new term starts tuesday

So, I’m in the home stretch for school, with two terms (and a thesis) to go.  3rd term starts on Tuesday, and I’m registered for two courses.  I am hoping between the two, that I’ll develop the theme for my capstone project.   New courses:

1. Spatial Analysis and GIS:  Examines the use of Arc View Geographic Information System (GIS) software as a tool for integrating, manipulating, and displaying public health­related spatial data. Topics covered include mapping, geocoding, and manipulations related to data structures and topology. Selected case studies are used to demonstrate concepts. Focuses on using GIS to generate and refine hypotheses about public health­related spatial data in reparation for a formal statistical analysis. Although spatial statistical modeling is not a required part of the curriculum, related topics are discussed throughout.
2. Research Methods in Health and Human Rights: Introduces students to methodological issues relevant to the emerging field of health and human rights. Reviews and critiques both quantitative and qualitative approaches to the study of health and human rights. Topics include: (1) development of human rights indicators for health and human rights research, (2) quantitative, qualitative and mixed approaches to the study of health and human rights, (3) assessment of human rights violations, (4) operationalization and assessment of health as a human right, (5) advocacy and communication strategies applied to the dissemination of research findings in health and human rights, and (6) methodological tools and resources in health and human rights research.

thoughts over the long weekend

I’m sitting on my couch this weekend being a little bit lazy (ok, maybe a lot). My goal of arising before 7 pm was suspended this morning (though I did get up at 8:15 or so). I’ve got a few things I’d like to take care of today, but I can’t seem to muster up the energy to get off the couch.

But while I’m having a lazy Sunday, the past week was rather busy. Just wanted to recap:

• Finished the class in which I was a TA. I also got one assignment turned in, now I have to grade a few papers (hoping to take care of that this weekend).
• Had mixed results with my early rising plan. I never woke up late this week, but I didn’t really wake up on time either. Rather I waited until the last possible minute to get up. This tells me it isn’t really sticking… I might need to modify and try the baby steps approach.
• Hit the climbing gym 3x this week. I am definitely getting stronger, and should be fine for the lead class, which has been scheduled to start Feb 6th (and I am registered for!). Yesterday, I climbed - 6, 6, 9, 8, 9-, 9, 8, 9+.
• Even hit the gym at work. Thank god for my fellow. Now to see if I can make it at least once a week (with her help).
• Have a fabulous new idea for a project at work. Of course, I have to find some funders. But hopefully, I will get some assistance on that. If it happens, I will be extremely excited about it.
• Made some budget adjustments after spending a bit of time in the PF blogosphere. Lots of great articles out there this month. Will do a roundup at the end of the month, hopefully!