I am learning my way around all these new toys on the Internet.
First, there's tumblr, where I have lots of micro blogs at work. I'm still not sure whether to have just one blog and keep blogging there, or keep my life compartmentalized. At any rate, here are the URLS:
http://karlaakins.tumblr.com
http://cottageschool.tumblr.com
http://pastorswives.tumblr.com
http://jesuslovesbikerchickstoo.tumblr.com
http://mylifewithautism.tumblr.com
http://envisionpublishing.tumblr.com
Then, there's twitter (my screen name there is KarlaAkins). Today I discovered twitwall. There's twitpic and plurk and on and on it goes. There just isn't enough time in a teaching mom's day to play with all the toys!
I also have a semi-private micro-blog about my laborious quest for new habits (that I'm pretty much NOT succeeding with) and another one for Sarah Palin. I just love that woman.
I have some cute video up on my cottage school blog. I invested in a flip video camera and I am constantly making videos.
I also have some video up on my motorcycle site so you can ride with me! Vrrooom!!
I had a poignant day yesterday at cottage school. We are studying elections right now, and we were discussing the issues of the two main candidates, McCain and Obama. I have 14 students ages 4 years old - 12th grade, and the subject of abortion came up. I have a 1st grader in my group and she was asking me what that was. A few other kids were gathered around me at my desk at the time.
Me: Obama says it's okay for babies who aren't born perfect to die even if they are born alive.
1st grader: What do you mean not perfect?
Me: Well, you know, people that might be born without being very smart or something like that.
1st grader: You mean like Isaiah and Isaac? (My twin sons with autism and mental retardation aka cognitive disabilities.)
Me: Yes, just like them.
1st grader (she has known the twins since she was a baby): That's not right. That's just wrong. That's bad.
If a little child can figure out -- why can't adults?
My husband says that conversation will probably stay with that little girl her entire life because of the emotional impact. I hope so. Wouldn't it be wonderful?
Sometimes I get discouraged and think that what I do doesn't make much of a difference. Kids will, after all, grow up and become who they want to be anyway.
And then, there are moments like that those that give me hope that maybe, just maybe, something might stick.
Only time will tell.
Hope you are all doing well and have great, fun plans for the holidays coming up. I am very excited about Thanksgiving! My favorite holiday!
Please come see me on my micro blogs! I'd love to have a visit from you!!
(c) 2008 Karla Akins
