Busy, Busy

Well, if the timing between now and my last post wasn't enough of an indicator, it has been extremely busy! As each week goes on I pick up another subject to teach, but it's the planning for these lessons that takes so much time. On top of that I am taking a science/philosophy class in order to graduate come May. I am trying to just take it day-by-day as new experiences and work arrives. Wow- Debbie Downer! Enough of that!

It finally feels as though I am getting my creative spark back, but it is definitely hard to keep up and stay fully organized with so much going on. I also prepared for my thematic science unit last week and the week before. It was so fun to create interactive science experiments. They were definitely a hit with my students. I started by decorating the room with sea animal cut outs. Then each student made a jelly fish out of coffee filters. Our experiments consisted of finding out what makes an egg float in an ocean (salt water), making waves in a jar, predicting the actual size of sea animals, and learning about sea animals. It was so fun to differ from the usual workbook activities, and do hands-on, unpredictable activities. I can't believe that after this week I was supposed to go home, until I changed my mind to stay for 12 weeks that is.

This weekend was a special weekend. My best friend who is in another part of Florida doing student teaching came to Celebration for an Alumni Dinner and day at Disney World. On Friday President Finks from Ashland came to school with his wife, Dr. Rycik (the director of student teaching), and Mr. Hendershott (the director of student teaching). The students were so excited to see a president up close and personal. It was a nice treat! Then myself and the other interns had dinner with Dr. Rycik and Mr. Hendershott. It was so great to catch up with them and hear all about how Ashland is doing. After dinner we went to the alumni event where we got to meet all kinds of Alumni from around the country. Overall it was a very good night.

The next day we woke up really early to go to Disney World for the day. We spent 14 hours walking all around Magic Kingdom, then to Hollywood Studios, and finally to Epcot. Originally my favorite ride was Winnie the Pooh (total classic)! Then I experienced the most awesome ride ever to be found on Earth! Basically, you sit in a chair that spins in different directions (but not constantly) while shooting at 3D targets! IT WAS AWESOME! Once again I got to feel like a kid again- and not to mention it was all with my best friend! I have to say though- none of this would be possible if it weren't for my host family. They are so generous and supportive of me that I really couldn't ask for a better home away from home.

To top the weekend off I found out that Alicia will be moving in with me and teaching here in Celebration! Good times are coming my way!

Once again, I am so sorry that it took so long to post. As much as I love blogging, it is very difficult to keep up with all the other work.

p.s. Pictures will come very soon! Check back in a day or two.