Once upon a time I spent a lot of time blogging. I found a community and enjoyed keeping a record of what was happening in my little world. If nothing else, I could return to it and reflect on past trips or activities. Having started the blog in 2003, then leaving it idle for a few years before picking it back up, it seems I’ve come full circle.

My last post announced to the world that I was accepted into grad school. Since then, I’ve earned an MEd in Educational Technology and Design from the University of Saskatchewan. This past month, I received an invitation to join cohort 11 in the PhD in E-Research and Technology Enhanced Learning at Lancaster University.

I had planned to keep a journal during my time at U Sask but never seemed to find the time. I started and stopped a few handwritten journals and in the end, it’s only my MEd Capstone Project that’s left standing as a testament to my last few years.

Perhaps I’ll do a better job this time around…

Did I mention I got into grad school?  Oh, that might explain why I never blog any more. I barely have time to breathe between juggling work, Browncoat responsibilities and now school. Oddly enough I am supposed to be writing a learning journal to reflect upon what I’m learning in class. It too suffers from my chronic lack of postings. At the moment I have topics identified but never seem to have the time to write while I’m trying to manage the weekly readings, postings and my major semester project… Here’s hoping I survive the first year!

For the month of August, I’m making this post sticky. Scroll down to see new posts.

After a brief chat with PayPal, I was able to determine (and get in writing) that as a private citizen I can use their Donate button to collect funds for my birthday campaign. Feel free to send me electronic cashy monies via PayPal if contacting the University of Saskatchewan’s bookstore directly doesn’t work for you.

I’d like to think that aside from Drew, I don’t ask for too much from anyone. This year is going to be the exception. I want something very specific for my birthday and for once it’s doesn’t revolve around charity work or volunteering.

I’m returning to university in fall to begin my Master’s in Education. With Drew retiring soon and tuition to pay, our budget is super tight. I’m hoping that rather than sending gifts our friends and family will consider helping me pay for my course textbooks.

The U Sask Bookstore does not offer gift certificates or gift cards for purchase online; you have to physically be on campus at the bookstore to purchase them.

Not to fret though. I contacted the bookstore and advised them of my grand plan to beg for birthday money to spend at the university. Their wonderful staff came up with an alternative for me (and you, generous donor).  You can purchase a gift card of any amount but instead of mailing it out the bookstore will keep it on-file. So as I need books, I can email or phone in my order. The bookstore staff will then delve into the gift cards on file, swipe the card and ship the books to me.

To purchase a gift card, phone the U Sask bookstore (perhaps ask for the lovely Elaine?)  toll free 1-888-214-8888. Do be sure to say “Hi I would like to purchase a gift card for [y’all know my name] to keep on file”. U Sask Bookstore staff will create the gift card, put the name on it and send you a receipt (or keep it with the cards).

As people make their purchase, Elaine will email or fax you your receipt. You can wish me a Happy Birthday! in the best possible way!

Elaine recommends that you also contact me and let me know of your purchase so that I’m aware of who my marvelous benefactors are and thank you with gushing praise and all that goodness.

*fingers and toes crossed that someone other than me thinks this is a fabulous idea*

I’m definitely heading back into student mode these days; re-adjusting the household budget to ensure we can pay for important stuff like textbooks and tuition.

Or, like any good student would, plotting ways to encourage friends, family & random strangers to buy me gift cards from the Uni for my textbooks!

It’s going to take a little bit of effort and co-ordination to make it happen – it’s not something they have automated (yet!) – but U Sask seems to be filled with people who are willing to go the extra mile to make the experience good for their students. 

Which is very good for me…assuming my friends & family actually want to help me buy textbooks at the Uni bookstore.  In case anyone actually *wants* to do that (my birthday is next month!) I’ll be posting details in a few weeks.

Muse about writing a weekly post so I don’t forget the important, or even random, things that happen in my life and *boom* a month passes. The only surprise I can claim in this is that I hadn’t noticed a month had flown by already! What I wouldn’t do for those long, lazy days of a childhood summer. We were so desperate to grow up and wanted time to pass quicker. Now I blink and entire months disappear.

I do have some news to share. After much worry and chewing of fingernails I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be attending the Education Technology and Design program at University of Saskatchewan in the fall. It was much first choice in programs and I can’t wait to start.

Cue the whining about course loads and homework in 3…2…1…

A few years ago I returned to school thinking I’d shift into an entirely new career. It appears that we can’t leave the family businesses (Education OR Nursing) that easily. Just when we think we’re done, they suck us back in. After many moons of Military History and Psych classes, I know I wouldn’t make a good Therapist. I like to think I’m a decent Instructional Designer and I know I’m far happier doing this than I would have been completing mandatory counselling hours. Despite having grand plans to help others like me, I don’t think I’m cut out for regular interaction with people.

And so we fall back on what we know. And for once, we’re content. We think.