Good news -- you can't catch this kind of virus over the internet.
Good news -- we may finally be able to get back to work!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Friday, April 30, 2010
Good news, finally no bad news
Good news -- you can't catch this kind of virus over the internet.
Good news -- we may finally be able to get back to work!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Our apologies for the late posts
We started blogging in October, just before everyone in the household got the worst flu. Six months later, we are all finally stable.
Hopefully, we will be able to start blogging the way we should have to begin with.
Thank you for your patience.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Creativity : Clear Your Mind
Because we are always thinking, planning, and worrying about things, our minds tend to get cluttered with thoughts and it becomes difficult to focus all of our mental energies on a specific task. You can't think creatively about a problem when half of your mind is thinking about what you want to eat for dinner or how bad the traffic is going to be when you leave work. Before you begin a task where you want to apply all of your creative ability, start by clearing out your mind.
There are many ways of doing this, try this one to start. Sitting comfortably, find a nearby object such as a pencil. Now, stare at it. Try to empty your mind of every thought that isn't related to your object. Your whole universe is the pencil. What would it be like to be a pencil? Without touching it, close your eyes and imagine what a pencil feels like. Does it have a smell? A taste? If any unrelated thought enters your mind, refocus your attention onto your object. With practice you will become better at shutting out unrelated thoughts. Do this for at least 5 minutes (set a timer so you aren't thinking about the time). You should find that your mind is more focused and has fewer distracting thoughts. This is the correct mindset for creative thinking.
There are many ways of doing this, try this one to start. Sitting comfortably, find a nearby object such as a pencil. Now, stare at it. Try to empty your mind of every thought that isn't related to your object. Your whole universe is the pencil. What would it be like to be a pencil? Without touching it, close your eyes and imagine what a pencil feels like. Does it have a smell? A taste? If any unrelated thought enters your mind, refocus your attention onto your object. With practice you will become better at shutting out unrelated thoughts. Do this for at least 5 minutes (set a timer so you aren't thinking about the time). You should find that your mind is more focused and has fewer distracting thoughts. This is the correct mindset for creative thinking.
E. B. White
"I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult."
Monday, April 19, 2010
6 Ways For Teens to Avoid Distractions and Finish Homework
Editor's note: This is a guest post written by my eldest daughter, Chloe Babauta. She's 17 and a junior in high school, and spent the day with me on Take Your Daughter to Work Day. You can follow her on Twitter.
With all the distractions we're presented with from the Internet and other forms of media these days, it can be very difficult for teens to focus on schoolwork.
It is so convenient to tweet what you're doing, text your friends, watch Davedays on YouTube, or to do an infinite number of things when you're supposed to be researching for an essay.
I'll admit that just during the time it took to write this post, I've taken several breaks just to go on Facebook to see what everyone's up to. Don't worry - everyone will still be there after you're done doing your work, so close Firefox/Chrome/Safari and get down to business.
Here are a few ways to increase your productivity and try to break away from distractions:
1. Turn off your wireless/Internet connection.
I know, it sounds crazy to deliberately cut off your connection to the outside world, but just do it. It eliminates your ability to easily open up your Internet browser and will help you to focus on what you really should be doing.
2. Set aside a specific time for using social networking/other recreational websites.
I've allotted myself some time to use the computer from 5:30-6:30 in the evening. I know that if I don't give myself any limits, I'm capable of staying on Facebook and "becoming a fan" of fifty more pages instead of writing an essay or doing my math homework. I'm sure many people experience this problem too, so make sure to set aside about an hour (or whatever works for you) for leisure time.
3. Take short breaks.
After reading my American History book for too long, I tend to waste about half an hour by taking a nap. So to save myself from becoming insanely bored, I take little breaks by checking MySpace for a few minutes or getting a snack. I suggest that you do your homework or read for about ten to fifteen minutes at a time, then take a two to five minute break to maintain your sanity.
4. Do your work NOW rather than later.
I am a seasoned procrastinator. I'm guilty of wasting hours on end watching or making YouTube videos, chatting on instant messengers, or just daydreaming. I've learned the hard way that procrastination is not very rewarding and almost always results in bags under your eyes and B minuses (though there are several cases in which I've gotten exceptionally good grades for papers I had written at midnight). Do yourself a favor in advance, and start your work ahead of time.
5. Prioritize!
Ten years from now, do you want to look back at your life and realize that you spent a greater portion of your teen years sitting down in front of a laptop, rather than doing things that actually matter? Spend some time with your family or go outside and take a walk. Read a book, or do something with yourself that doesn't involve a computer. (This is something I really need to work on too.)
6. Spend less time reading blogs like these about how to help yourself and get right to work! NOW!
The only way to really live productively is to go out and start actually living! After you've read up on how to become more productive, put your newly obtained knowledge to use.
If you liked this article, please bookmark it on Delicious or share on Twitter. Thanks, my friends.
With all the distractions we're presented with from the Internet and other forms of media these days, it can be very difficult for teens to focus on schoolwork.
It is so convenient to tweet what you're doing, text your friends, watch Davedays on YouTube, or to do an infinite number of things when you're supposed to be researching for an essay.
I'll admit that just during the time it took to write this post, I've taken several breaks just to go on Facebook to see what everyone's up to. Don't worry - everyone will still be there after you're done doing your work, so close Firefox/Chrome/Safari and get down to business.
Here are a few ways to increase your productivity and try to break away from distractions:
1. Turn off your wireless/Internet connection.
I know, it sounds crazy to deliberately cut off your connection to the outside world, but just do it. It eliminates your ability to easily open up your Internet browser and will help you to focus on what you really should be doing.
2. Set aside a specific time for using social networking/other recreational websites.
I've allotted myself some time to use the computer from 5:30-6:30 in the evening. I know that if I don't give myself any limits, I'm capable of staying on Facebook and "becoming a fan" of fifty more pages instead of writing an essay or doing my math homework. I'm sure many people experience this problem too, so make sure to set aside about an hour (or whatever works for you) for leisure time.
3. Take short breaks.
After reading my American History book for too long, I tend to waste about half an hour by taking a nap. So to save myself from becoming insanely bored, I take little breaks by checking MySpace for a few minutes or getting a snack. I suggest that you do your homework or read for about ten to fifteen minutes at a time, then take a two to five minute break to maintain your sanity.
4. Do your work NOW rather than later.
I am a seasoned procrastinator. I'm guilty of wasting hours on end watching or making YouTube videos, chatting on instant messengers, or just daydreaming. I've learned the hard way that procrastination is not very rewarding and almost always results in bags under your eyes and B minuses (though there are several cases in which I've gotten exceptionally good grades for papers I had written at midnight). Do yourself a favor in advance, and start your work ahead of time.
5. Prioritize!
Ten years from now, do you want to look back at your life and realize that you spent a greater portion of your teen years sitting down in front of a laptop, rather than doing things that actually matter? Spend some time with your family or go outside and take a walk. Read a book, or do something with yourself that doesn't involve a computer. (This is something I really need to work on too.)
6. Spend less time reading blogs like these about how to help yourself and get right to work! NOW!
The only way to really live productively is to go out and start actually living! After you've read up on how to become more productive, put your newly obtained knowledge to use.
If you liked this article, please bookmark it on Delicious or share on Twitter. Thanks, my friends.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Chuck Palahniuk
"When you understand that what you're telling is just a story. It isn't happening anymore. When you realize the story you're telling is just words, when you can just crumble it up and throw your past in the trashcan, then we'll figure out who you're going to be."
Monday, April 12, 2010
RT: @GiggleFlower: Warning
From: @GiggleFlower
Sent: Apr 12, 2010 8:27p
Sent: Apr 12, 2010 8:27p
Warning: Dates in Calendar are closer than they appear.
sent via API
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/GiggleFlower/status/12083743237
Parent Support Group on Tuesday, 4.20.10
Parent Support Group of Teens with
Social Cognitive/Communication Needs
Parents and Colleagues
Who: Parents or other caretakers
When: Tuesday, April 20, 2010
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Where: Room 605
Stockdale High School
2800 Buena Vista Road
Located at northeast corner of White Lane and Buena Vista Rd.
Please park in Buena Vista Road lot (just north of White Ln.)
Why:
Loren Presley, a BC student with Asperger Syndrome, will be talking about transitional issues
Holley Arbeit, Regional Director of AHEADD, will be presenting support for college or university students with social communication and/or learning challenges. AHEADD services are ONLY available for graduated high school students. www.aheadd.org
Please join us next Tuesday (not tomorrow) to learn about AHEADD, a transition support service available in our community for college or university students with Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, ADD/ADHD or Learning Disabilities. In addition, we will have Loren Presley join us again to talk about his experience as an individual on the Autism Spectrum and promoting compassion in our community.
Students are welcome to attend. Please RSVP so I can be "chair ready" for you.
Holley Arbeit
Speech-Language Pathologist
Stockdale High School
Room 606
2800 Buena Vista Road
Bakersfield, CA 93311
Work: 661.665.2800X 68
Fax: 661.665.0914
Intradistrict: 62068
holley_arbeit@khsd.k12.ca.us 665.2800 X68
RSVP by phone or email to Holley Arbeit, Speech-Language Pathologist
This is a free informational presentation.
KHSD is not endorsing the purchase or participation of this service.
Social Cognitive/Communication Needs
Parents and Colleagues
Who: Parents or other caretakers
When: Tuesday, April 20, 2010
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Where: Room 605
Stockdale High School
2800 Buena Vista Road
Located at northeast corner of White Lane and Buena Vista Rd.
Please park in Buena Vista Road lot (just north of White Ln.)
Why:
Loren Presley, a BC student with Asperger Syndrome, will be talking about transitional issues
Holley Arbeit, Regional Director of AHEADD, will be presenting support for college or university students with social communication and/or learning challenges. AHEADD services are ONLY available for graduated high school students. www.aheadd.org
Please join us next Tuesday (not tomorrow) to learn about AHEADD, a transition support service available in our community for college or university students with Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, ADD/ADHD or Learning Disabilities. In addition, we will have Loren Presley join us again to talk about his experience as an individual on the Autism Spectrum and promoting compassion in our community.
Students are welcome to attend. Please RSVP so I can be "chair ready" for you.
Holley Arbeit
Speech-Language Pathologist
Stockdale High School
Room 606
2800 Buena Vista Road
Bakersfield, CA 93311
Work: 661.665.2800X 68
Fax: 661.665.0914
Intradistrict: 62068
holley_arbeit@khsd.k12.ca.us 665.2800 X68
RSVP by phone or email to Holley Arbeit, Speech-Language Pathologist
This is a free informational presentation.
KHSD is not endorsing the purchase or participation of this service.
Performing Arts Project | June 7, 2010 - June 18, 2010 | 10AM – 2PM
The Arts Council of Kern, Inclusion Films
and the Kern Regional Center
announce the
Performing Arts Project
June 7, 2010 - June 18, 2010
10AM – 2PM
Ages 8 through Young Adult
Building on the track record of Inclusion Film's Burbank-based Practical Film
Vocation Program, the Arts Council of Kern's Arts in Education Program, and the Kern Film Workshop, the Performing Arts Project takes participants through a two-week, 40-hour arts experience that culminates in the creation of a film.
During this program, participants will:
♦ Develop an understanding of visual storytelling and the collaborative nature of the performing arts.
♦ Create and direct an individual three-minute short film in addition to being part of a team filmmaking project.
♦ Acquire and apply knowledge in the areas of script development, directing, acting, dancing, set design and production, camera work, lighting and sound, and editing.
♦ Work side by side a team of professional artists, led by veteran filmmaker, Joey Travolta.
Who should apply:
• Those seeking to explore careers in filmmaking and technical theatre.
Those needing to participate in a vocational skills assessment process.
• Those desiring to transition into long-term arts-related vocational training programs.
Students seeking community service credit.
The Performing Arts Project will be held in downtown Bakersfield. Cost per participant is $1300. Some scholarships are available.
Individuals interested in participating should contact Jill Egland, Director of Special Projects, the Arts Council of Kern, at 661-324-9000 or jegland@gmail.com for more information. The Arts Council of Kern is a KRC vendor (#PK3713).
KHSD is not endorsing the purchase or participation of this service.
and the Kern Regional Center
announce the
Performing Arts Project
June 7, 2010 - June 18, 2010
10AM – 2PM
Ages 8 through Young Adult
Building on the track record of Inclusion Film's Burbank-based Practical Film
Vocation Program, the Arts Council of Kern's Arts in Education Program, and the Kern Film Workshop, the Performing Arts Project takes participants through a two-week, 40-hour arts experience that culminates in the creation of a film.
During this program, participants will:
♦ Develop an understanding of visual storytelling and the collaborative nature of the performing arts.
♦ Create and direct an individual three-minute short film in addition to being part of a team filmmaking project.
♦ Acquire and apply knowledge in the areas of script development, directing, acting, dancing, set design and production, camera work, lighting and sound, and editing.
♦ Work side by side a team of professional artists, led by veteran filmmaker, Joey Travolta.
Who should apply:
• Those seeking to explore careers in filmmaking and technical theatre.
Those needing to participate in a vocational skills assessment process.
• Those desiring to transition into long-term arts-related vocational training programs.
Students seeking community service credit.
The Performing Arts Project will be held in downtown Bakersfield. Cost per participant is $1300. Some scholarships are available.
Individuals interested in participating should contact Jill Egland, Director of Special Projects, the Arts Council of Kern, at 661-324-9000 or jegland@gmail.com for more information. The Arts Council of Kern is a KRC vendor (#PK3713).
KHSD is not endorsing the purchase or participation of this service.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
RT: @TheBuckNation:
This Mom raising 5 autistic children tells it like it is!
From: "Jane Burch" <j.burch@vzw.blackberry.net>
Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2010 18:03:11 +0000
Content-Type: text/plain
MIME-Version: 1.0
From: "Jane Burch" <j.burch@vzw.blackberry.net>
Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2010 18:03:11 +0000
Content-Type: text/plain
MIME-Version: 1.0
From: @TheBuckNation
Sent: Apr 11, 2010 9:56a
This Mom raising 5 autistic children tells it like it is! http://bit.ly/bqe00Q via @aolhealth <<-- "She has the same attitude as my Mom!"
sent via web
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/TheBuckNation/status/11999660034
Thursday, April 8, 2010
RT: @bakersfieldnow: Spring Festival coming to The Park at River Walk this weekend
From: @bakersfieldnow
Sent: Apr 8, 2010 2:35p
Sent: Apr 8, 2010 2:35p
Spring Festival coming to The Park at River Walk http://southwest.bakersfieldnow.com/content/spring-festival-coming-park-river-walk
sent via web
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/bakersfieldnow/status/11844594740
RT: @PGE4Me: LED - closer to universal use
From: @PGE4Me
Sent: Apr 8, 2010 2:07p
Sent: Apr 8, 2010 2:07p
New on NEXT100 - "A Green Light for LEDs." Read about a new discovery that's rather "illuminating" - http://bit.ly/d99e3A
sent via TweetDeck
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/PGE4Me/status/11843438194
Leonardo da Vinci
"Patience serves as a protection against wrongs as clothes do against cold. For if you put on more clothes as the cold increases, it will have no power to hurt you. So in like manner you must grow in patience when you meet with great wrongs, and they will then be powerless to vex your mind."
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
New Facebook link for Parent Support Group!
If the link doesn't work try cut and paste. The link should end with "4".
-----------------------
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
RT: @earlyautism: Autism susceptibility genes identified
From: @earlyautism
Sent: Apr 6, 2010 6:30a
Sent: Apr 6, 2010 6:30a
Autism susceptibility genes identified http://ow.ly/1uZ74
sent via HootSuite
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/earlyautism/status/11698181717
Monday, April 5, 2010
Real Live Preacher
"We think having faith means being convinced God exists in the same way we are convinced a chair exists. People who cannot be completely convinced of God�s existence think faith is impossible for them. Not so. People who doubt can have great faith because faith is something you do, not something you think. In fact, the greater your doubt the more heroic your faith."
The Kern Autism Network is sponsoring a film in recognition of Autism Awareness Month: Adam
This is an upcoming event sponsored by the Kern Autism Network this Thursday evening.
The Kern Autism Network is sponsoring a film in recognition of Autism Awareness Month:
Adam
Fox Theater
Thursday, April 8
at 7:00 PM
Adam is a film by Fox Searchlight Films that won a major award at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. Its story is about an intriguing young man who has Asperger Syndrome (Hugh Dancy) and has lived a sheltered existence all his life until he meets his new neighbor (Rose Byrne). Their implausible relationship reveals how far two people from different realities can stretch to find a fulfilling personal connection.
Reservations to view this movie are NOT required.
Donation is $1 per person at the door, according to the Fox Theater websites open at 6:00 pm. Movie begins at 7:00 p.m. It may even be appropriate for your more mature students.
KHSD is not endorsing the purchase or participation of this activity.
The Kern Autism Network is sponsoring a film in recognition of Autism Awareness Month:
Adam
Fox Theater
Thursday, April 8
at 7:00 PM
Adam is a film by Fox Searchlight Films that won a major award at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. Its story is about an intriguing young man who has Asperger Syndrome (Hugh Dancy) and has lived a sheltered existence all his life until he meets his new neighbor (Rose Byrne). Their implausible relationship reveals how far two people from different realities can stretch to find a fulfilling personal connection.
Reservations to view this movie are NOT required.
Donation is $1 per person at the door, according to the Fox Theater websites open at 6:00 pm. Movie begins at 7:00 p.m. It may even be appropriate for your more mature students.
KHSD is not endorsing the purchase or participation of this activity.
Parent Support Group upcoming monthly meeting April 20
Parent Support Group of Teens with
Social Cognitive/Communication Needs
Who: Parents or other caretakers
When: Tuesday, April 20, 2010
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Where: Room 605
Stockdale High School
2800 Buena Vista Road
Located at northeast corner of White Lane and Buena Vista Rd.
Please park in Buena Vista Road lot (just north of White Ln.)
Why:
Loren Presley, a BC student with Asperger Syndrome, will be talking about transitional issues
Holley Arbeit, Regional Director of AHEADD, will be presenting support for college or university students with social communication and/or learning challenges. AHEADD services are ONLY available for graduated high school students. www.aheadd.org
This is a free informational presentation.
KHSD is not endorsing the purchase or participation of this service.
RSVP by phone or email to Holley Arbeit, Speech-Language Pathologist
holley_arbeit@khsd.k12.ca.us 665.2800 X68
Social Cognitive/Communication Needs
Who: Parents or other caretakers
When: Tuesday, April 20, 2010
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Where: Room 605
Stockdale High School
2800 Buena Vista Road
Located at northeast corner of White Lane and Buena Vista Rd.
Please park in Buena Vista Road lot (just north of White Ln.)
Why:
Loren Presley, a BC student with Asperger Syndrome, will be talking about transitional issues
Holley Arbeit, Regional Director of AHEADD, will be presenting support for college or university students with social communication and/or learning challenges. AHEADD services are ONLY available for graduated high school students. www.aheadd.org
This is a free informational presentation.
KHSD is not endorsing the purchase or participation of this service.
RSVP by phone or email to Holley Arbeit, Speech-Language Pathologist
holley_arbeit@khsd.k12.ca.us 665.2800 X68
Saturday, April 3, 2010
New Facebook and Twitter accounts for Parent Support Group!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Parent-Support-Group-for-Teens-with-Social-CognitiveCommunication-Needs/105662769473574
Unfortunately, they wouldn't let me reuse Bakersfield in the name! Plus, we now have a Twitter account to follow for the lastest news and posts.
@PSG_Teens_ASD
Jane Burch
burchworks0@gmail.com
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