Thriving

I just recently found a cool blog called "The Lift Blog". Here is an interesting post by Monica Worline -- "Thinking about Thriving".

More soon!

Harriet

Photo by HLS

Cool Mondays!

Hi All,

If you are in Pittsburgh, or if it's hot and muggy where you are... this one's for you! A cool image to cheer you on!

All the best with your work!

Harriet

Symptoms and cures for writer's block

This is from the good folks at the Purdue Writing Center:

Symptoms and Cures for Writer's Block

Cheering you on in your work!

Harriet

Beating Procrastination

Hi All,

Here is a thoughtful article on understanding and beating procrastination:

Beating Procrastination

Happy Monday!

Harriet

Saturday morning video -- Coinstar by PES

Good morning all! Here is your Saturday morning video -- this is a rerun, but it's a fun one, so I'm sharing it again!

Coinstar by PES

Cheering you on in your work!

Harriet

p.s. this one goes out to a friend who could use some shoe fun

"Deepening the Mentoring Relationship"

Here is some advice on how to develop and strengthen mentoring relationships. This is taken from "Power Mentoring: How Successful Mentors and Proteges Get the Most Out of Their Relationships" by Ellen Ensher and Susan Murphy.

"1. Develop a deep understanding of each other's work environment and issues.

2. Develop a mutual admiration society.

3. Treat each other as confidants instead of as competitors.

4. Be open to your partner's influence and ideas.

5. Help each other to focus on solvable problems.

6. Develop a relationship that is meaningful for both parties.

7. Consider the important role of gender, race, or generational differences in the relationship.

8. Know when to bring others into the mentoring network."

photo by HLS

Monday morning laugh..

Are you missing those old typewriter days? If so, some clever dude has just the thing for you (is this for real???), a USB typewriter gadget that lets you type on a typewriter and that serves as the keyboard for your iPad or other computer screen. Check it out (watch the video!):

USB typewriter

Happy Monday!

H

Get to know one of your professors

Hi All, Whether you have just graduated or are continuing in your program, get to know at least one of your professors. Was one of your classes particularly engaging? Would you like to know more about one of your professor's research or professional interests? Are any of your professors working in your direct area of interest?

Think of a prof with whom you would like to connect and ask her or him to meet for a soda or coffee, or meet in the office, or whatever is most comfortable. Your professors can be important and helpful in your development -- but most often you will need to initiate the relationship.

Be well!

Harriet

35 Awesome Stress Management Resources

Here is a vast collection of stress management resources, submitted by Nathan Grimm (who compiled this thorough list!). Thanks Nathan!

35 Awesome Stress Management Resources

Cheering you on in your work!

Harriet

photo by HLS

Then there is the good stuff!

In my last post, I wrote about how it can be difficult to stick with the work this time of year. Since then, I've had my two evening classes and have been reminded of the good stuff, the GREAT stuff, that happens as we learn together (regardless of the time of year).

Each of these classes had a wonderful intensity -- an energizing force. The feel of each class was different... one is a smaller group of students who know each other pretty well and the other is a larger class where students are just getting to know each other. Yet in each class, there was rich, deep dialog -- the kind of openness and honesty that can generate deep learning (and that certainly energizes me as a teacher!). A few of the elements that I noticed: trust in the room, risk-taking, a sense of caring, and humor.

Have you had this experience in the classroom? What do you think set the stage for it to happen?

Cheering you on in your work!

Harriet

A tough time of year to work!

Most adult students I know take classes almost year-round. I think this time of year is particularly difficult -- we've been at it since the start of the academic year. And the days are longer and on a good day, the sun is out and it feels like summer! I think we're still all wired in terms of seasons and school from our K-12 days when summer meant school's out! But as adult students, we keep working.

I have no secret answer for this one. I'm simply writing to acknowledge the hard work you're doing and to encourage you to keep at it! You are moving toward reaching your goal and that is spectacular!

Keep at it!

Harriet

photo by hls

Saturday morning video -- R2D2

Students at Carleton College took over the observatory and made it into R2D2!!! Watch this very short video and you'll see it (even see the top rotate!). Very clever!

Carleton College R2D2

Cheers all!

Harriet

Finally, a useful error message