Finally Done!

"How come you're not excited?" is what some family members asked me about my upcoming graduation. Off course am excited about the ceremony and most of all being done, am just not jumping up and down as they want me too. I am coming to the end of a long journey and am eager to begin a new phase in my life.

I have an interview on Tuesday and I hope I get the job because am ready to apply my knowledge and energy in a different career. The learning experience in this course has been unique in terms of different technologies, having discussions and group meetings online just to mention a few. I hope I get to meet some of my online classmates face to face one day, that would be really super.

Post Thanksgiving Fatigue

Two more weeks of school and then graduation! Thanksgiving was great but it left me exhausted. I'll think twice before having everyone over at my house again! My family and friends will also remember 2008 Thanksgiving day as the inauguration of karaoke into our family.

Initially few adults including myself could grasp the concept of Karaoke. However, the kids took to it immediately and were reluctant to give up the microphone. Most of the adults had never done Karoke before and we were therefore hindered by our inability to methodically sing along with the words on the screen. At the end of the day, though we couldn't agree on who was the worst singer, we agreed that we would be poor candidates for American Idol.

Lucy.

Almost There

I am almost done with my practicum 2 class, I just have to tie up some loose ends and bingo! I feel like the class load is finally lightening up, now that the semester is almost done. A few weeks ago, I purchased my graduation regalia for a whooping 70 something bucks! I don't remember paying half that amount if anything for my previous graduation regalia.

After graduation, I look forward to picking up both old and new hobbies. My 'to do' list includes arts, crafts and quilting just to mention a few. I look forward to reading good novels, being idle and hopefully teaching one or two courses. I probably will pursue a Doctorate degree in 1,2,3,4,5......years, because Dr.Lucy sounds too good to resist! (LOL)

Technology in running!

The San Antonio marathon was a wonderful experience. Besides enjoying myself, I set a new personal best time! My chip time indicates I finished in 3 hours, 54 minutes but my clock time shows 4 hours, 15 minutes. Needless to say I prefer the chip time, but am very proud of myself either way.

The chip and clock time differ because the former utilizes a computer chip that is given to every participant to allow individualized tracking during the marathon. The marathoners attach the chip to their clothing or shoes and can therefore be tracked from the beginning of the event to the end. My family and friends are usually able to track me online as the event unfolds!

The clock time begins when the event officially starts, it's not very efficient because it's impossible for all the runners to be at the start line simultaneously. A computerized mat (reads the chip) allows for an individualized start time when participants cross it, hence the difference in clock and chip times. Technology is everywhere!

"Real Teacher".

I did my teaching presentation (Practicum 2 requirement) this past Friday and am relieved that am done with it. The students were very receptive and the overall feedback was positive. I know I could have done better in some areas but I believe I'll get better with time. Moreover, that was my first lecture presentation with a microphone and in front of 60 plus students.

I also had to constuct 5 test questions from the lecture content and submit them to the course manager, which I did a few hours ago. This whole experience made me feel like a "real teacher" and now more than ever am sure that I have chosen the right career.

This coming weekend am heading down to San Antonio with friends' and family for the Rock N Roll Marathon. I am a participant and am hoping to finish in 4 hours 15 minutes, I think am in pretty good shape but I won't know until I cross the finish line. I hope am not too exhausted to walk across the stage on December 13th!

Technosavvy Kids.

My niece left me a message the other day reminding me that her birthday was coming up and that she would like a Nintendo DS and some other electronic gadget. (I still don't know what it is, but am afraid to ask because am sure it costs an arm and a leg!).

I almost fell over when I learned that a Nintendo Wii (supposed to be better than a Nintendo DS) costs at least $300! Needless to say, I will not be buying a Wii any time soon because I think that's an exorbitant price for a toy.

Anyhow, my sister will buy the Nintendo DS and I'll buy the games which don't come cheap either. Therefore, my niece will get her wish on condition she continues to have good progress reports and keep her grades up.

Lucy.

Resiliency!

I was running the other day and while staring at one of those minute cars, I tripped and fell very hard and severely skinned my knee . Initially, I was very embarrassed and jumped back on feet without bothering to assess my injuries. I was embarrassed because I was afraid some motorists or pedestrians had seen me fall and might stop to help me. I was even more afraid that some one I knew may have seen me fall!

Later while I was nursing my cuts and screaming like a baby (I swore to be more sympathetic to my patients), I realized my reaction to the fall illustrated how our tough experiences through life enable we humans to build up resiliency. My experiences from previous falls enabled me to realize as I fell that I could and would heal from this fall too, albeit I have a nasty scar to show for it.