Christmas Week, Boca Raton Bowl, and the Beach

On Monday, I went for my third PT session. I think it is helping because I’m not in severe pain like I was.

Tuesday was the Boca Raton Bowl hosted by Bush Beans. First, we got gas at Costco and thought about going inside until we saw the crazy crowd, so we left. We headed to Boca Raton around 10:15 and found a great parking spot right outside the stadium for $20. The Fanfest started at 11, but we were able to walk around the booths and talk with people. We stopped at the Air Force table and registered for free to do the performance lab. We entered the trailer, where three video game-like tests were administered to measure our focus and other skills. The last was a virtual reality where you drove a jet through a canyon. At another place, we spun a wheel and won Bean hats (we actually ended up with a lot of them). We also took a picture with a Can of Beans mascot and Duke the Dog. We got a lot of swag from vendors and had to take it all to the car since we couldn’t take anything into the stadium. I ended up buying a t-shirt and having to go back to the car again. When we finally went into the gates, we were handed another Bean hat, which was nice during the game when it got hot. The game was between the Louisville Cardinals and the Toledo Rockets. We were pulling for Louisville, which was good since we ended up sitting among Louisville fans. We took our time leaving the stadium so most of the traffic would be gone. Then we took Hwy 1 all the way back home and got home about 7pm.

On Wednesday, I was tired from the day before, so I just relaxed and knit. Started needle felting a raccoon from a kit that I bought at Dollar Tree.

Thursday was Christmas Day. We spent the morning at the beach. It was beautiful weather, and we even went swimming. We found a shark’s tooth! I finished my raccoon, and it turned out really cute. After lunch, we spent the rest of the day watching Christmas movies: It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, White Christmas, and Red One. I didn’t even cook any dinner, and we just ate junk food.

On Friday, I went shopping with Donna. We were surprised there weren’t big crowds buying last-minute deals. I spent most of the day knitting on my sweater.

Don and I went grocery shopping early in the morning on Saturday, before the crowds woke up. Then we watched football bowl games on TV for the whole day. I finished my sweater and am already thinking about my next projects.

On Sunday, I went shopping with Donna again. I didn’t need anything, but it was nice to get out of the house. I also washed and blocked my sweater so I could take a photo of it. Then I prepped my yarn for a pair of socks to do on our January cruise.

It was a wonderful week. I think my shoulder is getting better slowly. I feel impatient, but then I realize I only went to the doctor two weeks ago and have only been to three PT Sessions. Hopefully, it will continue to heal.

Original photos by Pat Hensley

Education is Like Football

College football has started and it is my husband’s favorite time. As we watch the ballgames on TV, I realize how education is so much like football. Let’s compare.

Teams: Each team has a goal in mind and that is to win. In the classrom, each teacher has a goal in mind and that is to prepare and educate our students for the future, which in our mind, is winning. A class is like a team and everyone is working to achieve the same goal. Sometimes we have to help each other.

Touchdowns: Learning consists of steps that are like “first downs.” Each step leads the student closer to the goal line. Each step may be a struggle but it is worth the effort.

Field Goals: These don’t score as many points as a touch down but it helps towards a winning score. These are the small achievements that happen in the classroom. Each small achievement should be celebrated and enjoyed just like a field goal would be.

Penalties: Sometimes mistakes happen and penalties are given. There may be a loss of yardage that the team needs to make up. In the classroom, mistakes also happen. Sometimes for every two steps forward in the classroom, the students end up going back a step. But we don’t give up. We keep struggling to move forward, towards the goal.

Fans: These are the people who cheer for their teams. They are the ones who are on the sidelines encouraging the team to win. In the classroom, these are the parents, family members, friends, other adults who are there to encourage the students to achieve their goals. When the students feel discouraged and frustrated, it is these people who are there to cheer them on.

Referees: Referees are there to make sure that everyone follows the rules and to determine what penalties are given if someone doesn’t. They are there to make sure the game goes smoothly. I think the school administration is a lot like the referees on the field. They make sure that the day goes smoothly.

Coaches: The coaches are the ones to train the teams. They are the ones to encourage them and help them learn the skills they need to win the game. They are the ones who come up with the strategies for the team to use on the field. This is the same way the teacher is in the classroom. The teacher trains the students, encourages them to work toward their goals, and finds strategies students can use to achieve their goals.

Do you see any other ways that Football and Education are the same? Please share.

Image: 'Roll Tide Roll!'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53139634@N00/1346689280
Found on flickrcc.net