Comparison Paper--HELP!!

I have done my research--I have my four benchmarks--I have the data about the machines--but I don't know how to write a comparison paper. I have four pages already and I think that I have too much information, but don't know where to cut it down. It gets very frustrating. I hope that I can find a good website for comparison papers.

On a good note, I did get my glasses a week earlier than I thought I would. I am so glad to be able to see again. Georgia ate the other ones for a snack. She is intent on driving me insane. She unscrewed the leg of my sewing ironing board and chewed it up. I would understand if we didn't give her any toys to play with, but she has hers and the ones she has stolen from my cat. Good grief dog, behave for once.

Ready for Class?

I hope so. I am rather nervous about what we are going to learn and how I have been doing so far. I am not so keen on online classes. I miss the interaction we had in class with the teacher. I really would have like to been there for this class. I hope that we cover networking a little more. I know nothing about it.

On the other hand, I am so proud of myself. I have been having problems with my desktop. It has been making the strangest noises--almost grinding like. My brother mentioned that it might be the fan for the computer or the CPU. So, I opened up the computer and checked it out. I think that I blew out enough cat hair to make another cat. I know that I got enough out of the keyboard to make a kitten.

When I am working on the computer, Thomas sleeps on his bed. I had to buy that for him, because he insisted on sitting on my arms. Georgia sleeps right behind me on the chair. She usually takes more chair space than I do.

Looking forward to class.

Glad this week is over!!!

This week I had to deal with students upset about their general education algebra teacher, look for two psyhcology teachers and then teach my own class. I did five interviews this week. I am so tired.

The good news is that I have hired two psychology teachers. I think that they will do great jobs. The one I called was just so excited to get the job and it is for only three weeks. I am sure that the students will love her.

I am also waiting for my printer to catch on fire. I am not an e-book type of person. I want to read and re-read the material so I am printing off the chapters. I am afraid to admit that I haven't been reading my texts like I should. But, I know nothing about networking. I mentioned that I was nervous about the quiz for networking and my brother said, "I can answer your questions. What are they?" When I started listing them off, he got very quiet and said, "Boy, he is getting detailed isn't he?"

As long as I learn something in the class, I will be happy. I am very happy about my grade point average right now. I have never done this well in college.

Maniac Monday

Why is it that Mondays seem to come so close together any more? It seems like I didn't even breathe this weekend.

I did have a great lunch yesterday. I drove my father and niece, Mikayla, up to Des Moines. My niece was in from the east and we met her for lunch. Thank goodness for GPS technology. It saved a lot of my frazzled nerves. I did realize that with all the technology in the world you still need the personal touch. I had put in 310 W. Court into the GPS for the address. However, the restaurant was at 310 E. Court. Thank goodness for pleasant police officers. He was very nice and directed to our destination.

The food wasn't bad, but the company was excellent. Kelly, Nicole, Alex, Sam, and Wendy came. It was good to see them all. Kelly and Nicole are my nieces. Alex and Sam belong to Nicole.

I was so glad that I looked at the portal on Saturday. I was thinking I had until Monday to get the homework done--I was wrong. I will have to work hard to get this work done today or tomorrow for our next assignment. The time is less between them. Oh well, just a couple more weeks before we meet our teacher.

Dad had a really good time and enjoyed meeting with the girls. I think that I will be able to get him to go out more often now.

Exciting Show

James and I went to Dixie Stampede last night. It was a very good show. There was a pre-show. Some comedian. He was really good--I am afraid that I didn't catch his name. He made fun of his ancestory--chinese, japanese, spanish and portugese. He also juggled. Very good show.

Then we went into the show. We got really good seats. The started off with ice tea, pepsi, or coffee, then progressed to cream of vegetable soup--delicious. Then the show started. They were really good. The horses were well trained and the singing was good.

James and I were on the south side. If your ticket was A-D, you were north. If it was E-G, you were south. Then they had contests to see who would win the war. The north was ahead by 6-5, but the south won in the end. It was a flag passing contest. James nearly knocked me out passing the flag to me. He was really getting into the process.

I was amazed at how fast the time went. I really didn't have a time where I was thinking, boy hurry up. I was uncomfortable, but that was me. My knee was acting up and hurt pretty badly. I couldn't seem to find a way to sit to alleviate the pain.

Today is the last day of my vacation. We will pack up and go home tomorrow. I guess I will have a lot of work to do when I get home--cleaning, washing clothes, preparing for Monday's class, my homework, my homework, my homework. But, I have really enjoyed my time. It was over way too soon.

Vacation Time

We spent the day at Silver Dollar City today. Boy has it changed since the last time I went--I think I went in 1987 or 1988. So I guess that it should change. One change that I didn't like was that there really weren't a lot of people doing their craft. We watched them make candy and blow glass, but there wasn't a lot of other working. I did see a couple of ladies making baskets and I talked the broom guy.

We enjoyed the Saloon show. I missed Carrie Nation. She always came in and interrupted the show and yelled about alcohol. We rode the train and that was an adventure. The coupling between cars 2 and 3 came undone. It didn't completely come undone, but we had to sit for awhile for the repair guys to come.

There was the Missouri Sons and Daughter Museum. I want to go to see the George Washington Carver museum in Diamond City, MO. I guess when we go to Joplin next time; we will make a detour. I have always admired the man.

When we got back to the campground, I was playing with Georgia when one of the other camper's boxer attacked her. Her chain yanked out of my hand and she took off. I have never seen anything run so fast. The other dog was pulled off by her owner. Actually, Georgia ran around a fence and then ran under it. She was able to get away from him. It really frightened her and me. She is okay though.

Nice slow day

Well, it's happened (at least in Mikayla's eyes). I've become an old woman. I turned 50 today. It started rather early. We are camping on Taneycomo Lake in Branson. Our camper is around 300 yards from the lake front.

We started the morning early--7:30 a.m. We were on the lake. I went fishing for the first time in 30+ years. I have never fished for trout, but I caught a small one. I didn't even mind throwing him back.

Went to Stafford, MO, so that we could go to Camping World and get things for the trailer. Then went out to eat at Mexican Villa. This place has the greatest Burrito done Enchilada style. Then came home and fixed up the trailer.

James is making supper--steak, baked potatoes, and salad. Even got a little bitty cake for dessert. All-in-all, a great day! Nice slow and relaxing. The dog is really unsure about camping, but it is fun to watch her try something new. We will NOT be taking her back to the docks when we go fishing. She is terrified of the water.

I really like our new camper. It really is nice today. Didn't have to run the air conditioner much. It will be really nice to sleep tonight. I usually sleep better when it is cold.

Vacation!!!!

I am officially on vacation today. I am so excited. It was a long week. I had vacationitis, so I wasn't as patient as a I try to be. But, I will come back from Branson physically tired, but mentally alert.

Changes

There have been a lot of changes in my life this year. Last Thursday, my friend and co-worker received a call from her husband. He told her that he thought he was having a heart attack. Today, they took him off life support. My heart breaks for her and her family. She had such a good relationship with him, and I know that she will miss him terribly. I didn't really know him, but he seemed like such a nice guy. I wish there was something that I could do for her, but right now, all I can do is pray.

Monday, one of my co-workers told me that one of my former students had passed away. I don't know what happened, but he was only 24 years old.

As I was waiting in the dentist's parking lot, a student called and said that she wouldn't be in for the rest of the week. Her brother and two cousins were killed in a car wreck. I am really in the dumps. There has been so much death lately.

I am sorry that this is so depressing, but I just needed to get it off my chest.

Lazy Sunday

I have spent the last hour working on my webquest. I put it on Helgasongang (Yahoo group my niece created) and asked my family for input. Kelly, my oldest niece, had some great suggestions. So, I have spent some time getting those things adjusted. I do need to talk to one of the guys at school about opening my hyperlink as a new window, though.

I am really having fun with DreamWeaver. There is so much to learn. I need to sit down with a textbook and learn all I can. I am going to see if there are any seminars in the area that I can take so I can learn more.

My youngest niece stayed with us this weekend so that her parents could go to her sister's sorority "father's day". (Mom went along.) She is nine and has such a vivid imagination. When you get into the car, she asks you where you want to go. On the way to church, we went to Mount Fuji and Hawaii. She will act like she is moving some dials on the ceiling and then says, Blast off in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Here we go. I had to smile most of the way there.

It's Done!!!!!!

I got my webquest posted. I am so excited! Plus, we got verification that they are still working on the business management program. I am so relieved.

It has been a great day! Think I'll go walk the dog.

My webquest site is: http://www.lesley.edu/faculty/kmccoy/kansascity/km090105/home.html. I am going to have some people from work look it over. I have been looking at it so much--my eyes are crossed. If anyone sees anything that doesn't look right, please let me know.

WebQuest

I think that I am done with my WebQuest. I keep going back and making changes. It is too long as it is so I am going to stop. The only problem I have is that I don't remember how to publish it. I tried doing it with my notes, but I keep getting an error about remote server. I just tried a couple of times to publish it, so I will try again tomorrow.

I am so glad that I am done, but I have really enjoyed working on DreamWeaver. I plan to take classes and seminars so that I can learn it better. I would like to make a web page for my family. I think that they would really enjoy it. Yesterday, my sister set my dad up on facebook. She said that way he could see what the girls (granddaughters) are doing. I'm afraid the only reason I go to facebook is that I like to play FarmTown and Farmville. Unfortunately, I have gotten hooked. I am spending way too much time on them. Just like my Sims. I haven't had time to install my Sims 3 yet, but I am afraid to see how much time I would spend on it.

I don't have many students in my night class. I only have three students, but only one showed tonight. That makes it rather had to teach, but I guess that she gets individualized training.

Almost There!

I worked like crazy on my WebQuest this weekend. I also worked about three hours this afternoon. I have some cosmetic things to do and have one of my friends look it over and I will be done. I am sp excited.

I will be taking a week's vacation at the end of the month. It is my ##th birthday. I decided that I didn't want to be at school so my brother and I are going to Branson. There is a nice little RV park on Taneycomo Lake. It has changed so much since I went to school at College of the Ozarks in the 80s. I guess that 25 years will do that.

I am looking forward to going to Silver Dollar City (or as we used to say--Steal Your Dollar City). I also want to go to Shepherd of the Hills. I used to go to both of these places a lot when I was in school. I might go to the BaldKnobbers. My roommate worked there. I went with her as much as possible. Shoji Tabuchi (don't know the spelling) was there then. He was so nice and played beautifully. He has his own place now. I do plan on just sitting around the campground for awhile. I hope that it doesn't get too cool. I guess that I won't be going swimming.

Where does the time go?

I can't believe I let time get away from me. I haven't blogged for entire week. We have completed our second week of the phase. I have pretty good workers--but sometimes, I wonder why they came to school--to learn or to play. It gets frustrating. I had to talk to one of my students about hitting another student. I didn't realize that I was teaching elementary students.

I am so glad that it is Friday. I really don't like "short" weeks. They seem to take forever and they take so much out of a person. My students have really gotten into the blogging. In fact, I have them ask if they can blog now instead of asking to leave.

They still haven't decided when they will start the new program. I am beginning to think that it won't happen until January. Unfortunately, knowing my company--they might start in October and tell me about it the last week of September. They aren't known for communication--like so many corporations.

I am trying to stay on my chair. The puppy has decided that she needs more room and is pushing against me. Pretty soon, she is going to find herself on the floor. The cat has his head curled up against my left hand. It makes it pretty had to type correctly. Every once in awhile, I have to reach over and pet him or he butts his head and I make a mistake. I got my DreamWeaver software--I got the creative suite 4 edition that included Photoshop. I am really excited. I want to learn how to use that one. Now, I have no excuse for completing my homework. Guess I had better get to work.

My Free Day

I am so excited. I have nothing planned for today. I can work on my webquest and clean house and get ready for next week. This is great.

I spent the day with Dad yesterday. Mikayla and I picked him up and went grocery shopping. Then he talked and talked. I wish that I had put on the tape recorder--I would have gotten a great deal of data for the girls. Mikayla is so good at keeping busy even when she is alone. I am going to take her to Target today to pick up a toy to take to Grandpa's. There are plenty of toys there, but this is something special that she can play with.

I went to SantaCaliGon Days in Independence on Friday afternoon--one word--rain. It did cut down on the number of people in the square, but it was just a drizzly day. I was hoping for some new exotic food, but I was disappointed. Nothing new--same'o'same'o. Then Saturday we went to RenFest. Mikayla and James really enjoy that. We took the puppy. She did really well, but was so tired at the end of the day. I think that one dog was ready to eat her--almost attacked her. Poor puppy--she was terrified.

This morning, I had a nice chat with my uncle and cousin from Coffeyville on Skype. It is so strange to see them while I am talking to them. I have been told that Windows Live and Yahoo also have this ability--my sister likes Windows Live better--better quality picture.

Strange New Phase

This is the third day of our new phase (semester). It has been a strange one--no new starts for my department. It seems odd not to get to know some new people. However, it is good, because I know what I have covered in other classes and so can modify my classes this phase.

It's been rough going for Dad lately. I know that he misses Mom. I just wish I knew how to help. I miss her terribly, but I can't imagine losing someone with whom you have spent the last 50 years together.

This is a holiday weekend coming up--I am excited. After a very short weekend of rest, I get a long weekend--four days off--yeah. James and I are going to take Mikayla to the Renaissance Festival on Saturday. I am going to help Dad clean the "sewing" room on Sunday--Monday will be for relaxing.

My Website

Here is my website for class.

www.lesley.edu/faculty/kmccoy/kansascity/km090105/index.html

I am so excited about learning these new things. It has been a long time between learning for fun and learning for class preparation. I am so glad that I started school. I have met some wonderful people and learned wonderful things.

I wish that I could devote my more time to class--I really enjoyed working on my website--I would like to know how to do it better. I think that I could have a lot of fun with it. The students at Vatterott really enjoy it when they are taking the class.

End of the phase

Today was the last day of the phase. It is good to see it over. It is also rather sad too. There were no more new starts. They are teaching program out--the new one is supposed to start in November.

This is going to be a long weekend. I have classes on Saturday and Sunday and I have a webinar to attend on Friday. I'm glad that I like school or I would really dread this weekend.

Long Day

Dad asked me to drive him to his doctor's appointment in Columbia. No biggie. However, the appointment was for 12--the doctor didn't arrive until 3:00--he was in surgery. I was amazed at the treatment we received. They were so nice. Today they had planned to have a birthday party for one of the nurses. So they included us. We were the only people there. They came into the waiting room with cake for us. We just sat there and they listened to Dad talk. One of the nurses was really interested in gardening. That happens to be Dad's favorite topic--it was great to watch the two of them. The only problem was that Daisy (Dad's dog) ate one of his hearing aids. He was constantly interrupting people because he didn't realize that they were talking.

James and I share a Costco card and our annual check came in. We have to spend it at Costco--now we have to decide what we want. He told me that he wanted a movie set and I could have the rest. Of course, they didn't have the movie set. Now we have to look for something else. Of well, it is hard to shop--ha, ha!

Doin' Great!

Had my semi-annual checkup with Dr. Jew today. She said that I am doing great. Just 9 months more and I will be "cured". I am so happy. It has been a long 5 years. I plan to get my hair cut on my anniversary and donate it to Locks of Love. I've been bald, I know what it feels like. As I tell my students, "been there, done that". My tri-annual oncologist visit was last Wednesday--he said everything was great. Of course, he had to add "If we could only get a little weight off you, you would feel so much better."

Georgia (dog) and Thomas (cat) are helping me write my blog. Thomas is sitting right next to the keyboard while Georgia is taking up most of my chair space. Pretty soon, I will be on the floor as she is snoring in the chair.

I hooked up my camera yesterday. I am all ready to "skype" now. I sent a video of Georgia and me to my family. It was a lot of fun. I was surprised to see that my Uncle David had a Skype account. I am thinking about getting a camera for Dad so that he can skype with his brother and granddaughters. It will be easier for him and more fun for all. They can do a video call. That will prevent him from playing cards while they are trying to talk to him.

I am going in to school early today and work on DreamWeaver. I have decided on a WebQuest topic. It feels so much better when I know what I am going to do.

Rainy Days and Mondays

You can tell it is a rainy Monday morning. My classroom was almost bare until about 10. I guess they are afraid that they will melt in the rain.

I am so excited. I got my podcast to embed on my work portal. Then I learned how to make it fit into the screen. I need to learn how to talk without breathing. You can really hear that. I guess that

Practicing Podcasts

I am so excited. I purchased a microphone today so that I could start doing podcasts. I have downloaded JingProject, so I was ready to start practicing. I think that this will be a fantastic tool to use with my students. Since I have been teaching Word, I used it to do a short demonstration of mail merge.

The podcasts are limited to 5 minutes since I have the free version, but that was great. After I found out how to get it to acknowledge my microphone, I was ready to made some "noise". I realize that I now that I will need a script before I start recording, but it was great to see what I can do with the software and the microphone.

One of the perks of going back to school has been that I have started looking for new things to do in class and new ways to present it. I have always made sure my students understood the topics that we were discussing, but I am afraid that I have fallen back on the "tried and true". One of my students told me that she like the fact that I was in school--I was coming up with fun things to do. I need to keep up the momentum and keep looking for new ways to present the information. It will certainly help that I have to prepare for new classes, but I will find new techniques and procedures to use.....

I think I've Got It

I finally figured out how to put a title onto my post. I can't believe how much work we sometimes have to put into simple situations. As I tell my students, since I found it myself, I will remember it a lot longer.

Long week

It's been a couple of days--this has been a long week. I did have good news on Wednesday. I went to see my oncologist for a check up and everything looks good. Of course, he said that if I could get some of my weight off, I would feel better.

I took my two youngest nieces out for lunch today. I called and asked if they wanted to go out. The 9 year old misunderstood me when I started listing places we could go. I said "pasta" and she thought "Costco" so that is where she chose to go. However, it was extremely easy to get her to agree to go to IHOP. It is her favorite.

Emily and I shared a meal--it was two pancakes, cheesecake and strawberries, plus the eggs, bacon, sausage, and hash browns. I was so glad that we shared. It was way too much for me.

We have been pretty lucky this summer--such nice mild weather. Then I decide to go camping and the normal weather hits. Unfortunately, on Sunday, as we were putting up our camper, I didn't drink any water--just a lot of diet coke.

Today, I am paying the price. I think that I ended up with heat stroke. I tried to go to work, but as I was trying to grade papers, I just couldn't keep awake. So I got one of the other teachers to look after my class and I went home. I slept nearly four hours. Had a little something to eat and then went back to sleep. The dog and cat were sleeping with me--one in the crook of each arm.

So I have avoided diet coke and ice tea and tried to drink a lot of water. I feel so bad. Oh well, it can only get better.

The weekend is over. I can't believe it went that fast. I enjoyed the camping, but didn't like the heat. It is supposed to be hot today again. The kids went on a treasure hunt last night. They really enjoyed themselves. I think that the adults enjoyed it just as much.

I still haven't decided what to do my webquest on. I am thinking about marketing---finding a new product to introduce.

I need to get breakfast made--have a great day!

Good Morning! I am really enjoying my new netbook. Right now, I am downloading Jingproject so that I can screencast. It is so exciting to learn these new possibilities with the internet. I can see how easy it would be for me to use podcasts and screencasts in my classroom--if a student is absent, all they have to do is listen to parts of my lecture. Maybe, I'll be obsolete. Nah, they would miss my glorious personality (just kidding!).

I slept pretty good last night--even though I had the melodious noise of Hwy 70 ringing in my ears. We are right on I-70--you should hear the trucks go by. One lost a tire last night. Boy, did one of the guys jump when it went off.

Well, I shouldn't stay in the camper too long--they will think I'm a snob. Have a great day!

Okay, so I am hooked. I am camping this weekend, but I still have to write on my blog. I bought a netbook today. I justifiy it because of classes, but I truly think it is because I can't stand to be away from the internet. Has going back to school made me an internet junky?

A group of us "old folks" have been going camping for awhile now. This weekend is for the kids--which means that kids and grandkids are welcome. It also means that some people have to watch what they talk about around the campfire. I don't know that we will be having a campfire--it is 85 degrees at 10:30. My brother and I went into town to go to my niece's show from bible school. For the most part it was really cool. If her last part had been sooner, I think that we would have left sooner--but they had them sign the glori partri (I don't know how to spell it.) so that took us all home.

Thursday--I stayed home today--I don't know if I am sick or just plain exhausted. I don't miss very often. My students are really working hard on their Word, and I want to be there to help them, but I just didn't feel good.

I also have to be careful that I don't take anything into the classroom. I don't want to get my students sick. They can't afford to miss.

I woke up this morning to Georgia jumping up on me. She was trying to lick my face and bite me at the same time. I will be so glad when she is done teething. I pushed her off the bed and she came back to apologize. That meant that I had to wash my face after she did.

I worked on the chapter assignment. I was so excited to learn about screencasting. I wish that I had known about it when I was doing my assignment for last time. It is really neat. After I practice with it for awhile, I will be able to use it in class and have it available for the students to use when I am not there. How cool is that!

So, I think that I am all that--a blog no less--trouble is, I couldn't get into my blog. Too many e-mail addresses.

We are going camping this weekend. No place special--just a nearby campground. I am looking forward to it. There are 5 families that get together. If they bring their families, we have a huge group. They are a lot of fun.

I am trying to be patient with my brother's dog--Georgia--or as I call her--Satan's daughter. She is into everything. She is teething. Unfortunately for my cat, Thomas, he is her favorite chew toy. I can't wait until she grows out of this stage. She is cute--but she is a handful.

Here it is Tuesday--and RAIN! I am so tired right now. I just wanted to curl up in bed and sleep this morning--but that stupid alarm clock said "NO" in a most insistent manner so I got up.

There are a lot of empty chairs in my classroom. I guess they were able to ignore their alarm clocks.

I guess that I won't have to water my tomatoes today. I put in several tomato plants--funny thing is that I don't like them. I really put them in for Mom--she kept telling me--"don't forget tomatoes. I love tomatoes." So I put them in--in fact, I put a whole lot in. My roma tomatoes are really pathetic. But the cherry tomatoes and the "big boys" are doing well.

I just wish Mom was here to enjoy them. She would have eaten them for every meal. I was able to give several away this weekend. My students enjoy them as well. I do like a BLT now and then.

Okay, so I have to admit. The picture is a few "decades" old. I haven't had a picture taken since then. And, since I love to take the pictures, I don't have many pictures of myself. So this one will ahve to do.

I loved the area at college where it was taken. I went to school at The School of the Ozarks at Point Lookout, MO. Of course, they call it "The College of the Ozarks" now. The grist mill is still there. It is a working mill where they grind corn, wheat, etc. They use a water wheel to turn the huge grinders.

Whenever I got homesick or sick of homework or roommates, I would go down to the grist mill on campus. The water running over the wheel always made me feel so much better. It had a calming affect on me. I would sit there and watch the water cascade down the rocks at the spillway. It is amazing how the water tosses and turns and seems to find its way home in the end--just like us if we keep our head.

Monday--the bane of all workers. I am so tired. It was hard to get up this morning after having class all weekend. I finished one assignment--only two more to go.

What makes Monday so hard? I don't want to wish my life away--but I am always wishing for Monday to be over.

This is the first time I have ever done anything like this--I am excited about learning something new.

Here I am on the web--yeah me.

I wonder what I will learn this year.