I'm back from New Orleans, Louisiana - NOLA. NOLA is a very interesting place. We stayed on Bourbon street which is right in the center of all that is decadent in NOLA. Being an older Spectrum scholar, I was not overly affected. The younger scholars were a bit intimidated by the blatant prostitution, drunkenness, and foul smell. I focused on the stunning architecture and history that was all around us.
I also focused on all of the MANDATORY classes we had to attend. Everyday was booked until at least 2pm. I wish they had given us one full day to do as we wished. By the end of the booked days we were usually so brain fried that a nap was needed. After the nap there was only so much daylight left. I did not go out after 10pm. There was too much out there in those street that recommended caution.
Overall, the experience was worthwhile. I went to a couple of nice receptions - one where my library director attended. I met my YALSA mentor for lunch. I got tons of free swag at the convention center. And, finally I met some really nice, helpful people.
Next years annual is in Anaheim, California. I am plotting the course to get there right now...
1243
Monday, June 27, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Diary 06/11
I know I've been neglectful... I've been gearing up for the ALA National meeting in New Orleans. There is sooo much to do before I'm ready to leave. I've signed up for all sorts of programs. I also have the mandatory meetings Spectrum meetings.
My current issue is figuring out what to pack that will fit in a single carry on and very large purse. My shoes alone can take up one case. Such a dilemma.
Another issue is finding time to see other conference goers socially. There are all sorts of friends and acquaintances who will be down in New Orleans. I feel overwhelmed! I'm trying to calendarize everything and everyone down to the last moment.
Being an annal perfectionist can be so challenging during times like this.
My current issue is figuring out what to pack that will fit in a single carry on and very large purse. My shoes alone can take up one case. Such a dilemma.
Another issue is finding time to see other conference goers socially. There are all sorts of friends and acquaintances who will be down in New Orleans. I feel overwhelmed! I'm trying to calendarize everything and everyone down to the last moment.
Being an annal perfectionist can be so challenging during times like this.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Diary 05/27
I'm getting ready for ALA in New Orleans - 6/23-28! http://www.alaannual.org/
I have mandatory Spectrum classes. Between those classes I have been busily signing up for classes during my down time that will benefit me in multiple ways - 1) It's hot in New Orleans - especially in late June - so I'm attempting to stay in the air conditioning 2) My sessions all offer free lunch, dinner, appetizers or dessert - I'm thinking about my expenses 3) I want as much exposure to other librarians as possible outside of my Spectrum cohort of current students or new graduates 4) Interviewing techniques - I have a good feeling that I'll already have a job by then but you can never be too knowledgeable.
I posted my resume on ALA JobLIST. I suggest everyone interested in an information science career do the same. Another strategic place to post a resume is on your regional library systems web site.
1222
I have mandatory Spectrum classes. Between those classes I have been busily signing up for classes during my down time that will benefit me in multiple ways - 1) It's hot in New Orleans - especially in late June - so I'm attempting to stay in the air conditioning 2) My sessions all offer free lunch, dinner, appetizers or dessert - I'm thinking about my expenses 3) I want as much exposure to other librarians as possible outside of my Spectrum cohort of current students or new graduates 4) Interviewing techniques - I have a good feeling that I'll already have a job by then but you can never be too knowledgeable.
I posted my resume on ALA JobLIST. I suggest everyone interested in an information science career do the same. Another strategic place to post a resume is on your regional library systems web site.
1222
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Diary 05/15
It has been two glorious weeks since graduation. Glorious but not without a stressor or two...
I requested my official transcripts from the office of the registrar to submit to my employer. Guess what?!?!?! They sent them out with my name spelled INCORRECTLY!!!! This is one of the many reasons I stayed continually frustrated with Pitt during my two year tenure. Grrr. If my diploma comes misspelled I might EXPLODE!
I've just sent the registrars office an email requesting a correctly spelled document be re-issued to myself and my employer - immediately. I can't wait to see the response.
During these last two weeks I have had so much time on my hands it feels weird... A good weird but I must get back in gear. It is now time to update my e-portfolio with the final projects I did in the marketing class and my transcripts. I also must get the photos together from everyone from graduation so I can make a collage.
Speaking of graduation, I did see the name of that slacker in the list of graduates on my program. He did not come to graduation but he -despite doing nothing for our group project - did graduate. No matter, his lackadaisical ways will catch up with him sooner rather than later.
TTYL, it has been raining cat, dogs, pigs, and goats here in good old Cleveland Ohio, I have to check on my poor sodden garden.
1210
I requested my official transcripts from the office of the registrar to submit to my employer. Guess what?!?!?! They sent them out with my name spelled INCORRECTLY!!!! This is one of the many reasons I stayed continually frustrated with Pitt during my two year tenure. Grrr. If my diploma comes misspelled I might EXPLODE!
I've just sent the registrars office an email requesting a correctly spelled document be re-issued to myself and my employer - immediately. I can't wait to see the response.
During these last two weeks I have had so much time on my hands it feels weird... A good weird but I must get back in gear. It is now time to update my e-portfolio with the final projects I did in the marketing class and my transcripts. I also must get the photos together from everyone from graduation so I can make a collage.
Speaking of graduation, I did see the name of that slacker in the list of graduates on my program. He did not come to graduation but he -despite doing nothing for our group project - did graduate. No matter, his lackadaisical ways will catch up with him sooner rather than later.
TTYL, it has been raining cat, dogs, pigs, and goats here in good old Cleveland Ohio, I have to check on my poor sodden garden.
1210
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Diary 05/01
Today is G day :0D
I'm feeling emotional... The day I sometimes thought would never come is finally upon us. I am more than ready. We check out of the hotel at 7:30a in order to get to Pitt, park and register by 9a. We have a full day planned. It looks like we have a MLIS graduation at 9:30, followed by brunch, then a college commencement at 1p. We are taking all sorts of pictures.
I am wondering if the graduation and following commencement are the same thing and if we should to stay for both. I'm going to check with the group after the first ceremony and see how they feel. I miss my home and am ready to head back to my comfort zone. The sooner the better.
A huge thank you to everyone who has been here for me during this roll-a-coaster two years. You supported me emotionally, helped in any financial way - through scholarships, book donations, gas/toll money etc., prayed for me, sent me energy, read/critiqued my work and so on. Nothing was taken for granted and nothing will be forgotten. If you need me send up smoke signals, I'll come running.
Graduation re-cap coming soon...
I am wondering if the graduation and following commencement are the same thing and if we should to stay for both. I'm going to check with the group after the first ceremony and see how they feel. I miss my home and am ready to head back to my comfort zone. The sooner the better.
A huge thank you to everyone who has been here for me during this roll-a-coaster two years. You supported me emotionally, helped in any financial way - through scholarships, book donations, gas/toll money etc., prayed for me, sent me energy, read/critiqued my work and so on. Nothing was taken for granted and nothing will be forgotten. If you need me send up smoke signals, I'll come running.
Graduation re-cap coming soon...
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Diary 04/30
One day until graduation...
We got to Pittsburgh last evening. After the car debacle, I went to bed.
This morning was our "site seeing" day. We went to the PPM - got caught in National Rifle Association traffic going to the Convention Center - and did a quick perusal of the strip. We then went to some food place (the name escapes me) that is considered one of Pittsburgh 10 wonders. I WONDERED why - the food was mediocre at best. Finally we decided to go the the botanical garden. It cost an arm and a leg to get in so we decided to use that money to purchase some wine and sat on the patio drinking. Afterward we walked around the perimeter of the BG and looked in the windows.
A fun time indeed...
This morning was our "site seeing" day. We went to the PPM - got caught in National Rifle Association traffic going to the Convention Center - and did a quick perusal of the strip. We then went to some food place (the name escapes me) that is considered one of Pittsburgh 10 wonders. I WONDERED why - the food was mediocre at best. Finally we decided to go the the botanical garden. It cost an arm and a leg to get in so we decided to use that money to purchase some wine and sat on the patio drinking. Afterward we walked around the perimeter of the BG and looked in the windows.
A fun time indeed...
Friday, April 29, 2011
Diary 04/29
2 days until graduation
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT ?!?!?!?
My car is still in the shop. The mechanic said my "rear brake lines blew". Good thing I decided to have it towed instead of being testy and driving it. Of course when you go to the mechanic they always find another issue for you to pay for so my distributor cap is also cracked. I told them to just do it! I need that car fixed and out of their garage by 3pm today. Of course its gong to cost a small fortune but it must be done and I havent had to take her to the mechanic in almost a year. My next large purchase and graduation gift to myself will be a new car. It is time...
On another note, I am still not fully packed. I must pack and get my hair together ( a project all by itself). I have 6 hours to make it work. If all goes as planned the caravan - four cars - leaves at 4pm.
TTYL. I must get hoppin'
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Diary 04/28
3 days until graduation!
It is not even 10am and my day has been a mess! I woke up to go to the gym. Turned on my car and the brake light came on. My first thought was that my emergency brake was on. Nope! I grabbed the manual and figured out that my brake fluid was low. I popped the hood and and saw that the brake reservoir was EMPTY! I poured in brake fluid, waited a moment, then turned on the car. the light was still on. I went back to the reservoir. It was empty AGAIN.
Now I'm stressed. I have to work today and I planned to run a ton of errands to get ready for Fridays departure to Pitt.
I called the gym to let them know I wouldn't be there - I'm such a regular, they worry when I'm not there.
I then called and left messages with two repair shops so they could contact me when they opened between 7:30 - 8am. By 8:30 no one had called !!!!! I guess in this economy they don't need my $$$. What happened to customer service? Anyway, I finally reached one mechanic them and then called AAA for a tow. AAA got to my house in an hour. The driver had to roll the car out of the driveway to the street keeping one foot out of the car to make up for no brakes - Flintstones style. Drama!
Now my baby - the car - is at the shop being looked at. I who have a 1pm mandatory meeting today am on public transportation. I am NOT fond of the bus... But as they say, "what needs must".
I pray they have my car fixed before noon Friday.
The day can only get better from here...
Now I'm stressed. I have to work today and I planned to run a ton of errands to get ready for Fridays departure to Pitt.
I called the gym to let them know I wouldn't be there - I'm such a regular, they worry when I'm not there.
I then called and left messages with two repair shops so they could contact me when they opened between 7:30 - 8am. By 8:30 no one had called !!!!! I guess in this economy they don't need my $$$. What happened to customer service? Anyway, I finally reached one mechanic them and then called AAA for a tow. AAA got to my house in an hour. The driver had to roll the car out of the driveway to the street keeping one foot out of the car to make up for no brakes - Flintstones style. Drama!
Now my baby - the car - is at the shop being looked at. I who have a 1pm mandatory meeting today am on public transportation. I am NOT fond of the bus... But as they say, "what needs must".
I pray they have my car fixed before noon Friday.
The day can only get better from here...
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Diary 04/27
4 days until graduation
What a glorious day! this will be our 2nd day of 75 degree weather. I am so ready for summer and great weather.
I went into my garden this morning to look at soil conditions and begin planning which vegetables to plant and saw the most beautiful site... the asparagus that I have been cultivating for three years now is in full bloom. I got so excited I started talking to it. My neighbor probably thinks I'm loony - lol!
Anyway, the reason I'm so excited is because I started that asparagus from seed with no idea that it takes three years to fully grow. After year one I was confused because only some green wisps grew the entire summer. I looked it up on the internet and found out about the number of years. Year two, the little wisps grew into tall - 5ft - wisps but still no asparagus. At the end of the season I tied the wisps to the fence and hoped for the best. This winter some deer chewed on the wisps and I thought they had killed the asparagus because the wisps were dry, brown and dead looking. The internet did not tell me what to do about this...I went outside this morning to trim, what I thought were. dead wisps and found asparagus spears growing between the wisps. Some of it was already 10' long!
I'm going to look up recipes later. I read that asparagus is an annual plant. I wont have to plant again for at least 12 years and it will still grow and grow.
I went into my garden this morning to look at soil conditions and begin planning which vegetables to plant and saw the most beautiful site... the asparagus that I have been cultivating for three years now is in full bloom. I got so excited I started talking to it. My neighbor probably thinks I'm loony - lol!
Anyway, the reason I'm so excited is because I started that asparagus from seed with no idea that it takes three years to fully grow. After year one I was confused because only some green wisps grew the entire summer. I looked it up on the internet and found out about the number of years. Year two, the little wisps grew into tall - 5ft - wisps but still no asparagus. At the end of the season I tied the wisps to the fence and hoped for the best. This winter some deer chewed on the wisps and I thought they had killed the asparagus because the wisps were dry, brown and dead looking. The internet did not tell me what to do about this...I went outside this morning to trim, what I thought were. dead wisps and found asparagus spears growing between the wisps. Some of it was already 10' long!
I'm going to look up recipes later. I read that asparagus is an annual plant. I wont have to plant again for at least 12 years and it will still grow and grow.
:o)
1174
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Diary 4/26
5 days until graduation...
Iwatched the final panapto today. I did a final perusal of the discussion board and checked off all of the assignments to make sure I had 100% completed all of my work. I've checked grades but only see two signments graded. I assume I am getting an "A" but I'd love to know for sure.
Today we received an email from the instructor with the promise of 5 bonus points if anyone adds 1-2 pages of information about their marketing plan/project that can be used on the Class Website. She wants it by the 28th.
I'm going to walk in faith and believe that I do not need those 5 points. Hopefully I'm correct.
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