No Response

I know this pales in comparison to the events that unfolded yesterday. I received no response... none... from T about the card. No call, no text, nothing. He text messaged me yesterday morning, but only *after* I texted him first. That was to tell him I left him a surprise under the seat.


Today, he sends me a text message that said: What's up for today? (LOL, what?) I responded with one word: Workn.

NIU Shooting Update

Latest news reports say 21 people were hurt in the shooting yesterday. Investigators recovered 48 shell casings and six shotgun shells. 6 including (including the gunman, who was a former graduate student) have died.

News reports have released the 27-year old shooter's name and photo, as well as the names of a few students who have died from their injuries. Still no motive has been determined as to why this academically awarded, outstanding student would such a thing. Authorities are saying he stopped taking meds and started acting erractically. What meds and what condition is not being shared, yet.

As I watch the reports, my heart goes out to those students and families. It upsets me to watch; I can't even fanthom the emotional toll it's taking on those who were on campus.

Local Attorney Commits Suicide

Years and years ago, as a second job I worked as a typist for a local law firm. One of the attorneys in that law office committed suicide. He went out to his backyard and shot himself. Upon doing so, he fell and impaled himself on a fence post. By the time his estranged wife found him, he was frozen. I can’t even imagine! :(

NIU Shooting

Around 3pm today, a gunman dressed in black opened fire on 150 students in Cole Hall at Northern Illinois University. The shooting began and ended within a matter of 2 minutes. Within an hour police had the entire campus "swept" and determined he was the only gunman. 18 students were hit by bullets or flying debris. 4 are in critical condition, with head and chest wounds. Students were taken to 3 area hospitals.

After the shooting, the gunman shot himself. Authorities know his identity and that he was not a student at NIU. He had a glock, shotgun, and small handgun. The handgun has not been recovered. Motive is not known.

The campus was secure within minutes, but classes are cancelled until further notice.

This college is one of the ones I was/am considering transfer to once I finish my last few classes for my accounting degree. My firm hires a lot of graduates from NIU. This event sends chills down my spine. :(

Happy Valentine's Day

I don’t know about most, but the endless commercials on TV and radio telling you to “Give the very best of...” are really getting old. It’s not that I’m against Valentine’s Day or giving presents. IMO, these commercials give men the easy way out on coming up with a gift. Jewelry and candy are always nice (I LOVE both), but what about thinking outside the box? Does one really have to spend a ton of money to let someone know you care? Seriously, the best gifts I’ve received from men were the ones where they put a lot of thought and effort into them, and not a lot of money. (Now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, I can carefully step down off my soapbox. LOL)

Single and alone on Valentine’s Day? Instead of focusing on the absence of a special someone, think about all the people/things you DO have. Here’s just some of the things I have going for me:

Family and Friends
Place to Live
Food to Eat
Income, Enjoyable Coworkers
Pet who adores me
Hobbies
Good Health
Ability to Read, Write, and Talk
Educational Opportunities
Sense of Humor
Can See, Hear, Smell and Touch the sights and sounds of nature
Transportation to Places I wasn’t/need to go
Empathetic and Caring to those around me

As a singleton, I feel pretty good today. I’ve sent virtual bouquets to several of my friends and cross stitch pals. I’ve sent Valentine sentiments to family and friends via text message and IM. When I arrived at work, there was a heart-shaped sugar cookie on my desk. One of my coworkers gave each of us one. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, our firm is having a “Chocolate Frenzy” and we were given a big box of chocolates along with a handmade Valentine card. (How nice!) Tonight, I am going to see “Definitely, Maybe.” at the theater. Possibly dinner, afterwards.