Grades Are In! (aka Even more husband bragging)

Monico's final grades for his three Winter Quarter classes (i.e. 9 credits):

A, A, A- !!!

To give further perspective on this success,

you should understand that 6 credits is full time.

Also, during the entire Winter Quarter, Monico was teaching full time as a leave-replacement substitute in Renton (a 30 minute drive each morning), which meant that he was not only doing homework at night, he was also busy creating interactive and educational lesson plans for his students.

Job well done, Monico!

Dirty work

Oranges. Love eating'em / hate peeling'em.

(FYI - just had one, so now my fingers "stink".)

But, the effort put into peeling is so well rewarded

with the sweet and sour treat, it is worth it!

That is a great metaphor for so many things in life!

Sometimes I just need a reminder

Smile though your heart is aching

Smile, even though it's breaking

When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by

If you smile though your fear and sorrow

Smile and maybe tomorrow

You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness

Hide every trace of sadness

Although a tear may be ever so near

That's the time you must keep on trying

Smile, what's the use of crying?

You'll find that life is still worthwhile...

If you just smile.

Husband bragging

Monico has been a very busy guy over the last 2+ months. As I noted in a previous post, this Winter Term he is taking 9 credits (keep in mind that 6 is full time) and has been working a long-term substitute position as a leave-replacement Social Studies teacher in an alternative school in Renton. During his "planning" period each day, he travels over to the Special Education classroom at the school to fullfill a portion of his requirement for 3 of those 9 credits by observing the students and teacher, particpating, working on their IEPs, etc.

Although the majority of his time for these 3 credits is spent out of Seattle University's classroom, his class does meet with his professor for class once in January, in February, and in March; likewise the professor meets with him at his school (specifically in his volunteer Special Ed classroom) to observe.

His professor also happens to be the head of the Special Education Dept at Seattle University.

I wanted to share Professor Johnson's musings on her blog yesterday about her recent visit to Monico's school on Monday, which includes her observation of him. (Click here.)

I know my man is amazing, but it is still fun to hear others acknowledge it too!

Apparently you are NOT welcome

I let my membership lapse a little less than a year ago. With a husband still in school and only one income it was hard to justify the $50 membership expense or buying in bulk when we didn't have the extra $$ or storage space.

So, yes, it has been a while since I have been to Costco.

With my sister-in-law in town and her membership card in tow, we headed off to Costco this weekend, found some great purchases (love, love, love their fresh produce!) and headed to the register, where -- after my sister-in-law purchased her items -- I was told by the cashier that friends and family can no longer piggy-back membership usage, i.e. that payment for purchases cannot be made by anyone other than the member/cardholder.

My first thoughts: WHAT?! Really? Since when?

Although the cashier was "nice" about it (she DID allow me to make my purchases), she also could not hide dripping distain from her lips as she told us of their policy change, which apparently became effective as of February 1, 2010.

ANYONE ELSE HEARD OF THIS? I certainly hadn't, nor can I seem to find anything about it on the internet. And believe me, I have tried; using various combinations of search words I could not find ANY reference to this policy change.

Don't get me wrong. I completely understand the reasoning Costco would have behind it -- they make money off their memberships, and use of a friend's membership instead of getting your own means they make less money -- I just wish they could provide a little more notice of the change, so you don't feel like a schmuck for "not knowing."