I’ve got rhythm, I’ve got music…

I’ve got too much grading. Who could ask for anything more? I’d like less grading, but I don’t think it’s going to happen. Because I love lists, here we go:

1) Running has been put on hold due to a little knee injury. I have no idea what happened. Something went *snap* and now my knee hurts. Ice and Advil are my new best friends. The weather is beautiful, if not ideal, for a run, and I sit, staring out the window, dreaming of the perfect run. Oh well. I will try to run tomorrow or Friday. I didn’t realize how dependent I had become on running until I couldn’t do it anymore. Running = stress relief. Now? Stress relief = ??? I’m at a loss.

2) So, *apparently* people actually pay attention to the things I say. I’ve been thinking about this off and on lately because various people have come up to me and made comments on my past opinions/advice/musings. Today, in fact, someone just told me they took my advice. I was not aware that I had really given any advice of any sort, nor was I aware that people actually listen. How bizarre. There are often times when I just speak without really thinking (good? bad? indifferent? I guess it just depends on the scenario). I once told someone that I was impressed by the fact his apartment was vacuumed. The next time I went over, he apologized for the lack of vacuuming, especially since I had made note of it last time. I hadn’t really thought much about the comment as I was making. I had just noticed something and spoke accordingly. Now, I’m getting paranoid about the things I say to people. Will they remember? Will they think me odd (most likely)? Will they take advice that I didn’t mean to give to heart?

Dr. Phil (I know, hardly a credible resource) once said to a guest that if you knew how little people talked about you/thought about you, you really wouldn’t care what they think. I really internalized this statement. While we are all concerned, to a certain extent, what others think of us (some of us more so than others), it was comforting to have someone tell you that no one really cares. Now, I hear that people are listening? I guess it makes sense. I listen to the advice/opinions that others share with me. Although, I do not often spend time dwelling on them, or maybe I do. Maybe I’m overthinking things right now. Typical me.

(Note: Right now, someone just came up to me and articulated a fear that I was thinking about something that she had told me. The details really aren’t important; however, it just shows that people think about things/people/opinions/conversations far more than Dr. Phil knows. I really hadn’t thought much about our conversation. I was happy for the information that she provided me with, but I thought the conversation was over. I’ve since received a few emails. She’s still talking about it as I type. It’s kind of funny. )

3) I am beyond happy not to be writing exams right now.

Metablogging: Blogging about Blogging about Blogging about Blogging about Blogging about…

Blogging…This is the title that doesn’t end, yes it goes on and on my friend…

That’s right. I’m blogging about blogging. I don’t think this is anything new. Most of the blogs that I read regularly have self-aware authors who often comment on the state of their own blogs. How many times I can use the word “blog” or variations thereof before it becomes overwhelming? Let’s find out.

I just finished up an article on blogging content (i.e. what exactly does one blog about), and it got me thinking about the content on my own blog. When I began this blog, I had high hopes of sharing countless articles, links, and thoughts on technology and library-related information. Since then, my focus has shifted from the library community (probably since I do not work in a library on a full-time basis) to life more generally, my other job, and my assorted hobbies [Note: Yes, Claire. I am going to blog about running again]. I just finished recommending that people write what they know when it comes to developing solid blog content. I really believe that this is true if a blogger wants to gain and maintain an audience. Besides, often the posts that have nothing to do with anything (huh?) are the most entertaining. While it is important to consider one’s audience (after all, I do not want to put people to sleep and I would, ideally, like to appeal to wide readership with diverse interests), if I am not interested in the content and/or passionate about what I blog about, then I cannot expect others to feel the same way about my blog. That being said, I do not really expect anyone to feel passionate about my blog. I’ll go for moderately entertained, semi-interested, and quasi content with the current content being offered

Now, on to the good stuff and back to the lists that I can’t resists (yes, I know that grammatically incorrect):

1. I’m really into the running right now, almost obsessively. Okay, obsessively. I’m currently training for the Forest City Road Races 10k and the Ottawa Race Weekend 10k, both in May. I had THE BEST run on Sunday EVER!!! I broke through a wall and would have been happy to run forever. The run today was good, but not as long, so I did not have the opportunity to see if the same thing would happen. I’m starting to find the right balance of food and water before a run, so we shall see how the training goes from here. After some solid advice from my pal the Renegade Librarian, I iced my knees and am happy to report minimal knee pain.

2. The onset of nice weather makes me want to read more often. I am already picturing a lovely summer spent lounging on my balcony, good book in hand, whilst sipping iced tea.

3. I am now sleepy. It is late, and I would LOVE to continue this list, but I have to be up particularly early tomorrow morning. Trust me, you wouldn’t like me when I’m sleep deprived. I might not turn green, but my personality while on sleep deprivation leaves something to be desired.

G’night! Zzzzzzz

P.S. Just as I went to publish this post, I realized that WordPress has been changing features slightly. *sigh* Now I need to take the time to figure out how to use these new (and I’m sure *very helpful*) features. Also, for those of you who spent hours watching Lamb Chop’s Play Along!

Misc.

I am currently avoiding doing dishes while waiting for students to email me. Why am I sitting up at 10:30pm on a Wednesday night waiting for these students? Probably because I am a sucker, but also because there are times at which I had late-night questions and just wished my professor was around. Therefore, I wait. I told them I would wait until 11pm. So far, I have responded to 10 emails. I’m trying to be one of those accessible and overly helpful teachers. I’ll let you know how that works out.
In other news, wait a sec…I don’t have any. I’m trying to think of tales from work to share, but I’ve got nadda. No weird bathroom incidents, no acts of ostensible morality, no lessons gone particularly awry. Although, today I was introduced (via a presentation) to Joel-Peter Witkin.

I do not think I *get* some forms of art. A lot of his work is done with corpses. So, upon first glance, it looks like the person is alive, but really no. Apparently, he has been known to sew bodies together and such to create his art. I’m unsettled, but I cannot look away. Is this art? I do not know, but there is a certain appealing shock value in seeing images of death trust before us so pointedly, as the presenters indicated. Just thought I’d share. You’re welcome?

Next time: something a little less unsettling…

Happy April Fools’ Day or Why I Shouldn’t Write Poems

May your jokes and pranks be funny

And not too cruel.

May today not find you being called

An April Fool.

He found his aroma lacked a certain appeal…

I had “Hakuna Matata” stuck in my head. Really, there’s no follow up to that line. Aside from a little skunk and smell of the not-so-sweet Thames river in the air, there’s nothing too mysterious afoot…or anose…oh god…that was not funny. 

Today was one of the first days that it really seemed like spring. It was warm, and it still is with only a promise of more warm weather tomorrow. I saw someone wearing sandals in the bathroom today. It’s warm but not THAT warm. This bring me to my very short story for the evening. Jess, you ask, don’t you get tired of blogging about work? Nope.

So, I wandered into the bathroom after far too much coffee. I walked in and I heard the water, just turned on full blast whilst someone was in one of the stalls. My coworkers had told me of this phenomenon before, but I had never really witnessed it.  Girls go into the bathroom and before entering the stall either turn on the water or the hand dryers. *Hint* Everyone knows what you’re doing in there—maybe not EXACTLY what you’re doing, but we know. All I could think is what a waste of good water. I promptly finished up and turned off the tap on my out. Am I mean? Maybe. Ridiculous.