New Semester

A new semester has started, and I haven't blogged in....well, forever! If I want to claim this as part of my Teacher Portfolio, then I probably should 'get with the program' and note my musings a tad more consistently!Summer was great. I went 'home' to England, taking Ben with me. Mother and Son had the most amazing experience seeing family, sightseeing and even checking out the Olympic preparations! It was truly wonderful and probably one of the hardest 'leaving England' times that I have had to date. I love the U.S., and could not wait to see Paul and Steph, but England was just FANTASTIC! I barely had time to catch my breath upon my return as it was off to play my RAGBRAI support role. Paul had his annual bike ride across Iowa, while I hiked and visited some of this great state myself. I also made the commitment to ride myself next year, so as I type this a couple of months later, it should be noted that the bike has been purchased and a few hundred miles already logged!Post RAGBRAI was Olympic immersion, and before I knew where I was at, I was back at school in the midst of a new semester; discovering first hand just how hard it is to get back into the swing of class work and tight schedules after my lovely summer! I haven't had 'a summer' since the last time that I was at University, and boy do I see the benefit of year-around schooling now! I am really struggling to get back into a system and get a jump ahead on my schoolwork - I didn't even have my binders ready on my first day back (very un-Bridget).After two weeks back I am beginning to get with the program, and I am sure as the dark arrives earlier and reduces the temptation - or possibility - to ride either bike or horse, the self-discipline will be easier to find!Wish me luck; it is a long semester ahead, filled with tests, papers and homework galore. Let's see if I can make that Dean's List for a third semester in a row!