Reading, Reading, Reading...

Just a quick post to let everyone know I'm alive and kicking. Sorry, no pictures. Hoo Boy. I had no idea how much reading there would be. A suspicion, a glimpse, a glimmer. But, truly, no idea. My eye doctor did, because she prescribed a pair of reading glasses for me. It is time to get them, I think.

Last week, my professor that I have the graduate assistantship with said, "Are you cursing me for pushing that fourth class, now?" He was laughing. He said he had no doubt I could do it, but admitted it was a lot. Between the research I'm doing for McNair, and the four classes, and my beginnings of literature review for my dissertation focus...the reading never ends. Can't remember if I said anything, but my current focus for my dissertation is poverty and equity in education. That is a vast morass of a field, and I will need to narrow it down, but it is a place to start building my base of knowledge.

The good news about the pile of reading is that it is interesting, fascinating, inspiring, and overwhelming. Interesting, in that I am learning every day, and broadening my understanding of teaching and the system of public education. Fascinating, because I had no idea of much of the history behind the public school system. I knew that schools were an institution that had an agenda. No clue how deep that agenda went, nor how hidden it is. Inspiring, because I believe that when I'm done with this experience, I will be able to go on and do things that will resonate with me and give purpose to my work. I look forward to finding out what that will be, though I am confident it will be a great ride. Overwhelming because we have so many students who are not getting an adequate education. Just devastatingly sad, the waste of human potential.

I started working with my mentee this week. In one of my classes, our big assignment is to spend 80 hours making a difference in the life of one child who is in danger of falling through the cracks (and onto the street...). Though many of my classmates are grumbling about this assignment (I can't blame them. They teach full time. Where are those 80 hours going to come from, in nine weeks? It is a big load. BUT we only meet for class every three or four weeks, and the reading load is very light. So... ) I love the assignment. The kid I am working with...I already like her and look forward to working with her. Can't really say anything about her, for confidentiality, but it is a good investment of my time.

The animals are good. Ber has gotten over his bumps, thanks to the steroids. Going to start riding him as soon as the weather cooperates. They are both getting a bit bored with not doing anything. The girls are pretty happy in their routine. Absolutely love their walks. This morning, Arcy came in from their yard and grabbed one of their leashes and started running around the house with it. Lordy, I haven't seen her play like that for a while. Too funny.

Had too much work to do this weekend to go anywhere except a coffee house for wifi and a mocha. lol. But next weekend there is a horse exposition, here, and I plan to go to as much as I can. Will be a real treat to be around horse people, and start networking. Maybe I can find someone to take some riding lessons with, and someone who can help me with Ber. Still hoping I can convince my trainer to come up here and help me get Giovanna started this summer. Not sure I want to trust anyone else with my sweet mare.

Hope you all are doing well, enjoying your days. I love hearing from you, when you have time.