dog-eared books

Can't sleep? Applique!

2009-09-04T01:37:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since the sewing machine has been out of it's case. I have guilt but I haven't been overly ambitious. Tonight (or this morning) I couldn't sleep thanks to a migraine brought on by the insanity surrounding a simple Presidential address to students. So instead of just laying in bed obsessing over the bat-shit-crazy people trying to control the agenda I got up and got to work.

Start to finish this project only took me an hour and I am quite happy with the results (especially since I was sewing at 4:00 a.m.). Of all the appliqued shirts I have made this one is by far the best and am feeling inspired to make a few more.

The button eyes are buttons that I found in my great-grandmother's button box. I love that something she chose will be close to Ava's heart. My nana has been in my thoughts lately. She was such a wonderful lady and it is so important to me for my daughter to know her in some way. Her memory has been so strong lately that it was only fitting for a little piece of her to be part of this project.

Looking forward to seeing Ava wearing this shirt!

I've got a new way to post!

2009-07-21T17:34:00.001-07:00

I have neglected post to either of my blogs. My hope had been to post with some regularity in 2009 but alas that has not been the case. Lately I have felt a renewed urge to express myself and a desire to keep the promise I made to myself. Plus I know how much my mom looks forward to posts about Ava's adventures. The main reason I have slacked in keeping my blogs up-to-date is the tiny inflexible box provided by blogger to post. There have been many posts that have been abandoned in frustration because I could not manipulate the images. It truly is a terrible design and a very disappointing feature.

Learn and Play gave me the outlet to explore all types of online tools ~ most notably Blogger and Goggle Docs. Why did I not make the connection before today that I could easily post blog updates from Google Docs. Here I can easily layout my post to look exactly as I wish and not feel a twinge of disappointment that it isn't quite exactly what I had in mind.

Here is to hoping that this rediscovered tool motivates me to share more often!

Four Things

2009-07-16T00:09:00.000-07:00

Wow! It has been quite some time since I last posted. I guess the hope that I would blog more in 2009 disappeared as quickly as the year has! Hopefully I can motivate myself back into creating posts. As an easy way to slide back into things I am going to post a short meme I read on a library friend's blog...

4 things I am looking forward to...

The completion of a special anniversary gift for my husband.
Visiting with my parents this weekend.
The return home of a friend.
Maybe a second baby.

4 things I did yesterday...

Presented storytime.
Sang songs with Ava.
Helped library customers find books and use computers.
Watched General Hospital.

4 things I wish I could do...

Get organized at home.
Finish Ava's quilt.
Keep plants alive.
Motivate myself to floss.

4 tv shows I watch...

30 Rock
The West Wing (I know that it is all reruns)
Eureka
Project Runway

4 places I would like to travel...

Paris
Scotland
Italy
Spain

4 place I have lived... (there is absolutely nothing exciting about this list)

Canton, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Shawnee Hills, Ohio
Pickerington, Ohio

So I suppose if you are reading this consider yourself tagged.

A Lovely Surprise!

2009-01-25T23:18:00.001-08:00

I was VERY excited to return home from a weekend trip to a lovely surprise waiting for me in my inbox. I am the winner of the drawing for these adorable Valentine's templates from Little Brown Pen.

I simply cannot wait for Ava to pass these out to her little friends for Valentine's Day! Much better than the commercial options - plus my kid has no idea who the characters are that are featured on the cards. I am thinking of other special ways to celebrate this year. Maybe we will make this cuddly heart:

And since all of Ava's friends are toddlers it might be best to avoid candy. While she enjoys a sweet treat on occasion, we have not given her candy. So maybe a Valentine's treat from the oven would be the best choice such as these Sweet Fortune Cookies:

Whatever we decided I know it will be a special day!

Things I Have Done

2009-01-25T21:42:00.000-08:00

Okay... time for something lighthearted. Here is a fun meme I found posted on Cat's blog. If there we not so many I might have been inclined to add a story but maybe that might spin off into seperate posts.

Bold whatever you have done.
1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited Hawaii.
5. Watched a meteor shower.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland.
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sang a solo.
11. Bungee jumped.
12. Visited Paris.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
15. Adopted a child.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.
20. Slept on an overnight train.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Hitch hiked.
23. Taken a sick day when you're not sick.
24. Built a snow fort.
25. Held a lamb.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Run a marathon.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
31. Hit a home run.
32. Been on a cruise.
33. Seen Niagra Falls in person.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
35. Seen an Amish community.
36. Taught yourself a new language.
37. Had enough money to truly be satisfied.
38. Seen the leaning tower of Pisa in person.
39. Gone rock climbing.
40. Seen Michelangelo's David.
41. Sung karaoke.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.
44. Visited Africa.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance.
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone deep sea fishing.
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person.
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
54. Gone to a drive-in theater.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Russia.
60. Served in a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout cookies.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Gotten flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma.
65. Gone sky diving.
66. Visited a Nazi concentration camp.
67. Bounced a check.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.
71. Eaten caviar.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Times Square.
74. Toured the Everglades.
75. Been fired from a job.
76. Seen the changing of the guards in London.
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.
80. Published a book.
81. Been to the Vatican.
82. Bought a brand new car.
83. Walked in Jerusalem.
84. Had your picture in the paper.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had Chicken pox.
89. Saved someone's life.
90. Sat on a jury.
91. Met someone famous.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
94. Had a baby.
95. Seen the Alamo in person.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake.
97. Been involved in a lawsuit.
98. Owned a cell phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.
100. Read an entire book in one day.

FEAR

2009-01-24T02:49:00.000-08:00

Thursday I was forced to reflect on and face my #1 fear. Growing up I only ever experienced one fear. Unlike most children (and adults for that matter), I never feared dogs or spiders or snakes or the dark. At the time I thought it such an irrational fear that I would try to convince myself that I was overreacting but now I realize it was a much more valid fear than my grown-up fear.

When I was about 5 years old my paternal grandfather became very ill. A combination of a heart attack and stroke left him partially paralyzed on his left side and unable to care for himself. As I understand the story, he died and then was revived. His care fell to my grandmother. This was a shocking change. Even now I have vivid memories of my grandparents from that time. I spent a great deal of my early childhood with them. My favorite memory is of riding the large blue tractor with my grandfather and singing as dusk turned to night. He was such a vibrant man who commanded attention and his illness severely diminished his light. Not long after he returned home from the hospital my grandmother was diagnosed with and died from cancer.

My grandfather's care fell to my father and his 3 sisters. I will never understand why they did not turn his care over to a resident facility but they took on the responsibility of medications and meals going through nurse after nurse. Each sibling was assigned a night the rotation to provide dinner and company. My brother and I were there often and upon arrival my dad would sit down to count pills and we were sent to wake up Papa. I was terrified that when we went to wake him up that we would find he had died in his sleep. Before turning the corner I would talk myself into pushing my fear down deep.

February brings the 10th anniversary of his passing and I can't help but think about the impact he had on our lives. That day my childhood fear slipped away, fortunately never having been realized. It was, however, replaced with a different fear.

I am petrified, absolutely terrified that something is going to happen to my teeth. For cleanings and check-ups I have no problem visiting the dentist. In fact she is a very important person in my mind because she helps keep my teeth safe. But Thursday morning she went into my mouth with the sole purpose of decreasing the number of teeth in permanent residence and this had me a little on the anxious side (okay, a lot on the anxious side). All is well but right at the forefront are the horrible images of all the ways my teeth could be damaged. These images will fade as the gaping holes in my gums heal but this fear, I fear, is here to stay.

HOPE

2009-01-19T22:57:00.000-08:00

The excitement of this Inauguration Day truly lived up to the hype and I feel overwhelmed by the sense of history and emotion that President Obama's inauguration has stirred in me. This is an exciting day. As a parent I am hopeful for what an Obama Administration may mean for my daughter's future. It is thrilling to hear a leader say the words that many of have long to hear and feel the sincerity behind those words. Without a doubt this is one of the most amazing historical moments of my lifetime. It is funny how we often look back at a moment and mark the historical significance. Rarely are we so aware of the importance of one day.

Last night my husband remarked that Kennedy was his generation's Roosevelt and that Obama is our generation's Kennedy. Watching the events of the day unfold streaming live on the Internet, I realized how true this statement is. We have pinned so much on one man. It is my hope that we can harness the unity we feel today and uphold our end of the bargain.

New Year, New Projects!

2009-01-08T23:23:00.000-08:00

I have never been one for making resolutions for the new year. Just never felt the need to set myself up for disappointment so early. And this year will be no different. As we look forward to a new start in so many historic ways, I am going to hold on to the sense of HOPE that many desperately need at this time. While I will not make resolutions to lose weight or get rich (two things that wouldn't be bad to achieve), I will try to be a better me new year or not.

There are several new projects I hope to get to in the first part of the year. The red fabric is for curtains for our recently painted family room. Okay, so I know that it has been a few months but the original fabric I purchased had to be returned because the girl at the fabric store did not measure my sample correctly and I was not paying attention to correct her error. Of course they did not have enough once I realized the error. This project is underway and my husband has his fingers crossed for a speedy completion - even threatening to help.

I did complete monogrammed shirts for Christmas gifts. Ava is wearing her "A" shirt. Unfortunately I did not get a photograph of all the girls together but maybe the next time they visit we will be able to have our little girls all in a row.

These shirts were more difficult than the Turkey Shirt I made Ava for Thanksgiving. I have a few more ideas for shirts so I hope to gain more practice.

Lately Ava has show an interest in cooking both for real and pretend. I purchased a pattern on sale and have reviewed a few other patterns in the hope of making her an apron. I might make 2 - one to wear during art projects and the other for in the kitchen. For Christmas Ava received a bake set and I plan to add to her set by creating some felt food. Depending on how the initial set of food turns out I may make several sets for gifts.

There are many other ideas that have been turning over in my head lately and I hope that this year will be one of increased creativity! Happy New Year!

A Final Christmas Memory

2009-01-07T16:53:00.000-08:00

I know the holiday season has past but I wanted to complete the Christmas Meme that Cheryl tagged me with last week. Enjoy!

01. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Both. If it is a gift for a child I absolutely use wrapping paper but all other gifts are given in festive bags. I am, hands down, the worst gift wrapper (plus I hate the act). Bags just look so much nicer than my mangled attempt at wrapping a gift. We joked this year that I am terrible at wrapping and baking which means that I suck at Christmas. But I am excellent when it comes to holiday spirit!

02. Real tree or artifical?
Growing up we always had a real tree. It was a fun family trip to the tree farm to cut down our own. Often it was just Dad, my brother, and I trekking out into the cold while Mom was at work. My husband grew up with an artifical tree and because of his allergies we have also put up an artifical tree. Until 2 years ago we used a little tree that had belonged to my great-grandparents. Kris complained about how difficult it was to put up and how scrawny it looked but once the decorations were on it always looked so beautiful.

03. When do you put up a tree?
The rule at our house is that the tree does not go up until after December 1st.

04. When do you take down the tree?
I always wanted the tree to stay up until my birthday on January 11. My parents indulged this wish but since we put the tree up earlier than my parents always did I am ready for it to come down right after New Year's Day.

05. Do you like eggnog?
Yum! Especially with a little spirits :)

06. Favorite gift as a child?
I begged and begged for a cabbage patch doll. My mother thought the were too expensive and ugly so I never received one. I did, however; receive a doll I lovingly named Katie. Katie traveled everywhere with me.

07. Hardest person to buy for?
It is always difficult to purchase a gift for my dad that he will actually use or wear. It is not that he doesn't appreciate the gift but many times it will go unused.

08. Easiest person to buy for?
Kris, my sweet husband, is so easy to buy for. Forget the fact that he constantly drops hints but no matter how small the gesture he is truly excited to receive anything at all.

09. Do you have a Nativity scene?
Yes. I searched for a very long time to find a Nativity that fit my sensibilities. After our tree my Willow Tree Nativity is my favorite Christmas decor.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Oh, I have received some gaudy tree ornaments that were just too much!

11. Favorite Christmas movie?
I love White Christmas, The Bishops Wife, It's a Wonderful Life, A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the cartoon NOT Jim Carrey), and Elf.

12. Favorite Christmas song?
I need my Christmas songs to be traditional and classic. Give me Bing, Frank, and Nat King Cole. Hands down my very favorite is The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole. Instantly I am transported back to my great-grandparents home with a crackling fire, the smell of oranges, and holiday favorites spin away on the record player.

13. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Now that we have a child my parents travel to us. Before we would alternate between our two families. I feel very fortunate that we have been able to balance family - there have even been a couple holidays we gathered both sides together.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas gift?
Certainly but it was not the one that you gave me ;)

15. Favorite ornament or theme color?
I have many favorite ornaments but my Secret Santa this year gifted me with a wonderful Santa that he personally carved by hand. It is one of the most special gifts I have every received.

Now I am supposed to "tag" 5 friends to complete this meme but I will refrain for now since many are ready to put the holiday season to rest. If you read this and feel inspired please post a comment letting me know that you participated too!

Favorite Handmade Ornaments

2008-12-09T20:01:00.000-08:00

Decorating our Christmas tree has always been one of my favorite holiday activities. The tree we used early in our marriage was a tree that had been my great-grandparents tree. Going up it always looked very "Charlie Brown" but once covered in our hand-me-down ornaments it looked perfect. My mother gave us a few boxes of ornaments that she no longer wanted or liked and I was very happy to have them. These simple ornaments made starting new traditions with my new husband more comforting.

In the seven Christmases we have shared there have been many additions to our ornament collection but these handmade ornaments remain my favorites. The angel was a gift from a co-teacher. The beaded star is one of many that were made by my paternal grandmother, who passed when I was six years old. There are many different color combinations and catch the lights from the tree in a divine way.

The last two were made by my mother. Santa Bert's nice list has the names of my brother and I stitched on. Once upon a time there was an Ernie Elf ornament but it was the casualty of a chew happy puppy. I plan to add Ava's name to the list of good kids. The hobby horse ornament comes in multiple color versions and is reminds me of the beautiful, live trees we had during my childhood.

Bonus: 10 Random Things

2008-12-02T09:41:00.001-08:00

Okay... Bonus Time... Recently I completed the 100 things to know about me meme but in order to feel like I have conquered the 23 Things for Learn & Play I thought it prudent to post the bonus challenage issued by Library Bytes. Some are a repeat from the post below but there are a few new things too...

01. I love to sing. I sing in the shower. I sing in the car. I sing in storytime. I sing randomly to anyone who will stay long enough to listen. Not that I am a particularly good singer but life feels like a musical dancing about in my head. Anyone else with this problem?

02. I am a Kent State alum. KSU received enough cash from me for 2 degrees - BA in English and MLIS.

03. I am a night owl. For some reason the later I stay up the better I feel. A full night of sleep leaves me feeling like a complete trainwreck!

04. Havaianas are the best shoes EVER! I own 8 pairs and hope to continue to grow my collection.

05. The Muppet Show was my favorite as a kid (next was Sesame Street - go figure) and can sing the Swedish Chef Song.

06. I met my husband at a keg party at OSU in December of 1999.

07. When we were first married and financially challenged our date night would be a trip to Main Library but we could only stay an hour to avoid paying to exit the garage!

08. Until working full-time at the library I have held a variety of interesting jobs: chicken fryer, popsicle packer, plain clothes security guard, photography studio manager/assistant, teacher...

09. I collect things with the Eiffel Tower on them. I have only once been to Paris and someday hope to go back with my husband.

10. While interning at an advertising agency I named iced coffee drinks for a company based on the east coast.

Want to learn more? Check out 100 things to know about me!

New Havaianas!

2008-11-30T18:32:00.000-08:00

My wonderful husband surprised me Wednesday with a new pair of Havaianas! I have had my eye on this pair for months but he was resistant. I think he was worried I wouldn't like the print as well because they are not as soft as some of the other styles. Honestly, I have not noticed a difference. And YES! I have been wearing them even though the weather forcast has been threatening snow. Can't wait until the 2009 styles are finally released!

Giving Thanks and Tiny Pies

2008-11-27T19:48:00.000-08:00

There are so very many reasons to give thanks and it seems especially relavant this year. The world at large has been chaotic and more than ever instability can be felt very close to home. Our neighbors are losing jobs, homes, and security. There just seems to be so much uncertainty in our current economic climate.

I am thankful that we do not live with the direct fear of these challenges on a daily basis. Our family and friends are healthy and there have been many exciting moments from this past year to remind of how truly fortunate we are. As we head into the holiday season I am greatful for all that we have and all that we have to give.

To add to the delicious dinner prepared by my mother-in-law, I made these yummy Tiny Pies for dessert. This recipe was simple to repeat with very little mess or fuss on a busy morning. I needed more pie crust than I had because the 2 only allowed for 11 pies with lots of left over filing. However, I am looking forward to using the left over filing to make stuffed pancakes later this weekend.

Hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Gobble Gobble Turkey Day Shirt

2008-11-26T19:40:00.000-08:00

This was a relatively easy project and a great first step in getting my creative juices flowing. Using double-faced interfacing was a concern for me but once I got into the groove it went surprisingly well. I can't wait to see Ava wearing my creation. Now I am motivated to start on my planned Christmas gifts.

2008-11-26T07:28:00.001-08:00

Beth Muncy's Dewey Decimal Section:
088 Collections in Scandinavian languages
Beth Muncy's birthday: 1/11/1977 = 111+1977 = 2088

Class:
000 Computer Science, Information & General Works

Contains:
Encyclopedias, magazines, journals and books with quotations.

What it says about you:
You are very informative and up to date. You're working on living in the here and now, not the past. You go through a lot of changes. When you make a decision you can be very sure of yourself, maybe even stubborn, but your friends appreciate your honesty and resolve.

Find your Dewey Decimal Section at Spacefem.com

Observed... Bliss

2008-11-25T13:38:00.000-08:00

This morning during my drive I noticed a large Saint Bernard lounging on the front lawn of an old farm house. He had made a chew toy out of a green plastic chair and just had a regal look of satisfaction. Bliss. These are moments when I wish I had a camera with me so instead I have included an old photograph of our dog, Lily. This was taken at our first apartment, during our first Christmas seven years ago. Lily received a stuffed chicken with a squeaker. For her this was bliss.

Easy Oatmeal

2008-11-25T00:06:00.000-08:00

The flavors of fall have always been a favorite. As the weather turns and the crisp winds blows right through us, it is comforting to dive into a warm bowl of yummy goodness. Last weekend I made oatmeal overnight in the crockpot. The hope was to rise early, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and then explore a nearby metro park. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate but we were still able to enjoy a great breakfast.

Easy Oatmeal

4 cups milk

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 Tbsp melted butter

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

2 cups old fashioned oats

2 cups chopped apple

1 cup raisins

1 cup chopped walnuts

Coat the inside of a 3-4 quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and mix well. Cover and cook on WARM or LOW setting overnight, or 7-8 hours. In the morning, stir well and serve. Be careful not to overcook.

Honestly, I have no idea where this recipe came from - my mother-in-law clipped it and gave it to many months ago. Everyone gobbled it up, including Ava who ate her serving, half of grandma's, and several bites from grandpa's bowl.

100 things to know about me...

2008-11-24T23:38:00.000-08:00

Cheryl posted her list of 100 things in October and I begin compiling mine immediately (it only took me a month!). This was more difficult that it it seemed. Each day or so I would add a few more items to the list. Sometimes ideas flowed. Others... nothing came at all! But this list, meme, whatever you want to call it, caused me to give pause as I truly considered myself. Who am I? Where have I been? Where am I going? And in the end this is a glimpse into how I define Me. Readers... you've been "tagged."

001. I like to write with a Sharpie

002. I don't like to return phone calls

003. I LOVE my job and love when people ask about my profession
004. I have forgiven my father

005. I try to let go of the hurt I feel

006. I am deathly afraid that something will happen to my teeth

007. Everything tastes better with cheese

008. I do not like to drive and would prefer to be driven (just call me Miss Daisy)

009. Love rainy days even when I have to be out

010. I swear too damn much

011. I touch everything - I love textures (walking through stores with me drives my husband crazy)

012. I was terrified of becoming a mother but...

013. My child is my greatest joy

014. I feel my life finally began in my 30s

015. I spend too much time online

016. My favorite tv show is General Hospital (I've been watching since I was 14 years old)

017. When I watch my husband with our daughter I sometimes have to fight back tears of joy

018. I love to eat alone

019. I don't get to read as much as I would like

020. I hate food messes especially on my child

021. I no longer hate Google

022. Sometimes I wonder if my husband and I would be compatible on Match.com

023. I don't like to clean

024. I procrastinate

025. When trying to fall asleep I mentally remodel & redecorate other people's houses

026. I dream about moving to a small coastal New England town - owning a book store, a bicycle, and a cream-colored cable knit sweater

027. I try not to but I secretly judge people for how they parent

028. Careers I would have liked to try: chef or architect

029. The last 3 jobs I have been offered I was wearing red at the interview

030. The smell of coffee makes me sick

031. I love tea - no sugar please!

032. I prefer white gold and silver jewelry

033. I am shamelessly addicted to chapstick

034. Therapy saved my marriage

035. I am ambiguous about religion but...

036. I have tremendous respect for those of true faith

037. I do not believe in "next time" because...

038. While in NYC in August 2001 my husband wanted to walk a few more blocks to the WTC and I said how about we do it "next time"

039. I will only wear Havaianas

040. For some reason people still think my favorite color is purple

041. My favorite color is red

042. In college I worked in an ice cream factory packing Popsicles

043. My brother is one of my best friends

044. Some things I keep just for myself

045. Fall is my favorite season

046. I adore Christmas lights

047. I have suffered from migraines since 1997 (and they are worse after having my baby)

048. My biggest disappointment in life was having a C-section

049. My most prized possession is my wedding rings - they are uniquely mine

050. Turtleneck sweaters are my favorite article of clothing

051. I hate clutter

052. I collect things with the image of the Eiffel Tower

053. I do not like to be cold

054. I absolutely have to wash my hair every day

055. My favorite part of my day is right before I put my daughter in bed - we cuddle and I whisper in her ear how much I love her

056. I talk too fast

057. I talk with my hands

058. I love jazz

059. I walked down the aisle to Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely"

060. I miss being a musician

061. I think I would make a good lawyer

062. I have an excellent sense of direction

063. I am an unapologetic liberal

064. Salty snacks are my favorite

065. I was on the debate team in high school...

066. and in the marching band

067. Twitter has become a part of my daily life

068. I like to read cookbooks and prefer that every recipe have a photograph

069. I wish I was a better housekeeper

070. I enjoy cooking and believe I am pretty good at it

071. I absolutely cannot bake

072. Even before I was a librarian I loved to read out loud

073. I wish I was better at correspondence

074. I HATE my feet to be touched by someone else's feet

075. Regardless of the season or temperature I always wear at least 2 layers

076. I am a night owl

077. My husband is the funniest person I know

078. White wine gives me a headache

079. The colors in my dreams are the most vivid part

080. I love giving gifts

081. I believe in charity because it always returns in times of need

082. Conflict resolution is one of my strengths

083. I crave simplicity but it too often gets lost in the shuffle

084. Daisies are my favorite flower

085. At one time I was a certified lifeguard

086. I am pretty laid back but...

087. ...I am quick to emotion if the subject turns to something dear to me

088. My favorite actor is Cary Grant

089. My favorite movie is The Philadelphia Story

090. My favorite animated movies are Alice in Wonderland and Sleeping Beauty

091. I love to sing to Ava

092. I am extremely conscious of being thoughtful of others

093. I love photography and worked for a photographer for many fun years

094. Usually I like my hair

095. Brown eyes are soulful

096. I am deeply disappointed that my daughter has blue eyes (they are a beautiful blue)

097. I am decidedly a Green

098. Carrot cake is my favorite dessert

099. I surprise myself sometimes with my sense of patriotism

100. Making decisions comes naturally to me

A headache that says "I'm Sorry"

2008-11-20T18:54:00.000-08:00

In less than 24 hours Motrin heard the words of many outraged mothers and removed their regrettably insulting ad. Their actions proved that the intent of the ad was drastically different from the result. Because of the company's swift action and sincere apology, I, as a mother and consumer, have an increased level of respect for a brand that I rely upon.

Last night was a difficult night at our house as a set of teeth work their way through Ava's sore gums. I couldn't help but laugh at the thought that I was living the perfect Motrin ad. My little one received a dose of Motrin to help ease her pain and I sure could have used the pain reliever to help with my headache and sore muscles from walking, rocking, and cuddling my 16 month old to sleep.

I recognize that this was the original intent and the sympathetic tone that was lost. Had the ad struck the right balance I would have felt that this was a brand that understands my pain but I will settle for "I'm sorry."

Getting Motivated...

2008-11-20T18:47:00.000-08:00

It has been a very long time since my sewing machine has been out of its case. I have suffered from a great deal of guilt about my lack of craftiness because my machine is one of my most prized possessions. It belonged to my great-grandmother and feel her close every time I use it. When I learned of my pregnancy in the fall of 2006 I began dreaming of a quilt for my baby. The first trimester was frought with illness and by the time I was feeling better we were in a dash to finish the nursery. Then... I was sick again.

Becoming a mother has been an amazing experience and during this transition I have continued to dream about projects but have not made any progress. But I am feeling inspired and motivated by the blog postings of friends and co-workers. So I am once again resolved to indulge in my creative side.

All the supplies have been purchased to create some cute Christmas gifts for the little girls in my life. Here's to hoping all turns out well! The above photograph is a pile of material I hope to use in making my gifts and the long dreamed about quilt for Ava.

Open Letter to Motrin...

2008-11-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

I am writing with concern to the Mom-alogue feature on your main page. My concern is the message that this ad sends to moms, future moms, and the rest of society. Keeping a baby close to the mother is NOT a fashion accessory comparable to small dogs in purses or oversized sunglasses. Carrying a baby is a traditional form of bonding used in countries throughout the world for centuries. Many mothers find no other method comparable for calming an ill child than to keep her close.

Baby wearing is a natural part of the nurturing process. As a mother and a consumer, I am extremely disappointed in the cavalier attitude toward mothers and their chosen methods of childrearing taken by Motrin. While I appreciate the concern for my pain I believe there is a more effective way to express this concern and retain my business.

In our tenuous economic climate I would hope that your company would be working very hard to ensure the strength of your customer base. My voice is one of many and it is my sincere hope that you listen closely and remove this highly offensive ad.

The End or Merely the Beginning?

2008-11-13T09:12:00.001-08:00

The End
Originally uploaded by treatzone (m)

Learn & Play @ CML has been a terrific experience! I have learned a lot of new things and refreshed my knowledge on many others. Most importantly I have learned some interesting facts about the amazing people I work with.

My favorite "thing" is without a doubt Twitter. At first it seemed like mundane information but the more involved I have become it is the mundane that has proven to be the most interesting. Sharing about our lives makes us more connected even if it is in the digital world.

I have also reconnected with long lost friends on Facebook and have surprisingly enjoyed rebinding these ties.

My plan as a lifelong learner is to continue exploring Web 2.0 programs and share my digital and creative experiences on my blogs. It will also for my learning to remain connected to friends that will encourage my interests and keep me plugged in. I am surprised how much I have enjoyed this program. I thought I might tire of wading through the "things." But I have gone beyond the 23 Things and explored other programs that might enhance my or a customers personal experience.

If CML offers a future program of this nature I would love to participate. Some improvements I would like see... the beginning of L&P seemed very rushed and there were too many things at one time. Staff seemed overwhelmed and many felt the 15 minute suggestion was too limiting for them to adequately explore. Some were new to all of this and gave up not because they lacked interest but felt ovewhelmed. As the program continued I got a sense that our L&P gurus began to understand this problem and slowed down.

Overall, I believe strongly that this was a valuable use of staff time and look forward to the next Learn & Play installment!

Feelin' Bold-i with MOLDI

2008-11-13T08:36:00.001-08:00

,, { ipod's Laundry } ,,
Originally uploaded by B a r s h o ™

Exploring The MidOhio Library Digital Initiative was confusing at first but as I continued to tool around things become more clear. This is a very exciting option to the traditional book or audio book option we offer in our branches.

When I had a longer commute to work I would listen to audio books often (this was a great way to get through all the required reading for Teen Services courses). If I was really into a book and wanted to continue listening after pulling into the garage I would either be tied to the computer with earphones or filling the house with book on our stereo. With the option to download to my ipod I can listen in the car, with the docking station in my office, or lounged in bed.

The ebooks are a fun option for kids who relate better to technology or are away from our library - like my friend Cheryl. I download a juvenile non-fiction book about bugs. Downloading was easy and once downloaded the book was very easy to navigate. I especially liked the bookmark feature that allows for notes.

I added myself to the reserve lists for a couple titles that I will be able to download to my ipod. Can't wait to experiment more!

Attack of the Podcasts

2008-11-12T16:43:00.001-08:00

Pea pod
Originally uploaded by JussiV

After searching through the podcast directories I only found one that was interesting to me. Podfeed.net offers Storynory hosted by HRH Prince Bertie the Frog. Storynory features children's stories and fairy tales to listen to online or download to an ipod. I had troubles linking to Bloglines but then I have had trouble with anything related to Bloglines. Instead I posted the link to Facebook.

There are many possible uses for podcasts in the library. We could offer storytimes for customers to access online making programs available to families, teachers, and caregivers at their convenience. It would also be beneficial for staff to receive training and meeting info through podcasts.

Most Influential Books

2008-11-10T00:19:00.000-08:00

Challenged by a friend, I began to think about the books that have had the most impact on my life or that have defined me as a reader. This task was relatively easy; however, I found it nessecary to expand to 3 categories. In no particular order...

Top 5 Most Influential Adult Books

1. The Color Purple by Alice Walker

2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

3. The Awakening by Kate Chopin

4. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

5. Howl by Allen Ginsberg

Top 5 Most Influential Children's Chapter Books

1. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

2. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

3. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

4. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Jester

5. Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

Top 5 Most Influential Children's Picture Books

1. Olivia by Ian Falconer

2. My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss

3. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

4. Curious George by Margaret & H.A. Rey

5. The Monster at the End of this Book by Jon Stone

Looking over these lists it is clear where they fall in the timeline of my life. Surprisingly they make up an order of influence that is decidedly not a sequence of logical order. My earliest library memory is checking out Little Women and listening to my mother read aloud. I associate my early reading with chapter books and quickly made the leap to adult fiction (I believe this why I found Teen Lit so shocking in library school because I never read anything from the genre when it would have been contemporary). It has not been until I reached adulthood that picture books have begun to shape me as a reader - intially because of my work with children as a teacher and then a librarian, and now as a mother.

I constantly find new and exciting books that reshape my world view. Now the guantlet is passed... What are your top 5?

Say my name...

2008-11-06T06:44:00.000-08:00

What's in a Name?
1. YOUR REAL NAME: Beth Muncy
2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle.) Betizzle
3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color and favorite animal) Red Monkey
4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (your middle name and street you live on/or neighborhood if it's a number) Grace Sycamore
5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name) Munbe
6. YOUR SUPERHERO/CRIMINAL NAME: (Your 2nd favorite color, and favorite drink) Purple Coke
7. YOUR IRAQI NAME: (2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, 1st letter of your last name, 2nd letter of your moms maidenname, 3rd letter of your dads name, 1st letter of a siblings first name, and last letter of your moms first name) Enmouba
8. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (PARENTS MIDDLE NAMES): Jean Edward
9. YOUR HOOD NAME: (first 3 of your first name and add -iqua) Betiqua
10. YOUR STRIPPER NAME: (first pet's name and first house's street name, or neighborhood if number) Lucky Vine

Live! Election Results

2008-11-02T05:08:00.001-08:00

No Cookies in the Library

2008-10-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

Tooling Around with CML

2008-10-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

The Powertools page on the CML website is extremely useful when introducing customers to Web 2.0 resources. There are some interesting links and I enjoyed browsing away. I am ver interested in exploring "Lively" and learning how it works. It reminds me a lot of the Sims computer game. I loved creating houses and decorating but had little interest in playing the game *wondering if any of my friends are trying this*.

This will be an excellent resource for branches to begin creating technology programs for teens and adults.

Getting Reacquainted

2008-10-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

About a year ago I created a Myspace page after much proding by my brother. At first it was a great way to share photographs of my new baby with him and other friends. However, every time I logged in I felt "off" about being apart of Myspace. Over the last few months I stopped adding photographs and logged in rarely to see what my few friends were doing.

My only Myspace friend that I have known since high school deleted his account abruptly. Then out of the blue I received an email from him with an invitation to join Facebook. "Why not," I thought. Learn & Play has been a great platform to try all sorts of new technology.

Now I am getting reacquainted with lots of faces from my past and learn some fantastic things about the faces of my present. Facebook does not leave me with a creepy feeling after using and have found it to be a lot of fun. Now that my brother has joined I can still share photographs of his niece with him and am considering deleting myself from the Myspace world.

I think my favorite application of Facebook is sharing Flair with friends - I even created Flair to share with some of my library friends. Because so many library folk are using Facebook it is a great place to share stories, ideas, and stay connected without the formality of email.

Google Docs

2008-10-24T12:52:00.001-07:00

I no longer hate Google.

Lately, I have begun using more and more Google products and truth be told they are making my life a little easier. Google Docs can be added to the ever growing list of favorable Google products.

Creating documents in Google Docs is a practical way to be able to access work from anywhere and allows simple sharing. Often during slow times at the information desk I will review new picture books and with Google Docs I can stop sending myself multiple emails of books I want to add to my resource lists. Or better yet I could transfer my resource lists to Google Docs and eliminate extra steps. I could plan from anywhere!

Google Docs is an excellent tool to recommend to customers. They would no longer need a disk or jump drive for saving (and eliminate the risk of it getting damaged) and they would no longer run the risk of using a word processing program on another computer that is not compatible with the library's software.

V Tweet Debate

2008-10-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

Twitter provided a unique platform for watching the Vice Presidential Debate. Being able to share thoughts, comments, and frustrations in real time added a layer of excitement and camaraderie that can only be gained by watching with a large group.

My favorite debate watching experience was in 1996 at the Ohio Democratic Party Office. Al Franken was in attendance and the crowd enjoyed keeping tally marks on pre-selected key phrases or characteristics. Being in a crowd of like-minded individuals charged the air and helped a young college student feel like a part of the process (truth be told the "girls in Central Ohio" were known in the campaign for "getting it done").

The level of involvement in this year's process is hampered by a variety of commitments but tonight's twitter conversation made me feel like that ideological 19 year old. It was fun to "tweet" with friends that share and complete my thoughts even if only for 90 minutes.

Ultimately, Learn & Play has made my little world a bit bigger. Can't wait for next Tuesday!

Wiki World Part Duex

2008-09-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

Created an account. Access granted. Updated CML wiki.

After using a wiki I can see even more practical uses for this Web 2.0 tool. As I mentioned below, there are lots of opportunities for brainstorming and document sharing/creation/collaboration. This might be one of my top 5 favorite tools so far!

It's a Wild & Wiki World

2008-09-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'm Beth and I use Wikipedia.

There. I said it. Wikipedia is a guilty pleasure. I will sit for ever click link after link, reading article after article until my eyes can no longer stay open. It is a great first stop for quick and dirty information. Often while watching TV (another guilty pleasure) I will hop on my laptop and search for something mentioned that is not explained. I know the risks of Wikipedia and therefore do not wonder around thinking I have the most accurate, up-to-date info. Where else can you get away with citing the National Enquirer as a source (although this is becoming tricky now too, right John Edwards?).

Love the idea of using a wiki to share book reviews and as a possible brainstorming tool. We could very easily use a wiki to plan for SRC and cut down on the number of meeting we might need to have at the branch level. Hmmmm... I can see the possiblities...

Becoming Librarian 2.0

2008-09-29T11:49:00.001-07:00

Librarians After Dark

Originally uploaded by librarians after dark

My favorite memories of the library from my adolescent years centers around using the card catalog and microfilm. I took extreme pleasure in searching through subjects of interest and wandering the stacks looking for my desired book. Nerdy but fun for me. There was pride in understanding dewey (and honestly as secret feeling of snobbery).

It took patience and skill to search the indexes for articles and locate them on microfilm. And I relished in the ease with which I maneuvered the machines.

These are tools of the past - a relatively recent past but it seems like ages. It struck me as sad when touring OCLC it was noted that the boxes of cards at individual workstations were the catalogs of the Oxford and Princeton University libraries being digitized.

Now as a librarian I am navigating an entirely different set of tools to access information. As we hurtle into the ever-changing world of Library 2.0 I find I am excited about the challenges but nostalgic for the library of my youth.

Becoming more and more transparent can be excellent for creating a more engaged community. Michael Stephans highlights these challenges and outlines a model for the librarian of the future in the OCLC Next Space Newsletter article titled "Into a new world of librarianship." Participating in Learn & Play allows the opportunity for me to embrace the Web 2.0 tools necessary for success as Librarian 2.0 (sounds like a superhero... maybe I need a cape!).

del.icio.us

2008-09-24T08:08:00.001-07:00

Cherry Pie a la môde
Originally uploaded by alibash

This concept is a lot like bloglines (which I am still not in love with) but better. del.icio.us is easy to use and has a lot of potential for personal use. However, I like to have more control over organizing my bookmarks then by simply using tags. Maybe with more use I would become more accustomed to using tags but my recent switch to using Google's Chrome eliminates the need for these types of services.

del.icio.us and bloglines are excellent tools for people who travel or use public computers. I can see how sharing these sites with library customers would be a tremendous benefit.

All a Twitter...

2008-09-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

Several months ago I was reading an article in School Library Journal which mentioned Twitter. At that point I had never heard about it and logged on to ease my curiosity. Because you cannot search the site without an account I signed up and invited a few friends. No one I knew was participating so I stopped checking.

Learn & Play has brought me back to Twitter and I have been having a blast! Twitter has provided me an outlet to "chat" with CML staff that I either only knew in passing or are just now getting to know. My hope is that more friends hop on and share the seemingly mundane experiences of their daily life. Honestly, it seems the more interesting posts highlight our daily routines.

To find me on Twitter... search... monkey_napper!

Library Thing... I Think I Love You!

2008-09-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

Great place to store the titles of all the books I own or have read! Definitely a great tool.

Beth's Library Thing

Searching Bloglines

2008-09-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

After setting up my Bloglines account I thought I would be able to go to any site that had the RSS logo and add it to Bloglines. Everytime I clicked on the RSS I was given the opportunity to add the link to a Yahoo or Google reader. Not what I had in mind. So I started searching in Bloglines and was able to add my favorites through the search. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be but I finally figured it out. The BETA version of Bloglines was easier to use, search, and read. The interface is far more user friendly and if this becomes the norm then I will probably be more apt to use Bloglines.

Bloglines

2008-09-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

I was familiar with the term RSS feed but was not clear about the purpose. "Really Simple" is a very true statement! Earlier this week I started a Bloglines account and began adding links to some of the blogs I read. Once I am become accustomed to using Bloglines, this will be a very handy tool.

Beth's Blogline link

Even More Photo Fun!

2008-08-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

Playing with Flickr and fd Flickr Toys inspired me to look for other photo enhancing programs. My searching brought me to Picnik. Picnik is an easy way to edit my digital photos anywhere and then easily upload to my computer, email, or Flickr account. This program allows for the typical types of editing (color, filter, etc) and some fun enhancements too!

I also have been having some fun with two other websites that manipulate digital photos. One, PhotoFunia, inserts your photos into other photos. Several years ago my husband put his head on the hot body of a race car driver on the cover of a magazine as joke. I used that image and inserted it into a photo with Paris Hilton (see below). This was definitely good for a laugh.

We also came across the Yearbook Yourself website earlier this evening and had a great time inserting our faces into yearbook photos from the last 60 years. Check me out in 1960! Always a future librarian!

More flickr fun!

2008-08-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

This evening I spent time playing with fd's Flickr Toys website. There are some fun and creative applications. One of the toys I played with was the Framer option. Recently, Kris and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary with a trip to Cleveland. The highlight of our trip was attending the Cleveland Indians baseball game at Progressive Field.

My favorite part about the stamp frame that I used to showcase our photo at the game is the date stamp that reflects the date of our special trip. What a fun way to make a memory extra special!

Exploring flickr

2008-08-26T19:23:00.001-07:00

Columbus Metropolitan Library
Originally uploaded by Billy V

I started a flickr account last year and received an upgrade to a pro account as a birthday gift. We have been using flickr to share family photos and honestly, I haven't uploaded any new photographs since March.

Until tonight I have only used flickr in its most basic form - upload and share. It has been fun searching through the public photos to find some beautiful images of the Main Library. Included here is a photograph taken at night. Adding this image was simple - by clicking the "Blog this photo" link.

Recently, I discovered Picasa from Google as a photo managing program. I really like how it searches my computer for all images and makes them viewable in one place. It too has a blog this feature which makes adding images to my blogs a very easy task.

Adding Videos

2008-08-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

Just learned how to add videos to my blog with the help of this excellent blog - Wayne John - Blogger.com Help & Assistance. Adding videos is easier than I thought and I will definetely be checking out Wayne John's site for future help.

To see my first added video click the link on the left side to access my other blog! Put down the duckie!

Lifelong Learning Role Model

2008-08-21T01:20:00.000-07:00

Growing up I observed my mother constantly absorb new things. As an adult she was presented the opportunity to go to college. We even took a couple French classes together! What a pair we were - mother & daughter sitting in the front row sharing a textbook. I know she worried about how I felt about us being in the same class but I truly enjoyed our time together. We are very different in our approaches to learning (and sometimes in our interests) but she has always modeled the behavior. I don't know if it is a conscious effort but nevertheless I have been fortunate to witness first hand what it means to be a lifelong learner. It is my sincere hope that I can be the same model for my daughter.

When reflecting on the 7 1/2 habits of lifelong learners, I can easily say my strongest is building the toolbox. And maybe that is the librarian instinct. Once I am interested in a topic I seeking out every resource available until my knowledge of the subject is full - books, websites, movies, people. My husband jokes that I become obsessed and then just move on.

What I find difficult is teaching/mentoring. Usually my interest is unremarkable in the minds of others and the knowledge fulfillment is gratuitous. And maybe this isn't completely true - my husband, the nearly reformed reluctant reader, has benefited from many a booktalk. He has always said he doesn't "need to read because Beth will just tell me about it." And it could be argued that the learning required for my job is all shared with others...

Oh... I don't know... more self-reflection... maybe.

New Topic, New Blog

2008-08-17T22:17:00.000-07:00

As a novice blogger I have enjoyed learning about the process and looking for ways to enhance my blog. The reason I began my original blog was to help keep family and friends up-to-date on the development of my little girl. Being a working mom I simply do not have the time to dedicate to scrapbooking her early years so I thought this was an excellent way to chronicle her journey.

The announcement of the Learn & Play @ CML program excites me and allows me the chance to invest more time into learning technology that will help make my blogging experience even more worthwhile.

Learn & Play requires us to post blog entries related to the topics we are learning about. But the more I thought about it the more I thought that I didn't want those entries included in my blog about Ava. So a new blog is born. At least for now the entries will center around my continued growth as a lifelong learner. And I'm sure will also include other ramblings ;)