Day 1!!!

http://bahamas-cruise-2006.blogspot.com/

Yeah, we are going...

Ernesto is gone and we are going on a cruise!!! Now I need to forget about "wasting time" and just enjoy myself. Sorry, my laptop is still coming -- even after a lecture from Mom last night. I can't get THAT far behind! :)

Busy, busy, busy...

Today was my second "first day" -- classes at CC where I work started two weeks ago and now I am back at school, taking 13 credit hours and teaching two sections as a TA.

• Taught 8:00 a.m. class at CC
• Returned phone calls, responded to emails, comforted students, encouraged students, chastised a student... you know the drill for office hours.
• Drove to the University, planning to attend a meeting; alas, no parking spaces to be found; circled and circled, praying for somebody to leave; finally maneuvered into just-vacated parking space; whoever was there before me, I beg your forgiveness -- I was really, really late.
• Taught a class. What a great group of kids! We actually created blogs today! Yeah, for blogging!
• Sat through one of my own classes -- ah, those chairs are hard, especially when you had a long day and the class is dry, dry statistics.
• Ah, long day... better get some rest... another 8:00 a.m. class tomorrow...

Great weekend so far...

• Slept late -- oh, getting enough sleep can do wonders...
• Did not get ANY complaints or stupid requests from students -- we are finally settling down, yeah! :)
• Cautiously optimistic about one e-harmony match -- no real dates yet but have really enjoyed email exchanges so far; we seem to share many interests while adding nice differences to a mix; and he responds quickly -- in my "book," it means "truly cares."
• Look forward to spending next weekend with my family -- IF Ernesto blows through before and doesn't affect our plans! Go away, Ernesto!
• Well, work never ends; did accomplish quite a bit and feeling energized enough to work late tonight.

Oh, so tired...

Drove back home today... This morning, the weather was gorgeous -- sunny, reasonably cool -- so I put the top down, looking forward to a great trip. Alas, the sky darkened and threatened to drench me, so I pulled over and raised the top; just in time! Driving was not fun for the next couple hours -- heavy rain on and off, requiring emergency lights at times and forcing traffic to slow down; mist from large vehicles; and incessant windshield wiper dance.

Buying cool gadgets?! Let's go!!!

• Spent over $1,000 on a new computer for my brother. His old laptop is OK but really not fast enough for aeronautical programs required for his courses. So we went shopping for an early Christmas present... and found a great laptop online... and bought it... and picked it up... and it came with a nice all-in-one machine and wireless router... and I got smothered by hugs... and now I will pay for 15 months -- interest free, at least! But my "twin" brother is happy because he will be able to do everything from his room instead of sitting in the lab.
• Well, he is not really my "twin" -- he is actually 12 years younger. Nevertheless, we could have been twins, easily; we look (well, he is much slimmer) and act alike; have similar interests; fight a lot and make up a lot. So Mom and Dad call us twins! :)

What is good and bad about today...

• I am not feeling well (yeah, being a girl has its ups and downs)
• Did not get much sleep (was working on something and did not want to stop, then had to pack for today's trip)
• My muscles are tense (did not work out for about a week)
• BUT...
• My students are settling down and doing reasonably well; many of them are doing exceptionally well, in fact!
• There are only three voice mail messages on my machine -- probably from a Chatty Student who starts calling at 6:00 a.m., calls every 30 minutes, and leaves a message every time. Hey, I only have to respond once! :)
• My Inbox does not have any new messages -- cleared all of them this morning.
• I am driving to the Flying University to see my brother and make sure he has everything for the next week when classes start there; also, we will attend a reception tonight and meet some of his professors.
• My new gadgets and books arrived yesterday!
• If I have time tonight, I will walk on the beach...

Let's have a contest!!!

Entry #1:

Ms Alice, I noticed that I had receive zeros own some of my assignment that was due own the 21.The reason why I could not finish my assignmnt because my computer was struck by lightning that night and sleepy town college is the only way I can do my assignments.The reason I could not email you yesterday beacuse I work five days a week and I don't get home until the afternoon the.Several hours I dedicate to this class is on monday an tuesday those or my two off days. I am really trying to exits out this course this term and I am really trying to make good grades and maintain myself so will you please give me another chance to complete my assignments only this one chance please.

Looking for a good story?

Read one of Chingiz Aitmatov's stories at http://www.iles.umn.edu/faculty/bashiri/Aitmatov/Jamila.html.

Cool site!

http://www.farecast.com/

This site provides current lowest prices for air fares as well as predictions on whether fares will rise or fall. Check it out today!!!

Unfortunately, many regional airports are not included yet, so please submit a request to add them.

Moving to a new office!!!

Yeah, the tentative date for switching phone lines is Sept. 6 so dare I hope to move next week??? I am so excited! Even though it means hauling stuff to another part of the building while my own classes start next week. Oh, I would do anything for more space and a WINDOW! With a lovely view on the parking lot but who cares, right?

Oh, students...

Email #1 (I asked to submit an assignment as an attachment, that's all, no comments required)

Hello Ms. Alice,

How are you doing tonight?I'm pondering over what to write about,my mind seems like mush right now because i've been writing essays sinceFriday.That makes me tired and a little restless.I will need a good vacationafter first semester.Well can't write to long time to put kids to bed forschool tomorrow.Have a good night and we will chat again tomorrow.

And who said I want to chat with you??? Yeah, sounds mean, but I really don't want to be "friends" with my undergrads... Which raises another issue... Why is it OK to be friends at the graduate level? Because students are wiser, smarter, less likely to to do something stupid???

Anyway, here is another "gem."

Email #2
Timna had a very interesting post about missing the interaction with "live" students when teaching online. I don't necessarily miss students but I find it very difficult to reach my students and usually schedule a midterm meeting on-campus (disguised as a "party" to get their attention). That's why I sent out an invitation last week, asking if they could attend a meeting so they could meet each other, talk to me about their concerns, discuss midterm grades, etc. I also mentioned providing "light refreshments."

Here is one response:

I've got the grill and the charcoal. All we need now is some meat, chips, fixin's, and something to wash it all down with. Non-alcoholic of course.

Sorry, barbecue does not qualify as "light refreshments."

Ugh, it's not even a Monday morning and I am already cranky.

Longing for cool autumn days...

And countdown begins...

I was able to accomplish quite a number of things on my to-do list (oh, this list never ends, right?). As I was happily working away, Mom called and we talked about my brother who is leaving for college this coming week. Poor Mom -- Alex is a baby of the family, the only boy, and the only one who will live in a dorm (both of us girls lived at home and saved money; he will get my parents into a huge financial hole with that astronomical tuition at ERAU -- and what are his chances of becoming an airline pilot right away? teacher and accountant are more practical professions, aren't they?)

Anyway, as we were talking, I suddenly sat up straight -- Alex is coming on Monday! Yeah, tomorrow! My refrigerator does not contain anything suitable for an 18-year-old. My house is a mess -- not like he cares but older sisters must set an example to younger brothers, especially those who will have to clean their dorm room. Right? Oh well, I will dust and vacuum tonight; then do some quick shopping after work tomorrow.

And my mini-crisis is nothing to Mom's neurosis! :) She is really losing it! Cries and laughs intermittently, checks and re-checks his "college stuff," worrying that she will forget something. Mom, he has a car and there is a huge mall within driving distance from the university! To passify her, I will go there on Friday and make sure he is all set (I live much closer than my parents so it's no big deal to me).

And why is Alex coming to my house on Monday? Who knows, maybe to escape Mom's tears and live one more day in peace before before being dunked into the murky waters of college life? Anyway, he will spend one day with me, drive to Daytona Beach on Tuesday afternoon, spend a night in the hotel, and be up bright and early for 8:00 a.m. freshman orientation. Classes don't start until the following Monday so next week will be a lot of boring but important stuff for him.

Well, my baby brother, good luck to you! And remember, your Big Sister is watching you (oh, yes -- he gave me all passwords), so don't you DARE to slack up on coursework and lose your scholarships! :) Yeah, I am as bad as Mom -- I just keep it cool! ;)

Nasty but funny, in a way...

Website Blunders

All of these are legitimate companies that didn't spend quite enough
time considering how their online names might appear and be misread.

1. Who Represents is where you can find the name of
the agent that represents any celebrity. Their web site
is: http://www.whorepresents.com

2. Experts Exchange is a knowledge base where
programmers can exchange advice and views at:
http://www.expertsexchange.com

3. Looking for a pen? Look no further than Pen
Island at: http://www.penisland.net

4. Need a therapist? Try Therapist Finder at:
http://www.therapistfinder.com

5. There's the Italian Power Generator company:
http://www.powergenitalia.com

6. And don't forget the Mole Station Native Nursery
in New South Wales: http://www.molestationnursery.com

7. If you're looking for IP computer software,
there's always: http://www.ipanywhere.com

8. The First Cumming Methodist Church web site is:
http://www.cummingfirst.com

9. And the designers at Speed of Art await you at
their wacky web site: http://www.speedofart.com

Not a good way to start the weekend...

I stayed up late last night (this morning?), hoping to be so tired that I would fall asleep immediately and not have to toss and turn; otherwise, I would finally fall asleep for a few hours and then wake up at 6:00 a.m., my weekday wake-up time. I even made sure my alarm was off -- just in case!

Well, the trick worked -- I was asleep almost immediately. Alas, my cats (well, one of them belongs to me) woke me up at 6:00 a.m. -- I am not kidding, the clock said 6:00 a.m.!!! I was in a deep slumber when I heard this very strange noise and could not figure what it was, like crying or moaning or growling or something!!! Once the fog cleared, I saw my male cat standing next to the bedroom balcony door, growling at a stray cat on the other side. How did that thing climb to the second-floor balcony? Probably used the tree branches. Anyway, Robin was protecting his territory -- dare I say his owner? :)

After shooing both cats away, I went back to bed. It took awhile to fall asleep but I finally did, only to wake up crying. I was dreaming of being in a faculty meeting. My dept chair was chewing me out for not checking some kind of account and ridiculing me for not doing a good job. Ugh, what a stupid dream; have no idea what triggered it. My dept chair is a wonderful person who truly cares about us and wholeheartedly supports me in everything I do. And I am very secure about my job -- although I would love to do more research and teach less classes, I enjoy teaching and there is not doubt in my mind that I am doing a good job; they know I plan to leave once I finish my Ph.D. and always try to persuade me to stay. So this nightmare, like many I guess, is totally weird.

Anyway, I wiped the tears, laughed at myself, and went back to sleep. Did not wake up until 10:30 a.m., actually; probably would have slept longer if Mom did not call. That's another story. Mom, how many times did I tell you NOT to call me on Saturday mornings since it's the only day I can indulge in sleeping in???

Oh, well -- I am up, I am dressed, I am wide awake, and actually I am ready to accomplish some things today. Just a weird start, I guess.

Another long day but it's Friday!!!

• Met with one of my students this morning -- she missed online course orientation and needed instructions.
• Waited (in vain) for another student. Bye-bye, girl! Don't waltz into my office on Monday and expect to stay in this course. We submit first week attendance and students are dropped from our classes if they haven't attended even once (or logged in, in this case). She already rescheduled twice so my patience is over.
• Rushed to University City for a meeting (oooh, wouldn't have to rush if not for a student mentioned above).
• Had a great meeting -- interesting people, wonderful ideas... Look forward to the first day of classes!
• After a totally insane week, treated myself to a brief session of retail therapy. Tried on some shirts but didn't like them. Then found a great wool skirt. It's a little tight now but, hey, I am determined to lose all these ridiculous "extras." So it now hangs on my bedroom door as an incentive to watch my diet and exercise on a regular basis.
• Went out to eat with some friends -- salad for me, thank you very much. The skirt is watching me! :)
• Am I crazy to work on a Friday night? Shouldn't I be out, having fun? Alas, there is nothing to do in our Sleepy Town... and I have tons of things that really need my attention.
• Really miss having a boyfriend (and, no, at this point I don't miss my ex-boyfriend -- glad to be rid of that guy); it would be nice to hang out on Friday nights with somebody closer than "just friends." Oh, well, maybe one day...
• I will work tonight so I am tired enough to have a good night's sleep and sleep in tomorrow...

Update on our train reservation "adventure"

We have tickets -- well, we think we do. They will be delivered to our hotel on the day of arrival. So far so good!

The Quote Meme

Oh, everybody is doing it and I love quotes, so I can't resist!

Go here and look through random quotes until you find 5 that you think reflect who you are or what you believe.
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The guy who takes a chance, who walks the line between the known and unknown, who is unafraid of failure, will succeed.
Gordon Parks
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Be courteous, be obliging, but don't give yourself over to be melted down for the benefit of the tallow trade.
George Eliot
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When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.
Clifton Fadiman
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It really doesn't matter if the person who hurt you deserves to be forgiven. Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. You have things to do and you want to move on.
Real Live Preacher
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Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.
Henry Van Dyke
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And, as a bonus, I could not resist including these two:
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This one is very personal:

Sometimes it seems like God is difficult to find and impossibly far away. We get so caught up in our small daily duties and irritations that they become the only things that we can focus on. What we forget is that God's love and beauty are all around us, every day, if only we would take the time to look up and see them.
Matthias
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And this one I dedicate to you, my dear students:

Home computers are being called upon to perform many new functions, including the consumption of homework formerly eaten by the dog.
Doug Larson

"Chocolat"

USPS employees defied the hot and humid weather blanketing the Southeast to deliver my treat for the weekend -- a Netflix movie. My selection for this weekend? "Chocolat!"

I have seen the movie before but look forward to "reliving" it since I just visited that part of Cameroon last month. The movie was filmed near Mount Cameroon, several hours from Douala, and we traveled the same roads.

It's a sad movie and raises so many questions...