So how are we all making out in this wild ride of weather? One day it’s nice and sunny, and it almost feels like you can wear shorts, then the next, it’s below freezing. I thought we had it bad when we got the little snow that put the highways in gridlock, but just the other day, we got some light freezing drizzzle that also wreaked havoc on us. Why is it that we can’t seem to get it together when this weather arises? The meteorologists are forewarning us, yet we are on the roads as if we’re clueless. I hope this weather is not affecting the students of Fontbonne too drastically. We’re halfway through the winter, and we’ve just started to experience bad weather. It will soon be over. The birds will be chirping and green grass growing. My how I can’t wait for those days!

Hello, Fontbonne, I just wanted everyone to be alert and be careful with the latest round of spring storms we have coming. According to a lot of newscasters this is going to be very severe and come out of nowhere. Be sure to be prepared to take shelter. I’m not sure how it works in dorms, but you should also make sure that your belongings are protected in case of loss; so if you’re renting, be sure to obtain renter’s insurance. If you have questions, I can help you out with information.  Of course, if you’re a homeowner, you should have insurance to cover your home. If you have a nice car that you would like to protect in the case of maybe hail damage or other weather instances, don’t forget to add comprehensive (other than collision) onto your auto insurance policy. Protect yourself so that you won’t have to start over alone. Be Safe!

I hope for those of you who are not from St. Louis that this strange weather is not getting you down. I will say that the snow yesterday was winter’s last hoo-rah! Spring will bolt in quickly, and we will all be able to pull out our flip flops and put the boots and coats away. So I say to you, don’t let the weather get you down. It will be over soon.

These legends were recognized today 2/15/11 with the Medal of Freedom, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a civilian in America.  They both play significant parts in American history and both come from different walks of life. I’m impressed by them both.  I’m a St. Louisan, born and raised, so of course I’m a Cardinal’s fan. I’m glad Stan is around and of sound mind and body in order to be able to enjoy his honor. Maya Angelou also has ties to St. Louis, born here in 1928  She’s a beautiful woman inside and out. I hope that many of you who have the opportunity will take time to research information on these two icons.

Graduation was held on December 18, 2010, on campus at Fontbonne. I believe this is the first year that they separated the ceremonies of bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I received my master’s so the ceremony was that morning. I had such a wonderful time. I was able to invite all of my family instead of a select few because we didn’t have to get tickets. My children, parents and a few other relatives all came. I rang the bell after the ceremony (my hands still hurt from that.) There was a moment when I cried; one of the graduating students passed away from cancer and her children were there to accept her degree. That was very sad but beautiful. I am an alum. I’ve been one for some years, I received my bachelor’s at Fontbonne as well. I would like to thank the university, its faculty and staff, all of the instructors and all of its supporters for making Fontbonne such a fine institution!

I attended the festival with my 2-yea- old daughter and 2-year-old cousin.  I have to say that we enjoyed every aspect of the festival. They were fascinated by the huge glow balls that you could climb into. It was freezing out but we still partook of the petting zoo and the carriage ride. The chilli and hot chocolate were superb. The entertainment was endless and I could barely pull them from the train. Kudos to Fontbonne for the celebration of winter. There was perfect weather for the event.   thank the committee for setting this up so perfectly. It was enough to tire the 2-year-olds, they were out like a light.

I’m preparing to graduate this fall. I can’t believe the end has come so quickly. I’m wondering where the road will lead me. I’m obtaining Masters of Science in Computer Education. This degree opens up a new opportunity for me. I have knowledge and abilities to facilitate a course online. What it has really done is provided me with the tools to incorporate technology with teaching. I should be able to build a curriculum that encompasses technology. I really think that I am ready to put this to use.

I have lots of good memories of Christmas past. I was wondering, what’s your favorite Christmas song, Christmas story or Christmas tradition? My favorite song is Silent Night (The Tempations version). My favorite story is The Night Before Christmas and my favorite tradition is meeting up with my family on Christmas Eve so that we can all exchange gifts at Midnight and then have a meal fit for a king, after that we return to our homes and wait for the kids to wake in the morning to open their gifts from Santa. Ahhh….

Well folks, I think the Fall is now among us. We have been enjoying glorious weather — 70′s in November — but now comes the time that we need to start bundling up and taking care of ourselves. Like your mom would tell you if you were home, “Put your coat on, be sure to get your gloves and don’t forget your scarf.” I know you like the ease of sliding into a great pair of flip flops but do try to put on socks and shoes that cover your feet. I don’t want you to catch cold because unlike when you’re at home with mom there’s no one who will be able to cater to your every whimper if you get sick. No hot tea from mom while she wipes your head with a cool towel. You will have to take care of yourself so it’s best to start now by trying to avoid getting sick altogether — in part by dressing appropriately.

Searching for a career has to be one of the hardest things you will do in life. You must be prepared because this is hard work. You put in the time and effort to obtain your degree; now comes the time to apply what you’ve learned. What companies do you desire to be a member of? How do you present your worth to them? Are they interested? What more can you do? Do you interview well? Can you speak without stumbling over your words? No squirming in your seat. No sweaty palms. Make eye contact. Have a strong hand shake. Did you do everything right? Are you hired? Are you on your way to putting your degree to use?  There is so much uncertainty in the business world, please prepare yourself and work hard to put your degree to use.