Thursday, May 28, 2009

Living the Dream, Odds and Ends, and Jon and Kate


I just need to figure out whose dream- lol! I have way too much time on my hands and no real desire to fill it up with anything special. I've invested some thought into thinking about getting my master's degree.... but am not there yet. Too tired of being worn out I think. Not sure what I would do with it- I would love to teach, but am really just not sure.

Steph and I just got back from our annual journey to DC. I would so move there if I didn't have ties to Cincy. I have invested some time into looking at the job market up there- actually it's better than here. I wonder if I can get everyone I love to move with me? Nah, I didn't think so. Still, it's a thought. The attached photo is the fountain at the sculpture garden on the mall. We had a great time- she met a "boy"- who just happens to live in Dayton- how funny is that. He's a really nice guy- got his act together, college educated, successful--the type of guy a mom could see her daughter with.

Ok- I am going to admit I have a Jon and Kate Plus 8 addiction. I really do- it's all Steph's fault. (How's that for not being accountable?) Anyway, I got hooked on the first few episodes, and that was it. So, like 10 million other people I turned into the season premier the other day-- and was appalled at what I saw. I feel so sorry for the family, more so for the kids. They are the innocent ones in that whole mess. One of the things that really bother me about the whole thing is the public's attitude. It's like the world wants that marriage to fail. It's terrible. So- as a person who firmly believes in God's love, forgiveness and redemption- saving grace I am asking anyone that happens to read this blog to pray for the power of God's saving grace to touch and heal this family, and protect them from themselves, the vultures of the world and anyone who wishes them harm. Instead of rooting (sp?) for the demise of their marriage, let's pray for healing and forgiveness, and for God to work in them to make the family stronger.I don't think that's too much to ask. Through God all things are possible.
Blessings,
Teri

Monday, May 4, 2009

The End of a Looooong Road

5-9-09 marks the end of one of the longest and hardest roads I've ever embarked on- the completion of my BFA in graphic design. That might not sound like much, and in the grand scheme of things it isn't... but for me it's a huge accomplishment-- one I never thought I would achieve.
If someone had told me years ago that I would be able to achieve this dream I would have sadly laughed at them. Getting married straight out of high school, and then proceeding to have have 3 children, which I ended up raising by myself, went a long way to discouraging any personal dreams I had. And college was one of the biggest. It's funny, but raising kids-- by myself-- was a much easier task. To me it was intuitive- lots of love, patience and understanding and you can get through it.
I wish I had blogged or journaled about school- but better late than never. Over the next few weeks I'm going to post about the experience of being the "old lady" in classes filled with twenty somethings-and all the challenges and growth I faced. And how God got me through it.
OK- this is truly a sad, funny story. I probably shouldn't admit it-- and as I look back I am laughing my rear end off. How dumb was I???
One of the first classes I took was a computer graphics class. It taught you the basics of computer design- my first intro to Photoshop and Illustrator. But before I go into that--- let me just tell you about the first day. We walked into the Mac lab at RWC, and after the teacher introduced herself, she told us to turn on the computer. Now, this wasn't just any computer. It was the first model of the G4 macs. -- A pretty impressive machine to say the least-- but one that was completely foreign to some who had extremely limited experience with a very basic IBM. I DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO TURN IT ON!!! AT ALL. I HAD TO ASK! I had the strongest feeling that the Professor really had doubts about my abilities to complete the class. I DID TOO! And that feeling would persist for a good part of the quarter- but more on that later.
For now, I want to share the scripture verse that really, really held me up when I felt like I was too stupid to continue- and that happened often.

Preserve sound judgement and discernment,
Do not let them out of your sight;
They will be life for you,
An ornament to grace your neck.
Then you will go on your way safely,
And your foot will not stumble,
When you lie down, you will not be afraid.
When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Have no fear of sudden disaster,
Or of the ruin that will overtake the wicked,
For the Lord will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being snarled.
Proverbs 3:21-26

Oh, and by the way-- I ended up acing that class. Go figure.
Blessings,
TC