Lesson 3 Webinars

This week we're learning about Webinars in 23thingsKansas. I haven't gone to a live one yet, but listened to an archived one. I listened to Stephen Abrams Twenty Five Technologies to Watch and How through SirsiDynix. I believe it is close to being a couple years old. Two years ago I had never heard of some of these technology things and he was talking about technologies I'm just learning about now. He talked about the potential of each of the technologies and how he uses them. It was very useful, but boy, I have a lot more to learn! He said he read more than 500 blogs a day!!! How do people find the time to blog, read other's blogs, play on Facebook, and read their 3 e-mail accounts? I know I do not use my time as efficiently as I could. I wish I would have worked on that when I was younger, but I was busy being a mommy of 3, going back to college, working full time and being involved in extended family. I'm getting off track now, I guess that's part of my time issue problem. I think the potential for this in the next 10 years will be phenomenal. I could see businesses, classrooms, families, Facebook friends doing this as a way of becoming more personal through live communication with each other, not just typing or texting, but having real conversations with our voices.

Week Two: Facebook

Facebook is our Week 2 assignment. I still don't get Facebook completely. I can't believe all the people who get on it and the time they spend. Where do they get the time to do that? I'd like to hear how you use it.

My kids are all in their 30's now. My oldest just turned 34 today and my youngest just turned 31 last Friday! Then I have one in the middle that's 32!

Week One: Blogging

23 Things Kansas, here we go! I'm so excited about learning something new! Knowledge changes so fast now, that we have to keep up so we know what's going on in the world of technology. Our kids know it and I want to know what they're doing and talking about. I think we get stagnant if we don't continue learning new things. I have a 96 year old grandma, that still is willing and wanting to learn new things. Think of the changes she has seen in her life! My 84 year old mother-in-law enjoys her email, making cards on the computer and working with her photographs. I wish I could get my mom on board. I think she would love blogging. She has an interesting way of journaling and would be great at this. Happy blogging!!!

Snow Day

I love snow days and being home! My life has to settle down a little. I need more home time and more Linda time. Is that being selfish? I really think if I could slow down my activities some, I'd be a better wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, not to mention, a better teacher. As I get older, I think about the time I have left with my life. We never really know, it could end tomorrow, but all the more reason to live each day happily and doing God's will. Sometimes our jobs consume our lives so much, even in our dreams. I just think we have our priorities all screwed up. Life is so short. I have 2 cousins younger than me, who have been living with cancer for 5-11 years. Their time is short. Maybe that's why I have been re-evaluating my life and the choices I make. I tend to want to do everything and experience everything. So I am always saying the "YES" word and getting myself into things because I do want to experience it all. Not in a wild and crazy way. I get involved in school things, church things, women's groups, etc. I just feel like I want time to work on my photo scrapbook albums, listen to some good music, read the Bible daily, relax and read a good book, and visit with good friends, without worrying about what else I should be doing instead. We put so much pressure on ourselves. We should be good housekeepers, not my favorite thing to do, although I love to be in a clean organized house. WE should cook healthy, low fat meals. I hate to cook! We should always go above and beyond the call of duty at work, especially if you're a teacher! I should visit my two 96 & 98 year old grandmothers (I love them both, but what were they doing when they were 54? Were they spending time with me or their other relatives?) I would love to spend more time with my wonderful mother. I know she is lonely with out my dad. I see her every Sunday and try to go over once in a while. I call her more than I used to. She's an awesome, giving person. This is a priority for me right now. I try to spend lots of time with my granddaughters. What wonderful grand kids I have. They are beautiful, talented and very good girls. I'd like to spend more quality time with my children and their spouses, too. Then, I feel the urge to teach Sunday school. One more job on my list, but I feel like God wants me to do this. I also lead a small group that has one more session to finish up the book of James. Then we will start a new study, not sure what because the church is starting an all church small group study in April, so it would have to be something fairly short. We do meet at my mom's so I do get to see her during the week and take grandma Vena with me. One other thing we spend time doing is caring for Bill's mom. She's with us again right now for a week or so. She has been in the emergency room twice in the last week with high blood pressure, back and stomack pain. She's going to see a surgeon in Wichita next Thursday so Bill will take a day of vacation and take her down there. She's 84! Keep her in your prayers. Well, I thought I wouldn't have anything to write about!!! Maybe no one else will be interested in what I have to say, but maybe it will be therapeutic! Now I need to read my email and decide if we dare to go to a conference in Kansas City tomorrow and if we should leave tonight.