Thing Eight: Social Media Management

Well, it was time I got on Twitter anyway. I didn't let it access my contacts because I want to clean house first. :) I'm following two people so far: Joel Osteen and my brother. Our library posts to FB and Twitter simultaneously, so I selected Tweetcaster to download to my iPhone. Seems pretty handy. It was instantly populated with lots of tweets from J.O. I see they have messaging, like everyone seems to these days.

Thing Seven: Content Saving & Sharing

I already have a Pinterest account. It's a great place to enjoy the scenery of all the beautiful pictures. When my son got married, his fiancee posted many pictures of items they would be using or creating for the wedding. Instead of sending pictures to all interested family members, she gave out her Pinterest information so anyone could log in and look at what's new. I think Pinterest works well for finding recipes, because I'm one that likes to see a photo of the food.

I also have a Delicious account since they were around long before Pinterest.

Social bookmarking is great for acquiring new ideas and sources from lots of other people.

Thing Six: Creating and Editing Docs

I used CloudOn and linked it to my Google Drive. I used a word document to create my To Do list for the next few weeks.  I was looking for a save button, but apparently it saves when you click done to close the keyboard. I also loaded my blog slideshow into this app and the PowerPoint part of the app looks do-able too.

SignNow is also a valuable app for the rare occasion when I will need it. The support page shows the specifics for the iphone. It looks very easy.

Thing Five: Notetaking

I am now using the Springpad app for recipes and creating grocery lists. You can make a list of favorites and even add your own photos. I now have a new chocolate cookie recipe that I will be trying this week. It uses 2 pkgs. of vanilla pudding mix. I also learned that corn starch in a cookie recipe will keep them soft.

Once I get some valuable, shareable content in my Recipe notebook, I'll be able to embed that notebook in my blog.

Thing Four: Keeping Up

I downloaded Zite and selected two book news groups, among others. I became distracted and had to watch a guy pack his suitcase in "Packing Like a Pro", but I soon collected myself and restored focus. I then migrated to a Discovery news page "Wearable book plugs you in to characters' emotions". Well, it is interesting, but not for me. I do not need any assistance getting into a book, or movie for that matter. I was scared just reading the section in Whole Library Handbook about real haunted libraries.

While in library school, I set up a Bloglines account, got real excited, then never had the time after that to keep up on much.

Google Reader was discontinued in 2013, so maybe 23Things could find a video that doesn't use GR as an example. Here's an article from LifeHacker recommending reader alternatives:

I'm not on Twitter, but lots of people forgo a reader and simply follow on Twitter. I've been getting some of my professional reading sources from LinkedIn.

Thing Three: Utilities

I downloaded Wi-Fi Finder. Blue pins on the map denote paid wi-fi, red pins are free to subscribers (example Xfinity), and green pins are free. I will be completing my 23 Things in rapid fashion while I am still a Minnesota public library employee. All of this newfound knowledge will come in handy.

Thing Two: Mobile Device Tips

I lost myself for the better part of the day investigating my iPhone 5. My favorite newfound tricks:

Web Clips - This adds an icon to the Home Screen so I don't even have to access my most used sites through bookmarks. Visit a site, tap Share, tap Add to Home Screen, and adjust the descriptive name if desired.

I discovered the Emoji keyboard. >Settings >General >Keyboard >Keyboards >Emoji
What fun! ⏳⚓️

HDR setting for photos - High Dynamic Range  - this option takes three exposures (long, normal, and short) and produces the best photo. There is an option in Settings to keep the normal photo too. I asked myself, "Why not?"

Spotlight Search - Neat!!! This function is located in Settings under General. You can limit the items that are searched first. I typed in the beginnings of a name I had emailed once long ago and it drew up the email.

I learned to quick delete a single email by swiping it left. In calendar, tapping Search allows me to view all events. I've also taken the time to use Siri and love the way I can text by talking. Good for on the go. I will also use Dictation by talking notes to myself.

Learning my iPhone will keep me occupied until such date that I get a new one. I've never been one to follow the masses regarding any material thing, but I love my iPhone. I have the book iPhone for Dummies 7th edition. They offer additional information online, so here are the links:

www.dummies.com/extras/iphone

www.dummies.com/cheatsheet/iphone

And more:

http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-ticker/20-tips-tricks-most-iphone-155034799.html

 Macworld is where I discovered that the microphone on my earbuds is a remote as well. I can answer and end calls as well as pause music and turn volume up and down. It pays to put on one's reading glasses and notice the + and - signs on my mike.

Have fun!

March 12 - my son just taught me this:  To take a screenshot on my iPhone 5 just hold down the Home Power buttons simultaneously.

Thing One: Blog

I am absolutely stoked about this 23 Things opportunity! It came into my life at the perfect time -- serendipity. I have been working two jobs for umpteen years and this week marks a huge lifestyle change for me. I quit my FT night office job and I am now only working PT at the library, where I've been for five years. I will be spending my newfound free time on professional development and the job search.

 

I read on one person's 23 Things blog that he was retired now and has the time to do a project like this. <insert sigh here> That's how life often goes. Seriously, how many of us would like to devote more time to professional development? That's why I'm taking advantage of this season in my life that I've already named The Interlude. It's my transition between working 60 hours weeks plus commute and a future day job of 40 hours/week. Whether this interlude is six weeks or six months, I'm going to savor every moment!

 

I have blogged at the library for work purposes, but this is my first ever "all my own" blog. It will reflect Expressions of Me as stated in my slideshow. Now I must locate some peeps to be my readers......