Thing Two

Sitting here, I am not sure how to describe this in words. I am trying to complete these 23 Things and learn more about the Web 2.0 tools. This is partly fueled by curiosity, but also by the need to stay current with my librarian peers.

Individually, I've kind of have been reluctant to embrace new technology. Not necessarily computers because I've dealt with them since the 5th grade. Even though their form (Commodores with green screens) is rather ancient. No, I'm talking about all the other tools and gadets. I just bought a digital camera in the last year, and that's only because I thought I'd be traveling to Europe. So I'm still figuring out how to use it. I downloaded a picture of my Converse shoes and made it my avatar. But, I've yet to do the MP3 player or Ipod. I have a cell phone, but it's about 3 years old so it just takes pictures besides giving me the opportunity to reach out and touch someone.

I guess my main question in this post centers around what John Blyberg briefly mentioned under "L2 requires a fundamental change in a library’s mission." And, that's the question of how savvy a library's customers will be in terms of technology. I mean, I see the Web 2.0 being a hot topic in library circles. And, I'm not against this because today's 5th graders have a lot more high-tech computers and other gadgets than I did when I was their age.

But, I am wondering if Web 2.0 tools will be embraced by all library patrons. Will the older ones be as apt to use Facebook and Flicker as the young ones? Perhaps age will not be a factor in regards to a library's mission. I am curious, though, how the baby boomer generation will embrace Web 2.0 technology. A lot of them are approaching retirement. And, I wonder if their library service needs will be the same as today's youth. Or, will they be different?

ode to Beverly

I'm not sure if you'll get Internet access in heaven. But, I wanted to state a few thoughts that are on my mind.
Your memorial service had the Dixieland Band as you requested, And, plenty of people weeped and wailed.
You made the hours of my job pass by pleasantly when you came to volunteer. At first, I found you intimidating. Rachel had warned me that you and Florence were a rowdy bunch.
Soon after meeting you, though, I looked forward to seeing you on Thursdays and discussing topics like movies, politics, and life. Usually, with laughter and on your part, sass.
So thanks for sharing your stories, jokes, and experiences. And, for encouraging me to travel and asking about what's new in my life. I'll miss you, Beverly. And, your rendition of "Here she is..."

Friday ramblings

I have been wondering if keeping a blog updated regularly borders on narcissism. I mean, I'm not saying that all bloggers are stuck on themselves. But, I kind of feel like this silent pressure to appease the readers of this blog to post regularly. A lot of times, I really don't feel like I have anything interesting to post. And, I really don't want this blog to become a log of my activities like Carrie did laundry today.
So I guess the readers of this blog (if there are people in the world that peruse my ramblings) will have to be patient with me. Maybe just check me once a month or do the trendy RSS feed thing to see when I added a new post.
I've realized recently how much time I spend in front of a screen. At work, it's either a computer or a microfilm reader. (Gold stars to you folks who can know what microfilm is). At home, it's my laptop or TV. And, as a librarian, I feel like I should spend even more because Web 2.0 is all the rage. So I have my Facebook account, 2nd blog, and the good intention of finishing 23 Things on a Stick so I can learn about more popular Internet tools.
As I'm writing this now, I'm starting to become tired. I mean how do people fit in so much screen time into their daily lives? I wonder if I'm the only one that experiences times when my head is so fuzzy from staring at a screen that I don't want to even think?
So I guess that's my rambling for the day.
P.S. Converse shoes celebrate their 100th anniversary this year. The Smurfs haven't been around that long, but they are celebrating 50 years. And, I completely spaced on celebrating the Gondor New Year (apparently March 25th), but I'll have to either watch the movies or read Tolkien's books soon.

thing 1

I was in such a hurry to register my blog for the February deadline that I neglected to see that I needed to label my posts. I also did not discuss my experience about setting up this blog.

Before 23 things on a stick, I had set up a blog with Xanga. The process for creating this blog was similar so I was able to do it quickly. But, I noticed that the templates I could choose for this blog were more asthetically pleasing than the choices I had on the Xanga site.

The task of adding an avatar baffled me a bit because it was a new term for me. But, I googled it and found one to post. It's only a tempory one until I can download my picture of my Converse shoes.

hello march

I am happy that February has come to an end. I know it's suppose to be the shortest month, but in Minnesota, at least, it seems like the longest. Because it's usually cold and snowy - big surprise. But, more than anything, February is usually when I come to my breaking point. I'm tired of scraping and brushing my car. The layers of scarves, sweaters, and long johns are getting old.
So I'm happy that march is here and hopefully, old man winter will be here no more. Maybe.

this blog

I decided I'd give this 23 things on a stick a try. Usually, I avoid things on a stick. When visiting the Minnesota State Fair, I go for the food items not on a stick because the lines are usually shorter.



But, who knows? This experience may have me lining up for key lime pie on a stick this summer.

So I went to my first caucus

Super Tuesday was kind of anti-climatic for me. Where I lived before, we always had primaries. And, since Minnesota is an open caucus state, I liked the idea of being able to choose which party caucus I wanted to attend.
So I went, I was a little disappointed because the official there directed me to the wrong precinct. I realized this after I had cast my Presidential preference ballot. Does my vote still count if I placed the ballot in the wrong precinct box?
Then I walked into the actual caucus meeting. They were choosing delegates and since I wasn't sure if I was in the right precinct, I left.
I have to admit, though, that the experience gave me a glimpse of something that I rarely see - people walking around in my neighborhood at night. And, although the wrong precinct thing was annoying, I now know my precinct for future elections and I have a better idea of who my neighbors are.