Summer Break

Well I have not written anything on here in a while, and that is regrettable but understandable. On May 10 we got hit by a tornado. It came right over the house and it really does sound like a train. Needless to say everyone was ok, lots of debris with trees down and such. Spent the last few weeks cutting trees and dragging limbs and just cleaning.

Currently I am at a summer Institute studying the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict. I got here on Sunday and so far I have been extremely pleased with the experience. We have had a talk by a very nice Jewish lady who explained a bit about Judaism and some of their traditions and culture, that was on Monday.

Today we had a speaker who is a Muslim. A very nice lady who was very informative and engaging. She explained about the beginnings of Islam and about the various aspects of the religion. We asked some good questions I thought and she was more than gracious in her replys and she seemed to understand that some of us were asking questions that were simply worded wrong due to ignorance, not stupidity - there is a difference.

So far this has been a wonderful experience, tomorrow it looks like some more speakers and other things. Currently I am reading:



This is a very interesting book that is probably written for someone who wants to explore the interaction of the three faiths for the first time. Its well based in historical accounts and I found it easy to read and entertaining really. I will probably order a copy of it when I get home from the Institute.

Regardless, I hope that there is not another lull in my posting. Again, I apologize and I hope that those of you who are still reading this will continue to check back periodically - I promise I have not forgotten you!

~ Terhune

Poetry

What is is about poetry that makes you think? Is it the imagery, the tone, the pacing of the words?

I don't really know actually. I mean you can read all the textbooks where they talk about poetry and how you should interpret it, analyze it but doesn' that defeat the purpose of poetry? Analyzing it to much and you miss the depth of feeling in my opinion.

I think it all boils down to opinion more than anything. How a certain poem makes you feel, what it evokes in your memories, thoughts and emotions.

I like poetry, all kinds really.

On the news front I have been accepted into a summer program for History and Literature teachers. Its a 2 week program that is on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. From what I have read it should be interesting. We are going to talk to the imam at the local Islamic Center and then we are going to talk to the Rabbi at the Jewish Temple that is also nearby.

Part of the course is to develop curriculum for our students next year based on what we have learned. I can't wait to pick the brains of those other teachers who are there and get some good ideas on projects and other things. I feel like I am finally branching out in my teaching profession.

Truthfully, I just like to study and learn about other cultures. My wife says that if I could be a student forever I would be, and she is right. I plan on taking classes about every two years or so, that way I won't get totally burned out. Who knows how many degrees I might end up with!

~ Terhune

I am done!

Well I apologize for not posting to my blog in so long, but I have been really busy with school and work, which is school also. But I do have some good news...drumroll please....

I AM DONE!!!!

On May 9, 2008 at 9:30 in the morning I will walk across the stage and recieve my Master's Degree. How awesome is that! I am one step closer to having my PhD.

I think I will sleep the rest of the weekend if I can. I am so wasted physically and mentally its not even funny.

Anyway, just wanted to put this out there publicly for those who still take a moment out of their busy schedules to check my blog.

Going to bed now to sleep like the dead.

~ Terhune