Reine Marie Tupper (Dube`)

This name represents a large part of who I am today.  She was and always will be my Grandmother and Guardian angel.
She met my Grandpa when he was in the air force, World War 2.  She was born and raised in Quebec, Canada, and had 19 brother and sisters.  When she moved to Rochester, MN with my grandpa, she did not know how to speak much english, and he did not know much french.  She was a very courageous and strong young woman.
One of my favorite memories of my Grandma is her artistic abilities.  The countless hours of sitting in her art studio, at a park, in the woods, at a lake, any where that inspired art, watching her paint, or her teaching me (at least trying).  The smell of the fresh cut canvas, stretched on the easel; combined with the smell of the oil paints squeezed out on her painting palette, can be compared to the smell of freshly cut grass.  Watching her paint was such a mystery, I used to wonder how she did it, how could she see what she was looking at and put it on a canvas so perfectly, and with such grace.
I am not huge fan of art, nor am I any good at it, however I find myself standing in art galleries often trying to catch the scent of a freshly painted oil painting to give me a picture of my Grandma.
R.I.P. Grandma 

Lots of work to be done!

I am back, my wife and I have been in the Southern Caribbean for the last week.  It has been a planned trip for a long time, so when I decided to come back to school I knew it was going to be a lot of catch up.
I took an extra day off so I can get all caught up on work.  We had very limited Internet, however I was able to do some reading (in-between the Margarita's)!  I have a plan on how to get all caught up, and this is my first step, looking forward at trying to start this essay!

Why I am going to College

It started because I was turned down for a job promotion (because of not having a degree).  My wife, Tiffini, who is in school for her Masters, loves school and is very good at it, she has always wanted me to go back.  With another chance at getting a promotion, I decided these were good enough reasons to sign up for some classes and see how it goes.

Since I have started this process my reasons for going back to school have blossomed into much more.  I do believe this is going to make me a better man, I do believe this is going to make me a better role model for my kids, nieces and nephews.  Most importantly I am allowing to prove to myself that I do have what it takes to go to College and get a Degree.  Who knows maybe keep going to a four year!