I never thought the day would come that Clayton would be done with school. It wasn't even a full year, but it seemed like an eternity. In order to be reimbursed by Intel for his school, he had to apply to Intel in Sept. of 2007. We had been trying to get pregnant for months to no avail. Didn't really think any thing of it. He applied to the MSIM program in January 2008. He was accepted in March to begin in June. Then in May we found out we were expecting Luke. It was a wonderful day. Then reality started to sink in. The baby would be born with a full semester left to go. I knew it would't be easy, but I knew that Clayton couldn't pass up the opportunity to go to school.
June 2, 2008. My birthday. And Clayton's first night of class. Happy birthday to me. And it was non-stop chaos the rest of the time. Being a school widow isn't fun. But hopefully it will be worth it.
Despite having a growing number of things to do at work, a calling in the EQ presidency and full time school, as well as having a growing family, Clayton did very well. Honey, I want you to know how very proud I am of you. I know I wasn't always the most supportive during this whole thing. Your intelligence and drive amazes me. And your willingness to make sacrifices in the short term to hopefully benefit your family in the long term is a trait few have. I love you very much. And I am SOOOO glad to have my hubby back!
22 May 2009
Clayton's Convocation
Andrew loves the bagpipes. He missed them at Scott's graduation going potty. And he didn't go to Jim's graduation with us because it was going to keep him up too late. So I thought I'd get a video of it for him to watch any time he wants. (You, too, Grandma C.)
For those of you who couldn't make it, here's video of Clayton during convocation.
Post graduation
The new graduate!
Our little family. So glad to have our Daddy back.
The Myers' boys. All three graduated from college in a week's time.
Clayton and his Mom and Dad.
Our future Sun Devil!
14 May 2009
Surprisingly Inspired
Clayton and I decided to watch President Obama's speech last night on TV...see if he had anything to say. I still think it was a circus and quite the spectacle, but I will admit that his speech was truly inspiring. He stayed away from politics and focused on inspiring the graduates. I'm sure they weren't the only ones inspired.
He encouraged graduates to get away from what has become the formulas for success that seem to dominate at this time: fancy cars, big offices, being on some "who's who" list, etc. Instead of seeking out to be popular and recognized, he challenged them to work hard, to make a difference, to change the world even if it is only the world of one person. He spoke of pioneers coming west, a preacher leading a bus boycott for justice, police and firefighters willing to run up the steps of burning towers, people volunteering their time and resources to help flood victims in New Orleans. People who followed their passions and, in so doing, changed the world and the way we view it. He spoke of continuing to build your body of work, which is not complete by accomplishing one task. He told of Thomas Paine who was a failed corset maker, teacher, and tax collector before writing "Common Sense" and igniting a revolution; Julia Child who didn't publish her first cook book until she was almost fifty; Colonel Sanders who didn't open his first KFC until he was in his sixties.
One of the things he spoke of that really stood out to me is how our current national situation was created by selfishness and greed. the "what's in it for me" syndrome. That in order to truly make a mark on our lives, others lives, this country and our world we must put that aside. We must be selfless and focus on others.
His speech made me look at my life. What am I doing to make a difference? I'm raising two boys who will be part of the future of our world. But what else? Really, probaby not much. I'm sure there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference. But I haven't sought them out. Am I volunteering my time to good causes? Am I trying to make a difference in my community? Am I reaching out to my neighbors? Looking at it through the Gospel...am I really doing all I can do? Am I seeking out the sisters I visit teach, to befriend them, to love them? Am I fulfilling my calling to the best of my abilities? Am I trusting in the Lord and His path for me? Am I reaching out to those who may be struggling, whether it be financially, physically, emotionally or spiritually? Am I looking for those who need a friend? Am I trying to be more Christ-like? Am I a true disciple? These are questions that I really need to ponder, taking a hard look at my life and what I'm doing with it.
He encouraged graduates to get away from what has become the formulas for success that seem to dominate at this time: fancy cars, big offices, being on some "who's who" list, etc. Instead of seeking out to be popular and recognized, he challenged them to work hard, to make a difference, to change the world even if it is only the world of one person. He spoke of pioneers coming west, a preacher leading a bus boycott for justice, police and firefighters willing to run up the steps of burning towers, people volunteering their time and resources to help flood victims in New Orleans. People who followed their passions and, in so doing, changed the world and the way we view it. He spoke of continuing to build your body of work, which is not complete by accomplishing one task. He told of Thomas Paine who was a failed corset maker, teacher, and tax collector before writing "Common Sense" and igniting a revolution; Julia Child who didn't publish her first cook book until she was almost fifty; Colonel Sanders who didn't open his first KFC until he was in his sixties.
One of the things he spoke of that really stood out to me is how our current national situation was created by selfishness and greed. the "what's in it for me" syndrome. That in order to truly make a mark on our lives, others lives, this country and our world we must put that aside. We must be selfless and focus on others.
His speech made me look at my life. What am I doing to make a difference? I'm raising two boys who will be part of the future of our world. But what else? Really, probaby not much. I'm sure there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference. But I haven't sought them out. Am I volunteering my time to good causes? Am I trying to make a difference in my community? Am I reaching out to my neighbors? Looking at it through the Gospel...am I really doing all I can do? Am I seeking out the sisters I visit teach, to befriend them, to love them? Am I fulfilling my calling to the best of my abilities? Am I trusting in the Lord and His path for me? Am I reaching out to those who may be struggling, whether it be financially, physically, emotionally or spiritually? Am I looking for those who need a friend? Am I trying to be more Christ-like? Am I a true disciple? These are questions that I really need to ponder, taking a hard look at my life and what I'm doing with it.
13 May 2009
ASU's Commencement Circus
Clayton is graduating with his Masters degree this week. He's worked very hard over the past year, spending time studying and doing homework instead of spending time with his family. I'm so proud of him and his accomplishments. He has yet to get lower than an A- in a class. And all while working full time and holding a calling in the EQ presidency. So I should be excited, right!?
I'm not excited. In all honesty, I'm annoyed even though I shouldn't be. And it's all because of our president. I'm not talking politics here. I don't care about his policies or his party. I don't care that it's an honor to have a current president speak at the ceremony. I do care that his accepting an invitation to speak at commencement is turning ASU's ceremony into a full-fledged circus. Commencement was originally planned for tomorrow night. But that didn't fit the president's schedule so ASU moved it, creating chaos for those who had finals scheduled for this afternoon and evening, having to be moved to another time. Instead of being held in Wells Fargo Arena, it's having to be held in ASU's Sun Devil Stadium. Each of the 8,000 graduates was told they would be able to get tickets for up to 6 guests. Normally tickets aren't even needed. It's supposed to be somewhere around 100 degrees today. Attendees were given a time to show up so that all 71,000 people didn't arrive at the same time. Yes, that's right. 71,000 people. The largest ASU commencement in history prior to tonight was 12,000. It's expected to be the largest commencement ceremony in US history. How 8,000 graduates, their potential 48,000 guests and faculty and staff add up to 71,000 is beyond me. Seems like more tickets got out than the graduates were told would be given out.
Then there is the 90 minutes standing in the scorching heat and that's just to get through the Secret Service security checkpoints which will be similar to the airport security. And that's not including the up to four hours of waiting in the blazing heat in the open air stadium. 200+ police officers and who knows how many secret service agents. Purses no larger than 12 inches, no knive or sharp objects of any kind, no weapons among other things. Air space is being restricted. For a college graduation ceremony. There won't be a parking spot available within 20 miles of the campus. Traffic on the nearby freeways will be a mess.
At 4:45pm the "pre-commencement show" will begin with performances by mariachis, gospel choirs and even Alice Cooper. Who has ever heard of a pre-commencement concert? And then there are the fireworks that will take place after the ceremony. What is this the 4th of July? This should be a time for graduates and their family and friends to celebrate graduation, not the full-blown carnival it's turning into. For those graduates who didn't want to deal with the mess, commencement is supposed to be aired on the ASU TV station. The big stations will carry the president's address...not the whole ceremony, just his address.
So why am I annoyed you ask? Clayton's last class and final were supposed to be tonight. As of 10pm tonight he should have been done with his coursework and we should have been celebrating. But his class was pushed off until tomorrow night. Not that one night is a huge deal most of the time, it's a big deal when we've spent most of the last year Clayton-less. All because the president is coming. I know I'm being petty. It's a great opportunity to see the president of the United States. We aren't going. We don't want to deal with the mess. And darn it! Clayton should be home tomorrow night and he won't be. He'll be taking his last final. So we have to wait one more day to have him back. Darn president.
I'm not excited. In all honesty, I'm annoyed even though I shouldn't be. And it's all because of our president. I'm not talking politics here. I don't care about his policies or his party. I don't care that it's an honor to have a current president speak at the ceremony. I do care that his accepting an invitation to speak at commencement is turning ASU's ceremony into a full-fledged circus. Commencement was originally planned for tomorrow night. But that didn't fit the president's schedule so ASU moved it, creating chaos for those who had finals scheduled for this afternoon and evening, having to be moved to another time. Instead of being held in Wells Fargo Arena, it's having to be held in ASU's Sun Devil Stadium. Each of the 8,000 graduates was told they would be able to get tickets for up to 6 guests. Normally tickets aren't even needed. It's supposed to be somewhere around 100 degrees today. Attendees were given a time to show up so that all 71,000 people didn't arrive at the same time. Yes, that's right. 71,000 people. The largest ASU commencement in history prior to tonight was 12,000. It's expected to be the largest commencement ceremony in US history. How 8,000 graduates, their potential 48,000 guests and faculty and staff add up to 71,000 is beyond me. Seems like more tickets got out than the graduates were told would be given out.
Then there is the 90 minutes standing in the scorching heat and that's just to get through the Secret Service security checkpoints which will be similar to the airport security. And that's not including the up to four hours of waiting in the blazing heat in the open air stadium. 200+ police officers and who knows how many secret service agents. Purses no larger than 12 inches, no knive or sharp objects of any kind, no weapons among other things. Air space is being restricted. For a college graduation ceremony. There won't be a parking spot available within 20 miles of the campus. Traffic on the nearby freeways will be a mess.
At 4:45pm the "pre-commencement show" will begin with performances by mariachis, gospel choirs and even Alice Cooper. Who has ever heard of a pre-commencement concert? And then there are the fireworks that will take place after the ceremony. What is this the 4th of July? This should be a time for graduates and their family and friends to celebrate graduation, not the full-blown carnival it's turning into. For those graduates who didn't want to deal with the mess, commencement is supposed to be aired on the ASU TV station. The big stations will carry the president's address...not the whole ceremony, just his address.
So why am I annoyed you ask? Clayton's last class and final were supposed to be tonight. As of 10pm tonight he should have been done with his coursework and we should have been celebrating. But his class was pushed off until tomorrow night. Not that one night is a huge deal most of the time, it's a big deal when we've spent most of the last year Clayton-less. All because the president is coming. I know I'm being petty. It's a great opportunity to see the president of the United States. We aren't going. We don't want to deal with the mess. And darn it! Clayton should be home tomorrow night and he won't be. He'll be taking his last final. So we have to wait one more day to have him back. Darn president.
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