On this Sunday morning, I sit and reflect the week that’s now behind me. Overall, it was one that brought joy, laughter, surprises, and at times, pure frustration. Basically, it was a normal week for me.
I interviewed for an Honors Scholarship on Tuesday, and was disappointed with my performance. The Committee asked ten very generic questions, such as, “How does Delta College fit in to your career goals?” or the one I love, “Who were your inspirations?” Like I said, very generic. Normally, people have practiced their responses to these questions, but I went the other way. I felt that planned answers would give me a robotic impression, and I am anything but. Actually, I’m very spontaneous and witty, and I wanted to stay true to myself. So, with little preparation, I entered the interview room, faced the committee like a firing squad, and let my Tina-ness flow. In hindsight, I thought maybe I came off as a complete ditz, which I am anything but. In the end, I had to own my choice, for better or worse.
To my amazement, it turned out for the better! Actually, I was awarded $500 more than their maximum award. So maybe I was refreshing? Who knows, but they obviously believe in me and my career path, or they wouldn’t have wasted money investing in my promise. Right?
I also had a really great week with my sweeties. Ryan had three out of seven good days, which is better than expected. Summer vacation is so difficult for him, as it breaks up his routine and causes inner chaos. He has been struggling with my new routine, but we are in it together! He has found that reading is helping, and that pleases me to no end. Books are saviors for many, and our family is no exception. Ryan turns nine in July, and he asked for a shopping day at Barnes & Noble. He is so amazing!
Mary, ahem, Elisabeth, is still struggling with her name crisis, but has found a distraction in our new pool. She climbs up the ladder, and when at the top, screams, “Cannon bulb!” and jumps with all her might. It is funny to watch. She’s also developed a few other moves: The twirl and the seahorse. It’s wonderful to watch her free-spirit play and laugh. She is such a light in my life.
On Thursday evening, I had the pleasure of attending a poetry reading. There were two readers, including one of my former instructors, Jeff Vande Zande. Jeff is the author of poetry, novels, short stories, you name it. The man who introduced him to the crowd called him a triple threat. I’ve read his novel, Into the Desperate Country, and found it a decent read. It is his poetry, however, that really touches me. He writes about the human condition-from a somewhat existential voice, and I found myself really thinking after each of his poems. He also has a very beautiful delivery while reading. We used to joke in class about how much he read aloud. One student even said she dreamed of him talking all night. Anyway, Jeff maintains a website, jeffvandezande.com, which also includes links to buy his books.
I finished the week by enjoying a BBQ at our friend’s home. The kids have a great time together, and they have a beautiful estate to explore. I met a few new faces, which soon developed into budding friendships. It seems like I make new friends wherever I go, and that is fine with me. I love meeting and talking with people, hearing their stories and sharing mine. It’s the beauty of life. I don’t find getting acquainted with others who may have different political, religious, or social views threatening. Actually, I find these chances for open dialogue rather intriguing, and definitely enlightening. It makes me a better person.
Tomorrow, I will begin a new class, and hopefully make a few new friends. I’m focused on my educational and career goals, excited at what is around the corner. 🙂
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My Humanity 
I’m On A Roll!
{ June 29, 2008 @ 5:14 pm } · { Random Ramblings }
{ Tags: art, ASD, aspergers, authors, Autism, Barnes & Noble, BBQ, birthdays, blogging, books, boys, children, classroom, college, commentary, culture, daughters, education, entertainment, events, friends, friendship, funny, girls, home, humor, inspiration, interviews, Jeff Vande Zande, kids, life, literature, love, media, moms, motherhood, novels, opinion, Parenting, parents, people, personal, poems, Poetry, random, random thoughts, reading, relationships, scholarships, shopping, short stories, students, swimming, teachers, thoughts, women, work, writing } · { Comments (4) }
On this Sunday morning, I sit and reflect the week that’s now behind me. Overall, it was one that brought joy, laughter, surprises, and at times, pure frustration. Basically, it was a normal week for me.
I interviewed for an Honors Scholarship on Tuesday, and was disappointed with my performance. The Committee asked ten very generic questions, such as, “How does Delta College fit in to your career goals?” or the one I love, “Who were your inspirations?” Like I said, very generic. Normally, people have practiced their responses to these questions, but I went the other way. I felt that planned answers would give me a robotic impression, and I am anything but. Actually, I’m very spontaneous and witty, and I wanted to stay true to myself. So, with little preparation, I entered the interview room, faced the committee like a firing squad, and let my Tina-ness flow. In hindsight, I thought maybe I came off as a complete ditz, which I am anything but. In the end, I had to own my choice, for better or worse.
To my amazement, it turned out for the better! Actually, I was awarded $500 more than their maximum award. So maybe I was refreshing? Who knows, but they obviously believe in me and my career path, or they wouldn’t have wasted money investing in my promise. Right?
I also had a really great week with my sweeties. Ryan had three out of seven good days, which is better than expected. Summer vacation is so difficult for him, as it breaks up his routine and causes inner chaos. He has been struggling with my new routine, but we are in it together! He has found that reading is helping, and that pleases me to no end. Books are saviors for many, and our family is no exception. Ryan turns nine in July, and he asked for a shopping day at Barnes & Noble. He is so amazing!
Mary, ahem, Elisabeth, is still struggling with her name crisis, but has found a distraction in our new pool. She climbs up the ladder, and when at the top, screams, “Cannon bulb!” and jumps with all her might. It is funny to watch. She’s also developed a few other moves: The twirl and the seahorse. It’s wonderful to watch her free-spirit play and laugh. She is such a light in my life.
On Thursday evening, I had the pleasure of attending a poetry reading. There were two readers, including one of my former instructors, Jeff Vande Zande. Jeff is the author of poetry, novels, short stories, you name it. The man who introduced him to the crowd called him a triple threat. I’ve read his novel, Into the Desperate Country, and found it a decent read. It is his poetry, however, that really touches me. He writes about the human condition-from a somewhat existential voice, and I found myself really thinking after each of his poems. He also has a very beautiful delivery while reading. We used to joke in class about how much he read aloud. One student even said she dreamed of him talking all night. Anyway, Jeff maintains a website, jeffvandezande.com, which also includes links to buy his books.
I finished the week by enjoying a BBQ at our friend’s home. The kids have a great time together, and they have a beautiful estate to explore. I met a few new faces, which soon developed into budding friendships. It seems like I make new friends wherever I go, and that is fine with me. I love meeting and talking with people, hearing their stories and sharing mine. It’s the beauty of life. I don’t find getting acquainted with others who may have different political, religious, or social views threatening. Actually, I find these chances for open dialogue rather intriguing, and definitely enlightening. It makes me a better person.
Tomorrow, I will begin a new class, and hopefully make a few new friends. I’m focused on my educational and career goals, excited at what is around the corner. 🙂
Â