Back at Home

Well, my trip to Dallas was too short. Given time and money we could have stayed another week. It was the best vacation I have taken in my life. Everyone got along so well and after that initial meeting it was like the kids had known each other their entire life. They were up from sun up to sun up. I know my children slept for hours after we returned because for the eight and half days we were there they did not sleep. We went to Six Flags over Texas and Great Wolf Lodge. The rest of the time we just hung out at the mall, played soccer, skating, cookouts and swimming. We stayed in great hotels and I was able to see downtown Dallas and Gilley's Dallas. Gilley's is the honkytonk bar from the movie Urban Cowboy. I have always loved that movie and although the original bar is in Houston, I went to the one in Dallas. The kids played cards, dominoes and just mainly talked about each other like they have been for ever. We all started getting attitudes the last couple of days and I honestly believed it was because no one could handle the last day. We understood it would end but it hurt like hell. I will never allow fourteen years to past before I see my friend again. She is my closest friend and she knows everything about me. She has always been there for me no matter what crisis I was going through.

We are already talking about next year and what we would like to do. The choice is between Disney World and a cruise. My family have already been to Disney World so I am for taking cruise. Because of finances, we will start planning a year ahead of time. Well that is all for now. I just wanted to show the pictures of how everyone was on the second day compared to the smiles the night before we left.

Dallas, Texas

I know I have been saying that I was going to be in Dallas this summer to see a friend I met while in the Navy. Well, I am here. It was a pretty long trip. We took the route from Chattanooga through Memphis through Arkansas and down into Dallas. It was a long day but I enjoyed the time with the kids. I am writing this blog to capture one thing.

Remember when you were little and your parents took you to see relatives they grew up with and when you got there, they had children about your age and you all stood around looking "stupid" because in your mind you are going, "Who are these people." Every adult wants to give you a hug but you have no clue who they are. The kids are standing around with an uncomfortable feeling, answering only when asked and limiting those to "yes" or "no." For all of you who experienced that once or twice in your lifetime, guess what? Yes, children and Alicia's kids had that same experience. I could see in their faces and no matter who much we tried to include them in our conversation, they just smiled and said okay or what ever one or two word answer they could give. I wanted to laugh because I remember that encounter.

I will post the leaving Texas feeling because I know it will be a different scenerio. I just wanted to share that with my readers.

Associate's Degree Completed.

I have been saying that I am back in school trying to finish what I started twenty years ago and I reached the half way mark by completing my Associates Degree in Business Administration. I know that is a drop in the bucket for some, especially those who have advanced degrees but for me it was a great feeling. First, it felt like a 60 year old person getting their GED. Something that you did not think was possible but you did it. It has also given me the courage to move forward to by Bachelor's. I was at work and I pulled up my school site, which I do most days and I saw I had this certificate that said I demonstrated the skills required for CTU professional certificate in Management - Undergraduate Level. That was not expected. I wanted to cry. I still do because it was just something extra to add to my resume' and I know that a degree is not the only thing I am pursuing but professional certifications based on my curriculum. I also received a call from my advisor that stated that although my degree was an Associates I still graduated Magna Cum Laude. This is my biggest honor because in my 12 years of school and my two years of college between the ages of 18-20, I have NEVER achieved this. I was always the average student doing just enough to pass. I was okay doing just enough to graduate but I truly pushed myself to excel and it paid off. Not trying to sound conceited but I am proud of myself in a way I do not believe I can explain because in my mind I did not think I could do it but I am doing it. With three kids, a full time job and bills. I owe all of this to God, my Savior because, believe it or not, He has made this road bearable. He has kept me focused and He has blessed my finances that I will not consider dropping out. It has not been easy and there were times when I wanted to quit but the Lord gave me strength each day and I pressed forward. I pray for that strength in the next 15 months.

I had to do this online because of my family obligations but I can honestly say, Colorado Tech University has a learning environment that will make you think you are on an actual campus. They offer classroom chats where the instructor is teaching twice a week and you have friends, that will be a great network system. I hope to meet one of my classmates when I take my trip to Dallas. You can also join clubs. The thing I really enjoy about this learning environment is the real life scenarios that is taught. They are up-to-date on the issues in business. This has been good because at work we are doing most of the practices that are being taught. Sometimes I would take a scenario at work and apply it to school or vice versus. I can say, if you are considering online coursework, you should look into this. My admissions advisor was so encouraging and we still keep in contact although his part is over. Shoot him an email he will help you out.

12 days till Dallas...

Well for now back to the books...