Well, it is finally here. I am reading, writing, and thinking critically again. Hmmm, critical thinking skills require thinking outside the box...well, we all do that each and every day - don't we? For instance, 'what shall I cook for dinner' means that I must assess what food is available in my freezer and pantry, what will both Eve and I like to consume in regard to weather, day's activities, and current cravings or desires, how much time will I need or be willing to expend on this particular meal, and finally, what I can I do differently to this meal or this process to make it more tasty or less time consuming. So, I have critically thought about our dinner and decided that grilled chicken with a side of bowtie fettucini and seared asparagus works well for us. Viola' critical thinking in everyday application!
The Walden University portal is very different than the Kaplan University portal. There is much more resource and professor interaction available; however, it is a little more difficult to navigate. Of course, it's all point and click, but first you have to find what to point at. WOW. I am sure I will be a pro at it within the next couple of weeks. I am already enjoying how the pace works. Kaplan's requirements were very taxing with four 4-10 pages of written essay per week with two, one page peer responses per week. That was approximately 40-50 pages of writing per week!!! OMG! Walden requires me to make a thoughtful two paragraph post to the discussion question and respond to one peer with a meaningful continuation or question in two or less paragraphs. That's a breeze for me at this point. Furthermore, I only have two final projects of 15-20 pages for each class. I am stoked about the ability to apply more research and independent thought to my lessons instead of merely spewing out information so I can get all the work completed on time.
I still have a lot to learn in regard to this program. I have residency requirements to meet and am still not sure about how to make that happen. There is an overview, which states that I must attend four residency functions per year, and attend four conferences per year. However, there is not a clear definition of how, when, and where. I can pull up the calendar, but it doesn't really explain which function is specifically designed for Clinical Psychology students. Guess that means I will be speaking to my academic advisor quite a lot in the beginning. At this moment, it looks like I might be travelling to the University of Hawaii in December to attend my first Academic Year in Residency function. I am excited - if that's the case.
On to a different note...Dad's caretakers left him high and dry about two months ago. Since he has been unable to find replacements, I have been going out to the ranch two to three times a month to attend to things while Dad is in Tahoe or New York. It's nice out there, and I love the country living! I stay in the main house and tend to the dogs, water the plants that are not on the irrigation system, and do general cleaning. It's quiet, relaxing, and oh, so wonderful. Even though I have such a nice time, it's still good to get home after 4-5 days away.
All is going well in our home. Our schedules are pretty solid and it's nice to have the routine. I work on the weekends (THU-SAT - with an occasional SUN), and that pays the rent and some of the other bills. It's nice to have the freedom that my income provides. When I go out the country - Dad pays me the wages I lose by not going in to Dog's Day Inn.
Guess I have rattled on long enough...Oh, I have a wonderful recipe for all who are interested.
Pork Loin
Smoked Gouda
Frozen or fresh Spinach
Dried apricot
Garlic Cloves
Bacon
Toothpicks
salt, pepper, and season to taste
*Pound out the loin until a flat piece of meat
*Generously cover the piece with Spinach, apricot, garlic cloves and top with the smoke gouda
*roll the meat so that your filling is spiraled in the roll
*wrap slices of bacon around the loin roll and use toothpicks to keep them in place
*put the loin on the grill using medium heat and cook for approximately 25-35 minutes. Slice into medallions and serve warm.
I post a really generic recipe so that you can experiment and play with seasonings and portions. The meal can be really spicy or very rich depending on your family's taste buds. Eve and I like the deep smoky flavor of the cheese blended with the sweet hint from the apricot. I would not recommend any orange cheeses, but that's entirely up to you. An interesting twist might be to use Raspberry, Pepper Jack, and grilled onions for your filler. Whatever you do...tell me about the results and ENJOY!!!
