Where does time go?

It doesn’t seem all that long ago that we were planning for millennial computer problems. Now we are marching toward 2010 – ten years later. Yesterday I was setting up the March short course meet. Today I am setting up the long course meet and August 1 is here at the end of the week. Yesterday we were getting stuff out for summer session. Now we are getting stuff for Fall and getting advertising out for fall workshops.

When I was little I used to practice writing the new year so that I wouldn’t make a mistake. The way time is flying, I maybe need to practice writing the new year – oh, maybe 100 times at least;-) I still catch myself putting 2008 on a check every now and then – and soon it will be 2010 and I haven’t even mastered 2009 yet.

Yesterday I was planning for family being home for a few days – today I am saying goodbye to 2/3 of that family and holding on for a few more days to the 1/3 that is still here. Yesterday I was anxiously waiting for winter to be over. Now summer is almost gone and the joy of having the family home for a few days is only in my heart.

Picture is of the extended Kooy family minus Esteban. (We missed him.) From left to right, Liz, Cael, Zane, Adrian, Betty, Heidi, Ute, Nef, Athena, Jan and Vern.

Ute and Zane

Liz, Heidi, and Ute

Liz, Adrian, and Jan at Liz's 20th HS class reunion

Athena

Why is it that when one is a child time seems to pass so very slowly? One is able to savor the year – all the special holidays, enjoy the time of anticipation, enjoy the days, and then enjoy savoring the memories. When one gets older, everything is just so jam-packed together that we can’t smell the coffee, let alone the roses.

I will try to savor the wonderful memories of having kids and grandkids home. I will try to enjoy working each day – even though every minute brings me closer to tomorrow. I will relish each sunny day, each star-lit night, and even each rainy day and cloudy night. I will cherish the times spent with family and friends and try to disencumber myself from so many ‘jobs’ that suck all of the time and pleasure out of life.

Tomorrow is another day...one day closer to January 1, 2010...whatever that day and year will bring. I will greet the morn with joy!

Thoughts on Education - Five Years + Later

If I had wanted to find an excuse to quit the MAEd program I started in the Fall of 2003 I could have found a thousand excuses – and very legitimate excuses at that. After working in Distance Education for 15 years, I think I have heard every excuse in the book for late work, incomplete work, non-completion, etc, and every reason imaginable for an extension. I guess this will be a somewhat rambling group of thoughts on such issues.


In the fall of 2003 I decided to pursue an MA program in Distance Education through the University of Phoenix. I chose that program because I knew UOP did online education very well, because I had been involved in DE for quite a few years, and because I thought I could finally accomplish the MA while still living in the middle of Nebraska – on my own time and in my own way.

Students at CCC who seek to do ‘individualized’ courses at a distance have a lot of flexibility regarding due dates, how they turn in their work, and when and where they complete that work – perhaps way too much flexibility. The UOP program that I completed had some flexibility, but not too much. I chose to take the degree as recommended – six weeks of class, one week off, six more weeks of class, until all 33 hours (12 courses) were completed in about 19 months. Each class had a syllabus, a list of assignments and deliverables, and due dates for each of the deliverables. In the 19 months I only missed one deadline (by about 13 hours) because of an eye injury. And I completed the work with a 4.0 GPA.

Now…what was going on in my life while I took that program. I was home by myself during the week (Vern was working in Omaha), working two jobs, traveling on occasion to see the kids (new grandbaby), doing my usual swim meets both locally and in Lincoln and Omaha, and dealing with Vern’s illness, surgeries, and his cancer diagnosis. There were many times when I could have said, “I just can’t do this!” There were many times when it was not convenient to get my assignment done on time. There were many times that I had to go through extreme measures to find connectivity to be able to either enter the required discussions, upload my work, or collaborate with my assigned team on a particular project. I tried the local library (to make sure I had that option if my connection broke down); I made sure Vern’s laptop was ready to interface with the classroom; I had my PC set up at work to interface with the class; and of course my PC at home was set up as my main classroom access. Vern’s laptop went to California, Chicago, Atlanta, swimming conventions, etc with me (although he was not terribly happy about losing his window to the world). But I did it.

When Vern got sick in the fall of 2003 we knew things weren’t right, but little did we know how very wrong they were. We went to San Francisco to meet Ute and there I used the Macs of the kids for my classroom connection. Vern was very sick – very tired and very lethargic, and slept a lot. I still got my work done. He continued to go to work that fall and early winter, but not without a lot of effort. I continued my classes and signed up for the 2nd and 3rd course in the program. After Christmas local doctors decided it was time to do some serious checking. CT scans showed a large mass in the abdomen. Exploratory surgery done locally revealed a tumor too large and involved for the local surgeons to deal with. I continued with my work, my swimming job, and my class work. It was decided that UNMC was the best place with the best doctors to try to deal with the issue. I continued with my course work, ran my swim meets (including one in Omaha staying at Vern’s apartment), and got ready to stay in Omaha and camp at UNMC hospital for a week or so, continuing my studies. While Vern was in surgery I read. While he was hospitalized I sat in his room, curled up in a recliner, and read. I used his laptop at his apartment to upload my work. I never missed an assignment or a due date.

When Vern had healed somewhat, we traveled to Atlanta for a family wedding. I had hotel connectivity, but not much time. I didn’t miss any assignments, but I didn’t respond to the discussions like I usually did. I did get docked at bit in that class for that. But we also had a ‘green’ instructor and he really didn’t know what he was doing, so I didn’t get too concerned.

By the fall of 2004 work, swimming, online classes, and normal every-day stuff all were just a part of my life. I was able to download the textbooks at least three weeks prior to the start of each class. By the time the last class rolled around I was an old pro. In the spring of 2005 I scratched my eye. I couldn’t function. One assignment just had to be late…using an excuse the instructor understood as she had recently had eye surgery. When I finished the program I was ready to be finished, but I also knew I would miss the intellectual interaction with my fellow students.

My degree was granted 40 years to the day after my BA had been granted. I felt I had accomplished a worthy goal. I had completed an advanced degree. I had completed it in the prescribed time. I had never been late or missed an assignment (with one exception). I had a 4.0 GPA. As an Adult Education professional I knew that this was quite an accomplishment. None of the roadblocks thrown in my path had caused me to stumble or change direction. I have tried to process reasons for my success. I don’t quit when I start something. I am a true adult learner. I need to succeed for my own internal reasons. I had a point to prove – that despite the obstacles we as adult learners encounter, we can succeed and achieve IF we put our minds to it and IF we persevere. We chose our successes or our failures. If we chose to find excuses, we can find those excuses. If we chose to get the job done, we can get it done despite normal inconveniences or not-so-normal life-altering events. It is a choice. And my choice was to succeed!

Going Home...When Home Isn't There

The little old lady grew up in Southern California. In the late 40s and 50s and even into the 60s it was an exciting place for a kid - always something to do. But as the years passed it became more crowded and seemed a bit inhospitable to the lady who had become accustomed to the pace of life in Nebraska. While Mama and Papa were in Inland Home I made MANY trips and became a bit more accustomed to the So Cal pace but since 1994 I have made very few trips 'home', particularly since 'home' isn't there in the sense that one has a parent home to go to.

A fast six day trip with so much crammed into it that I can't remember half! I rented a small car and traveled south out of the Ontario Airport on Haven and headed for dairy country - home! I was totally astonished at how many houses had tarps on roofs (no one is going to fix anything that is going to be bulldozed for new construction - when the economy picks up in So Cal). I saw that 'our house' was still there - but it looks so different from the clean white with dark green trim that Papa kept up. My neighbors' houses are still there too...but definitely not the clean, neat dairy country of my youth. After driving around a bit I headed to Inland Home. I made a quick visit with the mother of a first grade classmate. She still recognized me (my stature is pretty much a give-away)! I visited with a dear friend who was my rock and support when Mama and Papa were in Inland - she is now in the Alzheimer's wing and she is only 65. We sang some hymns together. The words are embedded in the brain - both hers and mine. I drove to Ontario and stopped to see a high school classmate and had dinner with her - what a joy to visit with her. I stayed with Evelyn in her lovely Upland home, we visited, and remembered the past together...especially Case.

I drove to Hemet and couldn't figure out where my cousins live because I printed out the Mapquest map with the wrong address. Thank goodness for cell phones - but Donald must think I am a complete idiot. We had a great time catching up quickly. We did take a quick trip to the hospital to see Cousin Joyce as her husband was in surgery. Elaine put on a great spread for lunch. I called friend Joyce (another high school classmate and long time friend) and got directions from cousins' to her new home...and I found that easily. Joyce and I played catch-up in all too short a time - I had seen her last in San Diego at least 5 or 6 years ago. Very quickly it was time to head south to San Diego and the Swimming Workshop...which was the purpose of the trip anyway.

Picture is of Betty, Cousin Joyce (the little ones in the family) and Cousin Donald and his wife Elaine. I'm the kid in the group. The three of them are 80ish.


San Diego was beautiful at this time of the year. Everything was in bloom. We stayed in a beautiful hotel that overlooks the bay and ocean. We socialized with USA Swimming friends and attended a workshop. Saturday we were bussed downtown to a training center. It was a very good workshop and training. Two friends and I were dropped off at the harbor area and decided to tour the USS Midway. Although we arrived rather late in the afternoon we were still able to see most of the carrier. The audio tour gave us lots of historical information. The evening meal at the Red Marlin was superb. Watching the sunset over the water was magnificent. An early morning walk to Belmont Park brought back memories of a high school band trip that included time in Belmont Park. After a couple hours of unstructured workshop I was on my way to La Quinta.


It has been MANY years since I have been in the California desert and I was looking forward to both the drive and the visit. Neither disappointed. The drive through San Gorgonio pass was incredible...watching 3200+ windmills churning and generating electricity for 1000s of people. Why can't Nebraska harness all of our wind? Trying to find Julia in La Quinta took a few phone calls and directions. Again I had a wrong address and printed out wrong maps. But we found her in a lovely home in a gated community in La Quinta. We spent lots of time catching up. She took me to a great spot for a quick, reasonable meal - the Cliff House at the bar! Best fries ever! We relaxed, walked, did a little shopping, enjoyed the wonderful warm weather (not too hot yet). We enjoyed another meal together at the Cliff House and I got on the road heading back to Upland and Evelyn.

Now I knew where I was going...right! Julia mentioned taking the 210 (I have normally traveled the 60) and which exit I should get off and I heard Carnelian and Campus. I thought Carnelian as I needed gas. I got off, got gas, and headed 'east' as I thought I was 'west' of Euclid and Evelyn's home and pretty soon I was at Archibald. WHAAAAT! Where the h... am I? OK, stupid. Remember that you used to take Carnelian to get to Joyce's when she lived in Alta Loma? Carnelian is EAST of Euclid! Am I lost? Not really. Just delayed a bit and at Evelyn's a little later than I wanted to be. We visited a bit and both headed to bed as I had a very early flight (0 dark 30), and E was facing surgery on Thursday.

Trip home was uneventful...early flight left on time, arrived on time in Denver. I made my connections and arrived in Omaha on time. The drive home was uneventful - but long. I was very glad to be home.

I have a love-hate relationship with traveling. I love to go and visit with friends and family and see new places and things. I hate to be away from home. My psyche is much more grounded when I am within the confines of home.

But going 'home' after being away most of the last 50 years is still a wonderful experience, especially when one can rekindle past close relationships with family and friends.

The Swim Meet from H...

OK, maybe that is not a fair assessment. It is what it is! Offering the opportunity for all swimmers to swim a championship meet and participate as a team is the goal of the Nebraska Y Swim League. BUT...it makes for a very long, difficult day for the club hosting the meet. More than 375 swimmers, most of them 'novice', 8-lane facility, not much seating room for spectators, parents who don't understand how swim meets work, or how timing differences are reconciled and no amount of explanation will get them to understand, inexperienced officials, and a 'gray' day.

This is the second year in a row that Hastings has hosted the meet. (No one else wants to host it because it is such a marathon/nightmare.) We have designed it so that it runs as well as it possibly can. We seed like events together and score them separately by age group. We put the long session in the morning (8:30 a.m. - 1:10 p.m. - should have been done at 12:30 p.m. but...). If we get through that, we are home free.

I backed up the meet at 5:10 p.m. yesterday. I only had a couple of timing corrections and only one parent-from-h...! I consider that a HUGE success!

The concessions income was tremendous but a HUGE amount of work. We think we will let someone else handle it next year!

A One Year Journey

One year ago on February 1, 2008, I began a journey to lose some weight and get healthy. I don't know what expectations I had, but I had put on 40 lbs in 20 years and at 4'9 3/4" I looked pretty awful - a short, fat, toad was my description. Over the 20 years I had tried on a few occasions to get it all under control, but life got in the way. Always excuses. So I found myself with very bad numbers - high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high weight. Besides all of that, everything hurt.

I joined a team at work through N-Lighten Nebraska. I weighed myself - or rather had a co-worker weigh me and refused to look - and I began to follow some of the guidelines of the plans. I journaled what I was eating. I tried to eat what I was supposed to eat. I tried to get some more sleep. I tried to relax. And I tried to get some exercise. I had the co-worker weigh me weekly, still not looking - until I lost 10 lbs. Then I began to wonder where I actually was. By that time I was around 132 lbs.

On March 17, 2008, I found The Daily Plate and since that time have been logging in everything that I put in my mouth - almost daily. By the end of October I weighed 117 lbs. I have put on a couple of pounds since then and today I am starting another N-Lighten Nebraska journey, hopefully to get a few more pounds off and remain healthy.

Over the last year there are several things that I have decided work well for me and things that I need to do to maintain my health for the rest of my life.

1. Journal everything that I eat. When I don't, I am wont to put more in my mouth than I should, and also probably putting in some wrong things.

2. Portion control is most important. I really need to measure because sometimes my eyes are bigger than my stomach. OK, that is an old expression of my mother's.

3. Be extremely vigilant and be aware of what I am actually eating, when I am eating, how much I am eating, and where I am eating.

4. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

5. Get some exercise at least 5 days a week. I have been mostly walking, even walking the treadmill. I still use the age and time excuses for not doing more.

6. Find a support system. The co-worker who helped me begin this journey is still encouraging me. Another co-worker is walking with me. The groups on TDP have been great encouragement. Even oldman is joining me on my journey now.

7. Cook my own meals. Pack my own lunch. This way I know what I am eating and can make good decisions. If I must eat out, I try to make reasonable decisions on both the choice and the portion.

Thank you to all who have supported me along the way. Here's to another year of good health!

Fast Food - Ugh!

And we wonder why Americans are obese.

After a trip to the barber in GI and before a 6pm bell rehearsal, we decided to grab a quick bite in GI on the way home. Neither of us had eaten at Long John Silvers in a very long time, and the $1.99 Fish and Chips special sounded good for a change. Oldman ordered the dinner - two pieces of battered fish, two hush puppies, coleslaw, and fries (no drink, just water), and I ordered the $1.99 special (just water). OK, it all tasted wonderful - for a change.

Fast forward...time to log in the meals on TDP for the day. We thought we would start with oldman's meal. Fries, 1 3/4 pieces of fish (I ate the rest), 1/2 coleslaw (I ate the other half), two hush puppies (he didn't save me one of those), and minimal tartar sauce. Eeeeekkkkk! Calories - 900. Not that bad. BUT...percentage of fat and the amount of sodium were just outrageous!

Now I know why Americans are obese and why we have not eaten fast food and definitely not eaten at Long John Silvers in a very long time!

New Year Thoughts

What does one think when someone writes so very persuasively and yet their behavior is so contrary to what has been written? Disappointment. What makes us able to talk the talk but not able to walk the walk? Being human! We are all capable of giving advice based on our vast experiences, but often we are not able to live up to the advice that we give.

And why does this fault so often come to light when dealing with weight issues? Are our body images so much a part of our psyche that we cannot separate what we want to be from what we actually are? Perhaps the failures of others in this regard just exacerbate our own failures?

What to do about it?
*Quit thinking I can eat whatever I want to and that I am in control!
OK, that was negative. Let's try the positive approach.
*Control the portions of what I eat and control the food itself.
*Drink 8 glasses of water a day. Just have a glass on the sink and fill it!
*Walk at least 1/2 hour a day 5 days a week. NO excuses.
*Log in everything I put in my mouth.
*Take a positive approach to life!

I don't normally make resolutions and I don't know that these are really 'resolutions', but they are just some small things that are doable in my real world.