Simple -- yeah right, I'm sure you're thinking. I like things simple - less confusion that way. Really.
Now, I know you came here expecting to read one of my tintalating expositions but not so today. Simple is actually the title of a new poem I wrote that I just thought I would share with you. Hope you enjoy it.
SIMPLE
My faith is simple – my words are too
I trust in the Bible – the words are true.
I try to live out my faith each day
Wanting nothing to set me astray.
I’ve been asked why I believe
That Jesus died on the cross for me?
Why wouldn’t I believe is my reply.
It’s in the Bible – the Bible doesn’t lie.
It’s stated over and over again you see
That Jesus would come and die for me.
He would suffer and take the pain
Leaving me with much to gain.
Eternal life is mine you see
A plan as simple as simple can be.
Do you believe that Jesus lived and died
And that for your sin He was crucified?
Then He rose again from the grave
All for our lives to be saved.
All we need to do is confess our sin
And then put our trust in Him.
Yes, my faith is simple – my words are too.
The Bible says Jesus died for me and you.
Written by: Kathie Marrs
February 25, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Cheated
I've been cheated!! Yep, it's true I have been cheated. Not just me but my grand kids too. We wanted snow! We wanted lots of snow. We were promised snow.
Now seriously, for days they have been talking about this storm coming in. Forecasters saying we could get anywhere from 1-3 or 4-8 inches depending on how far south the cold front pushes. They gave us winter weather advisories, winter storm warnings and yes even notification of a blizzard!!
So seriously - wouldn't you expect something from all that! I did and so did Lily. We prepared ourselves. We did the snow dance. You know the dance. Your arms flail wildly in the air as you twist your body into all kinds of contortions, followed by jumping jacks and then repeat. The arms flailing in the air represent the snow coming down and the body contortions represent howling blowing winds for the blizzard effect. Jumping jacks? Oh, that's representing the snow angels you will be making in the foot deep snow you receive.
Snow dance accomplished I settle back in my recliner and wait. I see a few posts on facebook that snow is falling! YAY -- I am way excited. I make Chris look out the window to verify that yes it is snowing and he assures me yes it is. (Didn't want to get out of the recliner if it's a false alarm).
So Gary and I decide to go for a drive in the snow. Upon looking out the front door we see big, huge, fluffy flakes falling at an abundant rate. The grass is already covered. Great -- things are looking good now. My porch frog is going crazy! Whistling at the snow - one whistle right after the other. He is way excited about the snow. He is going to whistle it on down.
We drive around for a while and notice that on the east side of town they only have rain. A little farther north they only have rain. I'm a little bit put out about this. Someone's lying to me and I know just who it is. The weather forecasters!!!! Seeing how upset I am Gary heads back to our side of town where there is snow on the ground.
Now at this point, I am a little bit concerned that perhaps we have been misled about the storm. At our house we no longer have those big, fluffy flakes falling - just a kind of snowy, rainy wet mix. I already know in my mind what's gonna happen. I'm getting gypped!!
Sure enough - I wake up this morning to 35 degrees and "wet roads". Supposedly we got more snow over night but it melted. I think they're lying about that. I'm going to need to see some pictures for verification.
Now I will say that there are some areas north and west of us that really did get hard with the storm. I hope that they all stay safe and warm. But for those of us in this little pocket of area where we never get anything -- we got gypped!!
All I can say is - it's a good thing I don't have any friends who are weather forecasters!!
Now seriously, for days they have been talking about this storm coming in. Forecasters saying we could get anywhere from 1-3 or 4-8 inches depending on how far south the cold front pushes. They gave us winter weather advisories, winter storm warnings and yes even notification of a blizzard!!
So seriously - wouldn't you expect something from all that! I did and so did Lily. We prepared ourselves. We did the snow dance. You know the dance. Your arms flail wildly in the air as you twist your body into all kinds of contortions, followed by jumping jacks and then repeat. The arms flailing in the air represent the snow coming down and the body contortions represent howling blowing winds for the blizzard effect. Jumping jacks? Oh, that's representing the snow angels you will be making in the foot deep snow you receive.
Snow dance accomplished I settle back in my recliner and wait. I see a few posts on facebook that snow is falling! YAY -- I am way excited. I make Chris look out the window to verify that yes it is snowing and he assures me yes it is. (Didn't want to get out of the recliner if it's a false alarm).
So Gary and I decide to go for a drive in the snow. Upon looking out the front door we see big, huge, fluffy flakes falling at an abundant rate. The grass is already covered. Great -- things are looking good now. My porch frog is going crazy! Whistling at the snow - one whistle right after the other. He is way excited about the snow. He is going to whistle it on down.
We drive around for a while and notice that on the east side of town they only have rain. A little farther north they only have rain. I'm a little bit put out about this. Someone's lying to me and I know just who it is. The weather forecasters!!!! Seeing how upset I am Gary heads back to our side of town where there is snow on the ground.
Now at this point, I am a little bit concerned that perhaps we have been misled about the storm. At our house we no longer have those big, fluffy flakes falling - just a kind of snowy, rainy wet mix. I already know in my mind what's gonna happen. I'm getting gypped!!
Sure enough - I wake up this morning to 35 degrees and "wet roads". Supposedly we got more snow over night but it melted. I think they're lying about that. I'm going to need to see some pictures for verification.
Now I will say that there are some areas north and west of us that really did get hard with the storm. I hope that they all stay safe and warm. But for those of us in this little pocket of area where we never get anything -- we got gypped!!
All I can say is - it's a good thing I don't have any friends who are weather forecasters!!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Curtailing laughter
Don't you just love laughter? I do! One of my favorite things to hear is the laughter of children and babies. And there are so many things to bring on laughter. Who can listen to a baby laugh and not laugh themselves?
I loved when my girls were little and they would get uncontrollable fits of laughter. Thing about this is, it's contagious! Oh how difficult it is to try to be a responsible parent when you want to laugh with them. I was fortunate enough to be able to share this with my girls. Well, in fact, I still share it with them when we get together! Aren't I lucky?
Not everyone can say that I admit. And I don't get to share it as often with them as I would like. I am also fortunate enough to be able to share this form of laughter with my grandchildren. That's probably more fun - because then you are the one getting in trouble with them. I love that!
I am also fortunate to be able to share bouts of laughter with my husband. We do enjoy our laughter!
Now have you ever stopped to consider what makes you laugh? It could be the antics of children or grandchildren. I know my grand kids are always good for a laugh. It could be something stupid yo see that strikes you as funny that sets off the laughter. Sometimes trying to explain why you are laughing makes you laugh harder. And sometimes just hearing someone laugh makes me laugh.
I know for a fact that if I texted my friend Shellie and asked her about cults and virgins she would spit her coffee out because it would make her laugh. And I also gotta admit that every so often I send her that text just to make her laugh. Knowing that she is laughing makes me laugh. I also know that I can mention sandwiches and bedtime to Gary or K.C. and they will laugh. A little inside joke but it is hilarious!
Some of the funniest things to make us laugh are commercials. Which brings about this post. Gary and I were watching TV the other night when a commercial came on. Serious announcer says: Do you suffer from uncontrollable bouts of laughter? Seriously?? I do now. We couldn't stop laughing wondering why suffering from laughter would be considered a problem.
To be honest, I thought it was a fake commercial. You know, the kind they do on Saturday Night Live? That show confuses me because of their fake commercials.
Now, back to the commercial that set us off the other night. I swear, we laughed for 15 minutes or more. Even after discovering that this is considered a disease and there is medication for it! The disease is PBA (PseudoBulboAffect). I don't want to minimize any serious disorder or anything but you gotta admit - since when did you think of laughter as a disease?
So what sets off our laughter now? You guessed it. All one of has to say is: PBA --- oh yes, we suffer from uncontrollable bouts of laughter. However, we are going to consider it a blessing and not a disease for us. Laughter is the best medicine and it keeps you young.
I loved when my girls were little and they would get uncontrollable fits of laughter. Thing about this is, it's contagious! Oh how difficult it is to try to be a responsible parent when you want to laugh with them. I was fortunate enough to be able to share this with my girls. Well, in fact, I still share it with them when we get together! Aren't I lucky?
Not everyone can say that I admit. And I don't get to share it as often with them as I would like. I am also fortunate enough to be able to share this form of laughter with my grandchildren. That's probably more fun - because then you are the one getting in trouble with them. I love that!
I am also fortunate to be able to share bouts of laughter with my husband. We do enjoy our laughter!
Now have you ever stopped to consider what makes you laugh? It could be the antics of children or grandchildren. I know my grand kids are always good for a laugh. It could be something stupid yo see that strikes you as funny that sets off the laughter. Sometimes trying to explain why you are laughing makes you laugh harder. And sometimes just hearing someone laugh makes me laugh.
I know for a fact that if I texted my friend Shellie and asked her about cults and virgins she would spit her coffee out because it would make her laugh. And I also gotta admit that every so often I send her that text just to make her laugh. Knowing that she is laughing makes me laugh. I also know that I can mention sandwiches and bedtime to Gary or K.C. and they will laugh. A little inside joke but it is hilarious!
Some of the funniest things to make us laugh are commercials. Which brings about this post. Gary and I were watching TV the other night when a commercial came on. Serious announcer says: Do you suffer from uncontrollable bouts of laughter? Seriously?? I do now. We couldn't stop laughing wondering why suffering from laughter would be considered a problem.
To be honest, I thought it was a fake commercial. You know, the kind they do on Saturday Night Live? That show confuses me because of their fake commercials.
Now, back to the commercial that set us off the other night. I swear, we laughed for 15 minutes or more. Even after discovering that this is considered a disease and there is medication for it! The disease is PBA (PseudoBulboAffect). I don't want to minimize any serious disorder or anything but you gotta admit - since when did you think of laughter as a disease?
So what sets off our laughter now? You guessed it. All one of has to say is: PBA --- oh yes, we suffer from uncontrollable bouts of laughter. However, we are going to consider it a blessing and not a disease for us. Laughter is the best medicine and it keeps you young.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Students
Well, here it is Friday morning and it should be fairly quiet. Why oh why do I get the calls I get?
Starts off with someone calling and they go into this huge description of the problem with their computer and what do I think the problem is? How can they fix it? Blah, blah, blah -- keep talking. I say let me create a ticket and have a technician come and help you. What is your extension? Person on the phone - oh my gosh I am so sorry I must have called the wrong number. Me: this is the IT Service Desk did you not want a technician to look at your computer? Person on phone: Oh yeah, ok. I hope their day improves.
Next caller is even better. Student calls says she cannot get into Blackboard she has to get in there she has been using this forever and Lordy she sure hopes she ain't on the phone with me for 30 minutes like she was yesterday when she called and no one helped her out. (If this is true and after talking to her I can see why they were unable to help her).
I ask for her ID number and pull up her account and do not see any issues with it on the administrative account. I ask her if she is able to access TED as TED sets the password for Blackboard. Student: Honey, I don't need to get into TED - Oh good night I just don't have time for this if it takes to long I'm just gonna have to come down there and I certainly don't have time for that. Me: well, let's just see if you can get into TED. I see that you changed your password on Feb.11th does that ring a bell with you? It would be 6 numbers you changed it to.
Student: I ain't never changed my password I've never been in TED I don't know what's going on I've always used my birth date for my PIN I have so many passwords I just can't keep track of them but I ain't never gone in and changed my password why would I do that: (and yes I deliberately did not put any punctuation in that previous sentence as the lady did not take a breath the whole time she was saying it).
I am trying to intervene into this tirade to advise that if I can verify the answers to her security questions I will be able to reset her PIN. However, it will not be effective for Blackboard for anywhere from 3-24 hours. Since she cannot get into Blackboard anyway we need to go ahead and do so since she is also unable to access TED.
Very first question: Where was your mother born? Student: Evansville, Indiana. Me: Did you just put Evansville or would you have put Indiana also? Student: Oh my word I don't know I know she was born in Evansville, Indiana in XXXX and she died in XXXX she was born in Evansville, Indiana I know she was and she lived there most of her life oh Lordy why do I have to do this I run my own company and have for 32 years I don't have time for this.
I intervene again and ask the second question: What school did you attend for third grade? Student: I went to Webster I know it was Webster I only attended three schools they were Webster Carver and Washington oh Lordy I don't have time for this I know what school I went to I better not have to come down there I do all this stuff for DHS and they know who I am my professors all know who I am ........
I insert the next question over her protestations: What street did you live on in third grade? Student I lived on 7th street I know it was seventh street am I gonna have to come down there I don't have time for this you know. I interrupt to ask: How did you enter that? Would you have put the number or spelled it out? Student: I don't know I don't understand any of this I supposed I probably would have spelt it out oh Lordy I don't have time for this if I have to take off work a couple of hours to come down there it won't be good everyone knows who I am my professors all know me DHS knows me I have run my own business in Tulsa for 32 years I don't have time for any of this.
Me: Ok I have reset your password back to your 6 digit birth date do you want to make sure that it works? Remember, you are not going to be able to get into Blackboard for anywhere from 3-24 hours. Possibly you can access it this afternoon tomorrow for sure. Student: oh Lordy this better work what is my birth date I just don't have time for this I have a test I have to take by Monday my instructors all know me why is this so difficult I have it changed and now what am I gonna do are you open tomorrow I have so many passwords and I don't like computers don't even have one at home wouldn't have one at work if DHS didn't require it.
Me: Yes Ma'am we are here from 8-12 tomorrow if you should need any further assistance. Have a great day.
Next student calls wanting assistance logging into the new email system. Me: are you at a computer now where you can go to the login screen? Student: No, I'm driving down the road but thought I would give you a call while I had time. Seriously hope he remembers the steps I told him to go through when he was able to get to a computer and that he remembers the password. I wouldn't be surprised if he calls back.
Another student calls: I need to apply for my FASFA but I don't know my ID number. Me: Have you set up your security questions in TED? Student: I don't know I just talked to someone. I go to TED and after much discussion of the correct spelling of this foreign name I am able to find student in the system but of course there are no security questions in place. Me: Unfortunately, you do not have any security questions in place so I am unable to give you any information over the phone. Are you able to go to a campus? Student: Well, not right this minute what else can I do? Me: You have two options, you can either go to campus and show them your photo ID or you can photocopy your ID and fax that in requesting the information. If you fax it it it will take 24-72 hours for a response. Student: I can't do that what can I do I need to apply for FASFA? Who is going to help me? Me: No one is going to be able to help you over the phone because we cannot verify who you are. The quickest and easiest way to get your ID number would be to go to a campus and show them your photo ID.
Student: I do not have time for that. Who can help me? Shall I fill out another admission form? Who can I talk to? Me: I do not know that filling out another admission form is going to help any. It will still have to be processed and they will need to email you your ID and that will take some time. I am not certain of the exact amount of time but again: you have an ID. The quickest and easiest way to get your number is to go to a campus. Student: How do I get my ID number then? I need to fill out my FASFA who is going to help me with that? Me: I don't have any information on FASFA that would be Financial Aid and they do not open until 10 am. I do not know that they will be able to help you over the phone because you do not have security questions in place. The best thing to do is to go to campus with your photo ID. Student: I do not have time for that. Who is going to help me get my FASFA? Me: You can call Financial Aid but they do not open until 10.
And the day has just started!!!
Starts off with someone calling and they go into this huge description of the problem with their computer and what do I think the problem is? How can they fix it? Blah, blah, blah -- keep talking. I say let me create a ticket and have a technician come and help you. What is your extension? Person on the phone - oh my gosh I am so sorry I must have called the wrong number. Me: this is the IT Service Desk did you not want a technician to look at your computer? Person on phone: Oh yeah, ok. I hope their day improves.
Next caller is even better. Student calls says she cannot get into Blackboard she has to get in there she has been using this forever and Lordy she sure hopes she ain't on the phone with me for 30 minutes like she was yesterday when she called and no one helped her out. (If this is true and after talking to her I can see why they were unable to help her).
I ask for her ID number and pull up her account and do not see any issues with it on the administrative account. I ask her if she is able to access TED as TED sets the password for Blackboard. Student: Honey, I don't need to get into TED - Oh good night I just don't have time for this if it takes to long I'm just gonna have to come down there and I certainly don't have time for that. Me: well, let's just see if you can get into TED. I see that you changed your password on Feb.11th does that ring a bell with you? It would be 6 numbers you changed it to.
Student: I ain't never changed my password I've never been in TED I don't know what's going on I've always used my birth date for my PIN I have so many passwords I just can't keep track of them but I ain't never gone in and changed my password why would I do that: (and yes I deliberately did not put any punctuation in that previous sentence as the lady did not take a breath the whole time she was saying it).
I am trying to intervene into this tirade to advise that if I can verify the answers to her security questions I will be able to reset her PIN. However, it will not be effective for Blackboard for anywhere from 3-24 hours. Since she cannot get into Blackboard anyway we need to go ahead and do so since she is also unable to access TED.
Very first question: Where was your mother born? Student: Evansville, Indiana. Me: Did you just put Evansville or would you have put Indiana also? Student: Oh my word I don't know I know she was born in Evansville, Indiana in XXXX and she died in XXXX she was born in Evansville, Indiana I know she was and she lived there most of her life oh Lordy why do I have to do this I run my own company and have for 32 years I don't have time for this.
I intervene again and ask the second question: What school did you attend for third grade? Student: I went to Webster I know it was Webster I only attended three schools they were Webster Carver and Washington oh Lordy I don't have time for this I know what school I went to I better not have to come down there I do all this stuff for DHS and they know who I am my professors all know who I am ........
I insert the next question over her protestations: What street did you live on in third grade? Student I lived on 7th street I know it was seventh street am I gonna have to come down there I don't have time for this you know. I interrupt to ask: How did you enter that? Would you have put the number or spelled it out? Student: I don't know I don't understand any of this I supposed I probably would have spelt it out oh Lordy I don't have time for this if I have to take off work a couple of hours to come down there it won't be good everyone knows who I am my professors all know me DHS knows me I have run my own business in Tulsa for 32 years I don't have time for any of this.
Me: Ok I have reset your password back to your 6 digit birth date do you want to make sure that it works? Remember, you are not going to be able to get into Blackboard for anywhere from 3-24 hours. Possibly you can access it this afternoon tomorrow for sure. Student: oh Lordy this better work what is my birth date I just don't have time for this I have a test I have to take by Monday my instructors all know me why is this so difficult I have it changed and now what am I gonna do are you open tomorrow I have so many passwords and I don't like computers don't even have one at home wouldn't have one at work if DHS didn't require it.
Me: Yes Ma'am we are here from 8-12 tomorrow if you should need any further assistance. Have a great day.
Next student calls wanting assistance logging into the new email system. Me: are you at a computer now where you can go to the login screen? Student: No, I'm driving down the road but thought I would give you a call while I had time. Seriously hope he remembers the steps I told him to go through when he was able to get to a computer and that he remembers the password. I wouldn't be surprised if he calls back.
Another student calls: I need to apply for my FASFA but I don't know my ID number. Me: Have you set up your security questions in TED? Student: I don't know I just talked to someone. I go to TED and after much discussion of the correct spelling of this foreign name I am able to find student in the system but of course there are no security questions in place. Me: Unfortunately, you do not have any security questions in place so I am unable to give you any information over the phone. Are you able to go to a campus? Student: Well, not right this minute what else can I do? Me: You have two options, you can either go to campus and show them your photo ID or you can photocopy your ID and fax that in requesting the information. If you fax it it it will take 24-72 hours for a response. Student: I can't do that what can I do I need to apply for FASFA? Who is going to help me? Me: No one is going to be able to help you over the phone because we cannot verify who you are. The quickest and easiest way to get your ID number would be to go to a campus and show them your photo ID.
Student: I do not have time for that. Who can help me? Shall I fill out another admission form? Who can I talk to? Me: I do not know that filling out another admission form is going to help any. It will still have to be processed and they will need to email you your ID and that will take some time. I am not certain of the exact amount of time but again: you have an ID. The quickest and easiest way to get your number is to go to a campus. Student: How do I get my ID number then? I need to fill out my FASFA who is going to help me with that? Me: I don't have any information on FASFA that would be Financial Aid and they do not open until 10 am. I do not know that they will be able to help you over the phone because you do not have security questions in place. The best thing to do is to go to campus with your photo ID. Student: I do not have time for that. Who is going to help me get my FASFA? Me: You can call Financial Aid but they do not open until 10.
And the day has just started!!!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Weather Woes
How appropriate is it that I write about weather woes today? A winter storm at the end of February, snow, rain, mix, you name it we are supposed to get it. And it started with big, fat fluffy flakes of snow this morning.
I personally don't have any weather woes - well, unless you count the fact that I didn't get to enjoy the snow. I had to work - and I don't have any windows in my office so I couldn't even look out the window at the snow falling. I love the snow! I am in a minority here and I realize that. I love the snow so much that I used to keep containers of snow in my freezer for my Arizona grand kids to have when they visited.
A great snow day would be snow falling down - 4-6 inches on ground so you can have a snow ball fight or make a snow fort, fire in the wood stove, hot chocolate or hot tea to drink and unlimited books to read (my Kindle has that part covered). Nope, no weather woes for me.
Weather woe for kids who had to go to school. I think they deserve a snow day to enjoy the aforementioned items. And kids here don't get to many snow days usually. Yep, they deserve a snow day - if I could I would close schools for them for the day.
Weather woes for people who don't particularly like snow (not sure what their problem is). Especially bad for them if they have to go to work. That means they have to get out in the snow and drive in it. Typically not a fun thing to do here in Tulsa as people don't know how to drive in snow. I will say though that today was actually okay driving wise.
Major weather woes for college students. At least they think so. They did not like my answer when they called and I said, "yes, the college is open today". When asked what time they were going to close the next answer wasn't fun for them either - "to my knowledge school will be open all day long."
Weather woes for those who have not yet signed up for TCC Alerts and decided today might be a good day to do so. Most likely that won't go through in time for any notification should they decide to cancel classes. Sucks being you - why weren't you responsible enough to sign up for those alerts before you actually needed them?
No, I do not know if your instructor is cancelling his class tonight. My advise is to look and see if he has posted any announcements. I am sorry you live "a ways out" (not sure what they consider "a ways") and don't want to come to campus if you don't have to. No, we do not know if they are going to cancel classes for tomorrow. I recommend getting up at your normal time of 10 am (you lucky dog you) and preparing yourself for class. Best advise is to check the college web page to see if any announcement is posted there as to school closing.
Weather woes for those who did come to campus but are concerned that a blizzard might occur. They don't have enough change for the vending machine to buy up all the granola bars in case they get stranded. Idiot!! Why aren't you prepared enough to carry snacks with you? I thought most people did any way snow or not. Never know when you will be hungry so pack along some snack crackers or granola bars anything.
Most of all though is weather woes for the following person
They obviously had called the Service Desk only to be told that "to my knowledge the campus will be open all day." Upon hearing this bit of unfortunate news they had to drive to campus and attempt to make it on time to class. In a hurry to be certain they were not late they must have forgotten that there has never been an exit at this spot in the parking lot.
I personally don't have any weather woes - well, unless you count the fact that I didn't get to enjoy the snow. I had to work - and I don't have any windows in my office so I couldn't even look out the window at the snow falling. I love the snow! I am in a minority here and I realize that. I love the snow so much that I used to keep containers of snow in my freezer for my Arizona grand kids to have when they visited.
A great snow day would be snow falling down - 4-6 inches on ground so you can have a snow ball fight or make a snow fort, fire in the wood stove, hot chocolate or hot tea to drink and unlimited books to read (my Kindle has that part covered). Nope, no weather woes for me.
Weather woe for kids who had to go to school. I think they deserve a snow day to enjoy the aforementioned items. And kids here don't get to many snow days usually. Yep, they deserve a snow day - if I could I would close schools for them for the day.
Weather woes for people who don't particularly like snow (not sure what their problem is). Especially bad for them if they have to go to work. That means they have to get out in the snow and drive in it. Typically not a fun thing to do here in Tulsa as people don't know how to drive in snow. I will say though that today was actually okay driving wise.
Major weather woes for college students. At least they think so. They did not like my answer when they called and I said, "yes, the college is open today". When asked what time they were going to close the next answer wasn't fun for them either - "to my knowledge school will be open all day long."
Weather woes for those who have not yet signed up for TCC Alerts and decided today might be a good day to do so. Most likely that won't go through in time for any notification should they decide to cancel classes. Sucks being you - why weren't you responsible enough to sign up for those alerts before you actually needed them?
No, I do not know if your instructor is cancelling his class tonight. My advise is to look and see if he has posted any announcements. I am sorry you live "a ways out" (not sure what they consider "a ways") and don't want to come to campus if you don't have to. No, we do not know if they are going to cancel classes for tomorrow. I recommend getting up at your normal time of 10 am (you lucky dog you) and preparing yourself for class. Best advise is to check the college web page to see if any announcement is posted there as to school closing.
Weather woes for those who did come to campus but are concerned that a blizzard might occur. They don't have enough change for the vending machine to buy up all the granola bars in case they get stranded. Idiot!! Why aren't you prepared enough to carry snacks with you? I thought most people did any way snow or not. Never know when you will be hungry so pack along some snack crackers or granola bars anything.
Most of all though is weather woes for the following person
They obviously had called the Service Desk only to be told that "to my knowledge the campus will be open all day." Upon hearing this bit of unfortunate news they had to drive to campus and attempt to make it on time to class. In a hurry to be certain they were not late they must have forgotten that there has never been an exit at this spot in the parking lot.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Addiction
Bet that title got your attention didn't it? LOL There are all kinds of addictions. I kind of have an addiction to games. Doesn't sound so bad does it? As long as I don't let them consume my life. I'm talking about computer games on Facebook or even the app games I have on my phone.
I tell you, I didn't realize I was so competitive until I played some of these games! There are just a few that really bring out my competitive spirit thank goodness; and I try not to play them to often. They cause me to bad-mouth people and say rotten things in my head to them about how stupid they are. Good thing they don't hear those thoughts when they get their Facebook notification that I have beat their score! It also doesn't tell them that I sat glued to my screen for 2 hours until I did beat their score.
Now I do play several games on Facebook and I enjoy them. I don't play every game that people are sending me invites to or requests for. I have some I play awhile then get tired of and quit playing. I may go back to it at a later date and sometimes I don't.
Most of the games give you so many lives you have (usually it's 5). You go in, play the game and when you lose the round you lose a life. I play till my 5 lives are gone then go to another game and play it until 5 lives are gone. When I lose all my lives in all my games I go find something else to do and go back in an hour or so and don't you know it - I have lives again. LOL Easy, peasy.
Now here's the deal. I don't need Facebook to tell me that I appear to be stuck on this level. I know that I have been playing this level for quite some time and have lost several lives over it. I know I have not cleared all the bubbles or dropped all the objects required. I know that I am in my third week of trying to get past this same level. And NO - I DO NOT want to spend any of my real money to buy anything to help me out! I will eventually conquer the level and move on to an even more difficult level and you can again start reminding me that I appear to be having some trouble.
Don't remind me to many times or I tell you, my fascination with your game may become non-existent and I will turn to another game that doesn't remind me every time I play it that I am not as smart as I thought I was. I'm sure that threat is going to wreck havoc on the minds of the people who created the games.
I will say that if I find myself being consumed by having to be on the computer/phone to get my game played or see if I have enough lives to play even one round I stop. I stop playing the game and force myself to do other things. Guess, that means that at this point I still have control over my addictions (to games anyway).
Wish it was that easy for all things, such as eating, drinking etc. Wait - I probably just gave some people the thought that I have a drinking problem. Well, it's a good thing I don't drink alcohol because I would seriously have a drinking problem. I always have something to drink at hand - usually 2 things. Water, coffee, hot tea are the main ones. Trying not to drink as much pop now just need to cut the caffeine again.
Point is, I am always thirsty! Always!!!
And now it's time to end this post as I am pretty certain I have lives I can go lose as soon as I fill my coffee cup.
I tell you, I didn't realize I was so competitive until I played some of these games! There are just a few that really bring out my competitive spirit thank goodness; and I try not to play them to often. They cause me to bad-mouth people and say rotten things in my head to them about how stupid they are. Good thing they don't hear those thoughts when they get their Facebook notification that I have beat their score! It also doesn't tell them that I sat glued to my screen for 2 hours until I did beat their score.
Now I do play several games on Facebook and I enjoy them. I don't play every game that people are sending me invites to or requests for. I have some I play awhile then get tired of and quit playing. I may go back to it at a later date and sometimes I don't.
Most of the games give you so many lives you have (usually it's 5). You go in, play the game and when you lose the round you lose a life. I play till my 5 lives are gone then go to another game and play it until 5 lives are gone. When I lose all my lives in all my games I go find something else to do and go back in an hour or so and don't you know it - I have lives again. LOL Easy, peasy.
Now here's the deal. I don't need Facebook to tell me that I appear to be stuck on this level. I know that I have been playing this level for quite some time and have lost several lives over it. I know I have not cleared all the bubbles or dropped all the objects required. I know that I am in my third week of trying to get past this same level. And NO - I DO NOT want to spend any of my real money to buy anything to help me out! I will eventually conquer the level and move on to an even more difficult level and you can again start reminding me that I appear to be having some trouble.
Don't remind me to many times or I tell you, my fascination with your game may become non-existent and I will turn to another game that doesn't remind me every time I play it that I am not as smart as I thought I was. I'm sure that threat is going to wreck havoc on the minds of the people who created the games.
I will say that if I find myself being consumed by having to be on the computer/phone to get my game played or see if I have enough lives to play even one round I stop. I stop playing the game and force myself to do other things. Guess, that means that at this point I still have control over my addictions (to games anyway).
Wish it was that easy for all things, such as eating, drinking etc. Wait - I probably just gave some people the thought that I have a drinking problem. Well, it's a good thing I don't drink alcohol because I would seriously have a drinking problem. I always have something to drink at hand - usually 2 things. Water, coffee, hot tea are the main ones. Trying not to drink as much pop now just need to cut the caffeine again.
Point is, I am always thirsty! Always!!!
And now it's time to end this post as I am pretty certain I have lives I can go lose as soon as I fill my coffee cup.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Sports Mania
Okay, people who know me probably don't think of me as a sports fan. Oh, contrair! I like sports - I really do. Problem is I prefer playing over watching. I had 3 brothers - of course I grew up with sports. A few weeks ago watching the Super Bowl with friends I saw that amazing touchdown run. I said "There was a time I could do that." And believe it or not there actually was a time I could do that.
Sports - two on two football - a little two on two basketball - maybe a game of horse - catch -- softball -- wrestling. And then the not so famous sports of thumb wrestling or even chicken wrestling. Oh yes - I was good at them. How about the sport of "Uncle"? You know the game -- entwine your hands together and then twist the arms fast and bend the other persons fingers back until they cry UNCLE! Little wimps! I was good at that game.
Back to football. We played a lot of two on two football. Somehow it seems the rules for backyard two on two are not quite the same as regulation football. I won't say we made rules up as we went because we had our guidelines in place. Example, if your brother pulls his arm back and slugs you right in the eye to prevent you from going out for a pass that will give you the winning run. No flags thrown on that play! And the ability for split second decisions came from times like this. Am I mad enough at this brother to stop the game and go crying to Mom so that my brother will get in trouble? Or do I suck it up, go for the play and win the game? Well, as I said I had 3 brothers -- I wasn't much of a crybaby. I ran the length of the field (well the back yard anyway). Shall I say -- once again Bub got away with murder but Steve and I won the game!
Two on two basketball -- lots of that played. Sometimes it might be three on three or four on four depending on how many of my brothers friends were hanging around. And yes, they let me hang out with them even though they were older. Nice guys. I still play some two on two with the grand kids. Gotta admit - two on two with my oldest grandson and two of his friends is not quite as easy as it used to be for me. But I can still make the basket -- top right corner will get the layup 95% of the time. I know this. Two on two with the younger grand kids is a little easier on me.
Softball - well, the boys and I played catch and even a few games or at least practiced hitting etc. I still remember where our bases were. Rose bush was first base - tree at end of yard second base - basketball goal was third. Homeplate was start of yard. I actually played softball for many, many years until blood poisoning put me in the hospital for a week at the beginning of the season. That kind of put an end to my softball years. I may not be able to run the bases now but I can hit the ball and I can throw the ball. I played shortstop and I gotta say, my aim and arm are still pretty darn good! Just ask K.C. - my aim with a snowball got her right upside the head a few years ago when we had a snowball fight.
Wrestling - my two older brothers were wrestlers in school. We wrestled at home. I know some moves but there isn't as much call to practice them. Funny, though - those moves were a lot easier to do when I was younger and skinnier.
As I said, I like sports - I just prefer playing over watching. Although, as I have gotten older it's harder to play so maybe there is hope for me becoming more of a fan of watching the games.
Sports - two on two football - a little two on two basketball - maybe a game of horse - catch -- softball -- wrestling. And then the not so famous sports of thumb wrestling or even chicken wrestling. Oh yes - I was good at them. How about the sport of "Uncle"? You know the game -- entwine your hands together and then twist the arms fast and bend the other persons fingers back until they cry UNCLE! Little wimps! I was good at that game.
Back to football. We played a lot of two on two football. Somehow it seems the rules for backyard two on two are not quite the same as regulation football. I won't say we made rules up as we went because we had our guidelines in place. Example, if your brother pulls his arm back and slugs you right in the eye to prevent you from going out for a pass that will give you the winning run. No flags thrown on that play! And the ability for split second decisions came from times like this. Am I mad enough at this brother to stop the game and go crying to Mom so that my brother will get in trouble? Or do I suck it up, go for the play and win the game? Well, as I said I had 3 brothers -- I wasn't much of a crybaby. I ran the length of the field (well the back yard anyway). Shall I say -- once again Bub got away with murder but Steve and I won the game!
Two on two basketball -- lots of that played. Sometimes it might be three on three or four on four depending on how many of my brothers friends were hanging around. And yes, they let me hang out with them even though they were older. Nice guys. I still play some two on two with the grand kids. Gotta admit - two on two with my oldest grandson and two of his friends is not quite as easy as it used to be for me. But I can still make the basket -- top right corner will get the layup 95% of the time. I know this. Two on two with the younger grand kids is a little easier on me.
Softball - well, the boys and I played catch and even a few games or at least practiced hitting etc. I still remember where our bases were. Rose bush was first base - tree at end of yard second base - basketball goal was third. Homeplate was start of yard. I actually played softball for many, many years until blood poisoning put me in the hospital for a week at the beginning of the season. That kind of put an end to my softball years. I may not be able to run the bases now but I can hit the ball and I can throw the ball. I played shortstop and I gotta say, my aim and arm are still pretty darn good! Just ask K.C. - my aim with a snowball got her right upside the head a few years ago when we had a snowball fight.
Wrestling - my two older brothers were wrestlers in school. We wrestled at home. I know some moves but there isn't as much call to practice them. Funny, though - those moves were a lot easier to do when I was younger and skinnier.
As I said, I like sports - I just prefer playing over watching. Although, as I have gotten older it's harder to play so maybe there is hope for me becoming more of a fan of watching the games.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Handicap Helps
Bet you're wondering why I'm writing about handicap helps, aren't you? Well, I have used them in the past like when I had my knee replacement. And they were a pretty good help at that time.
I have suffered from bad knees since High School. I have no cartilege in my joints. So my joints hurt and artritis in the joints doesn't help. It is what is it - you just live with it and go on. However, there comes a point in time where although you think you can do everything you used to you are strongly reminded that you can't. You are getting OLD!
I came to this conclusion a few years ago when a friend and I made a cardboard maze at church for the Fall Festival. It was fun to make: cardboard boxes, duct tape, creepy things to crawl over, things hanging down to crawl through, dead ends. All fun, and whoever is making the tunnel (maze) has to go through to check it out. Still all good.
Now, I don't think I mentioned that our maze was in the Upper Roomm of our Family Life Center at church. There are a set of stairs at each end. Our thought was climb up one flight, go through the maze and go down the other side. Now doesn't it sound much more fun to go down on a cardboard slide? I thought so
Now, to be certain it was safe for the kids someone had to try it out, right? And I was careful, I thought. I knew my knee might not do so well at the bottom so I tried to keep it up out of the way. Well, I went down a lot faster than I thought I would and let's just say that I hit the bottom kind of hard and jammed the knee. No problem, we fixed that up so the kids wouldn't get hurt. We put some bean bags at the bottom. I limped around for the duration of the Festival and realized that perhaps I had hurt myself when I was unable to put any weight on my knee.
Four hours later I am at Urgent Care where I receive a brace and a recommendation to go see orothopedic doctor the next week. Nice guy, that doctor. Nice enough to tell me that my knees were bad and I needed to have a total knee replacement. Well, that was a few years ago, I recovered; but now my knees don't bend as well as they did. Again, you just deal with it.
Now, fast forward to the current year. Gary and I just took a mini vacation. We checked into a hotel for a few days and just hung out, rested, swam in the pool, read. Nothing major just relaxed. But the pool brings about another handicap help.
This pool had a chair lift to assist people in and out of the pool. It was just us in the pool and Gary wanted to try it. Oh my!! I don't know how they can consider this chair left a help. Gary used the controls and got himself out of the pool and almost went flying out of the chair. Why I let him convince me to give it a try I don't know.
Have you ever used one of those things? It comes with a seat belt - and trust me - it is there for a reason. You need it. You strap yourself onto the chair and start lifting. As it lifts it kinda swings itself towards the side of the pool until WHAM! You hit the side of the pool. It adjusts itself and slowly goes up and out a little at a time - until it clears the edge of the pool. Then all of a sudden that chair swings to the left faster than a bullet out of a gun. If you are not belted in it will swing you out because it just jerks itself to a stop! It's scary!! I won't be using one again I'm sure. I don't know how anyone would use it. Unless, there is more control than I'm aware of. Maybe Gary got carried away with the control just for fun. Surely, they would not put a severly handicapped person through that torture to swim.
So handicap helps - what works: grabbers that let you reach things up high or down low, hand-held shower heads (these are wonderful), shower chairs - love, love, love them, rails - great for pulling yourself up, swimming pool chair lifts -- at the very bottom of the list of helps.
And if you are wondering would I do the cardboard slide again? The answer is YES!! It was fun! My body may think it's old but my mind says have fun!
I have suffered from bad knees since High School. I have no cartilege in my joints. So my joints hurt and artritis in the joints doesn't help. It is what is it - you just live with it and go on. However, there comes a point in time where although you think you can do everything you used to you are strongly reminded that you can't. You are getting OLD!
I came to this conclusion a few years ago when a friend and I made a cardboard maze at church for the Fall Festival. It was fun to make: cardboard boxes, duct tape, creepy things to crawl over, things hanging down to crawl through, dead ends. All fun, and whoever is making the tunnel (maze) has to go through to check it out. Still all good.
Now, I don't think I mentioned that our maze was in the Upper Roomm of our Family Life Center at church. There are a set of stairs at each end. Our thought was climb up one flight, go through the maze and go down the other side. Now doesn't it sound much more fun to go down on a cardboard slide? I thought so
Now, to be certain it was safe for the kids someone had to try it out, right? And I was careful, I thought. I knew my knee might not do so well at the bottom so I tried to keep it up out of the way. Well, I went down a lot faster than I thought I would and let's just say that I hit the bottom kind of hard and jammed the knee. No problem, we fixed that up so the kids wouldn't get hurt. We put some bean bags at the bottom. I limped around for the duration of the Festival and realized that perhaps I had hurt myself when I was unable to put any weight on my knee.
Four hours later I am at Urgent Care where I receive a brace and a recommendation to go see orothopedic doctor the next week. Nice guy, that doctor. Nice enough to tell me that my knees were bad and I needed to have a total knee replacement. Well, that was a few years ago, I recovered; but now my knees don't bend as well as they did. Again, you just deal with it.
Now, fast forward to the current year. Gary and I just took a mini vacation. We checked into a hotel for a few days and just hung out, rested, swam in the pool, read. Nothing major just relaxed. But the pool brings about another handicap help.
This pool had a chair lift to assist people in and out of the pool. It was just us in the pool and Gary wanted to try it. Oh my!! I don't know how they can consider this chair left a help. Gary used the controls and got himself out of the pool and almost went flying out of the chair. Why I let him convince me to give it a try I don't know.
Have you ever used one of those things? It comes with a seat belt - and trust me - it is there for a reason. You need it. You strap yourself onto the chair and start lifting. As it lifts it kinda swings itself towards the side of the pool until WHAM! You hit the side of the pool. It adjusts itself and slowly goes up and out a little at a time - until it clears the edge of the pool. Then all of a sudden that chair swings to the left faster than a bullet out of a gun. If you are not belted in it will swing you out because it just jerks itself to a stop! It's scary!! I won't be using one again I'm sure. I don't know how anyone would use it. Unless, there is more control than I'm aware of. Maybe Gary got carried away with the control just for fun. Surely, they would not put a severly handicapped person through that torture to swim.
So handicap helps - what works: grabbers that let you reach things up high or down low, hand-held shower heads (these are wonderful), shower chairs - love, love, love them, rails - great for pulling yourself up, swimming pool chair lifts -- at the very bottom of the list of helps.
And if you are wondering would I do the cardboard slide again? The answer is YES!! It was fun! My body may think it's old but my mind says have fun!
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Animal Thoughts
Ok - be honest. How many of you saw the title and came to my blog spot thinking you were going to read about my psychotic cat? While I could do a blog on her, that is not what this post is about.
Have you ever wondered what goes through the minds of those kamikaze squirrels or suicidal rabbits? You know what I'm talking about. The squirrel that just sits there on the side of the road until the very last minute when you are inches away then it just darts out in front of you? You know that he has a friend on the other side of the road who did a double dog dare you to run in front of the next car that comes along. Or the rabbit who is sitting in the middle of the road and waits until you are right on top of them and you swerve to miss the rabbit and the stupid rabbit sprints the same way you swerve. This causes you to swerve the other way and it's like that rabbit is connected to your car because it does the exact same thing!
Now, I'm used to seeing rabbits and squirrels and opossoms and raccoons even then occassional fox while I'm driving. Heck, I grew up in a small town and drove lots of country roads. Even here in Tulsa it's not uncommon to see the above-mentioned animals in the neighborhood. We have raccoons that live in our drainage ditch - and man those suckers are huge! Animals are encroaching on our territory. Or more likely we are encroaching on theirs as cities and towns expand. So animals and humans are learning to co-habitat to a degree.
Now, as I said, you have come to maybe not expect to see these animals but you certainly aren't surprised when you come across them in the neighborhood. But there are times when you see a dead squirrel or rabbit in the unexpected place. Like the on-ramp of the expressway. There aren't really any trees around there that they would be living in or gathering nuts from. Did that squirrel think it was gonna get on the expressway and just see what was going on clear on the other side of the 6 lanes of traffic and the median? Did he have a family that he was trying to get to? Who knows, but he didn't make it. Stupid squirrel -- he should not have taken the shortcut across the expressway.
Well, if you know me very well you know that I like to write poetry. Some of it is serious and some of it is just for fun. Just about anything can start the wheels in my head turning and before you know it a new poem is written. Such is the case the day I saw the dead squirrel as I was going up the on-ramp to the BA. So, here's a just for fun sampling of poetry.
DEAD SQUIRREL
Poor little squirrel, flat as can be
What beckoned you so enticingly?
Were you looking for a special treat
Something really good to eat?
Maybe it was a double dog dare
That caused you to be out there.
You tempted fate and made a run
Surely you would be a lucky one.
Cross the street and back again
Back to play with all your friends.
Then you saw the car, it was red
You froze in place and now you're dead.
The car tried to make a swerve
But it was coming up a curve.
You made a bolt and turned to flee
Hoping to make it back to safety.
But your flight was an ill attempt
As under the tire your body went.
Nothing left but a flat pile of fur
Showing people just where you were.
Written by: Kathie Marrs
10/11/09
Have you ever wondered what goes through the minds of those kamikaze squirrels or suicidal rabbits? You know what I'm talking about. The squirrel that just sits there on the side of the road until the very last minute when you are inches away then it just darts out in front of you? You know that he has a friend on the other side of the road who did a double dog dare you to run in front of the next car that comes along. Or the rabbit who is sitting in the middle of the road and waits until you are right on top of them and you swerve to miss the rabbit and the stupid rabbit sprints the same way you swerve. This causes you to swerve the other way and it's like that rabbit is connected to your car because it does the exact same thing!
Now, I'm used to seeing rabbits and squirrels and opossoms and raccoons even then occassional fox while I'm driving. Heck, I grew up in a small town and drove lots of country roads. Even here in Tulsa it's not uncommon to see the above-mentioned animals in the neighborhood. We have raccoons that live in our drainage ditch - and man those suckers are huge! Animals are encroaching on our territory. Or more likely we are encroaching on theirs as cities and towns expand. So animals and humans are learning to co-habitat to a degree.
Now, as I said, you have come to maybe not expect to see these animals but you certainly aren't surprised when you come across them in the neighborhood. But there are times when you see a dead squirrel or rabbit in the unexpected place. Like the on-ramp of the expressway. There aren't really any trees around there that they would be living in or gathering nuts from. Did that squirrel think it was gonna get on the expressway and just see what was going on clear on the other side of the 6 lanes of traffic and the median? Did he have a family that he was trying to get to? Who knows, but he didn't make it. Stupid squirrel -- he should not have taken the shortcut across the expressway.
Well, if you know me very well you know that I like to write poetry. Some of it is serious and some of it is just for fun. Just about anything can start the wheels in my head turning and before you know it a new poem is written. Such is the case the day I saw the dead squirrel as I was going up the on-ramp to the BA. So, here's a just for fun sampling of poetry.
DEAD SQUIRREL
Poor little squirrel, flat as can be
What beckoned you so enticingly?
Were you looking for a special treat
Something really good to eat?
Maybe it was a double dog dare
That caused you to be out there.
You tempted fate and made a run
Surely you would be a lucky one.
Cross the street and back again
Back to play with all your friends.
Then you saw the car, it was red
You froze in place and now you're dead.
The car tried to make a swerve
But it was coming up a curve.
You made a bolt and turned to flee
Hoping to make it back to safety.
But your flight was an ill attempt
As under the tire your body went.
Nothing left but a flat pile of fur
Showing people just where you were.
Written by: Kathie Marrs
10/11/09
Monday, February 4, 2013
Just Venting
Ok - I'm going to use my blog to vent for a while. This will accomplish two things. 1) I will get it out my system and 2) you will have something to read. So here goes and I hope you get some enjoyment out of this. I know that I will be amusing myself as I write it.
To the instructor who cannot remember your College Wide ID (CWID). It is for your saftey and protection that we are required to verify answers to questions that you yourself have set up. I realize it may be a stretch of the imagination to actually remember the answers but the only other option would be for you to remember your CWID. So if the first question you have reads: The first seven numbers of my phone number. The correct response probably will not be, "I don't know your phone number." I'm going to go out on a limb here and presume that you actually meant the first seven numbers of your own phone number. Kinda wild I know but give it a try.
To the student who cannot remember your CWID. Again, the questions are set up for your safety and security. If the question is what school did you attend for 6th grade and you cannot answer it, I'm sorry. I will ask if you are able to go to campus to show your photo ID so you can get you CWID. When I ask, "Are you able to go to a campus?" I really don't expect you to tell me, "Well, I'm in Oklahoma and that school was in California. I can't get to California for the school name." Ma'am - perhaps you should not be taking classes after all. Especially when I have to explain to you 3 times that I only want you to go to one of our campuses with your photo ID so someone can verify who you are.
To the student just generally confused as to how to do anything. I am so sorry that you find it "overwhelming having to remember log in information." We require only 2 passwords - one for the computer/email and one for TED/Blackboard. We required 2 login names - one is your CWID and one is your name. I can see how this can be overly confusing. Perhaps you should reconsider if you are at a stage in life where you need to be attending college.
To the student who cannot remember the answers to your security questions and says: "huh, I wonder what I put in there. I was trying to be funny that day." Guess it's not so funny now is it?
To the parent who wants to "help Johnny (or Suzy) because he's taking a nap and needs to know how to log into his email." Please, wake up your child who is old enough to be attending college and give them the phone. Require them to ask the question they are needing asked. They can then be certain they know how to access anything they need access too. This is part of college -- this is part of being an adult -- this is part of being responsible. Please - make your child be responsible. Trust me - you do not want them at the age of 32 or so not knowing how to be responsible. Let them take responsibilty for themselves and their classes.
To the student who needs to take a test but does not have time because you are at the airport trying to catch a plane. No, we cannot log in as you and take the test for you. And, even if we could are you certain that you really want someone you do not know taking a test for you? Perhaps it would be wiser for you yourself to take the test. You should have some knowledge of the subject.
To the student who calls because they cannot remember their CWID or PIN. Again, we will have to verify your security question answers. When I advise you of this and your response is, "this is where it gets tricky." This doesn't sound very promising - I recommend going to campus and showing your photo ID then logging in and changing your questions and answers.
To the student and parent of said student who has allowed their parent to have access to all their information. Surprise! Mom forgot your password and decided to answer the security questions herself. She then changed your password for you but forgot to tell you. I realize you have to log into Blackboard and take a test today. However, Mom just changed that password this morning so you may not be able to access Blackboard for up to 24 hours. Hope you don't miss out on the time frame allowed for the test.
To the student who slept in and missed class today and called to ask who they needed to tell. Well, I would recommend contacting the instructor of that class to see if you needed to know anything. You also might want to advise your parent who is paying for this class that you overslept and missed the class. But quite frankly, I'm not taking attendance for the college and don't have to report said attendance to anyone so it doesn't matter to me if you missed class or not.
To the student who called in to have their PIN reset and is able to answer their security quetions one of which, "what is my boyfriend's name?" I really don't need to know that he is an SOB that you cannot stand and you have dumped him although the same SOB still lives in your house because he won't move out a year later.
Well, that's probably enough for now. Just wanted to throw this out there for those of you who do read my blog. Didn't want to let so much time go by before posting again. And, if it seems I am taking to long to post just send me a message and I'll try to come up with something. Or you can always give me a topic and I can expoound on it.
To the instructor who cannot remember your College Wide ID (CWID). It is for your saftey and protection that we are required to verify answers to questions that you yourself have set up. I realize it may be a stretch of the imagination to actually remember the answers but the only other option would be for you to remember your CWID. So if the first question you have reads: The first seven numbers of my phone number. The correct response probably will not be, "I don't know your phone number." I'm going to go out on a limb here and presume that you actually meant the first seven numbers of your own phone number. Kinda wild I know but give it a try.
To the student who cannot remember your CWID. Again, the questions are set up for your safety and security. If the question is what school did you attend for 6th grade and you cannot answer it, I'm sorry. I will ask if you are able to go to campus to show your photo ID so you can get you CWID. When I ask, "Are you able to go to a campus?" I really don't expect you to tell me, "Well, I'm in Oklahoma and that school was in California. I can't get to California for the school name." Ma'am - perhaps you should not be taking classes after all. Especially when I have to explain to you 3 times that I only want you to go to one of our campuses with your photo ID so someone can verify who you are.
To the student just generally confused as to how to do anything. I am so sorry that you find it "overwhelming having to remember log in information." We require only 2 passwords - one for the computer/email and one for TED/Blackboard. We required 2 login names - one is your CWID and one is your name. I can see how this can be overly confusing. Perhaps you should reconsider if you are at a stage in life where you need to be attending college.
To the student who cannot remember the answers to your security questions and says: "huh, I wonder what I put in there. I was trying to be funny that day." Guess it's not so funny now is it?
To the parent who wants to "help Johnny (or Suzy) because he's taking a nap and needs to know how to log into his email." Please, wake up your child who is old enough to be attending college and give them the phone. Require them to ask the question they are needing asked. They can then be certain they know how to access anything they need access too. This is part of college -- this is part of being an adult -- this is part of being responsible. Please - make your child be responsible. Trust me - you do not want them at the age of 32 or so not knowing how to be responsible. Let them take responsibilty for themselves and their classes.
To the student who needs to take a test but does not have time because you are at the airport trying to catch a plane. No, we cannot log in as you and take the test for you. And, even if we could are you certain that you really want someone you do not know taking a test for you? Perhaps it would be wiser for you yourself to take the test. You should have some knowledge of the subject.
To the student who calls because they cannot remember their CWID or PIN. Again, we will have to verify your security question answers. When I advise you of this and your response is, "this is where it gets tricky." This doesn't sound very promising - I recommend going to campus and showing your photo ID then logging in and changing your questions and answers.
To the student and parent of said student who has allowed their parent to have access to all their information. Surprise! Mom forgot your password and decided to answer the security questions herself. She then changed your password for you but forgot to tell you. I realize you have to log into Blackboard and take a test today. However, Mom just changed that password this morning so you may not be able to access Blackboard for up to 24 hours. Hope you don't miss out on the time frame allowed for the test.
To the student who slept in and missed class today and called to ask who they needed to tell. Well, I would recommend contacting the instructor of that class to see if you needed to know anything. You also might want to advise your parent who is paying for this class that you overslept and missed the class. But quite frankly, I'm not taking attendance for the college and don't have to report said attendance to anyone so it doesn't matter to me if you missed class or not.
To the student who called in to have their PIN reset and is able to answer their security quetions one of which, "what is my boyfriend's name?" I really don't need to know that he is an SOB that you cannot stand and you have dumped him although the same SOB still lives in your house because he won't move out a year later.
Well, that's probably enough for now. Just wanted to throw this out there for those of you who do read my blog. Didn't want to let so much time go by before posting again. And, if it seems I am taking to long to post just send me a message and I'll try to come up with something. Or you can always give me a topic and I can expoound on it.
Friday, February 1, 2013
GIRL SCOUT MAFIA
Ok - I am sure you are looking at this title and wondering what in the world is going on with the Girl Scouts and Mafia?
If you live in the Oklahoma area you know that it's Girl Scout cookie time!! This has to be a very much anticipated time ranking almost as close if not closer than Christmas to some people. And if you have ever been a Scout leader or sold Girl Scout cookies you will know exactly what I am talking about when I say Girl Scout Mafia.
A few years ago my daughter became the leader of her daughter's Daisy Troop. What a wonderful mom she is! Her daughter wanted to be a Daisy and no one wanted to be a leader so they could not have a troop. So she embraced the call and became the leader of the troop. This troop has 6-8 of the cutest little girls you have ever seen. I have hosted them to a sleepover in my backyard and even pressented a Kitchen Safety lesson to them for part of a badge requirement. Gotta love those Girl Scouts.
But, I digress..... back to the cookie sales. Each troop is required to order their cookies ahead of time. This means you have to try and guess how many cookies your little cuties will be selling. And if you happen to over-order....to bad -- you are responsible for every box of cookies and payment of each one!!!!
So you place your order and then you are advised that cookies are in!!! This is where the Girl Scout Mafia comes into play.
Cookies for the area are stored in a huge warehouse. You are given a date and time that you are to pick up the cookies you have ordered for your troop. You must not miss your time that you are allotted and you may not bring anyone with you to pick up the cookies. You must come by yourself.
Wow - sounds wild, huh? Well, wait until you get there to pick up your cookies. You are told you have to back in to the warehouse and you MUST stay within these lines. If you are not a good backer-upper you are in serious trouble. They will stop you and make you start over. And it's not just a stop -- they make a production out of stopping you, whistles blow - arms waving. They mean business when they say "you must back up into the building and stay within these lines." They will do this until they are satisfied that you are backing up properly within the designated lines.
Ok, now that you are in place comes the mafia part. You give them your name and troop number and action begins! They hustle around and start filling your car. The trunk, the floor, every available seat you have is filled with cookies.
Now, as I said a few years ago my daughter started and I went along to help pick up the cookies for the troop. As any good person would do; after I eventually got backed up in a close proxmity of where they wanted me I got out of my car to assist (and be certain that I was getting the cookies I was supposed to). Seems this is a big no-no. I was told in no un-certain terms that I needed to remain in the car. I was told this more than once I believe - and they weren't exactly polite about it either.
It was precision the way they brought cases of cookies over, loaded them up in your car and sent you on your way. They don't like anyone putting them behind schedule because they dont' know how to back up and stay between the lines assigned and they do not want anyone to get out of their car for any reason! YOU MUST REMAIN IN YOUR CAR AT ALL TIMES
Whew! I tell you I went to Israel once and I don't think the security there was tight as it is when you are picking up Girl Scout cookies! And, that was the only time I ever helped pick up cookies. LOL - don't know if that was a request from the Mafia or not but it's possible.
Now, I really cannot end this post about Girl Scout cookies without mentioning my daughter in Arizona. She too is a Girl Scout leader for her daughter's troop. She has been since the beginning and my granddughter is now 13. So she also has done a trememdous job. Because of distance involved I am not active in that troop but I do know several of the girls.
So hats off to my daughters for leading the Girl Scout troops! Also, if you are in the Tulsa area and would like to purchase some Girl Scout cookies I can help you out.
If you live in the Oklahoma area you know that it's Girl Scout cookie time!! This has to be a very much anticipated time ranking almost as close if not closer than Christmas to some people. And if you have ever been a Scout leader or sold Girl Scout cookies you will know exactly what I am talking about when I say Girl Scout Mafia.
A few years ago my daughter became the leader of her daughter's Daisy Troop. What a wonderful mom she is! Her daughter wanted to be a Daisy and no one wanted to be a leader so they could not have a troop. So she embraced the call and became the leader of the troop. This troop has 6-8 of the cutest little girls you have ever seen. I have hosted them to a sleepover in my backyard and even pressented a Kitchen Safety lesson to them for part of a badge requirement. Gotta love those Girl Scouts.
But, I digress..... back to the cookie sales. Each troop is required to order their cookies ahead of time. This means you have to try and guess how many cookies your little cuties will be selling. And if you happen to over-order....to bad -- you are responsible for every box of cookies and payment of each one!!!!
So you place your order and then you are advised that cookies are in!!! This is where the Girl Scout Mafia comes into play.
Cookies for the area are stored in a huge warehouse. You are given a date and time that you are to pick up the cookies you have ordered for your troop. You must not miss your time that you are allotted and you may not bring anyone with you to pick up the cookies. You must come by yourself.
Wow - sounds wild, huh? Well, wait until you get there to pick up your cookies. You are told you have to back in to the warehouse and you MUST stay within these lines. If you are not a good backer-upper you are in serious trouble. They will stop you and make you start over. And it's not just a stop -- they make a production out of stopping you, whistles blow - arms waving. They mean business when they say "you must back up into the building and stay within these lines." They will do this until they are satisfied that you are backing up properly within the designated lines.
Ok, now that you are in place comes the mafia part. You give them your name and troop number and action begins! They hustle around and start filling your car. The trunk, the floor, every available seat you have is filled with cookies.
Now, as I said a few years ago my daughter started and I went along to help pick up the cookies for the troop. As any good person would do; after I eventually got backed up in a close proxmity of where they wanted me I got out of my car to assist (and be certain that I was getting the cookies I was supposed to). Seems this is a big no-no. I was told in no un-certain terms that I needed to remain in the car. I was told this more than once I believe - and they weren't exactly polite about it either.
It was precision the way they brought cases of cookies over, loaded them up in your car and sent you on your way. They don't like anyone putting them behind schedule because they dont' know how to back up and stay between the lines assigned and they do not want anyone to get out of their car for any reason! YOU MUST REMAIN IN YOUR CAR AT ALL TIMES
Whew! I tell you I went to Israel once and I don't think the security there was tight as it is when you are picking up Girl Scout cookies! And, that was the only time I ever helped pick up cookies. LOL - don't know if that was a request from the Mafia or not but it's possible.
Now, I really cannot end this post about Girl Scout cookies without mentioning my daughter in Arizona. She too is a Girl Scout leader for her daughter's troop. She has been since the beginning and my granddughter is now 13. So she also has done a trememdous job. Because of distance involved I am not active in that troop but I do know several of the girls.
So hats off to my daughters for leading the Girl Scout troops! Also, if you are in the Tulsa area and would like to purchase some Girl Scout cookies I can help you out.
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