I'm 50 Today

Today was the big day. A milestone that I had been dreading. 50 just sounds so old doesn't it? The picture above was sent to me via email today from my daughter Danielle. I treasure it. I have had time to reflect these last few weeks and realized that I have accomplished many of my life goals and have so much to be thankful for.

First-without sounding like a chiche-I truly do have the best daughters. Each are special in their own way and I smile when I think about their funny antics, their passions in life, their integrity and maturity, and how they are morally concerned about the world they live in. They love me and call me daily to share all the joys, fears, hurts and milestones in their lives. I treasure this and wait for my phone to ring or my email to "chirp" to tell me one of them has left a message. Today I received a call from each with words of love. It really doesn't get better than that!

Second-I am proud of my goal of publishing a book. That in itself was a learning process and every step of the way I struggled and became discouraged and wondered if it was worth all the effort and time in light of my busy job, but I kept at it and this week I was blessed to see it published. It was a personal triumph. I believe we are all born on this Earth to make a positive difference and this book is one of my contributions. It is a book about hope and support and comfort to families suffering the pain of a daughter with an eating disorder. My daughter survived and I told God that if He helped my daughter recover I would help other families and daughters to survive. I am keeping my end of the bargain...with great joy.

Third-I have the most amazing career. I really do. Those who know me hear me say that all the time. I love teaching and I love students and enjoy going to the hospital to cuddle and care for babies and model to students how to be in a compassionate relationship with children and families. Also, I am really excited to get tenured this year. I have worked hard for it and feel ready to take this honour being offered to me. My colleagues are respectful and I enjoy going to work hear about their lives, trips, grandchildren, new research, and published articles etc. I have never dreaded going to work and look forward to many more years teaching. Isn't it wonderful to love your job?

Fourth-I am fulfilling a life long dream of getting a doctoral degree. I chose the doctor of education program as it has everything I am looking for to assist in achieving my goal of being a better educator. The work is challenging but really interesting. I wasn't sure how I would feel being in a small cohort, but I love it. I think we will be friends for many years after we finish this degree. When this degree is complete, I will be Dr. Cathy Robinson and that has a nice ring to it.

And finally-where would I be without my friends. You know who you are and I treasure each of you. You are my safe place to share and cry and laugh. You are there through thick and thin. You share my accomplishments with honest joy and happiness, and share my pain with tears and hugs. I would not be who I am with your support and love. God bless each of you. I have really missed our "girls nights" out on the town since being away and can't wait to catch up when I get back. Thank you for your friendship.

So, upon reflection- 50 is a wonderful milestone to celebrate my family, my amazing friends, my accomplishments and my future goals. Here is to turning 50-I love you!!

A Melody of Hope

The top picture is the cover of my new book. The other picture is of my precious Melody and her husband Scott. They were married on September 25, 2010.
Today my book was published. It is a wonderful milestone in my life and a great 50th birthday gift. I am proud to have worked on something so personal and yet an issue that is so public. Below is the intro to my book. The book is being offered at Chapters, Barnes and Noble and Amazon. All the proceeds are going to the Westwind Eating Disorder and Recover Center in Manitoba. I welcome your comments.

A Melody of Hope: Surviving Your Daughter’s Eating Disorder
By Cathy Robinson

Introduction
Our journey began in 2005, when I first discovered Melody’s eating disorder. Life spiraled downhill for our whole family over the ensuing year, and I wondered how we would survive it. I was a single mom with four daughters. After my husband passed away, I had to work extra hours to bring in enough money to pay the bills. I felt guilty, as I was too busy working to spend much time with my girls. Melody seemed more affected by my absence than the others, but I missed her cues. I found out much later that she was suffering with an anxiety disorder, and she worried constantly that I might die.

As Melody approached her high school graduation, she became moody and withdrawn. I noticed some weight loss but thought she was just a little anxious about graduation. It wasn’t until she had lost a significant amount of weight that I started paying attention. I kept telling myself that she would be okay and that this was just temporary. Instead, she continued to lose weight; and one fateful day in April 2005, I heard her purging and knew I had to deal with it. I did not want to tell anyone, as I felt guilty and thought that somehow I had caused this and was a terrible mother. I tried to help Melody by controlling what she ate and did every day. After all, I was a pediatric nurse and convinced myself that I could handle it without telling anyone. This was a costly mistake, as my daughter continued to deteriorate until she nearly died.

I remember attending a support group for families of children with eating disorders with the hope of receiving encouragement. Unfortunately, the room was filled with parents struggling to deal with the pain, family chaos, and helplessness they felt. Although it was beneficial to be with others who understood my pain and fear, I so badly wanted to hear from families with a daughter who had recovered so that I could draw from their encouraging words and support. I decided I was more disheartened after attending the meetings and therefore stopped going. I felt more alone, hopeless, guilty, and terrified than I had ever felt in my life. Finally, in desperation, I reached out for help from doctors, counselors, friends, and a treatment facility for Melody; and with hard work, she slowly but surely recovered, and our family healed.

After Melody recovered, I decided to write about my journey as the mother of a daughter with an eating disorder and what I learned. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. While writing about our experience, I would cry so hard that I had to stop and walk away. Remembering brought the pain and anguish of Melody’s suffering back to the present, and I couldn’t bear it. I persevered, and when my story was finished, I had an amazing sense of peace and closure. I had healed. I also realized my story had a positive ending with my daughter fully recovered and our family healed. I thought how reading a story like that would have given me the hope and encouragement I needed to support my daughter through her struggle.

This knowledge birthed the idea of offering a collection of true inspirational stories written by mothers to provide the much-needed encouragement, hope, and support to other mothers beginning their painful family journey. After putting out the call for submissions, I was blessed beyond measure reading the stories that came in. I understood the pain of reliving the experience of having a child with an eating disorder. I know there is a tendency to want to bury the past and never talk about it again because even though we survived, the pain, fear, and guilt live on in our minds when we don’t achieve emotional healing and closure. The fear that the eating disorder could rear its ugly head again lurks in the recesses of our mind, so we dare not speak of it. But I also know speaking about our experience and sharing our pain can bring the ultimate healing and closure we need.

That is what these brave mothers did; they began talking and writing and healing. I am humbled by their honesty and courage; and I pray that this book will be a blessing to you and that you will find encouragement, hope, and support in knowing that your daughter can recover and live the life God
destined her to live.

Family Fun and the Buskers

It was wonderful to complete the first course of my doctoral degree. I had been so nervous and worried that perhaps I was in over my head. But to my relief, it was a great experience and I learned a lot in a short period of time. I know now that I can do it and look forward to the next course with the marathon of readings and assignments. Doing a 3 month course in 3 weeks has its challenges, but the reward of receiving 3 credits in 3 weeks is worth it!! I think my cohort would agree.

I decided to celebrate the end of the course by going over to Victoria. The sun was shining and it was hot and wonderful. Here are a couple of pictures-one with my daughter Danielle, and the other with my grandbaby Emily.

We went to the Buskers Festival. It is an amazing event. This is a free international festival that encourages the community to come to the downtown area and watch street performers. The income for their performance is to "tip their hats". The one I will talk about is "Bendy Em". She is a comic contortionist from Australia. She contorts herself to fit into a tiny 16 inch clear box. To add to the tight squeeze she puts a basketball in the box with her. Above is the picture of her getting into the box and the last picture is her completely in the box. The performers at the festival were very skilled and funny. We wandered around all day-got fairly burned-oops didn't sunscreen-and ate great food.

So, I came back to Vancouver tired and happy. Today I am spending the day with my other daughter Simone. We are going for a long walk in the sunshine, then manicures and pedicures, and a BBQ with friends tonight. Oh I love weekend relaxation!!

Monday is the start of a new course. It is on Ethics and Leadership and should be interesting. I have decided that I love learning. Never thought I would admit that. School was always about the "means to the end", but this degree is so interesting and the professors so suportive that I am learning the joy of "learning". The work is hard but rewarding. My cohort is supportive and friendly and funny. I am at a good place in my life. I have the most amazing family, great friends, perfect job and now an extended group of friends (my cohort). Wow-could life be any better? I hope you all had some family time and relaxation as well. It is so important to our physical, spiritual and emotional health.

Animal House-Cohort 11 Style

Our cohort and professors had a wonderful BBQ party on July 20. It was our version of Animal House- minus the togas, pot and affairs with the professors (oh goodness!). It was a wonderful way to relax and get to know each other. I have to say that I have never laughed so much. Everyone had funny stories to tell and the wine flowed freely. Oh and the food was fantastic!! Wish I had taken a doggy bag home!

Reflecting on this evening, I think this was the moment when I realized I could do this program. The support is amazing and our cohort seems to have clicked from day one. I know they would help me and support me through anything and the feeling is mutual. We are a diverse family!

Here are a few pictures from our evening. I wish I could have posted them all, but this is a good sampling. What a good looking bunch! And look at Kjell and Craig loading the dishwasher (I am so impressed). I of course was sitting like a princess and taking over telling stories- I will blame it on the wine!! LOL

It was so nice to meet our new profs and all the wives. They are amazing and funny. I truly feel blessed to be part of this group and on this amazing journey. We decided (with help from the wine) that our profs should have a party for us with each new course. Hmmmm-wonder how they feel about that?

Feel free to comment and share your stories of the night. Here is to Cohort 11- Colin, Craig, Marion, Monica, Jeannie, Lara, Cathy G, Susan, Sharon, Virginia, Balsam, Gina, and me (Cathy R)

Don't Worry Be Happy

Life is busy. We all go at the speed of light to get everything we need accomplished. This certainly has been true for me the past few months leading up to starting my doctor of education program. I had to complete all my duties at work, prep as much as I could for the fall semester, finish my book and get it published, weed the yards, mow the lawns, clean the house, find a house in Vancouver, get the car ready-just to name a few.

After arriving at the end of June, I mentally prepared myself that the education program would be fast paced, but I was slightly unprepared to eat, sleep, and breathe the readings and assignments. I am sure my cohort can attest to the busy pace. This past weekend my daughter encouraged me to get away from the books and have some fun being a tourist in Vancouver. I resisted as I had an assignment due Sunday night, but with loving persistance Simone talked me into it. So, on Saturday morning, with the rain coming down in buckets, we put hats on, layered appropriately, and walked for hours, shopped at a wonderful outdoor market, took the seabus to English Bay and visited the bronze "Smiling Men". Nothing can make you relax and laugh like these statues. I did as all silly tourists do and took pictures of myself mimicking the statues. Here are a few of the pictures.

I am posting these to remind us all to smile, to laugh and not take life too seriously. We can spend our time filled with stress, anxiety and shut away in our homes studying or we can throw open the shutters, see the light (or rain-LOL) and be happy. That is what Simone and I did. We laughed and talked and walked. I came home tired and ready to finish the assignment that was due on Sunday. I completed it and made wonderful memories with my daughter. Let's graduate with fond memories and an example to our students and families that balance is key to living a fulfilling life.

Anyone have a story to share about finding joy in their busy life, or any stories from our cohort on how you are enjoying life while being a student?

Umbrella Etiquette

I want to talk about one of the most practical inventions-the umbrella. First I have to say that I did not own an umbrella until coming to Vancouver. In the Okanagan, it is mostly hot and dry-and the few times it has rained, we wait 15 minutes and the sun would be back out. During times when I could not wait out the few minutes I would simply put a newspaper over my head and run. This has worked well for me for many years.

So, I arrived in Vancouver with no umbrella and certainly no umbrella etiquette. The first day I went to the campus it rained. I decided that if I was to be a true Vancouverite, I needed to buy an umbrella as the newspaper method probably would not suffice. I stood in the store looking at a huge bin of umbrellas...what to choose? There is the long umbrella with the curved handle. Very sophisticated and the pointy end could be used as a weapon (if need be). Then there is the short compact umbrella. Practical and could be stored in a purse or bag. Oh the decisions. What would the Vancouverites buy...I did want to fit it after all!! I looked at the prices of each and the decision was easy. Short and compact it is.

Okay...my kids will laugh at this as they know me. I walked outside very proud of my new purchase and decided I better use it as it was pouring rain. Oh my goodness. I fiddled and prodded and turned it over and over. I could NOT figure out how to open it. Seriously! I was looking for the magic button that would cause it to shoot open...nothing. No button. I was actually laughing to myself thinking...what is wrong with me?? I looked around hoping no one was watching this amusing event and then determined the umbrella was not going to beat me. In desperation, I pushed the pole (you know the thing that the umbrella is attached to) and suddenly it moved and became quite long. Then I realized I bought the ghetto umbrella, NOT the fancy push button type. Okay... now how to open the actual umbrella? I pushed the button at the top...nothing. I was soaking wet and extremely frustrated and mortified that I could not open a stupid umbrella. Then I thought...oh it is probably a manual button. Yup-had to push it open myself. Finally, I had my umbrella open and covering my already soaked clothing. Hooray!!

I was walking to the bus observing all the people with their umbrellas and was fascinated that there seems to be rules and etiquette for owning these devices. First, you must not poke people in the eye as you go by...hmmmm good to know...sorry about that lady! I guess you are suppposed to raise your umbrella up high as you pass someone thereby avoiding attaching their eyeball to the spoke of your umbrella. Also, you cannot enter the bus with your umbrella open...freaks people out...lesson learned. And finally, you can position your umbrella to keep the rain off you. Let me explain. I was dutifully holding my umbrella above my head...sounds reasonable right? Well, who knew that if the rain is pelting at you from the left, you can turn your umbrella sidways while walking and keep drier than when it is above your head. So fascinating. I learned so much the first day of owning an umbrella. I feel as though I am finally a true Vancouverite...or at least getting there. Anyone have an umbrella story to share??

Me versus the Vancouver Transit System

It has been a few days since I have mentioned the transit system. The picture above is my bus. I take the 99 B-line to and from the UBC campus. When I was about to take the picture the bus driver asked what I was doing. I told her that I was documenting all my experiences in Vancouver in a blog which included taking the bus. She seemed annoyed...LOL

The transit system and I have come to a peace agreement. It gets me where I need to go and I don't hate it! I have also come to the realization that my poor dogs have suffered greatly over the years. Let me explain...

My dogs loved going for car rides. I loaded my 2 massive golden retrievers into the back seat and with my usual sense of urgency would put the pedal to the medal and shoot out of the driveway...consequently plastering my dogs to the back seat (like those gravity rides at the fair). Oh but it gets better. If it was safely possibly...I would speed through the yellow light...if I thought it was too chancy...I hit the brakes (see a pattern with the transit system here from my earlier posts??). The dogs would be propelled forward and on one occasion my poor Mortimer did a forward half pike with a double flip into the front seat. He was sitting in the front seat looking stunned. I felt terrible of course (thought I would put that disclaimer in). My dogs learned to brace with every fibre of their being and became quite proficient at staying put in the back seat (hmmm...sounds like me the first few days on the bus doesn't it?).

With some deep reflection-I feel terrible about the years my dogs went for car rides with me. I realize now how hard it is to hang on and struggle to keep from doing the forward half pike...and sharing the front seat with the driver. However, the glass half full reflection is that the dogs developed very strong legs (and probably sculpted calves if I could see them)- which they demonstrated frequently while out on walks. I was often dragged whenever they spotted a marmot, cat, dog, bird, deer, leaf etc etc. So I think they got their revenge in a passive/aggressive sort of way.

I will end my discussion of the transit system and try not to complain again this summer- unless of course something really noteworthy happens LOL. I welcome comments...

HQP 11 and The Final Defense

Yesterday we were invited to sit in on a dissertation defense. This is a student in a doctoral program who has completed the course work and has completed the dissertation manuscript (like a thesis). The student is required to "defend" the work and research they have written. This process consists of the student presenting a 30 minute discussion such as a ppt summarizing the material, followed by 1 1/2 hours of panel participants (experts in the topic) asking questions of the student. The student is required to defend, answer questions, clarify, and elaborate on their topic and research methods etc.

Though we are early in our program, I think it was a great opportunity to demystify the process and aleviate the anxiety. We had a great discussion in class today about it. David and Kjell (our teachers) helped us to realize that it is the job of our dissertation committee to assist in preparing for the defense. We should be an expert in our topic and be well prepared to answer the questions. In other words, if our committee is strong and have done their job, our defense should be straightforward. I hope I have captured that accurately.

The picture above was taken today at the end of class. Some of the cohort had left and the rest were chatting (we are good at that!) We have rich discussions each day and rarely get through the required daily content. Our cohort which I think we have decided to call "HQP 11" (high quality people cohort 11-private joke among our cohort), seemed to connect immediately the first day. Each day gets better and better. With our diverse backgrounds and varied educational experiencs- our class discussions are fabulous and I am learning tons. On the note of learning, I don't think I have EVER read so much so quickly in my life. I have decided that the only way I can keep up is to skim the articles, discuss them in class, write notes and then re-read them on the weekend. I seem to get more out of the readings that way. Here I am procrastinating (big topic with our HQP group...LOL) by writing this blog. I will then make some tea, have a snack and perhaps have my bath before finishing the readings!! Hee hee

Hope you all had a good day.

Weekend Relaxation

I have been in Vancouver for a week now. And though I am getting used to the noise, busy streets and millions of people, I am struggling with the reality that I am not home. I have left my familiar surroundings such as my home and friends and small city culture to come to a big city, new culture, new home, and begin a demanding doctoral program. At first it was very exciting as I was kept busy trying to find the right bus, classroom, and fit in with the Vancouverites, however, now that the excitement is slowly wearing off, the reality is setting in. I am beginning to feel lonely and isolated without my usual comforts (everything that is familiar), as well as the recent loss of my beloved canine.
I decided to take matters in hand and phoned my daughter to ask if we could spend some time together. We both have been so busy that we haven't had many opportunities to hang out. She eagerly agreed and we decided to relax and have massages, manicures and lunch on Saturday. Just the thought of spending the day with Simone lifted my spirit.

First I slept in on Saturday until 0830-a new record for me. Generally I am awake at 0600 even on weekends. Simone and I met for our massages at 1230. It was heavenly to say the least. Please note the picture above. The massage was $45.00 for an hour and I left barely able to walk I was so relaxed. I have booked one for every Saturday until I go back to Kelowna.

After that we took the sky train to Yaletown for manicures. I got a very light gel overlay so my nails look shiny and will be protected for about 3-4 weeks. Looks fantastic. I will have to look into gel overlays (not the same as gel nails) when I get back home.

We also went for lunch and walked around Yaletown. Such a neat city and really interesting people. I think in time I could like it here...never thought I would say that as I am usually terrified of big cities. My friends back home can testify to this!! After coming back to the apartment-I soaked in epsom salts to relax my muscles and then completed my class assignment and sent it in. Today I am much better. I just needed family time. Perhaps as I get to know my cohort better, we can plan things to do in the evenings to ease the loneliness.
I hope you all had a nice weekend and found a way to relax and let down your hair (if you have hair). Thanks for reading. Feel free to post comments.

Farley AKA Marley

I just finished watching the movie Marley and Me-and feel the need to honour my faithful canine Farley. Farley passed away on May 21, 2011 and I am still grieving his loss.

We got Farley from the SPCA in December 2004 when he was 4 months old. He was a golden retriever cross and had been starved and badly neglected. When we brought him home our other golden retriever, Mortimer, took exception to this new addition and tried to eat him. We spent about 3 weeks playing middle man while Mortimer learned to make peace with him. After that life was fun. If you have watched the movie "Marley and Me", you will have a picture of Farley. He was crazy, hyperactive, and completely destroyed everything in his path including our backyard. I have frequently said that I could win the "world's worst backyard" contest. If I didn't take him out for his 1 hour run up in the hills to wear him out-he would eat the retaining wall in the yard or attempt to dig to China.

The years were also filled with pain for Farley-he was a sick dog. He had severe allergies that caused him to chew and scratch himself so badly that he lived in a cone (or party hat as we called it). We bought special food-including flying Bison in at a horrendous cost, allergy medication, prednisone and anything else the vet offered. Some days and months were good, but many weren't. Each year seemed to get worse.

In May of this year Farley had a severe allergic reaction and was resorted to wearing a muzzle to prevent him from further chewing is tail (he almost ate it off)and a cone to prevent him from scratching his face. I cried everyday as the life seemed to drain out of him. He was depressed and layed around which was unusual for our hyperactive and happy go lucky dog. I knew it was time to let him go but struggled with the decision. I had already lost Mortimer last year and just couldn't imagine life without my Farley. But I knew he wasn't happy and probably would tell me to let him go if he could speak. Animals are so much more practical than humans. So I booked the vet appointment and cried each day leading up to May 21. I took him for long walks and cried. I gave him double his dog food each day and cried. I put booties on him and let him on my livingroom hardwood (previously forbidden).

The night before his death I took this picture while out on a walk. He saw a marmot and wanted to chase it (his favourite hobby). I cried. We watched the Canucks that night on TV lose. I cried. On the morning of May 21-I took him for his last walk. I cried so hard I could hardly see to walk. Farley was wagging his half tail and seemed oblivious. When we arrived at the vet clinic he wagged his tail as we entered. This was his second home and he loved all the techs and the vet. My heart ached as he seemed so happy, but I knew I had to do it this time.

I held him and told him what a good dog he had been and that I loved him very much. I kissed him for each of his sisters. He looked at me and seemed to say "its okay-I am ready to go". His head was soaked with my tears as I said good-bye. I layed on the floor with him and wrapped my arms around him while he left this world. I will always love Farley. Good-bye my faithful canine. To quote the movie "You were a GREAT dog".

First Week Complete

It has been an amazing first week. I have mastered the transit system (well at least in my small area), kept up to the masssive amounts of reading for our EdD class, and met the most wonderful people in my cohort. I wasn't able to post yesterday-although I did manage to upload our cohort picture. We have an assignemt due Sunday evening and I had to concentrate my time on writing the draft-which I completed at 1:30 in the morning and still had the readings to do before class. Yup-the life of a student is crazy! I will spend the weekend polishing my paper and catching up on reading that I had to skim.

We had an interesting discussion in class today about our experience with writing. We each took turns sharing what we have written and published etc. We had an opportunity to state our strengths and weakness and fears. I was amazed at all the experience in our group and the open and honest expressions of anxiety around writing. I thought I was the only one who was nervous -turns out most of us have the same insecurity and fears about writing scholarly papers. So- with this knowledge I feel even closer to my new friends and know that we will support each other through thick and thin! Here's to a long and wonderful relationship!!

I took bus to Yaletown today to meet my daughter for dinner. We had sushi and were able to catch up as I have been too busy to visit with her this week. Tomorrow we are going for massages and manicures. Yippee!!! What a nice way to celebrate a successful week.

I am posting a picture of my girls, grandbaby and my mom. Have a wonderful weekend everyone. I hope it is restful and you enjoy family and good friends.

The 2011 Doctor of Education Cohort

This is my new EdD cohort. We are all fresh faced and excited. Hope we still look this good and this happy in 3-4 years!

Project: Interview a Colleague

Another busy day with school and homework. The bus was amazingly busy this morning. I had to squeeze in, hold my breath and suck in my stomach to allow the door to close. But with my newly emerging six pack abs (from bracing on the crazy bus rides) I was successful! As the bus slowly cleared out a seat opened up and I am not kidding-some young strapping punk tried to sit down (are you kidding me??) This old gal (me) just about took him out to get to that seat. My quads were burning with lactic acid and my heavy bag with my laptop was stretching my arm to enormous lengths and I thought "move out of my way". I actually beat him to the seat and gave a very disapproving (mother look) glare so he would know that he should always let old ladies and children sit.

Class was interesting - our topic was the qualities of an educated person-which surprisingly doesn't include credentials or even university education. Our cohort agreed that an educated person is someone who is open-minded, curious, a risk-taker, approachable, kind, caring, confident, generous etc. Interestingly, I think of all my favourite teachers and they had these qualities. I have also had teachers with very high credentials and post doctorate education who were less educated (according to these indicators). Such a revelation!!

For our assignment, we are to interview a colleague in the cohort to determine their notion of education. Their experience of school and determine what is important to them. In other words - what is their conception of education?

I paired up with a wonderful colleague - just so happens her name is Cathy-and we went for lunch and each did a 30 minute interview. I found this both fascinating and revealing (both of her and myself). I didn't realize my early school experiences shaped my thinking and way of being now. I hated school as a kid because the teachers were mean and I was strapped often (it was legal then) for silly things like being left handed (apparently that was a punishable sin in the early sixties). So, to this day I hate school and only take courses as a "means to an end", but always wondered why others love school and learning and I fret and am anxious whenever I start a new course or degree. It is all coming clear to me -this degree is my new therapy!! LOL

I arrived home safe and sound and loaded down with tons of reading again. So, another successful day in the trenches, homework done and now off to bed I go.

Reality is Setting In

Well-I am mastering the bus system and quickly learning to balance with every fibre of my being during the stops and starts. I will have fantastic quads, sculpted calf muscles and amazing abs (I should actually be thanking the Vancouver transit system for my daily workout!!)

Class was interesting. I am learning the art of discussion without actually coming to a conclusion. That is a new concept for me. I am very black and white and NEED an answer to every question posed. I think my cohort will be good for me! Hope they are patient as I try not to solve every world issue (LOL).
We have an assignment due on July 10-they let no grass grow under our feet!

I have tried every which way to Sunday to fix my memory card and upload pictures here, but alas the card is corrupt and therefore our cohort picture is gone. This took several attempts with downloaded programs (that didn't work) and then a trip on the bus to London drugs to have the pictures recovered to a CD- an excited bus trip home and $29.00 later only to discover some of the pictures weren't recovered. Soooo, another trip on the bus to London drugs and confirmation that the memory card was a dud-my money returned and a bus trip back home. Mildly frustrating to say the least. Bought a new memory card and will try again. Sheessk!

I still have to keep up with my regular job while here so had to finish reading a student's master thesis tonight (130 pages-yes sir re bob) and make comments and revisions before I could start my own homework of reading several articles before class tomorrow. Here it is 9:30 pm and just starting the readings! Ahhhhhhh.

I will sign off for the night so I can get to bed for midnight. I will check in tomorrow.

My First Day of School

Woke up at the crack of dawn this morning...I guess I was nervous to see how this new day would pan out. I left the apartment at 0800 and dutifully walked to the bus stop only to watch the 99 B-line speed by me. Hmmmm-so when another bus stopped I hopped on and said the bus driver "newbie here-I am trying to get to UBC". The driver laughed and said "that's okay we were all newbies once". He provided much appreciated info to the right bus stop. I feel the need to talk about the bus ride. The bus drivers here are CRAZY! I bounced and was jostled around like a rag doll, and at one point almost launched out of my seat when the driver decided he couldn't make the yellow light. I literally planted my foot on the seat of the woman in front of me and hung on.I may need therapy when I get back home in August. At least the fast crazy driving got me to the campus with 30 minutes to spare! Do you see me looking on the bright side?? It is all part of my new adventures. Tomorrow I am wearing a dress so it may be hard to lift and plant my foot on someone's seat...we shall see how it goes.

I met the cohort of 13 students-all of whom are interesting and have such varied backgrounds. My anxiety decreased with each passing hour. When class ended at 1200 we went outside and took class pictures. We decided it would be good to see how fresh and young we look compared to 3-4 years from now!! LOL I can't seem to load my memory card to my computer tonight but will do it as soon as I can so you can see my new peers.

I have tons of reading to do tonight before class. I am seriously considering how much reading I give to my students!! I suddenly have much more compassion....

I will check in again tomorrow with hopefully some interesting trivia.

Canada Day and Happy Birthday to ME!

What a great weekend with my family. All 5 of my girls and my mom managed to get together for what I thought was a fun Canada Day celebration, however, I was surprised instead with a wonderful 50th birthday party. I don't actually turn 50 until July 28 but it was nice to get the party started! I took lots of pictures-some of which I am posting to brag up my beautiful family.

On another note, I start my journey to recieving a Doctor in Education at UBC tomorrow. I had to relocate from West Kelowna to Vancouver for the summer to take 2 courses. Yes-I am returning to school- not sure if I am crazy or really ambitious! Maybe a bit of both. Bless my daughter Simone for helping me learn the transit system here and taking me out to UBC so I could find my class before going tomorrow. She has the patience of a saint!

Well-here is to further education, new adventures and interesting journeys. I will blog as I go along with the hope that this will be therapeutic and keep me grounded.