Author Archives: ramblingsofaperforatedmind

Hard at Work

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I’m still in my jammies even though it’s a bit after lunch.  That may not be your idea of hard at work, but I had a full day of webinars on my schedule.  They started at eight this morning and run almost all day.  Webinars are a wonderful idea for busy people.  Especially antisocial, busy people like me.

Today’s focus is how to maximize Google for teaching.  I do a lot with Google already, but there’s always more to learn.  The best thing about these classes—they are free!  If I want to purchase a membership, I can even print a certificate for each webinar I attend.  So far, I’ve just signed up with the free option, but it might be worth upgrading later.

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The Faces of Laziness

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Our pets spend a lot of time lounging around the house.  I have to admit that I spend as much time as possible doing the same, but these little furkids have me beat.

Lil Devil is a master at taking up desk space.

Lil Devil is a master at taking up desk space.

Jinx holds down the couch while she keeps an eye on me.

Jinx holds down the couch while she keeps an eye on me.

Purrful can take up a lot of space.

Purrful can take up a lot of space.

Birthday Surprise

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Lisa, our friend (of many years) in Virginia sent Bela a birthday package.  The box was taped well for protection, so Bela had to work to unveil her prize.  I already knew what was in there, but I didn’t tell!

The outside was really pretty.

The outside was really pretty.

Bela had to work at opening her gift.

Bela had to work at opening her gift.

Ooooh!

Ooooh!

 

Lisa put a lot of time and love into this autograph book!

Lisa put a lot of time and love into this autograph book!

Bela is counting the days until she can pack up and get this autograph book filled at Warped Tour.  I can’t wait to take some pictures of her being a fan girl!

 

 

Jamie Preciado Picture

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Bela is working on a drawing of Jaime Preciado of Pierce the Veil.  She is gearing up for Warped Tour in Denver next weekend…the picture may or may not be a gift.  She has to finish it, and then she can decide.

You can see the original picture on top of the artist's work.

You can see the original picture on top of the artist’s work.

All Bela needs to do is finish shading.

All Bela needs to do is finish shading.

 

LootCrate!

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Bela got her first LootCrate this week.  I got her the April crate as part of her birthday present(s).  She was thrilled with the contents.  I was happy because she was happy.  The LootCrate was smaller than I expected, but it was definitely mighty!  A lot of good stuff was packed inside.  I was surprised to see how economical the monthly subscription is for LootCrate.  I may have to make this a regular thing for her.

Bela couldn't wait to open it!

Bela couldn’t wait to open it!

She loved the Game of Thrones T...

She loved the Game of Thrones T…

...and the flash drive...

…and the flash drive…

...and the Harry Potter luggage tag! She will use that very soon, I suspect.

…and the Harry Potter luggage tag! She will use that very soon, I suspect.

I want the magnets on the fridge.

I want the magnets on the fridge.

We haven't tried the playing cards yet, but we will.

We haven’t tried the playing cards yet, but we will.

Her favorite items were the crown and the bowtie.

Her favorite items were the crown and the bowtie.

If you look closely, you can see the pin that was included.

If you look closely, you can see the pin that was included.

https://www.lootcrate.com/

A Productive Day

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I got up earlier than planned this morning, so after my first cup of coffee, I threw on enough clothes to avoid arrest and went to feed a pal’s cats and make sure Bela’s horse, Oreo, had plenty of fresh water for the day.  Oreo was happy that I showed up with a bit of grain for her (not that she needs it).  I even managed to check the mail and take out the trash.  (In all fairness, Bela helped with the trash.)

The part of my day that made me feel super, über productive was attending a few webinars for teachers.  I signed up for five, but I think I might skip the one about math apps.  I can always watch it later if I need it, but math is not my area of expertise.  I teach 7th grade world history and Spanish (in case you didn’t already know that).

Anyway, I have already started typing my notes to share with a fellow educator using my Google Drive.  My friend, Wilmer (in Mexico) was “stuck” in meetings today, so I promised that I’d share my notes.  Wilmer and I are a lot alike.  We are language teachers who always keep learning, and we enjoy collaborating.

My friends know I collect certificates, and I’m always seeking online (and free) classes.  I need to stay busy.  (I just started a Chinese for Beginners class on Coursera!)  Staying busy keeps me out of trouble (always a good thing), and the classes can be done in my living room.  In my jammies.  You can’t beat that kind of convenience.

This morning I attended Lauren Boucher’s “15 Free Mobile Apps to Promote Creativity through Creation,” Shelly Terrell’s “15 Free Mobile Digital Storytelling Apps,” and Dr. Jayme Linton’s “15 Free Mobile Apps to Engage and Motivate Learners.”  I knew about some of the apps, but there were many more I hadn’t heard of.  I am so glad I took the time to attend!

If you are a teacher who loves technology, please head on over to Simplek12 and sign up for some really interesting and helpful webinars.  You won’t be disappointed.

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