It's been quite sometime since I last posted. I just thought people might be a little tired of me ranting about the dude in the White House. I know I am obsessing, even though at work I constantly listen to MSNBC and obsess about Robert Mueller and when he will charge the dude with treason. He, that is the dude, has undoubtedly conspired with the Russians to win an election as though he was coveting a new business acquisition. Bad dude he be. But I don't want to rant on about this right now. Perhaps as this new school year has started, and me a newly minted scholar taking a class in linked data (Oh, I know you are very jealous...), it might be time to reflect on this past summer (yes, before the sleeping pills kick in...who can sleep without aid in these time?)
The highlight of the summer was I didn't break anything, though not for want of trying. On May 6th I managed to fall in the street trying to avoid a car. Skinned my knee and having fallen on my hands while carrying shopping bags of now crushed pasta managed to damage the tendons in my social finger, AKA the long finger, which required a brace and physical therapy. Then in August, on a pleasant Sunday walk I managed to trip over my feet, falling on my face, and hitting the pavement like I should have broken every bone in my face. I managed not to break my nose, although I did break my glasses and have lovely shiners and a huge bruise on my nose. I figured I kicked the back of my right heel with my left foot and that's how I fell. How I managed to get up, sans blood, is still amazing to me and how I managed to finish the walk is beyond me. I have since tried to be more sentient about walking, being mindful of my steps lest I fall again, without such favorable outcomes.
My business, such as it is, is flourishing. I have a paying gig teaching senior citizens how to be more computer and technologically competent. I am having a load of fun doing this and getting paid is a great perk.
I put in a small vegetable and herb garden this summer which flourished, due, I suspect, to superior plants that I ordered from Territorial Seeds in Oregon. Tomatoes and a variety of peppers galore and basil up the wazoo. Some of the veggies went to critters who could not resist an heirloom tomato, while leaving the peppers alone. The roses are still blooming and I just put out some rust colored mums out front, along with the hydrangeas and calla lilies. A good friend, my Sophie replacement at work who I have yet to name but am thinking of calling her the Pope, gave me a hanging basket of lovely flowers and a shepherd's hook to hang them upon. Looks great and a very thoughtful birthday present.
I mentioned I am turning back into a scholar. I went to a conference and heard a talk on linked data and I was fascinated. So much so that I asked to be put on a committee at the library dealing with this, part of which is a book "club" discussing a book on linked data. I am also taking an online course in linked data, for which I get some release time at work to do. Very excited and very nervous about all of this. I haven't read my readings yet, saving it for Monday when there is very little I chose to watch on TV on Labor Day. Supposed to be warm and rainy tomorrow, which is fast approaching. I have a work laptop I carry with me now to take notes and is different from my business computer which I do PowerPoint presentations on out in Williamston at the senior center (did I mention I am actually being paid?). This new laptop is facilitating the writing of this blog entry. I wanted a work laptop as taking notes on a tablet is a hassle (I have a number of tablets and none of them seem suitable).
Been playing guitar quite a bit and have been organizing neighborhood music sessions. The first was a great session but the following Sunday a cellist showed up who was blissfully unaware of how bad he was. I am organizing another session for the 10th of September without notifying he who is apparently tone deaf. I have recently meet a few women, one a vet the other a therapist, who just want to sing and let me accompany them, which is very cool for me. Today the Old Duffer came over and we practiced for this coming Friday's Shabbat service at the synagogue. It seems of late I have been so busy that I haven't had time to slow down and take naps. Music is very consuming, as is preparing for classes for the seniors. Also providing tech support for my usual gang of friends and the technologically challenged. In addition to music and computers I went to the MSU football game this past Saturday (managing to get a sunburn on my face). And I am going to the game next Saturday only to tailgate with the president of MSU and sit in the president's box seats in the tower (ain't I special?).
So Monday I have to do my readings for the book group on linked data (which for the uninitiated and perhaps uninterested is basically how a Google search knows your location and what you are searching for). Taking steps to link our data in out online catalog to facilitate access on the web. Cutting edge work and my last stand for the library. I gave my two year notice a few weeks ago and while I am winding down my career at MSU I plan to go out with a better knowledge of linked data and how that will help the community and world at large. Besides...it's really cool stuff and you know how I love cool stuff.
So that's an update I can live with. No rants about the obvious and sleep don't fail me now.
