Today

6:40 up.
7:45 caught the bus
8:00 read "Test Driven" in office
8:30-8:40 stopped by stats help session briefly
8:50-10:40 went to Java House (excellent peppermint tea) read more of "Test Driven"
10:45-11:30 did some work for work
11:30- 12:00 study for eval. test
12:00-12:20 lunch (the last of the left over lasagna- YUM!)
12:20-2:00 researched TIMSS- Third International Math and Science Study
2:00-2:30 Break and a bit of work for work
2:30-3:15 Jaunt to get a cookie, read "Test Driven"
3:15-4:40 More "Test Driven" (now at pg. 72)
4:50 Blog
5:00-5:15 Bus home
5:15-5:45 Dinner (left over curried lima beans!)
5:45-6:00 Do the dishes
6:30 Volunteer....I can't wait to blog about this later!

The Big Easy

One thing I like about Iowa is how accessible life seems. Okay, granted, I don't have a DSW or Nordstrom's Rack anywhere nearby, but hear me out. Friday night, my bucket list friends and I went to a UI track meet. While an indoor track meet is not on our list of activities we must accomplish, we have taken to adding things to the list after we completed them. Sort of a documentary and goal sheet all in one. Later that evening, I went to a CD release party some friends were opening for. C- had an amazing kazoo performance, E- was awesome on the banjo. Saturday, I went to a short play festival. Eight plays, all only ten minutes long.

While I could have done all of this in just about any other place I have lived, I am more inclined to do things here. Mainly, because it is so easy and affordable to do things here. I was laughing with someone today who moved here from the east coast. We both chuckled about how we get frustrated when there are three cars in front of us at a stop sign, then we realize how ridiculous that is! Seriously, get a grip! It is easy to get places here though. I have sporting events, cultural events, friends, grocery stores and restaurants all so close by. Since I've moved here, I think I've only put 8 tanks of gas in my car. Not that I didn't have such amenities in Denver, it just seems easier here to do things.

J

J and I walk to school together Monday through Thursday. Like school children, we meet at the corner at 7:45, like clockwork. Last semester we had two classes together. This semester, we only get to share one class. Next year, I fear it will dwindle to zero as she and I specialize further down our respective paths.

As we walk to campus, our conversation hops from professors, to projects, to jobs, to health, to the weather, to politics (although it hops VERY delicately in this area.) On the occasions we drive to campus for one reason or another, we listen to FOX news in her car and NPR in mine. Our politics could best be described as divergent.

But this is what I like about J. We have differing understandings, but at the same time, we have the same worldview. We both care passionately about quality education, we both love life's oddities, we believe in simplicity, optimism, faith and integrity. We even have a similar sense of humor (I KNOW!!!) But what I find so interesting about my friendship with J is that it is not predicated on our politics, but our core beliefs.

Friends are the GREATEST!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday was a long day. To illustrate my point, lets just say, I lost my glasses. Couldn't find them anywhere. Fortunately, today I found them right where I evidently left them- on the floor in the corner of my friend's office. Really, I have no idea...

This morning, my friend J and I set out before our 8:30 class to hunt down a package that was sent from a Denver friend. I'm wasn't really sure what was in the package other than I was told by my dear Friend William in Denver that I should get it from the post office as soon as possible. After fetching the package and making it back to campus just in time for class, J and I sat through our 8:30 class and then drove home. I couldn't wait to open the box.

Inside I found homemade muffins, shortbread and a wonderful letter from dear Friends back in Denver. Oh, yes, and there was half a German Chocolate cake, left over from a dinner. In case you want to know how German Chocolate cakes travel, the answer is, not too well. But I'm am so touched that you thought of me! It really means a lot that friends are still sharing meals with me even though I'm here in Iowa.

The baked goodies were accompanied with a written narrative of the evening accounted by eight attendees. I was so touched! I loved it!


I miss you guys!

The New Dentist and The Old Dentist

I met my new dentist yesterday. She was nice and complemented my teeth. I think she is competent and a good dentist. But when I left the office and walked to my car a deep sadness sunk in. I didn't realize how attached I was to my old dentist. He knew who I was, we had an ongoing conversation about education that would pick up right where it left off six months prior. His receptionist once called to remind me about my appointment and then remind me bring my pictures of Africa in so everyone could see them. He did the dental equivalency of the peace corp after dental school. A proud pop, he would show me pictures of his son. We would talk about how one's general health is reflected in their oral hygiene. He would always apologize if he thought something might hurt. He always hummed along to the easy listening music piped in over the speakers. He would let me pick my toothbrush color and wasn't chintzy with the free toothpaste. He would always give me hugs at the end of my visit.

My new dentist is fine, but she is not my old dentist.

Improve Test Scores: Become an Island

For one of my projects this semester, I will be examining a test of international science comparisons. I selected the TIMSS (Third International Math and Science Study.) This test is primarily used at the fourth and eighth grade level to measure science and math "content and cognitive skills." Today, I opened the technical manual and started chuckling as one of my curiosities regarding international comparisons was answered. See, I was always perplexed as to why Latvia was always at the top of the list. Really? Latvia "beat" us? But really, there are only 36 countries that participated at the fourth grade level, and 48 at the 8th grade level. I am including a link. Take a look as to who is on it and who is not on it.

1. Hong Kong is a "Special Administrative Region" of the People's Republic of China
2. "Chinese Taipei" (From here on out will be refered to as Taiwan) is on the list

This leads me to wonder where the mainland is on the list. If countries are allowed to just select islands for testing...then I select Martha's Vinyard and Nantucket.

3. The country of "Russian Federation" made the list.
4. I see only one South American country.
5. Where is India? Pakistan? Canada? Mexico?

And as for Latvia...footnote #2 says their National Target Population does "not include all of the International Target Population defined" by TIMSS.

I find this stuff so fascinating.

A message from Peter

"I have been praying for you
and your parent for safety
Good health since your
country was going through
political time (campains)
(Mc cain and Obama)."

This was from an e-mail my friend Peter
in Kenya sent me. Again, it made me
appreciate peaceful transition of
democratic power considering Kenya
endured devastating violence
after their last election.