She apologizes for not posting....

It has been far too long since I have updated this blog. I apologize a thousand times! Grad school has been keeping me busier than I expected. I can get a little out of touch with the rest of the world, all wrapped up in my own, but I can’t tell you how important your comments are to me. They remind me why I am here learning all this new information about education, to make your educational experience better! I guess the least I can do after such a long break from posting is to fill you in on what I have been spending most of my time doing here. This will take at least two posts though, so give me some time to get them together. Until then, here are some much deserved shout-outs!

September 11: Remembrance and Reflection at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Standing in line, my stomach wanted to give back my breakfast. Every step I took closer made me second-guess my strength. The happy chatter that occupied my neighbors when we were at the end of the line was replaced by quiet tears and a sense of fear as we neared the front. I was afraid of feeling the same feelings I felt ten years ago; helpless, scared, sad. The Smithsonian staff members let us in the special exhibit in groups of 10-15 people. Waiting with my group, I wasn’t sure if I was really prepared to see the 50 artifacts from the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, or the crashed United 93 plane from September 11^th, 2001. Ten years ago, my country, as I knew it, changed. Other than visiting Ground Zero in 2002, this September 11: Remembrance and Reflection exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History was the closest I have ever been to the physical damage of that day.

Happy First Day!

        
           I heard that you had a great first day! Congrats! I have been thinking of you ALL day! (Click read more below to continue reading and leave a comment!)

Hiking in Germany: not for the lazy!

Germans seem to be very active people! One of Laura's friend's idea of a "relaxing vacation" was 8 hour bike rides, canyoning, and all-day hikes. I was even out-hiked by people who were at least in their 60's! Maybe 70's! I still really enjoyed hiking, though. The scenery is just so beautfiful! If you aren't in the mountains, you are in rolling hills of farm squares. Also, Germany has so many trees!! They are big, and thick, and dense, and provide very good cover from the rain (which it did a lot). Germany is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to. I am already planning a trip to go back, although it might not be for a few years.

 Here are some hiking pictures:

... and she lives in a Nazi hospital!

This may be a long post, but boy is it interesting! Don’t worry, not all of my posts will be about history, but how could I go to Germany and not share information about WWII!? Read on for some very interesting connections, facts, and insights. If I have used words that you do not know, look them up! Mrs. Railey showed you a quick way to use the internet as a dictionary; just go to google.com, type in define: and then whatever word you want to know. Enjoy!

... but first she visits Germany!

I am so lucky to have a cousin adventurous enough to work in Germany for a year!  I am even luckier that she is letting me stay with her for two weeks! She has been working at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Garmisch-Partenkirchen used to be two small towns in the Southeastern part of Germany at the base of the Alps mountain range. Germany’s tallest mountain, the Zugspitze, is here! Adolf Hitler made the towns of Garmisch and Partenkirchen join together in order to host the 1936 Winter Olympics. You can still visit the ski jump today! If you have seen the Sound of Music (my most favorite movie ever), then you have a pretty good idea what it looks like here. BEAUTIFUL! Read more for some pictures of the achievement of another life goal!

Welcome!