At 12:04am I have finished my "Letter to Head" and "Final Reflection" from these last week's of adventure. They are uploaded to our Moodle site and await feedback. As my next door friend said, "don't belabor it, just click send." I am particularly pleased with my reflection as I spent quite a bit of time trying to take out the "whine" factor and really focus on the goals I hope to bring back to school next fall.
Now, I think I will spend a bit of time on the imovie that I am heading up as for our final farewell day. I had a coke at 9:30pm, so it isn't like sleeping is likely anyway.
Just found out that I'm working both all day Thursday and all day Friday at the shop. So much for a day of break before hopping back in full force. One thing I will say is...I can't wait to swim laps, my poor deltoids and triceps are so atrophied I desperately need some time in the water (I'm having a "Sweetest Thing" arm situation).
All right, enough ranting for now. Time to tap into my inner Steven Spielberg or at least, my inner Dawson Leery.
Peace.
Monday, June 30, 2008
the lasts...
We are reaching the point in the Institute where we have started to have our "lasts". Last Friday was Chef Gary's last meal with us, yesterday was our last diversity session, and today is our last curriculum session. We are spending about four hours today on "Change", which of course makes me really happy as all of the readings were consistent with all of the reading I've done at Hopkins. Now begins the two day task of reflecting what we are taking from this and what we will bring back to our school. I'm excited, nervous, and in-flux as to what those things might be.
In our reflection last night, we wrote a letter to ourselves that I'm assuming someone at KSI will send to us mid year. We were supposed to write our hopes of what we would take from the two weeks here and I formed mine in several paragraphs of questions. What am I taking from here about curriculum and instruction? What am I taking from here in terms of leadership? What am I taking here in terms of facing difficult issues within the school? Each paragraph had specific thoughts that I hope to be at least thinking about as I leave this amazing experience. Also, I have a paragraph about keeping up with colleagues. I have formed good working relationships with several teachers who I think will challenge me, if I ask and likewise, I them. But they will only be maintained if there is a conscious effort.
These two weeks have been a bit like my fellowship six years ago, only condensed and intense. I feel a deep sense of gratitude that, for whatever reason, the selection committee decided to add me to the roster this summer. I hope that I have worked very hard, shared well without ranting too much, and have served some positive role in the community.
The next two days will probably be quite busy as I have offered to take the lead on the end-of-camp slide show. This is a monumental endeavor and I hope that it will provide joy to its viewers.
Dear reader, have a great Monday.
In our reflection last night, we wrote a letter to ourselves that I'm assuming someone at KSI will send to us mid year. We were supposed to write our hopes of what we would take from the two weeks here and I formed mine in several paragraphs of questions. What am I taking from here about curriculum and instruction? What am I taking from here in terms of leadership? What am I taking here in terms of facing difficult issues within the school? Each paragraph had specific thoughts that I hope to be at least thinking about as I leave this amazing experience. Also, I have a paragraph about keeping up with colleagues. I have formed good working relationships with several teachers who I think will challenge me, if I ask and likewise, I them. But they will only be maintained if there is a conscious effort.
These two weeks have been a bit like my fellowship six years ago, only condensed and intense. I feel a deep sense of gratitude that, for whatever reason, the selection committee decided to add me to the roster this summer. I hope that I have worked very hard, shared well without ranting too much, and have served some positive role in the community.
The next two days will probably be quite busy as I have offered to take the lead on the end-of-camp slide show. This is a monumental endeavor and I hope that it will provide joy to its viewers.
Dear reader, have a great Monday.
Friday, June 27, 2008
the rest of the day.
I tried to use my rest time wisely today. As it was 90 degrees and thick outside, I ventured to the school fitness center for a treadmill time. Alas, I was quite disappointed to see that the treadmills dated to about 1985, but thought I would take a whirl anyway. I managed a nice clip 9 minute pace for 3 miles. This felt quite nice but boredom sunk in...so I ventured to the track for a change of scenery and a chance to work on self-pacing. I have been without a consistently-working Garmin for over a year and I think that on one level it has helped me reduce my obsession with time/pace/distance but....it has also meant that I have gotten slower and run shorter as a result. So, I did some track work to see if my metronome (as Mick used to say) was still working. I didn't want to do speed work, just pacing. So I set my goal on 8 min/mi (2:00min/lap) and managed to go spot on for two miles with a water break in the middle since it was hotter than the seventh layer of H*&^ outside.
I have been amazed at how well I have been running/biking since I've been here. I have felt energized, have not had a lot of aches and pains, and was particularly pleased with my biking 20 miles this week. I am certainly not getting enough sleep, but what I am getting (duh) is really nutritious food. I think I have underestimated the power that food has played in my athletic performance. The consistent consumption of A. healthy food and B. enough food is critical to my health. Now, if only I could have a private chef cooking two meals a day for me from local, organic, and non-processed ingredients....oh wait...I just woke up. But certainly there must be a way for me to make truly healthy meals for one??? I think the key is diversity. We have not repeated a single dish at lunch and dinner in all of the time here. Every meal has at least one protein. Every meal has multiple vegetables and we have had potatoes as a starch only sparingly. Ah ha! So all those books I've read on performance nutrition are actually true.... Ok, broccoli, spinach, red peppers, barley, here I come.
Oh yes, I mentioned a little something about Jack Johnson. I have blogged a lot about Sara Groves and the impact she has made on me, but today I found a new song that really helped me process where my brain needs to consider going. It is not there yet and I'm not saying I want to go there, but I should consider it. If you have the chance..."Sitting, Waiting, Wishing" by Jack Johnson. While you're at it, check out his songs from the Curious George soundtrack, they'll just make you happy.
Tonight there is no homework so I shall rest before gearing up at 8am tomorrow for "Critical Friends Group". We just had the plenary session describing the protocol for it. Yes, I am officially scared. As Nigel says in The Devil Wears Prada, "All right everybody, gird your loins!" (I love Stanley Tucci)....
Good Night dear reader. God Bless You.
I have been amazed at how well I have been running/biking since I've been here. I have felt energized, have not had a lot of aches and pains, and was particularly pleased with my biking 20 miles this week. I am certainly not getting enough sleep, but what I am getting (duh) is really nutritious food. I think I have underestimated the power that food has played in my athletic performance. The consistent consumption of A. healthy food and B. enough food is critical to my health. Now, if only I could have a private chef cooking two meals a day for me from local, organic, and non-processed ingredients....oh wait...I just woke up. But certainly there must be a way for me to make truly healthy meals for one??? I think the key is diversity. We have not repeated a single dish at lunch and dinner in all of the time here. Every meal has at least one protein. Every meal has multiple vegetables and we have had potatoes as a starch only sparingly. Ah ha! So all those books I've read on performance nutrition are actually true.... Ok, broccoli, spinach, red peppers, barley, here I come.
Oh yes, I mentioned a little something about Jack Johnson. I have blogged a lot about Sara Groves and the impact she has made on me, but today I found a new song that really helped me process where my brain needs to consider going. It is not there yet and I'm not saying I want to go there, but I should consider it. If you have the chance..."Sitting, Waiting, Wishing" by Jack Johnson. While you're at it, check out his songs from the Curious George soundtrack, they'll just make you happy.
Tonight there is no homework so I shall rest before gearing up at 8am tomorrow for "Critical Friends Group". We just had the plenary session describing the protocol for it. Yes, I am officially scared. As Nigel says in The Devil Wears Prada, "All right everybody, gird your loins!" (I love Stanley Tucci)....
Good Night dear reader. God Bless You.
what exactly IS a PBA?
The last 24 hours have been really intense. We were given a crash course yesterday in Enduring Understandings (EU's) and Performance Based Assessments yesterday in Curriculum Group. I had some experience with both of these concepts based on Understanding By Design by Wiggins and McTighe from MCPS. The interesting thing about these concepts is that in a constructivist setting, as we are working in here, they take on a whole new layer of depth.
After stuffing our brain with the basics, we chose groups and were off to build a PBA. A Performance Based Assessment is the assessment of an Enduring Understanding which we based off of a Concept or Big Idea. Our group chose the big idea of "Relationships", after debate on topics such as Communication, Equity, Social Justice, Friendship, and Organization. We worked to build our Enduring Understandings and then went for a critique session with our Lead Teachers. We had quite an intense half hour with them before shipping off to bed nervous and confused.
Today we worked for four hours based on the critiques and then worked again with our LT's to further identify and clarify our EU's, Knowledge/Skill, and definitions of our PBA. We had it "all wrong" at one point, but I am really pleased with the way we worked together to build a way for our students to transfer their understanding of relationships found in building of cities to interpersonal relationships among groups in which they participate. The entire Institute went to lunch exhausted, but relieved to have completed such a task.
Lunch=Vegetarian Burrito, Roast Beef sandwich with goat cheese and caramelized onions, the most tasty french fries ever, roasted zucchini and eggplant. VERY fulfilling.
MOre in a bit...
After stuffing our brain with the basics, we chose groups and were off to build a PBA. A Performance Based Assessment is the assessment of an Enduring Understanding which we based off of a Concept or Big Idea. Our group chose the big idea of "Relationships", after debate on topics such as Communication, Equity, Social Justice, Friendship, and Organization. We worked to build our Enduring Understandings and then went for a critique session with our Lead Teachers. We had quite an intense half hour with them before shipping off to bed nervous and confused.
Today we worked for four hours based on the critiques and then worked again with our LT's to further identify and clarify our EU's, Knowledge/Skill, and definitions of our PBA. We had it "all wrong" at one point, but I am really pleased with the way we worked together to build a way for our students to transfer their understanding of relationships found in building of cities to interpersonal relationships among groups in which they participate. The entire Institute went to lunch exhausted, but relieved to have completed such a task.
Lunch=Vegetarian Burrito, Roast Beef sandwich with goat cheese and caramelized onions, the most tasty french fries ever, roasted zucchini and eggplant. VERY fulfilling.
MOre in a bit...
sorry about the missed day.
Yesterday was a busy busy day and there was just no time....so I'm just doing a food report.
Dinner last night: Smoked Duck and Smoked Turkey, tossed red potatoes, roasted barley with red peppers, green beans ammandine, fresh cranberries, corn muffins. The guest chef of the evening told us all about how he observed the fowl through their growth and how he used his own hands to prepare them (read: kill them) for eating.
Whew..
More later on the experience of writing Performance Based Assessments, running, solitude, the effects of a good diet on athletic performance, and Jack Johnson later tonight.
Dinner last night: Smoked Duck and Smoked Turkey, tossed red potatoes, roasted barley with red peppers, green beans ammandine, fresh cranberries, corn muffins. The guest chef of the evening told us all about how he observed the fowl through their growth and how he used his own hands to prepare them (read: kill them) for eating.
Whew..
More later on the experience of writing Performance Based Assessments, running, solitude, the effects of a good diet on athletic performance, and Jack Johnson later tonight.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
need...feedback....please...
We have officially been here a week as of today. It feels like it has been a month. My brain is working on serious "start up disk full" mode so I'm so thankful for this afternoon being completely free. I just took a 20 mile bike ride and saw several adorable towns (Mt. Rose, Hopewell, Pennington). The headwind was mighty but the skies clear and despite the very large chunks out of much of the roads, it was a lovely time. (Blue needs a rest, she took a lot of shock absorption for me today)
As we are a week in I'm reaching that place where I realize how hard it is for me to fit in so much of the time. This happens to me a lot at conferences, workshops, camp, in social settings. I get so stressed out by it. I also really really really need feedback from my instructors. I'm the type of person who needs to know how I'm "doing" in every situation but particularly in a situation of learning. To receive no feedback, positive or negative, whatsoever is really frustrating. It is in my nature to assume the worst, or rather that people's opinions of me are negative, if I don't have confirmation one way or the other. I realize that this is a personal flaw, but it is so easily assuaged. Just needing to know where I stand, in the scheme of success or failure, is so important to me. The ambiguity of our progress is very stressful to me and I think in turn causes me to grow deeper into the turtle shell. Thus, the vicious circle of my introversion continues...
Tonight, an opportunity to try to reach out....Trenton Thunder. Give it up for AA baseball dear reader, you know you're excited for me! It is bobble-head doll night, but let's face it, it is KSI night at the ball park, so it will certainly involve beer and loudness! Woo Hoo.
(lunch report-tom/mozz/pesto grilled sandwich (all local), arugula salad w/ grilled shrimp, gazpacho-another triumph. The arugula here is incredible.)
As we are a week in I'm reaching that place where I realize how hard it is for me to fit in so much of the time. This happens to me a lot at conferences, workshops, camp, in social settings. I get so stressed out by it. I also really really really need feedback from my instructors. I'm the type of person who needs to know how I'm "doing" in every situation but particularly in a situation of learning. To receive no feedback, positive or negative, whatsoever is really frustrating. It is in my nature to assume the worst, or rather that people's opinions of me are negative, if I don't have confirmation one way or the other. I realize that this is a personal flaw, but it is so easily assuaged. Just needing to know where I stand, in the scheme of success or failure, is so important to me. The ambiguity of our progress is very stressful to me and I think in turn causes me to grow deeper into the turtle shell. Thus, the vicious circle of my introversion continues...
Tonight, an opportunity to try to reach out....Trenton Thunder. Give it up for AA baseball dear reader, you know you're excited for me! It is bobble-head doll night, but let's face it, it is KSI night at the ball park, so it will certainly involve beer and loudness! Woo Hoo.
(lunch report-tom/mozz/pesto grilled sandwich (all local), arugula salad w/ grilled shrimp, gazpacho-another triumph. The arugula here is incredible.)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
sustainability in schools.
We have a one hour presentation today by Chef Gary, the most amazing chef ever, but even more than that...my new sustainability guru. Five years ago, he joined the Lawrenceville community and has turned the entire food world in both the school and local community upside down. He is an educator of the highest degree and is what we could only hope that all of our schools could have, Alice Waters, eat your heart out.
I am happy to share his ppt. with anyone interested but I will point you to some neat things for reading pleasure.
http://www.sustainablefare.com/index.htm
http://www.terhuneorchards.com/
http://www.attrainternships.ncat.org/internDetail2.asp?id=408
I will mostly extol the virtues of tonight's salad. Greens (including arugula!!) from the Lawrenceville School garden (KSI friends helped pick them), local blueberries, local goat cheese, walnuts, and lemon honey vinaigrette.
Amazing. Inspiring. Overwhelming.
Peace.
I am happy to share his ppt. with anyone interested but I will point you to some neat things for reading pleasure.
http://www.sustainablefare.com/index.htm
http://www.terhuneorchards.com/
http://www.attrainternships.ncat.org/internDetail2.asp?id=408
I will mostly extol the virtues of tonight's salad. Greens (including arugula!!) from the Lawrenceville School garden (KSI friends helped pick them), local blueberries, local goat cheese, walnuts, and lemon honey vinaigrette.
Amazing. Inspiring. Overwhelming.
Peace.
Monday, June 23, 2008
yesterday at camp
This was supposed to be yesterday's blog, but Blogger decided to eat part of the post.
Oh the best part of today, other than the food, of course, was just found at the end of the day. After exhilerating and challenging sessions in our Diversity groups (where our topic was White Privilege), the campus was a-buzz with chatter. Everyone was leaving the sessions wanted to talk more, wanting to continue to have the conversations, it was thrilling.
Being among this group of educators is challenging, humbling, and invigorating. Just like going to Chorus camp or soccer camp or computer camp brings delight to kids being grouped together by affinities, being at "KSI Teacher Camp" is that same feeling. I am here, on this amazing campus, with 75 other passionate, caring, dedicated, and dare I say intelligent teachers. Teachers who value life-long learning, who are not satisfied with the status quo and dare to go beyond the current state of their own schools to reach our children better.
I have struggled in the last few days with feeling really inadequate in my curriculum group. I am not a classroom teacher and worry that all of the wonderful information I'm learning will be very hard to apply in 40-min./week classes. I also worry that my contributions to the class are not useful to the other colleagues. I hope that I can bring some kind of perspective as to the role the specialist teacher can play, but I'm not sure how that is in the cards yet. However, today for a few minutes, I felt really useful as I set up a new NING for the group. I am very thankful to my school friends AA and ABD for teaching me about NINGs this year. They are such a great networking tool and when they catch on, are so useful in so many situations. I hope that the group finds this helpful.
(I wrote a whole three more paragraphs before blogger went into shut down....here is my attempted re-creation.)
In my search to get off of the LS campus in order to focus, I went into Princeton. The biggest reason I went was to burn off the desperate desire to go to the Life is Good store on the main street. After getting my fill of that, I headed over to Small World Coffee for a different study spot. Oh My Goodness, Good Coffee. Strangely served in a pint glass (burn unit anyone?), but tasty and not burnt like many coffees. I subsequently learned that SWC can be found in Lawrenceville at the local bakery. Once I was happily buzzed and up to my ears in readings, I hustled back to campus in time for dinner.
I am so glad that I came back for dinner. We have had good food but this was off the cuff good. Shrimp and Mussels Zuppa (not for me, but smelled great), Homemade cheese tortellini with local fresh tomato sauce, local roasted summer squash, local heirloom tomato and local (a mile down the road local) fresh mozzarella with basil, bread from the bakery across the street. We topped it all off homemade (again, across the street) shortcake with fresh organic whipped cream, local blueberries and strawberries. We were quite sufficiently stuffed as we went into our diversity session.
My head is in a constant state of whirl and I'm finding my addiction to caffeine growing stronger the more I don't sleep, but it is just because there is so much to do that there isn't enough time to process any of it. What I have processed is that there is so much I want to do at my school and I'm fearful that I won't even be able to do one-tenth of my hopes.
Alas, for now, I hold dearly onto my coffee cup, baby mac, and highlighter.
Peace.
Oh the best part of today, other than the food, of course, was just found at the end of the day. After exhilerating and challenging sessions in our Diversity groups (where our topic was White Privilege), the campus was a-buzz with chatter. Everyone was leaving the sessions wanted to talk more, wanting to continue to have the conversations, it was thrilling.
Being among this group of educators is challenging, humbling, and invigorating. Just like going to Chorus camp or soccer camp or computer camp brings delight to kids being grouped together by affinities, being at "KSI Teacher Camp" is that same feeling. I am here, on this amazing campus, with 75 other passionate, caring, dedicated, and dare I say intelligent teachers. Teachers who value life-long learning, who are not satisfied with the status quo and dare to go beyond the current state of their own schools to reach our children better.
I have struggled in the last few days with feeling really inadequate in my curriculum group. I am not a classroom teacher and worry that all of the wonderful information I'm learning will be very hard to apply in 40-min./week classes. I also worry that my contributions to the class are not useful to the other colleagues. I hope that I can bring some kind of perspective as to the role the specialist teacher can play, but I'm not sure how that is in the cards yet. However, today for a few minutes, I felt really useful as I set up a new NING for the group. I am very thankful to my school friends AA and ABD for teaching me about NINGs this year. They are such a great networking tool and when they catch on, are so useful in so many situations. I hope that the group finds this helpful.
(I wrote a whole three more paragraphs before blogger went into shut down....here is my attempted re-creation.)
In my search to get off of the LS campus in order to focus, I went into Princeton. The biggest reason I went was to burn off the desperate desire to go to the Life is Good store on the main street. After getting my fill of that, I headed over to Small World Coffee for a different study spot. Oh My Goodness, Good Coffee. Strangely served in a pint glass (burn unit anyone?), but tasty and not burnt like many coffees. I subsequently learned that SWC can be found in Lawrenceville at the local bakery. Once I was happily buzzed and up to my ears in readings, I hustled back to campus in time for dinner.
I am so glad that I came back for dinner. We have had good food but this was off the cuff good. Shrimp and Mussels Zuppa (not for me, but smelled great), Homemade cheese tortellini with local fresh tomato sauce, local roasted summer squash, local heirloom tomato and local (a mile down the road local) fresh mozzarella with basil, bread from the bakery across the street. We topped it all off homemade (again, across the street) shortcake with fresh organic whipped cream, local blueberries and strawberries. We were quite sufficiently stuffed as we went into our diversity session.
My head is in a constant state of whirl and I'm finding my addiction to caffeine growing stronger the more I don't sleep, but it is just because there is so much to do that there isn't enough time to process any of it. What I have processed is that there is so much I want to do at my school and I'm fearful that I won't even be able to do one-tenth of my hopes.
Alas, for now, I hold dearly onto my coffee cup, baby mac, and highlighter.
Peace.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
mid-day report
I need five minutes of break from reading so I'll give an update...
Last night, about 45 of us went into Princeton and enjoyed a very LOUD meal at the Triumph Brewery. It was a great place with good beer and food. I think I must have eaten too much because I really felt quite poor and did not finish all but a few sips of my second Honey Wheat. (WHat? An unfinished beer? Surely something is wrong)
Luckily, some new friends wanted to traipse the old world campus of Princeton and that, while difficult due to ailment, was neat. What a campus. That's a whole 'nother entry entirely.
Decided not to go for the evening's party of frivolity and beer pong due to digestional disarray and felt quite hard to sleep for 10 hours!!!
Got up and rode my bike about 15 miles including all the way down to the main road and back onto the Princeton campus. Again, it was amazing to look at the vast castles within which teenager/young adults actually have the privilege to learn. It was here that I found the one "small" (very small) hill of the day and rode it in a big gear to simulate a much larger hill experience.
Returned to LS campus just in time to be safe from a short but loud thunderstorm. Since brunch I have been reading and reflecting on topics such as, "behavorism vs. cognitivism/cognitive science", "operant vs. classical conditioning", and effort based vs. intelligence based praise....
I have an hour until our work returns. Tonight we have 2 hours of curriculum group and then 2 hours of plenary session entitled, "Teacher as Diagnostician". We have a tremendous amount of homework for Monday, so I picture a LONG night.
Tomorrow the week of full day work begins. This is really difficult work, but for the first time in a LONG LONG time, I feel challenged. I think however that I may need a week off after all of this just to process and re-gain sleep...
By the way...Happy 89th Birthday to my awesome Grandma!!!!
Peace.
Last night, about 45 of us went into Princeton and enjoyed a very LOUD meal at the Triumph Brewery. It was a great place with good beer and food. I think I must have eaten too much because I really felt quite poor and did not finish all but a few sips of my second Honey Wheat. (WHat? An unfinished beer? Surely something is wrong)
Luckily, some new friends wanted to traipse the old world campus of Princeton and that, while difficult due to ailment, was neat. What a campus. That's a whole 'nother entry entirely.
Decided not to go for the evening's party of frivolity and beer pong due to digestional disarray and felt quite hard to sleep for 10 hours!!!
Got up and rode my bike about 15 miles including all the way down to the main road and back onto the Princeton campus. Again, it was amazing to look at the vast castles within which teenager/young adults actually have the privilege to learn. It was here that I found the one "small" (very small) hill of the day and rode it in a big gear to simulate a much larger hill experience.
Returned to LS campus just in time to be safe from a short but loud thunderstorm. Since brunch I have been reading and reflecting on topics such as, "behavorism vs. cognitivism/cognitive science", "operant vs. classical conditioning", and effort based vs. intelligence based praise....
I have an hour until our work returns. Tonight we have 2 hours of curriculum group and then 2 hours of plenary session entitled, "Teacher as Diagnostician". We have a tremendous amount of homework for Monday, so I picture a LONG night.
Tomorrow the week of full day work begins. This is really difficult work, but for the first time in a LONG LONG time, I feel challenged. I think however that I may need a week off after all of this just to process and re-gain sleep...
By the way...Happy 89th Birthday to my awesome Grandma!!!!
Peace.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
the ultimate.
Just played Ultimate Frisbee for two hours with new friends at "teacher camp". I have never played before and am notorious for having bad hand-eye coordination but nevertheless had a kick-butt time. It was so nice to do a really heart pumping activity that was A. not solitary and B. did not require any excessive materials. Plus, my teammates were nice enough to pass me a few and never made me feel bad for missing!
Good Times...
Good Times...
rest for rest's sake.
Each day at "teacher camp" we have two and a half hours of "rest". As you've read in previous posts I have spent all previous rest times reading/writing except for a brief one hour interlude for a bike yesterday.
Today we have rest from 1pm-tomorrow at 4pm which allows for recreation, socialization (some are going to Princeton, others to the city tonight), and of course....studying. Lots and lots of studying. This is an intense program and we are working our brains tremendously. So last night's evening cocktails (courtesy of the institute) and todays extended rest are SO important.
A large group is planning "day of sports" this afternoon at 2 and I find myself very tempted to stay in the comfort of this bed and resting until our Princeton outing, but I know that I will end up studying and part of this time is SUPPOSED to be rest and recreation...so, I will go off in ten minutes to the field.
In my quiet bunk rest, I found this great article in the Daily Cafe from EDOW about admitting to times of rest both literal and figurative in our society, perhaps you will enjoy it.
Peace.
Today we have rest from 1pm-tomorrow at 4pm which allows for recreation, socialization (some are going to Princeton, others to the city tonight), and of course....studying. Lots and lots of studying. This is an intense program and we are working our brains tremendously. So last night's evening cocktails (courtesy of the institute) and todays extended rest are SO important.
A large group is planning "day of sports" this afternoon at 2 and I find myself very tempted to stay in the comfort of this bed and resting until our Princeton outing, but I know that I will end up studying and part of this time is SUPPOSED to be rest and recreation...so, I will go off in ten minutes to the field.
In my quiet bunk rest, I found this great article in the Daily Cafe from EDOW about admitting to times of rest both literal and figurative in our society, perhaps you will enjoy it.
Peace.
Friday, June 20, 2008
my thoughts on NJ roads...
Met up with a nice gal from CT to ride during "rest"...we had a nice 50 minute flat road ride in and around Lawrenceville. Not sure how fast or far, don't really care as it was more about getting outside and pushing my feet forward in the GORGEOUS weather. (How lucky are we on the East Coast this week huh?)
My comment is this, NJ roads stink! No, that is really mean, but they certainly do not have the find smooth quality of Western Howard County. Thank goodness my tires are hearty. Plus I was surprised at the amount of traffic for 3:45-4:30 in the afternoon, a steady stream of cars similar to what one might see during Rush Hour on Rt. 108...not the most comforting given the debris and hole-ridden right hand side of the lanes. (no bike lanes) Not going to get much hill time around here but I think that the roads are long enough to make self-explanatory loops. Look forward to a much longer ride either this weekend or next week.
All right...shower and STUDY!
(Lunch Report-Thai Chicken curry on Jasmine rice with Cucumber-Mint Salad, plus a tossed salad with the world's BEST homemade croutons EVER.)
My comment is this, NJ roads stink! No, that is really mean, but they certainly do not have the find smooth quality of Western Howard County. Thank goodness my tires are hearty. Plus I was surprised at the amount of traffic for 3:45-4:30 in the afternoon, a steady stream of cars similar to what one might see during Rush Hour on Rt. 108...not the most comforting given the debris and hole-ridden right hand side of the lanes. (no bike lanes) Not going to get much hill time around here but I think that the roads are long enough to make self-explanatory loops. Look forward to a much longer ride either this weekend or next week.
All right...shower and STUDY!
(Lunch Report-Thai Chicken curry on Jasmine rice with Cucumber-Mint Salad, plus a tossed salad with the world's BEST homemade croutons EVER.)
Thursday, June 19, 2008
irony.
This afternoon during "rest", I went to the library to do some reading. I was searching for the perfect "nook" that I could make mine for the next two weeks. I walked up the winding staircase of the palatial library and wandered into the "Art Book" room. I turned the corner and ah-ha, there it was a corner slightly quadrilateral-like room complete with window seat and two chair table. I knew it was mine. I opened up the window shade to allow the natural light and hunkered down. It was not until I took a moment to look up that I realized I was in the "music book" section. To my right-Mahler. To my left-Wagner and Weill. Ah....
(just for those of you who care, dinner was Moroccan spiced flank steak, braised fennel, mashed potatoes, and spinach/gorgonzola salad...oh and at "teacher camp", they serve alcohol with dinner!)
The evening session in our diversity small groups is over and now it is time to read some more....then write...then bed.
Good Night, dear reader.
(just for those of you who care, dinner was Moroccan spiced flank steak, braised fennel, mashed potatoes, and spinach/gorgonzola salad...oh and at "teacher camp", they serve alcohol with dinner!)
The evening session in our diversity small groups is over and now it is time to read some more....then write...then bed.
Good Night, dear reader.
whew.
This is the first chance I have had to breathe since about 7:15 this morning. I am currently in "afternoon rest" from Klingenstein Summer Institute. By rest I mean...go to the library and do homework in the two hours before dinner. :-)
Upon our (me and 75 new best friends) arrival here yesterday we were assigned a dorm room and handed a three inch binder complete with detailed schedule, readings, and various ins and outs. After unpacking I started to read the detailed schedule and look for our assignments. After getting through Friday I stopped, took a breath and said, "One day at a time". This is going to be an intense two weeks.
Here is how the day has looked so far:
5:15am-alarm clock
5:30am-run around campus (SO BEAUTIFUL) in the early morning fog. cool down walk looking for coffee.
6:30am-get ready for day
7:15am-breakfast (better coffee than what I found) plus the crispest bacon EVER.
8:00am-Morning Meeting (funny games played, I videotaped as I am today's photographer)
8:30am-Elementary Curriculum Meeting (very cool people, wonderful teachers....)
10:00am-break/networking (not really down time as we are still learning about each other)
10:30am-12noon-Plenary Session with Pearl Rock Kane (Klingenstein Director)-discussions about the issues facing Independent Schools. (very good reassurance from PRK about "private school guilt")
12:00noon-lunch. OMG the food here is SO good and much of it is sustainable or local. Plus...ice cream cone (mint chocolate chip)
1:00pm-3:30pm Diversity Plenary Session(wonderful. engaging. thoughtful)
NOW-"rest time" again, really glad I ran this morning because I totally have to use this time to read and write.
LATER-dinner and then our first small diversity group, we get to tell our "story".....
Will be passing out when the session ends at nine.
This is going to be a lot of work but it is amazing to be with so many brilliant young teachers and passionate lead teachers. It is only day one and all of us are brains on overload.
I can't say I will be able to blog a lot after today, but I will try....
Peace, dear reader.
Upon our (me and 75 new best friends) arrival here yesterday we were assigned a dorm room and handed a three inch binder complete with detailed schedule, readings, and various ins and outs. After unpacking I started to read the detailed schedule and look for our assignments. After getting through Friday I stopped, took a breath and said, "One day at a time". This is going to be an intense two weeks.
Here is how the day has looked so far:
5:15am-alarm clock
5:30am-run around campus (SO BEAUTIFUL) in the early morning fog. cool down walk looking for coffee.
6:30am-get ready for day
7:15am-breakfast (better coffee than what I found) plus the crispest bacon EVER.
8:00am-Morning Meeting (funny games played, I videotaped as I am today's photographer)
8:30am-Elementary Curriculum Meeting (very cool people, wonderful teachers....)
10:00am-break/networking (not really down time as we are still learning about each other)
10:30am-12noon-Plenary Session with Pearl Rock Kane (Klingenstein Director)-discussions about the issues facing Independent Schools. (very good reassurance from PRK about "private school guilt")
12:00noon-lunch. OMG the food here is SO good and much of it is sustainable or local. Plus...ice cream cone (mint chocolate chip)
1:00pm-3:30pm Diversity Plenary Session(wonderful. engaging. thoughtful)
NOW-"rest time" again, really glad I ran this morning because I totally have to use this time to read and write.
LATER-dinner and then our first small diversity group, we get to tell our "story".....
Will be passing out when the session ends at nine.
This is going to be a lot of work but it is amazing to be with so many brilliant young teachers and passionate lead teachers. It is only day one and all of us are brains on overload.
I can't say I will be able to blog a lot after today, but I will try....
Peace, dear reader.
Monday, June 16, 2008
tri-to-win
Yesterday was the Tri-to-Win sprint in Carroll County, MD. I had practiced the bike course a few times last summer and this summer. I also had a good memory of swimming in the pool at a meet in my childhood, but a pool is a pool.
The course was well managed, the chip-timed starts meant that we went into the pool one at a time (I was 49th) did our laps and went along.
My swim was fairly good. It was 400m of laps in a cool pool. I shared my lane with one other swimmer who I barely noticed. Due to the struggles lingering from my long bike ride I had a hard time keeping a nice "fin" with my right hand, but tried to compensate as best as I can. I'm proud that I did flip turns as I felt like it was important when racing in a pool. They showed me the red dot which indicated my last lap and I hopped out on the other side and crossed the mat. 6:34 (including jogging in/out)
T1 was just a short walk away and I was definitely up in heart rate so I just kept breathing to get it done. I chose not to wear socks in the bike, which I think was a good choice for my foot numbness issues. I was able to make it through in 1:56, not terribly and seemed to be average amongst the top 100 finishers.
I knew the bike would be hard. It has a lot of rolling hills and is very open to the sun. Luckily, the air was cool and fresh and there was a breeze (ok, it was a head wind, but I'm trying to be positive). I tried to keep my cadence up on the straightaways or small inclines, but did have to granny out several times. I was pleased with the way I was moving and just tried to stay steady. I had guessed it would take 1-1:10 to finish this course and was absolutely thrilled when I came in at 54:43. While it is only 14 miles, it is hilly and I just suck on the bike, so this was a great time.
T2 took a little bit longer than usual because after my last sockless 5k blister debacle I knew socks were going on. 1:32.
The run started out on a cross-country type of course that traversed the perimeter of the swim club along the corn before trotting down a farmers stone/dirt driveway and heading out onto Rt. 26. The cross-country surface was tough on my brick legs and I couldn't pick up speed because I was afraid I would fall down. Finally, when I reached 26, there it was the big big hill. I knew it was there but didn't know what was after it, alas, it was another hill. Blacktop, cars rushing by, sunshine and running. I got up the hill and a bit further when I crossed the mile 1 line at8:22, about a minute of my typical 5k pace. I tried to muster over and over again, but didn't have legs underneath me until about mile 2.2 when I crossed that point I saw that my time was dwindling close to 1:30 overall. I thought it would be so cool to come in at 1:30 so I turned up the heat as best as I could passing a gentleman (who had passed me on the bike) and made the final turn up the .2 drive way which was straight up-hill. I heard my name pushed a little more through the grassy finish and clicked the watch. 1:30:02 (official chip: 1:30:03)
I have made a lot of progress on my bike confidence, now I just need to balance the effort I make there with my natural sport of running. I have one more tri on my season on July 12, but may add one more just for fun. This one is an Olympic distance, my first and I think it is going to be very hard. Time to put in the miles.....
Happy Exercising today reader.
The course was well managed, the chip-timed starts meant that we went into the pool one at a time (I was 49th) did our laps and went along.
My swim was fairly good. It was 400m of laps in a cool pool. I shared my lane with one other swimmer who I barely noticed. Due to the struggles lingering from my long bike ride I had a hard time keeping a nice "fin" with my right hand, but tried to compensate as best as I can. I'm proud that I did flip turns as I felt like it was important when racing in a pool. They showed me the red dot which indicated my last lap and I hopped out on the other side and crossed the mat. 6:34 (including jogging in/out)
T1 was just a short walk away and I was definitely up in heart rate so I just kept breathing to get it done. I chose not to wear socks in the bike, which I think was a good choice for my foot numbness issues. I was able to make it through in 1:56, not terribly and seemed to be average amongst the top 100 finishers.
I knew the bike would be hard. It has a lot of rolling hills and is very open to the sun. Luckily, the air was cool and fresh and there was a breeze (ok, it was a head wind, but I'm trying to be positive). I tried to keep my cadence up on the straightaways or small inclines, but did have to granny out several times. I was pleased with the way I was moving and just tried to stay steady. I had guessed it would take 1-1:10 to finish this course and was absolutely thrilled when I came in at 54:43. While it is only 14 miles, it is hilly and I just suck on the bike, so this was a great time.
T2 took a little bit longer than usual because after my last sockless 5k blister debacle I knew socks were going on. 1:32.
The run started out on a cross-country type of course that traversed the perimeter of the swim club along the corn before trotting down a farmers stone/dirt driveway and heading out onto Rt. 26. The cross-country surface was tough on my brick legs and I couldn't pick up speed because I was afraid I would fall down. Finally, when I reached 26, there it was the big big hill. I knew it was there but didn't know what was after it, alas, it was another hill. Blacktop, cars rushing by, sunshine and running. I got up the hill and a bit further when I crossed the mile 1 line at8:22, about a minute of my typical 5k pace. I tried to muster over and over again, but didn't have legs underneath me until about mile 2.2 when I crossed that point I saw that my time was dwindling close to 1:30 overall. I thought it would be so cool to come in at 1:30 so I turned up the heat as best as I could passing a gentleman (who had passed me on the bike) and made the final turn up the .2 drive way which was straight up-hill. I heard my name pushed a little more through the grassy finish and clicked the watch. 1:30:02 (official chip: 1:30:03)
84/281 (OA) 5/25 (F 25-29) S-6:34 T1-1:56 B-54:43 T2-1:25 R-25:25 1:30:03The best part of all, my sister was at the transition every time cheering and at the finish for a hug. I don't think I really "race" triathlons but yesterday was as close as I think I'll get and it was such a joy to have my sister at the finish. It totally made the effort worthwhile to know that someone was there for me.
I have made a lot of progress on my bike confidence, now I just need to balance the effort I make there with my natural sport of running. I have one more tri on my season on July 12, but may add one more just for fun. This one is an Olympic distance, my first and I think it is going to be very hard. Time to put in the miles.....
Happy Exercising today reader.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
if you gotta move...
If you have to move twice in three months, I highly suggest moving only 20 yards. Due to oh so lovely renovations and my desire to stay near my location, it was now or never. I was blessed to have a fabulous crew of Mom, Dad, Aunt Pat, and Cait to help me load up a box at a time and walk out one porch and in the other. It is now about 28 hours since the start and while the apartment has some issues leftover from renovation (some not completely renovated parts shall we say), it pretty much looks just like the apartment I lived in next door.
I find myself tonight feeling grateful for the love of family and their unconditional willingness to help me, time and time again, as I need to pick up the pieces of my scattered life. They are amazing people and whether its 20 yards, 20 miles, or 20 years, they always have been and will be there for me. I am blessed.
Peace.
I find myself tonight feeling grateful for the love of family and their unconditional willingness to help me, time and time again, as I need to pick up the pieces of my scattered life. They are amazing people and whether its 20 yards, 20 miles, or 20 years, they always have been and will be there for me. I am blessed.
Peace.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
morning has broken.
The storm last night brought down more trees and shut down the lights for thousands once again in the region. Luckily, most of it passed through this area quickly but not soon enough for furry love bug who endured his late night walk with thunder and lightning (it was more like a late night run)
This morning we receive respite from the hades-like weather of the last few days. The humidity is down slightly and the temperature almost refreshing. I sit at my new outside table for morning coffee, which I had hoped to do since moving into my apartment facing the woodsy-creek.
It is summer, but I have yet to have my customary "sleep in late" day that usually marks the first day, opting rather for early morning exercise these last two days to remind me of my training goals. I do have lots to do but this morning I will take a few simple minutes to relish in the new day. The cool breeze serving as a reminder that God provides refreshment for our earth, bodies, and souls in his own time.
"Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning, born of the one light, Eden saw play, praise with elation, praise every morning, God's re-creation of the new day!"
This morning we receive respite from the hades-like weather of the last few days. The humidity is down slightly and the temperature almost refreshing. I sit at my new outside table for morning coffee, which I had hoped to do since moving into my apartment facing the woodsy-creek.
It is summer, but I have yet to have my customary "sleep in late" day that usually marks the first day, opting rather for early morning exercise these last two days to remind me of my training goals. I do have lots to do but this morning I will take a few simple minutes to relish in the new day. The cool breeze serving as a reminder that God provides refreshment for our earth, bodies, and souls in his own time.
"Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning, born of the one light, Eden saw play, praise with elation, praise every morning, God's re-creation of the new day!"
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
schools out for summer.
Today is officially the first day of summer. The meetings have ended, all of the grades are turned in and most of the children (and teachers) are already at the beach. Alas, here I sit mulling over such beach reading as "The Students are Watching: Schools and the MOral Contract", "How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School" and am writing profound things such as my philosophy of education and my critical friends group work. Oh and did I mention I have to move this weekend and have a tri on Sunday?
So yes, the day to day of school is out for summer, but I'm afraid that the lazy days are still yet to come. If you see me online or procrastinating say "STOP, go back to reading and writing". I may not love it, but in the long run, I will appreciate it.
Peace.
So yes, the day to day of school is out for summer, but I'm afraid that the lazy days are still yet to come. If you see me online or procrastinating say "STOP, go back to reading and writing". I may not love it, but in the long run, I will appreciate it.
Peace.
Friday, June 6, 2008
I am woman hear me....
roar is definitely not the end to that sentence. Over the last months I, like most Americans, have followed the Democratic race for President. When my initial first choice bowed out early, I weighed my options and listened and read and debated and argued, mostly with myself. It wasn't until sitting in the primary booth in the winter that I changed my vote twice, still not completely sure. Here on the eve of Senator Clinton's campaign suspension (let's face it...end) and acquiese to Senator Obama, I am a bit reflective.
I sit, a girl of almost 30 raised in the "girls can do anything" wave, a little sad. I'm not sad because I thought that Senator Clinton should inarguably win the Democratic nomination. I'm not really sad because I thought that her policies were best. And I'm not sad because I will miss the sound of her voice screaming into a microphone. I'm sad because this time around the girl lost. It is a realization that no matter how hard we tried, walking the tightrope between strong and B*&ch, feminine and weak, we have not broken the largest glass ceiling of all. Do I think Senator Clinton lost because she is a woman? No, not completely. I think the electoral college and superdelegates ignororance of the popular vote is out-dated and is stacked with old boys network, but....My sadness is not really about why she lost. It is about the fact that for the first time, us girls had a shot at having one of our "clique" leading our way as a nation. It seems so silly to me that we, the world's "great" power, are still so far behind in gender equity in government.
I will take up my proud Donkey tail and support Senator Obama in his quest. But I will mourn, for a brief time, the loss of my fellow XX'er and pray for her continued participation in the work of our great country.
I sit, a girl of almost 30 raised in the "girls can do anything" wave, a little sad. I'm not sad because I thought that Senator Clinton should inarguably win the Democratic nomination. I'm not really sad because I thought that her policies were best. And I'm not sad because I will miss the sound of her voice screaming into a microphone. I'm sad because this time around the girl lost. It is a realization that no matter how hard we tried, walking the tightrope between strong and B*&ch, feminine and weak, we have not broken the largest glass ceiling of all. Do I think Senator Clinton lost because she is a woman? No, not completely. I think the electoral college and superdelegates ignororance of the popular vote is out-dated and is stacked with old boys network, but....My sadness is not really about why she lost. It is about the fact that for the first time, us girls had a shot at having one of our "clique" leading our way as a nation. It seems so silly to me that we, the world's "great" power, are still so far behind in gender equity in government.
I will take up my proud Donkey tail and support Senator Obama in his quest. But I will mourn, for a brief time, the loss of my fellow XX'er and pray for her continued participation in the work of our great country.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Endoftheyearitis.
You know the end of the school year is nearing when first graders cannot possibly play a singing game without fighting, when third graders don't want to watch another movie, and people are pushing and shoving like crazy.
This my dear reader is called "endoftheyearitis". It happens every year at this time. Behavior issues spike, apathy is high, and brains are full to capacity. This is why we have summer break. We have summer break so that the children can decompress, play without structure, sleep, breathe, and be around people other than the children they have been locked in a room with all year. For teachers, it is a time to remember that we do really love our children, love our subjects, and have motivation to teach them. Thank God it is coming.
1.5 days.
This my dear reader is called "endoftheyearitis". It happens every year at this time. Behavior issues spike, apathy is high, and brains are full to capacity. This is why we have summer break. We have summer break so that the children can decompress, play without structure, sleep, breathe, and be around people other than the children they have been locked in a room with all year. For teachers, it is a time to remember that we do really love our children, love our subjects, and have motivation to teach them. Thank God it is coming.
1.5 days.
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