Tomorrow marks the beginning of week three of the semester and I am making it work!
The amount of reading and prep required for class is still an adjustment since there is a lot, but I am slowly getting used to it and finding "extra" time to work it all in. Switching from my purse to simply carrying my school tote makes a huge difference.
Thirty minute karate class waiting on the kiddos? That's thirty minutes to work through a chapter for class. Sitting in the carpool line to pick up kiddo A? That's fifteen minutes to review notes and start my literacy reading responses.
It is strange to spend a weekend reading class materials and completing assignments when before my homework took maybe an hour. The program director wasn't trying to intimidate us when she said this was a rigorous program. It truly is going to require more dedication than any of us imagined in order to do well.
However, the more work I do and the more time I spend in class discussion and at retreats with others in my block (like the one on Friday), I begin to feel even more motivated to do well. I feel even more proud of the fact that I was accepted to the program. I feel even more excited about what is to come.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
be careful what you ask for
My mom came over on Monday (MLK Day) since we both had the day off. She and I went through my syllabi, grabbed some lunch, scored two great blazers at Goodwill, and raided the Children's Literature section of Barnes and Noble. It was awesome.
However, the best point of the day may have been about five minutes after she arrived at my house. You see, my mom reads this blog and, after my last post, showed up at my door with my very own Yoda bobble head.
He has been dubbed Study Buddy Yoda and lives on my nightstand when I'm not doing school work. It's a nice reminder of my mantra (Do or do not.... there is no try) and of all the people I have rooting for me while I complete my program.
And the force must really be with me because I got an idea for my ABC's book today that is so full of win even Tom Brady is jealous. I'll post more about that once the assignment is complete and I have my book published. No need to tempt people into stealing the idea. ;)
However, the best point of the day may have been about five minutes after she arrived at my house. You see, my mom reads this blog and, after my last post, showed up at my door with my very own Yoda bobble head.
He has been dubbed Study Buddy Yoda and lives on my nightstand when I'm not doing school work. It's a nice reminder of my mantra (Do or do not.... there is no try) and of all the people I have rooting for me while I complete my program.
And the force must really be with me because I got an idea for my ABC's book today that is so full of win even Tom Brady is jealous. I'll post more about that once the assignment is complete and I have my book published. No need to tempt people into stealing the idea. ;)
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Where is Yoda when you need him?
This first week of classes has shown me a few key concepts about what the next 2 years are going to be like in the College of Education.
1. I will need to get myself together and get organized
It's the first week and I'm already a bit overwhelmed. One of my classes has a 27 page syllabus. Half of which is explaining the various projects we are responsible for. It is incredibly intimidating... especially when I was nervous in the first place. All of my classes are pretty much based on two or three big assignments that I have to complete simultaneously while in my field placement... which requires its own projects/assignments. Having never taken 15 hours at a time, this is a huge adjustment.
2. Between work and class, I am going to be a zombie by Spring Break.
Tuesday was a 12 hour day for me. Starting next week I will have three 12 hour days in a row preceded by a 10 hour day. Thank God Fridays don't have any scheduled classes so I can study before work.
3. If I can handle the work load and schedule, this semester is going to be really worth it in the end.
All craziness aside, the projects we are doing this year and the time spent in the classroom will definitely be worth it. It will also be a huge indicator as to whether I can handle being a teacher. I'm freaking out at the present moment, but once I digest the information and get into the swing of things I know I am going to learn so much more than I expected... mostly about myself and my abilities. If I make it through the semester successfully then I may just put my fears from Sunday night (and 4 years ago) to rest.
4. There will be tears and new friends.
There already have been a few tears over this semester. It's bound to happen when you really want something and habe to stretch way beyond yoru comfort zone to get it. Yesterday I foudn out that GSU isn't doing December graduation ceremonies anymore. When I complete my coursework in December 2013 I'll get my diploma, but if I want the ceremony then I have to come back in May. I'm insanely disappointed. However, I've already made a bunch of new friends to hang out with during class breaks and study with. Everythign is easier when you have friends to share it with.
I feel like I need my own personal Yoda to get me through this semester. The popular quote "Do or do not, there is no try." has been my mantra the last couple of days. Especially while attempting my math homework.
1. I will need to get myself together and get organized
It's the first week and I'm already a bit overwhelmed. One of my classes has a 27 page syllabus. Half of which is explaining the various projects we are responsible for. It is incredibly intimidating... especially when I was nervous in the first place. All of my classes are pretty much based on two or three big assignments that I have to complete simultaneously while in my field placement... which requires its own projects/assignments. Having never taken 15 hours at a time, this is a huge adjustment.
2. Between work and class, I am going to be a zombie by Spring Break.
Tuesday was a 12 hour day for me. Starting next week I will have three 12 hour days in a row preceded by a 10 hour day. Thank God Fridays don't have any scheduled classes so I can study before work.
3. If I can handle the work load and schedule, this semester is going to be really worth it in the end.
All craziness aside, the projects we are doing this year and the time spent in the classroom will definitely be worth it. It will also be a huge indicator as to whether I can handle being a teacher. I'm freaking out at the present moment, but once I digest the information and get into the swing of things I know I am going to learn so much more than I expected... mostly about myself and my abilities. If I make it through the semester successfully then I may just put my fears from Sunday night (and 4 years ago) to rest.
4. There will be tears and new friends.
There already have been a few tears over this semester. It's bound to happen when you really want something and habe to stretch way beyond yoru comfort zone to get it. Yesterday I foudn out that GSU isn't doing December graduation ceremonies anymore. When I complete my coursework in December 2013 I'll get my diploma, but if I want the ceremony then I have to come back in May. I'm insanely disappointed. However, I've already made a bunch of new friends to hang out with during class breaks and study with. Everythign is easier when you have friends to share it with.
I feel like I need my own personal Yoda to get me through this semester. The popular quote "Do or do not, there is no try." has been my mantra the last couple of days. Especially while attempting my math homework.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
thinking about tomorrow
Tomorrow is the first day of the spring semester and my level of excitement can only be surpassed by my level of nervousness. Everyone I know has told me many times that I have nothing to be nervous about. Steve is practically blue in the face from telling me I have nothing to worry about.
And I do believe him... them... everyone. I believe that this is absolutely the right path for me and that tomorrow, sitting in that classroom, is exactly where I need to be. Hence the excitement.
Still, the fact remains that I ran away from this exact scenario four years ago because it was intimidating. It still is intimidating and apparently, it is supposed to be that way.
I have a very distinct memory of a discussion I had with my Educational Foundations professor back at Columbus State University during my first attempt at my education degree. During this conversation I expressed my feelings of intimidation and their basis in fears of somehow doing more harm than good for my students. My professor replied with a big grin on his face and said that all the best teachers have that fear. He said that particular fear is what helps them make good choices and truly enrich the lives of their students.
With that memory playing on a near constant loop in my head today and after organizing my materials for tomorrow, there is only one more thing to do... get a good night's rest.
In an effort to do just that as well as calm myself down a bit, I've decided to add more structure to my evening routine. Just before bedtime I am going to set aside at least 30 minutes to have a hot cup of tea and read a chapter of whatever book I happen to be reading. Not a textbook or lesson plans, a book just for fun. This way I can clear my head and relax.
I have a feeling that will be important as I face down my fears over the next few semesters.
And I do believe him... them... everyone. I believe that this is absolutely the right path for me and that tomorrow, sitting in that classroom, is exactly where I need to be. Hence the excitement.
Still, the fact remains that I ran away from this exact scenario four years ago because it was intimidating. It still is intimidating and apparently, it is supposed to be that way.
I have a very distinct memory of a discussion I had with my Educational Foundations professor back at Columbus State University during my first attempt at my education degree. During this conversation I expressed my feelings of intimidation and their basis in fears of somehow doing more harm than good for my students. My professor replied with a big grin on his face and said that all the best teachers have that fear. He said that particular fear is what helps them make good choices and truly enrich the lives of their students.
With that memory playing on a near constant loop in my head today and after organizing my materials for tomorrow, there is only one more thing to do... get a good night's rest.
In an effort to do just that as well as calm myself down a bit, I've decided to add more structure to my evening routine. Just before bedtime I am going to set aside at least 30 minutes to have a hot cup of tea and read a chapter of whatever book I happen to be reading. Not a textbook or lesson plans, a book just for fun. This way I can clear my head and relax.
I have a feeling that will be important as I face down my fears over the next few semesters.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
new accessories and decisions to make
Clearly, I was a very good girl this year because Santa was good to me. I got tons of new running gear to help me with my goals this year including new shoes (that I designed myself) and a heart rate monitor/timer/watch/calorie tracker.
Yesterday I did a test run with the shoes and watch that was pretty good for being my first run after a month off. Considering the trainer had me bust my butt at the gym just before my run I feel like I did well.
Speaking of the gym... it's going to be interesting fitting it into my schedule this semester, but after yesterday I feel like it will be necessary. If I want to be ready for the half marathon in the fall then I am going to need some more strength to pull from during my runs.
Now I've just got to decide what race to sign up for. Originally the Savannah Rock 'n Roll half was the plan, but I found out recently that the 2012 race is going to be in November instead of September. Not a big deal, but there is a half marathon going on in Atlanta on Thanksgiving Day that might be better. Basically no travel to mess with race prep.
I have time on my side though. Early Registration for both races goes through October. I think I'll make my decision later in 2012 once I'm further into training. Opinions are welcome though! Anyone ran a half marathon they had to travel for? We would have to drive for about 4 hours the night before the race if I do the one in Savannah.
Yesterday I did a test run with the shoes and watch that was pretty good for being my first run after a month off. Considering the trainer had me bust my butt at the gym just before my run I feel like I did well.
Speaking of the gym... it's going to be interesting fitting it into my schedule this semester, but after yesterday I feel like it will be necessary. If I want to be ready for the half marathon in the fall then I am going to need some more strength to pull from during my runs.
Now I've just got to decide what race to sign up for. Originally the Savannah Rock 'n Roll half was the plan, but I found out recently that the 2012 race is going to be in November instead of September. Not a big deal, but there is a half marathon going on in Atlanta on Thanksgiving Day that might be better. Basically no travel to mess with race prep.
I have time on my side though. Early Registration for both races goes through October. I think I'll make my decision later in 2012 once I'm further into training. Opinions are welcome though! Anyone ran a half marathon they had to travel for? We would have to drive for about 4 hours the night before the race if I do the one in Savannah.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
confession time
I haven't been out for a run since Thanksgiving.
I've been eating like a fat kid for the last two weeks.
Making consitant, healthy choices is not easy. It isn't always fun. In fact, it's hard work that gives results slowly and reluctantly.
I have some specific goals that I would like to reach this year, but that can't happen unless I put in the effort to stick to the plan of healthy choices. Time to pick myself up, dust myself off, and hop back on the wagon.
First up, a meeting with a personal trainer at my gym to get a true evaluation of where I am and make a plan to meet my specific goals.
We'll go from there....
I've been eating like a fat kid for the last two weeks.
Making consitant, healthy choices is not easy. It isn't always fun. In fact, it's hard work that gives results slowly and reluctantly.
I have some specific goals that I would like to reach this year, but that can't happen unless I put in the effort to stick to the plan of healthy choices. Time to pick myself up, dust myself off, and hop back on the wagon.
First up, a meeting with a personal trainer at my gym to get a true evaluation of where I am and make a plan to meet my specific goals.
We'll go from there....
Friday, December 23, 2011
Christmas craziness
I thought the running around crazy portion of Christmas was over when I finished buying and sending out gifts. For most people, it probably would be.
Not me.
Nope, for some reason I got a huge burst of holiday spirit and decided that I NEED to do all of the Christmas things RIGHT NOW. So much that I could not sleep. I laid in bed until 1am before falling asleep and promptly woke up this morning at 5:30.
Steve got plenty of sleep. Probably because I wore him out with my manic Christmasness. I actually tried to convince him last night that we should go get some candles to decorate the tree so it would be more traditional. This was shortly after I spent over an hour researching German Christmas cookies and shopping for expensive wooden cookie molds for a hard cookie that takes 12 hours to make and tastes like licorice.
Thankfully, I seem to have gained some much needed clarity in my 4.5 hours of sleep.
I narrowed the list of fun things to do for the holiday down to two big ones: 1) baking some holiday treats. Not even difficult ones. I'm going to make some treats for Finn and then whip up some cupcakes to take over to my parents' house for dessert on Christmas Day. 2) Attending the Candlelight communion service at the little church up the street on Christmas Eve.
This plan seems much better than wiping myself out in a blaze of manic festivity. I hope everyone has a relaxing and pleasant holiday!
Not me.
Nope, for some reason I got a huge burst of holiday spirit and decided that I NEED to do all of the Christmas things RIGHT NOW. So much that I could not sleep. I laid in bed until 1am before falling asleep and promptly woke up this morning at 5:30.
Steve got plenty of sleep. Probably because I wore him out with my manic Christmasness. I actually tried to convince him last night that we should go get some candles to decorate the tree so it would be more traditional. This was shortly after I spent over an hour researching German Christmas cookies and shopping for expensive wooden cookie molds for a hard cookie that takes 12 hours to make and tastes like licorice.
Thankfully, I seem to have gained some much needed clarity in my 4.5 hours of sleep.
I narrowed the list of fun things to do for the holiday down to two big ones: 1) baking some holiday treats. Not even difficult ones. I'm going to make some treats for Finn and then whip up some cupcakes to take over to my parents' house for dessert on Christmas Day. 2) Attending the Candlelight communion service at the little church up the street on Christmas Eve.
This plan seems much better than wiping myself out in a blaze of manic festivity. I hope everyone has a relaxing and pleasant holiday!
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