Published: online magazine - www.lovingyou.com
On: February, 2006
At: Toronto, Canada
My husband and I had a long-distance relationship after marriage for 4 months. He sent me a bouquet of red roses in the first week. When the flowers got dried I did not have the heart to throw them out.So, I made a picture frame with our wedding picture in it. For that I got a large size of 6mm wood and cut 4x6 sized box in the center and adhered handmade paper on the wood. Then I stuck the dried roses in an L shape and added a few leaves and tendrils made with clay. After which I created a background with abstract design in gold and silver on the handmade paper; and finally framed the wood with glass.I presented to him the picture frame on the day we were reunited.He LOVED it!
Monday, November 5, 2007
Technical Writing: Everyday Learning
Published: Society for Technical Communications Newsletter
On: November 2006
At: Toronto, Canada
In the first few days of my Foundations of Technical Writing course at George Brown College, we were asked by our professor to write procedures explaining how to tie a shoelace. At first I did not think this would be difficult, but as I began to write, I quickly realized that understanding how something is done is not the same as being able to put it into words. It was a demanding exercise to me, and it changed the way I looked at writing. When given a writing project, you need to sit down and think about who, why, what, and how: Who are you writing to? Why should you write the document? What information should the document contain, and constraints within which you must work? How should you structure the information for your readers? Answering the above questions will give a structure to your project. Using plain language to explain a new concept will reduce the wordiness of the document. Your user will find what he needs and understand quickly thus saving on time.
Asking questions
As I dived deeper in Technical Writing, a lot of things were unclear to me. My mind was swirling with questions. Yet, I did not ask explanations, neither to my professor or peers. I quietly walked in the class, listened to the lectures, and went back home without uttering a single word. All the time I was frustrated at my inability to ask questions. My lack of assertiveness and inhibited nature annoyed me even more. I had a growing realization that by not asking questions I am pouring a wave of darkness over me. I am stopping my learning, and thus not growing. When in doubt, ask questions and learn from the answers. Don't be afraid to admit that you do not know the subject matter at all. You might be nervous because a bunch of experienced writers listening to you, may judge you, yet go for it. It's the only way to learn and grow.
Volunteering and Networking
When I immigrated to Canada a year ago, I did not know anyone. For about two months I struggled with myself to understand "Canada". I thought I could do so by reading articles on "Living in Canada". How wrong I was. Volunteering is a great way to not only know about Canada, but also your career. Give your time out. It takes few hours of your week, and it will look good in your resume. You develop skills and gain work experience. You will meet people from all walks of life. Introduce yourself and let people know your interests and skills. Establish a relationship. All of this is networking and it's the key to finding work. For me the benefits of volunteering at STC include:
An insider's perspective on navigating my career
Knowledge of the tools and process of technical writing
Exposure to the challenges of being a technical writer
Opportunities of getting work
Identification of skill gap
Possibility of finding a mentor
Access to a support system during critical stages of my career development
A lifelong career network
Attitude
The most important factor of survival is a positive state of mind. Attitude is everything. How often have you heard that classic statement? The perfect blend of motivation, goal-setting and positive attitude is a must. The world is a mirror. Smile and the world will smile back at you. Show your enthusiasm, and the world will enthusiastically nod with you. Face the challenge, and be a shining example for others.
Conclusions
Learning lessons is about taking opportunities, experiencing, learning, changing and growing. It is about creating and finding out new trails through one's life and work.
On: November 2006
At: Toronto, Canada
In the first few days of my Foundations of Technical Writing course at George Brown College, we were asked by our professor to write procedures explaining how to tie a shoelace. At first I did not think this would be difficult, but as I began to write, I quickly realized that understanding how something is done is not the same as being able to put it into words. It was a demanding exercise to me, and it changed the way I looked at writing. When given a writing project, you need to sit down and think about who, why, what, and how: Who are you writing to? Why should you write the document? What information should the document contain, and constraints within which you must work? How should you structure the information for your readers? Answering the above questions will give a structure to your project. Using plain language to explain a new concept will reduce the wordiness of the document. Your user will find what he needs and understand quickly thus saving on time.
Asking questions
As I dived deeper in Technical Writing, a lot of things were unclear to me. My mind was swirling with questions. Yet, I did not ask explanations, neither to my professor or peers. I quietly walked in the class, listened to the lectures, and went back home without uttering a single word. All the time I was frustrated at my inability to ask questions. My lack of assertiveness and inhibited nature annoyed me even more. I had a growing realization that by not asking questions I am pouring a wave of darkness over me. I am stopping my learning, and thus not growing. When in doubt, ask questions and learn from the answers. Don't be afraid to admit that you do not know the subject matter at all. You might be nervous because a bunch of experienced writers listening to you, may judge you, yet go for it. It's the only way to learn and grow.
Volunteering and Networking
When I immigrated to Canada a year ago, I did not know anyone. For about two months I struggled with myself to understand "Canada". I thought I could do so by reading articles on "Living in Canada". How wrong I was. Volunteering is a great way to not only know about Canada, but also your career. Give your time out. It takes few hours of your week, and it will look good in your resume. You develop skills and gain work experience. You will meet people from all walks of life. Introduce yourself and let people know your interests and skills. Establish a relationship. All of this is networking and it's the key to finding work. For me the benefits of volunteering at STC include:
An insider's perspective on navigating my career
Knowledge of the tools and process of technical writing
Exposure to the challenges of being a technical writer
Opportunities of getting work
Identification of skill gap
Possibility of finding a mentor
Access to a support system during critical stages of my career development
A lifelong career network
Attitude
The most important factor of survival is a positive state of mind. Attitude is everything. How often have you heard that classic statement? The perfect blend of motivation, goal-setting and positive attitude is a must. The world is a mirror. Smile and the world will smile back at you. Show your enthusiasm, and the world will enthusiastically nod with you. Face the challenge, and be a shining example for others.
Conclusions
Learning lessons is about taking opportunities, experiencing, learning, changing and growing. It is about creating and finding out new trails through one's life and work.
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