Start your studying

If you have not been studying your presidential candidates, begin now, things are moving quickly, and it is time to start educating ourselves about them. Last night, on CNN (which I rarely sit and watch for more than 30 seconds) the democratic debate involving Clinton and Obama was shown. I feel pretty silly, but I got so excited at the idea of change, I watched the whole darn thing which didn't start until 12 and ended at 1:30, and was broadcast from the University of Texas in Austin. They talked about border control, and creating pathways to citizenship. They spoke of English as the dominant language and movement toward the requirement of every student to study at least a second language to keep us in touch, accessible, and open to the rest of the world. They spoke of creating tax breaks for seniors living off of their Social Security (and paying taxes on it), and average families struggling to make it in today's America by cutting their responsibility by $1000 per year, while at the same time cutting corporation tax breaks for those who send jobs overseas, and for those making a higher level of income.
I battled initially with my decision between these two candidates. I feel strongly about them as people. I see benefits for each of them as members of our government, and I think that they both may offer extreme benefits to our nation. However, tonight I have seen a Senator Obama that I believe will best serve our country in the coming election and the duration of his presidency.
Many of the fall backs Senator Clinton waged against Senator Obama was the "inaction" and the words he spins in speeches and books. "He has less experience in government." He is a Senator, as is she. Does she have more experience because she lived in the White House? I want to examine them. He retaliated with a comment that as Senator one of the actions that he was able to instill was a change in policy where Walter Reed Vets, who previously while in hospital receiving care had to pay for meals. Do they want Universal Health care? They both argue they do, however they have different plans in how to achieve this goal. From what I have gathered while typing Clinton would instill a tax like deduction from income where everyone pays into a pot like Medicare, FICA, or whatever those other big money suckers are. Obama's focus is more on lowering premiums and making it more affordable for everyone, especially parents.
Okay, I am falling asleep and the debate us over, but I wanted to warn everyone that the Democratic Candidate will be determined in Colorado in August.
Post-debate, the reports concur that Obama starts off behind and then blows by Clinton in the conclusion of the debates! Pretty awesome. Rock on Obama!

Big Event January

Well,

As some of you know, I had my interview today at Pacific University. I have to say that as an experience, regardless of outcome, I met some of the coolest people from all different medical backgrounds, from all over the states today. I spoke with students about how they managed being away from their families, how it is to be $100 k in debt, how they continue going on when they feel there is no way they are going to be able to retain the wealth of information they are expected to. Every student was enthusiastic about the program, passionate about communicating to us the willingness of the faculty to help students succeed.

I really enjoyed the experience. I have never interviewed for a graduate school before, especially since I don't have my Bachelor's degree. I think that I was the only one in today's group that didn't yet earn a bachelor's degree. I was one of two who showed up wearing an outfit that was not a suit. I was the only one who went to the wrong campus first, therefor showing up a mere 5 minutes prior to program start time.

Surprisingly, the admission invitations and denials will go out Monday or Tuesday, so we should be informed of our status by next week. How lucky are we? The earlier groups have been waiting for months! The agony!

Dan and I went up and stayed at the Grand Lodge, had dinner with a friend, and soaked in the pool before heading to bed last night. We are glad to be home, and I am thankful that this chapter is done, and I can get back to my full load of classes. I have neglected them over the past week because its been so hard to think about anything but this day. And now this day is over, and I have done the best I can.

Why is Change so Scary?

Why is the thought of change, any change, such a frightening one? The thought of change, especially big change is one that evokes in me stomach churning nausea, which could be misinterpreted as the excited butterfly-feeling also, but I know better. What is it about big changes that we don't want to deal with? Is it the difficulty? The unfamiliarity? Is it a fear that we can't return to where we were? Perhaps it is the idea of the commitment to the change that is the source of apprehension. All I know is I have been presented a very unexpected opportunity, and I am terrified to seize it, and terrified to blow it simultaneously. I feel split in two and held together with inferior glue. Like I could just split in half at any given moment. I suppose it is a good thing that I simply don't have time for halving myself right now. This chance requires a drastic change in my school schedule, one that will require me to really manage my time and energy in the most efficient manner, and one that will require more time than I gave to school in this last year, while continuing to work. It is nerve wracking and has the potential to be hugely life changing for myself and my husband. Despite the fearful butterflies, I am trying my best to keep my head on straight, my eyes open to all the goals that need to be met to keep all the doors wide open for decision making a bit down the road.