23 Things of the Past

Well...I've arrived! 23 Things is now a thing of the past. It certainly feels good to accomplish everything. And with two weeks to spare! (Too bad finishing early doesn't increase your prize-winning potential. :o) )

As for my reflections... My general impression of 23 Things is fairly high. I think the tasks were, for the most part, useful and relevant. I've had several patrons ask me questions about Flickr or YouTube, and it's nice to feel more confident in my answers. I will not be surprised if patrons ask about quite a few of the things we've journeyed through. However, some of the activities were more tedious and less likely, I think, to be a source of patron inquiry. Perhaps my least favorite thing was the RSS feeds. Maybe it came more naturally to others, but frankly, I find RSS feeds a pain. I did what I had to do for the Thing, but I didn't enjoy myself. Nor do I see myself returning to RSS on my own time. Ever. But that's just me.

More practically than my thoughts on the individual tasks, I am not sure the program of 23 Things was structured as well as it could have been. I happen to be full-time, and have a generous amount of off-desk time. It was easy for me to donate an hour here and there of my precious off-desk time to completing these 23 Things, but I don't think there is a single other person in my entire branch who would feel the same way. 23 Things is very, very time consuming. Unless you have earned your own personal WIZ award in technological savvy, you simply cannot get through these things quickly. Even those who aren't completely helpless on computers want and need more time to complete Things. The tasks are interesting and important, and I think we all want to understand them well...not just slide by with completing the task just enough to qualify for a prize. I'll admit, I did that several times, but it is not my ideal. No, I'm not asking for 23 Hours per Thing, but I do know some people struggled to even complete one Thing in the one hour during the week they have allotted to spend.

I don't know how it could have been different, really. Though one coworker did say she thinks it unfair that 40 hour employees are competing for the same prize as 20 or less hour employees. This is a valid point. I am able to spend the time to get the tasks done, but my 15 hour coworker is not. Is it fair that I am now in the running for the laptop, but my coworker may not be simply because her hours are less? Or, perhaps my coworker will choose to do 23 Things at home. But therein, again, lies the question of fairness. I get paid to do 23 Things, and I'm in the running for a prize. My coworker may be eligible for the prize after completing 23 Things at home, but she has used personal time to do so and has not gotten paid for it.

These are just some practical concerns on the project. Like I said before, though, overall I think the experience was valuable and useful. I am not one to "surf the net" in my spare time, so this program introduced me to a wide variety of things I would never have otherwise known about. I think it's a wonderful idea, and I appreciate the hard work of those behind it. If PPLD were to repeat the program, I'm sure there would be some tweaking. The tweaking is necessary, I think, but it should be fairly simple. (I hope...obviously I'm not the one coordinating these things!) So yes...should PPLD offer this again, I would probably go through it all and attempt to learn as much as possible!

So thank you to those of you who've worked so hard to make 23 Things possible! It has been a good and informative experience for me!

Two Peas in a Podcast

I actually discovered the joys of podcasts during my internship in Seattle. I spent many hours alone in a little, ant-infested office behind the house. Online radio is a nice way to jazz up an afternoon, but sometimes you just need a little more substance. I love that podcasting allows you to access speeches, sermons, lectures, radio shows and countless other forms of communication. I learned a great deal during my days in the ant-office.

My favorite podcast is, and I say this shamelessly, GRAMMAR GIRL! If you have not heard the hilarious grammar lessons of Grammar Girl, you are truly missing out on life. They are pertinent to libraries as well. Who knows when a patron will want to know if "Saddam Hanged" or "Saddam Hung." (Sorry...perhaps a grotesque example. But that is Grammar Girl for you! She uses current events, pop culture...you name it!...as examples.)

So, there is my shameless plug. Revel in your Grammar Girl podcasts, if you dare!

YouTube, You Lose

I find whenever I dare to venture into the world of YouTube, I lose hours of my life watching (usually) mindless videos of stupid science experiments or crazy house pets. I've started limiting myself to clips of my favorite singers...Renee Fleming, Audra MacDonald, and the occasional Billy Joel. ;o) It is a good time. I do have a friend in Slovenia who watches YouTube to get away from the world. She'll watch TV shows, etc. I'm not there yet...but I totally understand. ;o)

Fuzzy recollections

For Thing 20, I played with Fuzzmail. It was quite strange and not as exciting as I had hoped. Maybe I just didn't get it. But it basically records (sort of like a video) the way you type a letter. Then when you send it, it plays for you. They way, everyone can see what sentences you typed quickly, which words you languished over, and how many typos you made. It is quite strange. I don't know what the point of it would be, really, other than bizarre curiosity. I don't think I'd want anyone to know how long typing something takes me. It would make me self-conscious. Anyway...check to 20!

Zoho the heck do you do this??

I attempted to "publish" the following through the Zoho site, but to no avail. Apparently I am not so hot at this one. Ah well.



Hello, world Zoho. Here I am, creating my online document in my continuing quest for a new computer. (Or Mp3 player.) (Or nothing.)

Gosh, Think 19. SO close! A new computer really would be nice. I have no money, but I realize I am very computer-oriented in my writing. Perhaps I would do more writing if I had a decent computer to work on. It's just frustrating how quickly they become "old school" these days.

I have been thinking about my writing more. Mostly because people keep asking me about it. How serious are you? they seem to chant. Not very, I'm afraid. I've become totally consumed with my job and my personal funk. I have not expressed myself creatively in a long time, nor have I sought out a group, a community, of creative friends. I continually find myself ambling down the paths of my memories of Seattle, casting it, I'm sure, into a much more idyllic light than it ever truly exuded. Alas. Writing does not live in the past. It may allow me to journey there occasionally, but it does not live there. I must learn to move on.

Hmm... Not the tangent I expected for the day. But there it is, my Zoho document. On to #20!!

Just Labbing Around

Well, put me in a white jacket, slap on some goofy eye wear, and call me a Labster. I have officially cruised Google Labs. At first, I was not so thrilled. Yet another page of things to click, words to read. (Apparently I'm not in the mood to read...Very un-librarian like.) But then I saw the link to "Create a Page" and thought I'd have some fun. I've noticed a trend in PPLD web pages...there are lots of sites for general patrons and staff, but there isn't anything exclusively for Children's staff. SO, I am in the process of creating a ppldkids page! I don't think it will be a big deal...just a site for Children's staff to post pictures and other fun news. We'll see. Anyway...that's all for Thing 18!

To the Library...And Beyond! (Library 2.0)

It is interesting to read the various articles relating to Library 2.0. I often claim to be a visionary person, always seeing things in a long-range sort of way; but when it comes to technology and future trends, I am boxed in by shortsightedness. Not only that, I have trouble comprehending the ideas of others in ways that are practical and directly relate to my life. (In other words, science fiction is no bother...space ships and robots are much too abstract to be a problem for me. But give me articles about what libraries will look like in 20-100 years, and I am completely stumped.)

What is this phenomenon of incomprehension from which I suffer? I don't know. I guess it's just hard to imagine such drastic changes in something that is so familiar. It's sort of like playing the "what if" game. "What if you break both of your arms...how will you feed yourself?" "What if Pikes Peak were to become an active volcano, what would you do?" "What if libraries become entirely computerized, forever removing the need for actual, human librarians?"

It just isn't a game I play well. (Maybe that's why I work with kids. They are very much "here and now" type people!)

But, all that aside, I did find the articles compelling. It is obvious, no matter how I feel about it :), that libraries are changing. In a recent tour of several libraries, I noticed that many areas, especially those for teens and children, have a "Barnes and Noble" type set up. Things are very visually friendly and consumer-centric. The world as a whole is much more visual and designed to be instantly gratifying. Everything is "easy" and independant. People just want to be left alone to do what they need to do. They'd rather not interact with another human at all if they can help it. To me, these individualist trends foreshadow a time when everything about libraries will become so computerized that human librarians will be entirely unnecessary. Sounds convenient...and yet heartbreaking.

Who wants to live in a world that doesn't need people? It's what I call "Ipod Syndrome." People use technology to completely block out the rest of the world. They are in their own zone. Places that used to be hotbeds for interpersonal interaction (ie. cafes, street corners, long bus rides) are now segregated by technology, such as Ipods, that allows us to withdraw into our own universe. Perhaps this frightening trend will invade even our libraries, shutting us (the librarians) out forever. Who knows.

I like what Dr. Shultz said about libraries: "they are communities." I think this is true...as of today, anyway. I only hope will will continue to hold on to our identity as a community of people and resist becoming an entirely virtual community.

Technically...Technorati

I am not sure I did this one correctly at all. I claimed my blog through Technorti, but when I searched the "PPLD" tag, there were no other personal blogs from employees listed. This makes me a bit nervous. So if you are reading this because you found it on Technorati, I apologize...this blog is probably not something you are looking for AT ALL! Nothing professional here...just ramblings about 23 Things.

Y.um. Y.um. (del.ici.ous)

Del.ici.ous. is quite extensive. I can see it taking a great deal of time to collect the many, many bookmarks and tags there are to collect! I do like the organizational system (hierarchy). I did what I could with it today, but really I think I'd rather explore the site more slowly. Build it to my taste rather than build it the way it would be built in a hasty attempt to complete 23 Things.

And therein lies my comment/ complaint of the day about 23 Things. I really like this program and the idea behind it. But I find myself rushing through things, exploring the tasks minimally in an attempt to just complete them for the sake of making it through the program by the deadline. In all honesty, I just want a chance at that laptop! There are many, many things in the 23 that will be left behind after a quick glance-through. Then again, there are some new discoveries I have made that I am sure to return to and explore further later on. For now, though, the goal is to finish the race...but not necessarily well! (eek!)

Ning Ning!....Hello?

Ning. Who knew? Yet another way to stalk...err...connect with others. I am really not that socially inclined in the virtual world. (Other than the aforementioned Facebook obsession.) But Ning seems fun. I shall enjoy further exploration of this one. It seems reasonably simple to navigate, and it is attractive and inviting as far as website go.

Hey, I just had a thought. The next time 23 Things comes around, we should check out eharmony.com or something. ;o) HA! I would NOT win the laptop with that one...

Facebook is my friend

I hate MySpace. It is a refuge for 14 year old kids with a chip on their shoulder, and loner adults with plans for world domination. It is not a place for me.

But...

Hello, my name is Lindsay, and I am a Facebook-aholic.

It took me years to join Facebook. I considered online social networking beneath me. I was totally creeped out by the idea of putting personal information online, available to the masses. Obviously I've gotten over that. I joined Facebook as a means of keeping in touch with my college friends, yet I resisted complete immersion by keeping my picture the "question mark" look for several months. I didn't even use my real name at first.

But, slowly...I was converted. Suddenly I became one of the pathetic souls who searches for long-lost acquaintances simply for the sake of nosing into their lives. What are they doing now? Is he still single? Is she pregnant yet? Have they posted wedding pictures? Yes. I am that person.

I am also the person addicted to Scrabulous. Oh man. Let's not even bring that one up.

And so, I thank you, 23 Things, for allowing me to indulge in my pathetic obsession for a few, brief, paid moments! Haha!

Rollyover Rover

I created a Books search engine for myself. I put in the NYT book review, newberry, ala and a few other websites. This will be handy when I am doing reader's advisory. (That is, if I remember to search Rollyo. Can't guarantee that one.)

Hmm...am I supposed to be more verbose about my 23 Things experiences here? Well, I fail at that today. I like Rollyo. It wasn't as complicated as some of the other things. (ie. RSS) I can see myself actually using Rollyo in the future...which is not something I'd say about some of the other Things!!!

My Library es Tu Library

I love this one! I had to make myself get off so I wouldn't try and recall every single book I've ever read. I added My Library to my blog (scroll down...down...down...) too, so that's fun. It's interesting to see how many people tag the same books as I do. One of my all-time favorite books, Cloudstreet, only had a little over 200 tags! Crazy! You people are missing out!

LinkedIn

I completed the LinkedIn exercise today. It's a handy little site, I must say. I found some friends from school and linked with PPLD coworkers, too. I am not sure I could ever be the type of person who keeps up with all of these accounts and sites I've joined. Once 23 Things is over, I may just allow things to fizzle. I can't deny it...that's just the way I am! I fizzler. Out of sight, out of mind. Absence does NOT make the heart grow fonder. Hmm...could explain my current relationship status. :o)

RSS= Really Stinky Site

Hi hello.

Thing #9: Subscribe to a coworkers blog on your RSS page.
Check.
I subscribed to Vicki and Virginia! Yaaay Vicki and Virginia! Let me tell you, though, I don't like this RSS stuff. It's just not pretty enough for me. It's full of words and links and text boxes...I don't like it. I like things to LOOK simple, even if they aren't. RSS is supposedly simple, but it LOOKS complicated, and therefore I don't enjoy it. It's just a really stinky site. But that's just me. :o)

Hmm...nothing more to say about that. Adios.

Ugg RSS

Ugg...RSS bloglines.com confused me. Apparently this is not my day for this things. Shall try again later...But I DID complete the 8th things! (I think.)

Flickr: Understanding the Cosmos

I know that Flickr is intended to be a fun and creative outlet for people everywhere, and I also understand that 23 Things is supposed to help us all feel more confident in our place in the technological cosmos. These are very good goals, and I applaud them. But I must say: in my case, neither goal is met. I hang my head in shame.

Ok. Goal #1: Flickr = creative and fun outlet for people everywhere.
Reality #1: Flickr = way too time consuming for perfectionists like me, resulting in a very, very lame profile. Thus, my sense of creativity is thwarted. Thus, I feel defeated, ashamed, minuscule, somewhat twitchy, and definitely the not-so-proud owner of a sufficiently un-fun Flickr page.

Goal #2: 23 Things helps us feel more confident in the world of technology.
Reality #2: Ignorance is bliss, baby. I was a perfectly happy person when I was ignorant of the enormity of the global online community. Perfectly happy. (Well, mostly.) But now, thanks to 23 Things, I am acutely aware of how BIG the Internet and it's many sites are, and how enormously insignificant I am. The more I explore, the more I realize that I am not nearly as creative, talented, connected or even cool as I once believed. This is a shattering blow to my ego. I intend to contact a lawyer as soon as can locate that old-school device of the Phone Book in the cozy, non-global, non-wireless, single-occupancy community of my apartment.

But...looking on the bright side...the ability to see the photographs of people everywhere is mind-blowing. Digital photography has ushered in a whole new era of high art. (I mean that in every sense of the phrase.) It makes me wonder what on earth museums will look like in a hundred years. Wow...

And so I leave you, legions, with this thought: you are miniscule. But if you happen to be savvy in the ways of technology, you can build a web page that makes you feel less miniscule. If you're lucky, someone, somwhere, may find it. But you'll still be miniscule. (Sorry.)

Inspiration by Poster

Hello, you great legion of unseen fans. I greet you in the name of the Great and Noble Flickr.

Flickr is Wondrous and Awesome. Flickr is Kind and Vast in Much Knowledge. Flickr is Connector of Bored People. Flickr is Creator of Inspirational Posters.

That's right, people. Inspirational Posters. You thought you got away from them when you graduated from your middle school humanities class. HA! Think again, legion, for the Great Flickr has brought them back into your life...and there is no graduating this time. (Do you hear the chilling laughter of the Great Flickr? The hair on your neck should raise at such a sound.)

And so it is, the Great Flickr has allowed even me, little peon that I am, to craft an Inspirational Poster. It is a beautiful and wondrous thing. Please go see it.

http://flickr.com/photos/24440261@N02/2341866302/

That is all.

For my birthday I...

gave myself a Flickr account! Yaay! Just what I've always wanted!

So my flickr account is lindsay.lackey (creative, I know) and so far I have a whopping one picture loaded. I can see how flickr can(/will?) become completely time consuming. I am such a visual person, and I plan to become an expert photographer in another life, so photo sites = less sleep for Lindsay. Ah well. PPLD can just put another notch in it's belt of "ways it consumes my life"! :o)

Oh, and in case you missed the shameless plug...today IS my birthday, and you should all send me presents. I like chocolate, clothes and cash. (The three "c's"...easy enough to remember!) ;o)

Juuust kidding.... But hey, no one reads this anyway!

w-w-w-wiki wiki

Well, "Wiki" may mean quick, but learning about them could take hours, days, years! But I think I got the hang of it after a while. I explored several branches of various wikis, but my favorite discovery was that I can get great craft ideas from several other library wikis for my kids' programs! Yay for craft sharing!

So far this 23 things isn't too bad. I have to admit, it's a nice way to escape a daily routine and get some other "work" done.

Until later...

Pjs and Bunny Slippers

Greetings, fair readers!

Let me preface by saying...Branch Children's Specialist is THE best job at PPLD!! It's too bad not everyone can be a CBS. That's sad for you.

Today I got to go to an elementary school and have fun at a Pajama Party for kindergartners! Yay! I wore my brightest, most obnoxious pajamas (actually...they're my mom's), and I read three very fun books. And, as Cornelia Funke says, children are the very best listeners of all! They were so cute and fun... We sang a song; I had them participate in one story with "ooohhh's" and "ahhhh's" and the occasional "NOO!!"; and by story #3, they were barking just like George. Such glorious fun!

Tomorrow night is an African-American History Month Celebration at OL! You should come...and bring a kid! We'll be making bookmarks and necklaces, and there will be several wonderful stories. Special Guest: Ms. Connie Black. Please, come and give her a hard time! ;)

6:30 pm - Old Colorado City Branch ........ See you there!

Books highlighted in this blog:
"The Great Fuzz Frenzy" by Stevens and Crummel
"The Kiss That Missed" by Melling
"Bark, George!" by Feiffer
"Inkspell" by Funke

Blogs, Bugs and Books...Starting 23 New Things!

Well...Here I am! Hopefully this is what I was supposed to do to get started. My views so far...

Choosing a blog title was hard. I am allergic to committment, and quite frankly, titles make me feel a itchy. I settled on the title I did as a shameless promotion for SRP. It's coming, people! Let's party!

I did, however, enjoy picking the template! I like colors.

That is all. My expereinces are much too limited to encourage verbosity at the moment. That will come later, I imagine... (it usually does).

Ciao!