Wednesday, May 18, 2011

School Update

Another semester ended and another semester started.  Douglas got A's in all his classes again for spring semester, even though he was worried about O Chem 1.  We only had a 2 week break between spring and summer semesters, which was filled with working more since he could, and still having his M-CAT prep course.  I'm unsure how I feel about starting another semester; I definately am NOT excited for more home time being filled with homework, but I AM excited that we're starting the last semester before going to Med School.
So here's the run-down.  He is taking 1 class and 2 labs this summer (O Chem 2 with lab, and the lab for O Chem 1 since he couldn't get into it last semester).  He will take the M-CAT mid-July, and will hopefully be done applying to 20-30 Med Schools by the end of August. 

Friday, May 6, 2011

Happy Mother's Day All!

I received an email from a friend's mom the other day, and liked it so much that I decided to post it for Mother's Day.  I think that we could all do with an up-lifted view of what we, our moms, friends, wives, (who-ever we know with kids) do as a mom.  Especially since in the run-of-the-mill of everyday, we tend to forget to look at things in this kind of way.  Enjoy, and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! (Thanks Kathy for the email)

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the Count Clerk's office, was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.  She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
"What I mean is," explained the recorder, "Do you have a job or are you just a ....?"
"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman.  I'm a Mom."
"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'Housewife' covers it, said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."
"What is your occupation?" she probed.
What made me say it? I do not know the words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."
The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right.
I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) In the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom."

Motherhood!  What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.  Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations"  And great grandmothers "Executive Senior Research Associates?" I think so!!!  I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants."
Thanks mom for all you do!