Last week, I enrolled in Chemistry 139 - beginning chemistry - at North Seattle Community College. It's a virtual class, but I attended the informal, get-to-know-you meeting last night and learned about the online programs I'll be using for the next several weeks. We'll see how it goes. I haven't been in school for seven years now, and my studying skills are a little rusty but I think taking this one class will be a good, slow start for me before I get into tougher science classes. Along with the chemistry principles I'll be learning, the class includes a math review, which I'm very thankful for since my math (and calculator) skills have lapsed over the last several years.
I decided to go back to school several months ago, and am really excited to get started. My ultimate goal is to become a dietitian, so I have at least one year of pre-requisite classes before I can start at Masters' program. Of course, that's provided I pass all my pre-reqs, which include BioChem and O-Chem, which I know are really difficult classes. I think this first class will be a review of everything I learned in high school chemistry, so I'm hoping I can recall some of what is back there in the cobwebs of my brain somewhere and that this class will be more of a lesson in time management and study skills than it will be in new information. I guess we'll see how well I really paid attention when I was 16 or so. : )
I'm sure as I blog more about school my inner science nerd will come out, so be prepared if you're planning to read this blog in the future!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Looking back and moving forward
Rhododendrons were blooming and snow was falling.
One year ago this week, as I made multiple last-minute trips to REI, Lucy, several drug stores, and the travel store in Wallingford, stocking up on anything and everything I thought I could possibly need for the next six months of living out of my backpack - including a full box of Q-tips since I swear by the name brand and didn't want to be stuck somewhere across the world and have to use generic ones. Every day I am reminded of how ridiculous my decision to buy that box was when I use yet another Q-tip that took up valuable space in my backpack, and went unused for so many months.
I was filled with mixed emotions. Excitement, anxiety, hope, and sadness struck at different times. I was thrilled to be embarking on a great adventure, but was a little nervous about what I was about to get myself into and was wondering how I would handle being away from my family and friends for an extended period of time. Thank goodness for email and Skype. I can't imagine how I would've survived on a trip like that thirty years ago, when postcards would've been my only form of communication with the outside world - only giving, never receiving information about what was going on back home. I never would've been able to accept the one-sidedness of an arrangement like that.
I changed, I expanded my horizons, and I opened my eyes wider than they've ever been before. I learned about different cultures and grew in my appreciation for the way the world works. I was astounded by some of my discoveries and pleasantly surprised by others., which is the way learning should go, I think.
While I traveled, I took more photos than I ever could've imagined. Another reason I'm thankful that I live in the time that I do is digital cameras and the ease with which I was able to change out my three 4-gigabyte memory cards that took up less space in my backpack than one role of film would have. Some would probably say that I took too many photos since it took me so long to sift through them and weed out the good from bad, but I am thankful I took the number I did because I have forgotten about some of the everyday experiences we had that seem somehow remarkable now that I'm no longer having them.
A fair comparison can be made between traveling and everyday life. Some memories stick out in your mind more than others. Every day is remarkable in some way, but only when something is truly extraordinary do we take the time to reflect on what we have seen, heard, felt, smelled . . . and really appreciate a day for what it is. Photos help make a normal day more memorable. I carry my camera around with me, but barely ever capture pictures unless I'm in a social setting. This is something I will have to change going forward so that I don't forget about the experiences I have that make each day different from the next. After all, how often do you see a pit bull jumping on a trampoline so he can see over the fence? Will I remember seeing him in 10, 20, 30 years? Maybe. But if I had a photo of him, I'd certaily never forget.
One year ago this week, as I made multiple last-minute trips to REI, Lucy, several drug stores, and the travel store in Wallingford, stocking up on anything and everything I thought I could possibly need for the next six months of living out of my backpack - including a full box of Q-tips since I swear by the name brand and didn't want to be stuck somewhere across the world and have to use generic ones. Every day I am reminded of how ridiculous my decision to buy that box was when I use yet another Q-tip that took up valuable space in my backpack, and went unused for so many months.
I was filled with mixed emotions. Excitement, anxiety, hope, and sadness struck at different times. I was thrilled to be embarking on a great adventure, but was a little nervous about what I was about to get myself into and was wondering how I would handle being away from my family and friends for an extended period of time. Thank goodness for email and Skype. I can't imagine how I would've survived on a trip like that thirty years ago, when postcards would've been my only form of communication with the outside world - only giving, never receiving information about what was going on back home. I never would've been able to accept the one-sidedness of an arrangement like that.
I changed, I expanded my horizons, and I opened my eyes wider than they've ever been before. I learned about different cultures and grew in my appreciation for the way the world works. I was astounded by some of my discoveries and pleasantly surprised by others., which is the way learning should go, I think.
While I traveled, I took more photos than I ever could've imagined. Another reason I'm thankful that I live in the time that I do is digital cameras and the ease with which I was able to change out my three 4-gigabyte memory cards that took up less space in my backpack than one role of film would have. Some would probably say that I took too many photos since it took me so long to sift through them and weed out the good from bad, but I am thankful I took the number I did because I have forgotten about some of the everyday experiences we had that seem somehow remarkable now that I'm no longer having them.
A fair comparison can be made between traveling and everyday life. Some memories stick out in your mind more than others. Every day is remarkable in some way, but only when something is truly extraordinary do we take the time to reflect on what we have seen, heard, felt, smelled . . . and really appreciate a day for what it is. Photos help make a normal day more memorable. I carry my camera around with me, but barely ever capture pictures unless I'm in a social setting. This is something I will have to change going forward so that I don't forget about the experiences I have that make each day different from the next. After all, how often do you see a pit bull jumping on a trampoline so he can see over the fence? Will I remember seeing him in 10, 20, 30 years? Maybe. But if I had a photo of him, I'd certaily never forget.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Nobody ever said life is easy.
While Cindy and I were traveling, if something went wrong we'd look at each other and say, "We're not working. We still have our hands and our feet. We can walk. We'll be OK." So when our bus slid off the road and we had to wait a few hours for a tractor to pull it out, when we missed our train and had to sleep in the Rome train station and when we woke up in the middle of the night with cockroaches crawling on us, we laughed and relished the experience for what it was - something that likely will never happen again. And I'm so glad I had those experiences even though at the time they weren't always the most pleasant.
In the last few days, I learned that a friend of a friend who sustained a traumatic brain injury during a soccer match on February 22 got to come home from the hospital. His girlfriend, family, and friends formed an amazing support network that has helped him know how important he is in their lives and that is certainly helping in his recovery. Although he has a long way to go, all signs seem to be that he is moving in a positive direction.
I also learned that a dear friend of mine is in ICU at the UW hospital. He was diagnosed with cancer several years ago, and has taken every experimental treatment he could to prolong his life. He is an incredible fighter and a true inspiration. The passion with which he has lived his life and the love I have seen him show for his wife are examples worthy of imitation. I hope to visit him when I return from Montana next week.
Lastly, I learned that someone dear to me lost their job yesterday. Although this person isn't the only one I know who is (or will soon be) unemployed - take me for example - it's a tragic thing because she is truly gifted at what she does and budget cuts are the reason for her "involuntary dismissal." Knowing her, she'll find the silver lining in the situation and will come out on top. At least, that's what we hope for.
These three people who weigh heavily on my mind haven't been dealt the easiest of hands right now. I keep reminding myself that things work out the way they do for a reason. In each of these circumstances, I'm not sure what exactly the reason is but hopefully in a few days, months, years it will all be understood.
Until then, we all just have to keep on fighting the good fight. Nobody ever said life is easy, and if it was we wouldn't have tough experiences that make us appreciate what we have that's worth holding onto. Here's to turning adversity into something positive and to one day looking back and laughing.
In the last few days, I learned that a friend of a friend who sustained a traumatic brain injury during a soccer match on February 22 got to come home from the hospital. His girlfriend, family, and friends formed an amazing support network that has helped him know how important he is in their lives and that is certainly helping in his recovery. Although he has a long way to go, all signs seem to be that he is moving in a positive direction.
I also learned that a dear friend of mine is in ICU at the UW hospital. He was diagnosed with cancer several years ago, and has taken every experimental treatment he could to prolong his life. He is an incredible fighter and a true inspiration. The passion with which he has lived his life and the love I have seen him show for his wife are examples worthy of imitation. I hope to visit him when I return from Montana next week.
Lastly, I learned that someone dear to me lost their job yesterday. Although this person isn't the only one I know who is (or will soon be) unemployed - take me for example - it's a tragic thing because she is truly gifted at what she does and budget cuts are the reason for her "involuntary dismissal." Knowing her, she'll find the silver lining in the situation and will come out on top. At least, that's what we hope for.
These three people who weigh heavily on my mind haven't been dealt the easiest of hands right now. I keep reminding myself that things work out the way they do for a reason. In each of these circumstances, I'm not sure what exactly the reason is but hopefully in a few days, months, years it will all be understood.
Until then, we all just have to keep on fighting the good fight. Nobody ever said life is easy, and if it was we wouldn't have tough experiences that make us appreciate what we have that's worth holding onto. Here's to turning adversity into something positive and to one day looking back and laughing.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Still Thinking
Since I've been home, I've of course been looking for a job and have been doing some volunteer work (mostly meetings so far, but hopefully I'll have something to show for it soon). When I'm not at the library or at home conducting my job search, I'm keeping busy cooking dinner for Andy and Janie and taking Turk on runs or long walks. Today it might have to be a short run since the weather isn't cooperating so far. Hopefully March will go out like a lamb . . .
It's a good thing that I've been babysitting for friends occasionally because I'm headed to Great Falls, Montana, at the end of the month to welcome the newest member of the Weber Clan to the world. My cousin Amy, her husband Jason, and their two kids - Gracie and Emmett - are eagerly awaiting the arrival of another member of their family, and if the timing is right I'll be there when the baby is born! I've never been to Great Falls before, so I'm excited to check it out and plan my next trip to go fly fishing with Amy and Jason. : )
The first weekend in April, I'll be in Spokane to participate in the 2009 Inland Northwest MS Walk. My friend Kishia's mom was diagnosed with MS nearly 20 years ago, and their family has participated in the walk for several years now. I walked with them two years ago, and was unable to last year so I'm putting on my walking shoes and joining again this year. Hopefully I can survive the walk carrying Jackson, Kishia's baby who I'll meet for the first time at the Walk! She assures me that he is heavy, but I think I'm up to the challenge!
Just before visiting Cambodia, I read "First They Killed My Father," a book written by a survivor of the devastation Pol Pot's Khemer Rouge inflicted upon the Cambodian people in the 1970s. The book really impacted me because I didn't know much about Cambodia's history before I left on my trip, and it was a big eye-opener to the atrocities of war. If you still haven't read this book, please do at some point. It's not always the easiest read, but it's definitely worth picking it up. The book's author, Loung Ung, has written a follow-up to her first book, titled "Lucky Child." I'm in the middle of it right now, and it's also been very eye-opening. I don't want to spoil the story for you here, but it definitely provides perspective and is thought-provoking in its own way. Next on my list is "The Covenant," by James Michener. It's 2 ginormous volumes written about the history of southern Africa. I really enjoyed his book "Hawaii," so am hoping that I'll be able to get through both volumes about Africa so that I can continue my quest to read more about the places I've visited. I think India will be my next chosen country, but I might have to take a break from serious reading for a while before I delve into that. We'll see . . .
I was supposed to play softball yesterday, and was both happy and sad that my game got rained out. Happy because I have no idea where my cleats are packed away and I probably would've fallen and been super muddy and wet during the game. Sad because it would've been nice to get out and play again. Hopefully next week I'll be able to get out there.
I hope anyone who is still reading this is having a good day.
It's a good thing that I've been babysitting for friends occasionally because I'm headed to Great Falls, Montana, at the end of the month to welcome the newest member of the Weber Clan to the world. My cousin Amy, her husband Jason, and their two kids - Gracie and Emmett - are eagerly awaiting the arrival of another member of their family, and if the timing is right I'll be there when the baby is born! I've never been to Great Falls before, so I'm excited to check it out and plan my next trip to go fly fishing with Amy and Jason. : )
The first weekend in April, I'll be in Spokane to participate in the 2009 Inland Northwest MS Walk. My friend Kishia's mom was diagnosed with MS nearly 20 years ago, and their family has participated in the walk for several years now. I walked with them two years ago, and was unable to last year so I'm putting on my walking shoes and joining again this year. Hopefully I can survive the walk carrying Jackson, Kishia's baby who I'll meet for the first time at the Walk! She assures me that he is heavy, but I think I'm up to the challenge!
Just before visiting Cambodia, I read "First They Killed My Father," a book written by a survivor of the devastation Pol Pot's Khemer Rouge inflicted upon the Cambodian people in the 1970s. The book really impacted me because I didn't know much about Cambodia's history before I left on my trip, and it was a big eye-opener to the atrocities of war. If you still haven't read this book, please do at some point. It's not always the easiest read, but it's definitely worth picking it up. The book's author, Loung Ung, has written a follow-up to her first book, titled "Lucky Child." I'm in the middle of it right now, and it's also been very eye-opening. I don't want to spoil the story for you here, but it definitely provides perspective and is thought-provoking in its own way. Next on my list is "The Covenant," by James Michener. It's 2 ginormous volumes written about the history of southern Africa. I really enjoyed his book "Hawaii," so am hoping that I'll be able to get through both volumes about Africa so that I can continue my quest to read more about the places I've visited. I think India will be my next chosen country, but I might have to take a break from serious reading for a while before I delve into that. We'll see . . .
I was supposed to play softball yesterday, and was both happy and sad that my game got rained out. Happy because I have no idea where my cleats are packed away and I probably would've fallen and been super muddy and wet during the game. Sad because it would've been nice to get out and play again. Hopefully next week I'll be able to get out there.
I hope anyone who is still reading this is having a good day.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The aftermath
I've been home now for nearly three months. I thought that while I was gone everything would stay the same, but that hasn't necessarily been the case. The economy has taken a huge down-turn, and although I'm optimistic that I'll find a job soon, it's not going to be as easy to find one as I had hoped it would. That's the macro-level. On the micro-level, things are pretty much the same. My friends hae continued in their jobs and are still living basically how they did before I left, with few exceptions.
But I've changed.
I didn't think I'd change fundamentally while I was gone, and I still don't think I have. I wouldn't have ever considered myself very materialistic, and I have done very limited shopping, etc. while I've been back. That's partly because I don't have an income, and partly because I realize that I don't need a million things - clothes and shoes, in particular. I made it through six months without making any major purchases, and I can continue to live on a shoestring and be happy. When I think about purchasing something, I think of the poor people in the countries I visited. They have NOTHING, and in a sense they're better off than me in that they aren't able to afford things, so they don't have the desire to own them.
And I have gained an appreciation for the way people in those poor countries operate agriculturally. When I learned that harvesting crops manually generates a better yield, I gained a better understanding of why having huge farms is not the answer to our food needs. How much waste has been generated because of the way farming practices have evolved in major countries? And couldn't we learn some lessons from the way the oor people do it - and do it effectively?
Hopefully I'll find a job soon . . .
But I've changed.
I didn't think I'd change fundamentally while I was gone, and I still don't think I have. I wouldn't have ever considered myself very materialistic, and I have done very limited shopping, etc. while I've been back. That's partly because I don't have an income, and partly because I realize that I don't need a million things - clothes and shoes, in particular. I made it through six months without making any major purchases, and I can continue to live on a shoestring and be happy. When I think about purchasing something, I think of the poor people in the countries I visited. They have NOTHING, and in a sense they're better off than me in that they aren't able to afford things, so they don't have the desire to own them.
And I have gained an appreciation for the way people in those poor countries operate agriculturally. When I learned that harvesting crops manually generates a better yield, I gained a better understanding of why having huge farms is not the answer to our food needs. How much waste has been generated because of the way farming practices have evolved in major countries? And couldn't we learn some lessons from the way the oor people do it - and do it effectively?
Hopefully I'll find a job soon . . .
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