Friday, March 12, 2010

Comparative Studies

Well, I completed my final paper and submitted it last night, even though it isn't due until next Tuesday. It is interesting that the mid-term paper (five page requirement) was a complete struggle for me - it seemed as if I were pulling the words out of quicksand. The final term paper (ten page requirement) came so easily, most likely as a result of reading a couple of the (eight total) books that just made me so incredibly angry. One titled "Stolen Innocence" about a young girl brought up in the FLDS and forced to marry her first cousin when she was only 14 years old, and the other about a ministry called New Hope which promotes the "ex-gay" lifestyle. My thesis was aimed at the hypocrisy of religious leaders via their words and actions and how it impacted the youth in their programs. Abuse is abuse whether it is at the hands of a bully, a minister, or society. I am not you, and you are not me....and that is - or should be, okay. A young girl of 14 is a child. Individuals are born gay, they do not make a choice to be so and as there is nothing wrong with them.....stop trying to fix them! Whew - I guess I am still angry.

These two publications just evoked such a reaction the words flowed.....and flowed.....and flowed - my apologies to my Professor, as I could only pare the paper down to 13 pages.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Another quarter almost finished!

Well, Winter Quarter 2010 is almost over and I am a bit sad. I took 2 courses - comparative studies/minority religions in the US and an earth science course called Natural Disasters.

The english course was really interesting - in particular the books about a young Muslim girl and a young girl from the FLDS. There were several others, but these were my favorites. Not because they were easy reading, but because I learned so much. I wish that those who spout off nonsense about any religion that they don't understand would make some small effort to educate themselves. We're more alike than you know.

I have annoyed the heck out of my husband with the natural disaster class. It too has been really interesting, but if he ever wanted to purchase a 7th floor condominium on the beach in Mexico I would say NO! If you're really curious.....ask me why not:)

I have a final paper for the english course to complete and submit by Tuesday at 5pm. It is pretty much done and I'll be posting it by Friday. Only one final and it is the science course on Monday....then 2 weeks off before I start all over again.

I love college!

One of Life's Moments


The day they put this baby boy into my arms was one of the happiest days of my life. I have been blessed, because he has given me so many of these. Next sunday will be another. My "gift from god" is graduating from The Ohio State University.

I am incredibly proud.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

College

Today I am hand delivering my application to the OSU College of Social Work. I have completed 91 credit hours and currently have a 3.3 GPA. It's time to move ahead to the core classes and complete my degree.

I am so thrilled to have finally made it to this point. This has been a dream for a long time, and I hope that somehow my Dad knows. I am so sad that he isn't here to tell. He would be so proud.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Great Weekend

So, at some point over the weekend we (Gary and I) were able to spend time with all of the boys. Pizza and cards on Friday evening - what could be better?

Did more cooking at home this weekend with Gary, and I always enjoy that. We made our own corned-beef hash, from scratch. I know baby, but even chopping the onions means that you helped:) It was awesome....Millie ate like a truck driver - lol. We do now know not to ever give it to the dogs again.....yuck!

On sunday I made macaroni and cheese - again, from scratch. I love the recipe that Gary found....it all starts with a roux. It is the best I have ever had....bar none. I am thinking that we need to try the country-fried steak again soon, and I would really like to try a chocolate souffle.

I am kicking myself because I never think to take photo's of the things we make. I resolve, going forward, to try to do that.