I love my husband!
But BOB is amazing!!
A couple of weeks ago I discovered that I was having trouble getting to sleep because of aching hips and back. Ron and I bought a body pillow to see if it would help any.
OY....I have named the body pillow BOB because I am actually sleeping well now! I feel like all in all I have been very lucky so far during pregnancy that I have minor aches and pains and minimal sickness. I have been able to continue with work and life almost like normal. When I wasn't sleeping well I thought "poor Ron" since I knew he would have to put up with a sleepy and grumpy me.
Now that I have figured out how to sleep, I just need to figure out a way to tame the wild beast inside that has decided that my bladder is a trampoline specifically for her own pleasure!
Luckily she has chosen to only jump around during the waking hours and seems to sleep when I do (thank the Lord!!).
It's kinda funny actually, I have always had a small bladder, and when she jumps I don't always have to run to the potty, I just feel it and know that she is playing with me again.
I'm looking forward to Friday as Ron and I will get to see the ultrasound again for our full anatomy scan (Ron hasn't seen one since we first found out other than pictures) and we will get to have confirmation that little bit is a girl :) - pretty sure, but looking forward to more confirmation.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Remodel/redesign and the heat
This past weekend my wonderful father-in-law and husband spent a large amount of time ripping out the carpet in our den and replacing it with tile. They did a great job, I am super tired from what little I could do to help (nothing in comparison to what the guys did), but we did get new bookcases put together and in the room, move furniture around and essentially redesign the whole room this weekend. It looks so great with dark blue walls and accents of lime green (trust me it looks better than it sounds :)).
We've also been working in Lizzie's room and have put up curtains, arranged furniture, etc. It's slowly starting to come together. It's amazing how some curtains, paint and such can change the way a room feels.
As tired as we both were yesterday, it felt nice to clean the house and I know that today when I walk in the door I will appreciate how clean it is and how everything feels put together.
So as great as it is to have some time with Ron to take care of many of these projects, I am so done with summer heat!!! I don't have the best air conditioning in our building at work, and it seems worse this year being pregnant. I should be walking more to exercise but I just can't seem to make myself suffer in the heat. Even Susie the Super Beagle hasn't wanted to walk as much! Ah the joys of the Georgia summer. I just keep telling myself the positive side is that I am not 8 months pregnant right now :) I'm not even showing enough to be physically as misserable. I just have back aches at night to fight with (God Bless Body Pillows).
We've also been working in Lizzie's room and have put up curtains, arranged furniture, etc. It's slowly starting to come together. It's amazing how some curtains, paint and such can change the way a room feels.
As tired as we both were yesterday, it felt nice to clean the house and I know that today when I walk in the door I will appreciate how clean it is and how everything feels put together.
So as great as it is to have some time with Ron to take care of many of these projects, I am so done with summer heat!!! I don't have the best air conditioning in our building at work, and it seems worse this year being pregnant. I should be walking more to exercise but I just can't seem to make myself suffer in the heat. Even Susie the Super Beagle hasn't wanted to walk as much! Ah the joys of the Georgia summer. I just keep telling myself the positive side is that I am not 8 months pregnant right now :) I'm not even showing enough to be physically as misserable. I just have back aches at night to fight with (God Bless Body Pillows).
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Drum roll please.....why old fashioned names?!?
It's a GIRL!!!!
Yesterday we recieved word that our little baby is a baby girl.
Elizabeth Leona Lunk is due on December 3 of this year.
Ron and I are both very excited! Yesterday was definately a long day since my doctors appointment was at 9:30am but we didn't "open the envelope" containing the gender until 6pm when we both got home and could do it together. We celebrated by having dinner out and going shopping at Babies R' Us.
For me specifically I find the idea of a little girl amazing. I come from a very long line of strong women. From Granny (Dahlia) Ricks to Grandma (Beedie), to Mama (Betty), to mom (Debbie), to me (Lauren) and now one more generation of women will join our family. It amazes me that I will have the chance to experience the 4 generations again (without being the youngest this time).
We chose names that are very important to Ron and I. Elizabeth was Ron's mom's name. Since she can't be with us phyisically I hope that she would be happy that we've chosen to honor her by naming her grandaughter after her. I've always loved the name and I love the idea of honoring my mother-in-law that I didn't have long enough to get to know. But I do know that she raised two fabulous children (my husband and sis-in-law) and that Ron wouldn't be the man he is and that I love without her.
Leona was my wonderful Great Great aunt's name. My aunt "oney" Leona was a stable force in my life for a large portion of it, living next door to me my whole life. When mom returned to school I stayed with her, when I needed to get away from mom, I visited her. She was my best friend as a child and I hope that carrying her name on in another generation shows how much she has meant to my life.
Yesterday we recieved word that our little baby is a baby girl.
Elizabeth Leona Lunk is due on December 3 of this year.
Ron and I are both very excited! Yesterday was definately a long day since my doctors appointment was at 9:30am but we didn't "open the envelope" containing the gender until 6pm when we both got home and could do it together. We celebrated by having dinner out and going shopping at Babies R' Us.
For me specifically I find the idea of a little girl amazing. I come from a very long line of strong women. From Granny (Dahlia) Ricks to Grandma (Beedie), to Mama (Betty), to mom (Debbie), to me (Lauren) and now one more generation of women will join our family. It amazes me that I will have the chance to experience the 4 generations again (without being the youngest this time).
We chose names that are very important to Ron and I. Elizabeth was Ron's mom's name. Since she can't be with us phyisically I hope that she would be happy that we've chosen to honor her by naming her grandaughter after her. I've always loved the name and I love the idea of honoring my mother-in-law that I didn't have long enough to get to know. But I do know that she raised two fabulous children (my husband and sis-in-law) and that Ron wouldn't be the man he is and that I love without her.
Leona was my wonderful Great Great aunt's name. My aunt "oney" Leona was a stable force in my life for a large portion of it, living next door to me my whole life. When mom returned to school I stayed with her, when I needed to get away from mom, I visited her. She was my best friend as a child and I hope that carrying her name on in another generation shows how much she has meant to my life.
Monday, June 20, 2011
The Gender Question?!?!!?
I am a sociologist and a feminist. So why is it that I so badly want to know what gender the kidlet is? Or more correctly, from the sociologist perspective what the biological sex of this child is.
We have an appointment this week and there is a possibility (if they do an ultrasound) that we could find out the gender this week. I think there is something about not being able to call this little person by a name that bothers me. I am ready to connect a name to the being that has made me sick, likes to run from the dopler, etc. There is no doubt that this baby is a blessing to us regardless of what sex this child is. Less than 6 months ago I wasn't sure that we would even be able to get pregnant. But into week 17 I am enjoying the idea of having a baby and can't wait to make additional steps in preparing our home and hearts for our child.
We have an appointment this week and there is a possibility (if they do an ultrasound) that we could find out the gender this week. I think there is something about not being able to call this little person by a name that bothers me. I am ready to connect a name to the being that has made me sick, likes to run from the dopler, etc. There is no doubt that this baby is a blessing to us regardless of what sex this child is. Less than 6 months ago I wasn't sure that we would even be able to get pregnant. But into week 17 I am enjoying the idea of having a baby and can't wait to make additional steps in preparing our home and hearts for our child.
Lunk's GREAT adventure summer 2011
Europe!!!
Ron and I have explored a little corner of the world and had a blast!
It was the best way for us to enjoy an adventure before the biggest adventure of our life begins in December, having a child.
We left Atlanta on Monday, May 23 to begin our adventure. Our wonderful housesitter/petsitter/friend took us to the airport where we flew to Philidelphia. Once in Philly we changed planes and began our international travels.
Monday, May 23-Tuesday, May 24: Travels and the First Day
* Eight hours later we arrived in Amsterdam, Netherlands (almost 9am GMT +1 time, or 3am EST on Tuesday).
It truly was interesting to be in a new country with a new language and custums. We luckily had instructions on the best ways to arrive at our hotel and tried to follow them them best we could. A very expensive cab ride carried us to Rembrantplain (Rembrant Square) where our hotel was located. Unfortunately, Ron and I were tired and our driver wasn't the best at directions and it did take us a while to find our hotel.
We weren't very adventurous that first day, I think exhaustion, and the overwhelming feeling of being in a different country really limited us on Tuesday. We basically ate, checked in to our hotel, took a nap, went to eat again, and then returned to the hotel to sleep again (Ron loves his sleep and I am pregnant, it worked for us :)).
Wednesday, May 25
Some of my classmates arrived on Wednesday. At this time, Ron and I had gotten our berrings as well as a good nights sleep. We were motivated to sight see and enjoy the city.
Lunch was a wonderful experience and true look at the culture we would be in for the next few days. Our lunch (food wise) was great, but the atmosphere is really what made it fabulous! The Dutch truly appreciate taking time to enjoy drinks, meals and one another. I loved the fact that we weren't rushed off after eating, it was expected that we would stay a while.
After meeting up for lunch, a small group of us decided to be adventurous and walk around the city and maybe take in a museum. We spent hours plying tourists! We even visited the national museum (even though it was under renovation) and saw a genuine Rembrant!!! I have never been so impressed with a work of art, the size and talent involved took my breath away.
Dinner was like lunch a pleasurable experience in the Dutch culture. We had the best food and our waiter really appreciated our enjoyment of the atmosphere.
Thursday, May 26 - Class begins
So on Thursday we actually had somewhere we needed to be so we didn't want to get too caught up in anything. Ron and I adventured alone and explored the flower market. The flowers for sale were absolutely beautiful. I think if we could have managed it, Ron would have taken home a TON of them. Of course, per our family tradition, Ron and I were looking for some Christmas ornaments. We found a few good contenders, but decided that we would actually purchase later (since we really couldn't make up our minds). We also visited the Amsterdam museum. My favorite moment occured when a couple of Americans stopped us as we were walking around and asked us for directions! In our shopping excursion, I told Ron that I had noticed all the women in Amsterdam wearing scarves and that it would be fun to purchase one for me to wear while we are in town. We found a great little shope and purchased one not only for me, but for my sister-in-law as well.
The dinner cruise was a WONDERFUL way to see the city from a different perspective than we had been experiencing walking around. Although the sound was difficult to hear, it was neat to gather bits of information on the history and culture of Amsterdam. I especially enjoyed the views of the churches and seeing the Anne Frank huis (house) from the canal. After the cruise, it was decided that a handful of us needed to see one of the most talked about places in Amsterdam - the Red Light District.
I was surprised by the district. I expected something far seedier and dirty than what I saw this night. The women were not dressed in a way that might make this little southern girl blush, but dressed as they might be at the beach. I didn't see characters skulking around the streets learing at the women and making inappropriate motions towards the folks walking through. It was a truly enlightening experience and I appreciated the open nature of the jobs these women perform.
Friday, May 27 - Groningen University
I am not a morning person. This morning we had to get up too early for my tastes. Luckily the bus that we would be taking to Groningen was comfortable and allowed me to sleep very well for the 3 hour journey.
The town of Groningen is a small town that is very friendly to pedestrians (not as many cars or crazy bikes). I loved walking through the town and looking at the old buildings and into some of the cute stores. But the purpose of today was not just to see this northern Dutch city but to visit the RUG.
Our meetings witht he faculty and students of RUG took place in a lovely building that from the outside just appeared standard for the area, but inside, the architecture proved interesting and dramatic. The meetings provided an interesting perspective on the University, but most interesting to me where the conversations and the commonality and non-common uses of the English language to communicate with one another. Perhas the one lesson that we as a class learned that stuck with us the trip was the use of the term 'Faculty'. Often time confusion reigned when we had questions specifically relating to the teaching faculty, but in their usage of the term faculty, it indicates college collectively. I think this was the first indicator on the trip to explain just how different the American system is from many institutions in Europe. As a student affairs professional, the realization that my job didn't really exist at Groningin was facinating.
Saturday, May 28
There are two things that will forever still out in my mind about this day: Anne Frank huis and Pancakes.
Anne Frank huis was one of the most moving and inspirational experiences of my life. Since I was young (4th grade) I have read about Anne Frank. I remember my mother sharing the diary with me and encouraging me to read it. I've never forgotten and have returned and reread the story multiple times. Seeing the actual home where she and her family gave up so much to try and live only to be discovered is an experience that I will forever cherish. Walking through the house alone was interesting to see how different people of different cultures, speaking different language each participated in such an experience. Silence, is the word that most stands out to me. Although information was provided to read as well as view on monitors, everyone, without signs informing them that they must, seemed to feel the need to be silent as they moved through the small home.
Pancakes: Following the amazing journey through the Anne Frank huis, we needed to find food to get us through the evening and we disovered Sara's Pancakes! The pancakes were more like crepes than what we typically think of as pancakes, but Sara's were devine. Interestingly enough, the small dinning space only had enough tables to hold 3-4 parties. The 8 in our group joined another American/Brittish group of tourists enyoing the food. In addition we found a very kind older American couple and their elderly Italian cousins who picked (very kindly) on one member of our group who ordered nutella on his pancake. Although the Italian explained that for him, nutella is only given to children, but if he had seen it on the menu he might have ordered it for himself.
Sunday, May 29 - Travel to Aachen, Germany
I love Aachen!!!! I think it is one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen. I would love to return and spend more time here. I also can't believe how comfortable I was considering how few people speak English. After almost a week away from home, I am pretty comfortable with being the foreigner tourist and understand that most people are very very patient as long as we are patient with them.
Exploring this amazing town was fun, even if shops were closed :(
The cathedral was so beautiful and breathtaking. I think the reality of how ancient the city is really hits you inside. I can only imagine the historical moments that those walls have seen, the historical figures, the weddings, funerals, and everyday services. The idea that I was walking the same streets that people have been walking for more than a thousand years amazes me, we don't have that same kind of history in the US. Being a Sunday, I loved seeing how the people of Aachen spend a leisurly afternoon with their famiies, enjoying the amazing weather, the pleasant atmosphere, and wonderful people of the city. I can sum up one major thing I noticed about Aachen on this day in two words: ICE CREAM! Everyone was enjoying ice cream outside in the plaza! A couple of us could not resist joining in!
The food experiences in Aachen were some of my favorite of the whole trip, 1) Weinerschnitzel, in Germany - How awesome is that!!! I love it anywhere but to eat it actually in Germany was kinda fun. 2) the great pizza deal! We found this great little cafe that served pizza and a large drink for only 6.5 Euros!!! It was such a deal not to mention that the food was yummy. A whole pizza per person and a large drink ( I drank soda, everyone else drank beer) for only 6.5 Euros each.
Monday, May 30 - University of Aachen, Travel to Ghent, Belgium
If I were still in college, I think I would love to participate in a program at UA! They have the most fabulous research program that I can't wait to share with people back home, it's such a unknown Gem! The people of University of Aachen are very knowledgable about their school and it is obvious that they show great pride in it's achievements. Meeting and speaking with the students was something that enjoyed a great deal. They provided insights on the life of college students in Aachen as well as, from an American student, how they have adjusted to the different culture. Speaking with one of the students specifically about what we in America call campus life, I was interested to discover that at Aachen there are no real formalized activities for students outside of the classroom. Clubs and student organizations are not the driving force of student development outside of the classroom as they may be here.
Tuesday, May 31 - University of Ghent
How can you not enjoy a visit to a University that includes a chocolate tasting and tour of a cocoa lab?
The University of Ghent provided an interesting perspective on education from a country with influences directly from the Dutch.
Today we talked about funding! Money is usually something those of us in student affairs only have limited interaction with, but I really picked up today just how much importance Belgium places on their higher education system by seeing how they organize their funding. Although some of the compitition elements were not things I would neccessarily like to see at home, I did appreciate how much the goverment obviously supports higher education and students.
Governance is another thing that really struck a cord with me. The idea that elections of Presidents for colleges and boards, etc are done as a way of decentralizing power facinates me. I know how much power our president (good or bad) sometimes has, but the idea that board after board after board is working together to ultimately make decisions for the University is interesting. I don't know if I would like working in that atmosphere or if I would find it reassuring as they do that no one has the ability to change the system alone.
Wednesday, June 1 - Travel to Leiden, Leiden University
Leiden was an experience. The University is full of intelligent and motivated individuals who truly wish to see their students succeed. I was amazed to learn that the University is where the current Crown Prince attended and that the University is actually older than the formal country itself!!
Meeting and speaking with a fellow staff member provided a new perspective on how other universiites operate. I very much enjoyed meeting specifically with a young woman whose job might fall under what we consider student affairs here! She was a wealth of knowledge when it game to the family and school expectations of new students. She shared that the culture has been for students to bascially 'sink or swim' independently in college. I found it ironic as she explained that they were hoping to adopt some of the techniques and models used in the US to assist students in the transition from secondary school to college. We explained to her, that in the US we probably need to adopt much of the Dutch culture of allowing students to fail and seperate from parents more strongly!! It's nice to know that problems of this nature are universal and that it's always going to be a issue for student affairs professionals around the world.
Thursday, June 2 - Farewell Europe, Hello HOME!!!
Today we leave Europe and return to the Good ol' USA. I miss my bed, my puppy and kitty! I can't wait to share our adventure with our family and friends!
Ron and I have explored a little corner of the world and had a blast!
It was the best way for us to enjoy an adventure before the biggest adventure of our life begins in December, having a child.
We left Atlanta on Monday, May 23 to begin our adventure. Our wonderful housesitter/petsitter/friend took us to the airport where we flew to Philidelphia. Once in Philly we changed planes and began our international travels.
Monday, May 23-Tuesday, May 24: Travels and the First Day
* Eight hours later we arrived in Amsterdam, Netherlands (almost 9am GMT +1 time, or 3am EST on Tuesday).
It truly was interesting to be in a new country with a new language and custums. We luckily had instructions on the best ways to arrive at our hotel and tried to follow them them best we could. A very expensive cab ride carried us to Rembrantplain (Rembrant Square) where our hotel was located. Unfortunately, Ron and I were tired and our driver wasn't the best at directions and it did take us a while to find our hotel.
We weren't very adventurous that first day, I think exhaustion, and the overwhelming feeling of being in a different country really limited us on Tuesday. We basically ate, checked in to our hotel, took a nap, went to eat again, and then returned to the hotel to sleep again (Ron loves his sleep and I am pregnant, it worked for us :)).
Wednesday, May 25
Some of my classmates arrived on Wednesday. At this time, Ron and I had gotten our berrings as well as a good nights sleep. We were motivated to sight see and enjoy the city.
Lunch was a wonderful experience and true look at the culture we would be in for the next few days. Our lunch (food wise) was great, but the atmosphere is really what made it fabulous! The Dutch truly appreciate taking time to enjoy drinks, meals and one another. I loved the fact that we weren't rushed off after eating, it was expected that we would stay a while.
After meeting up for lunch, a small group of us decided to be adventurous and walk around the city and maybe take in a museum. We spent hours plying tourists! We even visited the national museum (even though it was under renovation) and saw a genuine Rembrant!!! I have never been so impressed with a work of art, the size and talent involved took my breath away.
Dinner was like lunch a pleasurable experience in the Dutch culture. We had the best food and our waiter really appreciated our enjoyment of the atmosphere.
Thursday, May 26 - Class begins
So on Thursday we actually had somewhere we needed to be so we didn't want to get too caught up in anything. Ron and I adventured alone and explored the flower market. The flowers for sale were absolutely beautiful. I think if we could have managed it, Ron would have taken home a TON of them. Of course, per our family tradition, Ron and I were looking for some Christmas ornaments. We found a few good contenders, but decided that we would actually purchase later (since we really couldn't make up our minds). We also visited the Amsterdam museum. My favorite moment occured when a couple of Americans stopped us as we were walking around and asked us for directions! In our shopping excursion, I told Ron that I had noticed all the women in Amsterdam wearing scarves and that it would be fun to purchase one for me to wear while we are in town. We found a great little shope and purchased one not only for me, but for my sister-in-law as well.
The dinner cruise was a WONDERFUL way to see the city from a different perspective than we had been experiencing walking around. Although the sound was difficult to hear, it was neat to gather bits of information on the history and culture of Amsterdam. I especially enjoyed the views of the churches and seeing the Anne Frank huis (house) from the canal. After the cruise, it was decided that a handful of us needed to see one of the most talked about places in Amsterdam - the Red Light District.
I was surprised by the district. I expected something far seedier and dirty than what I saw this night. The women were not dressed in a way that might make this little southern girl blush, but dressed as they might be at the beach. I didn't see characters skulking around the streets learing at the women and making inappropriate motions towards the folks walking through. It was a truly enlightening experience and I appreciated the open nature of the jobs these women perform.
Friday, May 27 - Groningen University
I am not a morning person. This morning we had to get up too early for my tastes. Luckily the bus that we would be taking to Groningen was comfortable and allowed me to sleep very well for the 3 hour journey.
The town of Groningen is a small town that is very friendly to pedestrians (not as many cars or crazy bikes). I loved walking through the town and looking at the old buildings and into some of the cute stores. But the purpose of today was not just to see this northern Dutch city but to visit the RUG.
Our meetings witht he faculty and students of RUG took place in a lovely building that from the outside just appeared standard for the area, but inside, the architecture proved interesting and dramatic. The meetings provided an interesting perspective on the University, but most interesting to me where the conversations and the commonality and non-common uses of the English language to communicate with one another. Perhas the one lesson that we as a class learned that stuck with us the trip was the use of the term 'Faculty'. Often time confusion reigned when we had questions specifically relating to the teaching faculty, but in their usage of the term faculty, it indicates college collectively. I think this was the first indicator on the trip to explain just how different the American system is from many institutions in Europe. As a student affairs professional, the realization that my job didn't really exist at Groningin was facinating.
Saturday, May 28
There are two things that will forever still out in my mind about this day: Anne Frank huis and Pancakes.
Anne Frank huis was one of the most moving and inspirational experiences of my life. Since I was young (4th grade) I have read about Anne Frank. I remember my mother sharing the diary with me and encouraging me to read it. I've never forgotten and have returned and reread the story multiple times. Seeing the actual home where she and her family gave up so much to try and live only to be discovered is an experience that I will forever cherish. Walking through the house alone was interesting to see how different people of different cultures, speaking different language each participated in such an experience. Silence, is the word that most stands out to me. Although information was provided to read as well as view on monitors, everyone, without signs informing them that they must, seemed to feel the need to be silent as they moved through the small home.
Pancakes: Following the amazing journey through the Anne Frank huis, we needed to find food to get us through the evening and we disovered Sara's Pancakes! The pancakes were more like crepes than what we typically think of as pancakes, but Sara's were devine. Interestingly enough, the small dinning space only had enough tables to hold 3-4 parties. The 8 in our group joined another American/Brittish group of tourists enyoing the food. In addition we found a very kind older American couple and their elderly Italian cousins who picked (very kindly) on one member of our group who ordered nutella on his pancake. Although the Italian explained that for him, nutella is only given to children, but if he had seen it on the menu he might have ordered it for himself.
Sunday, May 29 - Travel to Aachen, Germany
I love Aachen!!!! I think it is one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen. I would love to return and spend more time here. I also can't believe how comfortable I was considering how few people speak English. After almost a week away from home, I am pretty comfortable with being the foreigner tourist and understand that most people are very very patient as long as we are patient with them.
Exploring this amazing town was fun, even if shops were closed :(
The cathedral was so beautiful and breathtaking. I think the reality of how ancient the city is really hits you inside. I can only imagine the historical moments that those walls have seen, the historical figures, the weddings, funerals, and everyday services. The idea that I was walking the same streets that people have been walking for more than a thousand years amazes me, we don't have that same kind of history in the US. Being a Sunday, I loved seeing how the people of Aachen spend a leisurly afternoon with their famiies, enjoying the amazing weather, the pleasant atmosphere, and wonderful people of the city. I can sum up one major thing I noticed about Aachen on this day in two words: ICE CREAM! Everyone was enjoying ice cream outside in the plaza! A couple of us could not resist joining in!
The food experiences in Aachen were some of my favorite of the whole trip, 1) Weinerschnitzel, in Germany - How awesome is that!!! I love it anywhere but to eat it actually in Germany was kinda fun. 2) the great pizza deal! We found this great little cafe that served pizza and a large drink for only 6.5 Euros!!! It was such a deal not to mention that the food was yummy. A whole pizza per person and a large drink ( I drank soda, everyone else drank beer) for only 6.5 Euros each.
Monday, May 30 - University of Aachen, Travel to Ghent, Belgium
If I were still in college, I think I would love to participate in a program at UA! They have the most fabulous research program that I can't wait to share with people back home, it's such a unknown Gem! The people of University of Aachen are very knowledgable about their school and it is obvious that they show great pride in it's achievements. Meeting and speaking with the students was something that enjoyed a great deal. They provided insights on the life of college students in Aachen as well as, from an American student, how they have adjusted to the different culture. Speaking with one of the students specifically about what we in America call campus life, I was interested to discover that at Aachen there are no real formalized activities for students outside of the classroom. Clubs and student organizations are not the driving force of student development outside of the classroom as they may be here.
Tuesday, May 31 - University of Ghent
How can you not enjoy a visit to a University that includes a chocolate tasting and tour of a cocoa lab?
The University of Ghent provided an interesting perspective on education from a country with influences directly from the Dutch.
Today we talked about funding! Money is usually something those of us in student affairs only have limited interaction with, but I really picked up today just how much importance Belgium places on their higher education system by seeing how they organize their funding. Although some of the compitition elements were not things I would neccessarily like to see at home, I did appreciate how much the goverment obviously supports higher education and students.
Governance is another thing that really struck a cord with me. The idea that elections of Presidents for colleges and boards, etc are done as a way of decentralizing power facinates me. I know how much power our president (good or bad) sometimes has, but the idea that board after board after board is working together to ultimately make decisions for the University is interesting. I don't know if I would like working in that atmosphere or if I would find it reassuring as they do that no one has the ability to change the system alone.
Wednesday, June 1 - Travel to Leiden, Leiden University
Leiden was an experience. The University is full of intelligent and motivated individuals who truly wish to see their students succeed. I was amazed to learn that the University is where the current Crown Prince attended and that the University is actually older than the formal country itself!!
Meeting and speaking with a fellow staff member provided a new perspective on how other universiites operate. I very much enjoyed meeting specifically with a young woman whose job might fall under what we consider student affairs here! She was a wealth of knowledge when it game to the family and school expectations of new students. She shared that the culture has been for students to bascially 'sink or swim' independently in college. I found it ironic as she explained that they were hoping to adopt some of the techniques and models used in the US to assist students in the transition from secondary school to college. We explained to her, that in the US we probably need to adopt much of the Dutch culture of allowing students to fail and seperate from parents more strongly!! It's nice to know that problems of this nature are universal and that it's always going to be a issue for student affairs professionals around the world.
Thursday, June 2 - Farewell Europe, Hello HOME!!!
Today we leave Europe and return to the Good ol' USA. I miss my bed, my puppy and kitty! I can't wait to share our adventure with our family and friends!
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