Dropped

I dropped C ++ because the course format wasn't working for me and I just wasn't getting it.  So now I'm down to Business Ethics and Finance.  Finance is a very easy class and I am getting the material, much better than the last time.  I can now comfortably complete homework without an issue.  However, there were some developments with the separation this week, and was pretty out of it, so I went out with a friend instead of working on Business Ethics yesterday.  I felt bad about it.  However, I really needed to decompress.

Work is going well.  I returned from leave after having bursitis for 2 weeks and I basically got a promotion.  It looks like I will be hired by the company (I am currently a contract employee) and will probably get a raise.

Other than recent events, life is good.

Easy Term & Change Continues

The first two weeks of the term are completed and they are going well.  I've had to drop back to 11 credits, but I picked some pretty easy classes (for me), because I can't handle the stress.

This term I am taking:

C++ Programming
Business Ethics
Finance

So only three classes, and I can probably do those in my sleep, so even though I'm working I might have a little more free time.  This came in handy recently, when I developed bursitis in my hip and was laid up for two weeks.  I received a Cortisone shot this past Monday and went back to work on Friday.

My return to work was just what I needed.  I was told all day how much I was missed.  I even got a bit of a promotion and will, likely, receive a permanent position and raise in short order.  I felt so great afterwards, I don't think I've come down yet. 

Another thing that has happened is that the friend that I had staying with me, and was helping out around here, had to move out of town, so I am now handling stuff on my own.  This has been good in one respect.  I am no longer the horrible housekeeper mentioned in a previous post.  I think I have things organized enough to keep them that way.  The boys' room is the only disaster area, but I can close the door on that.

So it seems the negative changes that have occurred recently have actually had positive consequences.  Who would've thought??

Changes

Wow, I knew it had been a while since I posted, but I didn't realize it has been THAT long.  There have been many, many changes in my life since my last post.  First, the fireworks stand was a dismal failure and we lost a bunch of money.  This required me to go back to work.  I've been working for the last month and a half for an electrical contractor as a document control admin.  I am way overqualified, but it pays $19/hr and we need that more right now.

Secondly, because of having to go to work, I am having to drop my course load to 3 classes per term, about 12 credits.  This means that I won't graduate until 2013, which really bums me out, but that is what has to happen.

The greatest change is that my husband has been removed from our home.  It is a very long story, but suffice it to say that there were some safety concerns in regards to the children.

So basically, I am dealing with alot and need a lot of good thoughts and prayers.  I am lucky that I have surrounded myself with many wonderful people.  I have a friend that is staying with me and she is picking up the slack with the house and the kids because I have an hour plus commute and will have classes at night come this fall.  I am still set on continuing my education and will graduate.  What happens with the family remains to be seen, but we are praying that my husband gets the help he needs and that we can be a healthy, happy family once again.

Hi & Welcome!

Sorry for posting so late in the day!

If you are visiting from Mrs. O's blog, WELCOME!  I feel so honored to be this week's spotlight.

My name is Lori and I have been blogging for about 9 months.  My blog began as a sounding board for me, but has grown into a place where I can really express myself (hopefully, in a good way).  I live outside of Portland, Oregon with my husband and four children: Michael - 19, Brandon - 11, Kimberly - 7, and Ellie who is almost 5.  I attend college, primarily Oregon Tech (Oregon Institute of Technology), but also Clackamas Community College in order to complete some electives in the least expensive manner possible.  I hope to graduate next year with a BS degree in Information Technology with a Business/Systems Analyst Option.

In my spare time (not much these days), I read and quilt, though I do not consider myself "crafty" in the least, unless a computer is involved!

I thought the best way to get to know me is to reveal some quirky facts about me, so here are 10:

1. I love disaster movies and shows of the same genre (Armageddon, 2012, etc.)
2. I have a slight addiction to Karaoke
3. I have a passion for football, and especially the Dallas Cowboys, that I cannot quite describe.
4. I have a hatred for Microsoft and their products that I cannot quite describe.
5. As #4 would suggest, I am a Mac user.
6. Another hobby I have is to find songs that match my friends and create ringtones out of them then assign them on my phone.
7. I am learning SQL this term, and am positively GIDDY about it!
8. I am the worst housekeeper EVER.
9. My family is running a fireworks stand this year.
10. I am a major GEEK.  I love all things technical!

Well, that's about it.  Thanks for reading this far.  I love, love, LOVE comments, so please leave them!!

-Lori

Grad Aftermath & Summer Term

I got some back story information about what happened on graduation night.  As I suspected, the individual in question decided that she wanted to make that night all about her (she even told a mutual friend as much), and made excuse after excuse for everything.  I now know that she knows how upset I was, but obviously does not care.  I have gotten no phone calls, text messages, or even a Facebook message.  An apology is a reach, I know (she doesn't think she did anything wrong), but an acknowledgement of my pain would be appreciated.  It is obvious that this isn't going to happen.  As painful as it is, this is a friendship that I am going to have to end.  That is very difficult for me, because, as an overachiever, I don't give up on anything.  I dearly love this person, but I really don't have a choice.  My feelings obviously mean nothing to them, and I do not think a healthy friendship can exist in that type of environment.  I may be wrong and would appreciate any feedback/advice any of you have on this.

Now, because this can't rule my existence, I am starting to look forward to Summer term, which starts on Monday.  I'm pretty excited about the SQL class, because I've been wanting to learn it for over a decade.  Plus, the History classes are going to be awesome.  Below is a list of courses I am taking.  Even though I have graduated, I will still be taking classes at Clackamas, because OIT doesn't offer much in this area.

CCC
History of the United States
The Great Depression and New Deal
Microeconomics
Statistics II (This is a late starting class which begins in August)

OIT
Relational Database Design I (SQL class)
Document Development
Finite Math and Calculus I

So that's it, just 7 classes, and only 6 at one time.  They are accelerated classes, however, and only last 8 weeks, so there will be a bit more work, but these classes will be much more enjoyable.  Hopefully, the situation mentioned above will be resolved also, which will make things much less stressfull.

Here's to a..

Great SUMMER Term!

IT Finally Happened

After 7 terms, 2 different schools, and 143 credits, I found something today that had never been on my grade report before:

B

Actually, two of them. 

I thought I would be devastated, but I'm kind of relieved.  Relieved that Spring term is over, relieved that the cloud of the "eventual B" is no longer over me.

Time to move on...One more year to go. 

Weird.

Graduation Day or Just Another Day

***Warning, this post contains a little bit of whining and celebrating via pity party.  If you are offended, read no further***

I graduated today.  I received my AAS degree in Project Management from Clackamas Community College.

Not that anyone noticed.

It was treated like another day by my family, and everyone around me.  That is, except by my friends who also graduated.  Then, apparently, they decided that they would "whoop it up" without me.

I went to have ice cream with the kids and they were supposed to call me and let me know what was going on.  1 hour went by, then another half hour.  Text messages did not get a response, and phone calls were rejected (yes, actually rejected, not just not answered).

So here I am, celebrating.

Alone.

Happy Graduation Lori!

Complete

All the work is done for this term.  It really has been a terrible term.  Between conflict with a teacher that was completely draining to having the most demanding class I've ever taken this term, it has been EXHAUSTING!!

I am waiting on final grades.  I may lose my 4.0 this term.  There's a pretty good chance of it, actually.

I'll update more tomorrow!

Pride

As many of my visitors know, my daughter Kimberly was competing in the National American Miss Oregon State Pageant.  This pageant was held this weekend.   She raised all but $50 all by herself and we appreciate everyone's support!

We are so proud of her.  While she did not place in the pageant, she did win 1st place in the Photogenic Optionals competition which entitles her to go to Nationals in November.

Below is a picture of her with her trophy and the roses Daddy gave her and the picture that won her first place.

WAY TO GO KIMBERLY!!

WE ARE SOOOOO PROUD OF YOU!

Losing Sucks!

So, I didn't win the election, which really sucks.  However, it will give me time to work on other stuff.  I am disappointed though.

Another Convention

I am at Phi Theta Kappa's Regional Convention in Boise, Idaho, and am running for Northern District Executive.  I'm waiting for the results now and will update when I get them.

I also get to see my BFF Trish tonight.  I never get to see her and I can't wait.

By the way, if you're ever in Boise, do not visit Beauty Nails in Boise Towne Square Mall.  I went for a pedicure last night and it was AWFUL.  They ran out of hot water, the lady didn't really work on the callus spots at all, and they rushed us out because it was near closing time and my toes didn't get dry before I put my shoes on.  So basically, the whole thing was a waste!

5 Things I Learned at Convention

We had a great time at convention.  We met some nice people and I learned alot.  Here is a list of the top 5 things I learned at convention:

1. Geeks/Nerds/etc. have very little people skills.  Many people were awkward or downright rude.
2. A hotel with a 3 star rating does not mean that you will have a clean bathroom or a TV you can watch.
3. You will not be able to complete any homework while attending a convention.
4. Never underestimate the value of a good pair of walking shoes.  I bought some Ecco's on the last day and I soooo wish I had done it earlier
5. You never know who you are going to run into in the hotel lobby.  Deadliest Catch fans will recognize Capt. Keith from the Wizard. 

Convention

The Phi Theta Kappa Convention begins tomorrow morning in Seattle.  Myself (the VP of Leadership), and our VP of Fellowship are travelling from Portland to Seattle on the train this morning.  It should be a very productive trip, and I'm looking forward to getting alot out of it.  Getting homework done while I'm gone should be a challenge, but the whole trip should be fun.

Spring Term First Week

This has been an interesting first week back.  Besides reading, there is very little work to be done.  It's a nice way to transition into a new term.  None of my classes are very exciting, except for maybe Group Communication.  That instructor is a laugh RIOT!  For our second class meeting, she simply posted a scavenger hunt list on the door and each of groups had do go do things.  It was pretty cool.

The kids are dealing with Mom going back to school pretty well.  They began softball, baseball, flag football, and cheer this week, so they are plenty busy with their own stuff this week.  We're going to be busy, busy, BUSY!

Back at It

Well, it's the last day of Spring Break.  I begin my last full term at Clackamas Community College tomorrow.  I will be taking classes after I graduate, but only one or two per term (electives mostly, because they are cheaper than at OIT).  Tomorrow is also my first day of getting up early for Swim Conditioning. While I think that this class is going to be great for me physically, I'm hoping that it will balance out the lack of sleep I will be getting because of having to get up early three days a week.

Also, I have decided that, because I am going to be exercising three hours a week, I will take this opportunity to work on eating healthier.  I'd like to drop 50 pounds by the end of the term. 

The kids have all been out the last week also.  I'm really going to miss spending the days with them.  We've hugged, cuddled, read books, and played games.  I don't think we've had this much fun in a while.  Now Mom is diving head first back into the books.  They are sad, especially since I have evening classes three days a week, so we'll only have Thursday - Sundays for hanging out.  Weekends will also be busy with baseball, softball, flag football, and cheerleading.  Finding time to study will be interesting. 

So, I'm going to enjoy this one "free" night until June!

Followers & Chip-In

I see that, as of this moment, I am up to 14 followers!!!!  Welcome, welcome, WELCOME!!!  I am sooo excited to see you guys here.

I want to draw your attention to the blue "Chip-In" box on the right.  We are trying to raise money for our daughter, Kimberly, to participate in the Oregon State National American Miss Pageant, taking place Memorial Day Weekend.  This pageant is designed solely to increase the self-confidence of girls of all ages.  It is completely age appropriate.  Kimberly, age 7, will be wearing no makeup, her formal gown (already on layaway), is floor length (as required), and is also age appropriate.  This is, by all means, NOT "Toddlers & Tiaras."  Kimberly begged for 3 years to be in a pageant and she was invited to participate in this one.  I know it seems like a silly thing to give money too, but no more so than buying candy bars for softball or popcorn for Scouts.  This is just another activity.  Also, I found out that the entry fees for this pageant are about half of what other pageants charge, so this will be the last one she does.  At any rate, if you are willing to give anything at all, we'd really appreciate it.  If you have any questions, you can visit the NAM website at: www.namiss.com.

NOTE:  If you donate funds out of a business account, it is TAX-DEDUCTIBLE as a business expense (we can provide receipts).

Anyone who donates $10 or more will be placed in a drawing to win a $50 Amazon gift card!!
*Email me and let me know that you donated and I will place you in in the drawing.  This prize is being offered by our family as an incentive for sponsorship.  You will receive one entry for every $10 donated!

Thanks, in advance, for your support!

Angry Birds

I'm a geek.  Everybody knows it.  Because of that, I'm obsessed with geeky things.  One of these things is "Angry Birds" a game app originally designed for the iPhone/iPad.  I would play this at my friend Tara's iPad, but could not play it at home, because there was no version for Mac OS X.   I was soo excited to see that Angry Birds is now available for Android.  Since we are switching carriers next week, I will be getting a Samsung Epic, powered by Android, so I will now be able to play "the birds" any time I want.

Plus, I found this while walking the mall yesterday, and I just may have to go get it for use when I play!

Official Grades & Looking Ahead

Grades have been posted and, to my amazement, I kept my 4.0!  How is that possible??!  With 27 credits??  I also completed all of the work needed to challenge another 4 credit class and should get that grade back next week.

Now looking ahead, here are the classes I'm taking Spring term which starts next Monday, the 28th:

CCC
BA-226  Business Law
BA-217  Budgeting for Managers
MTH-243  Statistics I
PS-202   Government
SP-219  Small Group Communication

I am also taking a swim conditioning class (swimming laps) 3 times a week 6-6:50am

OIT
ANTH-452  Globalization
BUS-356  Business Presentiations
WR-327  Advanced Technical Writing

The interesting thing is that, while in previous terms most of my classes were online, this term 3 of my classes are in-class only, and one is a hybrid.  I also have never taken classes in the middle of the day.  combine that with taking the PE class and this is a radically different term for me.  We'll see how it goes!

I have to tell you that I'm not overly enthused about any of these courses, except maybe Government, which is too bad.  These are all my "have-to" take classes, no my "want-to's."

Wish me luck!!

Done Stamp

That's it!  Put a done stamp on Winter Term!

I had my math final today and I got a 96%, which gives me a 94% for the class.  As it stands right now, here are the results for my classes:

College Algebra - A
Technical Report Writing - A
Marketing - A
Intro to MIS - A
Electronic Culture - A (I think...waiting for the results of the final project)
Intro to Relational Databases - A (still awaiting final test results)
Hardware Software Integration - Unknown (Many grades are not posted yet)

I'm exhausted!  I think that I will spend a significant portion of tomorrow in my pajamas.  :)

Group Projects are Soooo FRUSTRATING!!

This term I have been involved in three different group projects.  The first was a marketing plan for Marketing.  I tried to coordinate it the best I could, but it is mediocre at best.  However it's submitted now, so we just have to wait and see how it comes out.  The second group was for the Case Analyses in Intro to MIS.  Half the group either dropped or didn't participate until the last case where our group was combined with another group when they lost a person (at my request, because I thought that it was too much work for just the two of them).  Lastly, there have been two groups for my Electronic Culture class.  The first group assignments (two of them) went OK, but the last assignments (with a new group) just can't seem to get started.  I've carried people in my group all term and I just can't do it anymore.  It's soo frustrating.

I Got an A!!!

I just took my most recent math test and I got an A (barely, it was a 90.3 but an A nonetheless)!!  It took almost the entire 3 hours to do it, but I did it.  I was freaking out, but I guess it turned out OK!!

Thanks, Beth and Tara for your support!!!

GPA is a PITA

Most everything is going well this term.  However, there are two classes, Math and Intro to MIS, which may end up being the downfall to my 4.0 GPA.  I wish I didn't care, but I can't turn it off.  I know that, without a ton of effort, I could just cruise by, pass everything, and be done with it.  Not me though, I have to push and push to get that 'A'.  I think therapy is in order.

Midterms & News

Wow, 3 weeks since I posted!!  I promise not to let THAT happen again.

Here is an update on my courses:

Marketing - A so far - I turned in my portion of the marketing plan (our major group project) yesterday, so I only have tests and discussion questions to do now.

Math - After my lowest section score is dropped, I'll be pulling an 'A' again.  That first test was AWFUL and now I'm freaking out about the final.  I'm about a week ahead in the work.

Technical Report Writing - Working on my final report, I'm about 2 weeks ahead.

Electronic Culture - This has really turned out to be my favorite class.  I'm a week ahead in assignments and doing well so far.

Hardware/Software Integration - I thought this was going to be the most fun, but it stinks.  We get very little work and the tests are confused with the previous edition of the book, so you never know what you're actually supposed to learn.

Intro to Relational Databases - Working on Final Project now, should have that done by the weekend, then it's just tests

Intro to MIS - TOUGH class!  This class is probably going to be the downfall to my GPA.

The upside is that I'm definitely going to get at least a B in everything and an A in most things, but that/those 'Bs' will bug me.

On the personal side, basketball and cheerleading are in full swing so that basically eats up my Saturdays, but it is a ton of fun to watch the kids.  Brandon has two games each Saturday and Kimberly cheers for another. 

The BIG NEWS this week is that Kimberly made the finals of the Oregon State Pageant of National American Miss, so now we have to come up with her "sponsor fee" to participate.  This is NOT a typical pageant because everything is age appropriate (no make-up or swimsuits).  If you would be willing to help with any financial donation, or be willing to donate or loan a formal length gown in a girls size 7 or 8, then we'd really appreciate it.

Dropped

Well, I did it.  I dropped a class.  I couldn't handle it anymore, I had to drop Financial Management.  The teacher was bad, the book was bad and it was causing more stress than I already had.  On one hand, I feel like a failure, but on the other, I'm kind of relieved.  I'll try it again at OIT next year.  Maybe I'll have better luck then.

Two Weeks In

Today is the end of the 2nd week of classes and things are going pretty well.  I've not gotten ahead in anything, but I have not fallen behind either.  I love my all my classes, but my Hardware/Software Integration class is driving my crazy.  The tests that we take are on the previous version of the book which has a slightly different arrangement and more details in some places and less in others.  Since the class is basically the quizzes, this is really going to affect my grade.


School/Work/Life balance is going OK.  I was able to make Brandon's basketball game yesterday.  I am getting some sleep and everything is turned in on time.  Not too bad.  I did put in some good hours at work this week, the most in quite a while, but I'm not sure how much longer that will last.  This is a three-day weekend and after church, I'm coming home to finish the last of this week's work, but I told the kids that tomorrow (Monday), I was all theirs.  No work, no school, no homework.  I'm hoping we can do something fun.

Oh, one last exciting thing that happened this week.  I met the neatest lady.  She is in one of my boss' classes and she needed help and asked me to tutor her.  I have gotten so much out of it!  What a rewarding experience.