The Dangers of Smoking Marijuana

I try not to get involved in debates over topics such as this one because it is very sensitive for some, and it can result in arguments with no outcome. I know that there are those who support the legalization of marijuana, while others do not. Well I am not going to discuss here what my personal views are on the subject, (regarding whether or not it should be legal), but it does hit a very personal "nerve" with me when people state that it is harmless.

I lost my mother suddenly in 2001. I got a chance to speak to her over the phone a few weeks before she died, but the last 10 years or so of her life we were not close. To be honest we were never close, but the saddest part of all this for me was that I hadn't seen her in close to 10 years and I had no idea how much time had passed until she was gone. I was raised by my dad and two stepmothers (wow topic for another blog post) and I was used to long periods of time passing without seeing mom. Below, I added an older picture of her (she was pregnant with me at the time) and put an old high school grad pic of me in lower left corner of frame.

I live in California...somewhere around 1991-92 my mother left California and moved back to her hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. We talked on the phone from time to time. She kept promising to return to California, but in 2001 she died...she never made it back here.

Two weeks before she died she called me. She told me that she had recently been hospitalized for about 6 weeks. I was stunned. Anyone that spends that much time in a hospital bed has a pretty serious issue going on. My mother at that time was about 68 years old. I say that because she was always sooo secretive about her age. She explained to me that she had been diagnosed with a breathing problem that she developed from all the years of her life that she had smoked marijuana. She complained to me that her breathing had gotten so bad that at times she struggled to catch her breath ( I added several links at the bottom of this blog post regarding the dangers of smoking marijuana).

She told me that her breathing was under control now and that she was gaining weight from the steroids in the medication the doctor had prescribed to her. We laughed about it. See, all my life I have struggled with my weight but my mother was always thin and petite. I told her I was happy to hear that she was okay. Two weeks later I had to be pulled out into the parking lot at work to be told that my mother had been found dead that morning. She had died in her sleep. According to the coroner's report she aspirated in her sleep (she suffocated on fluid in her lungs). Her death was associated with a chronic breathing condition she hadn't even had that long. Like me most of my siblings had only heard about it just a few weeks before she died. At the time she told me, we (the rest of her children) were all just hearing the news...none of us had even heard of the possibly that a person could develop a chronic breathing condition from smoking "weed"....WUH??....

People die from diseases directly linked to alcoholism, and lung disease from smoking tobacco and both those substances are legal. So will it cure all the world's woes if we legalize it, (marijuana)? Or should it stay illegal?..Like I said, I am not writing this post to debate this topic. Regardless to whether or not it is legalized, I still wouldn't smoke it...but I would be less than honest if I said I never smoked it. As a teenager I gave in to peer pressure and smoked it with the rest of my friends. That was over 20 years ago. I couldn't work, I couldn't attend school. I couldn't function and I was always paranoid. Wow!!..what sense did it make to use something that altered my lifestyle so much (now I am speaking about me...not judging anyone else). I am proud to say I have lived my life free from it since...with NO desire to EVER smoke it again.

BUT.....my biggest concern is that people think it is harmless...Well my mother thought it was harmless too and now I don't have her anymore...STOP calling it harmless people, and stop making jokes about it...cause it is not harmless.

Be kind to yourselves...


More on the potential dangers of smoking marijuana...

Marijuana Smokers Face Rapid Lung Disease

Respiratory health effects of cannabis

Marijuana Side Effects

Marijuana worsens breathing problems in current smokers

Marijuana Addiction is a Progressive Disease

Journey of a Newly Credentialed Teacher

Today I am reflecting. It's been a long week. I didn't get much sleep, which I blame on me being in high gear all week. I reached a milestone in my career and I celebrated it by spending the day shopping with my daughter. I totally forgot that my childhood best friend was giving her daughter a baby shower today...so I know I will be spending the beginning of next week mending an important relationship.

Okay...so back to reflecting on why I have had such an energetic week. Just this past Thursday night I sat down with a credentialing advisor at school and he said something to me that I have been waiting to hear certain that it would take forever before I did. He told me, "You're approaching the light at the end of the tunnel." I thought "Wow, really?..This can't be almost over?" The State of California has made me jump through so many hoops that I thought it would never end.

I remember asking, when I started the credentialing program, how long would it take for me to become a credentialed elementary school teacher, and I could never get a straight answer. "Well, since your looking at a dual program which allows you to earn two credentials (I am working on credentials in special education and general education) it just depends. It is different for different people...Some people do it in two years or so, some longer." I thought "Wuh!?!..That's not an answer!"....

Okay, (sigh),..anyway, I was told along the way there were tests I would have to take. "Well in order to meet the requirements set by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing you have to take the CBEST (California Basic Education Skills Test) to meet the basic skills requirement, then CSET (California Subject Examination For Teachers) to show subject matter competency, and then after that you have to take the RICA,(Reading Instruction Competence Assessment) at the end of your program, but you have five years to complete the RICA...

What is important now is getting through CBEST and CSET in order to get your preliminary credentials out of the way". Blah...blah...blah...yadda...yadda...yadda...All I knew was that I wanted to be a teacher and no matter how long it took I had time, (actually that is not true there is a time limit if you're already working in the classroom...ANYWAY). I learned that I could teach while working on the credentials. There were some prerequisites I had to complete, but as long as I had a Bachelor's degree at the minimum I could work while in school.

Before entering the classroom as the teacher of record I had taken and passed the CBEST. I had also worked as a substitute teacher the year prior to getting my own classroom, so I felt like, "Okay I think I can do this!" I fell in love with my students and my job and thought, "Wow there is nothing else in this world that I would much rather be doing right now except for this!"...And believe me I have tried a few things. In the past 10 years or so I have worked as a secretary, administrative assistant, clerical supervisor, and project manager and hated it all...I had worked my way through the ranks in the business sector and never found as much joy as I do working as a teacher.

The hardest part of my credentialing program has been taking the required state tests; but with a lot of hard work (really lots and lots of prayer), and study I am at the end of my tunnel like my credentialing advisor said. I passed the CSET all the subtests (it's a three to four part test depending on the credential) and of course now I will move on to the RICA, although I have a little time. Over the next few weeks I should be receiving preliminary credentials in the mail with a State of California seal on them. The hardest part is behind me, yet this still feels like the beginning...the beginning of a new life, and a new career. I am 41 years old in my second year of teaching and I feel like I just got started...like a kid fresh out of college...You know they say life begins at 40...with that being said regarding that last statement I would have to agree.

Wuh?!!!.....

I expected to rest a lot this summer. I mean to tell you the truth teachers look forward to summer break just as much as their students do; but instead I got totally addicted to playing online games on Facebook. I would spend hour upon hour playing games until sitting in the same place made my butt hurt. Now I ask is that healthy?...Back in April of 2009 I read an article on the subject that looked at both sides of the argument by first asking the question does spending too many hours on Facebook lower student performance? It also highlighted the opposite by asking the question can Facebook actually booster student performance? Does it hurt or help? Okay readers I will let you decide. Can spending hour after hour in front of a computer playing game after game and doing nothing else for days at a time until your body aches really hurt you?...Well duh?...Do the math....if after this experiment you can still remember how.

Cheers!!.....

For more information read more here on the subject Does Facebook Use Affect College Grades?

Why this?...

During a math lesson on Friday one of my high school students asked me. "Ms. Browning....why are you here? Why in the world would you want to work with these bad kids at this school?"

I work at a community school for students who have been kicked out of the district due to occurrences with bad behaviors. Some of my kids are just misunderstood, while others manage to get themselves in so much trouble that they wind up here. This is not the first time I have had a student ask me that question. So I asked him, "Why do you ask? Don't you think everyone deserves a second chance?"...his response, "I don't know?...Depends on what they did...but I wouldn't go to college all them years like you and wind up working here for nothing."

I had to laugh and pause just for a minute....I could relate to what he was saying, but for me so much had changed that this young kid probably wouldn't understand. It's one of those things you just have to live through. Two years ago I was a project manager. I worked in healthcare and I made a lot more money than I do now. I was driving a new car, credit cards maxed to the limit, more stress then I could handle. I was depressed. I had managed to work for the same organization for 10 years. I worked my way up from secretary to supervisor, then project manager, all the while telling myself things would get better and they never did. I knew I needed a change. The only time I could remember being happy back then was when I was in school. Even my daughter said to me..."Mom you are a different person since becoming a teacher. I don't remember during the time I was growing up you having a job that has made you this happy."

I will admit, I did take a loss in income. I had to liquidate some debts, and restructure my life. We had to move into a cheaper place for the umpteenth time. My daughter and I have moved so much our furniture should have roller skates on it...actually I bought some new furniture this year since moving, so that was a fun change.

Today, I spend more time visiting with family, I exercise, I go places, We eat out on occasion and catch a show every now and then. I have long periods of time off. I only work 9 months out of the year, and being a teacher is the best job I have ever had. I take pride in what I do and I am learning new things all the time. Heck I learn stuff every time I have to plan for a lesson. I explained to my student....

"One of the most important things you can do for yourself is get an education. It gives you choices. I can always go back to what I was doing, but I don't want to. So I make less money. We are living better then we ever did when I was making more money." He totally didn't understand that last part. How can you live better with less?

Well, if there is anything I want to teach my students it would be this...

You only live once. It is never too late to follow a dream. You can do what may seem like the impossible, I did. Never put a dollar amount on your happiness....because no matter what anyone says money cannot make you happy. It may not sink in for a few years, but if they hear it enough...just maybe they will remember it one day...if not directly from me, just know that it is possible.

I never ever thought I would ever hear me say that and mean it. As a matter of fact I am going to go take a walk with my daughter around our neighborhood right now. Smell some roses, look at my neighbors landscapes, walk past a park or two (lot's of parks in my neighborhood). All the people I used to envy walking their dogs, riding bikes with their children, playing on the swings with their kids, jogging past me on the bike path I will waive at...I don't have to envy them anymore...I am one of them now. I thought I was suppose to envy the lady passing me by in the Lexus....nope not with that car note

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Now playing: Mariah Carey - Anytime You Need A Friend
via FoxyTunes

Follow up to a Mother's Love

Look.....I don't profess to be a poet. When I started writing that post about my daughter the words just started to flow...I know some of it really doesn't rhyme, but that was not my intention, (to write a poem). That post had more to do with us becoming runners. It's about a mother's love, and pride in her only child. I cherish her and if I could I would shout it from every rooftop in town I would...any town at that. Am I apologizing for my attempt at writing a poem..NO...well sorta...only to my daughter who is the real poet in this family...

Dis mama's old butt trying to hang ;0)

......but don't worry sweetie I won't quit my day job (smooches)...oh BTW I started a journal of our journey to become lifetime runners....starting with training for our first marathon at LiveJournal...my online diary, one day at a time.

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Now playing: Babyface - There She Goes
via FoxyTunes

This mother's love

She has always been a little different, but so am I. I didn't know that I could love a person as much as I do her. I know what it is to want to take away your child's pain, to hope that some of the trials you faced your children never will. What about the trials they face you won't? How do you protect them from that pain? Truth is you don't. We all have our burdens to bare...when it comes to our children it doesn't seem fair.

She was so beautiful when she was born. All the things I hated about myself she made me love. My smile, she has it, many of my expressions she shares. She is more like me than anyone else in the world. When I looked at myself in the mirror I hated the reflection staring back at me..I think it was the parts of me that most reminded me of my mother. To look at my daughter and see so much of me and see how beautiful is she, I finally learned to love myself through the reflection of another. Look what God made...and allowed me to be the caretaker of. She is this mother's love.

Her relationship with her father has always been a strain. Although she is his oldest it wasn't long before he had more, none of which I bore. He was there at times, but not really. He'd make promises and brake them. She swore he cared more for his sons, and child support...we usually got none...

In the midst of all this pain came puberty...My perfect child started into this strange ugly-duckling stage, it's like she didn't know if she wanted to look like me or him, have light or dark skin, would she be short or tall...be heavy or small?...

A face more beautiful with each passing year, long strong beautiful hair, and 20 or more pounds a year, every year, after year. Then I started to see a change. She became more sensitive and hidden found it difficult to make new friends. It's like my poor child just couldn't win. Truth be told she was always sensitive, a straight A student, that didn't fit in. Never part of the popular crowd, more mature than most her age she started college early...On the Dean's List, and Who's Who....never causing me to worry.

The first few years were difficult. Seemed like my poor child got sick every semester, but she persevered and in the midst of all that struggle she blossomed and came out of her shell...I started to see a whole new person. She was finally finding herself and the day arrived when she announced, "Mom I want to run a marathon!" OMG!...the journey has begun.

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Now playing: Maxwell - This Woman's Work
via FoxyTunes

This just SUCKS!!!....well maybe not totally?

Hey....I am venting....really I want to scream, and then come to my senses and share some links I found for free....you know stuff for teachers. That is really what this post is about. Freebies......

Besides....WOW!!...I guess I am not setting a good example if I start drinking, but it is true that not having what I need just SUCKS!!... okay really in some ways I am not surprised. I was warned that becoming a teacher would be the hardest job I would every have and love.....well something like that. It rhymed the first time I heard it....

Hey, I suffer from a lack of resources, a lack of support, NO MONEY, crazy expectations, long work hours, and in the middle of all this chaos I am expected to teach my kids you know STUFF!!!....

I was reading one of my favorite blogs and I ran across one about a teacher who decided he had, had enough and was leaving his budget strapped school of little means for better pastures, a larger school with way more resources, and lots of perks...not necessarily more money just a nicer campus with computers in every classroom, smartboards, and most important perk....like LOTS AND LOTS OF CLEAN BATHROOMS. I will give the janitor credit at my school. He does keep our bathrooms clean...he just can't multiply them for us. I want MORE...hate standing in line.

I hear teachers moan and complain a lot and you know what, many of those complaints are valid. This job is really hard to explain. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have never felt better doing what I do, but I hate it because I am expected to do so much with so little. I guess you really have to love children. Even with all the setbacks I keep getting up in the morning and going back for more. Besides the best part at my small school of little means...there are these faces...these little faces. They may not go to the school with perks, but they need teachers too...so if it is all the same I think I might stick this out....well maybe just a little longer. After all in this economy having a job is a blessing not to be taken for granted.

The state budget crisis in California has a lot of teachers really scared. Many of us have unanswered questions about whether or not we will have jobs tomorrow, and regarding this stimulus package how is it really going to help education? I mean is there going to be enough oversite, too much oversite, will the money get tied up in School District red tape? What I do know is that I have my students to worry about right now. Plus it takes my mind off things if I concentrate on teaching. For my kids I am willing to take the good with the bad.

I added some stuff below I wanted to share. I am always looking for a shoulder, support, and free stuff for my classroom. I have found some really wonderful sites with free curriculum online and I thought I might create a post putting some of the best links I have found in one place.

These are free resources so enjoy....I have found some really good uses for these links. I had a hard time deciding which is best...but I did narrow it down to my favorites. There are more out there, but these jewels below are more than enough to get started

1. This one is probably one of my favorites Discovery Education. My school district pays for memberships for our teachers for this site, but on your own you have the option of either a paid or free membership that is worth looking into http://discoveryeducation.com/
2. This one is soo cute. For me it is right up there with Discovery Education, and it is one of my favorites The Busy Teacher Cafe for K through 6 http://www.busyteacherscafe.com/index.htm
3. ABC Teach offers free and a paid membership too http://abcteach.com/
4. This is a gateway to hundreds of teacher sites, free printables, free curriculum, etc. Site for Teachers
5. Education World really is the educators best friend. http://www.education-world.com/

There have been some days I wanted to bang my head on the wall...but I found conversations at the sites below motivating

6. I really like this one Pro Teacher Community at http://www.proteacher.net/
7. The Teachers.Net is a great resource that leads to more resources too http://teachers.net/
8. A to Z Teacher Stuff is a good place to share an learn from other educators http://forums.atozteacherstuff.com/

You know I could go on, but these are great references and starting points for anyone looking for curriculum and place to vent, share funny stories, or get assistance finding resources you need for your classroom; ENJOY!!....

The Loss of Baby Boy.....

In Loving Memory of my brother
Raymond Christopher Williams 1962-2009

Baby Boy......Oh how I know he hated to be called that. Doesn't have anything to do with the movie, he was just the last of the boys the youngest of four, five really...it's a long story.

See we have an older brother who was raised to be more of an uncle behind the scenes....my mother's oldest son she bore at 14. I am the youngest, a girl born after baby boy. Kinda pictured us being the last to go. He ended up being the first you know?

I have lost my parents, my grandparents and now a brother. I am faced with facing the family again...to bury another. He died suddenly, but not really...see he was sick, from not caring for himself like he should have. One more hit, another drag, another sip, another party, another trick. They said when they found him, he'd been dead a few days or more, maybe passed out drunk, empty beer cans on the floor.

My older sister had just talked to him last week. I hadn't talked to him in forever. I want to go back and fix that last conversation just to say....well I can't. Truth be told I have to live with the fact that the last thing I said to my brother was something mean. Nothing and no one gives me the right. Only God can judge another human being.

We being so full of self-righteousness think we have the right to tell someone else who to be or how to live?...Oh how easy it is for us to forget our trespasses and judge another. All I know is this inescapable pain....I miss my brother.

Dedicated to my brother Raymond Christopher Williams 1962-2009

Time to Hit the Bricks....

Wow...now I gotta get back in the groove of work again...hmm. One of the many benefits to being a teacher is when the kids are off, so am I. I like the idea of having a summer vacation. Wow I haven't had one of those since high school. Then there is the downside...going back. The first week of winter break I was up and out of bed between 6:00 am and 7:00 am every morning; but as my vacation paddled along I started spending my time off surfing the net and preparing for one of my teacher certification exams that I will be sweating through next week. So....by the time the second week rolled around I was going to bed at 1:00 am or later in the morning, and getting up at noon...Wow those reminiscent college days....wait a minute...gotta go back farther then that. I meant high school days. What was I thinking. I was raising a kid and working by the time I got to college. The only person sleeping in on those days was my daughter. Anyway, I have to admit a part of me is looking forward to going back tomorrow, but not the part that has been enjoying staying up late nights. Since my free time is diminishing...guess I can't play on my computer as much either.

Attention Future and Current Teachers Preparing for CSET Exam

Attention California Teachers preparing to take the CSET Multiple or Single Subject Exam.

I have been scowering the Internet for 6 months or more looking for affordable resources to help me prepare for the CSET exam. I found something that I wanted to share with anyone else who might be looking for resources to help prepare for the exams too. There are different online outfits that claim they have the best tools available in order to prepare test takers for the CSET, but in doing research and buying a few of these products, I have learned that most fall flat; because their information is not current, nor relevant in many cases. It can be a real challenge on a teacher's salary to find something affordable too. There are lots of books available for the CSET Multiple Subjects, but some of the Single Subject exam topics can be really hard to find. The Kaplan CSET Multiple Subjects test prep seems to be one of the most popular, according to word of mouth, and Amazon ratings. Everyone's style is different and there are other books as well, in addition to a lot of other tools out there, but many of us new teachers don't know where to look first. I had to do a lot of research on my own, and I still look daily for new resources.


There are different agencies and universities that offer courses and workshops ranging from $200 to $400 hundred dollars, but if your like me a first year teacher money can be tight. I have searched Amazon.com, looked at reviews, and read different blogs, as well as, spoken to different teachers who have taken the test to get their opinions and advice. I am preparing to take the CSET multiple subjects exam January 10, 2009 (subtests I & III). Hopefully I will take subtest II in March. In addition, I plan on taking the single subject CSET for math. I really wanted to start a study group, but so many of my classmates, (I am in a Master's in Special Education program), were taking the tests at different times and dates, so that kinda fell through.

Well in one of my random searches online I ran across a new networking group that's FREE. It's a ning network too CSET Network the link http://csetnetwork.ning.com/

There it was at the top of my search page. Finally a study group out in cyberspace! I was really happy to see that someone decided to create a free forum to encourage teachers to work together to prepare for future exams. It's a new group, so there are not many members. I don't think very many people know about it, but I imagine that if the word gets out more will join.

I think it could be a wonderful opportunity for networking, mentoring and possible tutoring opportunities for teachers who have passed the test. I also think it would be an excellent resource for those of us getting ready to take the test.

Happy hunting!!...
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Walmart Employee Trampled to Death in Black Friday Frenzy

This is probably one of the most tragic events I have heard associated with today’s “Black Friday.” Unfortunately, it's not the first, just the first I have read about today. I cannot believe the insensitivity of some people (in this case the insensitivity of a few hundred people). While trying to control a crowd of shoppers a Walmart employee was knocked down and trampled to death during a stampede of customers wanting to shop.

First of all its Walmart....gotta be one in every city, and hole-in-the-wall in this country, and second there is plenty to go around. Okay third…IT’S WALMART….there is also the issue of the quality of the merchandise you get there too you know. Why would someone want so badly to hurt someone else in an effort to shop? I am not one to follow commercial holidays. There is reasonable doubt Christ was even born in December (you know the part about shepherds in the fields and the Northern Star) Don’t really see all that in the death of winter in Bethlehem this time of year...anyway this is not a religious debate (and yes I do believe in Christ)

If this was a question of Christianity or how Christians act.....would Christ be proud of what happened today in that crowd?

Whether you’re a believer in the season or not, what we should all remember is to be decent to one another. For those in Long Island that were a part of this devastating "life-ending" event......"SHAME SHAME!"

For the family left behind that mourns a father, son, brother and friend. God bless you!!!

Creating a Welcoming Environment in The Classroom

When I decided I wanted to become a teacher, I knew it would be different from any other secular job I had done before. I was really getting tired of what I was doing. I decided to teach special education because I didn't think the kids in general education needed me as much, plus there was a higher demand for special education teachers. Now don't get me wrong. I am not someone who wants to spend her days dealing with a lot of stress, but I don't mind a challenge now and then. Makes life just a little more interesting.

 Well okay, so I got what I asked for, in terms of interesting. I work at an alternative school and talk about challenge. My students have been placed at my school because they were expelled from a comprehensive school, or they fell really far behind in credits and for one reason or another (alot of times it has to do with age) they were not eligible to attend a Continuation High School. For elementary and middle school students a Continuation High School is not an option. I guess I forgot to mention that my school has children ranging from elementary to high school.

Although, I am a special education teacher the model at our school is that we (the teachers) are accountable to all our students. I have the responsibility of teaching both special education and general education students. I like that model because it gives me a chance to work with children at all learning levels. Now comes the challenges.

 I work with children from broken homes, foster homes, and some of the saddest situations I have seen. There are children that come from stronger homes, but they all have something in common. For one reason or another they couldn't cut it at a comprehensive school, (that is what we call regular 182 day a year mainstream schools).

 We have no money, not much in the way of resources, and all of us teachers have to share our space, or classrooms a little more than maybe some of us would like. To top it off I am challenged with finding ways to make my environment inviting, a place where my students will feel welcome, and a place where they will be willing to come back to each day. I have gotten some really good recommendations from other experienced teachers, here are a few things I thought were worth sharing:

• Always be polite and greet students with a positive salutation
• Allow 5 minutes or more to talk about how students are doing and invite them to share stories about things they have done since you last met. You can really get someone's attention when you ask them to talk about themselves
• Share something about yourself with your students. Funny stories are always valuable
• Nothing wrong with having snacks in class from time to time, small rewards can be painless and cheap
• Allow free time so that the students can socialize with each other (once a week, or at the end of class when appropriate)

My favorite

 **Watch a movie every once and awhile. It can still be educational. Make it so by having the students write a summary about what they viewed and what they learned. If it has a significant social impact have them discuss it in their summary.

Retro Kidz

Too Too cute...new group doing a retro rap from the 80's..

How valid is a degree from an online institution

For those of you that have gotten an online degree, or are considering it I imagine you have probably ask yourself, "Does my online degree really count?"

Believe me I have asked that question too, even before I finished earning my first on line degree. My Bachelor's degree was a mix of both an online program and one that I attended at a "ground campus," but the similarities between the two had a lot to do with the fact that I was in an accelerated program. I completed my Master's degree 100% on line.

Let me start out by saying I am a real advocate for education. My get it where you can attitude may not be shared by all, but I think it is important to look at your circumstances. Don't get me wrong, the quality of one's education is very important, so when I say get it where you can, I really mean "Seize the opportunity....Strike while the iron is hot!" First and foremost make sure the college you choose to attend is accredited. That alone is the difference between trying to pass off a piece of paper as a degree and actually having a valid degree that can lead to a real job.

Oh....and we can never forget the importance of looking at cost. I have taken the attitude that student loans are an investment in my future, but I also understand that I have to pay those loans back. Then there is the issue of my daughter’s education. I felt like I owed her the benefit of one. So there are two educations that need to be paid for.
When I decided I wanted a Bachelor's degree my daughter was still fairly young, and I was a single mother. Attending school full-time, while paying a babysitter, and being away from home long hours either due to working all day, or attending school all night for me just was not an option. So I chose to attend school on line. What did I gain from that? Well I went from a secretary, to an upper level administrative assistant, (administrative coordinator), to a supervisor, project manager, and now school teacher. I would not have made those strides in my secular career without my degrees, so yes it paid off.

The importance of a college education boils down to this, having one prepares us for the real world or the workforce. What is so nice about education today is that students have more choices than 10 years ago. When looking at my daughter's choices we looked at everything cost, convenience, location, and the programs of study available to her. She needed to decide what was best for her. She also looked at whether or not she would attend a brick and mortar school, or an institution online. She decided the best choice was a traditional "brick and mortar.” Of course that is subject to chance as she advances in her education. She has talked about possibly earning a Master’s degree on line one day depending on what programs of study are available to her when it is time to make that decision.

In terms of where technology can take you I am one that enjoys social networking with others on line that share many of the same interests as me. I am not one who runs ads for other organizations, but a really good group to join if you’re looking for professionals on line and ways to advance your career is LinkedIn. In addition, many top employers, and recruiters hire members from this site. You will find a variety of talented people there, in addition to some very successful individuals who attended a variety of colleges both on line and off who like me are very proud of the schools we attended and the alumni associations we are a part of.

Widget Junkie

You know I have come to discover I have a new addiction and that's widgets. I am a widget junkie. It started out with me visiting different blogs and seeing all the neat little widgets writers were putting on their pages. Then I noticed the communities or groups associated with these widgets and I starting thinking...."hmmm I wouldn't mind being a part of that community" Truth be told I am a social networking junkie, so the enticement was almost too much for me...

I don't know were I will find the time? School keeps me so busy that I don't always get to visit my favorite sites. I am substituting this summer and I took some time off from school to study for my state exams, but this past week I have really been distracted. As if most Internet activities aren't distracting enough?

...hmmm..probably should stop now.

I have so many new memberships I don't know when I will be able to do my homework...oh yeah or grade papers or other things that people with lives do. Wow now I have a new distraction that I will have to get a handle on. I wonder if there are support groups for people like me? Good thing these things are free!!

Anyway for those of you who see the lighter side of widget addiction.....if you see something you like....hey grab the code...If I visited your blog...there is a chance I got a widget from you too!