Countdown to Fall Quarter

I can't believe that my summer break is rapidly coming to an end. It won't be long and I'll be buying textbooks and hittin' them hard. Just one class this coming quarter...Microbiology and a Lab. But that's enough, as I have new responsibilities at work and can use an easier first quarter to get back into the swing of things. And, to prep for the course, I bought a Chemistry for Dummies book. (OK, no wise cracks!) Since my program doesn't require chemistry (lucky me) I won't have that foundation when I take my next few classes - all of which will be a lot easier if I have some basic understanding of both organic and inorganic chemistry. Fun, huh. Kind of like watching paint dry.

But I've also been reading a lot for enjoyment over the summer, including the first two books by Stieg Larsson, of the "Dragon Tattoo" fame. Between that, doing my canning, and getting the house ready for a couple of late summer houseguests, I'm really enjoying this break!

Hope you are enjoying your summer!
Cheers!
Ima

Traditions

One month into a summer vacation from school. It's funny how time flies; seems like just yesterday that I was cracking the books. Well, September will be here before I know it, and the Microbiology textbook awaits!

Today is my birthday. Now, at this age I look upon a birthday a little differently than I did 30 or 40 years ago. But it still is one of the traditions of life that mark our year, and hold us to those memories of days past. Like a family reunion picnic. I attended one just this past Sunday, and it was so much fun. But now my first cousins not only have children but grandchildren that tag along, and you need a scorecard to keep track of who is who. Just when you think you might have it figured out, next year comes along and that little boy you chatted with has grown 12 inches in height, and his voice has dropped an octave! Earlier this month, we celebrated another tradition. The Fourth of July brings fireworks, corn on the cob, cold beer and catching up with friends and their backyard mosquitoes.

Yes, it's the traditions of our lives that keep us anchored to all that is wonderful about our present and our past. (And, no dieting today...I'm eating cake!)

Till next time,
Cheers!
Ima

First Year Wrap-up

I did it. I enrolled for college and completed my first three courses most successfully. A "C" followed by an "A", and - while I have to wait for a day or so to make it official - an "A" to end the year. No trauma, but lots of work and more than a few stress tears. But more than that I proved to myself that a woman in her 50's is still as vibrant and smart as she was twenty years earlier. And you are too, if you are reading this blog.

There is a lovely quote from Isak Dinesen (she of the Out of Africa fame)that goes, "Women, when they are old enough to have done with the business of being women, and can let loose their their strength, may be the most powerful creatures in the world." And, while we may never really are "done" with the fun of being a girl, we know what she means. We get to a place in life where we are rock solid, don't beat around the bush, love fully and move on when things aren't right. When men reach that point in life when they are a bit insecure about leaving the "corporate nest," we are just getting good. It's by no means a criticism of our male partners, but I think that women have a lifetime of experiences where we are forced to juggle priorities and wear many hats. We cannot and are not given the luxury of having an easy path. Unlike men, who are often getting a little shaky as they approach their sixties or retirement age, many women feel more optimistic, independent, and more powerful. I know I do, and going back to college helped me feel that way. Powerful and energized.

So, I have a summer "off" from the text books and "on" with the novels and biographies. I also look forward to having lunch with friends and catch up with my extended family. But I'll check in all the same as I'm sure it will be an adventure. For now....

Cheers!
Ima

It's Summer

Well, my first year of school (this time) is about over. Finals are here next week, and I feel very confident about my grades. I'm debating about taking a course online over the summer, but the thought of three months with nothing but one job looks pretty good right about now. But I will do something mentally stimulating over the summer no matter what, as I don't want all of this information to go totally dormant! But as I look back, I feel very proud of what I've accomplished and am even more certain that not only can I do this, but I can do it with distinction.

Here's to us "over 40's"...life sure aint over!
Cheers!
Ima

People Come, People Go

Today I learned that yet another of my great co-workers is leaving our place of employ. But I'm so very happy for her, as she is a talented young woman just getting her family and her career started; she's making a good move, but I will miss seeing her every day. She has been a source of encouragement for me as I make my way through college, and I have been (what I hope she'd agree) a source of mentorship for her. Fortunate for me she is a friend and we'll stay in touch. But this all made me recognize once again how our lives are full of "comings and goings" and that people move in and out of our immediate contact on a regular basis.

Fortunately for me, I have a number of people who have stuck in there with me for the long haul, and hope to count this young woman among that group. Good luck A.E.!!

Cheers!
Ima

Three Weeks and Counting

I took a midterm exam yesterday in Anatomy and Physiology. My teacher is amazing, but this is still just so much to learn! Her exams are fair but tough. You have to know your stuff, which is fine. When you do well you know you've accomplished something great. So...I wait for the grade. But it takes so much out of me mentally and physically to do this. I came home at 5 PM and crashed. Slept for two hours...up for two...back to bed from 9PM until 7 this morning. The body was really exhausted. So, it's out for a walk and some other mental exercise besides A&P! Forgot to say that I also was so engrossed in study for this one exam that I forgot I had a Psych test to take yesterday also. Fortunate for me - with twenty-five years as an HR professional in my "former life", a test in social psychology is pretty easy to pass...with or without study. Oh the joys of having experience to fall back on! There are benefits to being older, huh!

So, just three weeks left in the term (and they will be grueling, given the material we have to learn) I am looking so very forward to a summer break. While I still have to work, 35 hours of work commitment seems like a piece of cake compared to this last 9 months. I'm hoping to carve out a week or ten day break to head out West. I miss those Rocky Mountains and my friends. But for now....back to the books!

I'm ever so grateful for my study partners, friends and family who read my blog and my Facebook site, and who are there to help me stay motivated and keep my chin up when it gets rough. We all need our social support network. I love you all!

Cheers!
Ima

Do They Still Push B-17?

Driving to work this morning, I had a 70's Soft Pop station on my Sirius. Great for memories and "mellowing" into the day. Stopped at a local restaurant for Eggs Benedict (my occasional Sunday breakfast) and thought of my Mom in heaven. She was the best. Happy Mom's Day!

Anyway, Olivia Newton John came on and did that song that goes "Please mister, please...don't play B-17, it was our song, it was his song but it's over........" Made me think. Do they still have juke boxes in burger joints and bars, and if so, do they still push buttons?

I know. This post has nothing to do with my school, or about my changing life in general, but what the heck. Just sayin'.....

Cheers!
Ima