My first day of 2nd grade. I walked in and recognized a few faces. I could sense the people I knew were nervous. Some had even been crying. What did I do? The typical Amanda reaction, I went over to them, started talking to them and of course cracking jokes. My teacher then groaned and told my mom, “well look here, we have ourselves one of those ‘social butterflies.'” From then on I was labeled.  My teacher never took into account I had a genius IQ or had been reading sentences since I was two. From then on I was “that kid.” I spent most of the school year outside the room or at the front of the room in “isolation.”  I could go on for days about how this affected my education experience for the rest of my elementary/MS years, but  that is not my point.

My point is that humor and relationships with others is a big part of who I am. If you had asked me when I was a child what I wanted to be when I grew up I had an answer “The President, if I lose the election, a comedian.” Yes those are some messed up ideals but it makes since, “help the country or make them laugh”

Lately I have been frustrated with my addition to our PLN. I feel as though I do not contribute much. Like I’m once again I the ditzy blonde in the back of the room passing notes.  I don’t want to be the “class clown.” I learn so much for everyone (if I don’t I have unfollowed by now!). As a mom of 2 (who’s husband traveled about 150 days last yr), a coach, and teacher my PLN is my source of research.  I do not have a chance to search for articles or read books as much as I like. But I do have time to read blogs or read what is being recommended.

I also feel with many a relationship. Like a support group!  When I’m having a bad day I can say so without fear of losing my job. I love that you then turn around and make me smile. I like making you guys laugh at me when your days are not going well. You have to admit, the mental image of me standing on a table with a mouse running around my room made you crack a smile!!! I LOVE how you guys DM about a job interview or surgery you are having. That is important to me.

Since I started writing this post I was told pretty much to go away from Twitter. Parents were going to twitter.com/amandacdykes and reading my tweets for something to talk about.  Something negative to talk about. I was tweeting about school. That was a problem to them. What they aren’t realizing is that I am tweeting to teachers, teachers who also are going through the same things I am going through. (by the way They were not following me, they were going out of their way to find it)

I love reading what other teachers are doing throughout the day. It is a connection that is great to have.

This job is not my dream job to be honest. I like it, but more than anything I want to be a technology intergration specialist, so reading tweets from people with that job teaches me SO MUCH about that job.  I also learn a lot about teaching practices going on all over the world, and I try them out in my classroom.  I am challenged to think.  No where else am I challenged to do so. My school does not provide professional development, no you all are it.  What I get on my own is what I get. Thank you for that!

It is awesome to know there are other educators out there who have the same passion for changing our education system. Its funny how often we all disagree but still work together for a common goal. You do not see that often.

My twitter time is now gone from 8-3. I know I can protect myself if I tweet other times, but it will not be as often for a while. I still “lurk” and read tweets, but I have to keep my mouth shut. Not something I can do easily!! You may be getting DMs from me about what ever you just twittered, sorry in advance.

I think of so many of you a friends. I cannot wait to meet so many of you at #ISTE10! I’m usually not into conferences, I hate crowds (unless I’m the center of attention lol)! Well I hate crowds where I do not know people. I do not feel that way about you all, I feel like there will be plenty I know!

Jimmy Buffett says “If we couldn’t laugh we would all go insane.” Those are words I live by! Thank you for making me laugh!

I love you all!

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