23 June, 2011

Not So Average Joe

I have read many of the books out there that propose to help you discover your calling, God's plan, where you life should go, you know the ones I mean.
They are all good books, but somehow they fall short in readability (if that's a word).
"Average Joe" by Troy Meeder is not one of those books.
Written to us average joes out there, Meeder hits a resonance that I have found lacking in other books.
Meeder hits the message over and over, without being tedious, that average, ordinary guys matter as much as the more 'important' guys among us.
Meeder recognizes the men throughout his life that made the difference in the moment and ties it together with biblical examples.
I read this book in two days and plan on keeping it close by for frequent re-readings.
I rarely give a book an unequivocal 'yes' when reviewing, but I cannot be more enthusiastic in recommending it for every "Average Joe" out there.

"Average Joe" was provided to me free of charge by Waterbrook Multnomah for an impartial review.

22 June, 2011

Book List

I've just finished reading two books, and those will probably be the last fiction novels I read for a while, at last until I get settled in with my 4 classes at PSC. I am reading "Average Joe" at the moment and will have a review of it over the weekend.

So here goes:

River in the Sky by Elizabeth Peters

I have to admit that I really like the Amelia Peabody series. It's a guilty pleasure, and one that I have a hard time resisting. The description of Egypt in the late 1800's and early 1900's is fascinating and Peters does an exquisite job with her characters.
A definite must-read and you should also pick up the other titles in the series.





Dead or Alive by Tom Clancy and Grant Blackwood

It's been a number of years since the last novel set in the Jack Ryan sphere of influence by Clancy.
He brings back all of the old characters from previous novels, excepting those dead from old age and the like.
While not one of his best, I did enjoy it and would while not a must-read, if you're a Clancy fan, don't miss it.

Update on Midterm

Came in with a 95.7 - could have used those other 4.3 points.
My grades right now for both of my classes are above 97%.

My other two classes begin next week. I am so happy to be taking Philosophy.

Looking toward the midterm in Intro to Criminal Justice next week and then finals in both classes.

Working on my research papers for both classes also.

My title for Criminal Justice is It's 9/11 - Do You Know Where Your Civil Rights Are?

Still working on a title for Info Security.

18 June, 2011

School

I've just finished the first mid-term test that I've had to take in over 30 years.
Yes, I am that old.
It was my Principles of Information Security test and next week I have my Intro to Criminal Justice test coming up.
I feel pretty confident so far.
Later this month I start my other 2 classes for this term - Philosophy and Algebra, both of which I could do without.
These are my first steps on the way to an AS degree in IT Security.

However, my less that dedicated approach to school 30 years ago has thrown me another curve. New guidelines have been enacted and I have to write an appeal to have my Pell Grant be usable at Pensacola State. I have to show mitigating circumstances as to my not completing classes when I was 18.
I don't remember being 18!

Anyway, I will appreciate prayers and thoughts as I attempt to persuade the appeals board to allow me to use the Pell money I have available to continue my education. Failing their approval, I am back at the starting point. 

09 June, 2011

Book Review - Sir Quinlan

Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor by Chuck Black is an excellent book for both the young reader and the old.
At first I was afraid that since this was book #5 I wouldn't have any idea what was going on, but my fears were laid to rest, this is a worthy stand-alone novel.
Sir Quinlan grows into his role as our hero and along the way leaves behind childhood and the would-be heroes of his life.
Overcoming mistakes and forgiveness are lessons learned along the way and the very straight-forward parallels drawn between our King and His Son and those of the book are very hard to miss.
I heartily recommend this book and will be reading the first four books as soonas possible.
And as soon as my children are old enough to read this level book, I am going to make sure they start this series.
I was provided this book by WaterbrookMultnomah free of charge, under no obligation than to provide a review of the book, either positve or negative.

05 June, 2011

UWF Argos National Champs

On Saturday, the men's baseball team from the University of West Florida won the NCAA Division II National Championship.
The Argos completed the tournament undefeated, beating Winona College 12-2 to bring the Argos season record to 52-9.

I remember the national championships that our softball team won and know that those guys and coaches are on top of the world.

Congrats to the players, coaches, and staff of the baseball team.