Roses...Roses...MORE roses...Yes, even more roses :)
My wedding was flooded with roses. We had a very small ceremony, but it was dominated with roses. My adoration for the piano was added with the Bosendorfer in the room, also heaped with roses. It was definitely a dream wedding for me. So, when I get four dozen roses on my baby Grand for our anniversary, the memories flood back. They are now dispersed across the house in four different vases, the principle vase being our wine bucket sitting on the now closed piano, which was the gift for our 5th year of marriage.
Speaking of pianos, I experienced my first recital last Tuesday...the first in 15 years. I have to give credit to my teacher, who has helped me realise that performance is about full enjoyment and comfort of the music. 15 years ago I was a rigid machine tapping out the notes with the same phrase in my mind repeating "is it over yet?" This time I had a wonderful time, and even did marginally well :)
11 December 2007
City Birdwatching
I adored (still do) birds. I would climb the only tree in the yard and sit quietly with my binoculars and bird book, memorising the breeds, species, and ticking off what I had seen. In the winter I'd sit in the kitchen window after spreading seed with my binoculars again and watch my favourite bird, the Junco. It was not winter without my beloved juncos. Chickedees, meh. Cardinals, blah. Juncos...now THAT'S a bird. Don't ask why; it's impossible to understand an 8 year old, even if you were that 8 year old, but I'm still partial to Juncos.
This was all brought back to me as I read Julie Zickefoose's awesome book, Letters from Eden. It didn't give me the desire to run out and buy an 80 acre farm built specifically for nature, but it certainly gave me the desire to use those new binoculars that I haven't hardly used since I received them, dig out my bird book, and take a walk at Eagle Creek. I used to keep a bird feeder in front of my window, but *gasp* the birds have this natural subsequential issue of plooping on the sidewalks! We can't have that! Seriously, all my neighbors bitched because my feeding of the birds was causing plooped up sidewalks. One of our neighbors actually caught and terminated chipmunks and small squirrels. I momentarily fantasized catching and terminating her bratty 4 year old. Thus, my desire to perhaps have more space and privacy to bring the birds to me. Anyway, Zickefoose is a fantastic writer, bringing nature alive to the reader. My first introduction to her as a kid was reading the Bird Watcher's Digest and seeing her illustrations.
I definitely need to get back out and start bird watching again, in my wonderfully amateurish way, especially since winter birds are my favourites.
I adored (still do) birds. I would climb the only tree in the yard and sit quietly with my binoculars and bird book, memorising the breeds, species, and ticking off what I had seen. In the winter I'd sit in the kitchen window after spreading seed with my binoculars again and watch my favourite bird, the Junco. It was not winter without my beloved juncos. Chickedees, meh. Cardinals, blah. Juncos...now THAT'S a bird. Don't ask why; it's impossible to understand an 8 year old, even if you were that 8 year old, but I'm still partial to Juncos.
This was all brought back to me as I read Julie Zickefoose's awesome book, Letters from Eden. It didn't give me the desire to run out and buy an 80 acre farm built specifically for nature, but it certainly gave me the desire to use those new binoculars that I haven't hardly used since I received them, dig out my bird book, and take a walk at Eagle Creek. I used to keep a bird feeder in front of my window, but *gasp* the birds have this natural subsequential issue of plooping on the sidewalks! We can't have that! Seriously, all my neighbors bitched because my feeding of the birds was causing plooped up sidewalks. One of our neighbors actually caught and terminated chipmunks and small squirrels. I momentarily fantasized catching and terminating her bratty 4 year old. Thus, my desire to perhaps have more space and privacy to bring the birds to me. Anyway, Zickefoose is a fantastic writer, bringing nature alive to the reader. My first introduction to her as a kid was reading the Bird Watcher's Digest and seeing her illustrations.
I definitely need to get back out and start bird watching again, in my wonderfully amateurish way, especially since winter birds are my favourites.
06 December 2007
Children CAN be sweet!
I was teaching Tae Kwon Do last night and my hair had come down out of the barette after doing some self-defence with one of my students. So, I pulled it down and was in the process and putting it back away again, when one of my student's little girl's called out and said "don't put it up...it's so pretty down!"
I had to resist running over and hugging her, but I did tell her that she earned a lot of love for that statement.
Maybe I should put her in my will or something.
Seriously...
Kids don't compliment, and since I hate my hair, and compliment about my hair from a kid? What ARE the odds?
I was teaching Tae Kwon Do last night and my hair had come down out of the barette after doing some self-defence with one of my students. So, I pulled it down and was in the process and putting it back away again, when one of my student's little girl's called out and said "don't put it up...it's so pretty down!"
I had to resist running over and hugging her, but I did tell her that she earned a lot of love for that statement.
Maybe I should put her in my will or something.
Seriously...
Kids don't compliment, and since I hate my hair, and compliment about my hair from a kid? What ARE the odds?
04 December 2007
Humbug
Grisham's Skipping Christmas had a cool idea. If I remember correctly, they decided to switch out Christmas for an awesome cruise because they felt that everything had become a duty...everybody examined the cards in detail, gifts were chosen largely to compare (not please), even down to all the neighbors being pressured in having the same stupid ass Christmas decor on the roof. I'd skip Christmas too! They threw everything back together again at the last second when their college aged daughter phoned that she was returning in a couple days, but I didn't think that sufficed for a reason to go through that mayhem at the last minute.
I promised myself that I would only do Christmas cards if I enjoyed the process...buy gifts that I really thought fit the person (this required thinking months in advance)...and not pressure myself into going to something if I didn't want or just needed a quiet evening. The huge and gigantic problem is that the more real I make Christmas a truly enjoyable season with the fun traditions of getting the tree, sending the cards, wrapping the gifts, and enjoying festivities with friends, the more I feel alone. Why is Christmas a duty or responsibility to so many people? Why is any holiday a responsibility to anyone? (Feeling frustration from people that seem to think that it's just a task.)
I'm starting to wonder if just running off to another part of the world or country isn't a better idea. Cape Cod was glorious last year. Real fireplace, small tree, presents, hot cocoa and soup. This is what people should focus on....not running around ticking off a list of responsibilities.
Grisham's Skipping Christmas had a cool idea. If I remember correctly, they decided to switch out Christmas for an awesome cruise because they felt that everything had become a duty...everybody examined the cards in detail, gifts were chosen largely to compare (not please), even down to all the neighbors being pressured in having the same stupid ass Christmas decor on the roof. I'd skip Christmas too! They threw everything back together again at the last second when their college aged daughter phoned that she was returning in a couple days, but I didn't think that sufficed for a reason to go through that mayhem at the last minute.
I promised myself that I would only do Christmas cards if I enjoyed the process...buy gifts that I really thought fit the person (this required thinking months in advance)...and not pressure myself into going to something if I didn't want or just needed a quiet evening. The huge and gigantic problem is that the more real I make Christmas a truly enjoyable season with the fun traditions of getting the tree, sending the cards, wrapping the gifts, and enjoying festivities with friends, the more I feel alone. Why is Christmas a duty or responsibility to so many people? Why is any holiday a responsibility to anyone? (Feeling frustration from people that seem to think that it's just a task.)
I'm starting to wonder if just running off to another part of the world or country isn't a better idea. Cape Cod was glorious last year. Real fireplace, small tree, presents, hot cocoa and soup. This is what people should focus on....not running around ticking off a list of responsibilities.
29 November 2007
Wine Cellar
My dreams of turning our long back storage room into a bricked wine cellar have revived again with a vengance. When Eric built our current wine holder, I remember thinking "I'll probably never have that much wine" (holds around 55 bottles). Now, almost 100 bottles later, I have them stacked double deep in the side storage compartments of the wine rack, with still a case and a half in the basement ready for my big Christmas party. A problem? Yes, but only in the most glorious way. I have them organised in a manner that always allows me to buy more...with 8 sections in my wine holder, this is my new inventory system:
My dreams of turning our long back storage room into a bricked wine cellar have revived again with a vengance. When Eric built our current wine holder, I remember thinking "I'll probably never have that much wine" (holds around 55 bottles). Now, almost 100 bottles later, I have them stacked double deep in the side storage compartments of the wine rack, with still a case and a half in the basement ready for my big Christmas party. A problem? Yes, but only in the most glorious way. I have them organised in a manner that always allows me to buy more...with 8 sections in my wine holder, this is my new inventory system:
- Section 1: all whites from wineries visited
(The best line I heard while in Niagara-on-the-Lake last week: "yes, it's good to taste the whites before we move on to the wine".) I agree, thus only have one section for whites. - Section 2: all fruit wines (sweet and dry) from wineries visited
- Section 3: all basic reds (various Cabs, Merlots) from wineries visited
- Section 4: all red varieties (Gamay Noirs, Norton, etc.) from wineries visited
- Section 5: All storebought reds
- Section 6: All wines from our travels, but not necessarily from the winery, ie Maltese wines
- Section 7: All icewines - these are all from wineries we've visited currently, but I'm sure we'll eventually get other icewines too
- Section 8: Aging wine - also currently from just wineries we've visited - these wines we know are currently tasting wonderful, but we know they will get better over the years - they are tagged with their peak years
So two of these lower sections are not necessarily from the actual winery, but a wine cellar will allow me to invest more in this area. For now, space is only letting me pick and choose favourites.
The two side compartments are bulk wines that I've gathered over time and treat as house wines.
Definitely need my wine cellar. I'm starting to fret about the aging wine's exposure to varying temperatures.
09 November 2007
Spa-ing
Another reason for travelling is the enjoyment of spas. Now, if you live in a spa infested area, that's awesome. However, Indianapolis, Indiana is not exactly the region that people flock to get full service spa treatment. Granted there's good spa service in Indy, but it's not providing the Mediterranean view either :)
Anyway, I always ensure that I take advantage of the spas in places that specialize in it. Malta is such a place. The massages, exfoiliation and algae treatments have been phenomenal. In a way, I'm glad to live in a place that doesn't necessary lend instataneous thought of "spoiling spas" so I can enjoy the splurging on one's self even more on occasion. I'm learning that it's easy to take something for granted that is commonly around me, so I am trying to learn to especially enjoy the services or environment around me more in other locations.
It is nice to live in a low cost of living area so I can spend more in the places that I would never be able to afford or have access to live!
Another reason for travelling is the enjoyment of spas. Now, if you live in a spa infested area, that's awesome. However, Indianapolis, Indiana is not exactly the region that people flock to get full service spa treatment. Granted there's good spa service in Indy, but it's not providing the Mediterranean view either :)
Anyway, I always ensure that I take advantage of the spas in places that specialize in it. Malta is such a place. The massages, exfoiliation and algae treatments have been phenomenal. In a way, I'm glad to live in a place that doesn't necessary lend instataneous thought of "spoiling spas" so I can enjoy the splurging on one's self even more on occasion. I'm learning that it's easy to take something for granted that is commonly around me, so I am trying to learn to especially enjoy the services or environment around me more in other locations.
It is nice to live in a low cost of living area so I can spend more in the places that I would never be able to afford or have access to live!
07 November 2007
Maltese Living
The lovely aspect of travelling is to immerse yourself into whatever culture you're entering. The Maltese culture is no exception. Once I got back my clutch timing, and left-side senses, and "I know we're on a road 10ft wide, but there's no reason to slow down" mode, I could enjoy the flavour of such insane driving. People at home think I'm a bad driver. Ha! I would suggest driving under Rome, London, or Maltese conditions (although Boston and DC is about the same too). I've never driven in Mexico, but the taxi cab trip there made me realise not to bother trying. The food here is glorious as well. I've long learned the valued tip to eat what the natives eat. If they are avoiding a type of food, there is a very good reason for it. The problem is that I fall in love with cultural food in whatever land I'm in, and then go home and expect a restaurant named something ridiculous like "The Parthenon" to be even close, let alone perhaps the same :) This just means to savour every little bite you eat and stick to indigenous food.
Wine! Ah, wonderful wine. The sole glory of Europe has to be their appropriate focus on wine. Water? Yes, that will be $5. Wine? Oh, that's free with the meal. I am probably totally dehydrated, but feel really good. There was a focused search on the Internet to determine just how much locally made wine I could lug back. I can't even begin to explain the value of having parents alone that are tea-totallers. You get their alcoholic welcome vouchers and their alcoholic travel allowance. There was some trauma involved with my father's recent interest in fine whiskey's, thus a minor reduction to my selfish wine space.
The lovely aspect of travelling is to immerse yourself into whatever culture you're entering. The Maltese culture is no exception. Once I got back my clutch timing, and left-side senses, and "I know we're on a road 10ft wide, but there's no reason to slow down" mode, I could enjoy the flavour of such insane driving. People at home think I'm a bad driver. Ha! I would suggest driving under Rome, London, or Maltese conditions (although Boston and DC is about the same too). I've never driven in Mexico, but the taxi cab trip there made me realise not to bother trying. The food here is glorious as well. I've long learned the valued tip to eat what the natives eat. If they are avoiding a type of food, there is a very good reason for it. The problem is that I fall in love with cultural food in whatever land I'm in, and then go home and expect a restaurant named something ridiculous like "The Parthenon" to be even close, let alone perhaps the same :) This just means to savour every little bite you eat and stick to indigenous food.
Wine! Ah, wonderful wine. The sole glory of Europe has to be their appropriate focus on wine. Water? Yes, that will be $5. Wine? Oh, that's free with the meal. I am probably totally dehydrated, but feel really good. There was a focused search on the Internet to determine just how much locally made wine I could lug back. I can't even begin to explain the value of having parents alone that are tea-totallers. You get their alcoholic welcome vouchers and their alcoholic travel allowance. There was some trauma involved with my father's recent interest in fine whiskey's, thus a minor reduction to my selfish wine space.
28 October 2007
Expanding Movie Horizons
I enjoy movies, but I get into ruts... Really bad ruts focused on certain sci-fi and English shows. I am probably one of the most close minded movie/show people ever. This seems odd to me since I constantly crave things being different, changing up my life, going to new places and doing new things. Movie watching, however, is definitely kept in a certain comfort zone that I'm trying to expand. I think part of the problem for me is that type of entertainment is not a favourite for me. I really do enjoy movies, but part of my brain simply cannot comprehend good "bad" movies, or to watch any sort of movie just to experience it; therefore, I stick to my comfort zone because I know what to expect. I console myself with the thought that some people do not enjoy opera or Broadway shows or a certain style of art, which is certainly acceptable. Despite the occasional fear that I'll waste hours of my life, I'm realizing that I'm really missing out by not being more open to different movies. I mean, I waste time with books that turned out stupid (you have to finish them!), or a play that disappointed me (you can't walk out), or just stared into space daydreaming. So why not take a risk on movies? Thus my trek down the supernatural movie line. It's been quite interesting so far, and while I always have a knee jerk reaction, further analysis of each one has always led to a positive insight. This is my list of supernatural movies watched so far.
The Crow
Immediate Reaction: The retribution got a bit old.
Further Analysis: Appreciated filmmaking and ambience the movie had.
Stigmata
Immediate Reaction: Loved it.
Further Analysis: Well put together, well paced, deep.
The Ninth Gate
Immediate Reaction: Is it over yet? Is it over yet? Is it over yet?
Further Analysis: Enjoyed the perspective of the rare book world, but the ending seemed...weird at best.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose
Immediate Reaction: Really enjoyed the trial perspective, and the struggle between the supernatural and the explained.
Further Analysis: Same.
30 Days of Night
Immediate Reaction: Why am I watching this?
Further Analysis: Despite the hopelessness, the continual survival and choices the humans made kept your attention.
Dark City
Immediate Reaction: Smacked of Matrix-y type stuff.
Further Analysis: I was sick when I watched it, thus not very focused, but found the twists and turns interesting.
Stir of Echos
Immediate Reaction: Loved it.
Further Analysis: Realistic enough to make you think it could happen.
I enjoy movies, but I get into ruts... Really bad ruts focused on certain sci-fi and English shows. I am probably one of the most close minded movie/show people ever. This seems odd to me since I constantly crave things being different, changing up my life, going to new places and doing new things. Movie watching, however, is definitely kept in a certain comfort zone that I'm trying to expand. I think part of the problem for me is that type of entertainment is not a favourite for me. I really do enjoy movies, but part of my brain simply cannot comprehend good "bad" movies, or to watch any sort of movie just to experience it; therefore, I stick to my comfort zone because I know what to expect. I console myself with the thought that some people do not enjoy opera or Broadway shows or a certain style of art, which is certainly acceptable. Despite the occasional fear that I'll waste hours of my life, I'm realizing that I'm really missing out by not being more open to different movies. I mean, I waste time with books that turned out stupid (you have to finish them!), or a play that disappointed me (you can't walk out), or just stared into space daydreaming. So why not take a risk on movies? Thus my trek down the supernatural movie line. It's been quite interesting so far, and while I always have a knee jerk reaction, further analysis of each one has always led to a positive insight. This is my list of supernatural movies watched so far.
The Crow
Immediate Reaction: The retribution got a bit old.
Further Analysis: Appreciated filmmaking and ambience the movie had.
Stigmata
Immediate Reaction: Loved it.
Further Analysis: Well put together, well paced, deep.
The Ninth Gate
Immediate Reaction: Is it over yet? Is it over yet? Is it over yet?
Further Analysis: Enjoyed the perspective of the rare book world, but the ending seemed...weird at best.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose
Immediate Reaction: Really enjoyed the trial perspective, and the struggle between the supernatural and the explained.
Further Analysis: Same.
30 Days of Night
Immediate Reaction: Why am I watching this?
Further Analysis: Despite the hopelessness, the continual survival and choices the humans made kept your attention.
Dark City
Immediate Reaction: Smacked of Matrix-y type stuff.
Further Analysis: I was sick when I watched it, thus not very focused, but found the twists and turns interesting.
Stir of Echos
Immediate Reaction: Loved it.
Further Analysis: Realistic enough to make you think it could happen.
17 October 2007
Books Enlightening our Mindsets
I always consider it a mistake to read more than a couple books at a time. Typically, it's much easier to buzz through one book at a time...in my opinion. However, these three books are easy reads, very enlightening, and go hand-in-hand with each other.
French Women Don't Get Fat I was instantly insulted. As usual the Frogs think they are better than the rest of the world. I was also intrigued though, and my curiousity overcame my pride. Firstly, it's true. Go over there. Eighty year old ladies will buzz by you like you're crippled. All the guys are deliciously fit and most of the girls are annoyingly well in shape. Then I started reading it. Yes, it's true. You can enjoy food, eat wonderful food, and not overeat. Guiliano does a fantastic job of helping people not eat what I call "American portions" by shrinking your stomach and teaching you some minor disciplines, then she introduces delectible and easy recipes for those every day meals. It truly is the "secret of eating for pleasure" while losing weight and staying trim...depending on your current status. This book does a wonderful job giving us a "mindset".
Next, speaking of the term mindset, is the book Mindset by Dr. Dweck. I can only say it's changing my life. My perspectives. My thought processes. It takes the cliche terminology of "dumping the fixed mindset for a growth mindset" and makes it meaningful. I guarantee, as I am almost finished with this book, it will change your perspective in something, if not everything.
Finally, we come to Veronique Vienne's The Art of Being a Women. Another Frenchie! If you have not detected my negative bias of the French yet, I'm not too crazy about them. My experiences in their country and with their people has left me with a taste of their insecurity and arrogance that is annoying. So you KNOW that if I'm recommending two French authors, they are writing well. This book is great for men and women. Again, it focuses on mindset. A lot of us think that women wait for men to disappoint us and that it's a rat race with other women to be TOP woman. Well, isn't it? This book will change that perspective and make these seeming hurts and disappointments into fun, laughter, and happiness. Don't believe me? Read it.
You don't have to go crazy and read all three at once, but they are fast reading, and very enlightening.
I always consider it a mistake to read more than a couple books at a time. Typically, it's much easier to buzz through one book at a time...in my opinion. However, these three books are easy reads, very enlightening, and go hand-in-hand with each other.
French Women Don't Get Fat I was instantly insulted. As usual the Frogs think they are better than the rest of the world. I was also intrigued though, and my curiousity overcame my pride. Firstly, it's true. Go over there. Eighty year old ladies will buzz by you like you're crippled. All the guys are deliciously fit and most of the girls are annoyingly well in shape. Then I started reading it. Yes, it's true. You can enjoy food, eat wonderful food, and not overeat. Guiliano does a fantastic job of helping people not eat what I call "American portions" by shrinking your stomach and teaching you some minor disciplines, then she introduces delectible and easy recipes for those every day meals. It truly is the "secret of eating for pleasure" while losing weight and staying trim...depending on your current status. This book does a wonderful job giving us a "mindset".
Next, speaking of the term mindset, is the book Mindset by Dr. Dweck. I can only say it's changing my life. My perspectives. My thought processes. It takes the cliche terminology of "dumping the fixed mindset for a growth mindset" and makes it meaningful. I guarantee, as I am almost finished with this book, it will change your perspective in something, if not everything.
Finally, we come to Veronique Vienne's The Art of Being a Women. Another Frenchie! If you have not detected my negative bias of the French yet, I'm not too crazy about them. My experiences in their country and with their people has left me with a taste of their insecurity and arrogance that is annoying. So you KNOW that if I'm recommending two French authors, they are writing well. This book is great for men and women. Again, it focuses on mindset. A lot of us think that women wait for men to disappoint us and that it's a rat race with other women to be TOP woman. Well, isn't it? This book will change that perspective and make these seeming hurts and disappointments into fun, laughter, and happiness. Don't believe me? Read it.
You don't have to go crazy and read all three at once, but they are fast reading, and very enlightening.
12 October 2007
American Economics
Granted, I'm not an economist. But I'm trying to learn through a couple of excellent books I'm reading since college Economics seems like millions of years ago. However, I've decided there is a certain kind of economics that is occuring in this country that is highly frustrating.
Has anybody noticed the dollar conversion rate? The Economist is highly astute to it, but they're British, so there's no fear, just observant. But in my decently consistent reading of the New York Times, I've seen little concern or even observation other than the required columns of conversion ratings. Anyway, it sucks.
Maltese lira a year ago? 2-1. Maltese lira now? 3-1. AGAINST our dollar. This of course has been noticed mostly by the fact that we're going to Malta in three weeks, so there is some selfish irritation here. I've been used to 2-1 with the British pound, but that's been up to 3-1 for a couple years now. The Euro? 2-1. I mean...CANADA is higher than the dollar right now. That is downright humiliating.
I don't understand why our consumer market doesn't really give a crap. Our imports are killing our dollar value, and I understand that imports are cheaper vs. making our own stuff, but sometimes I feel like the American consumer is more concerned about their imported living room sets, gigantic TV sets, vehicles and other materialistic things MORE than travelling. America has always sucked going on vacation, but I wish people would realise how much travelling does them good and DO it. Does this solve anything? Probably not because we will still import everything from our Christmas decorations up to our American car's engines, but I think travelling would make Americans desire and maybe seek a stronger dollar.
Perhaps I'm just bitter because the days of exploiting the weakass Franc and Lira are only memory.
Granted, I'm not an economist. But I'm trying to learn through a couple of excellent books I'm reading since college Economics seems like millions of years ago. However, I've decided there is a certain kind of economics that is occuring in this country that is highly frustrating.
Has anybody noticed the dollar conversion rate? The Economist is highly astute to it, but they're British, so there's no fear, just observant. But in my decently consistent reading of the New York Times, I've seen little concern or even observation other than the required columns of conversion ratings. Anyway, it sucks.
Maltese lira a year ago? 2-1. Maltese lira now? 3-1. AGAINST our dollar. This of course has been noticed mostly by the fact that we're going to Malta in three weeks, so there is some selfish irritation here. I've been used to 2-1 with the British pound, but that's been up to 3-1 for a couple years now. The Euro? 2-1. I mean...CANADA is higher than the dollar right now. That is downright humiliating.
I don't understand why our consumer market doesn't really give a crap. Our imports are killing our dollar value, and I understand that imports are cheaper vs. making our own stuff, but sometimes I feel like the American consumer is more concerned about their imported living room sets, gigantic TV sets, vehicles and other materialistic things MORE than travelling. America has always sucked going on vacation, but I wish people would realise how much travelling does them good and DO it. Does this solve anything? Probably not because we will still import everything from our Christmas decorations up to our American car's engines, but I think travelling would make Americans desire and maybe seek a stronger dollar.
Perhaps I'm just bitter because the days of exploiting the weakass Franc and Lira are only memory.
10 October 2007
Full Circle
Glad to blog again! Here it is Halloween again; one year later from my last post.
Some things keeping me busy this past year includes
-raising a baby girl
-redecorating a house
-increased contract work with curriculum development
-struggling to obtain physical condition before baby
(instructor said it could take a year to get to full competing quality again)
I'm currently trying to wade through a lot of recent disappointments by looking on the bright side. I have learned a valuable lesson this past year though...trying to please people is a fruitless effort and I am now on the path of just doing what I feel is both right and enjoyable, ignoring the hurtful comments. That's the goal at least.
Some hurts are out of my control, however, such as being told that I wouldn't be welcome in an exclusive PhD program at IUPUI because I didn't fit the environment coming from profit schools. Also, my goals were more objective oriented, and not enough research oriented. I accept the second reason, but I'm struggling with the first - although I knew down deep that would be the killer for me to get into the program. My naive self is coming to realisation that 4.0's, successful ventures, and experience within the topic isn't enough. I was told that if I wanted to put the hours necessary into their masters of the same topic, I could most likely transfer directly before graduating into the PhD program since the faculty would know by that time and I would have the hours in that topic covered. Still, right now I'm kind of smarting from the rejection when I wasn't able to complete my sentence of my goals.
I know there is a huge rift of educational theories between profit and non-profit schools, but I had no idea it was this extensive. Now my curiousity is bugged...what value would it be to me to have degree experience in both environments? Maybe develop some theories to mend this rift? Non-profits are being forced to go online and accerelated degrees due to the consumer market, but the mindsets of these two massive educational forces are worlds apart. I think it would be a unique perspective at the very least.
These sorts of things are constantly running through my mind, thus killing my focus. I need to learn better meditation.
Glad to blog again! Here it is Halloween again; one year later from my last post.
Some things keeping me busy this past year includes
-raising a baby girl
-redecorating a house
-increased contract work with curriculum development
-struggling to obtain physical condition before baby
(instructor said it could take a year to get to full competing quality again)
I'm currently trying to wade through a lot of recent disappointments by looking on the bright side. I have learned a valuable lesson this past year though...trying to please people is a fruitless effort and I am now on the path of just doing what I feel is both right and enjoyable, ignoring the hurtful comments. That's the goal at least.
Some hurts are out of my control, however, such as being told that I wouldn't be welcome in an exclusive PhD program at IUPUI because I didn't fit the environment coming from profit schools. Also, my goals were more objective oriented, and not enough research oriented. I accept the second reason, but I'm struggling with the first - although I knew down deep that would be the killer for me to get into the program. My naive self is coming to realisation that 4.0's, successful ventures, and experience within the topic isn't enough. I was told that if I wanted to put the hours necessary into their masters of the same topic, I could most likely transfer directly before graduating into the PhD program since the faculty would know by that time and I would have the hours in that topic covered. Still, right now I'm kind of smarting from the rejection when I wasn't able to complete my sentence of my goals.
I know there is a huge rift of educational theories between profit and non-profit schools, but I had no idea it was this extensive. Now my curiousity is bugged...what value would it be to me to have degree experience in both environments? Maybe develop some theories to mend this rift? Non-profits are being forced to go online and accerelated degrees due to the consumer market, but the mindsets of these two massive educational forces are worlds apart. I think it would be a unique perspective at the very least.
These sorts of things are constantly running through my mind, thus killing my focus. I need to learn better meditation.
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