books vs. technology

Here's the question: What should libraries focus on?

When I first started back to school to be a media specialist, I did so with my love of books held staunchly in my arms. I just knew that I would be able to share that love with students and help teachers pass it into their classrooms.

Boy, oh, boy was I WRONG! Yes, books are still important, but they aren't really what the library is all about now. It's not technically called a library anymore, but a media center! I generally log out of my classes feeling completely overwhelmed and wondering if I just wasted a ton of money to get a degree that isn't what I thought it would be.

I can't wrap my head around the idea that a kindle can be cuddled up with like a good book. OR that the internet pretty much wipes out the need for encyclopedias.

I love technology, and there is so much that can be done with it to enhance learning. There's so many new toys to put in our classrooms that can enhance learning, BUT what about the costs? First of all, can we truly afford these new toys when we are furloughing teachers? I mean, Georgia teachers have been furloughed for three days this year, and South Carolina teachers for five days. How can we justify spending for smartboards and accessories when the basic need (teachers) is being eliminated from the classroom?

Aside from the money issues, what about the costs to our students if we, in fact, remove books from their world? Can we really afford to have the stories of our past be taken out of our children's world?

What do you think?

panic attacks

Panic attacks can strike at anytime, anyone, and anywhere. They also manifest themselves differently in different people. I use to suffer from these really bad about 20 or so years ago, but finally got them under control and haven't had to deal with them for some time---until last night.

I awoke from a sound sleep in a full-blown panic. Even after I got fully awake, I still had the shakes for over an hour. Why?? I have no idea. I have a few ideas............

Could it be that I spent several hours with a family who lost their patriarch and that brought back memories?

Could it be that I am really struggling to get back on my food plan after getting off and I know how desperately I must lose this weight?

Could it be that I am finally facing the reality that my kids are moving on (although this thought has always been exciting to me)?

Could it be that I have been thinking a lot about going back to work and this doesn't seem a reality for me?

I have no idea................. I do know that I don't like it. I like feeling in control, and therein lies the biggest issue for me. I. LIKE. CONTROL! However, we can't always control everything we would like.

Maybe God is using this to remind me that HE is the one in control. I just have to trust Him. I don't have to be a slave to fear.............so I am choosing today to instead fear the One who loves me.

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, " Abba , Father!" Romans 8:15

time traveler's wife- a movie review

The girls and I went to see The Time Traveler's Wife today. Not so good. Actually, boring! This movie ranked right up there with Hunt for Red October for me which is the only time I have ever fallen asleep in a movie.
I didn't understand most of what was happening today. This guy is in a car accident with him mom when he is 6 years old. He hits his head, and all of a sudden, he has a genetic anomaly. WHAT???

Whenever he travels, he winds up somewhere naked. WHAT??? Why is he naked? He then has to sneak around and break in somewhere to find some clothes. One time, he ended up in a cage at the zoo.

The movie never really explains what causes the traveling to happen (it does mention tv), it just happens. What is the point in the traveling. He doesn't do anything when he travels, he just shows up randomly. He made a comment that he had watched the car accident hundreds of time, but he can't save his mom. So why is he watching it? Don't you think that if someone travels through time there should be a point? Shouldn't he at least learn something?

The movie was BAD!! Don't waste your money unless you really need a nap.

search engines

As you know, I am working on my master's in instructional technology which basically means that I can be a media specialist in a public school setting. Also means that I can teach about technology and how to do cool stuff with it. Each time I set out to do school work, I learn something new that freaks me out because I feel overwhelmed! There is so much out there that I don't know about technology not to mention how to use it. Today, one of the exercises was using various search engines. I found some cool ones, and I thought my teacher friends might be interested!

Boolify

Carol Hurst (This one is more of a literature site than a search engine)

Kathy Schrock

Kidsclick

Librarians' Internet Index

Mamma Metasearch

Noodletools (You gotta love that name!)

I hope these help you in your classroom or at home with your own kids. I know that I plan to share them with Luke when he needs to find something for school. Google is fine, but it can take you to never-neverland sometimes and you can get bogged down in all that it has to offer.

design star

Down to the final two.....Dan and Antonio. Lonnie got sent home last night. They each got to design rooms for celebrities, and that was cool.
Dan designed a nursery for Jason Priestly and his wife who are expecting (or I guess by now--has already arrived) a new little boy. The room was gorgeous. He put original artwork in the room and did this mobile thing from the ceiling that was very interesting. Af first, I was afraid for him because his wall color seemed a little off-putting, but boy did he pull it together. He is a really talented guy, and my favorite to win (since Tori went home last week).

Antonio designed an office for Kathy Griffin. It was cool, but I don't know if it was anything special. It honestly looked like something I could have put together with thirty thousand dollars. The judges complimented his color choices by saying they were "edgy" and "hip". My sister-in-law painted her office that same purple color two years ago....so, here's to you, Tracy, maybe you should go on that show!

Lonnie designed a guest room for Tiffani Thiessan and her husband which I liked very much. I think the reason they sent her home is that three weeks in a row she has designed a focal wall. Come on....they told you last week not to do that again! Also, the headboard that she purchased, which was beautiful, by the way, didn't get put up. Her whole room was eco-friendly and the color palette was calming.

So, next week is the finale. I hope you didn't choke, Dan!

life in the parsonage

Life has been hectic of late- hence the lack of postings. Two people died, sacks of love started, one person had surgery in Charleston, lock-ins, lock-outs, and squeezing out every possible activity with the minutes available.

This week has wreaked havoc on our new eating style, and we are hoping to get back on program today............hopefully, with no more strays at least this week!

I feel like we have run a marathon over the last several days...............BUT today is GAME DAY.......which means that ALL activity stops and football happens! Yeah :)

Tomorrow, we are off and running again, and maybe Wednesday, I can breathe. Although, at some point I have to take the time to really ramp up on the school front, I have (hopefully) an interview at the local Montesorri school, and my hair is beginning to resemble that of a tri-colored shit-zu so I must get it colored and cut. WHEW...................

mac vs. pc

We went looking at computers yesterday because our laptap (that we purchased in Jan.) has died. It got infected with a virus, and we are having to get it fixed. You all know how I feel about the pc that I am typing on now! haha

Luke became fascinated with the Mac in Best Buy. The thing is nice, but it's pricey. We could (not that we are going to) purchase three pcs for the price of that one mac. And price is a big issue!

Thoughts?