RSS

My goodness this RSS thing got me all of a lather. It doesn't help that its name includes "really simple'. Nor did it help that bloglines kept coming back with a not available screen. However I think I finally have it - with a selection of feeds I have little time to follow!

I see the value - back to the old days of SDI in a way. However I am already suffering information overload and worry if this will make things worse. On the other hand, selective usage could help the library keep on top of new trends. And personally, I like the idea of having the weather forecast and CBC happenings right at my fingertips.

The gym

So, I am still going to the gym after work - every day except Wednesday, when I went to hear Paul Gross instead (which was very good for the eyes and the soul!). Yoga class happens tomorrow again - I hope I won't be as stiff and sore this time. I meet with the trainer on Sunday so we'll see how I do this week.

I've upped my speed and intensity on the treadmill every day that I have gone this week; then I totter home on foot (abiout fifteen minutes) rather than cross the street and wait for a bus. I can honestly say it's enjoyable. I take a different exit out of the subway - one that doesn't lead to the feeder bus, and is close to the gym. I was much later leaving work yesterday than I had intended, so my resolve was very weak as I came off the train. But my feet automatically turned to the other exit rather than the bus stop exit so I figured they were telling me they wanted to get on the treadmill.

Of course I want immediate indications of better fitness etc but it doesn't work like that, so for now I am concentrating on the fact that I do feel better afterwards.

Now I want an iPod so that I can enjoy music instead of having to watch close captioned CNN as I stride away on the treadmill.

New Year's Resolutions

I've joined a gym. My muscles are still in shock I think. I didn't realize yoga was so hard - I hope I improve quickly. Although terrified of the machines I actually found myself enjoying a couple of them. But then the trainer put me on the lightest weights. We meet again this week to do more. He was very pleasant and encouraging, and the place was quiet- only a couple of super-toned bodies in evidence and everyone minded their own business. But oh, who knew how good a warm shower can feel afterwards?

Crit Stuart

I'm really looking forward to working with Crit Stuart today and tomorrow. We had a very enjoyable first discussion over dinner last night. I'm so glad that Bob suggested we invite him to talk to us at Ryerson. I can tell that his background and style will fit very well with Ryerson culture.

Crit created the ARL Learning Space Pre-Programming Tool Kit. Having him here, knowing that the Student Learning Centre planning committees are soon to be launched, and seeing the active demolition of the Sam's suite brings the dream of our new space much more into focus. Exciting thoughts for chilly days!

Distractions

Outside my office, all day every day for the past few days, are two students, one male, one female, who are hawking hot chocolate, shouting for custom in voices reminiscent of nails on blackboards. I know what I'd like to do with their hot chocolate.

On the bright side, it is getting much colder so maybe they'll give up the racket and go indoors.

Reality check

First day back from vacation and the reality of another busy semester is hitting me fast.

I have learned that I'm not as infallible as I thought - I have always been a very careful and aware traveller but thieves are very sophisticated and often work in pairs. Guy 1 pushed in front of me in the bus line and engaged the driver in conversation, while preventing me from passing. Meanwhile Guy 2 was carefully extracting my wallet and its contents from inside a shoulder bag which was tucked under my arm. I still can't believe it. By the time I got back to Canada the Police had written to me to close the file for lack of evidence. So what about all the CCTV cameras which are absolutely everywhere in London? Too much crime about to deal with little things like this. No little thing for me though - all my identity gone in an instant.