Phew!

I'm glad that's over!

I think I survived my first term of grad school. I had 3 classes in eight weeks full of reading, papers, reading, presentations, reading, and pizza.

I'm glad I have a month to recover.

Speaking of recovery, my ankle is better! I can now run, hike, walk in pebbly creeks, and all sorts of stuff. It's great to be able to run to catch the train instead of begging someone to hold the door open for me until I hobble to the door.

And speaking of running, I played softball for the first time since high school. I only caught the ball with my stomach once. My stomach is a much better catcher than the mitt I had to borrow.

Speaking of borrowing, we got a new car (like that lead-in? Get it? Borrow money??). Actually it's a used car, but new to us! It's a Ford Escape. Our lovely purple minivan was dying a slow death.

And speaking of death, we went camping (okay, I'm stretching it, I know...) Bryce Canyon was so wonderful and fun. We rode horses, hiked, walked in a really painful rocky creek, and brought home a horny toad.

And speaking of horny toads, it had babies yesterday. 4 out of the 5 died, but so far Lizzy (the mother), and Lily (the baby) are just fine. And alive.

And speaking of alive, I made sourdough starter. I don't care for sourdough bread, but I'm trying it anyway. I've heard it's good for you. It stinks.

Just like school.

But I'll get over it.

Here are my five:
1. Comcast. We saved money by switching.

2. Reading for pleasure.

3. Exercising without pain. Love that ankle!

4. A super supportive husband.

5. Facebook. I'm addicted.

I think...

...with all the writing I do at work and for school, I'm pretty much done when it comes to writing on my blog.

Sorry.

Maybe later.

Tips For Aspiring Power-Pointers

Now that I've completed my first PowerPoint presentation, I think I'm ready to divulge some secrets of success in 5 easy steps:

1. Remember your title page. And your "Questions?" page.

2. When they say to take 15 minutes, it's not really a long time. Don't over-prepare.

3. If you do overprepare, and part of your grade is based on time-management, don't talk so super fast to make your way through to end on time.

4. If you do talk super fast, don't suck your spit in and choke. Making breathing noises and having coughing fits do not make for a great presentation.

5. If you do suck your spit in and choke, gratefully accept ANY water given to you, don't ask in your shaky non-voice if it's been opened cuz you don't want germs. Just swig it down. Move on.

My 5 Grateful Fors:
1. My husband! Today we are celebrating 15 years! FIFTEEN! I can't believe I can be with my best friend forever!

2. Training Table who provided dinner last night.

3. My sister who took my daughter out for a night of fun.

4. Garden fresh lettuce.

5. My son who discovered a new favorite animal: the Tasmanian Wolf. Google it.