Saturday, August 9, 2008

Three New Things Last Week

After assessing my recent book-buying binge and becoming filled with self-loathing (and stacks of books), I decided to find my old library card and begin to get books out of the library more often, rather than buying them.

I confess that I haven't been to the library in a long time; it was one of my summer haunts, as a child. I'd go back every two weeks for a new armload, and take them home to read in between trips to the lake and (when forced to stay home) afternoons running through the sprinkler.

But I didn't just find my library card. I also discovered how to ask for a book on the Internet. I requested three books that have been in the back of my mind for awhile. Just yesterday, I was notified that the first one, The Faith Club, had come in.

Next I googled something my sister told me about a long time ago, something call Pandora. I have, in just the last week, created about six radio stations I can listen to while I waste time at the computer.

Finally, in the wee hours of Thursday evening (or was it Friday morning), I created a Facebook account. My cousin (the one who visited with his seven children) emailed me and sent me some family pictures. He said, "Are you on Facebook?" "No," I answered. He emailed right back, "It's easy," and provided me with the link. The rest -- is history.

I have 22 friends so far. I was pretty proud of this.

Then I discovered that my stepson has 346.

Little by little, I'm being dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century.

But what is all this about Twitter?

12 comments:

Fran said...

This is great. I have to check out Pandora.

And I am sucked in completely by Facebook.

Twitter- it is lost on me and I am a social networking... well I won't use that word on a nice blog like this. It rhymes with bore.

I tried it but I just don't get it really.

Lori said...

I'm still trying to fit blogging in!

Do not tempt me with any more you modern woman,wild tecno temptress, you! (though that Pandora looks quite doable.......)

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

Congrats on making use of your library. I should use the library more often, but ours is on a reduced schedule. It isn't open on Friday, which is the day I would most often go. It also doesn't open on Sundays, and it's a small library to boot. (moan, moan, moan.) I have, however, figured out how to access their article databases from my house, which is a huge help in my research.

I've decided not to Twitter because I think it would just be a big distraction / time waster during my work day. (My computer is my office.)

I should check out Pandora sometime though.

Lori said...

I have now contradicted myself and opened a Facebook account and have NO idea what I'm doing.

Should be fun.

Hot Cup Lutheran said...

facebook... you brave woman! you go girl!! i have all i can handle right here...

libraries *sigh* what a treat!

LoieJ said...

I have facebook. I find it good only to keep track of my kids' friends. It is the pitts on dial up internet.

Anonymous said...

welcome to facebook/crackbook.

Diane M. Roth said...

PG -- we can be friends!

p.s. I don't know what I'm doing, either -- but I'm learning.

Pastor Eric said...

Welcome to Facebook. I have re-connected with most of my seminary friends and classmates. It's been great.

Facebook has also been a great ministry tool for me. My wife says that just an excuse, but it is really true.

Billie Greenwood said...

Great post. We mature people need to help each other keep up with the times.

Can I be your Facebook friend?

Wormwood's Doxy said...

We were twittering from the International AIDS Conference---it was a quick and easy way to let people know when U.S. delegates were presenting their papers.

Other than that, I'm still not sure what I would use it for...

I wish I could use our public library---but it's so bad that I would never be able to get anything worth reading in a timely way. Sigh.

Pax,
Doxy

Lindy said...

I used to live acorss the street form the Library of Congress, the Madison Building. In winter I'd just cross the street and tunnnel to my own office by going under the library. I used to sometimes think about all that information being so close. Or I would think about whether or not to get a yogurt on my way to work... great minds you know.

All other libraries have been a little disappointing since then. But, I do find them quiet (generally) respites in an otherwise noisy world.

I think I am on FaceBook too but I don't konw how to get to my page. I am not overly concerned about this. Still, if you find it sign up to be my friend, OK?