Thursday, March 20, 2014

The Midlife Farmwife heads back to The Quad


The senior Peter    www.frampton.com

As if our lives were not busy enough.
As if our days were not short enough.
As if we SAID we were going to slow things down.

What do I go and do?

I apply to the University of Illinois as a full time student.

And what do those misguided folks do? They accept me. Really. What have I done? I start as a Junior this August in the Creative Writing Program. I plan to continue straight though and obtain my Masters in the very same field.

Why not? I'm going to get old and die anyway, I might as well finally learn the correct use of colons and semi-colons.  If I really want to write and be published then I best learn the techniques. Besides, spending the day in a library trying to sort out the poetry of Yeats is a day well spent in my mind. (well it would be better spent at Galway University but I'm still wading through the Study Abroad requirements.)

The desire for this end result has been a very long time coming but ALWAYS in the back of my head, since 1976 when after a disastrous first semester at the same University I was non-ceremoniously expelled for a grade point average lower than the ground I was passed out on back in those days.

Seemed I love attending all those Peter Frampton parties a wee bit more than I actually attended class. Do you do?  Well I did. To say my mother was pissed, sorry there is no better term, when she made that 3 hr RT drive to collect my sorry (not enough) butt, is a gross understatement.

She brought me back into their home and said "You got two weeks Madame Butterfly, to get a job and find a lace to live." She had four other children who needed her and as far as she was concerned I had already flown the too crowded nest. I was 17, part of the problem. I graduated HS after three years and had no more enough maturity for campus life than a new born calf is ready to produce milk.

Two weeks later I was living in a rented trailer and working as a nurse side, which lead me to South Dakota and nursing school and marriage and kids, a divorce, a wonderful remarriage,  36 years in health care and a farmer and BAM! here I am at almost 55 and ready for a big change.

So , you might ponder, how does this fit in with our Poor Farm plans? Very well I hope. At first, until this farm is sold and new house is built it will indeed be insanely busy. But the University is only an hour away and classes can be scheduled for three times a week.  Since I plan to actually ATTEND classes this time it's likely I'll get better grades than oh say 38 years ago.

That will allow me, outside of study and travel time, and I'm a big believer in listening to classes on CD while driving, 4 full days to work with my Keith on our new place, and continue to write free-lance articles as I do now for additional income.

I still believe the only reason they have accepted me this time is that my records were so old they had returned to dust, unable to place blame where it was due. In fact my old immunization records are so ancient (1959) I have to have new measles, mumps and rubella shots, a health requirement of the school.

I just hope I get a nice bottle of something warm and soothing to drink right after, like any good baby would.

Of course being the most brilliant blog followers in the world you might wonder "How is she going to pay for this little venture.?"

I'm not. My parents are.

You see, due to a  limited scholarship which grants full tuition waivers to U of I for the children of war veterans whose parents served either in WW2, Korean Conflict, Vietnam , Southwest Asia Conflict, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. I have been blessed with four years of paid tuition. I received notice of this award just two days ago. Here is the link in the event you are interested: http://www.osfa.illinois.edu/aid/scholarships/waivers_COV.html

Even though my parents, both veterans of the Korean Conflict, who have been dead many years, who were never able to attend college themselves, never made more than $16,000 a year.

I believe my mother is up in Heaven right now hysterically laughing at the irony of this more than anyone.




29 comments:

  1. How marvelous! Anyone who will travel 800 miles with a pregnant sow can do anything!

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    Replies
    1. Ah Susan what a fabulous memory! Remember though we were paid well by the University of Penn to bring them that sow. Don't want you thinking we were totally unselfish in our travels last year :)

      Delete

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  2. So .... you had the same academic performance that I did on campus! Drink .. party ... attempt to study .... I actually can't believe I didn't get kicked out although it was really really close!

    Have fun ... study hard .... and I can recommend a good sorority if you like! :)

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    Replies
    1. Oh Miss Eff, was that you I shackled my leg too on the Quad that night not wanting anyone to steal us apart? Fun times. So happy my liver survived. Can't wait to see you April 5Th!

      Delete

    2. Dr Okaya cast a lottery spell for me and i won $50 million US dollars..Read my review and contact him now for your own lottery winning numbers.

      Words are not enough to express my profound gratitude for the wonderful thing that Dr. OKAYA did for me. Have anybody heard of this great spell caster who help to win Lottery and clear all your debts and buy your self a big house and car and also have a comfortable life living. His Lottery spell is wonders and work very fast. He help me to won a big money that change my life and my family. Recently i won $50 million US dollars , It was a dream come true for me and my family. Your Lottery spell made wonders and miracles. Thank you so much sir for dedicating your time to cast the Lottery spell for me.I am extremely grateful for the Lottery spell you did for me. If you want to win lottery like me all you need to do is contact the Okaya spell Temple that give me the rightful wining numbers of the below email :OKAYASPELLHELP@GMAIL.COM OR PHONE/WHATS APP : +27814506790

      Delete
  3. Glad you're getting a second chance! Try to stay away from those late night parties.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carolyn, I'll be doing good this time around to make it home before by 6 pm bedtime!

      Delete

    2. Dr Okaya cast a lottery spell for me and i won $50 million US dollars..Read my review and contact him now for your own lottery winning numbers.

      Words are not enough to express my profound gratitude for the wonderful thing that Dr. OKAYA did for me. Have anybody heard of this great spell caster who help to win Lottery and clear all your debts and buy your self a big house and car and also have a comfortable life living. His Lottery spell is wonders and work very fast. He help me to won a big money that change my life and my family. Recently i won $50 million US dollars , It was a dream come true for me and my family. Your Lottery spell made wonders and miracles. Thank you so much sir for dedicating your time to cast the Lottery spell for me.I am extremely grateful for the Lottery spell you did for me. If you want to win lottery like me all you need to do is contact the Okaya spell Temple that give me the rightful wining numbers of the below email :OKAYASPELLHELP@GMAIL.COM OR PHONE/WHATS APP : +27814506790

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  4. Another adventure to be shared with us. Good for you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gosh; I wasn't expecting that. Good on ya. Just remember; it's fun to start a sentence with either 'and' or 'but', and it's even more fun to split your infinitives. Oh, and you'll have to take up smoking grass (unless you already do).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Dr Okaya cast a lottery spell for me and i won $50 million US dollars..Read my review and contact him now for your own lottery winning numbers.

      Words are not enough to express my profound gratitude for the wonderful thing that Dr. OKAYA did for me. Have anybody heard of this great spell caster who help to win Lottery and clear all your debts and buy your self a big house and car and also have a comfortable life living. His Lottery spell is wonders and work very fast. He help me to won a big money that change my life and my family. Recently i won $50 million US dollars , It was a dream come true for me and my family. Your Lottery spell made wonders and miracles. Thank you so much sir for dedicating your time to cast the Lottery spell for me.I am extremely grateful for the Lottery spell you did for me. If you want to win lottery like me all you need to do is contact the Okaya spell Temple that give me the rightful wining numbers of the below email :OKAYASPELLHELP@GMAIL.COM OR PHONE/WHATS APP : +27814506790

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  6. Ah Cro. You know how to get to the crux of the matter everytime. With my luck I'll be splitting the doobies and smoking the infinitives.

    ReplyDelete
  7. You are definitely astonishing, Donna! Good for you, Girl! Gosh, I could benefit from that program at 68 -- my father was a WW II vet! Wonder if there are any other states with similar programs...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Go broad go! I'll bet there are. Here is the link and maybe they can connect you to other states and universities http://www.osfa.illinois.edu/aid/scholarships/waivers_COV.html

      Delete

    2. Dr Okaya cast a lottery spell for me and i won $50 million US dollars..Read my review and contact him now for your own lottery winning numbers.

      Words are not enough to express my profound gratitude for the wonderful thing that Dr. OKAYA did for me. Have anybody heard of this great spell caster who help to win Lottery and clear all your debts and buy your self a big house and car and also have a comfortable life living. His Lottery spell is wonders and work very fast. He help me to won a big money that change my life and my family. Recently i won $50 million US dollars , It was a dream come true for me and my family. Your Lottery spell made wonders and miracles. Thank you so much sir for dedicating your time to cast the Lottery spell for me.I am extremely grateful for the Lottery spell you did for me. If you want to win lottery like me all you need to do is contact the Okaya spell Temple that give me the rightful wining numbers of the below email :OKAYASPELLHELP@GMAIL.COM OR PHONE/WHATS APP : +27814506790

      Delete
  8. Ah. I guess Sophie the Sow has set a good example. AFter all, if a pig can go to university, so can .... you! Good luck. And hey - has the sow graduated yet?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sadly we've lost track with Sophie. We've called but she never answers. She is just a...pig.

      Delete

    2. Dr Okaya cast a lottery spell for me and i won $50 million US dollars..Read my review and contact him now for your own lottery winning numbers.

      Words are not enough to express my profound gratitude for the wonderful thing that Dr. OKAYA did for me. Have anybody heard of this great spell caster who help to win Lottery and clear all your debts and buy your self a big house and car and also have a comfortable life living. His Lottery spell is wonders and work very fast. He help me to won a big money that change my life and my family. Recently i won $50 million US dollars , It was a dream come true for me and my family. Your Lottery spell made wonders and miracles. Thank you so much sir for dedicating your time to cast the Lottery spell for me.I am extremely grateful for the Lottery spell you did for me. If you want to win lottery like me all you need to do is contact the Okaya spell Temple that give me the rightful wining numbers of the below email :OKAYASPELLHELP@GMAIL.COM OR PHONE/WHATS APP : +27814506790

      Delete
  9. that's pretty cool re the grant for the fees. I haven't a clue how much they are but American college fees are always perceived as being hundreds of thousands.
    It's a wonderful adventure and you will enjoy every minute :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. On average Lorna tuition for one year at this university is about $13,000 or $52,000 for a four year degree. Books will average another $1000 each year . If you live in student housing (not me!) add another $10,000 per year. About 60% of the students at U of I do receive some sort of financial aide and many are required to work part time to pay it back. I am very blessed to have received this 4 year tuition paid scholarship!

      Delete
    2. That's not as steep as I thought but yep, it's still a lot of money. It's about $3K here a year plus yes, the living accommodation etc.
      I had heard of fees of $100,000 but had forgotten that courses and universities can vary. I was a mature student myself btw, at the grand old age of 24 I went back to uni. Luckily no fees then and I even got a small grant of €2,500 a year :) That was in the UK but there's fees in place there now.

      Delete
    3. WOW. $3 K seems so cheap! I'm looking into the Study Abroad program at U of I for summer of 2015 where I can spend a month in Galway (woo-hoo) but even that 30 day cost is estimated at over $6000. So nuts. But at least you and I can finally meet in person and that Lorna would be PRICELESS!!

      Delete

    4. Dr Okaya cast a lottery spell for me and i won $50 million US dollars..Read my review and contact him now for your own lottery winning numbers.

      Words are not enough to express my profound gratitude for the wonderful thing that Dr. OKAYA did for me. Have anybody heard of this great spell caster who help to win Lottery and clear all your debts and buy your self a big house and car and also have a comfortable life living. His Lottery spell is wonders and work very fast. He help me to won a big money that change my life and my family. Recently i won $50 million US dollars , It was a dream come true for me and my family. Your Lottery spell made wonders and miracles. Thank you so much sir for dedicating your time to cast the Lottery spell for me.I am extremely grateful for the Lottery spell you did for me. If you want to win lottery like me all you need to do is contact the Okaya spell Temple that give me the rightful wining numbers of the below email :OKAYASPELLHELP@GMAIL.COM OR PHONE/WHATS APP : +27814506790

      Delete
  10. Well congrats to you and I am going to check that out here. too funny on your Ma. MB

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, my ma. She was funny but her humor was underappreciated. If it wasn't for the inevitable physical decline of parents, I would wish that all of them could live to be 100 and FINALLY get to see their kids really grow up. !

      Delete


  11. My Name is Anita.I will love to share my testimony to all the people in the forum cos i never thought i will have my boyfriend back and he means so much to me..The boy i want to get marred to left me 4 weeks to our wedding for another girl..,When i called her she never picked my calls,She deleted me on his facebook and he changed her facebook status from engaged to Single...when i went to her place of work he told his boss he dont want to see me..I lost my job as a result of this cos i cant get myself anymore,my life was upside down and everything did not go smooth with my life...I tried all i could do to have him back,all did not work out until i met a prophet when i Travelled to Africa to execute some business have been developing some years back..I told him my problem and all have passed through in getting her back and how i lost my job...he told me he gonna help me...i didn't believe that in the first place.but he swore he will help me out and he told me the reason why my girlfriend left me and also told me some hidden secrets.i was amazed when i heard that from him..he said he will cast a spell for me and i will see the results in the next couple of days..then i travel back to Us the following day and i called him when i got home and he said he's busy casting those spells and he has bought all the materials needed for the spells,he said am gonna see positive results in the next 2 days that is Thursday...My boyfriend called me at exactly 12:35pm on Thursday and apologies for all he had done ..he said,he never knew what she's doing and her sudden behavior was not intentional and he promised not to do that again.it was like am dreaming when i heard that from him and when we ended the call,i called the man and told him my girlfriend called and he said i haven't seen anything yet... he said i will also get my job back in 3 days time..and when its Sunday,they called me at my place of work that i should resume working on Monday and they gonna compensate me for the time limit have spent at home without working..My life is back into shape,i have my man back and we are happily married now with kids and i have my job back too.This man is really powerful..if we have up to 20 people like him in the world,the world would have been a better place..he has also helped many of my friends to solve many problems and they are all happy now..Am posting this to the forum for anybody that is interested in meeting the man for help.you can mail him to Dr.jartospellcaster@gmail.com I cant give out his number cos he told me he don't want to be disturbed by many people across the world..he said his email is okay and he' will replied to any emails asap..hope he helped u out too..good luck:Dr.jartospellcaster@gmail.com.Once Again His Email Address Is:Dr.jartospellcaster@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  12. Dr Okaya cast a lottery spell for me and i won $50 million US dollars..Read my review and contact him now for your own lottery winning numbers.

    Words are not enough to express my profound gratitude for the wonderful thing that Dr. OKAYA did for me. Have anybody heard of this great spell caster who help to win Lottery and clear all your debts and buy your self a big house and car and also have a comfortable life living. His Lottery spell is wonders and work very fast. He help me to won a big money that change my life and my family. Recently i won $50 million US dollars , It was a dream come true for me and my family. Your Lottery spell made wonders and miracles. Thank you so much sir for dedicating your time to cast the Lottery spell for me.I am extremely grateful for the Lottery spell you did for me. If you want to win lottery like me all you need to do is contact the Okaya spell Temple that give me the rightful wining numbers of the below email :OKAYASPELLHELP@GMAIL.COM OR PHONE/WHATS APP : +27814506790

    ReplyDelete