The Occasional Sunday on the Acre, Take 19

Even though I am not officially 'here,' I thought I had better start a new thread since the old one was well over 500 posts and due to implode any day. No idea how the thread got so large when I am not around much these days!

I actually managed to finish 3 books this week. Given the state of my reading lately, that is saying something. For the Connie Willis fans out there, I read and enjoyed her Bellwether while I was in Joplin. I also finished up P.D. James Talking about Detective Fiction while I was there.

I had to do a serious double take! Is this a new Acre Thread? Wow! Great to see you Stasia! You have been missed!

Yay! Stasia started a new thread. So good to see you. Hope you're doing well these days.

What a surprise. Good to see you Stasia. So, what's the 3rd book you read?

Good to see you, even if unofficially!

I have Bellwether on the TBR bookcase of shame and I've had Talking about Detective Fiction on my wishlist for a while. Glad you enjoyed them and glad you made it to Joplin :-)

Lovely to see you, even if it's only in starts and spurts, and glad to hear you had such a great time in Joplin. But, like you said, how can you not?!? Have a great Sunday!

1: Happy Sunday Stasia!

Good to see you Stasia. That Thread Continuation button is very useful:)

Hi Stasia! It's great to see you here, and good news that you're getting some reading done. I'm spending a rainy afternoon reading romance - just for a change!!

Happy Sunday Stasia.. Glad to see you on here occasionally at least. :)

Hi Stasia - sounds like a great meetup was had in Joplin

Stasia nice to see you again on the threads. Hope it is a pre-cursor to more regular visits.

Good idea to start a new thread, Stasia. Thanks for the unofficial visit! Glad Joplin was a fun time (no surprise). Have a good week.

Thanks Stasia for starting a new thread, as I did not dare to add a message to your old thread ;-)
And glad to "see" you unofficialle here!

Oh, Stasia, so nice to see you here.

Your friend,
The Joplin Refusnick Grinch {grin}

Hi Stasia!

*waving madly*

I'll vouch for the fact that Stasia liked Bellweather. She kept giggling, and wouldn't tell me what was so funny, just that she was reading Bellweather. So I guess I'll have to read it...

It's a bonus Stasia!! Such a nice surprise this morning.

Stasia, hope you're doing well.

Good to see you here Stasia. Glad that you and the others had a great time in Joplin.

Joining the others to say it's very nice to see you among us once in a while Stasia. Wishing you all the best.

Hello Stasia! So nice to see you!

Oh goody, a thread that will load :-)

Popping in to say hello! Hope you are doing well

#2: Yes, it is me, Mark, believe it or not :)

#3: Hey, Pat! I hope you are doing well these days too!

#4: Charlotte, the third book was one in a paranormal romance series that I am revisiting, Dark Celebration.

#5: Hey, Heather! It is good to be here, even in an unofficial capacity.

#6: Thanks, Laura.

#7: I hope you had a wonderful day!

#8: Yes, I love the new thread continuation thingy. I wish LT would have had it years ago!

#9: All I have been reading lately (seemingly) is paranormal romances, Susan :)

#10: Thanks, Monica.

How nice to see your new thread this Sunday. I saw that Texas has more chance of snow tomorrow than Tulsa. I hope you get some beautiful flurries that don't stick! (And I hope I do, too!)

#11: It was a terrific meet up, Kerry, and I cannot wait until next year for another one!

#12: I am hoping that in January, my LT visits will be on a more regular basis, Paul.

#13: Thanks, Joe! I hope you have a good week too.

#14: Thanks, Anita.

#15: Becky! How dare you not show up for Joplin :)

#16: Hey, Katie! I wish you could have made Joplin this year. Maybe next year we can drive up together?

#17: Yes, you need to read it, Terri. Of course, I have a weird sense of humor. . .

#18: Hi, Linda!

#19: Thanks, Judy.

#20: Thanks, Ilana. My best to you too.

#21: Hey, Brit. It is nice to be seen!

#22: Happy to oblige, Nora :)

#23: Hey, Chelle! Thanks for popping in.

#25: Snow? I had not heard anything about snow here! Bring it on!

BJ's prediction of snow has come true. It is coming down now! Woot!

I am so glad that you got some snow! No snow for me yet.

Hello, Miss Stasia!

Hope the beautiful white fluffy flakes fluff up your spirits!
We all miss you here!

Nice to hear from you, Stasia. And congratulations on the snow. We are having the weirdest Nov/Dec I can remember here in NYC, warm and rainy. Bah Humbug. It definitely does not create that holiday New Year spirit.

I'm glad you had a good time in Joplin. Terri is a cheering presence, isn't she? I'll report in on the NYC meeting on Dec. 26.

Snow in Texas - wow! It's definitely got colder here but no snow so far.

#28: Did you end up with any snow, BJ?

#29: Unfortunately, it was too warm for the snow to last any length of time. By the time I was heading home from work, it was just a drizzling rain.

#30: It is strange when it is warmer in NY than it is here! I am looking forward to your report on the meet up, Judy. I wish I could be there.

#31: Heather, I am sure you will get your share before winter is over and done.

An unofficial Stasia thread, my morning is now complete. I've been absent as well so to find this wee gem of a thread put a smile on my face today. And you have snow, so jealous! Enjoy, and make a snowman for me.

Stasia, we love seeing a new thread from you, even unofficially or ocassionally.

Marvelous to see your new thread! Welcome back, however unofficially.

I'll be right out straight for the next couple of days, then leaving and won't be back home until the 28th at the earliest.

A Merry Christmas to you, Dear Stasia.

Snow in Texas? I don't even have snow here and I'm in Canada! ;)
It's been slushing out today though, started raining this morning and now it is wet chunks of slush falling. Not quite snow, more like a really thick rain

So nice to see a new thread from you Stasia! Enjoy the snow! (I'm sure it doesn't stick around long there.)

*Wave*

-3 and icy here.

>33 KiwiNyx: Kiwi, so you think snow is something to be happy about! Actually, it can snow all it wants now, I am retired and don't have to go out in the cold and the slush or take my weary bones off to work every day. :)

Enjoy making your snowmen, Stasia!

Alan/TT

Yes, we did get some flurries last night. Not too much, but fun nevertheless. :) Our oak out front is the prettiest it has ever looked with orange and rust leaves. But it always drops its leaves late. So I am hoping for more snow! Soon.

Not enough snow here for snowmen unfortunately! I wish there had been!

Let it snow. Let it snow. Let it snow...IN Texas...NOT NE Pennsylvania.

One storm thus far this year brought cancellation of a flight I needed to take to get to Ohio. The delay meant another flight into Philadelphia at a later time in the day. That connecting flight was then canceled, necessitating a hotel stay and new arrangements the next day.

Alan, how I wish I was retired. This is the first year that I've felt it was time to get out of the rat race. I have a few more years to go, but I really think it is time to wind down. I've mentored enough students, helped with enough college newspaper editions and assisted with 28 yearbooks.
I paid my dues.

Another Stasia fan madly waving hello!!!!

Hello Stasia! Nice new thread you have here. I was happy to see it!

Very happy to see you back Stasia :)
Wouldnt be LT without you!

Wow! What a fan club! Hope you have time to continue to contribute, and glad you could make it to Joplin.

#42: We were expecting snow showers again this morning, but they did not appear. It was 24 degrees this morning when I went to the grocery store though. I do not remember it ever being this cold this early in December here. I am not complaining - I like the cold myself, but I am just astounded.

#43: Kim! Glad to see you!

#44: Thanks, Joanne!

#45: Hey, Megan! I will be back full time in January, I hope.

#46: Thanks, Mike. My 'fan club,' as you put it, has stuck with me through a lot this year and I thank God for it.

Hello Stasia! Glad to see you "unofficially" back, and happy you had such a great time in Joplin (good on you for sticking to your book buying limit, too - WOW!).

I'm with Linda - more snow for you, but I'll take rain in Massachusetts over snow any day. We are forecast to get a rain/snow mix overnight, but fortunately little-no accumulation where I live. The Halloween snowstorm (and following several days without electricity) was enough for me, thank you very much! :)

They keep predicting a horrible winter here, in Chicagoland, but now, suddenly, they're talking how it's been one of the mildest starts to winter.

Among the past 127 winters, this is only the 5th or 6th time we haven't had measurable snow by this point.

Stasia, my sister in San Antonio is affronted that it is warmer in NYC than in her sunny desert city. But we up here aren't complaining yet. A little touch of snow due tonight, and by tomorrow we might actually be able to wear the winter clothes unpacked so long ago.

Nice to have your occasional visits here again.

I keep telling people it is like the US has been picked up and put back upside down! It has been colder here than in the north for several days and snow early in December? Almost unheard of!

Thanks for the visits, Mary, Linda, and Judy :)

Morning Stasia- I hope you are having a good week!

>5i I like that image! Explains a lot.

Hi Stasia! It's nice to see you here, even if only a little. I'm thinking of you, and hope you are well! Stay warm:) It's been very cold here as well after fairly mild weather. Puts us in the Christmas spirit!

Well Stasia...we had a little bitty bit of snow from 3:30-4:45 am (or so the post office chat bunch tells me---I sure wasn't up that early). But it certainly has turned cold enough for some white stuff to cover the uglies. Hope if you get snow it's pretty and doesn't cause too much disruption.

I had no idea that it even snowed in Texas ever. We've hardly gotten any of the stuff yet, though that's not unusual.

This will be my third winter in New York, and it always seems to me like it's unreasonably warm here. But then I somehow hear that every year is exceptional, so now I'm just confused.

OK, this is going to be a silly post, so just be prepared: I am enjoying reading again. For much of this year, I have not enjoyed reading and the funks have taken over. The book funks this year have really worried me - reading is the one thing in life that I am good at and if it was gone, what did I have left? I am still not back 100% but I am so much closer than I have been at any previous time this year. I am very much relieved by this. I appreciate you all and your outreaches to me in what has been a difficult emotional year for me.

Hooray! The post we have all been hoping for! I am thrilled for you, Stasia.

Yay!! What a great post to read this morning Stasia! Still sending you lots of positive vibes and Light!

Thanks, Janet! Thanks, Brit!

Yay, glad you are enjoying reading again!

Great news to hear, Stasia!

> Linda, As I have often told my children, I have worked for 50 years man and boy and it is enough! The old bones are beginning to ache!

Alan/TT

Yay, such great news! Not a silly post at all.

58: Wonderful news!

"...the one thing in life that I am good at..." Stasia, we all know that's not true! I think most of would say that LT and this group particularly is the wonderful, welcoming place that it is because you make it so. You reached out to most of us, and I am very grateful. You've had a tough year. I'm so glad your book funk appears to be over -- those are depressing! While you were gone, we all were missing the many, many wonderful things about you. Please take care of yourself -- we want to keep you!

I'm so glad to hear your old self surfacing. Emotional turmoil can remove us from our pleasures, and it's especially good to hear you are enjoying reading again.

That's good to hear, Stasia. Sorry it's been a tough year. Book funks like that would throw me off, too.

Glad to hear that you're starting to enjoy reading again, Stasia. That's great news.

What good news that your Funk is lifting, Stasia! It is one of my recurring nightmares that I lose the ability to read. May it never happen to any of us.

Stasia, that's great news. I'm so glad you're feeling better.

Good to see you posting, Stasia! Happy to hear that the book funk has subsided.

Sandy K

#58 Wooo! :-) But I also think that you are good at lots of other things...

Stasia, such great news. I am glad you are coming out of your funk. I know what being in a funk feels like. It is a reliefe when you start to come out of that. Enjoy your reading dear you deserve it!

Good to see that positivity has taken its rightful place Stasia despite the snow in Texas! Great to see you back posting and long may it continue.

Good news Stasia! Reading funks are the worst so I'm glad yours is lifting. BTW we were supposed to get our first snow today but it sort of fizzled out. We got maybe an inch which will be gone because next week the temps are supposed to be in the forties. Oh yeah....that's in Buffalo.

I hear you about the reading funks Stasia...I seem to be in the middle of a mini-funk right now. I think I've started at least 10 books in the past two weeks that I just didn't get past page 20 and had no desire to try. I usually find that if I go back later many will jump out at me. So glad tho that you have rejoined the chat. We've defintely missed you.

Hooray for Stasia!

Has anyone read Earthlight, and do you think my 13 year old could read it?

Hi and thanks for visiting the Acre everyone! I am glad to say it looks like the book funk is gone - hopefully for good.

Jenn, I have not read Earthlight. I wish I could help.

>80 alcottacre: Stasia, I had a book funk lasting a year when my first wife died after 35 years of marriage, so I sympahise with you. I thought I would never want to read again but the desire came back slowly and then in full force!

Do you remember reading the opening chapters of my book The Book Traveller all those years ago! You told me to let you know when it was finished, well, it was published last Wednesday!

Alan/TT

Hi Stasia! Thanks for coming by to visit my thread. I'm glad you had such a great time in Joplin!

Stasia, that's wonderful news! I'm so glad your enjoyment of reading has returned. It's certainly not the only thing you are good at, but I know it's such an important thing and something we book-lovers take for granted, and it's so troubling when books lose their appeal.

Hoping that the coming year for you will be full of much reading joy, and other joys too!

Just sending you a smile on this Saturday! (I'm not so savvy with all the graphics. . . )

Hi Stasia, although I'm visitng LC only sporadically I was glad to see your new thread and that you active again. It's always a pleasure to read your comments although I miss your earlier greater involvement in LC.

Back home, although tired after flying across the country today. So glad to hear you enjoyed Bellwether, one of my favorite books, and that reading is enjoyable again.

Great news, I knew you'd beat the funk eventually!

OK, people, I really need some help: I am looking to go to an online college and get a degree - at this point, I am looking into paralegal studies - but am having a tough time finding a good online school to go to. Given my schedule, I really have to pursue an online program. Any recommendations?

I have been looking for a new job for 8 months now and have had no luck. I thought perhaps if I got a degree that might help, but I want it to be a degree that is actually worth the paper it is printed on. The one school I thought about going to, Kaplan, is terribly expensive and the reviews are not all that good. I trust you all and your input would be welcomed. Thanks!

Stasia, I think that's an excellent idea. I finished my degree through distance learning about 12 years ago. The university offered all my papers in their extramural programme and as I was busy with young children it was an ideal option.
I'm crossing my fingers that you find something suitable.

Hi, Stasia! I didn't realize that your thread was still active, so I apologize for not following you over the past couple of months. I'm glad to hear that your love of reading has returned, and I'm very happy to hear that you're thinking of obtaining an online degree. I'll have to give it some thought, but I can't think of anyone I know who is a paralegal off hand.

Glad to see you're back, but most importantly glad that you are recovering your old self. Good luck with the search for a place to earn an online degree; it is really a growing field. WARNING: I have no personal knowledge of this school but Monroe College has been advertising on the NYC subway for its online program, using examples of people in positions like you and avatiakh, people whose schedules, because of work or family responsibilities, can't attend day-time classes.

Yaaay.. glad to hear the long book funk is over and that you're starting to enjoy reading again, Stas. We surely did miss you and having you share your thoughts on books you'd read.

Stas, you want to make sure you enroll in a college that offers accredited paralegal degrees. There are a few out there, but I know a couple of people who took online paralegal associate degrees from Bryant & Stratton and Hodges University, who've said that their programs and tutors were good.

#88 I'm afraid I don't know about courses in the US which isn't particularly helpful but sending thoughts and prayers as you try to decide what to do.

My friend got paralegal degree from Roosevelt University. I'm not entirely sure that the have an online program now but I think they do.

>88 alcottacre: Stasia, great idea to do a course online, but make sure it is an accredited college. Do your homework carefully before enrolling as there are some sharks out there. Check with the appropriate authorities that the degree and the college is actually recognised.
I, too, will be thinking of you and remembering you in my prayers as you make this important decision.

Alan/TT

And of course, as you probably have read or heard in the news, there's a big scandal about the for-profit schools, especially those who promise job placement. So research is the key. I wish you the best on this project - it's always nice to have new and accredited skills to put on the table.

Personally, I credit Joplin for the end of your book funk.

Hi Stasia. I'm finally coming by to say hi and see that you are starting to feel better! Great!

Good luck with finding an online course that suits you!

Fantastic news that the book funk is over! And good luck with finding an online degree course - sounds like a great idea. (You could probably also run a sideline business summarising all the reading for your fellow students!)

Hi Stasia!! My ex's niece is a paralegal near Milwaukee. I will ask her if she did any of her schooling online.

It's been so nice to see you pop up on various threads recently. Stasia. You have been greatly missed, looking forward to hearing about your reading. Yeah, for end of book funk!

Stasia, online education isn't just for private startups anymore. If you haven't done so already, it's probably worth a phone call to your local community college to ask about their programs.

Almost all state schools now offer some courses online, and many now offer fully-online programs. (If you think they're mostly doing it in order to compete with University of Phoenix, Kaplan, et al. then you're being cynical. Right, but cynical.) It still won't be cheap, but in-state tuition could be a better deal than the Kaplans.

I appreciate everyone's help and input as I try to decide which program is for me. I have checked with the local colleges, Stephen, and neither of them offers a paralegal program. I have read numerous online reviews of various colleges - I literally spent half of my shift last night doing nothing but reading college reviews - and the program at Southern New Hampshire University looks very good. I am enquiring into it as well as continuing to pursue other inquiries as well. The one thing I know for sure at this point is that Kaplan is definitely out. The bad thing about me going back to school is the fact that I will not be here much. . .so I may just end up dropping out of the group.

Terri, I think you are right about Joplin :)

Completely forgot to mention that I am picking Catey up for the holidays after I get off work at 8am. Woot!

BTW - I read a couple of excellent young adult books this past week - Thirteen Reasons Why and Graceling, which are completely opposite in tone - and would highly recommend them both, if anyone is interested.

I am current reading The Night Circus and greatly enjoying it.

Hi Stasia, it's wonderful to see you back on LT. And good to read that the book funk is finally over. I can't help you out with any online colleges, but I'll keep my fingers crossed that you'll find a really good one.
I've heard so many good things about The Night Circus, I'll move it to my 2012 wishlist.

Hey, Nathalie! Thanks for dropping by.

Morning Stasia- We all loved The Night Circus. Glad you are too! Please reconsider dropping out of the Group. We would miss you to much! Sad face!

I'm with Mark! We would much rather settle for the occasional Stasia than no Stasia at all!

I hope if you need to drop out it isn't completely I would much rather see your posts occasionally than not at all. Good luck with school hunting. Will keep my fingers crossed for you.

Hope that you find the right school and that we still hear from you every now and then next year.

Take care of yourself.

Stasia, I agree with everyone else that we need Stasia to pop in at least once in awhile!

Glad to hear that the book funk is over.
Good luck on finding the right on line course.
Even if you are busy with the course- you should drop by for visits!

Yes, good luck in finding the right school, Stasia, and I join everyone else in hoping you can occasionally stop by and post.

Glad to hear the book funk is lifting--and to see your posts. Best of luck with the school search--and I echo the hope that you stay part of the group and drop in from time to time.

Good luck with the online school. I will ask around and see if anyone I know knows of a good one.

Hello Stasia!! So nice to see you posting again. I'm glad that things are going better for you these days. Except on the job front that is. Did you look into the National Paralegal School (or maybe its NP College)? I've heard of them but don't know their accreditation status.
I hope you have wonderful and festive holidays with your family. Best of luck with school and job hunting.

I missed all this!!! Stasia on the threads and on the road!!! Having Caty home is going to make for a great holiday!!!
I'm thrilled to see people offering some good advice about the online schooling, and I'm triply thrilled to know that books are coming back to you! You go, Girl!

I took some library courses online from a comunity college. I think you might be the perfect kind of person for the distance learning thing. My courses were to lead up to a library "certificate" (good for what I don't know). I took them for a professional growth bump on my paycheck. I didn't complete the courses however, since they required a 40 hour internship and wouldn't let me do it in the library I am already working. (The librarian did for her master's degree!) That would have meant working an additional 6 hours per week, a whole 'nother day! I got enough credits for the P.G. raise so I scrapped it.

*sigh* I think I'm going to be the very last person on this planet to read Night Circus. I know, I know .. everyone's loved it or is loving it, but I'm so afraid to read it right now because of all the glowing reviews. It is, however, at least in my TBR Tower.

Stas, the nice thing about distance learning courses is you have more flexibility in terms of working at a pace that suits you. I did one of my masters programs through distance learning because I just couldn't make the on campus classes each week because my job required me to take on a heavier travel schedule. So I did the initial part of it through a traditional on campus program, and then rest of it through distance learning and I think I enjoyed the distance learning program more. Mainly because the discussion groups were a lot more open since it was all through threads (much like here on LT) for each lecture's course, and since nobody was physically in the same room, I think it allowed people who may otherwise have been a little too shy a forum where they had a voice equal to everyone in the 'class'. Teamwork through distance learning can be a bit of a challenge though, and I remember in one of my classes, I ended up picking up a hefty chunk of the work because one of our team members was never on time with her deliverables or it wasn't of a standard I would have preferred. And since the team project contributed to my final grade for the class, I picked up her slack so I and the team wouldn't get a bad grade.

But all in all, I had a good online experience.

Stasia, you could stay in the group and post to let us know about all the interesting legal books you are reading for your course......

Stasia, I'm thrilled to hear you want to take a paralegal course. I don't know a bloody thing about on-line courses; when I did mine there was no such thing as the internet, let alone colleges on it. (Hardly anyone knew what a "paralegal" was, as a matter of fact.) But I'd be honored to have you join my profession, however you go about it. And I'll also join the chorus of "Don't Quit the Group". We will all want to have periodic updates on how it's all going. Even if you don't read a thing that isn't an assignment, you can stop in and catch us up from time to time.

Stasia, I would suggest checking out a local paralegal association to ask what schools have a good reputation where you live, as that will matter when you are job hunting. (I don't know what part of Texas you're in, but I see there are North Texas, Panhandle, Alamo & Capital area associations. If they have networking events, you can socialize and start to pick up the lay of the land.)

You might also want to look at the two national associations for paralegals - NFPA and NALA to see what they recommend.

Good luck! I hope you don't have to drop out of LT completely, but certainly if you're working and going to school we won't expect to see your here as frequently as in the past.

Stasia, reference the online degree. I'm checking with an acquaintance of mine who happens to work in an online University (I don't recall the name of the school), but I asked him to tell me honestly which university is advisable if a person wants to learn and have a degree that is credible to get a job.
I'll let you know.

Are you drowning in advice yet?

No, I am not drowning in advice yet, Judy, and I appreciate everyone's input :)

Ardene, you mentioned something I had not thought of - checking with a local paralegal association, so I will see what I can find out tomorrow. Thanks for that thought.

Tina sent me a link via e-mail about a paralegal institute in Houston and I have contacted them about their program and have sent out feelers about several others as well.

Manuel, I appreciate you checking with your friend for me.

97: I think Terri is correct - as usual. Joplin revived my spirits, too.

Best of luck in finding a good fit for online learning. My first real job was as a legal secretary, and I loved it. I was considering becoming a paralegal or attorney until motherhood took over!

Hello to Catey. Will she be home through the holiday season? Have fun!

Yup, I was in a bit of a book/LT slump and found that going to the meetup in Boston revived my spirits too.

Also, I'll join everyone else in saying that I hope you'll at least post occasional updates, Stasia.

#126: Yes, Donna, Catey will be here until after Christmas. We are going to celebrate her birthday (January 14) while she is with us too.

#127: Those LT meet ups are miracle workers, aren't they, Zoe?

I just picked up The Night Circus tonight from the library--it came in while I was gone, just too late for the group read, but I plan to get around to it next week.

I think checking with both the local and national organizations is a great idea--they should have good feedback as to which schools are reputable and which are just highly priced certificate mills. My profession also has many of the latter, and it's important to know what you are getting into.

I vote for the occasional Stasia appearance as opposed to dropping us completely! We would never recover from the rejection.

I'm hoping that The Face in the Frost is going onto your reading table soon--I can't wait to hear what you think of it.

Roni, I have already started The Face in the Frost and am enjoying it.

Caro was kind enough to call me tonight at mentioned checking with the law firms in the area about internship programs that they might have available, so I am pursuing that avenue as well. She also mentioned another couple of schools for me to check into, so homework is stacking up for me already!

*waves while passing by*

Sending some good vibes on the paralegal front!

#131: Hey, Piyush! *waving back*

#132: Thanks, Brit!

phew, just caught up.
Hope you dont drop out next year Stasia, i agree with Janet (in London) that you could stick around even if its just so we can say hi to you!
Exciting about new training, I hope you find the right course for you.

Well, it looks as though I can start school as early as January 11th. Fingers crossed that financial aid comes through for me!

That's great (and quick) Stasia. Did you decide on a school?

>128 alcottacre: Yes, the LT meetups really do work miracles!

Fingers crossed for the financial aid.

#136: Yes, I have decided on Bryant & Stratton. It is a 2-year rather than 4-year course. I figure I can get the associate's degree and then decide if I want to continue on.

#137: Thanks, Zoe. I sent in the app today.

That's great news, Stasia, fingers are crossed!

Morning Stasia- Congrats on starting school! I admire your initiative. Hope all is well.

How exciting, Stasia, to be able to start so soon and to have found a place that seems right for you! Good luck with the financial aid too. Glad things are looking up for you.

Wow, well done, Stasia - you are obviously really motivated. I hope it's great.

Excellent!

Congratulations, and good luck!

Exciting news, Stasia. Good luck.

I have submitted my application, applied for financial aid, written my acceptance essay, and taken both the math and English placement exams. The only thing I have left to do is fax over my transcript permission request for the college to get my high school transcript. Whew! It has been a busy week!

Wow, things sure have been moving right along for you Stasia. Am wishing you all the best in your new endeavours. Sounds like 2012 has a lot of new things in store for you!

Way to go Stasia, things are happening very quickly for you which is great!

:) Seeing you back in a bunch of threads
:) Finding you here!
:) Book funk is gone
:) Going back to school
:) Picking one that looks right
:) Getting all the paperwork done
:) 2012 looking good!
:( Losing you again?

I applaud your efforts to surge forward and wish you lots of luck with all the details - including financial.
You will be a star pupil! Keep your goal directly in sight at all times! YAY STASIA!

Stasia ringing applause from Kuala Lumpur on a veritable blizzard of activity. As a student of law and english I find that a love of both helps the study of either. The very best of luck with the course and it is good to see you so active again. The rate you've raced through 150 posts is startling.

Lots of things happening very quickly here - including requests for additional information for the college. Catey is home visiting as well, so a lot going on.

Thank you all for your encouragement!

Wow, you are really on top of things, Stasia! Good work getting so much done toward starting school, and best of luck with studies!

Thanks, Terri.

Good luck with all the application process.

Thanks, Kerry! I thought I was done only to find that the school needed more stuff from me. Hopefully, the fax I sent tonight will suffice.

Morning Stasia- Hope you have a good and productive weekend!

Wow! How can you leave this group?

Good luck Stasia! I'm so impressed by your motivation!

Hope everything goes well Stasia - sounds like a very good plan.

#156: Thanks, Mark!

#157: I honestly do not think I can, Mike.

#158: Thanks, Brit!

#159: Thanks, calm. I certainly hope so!

Also sending you best wishes for your school application - how exciting!

Just adding my good wishes! It's good to see you here again, Stasia.

Yay Stasia!! Happy happy to hear the good news!!

Nice to read all the good news!

Give my regards to Catey.

Peeking in, Stasia, and wishing you all the best with the school paperwork :)

Excellent news Stasia, I'm so excited for you, a new chapter about to begin at the Acre.

How wonderful, Stasia, you'll be starting a whole new phase in your life!

Found this article on Yahoo News: http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/dish/201112/nfl-star-becomes-bookworm-after-pris...

I thought you all might find it interesting.

Thanks for the votes of confidence regarding my schooling! Anita, I will pass on your regards to Catey.

The sad thing, other than having spent time in jail for doing something really stupid, is that neither his home environment when he was growing up, nor the school system that he attended (through college) instilled in him the idea of learning and expanding his knowledge through reading.

168: Thanks for that interesting article, Stasia. It appears that Plaxico Burress might need an LT account.

Wow, things are all awhirl down in Sherman. You don't mess around when you make up your mind. As fellow students, maybe we can share study tips. ;-)

Wow, I never would've guessed that one with Plaxico Burress. Thanks, Stasia. I hope the week ahead is a good one for you.

There's always hope for everyone, and I hope Plaxico uses this experience to turn his life around for the better. Good article, Stas.

Thanks for that interesting article Stasia and good luck with the ongoing college experience. Good for you.

Ditto everyone else, Stasia! So proud of you for getting the ball rolling so quickly - congratulations and good luck!

School? Cool, Stasia! Good Luck. :)

I guess Plaxico Burress is a good example of 'it is never too late to learn!' He is reading some good stuff too.

Thanks for the good luck wishes!

Good Morning Stasia! It was a fascinating article, although I always laugh whenever Burress is introduced because he is almost always introduced as that "football player who shot himself in the thigh." It just makes me laugh at his stupidity!

##breaks out the pompoms##

Go, Stasia! Go, Stasia!, Go, Stasia!

I'm so excited for you and your school plans!! Congrats and good luck. =)

Congratulations on turning around the application so quickly, and good luck!

Hey Stasia. Ah...things are back to normal. I was about 100 posts behind on your thread. LOL! I, too, had a big reading slump this year. But November and December have been great reads. Hope your reading continues to bring you great joy and I am sending best wishes with all things academic. Have fun with your daughter and Merry Christmas!!

Yikes...135 posts since I last visited here!

Hello Sweet, Dear Stasia!

#178: David, a picture in my head of you with pompoms is making me smile :)

Stopping by to wish you a wonderful festive season, Stasia! Merry Christmas!

Best of luck to you with all your new exciting plans! The school is so lucky to have you! God bless!

All fingers and toes crossed for the application process, Stasia! (Thshg maiks it vrrrrrrrrry hide to tiep, tho!)

Hi Stasia, I am so far behind on threads it's depressing me. So happy to come here, then, and see that you are applying for school! Congratulations -- I hope you have a wonderful experience. For what it's worth, my entire masters program is online. I'm just over half way done, so it's been a successful learning environment for me. My brother also teaches an online course at the Univ. of Denver -- while he lives in Munich. So cool that the internet can connect people from such different places -- just like LT:) Good luck to you. I'll grieve if you leave LT, but no matter where you are, I'll be cheering for you!

Merry Christmas Stasia!! Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday!!!

Have a great holiday, Stasia!

Merry Christmas, Stasia!

I wanted to say it now, as I'll be away and may not get much of a chance to be reading threads over the next few days.

Best of luck in your endeavors in 2012 with school and everything. My, will you be a busy lady!

Best of the holidays to your and your family, Stasia. Looks like 2012 is going to be a busy and productive year for you.

Merry Christmas, Stasia! Have a wonderful holiday. Hope to see a little more of you in the New Year!

Thanks for your holiday wishes! I know I am going to be busy over the next few days (yes, I have to work too!), so . . .

I miss seeing you around LT, Stasia, but so happy to hear your plans.

Have a very Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas, Stasia.

Merry Christmas Stasia!

Merry Christmas Stasia!! I am so excited for your plans for the new year for yourself. Best wishes that everything goes smoothly for you and hopefully we can still see you on here next year at least here and there :)

>192 alcottacre:: Thank you for that lovely Christmas greeting, Stasia. Wishing you and your family a most wonderful Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Stasia!

Merry Christmas Stasia!

#198 Perfect!! Merry Christmas Stasia!!

Merry Christmas, Stasia!

Merry Christmas, Stasia!!

Merry Christmas Stasia!

Look at all the books stacking up here in my absence. If only I had time to read them! :)

glitter-graphics.com

Merry Christmas, Stasia!

Stasia have a lovely a positive Christmas and New Year. Trust that 2012 brings you all your heart desires.

glitter-graphics.com

Stasia - hope you and yours have a wonderful 2012.

Merry Christmas Stasia.

Thanks for the Christmas wishes! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday too.

Merry Christmas Stasia!! Hope you have a great one!

Merry Christmas Stasia....I thought of you yesterday while I was in a real Barnes and Noble store - got out w/o buying a single book! Enjoy your holiday with your family.

Hello my favorite LT angel who called me all the time when I wasn't feeling well. You have blessed so many of us with your love and warmth. Thank you. I send you all my best wishes for a wonderful, Merry, Merry Christmas!! xoxo

Merry Christmas Stasia!!

mistletoe smooches!

Merry Christmas, Stasia. I've just caught up with your college plans, which sound exciting, particularly as you can start so soon. Now remember, if you need any trashy romance recommendations for in between those textbooks, you know where to come :-)

Merry Christmas, Stasia!

Merry Christmas, Stasia! Thank you for your kindness and hospitality here.

Sandy K

Merry Christmas, Stasia, and all the best with your paralegal studies next year. You'll be an asset to whoever you work for.

Wishing you all the very best Stasia!

Merry Christmas, Stasia! I wish you good luck with your studies next year, and I hope that you'll update us on your progress, if not your reading.

Merry Christmas to you, Stasia, with best wishes!

Merry Christmas, Stasia!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas, Stasia! It's so exciting to read about your new plans for studying - I do hope that works out well for you.

Merry Christmas Stasia!

Merry Christmas, Stasia!

I had a terrific Christmas day. I hope everyone else did too!

Stasia
I'm so glad you had a terrific day! May 2012 be a Happy one for you.

Glad your Santa day was terrific! Ours was very merry too.

Merry Christmas, Stasia, and Happy New Year--wishing you good things in 2012.

I was positively spoiled with books this Christmas: A Dance to the Music of Time, 1st Movement and Dervish House from Peggy (LizzieD), New York to Dallas from my hubby, and I was able to purchase 3 books with the gift card Tina (tututhefirst) sent me for Mark's book swap, The Poisoner's Handbook and 2 romance novels by Christine Feehan. Not only that, but Caroline (cameling) sent me a wonderful T-shirt that says 'So many books, so little time,' a sentiment we can all relate to, I am sure.

Thank you all for your gift of friendship through what has been an admittedly difficult year. You have all blessed me in more ways than I can count.

Stasia, you make it very easy to be a friend to you, so we or at least I should be thanking you. I am so glad you had a wonderful holiday with suc wonderful gifts that we all know you will put to good use. :)

Morning Stasia- Hey, it looks like you did good, book-wise! Congrats. Nothing like new books, right?

Glad to see your book gift list- have a great holiday week!

I've always been curious about the Anthony Powell series. Maybe I'll join you this coming year.

Stasia, I liked the new J.D. Robb book but my mother finished it late last night and thought it was the best one in the series.

A very late Merry Christmas Stasia and all the best for 2012. And that's a great list of book presents!

Well, I've been away from LT myself for much of this year and have just been catching up a bit. I was excited to read you were considering the program at Southern NH University - I thought we might be classmates! I'm starting next week in their MFA Creative Writing program - mostly online. I also finished my undergraduate degree 3 years ago and am just finishing a Masters in Education - both largely online. The flexibility was great for me and I do think the discussions were much more in depth and more reflective than face-to-face classroom discussions tend to be.

Good luck, Stasia!

Stopping by to wave hello on this very cold wintery NE PA night.

Much Love

Great sack o' books you got there, Stasia. You must have an "in" with Santa! I hope you find some time to enjoy them soon.

Have a great holiday week Stasia, and all the best for 2012! May it bring you all the positive changes you are desiring, plus many great reads.

Hello everyone and thanks for stopping by the Acre again. I have been extremely busy this week, what with getting Catey ready to go back to school and then driving her to Longview and back.

I came back from Longview with another new book, Goliath by Scott Westerfeld, so now that I own the entire trilogy I look forward to reading the books in the new year.

Ooooh, that trilogy is so good. I hope you enjoy them all, Stasia!

So glad that things are looking up for you, Stasia; may the new year bring you health and happiness.

Loved The Poisoner's Handbook! Read it first!

And a Happy New Year to you! Sounds like it will be!

#243: I have read the first book, Micky, and I liked it a lot. I am currently re-reading it in preparation for reading the next two.

#244: Thanks, Gail. Same to you!

#245: I have already read and loved The Poisoner's Handbook, Terri. It is one of those books that I liked so much I wanted a copy for my personal library - and now I have it!

Wow, I've missed a lot by not checking in here more often. Good luck with the new course - I'm sure you'll be the star pupil. Please let us know how you're getting on. A Joplin meet-up is a life-changing event, isn't it?

Happy for you!

#247: Yes, Joplin is! I have already put the next meet up on the 'Meet Ups' section of the 2012 wiki :)

Morning Stasia- Just stopping by to wish you a Happy New Year! I'm looking forward to another great reading year. And I hope to see you around a bit more often. Hugs!

Hey, Mark! Happy New Year to you too!

Hi Stasia!! Stopping to send you best wishes and Happy Reading in the New Year!

Thanks, Tammy!

Happy New Year, Stasia! I hope it's a great 2012 for you. (I can't believe that number! As a kid I always wondered what it would be like to live in a futuristic year like that).

#253: I know what you mean, Joe! How did it get to be 2012 already? Wasn't 2000 just yesterday?

2012 is looking better already! I found out this morning that, although not approved for 100% financial aid, I am covered for 3/4. Looks like I will be starting school January 11th.

Great! Congratulations, Stasia. What terrific news. Good luck with school!

>254 alcottacre: Time passes too quickly. I can't believe the year is over!
Great news on the financial aid! You deserve it Stasia!!!!!

Thanks, Tammy & Joe!

And now, off to bed with me. This makes the second day this week I have been up 24+ hours. I am getting too old for this!

Congrats on getting funding, Stasia! I wish you much luck with your studies. :)

What great news about the financing Stasia! Starts off the new year on a good footing, doesn't it?

I've got the first and the last books of Scott Westerfeld's trilogy. Haven't gotten to Leviathan yet, but hope to do so in February for Fantasy February. Goliath was given to me by a woman in our Montreal Book Bloggers group, where we do a book exchange when we get together. I hope I like the first one and will want to continue with it!

Happy New Years and all the best wishes to you Stasia!

WOOT WOOT....great news on the financial aid package. I'll be pulling for you as you show them they picked the right person to help out. Best wishes for all your new endeavors.

Woo-Hoo! You go, girl! I'm so VERY proud of you!

So happy to hear about your good news, Stasia! I hope that you are getting some well-deserved rest while we're here on your thread celebrating!

Congrats on the funding and starting school soon!! Wishing you well :)

Glad to hear about the funding!

Thanks, everyone. I have the official financial funding letter in-hand. I cannot wait to get started! January 11th is just around the corner.

Congrats on your funding, Stasia, and good luck with getting started. How long of a program is it?

Happy new year!!

Linda, the program is 2 years long. Once I receive my Associate's degree, I will determine whether I want to go on and pursue my Bachelor's.

Happy New Year to you, too!

Great news about the funding Stasia :-)

Thanks, Heather!

Congrats Stasia! Great news on the aid package. That'll let you concentrate on learning not paying!

Congratulations Stasia. You are on your way to a new great future!

Congratulations, no stopping you Stasia!
Good luck getting started the 11th.

Thanks, Joanne, Manuel, and Anita! I am really looking forward to challenging myself in school. Of course, I say that now. . .

This is just so exciting! Congratulations on the funding, and congratulations even more on figuring out what you want to do! Have a wonderful 2012.

Congrats on the funding!! Good luck with your studies!! :)

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!!! Good Luck with the studies!

Please keep us posted, Stasia. I love legal talk...

Big congratulations, Stasia. I know you'll do well. You're a star already in my book.

Here's to a very Happy 2012!

See you in 2012

Stasia, I wish you a very Happy New Year, it'll be an especially exciting one for you no doubt! See you in 2012!

Making my final tour of the 2011 threads, before going to my own and posting yearly statistics and a Happy New Year to all, before creating my 2012 thread. Guess what I'll be doing tomorrow? Do you know that Richard already has over 100 messages over there?
I've loved reading your thread this year, Stasia, and look forward to 2012.

Happy New Year, Stasia! Hope that 2012 is a wonderful year for you!

Sandy K

Wonderful news about the funding, Stasia. Congratulations and Happy New Year to you!

Happy New Year and Congratlations, Stasia!

Here's to a better 2012!

Thanks everyone for the comments and congratulations! Pat, you are a sweetheart!

Happy New Year everybody!

Such good news to round off your last thread of 2011! May next year be a fulfilling, interesting and happy one for you!

Thanks, Genny!

Starting school with a huge financial aid package! What a great way to start the New Year!

Oh, how happy I am for you!

Thanks, lovey!

Congratulations Stasia - what a fantastic start to 2012!! Happy new year.

Happy New Year Stasia! ...unstarring now....see ya on the 2012 threads!

Happy new year Stasia - hope to see more of you in 2012!

Finally found you! Happy New Year! & let me know when you start a new thread!

Great news for you. I'm wishing you all the best for a busy and rewarding New Year.

Hi Stasia! Happy New Year, and a belated Merry Christmas, welcome back and congratulations!

Thanks everyone! Happy New Year to all of you!

I will probably not start a 2012 thread until January 8th, just so you know.

Happy New Year and Congratulations, Stasia! I hope you have an easier time getting back into the habit of studying and writting papers than I did when I went back to school. That said, going back to school can be very exciting. Good luck!!

Happy New Year Stasia!!

Happy New Year, Stasia. And congratulations on receiving such a rich financial aid package. We're all rooting for you. I'll be watching next week for your new thread.

Happy New year, may this be awesome for you !

congrazz on everything Stasia! I eggerly await your thread next week.

Happy New Year Stasia and congratulations on the funding for your training this year, what a great christmas present! Here's to a great 2012 year for all!

Congratulations on the funding. I know you will be head of your class. Happy New Year!! BTW...Finished the first of the Three Pines series. Now I have to hunt down some more! Thanks for hooking me. : )

Stasia, Happy New Year and congratulations on the funding; best wishes for your studies!

Congratulations on the school news--it sounds like a very exciting new year!

Thanks, everyone and Happy New Year to you all!

*Woot!* Kim is on the Three Pines Bus!

*Woot!* my a&&. Grumble, grumble. And don't say it was my fault just because you found it on my WL! Another series...woe is me.

Everyone needs another series, Kim - especially a good one like Three Pines. And it is your fault - you are the one who put it on your wishlist!

I told you not to tell me that. LOL

Since when do I listen to you? LOL

Hi, Stasia ~ Hope it's not too late to wish you a Happy New Year. Also, congrats on your great school news! 2012 is looking to turn out to be a stellar year for you!

I hope so, Mary! Thanks!

I wish there really were a Three Pines bus, Stasia. I'd like to visit that place. Of course, I'd have to be careful not to get murdered. :-) But every place has its down side.

Hi Stasia! Great news on your financial aid. I hope school is truly enjoyable for you this year!

#313: Yeah, Three Pines does seem to have quite a few murders for a small village, doesn't it? I, too, wish there were a real Three Pines bus, Joe. I would be on it in a heartbeat, murders notwithstanding!

#314: Thanks, Mary!

Sounds like the next one (for Louise Penny) is set somewhere else. Maybe the Three Pines residents will get a chance to gather their wits and enjoy a murder-free respite. I agree - I'm ready to head there in a heartbeat, regardless.

Yeah, I saw the post on Kath's thread about the next Three Pines book, which is at the top of my 'must buy' list for this year.

I am heading off to bed for a bit. I have been up around 28 hours or so now and need a break from the threads :)

Hi Stasia - firstly Happy New Year, I hope 2012 is a fantastic year for you. just been catching up on your thread after an unexpected break for LT for me. So glad to hear that you will be studying in the new year it all sounds for a very interesting and excitng couple of years ahead for you. I do hope that you continue with LT tho as you were very welcoming when I first came on here - thank you. :D

New thread?? I'm assuming you're joining in for 2012?!

#316 I've been looking everywhere for info about the next book.

Finally saw, on her blog, where she says that the next one will be called The Beautiful Mystery.

Aha, here we go. According to an interview she gave, it's set at a remote monastery in Quebec, where the monks have taken a vow of silence but have become, unexpectedly, world famous for their recording of Gregorian Chants.

I had no idea but she's got a newsletter, a blog, and is active on fb, too.

I have been in the dark.

I got my class schedule, my books are ordered, I am ready to go! Class starts next Wednesday. Woot!

Terrific, Stasia. Good luck!

Fabulous, Stasia! Good luck! And enjoy :)

Good luck, Stasia! It sounds exciting.

Good luck stasia! I wonder how short it will take you to read all the books.

Good luck, Stasia!

You'll probably be the best student in the class. Certainly the most well-read! ;)

When I took advanced classes later in life, I always approached them with the knowledge that I began with an "A" and I did what I needed to do to keep that. Some begin with a "0" and try to work up a grade. It's a matter of attitude - glass half full or glass half empty.

Best of luck !!

Wow, so soon, good luck with that Stasia!

You are going to do great! I can sense your enthusiasm, and I'm thrilled for you.

Hi Stasia- Congrats on starting school! How exciting! Any butterflies?
It's great seeing you back posting everywhere, like a long lost friend!

Congratulations, Stasia! I know you are going to do well.

Thanks everyone for the encouragement! I admit to a few butterflies, but mostly I am just excited to get started.

How exciting!! What is the name of said class?

I am taking 2 classes my first session, Kim. English and Math. I want to get the basics out of the way first.

I attended the non-mandatory orientation this morning after I got home from work. I will do the mandatory orientation either Sunday night or Monday night. I got an e-mail telling me that my books should be to me on Tuesday and class starts on Wednesday. Things are happening quickly!

So exciting! Hope you love it. :)

I'm a bit late, but congratulations on the funding!

It's Sunday morning! I'll have to go looking for your new thread.