And this too will pass, and that is a GOOD thing!

[Lurker]

Hi all, Sorry about the dramatic subject line, but it fits how I feel.

I just hit send on my final paper, in my capstone class. That being said, I am now FREE of endless research, papers, and reading for my degree. It’s been over 2 years with multiple classes, tests etc. (Good lord L.S. has it actually been over 2 years since my duelist/thief dropped out of the Forgotten Realms campaign…). I know that a BA in SS&ED isn’t a huge deal, especially around here with at least one of you all passing the bar recently, someone else getting his tenure, and multiple others already qualified to teach. However, I do want to toot my own horn for at least a note or two … Especially considering that it wasn’t only finishing class over the last 2 years, but getting back on a deployment team, getting them ready to come over here, and deploying, all the while taking a nearly full load of classes. I hate to think about how many nights I was up reading or typing (fighting with the evil comma and my horrid spelling) till 0200 and then rolling out of bed to go to PT. Even with that, all I can say is it is over, finally. I did learn quite a bit, but more importantly, I was able to research and defend my stances on all the various debate/paper subjects, and able to make my points to, at times ambivalent, teachers and classmates, while keeping a nearly perfect GPA. Not bad for a back woods Okie who has spent the last 20 years guessing the weather and playing with the Army.

Besides tooting my own horn, I guess this is also my way of encouraging everyone else here that is taking classes. Keep it up because the end eventually does get there for you. It might not be easy, and you will have to sacrifice, but keep your head down and nugging through it and you will eventually make it to the finish line. Even then your education might not be “over” but hitting send on the last paper does feel soooooooo good!

Another plus from the school is that my college had access to some amazing research sites. From them I literally have gigs of articles saved. If you want the survey and ground plan of prehistoric, ancient, medieval, renaissance, or colonial towns, I got it. The plans to 100s of ancient temples, early churches and Gothic cathedrals, medieval castles and renaissance fortification, got it. Works on economics/trade from bronze age Greece/Viking era, etc etc etc got that too. I even have translations of “sales lists” that, with a little work, will help me put together a more realistic cost list for my home brew world based on classical/early imperial Rome. (That will take a little work though … so it’ll be a while before I can post anything on it for you all).

Now the down side. Though I now have more free time, I still can’t start to game again for a bit. I’m still deployed so … Even after I get back home, I will have to study for my Oklahoma high school teacher qualification tests, take care of everything associated with retiring from the military, prepare to move back to Ok by this summer, and start building my dream home. Even with that, I do hope there is room for me on a skype game here or there after I finish my deployment. Of course I don’t want to take a seat from someone that will be able to play in a long term campaign, but if you have room for an extra guy early this spring, I’d love to jump in for a few months.

Hope you all have a good one.

[Breakdaddy]

Congrats on finishing up, chief. I hope it all works out for you once you get back home

[CKDad]

That's great news! Congrats on your achievement - it's very difficult to keep up with school when you're just working a normal day job, much less being in the military and on deployment.

I tip my maroon beret to you, sir!

[Go0gleplex]

Definitely congrats mate. Keep it safe!

[Treebore]

Congrats! I'll have to read this to my kids who are complaining how hard college is for them, whimps!

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Congrats, sir! Job well done.

Thank you for keeping us safe. All the best to you and your family. Come home safe.

[Rigon]

Congrats!

R-

[DeadReborn]

Congrats!

[Deogolf]

Congrats!! I sure hope the studying, tests, papers, etc. are work it!!

I'm sure it will be!!

[seskis281]

Congrats good sir!

[Lurker]

All, Thanks for the congrats

Congrats! I'll have to read this to my kids who are complaining how hard college is for them, whimps!

Tree, here's a little more fuel for that fire. Tell them that with enough work, you can get 100 out of 100 in a capstone class... Of course, it helps that I'm deployed and when the weather is behaving I had hours to write my final paper.

You all have a good one and Merry Christmas

[LordSeurek]

(Good lord L.S. has it actually been over 2 years since my duelist/thief dropped out of the Forgotten Realms campaign…).

Yes Les, it has been a long time since Alvar's last appearance in the Realms. Know that you are always welcome to rejoin at any time!

We are getting close to the end of my 3 years of running Faerun, probably around Feb 2011. Time for slimy to get his fishy a** on these boards and back to Greyhawk! If you have time bud, keep an eye on the boards!

Congrats on your achievement Les! A happy holiday season to you and your family and here's to more gaming on 2011!

Rob.

[Christina Stiles]

I want to echo the CONGRATS!!!! That's an awesome feat, and you should definitely be proud. That is just pure awesome. I also want to say thanks for your military service. You are very much appreciated.

Also, I'm drooling over what you say you have maps of. I'm interested in some of that material.

Have a great holiday!

[Omote]

I'm not sure how I missed this thread, but congrats Lurker. You're a good dewd and I'm sure the best years are still to come. All the best!

~O