WORDS TO LIVE BY

December 19, 2011
As we finish another course in our journey , I would like to share quotes from Dr. Hiam Ginnott.  For those not familiar with this pioneer in early childhood education, his book, Between Parent  and Child, gives parents the guidance needed to blend the two prevalent parenting philosophies of the day.  Dr. Ginnott believed  that honest, open communication between parent and children was the foundation for healthy development. His works truly reflects that.

         "Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression. "

As I thought about this simple statement, I realized how profound it was.

          "Teachers  are expected to reach unattainable goals with inadequate tools. The miracle is that at times they accomplish this impossible task."

Enjoy this video that sums it all up.........

"http://www.youtube.com/embed/uvS2hRG4GLw"  
            I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues for sharing insightful posts and keeping our discussions informative. I also appreciate the feedback you have provided to me. I feel we are developing our own learning community that is so important as we continue to learn.  I look forward to continued work with you in 2012 !  May your holidays be blessed.
                     Judi
       

Testing for Intelligence

Testing for Intelligence

             I believe establishing base lines for measuring student progress in school is important.  I also believe that a comprehensive, holistic process not just a single achievement test should be used.  In Pennsylvania, the tool used to measure student progress is the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA). This test has been used since 1999 and is based on the skills outlined in established standards for reading, writing, speaking and listening and mathematics. Every student in our state is tested in grades 3 through 8 and 11 is assessed in reading and math. Every student in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing and every student in grades 4, 8 and 11 are assessed in science.  Please note ALL students.  The controversy lies in the appropriateness of the test for ALL students.  The outcomes reported from this battery of tests has huge implications for the schools involved.  Reading School District has a high percentage of dual language learners, many children living in severe poverty and a transient population.  In my opinion, these factors have influence the scores as a whole that are obtained.  The end result being sanctions to the school district which I feel only add to the problem.  In many classrooms, the teachers spend a great deal of time “teaching the test” rather than essential general knowledge.  The additional pressure put on the teachers that are already working at a disadvantage due to the overcrowded classrooms and limited resources seems unfair.

            Sternberg states that humans have multiple intelligences  that includes academic, creative and practical while psychologist suggest emotional intelligence has a part in the overall intelligence of each of us(Berger, 2009) That being said,  I believe  that intelligence should be measured using a variety of tools and methods.  I feel the use of only standardized tests to measure intelligence  does not provide the full picture of the child’s abilities and can give false  impressions which in turn can limit the educational opportunities a child  may have. 

             I also agree that intelligence changes over time due to many factors.  It should be measured numerous times in the child’s life and in a variety of ways that address all essential elements of intelligence, not just academics.

            This method of testing children is not universally practiced.  In Sweden, student progress takes in to account more than just the standardize tests that are administered.  The grades children earn throughout the school year are weighted heavily as well.   Frits Wigforss, an educational psychologist and measurement expert was instrumental in contributing to the revisions made in the assessment system in Sweden. He understood the limits of a standardized test system and also realized the impact that social elements had in the child’s life and their ability to be successful when taking standardized tests (Kilpatrick, J & Johansson, B., 1994). 

             To summarize, assessing the progress children make in school is important.  It helps to drive the instruction in the classroom which is all the more reason for more than just a single standardized test to be used.  In regards to PSSA’s, it is my opinion that the demands on the teacher to prepare their students to take the test often good teaching which is unfortunate.  

References

Berger, K. S. (2009). The developing person through childhood (5^th ed.). New York, NY: Worth      Publishers.

Kilpatrick, J. & Johansson, B. (1994). Standarized mathematics testing in Sweden: The legacy of Frits Wigforss. Nordic Studies in mathematics Education, Vol. 1, No. 1,6-30 . Retrieved     December 9, 2011 from https://ncm.gu/media

Stressors Related to Poverty and the Development of Young Children

               The incidence of poverty in our country is on the rise.  Statistics collected by the United States Bureau of Census for 2010 state that 22% of all children under the age of 18 live in poverty. This is the highest rate since 1993.  In September, the New York Times published an article listing  the cities with populations of 65, 000 people or more and their ranking in terms of poverty.   My city, Reading, Pennsylvania, was number one on the list.  As the Director of Head Start, this article clearly supported a trend I had suspected.  The stressors related to living in poverty are numerous for the entire family. The impact on the development of young children is significant.

                 Many studies have been conducted that look specifically at how poverty effects educational and cognitive outcomes of young children. Researchers have also studied how living in poverty effects social emotional development.  Often times, children living in poverty are being raised in a single parent, usually female head of household family whose education is limited. Their housing situation is often substandard in neighborhoods that have issues. All of these factors  have a negative impact on a child’s development.

                Research tells us children living in poverty often grow up in less cognitively stimulating environments. (Moore, K, Red., Burkhauser,M.,Mbwanna,K & Collins, A., 2009) Children in this situation who have not had experiences outside of their home such as Head Start,  often enter school with a deficit. Compound that with the fact that  typically  schools in  poor neighborhoods do not have the resources that schools in more affluent neighborhoods have.  Both factors have a negative effect on a child’s educational and cognitive development.

                The social and emotional development of young children is also affected by the stressors associated with poverty. Research tells us parental depression is twice as common among low-income parents which can impair their ability to provide positive parenting ( Connecticut Commission on Children, 2004).

                A child’s physical development is also effected by growing up in poverty. According to statistics provided by the National Center for Health Statistics, children in poverty are 3.6 times more likely to have health issues related to obesity, exposure to lead due to poor housing conditions and often have not had necessary health care or immunizations (Moore, K. et. al, 2009).
                The effects of poverty are truly far reaching. As a Head Start Director, I have seen the effects of poverty  first  hand .  Children come to us with many stressors even at the age of three and four. These stressors seem to manifest themselves in many ways.  Behavior is an area that presents challenges for many children living with these stressors. We are fortunate to have resources available to address many of these issues.  We partner with local mental health professionals to provide interventions for the child and the parent.  We also work directly with  our early intervention program to provide necessary supports within the classroom to help the child work toward more positive outcomes.  Unfortunately, there are many eligible children we are not able to reach since our funding is limited. The need  in our community far exceeds our resources as a Head Start program.

                Looking outside of our country, I decided to research stressors for young children in Mexico. My interest in Mexico was spurned by the fact that many of our families have emigrated from there.  I couldn’t help but wondered what brought them to our community given the current problems our community is facing.  As I read about poverty in Mexico, it became quite clear to me  that in comparison, life in Reading  is  better,   especially for children.  In Mexico, it is not unusual for children to be working at a young age to help add to the family income ( Ferguson, K., 2005). It is not uncommon for children to literally be living and working on the streets due to the extreme poverty in many areas, Their basic needs are often met in the streets. Child labor is defined as “work that impairs the health and development of children whereas child work constitutes all work that detracts from the essential activities of children , namely leisure, play and education” (Aitken, S., Estrada, S., Jennings, J., Aguirre, L., 2006, p. 368).  Both are detrimental to the normal development of children.  In Mexico, children as young as five are expected work in the poorest families.  Some work in agriculture while some panhandle on the streets.  Those services and opportunities for young children such as Head Start are do not  exist  in Mexico.   As I read the research, it was clear that for many families coming  to our community  gives the hope of a  better life for their children.

References:

Moore, K.A., Redd, Z., Burkhauser, M.,Mbwana, K., & Collins, A.,  (2009). Children in poverty; trends,     consequences, and policy options. Child Research Brief, Publication 2009-11, Retrieved                                          November 23, 2011 from http://www.childtrends.org/files/child_trends_2009_04-07-rb-                childreninpoverty.pdf

Children and the Long-Term Effects of Poverty, The Connecticut Commission on Children. June,2004.

                Retrieved November 22, 2011 from

                http://www.cga.ct.gov/cdc/pdfs/poverty/2004_poverty_report.pdf

Ferguson, K., (2005). Child labor and social capital in the mezzosystem: family- and community-based     risk and protective factors for street-working children in Mexico. Journal of Social Work      Research and Evaluation, Vol. 6, No.1, 101-121. Retrieved  November 23,2011 from         http://proquest.umi.com.ezp.waldenlibrary.org

Aitken, S., Estrada, S., Jennings, J., & Aguirre, L., (2006). Reproducing life and labor: global processes and              working children in Tijuana, Mexico. Childhood, 13:365. Retrieved November 23, 2011 from          http://www.sagepublications.com.

Obesity Effects Even the Youngest

Child Development and Public Health- Obesity

                As I thought about public health issues that specifically affect young children, I decided to do some research on obesity.  We have noticed a higher percentage of children enrolling in Head Start that are clearly over weight and /or obese.  The information I found stated that  the incidence of obesity in young children is  on the rise.  In the United States, a recent study found that 31% of the children involved  in the study were overweight or obese. It was noted that several factors contributed to the rise. The research pointed out that children are more sedentary  often lacking in adequate outdoor playtime.(Kimbro,R., Brooks-Gunn, J. & McLananhan, S., 2011) Physical activity is important for the general well being of all of us but is especially important for young children.  The increase in the time children spend watching television has had a negative impact.  The Nestle Institute conducted  the Nestle Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study and concluded that 10% of  children ages 2 through 5  are categorized as obese.  Their  findings  went on to  state that poor eating habits begin developing as young a 12 months. More specifically, their diets consist of too many calories from solid fats and processed sugar and not enough fruits, vegetables and whole grains.(Nestle Nutrition Institute, 2011)  During these early years, it is a parent’s responsibility to introduce healthy eating patterns.  This becomes problematic if the parents themselves do not eat healthy.  The cycle perpetuates.  At about 12 months of age, about 1/3 of a child’s calories come from snacks  provided between meals.  When these snacks are not from healthy food groups such as fruits and vegetables,  the tendency for the child to be overweight or obese is greater. 

                Poor eating habits coupled with a lack of physical activity have made the public health issue of obesity  prevalent not only in the United State but also in the United Kingdom.   A study done  in 2008/2009 found one in ten young children to be obese  and noted that in addition to the health issues that can be attributed to obesity, the  psychosocial issues  become a major issue for young children. (Rees, R.,Oliver, K. Woodman,J. & Thomas, J.,2001)  Differences in body size begin to be notices even among children that young.

                It is important  that the parents and caregiversare properly educated to help children develop healthy eating habits. As early childhood educators,  we should  do whatever we can to help parents understand the importance of healthy eating and also providing opportunities for  their children to be  physically active.  The balance is what will break the cycle and help children maintain an appropriate body weight.

Rees, R.,Oliver, K., Woodman, J. & Thomas, J..(2011). The views of young children in the UK about obesity, body size, shape and weight: a systematic review. BioMed Central public Health, 11:188 Retrieved November 8, 2011  from http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/11/188

Nestle Nutrition Institute Reveals New Findings From Landmark Nestle Feeding Infants and Toddlers study (FITS) at obesity 2011; New Data Shows Alarming Dietary Patterns Developing as Early as 12-24 months. PR Newswire. New York: October 3, 2011.

Kimbro Tolbert ,R., Brooks-Gunn, Jeanne,  &  McLanahan, Sara, . (2011). Young children in urban areas: Links among neighborhood characteristics, weight status, outdoor play, and television watching. Social Science and Medicine. 72, 668-676. Retrieved November 9, 2011 from journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/socscimed

Beginning a Family

November 1, 2011
Thinking about my own experience with child birth brought back very special memories for me. I was fortunate enough to have a son and a daughter, 33 and 29 years ago respectively. My experience was a bit untraditional given that it was the 1970's and most couples got married and had their first child shortly there after. My husband and I waited 7 years before starting a family. My Italian grandmother thought this was unusual and didn't think twice about asking me what I was waiting for ! My birth experience with my son was a learning experience as I'm sure it is for most women. We attended child birth classes to prepare for the event. We practiced our breathing and did what we thought were all the right things. I was all for "natural childbirth". As it turned out, things didn't go quite as planned. After 16 hours of active labor, I ended up having general anesthesia because our son was posterior and the Doctor needed to use forceps to deliver him. He weighed in at 8 lbs.7oz and was 21 inches log, a bit much for my 5'2" frame to handle. I must admit, I was disappointed in the outcome but was thankful he was fine. My husband was able to stay through the whole procedure. I remember briefly coming out of the anesthesia and him telling me we have a little boy. Our daughter's birth was natural which was a feat in itself since she weighed in at 9lbs,8 oz. I was determined to not have a repeat of my first experience. All in all, I feel very fortunate to have experienced 2 pregnancies that resulted in 2 healthy babies.
I found it interesting to read about birthing practices in the Netherlands in Parents magazine, online. As in most of Europe, it is more common for a women to give birth at home with the help of a midwife. Throughout the pregnancy, After the initial visit, a doctor is optional as well during the birth. The exception would be in the case of any high risk situations. Should a women chose to go to the hospital to deliver, her hospital stay will be brief. She is sent home with a kraamhulp, a maternity home care kit. The midwife visits the new mother for 7 days after she gives birth. Not only does she provide any necessary medical care, she also helps with household tasks and cooking. All of this is paid for by insurance. Mothers in many work situations are able to stay home with their child up to 3 years if they chose to.
I didn't realize home births were still pretty much the norm in the Netherlands and actually much of Europe. I think the after care plan for the mother and family is something we could learn from. Also, home birth certainly would be a health care savings.

Thank you

October 26, 2011
To all my colleagues,
 As my first course toward my MSECS comes to an end, I want to thank my colleagues for all the support you provided throughout the past seven weeks.  I must admit, I was a bit overwhelmed with all the technolgy those first couple weeks. Thank you for helping me through it.  Also, thank you for sharing your personal philosophies, your personal web, favorite book and quote.  I really feel as though I have gained a new circle of professional colleagues in addition to all the new knowledge.  I look forward to moving forward with all of you.
      Judi

Meaningful Elements of the NAEYC and DEC Code of Ethics

October 20, 2011
     As I reviewed the NAEYC and DEC Code of Ethics, the statements that were most meaningful  to me  focused on  accepting the uniqueness of each child and family and building on that uniqueness to encourage success, partnering with families to understand the needs of the child and working collaboratively with colleagues to best meet the needs of the children and families we serve.  An ideal from the NAEYC Code (I-1.3) states "To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities and potential of each child." Applying this to the work we do is very important.  Our world is diverse in many ways.  Each child brings to our classroom an individual gift of their traditions, values and accepted behaviors.  As early childhood professionals , it is our job to embrace this gift. The DEC Code has a very similar statement that also addresses our behavior toward this diversity stating that we shall be respectful and appreciate " the unique value and human potential of each child." Incorporating this in every relevant decision I make as an administrator is crucial.
     The second statement (I-2.4) that was meaningfull to me related to families,  The NAEYC Code very specifically addresses  our responsibility " to listen to families, acknowledge and build upon their strengths and learn from families as we support them in their task of nurturing children."  I believe  this is the foundation for building a relationship with parents that is an important component in the success of the child.  The DEC Code also addresses the importance of family engagement. From its beginning, Head Start has placed a strong importance on family involvement. It is a key element of the program that prepares the parents to be an advocate for their child as they enter the school system.
     The third statement (I-4.2) I hold in high regard addresses our ability cooperate with our colleagues  to move forward on issues directly related to the children and families we serve- "To promote cooperation among professionals and agencies and interdisciplinary collaboration among professionals concerned with addressing issues in the health, education and well-being of young children, their families and their early childhood educators."  The DEC Code also stresses the importance of respectful collaboration. I truly believe it is the combined efforts of many that are necessary to accomplish the work to be done for children and families in our complex world. 
      I feel that following the standards established in both the NAEYC Code and the DEC Code is not an option but rather a requirement to maintain the high level of professionalism that all that all early childhood professionals should strive for.

So Many Resources

October 4, 2011
As I began to research what is really out there in terms of Early Childhood resources it became clear to me that the list  was  almost never ending!  I created a new section on my blog to begin developing a useful list.  In addition to the  resources I used for the Week 5 assignment, I included several resources I use on a regular basis.  The Office of Head Start is very generous in providing  publications and books on a regular basis. A comprehensive web site is kept up to date and is a good way to remain current with information specific to Head Start.  I find the following resources very helpful:

  NHSA Dialogue- A Research to Practice Journal for  the Early Intervention Field
 Early Childhood learning and knowledge Center  web site-                                  http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc
  Exchange- The Early Childhood Leaders Magazine.

  In our ever changing field, having access to  up to date research  is critical.  Building a comprehensive list of a variety of sources of information  will certainly make it easier to be informed. 

Words of Inspriation and Motivation

September 28, 2011
This week as I thought about words of inspiration and motivation, several things came to mind .  As I thought about it more, I began to sense a deeper meaning and connection in everything I was thinking about related to inspiration and motivation. In the video, "The Passion for Early Childhood" we viewed during week 2, the words of Louise Derman-Sparks resonated with me. When she talked about why she ended up in Early Childhood she stated " I knew I wanted to make a real contribution in the world and fix all the in justices in the world.  Teaching would allow me to do that."  Renatta Cooper states " Early Childhood Education as a civil rights issue.  It is equity work."  In aditional research on another major contributor the the field of Early Childhood, Dr. Edward Zigler  is quoted " I have  a built-in empathy for poor children as well as a deep belief based on my own life, that just because you're poor that doesn't mean you're inadequate." How powerful these words are. For me  it is the essence of the work I want to be involved in. We help make a difference not only for the children in our classrooms today but also for children in the future. It really is about contributing to the great good when we have a positive impact through our work on children and families.

Beware of sessions timing out!!!!

September 26, 2011
Dear Classmates,
BEWARE of sessions timing out!  After working on my discussion post all evening, I was unable to save or submit it because my session timed out.  I tried to get help from the online chat help but was told that classroom sessions only are active 10 to 15 minute will then time out...typing does not count ??????  and there was no way to retieve it.  I honestly didn't remember that being explained in the orientation activities. So dear classmates....I share my experience :-(  now I get to start all over again to discuss major contributors in the Early Childhood field...... this time it will be done in Word and pasted in the box!

Week 4, already

September 25, 2011
Week number 4- already !!!!! As I begin to jump into week 4 of my first online Master's level course, I am awe struck by where I've come in such a short amount of time. In addition to feeling like I have made some new professional colleagues, I feel like I'm actually beginning to understand the power of technology !  As I began researching the major contributors in our field of Early Childhood, I thought about what this work was like when I was working on my undergrad degree fifteen years ago.  It meant actually going to the library either on campus or in the community which was always tricky since I was operating my family child care back then and raising a very active family. My how technology would have simplified my life.  A lap top and 3G network , and I could have accomplished all sorts of things waiting for a soccer game to begin or at an all day band cavalcade.  Amazing what I am learning after all these years........

My Personal Childhood Web

I was experiementing with my blog and posted this to a new area.  I wasn't sure  my followers could see it so....I thought it best to post it again.  I'm still trying to master this !!!

 

My Personal Childhood Web

As I think about those special pepolple that have been part of my life ,I have very fond memories. There were three influencial women in my life growing up.The first person to come to mind is my mother. Marge or Margaret to others or Maggie as my husband would call her, Nana to my children but to me she was Momma. She was a remarkable women. As a first generation born in America Italian, she made the best of what she was given in life. Raised in a family with 10 brothers and sisters during the depression, she grew up placing a great deal of value 0n family. She often told my sister and I stories about all that my Grandfather did to provide for his family. She only had an eighth grade education because when she was growing up, girls didn't need to go beyond that. She was needed at home to help my Grandmother with the other children. She often shared that not having the opportunity for an education was her only regret in life. She encouraged my sister and I to be what we wanted to be.

Next I think of my maternal Grandmother. She was a remarkable women. In the early 1900's, my Grandfather came to America to make a better way for his family. Leaving my Grandmother and two sons in Italy while he worked in New york City helping to build the subways. When he had enough money , he sent for my Grandmother and the two boys. Several of the men from their town did the same thing so all the women traveled to America by boat to join their husbands. She arrived knowing no English. According to my Mother, she adapted quickly to America. The families lived in the same neighborhood so everyone supported each other.
She learned English as best she could and did not read or write in either language ,yet she manged to ride the train and bus and be self sufficient. My Grandmother was an inspiration to me . When I think about the courage it took to leave her parents and travel to a new country with two babies in tow, I realize the sacrafices she made to benefit the family.

Another important woman in my life growing up was my Aunt Jane. She was my Father's youngest sister. Truly , she was a woman ahead of her time. She was the first one in the family to attend college. She was the first one in the family to have a career in a non-traditional field . She was the first one to extensively travel and she accomplished all of this on her own.

She was a role model for me. I learned through her women could do whatever they wanted to and not be held back by gender. This was all happening in the 1950's. Aunt Jane inspired me to think outside the box and be creative and courageous. She taught me to follow my dreams.

These incredible women have passed on but the memories I have will stay with me forever . Their courage, drive and love of family have been the basis of how I live my life. I have worked diligently at sharing with my children , what these special family members gave me.

Intorduction to the Walden Library Webinar

September 19, 2011
I absolutely needed to share my experience in participating in the webinar on the Walden Library.  Being new to accessing this resource, I felt it was worth exploring.  The webinar was easy to access via a link sent in a reminder email after you register.  It was thorough and I really feel like I learned important information that I'm sure will help me in the future with coursework.  I would recommend taking the time to participate  if you haven't already.

APA, easily forgotten

September 18, 2011
As I put the finishing touches in my Application assignment, I stumbled across the instruction to include references.  I'm still trying to navigate the many places in this online world where important information is posted !  As I began the reference page , I sadly realized that APA format was not like riding a bike...it did not come back to me , at all! As the evening was quickly flying past, I pulled out the many resources we have been given and sorted through it all.  Some pieces of information were easy to find and follow.  others were not.  At any rate, I am happy to say, Week 2  Application is submitted !  Now time to relax before facing a busy week .

AAAAH,The Weekend

September 16, 2011
Another week comes to an end.  With Head Start fully operational, my week as the Program Administrator is never dull. I'm still working through bus runs for the children with our transportation department, sorting out staff openings, preparing for a staff meeting Monday, etc.etc .etc......and getting ready to move back into our newly renovated office space !  I am putting it all aside and enjoying my weekend in our RV at the beach. I have learned the importance of taking time out to relax and regroup.  Monday will be here soon enough.
     

Still no luck....

September 15, 2011
Talk about frustrating !!!! I just spent the past 2 hours trying to post to classmate blogs with the help of Walden on-line support and still can't get it to work !!!!! I quit for tonight !!!!!

Oh The places You'll Go

September 14, 2011
When I think about children's books I have many favorites but the one that stands out the most is Dr. Seuss's "Oh The Places You'll Go".  The message in that book can certainly be enjoyed by our preschoolers but it also can be understood on a grown up level as well. The notion of a world so full of many things to discover is exciting .  Actually, I have given that book to young people graduating from high school and even college. I especially like the lines:
             You have brains in your head.
             You have feet in your shoes. 
             You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
             You're on your own. And you know what you know.
             And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.
The closing line sums it up well.
            Will you succeed? Yes you will indeed!

My favorite quote....

September 13, 2011
 Years ago when I had a Family Child Care, one the the parents gave me a beautiful pen and ink drawing with this quote
                "There are two things you give your children,
                 One is roots; the other is wings."
This is my favorite quote related to families...it was special to me  back in 1991 when I received it.  Twenty years later, now that my children are grown, married and on their own, it is even more special.  As I look at where life has taken them, I believe I have given them both things.

Frustrated but still trying

September 13, 2011
I'm still trying to figure out some of the technology things that are part of my coursework .  While I can read the interesting posts my classmates have been adding to their blogs,I have yet to be able to post a comment......Very frustrating.  Does anyone have any tips for me?

Value of Reflection

September 12, 2011
 Viewing the YouTube piece, The Value of Reflection, I really began to think about the message Mr. Beech conveyed.  I could relate to the notion of reflection being "the work before the work", yet  I often  find  myself guilty of not taking the time to think things through because there is always so much to do. I agree with his statement that in our society, we often get caught up in the quantity of it, not the quality that often leads to decisions being made that are not always the best especially in the long term. For me the challenge lies in making time to reflect be it on personal issues  or work . Thinking about the message, I realized that it is important to allow myself that down time and will try to make a change.

Reflecting on the day- 10 years ago

September 11, 2011
Can it really be that 10 years have gone by......as I reflect on that day 10 years ago, so many thoughts rush through my mind. I was so worried about family members in NYC and Altoona,near Somerset, PA.  That period of time until I actually connected with my son, daughter and sister seemed like an eternity.  Sitting in church this morning as the minister shared the same verses, prayers and sermon he used 10 years ago was powerful. That day 10 years ago changed  me and so many people, in so many ways.  It will never be forgotten.

Post Number 2

Saturday, September 10, 2011
After a considerable amount of trail and error, I figured out how to get back to my blog.  My first week as an on-line graduate student  did not go as I had planned.  Between an unusually crazy start up for school year 2011-2012 and major storms and flooding in our community  I'm a bit weary tonight.  I think the worse part of it all is over and perhaps now I can focus more on my new adventure into the world of on-line graduate school. 

My first post

If I did everything correctly, this should be my first post to my newly created blog.  I have enjoyed journaling for years  so hopefully I'll be able to move into blogging easliy.  It all remains to be seen.