Linkage and stuff

I have to share this site. YouVersion is an online, interactive Bible. It is soooo easy to look up topics, mark text, keep track of what you've already read. You can even change languages. I know a little Bulgarian from living there for a couple of years in the 90's, and I was able to switch to Bulgarian on one side and English on the other. Cooler than cool. There's even an app for that for my iPhone.

Another site I've been checking out is Twitip. If you need help exploring the Twitterverse (Twitter Universe) or want to learn about Twittiquette (Twitter Etiquette), it's the place to go. If you're new to Twitter or are thinking about trying it out, click here for some great tips (Twips?)

I'm teaching a Technical Communications course at a local university for five Monday nights, so I'm missing the last episodes of Dancing With The Stars. Major problem. But wait! Not such a big deal because I can watch it today on Hulu. The only thing I can't find on Hulu is Big Love. I love that show (definitely not for kids). But I can find just about anything else and watch it on my time. Cheaper than TiVo, although I'm still holding out for TiVo someday.

Well, that's all the linkage I've got for you today. I'm headed to have lunch with Angela at her elementary school. I've been missing her sweet self.

Old news

In case you were hiding under a rock last week, you might have missed the big ta do about Twitter. Ashton Kutcher beat out CNN for 1 million followers, and Oprah made her first tweet. Hello! Where has she been? Now people are whining that Twitter is slow due to the Oprah effect - 350,000 new people jumping in the system. Twitter denies there's a problem.

Knock knock

Who's there?

Orange

Orange who?

Orange you glad you're cool enough to already be on Twitter?

Ok then. Sorry. Annnyyywayy, here's a fun article on the subject. Just between you and me and Twitter

The other big news, of course, is the new dog in the White House. Old news now that it has been talked to death on every talk show. But I couldn't resist sharing these photos, in case you haven't seen them - from the official White House website. And just FYI, I'm fascinated by two people in the White House: Pete Souza, Chief Official White House Photographer, and Reggie Love, Obama's body man.

Finally Friday

Here's a picture of the amazing iced sugar cookies I was drooling over in my tweet yesterday. I think iced sugar cookies trump any other kind of dessert. I gave a couple to each of my coworkers since we all had a rough start to the day. I'm not sure if it's good or bad that I've finally darkened the door of Clark's Bakery here in Bethany. First Tessa's perfect, fluffy pink birthday layer cake, then these awesome cookies. I can tell I'm going to have to treat it like a special-occasion-only place or I'll be in there every day.

I know you'll probably all be busy out with your sweetheart doing astoundingly romantic things together this weekend. Or not. But in case you have some time, here are some fun links.

One day recently I was listening to NPR and luh,huh,uved this story. It's the full hour of This American Life, but it's worth it. You can download it and listen while you're road tripping, or just treat yourself, get a latte, put your feet up and enjoy. Maybe it's just because I'd much prefer a good true story over fiction, but the story of Bobby Dunbar is fascinating.

And another truth is stranger than fiction thing...from my Dad. I'll post it since my siblings didn't.

And if you need a cute last minute Valentine's project, check here and here and here.

And, and, and...it's been a while since I posted the basic dogs on couch photo, so here you go.

Cocktail schmocktail

Last night I had to attend a work related cocktail party/reception attended by lots of "important" people. At the end of the day when I'm tired and the brain has shut off, I really struggle to make small talk, look perky and interested...basically act like I care. And I needed to act like I cared because funding for my program was a hot topic. While I don't have any problem talking with strangers, I'm way more over into the introvert side. I only leave my house because I'm forced to by the desire to pay my bills, buy groceries and get that last kid through college. Otherwise I'd only leave the house to go to Starbucks, Hobby Lobby and Home Depot. Of course, I'd have to have a computer at home. But otherwise, I'd be content.

The good news was the reception was in our building, so when I got too tired of trying to look engaged, I'd cheat and sneak back to my office and surf the internet for a while, or whine on Twitter. My twitter peeps suggested the cocktails are what makes these types of social events doable. But I'm not much of a wine drinker, and the bartender didn't look prepared to make a cute little fruity beverage that makes the alcohol more tolerable. I'm just not into the hard stuff and I had to drive home. Although that last thought didn't seem to stop anyone else. I checked the headlines this morning and didn't see reference to DUIs and "important" people, so that's good.

On a completely different topic - sorry, couldn't think of a proper seque - oh wait, I could have said something about feeling "important". Anyway, my point is I wanted to share a couple of nice mentions from other blogs here and here. An unexpected bonus to this blogging thing has been connecting with people through the blogosphere. See, I told you I'd never have to leave my house.

Conversation killers

I'm trying to introduce as many people as I can to Twitter and so far I've managed to influence about ten people. I never said my circle of influence was large. I'm excited though because now I feel way more in touch with people I don't see every day. About 50% of my twitter following/follower list was in my living room the other day when all our cell phones started chirping, dinging, vibrating and buzzing at the same time. It was Tessa, who decided to comment about her sister, Angela, who was sitting about two feet away, setting off a ridiculous round of tweets amongst the people in the room.

That started me thinking how with twitter and blogging and text messaging and email there's not much to talk about when the family all gets together.

Me: Oh, the other day Mark did the funniest thing...
Mom: Yeah, I read it on your blog.
(silence. sip my coffee)

Mom: Did you get my email about borrowing the popcorn machine for the party?
Me: Yep. I replied with my answer.
(pick at my chipped nail polish)

Mom: Cori's coming home on...
Me interrupting: Mm hm. I saw it on twitter yesterday.
(check my iphone for messages)

Me: Well, gotta go. Great visiting with you.

At this rate we are going to forget the art of conversation. I've never been a big talker. I actually communicate more of myself in writing than I ever do verbally. But I'm going to have to keep some stories to myself so I'll have something to talk about next time I see you.

Workin'

Hanging out in a hotel in Enid. Woohoo. Need to leave here in a few minutes so the housekeeping staff doesn't beat down my door. I have work to do tomorrow in the big town of Cherokee. Had work to do in Enid yesterday. Didn't want to make the drive back home only to turn around and come back again. I think I'll go find a Starbucks and work on my computer. I'm doing a grant presentation in a week and need to get my stuff together. Then maybe find a Walmart and buy cleaning products for the mobile dental van. That's why they pay me the big bucks. 'Cause I can drive a 35' Winnebago with a big smile on the side, write grants to fund the program, motivate people to do dentistry for sometimes uncooperative children, and...scrub the floor. I just hope Starbucks has a place to park my ride.

In the mean time, read this post and sign up for Twitter already. I'm lonley out in Twitterland. http://bigisthenewsmall.com/?p=565