#ootd Day 1

In my research (on Pinterest, Stitch Fix, and other fun internet places), I learned this fabulous hashtag: #ootd. "Outfit of the Day".

So, to show my progress in my Be a Professional journey, I thought I'd post my very first #ootd. This is Spring Day 1, from Sunday, March 23. I chose to wear my Little Black Dress (lbd in fashion lingo). Then I put the aqua shrug and coordinating earrings with it. I also wore my fabulous black heels.



To make this outfit possible, I obviously learned about needing a lbd. I also learned about this season's colors (aqua and coral, which I hope to share with you later). I also learned that I have a favorite neutral -- and that EVERYONE has a favorite neutral. Who knew?! My personal favorite neutral is grey, so I plan to add more to my wardrobe as time and money allows. It was hard finding the perfect lbd, and I don't think this one is quite "it", since it's a little shorter than I'd like. The work continues!

I did have so much fun shopping! My daughter's bff, sometimes called my "other daughter", went shopping with us, and she took some hilarious pics of me while I was "modeling" some of the outfits. If I get brave, I'll share those too.

When I was working on this post, a great song kept running through my head. It's called "Day 1" by Matthew West. So inspirational, and fitting for my new adventure:

"Day one of the rest of my life,
Day one of the best of my life,
I'm marching to the beat of a brand new drum,
Here I come,
The future has begun,
Day one."

Beginning something new? Need inspiration? I recommend listening to Matthew West's "Day 1" and reading "Ordinary: How to Turn the World Upside Down" by Tony Merida. Make a new beginning!

Noisy Library?

Actually, my library is a lively place. If you walk in expecting to hear a pin drop, you'll be highly alarmed.

I think a bustling library is a sign of a useful library. Is it quiet in here? Not if it's being used!

The elementary library is a good example. Especially during last period. During last period, I teach a class of 4th graders for Library Skills. Also, during this same time, I have 2nd graders coming in and out doing AR tests and checking out books. Often, the herd of 1st graders come through to check out books during this last hour of the day, too. And on really busy days, I will sometimes have the 5th & 6th come in for books, and the Kindergarten if they were running late. No, it's not quiet. It's busy. That's how I like it!

Sometimes the high school library is WAY too quiet. That's because it's not being used. Today, I'm enjoying the noise. 8th graders have been in to type essays, and now I'm hosting a group of students who have discovered the high school iPads and the learning games. Nope, not quiet, but that's all right with me.

Although the clucking chickens on Chicktionary are a bit much.

Reading suggestion for today: with thoughts on the farm (inspired by the never-ending chickens mentioned above) try the Dairy Queen series by Catherine Gilbert Murdock.

Technology Leadership Differences

As a Library Media Specialist, I think somewhere along the line, I heard I was supposed to be a technology leader.

As a person who knows just enough about technology to be dangerous, that call to be a technology leader seems a bit daunting. And yet... Maybe my own struggle to learn and keep up with technology can mirror my students' struggles to learn something new. Although it seems that anything "tech" comes easy to today's young people, many struggle in school. As a leader in education, I should be able to guide kids toward tools that help (and to empathize with their struggles).

I currently serve two libraries, one at elementary and one at jr/sr high school. Here is where the strangest dichotomy exists. Our elementary school is led by a strong administrator who acknowledges the need for technology in education, and who encourages all of us to expand our boundaries and think outside the box. Her attitude is one of excelling as champions in all areas. Our principal's enthusiasm is contagious, and as we learn new things, we pass them on to our students. The atmosphere at the elementary school is one of optimism as we eagerly embrace the future today.

The atmosphere in the junior/senior high school is a bit different. The teachers are not pushed to try new things, but they can if they are willing to do so on their own. New technology is not on the "high priority" list.

Where do I fit in here? I think I sort of fall in the middle somewhere. I try to keep up with new things (being married to the computer tech guy at the elementary helps), but I admit that it is sometimes difficult to try new things.

Here's the point: no matter where you work, no matter your own ability or comfort level, step out of the box once in awhile. Anyone can be a technology leader. It may take a bit of effort, but aren't our kids worth it?

How about a fun read for elementary kids? Dan Gutman's Virtually Perfect is a great choice!

New Fun with Technology (and Scrapbooking)

That's right, I've found more fun with technology!

I know I'm married to a technology guru, but it's so much more fun when I "discover" things for myself. I often say I know enough about technology to be dangerous! But trust me, my new fun technology is safe for all users!

This new, fun aspect of technology combines several of my "favorite things".

Scrapbooking
Taking pictures
Family
Walmart

Combine all those together and presto!

Photo Books from the Walmart Digital Photo Center!

There are several neat aspects of the Walmart online site, but I love the photo center. We've known for a long time about the ease of using the online photo center to send pictures to be developed. If my order is under $20, I can just send them the photos, then go pick them up and pay for them at my local Walmart! I have 2 Walmart stores close by, and it's easy to choose which one with just a click. So, no matter what town I'm in, I can go by and pick up my pictures.

The "new" part of the site that I've "discovered" is the photo book section. Basically, it's like online scrapbooking! I can upload my pictures from my computer or camera card . Then I choose from a PLETHORA of backgrounds and themes. I can also choose what size I want the album to be, whether I want it hardbound or paper, and even if I want a picture cover, standard cover, or cover with a picture window.

The best part is, I can make the books however long I need them to be (with a minimum of 20 pages -- but that's hardly a "minimum", right?) and add as many pages as I need. Not only do the pages allow me to put in pictures, but I can also add journaling. Which, as any ardent scrapbooker will agree, is a vital part of any photo album!

I can take as long as I want to create a book. I can save at any point along the way, edit and undo wherever I need to, or even discard the whole thing if I want! Best of all, I can order the books sent directly to my local Walmart for me to pick up. No shipping charges! With the photo books, I usually use my handy Walmart gift card to pay online, so all I have to do is drop by Walmart in about a week and pick up my books!

Believe me, these books are quite nice. I've made 4 so far! Can't wait to get together with my family this week to share the books I've made, and to take more pictures to use in creating more masterpieces!

As a book recommendation, I suggest the scrapbooking tools from Creative Memories! The company has local representatives that sell everything from paper and stickers to organizers and books. I love the idea books, like the one below. Or explore the website at creativememories.com! (ooo, more technology!)

Design Therapy

I love watching HGTV. And now, I'm pretty sure my daughter is also hooked!

The premiere of the new season of Design Star was last night, so we spent this morning enjoying the show on hgtv.com, as well as the "extras".

You know, the extras: behind the scenes, expert advice, the whining, and of course, the sneak peak of next week's episode! (Which is the white box, by the way -- my favorite of each season.)

Then, we discovered a cool extension -- HGTV Color Schemes and Paint!

We started with the really cool Style Quiz at http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/hgtv-home-by-sherwin-williams/quiz/

I think it's pretty accurate, considering it nailed me, my daughter, and my son. (I'm "Global Spice", daughter is "Color Pizazz", and son is "Rustic Refined".) Even the names are fun! The kids had fun looking through the color combinations, seeing if they could find the color styles that matched other people we know, like Aunt Teri ("Coastal Cool") or cousin Heidi ("Traditional Twist").

There is also a cool section where you can "Picture it before you paint it" -- click on the colors you like, and use coordinating colors to decorate sample rooms!

My book suggestion for the day is Apartment Therapy by Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan. This amazing book was given to me several years ago, and works really well for people with small houses as well as city apartments. It takes you step-by-step through your living space to take you from hating your home to loving it! Apartment Therapy has a website, too, with lots of blogs and shopping. Great book, and great website!

Social Media

Today, at home with both kids who are sick, I have been exploring Social Media.

For many people, tweeting and facebooking are key components of their day. I admit, I'm learning more about facebook everyday, and love it! However, I am new to twitter, and I am slow at using Google+. I don't have a pinterest account, although I love going there to browse.

Today, since I have the time, I'm exploring. I started with my facebook. Then I browsed my tweets, clicking on lots of different things. I also follow several different blogs, so I spent time today clicking through blog posts.

The neatest thing was discovering that I can LINK my social media together! For example, if I find something on a blog that I like, I can tweet it out. If I find something on facebook I like, I can +1 it onto my Google+. Fun!

Yesterday, I spent the day reading. The book I finished yesterday was The Wild Ways,

and it (like social media) connected lots of aspects of things I enjoy. It is primarily a modern adventure story, but it incorporates magic, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, country music, Celtic tradition, saving the seals, family relationships, and soooo much more! Did I mention the teenage boy in the novel (typical teen) is also a dragon? Heeheehee.

Enjoy your combination explorations! :)

Balancing Act

Working and having kids is a balancing act. Often, I wish for more time to spend with my kids, just being their mom and enjoying the precious time I have with them while they're still little. (Or somewhat little.)

Today was a good example of that balancing act. We had the day off from school, but I had many tasks I needed to accomplish at the elementary library, things that had to get done today or I would be even farther behind. And yet, today was a such a beautiful day, it just BEGGED for an Adventure with Mom!

So... we compromised. PaPa took the kids and me out to breakfast this morning! (Yay, special treat!) Then, while I worked in the library, they played outside. They love the playground, especially since it is close to home and my work. When they eventually got cold, they came inside and helped me with my work. When I got tired, we went home for a spell and enjoyed playing computer games and PS3. After lunch together, we went back to the library and worked some more. And the kids got to play on the school computers a bit.

I am not completely caught up on my work. (However, I think being "caught up" is just a figment of my imagination, not a true goal to reach.) But I got to spend some of the day with my kiddos, which is really what a day off should be about! Especially when the weather is lovely and the kids are getting along so well.

What series am I reading with my kids at night now that we finished Lightning Thief? The 39 clues series!

We are starting #11 tonight: Medusa Plot. Can't wait! Love that mom + kids time!

Pinterest

Okay, I admit it. Everyone I know has been talking about Pinterest for several months. I have been loathe to jump on the bandwagon. After all, I reasoned, everybody tells me about the projects, food, hair ideas, decorating, etc. I don't need to look for myself. (I believe I also understand myself well enough to know that I will spend WAAAAY too much time on such a site.)

Well, I broke down and let a student show me how to find it online. Yep, I am now addicted. It truly is amazing! So much to see, and do, and food for thought (as well as real food).

So, do I like Pinterest? Indeed, I love it! (But I still think I never should have tried it in the first place...)

Addicting website -- Pinterest

Series to read (also addicting) -- Aunt Dimity series by Nancy Atherton

A Nod to the Great Idea Guy

The guy who created Google docs deserves an award. Seriously.

Using Google docs allows you to write, edit, post, turn in, print, whatever you need to do to a document. Need to write an essay, then send it to your mom to read? No problem -- use Google docs. Wrote a research paper and need to send it to your professor? Use Google docs. Computer froze during the typing process? Just head to another pc and get it from Google docs!

I was afraid. It was new technology, and I didn't think I could run it. Guess what -- it was so easy, even I could use it!

So, a nod to the guy who created Google docs. And a nod to the great idea guy who helped me learn to use it!

On the same note, a nod to a book about a great idea guy -- Conor Kostick's Epic series.

Internet Coolness

I just found the coolest site on the internet!! No kidding! It's called "Human Calendar", and it changes all the time. It uses individual boxes of photos of people holding little cards that indicate the date. And it moves all the time. Amazing technology! Super coolness!

http://www.humancalendar.com/

I also found another really cool site. It's "Literature Map". You type in the name of an author you like, and the screen swirls around (cool effect, by the way), and leaves you with names of similar authors you might like. What a neat way to find an author to try next time you visit the library!

http://www.literature-map.com/

I just love the internet sometimes! (Don't like it when it isn't working, but that's another story for another time...) I've found some of the coolest sites, just by accident. The lit map I found doing a search for my grad class, looking for technology related to libraries. The human calendar I found today just flipping through random blogs -- which is also a fun thing to do!

A great series combining lots of things I love (fairy tales, technology, mysteries, and family) is the Artemis Fowl series. Great fun!

Technology

I am pumped about our new technology!

Okay, now that everyone I know has picked his or her jaw up from the floor, let me just say that I am excited about the options technology gives educators.

I am loving the new ways to send and edit papers, especially Google Docs. Some cool things happening there, let me tell you!

I am also loving iPads! I recently borrowed a helpful book from the Chickasha Public Library. It's iPad for Dummies, and it is amazingly helpful. I now feel confident enough to work on the high school iPads and get things ready to go. I've actually downloaded and chosen apps for the high school, and I am growing more excited about finding even more treasures there. I hope I'll be able to share this new-found joy with the high school teachers, who I hope will share the joy with their students.

Yep, bubbling over with love of technology today! :)