NBC Teacher

Tomorrow I go home from Maui and start my next educational journey. I am doing my National Boards. I have a feeling it is going to be a lot more work than I want to do, but how much harder can it be than what I've done so far. We'll see. I expect I got myself in a real mess this time.

Thacher 2008

After the dive class I was too tired to get up here for breakfast. I made it by break though. So far it appears they have taken off out of the starting gate at a gallop. We were exposed to a lot today, some of which might have stuck. Softchalk and the moodle shell and a bunch of stuff in Janet's class. They always make it exciting. But I am still so tired from the weekend that I am going to bed. I think I'm glad I'm here, even though I am not getting paid.

Day 2 Advanced Dive Class

This past weekend Connie, Sylvia and I took our advanced diving class. Shannon and Aaron came along because the class was a graduation class from the two of them and Bob and Jan. I knew I was going to have to work hard, but even I didn't think I would get this tired.
It started Sat. night with a navigation dive and I got thrown and tossed in the surf and lost a fin and couldn't hardly move to crawl out. Aaron and another guy helped me just as I was getting to Connie. I was so mad at myself. I did do the night dive, but the dive masters helped me get my fins on. The visibility was 2 ft.
Sunday 6am we are at the boat. We did four dives and we all got the skills done and passed the class, but I was slap wore out. Not only did Brian have to help me get my fins off on the dive platform but the weights and BCD also. Then it was all I could do to drag my tired body up the ladder.
I am proud and happy we all finished, I had no doubt about Connie and Sylvia but I did doubt myself.
I was scared after the pool work, but I figured I'd live through it and I did. I am happy that I stuck it out and now have the advanced diver name tag.

Advanced Scuba Class

Well what a trip and an eye-opener. I did my pool lesson for my advanced dive class. I was so anxious about the whole experience that there was no part of the class I enjoyed. As a learner it reminded me of many pitfalls I can fall into. I got anxious because my new super-stretch wet suit didn't go on easy at all. I spent $350 so I could avoid this, but the same size in a 3mm is NOT the same as a 7mm. And I couldn't see the compass and swam into the wall. With one contact and a cataract I don't see to well in low light. Now I'm worried about jumping into the cold water, getting out past the surf and so forth, and so forth, and so forth. I am anxious and scared. I'll let you know how it works out after Sunday.

ISTE San Antonio

I made the decision to come to San Antonio and attend the NECC Conference. I am somewhat disappointed in the conference. Either I know more than I give myself credit for or they didn't have enough interesting free workshops for the average attendee. The ones I did attend did teach me something, but not enough to warrant coming back next year. I'm not saying I didn't learn new things. I learned a lot more about programs I am already aware of. The things I learned will be very helpful. For the first time since I started this Blog I can't say I am so busy I don't have time to breath. I am being very laid back and lazy with Mickie and Julie.

School Ends

I am looking at this year almost gone and I'm looking where I will make changes for next year. There are places where I'm sure changes will make a big difference. Sharon and I plan to make our procedures the same. Same rules, same consequences, same environment. I want to make next year better than this year and since I don't have the luxury of doing field trips with the kids, I have to figure out a different way. I had my feelings hurt about the field trips, but I am prepared to make the best of it. I hate that I have to do that instead of just letting the kids experience the world.

Graduation

It's the night before I graduate. I have been making such a fuss over this graduation and I am thinking why do I think I am so special just because I'm graduating? I think it's because I have always felt I should have been able to graduate from HS, like normal kids. But since I didn't, I am now and I am excited about it and I want to be sure everyone knows that I am walking with cap and gown. Maybe I'll grow up one day, then again, maybe not.

New Things To Do

Today was my maiden voyage into the world of C1 square dancing. Connie talked me into going and I was scared to death. I knew it was not a good idea as soon as I got there. But, most of the other dancers were higher level dancers and they helped so I didn't break the square down. It taught me two things, even if you are scared, just do it. The second is to just learn the definitions. It is the best way to become the dancer I want to be. Because of all of Connie's friends I had a great time.

TBE Final Project Presentation

Well tonight was the night. I presented this awesome project, of course I could only show 2 min of it and then I talked the other three, but it turned out well. The best thing is, it's over. The Masters is finished. I know I have three other things lined up, but it feels really good to finish this one. It means I will walk in a cap and gown. I have never done that and it has always been a goal. Now I will have done it. I'll post a picture when I get one. Now if I can just get a handle on the rest of the stuff waiting for me, I be fine.

Busy Days

It's Monday, the day after Mother's Day and I have a feeling of being too busy while I'm sitting still. Testing continues tomorrow, the LA River cleanup is Sat. and my Geography assignments are all due(over due) tomorrow night just before I present my Final Project for my Masters. The grading window opened today and I get to learn how to use an Active Board tomorrow. Guess I'll chuck it all for a while and go clogging.

Finish Line

I just read the last post and I reflected that I am still in the same spot months later. I finished my project today and for once it is actually early. The project is the final one for my Masters in Technology Based Education. And as I speak and am thankful that it is coming to an end, my mind is on to the next project, which is National Board Certification. It's all just something to do.