Just take deep breaths

that is what I keep telling myself. So, I spent the entire weekend, I mean the ENTIRE weekend, studying. It was pretty hard to stay focused, but it was worth it. I don't really feel caught up, but I think since I have the research to do every week and the preparation for my Teaching Assistance class each week, the work just starts over every week. All this to say that I have 8 weeks of this craziness left. I am going to try to wake up early and get in an hour of studying before work each day. hopefully that will help me not have to do as much work on the weekends.

In other news, I am teaching my first 3 hour course ever this Thursday. the topic is religious diversity. Here is the lesson plan in a nut shell. I am having a guest speaker come speak about Islam and some of the similarities and differences in relation to Christianity and Judaism. I think this will be so relevant right now in the current political climate in regards to terrorism and such. also, we are going to watch a video on religious diversity in America. then, I am going to attempt to facilitate an open discussion about religious tolerance and acceptance. My goal is to have an open environment free of judgement, but I fear that might be quite challenging, but I am always up for a challenge. :) then, there are a few assignments that we need to go over. hopefully, it will go great. I am really enjoying the students, they are a good group.

Also, my parents, michael and I are doing a 5K this weekend in dallas. It is in support of a local domestic violence shelter in the area. Hopefully I can beat my previous time. :) anyway, i just finished more studying for the evening and i think i am going to reward myself with a cold beer and maybe hitting the sack early. Peace out.