Commentary

It has taken the better part of my 70 years to finally come to terms with the events that have shifted my life’s course as it has been run. Please do not feel sorry for me. I have had a wonderful life thus far; I am surrounded by loving family that keep me hopping, and have a life filled with work, play and fun. I have so many friends across this country, many from years of writing their stories, and I have a great number of plans that I have not yet fulfilled. I believe my dad would have wanted it that way, from all I have learned.

It has been about three years since Microsoft released its very popular Windows 7, intended both as a full release product and as an upgrade for the problem-prone and controversial Windows Vista. Now, Microsoft has simultaneously released a free “Microsoft Windows 8 Release Preview,” as well as a nominally priced Windows 8 upgrade offer for anyone purchasing a new Windows 7 PC, as of June 2.

Working really hard and giving your best effort in an attempt to carry out a plan or to meet a goal for someone else can end in negative feelings when the other person doesn’t seem to understand or value our contribution. We are disappointed. There are times when we honestly feel we have followed the orders or instructions we were given only to have them change in midstream. We wanted the person or people to see it our way or to at least give verbal acknowledgement to the fact that we tried.

In recent days, I attended another college graduation, completing my 35th year as a college faculty member. For many, an appropriate college education is a key to personal success, while many others may benefit from other forms of education.