Maps #34

I actually was first introduced to the idea of geocaching when a patron wanted a book to read on the subject. He seemed very content as he left the library with his copies of Geocaching for Dummies and the Essential Handbook of Geocaching.

For our discovery exercise, I searched within a 10 mile radius of an area close to work (77375) and found a location at Epps and Pine Street. It was called the "Tomball Museum Center". The coordinates were: N 30° 05.989 W 095° 37.170
UTM: 15R E 247564 N 3332741.

The URL is:
tomball museum center

The only additional clue was that the cache was in the courtyard by the cabin in a tree.

This looks like such a fun place to explore, so I plan to visit this place when I get a chance. It has a lot of historical and educational value about the area.

Maps #33

Activity 1:
I actually used these websites when I was planning to relocate in October of last year. Apartments.com is my favorite. I found the satellite and hybrid views very useful so I could determine how close I would be to shopping, work and restaurants. The virtual view option is a helpful tool to see the grounds and inside the apartment layout before ever visiting a facility. My apartment complex has disability access and allows pets so it appeals to a greater population than some complexes.

I also have used apartmentratings.com to read the evaluations other renters made about the apartments where they lived. I have found and lived in 2 apt complexes using this website. I found the information to be quite accurate.

Walk Score is an interesting website and accurate as to the location and distance of all that is available from my apartment. However, since I am on a highway and it is under construction right now, it is somewhat unrealistic to think I would actually be able to walk to all the sites that were mentioned.

Activity 2:

I found a new apartment on Apartment.com. I liked Apartment.com better than Apartment finder. Apartment Guide shows a more limited number of apts specific to my area than the other 2 sites.

Our Town does not have my specific location listed; it has only Houston in general. It is not as helpful as Walk Score. Walk Score has: 8 grocery stores, 8 restaurants and coffee shops, 8 movie theatres, 1 daycare, 1 junior high, 1 high school, 1 elementary, l Christian school, 1 private school, 4 parks, 6 branch libraries and 8 bookstores. Most important of all, it showed me 8 clothing and shoe stores. Can't live without those!!!

Maps #32

Activity #1: I loved the "100 things to do with Google Maps".
My search was in answer to the question: I need to know where all the libraries are close to my home. How do I find them? From the list, I chose Find a US or Canadian Library and searched by zip code. I found 20 libraries within a 50 mile radius from my home. I could really feed my reading habit with no challenge at all.


Activity #2: I have just finished reading a mystery that was about Buckingham Palace. I got really excited about the Terra Server website that allows aerial views of historic sights. I wanted to see Buckingham Palace via an aerial site, but either the site was down or not working well. It seems like a good idea, but was somewhat disappointing. For anyone interested, here is the website
Terra Server

Map #31

View Larger Map


I live in 3 places right now. I divide my time between the city, the country and out of state. When I look at this map, I see how diverse my life is. It satisfies my restless nature.

One of the suggestions in the exercise was to show places where our ancestors have lived. Although I did not use the map in this way,I thought it was an excellent idea. I am a genealogy buff so any tools to organize my ancestry search and display their migration patterns are very useful.

I would be lost(no pun intended) without Mapquest and Google Maps. I assist patrons daily in navigating around the city using mapping programs.

Spring Cleaning #30

DON'T GO THERE!!!!!

I have been with HCPL for less than one year, so I started right away to set up folders as I created documents. I have since taken the time to clean up my Z: drive a bit, but there really was not any file that was very old anyway. I must admit this training has also helped my organizational skills tremendously.

I think the P: drive and the S: drive are two of the greatest tool we have. They allow us the opportunity to share documents with each other, but also keep the original in our private Z: drive to protect it. The S: drive is one I use a lot since it is the method for having documents printed by administration.

Now if I can just find my grocery list...no, I promise it is not on my P: drive.

Spring Cleaning #29 - Email

I already have a personal email account. I agree that it is a great idea to not mix work with personal email. I keep it separated easily because I do not give my personal email address to work associates and I do not give my work email to friends.

I am going to start using the four action steps regarding my HCPL email, which are to reply immediately, delete the message, forward - when appropriate, or file in the appropriate folder. What a simple process if I keep up with it as I go.

For now in my email account, I have my folders set up, my address book in order and all the old emails either deleted or filed appropriately. It's like having all the laundry done, the house vacuumed and supper is on the table.

Whew!! what a good feeling. But now,I think I need a Starbucks and some chocolate, of course.

Spring Cleaning # 28

GTD sounds interesting and new ideas are always great. I think I will just keep writing my lists, creating my folders, taking notes in minutes and maybe someday I will try something new. It seems to work for me.

It’s all about being organized in my life, whether I am at home or at work. I appreciate the ability to “grab and run” so to speak. Grab the appropriate folder, notes, information, lists and run to the meeting. Click on the appropriate folder online and print out one or two items pertinent to the meeting I am attending or the project I am working on.

I make lots of to-do lists and love throwing them away when those tasks are complete. I have my grocery list in an Excel program with every possible item available just to be checked off as needed. I got the idea from my adult daughters who lead very hectic, busy lives.

I did branch out a bit and open a “Remember the milk” account. Now that’s progress, isn’t it?