sipping rose tea, writing this blog

I am relaxing this evening after a long couple of days. Yesterday was crazy at work because I was sick on Monday, and Betsy and I are trying to get our plans together because she's going to Oregon all next week to see her family. Plus there always seems to be some sort of extra chaos going on anyway. Just a bonus, I guess.
Today I gave my presentation/workshop on Teaching English Phonetics at the Universidad de Valladolid Yucatan (UVY). I was still preparing for it all morning, reviewing my notes, tweaking the Powerpoint, going over the logistics of the activities, etc., but I am very happy with the way it turned out (and I'm also very happy it's done now)! I had an audience of about 20 university students in the Language Program at UVY. Most of them have very good English comprehension so I could give the presentation entirely in English. Since I was discussing phonetics, I incorporated several interactive activities that focus on the segmental and suprasegmental properties of the phonetic system. I was really pleased with their participation and attention and I felt very well-prepared. Of course, if I present this workshop again, I will improve upon it, but I think the activities and research I have compiled will serve as a good base for future presentations.
On another note, something I recently found out about is a university-organized weekend trip to Isla Holbox, which is a tiny island on the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. They will pay for and set up our transportation, which is great because it is a pretty difficult-to-reach destination. This island is known for being a bit wild and off-the-beaten path, as well as for the huge population of whale-sharks that come to feed during the summers. As it stands, the trip will take place in a couple weeks, and it is something I feel lucky to have the opportunity to do.
Tomorrow is already Thursday! I have tons of grading and organizing to do at UNO before the weekend...Buenas noches y hasta el proximo blog...