It's a rare day when I don't reach for my dictionary or type "OED.com" to access the Oxford English Dictionary online to check my spelling. Microsoft Word has a spell check feature I wholly ignore because it's led me astray several times in the past. I can't help but share in the excitement of one young lady, Miss Kavya Shivashankar, the 2009 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion. Heck, I feel overjoyed when I spell aesthetic without cheating (…and yes, I cheated just now).

I remember being in the sixth grade and participating in our class spelling bee. I can clearly recall misspelling hybrid as "h-y-b-r-e-d." Miss Shivashankar was practically shaking after successfully completing her sixteenth round and being declared the winner. Her eyes sparkled as she held the shining trophy above her head.

As I am writing this, my spell checker is informing me that "laodicean" is not in the dictionary, thus proving my suspicion of software spell checkers.

What the heck does that word mean?

"Laodicean…One who is lukewarm or indifferent in religion, politics, etc."

(I'm assuming there are some real characters running that spelling bee; the championship took place in Washington, D.C.)

Well, if your grammar, spelling, and syntax could use a little help, consider some excellent online writing and English courses:

• English Composition I
• English Composition and Grammar (Self-Paced)
• Essentials of College Writing

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On Saturday, May 9 on a small campus in Albany, New York, comedian Jimmy Fallon received his bachelor's degree in communications. According to Wikipedia, he had enrolled at The College of Saint Rose as a traditional student, but withdrew in 1995 just 15 college credits short of his degree.

College officials reviewed Jimmy Fallon's professional work in the area of communications. His portfolio was approved as having satisfied the required course work for the degree program. What did he have to say about it?

"Finally, I convinced them that I've done enough communicating to get my communications degree — and it only took me 17 years do to it. All I can say is, Thank God I didn't want to be a doctor. That would have taken 65 years."

Personally, I really enjoyed watching Jimmy Fallon on Saturday Night Live. It's hard to leave college, but it's even harder to return. Kudos!

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I am writing this as I recover at home.

I had emergency surgery last Friday at Beth Israel Hospital in New York City.

I arrived at the emergency room (ER) and gave them my symptoms: strong pain in my lower right-hand side that developed suddenly. It had become difficult to walk, laugh, or cough. The car ride to the hospital was rough, too. Every pot hole and bump resulting in sharp abdominal pain (and if you've ever driven in Jersey/New York City, you already know that there are pot holes everywhere!).

The ER was filled with sick folks in gurneys, examination beds, and wheelchairs. Doctors and nurses were swiftly walking back-and-forth, taking notes, checking vital signs, and working with patients. The doctors and nurses were amazing! I was checked on regularly and soon they were conducting tests to ensure a confident diagnosis. After urine and blood tests, as well as a CT-scan, I had my diagnosis: appendicitis.

Sounds simple enough, until you begin hearing words like, "operate," "release forms," "incision." I had never stayed overnight in a hospital before, let alone have surgery. I was anxious, worried, and nervous—everything happened so quickly.

I'll spare you all the medical details, but I had to sit up and write this message.

Good nurses make a difference EVERYDAY!

The excellent nurses at Beth Israel made all the difference. I met a number of nurses:

• The nice ER nurse who gave me apple juice with the barium solution before the CT Scan.
• The other ER nurse who drew blood like a champ—no bruising. Woo-hoo!
• The Head Nurse on the floor who just wanted to see how I was feeling.
• The nurse who was there during surgery who had the kindest demeanor.
• All the post-op nurses who checked my vitals, delivered my meals, changed my IV fluids, and basically made sure I felt comfortable.

Thank you!

I can't imagine my experience without each and every nurse there—they each played an essential role. A nursing shortage is a scary thing. What if the hospital had only been staffed with half the nurses? Would I have received such good care? Would someone have been able to help me when I needed it?

Well, I'm off to rest. If you are earning your nursing degree online or offline, good luck in your studies! I'll need you again one day.

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