At first I had no interest in trying my space or facebook. Then someone who shall remain nameless convinced me to open a facebook account just to check it out. I understand the concept and have disliked the idea of random people I don't know contacting me to be "friends". It holds no appeal. I'd rather make the effort with people who are really going to be friends or acquaintances. I thought it was interesting at first that individuals I barely knew contacted me to be "friends". I couldn't understand why they thought that since I didn't talk to them in everyday instances that I would in the virtual world.
We all have personal histories. There are those individuals who have hurt or angered us in the past. I mean the people we would never have contact with even if we were the last humans on earth. One of my former friends, who I have not spoken with in over 8 years, sent me a "friends" request. I was so shocked I didn't know if I should ignore it or comment back. This is an individual who did something to me so atrocious that after 8 years, I was shaking just to see the name. Why would this individual feel they could randomly send me a "friends" request? How could they feel comfortable after all these years to contact me and especially in this fashion? I mean a phone call would have been more appropriate. Also, I have avoided posting my name and contact on most sites, such as this blog. True, I have my name on facebook, but I have since married, changed my name, moved, and changed careers. It would take a lot to mine the changes of a decade.
It all leaves me with an uncomfortableness that I can't avoid. It makes me take a moment to question whether I should continue with facebook. Of course, now that I've been contacted by one out of the two most hurtful individuals in my life and survived, maybe I'll continue.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Programming Gurus
This past weekend we offered our first Two-Day Mini Course: Family History 101. Not to sound too overly pleased, but it was a success! Thanks to the efforts of Steve and Marge, our presenters and genealogy gurus. They had an excellent idea for the course that included instruction and consultations. Kay did an excellent job with our brochures which were beautifully laid out. We were very pleased that the class filled quickly and we had a waiting list. We had people travel from California to participate in this course. Love hearing that we've reached such a large audience!
Now we are gearing up for our Military Symposium in September. It will be followed by our annual Family History Month. This year we are having extra bonuses in our October programming. Two members of the Ulster Historical Foundation in Ireland will be offering consultations on 10/3, then presenting an all day seminar on Irish research on 10/4. We are offering another two-day mini course: Beyond Basics on 10/24-25. Spaces are limited, so please register early to insure a seat in the classes.
To learn about our programs, go to our Special Programs link.
Now we are gearing up for our Military Symposium in September. It will be followed by our annual Family History Month. This year we are having extra bonuses in our October programming. Two members of the Ulster Historical Foundation in Ireland will be offering consultations on 10/3, then presenting an all day seminar on Irish research on 10/4. We are offering another two-day mini course: Beyond Basics on 10/24-25. Spaces are limited, so please register early to insure a seat in the classes.
To learn about our programs, go to our Special Programs link.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Vacation
Peggy asked the other day, another one? Yep. This time I'm heading to San Francisco. Planning this trip has been exciting. My friend Sonia is flying from Florida to meet me there for a week of craziness. Most of our ideas have gelled. She came up with some localities I hadn't thought of, such as Muir Woods and Chinatown. I wanted to go to Napa Valley. We both wanted to have dinner at Cliff House and walk North Beach. She wants to bike the Golden Gate Bridge. I want to go to Sausalito and take the ferry. It's all balanced out. We are meeting up with our friend Pat one evening as well. We all used to work together in Florida. With how easy it was for us to plan, here's hoping everything goes smoothly!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Congrats
My friend Michelle is graduating with her MLS. YEAAAA!!!
I am so proud of her. Through her educational journey, we have discussed the many perils and joys of library school. I have tried to be a sounding board for her. I know she is mine for my every day stuff. I called her frantic once after leaving the doctor. She basically slapped me over the phone to calm me down and said exactly what I needed to hear. Not what I wanted to hear, but needed to hear. Even though we are apart, we have a scheduled appointment to talk to each other each week. This insures life does not get in the way of our friendship.
Don't ask her what she plans to do now that she has her degree. She needs time to plan that (especially with the tax crisis in Florida and lack of funds for libraries). She'll work it out in her own time. Since day one, she has told me she wants to be a cataloger. She is techy and is detailed oriented. I think she'll miss public service though. She's the friend who "darlings" everyone. Don't let her fool you!
My one disappointment is I am unable to be there when she graduates. But I'll be there in spirit and support on her continuing journey.
Love you Michelle! Congrats!
I am so proud of her. Through her educational journey, we have discussed the many perils and joys of library school. I have tried to be a sounding board for her. I know she is mine for my every day stuff. I called her frantic once after leaving the doctor. She basically slapped me over the phone to calm me down and said exactly what I needed to hear. Not what I wanted to hear, but needed to hear. Even though we are apart, we have a scheduled appointment to talk to each other each week. This insures life does not get in the way of our friendship.
Don't ask her what she plans to do now that she has her degree. She needs time to plan that (especially with the tax crisis in Florida and lack of funds for libraries). She'll work it out in her own time. Since day one, she has told me she wants to be a cataloger. She is techy and is detailed oriented. I think she'll miss public service though. She's the friend who "darlings" everyone. Don't let her fool you!
My one disappointment is I am unable to be there when she graduates. But I'll be there in spirit and support on her continuing journey.
Love you Michelle! Congrats!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Not enough time
There is not enough time in the day. I am a goal oriented person. I have certain projects I want to complete for myself and can not find the time to complete them. I am amazed when I watch others around me who appear to never sleep and get a lot of projects done. I'm not talking about work-related projects, but personal ones.
When I moved this past year, I set three goals for myself. One goal I nearly accomplished and then sabotaged myself so now I am starting over from scratch. The other goal I started off strong and then let other things get in the way. The final goal has disappeared somewhere.
I'm not a lazy person and I do accomplish a lot of things during the day. My dilemma is the things most important to me get shoved aside for the everyday stuff. If I had another hour or two to the day, I may be able to feel like I've accomplished one of my own personal goals.
When I moved this past year, I set three goals for myself. One goal I nearly accomplished and then sabotaged myself so now I am starting over from scratch. The other goal I started off strong and then let other things get in the way. The final goal has disappeared somewhere.
I'm not a lazy person and I do accomplish a lot of things during the day. My dilemma is the things most important to me get shoved aside for the everyday stuff. If I had another hour or two to the day, I may be able to feel like I've accomplished one of my own personal goals.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Happy 4th of July
Growing up, I did not look forward to 4th of July. My birthday is the same week as the 4th, so I would have my birthday party during the holiday barbecue. Most of my friends were away, so I always had a small group. It was very frustrating as a child.
Growing up I have obviously developed a better appreciation. As a genealogist, I truly do appreciate all the sacrifices my ancestors have made through the years for me to live this life. I have discovered in my research those soldiers in my family who fought in the Revolutionary War and created this country. For more information on other soldiers who fought in the Revolution, you can look at the Military Heritage site.
For myself, this year I am grateful that my brother-in-law will be returning home soon. He has been away from his family for too long, missed the birth of his daughter, and lost too many good friends. The sacrifices that he and his comrades make everyday is greatly appreciated by me. And they are in my thoughts this holiday.
Thank you Robert! We miss you!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Small town
Many people questioned my husband and I when we told them we were moving. Besides the moving up north question, people were concerned about us moving to a smaller town. My hubby lived in NYC for a while and would love to return. My dream town was Seattle. So our move was a little drastic. We were moving from a descent size city to a smaller town. People questioned us giving up conveniences, art and shows, entertainment, etc.
I feel the town we've moved to is a perfect fit. It's still big enough to have all the conveniences we require, all the while having a small town feel to it. We have been enjoying all the various festivals that are celebrated in town. Plus, we're close enough to several large cities that if we desperately feel the need for city life, we can visit.
On my recent trip to Chicago, I realized why moving to a smaller town was a wiser choice. I loved my trip to Chicago. We hit several nice restaurants and clubs. There were many sites to see. I also realized it was loud, crowded, traffic was horrendous, and people were brisk, abrupt, and sometimes rude.
Driving back, I stopped in a small town to pick up some food and the level of politeness from the server reminded me of what I had missed. The mannerisms that provide me the opportunity to stop and think before speedily cruising through my interactions with people. My girlfriend mentioned to me the other day that someone stopped at a light to let her know her brake light wasn't working. Another common courtesy that I would never have experienced in my home town. It had me thinking of all the reasons why I appreciate moving to a smaller area.
One reason I have found for why maybe a small town doesn't work for me is convenience of an airport. I was disturbed to recently see that my local airport is experiencing massive cuts in flights due to the airline fears. I already pay extra to fly out of my local airport so I can fly to a hub and connect with another flight. I hope I won't be forced to drive out of my way to catch a flight in the future. It is one convenience I'm unsure I can give up.
I feel the town we've moved to is a perfect fit. It's still big enough to have all the conveniences we require, all the while having a small town feel to it. We have been enjoying all the various festivals that are celebrated in town. Plus, we're close enough to several large cities that if we desperately feel the need for city life, we can visit.
On my recent trip to Chicago, I realized why moving to a smaller town was a wiser choice. I loved my trip to Chicago. We hit several nice restaurants and clubs. There were many sites to see. I also realized it was loud, crowded, traffic was horrendous, and people were brisk, abrupt, and sometimes rude.
Driving back, I stopped in a small town to pick up some food and the level of politeness from the server reminded me of what I had missed. The mannerisms that provide me the opportunity to stop and think before speedily cruising through my interactions with people. My girlfriend mentioned to me the other day that someone stopped at a light to let her know her brake light wasn't working. Another common courtesy that I would never have experienced in my home town. It had me thinking of all the reasons why I appreciate moving to a smaller area.
One reason I have found for why maybe a small town doesn't work for me is convenience of an airport. I was disturbed to recently see that my local airport is experiencing massive cuts in flights due to the airline fears. I already pay extra to fly out of my local airport so I can fly to a hub and connect with another flight. I hope I won't be forced to drive out of my way to catch a flight in the future. It is one convenience I'm unsure I can give up.
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