My day started at 4:00 am today because I had a 5:00 am conference call. That was the best time to get everyone necessary on the call...from Pakistan to India to Malaysia to Seoul to Sydney to Singapore...and a couple of folks on the U.S. East Coast. It wasn't bad, except for the telephone connections from Pakistan.
After the 1-1/2 hour call, I went to the office, worked until just before 5:00 pm, and headed home. I ate lunch at my desk while I worked. I'm used to it.
I did take a little break during the day and called about a Spanish class. I spoke to the guy a good 30 minutes and ended the conversation convinced that the best course for me is to take the 16 week beginner course, followed by either an intermediate course or an intensive course. We'll see. I have to register for the course still...it starts September 18. At least I'm making some inroads on my promises to myself.
My blogger friends Phil & Bev have offered good advice on my bicycle and kayak mindbeams. I'll take their advice. I've already checked on kayaking groups in Dallas and have come across the Dallas Downriver Club; I have yet to learn if they have resources for utter and complete novices, beginners with vast vacancies of knowledge about kayaking.
I do have to watch myself, though, because I tend to let myself get wrapped up in things so that I have no time left for myself...if I'm not careful, I'll rent a bicycle and then hire someone to ride it for me.
1 comment:
The beginner course in spanish would be a good idea. Cn you decide which course to take as a follow up later on? I had a very strange experience when studying spanish. I took a full credit, two-part intensive course that ran over 7 weeks in the summer when I was finishing up my thesis for my MA. It seemed like a neat thing to do as I've always wanted to travel to Mexico, Central or South America. The course was taught by a Chilean adjunct professor. He had the most bizarre and volatile personality of any professor I ever had. I don't think he was actually accustomed to teaching at a university. He would become practically apoplectic and yell and swear at us if we didn't get things right. It was most unpleasant and intimidating. He also used to tell us horrid stories of street violence in Chile - I remember one story about him watching an angry woman use her pointed high-heel shoe to seriously injure her male companion by beating him over the head. As he finished this story, all of the students looked at each other with raised eyebrows -- I think we were all thinking the same thing -- "Man, I'm glad that this guy doesn't wear high heels or we'd be in serious trouble!" More than half of the class dropped out after Part 1. That made things sort of horrible for the remaining few as we had to take about 3 times as much abuse as in Part 1. I stuck it out to the end and got very good marks, although I must say my nerves were totally frazzled. I did learn a lot though -- It's quite amazing how fast you can learn when you're terrified. Unfortunately, I haven't had much occasion to use my spanish since then (it's been 13 years), so I've probably lost most of it again. It probably would come back to me though, if I worked at it again. I occasionally borrow language lesson tape sets from the library to brush up and it does come back. Btw, I studied classical greek at university as well -- taught by a very short, slight, owlish fellow -- Scottish, if I remember correctly. He was rather intimidating too -- mainly because he would stare at us over the top of his glasses. I did very well in that class too, but didn't enjoy it at all. Again, about 2/3 of the students dropped out by the end. What is that some language teachers try to intimidate their students?? (not meaning to make you nervous or anything, but......). (-:
Sounds like a good plant to check out the Dallas paddling group. Most canoe and kayak clubs have a sort of "fun day" when beginners can come out and putz around with a kayak or canoe in a safe area like a beach with shallow water. It's a great way to give paddling a try.
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