Confessions of an OG

I Want a New Answer

2011-04-29T17:21:00.001-07:00

I Want a New Answer a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
After going horseback riding in Half Moon Bay with four of my girlfriends from work, we went to Cameron's Pub to celebrate Cristine's birthday, which is this weekend. This was a toy fortune telling type thingy on our table. Instagram-ed it, X-Pro II filter.

Slurp!

2011-04-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

Slurp! a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I took my son to Capitola for the day and we went to a place (new to us) called My Thai Beach along the Esplanade. He did pretty well with these egg noodles with chicken, shrimp, and vegetables. It took a few attempts to get what I was going for here. Used Instagram to edit ti and share it with people online. It's the X-Pro II filter with a tilt-shift.

Baby Blue

2011-04-27T22:16:00.001-07:00

Baby Blue a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
This morning, I took way too many pictures of my son making way too many goofy faces. I have always wanted a picture that isolates his blue eyes.

So I cheated. I got in REAL close. I put it through Decolorizer on my iPad. And then I used Instagram to boost it even more with a filter.

But it made me happy.

Respite

2011-04-26T22:15:00.000-07:00

Respite a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
It was hard to pick a favorite from my visit to Skywalker Ranch, but I saw these two chairs, and they conjured up for me a fairytale romance of a long bygone couple. I loved what I could see and what the camera managed to somewhat pick up, considering it was all just a fantasy in my mind.

Paths Converge

2011-04-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

Paths Converge a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
This one is also from Skywalker Ranch, but I had nothing for the actual day. I think I deserve props for not giving up and going back to put in 17 days worth of pics after the fact.

Japanese Maple

2011-04-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

Japanese Maple a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I actually took this from my Skywalker Ranch set, as I had a few days there with no pics, and this day produced so many great ones. I took this over my head where I couldn't really see what I was doing, and I am in love with it.

Cam with a Lolly

2011-04-23T22:15:00.000-07:00

Cam with a Lolly a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I was working all day, so hubby took our boy to the church candy hunt event. I hear it was insane. But the boy scored. And that's what Jesus' Resurrection is all about, isn't it?

Rearview Bleach Job

2011-04-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

Rearview Bleach Job a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I was trying to be all artsy.

At least my hair looks cool.

Vanilla Amber

2011-04-21T22:14:00.000-07:00

Vanilla Amber a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
On another trip to Target (I know, I know), my friend Sarah and I sniffed just about every candle. We decided that this one smelled like love. Or at least sex. But in a good way, nothing dirty!

It's even better when you light it.

The candle.

Wondering Where His Friend Went

2011-04-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

Wondering Where His Friend Went a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I ate him.

Chocolate Mousse flavored marshmallow peep, dipped in dark chocolate. There isn't really anything more to be said, really.

My New Tiger Cub

2011-04-19T22:14:00.000-07:00

My New Tiger Cub a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
As seven types of leader for my son's Cub Scout Pack and Den, I got to award our three boys who achieved their Tiger rank (and one or two elective beads as well!) at our Pack Meeting. This is my boy. Yes, I know I didn't take the picture, but it was with my camera. So there.

Let's Get It On

2011-04-18T22:13:00.000-07:00

Let's Get It On a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
It's Snail Central Station at my school any time it even gets a little damp. These two, out for a morning stroll, must have met and it was love at first . . . um . . . can snails see? Don't think of me as a perv. Consider me a wildlife photographer. Yes, with an iPhone.

How Fortunate

2011-04-17T22:13:00.000-07:00

How Fortunate a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
We like to get lunch after church with some friends of ours. Here's Bill's hands holding my fortune. Many people find me intimidating. It could be the hair. Admirers, please do feel free to approach. Especially if you have Dr Pepper.

Kanji Pics Boy

2011-04-16T22:13:00.000-07:00

Kanji Pics Boy a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Like I said, we don't do anything just a little, and that includes obsession. Might as well channel that into something productive. Enter the Kanji Pics app for the iPad. My first grader is learning some Japanese.

Ring of Fire

2011-04-15T22:12:00.000-07:00

Ring of Fire a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
The boy is reading a book about tsunamis from the school library. Because when we get obsessed, we do it right. I forget why I took this picture, but it was the only one I had from this day. So there.

Bridge Over Troubled Butter

2011-04-14T22:12:00.000-07:00

Bridge Over Troubled Butter a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Lunch with my son is always fun. This is his standard fare at Pasta Pomodoro. He told me the fork was a bridge. I made the Simon and Garfunkel connection.

No Chips for YOU

2011-04-13T22:12:00.000-07:00

No Chips for YOU a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Because I spend a lot of my time in retail stores, apparently, I was in Freasy (what my husband likes to call our new Fresh and Easy), and I had planned to pick up some Sea Salt and Malt Vinegar potato chips for my friend Jeremy. They weren't just out of them, there was, like, an echo.

Glasses for Mike?

2011-04-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

Glasses for Mike? a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I was in Target, where I spend WAY too much time and money, and I saw these. Again. Since I just sang a Stones song with my friend Mike last Saturday, I thought of him. I also took this picture and sent it to his phone.

If Loving You is Wrong....

2011-04-11T22:11:00.000-07:00

If Loving You is Wrong.... a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
...I don't want to be right!

I tried this from the new Fresh and Easy by my house. And I am hooked. Note small person in the background eating his own yogurt. Some fruit flavor.

Little Purple Flowers

2011-04-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

Little Purple Flowers a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
There are loads of these in the grass near the soccer field and baseball diamonds at the school where I work. I wonder what they're called.

Labeling Japan Map

2011-04-09T21:18:00.000-07:00

Labeling Japan Map a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Cameron came with me to the CVCUE Spring Tech Conference at Minarets High School in the Central Valley. He was itching to try out the SMART Board at the IVS booth, and so he went over and introduced himself and charmed them into letting him mess around with maps, his favorite. Here he is labeling locations affected by recent earthquake and tsunami activity in Japan. He learned this stuff from watching the news. He's seven.

Hammock Swing

2011-04-08T21:18:00.000-07:00

Hammock Swing a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
We were visiting our friend Jon Corippo at his house way out in the country near Yosemite. Cameron wanted to try out this hammock swing, which he could neither get into nor out of on his own.

Life Lessons

2011-04-07T21:17:00.000-07:00

Life Lessons a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Here's my colleague Mindi with one of her groups during a geocaching activity. In some ways, this captures the essence of what we do with kids that's so important. I also like that it's outdoors, where Mindi does a lot of her best connecting with kids.

Palms and Hills

2011-04-06T16:13:00.001-07:00

Palms and Hills a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
This time of the year rewards us for putting up with winter rain by greening the hills. The view from our campus (once the rain is over) can be breathless. Never saw views like this growing up 7 miles from midtown Manhattan.

Puppy Shoes?

2011-04-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

Puppy Shoes? a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
So, at le-Tarzhay again (where I spend perhaps a bit too much of my time and money), I saw these infant shoes. Too cute. I took this picture to send to my friend Sean who has two dogs. These would be perfect, especially for Shasta, who likes to tussle with coyotes. She's badass like that.

Parallel Lines

2011-04-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

Parallel Lines a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
In a little stroll around campus recently, I decided to take a picture of all the parallel lines I saw. In just a few minutes, I found about eight examples. This was my favorite.

Pain at the Pump

2011-04-03T16:12:00.000-07:00

Pain at the Pump a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I filled up my gas tank the other day. Oh my gosh. Yeah, don't bother telling me to get a Prius. It's not really an option. I'll just take out another student loan or something so I can keep driving to work every day.

Snoozy Stu

2011-04-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

Snoozy Stu a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
This is right after he insisted he wasn't asleep. After a sad incident involving the possible death of his blue white board marker, and many more tears than were really necessary, Super Mommy came to the rescue with cuddles and kisses of comfort. And I make a pretty decent mattress too, apparently.

A Little Light Reading?

2011-04-01T16:12:00.000-07:00

A Little Light Reading? a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
My husband, who is both British and football-mad (that's soccer to us Yanks), is far more literate than I. And I was an English major. Bleak House is thick enough to double as a weapon in a pinch. Yeah, I don't read books that heavy. Or books, really.

Ninja Watercooler

2011-03-31T16:11:00.000-07:00

Ninja Watercooler a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Tragic recent events meant my building at work was without a working water cooler for about a week. But oh, was it ever worth the wait. This new, shiny, black and silver NINJA watercooler even smelled like "new car" for the first few days. (The water tasted just fine though.)

I hesitate to turn my back on this sleek devil.

King Eggroll

2011-03-30T16:11:00.000-07:00

King Eggroll a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Cameron had teriyaki chicken skewers with white rice, but I had to get me some chow mein and the Famous King Eggrolls. If you live in San Jose, you know what I'm talking about.

Ta Ti-Ti Ta

2011-03-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

Ta Ti-Ti Ta a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
We were in the Business Office at school at my son spotted the t-shirts for the Summer School and Summer Daycare program. Showing off his musical education, he pointed to the music notes and declared "ta, ti-ti, ta." I didn't have the heart to tell him they're really ALL TIs, because they're all eighth notes.

Did Somebody Call For a Rockstar?

2011-03-28T16:11:00.000-07:00

Did Somebody Call For a Rockstar? a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I was at le-Tarzhay when I saw these and, given my Rockstar status in the California EdTech community, I had to snap a shot. Jon Corippo later said I should buy them. I almost did. But . . . . really, now.

Outside Old Spaghetti Factory (San Jose)

2011-03-27T19:38:00.001-07:00

Outside Old Spaghetti Factory (San Jose) a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

We met friends for dinner downtown tonight. I liked the composition of these features on the outside of the building, and it just took getting a little bit below them to really get a nice balance for this shot.

Getting Dressed

2011-03-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

Getting Dressed a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

I was getting dressed, sitting on my bed, and looked down and saw my first tattoo looking up at me. People generally don't get to see this, as I need to be in just a swimsuit for this to be visible.

Hills Near Work

2011-03-25T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hills Near Work a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

The iPhone camera, with me zooming in, really doesn't do this view justice. I was walking in to work and the sunlight on the nearby hills was really beautiful -- too lovely to not at least try to capture it.

LadyBeer

2011-03-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

LadyBeer a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

If you ever see me refer to LadyBeer, this is what I mean. The new Fresh and Easy a mile from my house carries this. It smells and tastes a bit like FrankenBerry cereal, and somehow that's not really a bad thing.

LaughCry in Fish Island

2011-03-23T15:05:00.001-07:00

LaughCry in Fish Island a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

This is actually one of my son's worksheets from school. But he decided this was a map of Fish Island. In the butt area of the fish is a country named LaughCry (pronounced LAYF-cree) where they speak LaughCrinese, which my son is inventing both as a spoken and written language. I later declared the capital of LaughCry to be GiggleSob. It's pronounced (GEEG-luh-sohb) of course.

Smile! (What, here? Now?)

2011-03-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

Smile! (What, here? Now?) a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Spotted in the staff restroom at work. At eye level, if you know what I mean. So MANY thoughts raced through my head.

1. Really? This is what you do in the can, Mystery Colleague?
2. I know He does. But I'd really rather He not watch me in here.
3. Even with my pants around my ankles? Now, that's my kind of God!
4. If I smile, will He see it? If not, will He be sad?
5. Smiling all alone in the restroom is creepy, even if no one other than The Big Guy ever finds out.

And so on.

Do We Really Need a Poster?

2011-03-21T15:04:00.000-07:00

Do We Really Need a Poster? a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

M'colleague Sarah "Curfew" Glossop is our vocal music teacher, my co-teacher on Thursdays, and the Queen of the Honor Choir. They got new uniforms/costumes/outfits this year, and now they're working to pay for them. Chocolate Sale! But do we really need an instructional poster to guide us in the getting excited? I know, a sales tactic. But you had me at "chocolate." Really.

Hey Mom, did you know there are 37 countries in Europe?

2011-03-20T14:10:00.001-07:00

Hey Mom, did you know there are 37 countries in Europe? a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

I kept hearing people talk about Instagram, and then some more this week at CUE in Palm Springs. So when I saw some fun pics my friend Sean took using it, I got the app, and started messing around with it when my son approached.

My first Instagram attempt. Cameron comes up to me with this map card thing. Then attempted to read me all 37 country names. He's seven. It bordered on comical.

During Ken's session

2011-03-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

During Ken's session a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

I credit my friend Ken Shelton with getting me motivated to take more pictures and do the 365 Project.

Speaking of my photography mentor, here's something Ken showed us as a great source of images for fantastic presentations that are primarily visual. This would be where Ken gets most of his slide fodder.

Carpet in my session room. OUCH.

2011-03-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

Carpet in my session room. OUCH. a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

While I was restarting my laptop to get ready for my presentation on Google Earth, I looked down and couldn't let this memory slip away.

In case you're wondering, my session went VERY well. Bigger and better than I had expected, and I was really pleased. I just avoided fixing my gaze on this floor.

Lobby at Riviera

2011-03-17T18:44:00.000-07:00

Lobby at Riviera a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

It's what Palm Springs is all about, baby.

We had a lot of laughs about some of the decor. Took this while waiting for a cab to go down to Street Fair. The Riviera wasn't bad, it's just 2 miles from everything we needed to get to. Won't stay there again if I can help it for just that reason.

On the way to Palm Springs, from the air

2011-03-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

On the way to Palm Springs, from the air a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Couldn't resist snapping some pictures of the snowy mountains on my way down to Palm Springs by air.

When I needed to get an earlier flight, I ended up paying to upgrade to first class so I could switch the flight for free. (Also saved $20 on my checked luggage, I later realized.) Would have cost the same amount to change flights. First time flying first class. 85 whole minutes.

But that meant enough room to dig out my camera and snap a bunch of shots of the mountains from the air. Cameron helped me pick this one for the 365 project because it had a lot of snow.

Tejas Tulip

2011-03-15T22:16:00.001-07:00

Tejas Tulip a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

I just love the tulips that have popped up at work lately. And the new Tejas lens in Hipstamatic.

Messin' With Tejas

2011-03-14T20:26:00.001-07:00

Messin' With Tejas a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Yesterday, my good friend Ken Shelton turned me on to the limited-time free download of a special SXSW lens and case for Hipstamatic. The lens is called Tejas, and I like how this sample shot turned out.

This was at the end of a meeting of my school's technology committee, of which I am 25%. The cup is from an event I worked last month and I love it as a way to make me remember to drink more water.

Daddy's Boy (Underpainting 2)

2011-03-13T21:05:00.001-07:00

Daddy's Boy (Underpainting 2) a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

This is in a covered bridge in Felton, California (in the Santa Cruz Mountains), taken a year or two ago.

Old Time Garage (Underpainting 1)

2011-03-12T20:42:00.000-08:00

Old Time Garage (Underpainting 1) a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

This is at History San Jose at Kelley Park. I took it a while back, but I only just tried applying this BeFunky effect to it.

Exploring (Underpainting 1)

2011-03-11T20:32:00.000-08:00

Exploring (Underpainting 1) a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

This is a couple of years old, but I just applied the effect using BeFunky now. I love how the grass and tree trunk get all swirly.

This was originally taken during a geocaching outing when my niece was visiting from New Jersey. Cameron was convinced there was a geocache hidden here (there wasn't) and wanted to explore.

Tulips Gone Wild 2011

2011-03-10T22:34:00.001-08:00

Tulips Gone Wild 2011 a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

I took a picture (with my iPhone) of some tulips growing at my school today.

Then I used befunky.com to apply underpainting, watercolor, and pointillism effects.

Then I used picnik to make a collage of the four shots.

Because I could.

Finished Tide Pool Poster

2011-03-09T19:59:00.001-08:00

Finished Tide Pool Poster a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

My son has to create a poster for Ocean Week. It's due Monday. The habitat for first grade is the Rocky Seashore, and they usually study tide pools. The theme for this year is "Rescue at Sea."

This is MY prototype poster for him to use as a guide. Alec or I will make some of the pieces for him (since I could not get any tide pool animal stickers) and he can put it all together. I don't know how to get the "Rescue at Sea" theme worked into it, so I am just not going to worry about that.

We've actually had Cameron visit tide pools a number of times. He's been there and seen what lives there, at more than one location. We'll have to see how his poster comes out.

There's a set showing how I created this, step-by-step, at http://www.flickr.com/photos/22751315@N05/sets/72157626109403111/

Haven't the Foggiest

2011-03-08T20:46:00.000-08:00

Haven't the Foggiest a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Can you SEE that fog? This is what we were driving toward to go to work/school on Tuesday this week. Love me some Bay Area weather.

Dad Tattoo "Cartoonized"

2011-03-07T19:26:00.001-08:00

Dad Tattoo "Cartoonized" a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

I was playing around with some effects on befunky.com, and I really like how this picture of one of my tattoos turned out. The tattoo is on my right shoulder, and it's in memory of my father, who passed away on March 28, 2008. He was born in England, and he was a very patriotic American (naturalized) citizen.

In-N-Out in my SUV

2011-03-06T20:03:00.001-08:00

In-N-Out in my SUV a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

After church today, Cameron and I went to In-N-Out Burger for lunch. It was packed, but it was overcast and drizzly out, so we got it "to go" and ate it in the back of my 4Runner.

Daffodils at KCI

2011-03-05T14:25:00.001-08:00

Daffodils at KCI a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

I took a bunch of shots of these lovely daffodils at KCI (Krause Center for Innovation) at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, California today. The building has some lovely features, one of which is captured in this shot. This was my favorite from the set, so I'm using it for my 365 for today.

There's an entire (small) set of shots of these daffodils here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/22751315@N05/sets/72157626203063088/

Daffo-delicious

2011-03-04T14:32:00.000-08:00

Daffo-delicious a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

This is one of my set of daffodil pictures, with boosted color, then antiqued, and with blurred edges a little bit.

I actually took this on Saturday, but I had NO pictures for Friday, so I used this instead. Shoot me.

Chips n Salsa

2011-03-03T23:10:00.001-08:00

Chips n Salsa a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

My son and I had a snack while waiting for hubby to get home. We got these last night at the new Fresh and Easy that just opened yesterday a mere mile from our house. This combination of sour on the "hint of lime" chips and spicy/sweet of the peach salsa was a great fit!

Refreshment

2011-03-02T23:10:00.000-08:00

Refreshment a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

Been drinking a lot of this lately. This is the view from our dining room table at the front of our living room where it now resides. If there's one of these, I can't be too far away.

Samurai Helmets

2011-03-01T23:11:00.000-08:00

Samurai Helmets a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

The same teacher who had our seventh graders create African masks also has them make Samurai helmets. Here are just a few on top of the cubby shelves in the hallway near her classroom.

Why I Will Keep Applying to Become an ADE

2011-03-01T21:47:00.000-08:00

So after a month of waiting, today was a roller coaster ride of more intense waiting to find out if I had been accepted into the Apple Distinguished Educator program’s USA Class of 2011. Once people started getting their e-mails about it, and we all started discussing it via Twitter, the intensity ramped up exponentially.

My friends Jim Sill, Jon Corippo, Nicole Dalesio, and Mark Hammons – all from California – got accepted. I did not. And I was among thousands who did not, I am sure; and judging by the names of fellow #ADE2011rejects (that was our new Twitter hashtag), I was in excellent company among a host of really amazing folks who also didn’t make it.

A few friends told me I was robbed. I don’t agree. I am sure I didn’t deserve it nearly as much as dozens of others whom I saw rejoicing on Twitter. My video WAS really good. I’m not gonna lie to you. But I just may not be to the point yet of my comrades who made it in. And I really am okay with that. Had I gotten accepted, I would have been dumbstruck with surprise.

A number of today’s winners got in after two previous rejections. I hope that’s what happens to me (though second time applying would be nicer, if you’re asking). Yes, I will keep applying.

To this announcement on Twitter, David Jakes asked me why.

So this is kind of my open letter to David, but also to anyone else wondering what’s all the fuss with this alphabet soup of qualifications people carry around in the world of EdTech.

It all started back in 2006. I was just taking on the position I still hold (teaching technology to grades one through eight), and my school sent me and my then-colleague (our school’s technology specialist) to ISTE’s NECC in San Diego. Back then, they had the money to fly us both to San Diego (from San Jose), put us in a hotel, get us a rental car, and pay for the conference registrations and our ISTE memberships.

The conference was great, and it coincided with my first summer working as the Blogging Peer Coach for IISME. In fact, at the conference I mainly focused on blogging in education to help me be a better peer coach to these educators I would oversee in a blogging experience for the following six to eight weeks.

Then, a couple of months later, I found out about the first ever Google Teacher Academy. Imagine my surprise when I was accepted. This was the start of something truly monumental in my life as an educator.

Now, let me jump in here to say that there are critics of organizations, especially those run by for-profit companies, who seem to be guaranteeing their future business by staking a claim in the education sector on the backs of teachers. I don’t agree with such critics that this is a problem.

Here’s why:

I teach. Teachers don’t make very much money. I teach in a private Christian school. I make A LOT less money than most teachers. I supplement my income by conducting trainings in the field of educational technology. Being a Google Certified Teacher has opened up opportunities I never would have had otherwise.
I’ve always wanted to get my Masters degree, and I suppose I had a back burner “plan” to always do it . . . someday. Getting involved with a community of like-minded, supportive educators really propelled me to take action and finally do it. I started in the Fall 2008 semester, and I earned my degree in August 2010.
Being the geekiest, most tech-savvy teacher at your school can be very isolating. This is especially true in a school as small as mine is. Becoming a GCT gave me a network of people like me, and then inspired me to bring my colleagues along with me for the ride. As I’ve added tools for our staff and students, I’ve helped everyone on our school’s staff strive to meet their own hidden potential. And I have to say, they had awakenings like mine. It feels good to make positive changes for the benefit of students.
Companies make money. Schools don’t. When schools want to implement change, they often seek sponsorship from companies. Sometimes parent donations are matched by the companies which employ those parents. Everyone wants schools to improve, but no one seems to like the idea of making our students’ future employers invest in education. Companies that care about schools have their motives questioned. If Google wants to make their Apps free for all of K-12 education, I am 100% behind that.

Over the past four and a half years, I have spun a huge web of contacts in my personal learning network (PLN) of educational technology folks. Twitter has helped with that, and it wasn’t around yet when we had the first Google Teacher Academy. I’ve begun working some Google Workshops for Educators, and I qualified as a Google Apps Certified Trainer, which enables me to get even more work helping other schools and districts implement Google Apps. It’s a product I use, and I firmly believe in the value of the tools it offers.

Being a Google Certified Teacher has made me a better teacher and a better person. I really do believe that. It’s not what Google has done. It’s what the power of the PLN has done. And that PLN does include some folks, like David Jakes, who may not agree with me about “badges” and organizations I belong to or seek to join. That’s okay. It’s part of what makes it a great PLN.

So why will I keep trying to get into the Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) program?

They didn’t really reject me. They couldn’t take all of us, they spread the wealth around the country, and my state (California) is pretty geek-heavy and hard to compete in. I heard they took 76 new ADEs, when they normally only take around 50. And I also heard that there were thousands of applicants. My not getting in was not personal.
I know several folks who needed to apply three times before they got in. Given that this program comes around about every two years in the US, I’m impressed with their dedication.
What does it say about me if I want something, and then give up the first time I try and don’t get it? I am a teacher and a parent. I am NOT a quitter.
I know many ADEs and many who are in the new Class of 2011. These folks are spectacular, and I have a lot I can learn from them. It’s another great network to be a part of.
Staying active as an ADE requires some commitments that will help me to continue to grow as an educator. Never stagnate.
Other than airfare to the summer event, Apple pays for everything else involved with attending the week-long ADE Orientation and Institute. Will I allow a company I’ve already bought lots of stuff from to put me up for a week? You bet! (See my earlier sharing about being a poor teacher.)
There have been a number of training opportunities I have had to pass up because I am NOT (yet) an ADE. These have mostly been iPad in Education workshops I could have been paid to teach. (Again, I need the dosh!)

As it stands right now, my employer does not pay my expenses when I attend trainings. Given the state of the economy and private school enrollment, this is never going to change. I generally work for pay, or I present to cover the cost of the conference itself, and then I pay for all my travel and lodging myself. I become better at what I do on the job, my students and colleagues benefit, and I continue to grow my network. It’s a win-win situation that just happens to cost me money. I’m all for increasing my qualifications and decreasing what I shell out to do so.

So, David, thank you for asking why I will keep applying until I get accepted. I don’t crave acceptance. I don’t need another set of letters after my name. I want to be a part of something I believe in, and I know it will be good for my career. I have a self-employed husband and an adorable kid depending on me to always strive for more and better. And that kid’s tuition isn’t going to pay itself.

Google Maps for a Cub Scout Elective

2011-02-28T23:12:00.000-08:00

Google Maps for a Cub Scout Elective a photo by Dowbiggin on Flickr.

My son needed to look at a map of our area and locate and/or mark special locations, like our house, his school, the library, church, etc. We enjoyed doing this together, and it fulfilled one of his Tiger Cub advancement requirements. Who's a geeky mommy?

Up Close

2011-02-27T18:56:00.001-08:00

Up Close
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

This is what will become vegetable curry in my crock pot in just 3 to 4 hours of cooking time. One last shot, up close, before I put the lid on and turned it on High.

If you'd like to see the entire process unfold, go check out the set at http://www.flickr.com/photos/22751315@N05/sets/72157626037866827/

I will add a couple of pictures of the finished product, served over rice, later.

Sunset

2011-02-26T19:58:00.001-08:00

Sunset
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

Driving home from Modesto, I may or may not have taken some pictures in a futile attempt to catch the magnificent light show that was the sunset. The Hipstamatic shot was better than the regular iPhone shots!

Snack Time

2011-02-25T19:57:00.000-08:00

Snack Time
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

Enjoyed a respite of sunshine and Starbucks beverages/snacks with my friend John in Sacramento between our presentations at CLS North.

In case you're into this sort of thing, that's a Caramel Light Frap and a marshmallow dream bar or something.

If You Dare

2011-02-24T19:55:00.000-08:00

If You Dare
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

After dinner at PF Chang's, my friend John went to use the restroom and I waited nearby. This was fun.

Discovered Jade Martinis at Chang's, by the way. Malibu, Midori, and pineapple juice. And a maraschino cherry. Divine. I may or may not have had three with dinner.

Dozing

2011-02-23T19:53:00.000-08:00

Dozing
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

Thou shalt not fall asleep in a laughable position when thy father is driving and thy mother hast an iPhone at the ready. Yea verily.

This was actually on our way home from Marin Headlands on Monday. But I had NOTHING from Tuesday, so I had to fudge it a tad.

Flower in Sausalito

2011-02-21T18:56:00.001-08:00

Flower in Sausalito
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

Today, since we ALL had off school/work for a change, I decided to show hubby and son where we go on our annual 6th Grade Outdoor Education trip to the Marin Headlands. First, though, we went to Sausalito for lunch. Walking back to the car after a nice (but needlessly pricey) lunch at Caffe Tutti, I spotted this and just had to get in close.

I'm a sucker for details in flower close-ups. I couldn't even see the detail in the center of this flower with my naked eye (it was near the ground). I also liked the color.

SO Not Complaining

2011-02-20T20:51:00.001-08:00

SO Not Complaining
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

After two days of rain, beautiful sunny skies with clouds, and 61ºF at 1:30 PM. After lunch with hubby and son, stopped at bank on my way back to church for a class. Gorgeous.

I also tried out some of my newer Hipstamatic features for this shot.

"Watching Wipeout" Collage

2011-02-19T22:22:00.001-08:00

"Watching Wipeout" Collage
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

I took five different versions of basically the same shot with different features of Hipstamatic. I put four of them into this collage using Picnik.

Product Placement

2011-02-18T15:22:00.001-08:00

Product Placement
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

Went to Round Table Pizza for lunch with my boys, since Cameron and I had off school and Alec's work was off due to rain. Was playing around with Hipstamatic, as I do.

Rainy Days and Thursdays...

2011-02-17T11:06:00.003-08:00

Rainy Days and Thursdays...
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

This was the view today from my classroom, through a raindrop-spattered window in my door. It's wet.

Goofing on the Beach

2011-02-16T11:06:00.000-08:00

Goofing on the Beach
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

I did not take ANY pictures on February 16th. I had a bunch of meetings. But I took so many pictures the previous Saturday, I thought it would be fun to edit and share some of those here and there.

This one I enhanced, cropped, boosted color, and blurred the edges. All in iPhoto.

Grubby Pathways

2011-02-15T11:05:00.000-08:00

Grubby Pathways
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

I put my camera down on my desk to let my EyeFi card transfer pictures to my laptop, and I really liked what was showing through the view window.

So I shot it.

Cool Palms

2011-02-14T20:11:00.000-08:00

Cool Palms
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

These are some of the palm trees in my neighborhood. I messed with temperature, tint, and sharpness. A few of my students say it makes it looks like it's under water.

My life has been kind of busy lately, and I have been exhausted. This is my 2/14/11 shot for Project 365.

Cameron Up a Tree

2011-02-13T17:03:00.001-08:00

Cameron Up a Tree
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

I took a picture I liked, cropped it, and then faded the color, and used the antique feature a bit. This is from yesterday's day trip to Wilder Ranch near Santa Cruz.

I actually took this yesterday, but I am using it for today's 365 because I took so many good ones yesterday, and I really like how this came out once I started messing with it. The original was nice too, of course.

Fun on Fern Grotto Beach

2011-02-12T21:12:00.001-08:00

Fun on Fern Grotto Beach
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

Today, Cameron and I drove over to Wilder Ranch and hiked out to the Fern Grotto Beach. Cameron's favorite part of the day was just playing on the beach. He was great on the hike out and back too. This one really captures the essence of his enjoyment of running around in the sand, staying away from the surf as it roared and rolled in.

There's a whole set (134 pictures) from the trip on my Flickr site.

Colonial Day

2011-02-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

Colonial Day
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

Most of my pictures from our 5th Grade's Colonial Day show students' faces, so I can't really share them here. But this one partly captures the essence of all the kids and a bunch of staff all dressed up. Here, they're listening to our music teacher and media specialist discuss the use of music and instruments during Colonial times. Meanwhile, the librarian brewed and served tea.

Boys Playing Football

2011-02-10T21:26:00.001-08:00

Boys Playing Football
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

Before work today, I went out into the playground to find some photography subjects. Most of the pictures I attempted really did not turn out well at all. But this one was kind of fun.

No Sudden Moves

2011-02-09T20:06:00.001-08:00

No Sudden Moves
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

I am still feeling pretty rough, with lots of dry coughing and the aching that comes as a result. We were messing around with Hipstamatic, and of course, Cameron moved. But I still like this shot best of all the ones we got.

Should Be Asleep

2011-02-08T21:09:00.001-08:00

Should Be Asleep
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

He's not really amused. So I took this one and left him to go to sleep.

The Best I Could Manage

2011-02-07T21:30:00.001-08:00

The Best I Could Manage
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

I stayed home sick from work today, and my son stayed home from school as well. I feel awful. This Hipstamatic self-portrait kind of says it all, really.

San Jose Sunset

2011-02-06T20:47:00.001-08:00

San Jose Sunset
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

I love this one. So much so, in fact, that I am borrowing it for today's 365. I'm sick and went to bed shortly after getting home from church. Been up a few hours, and now I am going to bed again VERY soon. I promise to take my camera out again tomorrow. Even if I am home sick from work!

Considering a Climb

2011-02-05T20:02:00.001-08:00

Considering a Climb
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

I took Cameron down the street to our little neighborhood park today. The weather was simply amazing, and I HAD to get out and take some pictures. Most of them have a little too much goofy in them. But I like how this one came out. He was determined to climb this tree. It didn't happen.

Spotted on my Walk

2011-02-04T14:58:00.000-08:00

Spotted on my Walk
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

I was heading out to my car for lunch and I really liked the way these flowers stood out. Tried to get a good angle to capture their beauty.

Casey Woogums

2011-02-03T15:25:00.001-08:00

Casey Woogums
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

My friend Becki's dog Casey is at work with us today. I wub him.

Repetitive Railing

2011-02-02T23:41:00.001-08:00

Repetitive Railing
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

This is alongside the ramp that leads up to our school's cafeteria, as seen from the library below. It just looks cool.

Cameron's Breakfast

2011-02-02T13:23:00.001-08:00

Tried to post this to my Flickr account, but I don't think that can handle animated GIFs.

Late Night Laptop

2011-02-01T22:01:00.001-08:00

Late Night Laptop
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

Hubby did not know he was my subject. I had to get a few snaps in because my day was so wildly busy I never even took my camera out. Now I am shattered and just need to get to bed!

Working Through My To-Do List

2011-01-31T21:13:00.001-08:00

Working Through My To-Do List
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

Wow! Today has been a day and a half! I think I am still recovering from the wild and crazy Macworld weekend, plus I had my first and second graders today, and they always take a lot out of me.

But once I was done at work, I still had a LOT to get done.

Got my application in for Apple Distinguished Educator (fingers crossed!), stopped by the Scout Store, had dinner with my boys, did the grocery shopping, got a birthday card for my girlfriend, set up online access to my HSA account, and refilled a prescription. Now I just need to get those two blog posts uploaded that have been sitting in my files for weeks.

Mondays kind of hit me hard lately.

Hit the Bricks, Pal!

2011-01-30T20:23:00.001-08:00

Hit the Bricks, Pal!
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

Full disclosure: this is actually from yesterday, but as days go, it had at LEAST two days worth of awesome packed into 24 short hours. So much so that I spent much of today in bed recovering. (I think I am getting a cold or something.)

Kyle did not know I was taking this picture during the Twitter Chorus at Macworld. Chris Bell and Carol Anne McGuire were talking about how to use Twitter as an educational technology tool, and they were just discussing blocking users when I saw Kyle holding his hand in this way while he worked away on something else.

Thank Goodness There Was a Sign

2011-01-29T22:49:00.001-08:00

Thank Goodness There Was a Sign
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

While at Macworld today, at Moscone West for the big CUE all-day event, I stepped away briefly to use the restroom. On my way, I passed this.

Thank goodness there was a sign, so I did not mistake these for some kind of wall-mounted bidets. The best part? Someone I know came along (also to use the ladies' room) while I was taking this picture with my iPhone and curiously inquired as to what I was doing.

Don't Try This At Home

2011-01-28T10:34:00.001-08:00

Don't Try This At Home
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

As I approached work this morning, the fog got really thick as we got close to school. I may or may not have taken this with my iPhone while driving. If confronted, I'll deny everything.

Blue Skies and Blue Eyes

2011-01-27T20:21:00.001-08:00

Blue Skies and Blue Eyes
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

This is my son before school this morning. He was clowning around on the playground with my husband when we got this silly shot.

Cameron also got to hold the American flag for this morning's first and second grade flag salutes.

I Fear Things May Be Getting Out of Hand

2011-01-26T23:19:00.001-08:00

I Fear Things May Be Getting Out of Hand
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

It occurred to me as we had to repeatedly school our son on what we meant when we said "here, bring me that remote" that perhaps it wasn't really his fault that he never brought the correct one the first time around.

Spike the Mic

2011-01-25T21:00:00.001-08:00

Spike the Mic
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

I was sitting at my desk at work today, admiring the hair on one of my 8th graders, and I realized it would look funny on top of the Snowball microphone already sitting out on my desk. A little creative angling and he didn't even notice until I showed him how the pics came out.

Food Pyramid Fun

2011-01-24T19:32:00.001-08:00

Food Pyramid Fun
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

Here's one of my students, a second grader, searching for more clip art of food items to fill her food pyramid nutrition guide. Later, the students will type a paragraph about what the food pyramid is and how it helps us.

One thing I really like about this project is that it is one of the first in which my second graders start demonstrating some independence while repeating a series of steps to identify and locate clip art they need, insert it, change the wrapping and size, and put it into the correct part of the template diagram. After this project, they really show more confidence with a lot of what we do in the lab. It's probably at just the right time in the school year too.

On the Phone with Nanny

2011-01-23T16:49:00.001-08:00

On the Phone with Nanny
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

My son was at work with me today, so we called my mother. He chatted away, quite the thing, and I can tell she's really noticing how much he's growing up. He just turned seven on Monday. We're in California, and she is in New Jersey, so we don't get to see each other much. But we always phone on Sundays.

Scouting Pow Wow

2011-01-22T20:15:00.000-08:00

Scouting Pow Wow
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

I spent my entire Saturday at the University of Scouting, as I am a Cub Scout leader. When I was taking some pictures (with my iPhone) of the teepee, this young man was kind enough to stop to pose. He was one of a number of young people decked out in Native American regalia as part of today's education/celebration.

One of the things I learned early in the day yesterday is that our brand-new, very small Pack (14 boys, grades 1-3) is barely a fledgling Scouting unit. There are so many huge Packs with multiple Dens at each level (Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos I, Webelos II). I started to feel really isolated and discouraged. I heard about Pack Committees that consisted of a number of people, whereas I alone AM our Pack Committee right now. I heard about Cubmasters of Packs so large they did not know all the boys' names, Assistant Cubmasters, Den Leaders, Assistant Den Leaders.

We have nothing like this kind of structure. The afternoon went a little better for me and I got some real positives out of all six sessions I attended throughout the day. I came away from the entire experience feeling that I need to help each adult in our Pack find his or her special role. And EVERYONE gets a job. Now, after some work I need to get done for another responsibility of mine, I just need to make a list of adults and jobs and help each one find the perfect fit.

Where All the Cool Kids Hang Out

2011-01-21T09:55:00.001-08:00

Where All the Cool Kids Hang Out
Originally uploaded by Dowbiggin

I was working on testing the EyeFi card in my camera on the school network. Could not help but notice how hard our staff works to keep everyone healthy. This is next to where kids enter and exit the mini-lab of computers in our school library. Note the future president seen hanging out in a library in the picture....