Information Loading
a post for thoughts and questions
Information Loading is a series of blurbs about things I’m thinking and/or questions I’m asking.
Each time I prepare to write this series, I inevitably think of one of my former bosses, Joel Klaassen. Joel wrote a newspaper column for the Hillsboro Free Press called Partly Nonsense. When I first started my own monthly opinion column for the Free Press, I modeled it after Joel — sharing bits and pieces of life, thoughts and ideas in blurb form. I eventually found my own stride and wrote Lipstick & Pearls for over 10 years. Joel and the paper’s other co-owner (and my editor/boss) Don gave me space to learn and grow, and I’m thankful for it.
I’ve decided that following the public school calendar with older kids is a full time job. I’m currently waiting on my paycheck and benefits.
As I scrolled Instagram earlier today, I came across an unwelcome sight — a line of possible AI accounts for me to “chat” with. This is not something I have requested to be on my timeline, nor is it something I want to participate in. The so-called profile photos were disturbingly clad and not something I was prepared to see in a curation of home design, books, thrifting, theology and crafts. My recent long-form piece called I’m No Gambler talked about a psychological downfall of social media that I’ve fallen prey to over the years, much like someone addicted to slot machines. The social media experience has become increasingly negative, thanks in large part to unmonitored algorithms. And this most recent IG experience felt cringy and exploitive. Brazen. How much more will it take for me to throw up my hands and pull the plug?
Last week I completed two grant proposals for the library I work for. It’s always shocking for me to see the price tags on quality library shelving. We’re not a big (or wealthy) library, and the hope of grant money keeps otherwise out-of-reach dreams alive.
At the risk of being boo-ed into a snow bank, I’m loving this winter weather. We’ve had snow on the ground for 2.5 weeks, which feels unheard of in KS! It’s led to extra reading time with the family, which is a cozy bonus.
What have you been thinking lately?
Having lived in a climate without snow for 65 years, I am now loving the snow!! I understand the issues it presents for some (sorry my dearest Caryl) but for me, the beauty outweighs the problems. We have been blessed to have a neighbor and family "dig us out" as well as do our grocery shopping for us. So I've been able to sit at my window, in awe of the beautiful landscape before me from the comfort of my home. I've learned to dress in multiple layers and walk "like a penguin". If it's going to be this cold there might as well be snow!
I've not been so happy with this snow, mostly because it was proceeded with ice. For old people like me, I didn't go anywhere, it was dangerous and that I did not enjoy. Then my family was here from California and we were unable to get together as often as we would have wished.
It was beautiful, however. But now the drifts are covered with black dirt where the city has had to make it possible to drive. I'm glad it's melting.