Afghanistan

So, I decided to go country by country in alphabetical order just to keep it easier, as I find videos, books, etc for our World History and Geography classes.  There are so many cool things to see in the world.

There really is not much as far as videos to choose from on Afghanistan, for obvious reasons.  This UNICEF reporter, below, has some really cool videos on Afghanistan.  He has also great videos, in other countries, that I will surely use at different times.  You need to click the playlist to see all the videos in this series. This post contains affiliate links.

I hope you enjoy all the video choices I have made for you.  The last one on food is amazing!

Travel on Tuesday: The Continents

Travel to all 7 Continents with BBC's new documentary on Jan 18, 2020.  See the trailer below for more information.  I will be recording this series to see if it will be useful to me for Geography next year.  If you have Directv Channel 264 is what you need.  Dish Network channel 135.  I love BBC so I am sure I will like this even if I can't use it for schooling.

Whimsy on Wednesday: Winter Fairy Garden

We took an old broken wheelbarrow filled it with dirt and created a lovely Winter Fairy Garden.  This is still not done.  It sits on kind of a slant so I want the lower end to be a pond for ice skaters, and I need to find fake snow that won't harm my plants.  Maybe cotton balls will work.  I slowly add new plants as I find them.  Trader Joe's has tiny plants at various times of the year, and I can find some at Walmart.  The solar-powered fairy lights are the same ones as the ones below.  You get 2 of them, so the second set is on our front porch.  I will probably be buying more of these.  I just love them.  This can be an expensive hobby, but with patience and creativity, it can be affordable and fun.  We change it out for different seasons.  This one will stay until Spring when it is time to decorate for Easter. 

This post contains affiliate links.

Visit my other blog Health Buddy Melissa

Living with Sjogren's Syndrome

Due to limited time, today I am sharing a video with tons of info on living with Sjogren's Syndrome. The speaker does have a little bit of an accent, but this video is worth watching.

My Journey to Sjogren's Syndrome

1. As I previously acknowledged I was extremely sick in December.  I have been diagnosed with CKD and Metabolic Acidosis.  My primary doctor tested me for Sjogrens in January.  That test was negative.  When we discovered my blood creatinine was elevated in two different blood tests, I was referred to a Renal doctor.  An US showed one kidney was smaller than the other.  My Renal doctor feels it is from Sjogrens and I need a salivary biopsy to confirm.

So, why did I just bore you to death with personal stuff?  Well for one this is a personal blog, and since my kids are older there isn't much to blog about for homeschool, so I will use as a personal journal, awareness, education, and yes still homeschool stuff too.  

April is Sjogrens Awareness Month.  As such I will be sharing all the info I have been gathering.  What I want to tell you for now is, if you have chronic dry eyes, or mouth these are the very first warning signs of Sjogrens.  If you don't know if you have dry eyes or mouth then you probably don't, because trust me you would notice.  Dry mouth is especially hard to not notice.  Don't let doctors and insurance companies ignore it eithér, keep after them and be an advocate for your own health care.  

I will not give medical advice, and anything I say is not to be interpreted as advice.  I will share my journey, resources and non medical ideas for stress, weight and pain management.  If you suffer with this disease p,ease feel free to leave comments.

Books and Classes Chosen For the 2016/2017 Homeschool Year

I am still working on our homeschool portfolios.  I hope to complete them next week.  DJ will be taking the new PSAT next Wed, with the essay option.  Then on the 11th, both kids will each start two classes of their new school year.  Since we have family coming the first two weeks of Sept, we will not have our first full school day, until the 19th.  So, at least we will have some started.  Caitlin, and DJ both, will start Math, and Caitlin chose Spanish for her second class to start, and DJ will be starting his certificate Digital Media course on FLVS.  Two new things for DJ this year, he is going to take the World History CLEP Exam at the end of the school year, and he will be really pushed to take notes this year, and required to study at least 45 min per class each night. DJ will also be working on his second book, that he is stuck about half way through, writers block, and will be participating in the NanoRimo writing challenge again in November.  Caitlin is currently using Wattpad for some writing fun.   Caitlin will be required to study, with reading or writing.  Of course we will continue our weekly Wed nature walk with friends, and volunteer hours as well. 

Caitlin 2016/2017 School Classes Grade 7:

Math:  Saxon 7/6 with supplement of Prodigy Math game, once or twice a week.
History:  World History with focus on Geography.  I will be posting some fun things to do for this class.
Spanish 1:  Along with textbook, and workbook, there is a really fun app she likes.
All other subjects will be grade 8 Alpha Omega including Bible.  I got a really good deal, but it was a grade higher but I have heard they are not real challenging, so it should be OK.  She could use a good challenge anyways.  I will be giving her books to read, but have not decided yet, besides Ann of Green Gables.  I am looking at her taking at least one FLVS class next year.  DJ will take his second year of Japanese in his senior year.  Both kids are deciding what they want to do with 4H, and I don't want them overwhelmed with activities anyways.  Caitlin will resume Gymnastics in October, and DJ of course guitar.

DJ 2016/2017 School Classes Grade 11:

Geometry
World History:  CLEP study guide with exam at end of year, will also be doing fun activities with me
English/Language Arts with focus on Writing
Chemistry with Labs
Digital Media 1-  full credit certificate course with FLVS
Psych 1- half credit elective course can also count as 1/2 credit of History with FLVS
Typing will be squeezed in somewhere, probably 2nd half of year as a 1/2 credit elective.  He really needs this class.  He has no clue about typing rules, such as for spacing.

So far DJ has chosen Dracula to read, and I still have to consider which ones I want him to read.  I am leaning towards classical literature as opposed to newer options. 

Pinterest Boards for Homeschool and Education

Today, I am sharing a few of my Pinterest boards that are related to homeschool, or education.  Check them out if you want.  There is tons of info there.  It is easier to do it this way, then for me to sift through, pick and choose, and then you sift through my blog to find them all.  I love Pinterest!  It is a giant filing cabinet.

https://www.pinterest.com/iaminterested/eclectic-homeschooler/
https://www.pinterest.com/iaminterested/books-worth-reading/
https://www.pinterest.com/iaminterested/upcycling/
https://www.pinterest.com/iaminterested/artsy-fartsy/
https://www.pinterest.com/iaminterested/earths-kids-club/
https://www.pinterest.com/iaminterested/fun-things-to-do/
https://www.pinterest.com/iaminterested/volunteer/
https://www.pinterest.com/iaminterested/higher-education/

Free or Frugal Homeschool Friday

Here we are at Friday, again.  I have some more free or frugal links to share.  Some of these we have used in our homeschooling, some are new and I have not yet tried them.  You look and decide if you would like to try them. 

This is a brand new Math video for multiplication.  My daughter has been trying to get a grasp on the concept of repeated addition, or multiplication.  I am hoping this Youtube video will explain it to her in a way she will understand better.  https://www.youtube.com/watch/?v=c1EJYhWos1o

Tenmarks offers a Summer Math program for free.  I considered doing this, but I already have our Math planned for the Summer, so I opted to not do the Tenmarks.  Check it out if you are interested https://www.tenmarks.com/consumer/signup

Do you and your kids like to bake?  Then check out the Holiday Baking for homeschooling at free Homeschool deals http://www.freehomeschooldeals.com/holiday-baking-as-homeschool-curriculum/

Want something fun to do over the Summer?  How about a fun camp from home, it is free and fun.  We did this last year, and it looks even more awesome this year.  Early registration for Camp Wonderopalis is open now http://wonderopolis.org/camp-early-registration/


I collect tons of cool, usually free, links and resources to my Pinterest account.  Then each Friday, I share some here on my blog.  Be sure to check back each Friday to see new ones.

Political Rant Number 1: Homeschool Rights

I do not normally rant, or even care much, what people think or say about the fact that I homeschool my children.  Either why or how, as a matter of fact.  I do, however, answer questions from those who are curious or truly interested in what we do.  I do not entertain the rude people, or those who ridicule or are just nosy.  I do not extend my opinions to those who choose to send their child to public school, and I expect the same respect in return.

So, what am I all hot and bothered about?  Some political figure in Ohio, you can Google her name if you want, tried to get a bill passed that would say that anyone who wanted to homeschool their child, in Ohio, had to have Social Services OK it first.  Are you kidding me?  As if that was not bad enough, then I made the mistake of reading comments made by ignorant people who have no knowledge of anything apparently, on how this should be because all those wacky homeschoolers just abuse their kids, thump their Bibles, and teach that the Earth is only 6,000 years old.  And those are just the ones I took the time to bother and read.  There were more.

I know, I know homeschoolers pull their kids out of public school so we can hide them in a closet, make them work hard labor in the fields, abuse them with hot irons, starvation and refusal of medical care.  Really, why would we not have to be investigated just because we want to educate our children in the way we see fit?  Come on, educate yourself, before you get on your high horse of stupidity.  It is a beautiful horse and you ride it so well.

Child abuse is an all encompassing epidemic.  It effects all races, religions, and even educated well off people abuse their children. Homeschooling is a RIGHT.  You, nor the Government has the  RIGHT to try and take that away from anyone.  Once you start to trounce the rights of one group of people, be very careful for your precious rights may get trounced on too. 

If someone is suspected of child abuse, fine take the proper steps to eradicate it, but keep your hands off homeschool rights.  You might find we don't like having our rights trounced on.

International Observe the Moon Night 2013

A few weeks ago, while searching for something else, I came upon the International Observe the Moon Night webpage. I was intrigued as to what it was, and checked it out. I found I could make my own event, in my own backyard, and have some fun doing it. I created it for our local Homeschool group. So, tomorrow night, October the 12 it will take place. It will be beautiful weather here in FL for such an activity, cool and clear. They have a ton of activities you can choose from to learn all about the moon, crafts and other activities. I have decided on a moon phases painting craft, moon pizzas, and of course viewing the moon. If you do not have a powerful telescope, we do not, there are a few apps to help you view the moon up close. I downloaded the constellation finder and the moon map. I wish they had made the event on the night of the full moon, but oh well it will still be a blast. I was contacted by a local reporter, about our event, and we were in an article featuring the Moon event. The kids were so excited. I hope to get some cool pictures to share on Sunday. Be sure to check the website for all their awesome educational activities. Next week, for school, we will be doing some of them for Science, just to learn more about the Moon.

MBA Online Program

One of the common areas of focus for an MBA online program that specializes in innovation and entrepreneurship is new product development. It is important to develop a well-defined product life cycle in order to bring a new product to market. Sometimes, this process can take a few years, but it always begins with a strong concept.

It is never a good idea to underestimate the power of a solid product idea. Many great concepts remain in the idea phase and never move toward being released to the public. Mostly, this happens because the originator does not follow through with developing the idea before trying to execute it. Entrepreneurs have to decide what is technically required in order to see an idea come to life.

The process of understanding the product, service or idea, of knowing what it takes to make it a tangible offering, is one that will require lots of market research. Initial research may come from books, literature and online fact searching, but getting to know the market means more hands-on interacting with that market. Sometimes it will require the savvy entrepreneur to design ways to get honest feedback from likely customers. This could happen across several social media platforms, surveys, interviews or sample stations. Market research can also lead entrepreneurs to thoroughly research their competition. Competitors mistakes and successes are very valuable lessons for developing new concepts.

Once the research has been done, and the entrepreneur believes he knows enough about his market, it is time to begin developing the product. Not all entrepreneurs are designers, so the smartest concept creators who know this about themselves are smart enough to recruit the right designers to their development teams. This leads to the creation of a prototype that can be tested before launching.

An online MBA that specializes in innovation and entrepreneurship will help to refine this process of new product development. MBA programs like the one at Northeastern University are designed to help students explore the stages of developing new products. Graduates of these programs are prepared to handle the challenges that face many entrepreneurs trying to introduce the market to new ideas. They learn that new products can have a significant impact on a business whether the product is the first and only one of a new business or an extension of an existing business. This gives them a clear advantage against competitors who do not have a similar education. MBA graduates are operating on clear insight instead of educated guesses.

Get Your MBA Online With No GMAT

If you are like a lot of other recent college graduates, you have your diploma in hand and are looking for work. The job market is tough, as everybody knows, and most recent graduates are carrying a lot of student loan debt. The environment is as competitive for job seekers as it ever has been.

What many see as a recession may actually be a permanent restructuring of the world economy. Outsourcing has sent millions of American jobs overseas. They will never come back. With so many entry level and technical jobs sent abroad, who needs to hire an American graduate? Now people are saying that the bachelor’s degree is the new high school diploma, the most basic qualification for any kind of work.

In such an environment, graduates may wonder what can give them an edge. Graduates in the humanities, especially, may rack their brains trying to imagine how they can fit into the workforce. English majors and art majors understandably want to work in their chosen fields. They can start out as freelancers and build decent careers as writers or illustrators. Many have done just that. What most do not realize at first is that success in creative fields requires as much business savvy as creativity. Few pick up the necessary business skills in their humanities programs.

Business skills are essential in any field. Engineers and people working in technology may find easy employment, but they often learn that they can make more money by stepping up into management. Engineers and humanities majors alike may find that the next logical step is to study for an MBA.

There are countless MBA programs available. Most focus on building upon your existing skills and work experience to prepare you for management positions. Students from all kinds of different backgrounds can fit in and benefit from these programs. Many programs are especially designed for people who are already working, so they can study on nights and weekends. There are even some prestigious online MBA programs you could consider.

Taking the GMAT is a good first step towards acceptance in an MBA program. There are lots of places that offer GMAT prep programs. Sometimes if you study an MBA online no GMAT is required. You can check out the requirements of each school, along with the institution’s level of expertise, and make an informed choice.

MPH Online

In the present economy, most commercial enterprises are contracting rather than developing as the share trading system files might have the general population accept. Nonetheless, there are various Baby Boomers who are in incredible need of first class private mind. They can likewise manage the cost of this forethought and will pay a premium for people with the right sort of instruction and ability set. In case government organization, for example HIPAA does not speak to you, then you can go into the private advertise provided that you are not reluctant to move. There are such an expansive number of chances as far as uncovering an occupation in the field of health that everyone can doubtlessly find something.

Then again, you should first have the right sort of degree: MPH Online

The health industry is expanding and it will be regardless of any outside activity within the economy. Obamacare for all intents and purpose guarantees a need for additional government organization regarding health. Private practice is additionally in great need of people who know government administration inside and out. Most specialists basically don't have sufficient manpower, time or energy to make the fundamental progressions that the government requires of their own accord. Their nurses are not trained in the new administrative requirements; however, they stand to lose a great deal of money if they are out of compliance.

These are precisely the abilities that an online Master's degree system will give to its graduate class. Upon graduation, a newly minted employee can instantly go into a private office and keep it up to code or move into the administration to help administrate Obamacare without a problem. Many business minded graduates have even created their own businesses with a specialty in government administration and Obamacare.

Baby Boomers are likewise in incredible need of people with large amounts of restorative and authoritative abilities. Provided that you are willing to move to the patient, most of whom are in big cities, there will be plenty of good jobs that are available for you.

Despite all this, perhaps the greatest advantage to getting an MPH online degree is that the cost is much less than most graduate programs overall. There are less textbooks to buy and less class time to attend, making it a time effective program as well.

Upcycled Terrariums and First Day of Age 9

Today is Caitlin's 9th birthday. That means we have been in Florida for exactly eight years. Can't believe it. Each year we take a picture of the kids on the first day of that year, or their birthday, and the last day of the previous year. This is just something fun we do. Caitlin chose to stand in front of my very huge yellow rose bush for her picture. I need to tie it back again, because it has gotten so big. It currently has no flowers, but it will. On Tuesday, we had our Earth Kids meeting. This time we made upcycled terrariums. The first picture is a butterfly terrarium I bought for Caitlin as a school project. It cost 20 dollars, and as you can see it is growing nicely. It waters itself, and the holes in the top should attract butterflies once the flowers bloom. The ones we did at Earth kids were made with recycled jars, that were upcycled into a terrarium. The total cost for all the supplies was 10 dollars, and there were seven kids. You can see which one is more affordable. Anyway the Tide pod container was the perfect container for this project. However, the Tide sticker was almost impossible to remove, and it scratched the container in the process. I upcycle jars all the time, and have removed upteen labels and the glue, with not much difficulty. If you decide to use this type of container, it will be very time consuming. DJ put a car in his, so the flowers will grow around the car, and some colorful rocks. Caitlin put a few stickers on hers and a kitty and puppy figurine inside, with some glass stones. I will take pictures as the plants begin to grow and bloom. As long as you leave the top on these are self watering systems. Their own little ecosystem if you will. I found a page you can print and use in your class to help teach the kiddos why making a terrarium is educational. Have fun, we did! Next meeting we are doing hummingbird and butterfly feeders that hang in the tree. We have tried other ones with little success, but this one I think will be awesome, and it is upcycled as well. So stay tuned for that.

My Weight Loss Journey

OK, some of you might be saying, what does weight loss have to do with homeschool blogs? A lot actually. As my journey continues my children learn about good nutrition, proper portion sizing, control of impulse eating and importance of some kind of exercise. So, why the MS book? I have mentioned in the past that I felt I had MS. I am almost 100 percent certain I do, now. As I get older, and some of the symptoms, change or I get flare ups of the symptoms, I have to adjust to my activity schedule. Because MS is a disease that can be debilitating, it is very important to me that I stay active and keep as much strength and endurance as I can. Two school years ago, we began a walking regime, three times a week, nothing hard just getting out and walking. I lost 15 pounds that first year. Doesn't sound like much, but I believe in baby steps. I am not someone who wants to drop 50 pounds in six weeks. Since that time, I have added portion control, less carbs not no carbs, a more intense walking workout twice a week, and some yoga. Yoga is quite wonderful for stretching and relaxation. It helps control pain and anxiety. Yoga is not easy, however, and you have to ease into it. I have lost almost 40 pounds in two years. And while I am not at my goal yet, I will get there. Plus, my kids are training for their very first mile run race in July. This has been very good for all of us. Now if I could just convince my husband to be more active. I don't write this for pity, I don't believe in such things. I write it for knowledge and strength of my inner self. Plus, to hopefully help someone else struggling with a chronic illness. You don't have to beat the illness to live with it. You do however, have to be willing to change your lifestyle and choices, in order to avoid living at the doctor's office, or living on medicine.

Step 5 Of The Writing Process: Publishing Your Work

Ok so you have gone through all the other four steps. Now you are on to step five, one final edit, and publishing your paper. Probably the easiest step. Go over one last time, and make any final edits needed for grammar, and spelling. Then just turn your paper in, if it is a school assignment, or have it published. The definition of publishing is the way you present your finished work to others. Your final work can be written out, or typed, which is the preferred method these days. It should be neat, and easy to read.

If you are publishing orally, it is an oral presentation. Be prepared before you start your oral presentation. Make note cards, practice what you will say, and speak clearly, and loud enough for everyone to hear. Use visuals such as charts, graphs, pictures, or other illustrations that help make your point. Be sure to know if your audience is formal, or informal, so you can follow the speaking style.

Speaking presentations, have always been my least favorite. I am very comfortable writing out my thoughts, and arguments, but very uncomfortable in front of groups. At one point I was a BLS Instructor, and I had to give oral presentations. This was a way of forcing myself to be comfortable with public speaking. While this tactic will not work for everyone, it is something to consider.

Revising and Proofreading: The Writing Process

You can find the first two steps in my archives. Steps three, and four kind of go together, so I am putting them in the same post. They are revising, and proofreading. In step two you did your rough draft. It was probably slightly messy, maybe disorganized in thought, with spelling, and punctuation errors. So now comes the time to revise your work, into your final product. To revise correct any disorganized thoughts, or themes, spelling, punctuation, and other errors. Once you have completed revising your work, you can proofread it, or better yet have someone else proofread it for you. Others can very often notice something maybe you missed. For school purposes, I teach my son to proofread sample writings, as well as his own, before turning them in. This helps him to notice mistakes, in areas he has already learned. Below is short video on proofreading for kids, but can be applied to anyone who wants to improve their writing skills.

Here are a few pointers to remember:

Do my sentences make sense, and are they in a logical order?
Is info missing, do I need to elaborate, or explain more?
Have I checked my spelling, punctuation, and grammar?
Have I used the right verb tenses.

Follow these simple rules, and you will have your writing skills down to a science.

Wanted Guest Blogger For Education Topic

At the beginning of this year, I made some goals for this blog. I have met most of them, but forgot all about wanting to have guest bloggers. It is already July, and I have not had one yet. So now, I am looking for one. I am not fussy, but it should be an educational topic It can be an educational topic, supplies, issue, or other area. You do not have to be a homeschooler to qualify. I would like it to be at least 200 words, and knowledgeable. If anyone is interested I am offering 1 yr of free advertising on each of my three blogs, either text, banner, or widget. If you are interested you can comment to this post, or email me at darien04@gmail.com

Petition To Change Florida Virtual Homeschool Laws

Before I get to the topic, I must say I was stunned last night when Adam was in the bottom two, on American Idol. I just could not believe it. There I got that off my chest, now on to other things.

Florida offers children a Virtual Homeschool option. Many parents choose this option, as it is free, and you do not have to worry about planning a curriculum. The child must be in at least fifth grade, though they are adding younger grades, for the next school year, and attend public school for at least one year. That last sentence is where the problem arises. Why should a parent, who wants to homeschool their child be required to enroll them in public school for one year, only to pull them out a year later. We can make all kinds of assumptions as to why that rule is there, but that is another topic. There is a petitition going around to amend this law. Governor Charlie Crist has signed the petition, as have I. I do not use the Virtual Homeschool option, but that does not mean I won't in the future. I also feel it is unfair, and a means to control homeschoolers, and should be removed. If you would like to show your support, and sign the petition you can go here. Thank you in advance for anyone who can support this issue.

Tomorrow is test day, so I have no lesson plans to post. Have a great day, everyone.

Two Rants About Education Issues

I am in a mood today, and I am going to take it out on two education topics, that have gotten under my skin.

1- While reading my local, very small town paper, I read about CNA graduates. A CNA, or certified nursing assistant, is a job that is difficult, and rewarding at the same time. It can be physically difficult, as well as mental. I have been working as a nurse, for the past 22 years, and I can not even begin to tell you how important a CNA is to a nurse. So what is my beef, you ask? It has now been decided, by some brilliant wonder, that you no longer have to be a high school graduate, or have a GED to take the CNA course. That is insane!! These people are dealing with elderly, handicapped, and sometimes critically ill people. Not having any kind of a formal educational background just makes it incredibly dangerous for the patient, the CNA, the nurse who is responsible for the CNA, and the facility that hires them. CNA's do not just take vital signs, and give baths anymore, they are increasingly expected to deal with complicated machines, and situations. As a nurse, I can not tell you how uncomfortable this makes me. I am not saying they can not do a good job, but when you are working in a profession, not McDonalds, how do you not require some kind of education. I will be addressing this with my local congressman, as I feel very deeply about this issue. One more thing, in a long list of things, that have disappointed me extremely about both the health care industry, and the state of Florida.

2- My second rant, is something I heard on the news, last night. The new Secretary of Education, that Obama appointed, wants to change the school week to six days a week, and a full year. What!, is he crazy. Number one, they have a hard enough time getting teachers now, this would only make it more difficult. Two many schools are in budget crunches already, and can not cover the current costs they have. Three why do we not want kids to be kids. Why not just put them in jail, and throw away the key. This is absurd, and I hope it does not happen. They thought No Child Left Behind was difficult, see what happens if this gets passed.

OK I am done ranting now. I hope everyone has a blessed Good Friday.