September, 2013 | The Angel Forever

Monthly Archives September 2013

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Thank You TypeACon 2013

Posted on September 30, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Five days and four nights are coming to a close here in Atlanta. I sit in my hotel room writing this post almost all packed up and ready to head home bright and early. The morning will mean working around traffic in the city to get to the airport to head home to see TechyDad and the boys.

It is hard to believe that TypeACon 2013 is over. There has been a lot of learning, laughing, and many inspirational moments. So much to share in the upcoming days as I settle back into life in New York.

A huge thank you to Kelby and everyone else that puts their heart and soul into making the conference so amazing. I know I will be back to another one of your events one day soon.

Categories:
Conference social media travel

Social Media Favorites

Posted on September 27, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

It is hard to believe that I have been blogging for almost seven years now. It has become a part of my life, along with the wonderful and wacky world of social media. Let’s be honest, it is because of this that I am currently in Atlanta.

I laugh at how I was going to sign up for Twitter one day, but stopped when TechyDad questioned it. The next day, he signed up. I also recall being in NYC at a conference when a certain TypeACon founder was chatting with me about something called Pinterest. A short time later, she was writing her book all about Pinterest. These days, the social media platforms keep popping up and we keep changing how we utilize them. One of my goals at TypeACon is to better use LinkedIn and Google+.

When I saw this video about Twitter, I had to laugh and smile.

So my questions to you this week:

What was your first social media platform? Do you have a favorite and/or least favorite and why do you feel this way?

Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this Friday fun. These days, Pamela at A Renaissance Woman is reviving the fun Friday Meme. Head over there to link up and join in the fun.

Aloha #255

Categories:
Conference social media

Atlanta Bound for TypeACon

Posted on September 26, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

For years, I have been trying to get to TypeACon, but the timing has never worked. In 2011, I actually wrote a Type-A Whine post about not making it to Asheville. That is all about to change today when I get on an airplane and head to Atlanta.

I am beyond excited because everything worked out beautifully. TechyDad will be home with the boys for Jewish holidays. I snagged my conference pass in November for a great deal (THANK YOU sponsors). When I heard that a certain speaker was coming, I jumped at a sale and scored amazing deals on my airfare. While there, I will be rooming at the Westin Buckhead with a Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Disneyphile who I met at another conference in 2011. Now, I am thrilled to be able to call Ellen a friend. I am looking forward to learning, laughing, and loving all that TypeACon can and will be thanks to the hard work of Kelby and her Minions. That is Kelby and Shannan below when we were roomies in NYC just about two years ago.

Of course I will be seeing many old friends, but I am so excited to finally meet many online friends IRL. That is just another fantastic perk about social medial conference like TypeACon, the networking that can happen.

If you are new to The Angel Forever, my name is Beth. My husband also blogs at TechyDad and we have two boys, NHL 10 and JSL 6. While I am not in a classroom right now, I still consider myself an educator and am really passionate about educational matters with all of the changes happening in our schools. Another newer role in my life is being an autism advocate for my son (my journey has been documented over the last five years). It took us a long time to get a diagnosis, but now that we have it I am working tirelessly for him. In addition to this, I am a geek. I love all things with technology, apps, Doctor Who, and beyond.

I am a lifestyle blogger and write about our many adventures/travels, books that we are reading on Tuesday Tales, and Disney is always on my brain. I confess that I adore writing about Disney and sharing information about their parks since I grew up going to Walt Disney World, honeymooned there, and have taken the kids there multiple times. Oh and in my spare time, laugh with me here, I love to craft. My current favorite is crocheting, but I am practically a lifelong knitter. Yarn is almost always with me just in case I have time.

If you happen to be in Atlanta for TypeACon, I look forward to seeing you there. Safe travels to everyone and again thank you to Kelby and all of you who have worked so hard to make this event possible.

Categories:
Conference me moments social media travel

Disney Letter O

Posted on September 25, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

We often play the Disney alphabet game. Sometimes while sitting and waiting on line, in a restaurant for fun, or while on a road trip. Focused on the Magic has stepped this up a notch and features a letter once a month for the nearly Wordless Wednesday theme. This month is the letter “O” which proved to be a little bit challenging. Still, when you think outside of the box, it can be a magical trip down memory lane.

Be sure to stop by Focused on the Magic by clicking on the button above to join in the Disney magic this week.

Categories:
Disney travel vacation

Tuesday Tales – Clumsy Duck

Posted on September 24, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Teaching children about differences and accepting them in yourself and others is a huge part of growing up these days. Kids realize they are not the same as all of their other friends and classmates and often times they get upset and worried about this. When I was asked by Sterling Children’s Books to review a new book that would assist with this topic, I immediately agreed.

Clumsy Duck – Written and illustrated by Britta Teckentrup – Boxer Books – September 2013

ISBN 9781907967535 – Hardcover 32 pages – Ages 3-6 – $16.95

As we begin the story, we meet Clumsy Duck and see that she fell again. This poor little duck falls, trips, and stumbles each and every day and was getting frustrated with this situation. As she worried about being clumsy, her good friend Chick shows up and tells her not to worry. The two of them take us along on their journey. With the encouragement of Chick and the ability to just keep trying, Clumsy Duck is determined to find something that she could do with her enormous feet.

This story is absolutely beautiful and will show children not only how they need to find what they do well, but try not to worry about being different. Clumsy Duck also shares how a good friend and support system can help us when we are feeling sad. Chick helps Clumsy Duck to figure out why his feet are important and to find her special talent. This book really is about self confidence, finding your personal talents, and the importance of being a great friend.

When I read this with my first grade son, he picked up on the major themes of the book. We talked about the ways that each person has their own special talent and not everyone can be great at the same activities. I believe this book would not only be a good addition to read at home, but a nice way to get talking about these important topics in a classroom. Children will be able to follow along with the characters and additional talking points and crafts about what makes you special can follow.

What books have you read with your children to help them with these crucial topics? I would love for you to share them below. As always, Tuesday Tales is all about sharing our love of books. Please let me know what you have read recently. Be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else.

Disclosure: As noted above, I received this book from Sterling Publishing to review. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

Categories:
books Tuesday Tales