Osama or Obama

It was very exciting worldwide to hear the news that Obama bin Laden, I mean Osama Bin Laden was killed by Navy Seals at his compound in Pakistan.  As my husband told me, he had to correct himself because he first said Obama. As the day progressed, I continued to watch news updates and each time there were new video images released to the media.  Americans in joyous celebration, chanting U-S-A, U-S-A on college campuses.  Every channel had some coverage of this historical event as it unfolded and the news traveled. Late last night on the Jimmy Kimmel show, he did a segment to recap clips from reporters from many different stations.  To my surprise we were not the only ones that mistakenly said Obama instead of Osama. There were quite a few.  Many, many years ago we would never have imagined that our President would be questioned about his Muslim faith, his name would be Barack Hussein Obama, and there would be an issue with his birth certificate. We can only imagine what the future holds for us.

Osama Bin Laden Killed

  I did not find Osama Bin Laden was killed until around 8:30 am yesterday morning.  As the day progressed and more updates were being revealed, along with video images from celebrations all over the world, the reality of just how significant this was became evident.  The images from the site of the World Trade Center and surrounding in New York were extreme jubilation.  It was a strange feeling to see the images from Americans in celebration over killing someone.  That is something we only see in other countries where they are in celebration and are burning flags and images of some political figure.  And the preacher that burned the Koran is another news story that you wouldnn't expect to hear about in America, but we did.  What does this say about the direction our country is going?  It was sad to see the families of those that lost loved ones in the 9-11 attack, but joyful for them to express their sentiments of having closure in a sense.  They have waited ten years for this day and in some strange way brought some peace.  The media reported how the attack on the World Trade Center changed so many lives and brought many changes to our way of life. We will continue to see the changes and stand guard for what door this event will open in our future.

Spring Semester

It is hard to believe we are at the end of this semester.  Where did the time go?  Having spring break and easter break made the time fly by.  I traveled back to Florida over Easter break.  My daughter, her boyfriend, and myself traveled to Orlando for a few days and then to Daytona.  What an awesome place to visit.  On Tuesday and Wednesday the temperature broke records in Orlando, topping out at 95.  The next couple of days it was in the 80's and on Saturday, after the cold front moved through, it was 73 in Daytona.   What a great day on the beach with clear, blue skies, the ocean breeze brushing across my face, and relaxing in the lounge chair soaking up that golden sunshine.  I could feel the heat on my legs as the beams of sunshine were getting me ready for a night of burning.  But, I was not alone, the cool day was quite deceiving, as others didn't realize the sun quietly burning our skin under the covers of the wind.  As nightfall approached and the sun had gone for the day, it's work did not go unnoticed, for everyone was walking around quite different from the morning.  It was as if some artist had brought his palette of only red paint and highlighted the exposed skin of the beachcombers.  Everyone that stepped on the beach that day, walked off with a new glow.

The adrenaline and excitement of the Endeavor shuttle launch was incredible.  It was like a festival as vendors selling shirts, hot dogs, jumbo boiled peanuts, and drinks were everywhere.  The bridge over the bay in Titusville was buzzing with people as they claim their spot to watch this historical final launch of Endearvor.  Photographers were everywhere.  Tripods and cameras ready for the big lift-off.  The roadside was lined with campers and RV's, canopy's, television crews, folding chairs and people were tailgating.  This was a big event and a crowd of over 750,000 was expected to view the 3:47 launch.  But, around 1:00 p.m., officials were driving up and down the road making the announcement the lift-off had been scrapped until Sunday evening at 8:00 p.m.  What a group of disappointed people.  Thousands all along the coast from Titusville to Cocoa beach.  It was like getting ready and no where to go. Everyone was set and waiting, waiting for what?  Nothing, nothing but heavy traffic and hours of waiting to be told there was going to be no show here today!  Despite the disappointment of the launch being cancelled, it was an awesome experience just to see the excitement and festival atmosphere that goes with a shuttle launch.  I was so surprised to see the tailgating, the campers, the RV's, all the vendors and television crews.

This was a trip to remember with some excitement, but I did not forget I was in school.  I took my work with me only to have that same cloud of technological problems follow me.  I was limited on what I could do.  I logged into the youtube video site to upload my art video and it would not let me log off.  This created a roadblock and would not let me log into my facebook or email account. After hours of frustration, I just closed the computer and went to the pool.  It sure gets discouraging when there are so many problems hindering your progress.  I just hope I have enough motivation finish out these last two weeks.