Time Goes By So Fast

My beautiful daughter will graduate from highschool tomorrow. Today we had her graduation party at our home to celebrate her accomplishment. We must have had over 50 family and friends coming in and out today, helping us celebrate her graduation. It was a beautiful day for a BBQ, while sitting and visiting in the beautiful sunshine.

For those of you who have older children, you know what I mean about time passing by so quickly. It seems like only a couple of years ago that she was born and now she's almost 18. For those of you who have younger children, be sure to take the time to enjoy the little things that they enjoy. You will really look back and cherish those memories. Don't get me wrong, this isn't about any opportunities I have missed. I had a wonderful time of my daughter growing up. We have a terrific relationship now and she will continue to live at home and we will still enjoy time together. Now it is different, now she is more like my friend. I am very, very proud of her and all that she has accomplished and how hard she had to work to get to this place. Here comes the beautiful part; I get to enjoy her and be proud of the responsibility that she shows for herself as the ownership is lifted off of my shoulders, just a bit. We will have many more happy memories together, she and I--starting tomorrow as she walks to accept her diploma in her gap and gown...

Shiba Inus

Shiba Inus are my favorite breed, and I plan to get one because their traits can compliment my lifestyle. They are about 15 inches tall and weigh from 15-25 pounds, depending on the gender. Their hair comes in a variety of colors described as red, red sesame, black, black and tan, and with some white markings. A physical bonus, in my opinion, is their fuzzy, curly tails! What is great about them is their ability to adapt to many ways of life. Being independent but quite affectionate, I would not have to worry about my dog when I am out of the house, but will return with a warm welcoming. They are small dogs that can live comfortably in an apartment, and have tremendous endurance to be a great hiking or jogging partner. Besides their ability to adapt to how I live, their origin is very interesting to me as well.

The ancestor of Shiba Inus came to Japan from China two thousand years ago. Over the years, different breeds of the Japanese spitz-type dogs have developed. The shiba is the smallest of the breeds. Because of their origin as hunting dogs, the name “shiba”-meaning “brushwood” and “small”- probably came from their surroundings. Now they are the most popular breed in Japan, being great pets able to fit into the nation’s notorious, tiny apartments. Even though I don’t live in Japan, I would still be able to find my little companion around the U.S. They are becoming quite popular, and I hope someday soon I will have the time to become another proud Shiba Inu owner.

What is Yoga?

The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj meaning to bind, join, attach, to direct, or concentrate one's attention . It also means union or communion. It is the true union of our will with the will of our higher power, or the spiritual side of ourselves. It is the practice of disciplining the intellect, emotions, and the will of the seeker to enable them too look at life in all its aspects evenly. The practice of yoga enables the student to control their mind, and self thus setting them free from restless desire so they rest in the spirit within. The student learns to live in this state of freedom in all aspect in life. You can become one with all things, as you come to realize we are all part of the same fabric in our existence. We cannot live alone, we are all part of each other. The universe is conceived as a grid pattern that encompasses all things. The ebb and flow of energy is a part of us all. When the senses are still, and the mind at rest, a yogi has reached the highest stage. This steady control of the senses and mind is what students seek to achieve. One must learn to apply these skills to all aspects of life, not just in class.

Why It’s Great To Be At Clark College

I have been attending Clark College for almost a year now. I started last summer quarter with a math class in the evening, while I was still working full time. My first impressions on campus were very good. People were friendly and helpful; they even offered to help me because I looked lost. On the night of my first class I was sooooooo nervous!! My first instructor was really great. She was so excited about math! She was friendly and helpful and funny—I looked forward to going to her class. I liked her so much that I chose her as my instructor in the fall term for my next level of math. In January I became a full time student and registered for several classes, and here it is halfway through spring term! How time flies. I have found many instructors here at Clark who are knowledgeable, friendly and excited about teaching at Clark. It is great to hear a teacher say “I love being at Clark”. More than one of my teachers have said that to me.

I am thrilled that Clark is a non-smoking campus. Our maintenance staff keeps our grounds litter- free. We have beautiful, mature landscaping that makes for a beautiful setting. The flowers are in bloom and are well-cared for. The buildings are unique and contribute to the beauty of our campus. I was recently at a community college in Gresham and was startled by the difference in the aesthetics of our college and that one. It was an institutional row of a few non-descript buildings, with forgettable surroundings. We have beautiful trees full of blossoms that line our walkways. I was happy to have the fountains turned back on. It makes it so nice to sit outside in one of the many areas to enjoy afternoon sunshine.

I find that Cannell Library is a great place to study…in fact; it’s the best place for me to find a quiet area with resources that help me finish a project. I enjoy the different student centers that are available to work, get something to eat, or just talk with friends. We are getting a good education here, and I feel very fortunate to have this college in my community!

More dolphins!

Do dolphins talk? This one instance shows that an oceanarium in Florida has an pilot whale who became aggressive to smaller dolphins in the tank, the keepers decided to try something to stop that bad behavior so they drained the whale's tank halfway so that it became stranded. It became frantic and started making sad whistling noises. The smaller dolphins went to him and comforted him with whistles and chirps. After the keepers refilled the tank, the whale's attitude changed for the better.
Another occurrence was that an vessel researching gray whales put an microphones inside an lagoon. 5 bottle nose dolphins passed by and noticed the weird microphone. They stopped and gathered around themselves and had an “conversation” of whistles and chirps. A lone dolphin left the group and examined the microphone then went back to the other 4 dolphins. A loud stadium like cheers and chirps were recorded for several minutes before they all went on their way. It looks like to me that they were discussing the strange object and sent an scout to check it out and tell them about it before they left.
I'm excited that it actually displays intelligence and I hope one day the researchers will be able to break through the communication barrier with the dolphins!

(Posted for bdolphincrzy)

Thinking Greener

All the talk about global warming in the media has done its part to bring my awareness to “think green”. Ever since I was a little kid, I loved nature. To go camping, swimming, horseback riding, and pretty much anything outdoors, brought me joy. I never thought that my simple pleasures could be taken away by my bad habits. It’s unfortunate that I took advantage of nature, and could not return the favor. I remember in elementary school my peers and I learned about “recycle, reuse, reduce”, but I did not think to apply it to myself. Now, because of the raise in awareness of global warming and my love for wild animals, I try to make new habits to do my part to make this world a little cleaner. Throughout the day I go about my business, but catch myself where I could change a habit for the better. Here are a few things that I have started to do more often:
· Recycle, reuse, and reduce: Yeah, it’s one of my life’s mottos now. I recycle all paper, glass, metal, etc. For example, I do not throw away my paper Starbucks cup in the trash nearby. I would rather hold on to it to use again, if it’s clean enough, or toss it in the recycling bin a home.
· Turn off the lights in the room when I leave: It’s so simple but I didn’t realize how often people in my house don’t do it.
· Use less water: I just don’t need to waste running water if I am not using it.
· Carry a bag in the car: When I go shopping I don’t need to use paper or plastic bags anymore.
I feel better about myself that I am more conscious to be friendlier to our planet. It’s given me many fond memories and I hope that the future generations will be able to receive such as well.

Is your child home alone?

In today's economy, parents are forced to work full time jobs and sometimes take on second jobs. Many times they still cannot afford care for their children after school and many children are home alone. Statistics show that juvenile violence increases during the after school and weekend hours. There are many after school programs one of which is Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation. There is a program at Firstenburg Community Center for youths K-5th approx. cost is $180-$200 a month. This program offers summer camp type activities. Another program called Kids First is a recreational activity program offered FREE, yes FREE, on-site to all children attending specific elementary schools and is offered on specific days. They also offer free nutritional snacks thanks to a grant by US Dept. of Agriculture. There are several other programs to build self-esteem, a sense of belonging, wanted and developing relationships with role models that enrich our children's lives. Developing these types healthy behaviors the chances that our children will pick up a drink or a drug is less likely.