Several years ago I taught workshops for teachers on the topic of teaching with technology. The goal was to help teachers understand some of the software available to them through new computer labs so they’d be prepared to teach their students. It was a fun gig sharing what I’d learned about some of the programs.
Today, I’m grateful that I can learn with technology. I often find myself deficient of the required discipline and will power to do the things that would be most profitable with my time. For example, I love learning but I’m more inclined to spend time I could devote to the cause playing on my computer or working on some other project than I am to be diligent about pursing my study of Spanish or reading an academic book. So I’m supremely grateful for how much I can learn through audio/visual options available to me.
This week hasn’t been my best week for productivity, but I have implemented the use of technology to help me from being a complete bust. First, I spent a few days playing Spanish lessons on my computer while working on it. That was great, and while I’m no where near ready to converse, hearing the repeated basics over and over have helped a few basic words stick. I’m encouraged. Additionally, I found two wonderful shows to watch today that covered economics and science. I love that these types of educational tools are available to me. They’re easy to use and I find I learn much through them. I found the Universe episode I watched on the sun absolutely fascinating. I learned a lot I didn’t know and it fueled my desire to know more. While the national debt image and financial future of our nation is frustratingly grim, it feel good to understand more. My desire to really stick to my own goals and remain informed are rejuvenated. I was saddened by how many people interviewed couldn’t answer the most basic questions. I think it’s a sad reality of how many of us choose to live in ignorance.
If you have a moment, you may want to check these out:
The Universe
I.O.U.S.A.
It’s Saturday, and the first day of a new year. It never ceases to amaze me the simple rollover to a new year can rejuvenate the batteries with hope and aspirations for all things new, and to reflect on the year before.
2010 for me can be summed up in one word: change. I returned to the office after a 15+ year sabbatical, and realized that I’d actually honed some skills being a stay at home mom. My baby turned 8 and reached some major milestones himself, my daughter breached the teen barrier and my husband took a new job in another state. Definitely a year of change.
To any who know the details of our move, they might ask why. Why did we choose to leave a great home, great job and everything typically identified as the good life and satisfaction? I think progress sums it up. It wasn’t a decision made lightly. We took the offer because it was even better and it gave Blake the opportunity to explore the next realm of his field - mobile gaming. It was also a calculated decision that we feel can help us reach future goals. I’m a big believer that you don’t get direction until you move your feet. 2010 was a big year of moving our feet. I’m looking forward to what direction 2011 brings. I’m going to go buy some track shoes.
Sometimes we all need a little help. The initial adjustment is tender and painful, but the results are always worth it.
More Life Lessons
I have to take just a moment today to share some thoughts on blogging today. It’s such a weird word isn’t it? I’m not sure what a replacement would be because this is the only word we’ve known now but it sounds so sluggish to me. I’ve shared in the past my reasons for getting into this media outlet so I won’t go there again. Suffice it to say that everyone has their reasons and when you began is likely a large indicator as to what your reason was. But I will take a moment to share some thoughts about the developments and patterns I’ve noticed since I’ve been a blogger. (Why does that word make me think of booger?)
Stages of Blogging:
1) You mean I’ve got a blog? I just type now? Wow that was easy.
2) How do you keep track of all these other blogs? A reader? What’s that?
3) I can track stats? People are visiting my blog? I can make money? Really? How can I feed that?
4) What do you mean obsessed? I got something else done this week, I’m sure I did. Didn’t I?
5) I said/shared that? Are you sure? Hmmmm…
Styles of Blogging:
1) Coaching blogs: They play teacher from life skills to blogging.
2) Business/Personal agenda: They build platforms for their own products or ideas.
3) Mommy blogs: They’re a league all their own sharing daily life in the trenches while suddenly feeling much less alone.
4) Private blogs: They blog as a form of journaling and scrapbooking.
5) Combination blogs: These are the guys that try a little of everything at some time.
Themes/Fads of Blogging:
1) Ad sickness…surely if I add a few more I can make some REAL money!
2) Widget disease…that is just SO cute/cool!
3) Meme dysentery…join, create…’nuff said
4) Carnival madness…hey, it drives traffic!
5) Reviews/Giveaway migraine…affiliates, ads and traffic all in one!
Of course these are generals and not to be taken too seriously, although if you’ve been around the block a few times you’ll recognize a glimmer of truth in there. You probably even have some funny aspects you could add to the patterns, styles and fads. This past week my husband shared a spoof blog created just this summer on Mormon women. As Homer Simpson says, “Funny, ‘cuz it’s true.” And boy I’m so glad I never fell into that typical category! I feel a new fad/theme coming on in spoof blogs.
I like observing the blogging world and seeing where it goes. I like seeing patterns and watching new developments on the horizon. I like feeling more connected while making some of my own thoughts and memories more permanent. I like watching from the sidelines. In short, I like blogging.
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Blogging
A few days ago I shared a list that was going around of what is now being called the W-List. Tonight as I was out visiting one of the newest sites that I found linking back to me I read this wonderful comment from the list’s creator and I thought it was something that should be shared:
“First off, thank you for welcoming the list and all those talented authors and thinkers in your online home. If you’d like to see interests, Elysa (my new personal hero) classified the list that way here http://www.genpink.com.
Someone also created a wiki of the list here http://wmagicallist.wikispaces.com
I have been humbled by the gift of each contribution to this list. One person at a time, you have all told a story about your readings and passions through the list. Please keep the momentum going. Go ahead and reach out to these fabulous people, find reason to work on a co-authored post or project together. There is so much richness and talent on this list!
Valeria Maltoni”
I don’t know about you, but that kind of warm response just made me feel great and I felt like everyone should have a chance to know the kind of woman who is responsible for this connecting project.
Here’s the most recent list:
(more…)
[blenza_autolink ww]
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Family Sharing Wordless Wednesday
I seem to have this common refrain lately and it’s all about time. Time going too fast, times and seasons, the burnout of anticipated changes in times, etc. Today I continue with what I hope will bring some closure to this for me. It’s time.
It’s time that I get off the computer and finish up the last things I need to do for my trip. It’s time to get away and rejuvenate the batteries. It’s time to spend a weekend with my sisters and mom and just have fun. It’s time.
I send my apologies now for the many blogs I’m behind on and that I’ll be even more behind on. But I look forward to returning next week with renewed vigor, energy and my blogg’n groove. For now I’m off to go live a little and restore some much needed balance. I hope everyone has a fantastic rest of the week and weekend.
I’m doing the celebration dance. (Sorry no pics, you’ll just have to use your imagination.)Thanks to my hubby I’ve finally got my blog more the way I want it. Yay!! I’ve been wanting to declutter the blog bog for a while now as well as make navigating what I blog easier. He helped me tweak a few little bugs and add some thematic elements to my navigation.
It was so nice to get a few things done that I’ve been thinking about for so long. The blog bog of the sidebar has really been bugging me for a while. I wanted it in it’s own place that didn’t distract my blog. I wanted to make it easier to read what I write and see what my corner is all about and why it exists. You can now read some of my series and best articles in a single click under the worthy reads side bar section. I’m so happy about it I just have to twist and shout!
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Blogging
[blenza_autolink ww]
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Family Wordless Wednesday
I can’t help but find a worry nerve when bloggers I keep up with suddenly disappear. I totally understand the need for sabbaticals. I think all of us have times when other life demands and schedules will take precedence over our blogging but when some that I really enjoy just drop off with no notice I can’t help but worry. And I’m always relieved when they reappear. *wink*
As for you two: Long Relationships, and The Classic Life…Where are you? I hope you’re okay.
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General Relationships Blogging
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