen, ballet, wood chopping, etc.)
4. blueberries are my favorite fruit
5. i own three costume wigs (Afro wig, bad hair plugs wig, Roy Orbison wig) and i wear them whenever i feel like it, usually in public while skating or riding a trail
6. i spent four months trying out demo racquets before choosing to buy my Wilson K.Six.One.95 and have never regretted it since
7. i have a strong belief system based upon my life experiences, gospel principles, and look to God for guidance daily
8. i have a fear of fireworks as they can make me cry (i rarely cry)
9. i always name my primary use basketball
10. i name my printers (my home printers:  manchesca and horus, work: pawandeep)
11. i'm not afraid to go against the grain, but i don't make a forced effort to be different i just go with what feels right.
12. sometimes i have to sleep with the light on, because i am afraid of the dark
13. i am ambidextrous in most things, but tend to be more left than right in sports (i am an ambi turner though)
14. i hate shaving my legs, so i use an epilator (side note:  spell check options for epilator - mutilator LOL)
15. i want to believe in Santa Claus
16. one of my biggest fears is leaving this world and not having made a difference in helping others believe in and do good by serving them
17. i write poetry, but i think it's sappy and lame so i rarely share it with others, but things just go onto a page so I save it just in case i choose to share someday
18. wilbur smith is my favorite writer and i have read and own nearly all of his books
19. i love New Kids on the Block and Justin Bieber and I don't care what anyone thinks!
20. i am terrible at remembering birthdays, but not because i don't care about people, but because i like to let my birthday pass quietly and without a lot of fuss, so i forget that most people want to be called or messaged about their "special" day (it is a work in progress)
21. i liked Garth Brooks before he got Trisha Yearwood-ed
22. i still bump Tommy Page, PC Quest, Perfect Gentlemen, and The Boys in the summertime
23. i can remember things from when i was four years old, and some of those things scare me, some do not
24. i love that i have a good jump shot, in fact, it is on my dating resume LOL
25. i know how to cook now!!!

Happy Holidays!

Dream On

 There are a million things I "dream" about.

There are the dreams, some may call "delusions of grandeur" of standing on a stage in front of way too many people, who's faces I can't even make out; in the sea of people I can see the undulating waves of humanity moving in time with music blaring out of an extensive system of monitors, electrical wiring, and lights I couldn't even imagine sourcing with power and life, but it's me, all 5'8" and the perfect amount of soft lovable flesh luring the said mass of humanity closer and closer into a fevered frenzy.  Yeah, that's right!  It's me, center stage doing the ever so original fist pump into the air letting the crowd know that I hear their cries, and shouts of adoration, and perhaps, the occasional inappropriate, but always appreciated "oh hecks yes you're hot" to which I just smile and secretly add to the already obscene amount of tally marks on my imaginary "oh hecks yes you're hot" bedpost.  In case you haven't put it all together, I am a rock star.  One of exceptional skill, both on every single instrument in the "band" and serving up the most intensifying, soul stealing, dulcet tones of singing anyone who has ever had the privilege to hear.

Then there are the more realistic dreams.  The ones we dream when we are awake.  Dreaming with our eyes wide open and in the most beautiful and perfect moments, like on the patio in the early summer having breakfast and the feeling of the sunlight that's just starting to warm the day; you reach for your glass of orange juice and dream about building the new and improved deck equipped with a fire pit flush to ground level for a variety of entertainment and personal purposes; oh, the Dutch oven dinners that will follow and the thoughts of it make you salivate.  Yes, that is a dream that can become a reality and you chug down the rest of your orange juice just so that you can swallow hard and bring your lips to a smile without sending drool down the sides of your lips.  Or, those precious and few quiet moments sitting in your "sanctuary," the one place that very little can penetrate your thoughts and you can read Forbes, and the occasional Cooking Light, without constant interruption; it is there that most often you dream with your eyes open, usually when performing a courtesy flush, when in that final swooshing of the flush, something amazing hits you and it takes everything in you not jump up from the throne and jump for joy about the amazing revelation of pure awesomeness that has just entered your consciousness.  Those moments, by far, are my favorite and most dynamic of all.

I’ve been dreaming a lot lately.  Working on the plan for post graduation from school has occupied a good portion of my thoughts and research time.  The research is a bit extensive and relocation highly probable, but not certain.  Dreaming about teaching abroad for a year or two and building a school from the ground up lures me and drives me to do well in each class.  I do, however, catch myself dreaming with my eyes wide open about the things I dream about with my eyes wide shut, but I do my best not to get caught driving down the street and doing fist pumps and giving the “rock on” sign to fellow drivers, though, I have been known to give a preview performance now and again.  I usually receive decent reviews, and sometimes a laugh and shake of the head, but usually it’s accepted well, however, I don’t let that fool me into thinking I have a real shot!  No, I’m just grounded enough to know that winning one karaoke contest in a room full of drunks that voted me “Most Entertaining Performer” mostly due to the use of a mic stand with no mic attached, my single male dance partner, my three female back up dancers, oh, and maybe my edited version of Bell Biv Devoe’s “Do Me,” doesn’t make me Super Star material.  No, indeed, I know better.

Dream on, dream on.  Get lost in the moment and into the next.  I have found that I am driven by my dreams, both realistic and those slightly deluded with grandeur.  Both have helped drive me forward.  Will I be a rock star?  Most likely not, but I have learned to play a little guitar and have seen a marked improvement as the years have gone by.  I have even gotten pretty good playing the drums on Rock Band.  =)  Having dreams and daydreams has allowed me to accomplish so many things and to enjoy some of those quiet moments alone when almost overcome with antonymous emotions to joy and happiness.  Dreams have pulled me from dark places and reminded me about the little things in the many colorful threads that make up life’s tapestry.  From a distance a few threads “out of place” help create and marvelous and grand design.

I dream about being a rock star.  I dream about being a world class champion quarterback, even though I am a woman.  I dream about playing tennis someday with players like Pete Sampras and Roger Federer.  I dream about traveling to countries I have only read about in books.  I dream about childhood activities that I hope someday I can relive vicariously through future children.  I dream of becoming a mother of many children, all with super cool and hopefully uncommon names.  I dream of becoming a wife and mother they can cleave to, and come to after a long day at school or work.  I dream of becoming the kind of neighbor that is approachable, and can always be called upon for a cup of sugar, or a late night cup of Mexican hot cocoa, and if needed, served right up with a side of freshly baked and buttery bread, an available shoulder, and attentive ears.

Dream on.

It has been way too long...I am tired

I am tired, so I hope this all comes out right.  I guess I can always edit later.  Here it goes....

I am grateful....

I am grateful for Stay Sexy Thursdays.  When the week is pluggin' along and I start thinking my stock is plunging, there is always Stay Sexy Thursday to remind me that I'm awesome and that whether in sweats, puffy eyes, and a quart of ice cream, or in my sexy top the boys like, and those jeans that make my butt look grab-uh-liscious, I am sexy inside and out.

I am grateful for my job of ten years where I have gained more than just employment.  My "boss" is not only my supervisor, but my friend, confidant, father figure, and was sometimes also my bishop and spiritual adviser.  I am in a safe, happy workplace and you can't get paid enough to tempt me to go someplace else.

I am grateful for knowledge and a desire to gain more, and to seek to act in wisdom.  By the power of Greyskull (He-Man reference), I will someday be able to impart my knowledge to others while seeking higher education to become a teacher.

I am grateful for my talents that I am able to nurture, and share, and hone the skills necessary to perfect my talents for the benefit of helping others.

I am grateful for Love, in its various forms.  Love has the power to forge new life, to heal, to impart upon others, to be felt in one's soul in a way that can only be understood in those quiet, solitary moments; most importantly, love has the power to increase in capacity.  There is always room to love more than what we think we are capable.  I'm grateful for that unique and special trait of love.

ej

The School Term is now, officially, underway!

Ahhh!  Yeah, it's been slow goings so far.  This science class is super intense.  It's not particularly challenging as far as content itself goes, but it's a lot, a lot, a lot of content!  Basically, I am taking physics, chemistry, and biology simultaneously.  It's a lot to process, even for my brain.  If I didn't have to work, I reckon I would have more time.  That being said, this post is coming to an end.  I just needed a quick brain break, and to get that off my chest.  Goodbye cyber space, it's nearly my bedtime.

ej

Buttonwillow

It's been an adventure so far!  This new school term has brought with it a series of interesting experiences.  Since I study through an online University, my adventures come in different ways that you would expect.  I setup my own study schedule and spend time in different places finding the best study environment for me.

I like noise.  It helps me think.  Some of my favorite study spots are Barnes and Noble (Except there isn't a place to plug in my laptop, less I have to get up and go next door to the adjoining Starbucks, where is another happy place to study.  The only downside to studying in a Starbucks is the overwhelming temptation to consume a tall, soy, hot chocolate at 170 degrees in a grande cup (you get more of the lovely foam this way).  I love being able to take a study break and walk around the store and look at all the beautiful books and other items they sell.  Borders has actual tables set up in different places, but I like the way B&N is laid out as a store and the things they have for sale.

The Main (Fremont Main Library) is another good spot.  Providing I can find a study room, it is a great spot.  I can have music playing, plenty of desk space and a place to plug in!  I prefer the San Jose Libraries, but they are so far from home and have very limited hours these days.  Again, I like being able to take a break and see all the beautiful books!  I like to pull books off the shelf and read different interesting things.

I think my favorite part of being in those places is feeling like a student again and seeing others in the same position.  Young and hold and from all walks of life.  I like being a part of that throng of people that is studying, watching funny lecture videos about gravity (yeah, that's me), or sleeping on their textbook and waking up to drool (not me, but I saw a dude do that and it was funny).  It's good to be full swing into my studies.  This term is pretty heavy though, 14 units of math and science.  That's a lot of studying!  We'll see how the term goes!


ej

Relaxation

This weekend was pretty relaxing!  On Friday, I got off work a bit early and decided to take a book to the park after work to read.  Scott recommended a book called "Hunger Games" I had to read it for myself.  So, since it was an easy read I went for it.  I spent about half an hour reading at the park before having to return home to prepare for the spaghetti dinner at church.  I only planned to make an appearance since I also had to go to Santa Clara for the Battle of the Bands finale.

The spaghetti dinner was nice and I met some people in my new ward so it was successful, even though I had to eat a bit and run.  Every spaghetti sauce in existence that was made with some kind of meat was at that function, so I ate a few noodles and some bread.  Plenty of carbs if you ask me!

Made it in time to hear "Chapstick" by Pacific Lights and the rest of their show and hung around for awhile to hear most of the remaining bands.  Had to bail right before the end because I was so tired and still had to drive back home.  I had a good time though and it was great to see Robin rocking on the stage!  It was PL final show as a group before they all went their separate ways and I am glad I got a chance to see them live!

I decided to watch a movie and read a few more pages of the book.  "Dear John" was a pretty decent movie.  Channing Tatum actually acted and I didn't even see Channing Tatum in the movie much and that was really good to see!  I just saw his character.  He's coming along as an actor and that was enough for me to give it a fairly strong review. =)

Saturday was also very relaxing!  I started off by playing my guitar so long I thought my fingers were really going to bleed!  I have never taken it that far, but I was feeling pretty certain that if I didn't stop soon it just might happen!  Besides, I'm sure my house-mates were probably tired of hearing me sing and play by that point, especially since I only know about a dozen tunes or so and when learning a new tune, it isn't very elegant.  Ha ha!  The positive note (no pun intended) is that I learned two new tunes!  They're still works in progress but I'm getting there.  Took a trip to Trader Joe's, oh yeah!  Carrie needed to do some shopping and I wanted a few things for my lunches so I tagged along.  We enjoyed a nice lunch as well!  There was leftover batter from earlier in the morning (Oh, by the way, Bill makes this awesome pancake dough and I had pancakes for breakfast and lunch on Saturday).  Carrie really enjoyed them, and I enjoyed them...again.

After she left, I took advantage of the time to digest by playing more guitar despite the pain in my fingers, and watching Prince of Persia while reading a bit more and finished off the book!  It's part of a Trilogy, so now I must read the rest of the books!  Ha ha!  After relaxing and doing things around the house I decided to take a drive down to San Jose and return the book.  It was relaxing and felt good to have the wind in my hair!  A great end to the day if you ask me.

Sunday is a day for church and it was nice as always!  A day of rest from the world. =)

ej

Math Test

Just finished taking a math test for school.  It was a practice quiz really, just to get my "feet wet" and to get reintroduced to basic algebraic math.  I bombed it!  I haven't had to do that kind of math since junior high...that was...hmmm...15 years ago at least!  Bring on the Trig, that's the stuff I remember and have used most recently!  Heck, I think my Algebra II skills are even better!  Holy cow, haven't felt this "dumb" in a long while!  I mean, I was really sitting at the computer scratching my head.

It looked familiar to me.  It looked like something I knew how to do once.  But how exactly it went, I don't remember.  I got my score and they encouragingly give you a study guide on topics that need work.  I also omitted about six answers because in all honesty, had no idea where to even begin!  Am I smarter than a 5th grader?  Probably not.  Am I smarter than the average college graduate, you best be believin' I am!  Strange sensation to be so confused by what you know is a fairly basic algebraic expression.  It might take a day or so, but it will all come back to me once I do it through a time or two.

ej

To self:  if you can't do basic math, how will you teach it to school aged children?  oh yeah, thanks for the pep talk!