Well, as of Friday I finished my first semester of grad school! I can't believe that I am a third of the way finished! This summer has flown by! Although I don't have class and homework, I do have a graduate assistant job that still has to be done. And well, let's just say what I thought I was getting myself into has changed drastically in the last week or so. The main person I've been working with, the person who answers my questions, just moved positions on campus to another department. I am perfectly fine with that, the problem is that my boss will be out of the country for three weeks and I am now the sole person in the office...fun and scary all at the same time. Anyways, it just shows you that, God has a bigger plan in mind, and that when I think I've got it all figured out...I should probably expect the unexpected. As I sit at my desk, with nothing really to do, I wonder who will be in the office with me, will we get along..you know the normal what ifs in life that all humans wonder. Well, I should probably get "back to work." I just thought I would reflect on life for a few minutes. Hope you have a wonderful week!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11
Monday, July 27, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Next round of Grad classes....fun
So, this week I started my second round of summer classes. I have the same teacher for both classes. One is about some assessments that I get to use on a child for the next two weeks. The other class is Writing Processes and Theories...which to the naked eye would seem pretty boring. Well for the most part it is, don't get me wrong I like the class but four hours about writing gets a little tough to pay attention. One of the things we do in class, that I appreciate is writing. In other words we write in class for around an hour. This is great for me because it gives me time to work on some writing homework in class. One of the other things that I really like is that we only have to write two pieces that we read to the class...what makes this more exciting is that there are no guidelines..we can write about what ever we want and how ever we want. So I thought I would share the first piece I wrote to share....It will give you a little glimpse of what I've been learning or thinking about in grad school.
Women, Cows, and Dogs:
What They Have in Common
I am a people watcher, not in a creepy way but more in a curious way. I am fascinated by people and some of the strange behaviors that many humans share. Being a woman I have observed and experienced several unique behaviors that I believe women share with cows and dogs. Before you freak out and say how dare you compare women to bovine and muts….just listen. I think you will find it quiet interesting how our behaviors really do imitate or correlate with those of cows and dogs.
First, a common behavior that I can say almost all women have participated in at some point in their lives is traveling in groups. For instance, we go shopping with our girlfriends, we have parties with these friends, we talk for hours with these girlfriends, we have sleepovers, and my personal favorite we go to the bathroom in groups. Think about how often do you see a girl go into a bathroom by herself. So now for the enlightening part; let me make the connection between women and cows. Cows travel and live in a herd, they tend to eat together, sleep together, and talk (moo) at each other. I think most firm connection is that, like women, cows use the bathroom together. They don’t mind standing by their friend cow while they take care of their business, in fact most cows do it together. Another major connection between women and cows is the hierarchy they have in place. How often have you driven past a cow pasture and have seen one cow off to the side and another group of cows in a circle. Could it be that that cow betrayed one of the other cows in the herd by stealing the bull from her, or maybe that cow just doesn’t quite fit in with other cows? Sound Familiar? Women, how often do we see a single woman off to the side at a different table and the other women sitting around another table whispering about….who I wonder? Maybe that girl betrayed one of the other girls, or maybe she just doesn’t fit in with the other girls. By now I think you are starting to get the picture; our behaviors are more in common with cows than I think we would like to admit.
While you chew on that, I think move onto the next comparison; women are like dogs. I’ve owned several dogs in my lifetime and have noticed some very strange patterns between women and dogs. For instance, dogs SHED….a lot! Think back on how many times your dad, brother, husband, or even yourself have gone to take a shower and what happens…the drain is clogged. And eventually when someone decides to clean this clogged drain, what typically is the problem but hair. And it’s not just anyone’s hair…it’s yours. I’m always shocked after I groom my dog that he has hair left, and I’m more shocked at how I have hair left after the sink/shower is unclogged, my hairbrush is cleaned and the floors are swept. I honestly can say I’ve come to the conclusion that women must shed more than dogs. My second observation about dogs and women is that there are typically two kinds of dogs… and women. First we have the overactive, never sit still then pass out from exhaustion dog/woman. And second there is the relaxed, just feed me and love me and I will be just fine dog/woman. It has been very rare in my life that I have ever met a woman or dog that has a good balance of those qualities. This previous connection leads me to my last connection between dogs and women. Romance and loyalty. Now that I’ve said these two words, I’m sure you know where I’m going with this. Ladies, how many times have you seen your best friend or even yourself in a relationship with a guy and wonder what she saw in him or watch the guy treat her horribly but she remains loyal because he “loves” her. Should I talk about how the dog remains loyal to its owner and trusts him even if they treat the dog badly? The owner could be the worst owner in the world, yet the dog will love on him and bark his praises because the owner “loves” the dog. I think you get the point.
So, are you still wondering what this crazy people watcher woman is talking about? I hope that you realize that I’m not pointing this out to be funny or mean, but that I am truly fascinated by human behaviors and how much they resemble animals that most consider lunch or a pet. Just remember that not all of us are the same. We, like these animals, are all unique, have different personalities, some have more friends, some come from big families, some don’t know their parents at all, but we are all made by God. You were fearfully and wonderfully made and don’t forget that. Who cares that women have some things in common with cows and dogs. Trust me you don’t want to know which animals I think men are like…
Hope you have a good day!
Women, Cows, and Dogs:
What They Have in Common
I am a people watcher, not in a creepy way but more in a curious way. I am fascinated by people and some of the strange behaviors that many humans share. Being a woman I have observed and experienced several unique behaviors that I believe women share with cows and dogs. Before you freak out and say how dare you compare women to bovine and muts….just listen. I think you will find it quiet interesting how our behaviors really do imitate or correlate with those of cows and dogs.
First, a common behavior that I can say almost all women have participated in at some point in their lives is traveling in groups. For instance, we go shopping with our girlfriends, we have parties with these friends, we talk for hours with these girlfriends, we have sleepovers, and my personal favorite we go to the bathroom in groups. Think about how often do you see a girl go into a bathroom by herself. So now for the enlightening part; let me make the connection between women and cows. Cows travel and live in a herd, they tend to eat together, sleep together, and talk (moo) at each other. I think most firm connection is that, like women, cows use the bathroom together. They don’t mind standing by their friend cow while they take care of their business, in fact most cows do it together. Another major connection between women and cows is the hierarchy they have in place. How often have you driven past a cow pasture and have seen one cow off to the side and another group of cows in a circle. Could it be that that cow betrayed one of the other cows in the herd by stealing the bull from her, or maybe that cow just doesn’t quite fit in with other cows? Sound Familiar? Women, how often do we see a single woman off to the side at a different table and the other women sitting around another table whispering about….who I wonder? Maybe that girl betrayed one of the other girls, or maybe she just doesn’t fit in with the other girls. By now I think you are starting to get the picture; our behaviors are more in common with cows than I think we would like to admit.
While you chew on that, I think move onto the next comparison; women are like dogs. I’ve owned several dogs in my lifetime and have noticed some very strange patterns between women and dogs. For instance, dogs SHED….a lot! Think back on how many times your dad, brother, husband, or even yourself have gone to take a shower and what happens…the drain is clogged. And eventually when someone decides to clean this clogged drain, what typically is the problem but hair. And it’s not just anyone’s hair…it’s yours. I’m always shocked after I groom my dog that he has hair left, and I’m more shocked at how I have hair left after the sink/shower is unclogged, my hairbrush is cleaned and the floors are swept. I honestly can say I’ve come to the conclusion that women must shed more than dogs. My second observation about dogs and women is that there are typically two kinds of dogs… and women. First we have the overactive, never sit still then pass out from exhaustion dog/woman. And second there is the relaxed, just feed me and love me and I will be just fine dog/woman. It has been very rare in my life that I have ever met a woman or dog that has a good balance of those qualities. This previous connection leads me to my last connection between dogs and women. Romance and loyalty. Now that I’ve said these two words, I’m sure you know where I’m going with this. Ladies, how many times have you seen your best friend or even yourself in a relationship with a guy and wonder what she saw in him or watch the guy treat her horribly but she remains loyal because he “loves” her. Should I talk about how the dog remains loyal to its owner and trusts him even if they treat the dog badly? The owner could be the worst owner in the world, yet the dog will love on him and bark his praises because the owner “loves” the dog. I think you get the point.
So, are you still wondering what this crazy people watcher woman is talking about? I hope that you realize that I’m not pointing this out to be funny or mean, but that I am truly fascinated by human behaviors and how much they resemble animals that most consider lunch or a pet. Just remember that not all of us are the same. We, like these animals, are all unique, have different personalities, some have more friends, some come from big families, some don’t know their parents at all, but we are all made by God. You were fearfully and wonderfully made and don’t forget that. Who cares that women have some things in common with cows and dogs. Trust me you don’t want to know which animals I think men are like…
Hope you have a good day!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
TEAM VENABLE......You won't know what hit you!
So we (the entire venable family) went to Destin, Florida for my mom's side of the family reunion! We had four houses....with between 7 to 11 people in each house! So let's just say it was a lot of fun! So I am sure you are wondering what this Team Venable stuff is about..well we had shirts made that say Team Venable on the front..sort of like the team edward or team jacob for those that are twilight fans....well we decided to have these little competitions like Top Chef Smores Edition....and Project Runway..Flip Flop edition..and Everhart Trivia Scavenger hunt...and the greatest....Last Comic Standing....Let me just say..TEAM VENABLE DOMINATED!!! Aunt Debbie and I won Everhart Trivia Scavenger hunt....Mark and Robert took second...Renee won Project Runway....Amanda and Dad won Top chef Smore's Edition..and MOM...I mean Nana Niece..won Last Comic Standing...with some of Mrs. Ethel's dirty jokes..props to mom!!! Well, other than that, we spent a lot of time at the beach and being a family! It was really fun to take the twins and Eden to the beach...none of them liked sand...and if they were held..the water was okay! I just got back..but I miss them already! Well..here are some pictures! Enjoy!!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Father's Day
Well I went home this past weekend for Father's day and because I missed my family...I know..I'm a sap.Before I go any farther I feel like I should tell you about my daddy whom I love so much.
So for father's day we went to Mark and Renee's house..our normal custom on Father's day and grilled out and had a lot of good...yet healthy food. It was a lot of fun to get to see everyone but yet I knew that I had to come back to Searcy...not so much fun...for work.
My dad is one of my heroes. He shows integrity and sincerity in everything he does and I respect him so much. He loves my mom more than anything and would do anything for her, and I know she would do the same for him. He works so hard, gets up early, stays up late and still can never seem to get everything done that he wishes he could. My dad wants the best for his family and would do anything for us. He goes the extra mile to show us that he loves us and I only wish I did half the things he did so that he would know I love him bunches! I can't imagine the day when I have to say goodbye to my daddy forever and honestly I would rather not think about it, but I do have the comfort in knowing that once he is gone from this life it isn't forever. One day we will meet again in heaven and he will be standing at the gates with his arms open wide and a tear in his eye because he will know that he succeeded in his goal of getting us to heaven! Not a lot of people see my daddy as this big stuffed teddy bear...but he is a sensitive, loving, caring, God fearing man who loves God with all his heart, soul, strength, and mind. I only hope that I grow up to be half the Godly person he is! I love you bunches daddy!
So for father's day we went to Mark and Renee's house..our normal custom on Father's day and grilled out and had a lot of good...yet healthy food. It was a lot of fun to get to see everyone but yet I knew that I had to come back to Searcy...not so much fun...for work. 2 down...10 to go!
So I, as of an hour ago turned in my last assignment for my second class...which in other words means that I am done...I mean done...with my second grad school class!!!! Wooo hoooo! I feel like a weight is off my shoulders for a least a few weeks..until July anyways. So to celebrate I decided at 10:30 tonight that I was going to make pumpkin bread and drink a cup of chocolate milk! Over these last few weeks I have learned a few things:
Grad school=writing papers
Flynt Cooter and the Ekwall Shanker are not illegal they are assessments
According to Ken Stamatis I am a midwife of literacy
Late nights studying=bad hair day in the morning
Sometimes you forget to shower...i'm just saying
Books don't have all the answers..just most of them
Sonic happy hour will get you through classes
A Convenient store isn't very convenient when looking for skim milk
Investing in a white board was a good investment
The living room will look like a library exploded
If computer is left on your leg too long...it will start to burn...
I couldn't do this without my roommates
Well..I think the pumpkin bread is almost done...there will be more to come but for now just remember that friends are friends forever...and grad school isn't any fun without them!
Grad school=writing papers
Flynt Cooter and the Ekwall Shanker are not illegal they are assessments
According to Ken Stamatis I am a midwife of literacy
Late nights studying=bad hair day in the morning
Sometimes you forget to shower...i'm just saying
Books don't have all the answers..just most of them
Sonic happy hour will get you through classes
A Convenient store isn't very convenient when looking for skim milk
Investing in a white board was a good investment
The living room will look like a library exploded
If computer is left on your leg too long...it will start to burn...
I couldn't do this without my roommates
Well..I think the pumpkin bread is almost done...there will be more to come but for now just remember that friends are friends forever...and grad school isn't any fun without them!
Monday, June 15, 2009
My first week of Grad Classes!!!!! WHAT WAS I THINKING
Well, I started Grad school classes this last week...and in a nut shell...WHAT WAS I THINKING!!!! The first day I was completely overwhelmed!!! My first homework assignment was to read 145 pgs....that's right 145pages!!! And then retell in writing what my reading was about..fun times! So I had to do this everyday...with a new assessment. I had to tell what the purpose, how to administer, scoring, and what it tell me about the child as a reader and writer. So each retelling ends up being 5 to 8 pages..but no biggie...now it is second nature! The good news is a have an A in both classes..hard work is paying off!!!!
But don't worry in all this homework, Aubrey, Camille, and I have still had a couple of adventures! For instance...I got my hand slammed in a car door..on accident...and the car door shut..I mean like if Aubrey would have driven off..I would have been stuck. But no worries, God knew I couldn't handle having broken fingers right now..so they were just a bruised and a little sore! Also, Saturday night we decided that we needed to have a little bit of a life...so we got all dressed up and went to the dollar theater and saw the Hannah Montana Movie! The girls cried...it was so good! I'd seen before, but it was worth going again. After the movie..we went back to the house for more homework...fun! These pictures are of us on the first day...then on Friday...you can see the difference..we were definitely sleep deprived!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
A "Typical" weekend...expect the unexpected
This weekend Aubrey and I were debating on what we were going to do on Saturday. I had a gift card to Hobby Lobby (props to Randy and Ramona) from graduation, and I LOVE Hobby Lobby! So I asked Aubrey if she wanted to take a trip to Little Rock with me. She was game as long as we could go to Old Navy and maybe Target..which is a given! Anyway, we made the trek to the Rock and found hobby lobby with no trouble. It must of been meant to be because they were having a 66% off home decor!!!! I thought we would be there for about an hour...well...two and half hours later we were checking out! I got some really neat things like a lamp that was 66% off..and some scrap booking things that were 50% off, plus I had a coupon for 25% off any item..which you know got used. I know some of you that don't know me very well are probably wondering why I am telling you about this great sale.
Because my motto for shopping is: IF IT IS NOT ON SALE THEN IT IS NOT FOR SALE!
Okay on to Old Navy, where Aubrey and I were in search of some summer cotton dresses that were supposed to be on sale, and I had a coupon! Well, we got there and went in search of these dresses....Old Navy failed us...this particular store had two dresses. Not two different styles..no TWO dresses...both were ugly...and made for barbie dolls. SO let's just say that we left empty handed. So we tried Target...
Target..was better but still it is not even summer and yet we have only found a few dresses...but they were cute and had more than the XXS size that nobody really wears.
Well, after Target Aubrey and I were hungry but we spent 20 min. decided that we would drive until we found something that looked good..we didn't drive long..On the Border..yummm! We had a waiter that called me "Sweetie" which doesn't go well when it comes to the waiter tip...I mean really.I have a name..ask me my name and I will tell you, but don't..don't call me sweetie...if I am not your sweetie! I'm just saying...but the food was good. Well after that we headed over to Barnes and Noble to walk off dinner...we didn't do much walking except to the children's section. You know your a teacher if...you spend more time in the children's section of a book store than the time it takes a person read a book in B&N.
Okay on to the next adventure of the "typical" weekend... CABOT, AR. We needed to make a Wal-Mart run and we were up for a change of scenery. So, we walked into the Wal-Mart and I almost fell to my knees....CLEAN...NICE.....NEW....SANITIZED....It was refreshing. I told Aubrey from now on I will drive the 20min..if it means I don't have to go to a old.. trashy..always crowded..glorified convenient store that takes 20 min to find a parking spot... Wal-Mart! Anyways, after the shock of seeing a Wal-Mart that I was used to seeing we went in search of a trashcan and a broom....let me just say..Wal-Mart is nice but why would those two things be on opposite sides of the store....really! I got past that and we did however find a couple of cute cotton dresses..props to Wal-Mart..plus they were cheaper!
I have an observation to make about Cabot, AR...because it is a smaller town and most know everybody...when two cute college girls come waltzing in their wal-mart...they notice...It was like "who are the new girls in town" There were some cute boys, who I'm sure were thinking fresh meat, and the girls who were thinking who are they and why are they here trying to take our men. I really wished I could just stand up and say..We are just here getting a trashcan and broom...don't panic..lol..
Anyways, after walmart we were going to go ahead and head back to Searcy...boo...but our adventure doesn't end there. Let me just say the Cabot might have a nice Wal-Mart and few good-looking men...but the street signs STINK! After turning around twice to find the on ramp for the interstate...we finally saw a street that looked like it was going the same direction...good sign..so we turned and there was no on ramp in sight. But I had faith that eventually this road would have to get us closer to Searcy than driving back and forth over the overpass in Cabot. I had my brights on and after dodging a cat (it was a fast cat) we saw a stop sign and then in all its glory was a highway 67/167 North Sign!!! Yes we weren't lost! It was pretty much amazing! After we got back we were tired from all this adventure that started from a small trip to Hobby Lobby and turned into a 7 hour trip...all the more fun!
It was a great Saturday...but it is not going to be typical anymore. Tomorrow is my first day of real masters classes...ALL DAY LONG! Which means homework gets kicked up a notch and social life ( the small one I lead) gets kicked down a notch! No worries..the adventures we still happen..I just can plan them as much. Until next time!
Because my motto for shopping is: IF IT IS NOT ON SALE THEN IT IS NOT FOR SALE!
Okay on to Old Navy, where Aubrey and I were in search of some summer cotton dresses that were supposed to be on sale, and I had a coupon! Well, we got there and went in search of these dresses....Old Navy failed us...this particular store had two dresses. Not two different styles..no TWO dresses...both were ugly...and made for barbie dolls. SO let's just say that we left empty handed. So we tried Target...
Target..was better but still it is not even summer and yet we have only found a few dresses...but they were cute and had more than the XXS size that nobody really wears.
Well, after Target Aubrey and I were hungry but we spent 20 min. decided that we would drive until we found something that looked good..we didn't drive long..On the Border..yummm! We had a waiter that called me "Sweetie" which doesn't go well when it comes to the waiter tip...I mean really.I have a name..ask me my name and I will tell you, but don't..don't call me sweetie...if I am not your sweetie! I'm just saying...but the food was good. Well after that we headed over to Barnes and Noble to walk off dinner...we didn't do much walking except to the children's section. You know your a teacher if...you spend more time in the children's section of a book store than the time it takes a person read a book in B&N.
Okay on to the next adventure of the "typical" weekend... CABOT, AR. We needed to make a Wal-Mart run and we were up for a change of scenery. So, we walked into the Wal-Mart and I almost fell to my knees....CLEAN...NICE.....NEW....SANITIZED....It was refreshing. I told Aubrey from now on I will drive the 20min..if it means I don't have to go to a old.. trashy..always crowded..glorified convenient store that takes 20 min to find a parking spot... Wal-Mart! Anyways, after the shock of seeing a Wal-Mart that I was used to seeing we went in search of a trashcan and a broom....let me just say..Wal-Mart is nice but why would those two things be on opposite sides of the store....really! I got past that and we did however find a couple of cute cotton dresses..props to Wal-Mart..plus they were cheaper!
I have an observation to make about Cabot, AR...because it is a smaller town and most know everybody...when two cute college girls come waltzing in their wal-mart...they notice...It was like "who are the new girls in town" There were some cute boys, who I'm sure were thinking fresh meat, and the girls who were thinking who are they and why are they here trying to take our men. I really wished I could just stand up and say..We are just here getting a trashcan and broom...don't panic..lol..
Anyways, after walmart we were going to go ahead and head back to Searcy...boo...but our adventure doesn't end there. Let me just say the Cabot might have a nice Wal-Mart and few good-looking men...but the street signs STINK! After turning around twice to find the on ramp for the interstate...we finally saw a street that looked like it was going the same direction...good sign..so we turned and there was no on ramp in sight. But I had faith that eventually this road would have to get us closer to Searcy than driving back and forth over the overpass in Cabot. I had my brights on and after dodging a cat (it was a fast cat) we saw a stop sign and then in all its glory was a highway 67/167 North Sign!!! Yes we weren't lost! It was pretty much amazing! After we got back we were tired from all this adventure that started from a small trip to Hobby Lobby and turned into a 7 hour trip...all the more fun!
It was a great Saturday...but it is not going to be typical anymore. Tomorrow is my first day of real masters classes...ALL DAY LONG! Which means homework gets kicked up a notch and social life ( the small one I lead) gets kicked down a notch! No worries..the adventures we still happen..I just can plan them as much. Until next time!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
