Monday Magnets - OK vs. AR

Today's magnets represent a very big decision faced by The Lovely Princess (TLP). She has narrowed her college choices to Oklahoma Christian University, Edmond, OK and Harding University, Searcy, AR. This is quite a quandry for the girl who feels overwhelmed when forced to choose her own entree.

Her father & I will neither comment on nor vocalize our preference for either school. I personally don't have a favorite. They are both fine schools and I'm sure she will be successful at which ever one she chooses. She hates it when I say that. :)


Oklahoma Chrstian University (OC) is smaller (2500), closer and very easy to get to. She would get on the turnpike about 4 miles from our house & ride it until she got off the exit that the school is on. Super simple.


Harding University is larger (6000), farther away, but a gorgeous drive. It has a very active study abroad program, which is appealing to TLP. She also mentioned that the food is better at Harding.

Since no major has been declared, it is not a factor in determining where she will attend. So far it looks like the choice of her higher education will be based on food quality and travel time.

I'm so proud.

I'll let you know if there are any changes.

Thursdays Thoughts - Guess the mood

You know what I like about middle school kids? Everything. They are by far the most fun. Their energy is endless, sporadic and intense. This, of course, means they're exhausting.

With all of the snow days we've had in the past month I've become accustomed to short school weeks. This is only my second FULL week of school since Christmas break. Add in to the eternal week a raging throat and sinus infection and you get a cranky teacher.

However following several nights of NyQuil induced nightmares and Fantasia like dream sequences I'm starting to feel better. Drugs are a good thing. :)

It's amazing how a certain behavior on one day can crack you up and the same behavior on a different day makes you want to pull your hair out.

Today was a good day with great kids.

Magnet Monday - RIP Harry

It's actually Tuesday. Yesterday, I went to a funeral. Harry passed away. I did not know Harry well, yet he still had a significant place in my life.

My husband is an only child of older (mid 40s) parents. During the holidays we spend Thanksgiving with his family and Christmas with mine. Our Thanksgiving dinners consist of a mishmash of related and unrelated people. This group can number anywhere between 8 and 14.

Our relation to the group is through my husband's only living cousin on his mom's side. Also sitting at the table is the cousin's wife, (usually)both daughters, and the wife's side of the family. This is where Harry comes in. Harry is the cousin's wife's sister's husband. Got it?

Every Thanksgiving we can count on seeing the core group with an occasional extra. Although this is the only time of the year we see these people, there is still a connection. I try to touch base, evenly if briefly, with each person at the table. I may not get to visit with everyone, but it mattered that they were there.

Harry didn't make it to our Thanksgiving celebration last November. He wasn't feeling well. On January, 24 Harry passed away.

At the funeral I realized how little I knew about Harry. He spent 20 years in the army, served in WWII and the Korean conflict. Worked a variety jobs, owned and operated more than one business and lost a son in the Vietnam War.

My memories of Harry will include his soft voice, kind words and generous spirit.

Goodbye Harry. I will miss you at the Thanksgiving table.