hip deep in it now

Well, I forget what week this is, but the semester is well under way. Each week I start thinking earlier and earlier how long the week feels. Last week my first Monday class hadn't even started yet and already at 9am that morning I was thinking "Man, this feels like a long week." I've got quite a lot going on this week, a lot going on with life in general.

Tomorrow I have to meet with my Lit Research professor to discuss my research topic for the 25pg paper due at the end of the semester. I believe I want to do something with German Children's Literature with hopes that it will combine all of my interests. And with any luck I'll remember enough of my German so I'll be able to read some kids' books! Tomorrow I also have to turn in my paperwork in order to attend a symposium at VMI (Virginia Military Institute) on teaching composition. That will be the third weekend in October. I've also got football practice for the powder puff team that I joined through Campus Crusade. Our first match is Sunday some time, so I'll update on how that goes.

Tuesday I have my second meeting of the conference planning committee for the English conference we're putting on in the spring some time. I get to start observing a class of freshman composition this week as well. We enjoy being relieved of one class period of my practicum class in order to balance out the fact that we have to observe a class "preferably" three days a week (according to my practicum professor). I really see how that time comittment is evened out...

This past Saturday I attended a leadership seminar that really had nothing to do with leadership and more to do with how to get a job after you graduate with an English degree. But I received a lovely certificate of completion for this leadership seminar that will certainly go on my CV. It was sort of useful, though, at the very least a chance to network with some alum who also all graduated with English degrees. We even had a 'business etiquette' luncheon (at which I did fabulously, something I'm sure my grandmothers will be thrilled to hear).

To keep you all updated on the latest with my volunteering at the International Center: I signed up to be matched with a conversation partner. This is someone you take under your wing a bit and show around, teach the ways of US and Blacksburg to, along with practicing English conversational skills. There exists the option for me to hold a once weekly English conversation group which would be a much more formal time commitment. I would have to set up a specific time each week, an hour, and supply a mini-lesson plan on local culture or customs. I think I might wait til next semester to take that on, though, since I don't want to over-commit myself. I also signed up to help out with a bunch of events they have going on this semester, so I'll let you all know how those go.

I need to head to bed to rest up for the week. Love and hugs to all!