The primary goal I set out to accomplish was to dive back into college full time, as a non-traditional student and a single mother of two sons still in school themselves. This decision was complex because I also set out to quit smoking just two months prior to the first term at Chemeketa Community College. The motivation there was that 2011 was the first year the entire campus went smoke free. It was a tremendous stride forward for the college and community and I wanted to lead and support the positive change. Again I knew my success in college academically needed no distractions and smoking would have been one of them. To begin the cold turkey removal of smoking in my life, after indulging for 25 years, was in and of itself one of the most daunting and ambitious tasks of my life. But my love for academics and drive and desire to succeed with college was all I needed to fuel the discipline required. I found that I met the challenge and even filled in the void with another ambitious undertaking and that was raising ten chicks to become hens. The rest is history after I created the Restless Hens Co-op and Blog that shares my story and their lives which is still a current project and the primary reason for my success. I wanted to reach out and share with others, the plan I instilled to succeed and all the details along the way.  I am blessed because the love my hen’s give me help me decompress from intense academic schedules and their eggs go out to the community to reduce the purchase of factory farmed chicken eggs.  My work ethic shows with the health and recovery of my hens, when they are stricken from time to time. My diligence is evident because not only was it my first time with barn yard critters but I also did all the research, planning and execution on my own, while handling my new academic load.

    I need to remind myself every once in a while that I use to be chained to the habit of smoking. After years of smoking I began to understand it was a chore that I could not ignore. A chore that would shorten my life. A chore that would hurt my children. A chore that would limit my hope for a fulfilling future. I thank God everyday because it will be three years on November  11, 2013 and I look forward to celebrating on that day. Maybe I should create a walk that can raise money for the many cancer foundation, to fight cancers caused by cigarettes. I will not forget the forces that came together to help me affect change, positive changes in my life that opened up more possibilities to make a difference in my life. It is my duty to share that we all possess the power within ourselves to make better choices, to create better futures and to help one another along the way.
    So my girls, my hens, my pets and my new passion have become the platform I will continue to use to share how my future unfolds. Maybe a walk or 5K that includes taking and showcasing your favorite pet to raise money and hope for those diagnosed with cancer.  

     Since I was honored last Saturday afternoon with the Soroptomist Women's Opportunity Scholarship, at two levels I was able to apply it to the purchase a car. My transportation was the one major obstacle holding me back from continuing at a different school in the fall. My two years at Chemeketa Community College is coming to a close I will need to rise up to the challenges of attending George Fox University in the fall of this year. It is only because of the incredible resources and incredible people at Chemeketa Community College that I have come this far. I participated in the disability program, the Trio program and the free tutoring facility and began to also participate by offering my time to other students like me who need a helping hand. So I shout out and thank everyone at CCC for their dedication and encouragement. It is unreal to me the blessings that have opened up as of late because of my hard work. Before my acceptance to GFU and my Soroptomist phone call from Lori Gilles I was uncertain, but still determined as I worked toward my goals and aspirations to become more than the shell of myself I have been living most of my life.

    I've lost four of my girls to dogs since Sunday afternoon, RIP Foghorn, Mohawk, Lucy Lynn and now yesterday Rhodie. They gave me love and affection and peace during the ups and downs of the last two years. I have great pictures and memories and they were the project that helped me Quit Smoking for ever. I have Ronnie, Leg Horn, Henny Penny, Sally Jean and Peggy Sue left and I think they miss their girlfriends. I hope to add more to my flock sometime this year. I'm thinking of rescuing some factory farm chickens or adding some unusual breeds but it takes time and preparation, so between applying for scholarships, volunteer work and the last of my spring studies I will attempt to add more chickens to my Restless Hens Flock. I will always cherish the experience of raising my 10 hens from day old baby chics.



http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/QuitSmoking/QuittingResources/Resources-for-Quitting-Smoking_UCM_307934_Article.jsp

for those who want to make the change ....go to HEARTORG for great resources.