One Summer Down, Two To Go

For the past three weeks I have been on my own. An independent woman. Free to do what I want, when I want, and how I want. And I must say, I did not like it a bit!

You are probably thinking to yourself right now, where in the world has Mike been?

Well, let me tell you. He was on the east coast starting a masters program at the University of Connecticut in Gifted and Talented Education. It's called the "Three Summers Program", which means - you guessed it - this is not the only summer we will be away from each other. For the next two years he will have course work online during the fall and spring semesters, and then spend 3-4 weeks in CT during the summers.

So, while I did not like spending this much time apart from Mike, I am so excited that he has this opportunity. Since this is my blog, let me take this opportunity to brag on my husband a little. You see, the University of Connecticut, even though is it almost two thousand miles away, has the BEST Gifted and Talented program in the country. You know, the people who are mentioned in the text books? The people who write the textbooks? Well, these are his professors. WOW!

Me, I could care less about meeting anyone who wrote one of my textbooks, but Mike is way more passionate about his job than I am. To hear the excitement in his voice as he talked about what he was learning and how he could apply it to the advanced academic programs he is implementing in FWISD, made this time apart totally worth it to me.

Since Mike doesn't blog, let me give you my perspective of his experience at UConn.

This was his dorm room. Yes, grown-up Mike had to live in the dorms again. I had forgotten how yucky they could be. Plus, no TV, no refrigerator, sharing a bathroom with a stranger. No wonder he was homesick at first. Some of my friends asked me if I was going to go up there to stay with him, and as you can see, the answer was most definitely no!

Here is the building where Mike had some of his classes. He said that it was a beautiful campus, and from the pictures it kind of reminds me of Baylor. For the first two weeks he was there, he had class from 8am until 5pm, with at least 4 hours worth of reading afterwards. Way too intense for me, but Mike is such a smarty pants. He did very well in his classes, and aced both of his finals. Way to go, honey!

And do you remember the professors that I was telling you about? You know, the ones who write the text books. Well, these are two of them. Mike said that in the education world, it was like meeting the Beatles. (I think my sister might have to disagree with that assessment!) And what sweet people too! They had all the "Three Summers" students over to their house for a 4th of July cookout.

This is one of the group projects that Mike worked on with two of his fellow 1st year classmates. I won't even try to explain it to you, since I don't understand it myself, but it has something to do with education and connecting points. The part that interests me is that it has a Wizard of Oz theme. Do you see the yellow brick road? And let me brag on Mike once more. His professor liked their group's project so much that she wants them to submit it to be published in a education journal. Now that is impressive!!!

Get down, baby! After two weeks of intense studying, the third and final week of Mike's stay at UConn was at Confratute, an annual Gifted and Talented conference. Apparently I did not have the correct impression of what it was like to attend an "educational conference". Even though it looks like there is more dancing than studying going on, Mike did attend several sessions that will count towards his degree plan. (Isn't he so cute!)

Now, get a load of this!!! I saved the best for last! On Tuesdays at the Student Union Building they sell $2 buckets of ice cream. Yes, buckets. The University has their own dairy cows, and they make their own ice cream. This is what Mike had for lunch every Tuesday, and he said that it was the best ice cream that he has ever had. Yummm! I just might have to reconsider visiting UConn next year after all!

And here's me - the happy wife who is so excited to have her husband back! When I went to pick Mike up from the airport last Friday, I brought this sign with me and was waving it in the air when he came into the baggage claim area. It was quite festive, if I do say so myself. But it was quickly thrown to the ground as I wrapped my arms around his neck for my long awaited hug and kiss! Three weeks apart didn't end up being too bad, but I sure am glad that I don't have to do it again for another year. Glad your home, Mikey!