Librarians' Internet Index

After I read the news from my blonglines account I searched through the Librarians' Internet Index (LII.org) and found an amazing site created for teachers by the Library of Congress. The Learning Page: Especially for Teachers contains lessons and activities for teachers of history. The lessons are categorized by topic and the grade level is indicated. The lessons are linked to national standards, which is always a plus. I am going to share this site with my colleagues when school is back in session. I don't currently teach US History but it will hopefully benefit the other teachers in my department. As well, Reuters has some interesting articles. I was quickly updated on the political scene (if only Mr. Obama and Mr. McCain could see eye to eye) and even read a quick article on Madonna and Guy Richie. Why? I am not really sure because I could care less about their relationship, or lack there of. As my previous posts indicated we had a busy week and we are finally home and ready for a more restful week. We made it through the family reunion, thank goodness.

having fun blogging

My family and I have had an incredible busy week, as I mentioned in my last blog. The fourth of July celebrations will officially end tomorrow at a family reunion on my husband's side. Today we spent our day on the boat and I tried kneeboarding for the first time. I was unsuccessful. I had no cell phone service or internet connection all day. It was a nice change. When I got home I went to my bloglines account and read the news. That is an incredibly convenient tool. In addition to major news sites, I subscribed to National Geographic. I teach geography and use the magazine, their website, and their videos regularly. I watched a clip on how Belgian shepherds are trained to search for land mines in war-torn Cambodia. Dogs are amazing, and these are quite expensive...$30,000 / dog. I read an interview with Fareed Zakaria on CNN as well. He commented on US relations with Iran. I have long studied the Middle East and have found Mr. Zakaria a leading figure on the problems the West has had with countries such as Iran and Iraq over the years. It was an interesting interview, however no solutions were offered on how to solve the diplomatic crises between the US and Iran. The New York Times book review is helpful as well. I am always looking for what is new. My oldest son just got out of bed and is asking me what I am doing. Try explaining blogging to a 7 year old who just wants to write stories on paper. That will change when I teach him how to type. I am going to try story number 2 to get him back to bed. Good night.

What a week

Well, I am opening up to the world of blogging and finding it amusing and somewhat time-consuming. It is a tool that has great potential...especially on weeks when I don't have four, yes four, holiday parties in honor of the 4th of July. I can see myself using this to serve many purposes. Communicating with professional working mothers to learn how they balance it all is something I hope to explore. I have many friends who are at-home moms (God love them) and I have been envious of them on one hand and on the other I think they are totally nuts. I, however, returned to work (teaching history at a high school) shortly after each the boys (currently 6 and 7 years old) were born. I fully enjoyed the time I had with them but knew I had to get back to work. So, I have been trying to juggle "it all" as they say. Now I am pursuing my master's in library science and added one more thing to my plate. So, blogging is now a part of my life. I have enjoyed reading the blogs of seasoned librarians. I have found those that are posting blogs about their own interests and their professional experiences are the most enjoyable. I have also created an account on bloglines and have enjoyed the news sites and the on-the-spot news updates. So cool. Now I am off to party number 3 for this holiday. Did I mention I have my husband's family reunion on Sunday? I can't wait.

testing my blog site

Ignore this posting...just testing.