Thoughts about this and that

          I have yet to work just a 20 hour week.  This is my own doing as I will be flying back to Phoenix to do the Capstone in March and April.  In addition to that my sister is coming from Australia for a visit and I have already gotten scolded for trying to make her fit into my schedule.  I feel that I am behind in my research efforts for Dr. White at KU and will be working to catch that up later this week.  She is a wonderful person and has been great about giving specific guidance...so I must not let her down.  In addition to all of this I will begin an on-line course at ASU in Session B.  I have felt compelled to work more than 20 hours each week as I will need to take time off to take care of those things mentioned above.
          I would like to say that I am very much enjoying my internship.  Another thing that happened on Valentine's Day was that Lunda scheduled a meeting for us with Randy Riggs, the City Manager, to discuss how my internship was going and to make sure I was getting out of it what I wanted and what was needed in order to satisfy ASU's requirements!!  Now just how nice is that?!!  I am thinking that when my internship is over, I will submit a letter to the editor of the local newspaper (The Newton Kansan - original, huh) thanking those at City Hall for giving me this wonderful experience and educational opportunity.  Additionally, I would like to let the citizenry know how well their community is run as I don't think many are aware of it.  In 2011, citizens saw their water bill go up substantially as there had not been an increase in over 10 years and they saw their property tax go up also.  In Newton, like many places, citizens are typhically apathetic and pay little attention to city government until it affects their pocketbook. 
          By the end of this week I will have over 200 hours completed.  I am currently working on researching fluoridation of municipal water for the Suzanne Loomis, the City Engineer & the Director of Public Works and Lunda has me researching municipal grant policies.  I am to start researching city fees for him in the near future. 
          As this Monday was a holiday, City Hall was closed so I took this opportunity to visit my daughter and her family in Texas.  I would not have gone if it had been snowy or icy, but the weather was fine, a little rainy, but fine.  The drivers between here and Texas are unbelieveable, especially those Texas drivers.  You can be going 10 miles over the speed limit and they will practically push you out of their way.  I thought I might have gotten two speeding tickets in Oklahoma, but the highway patrol in the medians are there to create a "halo" effect and cause people to slow down.  My insurance company would not have been happy about two speeding tickets...my husband didn't sound too happy either!  Well, that was going to Texas, but on the way back it was cruise control all the way.  The local ducks and geese are glad to see that I have come back as I am sure that they have missed their daily feedings.  I  am thinking about getting some sunflower seeds to add to their corn diet.  Well, if you are still reading this, thanks for taking the time.