Walkin'....Yes Indeed....Walkin'

I think Glo is FINALLY done graduating. After two weeks out of CR classes as well as finishing up with Academy of the Redwoods, she walked with Fortuna High on Friday and it was with mixed emotions. It's been almost a month since walking at CR but, since AR is officially part of the Fortuna Union High School district, it is FUHS District that would issue their diplomas. The administration there was smart enough to realize that the first ever graduating class from AR was a huge deal, with most of them completing their two-year college degree concurrently with high school requirements. . The superintendent asked our kids to stand and be recognized at Friday's ceremony, at least appreciating the dollars in seat-time these kids brought to Fortuna.

The administration at Fortuna High seem to appreciate AR but, somewhere, the Husky students learned to treat them like outcasts, never really welcoming them at FUHS events. From scowls and outright hostility at the proms to having cash and belongings stolen at dances, the AR kids agreed to walk only because the AR administration thought it would show them to be the bigger people. As a carrot, they were offered the ability to participate in the Safe and Sober event after graduation. If that was an incentive, someone should have told the Fortuna High kids. If Glo had a buck for every time she heard the term "those stupid AR kids" between the early Friday morning Senior breakfast they were expected to attend, through the grad practice and the three a.m end to Safe and Sober, she could have bought her own damn car. I guess someone forget to tell these kids they live in the "Friendly City".

At least that obligation is complete and she's finally done with high school. Now, to find a job and figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. One more time, congratulations Glo.

No More Pencils....No More Books

Well folks...I did it. Thirty some odd years after graduating from Harbor High in Santa Cruz, I finally got my two-year degree. I've been calling it the "ten year plan" but I realized it only took five years. And with highest honors, no less. Associate of Science degree in what I call Random Studies, I have taken classes that help me to do my job...a little business...a little digital and assorted software...oh, and Pilates. I would be remiss if I didn't express sincere gratitude for the patience of my family. Setting a good example for the girls, getting my homework done really sucked! I was a content B student in high school because, well ... A's would have taken too much effort. Will I go on? As a co-graduate told me, "As soon as I figure out what I want to be when I grow up."

THE FINAL (semester) COUNTDOWN

Though still a little chilly, the sun got me out in the garden for a little post-winter cleanup, better late than never. Tended to the hens who also seem to be coming out of their winter funk, feathers replenished and an occasional green egg to show their enthusiasm. The garden looks a little tidier, I feel less guilty and maybe a little invigorated.
Thank goodness for the three-day weekend but this is the first time since high school that I can remember NOT being excited about the start of the new semester but start it tomorrow I shall. I have just one REAL class, an online Computer Literacy class. Even though I’ve been using a PC for more than twenty years, I know this won’t be a cake-walk. In fact, I hope to better understand what the hell I’m supposed to be doing with this chunk of electronics that entertains me for the better part of my day.
The Computer class is four units which allowed me to step out side the academic box and, for the first time, take a one-unit PE class. Yeah for exercise gear instead of a textbook. I just needed five units this semester to finish my A.S. degree. Considering I’ve laughed about getting my 2-year degree on the ten-year plan, finishing in eight isn’t bad. Actually, I looked back and my first class at CR was in 2000 when Monica and I took Spanish together….probably the reason Angela isn’t teaching at the college anymore, poor thing. I really didn’t take anything more than a couple half-unit classes until 2003 then started taking one or two each semester as I could fit them in. Looking at it that way, doing the bulk of my 60 units in five years isn’t too bad though it would have been easier done fresh out of high school. When I graduated from Harbor High, a degree wasn’t required unless you were going to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, maybe a scientist? I wanted to be a “secretary”. I took typing, shorthand, 10-key….viola, I’m a secretary. Actually, I’m an “Administrative Office Assistant” which is PC for….. “secretary” but I still want to be a good one.
God willing, I’ll get through this semester and actually walk with cap and gown in May with an Associates degree in what I call “Random Studies” -- a homemade conglomeration of classes that have helped me to do a better job of what I already do. I started with Digital Media until I ran out of software classes I needed….I really had no interest in animation and creating a video game. Does the world really NEED another video game, especially one designed by a middle-aged woman? If I wrote what I know, I’d end up with The Sims and it’s already been done. So, I switched to a Business major, did my general ed and here I am, months away from a dance with Pomp and Circumstance. I’ll probably take a few more classes just to get better at certain programs I use daily and I DO have a thing for marketing. The nice thing is that I won’t HAVE to do it. I don’t see myself going on to HSU anytime soon, though …who knows what the future might bring.