I just want to tell all of you people.........

[CaliforniaPeggy]

I have been inspired, damn inspired, by all you smart folks going back to school.....

So, last night, my dear husband says to me....you should go back to school too.........

I think he's onto something!

I decided, there and then, that I would take a class from our local Adult School........

And since I like to write, but lack the discipline to sit down and do it myself .......

I'd take a creative writing class from the school!

The only problem?

They don't offer it!

I guess I'll check out the local community college......*sigh*

It's less convenient, and will cost more, and it's farther away.......

But you have to go where it is being taught......

I just wanted to thank all of you for inspiring me.......


:bounce: :bounce:

[NJ Democrats]

1. I'm going back to school too, on Monday

although not of my free-will

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. My dear NJ Democrats..........

I'm sorry it's not of your own free will........

I do hope you will benefit, however!

:hug:

[NJ Democrats]

11. Oh, it will benefit me

And its called high School. I like school, I'd just rather be at home w/ my computer, tv, psp, books, etc.... I had Freshamn Orition today. And everything is so different down here (NC) then back qat home (NJ)

[GalleryGod]

77. Especially Orientation, which I'm sure they'l show you how to spell.

:hangover: Your man in the faculty lounge,(lookin' for Hazelnut)
GG:smoke:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

78. Good morning, my dear GalleryGod........

Hope you approve of my plans!

Am I worthy to be a writer?

:hi:

[GalleryGod]

83. In the immortal words of Gary Cooper:

YUP :smoke:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

85. Thanks!

:bounce: :bounce:

[idgiehkt]

2. you should

even your posts on here have a rhythm and are lyrical. Are you aware of it or is it just an accident, what you do with your line spacing and punctuation...do you write poetry?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. My dear idgiehkt.........

Wow, you do flatter me!

Thank you so much......

I am aware of my writing style......

I have written a very little bit of poetry.......not much though.......

Prose is more my style.......

I do have a story in the Writer's Group......"The Game."

Have a look! It does need editing, however........

:hi:

[u4ic]

w00t!

Way to go, Peggy!!!:bounce: :toast: :bounce:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

9. My dear u4ic!

Oh, sweetie........thank you!

Gotta do something with all my talents, you know! :sarcasm:



:loveya: :hug:

[ZombieNixon]

3. I go back in two weeks.

'Course, I was going to do it anyway. :D :hi:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

7. I know you are going, my dear Zombie!

You will do well, I know you will!

And then you'll have your high speed DSL back too! :woohoo:

:hi:

[ZombieNixon]

8. Ahh, yes, DSL...

:D

[miss_american_pie]

6. Good for you!

:yourock:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

12. My dear miss_american_pie!

I appreciate your very kind comments a lot, sweetie!

Takes one to know one, I always say!

:loveya:

:hug:

[Haole Girl]

10. Good for you!

One day I'll go back...I keep saying "one day...." I need to light a fire under me and just do it!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

13. My dear KC2!

It just came to me.......and then my husband lit the match!

Sometimes I need an outside source to kick me........

In fact, usually I need that!

Thanks for your comments!

:loveya:

:hug:

[ghostsofgiants]

14. That's great, Peggy.My classes start on the 6th. I'm pretty excited to go

[CaliforniaPeggy]

15. My dear primate1!

Good for you......You have so many abilities!

It is great to see you growing and learning.......

And making your art too!

:hug:

[GOPisEvil]

16. Good for you!

One should always take the opportunity to improve.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

17. My dear GOPisEvil!

Ah, how right you are!

I just hope that my resolve isn't too late........

I haven't looked at the catalog yet.....

No idea when classes start, or anything!

But eventually I will do it!

Great to see you today!

:hug:

[Random_Australian]

18. Yay school! I can now name

1-S, 5-R 1-bromo-1,3-dichloro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl 2-Z,7-E dec-diene.

I am rather pleased with myself. :)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

21. My dear R_A!

And what the fuck is that?

And, BTW......good for you!

Looks like some sort of chemical........


:woohoo: :woohoo:

[Random_Australian]

40. It IS a chemical.

Take a chain of ten carbons.
There is a Bromine atom attached to one end of the chain. Call it carbon #1.

There is also Chlorine on that atom. The 1-S tells you how it is arranged.

On the next one, there is a double bond between that and the third carbon, methane group attached to the second, and a Chlorine attached to the third. They are on the same side, which is represented by a Z. (2-Z as it starts on the second carbon)

That is the first 3 carbons, and is 1-S 1-bromo-1,2-dichloro 2-Z 2-methyl dec 2-ene.

:)

Add some other stuff and you get the full chemical!

[sir_captain]

86. Premed?

Or are you taking orgo for (gasp) fun?

[Random_Australian]

97. This is just Aussie 1st year chemistry.....

what makes you think premed?

[sir_captain]

98. Ah, you're in Australia

Over here, no one takes organic chemistry unless they are a chem major or as a pre-med requirement (it's the most notorious pre-med prerequisite class.) And there are a lot more pre-meds than chem majors!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy it a whole lot more than I did.

[Random_Australian]

99. Yep - I'm no chem major (we don't major in 1st year) but organic chem

has been fun.


But really, no organic chem at all? It only takes a small portion of chemistry to teach!

[sir_captain]

102. Well, it's not really part of the whole liberal arts thing

so very few people take it who don't have to. I agree with you that the basics of it aren't that difficult, but there's not a whole lot of practical use for it beyond orgo lab work or pharmacology, so it's not super popular, you know?

Glad you're enjoying it in any case--how far into the course are you?

[Random_Australian]

106. Into university, it is the second semester.

However, organic chem only started this semester - we learn enough that there are four or so topics, the entire of organic chem bieng one of them, and do two per semester, and my class just happens to do organic chem in the second semester. :)

[ulysses]

19. cool!

I had the idea for the longest time that I would get an MFA in creative writing. Enjoy!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

23. My dear ulysses!

I thank you so much!

But I do NOT need/want any more degrees........

Just one class should do it for me.....unless, of course, it doesn't!

I know I'll enjoy it!

:bounce: :bounce:

[Briarius]

20. That's great Peggy!

My grandpa took Word/Excel/Frontpage classes at the community college before he passed on. I wish I could have seen the faces of the 19 year old kids when this 70 year old guy aced every test. :D

I hope you enjoy yourself!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

25. My dear Briarius!

How terrific about your grandpa!

You know I will enjoy myself.........writing is one of my passions.....

When I can get myself to sit down and actually do it, anyway!

Thank you for your support! :woohoo: :woohoo:

[RetroLounge]

22. Way to go CP!

great idea!

RL

[CaliforniaPeggy]

26. My dear RetroLounge!

Now, this is something ......to have your support!

I mean, you are an accomplished author, and so your endorsement means a whole heck of a lot to me........

Thank you, sweetie! :hug:

[reyd reid reed]

24. That's WONDERFUL news, Peggy!!

I want to go back, too. I'm just intimidated by the idea and keep coming up with more reasons why I shouldn't than why I should.

The reasons why I should are more valid, though.

:hug:

I'm excited for you!!!

:bounce::bounce::bounce:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

30. My dear reyd reid reed!

You are a doll, you know that, right? Well....you are!

I'm excited too, sweetie......just hope that it's not too late for this semester!

But......there's always tomorrow!

And........you should definitely go back too! :hug:

[mwooldri]

95. Lots of State Universities offer part or all of their curriculum online.

I'm finishing mine up at East Carolina - having started at NC A&T (yes I have yet to change my avatar but I havent got around to that yet with moving and the such).

It's often cheaper, and it works out for most people being more convenient too. You might find just taking two classes in one semester rewarding - and you can get financial aid to pay for it too. If you're clever and work at it, you might need to pay nothing.

/Mark.

[bigwillq]

27. Go for it Peggy!

:bounce: :hi:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

31. My dear bigwillq!

You know I will, baby.....if not this semester, then the next one!

:bounce: :bounce:

[bigwillq]

38. This time of year makes me sad

I always enjoyed going back to school. :(
Sometimes I don't like the "real world" :(


So do it Peg! :)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

42. Awww........don't be sad, sweetie.......

I know the real world can be rough......

But you have us...and we all love you! :hug:

Eventually, I will do it.......I may have waited too long to register this semester........

We shall see!

:loveya:

[Radio_Lady]

28. Good deal, Peggy. Hope you get the class you want! Have fun!

I just received a paper that one of my older second cousins wrote at the New School for Social Research in New York City years ago. It was in a creative writing class.

It was all about her memories of our common great grandfather. My grandfather and her grandfather were brothers. One branch of the family stayed in Pittsburgh, one went to Florida, a third ended up in New York.

The writing project was amazing; reading her words were almost sublime for me. I was just wondering whether something about your specific genealogy like that might interest you.

Here's something that I wrote about my "bonus family" several years ago. I got paid $20.00 for this true story!

http://www.bonusfamilies.com/modules.php?name=ExtendedFamilies&func=show&articleid=174&articlepage=1

Good luck!

In peace,

Radio_Lady

[CaliforniaPeggy]

32. My dear Radio_Lady!

Thank you so much!

I hope I get it too.....time will tell!

Actually, genealogy is not my particular thing........

I will have a look at your work! Thanks for sending it on....

:hi:

[UrbScotty]

29. My dear CaliforniaPeggy!

How great it is that you have decided to continue your educaation!

If only more people had that attitude!

:-)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

34. My dear ih8thegop!

Well, for a looong time, I was quite resistant to the idea of ever returning to school......

But this is for fun, not for a job.......

And so many of my friends here are doing it........

The time is right for me to do it too!

Thanks for your kind comments! :hug:

[buddhamama]

33. Good for you, Dear one

YAY! Keep us posted !!!!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

35. My dear buddhamama.........

Oh, I thank you!

You can be sure I will keep you posted!

:hug:

[Broken_Hero]

36. Good luck

With going back to school...:) My wife started online uni back in June, and she is enjoying it greatly...:)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

39. My dear petersond!

Thanks!

Good for your wife.......I think for me to do well, I need to get out of the house, and show up someplace......

Time will tell, however!

:hi:

[Floogeldy]

37. You'll be the most popular girl in class!

I guarantee it. ;)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

41. My dear Floog......

Aw, sweetie......you are too nice to me.........:blush:

We shall see, won't we?

:hug:

[LeftyMom]

43. That's great!

:yourock:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

46. My dear LeftyMom!

And you are one of the people who inspired me!

So, I say......Thank you so much, sweetie!

:yourock: too!

[huskerlaw]

44. Awesome!

Good for you! That's so exciting! I can't wait to read class-related updates.

You know, I was in school for soooooo looooooong, but this is the second school year that I haven't been a student and I kind of miss it. I guess I'll have to settle for teaching, instead! Although, I have thought about taking a Spanish class, and goodness knows if my university's main campus weren't clear across the city, I'd be taking advantage of the free tuition...sigh.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

48. My dear huskerlaw!

Oh, thanks!

I just hope I'm not too late for this fall semester.........

I always figure that you pay one way or the other......

I'd rather go to something close....no matter the dollar amount.....

I will keep you updated, whatever happens!

:bounce: :bounce:

[huskerlaw]

57. Hey...look what I just found in my inbox!

UCLA Extension's Writing Program is having a Writers Faire in September.

Check it out! http://www.uclaextension.edu/index.cfm?href=/departmentalpages/index.cfm&department=/writers/index.cfm

[CaliforniaPeggy]

58. Wow! Thanks for the link!

I will check this out, for sure!

I really don't want to run up the 405 to UCLA!

Blessings on you!

:bounce: :bounce:

[jane_pippin]

45. Good for you! And a suggestion...

You might want to do a quick search for writing studios in your area too. Don't be intimidated by them and think "Well, I need to be at X level for that..." You don't. And who knows, you might be at that level and not even know it anyway until you get into it. I took a course way, way back in the day at a studio here and loved it. The people were there to write, not just to fill a credit, and bouncing ideas off of other serious-minded people was very helpful. The place I went to had all kinds of different classes too--general beginner, memoir, genre fiction, how to get published, novel workshops, you get the idea. It was a little pricey, but about comparable to a class at a college.

Whatever you wind up doing, have fun! :toast:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

49. My dear jane_pippin!

Now there's an idea....writing studios!

That had not occurred to me....Thanks!

And I am all about having fun, no matter what else I do!

:toast: back atcha!

[WritingIsMyReligion]

47. I'm going to school.

Not the exciting kind. The duuuuuuuumb one.

:D

Congrats!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

51. My dear WIMR!

I remember being in high school, long ago though it was......

I know you are getting restless......but try to enjoy yourself, OK?

It will end one fine day.........and then the door will open for further adventures!

:hug:

[WritingIsMyReligion]

54. I do. I just am an itchy person.

:o

;)

[rug]

50. Lesson 1 . . . . . lose the ellipses . . . . .

:hide:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

53. My dear rug!

How right you are! No need for hiding!

I like to use them in informal settings such as this one......

:rofl:


Thanks! :hug:

[Radio_Lady]

64. Ellipses. Those are when the moon covers the sun, right?

:sarcasm:

I use them often to show words missing, or words coming up. Also, I recall that you should use only three...

Much of this so-called "word wisdom" comes from advertising and promotional copywriting for radio and television.

As in:

SCRIPT (VOICE OVER)

LOCAL TALENT:

Stay tuned for news at eleven...

We'll get you all set with a half hour of the latest news and then straight to...

"The Late Show," with David Letterman.

Tonight's guests include... "Cock of the Walk" Tom Cruise and "Bellowing Baloney Boob" Mel Gibson...

Don't touch that remote! It's all headed your way on... KCBS, your place for network news.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Probably shouldn't use them for the second reason.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

65. My dear Radio_Lady!

I like to use them for the relaxed feeling they give whatever it is I'm writing.....

And I thank you for the history lesson!

I am completely addicted to using them!

:hi:

[Radio_Lady]

66. Me, too. You might have other rules if you get in to that creative...

writing class.

Much good luck in your pursuits.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

68. I thank you!

:hug:

[Katina]

52. my classes start in late October

just signed up..career change for me. I will be taking the appentice level Real Estate appraisal classes. I'm looking forward to it.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

55. My dear Katina!

Oh, good for you!

I can bet you're looking forward to it!

You go, girl!

I wish you all the success in the world.........:hug:

[Katina]

76. Thanks...it was MrsGrumpy who inspired me to do it

I had been considering it, but after "talking" to her about it...I decided to just go for it. :bounce: and you are right, I am looking forward to it.

Thanks to MrsGrumpy for the encouragement.

[Writer]

56. Peggy, that's wonderful.

I'm applying to PhD programs for next fall... so it looks like I may be going back myself. Good luck!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

59. My dear Writer!

Oooh, good for you!

PhD, huh?

I bow in your direction!

That takes genuine work to get one of those!

Good luck to you as well, sweetie!

:toast:

[Writer]

60. This thread needs more cowbell...

K&R'd!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

61. Omigod, my dear Writer!

Blessings on you for this.......:pals:

[Radio_Lady]

71. Kicked and recommended! Larry the Cable Guy says, "Get 'er done...!"

[citizen snips]

62. oh shit

you had to bring up school because I have to go back to school on Friday. x(

[CaliforniaPeggy]

63. My dear MATTMAN..........

I am so sorry!

I remember when I had to go to school too.......

Just remember......this too shall pass....OK?

Didn't mean to bug you at all! :hug:

[citizen snips]

70. it's okay

school is not that bad.

[Pied Piper]

67. Ms. Peggy

You gotta do what you gotta do!

Life is too short to accept only what we are given. If you have a chance to reach higher, then by all means. go for it! An old sage in my background always used to say to me "The biggest risks often yield the biggest gains. If you risk nothing, you get nothing. Sure, plenty of times, you'll get hurt, but not so bad that you can't recover and reassess the situation." I took her advice, and I moved across the country with nothing but a suitcase. And I'll tell you what, that was the best decision that I ever made. Every day is a new challenge, to be met with failure or success, but by Goddess, it's been totally woth it! I would never trade in any of my successes or failures to go back to the good 'ol (boring) days!

Here's to you, CaliPeggy! All the best!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

69. My dear Pied Piper!

I am always so honored to have you post in my threads, sweetie!

Since you don't post too often......:hug:

And I know what you say is so true.....and I try to live that way!


Oh, how I hear you.....and what you say is true not only about my taking a writing class, but for my life overall!


Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me......and all of us!

:loveya:

:hug:

[Pied Piper]

72. BTW, Peggy

I've always liked your photo threads. I was a camera geek in Jr. High - Camera Club, and the whole thing... But I grew tired of the expense of film and the wait to see the final product. I was never interested enough to set up my own black room. I finally broke my own mold two weeks ago and bought a digital camera - Canon PowerShot A700. So far, I love it! Once I get the hang of it, I'll be posting a-plenty! I'll see you your California sunset photos and raise you a few Boston sunrises! (I have a few already, but they're not quite yet post-worthy...) Stay tuned!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

73. My dear Pied Piper!

I anxiously await your Boston sunrises, baby!

Digital cameras are the way to go!

I can't wait to see your pictures!

Canon makes a very nice camera.......I have an older model, the PowerShot A60!



:toast:

[Radio_Lady]

74. Welcome to the DU, Pied Piper -- from Radio_Lady, new convert

to digital photography and former Bostonian. My husband was born in Brockton and we lived in Sudbury, MA for almost 30 years, before following our daughter out to Oregon. We wanted to escape the difficult winters after the winter we had 144 inches of snow outside Rt. 128 (I try not to remember 1995-6).

Anyway, we have been going great guns with our digital camera -- just returned from Seattle and Victoria, BC, Canada with a "full stick" of photos. It took us a long time to ditch the chemical photography, but this is a new age and let's all bid it welcome. Lots of fun from lots of pixels. The more gadgetry, the better, for my retired husband who's a software engineer.

I'll look forward with still a bit of homesickness to your Boston photos -- hope you share with us!

Good night and good luck!

Radio_Lady in Oregon
(Woman, wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother and former talk show host on Boston's WEEI and WMEX a while ago, now heard on Oregon Public Broadcasting's "Golden Hours")

[Pied Piper]

75. Thanks, Radio_Lady!

As CaliPeggy will tell you, I've been a LONG-TIME lurker, few-time poster. I recently was invited to interview for a job in Portland, OR. I loved it there! I didn't get the job, but I had a great time for the week I spent there. I think I would have been quite happy in Portland, but I'm still quite happy in Boston.

I grew up in Grand Rapids, MI, so the winters here in Boston are actually quite mild (!) I love the cold weather, especially since I don't have a car, and I don't have to navigate and park on the Boston winter streets! Oh, I know exactly what Bostonians are complaining about, but since it doesn't apply to me, I don't worry about it too much. I do get a bit annoyed at folks who don't take care of their sidewalks, but that's only a small short-coming for me.

I have a sweet apartment in the Longwood Medical Area - you will soon see photos of my skyline view of downtown.

I borrowed a friend's digital camera the last time I was in Europe, and I was hooked from the beginning. We would scout around the city for a few hours, then rush back to the hotel to look at the photos on my laptop, then off for the afternoon jaunt. I have great shots of London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Budapest. Hopefully, I'll be in Italy this fall...

I work in IT for a major arts attraction here in Boston, so the switch to digital was a long time coming. I guess I was just waiting until the technology caught up with the rest of the digital revolution.

See ya soon!

Pied Piper

[progmom]

79. hey - that's excellent, Peggy!

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

81. Good morning, my dear progmom!

Awww, thank you, sweetie!

I am pretty jazzed (pun intended, lol) about it!

:hug: back atcha!

[XNASA]

80. That is so last month.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

82. Well, maybe it is for you, my dear XNASA.......

But it isn't for me.........

[MissMillie]

84. WTG CP!

I start back on 9/18. I'm terribly excited about it. I think I may even have enough ambition to finish my BA this time.

I'm going to the Harvard University Extension School. Being a long-service employee at Harvard means it's down-right CHEAP for me to finish things up here.

Wish me luck!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

87. My dear MissMillie!

Good luck! Not that you need it, of course....you make your own luck!

I'm not looking for a degree (I got that done already) but I do want to learn how to write!

Go get that degree.......you'll be amazed at how good that will make you feel!

:toast:

[SeattleGirl]

88. Sorry I'm late to the party, Peggy!

I think that's great that you are going to take a class! I know how much you enjoy writing, so good for you! :loveya: :hug: :loveya:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

91. My dear SeattleGirl!

No worries, sweetie!

I love to see my thread last this long!

I expect to have a terrific time, no matter which sort of class I take....

I might end up in an on-line one.......Time will tell!

:loveya: :hug: :loveya:

[Nickster]

89. My Dearest CalPeg.....

I too am an adult student, just coming to the end of my 4 year degree this November.

I have to say that I think you'll find going back to school quite enlightening and fun. It can be tough, but I'm sure with your all around positive attitude that you'll do great and have a blast while doing it.

I say full steam ahead!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

92. My dear Nickster.......

Congrats on getting your Bachelor's degree this November! I know how much work those are, believe you me!

Thank you for your kind and supportive words......

I expect to do some work, and have a blast too!

Full steam ahead, indeed! :toast:

[LadyoftheRabbits]

90. Holy crap, I'm late

:blush: That's great! :D

[CaliforniaPeggy]

93. My dear lelapin!

It is not a problem to have you show up today! I love seeing my thread get kicked up!

And ........thank you so much, sweetie.........I appreciate your support a lot!

:hug:

:loveya:

[mwooldri]

94. Cool dude CalPeggy! Go for it.

Though I did have a thought. Here in NC the State Universities offer a couple of things:

a) Online courses so you don't have to go back to an actual school.
b) Free classes for those over a certain age. I don't know how old you are (nor do I care - for the reason my grandfather in law told me - you're only as old as the man (if you're female) woman (if you're male) you feel. In my case I'm always 2 months younger!) but if state universities in your area offer this then it's worth looking into.

Just a couple of ideas. And if you go online you are only going as far as your high-speed internet equipped computer. Saves gas, and quite possibly time too.

/Mark.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

96. My dear mwooldri!

I appreciate your very kind suggestions!

I am looking into UCLA's extension....they have online classes......

I will eventually take something......

I do want to do this!

:bounce: :bounce:

[Major Hogwash]

100. If you go back to school, then you'll be an inspiration to younger

students, as well.

When I took my first semester of college, we had an older gentleman in our Geography class that was 85 years old!!

That was inspiring.

We're never too old to learn.
I've learned that much so far.

Good for you!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

101. My dear Major Hogwash!

Why, thank you!

I am planning on doing it...hopefully this semester!

I love to inspire people......

I think when you feel you're too old to learn...........then you're fixing to die!

And I'm nowhere near ready for that!


:bounce: :bounce:

[NC_Nurse]

103. I just sent my youngest child off to college...

now I have to decide what I want to do about further education and career moves. I am inspired by your bravery...it's been a LONG time since I was in school! :-)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

104. My dear NC_Nurse!

Good for you!

I'm not so much brave as I am compelled by the vision of my own mortality to return to school.......

For the longest time, going back for more education was anathama to me!

But no longer.......

I want to make the most of whatever time is left to me......:bounce: :bounce:

[6000eliot]

105. Good for you, Peggy!

I teach a lot of adult students, and both they and I enjoy the experience immensely.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

107. My dear 6000eliot!

Thank you so much!

Adult students can be a lot of fun indeed.........

Their life experiences can add much richness to the class.......

Good to see you today, sweetie!


:hug:

[Metta]

108. Have you considered an on line course?

Nothing is better than going to school in your underwear while having lunch.