Friday, January 26, 2007

Where does the time go??

Without realizing it, quite a few days have passed since I’ve posted anything. I guess I’ve been busier that I thought I was. Here’s what’s been going on…

—I’ve been thinking a lot about Kizz’ post. I’ve been working on a post about how to make that beginning experience with things somewhat less painful. It’s proven to take longer than I expected to put into words, and I’m nowhere near done with it. It’s old news now, probably, but I’m still feeling compelled to finish it.

—I’ve been shopping for a projector for my classroom. I think I’ve decided on this one.

—I’m doing research on a free web-based system for storing grades and assignments so my students can get access to them. Our school’s website will have this ability eventually, but it’s not ready yet (and shows no indication of being ready any time soon). A short-term fix is what I need. Any suggestions?

—Speaking of websites, I’ve been working on the one for my school. I’m not a true webmaster or anything, but I know a bit of HTML code, and I’m the one with free time at school since I’m not leading a paideia activity. For reasons of security, I won’t offer a link to the site, but those of you who know where I teach are welcome to check it out. It’s coming along

—I’ve been taking time to get out and exercise every day. Mostly, it’s only been walking during the day (something relaxing to help with my SAD), but I’ve been able to use my evenings to do other more rigorous things like riding my bike (I have a road bike on a trainer upstairs in my office) or doing weights (the weight bench is right next to the bike). I even managed to get a 5k run in the other day and not die! I have a triathlon coming up this year—the first one in 14 years—and I really want to do well.

—I’ve been finishing the last bit of book research for my thesis. I get to start writing it this weekend!

—Yesterday, I went on a site visit to this school. Charter schools in Massachusetts are evaluated regularly to see that they are doing what they say they are, and members of other charter schools often accompany members of the Dept. of Education to do observations and interviews. This is the first one I’ve done. It was a great experience! I’m hoping I get to do more.

Looking back, I guess that’s enough to keep me away from my blog, but I’m still disappointed that I let so much time go by without posting. I enjoy blogging, even if no one actually reads my posts or comments. It’s good for my SAD, too.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I read, AND I comment. Not only that, but I check in at least once a day (sometimes more), so I'm always happy when I see new content.

I also know what it is to deal with SAD. Do you have a light box? I don't, but have been told that it helps TREMENDOUSLY. They're expensive, but it may just be worth it.

Wayfarer said...

You are a great contributor to this blog (as you are in so many things in my life), and I am grateful for it.

I don't use a light box to deal with SAD. They're expensive and you really can't do much else while sitting with them. I get good results from being outside or, at minimum, near windows. My classroom gets great light in the afternoon, and our 3rd floor library/lounge space at school has massive windows that makes the place feel warm and friendly. I like to spend time up there, even when the weather is cloudy. Exercise helps, too. Outdoor exercise, even if it's just walking, is a big help. I can work out on my bike or with weights up in my office at home, but in terms of emotional health, they're nothing compared to 30 minutes outside.

Kizz said...

Thanks for continuing to think about the yoga thing. I'll be interested to see what you have to say. In the meantime someone suggested I tape a show called Namaste yoga off of FitTV so I'm doing that right now and maybe tomorrow I'll give it a try. For now, though, I'm off to my tried and true floor barre class.