Update...

I am hearing a lot of negativity at work these days...for a lot of reasons. None of which are worth fleshing out here. What scares me is that the complaining seems to be lowering expectations, making it acceptable to excuse mistakes that cause others money/time/consternation, passing the buck. Today, a wake-up call when one of my University-funded programs management teams discussed lowering standards. In short, become mediocre.

It was hard not to lose my temper.  I let my thoughts be known and then was quiet.We shall see how things go.

Here is, basically, what I said:

I hate mediocrity. Mediocrity is a silent killer. It tells you that you'll be fine staying where you are and that you need to be content with it. It guilts you into thinking you're wrong for wanting better. Stop it today. Set our sights high and don't settle for less than you want or deserve. It will never be possible to feel fulfilled and productive while in a state of mediocrity. Make a decision today - and let greatness happen. 


I want greatness at my University. I know it's capable of greatness. We have great people and great students. It's a matter of changing the way we are thinking -- I'd hate to become mediocre.


Sigh...it's been a long day. But sometimes, you just can't be silent.

A Rare Find

Fifteen-year-old photographer Marlin Shank was fortunate enough to capture several images of a rare albino ruby-throated hummingbird while in a park in Staunton, Va. This is normally where I’d add some commentary to the scene… but I’ll just let these amazing photos speak for themselves this time.

Magnificent,yes? Most definitely, yes.

Science at it's best

My Mom shared a video with me and I have watched it four times thus far. It is amazing. I'm a huge fan of TED talks and have shown many of the TED videos to my students, but this one takes the grand prize. Turn on your speakers, lean back and enjoy. Nature is amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/v/xHkq1edcbk4?version=3%20%20%20%20

Pinterest!!!!

Pinterest is a Virtual Pinboard.

Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes, illustrate their dreams.

Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.

What Can You Do with Pinterest?

Redecorate your Home!
Plan a Wedding!
Find your Style!
Save your Inspirations!
Save Your Recipes!
and all that in just ONE PLACE!!

It's addictive, fun, full of passion and ...oh my gosh it can chew up more time than any other program I've had. Yes, more time than Facebook. I love Pinterest! I have several boards - My Future Farm, My Dream Home, Deliciousness! (recipes), My Bucket List, and Things that are Serene. More will be forthcoming.   I invite you to come by -- you simply go to www.pinterest.com. Ask someone (me?) to invite you and you're in, on, and part of something that is so neat -- I've met new friends in Germany and Spain (both want farms like mine :)


So...take a look. Have fun. Dream a little - dreams really do come true ya know!


Back to pinning..

Another year older....

and another year better!  I had a beautiful birthday filled with family, friends, love and some OUTSTANDING pasta :). A very special present appeared as well. I'm not sure who had it before me, but she must have been a very special lady. Ron had some help from a 'special friend' in going through some antique stores in the Hill Country. The silversmithing on this piece is perfect - all the edges are finished and polished. The marcasites shine with radiance, and the stamp on the back means that whoever made it was proud - and rightly so - of their work. I could not be more pleased. It's perfect, rare and special. So is he :)

Another Birthday - already??!

I took this photo from the Corpus Christi Bay Bridge during a half marathon...it seems so long ago, but in fact was just this past summer. I always thought old people were kinda sappy when they said how fast time passes when you get older. Like, "Get over it...it's time and time is the same no matter what age or state of mind...". Nope. They were right on. It DOES go faster. So, young people reading this, take heed. Enjoy the present. Quit trying to control everything and live in the moment. It only gets better and better and just when you think things are really great...they get better.  Change is good, you will be safe and you are loved -Let God hold the reins and all will be well.

I'm so excited about the coming year and can't wait to see what's in store. I bought a book about raising goats yesterday. It's SO awesome to think about that and all that goes with it. In the meantime, there is so much to enjoy and blessings abound. Another year to enjoy what He provides and to be thankful for so, so much.
Bring it on....

YAY CLASSES STARTED!

I told my (new) students that I was so happy to see them. They looked kinda confused...after all, I hadn't met them yet... why was I happy to see them??!

Oh elatedness, totally happy Dr. Mac is back in the classroom where her heart belongs. Back with the students, doing science, talking science, hearing them giggle at my silly jokes, or look amazed at some of the things we learn. Seeing them all nervous at our Family Science events (doing my 39th, 40th and 41st events this semester!) and then seeing them get in their teaching personna and watching the magic happen. I still get goosebumps when I see them teach - I know their classrooms are going to be special places. I love my job. I hate committee work, but I live for the days when I am with my students. And - those days have come back!!

Yes, it's the truth -  I'm glad to see them, and have missed them. Another new 100 faces....totally blessed to love what I do.