A Blog about Blogging...and More

I am scheduled to present a conference session on blogging a week from tomorrow at the Hot Springs Technology Institute, so I started working on my presentation today :) Go me!

This isn't a linked image, as I have not finished the presentation at pub time :)

Although I have been blogging - off and on - for a couple of years now, there is still a lot that I don't know and that I want to learn.  I set some goals for myself this summer and one of them is related to blogging:

1. I want to make the move from Blogger to WordPress.org.  Most people don't know that there are two different versions of WordPress.  The ".com" version is free, a little harder to set up than a Blogger account, and doesn't allow ads.  The ".org" version requires you to self-host (which requires that you purchase a domain name and server space) and install their free software on your computer.  Most professional bloggers are using this version because it provides the user with complete control and because so many plug-ins are available.  However, it is somewhat complicated.  So far, I've just been conducting research, but one day this summer, I am going to bite the bullet, pull out the Amex card, and make the switch.
2. Another goal is to actually do something with my dissertation research.  It is so relevant right now and could be of value to many in education...yet it sits on my computer and will see become outdated if I don't pull some articles from it and submit them to a journal or two for publication.  The problem is, I am still sick of my dissertation and opening those files brings back all the memories of writing that thing...the hours and hours of writing that thing.
3. A third goal was to improve ME...body, mind, and soul.  This is a hard one because I can usually only manage one thing well at a time.  I will finish Les Mills Combat, the mixed martial arts workout series I've been doing religiously for 60 days, tomorrow.  I am healthier and stronger, but maybe not "skinnier."  Working out like that makes a girl very hungry!  I have been reading a daily devotional that two dear friends gave me as a graduation present last fall.  It is helping me to focus on a specific "thing" each day.  My mind...well...I haven't been reading or writing much (you can tell that I'm behind on my blogging, but I am working on several presentations for next week.  I am teaching workshops on "iPads for K-12 Educators," "Tons of Apps You Never Knew You Needed," "Pinterest in the Classroom," and finally, "Jump on the Bandwagon: Start Blogging!"  Preparation for these has required some research on my part, so maybe my mind improved a little :) 

This week, I am going to be very productive, but also rest a little.  Next week is a big week for Don and I as we present, promote HSTI and SWOW, and play host to hundreds of awesome educators from around the State of Arkansas.  Can't wait!