What do I want to write about today? I dunno. Let’s start with this: I’m really enjoying being out of school. In addition to working 20 hours weekly, I’ve got several projects started, all of which, if I told you about them, would have you bored to tears within seconds. One thing I’m really liking about this part time schedule is that I get to practice the piano almost every day. My son, who is a better classical player than I am, is giving me “lessons”. He’s assigned me a couple of pieces to work on, plus I also have dragged out my scales book “The Complete Book of Scales, Chords, Arpeggios, & Cadences”, “Includes all the Major, Minor (Natural, Harmonic, Melodic) & Chromatic Scales-Plus additional instructions on music fundamentals"...just in case you were asking WHAT scales book…and am playing scales every day. One of my life’s goals is to be able to play a piece by Beethoven called “Sonate Pathetique”. The adagio cantabile portion of this piece is some of the most beautifully written music I’ve ever played.
Do you have any life’s goals that would involve you learning something new? I’m not necessarily talking about climbing the Andes Mountains (unless that indeed is your goal, then more power to ya), nor am I really talking about ethereal intangible things (that’s another topic for another day). I’m just asking if any of you would like to share on this page any specific goals you have, and are working towards in this life. Maybe you would like to learn to knit, or to run a mile without collapsing, or give up one meal a week in order to spend time meditating, or learn about stars and planets and constellations. I hate to own up to some of these (knitting! really!) but all of these plus many more are on my to learn list. Maybe you’re a busy mom, a student, and an employee-or you do all three of those jobs, like several people I know. Believe me, I understand that. But I would encourage you to take a little time for yourself, if to do nothing more than to think. To ponder. And to dream. You’re worth it.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Saturday, way too early
It’s early. I woke up at 5:30 am – that’s what I get for having that schedule the last 5 months. Through my open bedroom window, a light morning breeze stirred the air. The birds were beginning choir practice, and I could hear a train in the distance. Normally, I can snooze right along with all the first light awakening sounds, but today, for some reason, I just couldn’t. Even as I type this my sleepy brain is struggling to wake up, but I tell you, if I went back to bed I’d just lay there and think about things-and thinking does me no good this time of day. The “I wonder whys” start. At first, they are somewhat insignificant. “I wonder why my middle son is such a slob.” “I wonder why someone would pick OUR car to steal a license tag from.” They progress in significance to, “I wonder why I can be disciplined in SOME things but not others”. Then the “you oughts” begin. “You ought to test your blood sugars more often.” “You ought to get more exercise.” “You ought to practice the piano every day.” And then there’s reminders of obligations, and of things to be done and checked off a list. And finally, if I let my brain go there, I can then progress to reminders of mistakes in the past, and moments I wish I could take back, and bad decisions, and all kinds of things it does me no good to mull over. I got up to avoid all that…now I’m writing about it. Great.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Stemming the tide
Today, I’m going to do a public service announcement. Are you ready? Here we go.
I know it may come as a great shock to people, but those forwards you get in your email may not necessarily be true. I know, I know, it’s just difficult to understand that not everything you read on the net is true, and, it seems a little odd that I’m using that very medium to inform you of that, but, so it goes. Case in point: I received from a person (by the way, this person is none of you reading this, he is someone who is affiliated with WSU and has my email address for other reasons), a forward about Bill Gates and Microsoft offering a refund of 245.00 for each person they sent that email to. This man, who is known by graduate students and has a fairly public position at the university actually took the time to read the forward, then to send it to at least 300 people in his address book.
I responded back to him as follows:
Don't be sending out crap like this. This is a HOAX. Please check out:
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/nothing/microsoft-aol.asp
This website addresses this rumor. You need to send an email out to every single person you sent that load of crap to and apologize. And next time, check out any internet rumors by going to www.snopes.com and using their search feature. Are you really that naive that you believe this?
Amazingly, I have not heard back from him. I would encourage you today that when you receive any kind of internet rumors in your mailbox, that you delete them, or, if you want to be in public service, check them out by using one of the better internet rumor sites, www.snopes.com. They have search feature that works quite handily-you just have to put in a keyword from the rumor. Then when you get the real scoop, email the sender the information back. I realize I’m only plugging up one little hole in the dike of internet hoaxes and rumors, but hey, at least I’m trying to do my part.
I know it may come as a great shock to people, but those forwards you get in your email may not necessarily be true. I know, I know, it’s just difficult to understand that not everything you read on the net is true, and, it seems a little odd that I’m using that very medium to inform you of that, but, so it goes. Case in point: I received from a person (by the way, this person is none of you reading this, he is someone who is affiliated with WSU and has my email address for other reasons), a forward about Bill Gates and Microsoft offering a refund of 245.00 for each person they sent that email to. This man, who is known by graduate students and has a fairly public position at the university actually took the time to read the forward, then to send it to at least 300 people in his address book.
I responded back to him as follows:
Don't be sending out crap like this. This is a HOAX. Please check out:
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/nothing/microsoft-aol.asp
This website addresses this rumor. You need to send an email out to every single person you sent that load of crap to and apologize. And next time, check out any internet rumors by going to www.snopes.com and using their search feature. Are you really that naive that you believe this?
Amazingly, I have not heard back from him. I would encourage you today that when you receive any kind of internet rumors in your mailbox, that you delete them, or, if you want to be in public service, check them out by using one of the better internet rumor sites, www.snopes.com. They have search feature that works quite handily-you just have to put in a keyword from the rumor. Then when you get the real scoop, email the sender the information back. I realize I’m only plugging up one little hole in the dike of internet hoaxes and rumors, but hey, at least I’m trying to do my part.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Boom!
Well, I’m sitting here listening to the 1812 Overture, as only the Wichita Symphony Orchestra can play it. BOOM! There go the cannons…awesome! Usually I’m down at the riverbank with my brother, enjoying the last night of the River Festival, which includes a gigantic fireworks show, but this year I elected to stay at home and listen to the Twilight Pops Concert on the radio. I can see some of the fireworks from my house, but the show is really spectacular from downtown.
Thanks to all who made my graduation a memorable experience, to all who emailed, called, sent cards, and emails. Scott, it was good to hear from you! Now that I’m out of school, I’m not going to end the blog, but I’ll keep it going for awhile. I’m going to see if I can find where I misplaced my sense of humor…..
Thanks to all who made my graduation a memorable experience, to all who emailed, called, sent cards, and emails. Scott, it was good to hear from you! Now that I’m out of school, I’m not going to end the blog, but I’ll keep it going for awhile. I’m going to see if I can find where I misplaced my sense of humor…..
Sunday, May 14, 2006
It's over, it's done...
Yes, graduation is over. I am awarded the Educational Specialist degree, now I can put some letters after my name-Ed.S., in case you were wondering. I have three more days at my practicum site-and may work also on Thursday and Friday if they have anything for me to do. In that little town I'm working in, school is out Tuesday the 16th, so Wednesday will probably be my last day.
I told someone that now that I've graduated, and had a wonderful day with family and friends on Saturday, I've got to come down off that high sooner or later, and I'll probably be cranky and depressed this week. I don't think it's really hit me yet that it's over. And really, for me, it's not really over. Not only am I working in the office at WSU all summer, but, I will be on a year long internship in the fall. This will require me going to classes at WSU every other week, and preparing a case study to present at the end of next spring. So I'm not done yet. Some School Psych programs have the internship before graduation. WSU has you do it afterwards. I don't know the wisdom behind that, but it works for me.
I hope to blog more this week. Thanks for hanging in there with me. I didn't do really well at writing last week. BTW, my son took some pics of me at graduation. I'll try to figure out how to post one on here. I'll see if I can find one I'm not embarrassed to post. And, more words of advice, if you want something important videotaped, find somebody who knows how to do it well. Don't ask, say, oh, I don't know, for example, don't ask your spouse to do it. Even though you love your spouse, and are so grateful for your spouse's love and support, and your spouse means the world to you, don't ask them to videotape something if they really can't do it very well. There. That's all I'm going to say about THAT.
Yes, graduation is over. I am awarded the Educational Specialist degree, now I can put some letters after my name-Ed.S., in case you were wondering. I have three more days at my practicum site-and may work also on Thursday and Friday if they have anything for me to do. In that little town I'm working in, school is out Tuesday the 16th, so Wednesday will probably be my last day.
I told someone that now that I've graduated, and had a wonderful day with family and friends on Saturday, I've got to come down off that high sooner or later, and I'll probably be cranky and depressed this week. I don't think it's really hit me yet that it's over. And really, for me, it's not really over. Not only am I working in the office at WSU all summer, but, I will be on a year long internship in the fall. This will require me going to classes at WSU every other week, and preparing a case study to present at the end of next spring. So I'm not done yet. Some School Psych programs have the internship before graduation. WSU has you do it afterwards. I don't know the wisdom behind that, but it works for me.
I hope to blog more this week. Thanks for hanging in there with me. I didn't do really well at writing last week. BTW, my son took some pics of me at graduation. I'll try to figure out how to post one on here. I'll see if I can find one I'm not embarrassed to post. And, more words of advice, if you want something important videotaped, find somebody who knows how to do it well. Don't ask, say, oh, I don't know, for example, don't ask your spouse to do it. Even though you love your spouse, and are so grateful for your spouse's love and support, and your spouse means the world to you, don't ask them to videotape something if they really can't do it very well. There. That's all I'm going to say about THAT.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Monday Musings
We had intermittent internet service yesterday-I called our internet provider. A nice young man came on the line to assist me. We had just gotten started, and I noticed the tone of his voice took on a sort of patient “I know I’m talking to an older woman who probably doesn’t know where the ‘enter’ is on her keyboard” quality as he began asking me questions. Fortunately my younger son came in the room so I immediately asked him to intervene. Well. In about 30 seconds they were discussing routers, connections, and alphabet soup, you know, ISP, and all that. Turns out our router, (one of four box type structures on the top of our computer desk) is not sending a good signal. Works sometimes, doesn’t work other times. I don’t really know about this stuff. But I’m glad I have a kid who can converse fairly intelligently with these people - he’s always sorta functioned as our own inhouse tech support.
Next to the last week of practicum. Two more weeks of spending 50.00 a week on gas just to get to work. It’s been a bummer to do that, but it has been a valuable experience. We’re wrapping up some evaluations this week and I’m also going to give the “Test of Visual Perceptual Skills” for the first time. I hear it’s not too bad. I brought it home to practice on my oldest son but didn’t catch him to do it.
Graduation this Saturday! There are only 4 of us graduating in the school psychology program this semester, but I think that's probably a bit more than what they generally have, which is 2, maybe 3 graduates a semester. We'll be walking with the College of Education, and will be called to the platform after the doctoral candidates and before the master's degree graduates. I was asked at church yesterday if it was about over, I replied rather enthusiastically, “oh yes!” The questioner stated, “I could see it in your face! You look great!” That, my friends, is what going back to school at 45 will do for you, once you’re finished six and a half years later. People start telling you how “great” you look. By the way, I need to let you know that I saw proof finally, on Thursday, that my incomplete grades were finally changed, and now, I don't have to hang on by fingernails anymore. I'm feeling much relief. Barb, Deb and Sylvia-see you Saturday on a milestone day for us. In case I don't get to say it Saturday, it's been a privilege for me to get to know you. You are all going to be great school psychologists. Congratulations!
Next to the last week of practicum. Two more weeks of spending 50.00 a week on gas just to get to work. It’s been a bummer to do that, but it has been a valuable experience. We’re wrapping up some evaluations this week and I’m also going to give the “Test of Visual Perceptual Skills” for the first time. I hear it’s not too bad. I brought it home to practice on my oldest son but didn’t catch him to do it.
Graduation this Saturday! There are only 4 of us graduating in the school psychology program this semester, but I think that's probably a bit more than what they generally have, which is 2, maybe 3 graduates a semester. We'll be walking with the College of Education, and will be called to the platform after the doctoral candidates and before the master's degree graduates. I was asked at church yesterday if it was about over, I replied rather enthusiastically, “oh yes!” The questioner stated, “I could see it in your face! You look great!” That, my friends, is what going back to school at 45 will do for you, once you’re finished six and a half years later. People start telling you how “great” you look. By the way, I need to let you know that I saw proof finally, on Thursday, that my incomplete grades were finally changed, and now, I don't have to hang on by fingernails anymore. I'm feeling much relief. Barb, Deb and Sylvia-see you Saturday on a milestone day for us. In case I don't get to say it Saturday, it's been a privilege for me to get to know you. You are all going to be great school psychologists. Congratulations!
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Just rambling
Well, I can see these jokes went over big time. I can hear your uproarious laughter from here. You’re welcome. I’m glad to add a little levity to your day.
*****
I just heard a peal of thunder. I guess it rained last night but I wouldn’t know-I slept pretty soundly-only woke up twice-for the first time in many nights.
*****
I’ve got 3 weeks to go working on practicum, and 10 days before graduation. I’m feeling a little nervous and pressured, but am thinking, if I can just HANG ON, I’ll make it. If I can just HANG ON, I’ll make it. HANG ON. There’s quite a bit of work to do on practicum yet, but not overwhelming. I think the most stress is coming from not having two incompletes changed to grades yet. I’m nervewracked waiting on the professor to do so and thoughts of getting up there and not being able to graduate because the grades weren’t changed are racing through my head. She assures me they will be changed-just HANG ON. Sigh.
*****
If you’re human, this has happened to you -you’re living your life, ambling along, not bothering anybody, doing your job-when all of a sudden, a situation you were blissfully unaware of rears its ugly head and upsets the tranquility of life. This happened to me on Tuesday evening. A very messy situation came to my attention, and even though I was involved in it in a minor way several weeks ago, now it seems that I’m involved in a major way because my minor involvement was gossiped about by several people which then, mushroomed into major involvement a couple of weeks ago. How’s that for confusing. This gossip and talk really hurt a third party and now we have a mess. Here’s the life lesson: Don’t talk about others when you don’t know what you’re talking about. And don’t talk about others even when you DO know what you’re talking about-more often than not, it’s a hurtful thing.
*****
That’s all.
*****
I just heard a peal of thunder. I guess it rained last night but I wouldn’t know-I slept pretty soundly-only woke up twice-for the first time in many nights.
*****
I’ve got 3 weeks to go working on practicum, and 10 days before graduation. I’m feeling a little nervous and pressured, but am thinking, if I can just HANG ON, I’ll make it. If I can just HANG ON, I’ll make it. HANG ON. There’s quite a bit of work to do on practicum yet, but not overwhelming. I think the most stress is coming from not having two incompletes changed to grades yet. I’m nervewracked waiting on the professor to do so and thoughts of getting up there and not being able to graduate because the grades weren’t changed are racing through my head. She assures me they will be changed-just HANG ON. Sigh.
*****
If you’re human, this has happened to you -you’re living your life, ambling along, not bothering anybody, doing your job-when all of a sudden, a situation you were blissfully unaware of rears its ugly head and upsets the tranquility of life. This happened to me on Tuesday evening. A very messy situation came to my attention, and even though I was involved in it in a minor way several weeks ago, now it seems that I’m involved in a major way because my minor involvement was gossiped about by several people which then, mushroomed into major involvement a couple of weeks ago. How’s that for confusing. This gossip and talk really hurt a third party and now we have a mess. Here’s the life lesson: Don’t talk about others when you don’t know what you’re talking about. And don’t talk about others even when you DO know what you’re talking about-more often than not, it’s a hurtful thing.
*****
That’s all.
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