I recently went online to do some research. It was really on a whim, I started investigating affordable Indiana universities. I found some great affordable Indiana universities and interesting journalism classes. Yes, I am going to start taking some journalism classes. Now remember I haven’t been in school for about 30 years now – much has changed I know. Costs for school have changed so I know I have to consider some affordable options. Nevertheless, I feel that if I don’t try a few journalism classes I will always wonder what could have happened with my writing…. what if? I honestly went through and looked into paying for college and the different financial loans and financial aid that a person like myself might be able to qualify. My children are being very supportive, which is important. I trust in my kids’ judgement and know that if this wasn’t the right option for me they would at least voice their concerns. I even mentioned it to a couple of my childhood girlfriends. They were positively thrilled with the idea of me writing again and that I was taking on some journalism classes. Once of them even asked if I would once again start using her as one of my characters. Some things just don’t change.

Classes start in May, just a few short weeks before I become a student at my university in Indiana. I’ve registered for my courses and decided on an affordable university in Indiana and even sent a couple of quick emails to my journalism professors asking what I can do to prepare. Yes, I still get a little nervous with the first day of school so I want to make sure I am as ready as possible. I know I will have to start dealing with paying for college again, but the idea of writing and doing so for a part time income is fairly appealing. I want to share with the world and feel more connected within my community. I think the correct route for me is through my journalism classes and my writing.

I never gave up on hope on the idea of my Scott at an architecture school that was accredited and well respected in his field. He worked long months on his architecture degree away from Liz, his wife, and his little baby but it was worth it. Once he got into his program he really loved it, he was taking various design classes and gaining an understanding of structures and current technology. I had no idea that he had so many different things to worry about at the architecture school. Sure the design can look great, but did you think about the vents and the electrical? Crazy amounts of details he used to tell me about. I remember how frustrated he would get when he would be nearly done with one of his architecture designs and realize that he needed to rethink one component or add one more part to his project that he didn’t expect to – sending him back to his work at all hours of the day and night.

I think his favorite area of study was design (of course), where he could dive into his world and create away forever. That’s good because his architecture school expected about 14 hours of work per week. I think what required the most adjustment and learning curve for Scott was the professional practice. This is where he really had to come into his own figuring out how to manage his office, create contracts, figure out the legal issues and really prepare for the outside world. Just because you can design doesn’t mean you know how to run an architecture firm.

As luck would have it my son got in contact with some people who graduated from his Michigan Architecture School and they lent him a hand in securing an internship/ study opportunity through their firm. And now that he is graduating he has a great place to begin his career.

So five years of hard studying, designing and long days away from his family Scott will be walking across the podium at his Michigan Architecture School to get his accredited professional architecture degree. Liz and I will be there in the crowd cheering him on as he steps into his field and takes on his first projects. I think after that we will all head out for a nice fancy dinner in town near his school and really celebrate his accomplishments in architecture school.

Carly’s started her research again at the beginning of the year – I think it was part of her New Year’s resolution. A fresh start in Indiana for her! There are so many MBA business degree programs out there – so many that are at business schools some at traditional four-year colleges. I can tell it’s been a complicated journey so far. But I am glad my niece didn’t give up on her MBA business degree dreams. Seems like the MBA search is starting to narrow down with a good business school in Indiana. The MBA degree program she found really suits her skill set. The business school is actually pretty close to her home and work, so commuting shouldn’t be an issue. My niece is worried about when to find time to study AND keep up-to-date on her own life. I told her that all of those things will fall into place. First, Carly needs to figure out which MBA business school to attend, what business degree program to pursue and then start the enrollment process.

Because Carly will stay in Indiana for the MBA program she won’t have to deal with out-of-state tuition. I forget how much those costs go up! And some of the MBA classes Carly has already researched fit in around her work schedule. So we have the class flexibility, the solid payment plan to help her along the way and hopefully on her way to a MBA business degree in no time. Seems like we are few steps closer to her goal!

With an MBA business degree she will have higher-level positions open up like never before, right in Indiana like she hoped. And think about the excitement of finally starting to look at other companies without getting stuck in the same entry-level rut like the past few years. Carly’s sounding hopeful again and honestly there is no better sound in the world than a happy future MBA degree holder. I did ask her to do me one favor and schedule in plenty of time to come and visit us. I don’t want to miss hearing about her MBA degree progress!

I think I kind of fell into a slump when he got sick and just had a hard time finding my purpose.  The woman at the home health care agency was great. She came for about six months before Mike went onto hospice, but she was very encouraging. I began to look forward to her visits because she understood what I was going through better than most people. I was sick of everyone saying how sorry they were. I think she knew that and she always spoke so optimistically.

Mike’s face would always perk up when he saw her. I have realized in talking to others that not all west michigan home health care agencies are alike, but we were very fortunate to have who we did. It’s never a good situation when you require home health care in west michigan, but knowing you can trust the people helping you eases the stress a little bit.

When I was pregnant with my oldest 30+ years ago, we didn’t even find out if we were pregnant until we were at least two months along. Clare, my daughter-in-law, always laughs at that thought because she couldn’t wait two weeks.

I have known a few younger couples that had trouble getting pregnant and ended up looking into fertility services in Grand Rapids. One of the younger women I work with went through all sorts of treatments and it was tough on her, but they ended up having a beautiful little girl so I guess we should be grateful for the advancements we’ve made.

Mike wasn’t keen on technology. If he couldn’t understand it, it was bad. But when our sons would come over asking if he caught the behind-the-scenes footage from the most recent Nascar race, he would be so frustrated that he missed it. He would talk for days about it. Still makes me smile thinking about him pouting around the house. We finally broke down and bought a computer and then came the internet. For me, it was the best thing ever. My daughters send me pictures of my grand kids and I have even reconnected with a few old friends. Mike only used the computer for one thing – Nascar fan sites! The more, the better. He was always on Nascar fan sites and eventually he was the one saying to our sons, did you see this or did you see that?

Oh I miss him, but I still log onto Nascar fan sites now and again to read through what people are talking about. I can just imagine how Mike would react to some of the stuff I read. Oh well, it’s been a nice trip down memory lane, but my tea is whistling in the kitchen!