Writing:

A few weeks ago, right when I started the new job, there was a discussion about writing over at Confessions of a Mad Librarian. I really enjoy reading Eli as she is very thought-provoking, insightful, and willing to discuss what she posts about. In the discussion, I mentioned how important I think it is to have a support/critique group when you are writing. The support aspect is extremely important because, and I'm quoting myself, "Writing is a solitary pursuit. It doesn't have to be a lonely one." The critique part is also important becuase others, who are not as close to your work as you, will be better able to point out inconsistencies, spelling errors that spell check misses, and areas that you can beef up your argument.

During the discussion, the NMRT writers list was mentioned, but I'm not sure if that is an active list. Is it because people are not aware of it? Is its perceived value so little? Do people not join because they are not members of NMRT?

I guess what I'm really curious about, and since part of TYL's mission to provide opportunities for people wanting to get their feet wet with writing, would a new listserv for people writing in the LIS field be welcome, useful, not duplicating efforts already out there? Let me know what you think.

Oh, and the job's going fine, just getting used to commuting in a car :)

Ruminating:

Well, I think that my first week has gone well overall. I'm really happy with the position, like the people I'm working with, and I feel like I'm finally settling into the profession. Validation of quitting my first job to go back for the degree is mine.

I will say that I hadn't fully realized how much I'd want to avoid my computer when I got home though. I figure that it's just part of the adjustment to a new routine. Well, that and that it's become apparent that I have to scrounge up the money for a new computer within the next two months or so. I've taken the weekend to catch up on some things that I've let fall by the wayside this week. I'm happy to say that I'm almost done with phase one of the one project and should finish phase two tomorrow. Yeah me! LOL. This week has also reinforced lessons that I've learned before, but tend to forget. Mainly, I am not Superwoman and that starting a new job, though very positive, is very stressful and will suck your energy right on out of you. Plan for that.

On another note, I am definitely not going to make the ALA annual conference this year, but am hoping to fit in BookExpo America. Anyone else thinking of coming to Chicago for it?

International follow-up:

From Heather on Nexgenlib-l, this is for people under 31.

CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange - Work Abroad

New job:

Just a reminder that I'm starting my new job tomorrow, so I'm going to lay low while I get my bearings there. I will update if something catches my interest :D

International interest?:

For those with a taste to travel and experience other cultures, you might want to check out doing a job exchange with someone. LIBEX is not a placement service, merely a clearinghouse of requests from others also interested in doing an exchange.

LIBEX - international job exchanges

~Thanks to Fiona Bradley from Nexgenlib-l.

Project Management:

In grad school, I took a class on web design that was only roughly 50% about web design. The other half of the course was about project management. I'm so glad I took that course (other than the fact that the idea of CSS finally gelled for me) because the only reason I'm not going completely insane right now is that I've got all of the projects on my plate appropriately scheduled over the next few months. Padding the time estimate is key, though. Also, so is having a calendar big enough to write down everything you need to do and any notes.

Just a reminder, I'm always looking for articles. Anyone have one they want to share? Contact me!