Birding in the Backyard

I have seen two of these rose-breasted grosbeaks hanging around my bird feeder for the last few days. Beautiful coloring and and melodic song, they have even taken to bathing in the bird bath. I have discovered that they are actually migrating to the north, so I am sure once the heat of the summer draws in, they will be gone. But it is such a treat to see the different birds coming to the feeder. I've also seen what I think is an american goldfinch, but all of the photos I have seen on the internet show them having black on their crown and wings, but the one I have seen at my feeder is solid yellow. I have had the BEST time watching the birds. And it is so funny watching this one squirrel trying to get the top off the feeder! He hangs upside down, uses his back feet to try and pry it open, jumps up from the ground - and Jack just loves to chase them up trees. LOL!

Taking the Plunge

What did you think I meant?

I have returned to school. Yes, I am 41 years old and started classes once again. Hey, but did you know I am NOT the oldest one in my class of 26 people? Nope! There are several returning adults who are completing their masters in many different areas. I will go as far to say that I have met some professional students. Oh come on, you know who I mean! The 50 year old man who has a masters degree in Humanities, Science, Arts, Computer Science, Philosophy, Psychology, and now is seeking his masters in nursing...

I resist the urge to ask the man, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

In this class of 26 adults, I am one of three caucasians in the class. I bring this up to point out who exactly is using the free educational funds set aside for any and all american citizens.Kinda makes me want to kick some white butt for not taking the initiative to improve themselves and their way of life.  I wonder if the government has done a study on that?

So, my classes are once a week, for 4 hours. Seems like a long time, but I assure you, the time flies by. I am one of those people who become actively involved in discussions I know something about. My sons and my husband(s) have all told me I actually embarass them because of my flamboyant personality. I like people. I like getting to know people. I want to know where they are coming from, how they see the world. I want to make some kind of impact on someone's life. It runs through my brain...constantly...How do I want these people to remember me?

My classmates have already given me a nick-name: Martha Stewart. Seems like I always have something to add to the conversation. I am always the one to make the point of a discussion abundantly clear to those less fortunate souls who just 'don't get it'.

The first class was the most informative for me. We had a brief overview of personality traits, learning styles, and goal setting. Not all the way thorough, but enough of the concept for a person to take away a deeper understanding of who they are and how they relate to their environment. My first assignment was to summarize what we learned about ourselves. Mine went like this:

I have found that based upon the "Personality Spectrum" I ranked highest in the thinker spectrum with a slight adventurer personality. This revelation has not surprised me as I have always known that I am a literal, theoretical person who appreciates complex subjects and breaking them down into cohesiveness for other people. The adventurer part of my personality keeps me open-minded and active within a group of people, often times showing no introvert tenancies when faced with a group of strangers. I scored least as a giver and organizer. I feel this actually balances out my thinker/adventurer personality traits, which causes me to break away from the introverted side to my personality. The giver personality trait causes me to be more compassionate and adaptable when my stringent, organizer personality trait prefers structure and procedure.

     While completing the "Multiple Pathways to Learning" assessment, I have found, not surprisingly, that my highest level of development is musical. I view the world through music and associate many concepts of life through music. I have an interpersonal personality that makes me good at making people feel comfortable which helps when working on projects with other people. I am a naturalistic person who prefers being outdoors. This reinforces my stance that the most torturous place on earth for me would be a windowless room where I could not see the outside world. I am a verbal-linguistic person who enjoys reading, telling stories and a wonderful negotiator - as long as it isn't with my husband!

I know, kinda cheesy, but at least I got it turned in to the instructor on time! A significant portion of the class still do not understand when the assignments are due and how to post them on the university forum. They call it OLS - Online Student. You save your assignments on your computer then email the documents to the instructor for grading. Ahhh! Welcome to the computer age of schooling!

I have homework to do...More later~

A Woman

Quote of the day:

She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.

So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit.


Author Unknown

Currently The Everyday Life Bible: The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living By Joyce Meyer see related

 Esther 4:14

"For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from everywhere, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion."

Esther was a poor jewish girl who became queen of a nation. She used her beauty, then her brain, to achieve prominence. Then, she sacrificed her very life to protect people. Strangers. Her people. When God directs you to do something, it will be significant. It will cause deep reflection and certain deliemma within your very soul. It will ask you to take a step of faith that will challenge every ounce of your being.

Joshua 1:5

"No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you."

Joshua has volunteered to go to Afghanistan in September. He will be a helicopter gunner. He has expert shooting abilities and strong leadership skills that has made him a corporal. "I plan on getting Osama Bin Laden myself."

That is why I do not question my son. That is why I believe we all have a purpose in our lives. And when you are right with God, you know what you were meant to do. I am beginning to comprehend how Mary, Mother of Jesus, wrestled with herself and God's will.

Selah~

Currently Your Heart Belongs to Me By Dean Koontz see related

JSU Trumpet Line

Best Cartoon yet!