I am a soccer fair-weather fan. I willingly admit it. But my excitement for the FIFA World Cup that starts this Friday is building. I have a schedule of the games and am planning to watch constant soccer in the next few weeks.
The ever hilarious and never completely serious ESPN has a great commercial with US team player Landon Donovan.
Showing posts with label Tid-bits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tid-bits. Show all posts
June 8, 2010
May 10, 2010
Me 'n Fred
I have a borrowed body form in my office that I keep forgetting to return. Unfortunately, he blends in to the surroundings now so I easily walk past him every day without noticing my headless co-worker. I've named him Fred, which just adds to his permanence (not good).
Here's a photo of the two of us. And the bonus is that it's a jigsaw puzzle. Click on the photo to put us back together.
I promise I'm going to return him this summer. I am not a body form thief.
Here's a photo of the two of us. And the bonus is that it's a jigsaw puzzle. Click on the photo to put us back together.
FredI promise I'm going to return him this summer. I am not a body form thief.
April 30, 2010
Do Not Fret!
You may or may not know that I recently finished work on a book to be published this fall with Arcadia Publishing. It's a pictorial history book about the university. It was a ton of work, but I'm really excited about it. There haven't been any books published recently about the full history of our school and the format will make it a fun and easy way to breeze through the years while still learning some fun facts and figures about USF.
Here's a copy of the cover:
I have had people in the past say "You should write a book," and there are a number of reasons why I haven't done that (a lack of talent being very high on the list), but one of the main reasons is because I didn't want to have to give any book talks about the book. I don't like talking in front of people and having to talk about something that came out of my head sounds very personal and frightening.
But I thought, "this will be different." It's not about the author, its about the content. I didn't make this up, I just compiled facts and information in a neat little package. But in actuality, I kinda shot myself in the foot. I've discovered that with history books, people assume if you wrote them you must be an expert, so they think "She should come and talk to us about the history and the book."
Oops. I've been asked to give a talk about the history of the school during Homecoming and I have been fretting. Even though it's months away, I get a scared little feeling in my tummy whenever I think about it. I know that I'm technically a grown-up, but sometimes I'm back in elementary school freaking out about having to read my book report in front of the class.
So here's what I'm going to do: I'm going to cling to these verses "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6: 33-34) I do not need to heap more trouble on myself by worrying and fretting about something way down the road. I need to remember to seek first the kingdom. God is in control and everything will fall into line according to his plan.
If you see me in the next few months be sure to ask me how I'm doing with letting go of the fret. I will definitely need the reminders.
Here's a copy of the cover:
I have had people in the past say "You should write a book," and there are a number of reasons why I haven't done that (a lack of talent being very high on the list), but one of the main reasons is because I didn't want to have to give any book talks about the book. I don't like talking in front of people and having to talk about something that came out of my head sounds very personal and frightening.But I thought, "this will be different." It's not about the author, its about the content. I didn't make this up, I just compiled facts and information in a neat little package. But in actuality, I kinda shot myself in the foot. I've discovered that with history books, people assume if you wrote them you must be an expert, so they think "She should come and talk to us about the history and the book."
Oops. I've been asked to give a talk about the history of the school during Homecoming and I have been fretting. Even though it's months away, I get a scared little feeling in my tummy whenever I think about it. I know that I'm technically a grown-up, but sometimes I'm back in elementary school freaking out about having to read my book report in front of the class.
So here's what I'm going to do: I'm going to cling to these verses "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6: 33-34) I do not need to heap more trouble on myself by worrying and fretting about something way down the road. I need to remember to seek first the kingdom. God is in control and everything will fall into line according to his plan.
If you see me in the next few months be sure to ask me how I'm doing with letting go of the fret. I will definitely need the reminders.
April 28, 2010
The Season of Presentations
It's the end of the semester here. Actually, the end of the school year. And you know what that means: Presentations. Every so often I'll hear a classroom somewhere in the Library erupt in polite applause and I'll know someone else has completed their final presentation and can sit back down and stop sweating. At least until their next exam. I was thinking about these students wrapping up a semester full of information in a 15 minute talk and wonder how many of them use PowerPoint. What do you want to bet it's close to 80%.
On Monday there was an article published online by the New York Times titled We Have Met The Enemy and He Is PowerPoint. The article quickly makes the point that PowerPoint presentations are running rampant in government meetings and have become more of a hindrance than a good. The article, written by Elisabeth Bumiller, says "behind all the PowerPoint jokes are serious concerns that the program stifles discussion, critical thinking and thoughtful decision-making. Not least, it ties up junior officers — referred to as PowerPoint Rangers — in the daily preparation of slides, be it for a Joint Staff meeting in Washington or for a platoon leader’s pre-mission combat briefing in a remote pocket of Afghanistan."
I can't help but wonder: are we preparing these PowerPoint Rangers? Are we setting the next generation up for ""death by PowerPoint,” the phrase used to described the numbing sensation that accompanies a 30-slide briefing?" I know that there are definitely positives to PowerPoint presentations, but I do wonder if it's gotten a bit out of control. And it's very true that I am not in these classes from which the spontaneous clapping arises so I don't know how their presentations are done, but I do hope there's more creativity and depth out there than PowerPoint alone can offer.
On Monday there was an article published online by the New York Times titled We Have Met The Enemy and He Is PowerPoint. The article quickly makes the point that PowerPoint presentations are running rampant in government meetings and have become more of a hindrance than a good. The article, written by Elisabeth Bumiller, says "behind all the PowerPoint jokes are serious concerns that the program stifles discussion, critical thinking and thoughtful decision-making. Not least, it ties up junior officers — referred to as PowerPoint Rangers — in the daily preparation of slides, be it for a Joint Staff meeting in Washington or for a platoon leader’s pre-mission combat briefing in a remote pocket of Afghanistan."
I can't help but wonder: are we preparing these PowerPoint Rangers? Are we setting the next generation up for ""death by PowerPoint,” the phrase used to described the numbing sensation that accompanies a 30-slide briefing?" I know that there are definitely positives to PowerPoint presentations, but I do wonder if it's gotten a bit out of control. And it's very true that I am not in these classes from which the spontaneous clapping arises so I don't know how their presentations are done, but I do hope there's more creativity and depth out there than PowerPoint alone can offer.
April 26, 2010
The Cardboard Jungle
Who knew cardboard could soak up so much water? While doing laundry yesterday I finally noticed a small dripping noise somewhere in the basement. I remembered that there had been a very tiny leak in the corner where all my stuff is stored, but it had stopped and then last week it was "fixed" to prevent it happening again. I decided to investigate, and sure enough, the pipe was dripping and probably had been since it was fixed last Thursday. The boxes right below it were in different states of wet and icky.I managed to get everything wiped off and set out to air dry with the help of my roommate, but I'm going to need to re-box a lot of stuff to prevent any mold from taking hold. Ugh. What a crappy way to end the weekend. At least nothing was ruined. Most of the wet stuff can easily be washed and the boxes with paper in them didn't get wet on the inside.
I'm really glad I noticed it yesterday because it could have made a huge mess if it was left too long. But like they say: a little water never hurt anything, unless you're the Wicked Witch of the West.
April 23, 2010
Attack of the Inflatable Marketing Animals
I'm still amazed every time I drive past another huge animal or cartoon character stationed outside a car dealership or restaurant or just anywhere really. Joliet has a fascination with using these to promote their businesses and I still don't really get it. True, they do catch my eye, but really they just make me think "that place is a bit too cheesy for me."
I spotted another one right before Easter. It was a huge pink bunny at a busy intersection. I didn't get a clear picture, but I'll post it anyway.
I also drive by a car dealership that has a cowboy at one end of the lot and a giant purple dinosaur at the other end. Cause, you know, nothing says "Used Car Sale" like a giant dino and his cowboy pardner.
I spotted another one right before Easter. It was a huge pink bunny at a busy intersection. I didn't get a clear picture, but I'll post it anyway.
I also drive by a car dealership that has a cowboy at one end of the lot and a giant purple dinosaur at the other end. Cause, you know, nothing says "Used Car Sale" like a giant dino and his cowboy pardner.
April 22, 2010
My Jet-Setting Aunt and Uncle
My Aunt Karen and Uncle Bill are world travelers to the extreme. Every time I turn around, they're heading somewhere new and trying something different. It's great to hear their stories at family get-togethers and learn what the food is like in certain countries and what the transportation options are in other countries. They are founts of information.
This works out well for me for a couple of reasons:
1) When I finally get to the point where I can afford to travel out of the US, I totally know who I'll go to for advice. Chances are they've been there, done that...twice.
2) Aunt Karen is great about sending me photos of their adventures, like these from Amsterdam. She's a great photographer and its fun to see pics from around the globe that aren't just stock photos.
So here are some of the newest ones from Turkey. She said they were with a large group this time and their tour guide was great. They also got to take a hot air balloon ride. What fun.
This works out well for me for a couple of reasons:
1) When I finally get to the point where I can afford to travel out of the US, I totally know who I'll go to for advice. Chances are they've been there, done that...twice.
2) Aunt Karen is great about sending me photos of their adventures, like these from Amsterdam. She's a great photographer and its fun to see pics from around the globe that aren't just stock photos.
So here are some of the newest ones from Turkey. She said they were with a large group this time and their tour guide was great. They also got to take a hot air balloon ride. What fun.
December 18, 2009
Chicago Skyline...oooh
Look at this awesome picture that my brother made. While we were in the city a few weeks ago, we were standing in Millennium Park by the Bean...excuse me 'The Cloud Gate'...and he took a series of photos of the buildings along Michigan Avenue. Then he used his computer savvy and some fancy program (I'm sure he explained it, but I've forgotten) and made this panoramic photo.Feel free to ooh and aah.
Christmas in Chicago
This past weekend I was able to head into Chicago on Saturday to share some shopping and site-seeing with my MI and IL friends. We hit the Art Institute gift shop ('cuz it's free), and Millenium Park, and walked the Macy's windows, and shopped in Macy's (which is seriously overheated for people wearing long underwear), watched a little of the 5 o'clock CBS news through the studio windows, hit the Christkindlmarket (where some of us purchased hot chocolate in a commemorative boot - awesome), and ended the night with dinner and drinks at the Crepe Bistro.
Great fun was had by all. Here are some pics of the day.
Great fun was had by all. Here are some pics of the day.
September 14, 2009
Boastin' and Braggin'
What I Did on My Summer Vacation...
I had a crazy and full summer in the Archives. I had two big projects that needed to be finished at the start of the school year, and I definitely felt the burn more than once. But with plenty of Mt. Dew and a few refreshing, long lunches I'm done with both projects. I will now take this time to brag.
Project 1: Sharing Our Past Online Collection - Last year I won a grant for the Archives to digitize 5,000 images and then create an online collection. It was finished in August and I'm now working on the marketing campaign. Please take a look here and let me know what you think. It's basically a visual history of USF, and it's like my baby so be kind with your criticism.
Project 2: Founder's Day Displays - Last year I volunteer (or was volunteered, my memory is a bit fuzzy on that) to do a display with materials from the Archives for Founder's Day. It was pretty successful so this year I was asked to do 3 displays. Wow, that was a lot of work, but it's done. You can check out the Archives' blog for pictures and more info.
So there's my Egypt.
Newsflash - they're now asking me to help with a fourth display - and by the end of the day today. eek.
I had a crazy and full summer in the Archives. I had two big projects that needed to be finished at the start of the school year, and I definitely felt the burn more than once. But with plenty of Mt. Dew and a few refreshing, long lunches I'm done with both projects. I will now take this time to brag.
Project 1: Sharing Our Past Online Collection - Last year I won a grant for the Archives to digitize 5,000 images and then create an online collection. It was finished in August and I'm now working on the marketing campaign. Please take a look here and let me know what you think. It's basically a visual history of USF, and it's like my baby so be kind with your criticism.
Project 2: Founder's Day Displays - Last year I volunteer (or was volunteered, my memory is a bit fuzzy on that) to do a display with materials from the Archives for Founder's Day. It was pretty successful so this year I was asked to do 3 displays. Wow, that was a lot of work, but it's done. You can check out the Archives' blog for pictures and more info.
So there's my Egypt.
Newsflash - they're now asking me to help with a fourth display - and by the end of the day today. eek.
September 9, 2009
30 Rocks Birthday Weekend Extravaganza!
I had a superb and magnificent weekend in MI celebrating my birthday with friends and family. (And apparently it's caused me to use descriptive words usually saved for movie reviews and magic shows.) Saturday started with some shopping with mom (always awesome) and then the 30 Rocks Day of Adventure started. Basically, I made my friends go around with me to some of my favorite spots around Lansing.
1) Old Town - we hit the snazzy boutiques Grace and October Moon and even walked through the peppy Polka Dot Bead-a-full shop.
2) Lansing City Market - I was on a mission by buy chips from the El Azteco stand, but was too late so I got some really good popcorn instead.
3) Cheddar's - there's only one reason to go to Cheddar's in the middle of the afternoon...that's right - A Cookie Monster. mmm.
4) Frances Park Rose Garden - such a glamorous and well-tended garden with awesome views of Grand River. It doesn't feel like you're in the middle of Lansing. We tried to get in the background of some wedding photos, but were unsuccessful.
5) Jesse and Scott's house - why not? They moved in last week and are working on unpacking and decorating and were more than willing to give a tour to a car full of girls.
After the incredibly fun afternoon we returned to my parent's abode for the evening party. The 30 Rocks evening was a rousing success. It was so much fun to see some of my favorite people all in one place and the food was great (especially since my mom picked all my favorites). There was cake and laughter and creative presents (Margaret brought me 30 rocks - 30 rocks candy sticks - awesome) and a large game of Apples to Apples.
Sunday was another fun day with family. We celebrated the September birthdays all together at my parent's house. It was great to see everybody, especially since I live out of state now and don't get to attend as many functions. And yes, there are 30 candles on that cake. My grandma said "Just be glad we didn't use 82."
Overall - awesome. On a scale of 1 to 10...52.
1) Old Town - we hit the snazzy boutiques Grace and October Moon and even walked through the peppy Polka Dot Bead-a-full shop.
2) Lansing City Market - I was on a mission by buy chips from the El Azteco stand, but was too late so I got some really good popcorn instead.
3) Cheddar's - there's only one reason to go to Cheddar's in the middle of the afternoon...that's right - A Cookie Monster. mmm.
4) Frances Park Rose Garden - such a glamorous and well-tended garden with awesome views of Grand River. It doesn't feel like you're in the middle of Lansing. We tried to get in the background of some wedding photos, but were unsuccessful.
5) Jesse and Scott's house - why not? They moved in last week and are working on unpacking and decorating and were more than willing to give a tour to a car full of girls.After the incredibly fun afternoon we returned to my parent's abode for the evening party. The 30 Rocks evening was a rousing success. It was so much fun to see some of my favorite people all in one place and the food was great (especially since my mom picked all my favorites). There was cake and laughter and creative presents (Margaret brought me 30 rocks - 30 rocks candy sticks - awesome) and a large game of Apples to Apples.
Sunday was another fun day with family. We celebrated the September birthdays all together at my parent's house. It was great to see everybody, especially since I live out of state now and don't get to attend as many functions. And yes, there are 30 candles on that cake. My grandma said "Just be glad we didn't use 82."
Overall - awesome. On a scale of 1 to 10...52.
September 3, 2009
Author! Author! Author!
On Tuesday I went to the Book Club Kickoff Celebration at my local public library. I've been going to a book club through this library since I moved to IL and thought it would be fun to see what this celebration was all about.
They invited a number of local authors to come and talk to us. I hadn't heard of any of them and most of them are romance writers so I thought it might be a bit boring. I ended up having a great time! My name was drawn for a free book, and when one of the women from my book club told them it was my birthday, I got another free book. And since both the authors were there I got them signed.
I'm really excited to read them and see if they're any good. It was such an enjoyable evening and the women were so nice and approachable. I would recommend checking them out if your stumped for a romance or historical romance or supernatural romance read.
The Authors:
Luisa Bueler - Mysteries
Dyanne Davis - Supernatural and African-American Romance
Blythe Gifford - Historical Romance
Keena Kincaid - Historical Romance
Michelle Larks - African-American and Christian Romance
Ann Macela - Supernatural and Historical Romance
They invited a number of local authors to come and talk to us. I hadn't heard of any of them and most of them are romance writers so I thought it might be a bit boring. I ended up having a great time! My name was drawn for a free book, and when one of the women from my book club told them it was my birthday, I got another free book. And since both the authors were there I got them signed.
I'm really excited to read them and see if they're any good. It was such an enjoyable evening and the women were so nice and approachable. I would recommend checking them out if your stumped for a romance or historical romance or supernatural romance read.
The Authors:
Luisa Bueler - Mysteries
Dyanne Davis - Supernatural and African-American Romance
Blythe Gifford - Historical Romance
Keena Kincaid - Historical Romance
Michelle Larks - African-American and Christian Romance
Ann Macela - Supernatural and Historical Romance
September 2, 2009
Random Thoughts of the Day
These came through on a forwarded e-mail and made me laugh... a lot. Thought I would share my favorites. (I don't know who wrote them, if you do let me know).
* I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.
* Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete oppostie direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.
* I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
* The letters T and G are very close to each other on a keyboard. This recently became all too apparent to me and consequently I will never be ending a work e-mail with the phrase "Regards" again.
* Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow on it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards of FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.
* How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
* I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.
* Lol has gone from meaning, "laughing out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".
* Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.
* Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".
* Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in' examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and said "Yes that G as in...(10 seconds lapse)...ummm...Goonies".
* MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
* I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.
* If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.
* Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem...
*I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.
* I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
* The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words, someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimated that there must be at least four people eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by myself. There's nothing like being made to feel like a fatso before dinner.
* There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.
* I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.
* Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete oppostie direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.
* I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
* The letters T and G are very close to each other on a keyboard. This recently became all too apparent to me and consequently I will never be ending a work e-mail with the phrase "Regards" again.
* Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow on it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards of FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.
* How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
* I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.
* Lol has gone from meaning, "laughing out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".
* Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.
* Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".
* Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in' examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and said "Yes that G as in...(10 seconds lapse)...ummm...Goonies".
* MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
* I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.
* If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.
* Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem...
*I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.
* I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
* The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words, someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimated that there must be at least four people eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by myself. There's nothing like being made to feel like a fatso before dinner.
* There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.
July 29, 2009
Two Stories
I recently got a haircut...a drastic haircut. I cut almost 11 inches off to give to Locks of Love. It was time for a change so I went for it. The responses have been overwhelmingly positive. So many compliments and oohs and aahs. I'm thinking I should have done this a while ago, it's been great for my ego.
Yesterday someone was heard to say that I looked "adorable". Now, it may be because I don't really use that word, but it really threw me. It was the second time someone used that word to describe my new haircut and each time I was like "really?". To me adorable is a word for small things or baby things or precocious things, not 6' tall awkward people with new haircuts. I guess there are worse things people could have said, but I'm hoping that's the last "adorable" I hear.
On a lighter, less neurotic, note:
I was driving home from work yesterday when someone pulled out in front of me. They weren't super close, but I did have to hit the brakes and it freaked me out a bit. I'm not 100% over the car accident from a month back so I still get a bit nervous when people are too close to me on the road. I was scared and I got pissed so I laid on the horn. Unfortunately, the horn in my new car is ridiculous. It sounds like I'm killing a pack of out-of-tune geese in my engine. I had forgotten about that fact. So after I angrily honked at the stupid driver I immediately started laughing. Even though it's a completely useless car horn in an emergency, at least it's a great cure for my road rage moments.
p.s. I'll post pics of my new haircut once I get some good ones.
Yesterday someone was heard to say that I looked "adorable". Now, it may be because I don't really use that word, but it really threw me. It was the second time someone used that word to describe my new haircut and each time I was like "really?". To me adorable is a word for small things or baby things or precocious things, not 6' tall awkward people with new haircuts. I guess there are worse things people could have said, but I'm hoping that's the last "adorable" I hear.
On a lighter, less neurotic, note:
I was driving home from work yesterday when someone pulled out in front of me. They weren't super close, but I did have to hit the brakes and it freaked me out a bit. I'm not 100% over the car accident from a month back so I still get a bit nervous when people are too close to me on the road. I was scared and I got pissed so I laid on the horn. Unfortunately, the horn in my new car is ridiculous. It sounds like I'm killing a pack of out-of-tune geese in my engine. I had forgotten about that fact. So after I angrily honked at the stupid driver I immediately started laughing. Even though it's a completely useless car horn in an emergency, at least it's a great cure for my road rage moments.
p.s. I'll post pics of my new haircut once I get some good ones.
July 21, 2009
Heather's Wedding
One of my friends from Augustana got married this weekend. It was a very fun event, and I had the privilege of being a "helper" of sorts. She handed me a binder of details and I made sure the starred things happened correctly. It was a blast and the perfect outlet for my A-type tendencies. Because I was there for the rehearsal as well as the wedding and reception I got plenty of great pictures. I thought I would share some of the fun ones. (you can click on them to see a bigger version).
I also took a video of a younger guest at the reception shaking his groove thing on the dance floor. He was out there for quite a while living it up. See it here on Youtube.
This weekend was also an awesome opportunity to catch up with my Augie buds and some friends I hadn't seen in years. I've got some good reception pictures to share too.
I also took a video of a younger guest at the reception shaking his groove thing on the dance floor. He was out there for quite a while living it up. See it here on Youtube.This weekend was also an awesome opportunity to catch up with my Augie buds and some friends I hadn't seen in years. I've got some good reception pictures to share too.
July 16, 2009
ALA Exhibits
On Monday I went with my fellow USF Librarians to the Exhibit Hall at the American Library Association Annual Conference. What fun! It was amazing the amount of people and vendors that were there. Over 1,500 booths. It was great to talk with other librarians/archivists and other vendors to see what's new, what projects people are doing, what information is coming soon.
At one point I turned to the side and almost ran into this dinosaur guy. Needless to say I was startled and then I kept seeing him prowling around the exhibits. It's hard to be creeped out by a dino in a orange shirt and blue hat, but he was a little weird.
My favorite. I have a soft spot for The Cat since I have been him for Halloween quite a few times. This guy was very popular, but he stopped to pose for me.
I took a few pictures while I was there of the "decorations":
A knight at one of the booths. I don't remember where, but he was pretty impressive.
A knight at one of the booths. I don't remember where, but he was pretty impressive.
At one point I turned to the side and almost ran into this dinosaur guy. Needless to say I was startled and then I kept seeing him prowling around the exhibits. It's hard to be creeped out by a dino in a orange shirt and blue hat, but he was a little weird.
My favorite. I have a soft spot for The Cat since I have been him for Halloween quite a few times. This guy was very popular, but he stopped to pose for me.
July 14, 2009
Ashamed of My State
I'm very disheartened by a news release that came my way through the library world. The State of MI, the state the I love and have hopes of someday returning to, has passed an executive order to terminate the History, Arts and Libraries Department and close the Library of Michigan.
How do you close the State Library? And how do you think you are saving the state money by taking away their access to free resources?
Highlights of Executive Order No. 2009-36:
* They will stop checking out books. whaaat?!
* Eliminate nine staff positions, including the State Librarian.
* Start charging an admission fee to the once free State Museum.
* They are going to "shop around" things like the Federal Documents Depository, non-Michigan genealogy, Michigan History Magazine, and the museum store and if they can't find people to take them over they're going to eliminate them.
* They won't be administering the MELCat program anymore, which is a huge blow to libraries in the state. MELCat is the inter-library loan program that allows Michigan residents to borrow books from outside their library system, from anywhere in the state. No more MELCat means no more ILL for lots of libraries.
* Many things will be transferred to the Department of Natural Resources including museum facilities, archives, historical records and related functions, and the Mackinaw Island State Park Commission. Exactly how does the DNR qualify as administrators of the state's history?
* They are "creating a nine person "Center for Innovation and Reinvention Board" that has until June 1, 2010 to come up with a way to "preserve and maximize the benefits to the public of existing state library and historical resources" using "creative and innovative ideas," but doesn't get more specific than that."
It just seems so backwards to me. I can see backing off on services or collection development or other things for a few years, but to eliminate or reassign everything is going to be such a mistake in the long run. I worry that when (or if) Michigan ever gets back on its feet they're going to look around and say "What happened to our State? And who are all these uneducated people milling around causing trouble? Don't we have somewhere they could go to learn outside of school?
Whoops."
How do you close the State Library? And how do you think you are saving the state money by taking away their access to free resources?Highlights of Executive Order No. 2009-36:
* They will stop checking out books. whaaat?!
* Eliminate nine staff positions, including the State Librarian.
* Start charging an admission fee to the once free State Museum.
* They are going to "shop around" things like the Federal Documents Depository, non-Michigan genealogy, Michigan History Magazine, and the museum store and if they can't find people to take them over they're going to eliminate them.
* They won't be administering the MELCat program anymore, which is a huge blow to libraries in the state. MELCat is the inter-library loan program that allows Michigan residents to borrow books from outside their library system, from anywhere in the state. No more MELCat means no more ILL for lots of libraries.
* Many things will be transferred to the Department of Natural Resources including museum facilities, archives, historical records and related functions, and the Mackinaw Island State Park Commission. Exactly how does the DNR qualify as administrators of the state's history?
* They are "creating a nine person "Center for Innovation and Reinvention Board" that has until June 1, 2010 to come up with a way to "preserve and maximize the benefits to the public of existing state library and historical resources" using "creative and innovative ideas," but doesn't get more specific than that."
It just seems so backwards to me. I can see backing off on services or collection development or other things for a few years, but to eliminate or reassign everything is going to be such a mistake in the long run. I worry that when (or if) Michigan ever gets back on its feet they're going to look around and say "What happened to our State? And who are all these uneducated people milling around causing trouble? Don't we have somewhere they could go to learn outside of school?
Whoops."
July 10, 2009
Librarians Rule!
Did you know that the 2009 Annual Meeting for the American Library Association is being held in Chicago today through next Tuesday? I'm headed in to the city on Monday to visit the exhibits and meet up with some classmates and friends and enjoy the experience in general. I thought I would post some quotes in honor of my fellow book lovers and information gatherers.
"I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library."
- Jorge Luis Borges
"In the nonstop tsunami of global information, librarians provide us with floaties and teach us how to swim."
- Linton Weeks
"Our whole American way of life is a great way of ideas, and librarians are the arms dealers selling weapons to both sides."
- James Quinn
"I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library."
- Jorge Luis Borges
"In the nonstop tsunami of global information, librarians provide us with floaties and teach us how to swim."
- Linton Weeks
"Our whole American way of life is a great way of ideas, and librarians are the arms dealers selling weapons to both sides."
- James Quinn
July 9, 2009
Read What You Want
I am such a huge fan of reading lists that I've kind of overwhelmed myself with lists of books that I want to read. I have a "classics" list, and a "new classics" list, and an "ultimate teen" list plus the list that I kept while I was in grad school and had no time to read for fun but wanted to keep track of all the books that my fellow future librarians recommended. Whew! It turns out it takes a whole lot longer to read a list of books than to write or print it out (who knew). I also get frustrated because I'll be following a list and then want to read something off the list that just came out or was just recommended and I have guilt about it. Then I get stuck in indecision. Ugh.
I know it's a very petty problem to have, so I do sometimes have to remind myself that the world will not end because I read a few books "out of order". I recently found a quote by Samuel Johnson that says:
"A man ought to read just as inclination leads him; for what he reads as a task will do him little good."
While I think that assigned reading for a class may be an exception to that, I'm going to try to remember his words when I get caught up in silly fretting over what to read next. I'll read just as I'm inclined. The trick will be to figure out what I'm inclined to read.
I know it's a very petty problem to have, so I do sometimes have to remind myself that the world will not end because I read a few books "out of order". I recently found a quote by Samuel Johnson that says:
"A man ought to read just as inclination leads him; for what he reads as a task will do him little good."
While I think that assigned reading for a class may be an exception to that, I'm going to try to remember his words when I get caught up in silly fretting over what to read next. I'll read just as I'm inclined. The trick will be to figure out what I'm inclined to read.
July 8, 2009
A Neeeww Caaar!
Imagine that title was yelled by Rod Roddy on the Price is Right.
I had success on my 4th of July weekend mission to find a new used car to replace my poor jeepy that was totaled in the accident last month. I bought a 2000 Honda CR-V in dark green. It was the least expensive car that I test drove and had the most amount of features that I wanted.
So far, so good. There are some amusing/annoying things about it, but they're not worth fixing so I'll just get used to them. And the horn makes a sad, unfortunate noise that I laugh at each time.
The plan is to use the money I saved to do some fixes that will bring it up to worry-free working condition, and drive it for a couple of years until I've saved up enough to buy the car I really want. Who knows, maybe I'll end up with a new CR-V down the road. Right now I'm just thankful that I'm not having to pay for a rental anymore.
Thanks also to Bob for his amazing help on the car buying day. I know I got the awesome deal that I did because of him. And he stuck it out even after I complained about one car because there was no place for my purse. (I'm such a girl).
I had success on my 4th of July weekend mission to find a new used car to replace my poor jeepy that was totaled in the accident last month. I bought a 2000 Honda CR-V in dark green. It was the least expensive car that I test drove and had the most amount of features that I wanted.
So far, so good. There are some amusing/annoying things about it, but they're not worth fixing so I'll just get used to them. And the horn makes a sad, unfortunate noise that I laugh at each time.The plan is to use the money I saved to do some fixes that will bring it up to worry-free working condition, and drive it for a couple of years until I've saved up enough to buy the car I really want. Who knows, maybe I'll end up with a new CR-V down the road. Right now I'm just thankful that I'm not having to pay for a rental anymore.
Thanks also to Bob for his amazing help on the car buying day. I know I got the awesome deal that I did because of him. And he stuck it out even after I complained about one car because there was no place for my purse. (I'm such a girl).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)