A walk on a winter day...

Instead of logging into my computer this morning first thing, I went for a walk. The air was brisk and I immediately realized I should have worn my hat. But did I go back for it? Nooo! of course not! I am a Minnesotan, I can take a little cold. As long as it is not below zero, I figured I was good.

It really felt good to be out walking this morning. I used to walk daily at the Springbrook Nature Center when I lived in Fridley. But, after I moved I didn't have a comparable place to walk and so I stopped. Well that was two moves ago and now I live in Plymouth. There are a wealth of places to walk here, but I had gotten out of the habit. It is past time to change that, thus my walk this morning.

I live up on a hill and near the bottom there is a path that goes through a wooded section that comes back up the hill through the trees. That was to be my route today and I did fine coming down the hill. But, when I got on the path I discovered there was a lot of ice built up on it. It is still winter! I walked in for a bit, hoping that the entire trail wasn't covered. I even walked on the grass on the side hoping for better traction, but slipped immediately and decided that wasn't a wise course. I backtracked and went back up the hill the way I had come down. It wasn't as scenic, but I got some exercise and that was what was most important.

I also realized that even as a Minnesotan, 20 degrees is still damn cold and next time I will wear my hat.

Caribou Chronicles- day 2

Here I am back at Caribou today. I couldn't concentrate at home and had over a hundred pages left to read in a book for my writing class.

Now I love going to Caribou coffee. A large Cafe Mocha was just what I needed to get me back on track. As an added bonus, they have a special on right now that if you buy a large drink you can get a bakery item for just a dollar. Sweet! I could get a muffin too.

So I settled in on a comfy couch drinking my high test, highly caffeinated beverage and began reading my book. But I could not keep my eyes open. I would read a page and my eyes would close and my head would nod. So much for caffeine! I went online for a bit and did part of a tutorial for Dreamweaver for another class. I woke up enough to go back to the book. I now have about 50 pages left to read but now am again falling asleep. Argh! I am giving up on it for now.

Going back to school at my age has been tough. There always seems to be homework to do for one of my classes. but I really don't mind that. I enjoy using my mind again for something other than the usual day to day tedium of everyday life. I just wish I didn't have to work. I would actually have time for everything if I didn't have to work. It is only part time, but I guess I should be happy that I even have a job. There are many people who don't have jobs who would love to be in my position. So I should be more grateful.

I had better go home now. I think I need a nap before I try to do anymore homework. I still have Math to do. but with my luck the caffeine will kick in the moment I lay down...

sitting chillin at Caribou

So I don't write for months but then manage two posts in one day. I am currently at Caribou coffee because it is actually easier for me to concentrate here on my homework than it is at home. I have been reading a book for my writing class that I need to finish by Thursday for class. The book is "Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. I am usually pretty good at powering through books and I devour them quickly, but with this book I cannot do that. I frequently have to stop and think, letting the meaning of what I have just read soak in. This is one of those moments.

More and more this semester I am learning so much about myself through the writing class I am taking. The lessons taught have nothing to do with anything listed on the syllabus. It is like I am going deeper into myself and being taught on a different level. I have been humbled in many ways by the lessons. If nothing else I know that I have much to learn, about being a writer and a person.

Oddly enough, my math class is having a similar effect on me. I am learning to be more precise and ordered in my thoughts and in my actions. My life and my thoughts have always been chaotic and disorderly. I am thinking now that might be the main reason for my lack of success. My professor frequently speaks of not being "ambiguous." I don't think my professors have any idea of the profound effect they are having on me and my life.

I may write more on this at a later date. But for now I had better get back to my homework...

Been gone for a while...

Life interrupts and things happen. I really meant to keep this up better. As it has been awhile, here is the quick update. I lost my full time job on New Years Eve so I started the new year unemployed. But, I only had a short break and was back in school by the middle of January. A couple of weeks later, I was employed again on a part time basis. So all is good for now. I will try to start posting again on a regular basis to talk about the challenges of going back to school after 33 years and maybe some other topics as well. The blog is called Whatever... so I guess that is appropriate.