a spot of tea

minor setbacks
It's sad to think that simple things such as the flu that develop into severe things like bronchitis and pneumonia, that become critical enough to keep you down and sick for almost three weeks, including a hospital stay, can make you so far behind in academics, and life. It's amazing to see how such a nagging virus can take toll on your life and make you stressed to the core as you try to catch up… For me, it's not just catching up in grad school; it's also catching up students I'm teaching. Of course, this all occurred in October, just after I got back from New York, but one of the major consequences just hit home. I've been going at the fastest pace

october epic
Yes, I know. This post is so far beyond delayed, it's not funny. My life is so far behind now, it's not funny. But, you know what? What'll you do? At least I'm posting it. Why? Well, for one. I want to remember this. From the beginning, October Epic (or from what the Twitter hashtag became #OctoberEpic) started as a joke. I said that I wanted to visit New York to my friend Dani (@dani3boyz), and it just continued. I hadn't taken vacation in about 6 years. And I knew that I would've LOVED to see the new #1 draft pick John Tavares play with the Islanders, so I knew that a trip was in order. I also knew that I was going stir crazy, as I spent the entire summer

halloweening in history
Yesterday in class, I gave an extra points opportunity, which I like to do from time-to-time to help those who really are trying in the class and just can't quite get over test humps, pop quizzes, etc. I know they are studying; their answers are reflected in essays. They know the material, but they get test anxiety. They are in essence, me as an undergrad.  For fun, I offered them the chance to dress up for Halloween. Now, it's a Tues/Thurs class, so Halloween didn't fall for a few more days, but still. It's a points-based class, so anything and everything helps, too! They received 5 bonus points for ANY Halloween costume, and 25 bonus points for a historical

sudden outburst
What in the world is wrong with people? Our country? Our world? First, Joe Wilson shouts back at President Obama during the Joint Congressional speech. Then, Kanye West takes the mic from Taylor Swift during her acceptance speech. And it seems like everywhere else, there are random complaints about how kids today don't know the proper way to socialize or conduct themselves in a classroom or in a group.  Folks, what we have here is a failure to communicate. Or even… to learn the basics of communication.  Here are a few handy, dandy ways