Stats Class - Day 1

It's still summer here in NC and yet, the Fall semester started today. On my schedule...my arch nemesis - statistics. I have done my best to avoid it, and tried to figure out alternatives to complete my math requirements without it. I even considered switching majors so I didn't have to take it. Statistics with the cranky, old man professor sent me packing as a student in the 1990's. I failed it and decided math and I would never meet up again. After twenty years of avoidance and the last seven months of math classes, I am ready to face the stats giant one more time. I am in MAT151 - Intro to Statistics.

My class site where most of my work will be done

Today was my first day of class. The stress has been building inside of me for months, and to be honest, the first few weeks of classes always make me want to run far, far away. Buying books, logging onto class sites, and figuring out what the professor's style and expectations are can be exhausting. But this morning I tried to offset my stress. I set my alarm for 6:00 to get my workout in before I made my way to campus. I felt great and ready for the challenge.

I got to campus and found a parking spot (not always an easy feat) with 20 minutes to spare. As I walked through the doors of the building, I was offered help to locate my classroom by a receptionist. Nice! Room 112 was a short walk from the entrance and there was my kind instructor; a young woman with a pleasant smile and she welcomed me to the class. I quickly met a fellow classmate who has five children of her own and that contact relaxed me even more.

After attendance was taken, the professor dove into the syllabus and I listened to a lecture. It wasn't too bad. In fact, it was almost enjoyable. I can see myself doing well and completing this class successfully. That's a good thing because I will make this trek 3 times a week until the middle of December.

Back to Reality

I thought the drive to and from Maine would never end. Other than the road trips, we had a wonderful summer vacation away from our everyday lives here in NC. Memories were made and relationships were nourished. One of the greatest highlights was our overnight stay in a family member's New York City condo. First Street and 50th Avenue could not be more different from our neighborhood, but it was that change that made the stay so great.

Our drive into Manhattan

There is something exciting and energizing about a city, particularly New York. People are everywhere and shops, restaurants, and markets are just a walk away. Alternative transportation is all around including buses, taxis, carriage rides, and bike tours. This is not my backyard!

We decided to take advantage of the twenty-four hours we had to basque in the city, so of course we walked. We headed to Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and Central Park. Our ambition remained strong until Times Square; it was there when our six year old decided she had no energy left. We urged her on so we could make it to the park of all parks. On our way back to the condo, I started talking with my daughter about what was different about this neighborhood from our own. The buildings were much bigger, apartments are where people live, it's noisy, and there weren't many yards to play in.

The city's beauty was even more evident at night. The lights from the buildings were reminiscent of fireworks - we didn't want to close our eyes and miss something. The energy continued to surround us even during the evening. It truly is the city that never sleeps.

The best spot for looking at the city AND for a card game

In the morning, none of us wanted to leave. With my large cup of coffee, I sat in the best spot of the home - a window seat that overlooked the buildings on 1st Street. I felt a slight tinge of sadness knowing this beautiful place existed and I would have to say goodbye to it. I soaked in the last moments of the amazing view, took a deep breath, and felt incredibly grateful for this 24 hour gift. What a wonderful break from reality - but it was time to go back and do life the best I know how.