Note: This post will appear at the top of this page until first round voting has ended on November 21st. I didn’t title this post shameless self-promotion for nothing.

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A few weeks back I received an email from a kind soul notifying me that he’d nominated my blog for the Canadian Blog Awards in the Best New Blog and Best Personal Blog categories.First round voting begins on November 15 and closes on November 21. Voting rules are as follows:

Two rounds of voting will take place with each round lasting 7 days. The first round of voting will include all nominees. The second round of voting will narrow the list of nominees in each category down to the top 5 from the first round of voting.

Everyone is eligible to cast votes in both rounds and may do so once per day.

Of course it’s a popularity contest. I never said I didn’t want to be popular. I’d love it if everyone took a few seconds from their day to vote for my blog from the 15th though to the 21st.

While you’re there take a few seconds to vote for the Dust my Broom crew. They’re nominated in the Best Blog, Best Conservative Blog and Best Group Blog categories.

Update 11.21.06 – Round One voting is now closed. Thanks to everyone who voted for me. I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed and will be begging for more votes should I make it to round two…
Technorati Tags: Canadian Blog Awards, CBA, self-promotion

Caylynn is a military spouse that I’ve become “online acquainted” with through Thursday Thirteen. This week she decided to present “two special Thursday Thirteen lists in Honour of Veterans’ Week (November 5-11) and Remembrance Day (November 11th)“.

Her first list is 13 Conflicts Past and Present in which Canadians Have Served. The second is 13 Ways to Take Part in Veteran’ Week (courtesy of Veteran’s Affairs Canada).

If you do nothing else today, take a few minutes to stop by Caylynn’s blog and read her T13 post.

Technorati Tags: Remembrance Day, Veteran, Caylynn’s Contemplations, Thursday Thirteen, T13

I know, I posted this a few minutes early. I just couldn’t stay awake until midnight. It’s my fourth Thursday Thirteen but the first one posted on a Wednesday night.

Christmas is just around the corner. The hubby tells me that he just doesn’t get hints. Those who know him likely wouldn’t be surprised to read this little tidbit. He’s repeatedly told me that if I want something specific I have to come out and say it.

This week’s Thursday Thirteen is my attempt to not only tell the hubby what I’d like, but put it in writing so he can refer back to it anytime he needs to. Of course, this list isn’t just for him – anyone wanting to grace my Christmas tree with these items will be loved and adored.

Thirteen Things about SHE. Christmas Wish List. TicTac Silvers – A few years ago I bought some Christmas tree ornaments stuffed with these. They’re so yummy but alas can’t be found in stores in my area. I’ve filled suitcases with them when traveling back from the US. I’ve been known to stoop to begging traveling co-workers to bring me some (thanks Dane!). Corky’s BBQ Sauce – Memphis is one of my favourite US cities. When in Memphis I always make a point to eat at Corky’s BBQ at least once. I’ve actually broken a suitcase bringing bottles of this stuff home (the bags weighed so much). Alas, I haven’t been to Memphis in a few years and have no sauce left… Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association: (5th Edition) – I’m going to need this for my next batch of courses at university. Learning to Solve Problems: An Instructional Design Guide – I’m working on expanding my resource library. Curriculum, Plans, and Processes in Instructional Design. Rapid Instructional Design: Learning ID Fast and Right, 2nd Edition. A flat panel monitor for my home office. It’ll hook up nicely on the back of the laptop when I’ve set my system into it’s dock and make working with documents a bit easier… A multi-function printer for the home office. Despite the planned office destination, this will be used mainly for scrap booking rather than work. The laser printer we have handles all of the office related print jobs I need. I want a multi-function printer to scan in photos and print digital photos we have on disk. A new chair for the home office. Unfortunately, to find a good replacement for the current chair, I’ll have to be in on the hunt. It has to satisfy both my back and my butt so a new chair can’t be a surprise purchase. Opera tickets – Hey hun, they’re running the Barber of Seville this year! Backscape – There’s just something about this print that really draws my eye and attention. MacBook or MacBook Pro – I know, I need a desktop system more than I need another laptop, but it’s still nice to dream. If I sit down and really think about it, I can’t justify purchasing a new system for a few years yet – that’s why this is called a wish list. A winning lottery ticket so we can pay off the mortgage years early. Thanks to other Thursday Thirteen participants who viewed my list and left a comment: Amy, Suki, Jen, Laughing Muse, Jo, Laura, Beth, Caylynn, MommaBa, Gail, Raci Li, Regina, Annie, Caryle, e-l-e-e, Geggie, Di, Barb, Haley-O, Jennie, and N Mallory. Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Technorati Tags: thursday thirteen, t13, meme, Christmas wish list

I’m an instructional designer. It’s a relatively new position for me. Previous to shifting to ISD, I was a computer network/systems support engineer, programmer, and website developer. A few years ago I decided I needed a career shift and started my journey back through university and into the world of learning and development. While I’m in the early stages of this new career and I’m certain I will never stop learning or become an expert in all aspects of ISD, I do have days where I think I’m pretty good at what I do.

Today was not one of those days.

After a few years of working with the same clients and training teams, I’ve shifted to different clients and projects over the last few months. I’m struggling with changing my mental models developed through working with the old client. No matter how frustrated I was with some of my co-workers, I was used to the way they did things and learned how to work around the roadblocks they sometimes put in place. While it wasn’t a perfect situation I was good and what I did, comfortable with the requirements of the position, and felt I could hold my own.

The new projects I’m working on are making me doubt my abilities and question whether or not I’m the best person to be working on this team. I feel like the weakest link on a team of all-stars. That said, I wouldn’t want to give up this opportunity to work with these individuals. I have learned so much from them in the few short weeks I’ve been working on this project. Despite the occasional feeling of floundering (today it was an 8 hour session) I am being inspired to work harder, search out the information I need to come up-to-speed quickly, and bring something of value to the table during our meetings.

Have I mentioned lately that I love my job?

Technorati Tags: ID, ISD, instructional design, mental models