...Yep, it is getting a little more challenging at school; however, I must add that the rewards outweigh these challenges! I have enjoyed each of my five classes thus far, but the most joy that I get is when I am asked to help tutor someone else. I am no expert in any of my courses, but I am doing a little better than some of the other students.
I thought that perhaps a person's age (and maturity) played a role in his or her progress, but that is not the case! For example, in a couple of my classes, there are about five of us who are in the thirty plus age category, but the other four persons are not learning things as quickly. Plus, their memory retention is severely lacking, which in turn, leads to them forgetting things that were reviewed not long ago. I have no idea what that is about, but I do try to remain empathetic towards their dilemma. In fact, I gladly abide and tutor them-with a happy face, of course.
So, there went my idea that older students learn faster, know more, and are more advanced. LOL! Still there are a handful of students (millennials) who approach me for help or some that the professors redirected my way. It's all good!
HOORAY for all who wish to learn and keep striving to do so
...for none of us is ever too young or old to learn!
✔©✔
Friday, September 26, 2014
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Self-Indulgence: The Commandments Do Not Have Amendments...Yet!
This morning our government class has its first major test of the semester. It was actually a unit test which covered several chapters. I studied my brains out for this test, and I believe I did okay. It was four pages in length, and it took me about 15 minutes or so to complete it. The test covered a lot of topics such as how the Texas Government functions and such, but the part of the unit which captured my attention the most was the amendments section.
Our Texas Constitution has a lot of amendments in it. It contains more amendments that the United States Constitution does. It really fascinates me how an amendment can be proposed so quickly; however, thanks to the "checks and balances," an amendment does not get ratified so quickly. In fact, only Texas voters can actually approve an amendment once it makes it way through the legislature.
Anyway...I met Sara for lunch this afternoon, and we exchanged details about the highlights of our respective mornings. Her day had so far been fairly monotonous despite where she works (she works for the Texas DPS as a Field Compliance Auditor and Classroom Instructor). My day had been a little more eventful especially due to the government test. I worried way too much about the test, but this a.m. as I began filling out the answers, I could not believe how easy it was. Actually, it was not really easy. I was able to complete it rather quickly because I prepared for it. I took advantage of every available moment I had to prep for it. Sara also quizzed me on it several times, and at times, she reworded things. I am grateful to her for rewording certain phrases and facts because the questions on the test were not worded the same as in our textbooks nor the same during our lectures.
Anyway, back from my tangent...Sara and I spoke about our state government, state officials, amendments, Texas history, and such. BTW, Sara is a Historian; she has a Masters in Texas History so she lights up anytime she has the chance to talk about history. At one point during our discussion (in between eating the awesome Mexican food), we both agreed that people love to make changes to rules and laws in an attempt to try to benefit their own situation and/or cause. I added that in Texas, this is especially noticeable due to the 474 amendments to the constitution. Sara chuckled knowing all too well how bureaucracy within the state government works (does not work sometimes). I also stated that it would not surprise me at all, if one day, someone tried to amend the Ten Commandments. Yes, we both got a big laugh out of that -- mainly because it is closer to the truth than most would want to admit.
Our Texas Constitution has a lot of amendments in it. It contains more amendments that the United States Constitution does. It really fascinates me how an amendment can be proposed so quickly; however, thanks to the "checks and balances," an amendment does not get ratified so quickly. In fact, only Texas voters can actually approve an amendment once it makes it way through the legislature.
Anyway...I met Sara for lunch this afternoon, and we exchanged details about the highlights of our respective mornings. Her day had so far been fairly monotonous despite where she works (she works for the Texas DPS as a Field Compliance Auditor and Classroom Instructor). My day had been a little more eventful especially due to the government test. I worried way too much about the test, but this a.m. as I began filling out the answers, I could not believe how easy it was. Actually, it was not really easy. I was able to complete it rather quickly because I prepared for it. I took advantage of every available moment I had to prep for it. Sara also quizzed me on it several times, and at times, she reworded things. I am grateful to her for rewording certain phrases and facts because the questions on the test were not worded the same as in our textbooks nor the same during our lectures.
Anyway, back from my tangent...Sara and I spoke about our state government, state officials, amendments, Texas history, and such. BTW, Sara is a Historian; she has a Masters in Texas History so she lights up anytime she has the chance to talk about history. At one point during our discussion (in between eating the awesome Mexican food), we both agreed that people love to make changes to rules and laws in an attempt to try to benefit their own situation and/or cause. I added that in Texas, this is especially noticeable due to the 474 amendments to the constitution. Sara chuckled knowing all too well how bureaucracy within the state government works (does not work sometimes). I also stated that it would not surprise me at all, if one day, someone tried to amend the Ten Commandments. Yes, we both got a big laugh out of that -- mainly because it is closer to the truth than most would want to admit.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Self-Indulgence: Contractions Are for Pregnant Women, and Shouldn't Be Used When Writing.
The title explains my post for the day, and the point I was trying to make.
The way we all speak as we engage in verbal conversation is hilarious, but atrocious. If most people actually wrote the way they speak, we would all be in serious trouble. Lucy would: "have some 'splaining to do!" LOL!
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Self-Indulgence: Extra, Extra...Read All About It!
Any chance I get to earn extra credit in any of my courses I have taken, but government has been the course in which I have earned more of those credits because I enjoy partaking in anything related to politics. I have already attended a couple of events on our beautiful campus with my professor and a handful of other students. One of the events was a town hall meeting, and our respective State Senator (district 31) was the guest speaker.
Earlier this evening, Sara and I attended another awesome event with Vicente Fox and his wife Marta. Mr. Fox is a former President of Mexico. The lecture (part of a lecture series at Midland College) and Q&A lasted about an hour and a half, but it was well worth it. Mr. Fox had so much to talk about and so much to teach us, his neighbors to the north, and I hope many attendees listened as carefully as Sara and I did.
Earlier this evening, Sara and I attended another awesome event with Vicente Fox and his wife Marta. Mr. Fox is a former President of Mexico. The lecture (part of a lecture series at Midland College) and Q&A lasted about an hour and a half, but it was well worth it. Mr. Fox had so much to talk about and so much to teach us, his neighbors to the north, and I hope many attendees listened as carefully as Sara and I did.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Self-Indulgence: The A, B and Cs of College: Alright, Better, and Crazy (in a good way)!
College has been going well. It has only been about four weeks since I began my trek back to the land of higher education, and I have no complaints. My classmates have been awesome, and I have managed to make some friends. I have even become part of some study groups, but I have yet to try to get involved with any social clubs. Maybe next semester I will delve into the world of social clubbing, but for now, I have my hands full with all my courses. I am only taking 14 hours this semester, plus, I have officially declared my major to be in ATS/IT with the intent to receive a BAT. The other non-computer classes are only going to enhance the knowledge I already have, respectively, and it has definitely been worth while for me to have returned to college.
I want to add that all my professors have also been outstanding, friendly, inclusive, and a joy to be around. They each have such different teaching techniques, which I love and appreciate. Their different personalities and teaching styles have helped me learn to adapt at becoming more flexible with my own style of learning. I have taken time to become acquainted with all my instructors. I may not have done as such in my youth, but at present time and present age, I want to get familiar with them. I want to give them the opportunity to get to know me, too. They are so lucky. LOL. It is all good.
My computer professor is a riot, but she is extremely knowledgeable in computer programming so I try to pick her brain with questions as much as possible. My English professor is also fun to be around. She has helped me improve my writing skills so much in just the short four weeks of being in her class. My grammar has also improved along with my MLA. Soon I will learn APA and maybe Turabian for future history classes. My algebra instructor has helped me improve my mathematical skills more than I ever thought possible. She is also an excellent teacher, and has a lot of patience and empathy for all her students. Last, but not least, is my government professor. He has a PhD in history, and he is extremely knowledgeable in all things government and /or politics. I really enjoy my discussions with him before or after class. I especially like the discussions we have around other students because I like to see how they all interact. It serves as a reminder that none of us knows everything, and that we can always learn something different if we allow ourselves to do so.
I want to add that all my professors have also been outstanding, friendly, inclusive, and a joy to be around. They each have such different teaching techniques, which I love and appreciate. Their different personalities and teaching styles have helped me learn to adapt at becoming more flexible with my own style of learning. I have taken time to become acquainted with all my instructors. I may not have done as such in my youth, but at present time and present age, I want to get familiar with them. I want to give them the opportunity to get to know me, too. They are so lucky. LOL. It is all good.
My computer professor is a riot, but she is extremely knowledgeable in computer programming so I try to pick her brain with questions as much as possible. My English professor is also fun to be around. She has helped me improve my writing skills so much in just the short four weeks of being in her class. My grammar has also improved along with my MLA. Soon I will learn APA and maybe Turabian for future history classes. My algebra instructor has helped me improve my mathematical skills more than I ever thought possible. She is also an excellent teacher, and has a lot of patience and empathy for all her students. Last, but not least, is my government professor. He has a PhD in history, and he is extremely knowledgeable in all things government and /or politics. I really enjoy my discussions with him before or after class. I especially like the discussions we have around other students because I like to see how they all interact. It serves as a reminder that none of us knows everything, and that we can always learn something different if we allow ourselves to do so.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Dora's Corner: Domestic Violence!
I have been gone for a while, but I have had good reasons. A return to college to finally pursue that one degree in Computer Engineering that has long eluded me. But, that is not the reason for my rant-of-the-day; today's rant is on a topic which I am much too familiar with, and that is no lie.
It is in relation to one Ray Rice -- you know who he is by now -- he is the ex-player for the NFL's Baltimore Ravens. He is especially now known as a bully, a coward and a woman beater. No, I won't go into details about the case stemming from the elevator-incident because you should already be familiar with the story. If you are not, I will give you a one-time pardon, and at least share a link with you where you may read about it: Ray Rice via TMZ.com: Ray Rice Elevator Knockout: Fiancee Takes Crushing Punch (Video)
My take on the entire disgusting event is simply this, why do people need to have a public figure, like Rice, to remind them of domestic violence. This violence does not just happen to the "rich and famous," it happens to everyone. I guess it is time to "wake the sleeping giant" once again.
Furthermore, the NFL and its Commissioner, Roger Goodell, got it so wrong from the beginning. They finally set things right as of yesterday by enacting new policies regarding domestic violence for all NFL players going forward. It bans a player for a certain amount of games for a first offense, and a lifetime ban for a second offense. Yes, that is a good start, and, yes, better late than never, but...
Ray Rice is one of thousands (if not millions) of people who are too quick to hit another person. To me, that is a raw definition of a coward. Going forward, women (or anyone) who are in abusive relationships need to seek help or perhaps they need help. Most often anyone who is being beaten lacks self-esteem. He or she often wonders why this is happening to him or her, but instead of getting out of the relationship, they stay in believing that the person who is abusing him or her will change. Many times the victim ponders with the question, "what am I doing wrong!" That is sad, but I can relate to it. Anyway...let's stop being a society that has to see a famous person do something so abhorrent (like what Rice did) before we remember how many awful things are happening outside our front doors.
It is in relation to one Ray Rice -- you know who he is by now -- he is the ex-player for the NFL's Baltimore Ravens. He is especially now known as a bully, a coward and a woman beater. No, I won't go into details about the case stemming from the elevator-incident because you should already be familiar with the story. If you are not, I will give you a one-time pardon, and at least share a link with you where you may read about it: Ray Rice via TMZ.com: Ray Rice Elevator Knockout: Fiancee Takes Crushing Punch (Video)
My take on the entire disgusting event is simply this, why do people need to have a public figure, like Rice, to remind them of domestic violence. This violence does not just happen to the "rich and famous," it happens to everyone. I guess it is time to "wake the sleeping giant" once again.
Furthermore, the NFL and its Commissioner, Roger Goodell, got it so wrong from the beginning. They finally set things right as of yesterday by enacting new policies regarding domestic violence for all NFL players going forward. It bans a player for a certain amount of games for a first offense, and a lifetime ban for a second offense. Yes, that is a good start, and, yes, better late than never, but...
Ray Rice is one of thousands (if not millions) of people who are too quick to hit another person. To me, that is a raw definition of a coward. Going forward, women (or anyone) who are in abusive relationships need to seek help or perhaps they need help. Most often anyone who is being beaten lacks self-esteem. He or she often wonders why this is happening to him or her, but instead of getting out of the relationship, they stay in believing that the person who is abusing him or her will change. Many times the victim ponders with the question, "what am I doing wrong!" That is sad, but I can relate to it. Anyway...let's stop being a society that has to see a famous person do something so abhorrent (like what Rice did) before we remember how many awful things are happening outside our front doors.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Dora's Corner: Love Is Love (Or Not): Somebody That I Used To Know!
The song, in the title of this post, resonates so many disturbing feelings of love-lost for me. An ex of mine should really listen to this song if she has not done so already. If she has heard it, I really hope that she not just knows the words -- but understands them. I hope that she thinks of me/us every single time that she listens to it.
Unrequited love -- on her behalf or mine -- not certain, perhaps we are both equally to blame for being involved in a relationship that was not a good fit for either of us. Perhaps we should have just remained "best friends!" Perhaps we should have never been involved in each other's lives at all. Better off never having met. If fate had it as such that we were to meet; first as co-workers, turned best friends, then intimate; then perhaps one of us should have just ended things a lot sooner than we did. Perhaps we should have remained the kind of friends who just hang out to have a good time and nothing more. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps...
I must admit that I do often think of the friendship we shared at first, and I admit that I miss that person; the best friend whom took care of me and vice versa. After a while, when the friendship turned intimate, things between us became muddled and toxic, but we somehow managed to salvage, what I thought, was still a sound friendship; best friends for once and forever -- or so I thought.
Unrequited love -- on her behalf or mine -- not certain, perhaps we are both equally to blame for being involved in a relationship that was not a good fit for either of us. Perhaps we should have just remained "best friends!" Perhaps we should have never been involved in each other's lives at all. Better off never having met. If fate had it as such that we were to meet; first as co-workers, turned best friends, then intimate; then perhaps one of us should have just ended things a lot sooner than we did. Perhaps we should have remained the kind of friends who just hang out to have a good time and nothing more. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps...
I must admit that I do often think of the friendship we shared at first, and I admit that I miss that person; the best friend whom took care of me and vice versa. After a while, when the friendship turned intimate, things between us became muddled and toxic, but we somehow managed to salvage, what I thought, was still a sound friendship; best friends for once and forever -- or so I thought.
Gotye's song, "Someone That I Used To Know," is the quintessential soliloquy, if you will, of how I actually felt when I was involved with that person of long ago. Although we did put an end to the intimate side of our relationship (on mutual and amicable terms), we remained best friends for a long time. However, not long after we each moved away and seldom saw one another, she decided to cut me off. That was almost 20 years ago. Til this day, I am uncertain why she did what she did (cutting me off). She has given me rather vague reasons for doing as such -- but never any sound ones.
All I know is that now, for me, she really is... just somebody that I used to know.
All I know is that now, for me, she really is... just somebody that I used to know.
This song is for you, "Someone!"
[Verse 1: Gotye]
Now and then I think of when we were together
Like when you said you felt so happy you could die
Told myself that you were right for me
But felt so lonely in your company
But that was love and it's an ache I still remember
[Verse 2: Gotye]
You can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness
Like resignation to the end, always the end
So when we found that we could not make sense
Well you said that we would still be friends
But I'll admit that I was glad it was over
[Chorus: Gotye]
But you didn't have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing
And I don't even need your love
But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough
No you didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number
I guess that I don't need that though
Now you're just somebody that I used to know
Now you're just somebody that I used to know
Now you're just somebody that I used to know
[Verse 3: Kimbra]
Now and then I think of all the times you screwed me over
But had me believing it was always something that I'd done
But I don't wanna live that way
Reading into every word you say
You said that you could let it go
And I wouldn't catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know
[Chorus: Gotye]
But you didn't have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing
And I don't even need your love
But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough
And you didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number
I guess that I don't need that though
Now you're just somebody that I used to know
Somebody (I used to know)
Somebody ... Now you're just somebody that I used to know
Somebody (I used to know)
Somebody ... Now you're just somebody that I used to know
(I used to know)
(That I used to know)
(I used to know ... Somebody)
Now and then I think of when we were together
Like when you said you felt so happy you could die
Told myself that you were right for me
But felt so lonely in your company
But that was love and it's an ache I still remember
[Verse 2: Gotye]
You can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness
Like resignation to the end, always the end
So when we found that we could not make sense
Well you said that we would still be friends
But I'll admit that I was glad it was over
[Chorus: Gotye]
But you didn't have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing
And I don't even need your love
But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough
No you didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number
I guess that I don't need that though
Now you're just somebody that I used to know
Now you're just somebody that I used to know
Now you're just somebody that I used to know
[Verse 3: Kimbra]
Now and then I think of all the times you screwed me over
But had me believing it was always something that I'd done
But I don't wanna live that way
Reading into every word you say
You said that you could let it go
And I wouldn't catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know
[Chorus: Gotye]
But you didn't have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing
And I don't even need your love
But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough
And you didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number
I guess that I don't need that though
Now you're just somebody that I used to know
Somebody (I used to know)
Somebody ... Now you're just somebody that I used to know
Somebody (I used to know)
Somebody ... Now you're just somebody that I used to know
(I used to know)
(That I used to know)
(I used to know ... Somebody)
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Saturday, May 31, 2014
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