Reflecting on 36 years ago and looking ahead

Thirty-six years ago today, I began my career as a library technician at the Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library. Well, back then it was known as the Owen Sound Public Library. I had graduated from the two year program at Sheridan College in Oakville. I had previously taught for two years, one in Owen Sound and one in Northern Ontario. Teaching in the school system wasn't for me. Perhaps, it was the grades that I couldn't handle, because anyone who actually knows me, knows that I love to teach. Five and half years ago, I officially retired although I have helped out since then.

September is always a time for new beginnings, almost as much as the start of a calendar year. Many of the activities I am involved with take a break in the summer. Now, our genealogical society is different than many. We have summer meetings. Sometimes, we will get visitors to the area at our meetings. It is much easier to travel when we do not have snow.

Sunday School starts back again on the 12th. I teach the wee ones. Each year, I look forward to seeing the children and to discover how they have changed over the summer. Will I  have new children? I must take a look at the curriculum. It is online now but I believe there should be an accompanying package of visual aids. I must check on that.

This morning while eating my breakfast, I decided that I'd better make some lists. Sometimes, or perhaps, often, I find myself working on projects that should be lower on the priority list and putting aside ones that need to be done right away.

The first one I tackled was for my business: Janet Iles Consulting & Research Services. I made a list of current client projects and upcoming presentations. One major project is almost completed. One just needs another hour - I sure hope I can find that elusive photograph in the newspaper. Some are fairly new projects. It looks like I will be busy for the next couple of months anyways. Work on the three presentations has begun: Timelines, Wills and Land Records.

Then came my personal list. It still isn't done yet. I will divide it into sections: Church, Historical Society, Family History research, house related and other.

Church - Sunday School, Book club, Women's group and Presbytery. This month, my small group is in charge of the program. I am going to talk about my trip to Salt Lake City. It is easier to do the program yourself sometimes than think of who we should have as a speaker. On Northern Waters Presbytery, I am not as involved in as many groups as some but I am on two groups: Open Doors and Faith Formation. I am new to Open Doors so I have a lot to learn about our responsibilities and to figure out how best I can contribute. We also have a full day meeting and workshop in September for Presbytery.

I have already prepared the church newsletter for this quarter, so I will have a break until November. In the minister's letter in this issue, he challenged us to look at the activities of the church and chose one more thing to participate in. Honestly, as I look at my lists, I can't add anything more right now.

Historical Society - as President I have upcoming board and regular meetings to prepare for and conduct. I am also webmaster and blog writer as well.

Markham Berczy Settlers Association - I am President. I am working with the other members of the executive to figure out how we can have a board meeting. Perhaps, teleconference will be the way to go.

I am tiring myself out just thinking of my lists and I haven't even got to the other things I love to do and are high priority: blogging, connecting with others on Facebook, walking and family research. Also much needed is organizing and tidying the house, so I can get my new computers. When I see what others are involved in, I wonder how they do it all.

Something special I am really looking forward to is the upcoming marriage of my nephew, David, in October. This will bring the whole immediate family together for a couple of days. I am also excited about becoming a great-aunt for the first time in November.

Do you find that making lists helps you to focus? Do you post them somewhere you can see them often and are reminded of what are the priorities? Mine are going to be posted on the refrigerator. Where do you put your lists?


© 2010 Janet Iles

Where were you when the lights went out? - 2003

Where were you when the lights went out on August 14, 2003?

On August 14, 2003 about 55 million people in Northeastern United States and most of Ontario lost electrical power, some for more than twenty-four hours. It was about 4:40 Eastern. I had finished my supper as I was working 1 to 9 and was heading back into the library to cover the reference desk for the evening. I didn't know that it was wide-spread until I reached the library and discovered they were closing up. The custodian had heard on the radio that the power outage appeared to be widespread and it might be awhile before it was restored.

So back home I went. It was a beautiful evening so I went outside on the deck and read as long as I could see. In Toronto and other localities, people had impromptu gatherings and visited with neighbours.

Earlier that day, the window installer had just finished the work on my new bow window. I was happy that work had been completed.

I was a fortunate one and I had power restored before I went to sleep. Others were not so lucky.

Power was back on in most of Owen Sound, so it was back to work the next morning. We were advised by the city management to use as little electricity as possible as the power situation was still precarious. We turned on only those lights and computers that were necessary for people to work efficiently and safely. The computers at the reference desks and the circulation desk were needed but we were prepared to hand check out materials if we lost power.

We provided no public access to the computers. I remember one woman in particular who was very angry about this, but most were very understanding. We directed those who needed Internet access to go to a local "Internet Cafe" in a downtown business. We were on limited service for the rest of the week.

Every time, we have a major electrical power outage that lasts more than an hour, I get to thinking of my ancestors who had no electrical power at all to do their daily tasks. How did they manage? What did they do?

Today, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. is the Count me in Energy Challenge. I am going to try my best to limit my energy usage as best I can.

© 2009 Janet Iles