Everything old is new again!

@Learning
You may notice the new, retro look-and-feel for my blog. I'm taking a workshop on using Blogger in my Atomic Learning class. I'm learning to use the more advanced features of the web 2.0 tool. I found some amazing, free backgrounds at the Cutest Blog on the Block.  There are so many great backgrounds that I may have to change things up more often.

I also added my twitter feeds from Abbagej and MadamAbigail.  My feeds have been much easier to use and follow since I started using Hootsuite, a free web tool to manage social networking.

@Athletics

Annakin

Davin and I have progressed from denial to resignation.  Yes, we are going to run the inaugural Savannah Rock and Roll Marathon on November 5.  Davin has started running some short distances and I have started walking again.

Madie

Madie, our Australian Shepperd, earned me some harsh words in our last visit to the vet.  She's about 10 pounds over weight.  I've started walking Annakin two miles and Madie one mile this week.  Next week, I hope to start running with Annakin and walking off the lactic acid with Madie.  Baby steps!

My USTA 3.5 women's team is hanging in the middle of the pack.  We lost one of our best players to twins (women!), but we've all stepped up our game.  My goals is to qualify for playoffs (bonus rounds!).

Our mixed ALTA team at B5 is doing really well.  We are undefeated so far and playing the last place team this Saturday.  We're tied for second and looking good for our move to first place next week.  Maybe I'll get another ALTA bag tag, finally.

@Home

I've gotten myself into all sorts of trouble.  My thought was that I would get Trey a great jungle gym so that I could sit in the shade and do work while he wore himself out all summer long.  There have been a few quirks in the plan:

1. It took FOREVER for the darn thing to be delivered.
2. I thought that I'd hire someone to build the thing.  Yea...well...the estimate came in at $1,000.  That's more than the playground cost.
3. I'm now inventorying all the parts so that I can put the swing set together with help from Davin and our neighbor, an engineer.  It took an hour yesterday to take stock on box one of four.  Seriously?

The bottom line:  Wish me luck!

Summer learning, had me a blast!

Summer is hot and so is my personal growth. Corny I know, but accurate. I am having an amazing summer of learning. Check out some of the things I've been doing.

@Professional
June 16 and 17th, I attended the Georgia Virtual School Summer 2011 Professional Learning Symposium. I learned to use some great tools and about some great practices. Check out my live binder of sites and tools:
http://livebinders.com/play/present?id=123636

I also presented on using Screenr in the virtual classroom to leave feedback and personalize communication with students.

Using screenr in the virtual classroom

View more presentations from Abigail Jackson

@Learning
I started my first class at Valdosta for my EdS in Instructional Technology. I'm taking a course entitle "Atomic Learning". Essentially, I get to pick three software packages or online services that I will study and learn to use. For my first lesson, I selected GarageBand which is a phenomenally easy to use product. Read my reflection for more information.

AAJ Workshop 1 Reflection

I do plan to complete another lesson which is not required. Because GarageBand is a MAC specific product, and I have PC, I will need to learn to use Audacity to make pod casts. I'm also exploring using my I-pad to produce pod casts for use my classroom.


@Home
We finished our back patio. It is beautiful. I hung my hammock swing that I have stored since Davin John got married in Mexico, six years ago. It is so worth it!

Trey's new playground (http://www.target.com/Adventure-Playsets-Patriot-Wooden-Swing/dp/B003XECGQG/ref=huc_ic_2_pn) arrived yesterday. We'll be hiring someone to assemble it, because I want to stay married. Trey and I are both so excited and are planning a "break in the playground" soiree!

I also finished working on the front porch. I bought some really pretty wicker furniture for the front porch, two fabulous 4 foot high urns, and an outdoor rug. It's lovely. I feel like I am in the islands.

For father's day, I bought two wireless speakers. I plan to make a marvelous diner for my family, sit on my patio, and listen to my favorite music.

@Athletics
My women's 3.0 USTA team finished 2nd in the state championship last month. It was an awesome weekend with good friends and amazing tennis.

We have started the summer 3.5 season. We lost our first match 2-3, but our opponents lost the following week and we took five lines. We are now in second place in the division. We are still in it and I am looking for another fence sign!