I read. I’ve been reading voraciously since I was a sproglette. My mum and dad used to enroll me in Library camp when I was a child. I’ve written blog posts about how much I love to read. There’s a whole category of reading related goodies on this site dating from 2006-2009-ish. This content has been sadly neglected in recent years I’m afraid.

All this pre-amble to state that after a bazillion years of reading, I’ve started doing something I should have done many years ago. Sure, I’ve started writing reviews of things I’m reading again. More importantly, I’m also sharing those reviews on Kobo, since that’s where I buy the bulk of my eBooks these days.

My author friends are frequently reminding me that honest reviews – good and bad – of their work mean more than all the “read me” advertising fluff pieces on FB, Twitter, or other social media channels. Here’s hoping they still feel that way after I’ve reviewed of a few of their books online.

Once upon a time I spent a lot of time blogging. I found a community and enjoyed keeping a record of what was happening in my little world. If nothing else, I could return to it and reflect on past trips or activities. Having started the blog in 2003, then leaving it idle for a few years before picking it back up, it seems I’ve come full circle.

My last post announced to the world that I was accepted into grad school. Since then, I’ve earned an MEd in Educational Technology and Design from the University of Saskatchewan. This past month, I received an invitation to join cohort 11 in the PhD in E-Research and Technology Enhanced Learning at Lancaster University.

I had planned to keep a journal during my time at U Sask but never seemed to find the time. I started and stopped a few handwritten journals and in the end, it’s only my MEd Capstone Project that’s left standing as a testament to my last few years.

Perhaps I’ll do a better job this time around…

Did I mention I got into grad school?  Oh, that might explain why I never blog any more. I barely have time to breathe between juggling work, Browncoat responsibilities and now school. Oddly enough I am supposed to be writing a learning journal to reflect upon what I’m learning in class. It too suffers from my chronic lack of postings. At the moment I have topics identified but never seem to have the time to write while I’m trying to manage the weekly readings, postings and my major semester project… Here’s hoping I survive the first year!

#headdesk

There’s a new US based individual using my email address as theirs. They’re giving it out willy nilly, registering for services, sharing with friends, and driving me bonkers.

After 10 years of getting personal messages (banking, job related, school, etc.) for “Sade” and a few months worth of messages for “Steve”, I’m now getting personal & business messages for someone named “Samudio”.

Really people, how hard is it to learn your own email address?

1. I’ve had this email address for well over a decade. I don’t care if we share initials or a last name, it’s mine. My precious!
2. There’s little more annoying than getting requests to reset passwords on accounts and services I’ve registered for using my own email address. That Linked-In profile is mind gorram it!
3. I am not US based. While I’m sure they are lovely places to visit, I don’t live in New Jersey, Brooklyn or South Carolina.  Never have. Doubt I ever will.
4. These people are damn lucky I believe in protecting their general privacy as the personal details I know about them is incredible. And I’ve never had to google them to get any of this info!

So much for 100 days of positivity…

UPDATED: Feb 2015: I thought I’d suffered through it all. One should know this is never the case. A 50+ year old man in the US registered for an account on Ashley Madison using my email address a few weeks ago. The only bonus in this situation is that the company quickly responded to my request to have my email disassociated with this “gentleman’s”  account. It’s probably the only time I didn’t have to fight to get my email address off of a crazy account or mailing list.

For the month of August, I’m making this post sticky. Scroll down to see new posts.

After a brief chat with PayPal, I was able to determine (and get in writing) that as a private citizen I can use their Donate button to collect funds for my birthday campaign. Feel free to send me electronic cashy monies via PayPal if contacting the University of Saskatchewan’s bookstore directly doesn’t work for you.

I’d like to think that aside from Drew, I don’t ask for too much from anyone. This year is going to be the exception. I want something very specific for my birthday and for once it’s doesn’t revolve around charity work or volunteering.

I’m returning to university in fall to begin my Master’s in Education. With Drew retiring soon and tuition to pay, our budget is super tight. I’m hoping that rather than sending gifts our friends and family will consider helping me pay for my course textbooks.

The U Sask Bookstore does not offer gift certificates or gift cards for purchase online; you have to physically be on campus at the bookstore to purchase them.

Not to fret though. I contacted the bookstore and advised them of my grand plan to beg for birthday money to spend at the university. Their wonderful staff came up with an alternative for me (and you, generous donor).  You can purchase a gift card of any amount but instead of mailing it out the bookstore will keep it on-file. So as I need books, I can email or phone in my order. The bookstore staff will then delve into the gift cards on file, swipe the card and ship the books to me.

To purchase a gift card, phone the U Sask bookstore (perhaps ask for the lovely Elaine?)  toll free 1-888-214-8888. Do be sure to say “Hi I would like to purchase a gift card for [y’all know my name] to keep on file”. U Sask Bookstore staff will create the gift card, put the name on it and send you a receipt (or keep it with the cards).

As people make their purchase, Elaine will email or fax you your receipt. You can wish me a Happy Birthday! in the best possible way!

Elaine recommends that you also contact me and let me know of your purchase so that I’m aware of who my marvelous benefactors are and thank you with gushing praise and all that goodness.

*fingers and toes crossed that someone other than me thinks this is a fabulous idea*