What is your shelf life?

Today I attended a friend's funeral, which caused me to consider how long is my life, when do I expire, what is my shelf life? In my friend's case, her shelf life was 58 years. Not long enough, but longer than others. Linda's infectious laugh, zest for life, and energy will be missed very much by everyone who knew her. Even though she had been diagnosed with cancer, she chose to go on a cruise she had scheduled previously. She chose to LIVE while she was able, something we all should be doing.

What is your shelf life? Remember to live your life and never pass up an opportunity to do something good for others. Volunteer at a school, nursing home, hospital, or anywhere else your talents would be put to good use. Read those books you've been putting off. Take a painting or craft class you're interested in. Dance more, laugh more, find enjoyment in the little things, and always remember to help others whenever and however you can.

The minute we are born, we embark on a journey that will end with death. Death means to the Christian eternal life in Christ. The heavenly chorus is a little sweeter with the addition of Linda.

Thing #23

My favorite exercise was searching YouTube and TeacherTube and finding all kinds of useful information. My experience with YouTube before that was watching silly, gross, or funny videos either my son showed me or I saw on the news. I'm also excited about finding new genealogy sites I found viewing the Web 2.0 Awards List plus making a Photo Story. I intend to use that tool for school and personal use. I think my teaching will be enhanced due to completing these 23 things. I also appreciate learning about OpenOffice which I downloaded on my computer. To improve this experience for future players, please check the links periodically to ensure they're working. Try the links on your personal computer to ensure the safety of the links. I know since I've been doing this, my inbox is PACKED. Also, be considerant of those who don't own computers. The public library and the school did not allow me to do some of the THINGS I was asked to. This was a fun way to discover 2.0 things, but there were some problems. It was hard to get finished in 3 weeks, sit for long periods of time, and have enough time to really EXPLORE. I would be interested in exploring more as time permits.
Summing up my experience in one sentence: Library2Play is learning through playing, and discovering through exploration.

Thing #22

Nings seem to be a good way to share ideas, brainstorm solutions to problems, and join communities. I looked at a few of the preschool blogs since I'll be teaching Pre-K next year and didn't find anything interesting. I liked the way the Ning was used in the example (7 Things You Need to Know About Ning; Thing #22; http://www.library2play.blogspot.com). It showed students just how powerful their voice could be!

Thing #21

I tried to use other tools to create with, but I don't have a microphone and things were REALLY slow. I had a hard time with Audacity . . . even listening to the book review took quite a while. It was REALLY slow to download. I also got frustrated registering for Switchpod, all the user names I wanted to use were taken, and it erased EVERYTHING for me to do it ALL again (description of podcast and e-mail were the hardest to have to type over and over again!!). Anyway, I finally made a product using Photo Story. The pictures were taken last summer (when I was able to take a VACATION) and the song is from the Fall 2007 San Jacinto College Central Jazz Ensemble and Combo Concert. Listen very closely and you'll hear my son playing sax. Here's the link:

http://www.switchpod.com/p19554.html

I can use Photo Story to show pictures of classroom activities next year!

Thing #20

Searching YouTube I found some fun Pre-K songs and activities:





Searching TeacherTube I met the Quirkles - fun science activities:



I'll be able to use these in the classroom, plus a lot of others. It's wonderful we have access to so many wonderful resources and are able to connect with others in our profession around the world!