First Week Down . . .

What a week!  I felt like I returned home this week.  Anyone who knows me, knows that the first time I step on the UF campus, it caught my heart.  That feeling has not changed.  The beginning of this journey was tough and I imagine there will be more bumps in the road but that is OK.  It is the bumps that toughen us up.

So the biggest thing I stressed about this week was parking.  Well, I want to thank RTS (Gainesville's public transportation system) because it seems that more of the students use public transient and parking was not an issue.  Although in fairness it was 8AM in the morning but it was also the first week of school which is a good sign.  On a side note, UF does have the smallest parking spaces in the world, which does not help.  I do not know how I ever parked in the old car.

 It felt very natural to be a student again. I have already done my homework and reading for the first week!  Hopefully, I can keep that up.  If I expect my students to do it, I must be a good model.  And speaking of teaching, I taught my first university class.  The nerd in me will tell you it was exciting.  It is so interesting the similarities and differences that exist among my students in the different schools (I could do a doctoral study on this).  The classroom at UF is very traditional with modern upgrades - chalkboards, desks with attached tables, etc.  I love how the chairs are orange and blue - this is new since I left.

This is my classroom!

It also felt good to work in the library.  I spent the whole morning working in a carrel.  It made me feel twenty again!  Except this time, I had my netbook, iPad, and phone - talk about being connected to the world.

I would like to share one of the most awesome sculptures.  This is one of 25 on campus.  I plan to take a field trip next week and discover the other 24.  It is very life like and makes you want to sit down and read with her.

For more information:  http://education.ufl.edu/news/2011/07/15/4431/

I had to make three trips to G-ville this week.  Interesting enough, it didn't bother me.  I am not sure if it was the adrenaline pumping or what but my three hour round trip was manageable. Ask me again in a few weeks and the story may be different.

The week ended with a family of six baby racoons in the pasture.  At first, I saw three things moving in the grass.  Now with the goats and donkey gone, the pasture is about a foot high in grass.  Then as I moved closer, I saw more little heads.  They were running and climbing on the equipment and trees.  They are adorable.  The minute they noticed me they took off to the back of the pasture.  Country living at its best!

I feel very blessed to be able to follow my dreams. To begin with, I am fortunate to have dreams and direction in my life.  My aspirations have come from many sources.  I have been raised by an incredible mother who taught me that the sky is the limit.  She believes in my abilities and never sniffled my creativity or ambition.  I have a tremendously supportive family.  While it does continue to shrink in size, it grows in love and support.  My extended family (aka friends) are encouraging.  I will need lots of support on this journey and have not doubts I will find it.  I realize that I am very lucky.  I have worked hard to get to this place and intend on making the most of it.  I am looking forward to a great semester.  I think I am going to like the classes I am taking.  I love the classes I am teaching.  Work is going well.  Life is good!   

For tonight . . . I'm just sayin' XOXO