I appologize for not releasing a podcast last week. There was good reason for my absence. I have started a university course which teaches and qualifies me to instruct English language learners. I have been buried in books(1) for a week! I started the course late, actually, as there was some sort of mix up(2) in my application. Well, that was all sorted out, and I was accepted as a student. Thankfully, all of the classes are online, which makes it very convenient for me. I have to keep track of(3) the reading requirements and the homework. The professor from Central Washington University is very friendly and knowledgeable. We have even had a live, online session where we have met everyone in the course, and have given presentations. I love it! I thought at first, that the lessons might be a little dry and boring. But, I'm happy to say that they are not at all. We are learning at the moment about educational theories and the psychologists that created them, and also what works best in a classroom. It's very stimulating. So, now that I am back on track(4), I will bring you more podcasts, and some of them will include the things I'm studying.

1. 'To be buried in books' means to have lots of reading to do. Students are usually 'buried in books'. Of course it is figurative, not literal. I think it is a great idiomatic phrase, and really gives a good visual of someone being covered in books.

a. My poor son is buried in books at the moment, as he has a science exam tomorrow.

b. I am swamped! I'm buried in books, and I need a break!

2. 'A mix up' really means a confusion and a problem. It can be used in any context.

a. There was a mix up at the airport, and I ended up with someone else's luggage.

b. There was a mix up at the restaurant, and I received the bill for the party of 30 people!

3. 'I have to keep track of the reading requirements'. To keep track means to pay attention, to stay on the correct path, to remember.

 

a. It's your responsibility to keep track of what you spend.

b. Let's keep track of her illness to see if she improves or not.

4. 'To be back on track' is related to 'to keep track of'. We use this phrase when we have returned to a desired routine.

a. I'm back on track with my running; I jog with my friend three times a week.

b. Now that I am over the flu, I'm getting back on track with the household chores.

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