Paul's speech for class

Paul had to record a 2-3 minute speech to submit for his Public Speaking class at Central Georgia Tech, where he is now enrolled. The topic was "Tell Me About Yourself." I recorded it on my Flipster, and thought I'd post a copy here, too. Paul is shy and public speaking is definitely not his thing, so I'm proud of him for giving it the ole college try. I rarely post photos or videos of him on this blog because he ducks away from the camera or video when I'm capturing moments.

Liberto returned on Sunday, exhausted, and very saddened by the situation in Venezuela. The economy has tanked. Years ago, it was cheap to buy goods in Venzuela with U.S. currency. I used to buy Retin A over the counter for about $6 a tube. Now, prices have skyrocketed way past dollar rates. Chavez continues to take over business and industry. Liberto's 93-year-old father receives two pensions from two separate careers he had, and that income has sustained them. Now, Chavez is thinking of passing a law that no one can receive more than one pension. Gina lost her job when Chavez' government took over the business she worked for. Zaira's job is in danger because the old dictator might take over the school system where she teaches.

I went to the dental specialist today to do one of the pre-dental-implant procedures, and as he talked on about his Christmas skiing vacation in Aspen and his private plane, I sat there worrying about how I'd pull together the cash to pay for this procedure. It is not covered by either of the two dental insurances I carry. Isn't that insane? On the way home, I told Liberto that the dentist owns a plane, and he responded with good humor, "Well, we own our cars!" (Almost, since we only have two more payments on Liberto's; mine and Paul's are paid for.) "And we drove to Southside Savannah over Christmas break!" he laughed. I joked about whether I'd really want to go to a dentist who drove a beat-up '83 Crown Victoria, etc. In other words, are his outward toys a sign that he is actually good at what he does? Let's hope so.

It was great to have a three day weekend. I slept very well and had interesting, non-student-related dreams. As I was awakening this morning, I was dreaming that I was walking along a beautiful beach with another woman, I'm not sure who. The sand was pure white and glistening, diamond-like. The song from Carousel "When You Walk Through a Storm" was playing loudly in my head. You know the one: "When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high. And don't be afraid of the dark. At the end of the storm is a golden sky and the sweet silver song of a lark. Walk on through the wind, walk on through the rain, though your dreams be tossed and blown. Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart, and you'll never walk alone. You'll NEVER walk alone!"

Is there a shrink in the house who can interpret that dream for me?