Dr. Jess?

Thoughts of doing a Ph.D have been echoing in the caverns of my mind. Crazy, right? I these thoughts derive from the impending end of school. For the first time in far too many years I will not be going to school in September. Since school is the only thing that I’ve really ever known, I’m not surprised the Ph.D proves a tempting and alluring object of desire. Although I won’t go running back to school for a while yet, I still wonder how many years it will be before I go back? Will I make it through the year before the temptation gets to me?

Because I like lists…

1. I understand why librarians wear sturdy, practical shoes. An eight-hour shift spent mostly on one’s feet = *ouch*

2. I cannot seem to update my “currently reading” list fast enough. Too much reading, and not enough homeworking makes Jess go something something…

3. The Toronto Star crossword is far too addictive. It’s gotten to the point when I’ve started eagerly anticipating the new clues. One day I will conquer Sunday, but, for now, I’ll stick to Monday.

And the debate rages on…

So, those of you who read this blog are probably deathly sick of my indecision concerning Facebook. Some days I believe it is my duty as a new, technologically savvy librarian to join the ranks and explore an unknown social universe replete with new and old connections. Other days, I cannot stand the idea of having to spend another several hours in front of my computer to update, maintain, and post on other peoples’ pages (if that’s even how it works…). Also, I will forever find the distinction between friendship and “friendship” troubling. After hearing some people talk about it today I remain undecided (again): connecting with people = good…connecting with people that I would rather not talk to, but who have been mutually sought out for the purpose of adding another “friend” = not so good.

How can my friendship values be balanced within the boundaries of Facebook? Although I would not have to talk to everyone on my list, I would feel incredibly rude for not adding them. I’m not anti-social by any means, but I remain undecided.

On another note: I now spend far too much time reading Unshelved, laughing quietly to myself, and thinking “omg…it’s so true!” I don’t know if I remember what people are wearing, but after awhile you do start to remember the books that people have checked out, especially with the regular patrons. Did I mention that I LOVE my job? *smile*

Paying Someone to be Your Friend?

I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with school and work these days, so the posts will be off and on for the next little bit. I saw this article in the Globe&Mail this morning and thought it needed to be shared.

I remember joking with friends that I’d had to pay them to hang out with me or vise versa, but this is too extreme, even for me. I suppose these people would be considered “friends” instead of friends, but still…I can’t imagine that many relationships that start of this way have the potential for longevity and meaningful connections.

Facebook here to stay?

I’ll admit it: At times I’ve wavered during the “to Facebook, or not to Facebook” debate. Sometimes it seems inevitable as I receive those little emails telling me that yet another person I know has hopped on the bandwagon. Yet, the thought of potential employers finding me and deciding that my content is unfavorable, is extremely unappealing.

Do I owe it to my chosen profession to join the ranks of Facebook? According to the Toronto Star, “Facebook is here to stay.” Perhaps the real question is, can I squeeze another 2 hours out of the day to spend online? Probably not. So, for now, I will continue to avoid Facebook until a more persuasive argument than “everyone is doing it” comes along.

Ha ha…

Facebook has been banned for provincial government officials who like to use the popular social networking site while at work. Nice to know that really *important* issues are being dealt with in parliament…