I am done....

I have this assignment due when I arrive in Phoenix:

ASSESSMENT: Personal Response Assignment
Submit a 1050-1400-word personal response in which you compare and contrast the differing definitions of critical thought found in the pre-course readings. Additionally, provide a personal evaluation of how cognitive development, logic, and emotionality relate to your ability to think critically. Although this is a personal response paper, use third person and APA format in writing this response paper. This paper is due at the beginning of the first session. Post it online to the residency newsgroup and bring a hard copy to class.

Who thought of this torture device? I know it is just one step on the course to my Ed.D., and I have to keep that in mind. I am about 1/3 done with the paper right now, but this topic is not interesting to me in the least, and my mind keeps wandering to other things....surfing the web, watching TV, talking to the kids, all the things I need to do before I leave, etc. I think I need some sleep and a new perspective that morning (hopefully) brings. I hope morning also brings some sun because this dreary, rainy day is pretty depressing.

Thanksgiving 2005

Wednesday afternoon the kids, dogs, and I loaded into the car and headed to my parent's house in Lincoln. There were only the five of us this year. Denise and Dawn stayed in North Carolina, and Donna stayed in Texas. Of course, Brian is in Nevis (I know he is really homesick right now, but only 20 more days!).

We had the traditional Colter Thanksgiving meal: turkey (only a breast this time though), mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, egg noodles, deviled eggs, banana pudding, and pineapple "fluff". Michaila made celery stuffed with peanut butter, the deviled eggs, and the banana pudding all my herself! I told Mom we are lacking a healthy veggie once again. Next year I will be sure to buy fresh beans!

My Mom always buys a new 1000 piece puzzle for us to put together when we visit. This time it was a mystery puzzle so you had to read a story for clues and then put the puzzle together to solve the mystery. You aren't given a picture to go by either. Before we started the puzzle though Michaila insisted on playing Scrabble. Michaila did pretty well considering she is only in fifth grade! Of course Nolan and Dad watched TV and messed with the dogs.

Mom had to work yesterday so we hung around the house. After a little bit of tae bo, I tried to make some progress on this paper I am required to take to Phoenix with me, but I didn't get very far. Mom came home a bit early so the girls headed to downtown Lincoln, which has some cute little shops. While they decorated for Christmas, I tried to get some work done. Later on we had a rematch at Scrabble. This time Nolan and I teamed against Mom and Micha. We only lost by 30 points, which is pretty good considering they had the Q, J, X, and Z!

Today I will make a more concerted effort on this paper, but it is difficult when visiting family. The kids and I will go home today so tomorrow I will lock myself in the bonus room. I leave Thursday after work and will be gone until the wee hours of December 9. Wish me luck!

A Little Bit of Snow

This picture was taken a few days ago. We woke up to a little dusting of snow. This is actually the second time northern Illinois has had snow. I took the pic of the deck because the back porch light illuminated the area. Otherwise you would only see darkness. Since daylight savings time went into effect, I go to work in the dark and by the time I am done working out in the afternoon, the sun has already started to set.

It's wet on Nevis

and here's why....

...THE DEPRESSION (#27) IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAIN ACCUMULATIONS OF 5 TO 8 INCHES OVER THE WINDWARD ISLANDS...AND 3 TO 5 INCHES OVER THE LEEWARD ISLANDS... PUERTO RICO... AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS. ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 10 TO 12 INCHES WILL BE POSSIBLE OVER THE HIGHER TERRAIN AREAS OF THE WINDWARD ISLANDS...THE LEEWARD ISLANDS...PUERTO RICO... AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS (from NHC.NOAA)

It is wet here in Illinois too, although we have predictions of flurries in the early morning hours....if there is snow on the ground (God forbid!) I will be sure to take a picture for everyone!

You're Dangerous...

...cause you're honest.....

Well, today was a catch up on sleep, work out like there is no tomorrow, and make sure the kids have a happy day. We went to Mass for the first time in I don't know how long. Actually, I think the last time was right after we returned from the island in August, which is absolutely pathetic! I enjoyed going actually and had a nice time talking to Fr. D., who was my confirmant btw.

I have a lot to read for my residency in December so am trying to piecemeal that together. My students will be starting a hate group project this week. It was their idea, which is fine with me, the class is Cultural Diversity...so all I have to do really is come up with the criteria. Fortunately these kids are very outgoing in this area and make my life easy....I spend most of my time in CD as a facilitator, which should be the purpose. I really am impressed with their ability to debate issues....I didn't think they had it in them last year, but they have stepped to the plate this year (sorry for the baseball reference) and taken responsibility for their own benefit. This is when I love my job!

......who's gonna taste your saltwater kisses.......U2

Mindless Chatter

It seems like a looooongggggggg time since I have updated this site...Well, I have finished my first doctoral class. I don't know my grade yet, but I do know that my brain hurts ;). I know that on Nevis the rain won't stop at the moment, which is bad news for the roads. I hope once they are done paving that my friend Dani and I can run on them. I am not good runner by any means, but I have built up to a "jog."

Brian managed to get my iPod working, but unfortunately his is toast. Maybe Santa will help him out :) The kids are doing great...school seems to be going well and they seem fairly happy....

In the meantime I am working on my Ed.D. That is keeping me pretty busy...the stove is still being a pain so I am off to the appliance store for a new one....I don't have the time to wait for a "repair" guy/gal to fix it...we want PIZZA!

Brian will be home Dec. 16, and we are looking forward to that!