not that kevin

I do so adore Jason Segel, forever known to me as Lily's Marshmallow.

He looks like he ought to be a linebacker, but he has the heart of a poet.

I've just watched him as "Jeff, Who Lives At Home", specifically in the basement of his childhood home, much to the chagrin of his office-clerk mom (Sharon, played by Susan Sarandon) and belittlement by his older, married, scheme-following brother (Pat, played by Ed Helms).

Jeff's 30, single, and feels somewhat abandoned since the death of his dad.

As the film opens, he's speaking of the "Signs", and of his always looking for messages from the universe in his daily life to give him guidance and a purpose.

The phone rings, and it's someone looking for Kevin, someone who refuses to believe there is no Kevin at that number.

That rattles him.

Then a commercial urges him to follow his purpose, to do it now!

So, he exits the basement, picks up the money left by his mom for him to fix the kitchen cabinet, and heads out, via bus.

That's where he encounters Kevin... and when that Kevin gets off, so does Jeff, eventually playing a pick-up game of basketball with him and some others.

After, the two strike up a conversation and go off to "put something in the air", and Jeff hasn't taken but two puffs when he finds himself on the ground, wallet gone.

As he wanders in the strange neighborhood, his brother sees him and comes out of the Hooters, where he's been having a 'business' meeting, to find out what's up.

That's when they both notice a familiar car - hey, that's Pat's wife, Linda!

What was she doing there, and who was that guy she was with?

So, Pat has Jeff enter the restaurant where the two go, to eavesdrop on their conversation, and Pat's car gets towed, leaving Jeff on his own for surveillance.

He gets caught when Linda and the guy are leaving and she sees Jeff in the booth.

The two drive off in her car.

Jeff goes to find Pat, and they end up taking a taxi out to the cemetery, where they visit their dad's grave and discover they both dream the same dream of their father, but they have an argument, leaving Pat to take the taxi solo.

That's because Jeff had spotted the Kevin Kandy truck and hopped on the back to see where it would take him.

After a few stops, that Kevin is at a motel to refill its snack machine... and that's where Jeff runs back into Pat's company!

Pat had stopped the taxi when he'd seen Linda's red car (no, not a Corvette) parked in the motel's front lot, but had no luck finding which room she was in.

That changed when the guy she had lunch with came out to the ice machine; the two brothers followed him to the room.

Big confrontation, the guy leaves, Linda and Pat argue, she hops into her car and leaves for her mom's home.

Pat is forlorn, for perhaps the first time ever realizing how much she means to him.

Jeff convinces Pat to pursue her and they hop into a taxi to do just that.

Meanwhile, their mom - who has been having an odd day at work on her birthday - has hopped into a coworker's car and they're going to New Orleans.

So, there they all are, in cars, traveling from here to there, when all traffic in the two lanes comes to a halt on a bridge.

Pat leaves the taxi and starts running, planning to cross the bridge on foot if need be to get to Linda and tell her of his love for her.

Their mom sees Pat run by and gets out of the car to pursue him and find out what he's doing there and where he is going.

Linda sees Pat, too, and they meet on the bridge, as the mom catches up...

and they all watch, amazed, as Jeff sprints past them, running hell bent for leather down the side of right lane...

until he reaches the accident that caused the traffic jam and sees the car that has crashed through the guard rail and is sinking in the river.

He jumps in!

He pulls out two little girls and gets them onto a nearby boat, then goes back to the car.

Their father is still inside!

Then, the father is out and on the surface, but Jeff is still under...

and he's still under...

and Pat leaps in and pulls him up and the Coast Guard get him breathing again and their mom has witnessed these two estranged brothers having a closeness she'd never seen in them for many years, if ever...

and Linda has witnessed her emotionally detached husband becoming passionate and acting without thought to save his brother.

That night, the news has a story about the man who had jumped into the river to save a father and his two little girls...

and the father was Councilman Kevin Landry.

Jeff had followed the signs to the right Kevin after all.

Wow.

 

I'll be watching this one again.

Coincidence that I found it tonight?

Nope.

Right time, right place.

looking back at ncw 2019

Wow.

What a surprise to find I had not posted the survey comments from those who attended the NCW event there in Morrell Park!
Since I've been posting comments the past few days from my former students, I thought I'd look back... and no comments! 

I distinctly recall sending those comments, via email, to Patricia Galvan of ACS.

That meant I must have scanned them... and I did!

That file, all 12 megabytes of it, was still on my computer, too.

So, no time like the present to post those responses, correct?

Correct!

The time and effort I volunteered for seven months on that National Chemistry Week event for the public, and the time and effort the other volunteers spent on that Sunday afternoon on River Street, deserves some words of cheer!

Let's rectify that now, shall we?

(That's a favorite phrase used in my lectures!)
(smile!)

 

*****

From a man over the age of 18 (the highest age category on the survey): "Interesting experiments showcasing very simple but cool reactions."

 

From a woman over the age of 18: "Awesome. We enjoyed so much!" 

From a man, age given as 28: "Awesome!"

 

From a woman, age given as 42: "Awesome! Loved the outdoor setting & enthusiasm!"

From a girl, age 16 - 18: "Interesting."

From a girl, age given as 7: "Awesome!"

From a woman, older than 18: "Awesome."

From a man, older than 18: "Awesome."

From a woman, older than 18: "Awesome!"

From a boy, age 10 - 12: "Awesome!"

From a man and woman, both older than 18: "Awesome! Can you include explosions next year?"

From a woman, older than 18: "Interesting."

From a woman, older than 18: "Thought chemistry was okay, but this was interesting."

From a boy, 6 years old or younger: "Awesome!"

From a woman, older than 18: "Interesting."

From a man, older than 18: "Thought chemistry was okay, but this was awesome."

From a woman, older than 18: "For chemistry subject, this was interesting."

 

From a woman, older than 18: "I love chemistry! This was awesome!"

From a woman, older than 18: "Better than okay, made me interested in chemistry."

From a woman older than 18: "Awesome. I enjoyed getting ideas for our outreach events. Thanks!"

From a woman, older than 18: "Explain more! But good job."

 

From a man, older than 18: "This was interesting."

 

From a girl, age 10 - 12: "Chemistry is awesome! This was awesome!"

 

From a boy, age 16 - 18: "Awesome demonstration of an interesting subject."

 

From a girl, age 13-15: "Nice! Instead of okay, chemistry is awesome!"

 

From a woman, older than 18: "Interesting. My kids loved this."

 

From a girl, age 10 - 12: "Awesome! This was fun!"

 

From a boy, age given as 9: "Chemistry is better than okay, it's awesome!"

 

From a man, older than 18: "Interesting chemistry."

 

From a man, older than 18: "Interesting."

 

From a boy, age 10 - 12: "Awesome."

 

From a woman, older than 18: "Very informational, great job!"

 

From a woman, older than 18: "What a cute event. Great job!"

 

From a man, age given as 55: "Nice!"

 

From a girl, age given as 5: "I love chemistry!"

 

From a woman, older than 18: "Interesting."

 

From a boy, 6 years old or younger: "Awesome."

 

From a man, older than 18: "More interesting than I expected."

 

*****

That's a pretty good survey response set, considering the small number of attendees.

I feel fortunate that those who attended enjoyed the event and found out that chemistry is much more than just facts and numbers, but is interesting, too.

Almost all said they were going to talk about the demonstrations when they got home, and we made sure they had plenty to share in their souvenir goody bag!

Yep, all in all, a most favorable sharing of chemistry!

(smile!)

and the diagnosis is...

I remember when these stamps came out.

The news was all over the media: a means of fundraising for breast cancer research that was as simple, and useful, as the application of this special postage to outgoing mail.

I couldn't have said just when that was, but I do recall buying those special stamps, as well as those designed in subsequent years, for much of the love, and other, that I send via the post office.

In the little examination I was in for the follow-up visit, this was the only piece of art on the walls.

The postmark was dated July 29, 1998 -

exactly 23 years ago.

How different my world had been!

The office had called me on Tuesday, actually, jubilantly telling me the biopsy result: benign!

That was a great relief!

But the lab report had been greatly confusing.

It stated that my right breast had lichen ... and there I stopped.

I had plant life growing on my skin???

No, not at all.

The result indicated the presence of lichen simplex chronicus, so called because the malady results in the skin tissue having a lichen-like appearance.

It's the direct result of having a severe itching problem, with continued scratching causing the skin disorder.

But... I have not had itching, severe or otherwise!

The skin disorder is most often found on the sides of the neck, the scalp, ankles, vulva, pubis, scrotum, and extensor sides of the forearms.

But... that is not where mine is, it's on my breast!

What about the leakage issue that I have been experiencing for months?

Is that part of this skin disorder?

Well, no, it isn't, not at all.

So, how can it be that I'm diagnosed with a surface-layer skin disorder, one caused by too much scratching, when I've had no itching but have had leakage???

I don't know.

At this appointment, I asked those questions of the specialist, and she did not know.

As of this time, she told me, she can only diagnose based on the evidence as presented.

As my breast had ceased its leakage the first week of July, she had not been able to witness the leakage, only the resultant appearance of the areola and nipple.

As the biopsy she performed last week had been returned with the result indicating a skin disorder, then that, for now, if how the problem is to be treated.

She has prescribed a corticosteroid that I am to use for two weeks.

She also has asked that I consult with my dermatologist about the disorder.

I am so confused about this.

No doubt part of that confusion is due to the early hour of this appointment.

My brain is not truly active at 9 AM.

My brain is particularly not active at 9 AM when I have been awake since 5 AM, due to my concern that I would not awaken to my 7 AM alarm.

Sigh.

To bed I go, in hopes that clarity will accompany my next wakening.

last bananas in july for me

With no Mister Willie alongside, per his doctor's orders, I was up by the Shark again, but on my feet this time.

No kilts for me tonight, but plenty of four-legged friends - it was Bark In The Park!

This time, the focus was on those canines which are part of the Savannah Police force - bravo!

What else did I spy with my little eye?

Jacob, in his cowboy hat, and Bruce, in his Man-Nana outfit, keeping company and chatting at the stairwell!

As for the fleeing Pep Band on the field, that was pure serendipity giving me an extra cool photo!

I went down at the end of the second inning.

I had photos to share with Jacob and Bruce, from two weeks earlier.

Yes, real prints, that could be held in the hands as reminders of a treasured time!

I'd dropped off prints for Jesse, Dakota, and the Coach at the front office on my way in.

I love being able to share the love for Mister Willie!

As for that photo above, I had moved to the right field area in front of the beer loft.

I was still on my feet, as I had been since the start of this incredibly slow game.

After two hours, with the game still in the 4th inning, I headed outside, to sit on a park bench.

That worked beautifully!

By the time I reentered Grayson, quite a few folks had left and the sun had started setting.

(I even snagged a banana Moon Pie on my way in! Shhh... it's a secret!)

The game was only in the bottom of the 5th.

That's okay, though.

I was finally able to have a seat... and what a seat it was!

My cherry seat, finally!

And this time, during the Salute to the Troops in the 6th inning, I even got a handshake and a "Thanks for your service" from a roving Banana! Wow!

Then, in the seventh inning, the game really livened up!

The bases were full of Bananas!!!

That's my favorite of the bunch, Bill LeRoy, on first, with all waiting to see if lucky number 7 can knock one over a wall for a grand slam!

GRAND SLAM! GRAND SLAM!

I shouted that over and over, to no avail.

Still, a good inning!

Top of the 8th and what happened?

Pitcher change, that's what!

Not only did the bases get loaded with Bacon, but the Macon team even got a free run as the pitcher walked the next man!

But, hold on, there... it gets better!

GRAND SLAM! GRAND SLAM!

I shouted that over and over, and, yes, I was cheering on the visitors!!!

A good play is a good play, it doesn't matter which team makes it, right?

And guess what?

My impartiality was rewarded!

The next batter hit a triple!!!

Here we go with the first run over home plate...

 

then came the man who had been on second base,

coming on in for the second run off that hit...

followed closely by the guy from first!

Three runs from a single play!

Not quite a grand slam, but pretty close!

Minutes later, that tall cool dude who'd swung that mighty bat came home, too!

Five runs in that one inning for Macon, bringing their total to seven, versus the eight runs for the Savannah Bananas in this home game.

And just who was that batter?

Livan Reinoso, the third-base Bacon man.

Magnificent!

Maybe next year he will be a Banana?

That would be grand!

Yes, this has been an "over the moon" evening!

(Get the joke? About getting the Moon Pie?)

(smile)

the good of the few, not the good of the many

Not since "Unbreakable" have I seen a more evil character than Elijah Price.

I've only seen that film once, but that was enough as the story is etched in my mind.

I had seen it with Jan (then-wife of Sam Johnson) and we had both sat in the cinema and wept afterward at the horror of the man who killed many to search out one.

Two decades later, Shyamalan has another such character in "Old".

This time, he didn't develop the script from scratch, but based it on a 2010 French graphic novel titled "Sandcastle".

That's an important point.

If not for that origin, I might have missed this film.

The marketers, i.e. those that put together previews of upcoming movies, had decided the movie was in the "horror" genre and went after that demographic.

That is certainly not me.

However, something kept dragging me toward it, drawing my attention, something that wass missing in the promotional chatter.

So, I looked into the matter, reading the audience reviews and realizing why there was such a wide division in their ratings for the film.

Those who had gone expecting "horror" had been angry to find there was none, so they awarded zeroes, ones, and twos for the effort.

Those who had viewed it with an open mind had been rewarded to find a superb "science fiction" genre film, dressed in the garb of a "summer vacation gone awry" motif.

I decided to go on this hot July afternoon based on those reviews.

i thank You, God.

A good science fiction film is a joy to watch; a superb science fiction film is a wonderful find and would be great for a group discussion, a la JavaFlicks Savannah.

Sadly, that no longer exists, so ... I'm here, having hindsights.

(smile)

I don't want to give away any plot points, but there is one aspect that has captured my thoughts and begs release: the paradox of a truly young mind in a middle-aged body.

Think about the knowledge gained by a six-and-a-third year old boy, in particular.

It's summer, which means the school year is over.

His age would mean his 6th birthday was in the winter, or early spring.

So, he was in kindergarten that academic year and will be going to first grade in fall.

Although he seems to be a little advanced for his age, I can tell you that the character "Trent" is on par with my twin great-nieces, who are in that same category.

He might be just slightly more socially adept, as he is the younger sibling of an 11-year-old sister, but that is a debate for another time.

For this go-around, consider a first-grader suddenly in the body of a high-school student after just a few hours on a pristine white-sand beach with crystal blue waters.

He would not yet have had the sex education talk from his parents or teachers.

He would not know about birth control or anything of that nature.

The little girl also there on the beach, from another family, would be in the same boat.

Naturally, when the hormones coursing through their bodies cause arousal, they act on it, exploring each other's bodies.

The result is a five-year-old mentality suddenly thrust into birthing a baby, with no understanding of what is happening to her body, and Trent, with a six-year-old mentality, thrust into the role of parent.

More time passes, more physical aging occurs, more people die, night falls.

By morning, Trent and his sister are in bodies that have aged several decades.

Yes, decades.

They now have to wear their parents' clothes, as their own were far too small.

How do we know that their minds have not also aged?

They wake and start playing on the beach, building sandcastles.

Maybe that's what really got to me.

Maybe it wasn't even their action so much as the molds they were using.

Their castles in the sand were just like those made by me with littlest girl and Miss Chlo earlier this year.

That's when it struck me: their middle-aged bodies still had minds that were age-appropriate for the children they were when they entered that secluded beach.

That's horrific.

Sure, I was building sandcastles, too, but my body has a mind with six decades of knowledge in it and six decades of experiences.

The boy and his sister had all of the same wear on their bodies, but had missed out on the knowledge and adventures and life lessons that should have been gained alongside.

That's horrific.

Given that their physical bodies were aging seven years for every three hours on that beach, they would die within another 24 hours of building those sandcastles...

die without knowing so much about living.

Yes, that's horrific.

So, why the post title?

Those familiar with the "Star Trek" franchise will recognize the transformation of the words uttered by Spock in "The Wrath Of Khan".

Sure, I expect that some might differ with me on my interpretation of the events that unfolded at the end of "Old", but try to bear in mind that I am a retired analytical chemist and puzzles, in science and in life, are my forte.

There is more to aging than growing physically older and for someone to have one without the other is a great disservice to that individual.

I'll gladly discuss my stance.

 

What an excellent film for wrapping up my A*List trio for the week!

"Joe Bell" was another film mis-marketed as being one for the LGBT crowd.

No, not quite.

It was actually meant for the P-FLAG demographic, as it dealt with a father trying to face down his own bias toward his gay son.

"Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins" was pretty good, but I had thought there would be more martial arts on display.

Sure, sure, I enjoyed the swordplay, as I always do...

but I didn't get quite what was promised in those promos, either.

How fortunate that "Old" was so much better than its previews!

triple takers and those afar

How about that we take that last part first, shall we?

Absolutely, let's!

I know I mentioned in the past that I had taught a Distant Learning class that the Chemistry Department had been asked to experiment with.

(Just a little joke, from me to you!)

Dr. Harris and company had decided that CHE 201, with no attached lab, would be the ideal candidate for this test.

The class would be simultaneously held at both Armstrong State College and Brunswick Community College.

Was I willing to take on such a project?

I was, and I did!

That was in Fall quarter of 1995, with Dr. Dick Nordquist in charge of the technical aspects and the logistics of the dual class.

I would teach as I usually did in front of the Armstrong students, writing on the chalkboard as I lectured and giving examples of the principles, and my televised image would be cast to a large monitor for the Brunswick students.

Here's the thing: those students comprised roughly 25% of the total enrolled.

I decided they should experience me teaching live for that percentage of the lectures.

That meant that five times during the quarter I drove down to their campus to teach, allowing the Armstrong students the opportunity to fully experience Distant Learning by having a turn at watching me on the television monitor.

It was certainly a novel way of teaching at that time!

I remember watching Dick walking about with a portable phone the size of a shoe box, coordinating with the camera crew at the other campus -

hard to believe phone technology has come so far in just 25 years.

Anyway, the students at both campuses enjoyed having me live, especially when I would be performing demonstrations about moles, acid and base interactions, and such.

Remember, this course had no lab for hands-on for the students; I tried to make sure my in-class experiments were with household ingredients, so they could repeat them at home for practice and to show off to their kids.

(smile!)

After that first lecture, I had a student that joined late.

Was it possible to see a recording of the missed lesson?

Good question!

Dick liked the idea of doing that; as he told me, the equipment was already in place to accommodate such a request.

If I would supply the VHS cassettes (which had not been included in the budget), then he would be glad to make sure my future lectures were recorded for later viewing.

Most excellent!

So I did, and the library allowed the tapes to be held on reserve, so the students could ask for a second, or third, or however-many viewing of the material. 

That was a real benefit to the students as a study aid!

I even left the collection of tapes at the library for several years, referring students to view them if they happened to miss a lecture during future terms.

And what feedback did I receive that Fall 1995 term?

 

Grace Sachs: "Professor Smith was excellent! This was my first quarter attending here (at ASC) and if she is representative of the caliber of faculty staffed here, I am looking forward to the rest of my education. Eagerly! Thank you for an educational and FUN quarter. You certainly made it challenging and rewarding for me as a student. Please continue to do so."

 

Ginger Loy: "Professor Smith has a great sense of humor & takes command of the class. She is one of the better faculty members on campus. I think she deserves a raise."

 

Cathy Rich: "Professor Smith is the most thorough instructor I have had the pleasure to study under. I wish more instructors had the knowledge of their course subjects that Professor Smith does."

Robert Cole: "Professor Smith is an excellent instructor. She is both fair and impartial, unlike most of the instructors at Armstrong State College. Both my interest and knowledge of chemistry have been enhanced."

 

Karen Brozycki: "Professor Smith is an outstanding instructor. She takes what is traditionally a complex and intimidating subject and makes it understandable and learnable. The effective manner in which Prof. Smith presented the material had a great impact on my success in this class, and for that I thank her." 

In addition, there were seven who wrote feedback anonymously.

 

"Prof. Smith is an excellent teacher. She knows the material and explains in an enthusiastic way. She makes every effort to make chemistry a subject for everyday use."

 

"Very helpful to working students."

 

"Prof. Smith is a very good instructor. I would take a class from her again. She handled the Distant learning class fairly and clearly. I do think that we should be aware a class is D. Learning before we sign up. I pay for an instructor to be in my class room 100% of the time. It would have been nice to know otherwise & I may have taken another class."

 

"This was a good class. Prof. Smith is an excellent instructor who cares about her students. I feel that because of her winning personality I did well in this class."

 

"Professor Smith was excellent. One couldn't ask for a better taught chemistry course. Simply excellent!!"

 

"Excellent professor. The best one you have here."

 

"Great teacher!!!"

As for Distant Learning, the experiment in teaching chemistry, as well as classes in the Humanities department, was just for that one quarter.

To my recollection, no more such classes were held.

Perhaps students at our community college preferred their instructors live and in person, rather than on a tv screen.

I certainly can understand that!

During this time of COVID pandemic, all I hear from those I know in school, whether as students or instructors, is how much they miss face-to-face interaction.

Me, too.

-----     -----     -----

 

So, what was that about "triple takers"?

Were those students who took CHE 201 three times to pass it?

Not at all, although I did have a few students from another instructor who took the course a second time, but with me, and found that I defeated the 'fear factor' of chemistry.

When I say "triple taker", I'm referring to students who took me for all three of the courses that I taught, primarily because they liked my teaching style and loved how helpful I was, showing them how to dissect word problems in a logical, and fun, way, based on the words, not just numbers.

Word problems are the most intimidating part of chemistry to most students.

As all aspects of chemistry, and chemistry lab, involve the solving of word problems, I know it's imperative that students learn that the same steps are used every time, not some new bit of machinations for each and every one.

So, which "triple takers" did I unearth in the Ocean Room closet?

Let me begin with Marilyn O'Mallon.

After her husband died of cancer, she turned to college to change her life.

She landed in my section of CHE 201 that Spring quarter of 1995.

In the feedback report, she wrote: "The strengths of this course was by far our excellent instructor. 'The Foundations Of Life" book is a good tool for course study, but without the simplified instruction from Prof. Smith, it would be hard to follow. The course was a challenge, but educational and fun. Thanks."

In the Fall of 1997, she was back, along with two others, choosing to pursue a BSN and now needing the CHE 121 and CHE 122 series for more in-depth studies and for the hands-on experience of the associated lab courses.

The threesome completed the CHE 122 in Spring quarter of 1998 and had the following words for me in their feedback.

Heather Carr: "I took Professor Smith for Che 201, 121, & 122. She is a really good teacher and explained the material wonderfully. The only problem with this course is that there were so many mistakes in the book."

Terri Vigrass: "Great teacher. Thank God for her ability to make this difficult subject fun and interesting. If I had had her for 102 Chem, I would have had a huge step up on this class and an understanding entering this class. Keep her, give her a raise and pat her on her back."

Marilyn O'Mallon: "Prof. Smith is an excellent instructor. She presents class material clearly & assures that her students understand the material before moving on to the next step. She is very patient and encourages her students to think & do well. Thank you."

Here's the rest of the story, as Paul Harvey used to say.

Marilyn and I became great friends over the following years.

Not only did she succeed in her nursing career, she also landed a position in the Nursing Department at Armstrong Atlantic State University.

Then, she continued learning, earning a masters degree and then a doctorate!

I am so proud of all she achieved, and so grateful for the friendship we have had...

all because of that first course she took with me.

Coincidences are just another word for right place, right time.

i thank You, God, to have had the opportunity to interact with so many.

more years of love for me, and for chemistry

Here are more pairings of feedbacks from future nurses, radiology technicians, and speech therapists that had me for CHE 121 and CHE 122!

I wonder if some of them have already retired now?

A curious thought, sure, but these classes were taught before the new millenium.

I'll let that sink in for a moment.

(smile)

-----     -----     -----

CHE 121, Fall quarter, 1995, followed by CHE 122, Spring quarter, 1996:

Donna Brantley kept her remarks short and sweet!

For the Fall, she wrote: "A great teacher!! She made the course material understandable and interesting. I look forward to Chem 122 next quarter."

Then, in Spring, it was: "Another great quarter with this instructor!! I really enjoyed it."

-----     -----     -----

CHE 121, Fall quarter, 1996, followed by CHE 122, Spring quarter, 1997:

 

For the Fall, Nancy Jaworski wrote: "Prof. Smith is an extremely competent teacher. She makes herself available for questions and is easy to approach. I admire her ability to handle difficult students with a smile and or a firm but professional manner. I would be happy to take another course from Prof. Smith."

Then, in Spring, Nancy wrote: "Another above average course. Prof. Smith makes it possible to actually take something away from this class that I actually feel I can use. Thank you."

For the Fall, Janet Moore wrote: "Mrs. Smith is an excellent teacher! She made what is a very difficult subject for me much easier to understand. I am thrilled to know that she will be teaching 122 next quarter. I don't know what I would have done if she had decided not to teach next quarter. She is a life-saver! Thanks, Mrs. Smith!"

Then, in Spring, Janet wrote: "I feel very fortunate to have been in Professor Smith's chemistry class. She helped make a subject that is not easy for me to comprehend much easier than I thought it could be. I would have never made it through this course without her! She is truly an asset to the AASU teaching staff. Thanks for everything."

Sidebar: The name change from Armstrong State College to Armstrong Atlantic State University was not yet official, but was upcoming. The new name accompanied the transition from quarters to semesters in Fall of 1998.

-----     -----     -----

CHE 121, Fall quarter, 1997, followed by CHE 122, Spring quarter, 1998:

 

For the Fall, Vanessa Gregory wrote: "Mrs. Smith, Your chemistry class was very interesting and the subject matter definitely encouraged thinking as well as a tremendous amount of study time; but it paid off."

Then, in Spring, Vanessa wrote: "Professor Smith, I have really enjoyed your class for Chem 121 & Chem 122. I think you are a very good instructor. Although I didn't do as well as I should have this time, it was no reflection on your instruction. I'll miss coming to your class."

 

How very sweet of her to be concerned!

I always told my students that if they want to pass the course with a grade of "C", they should plan to spend twice as much time at home studying and reviewing the material than we spent in class.

As I recall, her job responsibilities changed and that impacted her study time.

Still, she always made it to my night class and I knew to look for her.

(smile)

-----     -----     -----

CHEM 1151, Fall quarter, 1998, followed by CHEM 1152, Spring quarter, 1999:

 

For the Fall, Robert Repsher wrote: "Many of the students in the class have NO school etiquette - - - way too much chit-chatting during lecture, way too many 'guests' (i.e. children), way too many late students strolling in disturbing the lecture. This was a very annoying environment."

Then, in Spring, Robert had this to say: "1) This class needs a firm tardiness rule: people should not be allowed to walk in 20 and 30 minutes into class - - it is very distracting. 

2) The lab manual terms should be the same as the ones in the textbook - - not different.  Pre-lab questions should correspond with material in the textbook."

Not any love showing through in that one, was there?

So, why had this older, single, childless, white, male chosen the course taught by me, instead of taking the CHEM 1152 taught by another instructor, that second term?

He already knew that I would rather a student arrive late than not at all.

He already knew that I encouraged class discussion during lecture.

He already knew that I allowed students to bring school-aged children with them to class if their babysitter flaked out on them.

Perhaps he worked in the daytime and could not make the other classes.

Only one section of that organic and biochemistry course was offered in the evenings, and that was only taught by me.

So why had I included his feedback in my blog?

Just to show it wasn't all sunshine and lollipops, that's why.

Plus, he had no bad news to report on my teaching; he just spoke of the class environment, from his perspective, and the lab manual, which had naught to do with me.

Choice!

(smile)

more love from former students

Yesterday, all the remarks had been from CHE 201 students in 1994.

Those were not my only students of that year, or of subsequent years, up to the Spring 2001 term (which was a semester, not a quarter, as Armstrong had shifted from the 10-week schedule to the 15-week one, as well as shifting from College to University status for the Fall of 1998).

Mama had died on January 2, 2001, and I had carried out my promise to teach that last term, but it was one of the longest fifteen weeks ever for me.

That's why I took a sabbatical, or hiatus, or whatever one chooses to call it, for the next two years, even though I had been on the schedule for the Fall of 2001.

I just couldn't do it.

I was in deep mourning and needed the break.

I cannot imagine how I would have dealt with the events of September 11, 2001, had I been involved in teaching that term.

So... as I was saying, CHE 201 was not the only course I taught.

In the Fall of 1994, I began teaching CHE 121 and CHE 122.

Those were the expanded versions of the information contained in the one-term CHE 201.

CHE 121 was all about general chemisty, on an introductory level, and had a lab for hands-on experience; CHE 122 also had a lab portion and contained more in-depth information about organic chemistry and biochemistry.

Those became known as CHE 1151 and CHE 1152 with the change to semesters.

 

As I was looking at those particular student feedback reports, I noticed something: student names were being repeated from one course to another.

In every case, these were students who had me for the first course of the two-part field of study, then made sure to have me for the second course, too!

How very wonderful!

They enjoyed having me a second time for the CHE 122 (CHE 1152) as much as I enjoyed seeing them again in my classroom!

Now, then, not all of the feedback reports fell into this pattern, but enough did that I've pulled them out and paired them up, so I can relive those moments.

Here goes!

-----     -----     -----

CHE 121, Fall quarter, 1994, followed by CHE 122, Spring quarter, 1995:

There were six students that wrote feedback for both terms!

 

For the Fall, Theresa Hiers wrote: "To whom it may concern: Dr. Smith has helped me become more enthusiastic about chemistry. I find it to be a very hard subject for me, but she made it fun to learn & to study. She's made coming back to college less scary; she's made learning fun. There's hope for me! Thank you!" 

She also made this cute card for me following the Spring quarter!

Inside, she wrote: "Thank you for all your help and encouragement. 

You have taught me a lot, even though my tests don't show it. 

Chemistry IS fun! 

With appreciation, 

sincerely, 

Theresa Hiers"

For the Fall, Brenda Mercer wrote: "Mrs. Smith is a great teacher. She gives very clear & specific notes & does not mind when people ask questions. She makes the course very interesting. I enjoyed coming to this class. I think she's one of the best teachers I have had here at Armstrong."

Spring quarter, she wrote: "Prof. Smith is one of the best teachers I have had at this college. She is patient with her students & encourages them. She is the only teacher I have had that makes me want to come to class. She is excited for her students & calls them when they do well on a test. She is a very personable teacher and I recommend her to anyone who needs to take chemistry. I only wish she taught more than just chemistry because I would like to take her again."

Plus, the Fall of 1995, she had dropped by my office and left me this: "Mrs. Smith, just a quick note to say hi! I'm doing well and hope you're the same. Talk to ya later!"

How very kind of her!

For the Fall, Nickie Stevens wrote: "I was very apprehensive about chemistry, but Ms. Smith is an excellent instructor who made chemistry much more understandable to me. She kept the class lively with conversation over the text we were studying. I am going to recommend her to anyone who has to take CHE 121."

Spring quarter, she wrote: "I feel that Dr. Smith is most helpful in presenting the material in a manner that is very understandable. I think that she's an excellent instructor. I appreciate having her as a teacher."

For the Fall, Julie Hagan wrote: "I loved the professor and the class was interesting. She did good teaching and was always willing to help me. She covered the material well and was very enthusiastic!"

Spring quarter, she wrote: "Prof. Smith is a very good instructor. I had her for 121 & 122 and I learned a lot. The material was difficult but she explained it clearly!"

For the Fall, Andrea Messer wrote: "Dr. Smith did a wonderful job explaining the material. The homework assignments were very useful when studying for the tests. She encourages the students to think as well as encourages interest in the course. She was very understanding when the flood hit Savannah and I was unable to make it to class because the roads were not passable from the Islands. She is a wonderful instructor!"

Spring quarter, she wrote: "Dr. Smith is very knowledgeable about her subject. She is an excellent teacher who is very interested in the achievements of her students. I have had her for 2 quarters. She has been the best teacher I have had at ASC."

For the Fall, Jill Girard wrote: "Dr. Smith is a great teacher! I would recommend this class to anyone. I have a kind of 'fear' of math and science, but Dr. Smith makes these areas clear and accessible even to ME."

Spring quarter, she wrote: "Dr. Smith is a credit to the Chemistry Department. Whatever you are paying her, it isn't enough! Her lectures were presented clearly and informally, which made the material more accessible by her less-adept students (such as myself). I have thoroughly enjoyed her instruction, and I recommend her class to anyone who needs a science."

I don't recall if these six students were study partners, or sat near each other, or simply individually decided to all write feedback for both quarters.

Whatever the rationale, now that I am retired, I am so grateful for their encouraging words from long ago.

How wonderful to have opened their minds to chemistry!

reasurances from 1994

Winter quarter, 1994:

 

"Class taught in a very interesting fashion, a lot of humor involved. Mrs. Smith has a certain wit in teaching this difficult material. I personally liked her before & after class consultations and very much appreciated being able to contact her at home for help. Mrs. Smith is an ideal professor for this course." - Walter Barnard

"Dr. Smith is great. Every once in a while, she got a little confusing, due to difficulty of course material. She brought it down to our level often. Great teacher!" - Paula Hart

"Mrs. Smith is a good teacher and very fair. She helps you as much as she is able to if she sees that you are trying. I think it is too much material to cover in such a short time." - Deanna Weaver

"Ms. Smith has been a wonderful instructor. She is very knowledgeable of chemistry & presents it in a way that is fun & easy to understand. I've missed a few classes due to hospitalization, & Ms. Smith had went out of her way to help me catch up. She cares about her students. Thank you for working with me and teaching me." - Penny Hollingsworth

"I believe that Faustina Smith is a great teacher. We need MORE teachers like her. If all ASC professors were like her, we would be happier students. She encourages students to learn & use the material. She is very fair and prompt of tests. Some teachers don't give them back before 2 or 3 weeks." - Michelle Hanicey

"In all my life I hated chemistry and usually did poorly. But, this quarter, Ms. Smith showed me a different side of chemistry - I actually ENJOYED it (which is scary!). Her grading allowed for me to do well, even after going through a very painful divorce. She taught very well and in a way I could actually UNDERSTAND. She made learning chemistry fun - which made the two hours twice a week just fly by! Thanks for being such a great teacher! I will ALWAYS remember you!" - June Frink

"Mrs. Smith is a very good teacher. She is always on time, the lesson is always interesting, and an understanding is always obtained." - Kahala Scott

"I feel that the school or the Department should consider revamping this course. It is unfair for individuals who have never had chemistry or just high school chemistry to be thrown into a class that covers this much material on a subject like chemistry." - Ethel Bolden

"Mrs. Smith made the course most interesting!! I enjoyed her adding humor to the classroom & allowing every student to believe that they had a chance to pass this course, even with no prior knowledge of chemistry. I studied harder than I ever studied in my life." - George Jones Jr.

"There is too much information cramed in to this 10 week course for a person who have had no chemistry at all. This is supposed to be an introduction to chemistry, it should not have as much work cramed in to a 10 week course. The course should be more explainable than it is." - D. Sills

"I feel because the subject matter was so difficult, the professor had me lost at times. The text book was extremely hard to understand. I enjoyed this class and feel that my knowledge in chemistry has been greatly enhanced. I enjoyed how Ms. Smith would do her "dance" when she taught (when she would get INTO material her hands would fly around). Thx." - unsigned

These are all the written comments submitted to the department for my class section.

(Pete Zipperer taught the other class section of the course.)

Why did I include the two comments that dealt with the course material and not me?

That was to provide an opening for me to speak her of the course.

CHE 201 was a combination course, seeking to provide an introduction to general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry within a ten-week span.

Whew, right?

The course had no associated lab, so students had no opportunity for hands-on engagement for better understanding of concepts.

I designed several show-and-tell demonstrations in an attempt to correct that lack.

I also would tell the students of experiments they could perform at home, perhaps with their children, to encourage more interest in chemistry.

The majority of the students in my night class were working people, out of their teens, with families, that lived off campus - as did the majority of students at the time.

Armstrong State College had a student population of about 3000 at that time and was still very much a community educational source.

 

Spring quarter, 1994:

 

"Mrs. Smith is an excellent teacher who goes out of her way to make sure students understand the subject matter. Thank you for all of your help." - Heidi Robinson

"Mrs. Smith is down to earth and relates to her students on a personal level. She made our class fun, not very exciting but what could one expect from chemistry! I'm glad I go the opportunity to meet her. She's a wonderful person." - T. Harris

"I enjoyed this course very much and enjoyed having Mrs. Smith for a teacher! The only thing wrong with this course was the study guide and text! Thank you very much for teaching me so much." - Rebecca Jackson

"I thoroughly enjoyed this chemistry class. Upon entrance to this class I was uneasy about chemistry, being I had never had it before. Mrs. Smith gave me confidence in my work. She encouraged students to call her at home when they had a problem they could not figure out on their own. She made herself available to the students all of the time possible. All around a great instructor." - Julie Hanton

"This was a great class. Mrs. Smith was an excellent teacher! Thank you." - Daniel Whetstone

"Mrs. Smith has a way of making a subject that could be very confusing easy to understand and enjoyable. She is an excellent instructor." - Julie Goethe

"I was very happy with the course. Professor Smith was quite helpful & willing to work with the students. I will definitely recommend her to other students. The book that was assigned to this class is very confusing. I hope that this book is changed to something with a more understandable format. (However, Prof. Smith helped with the understanding of the information.) Armstrong has a very strong faculty and Prof. Smith is a fine example of an excellent teacher." - Cassie Shelton

"I found chemistry to be more interesting than I thought it would be. There was alot of material to cover in just 2 nights a week, but Mrs. Smith went over everything that was to be on the test. I enjoyed this class and learned alot more than I thought I would, but I am glad it's over." - Linda Brock

"Upon entering this chemistry class I was very fearful of failing. Prof. Smith has taught me chemistry in such a way that it is easier to understand. I won't say that it is EASY to understand because I don't think chemistry could ever be easy. She has really tried to make herself available to the students. She will answer any questions that you might have. She has developed an interest in me in this course." - Stephanie Campbell

"Mrs. Smith is a great teacher. I struggled in her class but she always kept encouraging you to do better. She made things very interesting to learn. She helped us understand the subject better by putting it in her own words. I really enjoyed the challenge this quarter. The class was not as stressful as quarters before as  far as the classroom atmosphere. She is a real enjoyable teacher." - Kimberly Wiley

"The course was very interesting, and the instructor was terrific. When I felt I was at my lowest I was given encouragement to continue and try harder. The text book is a different story." - unsigned

"Mrs. Smith made course interesting in a relaxed environment." - unsigned

"The strengths of this course was how molecules were broken down, the learning of our body pH levels, and the terms used in chemistry labs and hospitals." - unsigned

 

That last one was very cool, right?

The student actually showed me I'd made an impact!

Why did those last three students not sign their names? 

They were concerned about their opinions affecting their final grades.

I always made sure the students knew that I would not see their remarks for at least two weeks after the quarter ended, meaning their grades would have been turned in well before these surveys were in my hands... but, that's okay.

How very nice to have found them in my Ocean Room closet, stuck away on a shelf, waiting for my eyes to read these kind words again.

Fall quarter, 1994:

"In my opinion Mrs. Smith is a great teacher, she presents the material in a manner that is not "over our heads". She is very fair and very helpful." - Vanessa Hooks

"I can honestly say that I learned something in this class because of Professor Smith. I wish that she could instruct Che 202. Professor Smith is the definition of a good instructor. She came to class early and stayed late many times to offer help to students and I really appreciated that!" - Olivia Moultrie

"Course was fast paced but well presented. The questions on the test were covered thoroughly in the lectures. Mrs. Smith presented the material in a way that made it easier to understand." - Margaret Brantley

"Professor Smith was able to rid me of my fear of chemistry. She was extremely effective in her teaching and gave us all confidence in our ability to do well. Her helpfulness and availability was extraordinary! Her overall goal was to truly help us understand chemistry and to use what WE learned in the future." - Linda Rahimitobas

"When I came into this class I had never taken chemistry before, and I didn't know anything about chemistry, but Mrs. Smith is a very jolly instructor, who made me interested in this class. And this is how I learned and it is how I understood. She was a great big help. Thanks." - Stephanie Nevils

"Ms. Smith was always willing to stay after or meet before class to clear up any questions I may have had. Being out of school for many years this class encouraged me to think. I felt that the class was in depth but was always a challenge. Ms. Smith helped me want to learn more about chemistry. I attended some lectures to help me better understand the work of chemistry. Thanks." - Michael Uritescu

"In the past, the term chemistry frightened me. But in this course, I have learned that chemistry is simply a matter of being taught the material correctly. Professor Smith taught the material effectively and geared it towards each students needs. She also helped the individuals who were having problems and gave every individual the chance to excel." - 1LT Turia Tilque

"It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I wish I'd had more time to study. Overall I am pleased." - unsigned

"This is a very fast paced course. It moves along so fast I never grasp the complete meanings. I found it hard to keep up." - unsigned

"Professor Smith is very precise in her teachings. I notice that she pauses and looks around the room to see if we have blank looks on our faces. She makes sure we understand before moving on." - unsigned

 

And so ended my first academic year of teaching this course.

Why did I include that second unsigned remark?

That's to remind me that you can't help someone who will not ask for that help.

I love the first unsigned one in this collection.

That student acknowledged that time management was an area they could have done better, but that was not the fault of the material or the teacher.

Good for them!

And good for me to know of the effect I had for these starfish.

I am so grateful to have found these again.

My thanks to Henry Harris and John Brewer for inviting me to first teach this course during the fall of 1993... and then for encouraging me to stay for years afterward.

I never even applied for the job - 

I had simply come out to the campus to visit my favorite professors -

then the work was simply offered to me by those who knew me, by those who had taught me during my three years as a student at Armstrong.

I am so blessed.

Right place, right time.

i thank You, God.

I want my Mama

This morning, I had a punch biopsy done on my right nipple.

Not even the physical pain of the numbing shot administered beforehand to the area could match the mental anguish of wanting Mama by my side, holding my hand and telling me that everything was going to be alright.

I was to have had lunch in Hinesville with my first niece, but I had to cancel.

She had left me a text to call her when I was done with the doctor, so I had, as soon as I returned to my car, trying to reassure her, barely managing to keep the tears at bay.

I'd gone home, after telling her that I needed to chill out.

After an hour of crying, holding myself while rocking, wanting Mama, every nerve in my body feeling on edge from my fingertips to my toes, I was exhausted.

I called Christina to let her know and to tell her I needed a nap.

I didn't tell her what the doctor had said.

After all, she'd said the words "Paget disease of the breast" before adding "but that's rare", but after saying that it "didn't look like most breast cancer".

Once she heard of the two cysts in that breast, something had shifted in her approach.

She told me that we needed to have an ultrasound, then she had done it, right then, without waiting to make another appointment.

Then she told me that a biopsy needed to be done and described the procedure, one which could be done right there in the office, so I agreed to have it done.

There was a subtle urgency in her tone.

And then, after she made a stitch to close the hole made by the punch, it was all done and I was making another appointment to see her next Thursday for the biopsy results.

I want my Mama.

Especially now that I've looked up the breast disorder the doctor mentioned.

I had a two-hour nap - in the daytime, which I only do if I'm ill - then I'd gone to the one reliable source of medical knowledge on the internet.

Risk factors for that cancer?

Age; obesity; dense breast tissue; never borne a child.

Symptoms of that cancer?

Flattened nipple; yellowish discharge from the nipple; flaky, crusty, thickened skin on or around the nipple; itching, tingling, redness in the nipple and/or areola.

All of which I have been experiencing since late February or early March, leading to my use of cotton pantyliners in my bras to keep them from being ruined.

I had brought it to my doctor's attention at my 6-month checkup, April 28th, and she had set me up for a diagnostic mammogram.

Telfair Pavilion handles those for the VA, so I had to wait until May 27th for that; the tech had made it clear to me that the results called for a surgical consult.

As good fortune would have it, I had an appointment at the Savannah VA Center for a sinus infection; my doc concurred with the tech when she saw the images.

She then put in the order for Community Care for the surgical consult, as the hospital in Charleston was too far away.

Memorial Breast Health was the only source here for the VA to use, and so I have patiently waited for this specialist to be able to see me.

On Monday I was called about the appointment for today.

In a way, I'm relieved that it was not earlier, while I was to be on holiday with Christina in Florida, or when I was off in California for a long-needed visit.

I'm also relieved that the surgical consult became a biopsy-obtaining mission.

I'm relieved that the nap seems to have relieved the 'nerves on edge' sensation that I had been having ever since I left the doctor's office.

I still want my Mama, though.

I know she would tell me to do something to distract myself from all of this, to not spend time sitting and worrying about it, as results would be known next week.

I know that's what she would tell me.

So, I'm going to see the type of movie she most enjoyed: a musical, "In The Heights", one more time, on its final day in the local cinemas.

I still want my Mama... but I know she is always in my heart.

let's keep it real, shall we?

As I've told my brothers and a few others, I'm going to make a family circuit tour sometime during the next few months.

Living through a pandemic has convinced me that the people inside fb need to become real to me, not some illusion of family and friends.

To that end, I'm going to start having outings with folks.

Actually, I've already begun doing so, having luncheons with Dawn on a monthly basis for the spring of 2021, and with the bfe just last week.

Today, I added to three non-family members to the real side of my world.

I had suggested lunch to Sherry a week or so ago and that was made real at the Olive Garden.

Hooray! We even had a nice, leisurely meal for the next two hours, talking about our families and life as retired women.

Hooray! She made it clear that she'd be keeping her calendar open in two weeks so we could meet again.

(She has visiting teen nieces this summer, so she has to work around them.)

My second get-together of the day was for playing games of some kind, either with cards or on a board, and was the fine idea of this young woman, Brooke.

She had contacted me via fb messenger about doing so and I'd referred her to my phone, for faster response.

She was coordinating all of this with her across-the-street neighbor, my fellow Pirate, Yvonne, and had suggested several days of the week as options.

This pre-vening was the winner, starting at 4 PM, and convening at Yvonne's house, running until 8 PM.

Actually, the only reason it stopped then was because Brooke had to finish an online test and I wanted to get home during daylight.

In fact, we'd finished our third game of "Splendor" - which I'd never played before - about an hour earlier, then sat around talking about this and that, right?

You betcha!

Wondering who won those three games?

Brooke, Brooke, and Brooke... but I was getting better!

Maybe next time I'll be able to best her.

At least I made Yvonne laugh out loud!

Brooke had just taken the Noble that we all knew I was after, so Yvonne looked at me sympathetically and I said, almost sotto voce, "Yvonne, I'm really trying to control myself."

That's when she had burst out in merry laughter!

Yes, she and I will have to try to best the young whippersnapper next time!

Meanwhile, it's been so good to have my circle broadened with real people.

I most def need more of that.

gift from lane bryant, just for me

Isn't she lovely?!

And get this: the dress even has pockets!!!

It does seem tailor-made for me, does it not?

I could scarce believe it when I saw it listed.

That was on May 31, the last day to use the twenty bucks of birthday money that the store gave me.

I had dutifully gone through the online catalogue, looking to see what new dresses I might be able to add to my closet this time.

This is the only one to strike my fancy.

Described as "Short-Sleeve Babydoll Fit & Flare Dress", it really did sound like they had me in mind, right?

The color, "Blue Geo Print", gave it the allure of the Milky Way galaxy as well as the swirling expanses of the sea and the night sky - wow!

The only issue was the size

It was listed as a good bit smaller than my usual.

Well, hell's belles, I would try it on when it arrived!

Should it not fit, I'd just ship it back, easy peasy.

After all, the price was so good, it was almost like stealing it!

Originally marked as $57.99, the site had it on sale for $29.99...

and me with a $20 'personal sale' discount!

Shipping would have nullified almost all of my discount, so I had it sent to the store in Pooler, at the Tanger Outlet.

That was free, save for my time driving out there and back.
Maybe there would be a movie to tempt me when it came in?

Always that as a possibility!

As fortune would have it, there was not a movie, but I drove out on a Sunday afternoon last month to pick it up once it arrived.

That was the 13th of June.

So, what has brought it to mind?

Well, yesterday I wrote about the physicist and the bounty from him, right?

That's when I realized I had missed bragging on this deal.

(smile!)

The dress fits perfectly, too.

(smile!)

gift from the bfe

"Don't tell me, let me guess - he finally remembered your birthday!"

Nah, not really. He may have thought about the last time we met for lunch, but he didn't actually say the words. He did, though, buy my lunch at The Noodle Bowl, so that was very nice. Oh, and he told me The 'Cole was getting rid of her dvd collection of "Psych" and he had it set aside for me!

"Well, that's very cool! Was that last month?"

 No, it was May 18. We never did get lunch in June, due to my travels.

"Oh, that's too bad. I mean, that you and he didn't get together, not that you were so busy with your holidays in Florida and California. Where did y'all dine today?"

At the Olive Garden, yesterday. That was his treat, too, with both of us scarfing up soup and salad!
We spoke of stars and spectroscopy and some show on youTube called "42nd Street Forever", that just has trailers for grind house films. I need to remember to tell Jim Reed about that.

"Did you tell the physicist about that youTube show Paul and Cathy turned you onto?"

You mean "Absolute History"? But of course! And he had countered with "Drunk History", which uses celebs to re-enact famous events.

"That sounds like it could be humorous..." 

Yeah, I think so, so I'll try to keep it on my radar.

"Did he have the box of videos for you?"

Nah, and, honestly, I forgot to even ask about them. That's okay, I already "got" my 64-1 gift from him... and I got it myself!

"Oh, you mean that trip in early June to Bath & Body Works?"

Exactly! The coupons were in his name, so it's as if he got the smell pretty stuff for me, or gave me a gift certificate for them!

"Yeah, I hadn't thought of it that way. I really like the Japanese Cherry Blossom body lotion, both the way it feels and the delicious aroma!"

Yeah, so do I! That was completely free, too... and I just got his new coupons in the mail, too, so I'll be sure to bounce out there and get another free body lotion! I won't be getting anything else this time, though. The four foaming hand soaps were not only on sale, but I had a second coupon for an additional discount, courtesy of the bfe. I was nearly out, so that was good timing!

"And what are the four that you choose?"

Kitchen Lemon is the one in the bathroom now and I've been using that since I got it on June 2nd. The other three are Aloe Water, Boardwalk Vanilla Cone, and Sunshine & Lemons. My plan had been to switch them out every month or so, but that hasn't happened yet.

"And just why had you bought four of them, instead of just one?" 

They were on sale, four for $20. Plus, I had a 20% discount from the bfe. Between the two, the deal gave me two free for buying two. Rather nifty to know math!

"Rather nifty indeed! and who do we have here!?"

Alyssa and Leila and Michael! The girls were in town for VBS at Bible Baptist Church, so Michael hung out with me until they were done. Then we all had dinner at Chili's! That was on Monday.

"And what's that? In their hands?"

Those are the souvenirs I bought for them at Jelly Belly! Alyssa has BB8 and Leila has Chewbacca, my favorite Wookie! Michael really loved that I got them "Star Wars" character tins... as I knew he would! He and I share that love of that science fiction franchise!

"Very nice! And here's Christina Ann!"

So she is! This was from our penultimate Tina Tuesday of the summer. She returns to school on the 26th, sadly, but that's a good thing for her.

"I hear you. Are y'all at Rodeo again?"

You know it! I treated her to lunch, just as I had treated her brother and the twins the night before.

"Good for you! Feeling more financially sound?"

A little, but I also wanted to do her a favor, as she did for me that day. I'd arrived too late for lunch and a movie, so we went grocery shopping... and she had coupons for all of my fruit and veggie purchases! I ended up paying less than six bucks for almost $30 of food! 

"Wow! That's amazing!"

It was! So, my pantry is restocked with canned vegetables and I have cherries, carrots, and onions, too. I'll need to buy milk, of course, but my shopping for the week is done!

"Wonderful! "

Yes, yes it was! Now, I need to skedaddle! Smitty and I are meeting for the quarterly taxes, as well as sales taxes from last month and May. My goal is to get the laundry done before that, so I'm going to be cutting it close.

"Perhaps the clothes can wait until next week?"

Only if I plan to go commando... and that ain't hap'nin', captain!

"LOL! Your first niece would love that you used her saying!"

Sho' 'nuff! Later, tater!

"Later, gator!"