Robo, I went back to school in my forties. My first degree took me 10 years to get because I had PTSD from my childhood and I was in an abusive marriage. It's hard to concentrate in that manner. Also, I was always afraid to raise my hand for fear of having the wrong answer, even when I knew it was right. And, I had to have a 4.0, and I didn't want to "ruin it. Ha! All that vanished in my forties. I had an enriching and enlightening experience that was one of the best personal growth avenues I could have taken. Gone was the need to be perfect! Gone was the fear of a wrong answer! Gone was lack of concentration! I was able to pull it off even when cancer came along to sabatoge my final semester. You go girl! You can't go wrong with education. Love and Light, Lynn

Lynn, you're such an inspiration!

Robot, a little bit of confidence goes a long way. It grows similar to rolling a snowball into a snowman...or should I say snow-woman?

Robo, I have a friend who could totally relate - her husband is a teacher who does an after school group that competes in technology, and for at least six months out of the year, she hardly sees him at all between school and after-school activities. She's kind of at loose ends about what to do with herself, but she's taken on some volunteer jobs until she figures it out. I think she's hoping he'll retire soon...

That's definitely an imaginative name, I like it!

JoniGolden, the first two years I HATED robotics. Then my hubby paid the way for my youngest and myself to attend the national comptition held at that time at Epcot Center in Orlando, FL. The Columbine tragedy was in the morning and we were on the red-eye that night. I went from seeing that horror to witnessing the most awesome behavior in teens. There were 15,000 teens in one place and no shoving, cussing, booing. Everyone what helping everyone out with ideas and parts for free! This year we were in Atlanta, GA, and I guess if you were reaching for part of $8 million in scolarships, you'd be on your best behavior. I told one girl to slow down and she stopped and actually smiled at me and said "thank you".

I chose Doctor Karen because that's what my kids would finally scream when they couldn't get my attention any other way...like by saying "Mom"! Once they told me I was either at work or on the couch! You bet. I raised them from age 7 and 11 by myself. And...once in a while...a patient will call me Doctor Karen, instead of using my last name...it's very sweet. Maybe I'll be the next Dr. Phil! Karen

I'm afraid I'm not very original. My name is Dianne. But, my mom couldn't think of a middle name to go with it so stuck Karen in front and this has been a pain my entire life. Legally, I have to sign Karen.

Dianne, you're VERY original with a story like that!

Hello Doctor Karen! Fancy meeting you here!

My user name is stolen from a cartoon character I developed to help women in midlife get through the "change" with a little humor!

I love it and at a time like this we women need all the humor we can get. Welcome!!!

Minnie - LOVE your screenname.....! Very clever!
My user name is ME, MYSELF, and I. Guess I could have come up with something more creative than my actual name, but at least I can remember it easily...LOL!!!

Minnie,
I think I know you. Very nice site. Good for you.
smile