Spring Cleaning # 30: Drives

While exploring the Z: drive, I found most of the files I use for publicity and the calendars. I have my timesheet and mileage saved there as well. I did find a few older files from when I was in Children's that I removed, but other than that... I didn't have that much stuff on the drives.

Spring Cleaning # 29: Email

I already have folder in my webmail account that I use to organize e-mails. I also immediately delete e-mails that I have read and empty my trash regularly. I did find tons of e-mails in my Sent folder dating all the way back to 2006, which surprised me. I thought those were deleted automatically. Well, now my e-mail is lighter and free of old stuff.

Spring Cleaning # 28

I read about GTD and tried the Google calendar. The Google calendar was fine, but I don't really find it that useful. The organizational system I use now is my paper calendar that I can flip through everyday, have open in front of me, and carry home. I find using an cyber-calendar somewhat time consuming because I'd always have to take the time to log into my account and access the calendar, which sometimes, isn't convenient. When I graduated from college I was given a Palm Pilot and I tried to keep everything organized in there, but I found that it took forever to type everything int, then to turn it on/off to check things off. It so wasn't worth it. I like my paper calendars and paper lists, even for groceries. My Palm is sitting on my desk, uncharged, collecting dust.

Week 10 # 23: The End

I am so excited to be done with this whole training. I really enjoyed learning how to create my own blog, but I don't see myself using this past this training. I just don't feel it's something I want to incorporate into my life right now. Of the things I did discover, I enjoyed the exercises from week 3 the most. I didn't know there were free photo editing tools online. These were fun to play with and I liked exploring the mashups. I also enjoyed learning about Library Thing and Library Elf. Again, I didn't know these services were available. I will continue to use Library Elf to keep track of all my library cards and items. I didn't like week 6. The stuff about Technorati and tagging wasn't helpful and I feel i didn't learn anything. I'm not sure how these exercises could be implemented here at the library, but I would recommend using the online application tools as an alternative to people who forget their floppy disks or flash drives. Overall, I think this training had some pluses that, now that I understand them a little better, I may use again in the future.

Week 9 # 22: Downloadable Media

I've used HCPL's digital media site many times to read books online such as

Are Lobster's Ambidextrous by David Feldman
The Awful Truths by Brian M. Thompson
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

I really enjoy this format, but sometimes the materials I want to read are being used so I have to place a hold on them and sometimes staring at the computer for extended periods strain my eyes.

I visited LibriVox and it seems like a good site to get audio books, especially for free.

Week 9 #21: Podcasts

I went to podcastalley.com and looked for some podcasts that interested me...

MuggleCast which is supposed to keep me in the know about all things Harry Potter. I listed to the podcast about the Dumbledore controversey. It was pretty entertaining and found out that extras have been cast for the sixth movie.

WatcherCast is a podcast that discusses each episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I listened to Prophecy Girl episode. I may be revisiting this podcast from time to time.

The last podcast I explored was AstroCast about all things Astros.

Week 9 #20: Discover YouTube

I visit YouTube quite often because I have a friend who always sends me video clips about anything and everything. In fact, just today he sent me a whole bunch of clips about commercials from the 80s. Why he thought I would be interested in this, I have no idea, but it was quite fun to watch. I mean, remember the Domino's Noid? What the heck is that?