Tuesday, February 12, 2013

All About Steve

Yesterday, Steve started school.

It's a big deal. The last time he was in school was 1990, and frankly, he wasn't a fan of it back then. Since we've been together, whenever we discussed what he'd do after the Air Force, he was adamant about not going back to school for any reason. So, when he announced a few weeks ago that he had looked into attending a local college, I was floored. Then he told me that he was going to get a license as an Accounting technician! There was me, back on the floor.

It's a really good program, allowing him to go at his own pace, so he can take longer on classes that are more difficult or that are totally new subject matter and speed through the easy, general classes. And, he can test out of classes. In fact, he already tested out of Math and waived Interpersonal Relations due to military trainings he had taken and had certifications for. That's two classes finished before the first week is even over! He's also planning on testing out of a computer class on Friday. He's such a smartie!

He has classes Monday through Friday, from 8am to 3pm with an hour lunch. The classes are set up so someone can start any time and do the work at their own pace. An instructor is in the room during the class to answer questions and provide guidance. I'm still not 100% sure how the learning takes place - if it's all textbook-oriented or if there are video lectures that the students watch or if each class has its own format. Steve's first day consisted mostly of testing to see where he stood and getting his feet wet in the classes, so he couldn't really explain the class set-up to me yet.

The plan is for him to go full-time and be finished in 9 months or sooner. The school says it should take 9 months if he goes full-time, but that is with taking all of the classes for a certain time interval. He'll test out of a few classes and be able to finish others faster, so 9 months is the longest it should take him. The school has an excellent job placement program with 100% placement with this certificate. He'll also get help with resumes, interview skills, and other things to help him find a job when he's done with school.

If he really, really likes being an Accounting tech, after awhile he may go back to school again and get his Bachelor's in Accounting, but that's a ways off. Heck, he may like being an Accounting tech so much that he stays at it until the next time he retires! It doesn't matter to me, I just want him to like what he does. I just think it's funny that we'll both be in Accounting!

It's been almost 4 months since Steve retired from the Air Force (unofficially, that is). He deserved a good long break after 22 years of military service. I could tell, though, that he was starting to get ants in his pants. You can only do so much housework and puttering around the house before you're bored to death, and he was close to it. That said, I loved having him home all the time and got quite spoiled. He cleaned the house, did the dishes, went grocery shopping, cooked many of our meals, walked the dog, and even painted our living room wall! He ran errands and was always available when something needed to be done. It was wonderful! Sigh. I console myself with the thought that he's going to be more satisfied now that he's doing something away from the house, something for his future and our future as a family.

I'm proud of him.

Wednesday, February 06, 2013

Comfort

January was a tough month for me - gray skies, bitter cold, polluted air, piles of snow, and a healthy dose of depression brought on by the weather and a miscarriage. I'm sure glad that month is over.

So far, February is still pretty cold, but 35 degrees seems almost balmy after 15 degrees, and at least there are patches of blue sky and sometimes the sunshine actually warms my face for a moment or two! A little sunshine goes a long way.

This month, I'm in recovery mode and am treating myself to a month of comfort in as many ways as I can think of. For example:

Comfort Books:
I don't have a lot of time to read for pleasure, since a healthy portion of my time is taken up doing homework for my Masters of Taxation classes; however, I've decided to reread a series of books that to me are pure comfort. They're an easy read with a little bit of romance, a bit of mystery, lots of yummy recipes, and nothing too serious happening. There's over a dozen books with no end in sight, so I may not actually read all the books I have of the series, but I'll enjoy the ones I read, and maybe I'll actually bake some of the recipes this time.

Comfort Food:
Lately, I've been all about simple, warm, comforting food. I haven't been in the mood for anything too fancy or new, just food I know and that I know I love. For example, all day yesterday I was so excited to get home to make dinner because I was making hamburger rolls, a family recipe that my mom made when I was a kid. It's easy to make. And, unlike sometimes when you look forward to something all day, the end product didn't disappoint - it was as perfectly comforting and yummy as I knew it would be.

Comfortable Clothes:
This isn't a huge departure for me because I don't really go for fashion over comfort generally. However, I'm definitely leaning towards the clothes in my closet that are the most comfortable, even for my sparse wardrobe. I'm talking sweaters mostly. They are warm and soft and fit me nicely but also loosely. I bought a couple new sweaters a couple weekends ago and really like them - they are sea foam green and light blue, so they add a burst of color to my other sweaters, which are black, gray, brown. I also bought a new pair of pajama pants that are pink and red and uber cute and comfortable. I love lounging around in them in the evening.

Comfortable People:
February is packed with spending time with people in my life that I feel really comfortable with: Steve (of course!), old friends, and family. Last Saturday, we had a potluck dinner party with two of my friends and the men in their lives. Sunday, my brother and his family came up for church and lunch, then we all went to the house of a good friend for the Super Bowl. This weekend, my dad, stepmom, and little sister are coming up for a couple days. Then my mom will be visiting us President's Day weekend! I love being able to spend time with so many people I love.

Other Things That Bring Me Comfort:
1. Starting to go to church more regularly.
2. Having a job and making money.
3. Playing with and petting my dog.
4. Chocolate.
5. Comfortable pillows and bed.
6. Fuzzy pink slippers.
7. The groundhog didn't see his shadow and supposedly that means an early Spring. *fingers crossed*
8. Writing.
9. Reading blogs.
10. Quilts - all made by beloved family members.