Monday, December 7, 2009

What a ding dong, I've been...

Well, If I have the right blogs listed as "blogs I follow" it would be easier to see what I've been doing. If I can just keep my head above water with my classwork until Friday, I'll be home free!

Trey's Christmas concert at school is Thursday and I'll be doing the program (I've not even started-but do have the template from last year) and the concert for our church choir including the children's choir is Sunday! Finals are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday...I'm almost looking forward to them! Oh, wait...Christmas! I've not even started shopping!

The Dinner Panic

Saturday was the annual Cub Scout Christmas dinner. I akipped the Dallas Parade walk to stay home an cook. All day, I thought of how "lucky" I was to be indoor slaving in the kitchen instead of waiting in the cold moist air to only walk two miles of the parade and return back to wait in the gridlocked parking lot. Dinner started at 6:30 p.m. and at 8:30 p.m. I'm left with 4 other parents to clean-up the banquet hall from over 150 vultures that desended on the feast.

I cooked from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.; cleaned and packed supplies while the oven was full. I prepared two turkeys, two hams, dressing and gravy for the masses. Each family was to prepare a covered dish (sidedish) and at least two liters of thier favorite beverage. When I look up at 6:20 from setting up the serving line, I see that we have about 50 people, 4 sidedishes and 4 two liter bottles to drink. I paniced. I sent my dauter out for publix potato salad and 9-two liter bottles of soft drinks. By 6:30 p.m. (and the time Dani returned) the room was full and the table had been graced with mac'n cheese and green beans by the dozen.

I have never seen food disappear so fast in all my life. Half-way through everyone being served - the turkey was gone. At the end of the evening, we had no sides left, 6 jars of ranch dip, 3 bags of chips and 10 slices of ham left. Thank goodness...the story of fishes and loaves repeats.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

A parent review of the tween sensation known as…

JONAS BROTHERS
LINES, VINES AND TRYING TIMES
By Vicki Nix

Every generation has its new breed of the pre-teen rock-n-roll artists. The latest release of Lines, Vines and Trying Times by the Jonas brothers proves that they have developed significant staying power. Before this Disney hyped band of clean cut, Stepford sons came in a blur of Teen Beat and Sixteen magazine covers, Debbie Gibson and Hanson were tugging at the heart strings and comforting the misunderstood pre-teens.

As a parent of an adult child and a tween, I can see this train and the track upon which it rides and can really enjoy the journey! The brothers are building on the traditions set out long before they took their first breath. They fill an important gap between nursery rhymes and rock-n-roll.

This fourth album allows the boys to relate to the adolescent growth of their audience. The lyrics attempt to go deeper into the struggles of developing a tween’s identity, whether it be gangsta with “Don’t Charge me for the Crime” or romantic by comparing a crumbling relationship to “World War III.”

The addition of the strings and horns to produce the orchestra sounds take the boys to a more mature and less teeny-bop sound, but it may be a little pre-mature for their vocals. They take on the “she done me wrong” and “racetrack called life” lyrics like seasoned veterans of more rides around the sun than they’ve had. This latest release fills the metaphorical gap between kiddy songs and true rock. The older rock fan can listen and appreciate the journey without the pain and agony of the true kid song ping-pong that required the car seat and earbuds for the back seat just a few years ago. The Jonas Brothers allow our screaming tweens the next step in the search of their identity with with strong beats, catchy lyrics and stealth-like parental approval.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

I have been running like I was on roller skates all week and looked forward to this wonderful relaxing Sunday. I've been in bed with a slamming headache all afternoon and am now up, can't sleep and only a slight pounding in my head.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

What does Blue Wind mean when he says thst Matt Stretton "wishes he

Blue Wind gained experiences of an old man in just a few years. He was able to view outside himself and see the big picture. I think it is amazing how the author describes vividly, but simply the living conditions Blue Wind experienced. Going back and forth from the reservation to the suburban school gave him a perspective that those with more privileges may not have had.

Blue Wind sensed that Matt was someone who was looking to be anything but who he is. He wished he had real perspective. Matt was as much a victim of his environment as Blue Wind, but made a choice to run from who he is, unlike Blue Wind who embraced who he is. Blue Wind had been able to roll through great, true tragedy and Matt had never really lost anything irreplaceable in his life. Blue Wind knew the difference and recognized that Matt yearned to feel anything real and was willing to fake it until he did.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Can I persuade a vote?

Phil Gingrey, M.D.
Washington, DC Office
119 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Dr. Gingrey:

Introduction
I am a mortgage broker of 7 years and have been in the mortgage and finance business for over 23 years. I have had the opportunity to work for large and small banks as well as owning and operation my mortgage company. The passing of H.R. 3126 threatens my business and potentially my ability to continue to serve my customers as an independent business owner.
Consumer Finance Protection Agency (CFPA) Proposed
The Administration has proposed a (CFPA), which targets mortgage brokers with regulations that will effectively eliminate my brokerage’s mortgage origination channel for my customers, limiting competition, increasing prices, and reducing service. My customers will be forced to obtain mortgages directly from banks, which are not currently equally bound by disclosure requirements about compensation and fees.
New Agency Could Effectively Eliminate the Mortgage Broker Origination Channel
H.R. 3126 has been introduced in the House of Representatives to create the new Consumer Finance Protection Agency (CFPA). While the legislative language does not specifically reference mortgage brokers, the broad authorities H.R. 3126 provides to the new agency could severely harm the mortgage broker origination channel and my business if the Administration moves forward with its plans outlined in its White Paper.
Mortgage Brokers Provide a Valuable Service to Consumers
As a broker, I find the most appropriate mortgages for my customers by searching through the products of multiple lenders to identify the best loan rates and terms. I also guide homebuyers through the complicated loan process.
Because the lenders are saving money on personnel and overhead costs associated with the processing and originating of a mortgage, the loan products that I offer are obtained from the bank at wholesale prices. I am compensated by the customers for the cost of processing and originating the loan. A consumer can pay my compensation by selecting a slightly higher interest rate, through a yield spread premium instead of at the time of closing. As a mortgage broker, I am required by existing federal law to disclose all of our fees to the borrower. Even after being compensated for my work, we are able to offer consumers mortgage loans at rates that are competitive to retail rates that would be offered if a consumer went directly through a lender.
While the mortgage crisis has revealed problems across the mortgage industry, ethical mortgage brokers have always provided a valuable service to their customers. Consumers benefit from our ability to shop around for the best rate and from the individualized assistance that we offer through the process.
Conclusion
I appreciate the effort to protect consumers, but the proposed legislation only provides another layer of government oversight without true value to the consumer. This bill will ultimately hinder healthy competition which only benefits my customers and your constituents. Please know that I appreciate your efforts and write to you with information that I feel is valuable to my industry and to the people of Georgia and our nation. I trust that when you are armed with this information you will make the right choice. I look forward to your vote.

Yours Truly,

Vicki Nix

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Writing an Album review - Step 1

Reviewing an album will require more thought about music than I've had in ten years! Picking an artist may be the hardest part of the whole process. I've not listened to an entire album of anyone other than "Disney 5" and "The Jonas Brothers". I guess either of those will do. I marvel at the marketing genius that can hook the entire teen market and direct their spending.

I guess I'm off to research a little more...maybe my chatty nine year old can share a little insight. Check out his blog at thebigtnix.blogspot.com

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Out the Gate

Another glorious day begins with fragrant fresh air and a nine year old climbing into my bed for a couple of extra winks before his day begins. A good night's sleep can make the frantic day of yesterday disappear into a new day of hope and anticipation. We are on our way!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

The Changing of the Seasons

Oh, the joy of living in the wonderful state of Georgia! As the hurricane season begins, so does the change in our seasons. It is the perfect mix of cooler temperatures and warm moist breezes from the ocean storms. Unlike the states in the northern part of the country, we have a long summer season with only small windows of fall mixed into autumn.

We still have the lush, vivid, green landscapes with only the slightest red foliage peeking out of the greens. The beautiful day gives way to the heavy stormy moisture moving into the horizon. The air begins with the heaviness that will only lead to rain and cools and lightens the air as the storm clouds release the liquid gold. From the warm rain we yield the cooler nights and the vivid colors!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Day 9...ughhhh

Okay, I think I'll actually get more than 4 hours sleep tonight! I'm having so much fun with blogging, I haven't had time to do my own. Check out Cub Scout Pack 301 parent forum at:

Pack 301-Parents.blogspot.com

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Morning Ritual

No matter what time I finally get to bed at night, the morning begins the same. Somewhere from the darkest deepest sleep I will hear the increasing, piercing, shrill "beep, beep, beep..." of the alarm clock. I stagger across the room (otherwise the snooze button is too close) trying to not trip over the dog to hear the "click" to silence as I hopefully hit the right button at 6:00 a.m. If I've hit snooze instead of off, it will go off again about midway through my shower waking those up who do not need to be up yet.

I relieve the bladder, turn on the shower and encourage my eyes to open. I step into the wave of water and awareness. As I shampoo my hair, my brain begins to recognize the oxygen increase to the cells and by the time I rinse, I am fully awake. From there it is a quick journey from dressed to Mom mode at 6:15 a.m.

I learned a long time ago the value in preparing for the morning the night before. After pulling my son from bed and directing him to the bathroom, I can then make my bed, throw his breakfast in the toaster or microwave and be back to make sure he hasn't climbed back into the bed by 6:20 a.m. If he's not dressed, I offer to do it for him, which usually takes care of the problem. After he is dressed we are making his bed together and we discuss what he has on the agenda for the day. This is the time I leave a note for my daughter or husband (whoever is still sleeping) for any tasks that they need to complete before they hit the door. Eating breakfast and getting to the car is complete by 6:30 a.m., we both grab our backpacks and head out the driveway. Our driveway is only about 500 feet up a winding hill, but sometimes we can loose ten minutes in that process. Trey will wait for his bus that comes at 7:09 a.m. with his friend next door. He sometimes will call on his cell phone if his friend is running late and he's just trying to pass the time.

My drive is only 31 miles, but it is into the sun and down Hwy 120 to Hwy 278 to Dallas Hwy. Going by a couple of schools and to be rush hour, it is not so bad. Leaving at 7:00 a.m. takes an hour and 20 minutes and leaving at 6:30 a.m. takes about an hour. The stress difference of getting here 30 minutes before class is completely different than getting here 20 minutes late!

Although my 8:00 a.m. class is only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, I keep the same morning routine to keep from getting off on my days and missing a class. It never hurts to have extra study time in an environment that is set up for success.

Day 8 of Classes & Chapter 2

Finally I have my book in hand and have actually read chapter 2. The idea of writing my thoughts is something new to me. I'm a great list maker and imperative writer, but I've not enjoyed the "luxury" of writing for inward reflection or outward recording. I've looked back and thought of stories I wished I had recorded to keep the facts straight and now I think will be able to do a little of that in the future.

I really enjoyed the chapter and I look forward to developing my writing skills (as rusty as they are) in my daily life. My nine year old son started a blog journal. Only I know his password for now and hopefully as he starts this process he'll learn what to share privately and what can be shared publicly. I know as he gets older he will want Facebook or something similar and we will have the advantage of many teachable moments as he develops his writing skill before then.

As a very verbal child, Trey has struggled putting his thoughts on to paper. I hope the blog will encourage him to learn keyboarding skills and how to convert his thoughts and ideas into something written. We've started this process slowly and will build on it.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

What is this...Day 7 of Class?

Crazy week! It is only Tuesday and I feel like I am ready for the weekend. Four hours of sleep a night doesn't cut it. Running from class to class and then home from kids to work has gotten the best of me this week.


At least I'm using what I'm learning. I set up a parent blog for my son's Cub Scout pack parents (www.pack301-parents.blogspot.com). I've wanted a web page to keep everyone up to date on all the activities, but haven't had the time to dedicate to doing it right. A blog is a great forum for now and it allows parents to add comments and information. Now, it won't be just from me, the Cubmaster's wife. I was smart enough to make sure outside posts need to be approved before being published, but if anyone else has suggestions I am all ears...LOL...eyes!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

The weekend is here. Now that we've completed the major outdoor activities I can watch a little TV and catch up on correspondence and homework.

Trey wanted to know if I needed his help with my homework. LOL, I nearly have to light him on fire to do his own! I did let him choose the topic he thought I should play around with before I get assigned to a group on Monday. He said, "Duh...traffic, Mom. You know about it all to well.

TRAFFIC! Ughhhh, the last thing I wanted to write about. My thoughts begin with the many decisions I make because of traffic.

I'll go to the scout shop on Monday during my break at school instead of driving by the mall on a Saturday.

I should make the dentist appointments and my hair appointments on the same day because they are on the same side of town. I had better make them between 9am and 1pm to miss the school traffic.

I loved my job, I love my Dad. He needed me to help my mom through his last year with cancer. Moving to be near him was a no-brainer. Living west of where I work, not considered. How would anyone even think about the sun rising in the east and setting in the west creating a torture of a commute! Blinding sun, bumper-to-bumper cars on I-285 from Sandy Springs to I-20 past Six Flags. What an emotional roller coaster. I left a job I love, to be with ones I love, to work with a new boss that was nothing less than an arrogant.

Ohhhhh, edit, edit, edit. Okay...a list
Traffic, how it effects:
Where you live
Where you shop
How you plan your day
Where you work
What type of car you drive
What type of transportation you use

Whew...off to research for details.

Friday, August 28, 2009

5th Day of Classes

Drip...drip...here I slop through the parking lot. At least I left at 6:30 a.m. this morning! What has been taking 1 1/2 hours to drive only took 1 hour! Getting to school by 7:30 a.m. allowed me to park closer than I have all week.

Algebra went a lot easier today! It is amazing how much easier the homework is when you wait to complete it after the lecture. Although this week has been primarily a review, I had to dig deep into the tiny recesses of my brain to retrieve the simplest of equations and rules. My challenge now will be with accuracy and not making careless errors.

English Composition is not nearly as scary, but I've not been graded on anything, yet. The first time around I remember toiling over every word before it hit the page. I would write ideas, set up an outline, re-arrange the outline, write a draft and revise multiple times before getting my final essay. Sounds like the normal process, right? Not when you take a day and half to complete each step. After being in the work place for a while, I've adapted to a "getter done" process. It will be interesting to see if that will fly or if I should be taking more time.

I'm still in my Psychology class although after looking at my requirements for my degree I realized I had a "B" in Economics, I won't need both Economics and Psychology. I've enjoyed this class so much, I decided to stick with it. I think my professor has a lot of experience and knowledge to share that will benefit my career goals.

The rain is beginning to slow and now I'm home to catch up with work, family and home. If only I had a folding machine for the clothes!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

4th Day of classes

Great day for Karma today! I'm sitting in my Algebra class when then the student next to me asks, "Aren't you Ms. Nix?" Turns out, he was in the marching band with my daughter when she was a junior and senior and he was a freshman and sophmore. I remember him as a energetic cute kid and there he sat, all grown up and probably kicking my butt in alegebra.

As I go to my car after class, the driver of the car next to me ask me to help her jump-off her battery. Turns out, her daughter is in my algebra class, too. We got the car cranked and we were on our way.

On my way home, I notice a missed call from a friend who lives down the street from me. I call him back to find he needs someone to get his son off the bus! I made it to his driveway five minutes before the bus arrived and we followed the bus to our driveway where my son got off the bus.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

3rd Day of Classes

I'm totally exhausted today. I parked a gazillion miles from my classes today and they already have me treking from one side of campus to the other. It might not have been so bad if I hadn't been wearing sandles! I made it back home just in time to catch Trey off the bus and we hit the road again.

We ate an early dinner at McDonalds and both worked on our studies. He's struggling with sitting still and listening in class. We worked on focus and concentration. He ended up reading for an hour before children's choir and an hour after his shower today.

I can't wait to get my financial aid. Trying to study before picking up books is getting a little cumbersom. My new goal - patience.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

2nd Day of Classes


Day six of a new start and 2nd day of classes! A lot has happened since last Thursday. I was in the process of renewing my Mortgage Brokers License for Florida and decided it wasn't worth it. After paying licensing fees, bonding, insurance and software subscriptions it would be money wasted. So I decided this would be the perfect time for me to go back to school!

I have worked in banking and mortgage lending for over 20 years and truly enjoyed it. The current market has destroyed property values and has hindered sales by individuals of their primary residences and appraisals for refinances. It is not so much fun anymore!

I've always managed my own website (with help from others) and marketing. I really enjoy the creative side of technology. I'm looking forward to continuing my education at Southern Tech. Starting as an Electrical Engineering major in 1982 was a great start, but I look forward to studying Technical Communication with its many facets.
Thanks to Bennie Houck for making registration and readmission such a smooth process! It even looks like my financial aid will make it here just in time. A lot has changed in seven short days.

Welcome!

I can't believe I'm starting a blog! I look forward to getting to know more about you and your interests and I'll try not to be boring.