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!

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.

A Professor’s Version

The Renegade Librarian started it, and, as his dedicate friend, I follow…sort of. Thinking of my own seemed like too much time/work, but this came much easier

 

Ten Commandments for Students

1. Show up to class. I’m here, so you should be too. Yes, I know it’s 8am. Yes, I know you’re tired and/or hungover. Come to class. P.S. No you can’t have my lecture notes.
2. Discover coffee. It will help with number one (no pun intended—think about it).
3. Try. Really. Just try. You’re probably a bright person. Just put a little effort in. If we both try together, imagine the allegedly impossible. You might actually finish with an A+!
4. Show up with a pen/pencil and paper. Yes, I want you to take notes.
5. Questioning your teacher’s authority is never a good thing. He/she has worked hard to teach this class. Ask questions, challenge assumptions, beliefs, and arguments you can defend. No one likes a personal attack, and no one wins in those situations.
6. Go to the library. I am not just saying that because I’m a librarian. There are books there: good books and helpful books. Go! I want you to have well-researched papers, so I can give you the aforementioned A+.
7. Talk to your teachers. We like to know about your lives (with some limits). I want to see you succeed and like to hear about your academic endeavours.
8. Do the readings. This is not story time. We expect you to read. I will read to you on occasion. Why? Do I like the sound of my own voice? Yes, but also because reading is a fun way to explore specific ideas. Still—do the readings. You’ll like class a lot more.
9. Study for your tests! Enough said.
10. Be polite and communicate with professionalism. This is pre-job, life training. If you wouldn’t do it at work, don’t do it in class. If you wouldn’t say it to your boss, do not say it to your teacher.

Again with the sex…

So, I’m a teacher, right? I really shouldn’t write that in the form of a question. I am a teacher at a college. There we go. Most educational institutions have some form of election every year to decide on the student government who run such academic events as the “best buns” competition and guitar hero night (don’t get me wrong—I completely support guitar hero night, but the best buns? I like baked good as much as the next person, but, alas, that is not what is on display).

It’s that time of the year at the college. Students are running for president or something and vp of something else. Since I cannot vote, I play very little attention to position titles, but I do encourage my students to vote, using the old “don’t vote? don’t complain” speech. Anyway, there is a point, really.

In wandering around the college, I often glance around at the posters on the wall. Much to my horror/dismay I noticed a common problem with nearly all of the election posters. Grammatical problems, you ask? Yes. Of course. That’s expected. Okay…now I really what I’m going to say makes me sound like a prude, but almost every, single poster had some sort of sexualized theme. First of all: ICK! These are students—not my students, but they could be. One “clever” slogan read “ERECT So and So,” with the “R” scratched out and replaced with an “L.” Oh awesome! I will totally ERECT you. NO! Frig… Another one had a lovely cartoon condom…something about protection? I don’t know. I don’t care. Another featured a girl trying to look “sexy.” I’ll give you a hint…I would not be giving her a passing grade.

This is all to say that elections should be taken somewhat seriously, and it makes me sad to see that these are the people that we are training to go out in the workforce. I think it’s fantastic that students realize sex sells, but it’s an easy sell. Why not try to be wittier?