What My Kids are Thankful For

During the month of November, I tried to have my children tell me at least one thing they were thankful for every day.  We didn't hold to the "every day" very well but I think we got a fairly good list.  I am proud of them for some of the things they came up with.  Some of the items are kinda funny.  Here are the uncensored things that my kids are thankful for this year.

Lemuel
family, electronics, funny people, friends, books, memories, warmth, church, hot chocolate, music, imagination, choices, machines

Brayden
Life, deja (his rat), holidays, pets, food, houses, pokemon, popcorn, paper, clothes, legos, cups, colors


Abigail
House, clothes, food, shoes, beds, stores, pets, water bottles, school, plants, animals, holidays, books


Keenan
pumpkin pie, brothers and sisters, feet, firewood, hats, presents, boots, months, wands, legos, poof pillows, mothers

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5 things I Have Learned This Weekend

1. Snow is not a mailman's friend
2. We are not entitled
3. Twitter can be a mean world.  I have not been called so many names since high school.  It's amazing what people say to each other when there are miles and miles between them.
4.  BSU still rocks
5.  Vikings suck

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Frustration Vs. Determination

As many of you know, I have been trying to finish my degree.  It has been a long road to earn my first degree, and I am not happy with what I have done.  I started college in 1992.  Since then I have attended 4 different school 5 different times.  I have changed my major 5 different times.  This is definitely not a formula for success.
This time around I am trying to get an IT degree with a Network Administration.  I have been doing pretty well over the past two years with a scheduled graduation date of November of next year.  At the beginning of this year, I started studying for the Configuring Windows 7 exam.  I have taken the test 4 times with negative results.  Yesterday, I took it for the 5th time...and failed. 
This last score leaves me in kind of a bind.  Microsoft's policy is to only let a person take the test 5 times within a 12 month time frame.  So, I won't be able to take the test again until November 2011 (the month I was supposed to graduate).  And, since the class was worth 6 credits (half of my class load) I did not pass enough credits for this term.  This places me on an academic probation for the next term.  I should not affect my financial aid, but it is very discouraging.
My IT mentor is going to try to get me into a Vista class so I can take a test soon.  This will keep me from having to wait 12 months to take the test again.  But it is still frustrating.  It's days like this that make me think I am an idiot and should just give up.
But I have given up too many times in my life and I am not about to give up on school for a 6th time.  It may be frustrating and a little humiliating that I have been unable to pass this test.  But, for now, my determination outweighs my frustration.
In 2011, I plan on being a graduate of Western Governor's University and earning my first Bachelor's Degree.  It is going to be hard (it has already been hard) but I will not let that deter me from reaching this goal.  I am tired of giving up.  I am tired of other people dictating what I can and can't do.  I will be an IT professional.
Thanks for reading....and GO BOISE STATE!

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What Is Holding Me Back

It has been a very long time since I have written a decent blog post.  I have had many ideas, but no time to develope them in any length.

For the past 10 months I have been trying to pass a test in configuring Windows 7 operating system.  It has been  all consuming.  Every waking moment that is not taken up by necessary duties, has been engulfed by studying for this test.  I have taken the test 4 times and have yet to pass it.  Needless to say, I am getting very discouraged. 

I am taking the test for a fifth time next week.  I would appreciate and covet your prayers for passing it this time.  If I do not pass the test I will not be able to take it again until next year (Microsoft rules).  Also, I will be put on academic probation with my school for not passing enough credits.  I would like to avoid both of these predicaments if at all possible. So, if you wouldn't mind rattling the kingdom for me just a little bit, it would be greatly appreciated.

Blessings,
Nathan

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