AIT week 15

I thought trying remember the milk was fun- so I must be getting better at this. I can see using it with IM to keep myself organized.

AIT week 13

I hadn't tried Meebome before. I just tried Melissa but she is offline. I have used IM in Google talk before to talk to Yvette when she was at the Bookmobile and Page when she was in ASD. The only thing is to be online at the same time. In circ it is hard because we are always at the desk and don't have our own assigned computer. IM would be an efficient way to communicate especially with the phones acting up as they have been.

AIT week 14

Oops I guess I am doing 14 before 13. I thought Ann Arbor's Library showed a good use of tags by rating the top 10 subject areas- recipes, fiction, science fiction etc. This might help patrons when looking for ideas with what books to check out.

Labor Day 2008

I said goodbye to my son last week as he went to Iraq for his 4th tour of duty. "It's my job, mom" he told me. My husband (a retired RUSD custodian )used to say that as he'd get up at 2:00 in the morning after a snowfall, so he could remove snow to make sure the kids, buses and staff could get into school. I've heard it from my daughter (a social worker) who deals with client's emergencies whenever they occur.

I've seen it with Staff at RUSD who attend sporting events, plays, etc. for kids who otherwise would have no one in attendance. I've seen it at RPL with people who come in to work sick because they don't want to leave other staff short handed.

The commitment and courage of these ordinary Americans(extraordinary in my book) never ceases to amaze me. I only hope either Obama or McCain will have the same commitment, passion and concern for others as he becomes President of the USA. SO, Happy Labor Day and stay safe, Rob.

Wave Country

Just returned from a week in Northern Wis. My husband calls it wave country-because everyone smiles and waves if they know you or not. So if you see me smiling and waving, it's not because I'm nuts(on most days). I'm trying to extend a little Northern Hospitality here in West Racine. It just comes natural to me.

Week 7-Ait

I did watch the cute cartoon on the summer reading program and used the time to get caught up on back lessons.

Week 6-AIT

I logged into wikipedia- did a search on Burlington, Wis, I entered the first article about the City of Burlington. I looked at their external links and there was one for Burlington Library, I went on that and found their web site-including the SHare site with info about RPL. It seems like wiki's are another way of communication that could be used Department wise(circ) or for teams coordinating an event.

Week 5-AIT

I signed in on Google documents, added a slide and tried the calendar. I would probably use google documents as an alternative so I don't have to worry about going in as admin or teacher at school.

Week Four-AIT

I created my reader account and added the RSS feeds. I especially like Teaching books under Badger Link. Teachers can use their laptops and Lcd projectors to show their class the author of the week. It is like having an author visit the classroom-very effective.

Go Pack Go

Sorry, I've been away from my Blog for a couple of weeks. Been here and there-mostly here but we did go to Green Bay. We took a tour of Lambeau Field and saw the Packer Hall of Fame. WOW- we sat in a box where people pay $30,000 a game to watch the Packers play. We walked through the tunnel the million dollar players use on game day as they go into the stadium. It was all pretty amazing and exciting.

Now it's back to reality in West Racine-where houses and streets are flooded, beginning teachers earn $37,000 a year, part time library assistants earn $10+ an hour and I try to help kids have pencils and paper so they can do their school work.

Memorial Day 2008

As we watched the Memorial Day parade and attended the ceremony honoring veterans at Graceland Cemetary today, many thoughts came floating by.

I was a bystander during the VietNam War. As a student at UW-Madison in the late 60's I was keenly aware of the activities of the anti-war protesters and the establishment. I told myself I was there for an education(as did my parents). So I would walk emotionless past the National Guard members when they stood on bascom Hill protecting the University and I would run the other way when a demostration developed and tear gas started flying.

This war has been different for me. Today I proudly wore my Operation Iraq Freedom-Mom pin. My son has been deployed to Iraq 3 times since the war began. I've watched him go, sat on pins and needles while he was there, and welcomed him home with great gusto each time he returned.

I have shared hugs, tears and laughs with other moms whose sons were also deployed. I have sent care packages, e-mails, phone cards and said alot of prayers.

This year I feel very blessed knowing our son is back in the United States-still in uniform-but safe. I am very mindful of all the young men and women who continue to be in harms way and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. On this Memorial Day 2008, I say a huge THANK-YOU to veterans of all the wars and thank-you to family,friends and co-workers who have supported my son and his mom through-out this war.

My first blog

This is all new to me. I am learning alot from this adventure. My daughter helped me get this far. Have a good weekend.