An Introvert Goes to a Blogger Conference

It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.  It was a matter of coordination.  My husband and I both work, we work opposite shifts.  We also have 4 kids, 3 of which are involved in sports and other activities.  All the family we have around us work. How in the world could I coordinate attending a blog conference?  Well I made it a goal, a good year ahead of time. My husband and I put in for time off so he could be home with the kids while I was away at the conference. Or better yet, we could line up a sitter and my husband and I could get away for a weekend.  We never did get a honeymoon.

Then my husband got a promotion. Good news!  Bad news, his days off he was approved for were taken away since he was in a new position.  Then came the fact that we’re buying a new house.  Closing Wednesday as a matter of fact.  2 days before I leave for the conference.  They had pushed back our closing date several times before they finally settled on the 16th.  At this point I couldn’t decide if I should cancel my conference or still try to make it work. Then there was the idea of, we’ll need the money for the new house right?  Am I selfish for wanting to go or am I just rationalizing reasons not to go?  My husband told me to go, I planned this he said, thought this is what I wanted. My dad retired in May. My dad now volunteers regularly to watch the kids.  He’s great with them, I think he looks forward to it sometimes.  He’s going to help with the kids.

Even with all the changes and the house we managed to line things up.  I was so happy I didn’t have to cancel my conference…I think.  I’ve never been to an in-person conference before.  I did an online blog conference a couple years ago.  I learned so much.  I really wanted to go in person though, meet some colleagues, meet some of the bloggers I interact with online.

peopley meme

Even with all that, I have to admit, I’m nervous. I’m an introvert.  I’m much more comfortable at home working on my blog. If I’m going out I feel better with having my husband or one or two friends with me.  They say sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone, take chances, if you want to succeed.  I so want that.  I so want to learn and figure out how to make this little blog better.  So, I’m trying to keep the lid on my anxiety.

I’d say “Watch out Bloggy Conference 15, here I come” but knowing how I am, just look for me in the corner taking notes, checking my phone, or sitting on my balcony staring at the lake with a glass of wine in my hand.

I’m leaving you with this “cartoon”  The first time I saw this I wanted to cry.  Someone understands me!

 

introvert cartoon, how to interact

I’ll let you know how it goes

Talk Like a Pirate Day Activity Ideas for Kids

Talk Like a Pirate Day is September 19th! Want to celebrate in your homeschool or classroom? Check out these easy & creative ideas to get in the spirit!   Pirates - Educents Blog Pirate Treasure Hunt – This is a great activity for pirate fun at home over the weekend! Make your own map, hide pirate treasure, and watch your little ones follow directions to search for the Pirates’ Gold! Island Adventures Reading Program – Join Pete Pirate and his crew with instruction and practice in advanced phonics skills, sight words, vocabulary, fluency, and reading comprehension! 75 lessons teach fundamental reading skills for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. Recommended ages 6 to 9. PiratePartyFoods_photo2 Treasure Map Pizza – Decorate your homemade pizza with olives, peppers, and a tiny red pepper for the pirate ship! Meet the McKaws – This is such a fun pirate-themed book for Kindergarteners! Captain Stan and Tiny McKaw are rough-and-tumble pirates. Whether it’s searching for treasure or battling on the high seas, this adventurous duo is up for anything. Pirates’ Treasure & Crafts

 

Pirate Math and Literacy Activities – The pirate literacy activities include wall words, syllable sort, picture bingo, and more! The pirate math activities include four math activities that would deb a great addition to any pirate-themed unit. Pirate Crafts and Treasure Chest – Make a pirate hat, homemade pirate hook, spyglass, treasure chest, gold coins and more! Pirate Craft Paper Plate Pirate Craft – Use household items to craft a happy pirate face! This is an easy activity for kids and parents to complete together at home. Exploding Treasure Chests Pirate Science – Dive into some pirate science with Exploding Treasure Chests!! It’s a great sensory experience as the solid, freezing cold chests turn to mush and expose treasures hidden within. Pirate Theme Classroom Mega Bundle – Want to set your classroom in a pirate theme? This package includes pirate-themed word wall cards, calendars, customizable name tags, classroom jobs poster, time telling posters set, and more!

Do you get into Talk Like a Pirate Day?  I’ll be honest, I haven’t personally but I know my kids schools do a little activity.

 

Attention Bloggers: New Review Site Launches October 1

If you’re a blogger and you want to be one of the first ones to try out the new Reviewsio.com site you can register now.  Reviewsio.com officially launches October 1 but they are taking registrations until then.  They are also looking for Amazon sellers that want to work with bloggers.

They want help in getting the words out.  They have a number of different prizes and drawings for those that help spread the word.  Just by glancing over the site it seems to be strictly for Amazon businesses.  I know not everyone is into the whole Amazon review thing but I’m putting this out there for those that are.

Reviewsio

So if you want to register visit Reviewsio.com

Macy’s Unveils Star Wars Line, Earn Swagbucks


Macy’s is unveiling their new Star Wars line, and Swagbucks is here to help you get more cash back
into your pocket just for shopping there. When you shop at Macys.com via
Swagbucks Shop, you’ll earn 6 SB per dollar now through Friday, Sept
11th. Plus, take advantage of more savings with 20% off.

But it gets better: Swagbucks members who make any Macy’s purchases by Friday,
Sept 11th, will automatically be entered to win one of 23 awesome
prizes:

  • (1) Grand Prize: $250* Gift Card

  • (1) Second Prize: $100* Gift Card

  • (1) Third Prize: $50 Gift* Card

  • (20) Runner Ups of $5* Gift Cards

Get cash back in your pocket when you shop at Macy’s through Swagbucks Shop, and you could win even more! Not a member yet? Swagbucks is how I pay for some of my kids Christmas gift each year, and you could earn even more. Sign up here.

*All Prizes will be paid out in SB

Swagbucks Three for All is Back

Three for All is back at Swagbucks, but with a twist! That’s right, when you refer a friend to join Swagbucks between Tues, 9/8 and Wed, 9/30, and they earn 300 SB, they will get an additional 300 SB bonus AND YOU will also get a 300 SB bonus for referring them. The referred member must earn the 300 SB by Wed, 9/30 to get the bonus.

PLUS: we’re giving away 10,000 SB each to the 10 members with the most referrals, so start spreading the word about getting gift cards and putting cash back in your pocket with Swagbucks!

Some of you may ask, OK, but how can I earn 300 SB by the end of the month? Well here’s one guide to help you earn 300 SB in just 1 week:

  • Daily Poll: 1 SB per day = 7 SB
  • Daily Crave (US & Canada only): 1SB per day = 7 SB
  • 1 Survey = approx. 50 SB (payout and availabilty varies)
  • SBTV app (US, Canada, UK): up to 36 SB per day = 252 SB

There are plenty of other ways to earn SB, like watching videos on a desktop/laptop, trying out Special Offers & deals, or even using a search engine and browsing new content online! All these points, called SB, can be redeemed for gift cards from hundreds of major retailers! So tell your friends and family, and make this Three for All the best one yet! Not a member? Grab your 300 SB bonus and sign up now.


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