EduBlog Insights

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The vicious summer flu bug attacked last week and I am just now surfacing! I’m clearing my desk and will return shortly!
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I always tell my kids that it’s OK to make a mistake. The important thing is to learn from it. I am personally learning just how hard that is. My presentation “Weblogs in Education: The Possibilities Are Limitless!” included visual and verbal portions. The visual portion, the projection, was blurry and unreadable because my fonts were too small. Then as I surfed to different weblogs, they too were unreadable. Will told me afterwards that he always makes screen shots. I never thought to do that. OK that’s Lesson 1.

Then on my video clips, my sound was not loud enough, even though I had it at top volume. I guess I just assumed everything would be set up since I was in a session that was going to be filmed. Lesson 2 - Never assume. Cover all bases. I didn’t.

So I just tried to carry on and tell the good story of weblogs. Lesson 2 is that even if I know what I’m talking about, if my visuals aren’t top notch, it really doesn’t matter. I do apologize to my co-presenter.

I was disappointed because I felt I had let  my educational blogging cohorts down. After a night’s sleep I decided to try to practice what I preach to the students. Get over it. Learn from your mistakes. Today I’m jumping back in!  

That said, I’m picking myself back up and will keep on trying. Weblogs won’t be hurt by one presentation. If any of the session participants happen to read this, I do want to direct you to the informational website. It is a terrific informational source for those wishing to learn about weblogs.

OK, I’ve got to get busy packing and getting ready to take off in the morning for a few days of R&R before NECC! My husband and I are leaving with no specific plans of just where we will end up and that sounds wonderful to me! No planning, no schedules, no deadlines!

I will be taking my laptop though and checking in from time to time but probably not posting till I get to New Orleans. I am really looking forward to the conference! See ya in New Orleans!

Atlanta paper-

“Firefighters battle a massive fire in a chemical warehouse at Bio Lab, Inc., in Conyers, Ga., on Tuesday, May 25, 2004. The company makes chemicals for pools and spas as well as products for cleaning homes. The fire broke set off multiple explosions and promptedhundreds of residents to evacuate.”

Local paper-

“Traffic on Interstate 20 West is diverted onto Salem Road around a massive fire in a chemical warehouse in Conyers, Ga., on Tuesday, May 25, 2004. Rockdale County residents were being ordered to evacuate their homes and the State Department of Transportation closed parts of Interstate 20 and all roads leading into the area. A fire was reported at 5 a.m. at Bio Lab, Inc., which makes chemicals for pools and spas, as well as products for cleaning homes. There was no immediate report of injuries.”

This was really eerie coming in to work. I must have hit the expressway right before they starting diverting traffic. This is my home exit pictured here. The cloud was parellel with me for about 3 exits and I just wanted to get past it. It kept edging over towards us and it was huge.  I did not want it to settle over my car and the other cars on the expressway.

My mind kept flashing back to 9-11 and thinking how awful this looked but knowing that there was absolutely no comparison to the aftermath of that day for New Yorkers. It brought back many sad thoughts and reflections on that terrible day. Really makes you pause and think……

Am I Blogging Now?

“My two daughters are both interested in weblogs (blogs), so I’ve decided to learn how to blog, too. I first became interested in blogging when I saw my younger daughter wearing a t-shirt with the words “I’m blogging” written across the front of it. I had no idea what it meant, but I was interested in finding out.”

Later, when my older daughter was visiting me, I asked her what a blog is, and she explained it to me. Then, to my surprise, she said I could try blogging myself. So here I am, blogging for the first time. I am not sure what I should write on this blog, but I’ll just start writing and see what happens.”

Another post:

Reflecting on Blogging

“Well, I’ve been thinking about the fact that I am a blogger. To me, it’s like reminiscing. In my day, that’s what we would have called it. Now I have to get used to the new terms in technology. Not only am I learning something new, but my vocabulary is growing. Not only can I recall the past, but I can blog on anything. Let’s hope the soap box is big enough!”

The above posts were written by my 85 year old mother! I’m the younger daughter in the post. I just love it- she always has had a voice but now more people can enjoy it!  If you have a moment visit Vera’s Corner and welcome her to the world of blogging!

“Let There Be Peace on Earth”

My heart is heavy today as I lost a good friend after her two month bout with cancer. Her funeral was today. 

My bond with Diana was not only as a teacher, but also as a friend and a mother.  Our two oldest daughters, my Jill and Diana’s Lara have been best friends since pre-school.  We shared many treasured moments over the years….. the joys, the love and yes, even the highs and lows all familes share.

The above words are part of the eulogy I said today for my good friend Diana.  I will miss her.

I’m back and my weblog is working now.  Last Wednesday I was writing a story about my weblog woes and didn’t get it finished as I had to leave abruptly to get to the hospital for the birth of my granddaughter.  It’s been a great week, both at home and work.  Genesis will be one week old tomorrow!

Yesterday I had a session with the Literature group - that is going to be so good!  I will write about it as soon as I get a few moments.  Tomorrow morning I travel back to J. H. House to meet with the principal to discuss this year’s weblog project with ESL students and their mentors.  I can’t wait!  More later….

Here’s the story:  Weblog Withdrawal

I’d like to introduce you to our newest family member.  Genesis Skye Markwell was born on September 11, 2003 at 6:02 AM weighing in at 8 lbs. 4 ounces. I left work Wednesday night and just got back today!  I am one proud grandmother!!!

My weblog has been down since last week.  I’ll post later about weblog withdrawal!!