Log in 2 Lane

JUNE IS HERE!

2011-06-10T11:49:00.002-05:00

Um, I could come up with a million excuses why I haven't been blogging, but I won't..let's just say I'm gonna dust myself off, and start all over again!
Just got back from a great workshop in Billings, Montana! I had the privilege of working with a stellar group of educators at the University of Billings for two days and it was a great learning adventure! Bonus round went to dinner with Darren Hudgins of Oregon, who is just too cool for school! We had a great time chatting and chewing while attempting to wait for our esteemed friend Rushton to make his way...flight delayed, flight delayed again, plane changes,and then viola at 10:45 he appears! Note: Do NOT rely on airport signs, stick with the internet as a reliable resource!
My biggest aHA...flubaroo.com If you thought self graded exams was cool..you ain't seen nuthin yet!

Before February passes me by....

2011-02-24T16:08:00.003-06:00

You know that goal of blogging regularly and taking the time to reflect? Well, it didn't happen in February at all. I decided I had more important things to do and I shall challenge myself in March to reflect more often on my learning and growing..
Highlights of February included a wonderful grouping of stellar conferences that I presented and attended and more importantly met new friends that make me think.
My favorite is David Zach, from Milwaukee. He is a futurist that keynoted at the ITSC conference in Oregon and really gave a good talk. I hope to carry on more conversations with him when he travels to St. Louis soon...yep, face to face conversations are always the best!
I also worked online with some great teachers in Maryland with Google Earth and their STEM project. Garmins are fitting in well with their curriculum and I'm looking forward to seeing some of their final projects!
I was also able to work face to face with some great teachers in Illinois and Florida. Ok, I have to admit, the weather was stellar in Florida and it was also my birthday...what a gift it was NOT to wear a coat!!!

More Google Educators in Canada!

2011-01-29T14:23:00.003-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

2011-01-23T15:56:00.003-06:00

WOW, Never in my wildest dreams did I think 2010 was going to be that FANTASTIC!!!

I was able to learn so much and teach so much and travel so much...well, let's just say all my original goals were blown away!!

I think that 2011 is going to be another stellar adventure with just glancing at January alone..

Silver Springs, Detroit, Chicago, Toronto, Orlando...yep..suitcase, laptop and brain ready to learn, explore and most of all ....ENJOY!!

Just One of the COOL KIDS!

2010-12-21T11:09:00.002-06:00

This coming FETC 2011 is going to be EPIC! I've heard from many of my friends and seems to be the place to be in January! (OK, Florida in January--anybody see a problem?)
So, this year I'm a spotlight speaker sharing the stage with Steve Dembo in THE BIGGEST USER, SEASON TWO...so excited to have a chance to share some great tools with educators...
Hope to see you there!!

Ladies in my Life...

2010-07-29T10:31:00.004-05:00

Every once in a while, both Laurens come into town and I NEVER get to spend enough time with either one of them.

These ladies have such big brains and hearts and I can't wait to see all they accomplish with their chosen fields.

They are such fun to play with...hope they show up again soon!

Take me out to the TIGER'S game!

2010-07-21T09:13:00.002-05:00

Comerica park is extraordinary! Contrary to what Shannon thinks, even though I was sporting my 2006 Cardinals/Tigers World Series hat, no one gave me trouble! In fact, I found the crowd to be very knowledgeable

and friendly. They even talked about baseball players that used to play for Detroit!

I learned that Yadia Molina (catcher for the Cardinals) actually has TWO other brothers that are catchers for baseball teams. One actually plays on the Texas Rangers team and they won the game!

Detroit is in a serious slump, but I'm not! Life is always good, and especially awesome if I can get to a baseball game!

SECOND GREATEST DAY EVER!

2010-06-30T11:46:00.004-05:00

The 1st GREATEST day of my instructional technology career was becoming a Google Certified Teacher in 2008 out in Mountain View, CA and meeting all of my wonderful colleagues who share my passion.

The 2nd GREATEST day ever was meeting up with them again at ISTE 2010 in Denver, Colorado! Molly(my lovely blonde colleague) and Colette (my gorgeous brunette colleague) and I were working the Google Booth throughout the conference. Funny that Google Earth is showing above us, because THAT is what I was sharing at the Google Theatre and helping passerbys to understand the value and instructional wealth of resources GE has to offer. What an inspiring wonderful memory ISTE 2010 has given me. I have so many new friends and old friends to cherish and reflect upon!

MY DEPD PLN and more!

2010-06-16T00:25:00.002-05:00

The weather is wonderful, the coworkers are stellar and yes, believe it or not we're working hard! California is another great learning time!

Zipling is the most fun you can have!

2010-06-12T21:26:00.002-05:00

This is my favorite picture of my favorite day in Hawaii with my family. We are in the middle of ziplining in Hawi and having the best time ever. I can't remember ever having this much fun with my family. What an adventure we had and I can't wait to do it again!!

President Obama LISTEN UP!!

2010-05-11T17:54:00.002-05:00

Ok, we voted you into office because many of us believed you would make a difference! Here is your opportunity to show us you will.
WE NEED MORE EDUCATONAL TECHNOLOGY IN EVERY CLASSROOM IN EVERY SCHOOL ACROSS ALL FIFTY STATES NOW!
Please write your congressman or check out iste.org for more information.

BEST DAY EVER!!

2010-04-28T19:10:00.002-05:00

Just finished sharing some GOOGLE GOODIES with Discovery Education and Comcast! Talk about fun! While I was sharing Google Image Swirl, Timeline, Google Squared, etc everyone was collaborating in the chat box about ways to use them...it was a Great Collaboration with a wonderful variety of teachers from across the United States and Canada! Over 76 people joined the party tonight and I hope we get the chance to meet face to face someday...but meanwhile, I'm on my computer having fun sharing all my google goodies and THAT made it the best day ever!

George said it best..............

2010-04-05T20:52:00.001-05:00

I'm playing inside Google Labs, and this is called the Google Reader Play...and so I did...they randomly give you different pictures or videos that are fairly interesting...but this quote from George Bernard Shaw captured my heart...Yep, it IS all about creating yourself...Its something I get to do every day and I'm loving it!!!

2010-03-31T08:01:00.002-06:00

Kim and I are Discovery Education PD trainers, roomates and friends..I love playing and working with her! Although she is based in California, thanks to twitter and assorted other web 2.0 tools, she is moments away from any conversation! Thanks for showing me how much fun the water can be...I still have a lot to learn!!

2010-03-22T11:56:00.002-06:00

A classic example of why we should NOT average testing...and while we are on the topic of the "season" of testing...ugh..its ugly out there... and I have one question that I bet NO ONE CAN ANSWER.

Are all of these tests a valid assessment of the student (and teacher)?

EPIC HAWAIIAN ADVENTURE!

2010-03-14T20:13:00.002-06:00

Spent a week in Hawaii working with great Teachers -- showing them the power of Discovery Education products and got some serious play time with my family too!

The best day was spent zip lining through the rain forest..a total of EIGHT zip lines and a total BLAST! I have videos of my family running off of a cliff on the last zip line. . It was such a great day!

Loved being in Hawaii, love my job (obviously) and love my family, they are great fun to be with!

Rockin at the eMINTS Conference!

2010-02-28T08:28:00.003-06:00

Looking forward to attending the emints conference this upcoming week in Columbia, MO. Even more excited to deliver my Keynote Presentation "Tuning Up for the Next Ten Years!" Wow, eMINTS is celebrating their 10th anniversary and I couldn't be MORE proud to be part of this great organization.

My personal story in this organization was one of complete luck. As a new employee of a small school district, I was asked if I wanted to become an emints trainer. "Sure", I said, I never turn down an opportunity for educational growth! Then, my whole thinking changed, morphed, became so much more enlightened by embracing the philosophy of eMINTS. I have since then, trained two groups of stellare educators and have seen the magic of eMINTS. It has rocked my world for so many years, and will continue to rock the educational world for many years. Eight states and Australia proves that point every day!

PARTY RATS!

2010-02-18T10:45:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was my birthday and as usual, it was the BEST DAY ever! My kids always get, ummm, unique gifts and this one is over the top!

These party rats fit on your individual fingers and you can type away on the keyboard without any other lights on...Genius!

So, now my mouse is not lonely anymore, he has PARTY RATS to hang with!

SHARK FIN PIE

2010-02-14T16:00:00.005-06:00

Yep, up here in Milwaukee, they have a great fish restaurant with Shark Fin pie...as you can see, its H U G E --and tasty! Basically vanilla ice cream, fudge, peanut butter, oreo cookie crust, vanilla ice cream, fudge...yeah!..and even though we were "working", we STILL need to eat!

So, my Discovery colleagues and I celebrated my birthday early with some sweet ice cream pie called Shark Fin Pie..yumm!

FETC 2010

2010-01-18T20:49:00.003-06:00

Lee and I had a great time with THE BIGGEST USER! Who is the biggest user? The Teachers of course! They got to hear about 8 innovative programs to use in their classrooms and Part II will be shared at FETC 2011 !

I also got to help my favorite fellow GCT, Rushton in two three hour sessions, but it was all google and it was all good.

I've been to several FETC conferences, but this was the best and so are the stories--I'm still laughing!

Me and Blue

2010-01-18T16:47:00.002-06:00

Here's the update on my official portrait my artist daughter is currently drawing. I asked her why she was drawing me on a blue piece of paper and she said she knew that color was my favorite...she's right..so, I stop by every once in awhile and its just wierd seeing yourself "appear" on a piece of blue paper...

Its completely freehand and she is completely awesome! I love it!

FETC 2010 Friends

2010-01-17T20:52:00.004-06:00

No one knew everybody, but that is a great reason to sit down at a Mediterranean Dinner (Thanks, Rushton) and get to know each other.

Three Google Certified Teach

ers, three stellar Florida Teachers and One Native Chicago Conference Presenter, also my roommate!!

I could try and tell you the stories, but I'd probably be laughing to hard to finish most of them! We had great conversations, laughs, stories and above all, Great Presentations!!

Twitter Friends are the BEST !

2010-01-10T16:58:00.003-06:00

Kim and I were doing a gig in Milwaukee when IMCGUY asks us "what's up?" Chad happens to be a big Wisconsin Discovery dude and he got a chance to come over and talk with us face to face...and did I mention he brought LUNCH??

Oh yeah, what a guy!

Looking forward to seeing him again in Milwaukee...guess I gotta go see his school next time!

I'm so excited about THIS year!

2010-01-01T16:29:00.002-06:00

Twenty ten is gonna be a great year and I'm going to start by declaring it here and now!

I've made some MAJOR changes in some very old habits and already I can see a difference. I have let go of some old ways of thinking and doing and its amazing how great I feel. Yes, I agree it is not easy to change your way of thinking about people, places and things, but I have developed an attitude of change and so far, so good..

I have indeed made some resolutions and I am in hopes that I will accomplish them...I'll try, that's all I can do. If I fail, I will get up, dust myself off, and try again and again and yeah, I'm determined !

SOITA Conference and Sketchup Surprise!

2009-12-10T15:00:00.002-06:00

I had the BEST time at the Ohio SOITA Conference! I am very appreciative that Larry invited me to Keynote the first day and my friend Meg followed up on Day Two..just wish we (Meg and I) could have had some time together besides the 30 second Video Skype call!

So, during a break in my presentations, I wandered over to the student area because I wanted to see what they were up to..and these guys with the big smiles, proceeded to share with me their sketchups they have been doing the past week and loving it!

I spoke with their Teacher and it turns out, they were all set to show another project, when one of them found out about Sketchup and asked for it to be put on his computer. The Tech at the school "didn't know how" and this fourth grader figured it out and downloaded it on all the laptops they had brought to the conference. The Teacher "wasn't sure" exactly how or what they were doing, but they would show her they were making models of their school and I have to agree --self taught, a week into using Sketchup...what a surprise, they were rockin!

The real story behind GCT/CUE Dinner Club Webinar series.

2009-11-29T15:54:00.002-06:00

Long, long ago, back in the summer of 08 the FOURTH official class of Google Certified Teachers were notified they were heading to Mountain View, California for their training. (Little history here, the previous three classes had been open to the California Teachers twice and the New York State Teachers once.) So, this was going to be the first class of "students" coming from around the world, and they did! Dorothy showed up from New Zealand, Paul came in from Canada...well, you get the point.

Everyone jumped on Twitter and in a matter of minutes a SITE was designed for all of us to plug in our winning videos and information about ourselves. The original 12 that posted decided to get together for dinner prior to the BIG DAY. When I walked in, after spending time on the SITE, I knew every one's name, thanks to the pictures posted and the conversations began. .

After our wonderful day of training, and meeting soooo many interesting educators, we converged on a restaurant and did a podcast retelling our "aha" moments. After the podcast we started to realize we would never have the chance to see each other face to face like this again and maybe we would see each other at a conference down the road....but, we would never have these great google conversations again.

Thus the monthly webinar series was born..The first Wednesday of every month during the school year is devoted to Google Certified Teachers getting together thru Elluminate to listen to other outstanding GCT's to learn, lament, and be challenged, there is EVEN MORE out there to listen and share!

If you would like to "present" at an upcoming webinar...Please let me know, we'd love to hear from you all!

If I had a million dollars...*start singing!

2009-11-17T13:24:00.003-06:00

The more classrooms I see, the more money I see spent on "technology"...I'm just gonna throw it out there...

All you need is:

Showerboard on the wall, Document Camera, Laptop and projector..

Sure it would be nice to have more bells and whistles (flip cameras, etc..) but you can successfully educate the students using these tools.

Discover Kansas!

2009-10-13T18:20:00.002-05:00

Kansas Professional Development invaded by Discovery Education!

Great time working with the Teachers of Junction City, Kansas at the all day conference!

We learned that there is a great group of teachers and administrators helping to make the lifes of the students enriching, by using Discovery Education streaming!

MIKE!!

2009-10-04T21:54:00.003-05:00

My time in West Virginia was filled with innovative teachers, instructional technologists, one great principal and even engaging administrators....but, the main dude that impressed me the most...sigh...MIKE!! Love this guy! Not exactly sure I would like to do his job every day, but I'm happy knowing we both work for DISCOVERY!!

New and Improved and TIME SAVING!

2009-09-24T12:43:00.003-05:00

Thanks Veronica, You are so kind! Discovery Education certainly DOES have audio to support your curriculum..

You don't have to stay up till 2:00 in the morning to find that audio clip you are displaying in the picture.

By the way, I'm just in awe.. You STILL have cassette tapes? Really? You found it? (I'd still be looking!!)

Welcome to the 21st century, Veronica! Its a great place to be!

CONVERGE MAGAZINE SPOTLIGHT!

2009-08-28T11:45:00.002-05:00

Google Custom Search Refines Research Skills
Posted by Tanya Roscorla
on August 10, 2009 Ed Tech

The GOOGLE CUSTOM search engines do keep students from finding inappropriate sites on the whole Web, said Cindy Lane, an adjunct professor, Google Certified Teacher and instructional technology specialist from St. Louis. One of her students looked up “black holes” in a regular search, and you can just imagine what that child found, she said. She designed and taught a four-week class this summer at Southwest Baptist University for K-12 educators on Google applications, and she focused on searching during one of those weeks. All of the students created custom search engines, but many of them said they had never heard about it before.“You would think teachers would know about all of the applications that make their lives easier in their classrooms, but unless they take classes or they go to technology conferences or they have some really good PD [professional development] already imbedded in their schools, it’s a hit and miss kind of thing,” Lane said, “which is unfortunate.”

Two years? Is that true?

2009-08-25T14:35:00.003-05:00

Wow, time does go by fast when you are having fun! Life definitely got a lot more fun these last few months and I just have to pause for a minute today and reflect on my direction, my donation to the educational technology arena and my devotion to technology.

When people ask me why I blog, I tell them I do it for my own self reflection only. Yes, it would be nice to have throngs of people reading my stellar writing, (but think about the pressure too!) I blog so I can look at my old writings, maybe see some growth and definitely smile at all of my shenanigans!

I've had the EXTREME pleasure of working with some great educators across this planet and it's just a gift to hear and see their passion! I was on a plane recently and sat next to a wonderful, personable lady who shared her own love of educational technology and we spent the entire plane ride talking about the MANY benefits of document cameras!

These past two years have been full of wonderful suprises, the BEST becoming a Google Certified Teacher and the worst...hah! There aren't any! I've grown and enjoyed every moment and looking forward....ALWAYS looking forward with my glass (at least) HALF FULL!

2009-08-16T14:54:00.001-05:00

My friend Kerm, in Maine, has a great way to show his technology at his school to the whole world...Check out the 30 second video!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaKz-x8OZms

Top Tools for Teachers

2009-08-11T09:46:00.003-05:00

SEARCHING PEOPLE!!!! Ok, Teachers are scrambling to get their rooms ready and greet their new students. Hopefully, they've gone to some great workshops this summer and have learned some great new tools to add to their toolboxes..
Here are two tips. .
1. Get to know the ADVANCED feature in Google Search, (see jpg)
2. Read about how to use the Custom Search Engine!

Google Custom Search Refines Research Skills http://bit.ly/g4WjK

DE PD Trainers Extraordinaire!

2009-07-30T10:47:00.002-05:00

West Coast, East Coast and Midwest Discovery Educator Gurus came together to become Certified trainers. Granted, it doesn't appear we are working hard at the moment, but for THREE days we worked hard and played hard. Running this ship is tough work, but Jannita can handle us! I worked with rock stars and was treated like one!

GOOGLE COMES TO ST. LOUIS!

2009-07-17T08:30:00.003-05:00

Missouri's First Google Network for Educators Class was held on July 16th at CSD, hosted by Missouri's only Google Certified Teachers-Bill Bass, Stephanie Madlinger and me! It was attended by 23 stellar educators in the area and we explored some great google educator tools and had some really robust conversations about applying these applications in the classrooms! Lisa Thumann's group, enjoying their second day of their own Google Workshop at Reutger's University attempted to demonstrate the Gmail Video Chat with us with some success! I looove sharing anything Google at ANY time!

Conversations at Character Education . . . .

2009-07-10T14:20:00.002-05:00

Today at my Presentation "Blogging Builds Character"...we had some great discussions about the use of blogging for learning and understanding in the K12 classroom. Some of my participants had NOT seen a blog in the classroom, while others shared their experiences. Becky (a brave lady) actually started the blog she has been wanting to start - right in front of our eyes and demonstrated how EASY it is to do!

Thank you for everyone's good thoughts and ideas today. Come September, I'm sure there will be some great Character Educaton blogs beginning to unfold and who knows where that will take them!

STELLAR CUSTOMER SERVICE

2009-06-28T12:56:00.002-05:00

This is an example of what I expect everytime I order anything online. My husband shared this with me this morning and after laughing hysterically for approximately five minutes, we realized CD Baby actually cares about us! Yes, we'll order again! Enjoy!

Your CDs have been gently taken from our CD Baby shelves with sterilized contamination-free gloves and placed onto a satin pillow. A team of 50 employees inspected your CDs and polished them to make sure they were in the best possible condition before mailing. Our packing specialist from Japan lit a candle and a hush fell over the crowd as he put your CDs into the finest gold-lined box that money can buy. We all had a wonderful celebration afterwards and the whole party marched down the street to the post office where the entire town of Portland waved "Bon Voyage!" to your package, on its way to you, in our private CD Baby jet on this day, Saturday, June 27th. I hope you had a wonderful time shopping at CD Baby. We sure did. Your picture is on our wall as "Customer of the Year." We're all exhausted but can't wait for you to come back to CDBABY.COM!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Sigh... --CD Baby

Awesome Administrators!

2009-06-28T11:45:00.002-05:00

It was certainly a great collaborative day bringing blogs, wikis and google docs to life with these amazing administrators last week.

Learning was taking place in groups, online and in enlightening conversations shared! I'm just imagining the teachers when they come back from the summer to their Superintendent who is NOW using Google Docs to make their schools easier to manage!

ART

2009-06-23T07:34:00.002-05:00

Here is Artist LA with her great masterpiece behind her and the latest in front of her..its not finished yet, but it already looks like another priceless gem. She definitely has the heart and soul of an artist, now to figure out the illusive grad school.

She is fun to watch, fun to be with and definitely on her way to greatness.

Ted Talk Commandments

2009-06-03T06:04:00.004-05:00

TED Commandments for Speaking -- If you would like the spreadsheet of all the talks, let me know..you could be in front of your computer for months...and I have to agree with Christine, these commandments apply elsewhere too!

Thou Shalt Not Simply Trot Out thy Usual Shtick.
Thou Shalt Dream a Great Dream, or Show Forth a Wondrous New Thing, Or Share Something Thou Hast Never Shared Before.
Thou Shalt Reveal thy Curiosity and Thy Passion.
Thou Shalt Tell a Story.
Thou Shalt Freely Comment on the Utterances of Other Speakers for the Sake of Blessed Connection and Exquisite Controversy.
Thou Shalt Not Flaunt thine Ego. Be Thou Vulnerable. Speak of thy Failure as well as thy Success.
Thou Shalt Not Sell from the Stage: Neither thy Company, thy Goods, thy Writings, nor thy Desperate need for Funding; Lest Thou be Cast Aside into Outer Darkness.
Thou Shalt Remember all the while: Laughter is Good.
Thou Shalt Not Read thy Speech.
Thou Shalt Not Steal the Time of Them that Follow Thee

IT FINALLY HAPPENED!!

2009-05-20T18:57:00.003-05:00

It finally happened and in typical "Lane" style! Our daughter graduated with her undergrad degree from Springfield, MO at 10 am on Friday, May 15th..then we drove 3 hours to Columbia, MO, hung out at Trops (yummy adult beverages) and I graduated with my master's from Mizzou at 8 pm.

I couldn't be prouder of our daughter and I couldn't be happier!! It was a very memorable weekend!!

Happiness is......

2009-05-16T15:42:00.001-05:00

Why are we so happy? NO MORE COLLEGE TUITION for anyone!

My masters is accomplished, our daughter is done with her undergrad (and looking for that Art Grad School) and well, Life just got easier!!

THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!

2009-05-05T16:43:00.002-05:00

You see two art renderings of Barbie, but you see only ONE LA, why? Ahem, there can be only one..the mold is gone, she is the best, exceptional, skilled, articulate artist I've ever seen. Her Senior Exhibit proves she pushes the boundaries (hmmm, wonder where she got that?) throws back the standard square box and stands before the world to show her thoughts, feelings and talents.

Can't wait to see what her next life will consist of..undergrad is closing soon.. and new doors are opening!

Blogs and Wikis

2009-04-25T08:58:00.005-05:00

I'm doing a consulting gig yesterday..(aka too much fun) about using blogs and wikis in the educational arena, and as I'm talking, I realize I have not been consistently blogging and I should. I have been able to look at other educational blogs lately and finding some really good rich material to ponder, utilize and pass on.

So, I'm throwing down-- so to speak -- I will begin my educational/instructional thought processes from here on out..with an occasional relapse to talk about family, friends, and life in general...my life is SOO much more than just my "work"...which is really fun to begin with.

This month has been full of good things and great places and folks...but I've learned alot about ME lately and that's cool too...my mantra these days?

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING

I've had that sign posted for EVER...and really, its the ONLY thing we do have control over!

Blog, blog, crazy blog

2009-04-13T21:06:00.002-05:00

My life has been FILLED with good moments lately and I have to apologize for my not keeping up with a thought or two down for posterity..BUT...I have a thought!

I am delighted to report that PRESENTATION ZEN has transformed my life/slide presentations and also those of my grad students. They are starting to turn in their final projects and I'm so excited about their LEARNING and now, how many students will

a. stay awake for them

b. understand the message

c. actually retain the knowledge

d. all of the above

D D D D !!! Seriously, jump over to Amazon and buy this easy read, this is NOT a commercial, this is an order...Buy Presentation Zen and transform yourself and your slides!

2009-03-12T20:31:00.002-06:00

I made this on Cameroid and if you don't like being an etch-a -sketch, you can be a ninja or Mona Lisa...pretty fun, easy stuff. That smile on my face? That's cause spring is a l m o s t here!! The grass is finally getting green and the sun seems to be shining brighter!!

IF I RULED THE WORLD.....

2009-02-25T12:34:00.003-06:00

My new friend and I were lamenting at lunch the other day, if we ruled the world ....

Ok, I'm here to tell you if someone wants to give me a million dollars, I'm waaay cool with that...

But, seriously, if I ruled the earth ..

1. All Teachers would make the same amount.

2. That "amount" would be in high double digits!

3. All Teachers would have the same technology, and to go along with that rule, we also need the same amount of coaching and P.D. (paid of course)

4. All Teachers would have great benefits, respect and time to create great 21st century lessons.

...Hey, its my dream!

But, in the meantime, if you want to get something for your classroom, hurry over to www.donorschoose.org, tax time is fast approaching, and people are just waiting to give you some financial support for your classroom!

Tied to Tools

2009-02-10T11:03:00.003-06:00

So, what tools can you NOT live without? I've narrowed it down to two, really! First, and foremost is my Sprint Instinct. Before you accuse me of sounding like a commercial, I want you to hear me out. Yes, I'm a google certified teacher, but the google phone does not make my heart flutter, nor does the iphone...I'm NOT PAYIN anymore, or jumping on any app that someone else adores. My Sprint Instinct works for me, took 0 seconds to figure out and I use every piece of it. Btw, the camera is pretty darn robust!
Now, a close number two is my Flip HD camera. If you are even thinking about getting a new camcorder, this baby is smaller than my phone...and you can grab a picture from any video you take. Yeah, a couple attachments, like a tripod will help any situation...but it is really easy to use --a USB goes right into your computer and that's really all I need..and the phone charger occasionally!

2009-01-31T13:40:00.002-06:00

METC and FETC was exhilirating, inspiring and just plain FUN! I absolutely love jumping out of my regular life and conversing with new friends, (finally got to meet Jim Lerman after a year of online conversations!)and most of all challenging me to continuing my own personal learning, sharing and collaborating.

Thank you new friends, old friends for helping me and encouraging me!

Obama IS FINALLY HERE!!

2009-01-20T18:07:00.002-06:00

We now officially have a SMART president, I suddenly feel safer, better, and hopeful. I feel confident that Teachers will finally get the money and respect they deserve. I'm not taking these rose colored glasses off. I firmly believe President Obama will take care of our educators, well, I shall remain hopeful....and George, please stay in Texas...I never want to see your dumb mug again...

Second Life Thoughts

2009-01-08T09:02:00.002-06:00

By the title of this blog, you've already formulated your opinion...YEAH, SL rocks! or What the heck is she talking about THAT stuff for?

Well, thanks to my PLN of Google Certified Teachers and the first time the highlighted presenter couldn't show up (seriously, Beth, when the ice melts we'll try again!) I learned so much in a short time last night about SL.

Let's back up a bit, I did download the program, I did create a very cool name (sippina latte)...lol...but, that's it.

I heard David Warlick kick it down stating "The coolest thing you can do in Second Life is fly".. Really? That's it? I admire all that David does, but I'm gonna forge onward on my path of learning SL with some great GCTs...Peggy Sheehy, Lisa Thuman, Alice Barr...are you kidding? These ladies rock and I hope they can hold my hand when I step onto the ISTE isle...then MY hands will clap loudly!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-04T21:47:00.002-06:00

Is this the coolest set of mailboxes you've ever seen? Now, tell me, when was the LAST time you used one?
Yeah, I mail thank you notes, a couple of bills but...umm, oh yeah, I'll use it again to mail my taxes!

199.9 Mike and 800 pounds of Iron

2008-12-21T14:41:00.002-06:00

Yes, this is how my husband and I spent our Saturday before Christmas watching our 25 year old son lift 800 pounds...that's 4 times his weight, yes, nobody I know can do this..including the"heavyweights" that were at this competition too!

Unbelieveable determination and drive...and before you start thinking he's all brawn and no brain...he's finishing up his masters and on to his doctorate in exercise phys...yes, that's me in the green taking the shot...I'm one of his biggest fans!

Move Forward, Move On

2008-12-16T12:00:00.006-06:00

So, when you are faced with thought processes that don't line up with your own...do you move on or do you move forward and work around "those"? Lately, I feel like moving ... and I have in a forward direction (imho) but some are not moving with me..

I enjoy sharing my learning processes and engaging in forward thinking conversations..I just need more face to face people that can do this.

Which is why I lean on my PLN daily for inspiration, perspiration and challenging me to keep movin!

I can wait....

2008-12-10T21:28:00.003-06:00

I can wait a little longer for things I care about. ..

A good laptop to help me with my work at my school.

Some productive time to finish up my presentations I will be giving shortly.

Time spent with my family this holiday season.

Getting my health balanced.

*is this not the coolest and wierdest picture at the same time? Found it on Flickr Storm...LOVE that image site!

My wallet feels strangely free

2008-12-05T16:46:00.003-06:00

Waaaay back in September of 2002, when our oldest left for college, we felt somewhat of a cushion as we made tuition payments. BUT, YOU N E V E R (never should be in BOLD 72 font!) save enough.

So, we started "sacrificing", working extra jobs (really opportunities) and some how, some way the day finally came. The last tuition bill for our "baby" was paid in full today...my wallet feels strangely free and I never thought this day would come! But it did soooooo...I"M GONNA CELEBRATE ALL WEEKEND!!

My F2F Educational Technology Network--METC

2008-11-25T13:44:00.002-06:00

Who says you can't multitask with the best of them...What's that song? Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right, here I am stuck in the middle......

Learning about, Learning of..

2008-11-23T10:50:00.005-06:00

Now that I know I'm going to have the pleasure of doing a Google 3 hour precon at FETC, working along side Dean Shareski...it is on to learning more about his work. I have heard of him many times, always in a good way and I respect him and his work ethic. (Seems he does alot for one educator!)

Now, I'm on the hunt to learn more about him and his work so I can grow and of course be further motivated in my educational technology endeavors. I can't think of anything more worthwhile than to learn from others..and I try to use THAT philosophy every day!

We've already started getting acquainted through Twitter...a great way to collaborate!

AM I EARLY OR AM I LATE??

2008-11-19T19:10:00.003-06:00

Ok, does everyone know these websites that have my attention lately or am I early?? (LOVE to be early!)

http://www.issuu.com/

great place to develop content!

http://www.readthewords.com/

read anything in english, spanish or french!

http://www.mind42.com/

a concept map--free! with all kinds of media embedded

Looking forward to working with the Missouri Business and Marketing Teachers at the Lodge of Four Seasons. DESE is such a great group of dynamic people!

A thought to ponder!

2008-11-17T08:09:00.001-06:00

Now that we have a horse, I have found he actually eats less than our son! And another plus, I really don't have to cook oats!

National Change your Password Day!

2008-11-16T10:32:00.003-06:00

So far, I've been lucky, no one has stolen my identity. I've heard horror stories and they are still continuing for some of my friends. Lately, on twitter,( this is not documented yet), but a friend of mine at work asked me if I had jumped on this site and yes, gave my twitter name and password.
I KNOW better, but since it was suggested by a trusted friend, I trusted the site.. whoops, my first mistake.
I changed my password after this conversation and now I'm throwing this out to cyberspace..we should have more conversations about changing your passwords...we should each set time up during the year to actually do this task instead of waiting for an incident to happen. So I propose we change passwords quarterly...everyone should take time out of their busy lives to change their passwords...before their luck runs out....

Thanks to my fellow GCT!

2008-11-10T13:40:00.002-06:00

Top 100 Tools for Learning 2008

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: tools learning)

This is the first place to just glance at all the favs of 2008...now to organize this list!

All that is 2.0

2008-11-10T09:55:00.002-06:00

Definitely life has changed in Web 2.0...we can do ANYTHING, quicker, better and most of all CHEAPER...(*remember those days of actually waiting to get a CD in the mail to load on your computer?)

Now, we need to organize! I have my own methods, and the wallpapers out there with all of them listed are "cute" and I've seen several people attempt to organize their own...so as a Google Certified Teacher, I'm going to use SITES to make my tool box pretty and shiny, because I use that tool box EVERYDAY!!

Now when my Teachers need one of my tools, they will be ready and waiting...until then, you can still continue to use http://ww2.ikeepbookmarks.com/clane

ELECTION DAY is O-V-E-R!!

2008-11-05T08:28:00.004-06:00

It only took me 30 minutes to vote (rumor has it some Missourians took over 5 hours!!) and as I jumped from channel to channel, it was on the DAILY SHOW with Jon Stewart that I found out the man I voted for had won. At first, I thought he was joking, but my laptop was zoned in to CNN and yep, it truly was HISTORY...

For the first time, in a long time, I'm excited about the next 4-8 years. Yes, it's not going to all be flowers and fun, but I'm thinking we can find our way out of the toilet....

75 more days before there are NO MORE BUSHES in DC!!!!

A moment 2 brag 'bout my baby!

2008-11-03T12:45:00.004-06:00

My only daughter has been a joy since the day she was born. I have watched her in awe (and a bit of envy at times!) how she has grown into such a wonderful adult. Currently she is in her senior year of college and receiving a BFA very soon.

Being an Art Major has its own set of challenges..

What? not smart enough to get a real degree? Huh? You play with colored pencils?

But, my baby just sold her first art piece...cold hard cash on the line (and no, this person is NOT a relative!) maybe there aren't enough decimels on the other side of that period, but there will be...I know it's gonna happen...I just hope I'm around to get THAT phone call!

My daughter is the coolest woman on the planet...She has such a great joie le vivre!

It's about time!

2008-10-25T14:11:00.004-05:00

http://www.mywebspiration.com/

ITS HERE!! Inspiration free...and I hope more software that Teachers find invaluable will become free..ok, open source has got some great pieces, but Inspiration is such a great product!

A B I G Thank you!

2008-10-21T13:04:00.004-05:00

Day after day, when I am frustrated by the events of the day, of the equipment I "get to" use, the people I deal with, the mindset of others...I jump on my network of GCTs and all is well. I know that on any given day I can call on any of them for support, feedback and continual good thoughts...Its nice to know they are in my back pocket...
I am very grateful for this wonderful network of innovative, POSITIVE MINDED, intelligent individuals!

My Southern Side of the Family

2008-10-20T09:02:00.003-05:00

My cousins came to visit from Florida and thank goodness the weather in St. Louis was perfect! Where to go to show them true St. Louis hospitality??...FOREST PARK~~home of the 1904 World's Fair...we visited the zoo and saw the penquins, cause if you live in Florida...can't see many of them, right?

ITS all about the RAYS!! ....and I can't wait to see them for the next couple weeks on TV!!!

MUST SLOoow down!

2008-10-17T15:02:00.003-05:00

OK, I admit I have a fault..I need to learn how to slow down or I'm gonna break down. Sooo much to do, presentations, portfolios, parties, and that's just the letter P...(*get it? goes along with the picture??)

sigh, I just have to try one step ahead...that way...at least I can FEEL like I'm staying in synch...

Google Earth, Google Maps

2008-10-12T15:47:00.002-05:00

This isn't a google map, but its a map to how I learn... Colorful, check, messy, check, evolving, check...I just hope I'm able to continue on my learning path for a long time ...

Funny thing, I'm spending Monday helping participants to learn about Google Earth, and I'm going to do some higher level thinking myself with all of these wonderful speakers and presenters!

I admit it, I'm a groupie for this googler!

2008-09-26T15:39:00.003-05:00

Robin:"Cindy,how do you like my hour long personal training session with Google Earth?"

Cindy: "THIS IS AWESOME...*just when I thought I knew Google Earth...."

Sigh, I'm a groupie...yep, Robin, who works for Google is THE MAIN MAN when it comes to Google Earth. Allison Merrick connected me to him in the morning, and I was lucky enough to pick his brain for over an hour by myself. Wow, I have so many new tools in my GE toolbox!

EVEN MORE GOOGLE GOODNESS

2008-09-25T14:52:00.006-05:00

LUCKY!!

I have three other friends, Google Certified St. Louis Teachers to play with now...

Bill, Stephanie and Josh..yep, we're presenting at the METC together...PLNs...ironic, eh?

Yeah, NONE of us can wipe the smiles off our faces cause we played in the Chicago GOOGLE OFFICES allllll day!

GOOGLE DOCS ROCK ( I heart FORMS!!!)

2008-09-22T15:46:00.002-05:00

Whew, deep breath, just got done doing an all day training with 27 of my Lindbergh Teachers. We have started our path on the ELITE II Program. and by Dec 1st, we will have 99 Teachers rockin..

In the past, we have used my free zoomerang account to configure an assessment piece, and I always had to worry about printing it out before it ended (hey the free one works like that!) and it....is....soooooo .... yesterday!

Today, I made a GOOGLE FORM, incorporating all of my assessment questions, I then took the URL and threw it in www.metamark.net to make a short URL and then they went online and filled it out...prints out as a pdf (so I can give it to my boss) and these Teachers are so lucky!! Not only do they get all of the deep PD that goes with ELITE, but they also get to be Googlized...and they liked it!!!

Say cheese!

2008-09-18T14:32:00.003-05:00

I just got done reading an article about photos which should never have been posted online. Hello? Maybe, these people should think twice, no, in these particular instances they should reflect three times before putting their stoopid pictures online for the world and their employers to see.

I have to tip my hat though to the "smartest" man. He was soo proud of the fact he had won a body building strong man competition and not only had pictures of his buff body in a speedo for the world to see, but a video was on youtube also! It would have been great, however, he had just been awarded disability because of back problems two weeks before the contest. wow...I hope his back feels better soon, cause he is going to be spending quite a bit of time standing in the unemployment line.

We should take these real life stories and share with students the stupidity, unethical, you fill in the blank circumstances and learn from them. We can start with character education and go up to ethics and end up in COMMON SENSE...hopefully!

Wii fit age = 87

2008-09-16T12:28:00.001-05:00

...and that's ok, cause Dad IS 87 and did pretty darn good hitting those soccer balls on the wii fit!

Now, we gotta get him on roller blades!!

My Vista View

2008-09-12T07:55:00.003-05:00

Is Vista a vermin? Seems NOBODY that I listen to has anything good to say about it.

I was listening to two grad students last night whining about the fact that VISTA had lost two very important files, (meaning papers that were due)..yes, they went through the proper search means and found nothing...scary...

So, I jumped in and talked about "cloud computing"..a concept they hadn't heard of (it's so cool to explain something new to grad students!)

So, I explained had they kept those files in google docs, they would still have them, they would be "in the clouds" so to speak...yep, we learn lessons everyday. I didn't bother to tell them I learned my lesson the hard way too! There is nothing worse than being done with a paper--go to send it in..and poof...magically GONE!

VISTA...my viewpoint.

Learning beliefs

2008-09-11T16:36:00.003-05:00

I'm working on a class and I'm attempting to make this awesome glogster piece (professor will either love it or hate it!) and TWICE, I'm 3 seconds from hitting the publish key and ZAP! POOF! Gone, history page laughs at me and I'm gonna try O N E more time and then seek another idea out...
Glogster? You can embed, video, mp3, links, jpgs...I'm in love with it, unless it refuses my affection (again!) on the third try!

Looking Back...

2008-08-31T14:17:00.002-05:00

I spend so much time looking forward, I rarely get a chance to reflect on the past. I'm working on my personal electronic portfolio and its been pleasurable to review the master's classes I've taken and review all that I've learned and thus grown...can't wait for 256 more days to pass...I'll be in Columbia MO with bells on...
Sure I have the countdown gadget movin and groovin!!

KUNG POO FIGHTIN!

2008-08-25T08:28:00.002-05:00

For awhile now, hubby and I walk EARLY in the mornin...nice habit, really and the weather is perfect. Along the roads we walk, sometimes we run into joggers, drunks, newspaper man, sprinklers and other dogs.
We are aware of our dog's poop habits and carry the obligatory newspaper plastic bag to pick up the evidence...and I usually carry it...so when a huge springer spaniel decided to attempt to meet our little Bo..I shouted at him and hit him in the face with Bo's poop bag~~thus, (sing along!) I was KUNG POO FIGHTIN...that dog was fast as lightenin....

Moonlight Ramble in Downtown St. Louis

2008-08-18T14:36:00.002-05:00

Got to bed at 3 am on Sunday morning, yes, I was sober. . Did a bike ride with thousands of others under the moonlight Saturday night and never could stay up with these cool kids -- LA, Lauren and Mike. Joe and I had fun and loved being with them, even though they fly down the street, or maybe, just maybe, Joe and I are slowing down a little...

Where, Oh where did my laptop go?

2008-08-15T10:26:00.002-05:00

It's the start of ANOTHER school year...and I had to give my laptop up to one of our teachers...gasp, gasp...I feel like a fish out of water, like my right arm is missing, I've lost my wallet, can't find my keys...it sucks...BUT

My bag is now verrry light, I'm not "on" 24/7, I've almost gotten used to it...we'll see as time progresses...its only been 48 hours, yes, I'm counting!

Rumor has it we will be getting new laptops in a couple weeks, I think I can last that long...I have everything saved on three different flashdrives (thanks, Ann for letting me borrow one, I have ALOT of music!)

So, has anyone seen my arm, wallet or keys?

Google Apps

2008-08-11T16:51:00.002-05:00

I've been asked to present at the next Google Teacher Academy in Chi-town and hopefully the cubbies will be in the World Series and I'll get to do TWO things I thought would never happen!!

So, I'm presenting on Google Apps and finding my way around the latest Google Map feature...DID YOU KNOW you can grab the route and move it with your mouse? DID YOU KNOW you can add destinations? Yep, new and very cool!

My Family Rocks!

2008-07-18T20:12:00.002-05:00

So what do you do with your family on a Saturday night?Yep, Rock Band is huge in my house..and don't worry, NO ONE is quitting their day job!!!

The New Sheriff (Superintendent) is in Town! *hope he stays for a long while!

2008-07-10T18:21:00.003-05:00

How often do you get to jam with your boss and the new superintendent? Yeah, we had a BBQ to welcome the new "Sheriff" and what better way to warm up the crowd than to play a couple of his favorites...wow...this guy can PLAY!!!!

btw, did you know the fiddle is Missouri's instrument? Yeah, I didn't know it either until today!

I pledge allegiance..

2008-07-07T23:01:00.002-05:00

Ok, everyone knows I adore Google Earth for MANY reasons (see googleearthgoods.pbwiki.com)...but, have you checked out Google Maps lately? WHOA!! Cool things are happening, and then you can embed it inside Google Earth...How awesome is that?
This picture reminds me ...I wish I had more memory...

tonight is the night

2008-07-02T17:17:00.002-05:00

It's been a week since we sat down for 12 hours and were given, shown, and immersed ourselves willingly to everything Google. So, tonight, several of us will get together and sift through it all, remind each other, and share a few laughs and pictures.

Learning? Oh yes, we'll learn from each other tonight and throughout our times together. It doesn't have to be f2f, we've got tooo many other ways and reasons!

Even More....

2008-06-26T01:44:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I was right there and then I went all over BOTH campuses and I have to tell you there is even more but I'm whipped..12 hours with 49 like minded individuals can leave you feeling numb and (almost) speechless...I need even more time to dissolve...

I'm alive, alert and ready to do!

2008-06-25T08:24:00.000-05:00

GOOGLE NIGHT BEFORE:having too much fun. Went to dinner last night with the (GCT dinner club we are calling ourselves), cause we've already made plans to do a webinar together..and continue discussions...
I impressed them when I sat down and told them each of their names...(duh, their pics are on the wiki) Darren from Australia is very nice and he is picking my brain about staff dev. Brian, a local pointed us to two great dining places...dishdash was the name of the place...mediterrean and delicious..MaryFran --well you get the idea, EVERYONE shared "stuff" and it is the same everywhere...
Everyone feels like I do, how lucky we are, we really can't believe it...etc..
Saw the YAHOO building and a great street called INNOVATION...wouldn't you love to work on a street called INNOVATION??

Chat and Chew

2008-06-24T23:53:00.002-05:00

Tonight, 12 of us got together to meet prior to the big event tomorrow...Australia, California, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Virginia, Pennsylvania..I know I missed someone...but, we decided we all got initially connected because of TWITTER...yes, we are connected and had such a great share session...can't wait for more fun tomorrow....it keeps getting better...
Dishdash was the perfect dining spot, thanks to a local GCT!!

Its a beautiful day in the neighborhood of CALIFORNIA!

2008-06-24T19:22:00.002-05:00

Made it to my room, contacted others at other hotels..sunny and gorgeous and everything you've heard about driving out here is correct!!!
Thanks to Hertz and GPS..I don't have a care in the world...about the highway anyway...
Now, I'm trying to make the butterflies fly in formation..
TOMORROW
IS
GOOGLE ....gulp!

I've been Googlized!

2008-06-23T22:08:00.002-05:00

Ok, if you don't like Google, come back in a couple of weeks, cause that is how long it is going to take me to come down off this natural high..

Tomorrow, TOMORROW is my flight to San Jose, I meet up with about 10 people I've been talking to virtually on our wiki for chat and chew for dinner tomorrow night and the fun continues on Wednesday at the Googleplex.

THE POWER OF A WIKI...There are 50 of us and 20 of us have been hanging out on a wiki with pics, our videos we submitted and I already "know" almost half the group..
HOW COOL IS THAT????

8:30 am to 7:30 pm is our training time...I know that we have some GCT retirees coming in to talk, Jerome Berg (google lit trips) then the people that are still speaking in whole sentences, we are all celebrating our new GCT status at a gathering at a local place to melt down...hope to get a voicethread made just to get some random thoughts from all of these fellow GCTs..

I have cleaned out all images from phone and camera...charged all my electronics...bought a new outfit. Hey, I am representing the fine state of Missouri...and I respect all that is Google..yep, I'm wearing a skirt...quit laughing...

more later...must TRY to sleep!

My Strong Son, Mike

2008-06-23T21:10:00.002-05:00

So, what's wrong with this picture? Read the shirt...So, what is wrong with this picture? N O T H I N G !! My son can deadlift a car, throw a cheerleader sky high (and catch her) tell you things about chemical reactions and nutritional information that will make your head spin.
Right brain and Left brain , FULLY engaged!
Oh, and did I mention his quick wit and big heart?

THIS bothers me..

2008-06-22T11:32:00.003-05:00

Everyday I read the newspaper..(for those of you who need some education) that is that rolled up thing you'll see on some people's lawn in the early morning hours if you are out joggin or God forbid, just coming home.
The newspaper reminds me of my growing up years, we used to get TWO newspapers at my home when I was growing up! (maybe that is where I became an avid reader, ya think?) I love sitting down and going from stem to stern with the newspaper during the weekend...weekdays, I gobble up the sports section in the summer time BASEBALL!, and normally, all the front section and everyday with the funnies...some of them STILL make me laugh out loud!
So, my weekend begins and I'm reading the front section and lo and behold I read about a high school in Glouster, MA and this could be any high school really. There is a disturbing amount of pregnancies this year...hmmm, usually there is an average of 4 (which is four too many, duh!) but this year...17. Yes, that is a one and a seven.
Why? Ok, let's think about this one...weather bad? Everyone has to say indoors? Lack of sex education? Did the School Board vote down that subject again? Hormones in the water? Condoms gone bad?
Guess again.
Seems a group of girls decided to make a pact to "get pregnant and raise their kids together"...Where, oh where, is anyone that cares for these terribly misguided girls? Can we get these parents together and well, I'm just too sad to think about what I would like to do with these parents...Education begins at home and how about throwing in some unconditional love and support..and whoops...I'm off my soapbox..
Nothing "techy" today folks..this story grabbed my heart...by the way, the majority of them succeeded...sigh...

Two down, too many to go!

2008-06-22T10:45:00.003-05:00

Whether you blog, podcast or use a wiki, its all about communicating! Recently two of my administrators expressed interest in starting to blog. (I was DELIGHTED!)
Of course, my choice of setting up an easy to use blog was right here, so you can now see my administrators @
sandsofsappington or signin2Sandfort
Well, I have several more administrators to encourage, but I think by looking at these as models, it will be even easier for them to jump into Web 2.0. I have gotten comments that blogging is easy, and I have to agree, it is very easy to keep a log of your thoughts, trials, tribulations. I have the best job in the world.
Speaking of best job in the world, I'm on my way to spend time at the Googleplex this week. I am already in awe, I can only imagine the collaboration and high level thinking that will be done during my time together with 49 other people from around the world....Thank you Cheryl for the great pic I "borrowed" from our GTA wiki...I look forward to meeting you f2f~soon!

ISTE Advisor

2008-06-20T12:39:00.002-05:00

So who was this advisor that suggested to ISTE that everyone get permission slips to record?...well, the secret is out.............

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!

2008-06-18T08:20:00.003-05:00

I feel like Christmas is almost here...7 days until I am in the Googleplex with 49 other teachers from around the world...some I've already met face to face (Hey, David in FL) and I've met many already online through our wiki..

I understand that I will be immersed in learning and comprehending all that is Google, but I'm also getting ready to have a brand new network...how cool to meet them all face to face and then collaborate for the rest of our natural lives online...wish I could meet all of my virtual friends face to face! SEVEN DAYS.....

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, Joe!

2008-06-15T09:01:00.003-05:00

Yep, the best father I know is on this page...My husband has been a father for almost 25 years...hmmm, should I get him a gold watch? Looks like he'll never be able to retire though..He (and I) are too busy watching and laughing and enjoying our great kids..although, I must say, it was rather strange playing canasta last weekend and each of us had a beer...

Balance

2008-06-11T08:38:00.002-05:00

As I ponder technology, life, summer --it's all about balance. Sometimes that is very difficult to do, and I question my zest for diving into activities without attempting to keep balanced at times. I'm finding that it's a good thing to be so focused that time actually flies by, but at what cost? What did I "drop" by consuming all that time? Sigh, I don't mind the speed of life, just want to be MORE balanced!

My New Tattoo!

2008-06-09T21:39:00.001-05:00

So, I'm getting ready to teach Google Earth at an all day class, and my friend says "STOP! I have to take a picture of your new tattoo"...

Sooo, I'm thinkin...hmmmm...