Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Classes starting back...

So, winter break is over...and I am back in class...speech and psychology are the classes for this semester. I am not sure if I am wide awake at 3:30 this morning because I am anxious about classes or just because my mind is so full of "life thought." After 3 1/2 hours of thinking...who cares...I just want to sleep! :) (Ariel, Gracelyn could sleep over night here and we'd let you sleep!! Course, I'd be lacking in the feeding department...)
Anyway...starting Speech, reminds me of my first oral interview with the police department. I knew exactly what I was going to say but got in there and sounded like Elmer Fudd...seriously...I did. Although I had taught Sunday School, children's church, lead small groups, sung in front of big congregations .... When i had to sit at the end of a table with so many uniforms and rank...i sorta kinda folded. I spoke to Debbie Wagner about the situation and she suggested ToastMasters. Ever heard of it? It's a club that simply allows people to work on their public speaking. I grew to love going...if it wasn't your week to speak in front of everyone, there were still exercises that caused you to have to speak spontaneously. I never became a pro but I did benefit greatly. Starting up speech this semester just reminded me of steps I've taken in the past to be where I am today. I remember what I told, the now, Commander Blanton, during one of my earlier interviews..."I want to continue to learn, to grow, so I can be of service to those I meet.
Growing is good...painful sometimes, but very good...and well worth it.
Looks like 2011 is going to have growing pains...I'm ready...and God knows, behind a bit. May He always find me faithful...and during this semester, may I not be "speechless."