A New Computer

With some of my loan money for grad school, I bought a new computer. I've never had a new computer before. All I've ever had are old, hand-me-down computers. Jamie thought I should get a new computer because of the grad work I'm doing. I don't know much about computers except for blogging, e-mails, doing simple web-searches and more recently Facebook. Computers are used a lot in the library industry.

I worked at a public library as a teenager, but back then most of the work was done manually. We still used card-catalogs with drawers and library cards were paper that we typed up and had patrons sign. We stamped things, and put the due dates on cards that were inserted into pockets inside of the books. No bar-codes back then. A lot of cool changes have taken place.

I'm a grad student

I have started grad work this week. So far, so good. I really like the people I've met. I like my professor. He is teaching both of the classes that I am taking. In fact it is almost the same exact students in the 2 classes. We all go to one class, go out to eat together and then come back to the 2nd class. Almost all of us are new students. Several of us commute from Rochester. Three of us are carpooling together. I am definitely an older student...but luckily not alone. There is another girl my age. She's one of my carpooling buddies.

My professor is very entertaining to listen to. I'm glad because it would be a much loooonnnnggggerrrr day if he wasn't. University of Buffalo is very close to the Canadian border. My professor actually lives in Canada and just commutes every day to the USA where his job is. I think that's interesting.

Right now I am working on wrapping my brain around a whole new language of librarianship. There are a lot of unfamiliar words to learn and understand. I've been reading a lot and need to visit a variety of different libraries and talk to librarians. Then I need to write a 5 page paper on something. (to be determined)

I can't wait to do laundry!!!!

This was something that I did not blog about before, but my washing machine busted. I have either been carting my laundry to other places to wash for the past 2 weeks, or been using my broken machine. Last night I did a small load in my broken machine. The spin cycle finally didn't work at all...instead of working somewhat. I could actually ring out the clothes. They took quite a while to dry in my dryer.

Today Jamie and I took Alicia with us to look for a new machine. Luckily, there is a store right around the corner from us. Gudrun, you will be pleased to know that we purchased a Bosch! (Bosch is manufactured in Germany)

They are delivering it on Monday. I can't wait!

Changes

Our crab-apple tree is past it's peak as far as blossoms. I took this picture last week. We are seeing more green on the trees and less pink, white, yellow and purple. The blossoms are beautiful...but I suppose it is necessary for the trees to lose those in order to bear fruit eventually.
Change is in the air. Not only on the trees, but in life. Tomorrow I will go to my orientation for classes at UB and on Tuesday, I will start my first graduate class towards my Master's in Library Science. It is exciting and a little scary.

Thirteen Things About Being a Mother

1. It is a big responsibility.


2. Sometimes it makes you feel like the world is on your shoulders.


3. It can make you laugh.


4. It can embarrass your kids.


5. It can be exasperating.


6. It brings joy.


7. It can bring sorrow too.


8. It gives you a good excuse to act like a kid.


9. It can also force you to be an adult.


10. It can bring you to your knees in prayer.


11. Sometimes it can bring out a fierce protectiveness inside of you.


12. It can also make you tired.


13. It fills my heart with love.

Happy Mother's Day to everyone!

Little Maestro

Alicia is getting better and better on her viola all the time. This is her first year taking this instrument and I am very pleased with how much she has progressed. She has figured out how to play "Jesus Loves Me" and is planning on playing it for her teacher on Friday. Songs like that are never taught in the public schools. I hope Mr. I is cool about it.

Here to celebrate

We had a few friends come for Alicia's birthday celebration. Everyone loves a party!

Pretty in Pink

I thought I would show you my neighbor's tree today. Isn't it pretty? There are all sorts of flowering trees all over town lately. They flower for such a short time. I'm glad I took this picture before it is too late.

Alicia is 9!

Today is my youngest daughter's birthday. She has turned 9 years old! We love her so much! "Happy Birthday, Lishey!"

Grab a Good Book

Audra has found a new favorite place to read.