Gail's Bio...Oh, what a Bio it is!!

In Nashville, visiting GrandsonHello folks, I am Gail Gifford, single, mother of four and living in South Carolina. I have lived in five different states throughout the years. I was raised in Dearborn, Michigan, also home of Ford Motor Company Headquarters. Those 32 years were great in Michigan and I have many fond memories of my hometown and still have very strong friendships up north. I then started moving. First to TN when my husband landed a job with Saturn Corp. At that time no one knew what Saturn Corp was, but I was going there to be part of the process of developing a new car company. As my husband stayed behind in Troy, I was in TN with four children and the youngest only ten days old. To make a long story short, and I may elaborate on it sometime in the future, I ended up divorced four years later and was on my own raising a rather large family with no family close by to help.That was 17 years ago and boy have I changed and so has my life. 

I loved being a mom, just loved everything about it. The baby years, diapers, first steps, school, high school and fund raisers, college applications etc. Being a mom is so rewarding but there was always something missing. Something that I wanted for years, probably right out of high school back in 1974, instead I got married and that dream/vision never happened.  Years have passed and the kids got older, they were doing their own things now.  I got married again in 2002 and then again divorced in 2002...I called it the year from H _ _ _.  ha ha  Otherwise called, a learning experience. After that I decided to do something for myself and go back to school.  I had moved from Michigan to TN, from TN to FL, from FL back to TN, from TN to NH and now I am here in SC. Who would have ever thought that I would have been so mobile later in life, but I was.  I attended Aquinas College in Nashville TN when I started to fulfill my dream. Loved school, found out that this dream of mine was hard but I could do it. After all, my adviser said, "Gail if you can raise four kids on your own, work a full time job and take care of all the responsibilities of kids, family and home, you could do this". So those words stayed in my head from one class to the next.  I moved to NH and transferred my credits to Granite State College. There was a professor at Aquinas College that had told me about the Lifelong Learning Center and that they had changed their name to Granite State College. She had advised me to give them a call and see what transfer process was. I did check out other NH Colleges to see about transferring my credits. None of which would take them all like Granite State College did. I had some additional core classes to take but I was "IN" and at 50ish, I needed every credit I had earned.  Long story short, I started my classes at Granite State and soon found out what a wonderful college it was. The teachers were so receptive to understanding that we all had full time jobs, families, other responsibilities etc. on top of going to school, homework and test. They worked with me and I got through the classes.  Then came the news that my job at Ford Motor Credit was going away, they were closing the doors at our regional office in Bedford and I was moving to SC. I needed four classes to stay grandfathered in and I had only completed two. So, how was I going to do this in a mere two months. I had a friend that I met in my Economic class in the Manchester campus that advised me about the weekend college classes.  So, I crammed in two of these classes and I was good to go when I moved. I finished my associates degree as an on-line learner living in a one bedroom apartment and with the computer on the kitchen table until my new house was built in Simpsonville (another dream). I then went on to get my BS degree all on-line. OH, I did have one wonderful adventure on the Isles of Shoals where I took Oceanography. till this day I say, "that was the best four credits I ever earned".

I graduated in September 2009 from Granite State College with an Adult College Degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. I completed my goal/dream and also feel I am such a good example to my children as well as my peers at work.  I continue to motivate my coworkers to go back to school. Of course there are ones that say, "I am too old". My reply is always, "you are never too old for school, never too old to learn and never to old to make those dreams come true". I am so happy to be able to blog for the college and pass on my thoughts and experiences with potential new students. 

My college degree has opened doors for me at Ford Motor Credit as well as making me a better person, better parent and more open minded to all of life's' challenges.

So when do I start my Masters Program?  Boy I need to think about that soon, I am missing school....who would have ever thought! 

 

What to major in??

Monday, January 30, 2012 by Gail Gifford

We dream of our perfect career that we will land once we finish your degree and maybe we should be thinking about the type of degree we get, employable degrees. Employable, what a concept to think about what will get us a job instead of following our passions for fields we have dreamed about for years.  But the truth is, you go to school to get a good job, make a good salary, so you can get by and be independent; a well adjusted citizen in the community.

My daughter has a degree that is really in one of the most unemployable fields. She recognizes that and is going to go back to school.  School/knowledge are the key to getting employed and also experience.  When you are young, you really don't have the experiences to go back too, you just have your degree. But, when you are an older learner, a more mature learner, you have so much experience and so much knowledge of life. You go to classes eager to learn and to express yourself.

If you are close in proximity to Granite State College, well go there. If you are in another state, it is all possible too. Granite State College has on-line classes for adults.  I have done both. I lived in Merrimack for a short time and that is when I was introduced to the college. Then, I was relocated and got very familiar with on-line learning. I actually got my Associates Degree in General Studies on-line and received my BS in Mgmt on-line.

Now is the time...just do it!!
 


Crazy Warm Weather!!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 by Gail Gifford
OK fans, I moved to Michigan and was expecting lots of snow. Well, it was a sunny day today and around fifty-two degrees.  I went for a walk with my neighbor and we surely enjoyed the day.  It was January and in Michigan, this was not suppose to be a nice day, it was suppose to be cold with about a foot or two of snow!!  One just never knows, maybe I  brought up the warm weather with me when I moved from South Carolina, or maybe it is just luck. If it is luck, well I feel pretty lucky in Michigan.  I have felt lucky before in my life and that is when I went to Portsmouth, NH to take my Nutrition class that I just loved. I learned so much in that class that was held at the Portsmouth NH College. That class was so beneficial to my life and my well being. Learning about Nutrition was interesting and with the obesity rate soring, it is so important to learn what to eat that keeps you healthy. Granite State College has so many good beneficial classes. Whether you are going to just learn about something that interest you or if you are working to obtain your degree, it is a great school. 

Michigan is a great place too. It is the place I remember as HOME, where I grew up and now live once again.  I hope the snow is nice to me this year, so far it has been. But if it does show up one of these wintery mornings, I know it will pass and summer will be here again before I know it. Summer, to enjoy my bike rides, kayak adventures and some hiking. It is no different than classes. They pass and before you know it, you have earned your degree.  Just remember, you can do it. I did and am so glad I did.

A Christmas Joy

Tuesday, January 3, 2012 by Gail Gifford
As I sit and watch the Bowl games on TV, I ponder over what happened in my life just last week.  I had a wonderful time as I ventured down to Nashville, Tennessee to visit my youngest daughter who works as a manager at Roast Inc.. It is the best coffee I have ever had. They roast their own beans and make each cup of craft coffee to your liking as you wait.  It is well worth the wait as it is so good, you will be hooked. So, if you are ever in the Nashville area, please look it up. I also spent a few days with my grandson who is almost five. We went ice skating one day which was really fun even if his legs didn't work right, so he says anyways.  Ice SkatingI remember learning how to ice skate when I was young, I remember that feeling and probably thought "what am I suppose to do on this one blade?" I am sure he probably thought the same as he could not keep himself upright for too long without the help of Grammy supporting him.  

The next day my daughter had off so the three of us went up to Cave City Kentucky to go through Mammoth Cave.  He had never been in a cave so I was not sure how he was going to be and my daughter was really young when she last went through.  It was about a two hour drive from Nashville but it went by fast as we stopped for a snack along the way. I am all about making these experiences FUN so he will want to do it again someday.  I pretty much have that attitude with everything.  Even when I attended Granite State College in Manchester New Hampshire, I was thinking how can I make this a fun experience.  It was easy as I met some really neat people to hang out with, study with and smile our way through one class after another.  Yep, learning can be fun and what you learn can enrich your life so much that the outcome is fun. I would love to go back and get my Master of Science Project Management degree someday.  School was fun and even though it was lots of hard work and time management skills, it was well worth it.  

For my grandson, skating and spelunking through the caves, were something new for him. If school is something you want to do, just do it. It may be new to you but you will never get that degree until you make that first step kind of just like my grandson learning to skate.

The Snow is falling!!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011 by Gail Gifford
snowIt is a beautiful morning in Michigan. I peered out my little kitchen window and was delightfully surprised to see a blanket of white snow.  Yes, I am not used to the snow as I had lived in the south for about twenty-three years, but the sight of it was refreshing and brought back great memories.  Playing in the snow as a youngster, was great. Snowballs, snowmen, castles made out of snow and lets not forget the snow angels; lots of fun. I will have to wake up a little earlier from now on just to clean off the drive or the car before I head to work. I am sure I will get in the grove and adjust to my new morning chores, just like I adjusted to the many hours of homework, going to Granite State College after work and study sessions with my adult learning friends.  Adjusting a lifestyle can be a challenge but the benefits that come from being an open minded, well adjusted person are priceless.  The benefits of Granite State College and their flexible school schedule, are points to mention. From after work schedules, on-line learning classes, weekend intensive classed, it is all possible for just about anyone. The college makes it possible to fulfill that dream of having a degree.  Enjoy your day and remember, YOU CAN ADJUST!!

Thoughts of What to Study?

Thursday, November 24, 2011 by Gail Gifford

I know I have had those thoughts run through my head when I was thinking about going back to school. Thinking about what would earn me the most income, what would be more full-filling for my own personal growth are just a couple of the thoughts that ran through my head when I decided to go back to Granite State College.  There are so many choices to chose from. Special education teacher, or Study Health Care Management or even and Undergraduate Psychology Degree, all are good choices.

I chose to go into Business Management as I was in a field that this degree would help me go further with the company I worked for.  If I were young, straight out of high school, I might have chose another field of study. I always wanted to be a nurse and also loved sewing so maybe a fashion designer might have been my choice.  However, I was not there in my life, I was in my fifties and wanted to advance in my present career.  I have never looked back at my choice and am very thankful that I stuck to it and finished my education. It has made me a better person, better parent and more knowledgeable in my present job.  

She's Here!!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011 by Gail Gifford
"Hello world!" is what my new granddaughter may have said as she was born on the evening of October 28th. What a beautiful little girl and being that the kids wanted to be surprised, just made it so much nicer. Surprises are nice as I mentioned before. They were both thrilled and I just got back from Virgina visiting them, meeting my new granddaughter and helping with all the daily routines that occur when a new baby arrives.  I babysat while my son and his wife went out on a Date Night.  They had fun going out and I enjoyed the grandchildren. There is nothing as wonderful as rocking two little ones to sleep and watching them drift off for the night.  I was flying home to Michigan and said to myself at some point, "how in the world did I raise four by myself?"  The answer is, I did and I feel I must have had the one above help guide me through it all. 

I felt the same way when I went back to school to get my degree from Granite State College.  I got through it also and have great memories of both accomplishments.  Life is too short to wonder how, why, should I or can I even achieve a goal that looks so hard or so far from reach.  I am a firm believer that if you want to do something bad enough, you can do it.  It will have challenges but with faith, hope and the college's resources it is all possible. 

I could not believe that the college was offering a Bachelors in Health Care Administration or BS in Health Care Management. These are two fields that are highly sought out employment opportunities with great potential for placement.  So if you are sitting, reading my blog and wondering too how I did it? I did and you can too. 

The wait??

Thursday, November 3, 2011 by Gail Gifford
When I woke up this morning, my thoughts were about my daughter-in-law who is waiting for the birth of her second child.  The anticipation of a baby being born, when it will happen, is it a boy or a girl, are all thoughts that must be running through her head.  My son and his wife have the cutest little fellow who is thirteen months old, so this little fellow will help pass the time until the new little one arrives.  I guess the key word here is "anticipation." Anticipation for the baby and my anticipation not too long ago, about the days at Granite State College and all my thoughts that ran through my head. Will I ever finish this degree, can I get through business statistics and will I pass, are all past worries that went through my mind.  Well, I did pass, I did get through business's statistics and I did get my degree.  At the time it seemed like it would never happen, such a long distance away and today, it seems so long ago.  I think we need to savor the moments we are in; enjoy the moments and move forward with grace. A week later, still no baby so it is my job to call her, help her get through all the anticipation anxiety.

A new baby

Thursday, November 3, 2011 by Gail Gifford
Yes, I am a Grammy once again. A little girl entered the world at 7:46pm weighing in at seven pounds even. She was embraced by her daddy and mommy at time of arrival.  Oh what a joy, oh what a delight and blessing from above. My young son and his wife wanted to be surprised and never found out the sex of their baby. I have always thought it is the one thing in life that should be a surprise. After all, you don't put in an order for a Boy or Girl, you get what you are suppose to have and really folks, we are not sending them back!!  I am glad they waited and I know that surprise was wonderful and one they will never forget.

I remember one surprise I got when I received an A on a Business Statistic test I took while attending Granite State College when I was attempting to get my adult education degree.  It was such a nice surprise though as that class kicked my butt everyday I was in it. It was one of my hardest classes throughout my education but I did it, I made it through and live to tell about it. 

So whether it be babies or grades, surprises are a nice part of life. I am seriously thinking about going back to school and getting my Master of Science Project Management degree. At work I see how project management is a huge part of big businesses these days and I enjoyed school so much, this just may be my next goal.  My children will be surprised again if Mom goes back to school.  Oh well, surprises are good!!

A night with my Dad

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by Gail Gifford
I was so delighted when I went to my Dad's harmonica group gathering. He has played the harmonica for years; I think he said, that he "has played since he was around ten years old." He still has the first one he ever played. He  taught me how to play at a young age also. I can remember driving to Florida when I was just a child and my dad would have the holder strapped around his neck and would playing songs throughout the long drive.  Since we really didn't listen to the radio, we had better learn how to play the harmonica or the spoons.  My choice was the harmonica with the first song being You Are My Sunshine.  It was a good night with all his friends. These are all older folks as my dad just turned 90 on Sunday and his friend is 92, who calls my dad young!!

Life is good being back in Michigan. I think dad enjoys me being around and sharing some time with him.  Time is all we have; time to grow, learn, enjoy and have fun.  I had so much fun going to the Manchester NH college campus and meeting new friends at Granite State College. We would laugh about our classes at times, about your essays about each other really, we were all on the same boat, we wanted our degrees and we were going forward to get it. 

Those days in New Hampshire were happy days and happy memories, same as days with my dad.  So if you are thinking school and getting an adult education degree is all work, think again and just do it!!

Learning at a young age!!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by Gail Gifford
I woke up this morning with just the cutest little picture I could ever imagine on my cell phone. It was from my daughter-in-law and it was my grandson smile.  There he was, sitting at a desk and learning how to write his name. Of course it is something we all had to learn when we were growing up; it is a milestone in every ones life.  But for my son and his wife to see Owen try to make an O, it was amazing. They were thrilled and excited to see him learn and grow.
That lettler OHe sits and glares at the pencil or crayon with wonder. I wonder what is going on in his little head as everyone stands around him cheering him on.  I can embrace that "cheering on thing." I had many, many friends cheering me on as I went to Granite State College to pursue my adult education diploma.  I would cart my books to work in my backpack only to study on breaks and at lunch. They all thought I was so brave to be going back to school at 50 years old. All I could think about was my goal: to get that degree.  My grandson maybe is thinking about making that big O as he sits there at his wee desk.

Learning is so good for your brain, so good for your soul and such a good example to your family.  As you all know, I have four. Not all of mine have their degrees yet but I am hoping they will continue their education someday as well.  I am hoping, that knowing Mom did it, they can do it too. 

If you are at that point where you really want to do it, really want to get that adult college degree, just pick yourself up off the couch and do it.  I am a firm believer that one can do anything they want to as long as they want to do it bad enough.  I am living proof and very proud and happy I did.

I can't wait to see Owen make his big O all by himself.

Skype

Tuesday, September 13, 2011 by Gail Gifford

Who would have ever thought that we can see each other from miles away and talk to each other without any lines??  Alexander Graham Bell didn't when he first invented the Telegraph system. Really nothing is really like the phone Mr. Bell invented. The dial up, wall hanging phone is pretty much obsolete. Kids now a days don't know what it is like to dial a number on a wall phone. They have grown up with cell phones and maybe a portable land-line where you can walk around and talk. The years of standing in a 3x3 spot in the kitchen are long gone.

My son and daughter in law are in the Navy, over in Norfolk with their little son.  I am so excited to be able to talk to him a couple times a week. It is the next best thing to being there.  They will soon have another little baby and to be able to see that new little soul is going to be wonderful.  I got online and found the site to download it. When I started my adult college education I never would have thought that the skills I learned in college would help me in everyday life, but it did. I knew where to find the volume control, microphone controls etc. That just shows you that learning needs to be a constant in our lives.  I hope my children learn something new every day and that my grandson embraces new knowledge. I can't wait to talk to him again...Life and change are both wonderful!!

A sad day for America

Tuesday, September 13, 2011 by Gail Gifford
As I woke up yesterday, I found myself thinking about how our world is today, as I know it. It is a different world, ten years after the 9/11 attack.  We think differently about our safety. We are not as free moving as we used to be and we get searched and scanned at the airports. To go over the Ambassador bridge, you need a passport and you can not ride your bike over the bridge any longer.   That is crazy as I used to ride over the bridge at least once a month to visit my grandmother who lived in Windsor.

Yes, our world has changed. I watched the TV yesterday and saw all the memorials that were going on in NY, PA and at the Pentagon. Many tears were flowing again after ten years and we all recalled the images in our own heads; where we were when those planes hit the World Trade Center.  After awhile I had to turn it off and do something fun.  I had to get back in the saddle, so to say, and live.   So I went out on my bike and road for awhile and thought about how thankful I was for everything in my life. 

Being a Granite State College graduate, with my adult college degree in hand, was one of my happy thoughts on my ride. 

A evening at Arts/Eats and Beats

Wednesday, September 7, 2011 by Gail Gifford
Arts/Eats and Beats is going on in Royal Oak, Michigan.  It is a party with an outdoor venue, featuring artists and musicians from all over the US.  Local restaurants opened their doors with a wide variety of foods to enjoy along the streets.  There were carnival rides for the little ones and beer for the adults.  All in all, it is a good place to go this weekend.  We walked the streets and then went to the stages to hear the music.  A young band that is up-and-coming was there. Maybe you have heard of the Dale Earnhardt Jr.Jr....I learned how they started out and got permission to use the real Dale Earnhardt's name for their band.  They are pretty good and had a wide selection of music.

As I learned about their band, I learned also about this great event that happens every year in in the Detroit metro area.  It was fun. 

It is the holiday weekend, lets all be safe. If you are in school at Granite State College, enjoy the break and relax.  If you are thinking about starting back to get your adult education degree, then it is the weekend to enjoy and not worry about homework, because that will come.  Have a great weekend and be safe!!!!!!

Rain, Rain go away....

Wednesday, August 24, 2011 by Gail Gifford
Good Morning fans and friends,

I just woke up and saw that Westland is going to be selling Rain Barrels with some of the proceeds going to the cancer foundation.  My mum died of cancer so whenever I can give, help promote research, I am in for it.  But, it is not just for the cancer research fund, it is for the rain barrel.  I have always wanted one to water my flowers, garden and save the water that comes from the sky and recycle it.  I think it is a good thing for our earth as well as a good example of conservation. My grandparents had two of them at their cottage in Canada and I can remember at a young age, putting a dipper in and getting out a bucket full of water.  The Cottage didn't have running water, so we used it to wash our hair, water the garden and yes, even flush the toilet.  I know I won't use mine for all those reasons but I do think it is a good way to reuse our water that comes from the sky. 

I have to research it and see where the best down spout to put it under. But, that is no different than researching a subject for school.  Learning again is what I am talking about, learning about something new, exciting, is all part of life.  I just found out that Granite State College is offering a Masters of Science Degree in Project Management.  I am so excited and want to get signed up as soon as I learn my new job better. I want to be proficient in this new position before I put other information in my brain.  Taking these classes is a great education and career advancement opportunity. I am so excited about this new class, I have told other colleagues about the program and who knows, maybe a few of us will go to Granite State College and take these accelerated adult studies classes. 

OK, I am off to get my rain barrel.  I hope you all have a great weekend!!

A new Start!!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011 by Gail Gifford
I had such a nice Sunday afternoon.  I was invited to an old friend's house for a farewell party for both her young adults; they are leaving the state. One is moving to Seattle, Washington and other to Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  She had never had them so far from her before and unlike me, with mine all over the US, she is going to be so sad.  It is always an adjustment to see them go and do their own things but it is part of growing up and living. Her son is going back to school at the university of Alabama.  Her daughter is going back to Seattle to live and work.  Both of them have turned out to be such nice young adults that have already gotten their Bachelor's and Masters degrees....something any parent would be proud of.  I watched these kids grow up and have known them for years; they are like my own.  

I just encouraged them to be happy, keep learning, keep going to school and dream.  I may sound funny to say, Dream, but some dreams are small and some are big. My dream was to get a college education and I got that from Granite State College. My next dream is to get my Masters Degree and I will be heading right back to Granite State College for that. Why? Because it works for me. Online adult education classes give me the ability to get my education and still work my full time job. 

Death of a wise women....

Wednesday, August 24, 2011 by Gail Gifford
Focus: HOPE has established a memorial fund to honor the organization’s co-founder Eleanor Josaitis, who passed away today at the age of 79. This women was such a pillar in the community, helping rebuild Detroit after the riots years ago and carrying on a dream that we all are worth something, each life is valuable. 

Her famous words, "Let your light shine and make the world a better place" What wise words!! Yes, she was a wise woman. She was the woman that stepped in after the Detroit riots to educate people on equality amongst the races. She was also the co-founder of Focus Hope which helped feed, educate young Americans and mainsteamed them into society. She was given many awards throughout her lifetime, including the 1999 “Distinguished Warrior” by the Detroit Urban League and the Ford Employees African-Ancestry Network's 2002 Heritage Award and the National Caring Award from the Caring Institute in Washington D.C, just to name a few. She will be missed as she passed away this morning. She inspired young people to keep learning throughout their lives, embrace life and as she used to say, "let your light shine to make the world a better place." Going to school, learning is just a way of life.

Granite State College is a good place to start that dream, vision. Give them a call, make an appointment, work in those adult college classes in the evening or weekend. It can be done, it is never too late.

A great weekend

Wednesday, August 24, 2011 by Gail Gifford
Yep, it was a great weekend. It started out with a golf outing and learned how to set my golf ball when teeing off to use my driver...it worked and I have never seen my ball go so far!!  After that on Friday night, I enjoyed a day at the Detroit Dream Cruise. We went down Mustang Alley as we reminisced about the old Stangs as well as the new upcoming ones.  The power they have is remarkable and the old relics brought back some fond memories of cruising days.

We first stared in Royal Oak then went through Birmingham where we were hit by a sudden storm.  The rain came down so fast and furious that big branches of trees ripped off and tents were flipping. Some of the cars took off early as they were calling for hale and Collectors do not want hale damage to their beautiful vintage cars.

It has been over 30 years since I've been to Birmingham. The last time I was there my son was in a baby buggy being pushed down the main street. He is now 31 and everything has changed in Birmingham. Speaking of change, life has its' way of changing for all of us. Some times in our life everything is good and other times it is low and depressing. School is a great avenue to get a fresh start on life. It gives you a goal, a plan and plans seem to help one focus on the Now and Present. Granite State College can work with you to get the goal heading in the right direction.  Either on site classes or on line adult education classes,this could just be the right plan for you.  Don't wait another minute, get a plan and follow through with it, one class at a time.






A Visit with my Grandson!!

Monday, July 18, 2011 by Gail Gifford
It is Sunday and a week after my trip to Tennessee to visit my grandson.  If you are not a grandmother or grandfather yet, I pray you get to enjoy that life experience some time in the future.  His eyes just light up when his Grammy comes to visit.  He seems to know that in his short life of four years, that Grammy gives him all the attention, love, fun and special moments he so enjoys.  We talk about everything and he is very inquisitive at this young age.  His voice yells out, "But Grammy, why?" so many times throughout the day. Are you there Grammy?
 
Why this, why that? Isn't it great to want to learn, want to discover, want to experience everything that is right in front of you every day?! In this picture to the right, we were at a park with a megaphone, where one talks in one end and at the other end of the park. Grammy is talking back.  He kept saying, "Grammy are you there?"  When I talked to him, he would look inside with wonder with curiosity and confusion, wondering where the heck was I.

So cute, so memorable. 

Just as he learns, we all learn. We all have that desire to learn and grown.  Sometimes I think we get in a rut and forget to grow our minds.  Our minds are muscles and need to be worked. It is known fact that when we get older we need to read, do puzzles, play Scrabble, etc.  It just shows that learning is a life-long process. Granite State College gave me that avenue to learn and grown. Whether it be working towards an Adult Education Degree or just working on Adult Continuing Education Programs, they all involve learning.

So if you are reading this, thinking about what I wrote about learning, get started and contact an adviser. They are so helpful and can get you started to learning, growing and working that brain of yours.  Until next time, have a great day!!

Learning ...stays with you!!

Monday, July 18, 2011 by Gail Gifford
Learning, it stays with you no mater how long it has been since you learned it. It doesn't matter if it is something you learned in school, or something you have learned along life's path, you just don't forget. 

Why I say this is because I had an opportunity to go golfing, a date actually, and I hadn't golfed in years.  I loved it when I did it but like I said, it had been years. With attending Granite State College at the Manchester NH college campus over the past few years, and just learning a new job twice at work, I just didn't have the time or the opportunity to golf.  Well, I just played this afternoon and I have to tell you, I all came back to me. I did fairly well in fact, and hope I play some more real soon.  I love the sport, love the challenge of planning my swing, what club to use and just getting the ball in the we hole. 

So, if you think you will never remember what you learned in school or in life, think again.  You never loose it, it is there, it just needs to be ignited again.

Sunshine...where oh where are you??

Saturday, June 25, 2011 by Gail Gifford
It is a Saturday in Dearborn, Michigan. The birds are singing like crazy, the nice cool breeze is blowing and I am thinking, "This is summer, where is the sunshine? Did I leave it behind in South Carolina or is it just fate that I am not going to see it much in Michigan at all?"  

I tend to believe that it will shine, sometime, someday in the future...I am praying it shines before I go back to work on Monday. 

I think I will do little planting today, maybe some sunflowers like I had in SC and see if they get as tall in Michigan. It will be a experiment, a learning factor to find out where they grow the best.  Here are a few of the spectacular sunflowers I had beside my home in SC.  SunflowersSunflowers


















I had so many different sunflowers last year, the one on the left was just so cool and I had neighbors coming from all over to see it.  It looked more like a marigold than a sunflower.  I saved some of those seeds and that is what I am putting in this afternoon in my Michigan back yard, the learning begins. 

Learning about flowers or learning about education, is just part of life that keeps us going. They say even in your aging years, you need to keep learning, keeping the mind fresh and awake is the key to longevity. Going to Granite State College opened up my eyes to learning and it can do it for you too.  You will not only get an awakening, you will meet some great friends, people who are in the same spot in their life as you are.  Maybe you just got divorced or maybe you are laid off or don't have a job. There is no time like the present to go back and get that adult education degree.