Horseback riding in the winter

I have two horses.  One is a leopard skin Appaloosa.  Sugar is very beautiful and gentle.  Her foal is part Paint and Appaloosa, though she looks just like her father the Paint horse.  Blazie is very spirited and has not been ridden very much.  In fact, I cannot ride her.  The only time she gets ridden is when my cousin Janie comes down to Georgia for a visit.  Janie is down for about three days which means it is time for Blazie's tri-yearly ride.

I was a little worried about the ride today because it is cold and windy.  The horses are always full of energy and a little jumpy when the weather is cold.  So, we started out in our usual pattern.  First, we ride the horses around in my make-shift arena.  If all goes well, we head out in the pasture and try to ride around our pond.  This can be a challenge because when the woods open up into the large pasture, Blazie thinks it is time to run and jump.  We usually make it to the pond then inevitably Blaze will start her running.  Janie rides her out, leading her in large circles until she wears herself down.  However, since it was so chilly today, she didn't seem to wear down.  Usually, Sugar will not lead she always prefers to be the follower.  However, today she was rearing to go!  Janie asked me to take the lead hoping Blazie would settle down and follow her mama.  To my surprise, Sugar took the lead and in fact wanted to run!  I had to hold her back the entire way.  We were able to ride around the pond twice and the second time coming out, we took a new route up to the barn.  They both did great today!  Sugar challenged me a little by wanting to run - when I never want her to run.  But I was very pleased with our progress today.  Afterward, we rode into the front yard to snap a few pictures.  We will see how things go tomorrow! :)

Snow Tubing in June?

Awesome day today!  I learned how to edit video with Movie Maker, learned how to record voice tracks in Audacity and then went snow-tubing!!  Liberty University has a Snowflex center.  It is made from some type of material that simulates snow skiing.  I visited the center today and gave the tubing a try.  It was soooooo much fun!!!  Wish I had more time to spend up there.  I am including some pics and a video! 

Unexpected Ending!

We saw a funny video in class today....The Alien Song.  Created by Victor Navone, it is an animated scene of an alien singing I Will Survive....but has an unexpected ending.  Navone was learning animation in his spare time.  He created the video and to make a long story short, it resulted in him being offered a job at Pixar.  It's neat how life turns out some times.  We don't know the plans God has for us, but He does.  Life can be full of unexpected events.

http://youtu.be/eim5jLlEPYI

http://www.navone.org/HTML/MakingAlienSong.htm

First Day!

Well.....I really enjoyed our first class!  However, I am feeling a little overwhelmed with the projects.  I hope I don't get confused and forget to complete an assignment!  The nice thing about the class is that it is really interesting.  I enjoy learning about new technologies.  Today, we talked about programs I have never heard of.  As it was stated in class today, it is hard to keep up with all the new technology....but it can be fun to try!

Technology....friend or foe?

As technology rapidly changes, so must education practices.  Some teachers may not be comfortable with technology....but it is inescapable.  Teachers must learn as much as possible!  Technology is a wonderful tool that can enhance learning in the classroom.  We are teaching students who have never known life without a PC, laptop, or an iPod.  Information is accessible in seconds.  Teachers need to have a working knowledge of all of the new technologies available that can enhance learning.  So, here I am in EDUC 730...ready to learn!!