I am not a collector of any kind. It happens I just love old things. Coins are easy, small and exchangeable. It is not a lot of money to tuck away, so every time I run accross a different, unique one, I usually put it away, not thinking of the value of it thenor someday.
After reading this exercise and checked some of dealer web sites. I went home and took out the tin can contained my coin I have "collected" since I started earning. All the state quarters, dollar silver, Kennedy half dollar, nickels and dimes ... the oldest one I found is just a penny dated 1946. Hold it in my hand, think of what’s going on in that year. I can feel the history run in my head. I can see the small coin changed hand, from a woman tried to get some groceries, then a young boy paid for an ice cream to a man played with it by tossing it in the air while waiting for the bus one evening …
Pick another one, 1963, what's a year for the world we were living in .... Things happened here, the United States of America, or in my country, Viet Nam, half the world away but so closed, so linked to each other, so sad and so proud of each other in some way too.
That’s how I enjoyed them and became an casual coin "collector."
Friday, July 31, 2009
Crafts & Hobbies #64: Zines
I would not make my own zine. First I have no intend or subject to. Second, who does have that much time to spend, cheeeeeeez. I could understand if someone really like the subject, have a special interest, otherwise who would want to read on a continuing basis. I don't think it apply to me at this time.
Do zines have a place in the library? Surely it does. Libraries are about providing and sharing information. It would take a lot of time and effort involved, if a large collection is set. But if the customers are interest reading it, I don’t see why not have it in the Library.
Do zines have a place in the library? Surely it does. Libraries are about providing and sharing information. It would take a lot of time and effort involved, if a large collection is set. But if the customers are interest reading it, I don’t see why not have it in the Library.
Crafts & Hobbies #63: Digital Scrapbooking
I like the digital scrapbooking ideas after reviewing the video tutorial, then I created a lay out using their free on line program on Scapblog.com. I don’t have to register to do that but to be able saving my work, I had to register to do so. I haven't done it before but i don't think it's hard, just follow the instruction. The hard part was to find the free backgrounds and stickers.
I like the ideas of making greeting,recipe cards or invitations ...
I have tried Crop Mom or Scrapbook Flair, it was a lot of fun to play around.
My thoughts on digital scrapbooking: It is fun and I really like it. I like the idea of keeping stuff stored online, you can open it when and wherever you go and want to.
I like the ideas of making greeting,recipe cards or invitations ...
I have tried Crop Mom or Scrapbook Flair, it was a lot of fun to play around.
My thoughts on digital scrapbooking: It is fun and I really like it. I like the idea of keeping stuff stored online, you can open it when and wherever you go and want to.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Crafts & Hobbies #62: Decoupage
I have done some decoupage projects before. At the Sunday School I used to be a part, we make lanterns for special occasions like August Full Moon Festival or X'mas. I use this technique to separate images I want to show. Another time I put all of the grandchildren pictures into one picture and framed it as a gift for my mother on the Mother Day. I was very pleased with this project but nothing as fancy as they show on Flikr. It's amazing! I like the work they have done on stones, plates, boxes ... (somethings you always have extra lay aroud the house.) Then comes to personal things as key chains, picture frames, pen holders or jewelry as ear rings, pendants ... well, the sky is the limited.
I like Etsy site, it's where you can buy and sell the finished products. It does have a blog too where you can learn and share how to do … things.
Last but not least, HGTV is a very popular TV channel and a website with all great ideas and projects in the world. Believe me, you never run out of things to do, only time and money you will be running out before you know it. Been there and done that.
I like Etsy site, it's where you can buy and sell the finished products. It does have a blog too where you can learn and share how to do … things.
Last but not least, HGTV is a very popular TV channel and a website with all great ideas and projects in the world. Believe me, you never run out of things to do, only time and money you will be running out before you know it. Been there and done that.
Crafts & Hobbies #61: Craftspiration!
1) I am not a scraftbooking person even I have always enjoyed creating things. I have checked out a few websites listed. Some is very interested.
Pimp Stich: I like to try thr Add fabric to an Embroidery Pattern or Crochet an ornament (they do have some X'mas pattern I really like.
Instructables is not a craft site ideas but it has the most appealing thing to me. It is a DIY, Do It Yourself, for both men and women. Things like how to make jewelry out of a flash drive or brew your own beer...
Repurposeful is a forum (to me) where we can share craft ides, tips of making a new from old things (recycling) such as old clothe to new apron, using pillow case to clean ceiling fan or extra marsmallow for impromtu cupcake icing ...
2) Looked at the websites in the multimedia section, learning a craft by watching a video would be a lot easier to me. Writen instructions, they are confusing and hard to follow in my opinion.
3) Overall, this crafting section was very interesting. I personally don't use much but I think it can be a great, helpful tool for many "scraftbookers" out there.
Pimp Stich: I like to try thr Add fabric to an Embroidery Pattern or Crochet an ornament (they do have some X'mas pattern I really like.
Instructables is not a craft site ideas but it has the most appealing thing to me. It is a DIY, Do It Yourself, for both men and women. Things like how to make jewelry out of a flash drive or brew your own beer...
Repurposeful is a forum (to me) where we can share craft ides, tips of making a new from old things (recycling) such as old clothe to new apron, using pillow case to clean ceiling fan or extra marsmallow for impromtu cupcake icing ...
2) Looked at the websites in the multimedia section, learning a craft by watching a video would be a lot easier to me. Writen instructions, they are confusing and hard to follow in my opinion.
3) Overall, this crafting section was very interesting. I personally don't use much but I think it can be a great, helpful tool for many "scraftbookers" out there.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Money & Finance #59: Credit, Money Management, and Saving
1) After reading "How credit scores work" and taking the quiz ( my score was 90%,) even I already know it's affected everything in life, but it's still surprise how much what is linked to the score. Recently I put a new car loan application at my bank and learn about my score in the low 800/850. I got the best interest rate available. I guess all careful planning and on time paying bill are really paid off.
2) I created an Excel spread sheet to record all daily and monthly expenses. I found it easy to track down how much money in and where does it go. Having my mortgage, emergency, retirement and investment funds automatic draft, it leaves me.... what I have to work with. I don't have any problem with it at all.
3) I am not a county employee so I cannot participate in the TCDRS. Read thru it, I think it's a good plan, it guarantees 7% on return no matter how up or down market is. Very steady! This will make a lot easier when you sit down and plan your retirement.
2) I created an Excel spread sheet to record all daily and monthly expenses. I found it easy to track down how much money in and where does it go. Having my mortgage, emergency, retirement and investment funds automatic draft, it leaves me.... what I have to work with. I don't have any problem with it at all.
3) I am not a county employee so I cannot participate in the TCDRS. Read thru it, I think it's a good plan, it guarantees 7% on return no matter how up or down market is. Very steady! This will make a lot easier when you sit down and plan your retirement.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Money & Finance #58: Banking, Budgeting, and Spending
1) I have used banking on line for a while now and I like it very much. At my bank, Houston Federal Credit Union, I get it free of charge because I have an automatic directly deposited. With banking on line, I can check my account and pay my bill at anytime and anywhere I want. I even can set up a routine bank draft such as an investment or mortgage. I believe the bank has a way to keep us safe and secure. I feel ok with banking on line.
2) I used Mint.com to plan a budget and checked on my credit report for a few years. I even used Mint.com to keep track with my investment, it let me know am I on track with my plan or I need to diversify more. I created an Excel spread sheet for my every day spending or compare month to month utilities. So far everything works fine and I am on top of it. I have checked some of the recommended web site but I get used to with what I do, I understand the concept so it saves me time.
3) I understand we need to save but don’t be too greedy, it make life no fun. As long as I am not going over budget, I am ok. I think if I am willing to work for what i want, I deserve it. I am not in debt and still have extra to give away, a healthy and comfy life style, it’s acceptable.
2) I used Mint.com to plan a budget and checked on my credit report for a few years. I even used Mint.com to keep track with my investment, it let me know am I on track with my plan or I need to diversify more. I created an Excel spread sheet for my every day spending or compare month to month utilities. So far everything works fine and I am on top of it. I have checked some of the recommended web site but I get used to with what I do, I understand the concept so it saves me time.
3) I understand we need to save but don’t be too greedy, it make life no fun. As long as I am not going over budget, I am ok. I think if I am willing to work for what i want, I deserve it. I am not in debt and still have extra to give away, a healthy and comfy life style, it’s acceptable.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Pot Luck #57: TXT U L8R - Texting
Texting. It’s sure a new generation thing but it doesn't limit anyone, I think. I have done that.... many times to my kids and close friends. Usually I keep it's short, just want to say hi, happy b-day!, ... or some needed message and you have no way to write it down such as a phone number, an appointment date and time ... so simple like that, I do not use silly text as in Lingo 2 Word. Most of the phone has a preset message and it let you presetting yourself too.
One time while riding a bus to downtown, I play catch-up with my son by texting. You don't want to talk private in public, and time sitting on the bus can be long to ... forever. I'm so glad to have a way to make the trip shorter and the same time spending with people you love.
About texting while driving (even talking on the phone) I definitely against it. It’s not just danger to you but to somebody else as well. I do hope people realize it and be smart to not doing it, keeping the road safer.
One time while riding a bus to downtown, I play catch-up with my son by texting. You don't want to talk private in public, and time sitting on the bus can be long to ... forever. I'm so glad to have a way to make the trip shorter and the same time spending with people you love.
About texting while driving (even talking on the phone) I definitely against it. It’s not just danger to you but to somebody else as well. I do hope people realize it and be smart to not doing it, keeping the road safer.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
#56: To Tweet or Not To Tweet...Twitter
Accordingly to Wikipedia, Twitter is a Micro-blogging which is a form of multimedia blogging that allows users to send brief text updates or micro media such as photos or audio clips and publish them, either to be viewed by anyone or by a restricted group which can be chosen by the user.
And from Twitter:
Twitter: a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?
Twitter glossary has words like:
Twaiting: twittering while waiting
Tweeple: Twitter users
Twitterati: Glamorous A-List twitterers everyone wants to follow.
Twellow, Twitter Elite, Twitip …
You get the picture. It’s a new language,(at least to me.) Sound kind of cute, silly and fun. But I don’t see myself “Tweet” at all. I did not see any use for it. It’s just another way to communicate, socialize ... on-line from people who have so much free time and don’t know what else to do.
I looked at “celebrity tweet,” I wonder how much is really true. Some more search, here and there ... and I decide I will pass ... twitting.
And from Twitter:
Twitter: a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?
Twitter glossary has words like:
Twaiting: twittering while waiting
Tweeple: Twitter users
Twitterati: Glamorous A-List twitterers everyone wants to follow.
Twellow, Twitter Elite, Twitip …
You get the picture. It’s a new language,(at least to me.) Sound kind of cute, silly and fun. But I don’t see myself “Tweet” at all. I did not see any use for it. It’s just another way to communicate, socialize ... on-line from people who have so much free time and don’t know what else to do.
I looked at “celebrity tweet,” I wonder how much is really true. Some more search, here and there ... and I decide I will pass ... twitting.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
#55: Getting the Most Out of Facebook
Sign up for a FaceBook account were very easy. The minute I’ve done, my three children pictures popped up. They made me laughed. Next thing I knew was one of my daughters accepted me as “friend.”
Next search took me to a few more of familiar names and faces; they are cousins, nieces and nephews from other states (Massachusetts, California …) in foreign countries as close as Canada, Puerto Rico … or as far as VietNam, Australia …
Using Find More, it surprised me to... a thread "Uong" union. I have a very unique last name; it's only come from one tiny village in the north of VietNam. If your last name (or your mother last name) is Uong and you are Vietnamese (there are some Korean, Chinese... with the same last name) we must be related some way. Only today, we have to introduce ourselves like: my father is … my mother is … or maybe stretch up to my grandfather …, my great grandfather … Through this thread I learned these "Uong" are all ages and from all over places. Everyone was so excited to learn about the other "Uong" from the other world.
I added flair to my account then to find it was a hard decision for what to add, I don't intend to visit every day. It’s really a fun and adventured experience.
FaceBook is just another social web site, I don't think I have time to spend now but I will keep my Facebook account open, perhaps visit it once a while, to check on union page (?) May be I will find it useful someday.
Next search took me to a few more of familiar names and faces; they are cousins, nieces and nephews from other states (Massachusetts, California …) in foreign countries as close as Canada, Puerto Rico … or as far as VietNam, Australia …
Using Find More, it surprised me to... a thread "Uong" union. I have a very unique last name; it's only come from one tiny village in the north of VietNam. If your last name (or your mother last name) is Uong and you are Vietnamese (there are some Korean, Chinese... with the same last name) we must be related some way. Only today, we have to introduce ourselves like: my father is … my mother is … or maybe stretch up to my grandfather …, my great grandfather … Through this thread I learned these "Uong" are all ages and from all over places. Everyone was so excited to learn about the other "Uong" from the other world.
I added flair to my account then to find it was a hard decision for what to add, I don't intend to visit every day. It’s really a fun and adventured experience.
FaceBook is just another social web site, I don't think I have time to spend now but I will keep my Facebook account open, perhaps visit it once a while, to check on union page (?) May be I will find it useful someday.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
#53 Books, Readers, and Beyond
1) I looked online to find there are more bookstores than I thought in my area, Tomball. I choose three places where I was a regular visitor before I came to work at the library.
- Book land used book is on the way I go to work, with no web site available but it’s a neat and organized place.
- Book attic is close to where I live, which have a fun and colorful web site: http://www.thebookattic.org
- Copperfield’s book shop is next to my eye doctor’s office, with no web site available but it’s a great book store with a very warm, welcome atmosphere. Its owners are knowledgeable about books and can give very helful suggestions (if you're going to need one.)
2) The web site of Book Attic was taking too long to load. I gave it up after several tried. Lately I've bought quite a few "things" from Anmazon.com so I decided to look up The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. There it is in all forms:
- Hard cover from $19.77
- Paperback from $9.75
- Auto-delivered wirelessly from $9.75
- Audio Download from $20.97
- Audio CD from $30.36
Whew ....
3) I absolutely dislike an e-book. I might use it for a quick reference but no way I'm going to enjoy reading on screen, my eyes will get tired and give me a headache. I love to hold the book in my hand, specially an old book; it’s made me feel like holding a history. I just got to feel it.
- Book land used book is on the way I go to work, with no web site available but it’s a neat and organized place.
- Book attic is close to where I live, which have a fun and colorful web site: http://www.thebookattic.org
- Copperfield’s book shop is next to my eye doctor’s office, with no web site available but it’s a great book store with a very warm, welcome atmosphere. Its owners are knowledgeable about books and can give very helful suggestions (if you're going to need one.)
2) The web site of Book Attic was taking too long to load. I gave it up after several tried. Lately I've bought quite a few "things" from Anmazon.com so I decided to look up The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. There it is in all forms:
- Hard cover from $19.77
- Paperback from $9.75
- Auto-delivered wirelessly from $9.75
- Audio Download from $20.97
- Audio CD from $30.36
Whew ....
3) I absolutely dislike an e-book. I might use it for a quick reference but no way I'm going to enjoy reading on screen, my eyes will get tired and give me a headache. I love to hold the book in my hand, specially an old book; it’s made me feel like holding a history. I just got to feel it.
#52 Books, readers and beyond
1) Using Novelist Plus, I looked up the read-alike for Jan Austen. Its suggested as Joan Aiken, Georgette Heyer … then come to Fiction_L Booklist and What should I read next? Both sites recommended Darcy’s Story by Janet Aylmer, Mr Darcy’s Daughter by Elizabeth Aston ….
2) I used Mid-Continent Public Library's Juvenile Series and Sequels database stories, I found Socks by Beverly Cleary and Project Panda by Amanda Lumry for the girl in 4th grade. For the 13 year old boy’s ghost stories, I found Ghost Hunt Series by Shiho Inada and Haunting of Alaizabel Cray by Chris Wooding. I also found Hungry Ghosts by Ellen Steiber from the series of X-File .
3) For the customer who has read all of Koontz's books, using What Should I Read Next?, I would suggest Iris Johansen or F. Paul Wilson; using Novelist Plus, I found Greg Bear and John Saul also.
4) According to the What's Next website, this Tamora Pierce book is the first book in the Song of the Lioness series. The whole series is as follows:
Book 1 Alanna: the First Adventure
Book 2 In the Hand of the Goddess
Book 3 Woman who Rides like a Man
Book 4 Lioness Rampant.
2) I used Mid-Continent Public Library's Juvenile Series and Sequels database stories, I found Socks by Beverly Cleary and Project Panda by Amanda Lumry for the girl in 4th grade. For the 13 year old boy’s ghost stories, I found Ghost Hunt Series by Shiho Inada and Haunting of Alaizabel Cray by Chris Wooding. I also found Hungry Ghosts by Ellen Steiber from the series of X-File .
3) For the customer who has read all of Koontz's books, using What Should I Read Next?, I would suggest Iris Johansen or F. Paul Wilson; using Novelist Plus, I found Greg Bear and John Saul also.
4) According to the What's Next website, this Tamora Pierce book is the first book in the Song of the Lioness series. The whole series is as follows:
Book 1 Alanna: the First Adventure
Book 2 In the Hand of the Goddess
Book 3 Woman who Rides like a Man
Book 4 Lioness Rampant.
Monday, March 30, 2009
#54 Social networking thru books
1) I never join any book club before. Finding time to read books is a challenge already, much less finding time to be in a club. I have a circle of friends who sharing the love of books and once a while we exchange books. If I want to join a book club today, I prefer joining an online than an in-person one. With an on-line book club that I can visit in my own time.
2) I would like to see a daughters & mothers book club. I would want to know what's my daughter reading or discuss with other mothers & daughters any book about relationship between us.
ReadingGroupGuides make some suggestions I think it would appropriated for this kind of club as:
-Ten Things I Wish I'd Known Before I Went Out Into The Real World / Maria Shriver
-Things I want my daughter to know / Elizabeth Noble
-The Friday night knitting club / Kate Jackson (I like the title.)
3) I search for The Kite Runner/ Khaled Hosseini on Shelfari which gave the book a 4.5 star. Goodreads gave the book 4.3 star. I read some of the reviews with 5 star then 1 star, I found some I agree and much of disagree but overall I can give this book a 4 star and would recommend to friends and family.
2) I would like to see a daughters & mothers book club. I would want to know what's my daughter reading or discuss with other mothers & daughters any book about relationship between us.
ReadingGroupGuides make some suggestions I think it would appropriated for this kind of club as:
-Ten Things I Wish I'd Known Before I Went Out Into The Real World / Maria Shriver
-Things I want my daughter to know / Elizabeth Noble
-The Friday night knitting club / Kate Jackson (I like the title.)
3) I search for The Kite Runner/ Khaled Hosseini on Shelfari which gave the book a 4.5 star. Goodreads gave the book 4.3 star. I read some of the reviews with 5 star then 1 star, I found some I agree and much of disagree but overall I can give this book a 4 star and would recommend to friends and family.
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