Heirupism

I like those untranslatable words from various languages. Heirupism is a Romanian word used to describe a rushed action or an overly enthusiastic approach to solving a problem.

This was my approach towards one of my latest learning objectives - obtaining the Google Educator Certification.

I have been using the Google Apps for Education (GAFE) platform for more than 1 year now but last month I decided to take it to the next level - to get certified as a GAFE Trainer. The first step towards that was to obtain the Google Educator Certification (meaning going through the online material and then passing 5 online exams).

Due to the fact that time seems to be more precious than gold for me lately (or californium, says the geek in me), I decided to "just do it". So for the past 3 days I've been spending my afternoons on learning and taking exams. Not the best approach towards learning (and something I haven't been doing since my University years :P) - but it got me to my goal:

What is your take on timing and learning? Do you allocate enough time for your learning to be deep and meaningful? If so, how can you test that?

Take my breath away...

Reporting after my 4th cello lesson.

At the end of the first lesson my enthusiasm level was still high. I've learned the basics - how to hold the cello, how to hold the bow, how to move the bow. I even started playing some basic strings.

Second lesson continued with some basic techniques. Practicing the movement of the bow, some basic songs using the simple notes.

Third and fourth lesson things got tricky - I've started using my left arm and working with new notes, other than the basic strings. All of a sudden I had to focus on the right movement of the bow, the right position of the cello, the right position of my elbow, making sure my wrists are not in a funny position, finding the proper spot for the fingers on the fingerboard, applying the correct pressure and so on. Ow - and all of this while my back was supposed to be straight. And the cello firmly gripped in position. No wonder my teacher had to constantly remind me to breathe.

I somehow feel like in first grade again (or a bit earlier, as I was an early bloomer) - when I learned how to write the alphabet. I had to focus on so many new things at the same time. It's almost like learning to walk again - just that this time I need to get used to new movements of my hands. 

This is it :)

Today marks two important events in my life:

1. After considering, reconsidering and considering it some more, I decided to start a new blog focused solely on my learning experiences.

2. After a long period of time since I made this promise to myself, today I started my cello lessons. What better way to start a blog about learning other than this moment?