Why are YOU Smiling?

Posted on July 18, 2008 by Karl Richter



I’ve enjoyed reading all of your comments.  I’ve been blogging since 2003, but am quite sure that I’ve had more comments in this week than I have in 5 years of blogging.  Of course I realize that you all are posting because it’s a requirement, but I’ve really enjoyed checking your comments each morning. (Hang in there, Ken)

Since we’re meeting tomorrow, I’m not going to give you much to do today.  I want you all to be fresh and ready to discuss.  I’m looking forward to getting everyone together at the same time.  We’ll be going into Wikispaces, so be sure to have your account set up prior to the start of our class tomorrow.  (like it says on the schedule.) Click below to read more. 

A few responses to your comments on the Commoncraft vids:  First, here’s a link to more info than you need about Meta. I don’t know if you’ve found this out for yourself already, but wordpress.org does an AMAZING job of providing support.   The link doesn’t really say much about why Meta is on our blog, and that’s because It’s not really that big a part of WP.  Sorry to disappoint.  This particular theme just has a section called Meta where you can go to log in or see if this site’s code is valid.  

Typically I install wordpress blogs on my own server, which means I can access the code.  If I could do that for our edublog, I’d remove the word Meta and some of those links to De-nerd it a bit.  But since I can’t, we’re stuck with it.  

Next, Trina, glad you’re going to use the videos in class, but there’s no need to consult the oracle.  I haven’t heard of the other links you posted, but enjoy being able to learn from you all.  

I’d like to close today’s entry with a quick story from my life as a consultant. 

In 2005, I helped a client set up a blog to discuss leadership.  Since they were big fans of Steven Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, they had me writing a blog about themes from his latest book, The 8th Habit.  I went through chapter by chapter, and tried to connect the dots between the lessons in the book with the projects the HR/Training department were working on.  It was a group blog, so others could post, but I was doing most of the work when it started out.  

I was trying to get others more involved, and since they weren’t required to comment, they didn’t do it very often.  Finally one Friday I stole a bit from the radio station (93.3) that I listened to on the way to work that morning.  They had a segment where people called in to answer the question “Why are you smiling?” It was basically a way for people to talk about their weekend plans, and became a weekly feature of the blog I was writing for my client. I just told them what I was doing, then opened up the comments for others to share. 

They took to it right away, and eventually I saw that on Fridays people were visiting the blog to share their weekend plans with others, then actually going through to check out the other posts from the week.  Eventually that blog became more than just the sound of my one hand clapping.  We had stories and perspectives from multiple people, which is what made the project a success. 

As you set up your site, think of what it will take to draw people into your community.  What can you do to make this a group project, not just the site you work on.  That’s where the strength of the wisdom of crowds comes in.  We learn more when we learn from one another.  

Optional Prompt

So, what’s making you smile today?  (even if it’s not Friday)

I’m smiling because I got a new contract for my business, and am happy for friends of mine who just found out they’re expecting their first child. 

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20 Responses to “Why are YOU Smiling?”

  1.   cwilsie, on July 18th, 2008 at 9:41 am Said:

    I am smiling today because this is my wife’s last full day of school (she still works Monday, but it’s a half day). Now that she will be off, she can stop making me feel guilty for having been off since mid-June. This is my first year at a traditional school and I’m loving the summer off!
    Congrats on your new contract!

  2.   Ken Callaway, on July 18th, 2008 at 10:57 am Said:

    I’m smiling today because all week I’ve been having a ton of students who spent all last year driving me absolutely bonkers as ninth graders coming by my room to thank me for last year and promising (easy to say, of course) that this year they’re going to turn it around. I’ve even had a number come by to speak to my current students to tell them what a great teacher I am (now that they no longer have me) and that the students should listen to me. I have to laugh as I tell my current kids that it’s easy to give that advice after the fact, but that is the main reason I like teaching ninth graders. Maybe, just maybe, you can still reach them and get to turn around before it’s too late.

  3.   hbeezley, on July 18th, 2008 at 11:08 am Said:

    I’m smiling right now because I just read Ken’s post and think it is great how much students appreciate you once you are no longer officially an authority to rebel against.

    I’m also smiling because this morning as I headed off to work today, I bent over to kiss my son goodbye as he sat in his high chair. He then very gently raised his leg and said so sweetly, “Kiss my foot, Mommy.” So of course, I did, but I think he has an inflated view of his consequence.

  4.   mamim, on July 18th, 2008 at 12:57 pm Said:

    I’m smiling today because I am off to visit the Mile High City for the first time. I’m really going to be smiling when I am at the Mile High Music Fest watching DAVE Matthews on Sunday! Cheers on the new contract.
    -MVP

  5.   room207, on July 18th, 2008 at 2:40 pm Said:

    I am smiling because I am done with my bathroom redecorating/small remodeling project and it dos not look amateur. I am also smiling because my nephew and I have moved up five levels in Kung Fu Panda video game. It has been fun watching him grow up to the point where he actually knows what he is doing with a game controller.

  6.   tbrent, on July 18th, 2008 at 4:56 pm Said:

    We just had a great day at the beach as a family, and my three-year-old turns four tomorrow.

  7.   isurewould, on July 18th, 2008 at 8:34 pm Said:

    I’m smiling because I still have the residual effects from all those pina colatas I had while on my Caribbean cruise…hence, the stupid smile. Just kidding. I am smiling because the vacation was great, but I am finally back home sleeping in my own bed with my own pillow. I love my bed. It makes me happy.

  8.   isurewould, on July 18th, 2008 at 8:37 pm Said:

    BTW, I’m trying to get back in the saddle, COMET-speaking and have completed all of the blog entries to date so far. I even made the blog and posted the information, just in case you missed it. Thanks, Matt Sherwod

  9.   isurewould, on July 18th, 2008 at 8:38 pm Said:

    correction…Matt Sherwood

  10.   denisekhenry, on July 18th, 2008 at 9:22 pm Said:

    I’m smiling because my guy cooked dinner AND is doing the family’s laundry right now. Yup, he’s a keeper. :)

  11.   jennitopmiller, on July 19th, 2008 at 7:58 am Said:

    I am smiling because it is the weekend and get to relax with my husband and friends and hopefully go to the beach and enjoy the beautiful weather:)

  12.   kgranfield, on July 19th, 2008 at 9:14 am Said:

    I am smiling because my best friend from middle/high school is visiting for last night and today :-)

  13.   burnworthedu, on July 19th, 2008 at 10:10 am Said:

    I am smiling because school is almost out. My 4th graders who try to act so cool watched a magic show on Friday, and their faces were so amazed and innocent. Even the most annoying child looked so cute while he watched the magic show.
    Misty

  14.   martyjay75, on July 19th, 2008 at 12:05 pm Said:

    I’m smiling today because our first week of the school year is over. A week of introductions and “laying the ground work” can be grueling. But I’m excited to begin using some of my new EDTEC tools to create new learning environments for my students. This will be a year of experimentation for me.

  15.   suhilives, on July 19th, 2008 at 3:01 pm Said:

    I’m with you Marty. I’m smiling because the first week is over!

  16.   jliebke, on July 21st, 2008 at 10:07 am Said:

    Congrats on the project. I am writing on Monday, catching up from my away time. But I am smiling:
    1. Trip abroad was amazing
    2. I checked out Flock for this class and wound up getting lost in a maze of options. So, I set up a Facebook (something I’ve avoided for awhile) and have recently gotten in touch with so many people that I haven’t talked to in years. It’s really neat to catch up with good folks.
    3. Had a great weekend with family and friends. I studied and rested on Friday. Saturday, studied by day and went to a friend’s BBQ-a great way to catch up since being home. Not 1, but 2 of my best friends are expecting only 1 week apart and it’s bringing 2 of my groups of friends together, a really neat coincidence. Finally, my sister came down to the BBQ and on Sunday we hung out with family for another BBQ. One by one, aunts, uncles, and cousins showed up unexpectedly and it turned into a terrific gathering with tons of laughter. Now, I’m fortunate to have 1 week off to catch up on my school work–wish me luck!

  17.   Mrs. C, on July 21st, 2008 at 4:06 pm Said:

    I am smiling right now because our PBL is completed!

  18.   amyrauen, on July 23rd, 2008 at 4:03 pm Said:

    I’m smiling because my 9-unit summer is almost over!

  19.   imriek, on July 30th, 2008 at 11:55 am Said:

    I Am Smiling Because…

    God is So GOOD! I woke up this morning to my wonderful husband, a home, clothes to wear and food to eat. With the thought of my children and grandchildren dancing in my head I walked to my car in my garage on my able-bodied legs and drove using my arms and fingers… My toes got wet from the puddles in the yard that God has given me to tend… I drove to my wonderful job and and worked all day sharing my smile with others…..

    AND finally I am smiling because I think I am going to be able to go to bed before 2am… PBL, DEL and evaluation complete, Blog comments almost complete My blog project is well under way and I am trying to use my Wiki space.

    Whew…. But I am still smiling…

  20.   rharmon527, on August 13th, 2008 at 6:29 pm Said:

    Why am I smiling???? My oldest son Steven has just celebrated his 100th day of sobriety! He has been an alcoholic since he was 19, and after 14 years of drinking (and 3 DUI’s) he is attending AA classes daily. With the grace of God, he has never hurt anyone but himself, and he has finally begun to put his life back together…

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