Reflections of Week #10

I spent some time traveling in Washington DC last week for work. I hadn't spent much time there in recent years, but was really impressed with certain aspects of the city. I would like to discuss this as my topic for this week's reflection.

Washington DC is truly a magical place that offers great adventure and learning for all who visit. I spent most of my free time on the Mall visiting monuments and walking through the fall foliage. I was able to see two interpretive programs during my visit, which really enhanced my understanding of two distinct monuments. The interpretive talks I heard at the Lincoln and World War II Memorials were very informative and I attained a greater understanding and appreciation for the sites. The architecture, placement and symbols on the monuments all held deeper meanings that is readily apparent to the viewer. For example, Lincoln is portrayed in very common garb for the time to emphasize his life as a regular American. Each star at the World War II Memorial represents 100 combatants who lost their lives in the conflict. These pieces of knowledge allowed me to gain a better appreciation for Lincoln and those who served in the largest world conflict.

I also had the opportunity to visit Mount Vernon, which was the home of George Washington and situated south of Washington DC on the Virginia side of the Potomac River. The 8,000 acre tract was breathtaking this time of year! The house has been well maintained, and many of the farming practices done on the farm during Washington's life are being continued today as educational programs. The newly opened education center is tremendous! Many of the original pieces from the plantation are housed in this center. The most attractive piece is Washington's dentures :-)

For those who have never visited the city, I highly recommend a trip to the Washington DC area. Most sites on and around the National Mall are still free for all visitors. This provides an excellent opportunity for families to bring loved ones and children to learn more about our history.

Have any of my followers recently traveled to Washington DC? If so, would you like to share your most memorable reflections?

Reflections of Week #9

Halloween is fast approaching, and stores throughout Western Maryland are busy stocking their shelves with candy, costumes, and scary decorations. Halloween has always been an odd time for me. I'm still adjusting to the cold weather, but am reluctant to let go of summer. This fall has been particularly troublesome, as the warm and cold days come and go interchangeably at will while the rain continues to come down! As in the past, this Halloween will be spent adjusting to the cold front approaching...

Regardless of this troubling time, I have always enjoyed Halloween night. Most children in my area still trick-or-treat on the actual Halloween night, which will luckily be on a Saturday this year! Streets will be lit up with porch lights and orange Halloween lighting as the ghouls and ghastly costumes make their way door-to-door for treats. I'm always fascinated by the costume selections, and always ponder which costume is the most popular. I have noticed that more Halloween costumes today seem to be homemade and unique than when I was a child. This has provided wonderful diversity that is always fun to watch!

Just as fast as Halloween arrives, the following Sunday will see all those decorations replaced with Thanksgiving and Christmas decorum in stores. In fact, when I visited the local Wal-Mart this past week, Christmas decorations are already popping up in some sections of the store! 'Tis the season of capitalism :-) This part of year also seems to move quickly as retailers and department stores "push" the holidays through to get maximum profits. Although this shrinking of the seasons can be frustrating, the movement is part of America after all.

It seems like October 1, my birthday, was only yesterday! Yet here I am reflecting on Week #9 of the Fall semester...on October 18! Where did the year go... Oh well, I'm excited for Christmas anyway :-) What is your favorite holiday in this upcoming season of holidays?

Reflections of Week #8

This semester is really moving along. This week marks the halfway point for the semester, and it truly feels as if the term just began! I have learned much from our courses this semester, and feel this blog post deserves a recap of the classes to this point.

Dr. Kuhn's 640 class has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of an Instructional Development Plan. I have never really done one before, but her step-by-step process of building an IDP has really provided a strong basis for future use. I'm building an IDP for 10th grade secondary education teachers in Maryland which will be incorporated into the C&O Canal National Historical Park's Education Plan. I have been able to engage teachers in the field to get real-world insight into the construction of the IDP. I feel very strongly about the IDP and feel confident I can build one in the future with the skills I am learning.

Dr. Diaz's Higher Education Law course is absolutely fascinating. His breadth of knowledge regarding the law and real-world experience from the field makes his class an engaging, knowledgeable experience. I have improved my understanding of contract law, torts, and my ability to read and interpret case law. I'm also more cautious regarding contracts and agreements at work. Following Dr. Diaz's advice, I'm more inclined to have my written documents reviewed by the U. S. Solicitor's Office and to get second opinions from co-workers before processing documents.

Dr. Whitehouse's Technology class has been the most engaging and interactive throughout the semester. Although I have proportioned certain nights and weekends to IDP and Higher Education Law tasks, I find myself engaged in a post, blog, tweet, or the following of others on a social network each and every night. At first I viewed social networking as a chore, but now I am eager to follow my peers on Facebook and Twitter. Because of the nature of this cohort, these social networking tools have really allowed me to get to know my classmates and understand their lives and backgrounds better. My acceptance of the social networking world is complete!

I'm curious to know the thoughts of my classmates at mid-term... Anyone feel like commenting?

Reflections of Week #7

Fall has finally arrived in Western Maryland. In the past, this has been a dismal time of year for me. Typically, I was returning to school for yet another semester of coursework and the pursuit of another degree. I also hated to see those warm summer days and the beautiful weather pass for another year. This time of year is when my daunting 60 minute commute to work becomes even more challenging with the added weather hazards from snow and ice. Halloween was usually the realization point for me; summer was over and the toughest part of the year had arrived.

For many reasons, this year seems to be different. I am incredibly busy right now which has made the time pass very quickly. I have been with the National Park Service for two years now, so I have a routine in the office that is improving my speed and productivity. I'm a planner, and I have develop plans for tasks at work that are starting to pay off. Furthermore, I have reached the final stage in my academic career. Come hell or high water, this degree with be terminal for me. I have always made a doctoral degree a goal of mine, and this goal has always been very far off in the future. Although I have great lengths to go, the end is now a possibility and seems to be within my grasp. If all semesters in the program fly as fast as this one, 2013 will be here before I know it :-)

In contrast to past fall seasons, I am enjoying this one. I have appreciated the foliage this year like never in the past. I look forward to Halloween and Thanksgiving with great anticipation. This time is odd; I am busier than ever before, yet somehow find the time to appreciate the small things that I have always overlooked in the past... Life is funny that way I guess :-) I have always tried to make the most of my life. My favorite Abraham Lincoln quote claims that "it's not the years in your life that count, its the life in your years." I have a job I enjoy (which in this economy is great in and of itself), I'm pursuing a degree I want, and I'm enjoying life. I hope all my followers out there will read this blog and think of something in their life that makes them happy....and share it with us all in a comment!