June 18, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

  It seems like I have been talking about education with a lot of people lately - public education (which has lots of problems right now), home-schooling (good option if it works for you) and university (what is my main focus these days).

   Sometimes we have to take a course or learn something, not because the material is relevant or applicable, but because it is an opportunity to learn something new and give our brains a workout.

   Sometimes we actually get to study something that no only makes sense, but is applicable to our lives, jobs, career or interests.  Such is the case with my graduate degree courses.  Each and every one has had some practical application to my library job, either in terms of improving tasks I already do, or in introducing me to new tasks and methods that make the job so much easier.

   While formal education is important, no matter what level you participate in, informal (just for fun) learning is important too.  We are surrounded by opportunities to explore and find out more about the various things around us.  When was the last time you picked up a book on a topic you knew nothing about?  Or talked to someone about their hobby, a hobby which you have no experience in?  Lifelong learning is a lifelong habit. 

Beth

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June 4, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   I am a fan of "Anne of Green Gables."  If you are too, you will remember Anne's neighbour, Rachel Lynn.  The best line that Mrs. Lynn ever uttered, in my estimation, was "You are never safe from surprises until you're dead."  I believe that is very true.

   It all started back in April, when my laptop (which I use to put this publication together) decided to experience difficulties with the screen.  Not a huge problem...I just borrowed, and plugged in, a monitor for the duration until the necessary part was ordered. 

   Then, my modem and internet connection decided to go on the fritz.  Now that caused me a little bit more concern as most of my contributions come in email form, and I have to access the internet for further information.  Again, not the end of the world, I was able to access my emails at the library and forward them to a friend who very nicely downloaded the articles and photos to a CD so I could use them.  It resulted in a little more ingenuity on my part, but I was able to get out the second issue in May without too many headaches.

   Just when I thought life was going to return to normal as the part arrived to fix all my computer woes, it was discovered that I had more serious hardware problems than first anticipated...and I ended up without my computer for a week while they tried to do something about it.  End result...I needed a new machine and I just didn't have time to fit that into my already busy life as it was time for yet another issue of the paper to come out.

   Hold onto your seat cause it gets better!  My online graduate course began on June 1st...which requires a computer with a working modem and internet connection.  I wasn't too worried until, SURPRISE!, my course was changed to a ONE (very intensive) month course due to scheduling conflicts. Now things were starting to get a little hairy!!

   Life is not always a smooth ride and we will be faced with many surprises...some good and some that don't seem so good at first glance.  We need to be flexible to bend with the winds of adversity and we also need to have the right attitude so that when these surprises occur, we are not overwhelmed or broken. 

   Are you bending with the wind? 

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bcq3kBP5eqSMoHq9ls0rrq46GGzvBi6F/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.