New Year & Introduction

I am very happy that 2010 has arrived. I am looking forward to this new year as a year of hope and promise. I am starting a new class this semester, English 102. As a part of this class I am going to be posting to this new blog that I have created. Here is an introduction:

My name is Nancy Francis and you can call me Nancy. I am a student at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC). I am pursuing an Associate In Applied Science Degree. I previously attended Cochise College in Arizona and Northern Virginia Community College in Warrenton, VA. I have been married for 24 years. My husband was career military. So, I have traveled quite a bit. I have two sons and two grandsons. One of my sons is a St. Louis Police Officer. I also have a one year old cat named Chessie. He is named after the cat in the advertisements for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad.

I am currently reading a book named: The Gift In You by Dr. Caroline Leaf. The author is a researcher of "the science of thought." The book talks about how each of us have inner gifts and talents that we need to discover and develop. It looks pretty interesting.

My hobbies include gardening, reading, and cooking. Each Spring I plan the flower gardens that I will create around my house and yard. I look at lots of magazines and websites for ideas. But, in the end my yard is always very colorful.

Three words that would describe me are hopeful, generous and compassionate. I am generous to a fault. If a friend or family member is in need I will do all that I can to help.

I read the Belleville News Democrat daily and the Troy Tribune every Thursday when it comes out. I get my news throughout the day by listening to the radio while I'm in the kitchen. I do read some news online. But, I prefer the newspaper.

I am looking forward to learning more about researching and writing this semester in class.