(Roger Edwards picture taken near Norman OK, 2007)
It's been a delightful winter break here on OS. These past weeks I have indulged myself and spent hours each day reading, laughing, commenting, pondering. As an INFJ/P I'm in virtual heaven here. When not on OS I've been playing the computer game Spore which my son got for Christmas and have faithfully evolved my creature to the stage of interplanetary domination. I've loved every second of it, and January 12 it must come to an end. Party's over:(
While the beginning of the school year in August has always felt like an exciting new adventure (probably because of my passion for school supplies)I've always dreaded the return to school in January. I remember my freshman year having to return to the dorm of my college in St. Louis, five hundred miles from home, sobbing as my dad drove me to the airport. Now more than twenty years later, I feel like sobbing again. Or at least seeing if I can switch my major to OS (with a minor in the video game Spore). The coming semester will be my second of four which I need to become an RN, and is rumored to be the most difficult. Our professor sent all students an e-mail on January 1 at 8:00 am to the effect of "Welcome students - hope you all are ready to work hard". Who, I ask, (other than folks on OS) sends e-mails at eight am New Year's Day? This scares me. I'm also signed up for microbiology which is potentially disastrous because I have never been able to see crap under a microscope. My glasses get in the way, and I get horrible headaches. So. Not looking forward to the next 18 weeks, but am holding fast to the old al-anon slogan: one day at a time. I'm also making a collection of inspirational quotes to keep me going. The first on my list is by Dostoevsky- or possibly Tolstoy, but definitely Russian:
"Man can survive where swine would perish and laugh where the Gods go mad"
Now a request of all my wonderful OS friends and acquaintances - please, please share your favorite inspirational quote, or some encouraging words. I'm needing to feel a lot more inspired by Monday!
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Alysa Salzberg
Poppi Iceland
Tom Slick
Scarlett Sumac
Sparking
JustJuli
Salon.com
Comments
Neitzsche
Willie Nelson.
Everyday above ground is a good day.
I don't know where I picked this one up. sorry
i'm starting school on the 14th after a hiatus of 25 yrs so i'm completely freaking out!
see, it can always be worse.
i sure hope we don't lose track of you completely during the coming semester. for myself i'll be spending a lot less time on OS but plan on checking in once or week or so; hope you'll be not be a stranger.
"The more you ask someone about themselves, the more interesting they think you are."
and
"Sometimes you gotta go through hell in order to recognize heaven."
And I have no idea who I should atribute the quotes to...
"You're supposed to remove the foil wrapper BEFORE inserting the suppository into the rectum." -- Sister Mary Brian, VA Hospital Internship Supervisor.
My victim...er patient...came through Vietnam in one piece, but barely survived having me as a student nurse...
Good luck, you'll need it! ;-) Nurses are the BEST!
"hope you'll be not be a stranger."
my god. school can't come a moment too soon.
"Never, never, never give up." Winston Churchill
"A good motto to live by: 'Always try not to get killed.'" George Carlin
My all time favorite old guy - Socrates
And now that I'm over the hump of life myself, that flame is an incredible thing to have and to enjoy. It's worth every second of sweat and grief, if for nothing more than the exhilarating thrill of achievement that I never dreamt would happen.
Good luck Diva
Nanate - you crack me up! No worries - I didn't give that phrase a second thought. I can certainly relate to the feeling of "I can't believe I just left that comment", but it's all good - really!
Mrs. Michaels - always happy to share and thanks for stopping by!
Bob - Socrates - perfect! Thank you for reminding me that learning is a lifelong process, and that this effort will pay off. I deeply appreciate your positive attitude and kind words!
"When you're going through hell, keep going." Winston Churchill
"...we should go with our lives where we most need to go and where we are most needed. " Frederick Buechner
"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." Anis Nin
Take it easy
Don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
Don't even try to understand
Just find a place make your stand
And take it easy
- The Eagles
"I have never been able to see crap under a microscope. " --DBD
If it is any consolation it is very likely that nobody in nursing school will ever ask you to look at crap under a microscope.
OK, time to get my image back and get profound. Here is an important one in your new vocation:
1. "Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity."
2. The AA Serenity Prayer, useful for all occasions. written by a favorite theologian of mine, Reinhold Niebuhr.
God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference."
We'll miss you a ton but also pray that you do very well indeed.
Come around when you can, we'll be here, a little crazier, not much wiser, but just as welcoming to one of our own returning home.
Monte
Beth - ahhh the Eagles. Good stuff! You've reminded me that music is always helpful in times of stress. Will try to "lighten up while I still can" and maybe channel some "peaceful easy feeling" while I'm at it;)
It's going to be tough not checking in here every hour, but am hoping to be able to drop by at least weekly. Okay - deep breath - now to class.