It's Got Scallions!

Maui Reboot

2011-11-04T17:02:00.000-07:00

Ralph and I had great expectations for our vacation this year. We weren't sure exactly what to expect, but hoped for warm weather along with interesting activities and beautiful vistas. We got all that and so much more.

Our trip began when we arrived on Maui and met with my Sno-Isle Libraries coworker Kate's wonderful Mom, Helen. She graciously agreed to have dinner with us at one of her favorite haunts, Stella Blues in Kihei. We had the best fish and chips ever - and for only $11! Happy hour indeed! Our first day on Maui ended with a beautiful sunset, the first of many.

One of our goals was to see the old whaling village of Lahaina. Not only does Lahaina have a multitude of touristy shops like Hilo Hattie, but they are also a center for island and state culture. In Lahaina we enjoyed sitting beneath the massive banyan tree, strolling through their public library, visiting museums, and sampling the local cuisine. That evening we attended a Cirque du Soleil-style stage production called 'Ulalena at the Maui Theatre. The music, sets, costumes, and story were compelling and stunning.

On our Maui bucket list was tasting shave ice, a local treat, at Ululani's. We were amazed at the care taken with each and every order. They bring out a fresh block of ice for each order, shave it into unbelievably fine power, then flavor it with fruity syrups and other toppings. Each serving takes about 3-5 minutes to prepare, and they don't apologize for it. They shout it from the rooftops that this is what makes their shave ice the best. I wouldn't argue with that. This is not a snowcone! The texture and flavor are much closer to that of ice cream. This is a treat you shouldn't miss if you get the chance to try it.

On the map I saw an intriguing spot... We drove up to the Nakalele Blowhole to witness its simple beauty. It never ceases to amaze me that people can be so careless as to put themselves into harm's way for a photo op. Apparently, this place is no stranger to that kind of foolishness. Ralph and I enjoyed the spectacle from a safe distance. Unlike Old Faithful, this natural wonder shows off more regularly - every few seconds.

We returned to Lahaina to experience the Old Lahaina Luau. This show did not disappoint. The drumming was fantastic, the dancing was amazing, the chanter was awesome, and the service was stellar. I was determined to try everything served at dinner, and I did. I even ate octopus - the tentacles, although I had earlier put that part off-limits in a discussion with Ralph (honestly, it was nothing but tentacles). I'm okay! The menu also included stuffed taro leaves, which reminded me of one of my favorite dishes, stuffed grape leaves. The taro leaves were much more tender than grape leaves and they were more flavorful.

On day three we took a drive up the Hana Highway, famous for its 600 curves and 54 one-lane bridges. It's a 36-mile stretch of road that takes a minimum of 90 minutes to drive. That's if you don't stop, and of course we stopped! Beautiful scenery, short hikes, roadside fruit stands, and waterfalls galore made it a must to stop and explore. Upon arrival in Hana we realized we hadn't lost anything there, but were glad we made the trip anyway; it's what is near Hana that makes it so fun to make the drive. We explored the nearby Hana Lava Tube, which is not wired for electricity like other caves we've seen (visitors are given flashlights!), and Hamoa Beach, James Michener's favorite beach. We drank sugar cane juice and pineapple banana smoothies from roadside stands. It was really a lovely day.

Right up there with the Old Lahaina Luau was our snorkeling tour to Molokini Crater and so-called Turtle Town with Trilogy Tours. We didn't realize it before we set sail, but we were about to have one of the best days of our lives.

On the way out to Molokini Crater, I was able to realize a nearly life-long dream: lounging in the bow net on a catamaran. It sounds simple, but it was wonderful beyond words!

Snorkeling was easy, seeing marine life was easy. We took photos with our cheap Fuji one-use underwater cameras. Off to Turtle Town! Soon after we got in the water, I was literally face-to-face with a green sea turtle. I had been looking down (as snorkelers are wont to do) and when I looked up to spot my location, there it was! I had to wait for it to swim away before I could get a shot of it. Near the end of our time in the water, Ralph spent a few minutes chatting with crewman Chris, who took a wonderful shot of us together.

On our way back to the harbor, the catamaran veered off course. Something special was in the offing, we were certain! Sure enough, Captain Patrick had spotted dolphins in the distance. Were they the commonly-seen spinner dolphins or the more solitary bottlenose dophins? Turns out they were the latter - a mother and her calf. They swam with the catamaran for a few hundred yards and even the crew got excited. Seriously, I'm usually in the bathroom when something like this happens, so I was pretty thrilled to have seen them. Ralph and I were in the bow net so had a front-row seat for the action. What a magical day this was!

Haleakala National Park, more specifically its summit, was our next destination. We were not interested in seeing the sunrise, which would require a 3:30 a.m. departure from our homebase, but we did want to have breakfast at Kula Lodge. It was about 7:00 a.m. when we arrived in Kula, and as promised, it was chilly. There was actually a fire in the fireplace (seemed incongruous). The views from the dining room were every bit as lovely as Fodor's promised. Thus fortified, we continued our trek up Haleakala.

It soon became evident that I was not enjoying the drive. I was so scared my whole body was shaking! The road was so narrow in places that the white line was the shoulder, and next to that was a lengthy drop. My Ralph took such good care of me on that drive. He was gentle and kind and never lost patience with me, although I must have driven him nuts. We got to the top, though, and it was so worth the effort. We walked along the Sliding Sands Trail for a while and just took in the scenery. Luckily for Ralph, the drive down was much better; I could more clearly see the surrounding areas of the road, so it was not so scary. Sadly, the majority of the photos taken at the summit were lost in a freak file transfer accident. Some cell phone photos are all that remain of proof of our time at the top. Sigh.

We visited many museums and cultural points of interest while on Maui. Among them, the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, where we saw an exhibit on aloha wear fabrics and clothing by designer Alfred Shaheen, the Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum, the Bailey House Museum, the Whaler's Village Museum, and the Baldwin House. All were interesting.

Iao Valley is home to the stunning Iao Needle. I wanted to see this place so badly! It was ridiculously accessible, requiring only a short hike from the parking lot to the majestic Needle. The park is so different from Haleakala - so green, and lush throughout. I'm so glad we visited this tiny park.

Ralph wanted to bestow upon me some locally significant jewel. He decided on Maui Divers Jewelry. I'd seen the oyster-shaped bowls of oysters in other places, but had never been interested in trying my luck. My luck stinks. But Ralph wanted to get me a pearl, so in we went. Instead of selecting an oyster myself, I asked Ralph to do it for me - doesn't that make for a much nicer memory to attach to a piece of jewelry? Plus, Ralph is very lucky. I must say, the ritual they employ of ringing a bell and shouting "aloha" when they open an oyster was pretty awkward (it reminded me of those sappy Build-a-Bear Workshop procedures), but Ralph didn't seem to be bothered by it. He gamely shouted out "aloha" - every time - right along with the salesperson. By the time he was finished, I had five pearls from three oysters - three champagne and two pink!

We spent several of our days snorkeling on our own. To our great delight, we found that it was just as easy as it had been with the experienced guides! We saw so many green sea turtles and fish that we almost - but not quite - tired of it. Once we spotted a huge turtle resting on the sea floor next to a reef. We waited patiently for it to come up for air. Soon, up it came, as it must, and we got a great view of the turtle up close.

We found out how much better the Old Lahaina Luau was than some of their competitors when we attended the Hyatt Regency's Drums of the Pacific luau near the end of our vactation. It was a stinker in every way. Our server didn't serve, the program was reminiscent of a bad sitcom set at a luau (Emcee, dancers that kept looking at each other as if they didn't know the routines yet, painted on Maori tattoos, and more). It was truly awful. And the "VIP" option we purchased didn't get us anything more than the other attendees got, which was a wasted three hours of their lives. Ralph enjoyed the fire knife dance, which is the only reason we attended. Frankly, it was nothing I'd never seen before: I was in band; we had majorettes. This was the only less-than-stellar experience of our entire trip. I will say, although I was very disappointed overall, that we had great tablemates and the food was good, so the experience wasn't a complete loss. Just say "no" to this luau, though. Take my word for it.

A not-to-be-missed beach, so we were told, was Makena Beach, or Big Beach as it is sometimes called. Over the nearest outcropping of lava rocks is Little Beach, a somewhat lesser beach, but still well-used. Here, although it is illegal, clothing is optional. We weren't interested in seeing Little Beach, but we did want to see the black sand beach that lies just on the other side of it. So, Ralph and I set out, determinedly and discreetly, to see the fabled black sand beach. Immediately we realized the challenge before us for, standing proudly on the rocks between Big and Little Beach was a totally nude man, surveying his (clothed) kingdom. On the plus side, we knew we were headed in the right direction. We made it to the top of the rocks and began making our way through the brushy area backing Little Beach (we didn't want the sunbathers and nude (art) models to feel they were being spied on, though I'm sure that happens often enough). This path proved difficult as well as smelly. It seems the beach-goers at Little Beach don't want to make the trip from their little slice of heaven to an actual restroom just over the hill, so they make use of the shrubbery instead. Ugh! Onward, ever onward. Sadly, we never did make it to the fabled black sand beach (but we saw it on a Google map). The going got too tough. We decided to take the faster, easier path back to Big Beach and brazenly walked fully clothed along the waterline. So there.

Sunsets, multicolored sands on an endless array of beaches, warm weather, unique experiences, wonderful locals, and a multitude of moments to treasure make this vacation one of the best times we've ever had.

Aloha!

Ho Hum

2010-03-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

It's my day off and I feel terrible! I have an awful cold. It crept up on me in about an hour yesterday. I can't recall ever feeling a cold coming on so rapidly. Last night was torture, but I am feeling a teeny bit better already.

It's the Holiday Season!

2009-12-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

Ralph and I attended our granddaughter Jacenda's holiday concert last night. Ralph attended our granddaughter Auri's concert on Tuesday evening (Grandma had to work). Anyway, I was reminded of how wonderful it is to hear kids singing their hearts out, whether they can carry a tune or not.

On the Road with SIL

2008-07-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey? I enjoyed seeing all the technologies that are available to anyone with a license to drive the Information Highway that is the Internet. I learned several new things as a result of the training.
How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals? I have been reminded that there are tools available from just about any computer if I know where and how to look for them. I need to keep an open mind to new ways of accessing and processing information and tools.
Were there any take-aways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you? I think I am less of a technology snob. I have learned that one doesn't need to be a technical genius in order to use technology. One must only be curious and diligent - and open-minded. As for new technology that I want to use at work, I think Del.icio.us is right up there as a tool that can make our workplace more uniform.
What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?
It might be helpful to have designated time to work on the segments.
If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you again chose to participate? Most definitely. With the dynamic nature of technology, I would have to choose to participate or risk falling well behind in my ability to provide relevant services!

Playtime!

2008-07-07T18:50:00.000-07:00

For my part, I have to admit to knowing a thing or two about playing games online. I love to play word games - crossword puzzles, scrabble-like games, scrambled words, etc. The ones I enjoy are similar to the ones we were instructed to play for this exercise: engaging, but brief.

I think it is interesting to consider the gamer as employee. I though I would address each of the steps and their possible applications at work.

1. There is always a goal. It could be as simple as solving a puzzle or as complex as rescuing the jewel board from your archenemy.

Clearly set forth a goal or set of goals for staff.

2. To reach that goal, you’ll go through many challenges and trials. But you’ll also be given the tools and gain the knowledge necessary to move along.

Provide support throughout the process of goal accomplishment. That might mean periodic meetings or email contact, making sure adequate resources are available, or that help in the form of a partner or team is made available.

3. Each time you succeed, you’re able to move on to the next level or challenge.

Staff who perform well are given the opportunity to do more complex things, or are promoted.

4. If you fail, you’re given an opportunity to try again. In fact, you might have several opportunities that you can use before you’re forced to start all over again.

Leaders meet with staff to develop a plan to enable them to do better next time. Make sure you discuss what went well - not just what could have gone better.

5. When you do something especially great, you’re rewarded in some fashion (extra points, special privileges).

Give paid time off as a reward.

6. When you reach your goal, even if it’s an intermediary one, you are acknowledged in some way.

Acknowledge successful staff in newsletter or on whiteboard, announce successes at staff meetings, or just say "great job, Jane!"

A Whole New World

2008-07-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

I have played around a bit with Google Earth in the past. I did not know that Google mapped the stars as well! That is really cool!

What I liked about Sky View is that you feel as though you are flying around the heavens. It's really fun to check out the Pinwheel Galaxy, then trip on over to Leo, Saturn, then the moon.

As far as library applications, there really is a whole world opening up with Google Earth. I just got the latest Information Technology and Libraries and I saw to my delight there was an article entitled "Discovering the Library with Google Earth" (Brenner & Klein, 32-36). The gist of the article was that libraries need to create and effectively use discovery tools (like Google Earth) to enable 21st century users to connect with the library. This article highlights a project from Portland State Library using Google Earth to increase discovery of its resources. They created links using the Google tools available with the business account. Then, using KML (Keyhole Markup Language), similar to XML, they fine-tuned their links. The basic idea is to bring the user to the OPAC or to highlight some part of the collection.

Anyway, in a climate of change where our latest surveys show that our users are still not aware of all the wonderful resources we have to offer, Google Earth is just one more tool for our marketing tool belt.

This is the (Second)Life!

2008-06-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

I don't already live in Second Life, but am interested. It seems a great way to network! It also would be cool to have a Sno-Isle presence there. Obviously there is interest in libraries from SL residents, so why not?

What I like about avatars is that they are great equalizers. There are some fun options like chicken heads and such, so you really can be just about anyone or anything you like.

I have an avatar already, but thought I would experiment with DoppleMe.

So here I am in my DoppleMe guise. I am not terribly fond of this avatar - where the heck is my neck? I much prefer my meez avatar. Meez allows users to create a more personalized avatar. This one is not exactly me, but it is closer than the one from DoppleMe.

I visited TekTek and created an avatar there too. This one is also fun. I like that I was able to select a book as an accessory. Too bad the link expires rapidly. It was really cute!

Apps-olutely Fabulous!

2008-06-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

This was a lovely exercise. I had heard of web apps but never tried them. This was so darn easy to use! I love that you can save your file in so many different file formats. This would be a wonderful tool for my coursework, especially when working within groups. I will definitely be using this technology! Check out my document below this post...

2008-06-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

Sno-Isle

20 for 2.0

Web Apps

Explore the exciting possibilities of free online applications. 8
Create, share, and edit documents. I
Leave worry behind - you'll never have to fear the loss of data again! N

Try it - you'll like it!

Start Your (Search)Engines!

2008-06-09T17:18:00.000-07:00

As a information and library services major, I have taken several courses which have focused on the use of the Internet as a search tool. Consequently, I have learned that all search engines are definitely not alike.

Rollyo is pretty cool. I like the subject-specific starter search engines that are available from the dashboard as well as the ability to create my own personal search engines. I created a new searchroll for local weather and called it - what else? - Local Weather. When I type 98277 into the search box and select Local Weather as my limiter, the results are pretty cool. I get links to current conditions for Oak Harbor, Washington. Not only did Rollyo search the sites I specified, it also search the entire Web. Pretty darn neat! This search engine combines usefulness with fun.

I tried a similar search on Mamma. I typed 98277 and weather into the search box. I got local weather in the first hit, but also got some pizza coupons in the second hit, so I took a look at the Power Search link. Using this tool you can limit your search by directory, list, or even pay-per-click! There are some limiters at the bottom of the page too. My favorite one is Adult Content Reduction. I wonder how well it works? I deselected all directories and pay-per-clicks and clicked the Adult Content Reduction box. Well, I have to say, the results were pretty good. That irrelevant pizza coupon was nowhere to be seen!

Dogpile was my last stop. I can't help it: I love that the button to initiate a search is labeled Go Fetch! I tried my weather search again . The results were mixed. The first hit was for weather clip art. Hmmm. The next several were, indeed, sites with local weather information. The advanced search option with Dogpile is pretty lame, so I didn't get much help with limiting and refining my search there. Still, I got pretty good results.

It was fun to see the first two sites. I hadn't ever used them before and found them to be pretty useful. I never have been much of a fan of Dogpile and still am not. It gave the most disappointing results.

On to Thing 16!

Casting the Net Wide

2008-06-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

I listened to podcasts from our own library and also listened to Nancy Pearl's podcast. Hey, it's books, so it's library related, right? The sound quality was excellent in both cases.

Podcasting is definitely a useful tool for Sno-Isle and we are already using it. Podcasts of our children's staff are making the rounds . Using (and showing that we can use) this kind of technology illustrates the fact that our collective feet are firmly in the 21st century.

There are so many ways in which to use the podcasting technology. It is similar to that of RSS feeds. Podcasting would appeal more to those with impaired vision since its message is delivered via audio rather than print.

As far as the content of podcasts, the sky's the limit. Anything our customers ask us about can be the topic of a podcast. Ultimately, I envision them being used as teaching tools. Want to know how to put a book on hold? Listen to a podcast and we will walk you through the process.

I don't currently have any experience in creating podcasts other than watching Mary Ellen tweak a session. That looks like a lot of fun!

Just Fooling Around!

2008-06-02T19:14:00.000-07:00

I have to admit this was fun. This would be a great activity for a teen program. The system could use such sites to create fun publicity when appropriate. Of course, this particular image could not be further manipulated, so it is very limited. You couldn't create a poster with it, in other words.

(Over)Drive On!

2008-05-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

I'm fairly familiar with OverDrive from the perspective of downloading the player. I've checked out books before, but mostly as an exercise. Before now I hadn't taken the time to really look at how customers can browse the collection. I really like the Browse Audio Books link. I was very pleased to see that my favorite genre was listed under this link!

There are 367 titles in the mystery section; that's a pretty good selection. Once you are looking at a list like this one you have the ability to further sort the results by release date, author, publisher, most popular, and date added to site.

I found classic authors such as Ngaio Marsh as well as contemporary favorites Alexander McCall Smith and Anne Perry. Unfortunately, OverDrive only offers one of McCall Smith's works. That was a bit of a surprise as he is a very prolific and popular author.

I chose to check out Carry On, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse. I was pleased to see that this title was one which could be burned to a CD. I like that many of the titles are truly portable. Although some may enjoy sitting at a computer to listen to a talking book, I would prefer to listen while doing something else.

This is a great service!

Tag Along...

2008-05-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

I love the idea of being able to carry all my favorites with me everywhere I go. Who can remember every useful website they've ever visited? So, the personal uses for this tool are probably never-ending. The professional uses are just as far-reaching. Staff could access the same tools at every branch they visit. This would be especially useful for system substitutes who travel to many different buildings as part of their job.

The use of folksonomies is a wonderful idea. People can use natural language to find information rather than wracking their brains to come up with the "right" word. I performed a search within del.icio.us using mysteries and books as my terms. To my delight, one of my own favorites popped up in the first few hits.

Wiki Wiki Wu Wu

2008-05-05T18:38:00.000-07:00

As a college student, I have often been warned not to use Wikipedia as a resource. As a wiki, it has the potential to be edited by anyone for any reason. Someone who was of a mind to could play a cruel joke on an unsuspecting student... So, I have never used them as a resource for research papers. However... Wikis are not necessarily easily edited. In most cases you must register with the wiki before you can edit an entry. So, maybe it isn't all bad, especially if you are a very good student and verify the information you gleaned from Wikipedia... If ever I do locate information on Wikipedia, I also take the time to find another authoritative resource. I don't use Wikipedia for college research papers, but sometimes I do for my own personal research.

How might wikis be used in a library setting? They could be used to provide a meeting place of sorts for committees with members who don't normally work together. They can also be used as a place to share ideas, tips, etc.

Word to the wise: If you are going to start a wiki and invite others to post and edit, don't make the process like climbing Mount Everest in a blizzard. I recently viewed a teleconference that was all about wikis and how cool they are and how useful they are. Attendees were invited to post to the wiki. Even after registering it was like pulling teeth to get something edited or posted. Wikis should be more like hippies...

Video Killed the Radio Star

2008-04-28T18:39:00.000-07:00

YouTube
I occasionally visit this site and so already have an account there. I linked to a video from a precision cart competition in an earlier post. Sometimes I go there to play - there are so many funny send-ups of music videos. I feel pretty proficient in YouTube lore. Libraries can - some have already - use YouTube to promote their library. What better way to show teens that we stand squarely in the 21st century?

Hulu
Sounds like a cross between a Hawaiian dance and a character from Star Trek, but that’s another story… I could have an awful lot of fun with this site! I click through to several oldie-moldies and reminisced. The episode I chose selected may frighten some of you, so be careful. I could see myself spending some time on this site just for fun. It might be fun to show old episodes of a show from the 70s followed by a trendy show from today. Families might enjoy a night of poking fun at the oldies while seeing what's new.

Fancast
I liked the photo they showed for this episode of Buck Rogers titled Buck’s Duel to the Death. He seemed to be in little danger… I could see libraries using this site in a similar to the way described above for Hulu.

Social Climber

2008-04-23T17:50:00.000-07:00

What I like about Facebook is that it incorporates the good things about MySpace without all the baloney. Groups are easily created and monitored.

MySpace is okay, but it is full of lot's of annoying little bits. Still, I have to admit that I have a page myself. It is very handy for keeping in touch with far-flung family and friends.

Why are social networks so popular? It is a wonderful way to share with your friends and family.

Grandma Ree's Wild Bunch

2008-04-13T14:52:00.001-07:00

Auri, Devon, Jacenda
Originally uploaded by BookishWench

Auri, Devon, and Jacenda are three of my five grandchildren. As you can see, they are perfect little angels who never get into mischief. Yeah, right!

I already have a flickr account and it was pretty easy to add my blog to the account. Next Thing, please!

Let's Roll!

2008-04-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

Check out Tulane's precision cart drill team performance at the 2006 ALA Conference. We should definitely set something like this up at Sno-Isle! I'm in; anyone else?

Pandora's Box

2008-04-07T15:42:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I love music. A fact that is not widely known is that my life has a soundtrack running in the background - always and always. If I take a moment to listen to some of my favorites, it can quickly turn into much more than a moment. So, this was a dangerous assignment.

I chose to try out Pandora Radio. I liked this site and found it easy to use. There are plenty of options to keep folks coming back. For now, while I'm at work, I had better leave it...

The Power of Poetry

2008-04-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

I know that most people have happy memories of the neighborhood ice cream vendors. I, too, have enjoyed an impromptu frosty treat on occasion. Still, I have long loathed the sound of that tinny-tuned jukebox coming up the street. Having lived in areas where there were more kids than quarters, I saw a fair number of kids watch with longing as other kids were able to get ice cream while they got nothing. Lo, while processing holds at the library this week I happened to open a book to a poem (below) that spoke to me. This teenager knows me -he feels my pain. Oh, the power of poetry. TIP: Next time the ice cream vendor swings by your neighborhood, grab your wallet and watch for the kids on the fringe...

The Ice Cream Vendors

(In honor of the Working Boys Center, Quito, Ecuador)

Swarming like vultures

On children at play,

The ice cream vendors

Enticingly ring melodic bells

Luring like sirens singing to sailors long ago.

Slowly they cruise the park.

Yielding to devilish temptation,

Whimsical children hand over

Hard-earned money and bus fare home

For fleeting moments

Of ice-cold delight.

Walking away with a smile,

The ice cream vendors,

Gloat in subtle deceit,

Cocky as the snake,

That slithered off with Eden's innocence.

Meanwhile, the street children's tears of despair

Mingle with melting ice cream,

On the long trudge home.

Justin T. Meyers, 18

Watson, Esther Pearl, and Mark Todd, ed. The Pain Tree and Other Teenage Angst-Ridden Poetry. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2000. 53.

RSS Feed Me, Seymour!

2008-03-30T15:51:00.000-07:00

Libraries can use RSS feeds to provide program information to customers. Customers could select feeds based on the targeted age group or program content. This could increase program attendance.

RSS feeds can save time and money. For those interested in certain fields, it would not be possible or feasible to subscribe to numerous periodicals. RSS feeds can bring the newest info right to your inbox.

IM-ing with my IM Buddy

2008-03-24T15:08:00.000-07:00

Downloading Google Talk was very quick and easy. Once that task was completed, however, it was a bit clunky. I had a chat partner (thanks, Disneyfan) and we worked together to get everything running smoothly.

I think part of the problem is that Google seems to rememer folks who have other gmail accounts. Both Disneyfan and I have multiple gmail accounts. At any rate, we got everything working and had a lovely IM chat.

The software, once started, is very easy to use: just type and click ENTER and you're off and running. Google Talk is a beta version, so I'm sure they will work out any bugs.

I used IM when my husband was in Korea about ten years ago. It was awesome to be able to communicate with him in real time. It was almost like he wasn't gone for that year.

So, IM-ing can be very useful and its possible applications are endless.

What is the Meaning of Blife?

2008-03-21T10:55:00.000-07:00

I understood that we should use this space to muse about the 20 Things. However, I noticed that many of my coworkers are using it for much more creative things. I suppose there must be a way to satisfy the requirements and show a bit of creativity - and that will be the purpose of my (blog) life.

I shall now coin a phrase: blife. Definition: one's life via their blog.

Thing Three

2008-03-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

This is work? What I am really enjoying is seeing everyone else's work. Many of the blog titles are inventive and amusing.

I found - via a comment to my blog - that my blog has been added to a list of great blog titles. Way cool! I found Anne M.'s blog quite by accident because of her really cool title.

Now to find that pesky little permalink...

Hippy Girl

2008-03-11T15:50:00.001-07:00

Bookish One is Online

2008-03-10T15:59:00.001-07:00

I've completed the process for Thing Two. Woo hoo!

This is very exciting!