XOs in Afghanistan

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/03/05/one.laptop.per.child/index.html

They mention the Birmingham XO project in this report too.

Catching Up

It seems like my blogging is taking a backseat to other things of late -- the holidays, some health issues, travels, etc. And, I've also been spending more time on facebook and twitter than on my blog it seems. Not sure why I haven't been as into blogging as much lately, compared to the other technology applications. I'm hoping to have some time this weekend to upload some pix and do some updates.

On a side note, Callen's speech structure and the logic of her thinking have been progressing so fast lately it seems! She is a smart little girl and constantly amazes us with her development.

Unfortunately she's been saying off and on the last few weeks that she doesn't like school. She wants to go to work with mommy. I think her preference is always to spend as much time with us. She has a good time at school but she has been so clingy lately and I've even had to leave her crying several times when dropping her off. Oh, how that breaks my heart! I hope this is just a phase she's going through - for all our sakes!

Pull Ups Be Gone!

While we were traveling in Utah a week or so ago (pix to be posted sometime soon), we thought we were out of Pull Ups late one night when we were heading to bed. It was SO cold outside too and we would have had to drive to a store to get some! We asked Callen if she wanted to wear underwear to bed and she said 'Yes'. So, we've been wearing underwear, rather than Pull Ups, to bed at night. She's done really well and not had any bed wetting accidents yet. Here's to hoping Pull Ups are gone forever!

Does Facebook Replace Time or Enhance It?

A new Time article: Does Facebook Replace Face Time or Enhance It?

What do you think? This has long been a debate over Internet usage in general, but this is one of the first discussions I've seen regarding FB.

Not a good time . . .

to get sick this week! This week was very busy with surveying for my NSF XO laptop project. We were originally scheduled to be in a school all 5 days this week. One school ended up being postponed to next week, but still surveying 4 schools in one week is a LOT. Monday evening I started feeling like I was getting sick. I've had a cyst for 15 years or so that flairs up every once in a while. Well, this was the week for it to go out of control! I was in so much pain Tues - Thurs! I got in to see my doctor Thursday morning and she told me it was infected and I'd have to go in for outpatient surgery so she could put me to sleep to open it, drain it, and stitch it to keep it from happening again. Friday was spent in the hospital. It definitely feels better but I'm very sore from the anesthesia, stitches, etc. I'm hoping tomorrow will be a better day as I've mostly slept today. I'm very grateful that the pain from the cyst is gone! Here's hoping for a pain free week!

My New Grant

I just found out this week that a grant I'd submitted to NIH/NIA for a big randomized trial project has been funded. The goal of the project is to go into assisted living facilities, train older adults to use computers and the Internet, and assess the impacts on various aspects of their quality of life over time. I think it will be a great project, which will hopefully have a very positive impact on quality of life among older adults.

I'll report more info on it as the plans progress.

Coming Attractions

I promise that later this week after my grant proposal is submitted I will post new pix from our holiday travels and our trip to the Liberty Bowl! Until then, time is very short. So, Taylor - don't have that baby before Thursday : ). Just kidding!

Hope everyone is well and having a great new year!