You probably thought that title was some pun, but it is not. I am actually going to talk about doing inventory.
Libraries, like retail stores, do inventory. When I first started at my current job, one of my first projects was doing inventory on the 400s. (400s is the language section for non librarians). And while it didn't push me intellectually or anything, it definitely helped me become familiar with my collection. I think this is the greatest benefit of inventory, besides making sure that the books are still there. (Although you'd be surprised how many books in the 400s were mysteriously missing. Almost all of them were "Intro to Spanish" books and were clearly stolen.)
So at the start of a new year, due to staffing changes in our department, we all got new collection areas. I kept my 400s and 800s and added the 000s, 100s, and 200s. A few weeks ago I started taking inventory of my new sections. They were all weeded recently, so I will likely not be weeding at all this year. (Well, maybe the 800s...but yikes. I can't even think about doing that yet.) So far I'm learning a lot about the collection: what sections are really robust, which ones are kind of thin, and which sections are highly used. And, quite literally, I'm getting a feel for the books. I get such pleasure out of handling the books and seeing them as individual creatures just waiting to be checked out. Each one is so full of information; it is kind of like a little mystery ready to be discovered. Now, this isn't some elegy for the printed book. But there is something pretty magical about seeing so many books, so much human thought contained in one little area, and realizing that these things are all here, for us, to explore as we will. That kind of spontaneous browsing is important to our creativity and curious minds.
There is also value, I think, in looking at each collection because you see how clearly there are little pockets of interest. Here's the Wiccan stuff, here's the books on speaking to ghosts, here is the large and ambitious section about happiness. I can't help but wondering about who checked out the missing books. Is the person with one of the Sylvia Browne books trying to tell her old dog how much she loved him? Did someone take out the book on anger management in a fit or was it for someone that hurt them? Did the person taking out the old Hegel know what they were getting into?
Inventory gives me time to actually meet the collection, to interact with it more slowly and deeply than I normally do. I'm grateful for this chance to immerse myself in the quieter side of public librarianship. Plus books, even the old ones, smell a lot better than most patrons.
February 19, 2012
February 11, 2012
Taxes
I guess I'm an adult now.
I owed federal taxes for the first time.
Thank you tax software, for both sucking my money away but also reducing the amount of stress that doing taxes could be.
I owed federal taxes for the first time.
Thank you tax software, for both sucking my money away but also reducing the amount of stress that doing taxes could be.
January 31, 2012
heat makes people crazy
It hit the 50s today in Wisconsin. This is apparently enough to drive people a little nuts, because the library was out of control today. You know how they say that the first really hot weekend of the summer murder rates go up? Well, apparently a nice day in January makes the public get demanding, cranky, and plain old strange. (And yes, I mean more demanding, cranky, and strange than some of them normally are!)
It was a long day at work today. All of us were having a rough day. And yet even at the end of this day from hell, I honestly can say I would not have wanted to be working anywhere else. I got to make some book displays, I talked to a lot of different people, and I managed to talk one older lady through downloading and using an app on her iPad over the phone. The sound of accomplishment in her voice when it worked properly was worth every second. I put several people on the waiting list for computer classes; while it is a bummer that they are full already, at least we know we're filling a real need. (I teach intro to computer classes to the public.) Plus I got to give people books! What could be better?
Public libraries = the best.
It was a long day at work today. All of us were having a rough day. And yet even at the end of this day from hell, I honestly can say I would not have wanted to be working anywhere else. I got to make some book displays, I talked to a lot of different people, and I managed to talk one older lady through downloading and using an app on her iPad over the phone. The sound of accomplishment in her voice when it worked properly was worth every second. I put several people on the waiting list for computer classes; while it is a bummer that they are full already, at least we know we're filling a real need. (I teach intro to computer classes to the public.) Plus I got to give people books! What could be better?
Public libraries = the best.
January 28, 2012
To be continued...
I just finished reading The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz. Horowitz is an acclaimed author in his own right, but this book is special because it is an authorized continuation of the Sherlock Holmes series. I suppose this means that, technically, the stories, actions, and events of House of Silk are now canon.
As all Sherlock Holmes stories are, this one is narrated by Watson and appears as a manuscript published long after both of our Baker Street friends are dead. (For those who are uninitiated in the Sherlock Holmes stories, I highly recommend you read them pronto. They are best discovered, I believe, between the ages of 12-16, but you won't suffer reading them now. Then, go watch the BBC series Sherlock. Stay away from the Robert Downey Jr movies. Far, far away. Just watch Sherlock and marvel at Benedict Cumberbatch and squeal over the sweet relationship between Cumberbatch's Sherlock and Martin Freeman's John.) The language and tone of the book felt very much like a real Conan Doyle story to me. However, I haven't read an actual Holmes story for awhile; I did read Study in Scarlet last fall but the actual tone and pacing of the story aren't fresh in my mind. It would be interesting to immerse myself in the original stories and then read this to see how it matches up.
I can't go into much detail about the plot without spoiling, but I will say that at two distinct times I felt like there was too much misdirection. At one point I was like, oh, they'll say [x] happened but really it will have been [y] because [x] is too obvious. At another I had a thought about how a certain situation wasn't necessarily what it seemed, and a few sentences later Watson has the same thought. That was kind of irritating.
I will spoil this for you, so skip down if you don't want to know:
Moriarty. All I can hear now is "Westwood!"
Anyways, while I recommend the House of Silk for Holmes fans, it reminded me of how complicated the legacy of authors who wrote successful serials can be. Growing up I loved Nancy Drew books, but the "new' Nancy Drews (not written by Carolyn Keene) just didn't feel the same. It's really important for an estate to pick an author who can bring the same storytelling power and tone to a series while still infusing new energy. The Conan Doyle estate has been very careful and protective of Sherlock Holmes (rightfully so) and overall, I think they did a good job finding a writer with enough skill and appreciation for the originals to bring our heroes back to life.
As all Sherlock Holmes stories are, this one is narrated by Watson and appears as a manuscript published long after both of our Baker Street friends are dead. (For those who are uninitiated in the Sherlock Holmes stories, I highly recommend you read them pronto. They are best discovered, I believe, between the ages of 12-16, but you won't suffer reading them now. Then, go watch the BBC series Sherlock. Stay away from the Robert Downey Jr movies. Far, far away. Just watch Sherlock and marvel at Benedict Cumberbatch and squeal over the sweet relationship between Cumberbatch's Sherlock and Martin Freeman's John.) The language and tone of the book felt very much like a real Conan Doyle story to me. However, I haven't read an actual Holmes story for awhile; I did read Study in Scarlet last fall but the actual tone and pacing of the story aren't fresh in my mind. It would be interesting to immerse myself in the original stories and then read this to see how it matches up.
I can't go into much detail about the plot without spoiling, but I will say that at two distinct times I felt like there was too much misdirection. At one point I was like, oh, they'll say [x] happened but really it will have been [y] because [x] is too obvious. At another I had a thought about how a certain situation wasn't necessarily what it seemed, and a few sentences later Watson has the same thought. That was kind of irritating.
I will spoil this for you, so skip down if you don't want to know:
Moriarty. All I can hear now is "Westwood!"
Anyways, while I recommend the House of Silk for Holmes fans, it reminded me of how complicated the legacy of authors who wrote successful serials can be. Growing up I loved Nancy Drew books, but the "new' Nancy Drews (not written by Carolyn Keene) just didn't feel the same. It's really important for an estate to pick an author who can bring the same storytelling power and tone to a series while still infusing new energy. The Conan Doyle estate has been very careful and protective of Sherlock Holmes (rightfully so) and overall, I think they did a good job finding a writer with enough skill and appreciation for the originals to bring our heroes back to life.
January 20, 2012
Reflections on Kindle So Far
I recently finished my first full book on the Kindle Fire I got for Christmas. It wasn't as different from reading a paper book as I'd expected, but there were several parts of the experience that were odd enough worth mentioning.
1) The book I read was "Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman" by Robert Massie. It was excellent, as all the reviews suggested. It was also loooooooooong. I toted that puppy with me everywhere and it wasn't a bother. Toting a thick hardcover from the library would have been significantly more cumbersome and honestly would have discouraged me from reading in certain situations, like when I went to get an oil change.
2) Reading for more than an hour or so did hurt my eyes. I suspect this is because the Fire, unlike other Kindle models, is backlit. Do those of you with an E-ink screen find that your eyes hurt after an hour or so? Or is it comparable to print? I often read for stretches of two plus hours at a time and with print it has never been a problem.
3) I did not have a problem being immersed in the book for the most part. Flipping pages is easy (yay touch screen. I would feel very differently if I had to use buttons to navigate.) and mimicked "real" reading to the point that it grew to feel very natural to swipe. The smaller page size did mean I was flicking pages a lot more often, but it was a small price to pay for having a much much lighter version of the book. However, I did find that small things that you do unconsciously while reading a print book were impossible. For example, I apparently rub the page that I am about to turn. This was pointed out to me by my friend and roommate Emily in college. It is something I never noticed until she pointed it out--and then I realized I do it EVERY TIME. With ebooks, I soon realized I was drumming my fingers on the back of the device. Most likely far annoying for anyone around me than simple page rubbing. (Sorry everyone in the library staff lounge.) In addition, not knowing how far I was in the book was super annoying. Yes, you just tap the bottom of the page and a little bar comes up showing your progression and percentage of the book read. Guess what, I have to choose to do this! When reading in print, I can feel the heft in my hands and see, without even consciously thinking to check, how much of the book is left. No, I won't know an exact percentage, but a rough idea is all I need. This may have been the single most annoying thing.
4) I dropped it! AH! PANIC. Seriously, when you live with a small, fast animal and are kind of a slob/klutz, you're gonna drop things. Dropping an expensive piece of electronics is scary.
Okay, the number one thing I love about the Kindle Fire:
INSTANT ACCESS!!! Last weekend I was really really bored and having a bad day. I was lonely and whatnot, and sick of all the books I had to read. So what did I do? I went online, even though the library was closed, and got new books! This is by far my most favorite thing about it. I just loaded my Fire up with two new ones in anticipation of a few train rides this weekend. (The other result of my boredom/loneliness/panic attacks was a lingering idea of a day trip, which resulted in a last minute, very fast trip being planned for tomorrow. Yikes!)
I still feel odd about buying books on my Fire; I don't feel like I actually own them. I mean, technically I really don't own them and the evil Amazon empire can snatch them away (like it did with "1984" a few years ago...really? You had to magically erase copies of a book, and you chose to do it with "1984"??? Amazon, you asked for it with that one.) But as for borrowing books from Overdrive-- I'm into it!
1) The book I read was "Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman" by Robert Massie. It was excellent, as all the reviews suggested. It was also loooooooooong. I toted that puppy with me everywhere and it wasn't a bother. Toting a thick hardcover from the library would have been significantly more cumbersome and honestly would have discouraged me from reading in certain situations, like when I went to get an oil change.
2) Reading for more than an hour or so did hurt my eyes. I suspect this is because the Fire, unlike other Kindle models, is backlit. Do those of you with an E-ink screen find that your eyes hurt after an hour or so? Or is it comparable to print? I often read for stretches of two plus hours at a time and with print it has never been a problem.
3) I did not have a problem being immersed in the book for the most part. Flipping pages is easy (yay touch screen. I would feel very differently if I had to use buttons to navigate.) and mimicked "real" reading to the point that it grew to feel very natural to swipe. The smaller page size did mean I was flicking pages a lot more often, but it was a small price to pay for having a much much lighter version of the book. However, I did find that small things that you do unconsciously while reading a print book were impossible. For example, I apparently rub the page that I am about to turn. This was pointed out to me by my friend and roommate Emily in college. It is something I never noticed until she pointed it out--and then I realized I do it EVERY TIME. With ebooks, I soon realized I was drumming my fingers on the back of the device. Most likely far annoying for anyone around me than simple page rubbing. (Sorry everyone in the library staff lounge.) In addition, not knowing how far I was in the book was super annoying. Yes, you just tap the bottom of the page and a little bar comes up showing your progression and percentage of the book read. Guess what, I have to choose to do this! When reading in print, I can feel the heft in my hands and see, without even consciously thinking to check, how much of the book is left. No, I won't know an exact percentage, but a rough idea is all I need. This may have been the single most annoying thing.
4) I dropped it! AH! PANIC. Seriously, when you live with a small, fast animal and are kind of a slob/klutz, you're gonna drop things. Dropping an expensive piece of electronics is scary.
Okay, the number one thing I love about the Kindle Fire:
INSTANT ACCESS!!! Last weekend I was really really bored and having a bad day. I was lonely and whatnot, and sick of all the books I had to read. So what did I do? I went online, even though the library was closed, and got new books! This is by far my most favorite thing about it. I just loaded my Fire up with two new ones in anticipation of a few train rides this weekend. (The other result of my boredom/loneliness/panic attacks was a lingering idea of a day trip, which resulted in a last minute, very fast trip being planned for tomorrow. Yikes!)
I still feel odd about buying books on my Fire; I don't feel like I actually own them. I mean, technically I really don't own them and the evil Amazon empire can snatch them away (like it did with "1984" a few years ago...really? You had to magically erase copies of a book, and you chose to do it with "1984"??? Amazon, you asked for it with that one.) But as for borrowing books from Overdrive-- I'm into it!
January 12, 2012
New Year. New Meagan. Old blog.
Hey!
Sorry I abandoned you little ole blog. I'm sure no one is reading you, but I kind of forgot about you after I finished writing up my 24th year of reading posts. I've been plugging away at it in my 25th year and will have lots of cool books to share. I'm not sure if I've yet had a reading experience as deeply emotional as "The Book Thief", for example, or as motivating as "Radical Homemakers: Reclaiming Domesticity from Consumer Culture." (Just checked and it looks like I read both last March. March 2012 has a lot to live up to!)
In glancing back now at what I was reading a year ago, I have to laugh. My interests align! I'm reading the new biography of Catherine the Great and last January I was also read historical fiction based in Russia! I was reading a novel about Sherlock Holmes fans and I just checked out the newest authorized Sherlock Holmes book, "The House of Silk."
In big news:
--I bought a new paper calendar. Woo real objects, not digital ones! This year my home wall calendar is art deco train advertisements. My work desk calendar is "Wisdom" themed. And the biggest news...I've returned to having a little planner that I can carry around! I found one that I LOVE. It mimics the best planner I ever had, which was one my dad got free at work and gave me in 2007. So I'm pretty psyched about that puppy and find myself just flipping through the months randomly at work. I love being able to see my entire month on one page.
--G got me a Kindle Fire for Christmas. This means I've crossed over to the dark side of e-readers! AH! I am not sure yet how I feel about it, but damn. It is convenient. I'm currently reading Catherine the Great on it. I'll let you know when I'm done how the experience ranks.
Happy reading. I hope 2012 is a good one for us all!
Sorry I abandoned you little ole blog. I'm sure no one is reading you, but I kind of forgot about you after I finished writing up my 24th year of reading posts. I've been plugging away at it in my 25th year and will have lots of cool books to share. I'm not sure if I've yet had a reading experience as deeply emotional as "The Book Thief", for example, or as motivating as "Radical Homemakers: Reclaiming Domesticity from Consumer Culture." (Just checked and it looks like I read both last March. March 2012 has a lot to live up to!)
In glancing back now at what I was reading a year ago, I have to laugh. My interests align! I'm reading the new biography of Catherine the Great and last January I was also read historical fiction based in Russia! I was reading a novel about Sherlock Holmes fans and I just checked out the newest authorized Sherlock Holmes book, "The House of Silk."
In big news:
--I bought a new paper calendar. Woo real objects, not digital ones! This year my home wall calendar is art deco train advertisements. My work desk calendar is "Wisdom" themed. And the biggest news...I've returned to having a little planner that I can carry around! I found one that I LOVE. It mimics the best planner I ever had, which was one my dad got free at work and gave me in 2007. So I'm pretty psyched about that puppy and find myself just flipping through the months randomly at work. I love being able to see my entire month on one page.
--G got me a Kindle Fire for Christmas. This means I've crossed over to the dark side of e-readers! AH! I am not sure yet how I feel about it, but damn. It is convenient. I'm currently reading Catherine the Great on it. I'll let you know when I'm done how the experience ranks.
Happy reading. I hope 2012 is a good one for us all!
August 9, 2011
Reflections: I don't know what happened to me.
Hi.
So, after looking back at what I read: I'm really embarrassed.
Romance novel book club was AMAZING. IS Amazing. But damn. I read a lot of trashy romance novels. Part of this, not going to lie, is that all my coworkers read them and are totally into talking about what they are reading. (I work at a library, this is our version of "water cooler" chit chat. We're that nerdy.)
After looking at reading patterns, I think what happened was pretty simple. I have been struggling in my personal life and escapism via book has become incredibly important to me. I spent a lot of my life feeling like all the reading I needed to do should be "enriching" and "important." I moved away from that this year. I'd like to explain why.
In my first semester of library school, I was assigned to a group that was supposed to explore the theme of education vs. entertainment in libraries. It was such an awful project, but it really forced me to defend recreational reading. As in, people in my group seemed to think that reading anything not deemed "literary" was not as important as pure entertainment and escapism. I've thought long and hard about why that bothered me so deeply. That idea of some reading being better than others not only goes against my own experience of reading, but also creates and enforces ideas of cultural superiority. The literature that is considered "good" by many people in the publishing world, the review world, the "culture creators" and, yes, by librarians, is often written by fairly financially comfortable, highly educated white people. And you know what? I refuse to support a belief that because something is written for young people, ethnic minorities, urban youth, women, or "housewives" that it isn't as worthy of our attention. All reading has value to the person doing the reading. If that means that for a few hours you forget that your kids are pulling you in a million directions, that your life has not turned out the way you wanted it to be, that your job is mindless, that the socioeconomic system in which you are trapped hates you and systematically oppresses you--go for it. Read it.
Secondly, to be a good librarian, I need to not only know that certain genres exist and are popular, but I need to actually understand what is appealing about those genres. So while I read a lot of "trashy" romance novels, I 100% understand why they are popular. They are total escapism. As someone who has been very lonely for a long time, the idea that there is someone out there who would do anything to be with you, who loves you above all else, is pretty damn appealing. So I get it. I don't think romance readers believe that real life is like those books--I mean, that is the whole point of it. You read something that is so far removed from reality to forget your reality. I get it. I appreciate it. And frankly, I can enjoy it while still acknowledging the problems that exist in romance.
I've recently gotten into thrillers. These are also often derided by people who only read "literary fiction." But I've got to say, some of these books explore some interesting themes. I just read Michael Koryta's "The Ridge." It explores various themes of morality, death, religion, local superstition, etc. And while it does so on a surface level, any reader who wishes to can explore this further. And you know what? It was FUN to read.
Reading has always been a big part of my life. The books that I truly love are a part of my identity. The books I read this year included some truly amazing books, which I plan to highlight in the next few weeks. I spent too long reading books that I thought would make me a better person. But you know what? I'm a reader. I'll read anything. As long as a book makes me feel something deeply, that is a valuable reading experience.
So what did I take away from this practice of recording what I read? Mostly, that it is super exciting to be able to look back and say definitively, "Yes! I did read that!" It motivated me to finish books that I may have otherwise lagged on. The project also has helped me overcome some shame at reading things that aren't literary. I have some very dear friends that I know sneer at some of the books I read. And that is okay; to each his own. But I won't stop reading books that entertain me and make me a happier person because I'm worried about what someone else thinks of an author.
My goal for my 25th year is to read even more books and explore more genres. I hope to try to read more current books--I often don't read a book til months after it comes out, if not years later! It would also be nice to read more history. I love history and always enjoyed learning about different countries through history and literature. I would like to explore Norwegian and English history in more depth. I have read a lot about the Tudor period of English history, but not others. Finally, as I grow as a librarian, I want to read more YA literature. YA literature contains some of the most amazing books being published right now. It is an exciting field that is growing and changing. It isn't all vampires! Plus, I would like to extend my service area to teens and work more closely with them. I admire their energy, passion, and potential. They really inspire me, so I want to make sure I can relate to their reading habits.
So, that was being 24, in books. So far 25 has been great. Check back soon for highlights of my favorite books of 24! Thanks for listening. <3
So, after looking back at what I read: I'm really embarrassed.
Romance novel book club was AMAZING. IS Amazing. But damn. I read a lot of trashy romance novels. Part of this, not going to lie, is that all my coworkers read them and are totally into talking about what they are reading. (I work at a library, this is our version of "water cooler" chit chat. We're that nerdy.)
After looking at reading patterns, I think what happened was pretty simple. I have been struggling in my personal life and escapism via book has become incredibly important to me. I spent a lot of my life feeling like all the reading I needed to do should be "enriching" and "important." I moved away from that this year. I'd like to explain why.
In my first semester of library school, I was assigned to a group that was supposed to explore the theme of education vs. entertainment in libraries. It was such an awful project, but it really forced me to defend recreational reading. As in, people in my group seemed to think that reading anything not deemed "literary" was not as important as pure entertainment and escapism. I've thought long and hard about why that bothered me so deeply. That idea of some reading being better than others not only goes against my own experience of reading, but also creates and enforces ideas of cultural superiority. The literature that is considered "good" by many people in the publishing world, the review world, the "culture creators" and, yes, by librarians, is often written by fairly financially comfortable, highly educated white people. And you know what? I refuse to support a belief that because something is written for young people, ethnic minorities, urban youth, women, or "housewives" that it isn't as worthy of our attention. All reading has value to the person doing the reading. If that means that for a few hours you forget that your kids are pulling you in a million directions, that your life has not turned out the way you wanted it to be, that your job is mindless, that the socioeconomic system in which you are trapped hates you and systematically oppresses you--go for it. Read it.
Secondly, to be a good librarian, I need to not only know that certain genres exist and are popular, but I need to actually understand what is appealing about those genres. So while I read a lot of "trashy" romance novels, I 100% understand why they are popular. They are total escapism. As someone who has been very lonely for a long time, the idea that there is someone out there who would do anything to be with you, who loves you above all else, is pretty damn appealing. So I get it. I don't think romance readers believe that real life is like those books--I mean, that is the whole point of it. You read something that is so far removed from reality to forget your reality. I get it. I appreciate it. And frankly, I can enjoy it while still acknowledging the problems that exist in romance.
I've recently gotten into thrillers. These are also often derided by people who only read "literary fiction." But I've got to say, some of these books explore some interesting themes. I just read Michael Koryta's "The Ridge." It explores various themes of morality, death, religion, local superstition, etc. And while it does so on a surface level, any reader who wishes to can explore this further. And you know what? It was FUN to read.
Reading has always been a big part of my life. The books that I truly love are a part of my identity. The books I read this year included some truly amazing books, which I plan to highlight in the next few weeks. I spent too long reading books that I thought would make me a better person. But you know what? I'm a reader. I'll read anything. As long as a book makes me feel something deeply, that is a valuable reading experience.
So what did I take away from this practice of recording what I read? Mostly, that it is super exciting to be able to look back and say definitively, "Yes! I did read that!" It motivated me to finish books that I may have otherwise lagged on. The project also has helped me overcome some shame at reading things that aren't literary. I have some very dear friends that I know sneer at some of the books I read. And that is okay; to each his own. But I won't stop reading books that entertain me and make me a happier person because I'm worried about what someone else thinks of an author.
My goal for my 25th year is to read even more books and explore more genres. I hope to try to read more current books--I often don't read a book til months after it comes out, if not years later! It would also be nice to read more history. I love history and always enjoyed learning about different countries through history and literature. I would like to explore Norwegian and English history in more depth. I have read a lot about the Tudor period of English history, but not others. Finally, as I grow as a librarian, I want to read more YA literature. YA literature contains some of the most amazing books being published right now. It is an exciting field that is growing and changing. It isn't all vampires! Plus, I would like to extend my service area to teens and work more closely with them. I admire their energy, passion, and potential. They really inspire me, so I want to make sure I can relate to their reading habits.
So, that was being 24, in books. So far 25 has been great. Check back soon for highlights of my favorite books of 24! Thanks for listening. <3
August 8, 2011
April Reading Brings May Reading which brings us to June and the end of my 24th year
Spring!
When spring comes to the Midwest, everything seems to change. People are happier, the air smells different, and everything seems possible. It also draws us outside again, no longer bundled up in layers of thick wool and polar fleece. You can tell, from a distance, that we're human. Experiencing the great outdoors also means that reading usually takes a backseat to frolicking in flowers, eating fresh spring veggies, and doing other warm weather activities. That definitely happened to me this spring. I hardly read anything!
April:
The Lady Elizabeth--Alison Weir (Why can I not get over my obsession with English history, particularly Tudor history? Why?)
Water for Elephants--Sara Gruen
When You Reach Me--Rebecca Stead (So unexpectedly poignant.)
May:
I'd Know You Anywhere--Laura Lippman
Bossypants--Tina Fey (my girl yo!)
Call Me Irresistable--Susan Elizabeth Phillips
The Golden Compass--Phillip Pullman (a Mark Reads selection and OMG I WANT A DAEMON)
Vision in White--Nora Roberts (I read this series because my coworkers wouldn't stop talking about it. The characters are stereotypes, but it was kind of fun fluff for a spring that had a lot of wedding stuff going on in my real life.)
Between Shades of Gray--Ruta Sepetys (I finished this book just before a really bad storm that included the tornado sirens going off. It was very appropriate.)
Bed of Roses--Nora Roberts
Savor the Moment--Nora Roberts
June:
The Tiger's Wife--Tea Obreht (I liked it but couldn't help but be irritated that the author is younger than me and yet so incredibly talented and successful.)
Happily Ever After--Nora Roberts
Allison Hewitt is Trapped--Madeline Roux (Kind of a Madison style Shaun of the Dead in novel form. If they make the movie I should play Allison. Not joking.)
In the Garden of Beasts--Erik Larson
The Snowman--Jo Nesbo (LOVE)
Don't Tempt Me--Loretta Chase (Terrible.)
Reflections on my 24th year of reading coming soon!
When spring comes to the Midwest, everything seems to change. People are happier, the air smells different, and everything seems possible. It also draws us outside again, no longer bundled up in layers of thick wool and polar fleece. You can tell, from a distance, that we're human. Experiencing the great outdoors also means that reading usually takes a backseat to frolicking in flowers, eating fresh spring veggies, and doing other warm weather activities. That definitely happened to me this spring. I hardly read anything!
April:
The Lady Elizabeth--Alison Weir (Why can I not get over my obsession with English history, particularly Tudor history? Why?)
Water for Elephants--Sara Gruen
When You Reach Me--Rebecca Stead (So unexpectedly poignant.)
May:
I'd Know You Anywhere--Laura Lippman
Bossypants--Tina Fey (my girl yo!)
Call Me Irresistable--Susan Elizabeth Phillips
The Golden Compass--Phillip Pullman (a Mark Reads selection and OMG I WANT A DAEMON)
Vision in White--Nora Roberts (I read this series because my coworkers wouldn't stop talking about it. The characters are stereotypes, but it was kind of fun fluff for a spring that had a lot of wedding stuff going on in my real life.)
Between Shades of Gray--Ruta Sepetys (I finished this book just before a really bad storm that included the tornado sirens going off. It was very appropriate.)
Bed of Roses--Nora Roberts
Savor the Moment--Nora Roberts
June:
The Tiger's Wife--Tea Obreht (I liked it but couldn't help but be irritated that the author is younger than me and yet so incredibly talented and successful.)
Happily Ever After--Nora Roberts
Allison Hewitt is Trapped--Madeline Roux (Kind of a Madison style Shaun of the Dead in novel form. If they make the movie I should play Allison. Not joking.)
In the Garden of Beasts--Erik Larson
The Snowman--Jo Nesbo (LOVE)
Don't Tempt Me--Loretta Chase (Terrible.)
Reflections on my 24th year of reading coming soon!
July 31, 2011
Winter Reading, or How I Learned to Love TV on DVD and Downton Abbey
Okay, not gonna lie: in winter 2011 I watched a LOT of TV. I got really sick in January (and again in February, and again in March) and each time I watched a lot of TV on DVD. Plus, you know, Downton Abbey premiered, so I was a bit preoccupied on Sunday evenings.
Either way, here are my winter reads--now with commentary!:
December 2010
The Kitchen House--Kathleen Grissom
The Heir--Grace Burrowes (this was supposed to be for romance novel book club, but we still haven't met to discuss this book. We did, however, read aloud during whoopie pie baking. So, maybe that was more appropriate. Also: all the reviews said it was clever, witty, etc. It was not.)
At Home--Bill Bryson
The Committment--Dan Savage
January 2011
Remarkable Creatures--Tracy Chevalier
The Help--Kathryn Stockett
Catching Fire--Suzanne Collins
Ransom--Julie Garwood
The Sherlockian--Graham Moore
Barely a Lady-- Eileen Dryer
February 2011:
Finger Lickin' Fifteen--Janet Evanovich
The Witness House--Christiane Kohl
The Romanov Bride--Robert Alexander (this actually inspired me to learn more about Russia! Woo historical fiction!)
Three Fates--Nora Roberts (ugh. Stop taking book recs from coworkers.)
March 2011:
Sizzling Sixteen--Janet Evanovich
Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer--Novella Carpenter
The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentleman Farmers: An Unconventional Memoir--Josh Kilmer-Purcell
The Book Thief--Marcus Zusak (AMAZING.)
Radical Homemakers: Reclaiming Domesticity from Consumer Culture--Shannon Hayes
Deeply Rooted: Unconventional Farmers in the Age of Agribusiness--Lisa K. Hamilton
Either way, here are my winter reads--now with commentary!:
December 2010
The Kitchen House--Kathleen Grissom
The Heir--Grace Burrowes (this was supposed to be for romance novel book club, but we still haven't met to discuss this book. We did, however, read aloud during whoopie pie baking. So, maybe that was more appropriate. Also: all the reviews said it was clever, witty, etc. It was not.)
At Home--Bill Bryson
The Committment--Dan Savage
January 2011
Remarkable Creatures--Tracy Chevalier
The Help--Kathryn Stockett
Catching Fire--Suzanne Collins
Ransom--Julie Garwood
The Sherlockian--Graham Moore
Barely a Lady-- Eileen Dryer
February 2011:
Finger Lickin' Fifteen--Janet Evanovich
The Witness House--Christiane Kohl
The Romanov Bride--Robert Alexander (this actually inspired me to learn more about Russia! Woo historical fiction!)
Three Fates--Nora Roberts (ugh. Stop taking book recs from coworkers.)
March 2011:
Sizzling Sixteen--Janet Evanovich
Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer--Novella Carpenter
The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentleman Farmers: An Unconventional Memoir--Josh Kilmer-Purcell
The Book Thief--Marcus Zusak (AMAZING.)
Radical Homemakers: Reclaiming Domesticity from Consumer Culture--Shannon Hayes
Deeply Rooted: Unconventional Farmers in the Age of Agribusiness--Lisa K. Hamilton
June 18, 2011
Fall Books
Continuing the list of books I read when I was 24:
September:
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lack--Rebecca Skloot
Your Scandalous Ways--Loretta Chase
Mockingjay--Suzanne Collins
Dead in the Family--Charlaine Harris
Twelve Sharp--Janet Evanovich
October:
Made by Hand--Mark Frauen
Lean Mean Thirteen--Janet Evanovich
The Devil Wears Plaid--Teresa Medeiros
The Great Typo Hunt: Jeff Deck & Ben Herson
Not Quite a Lady--Loretta Chase
Half the Sky--Nicholas Kristoff
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society--Mary Ann Shafer and Annie Barrows*
Fearless Fourteen--Janet Evanovich
November:
The Convenient Marriage--Georgette Heyer
Lady Vernon and her Daughter--Jane Rubino and Caitlyn Rubino-Bradway
Austenland--Shannon Hale
The Pursuit of Alice Thrift--Eliner Lipman
Indiscretion--Jude Morgan
Hundred Dollar Holiday--Bill McKibbon
The Town That Food Saved--Ben Hewitt
*I do re-read books, but I will only list them here and denote them with an asterisk if I read the entire thing, cover to cover. I often read my favorite passages of books over and over again, but I'm not counting that in this year long record of reading.
September:
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lack--Rebecca Skloot
Your Scandalous Ways--Loretta Chase
Mockingjay--Suzanne Collins
Dead in the Family--Charlaine Harris
Twelve Sharp--Janet Evanovich
October:
Made by Hand--Mark Frauen
Lean Mean Thirteen--Janet Evanovich
The Devil Wears Plaid--Teresa Medeiros
The Great Typo Hunt: Jeff Deck & Ben Herson
Not Quite a Lady--Loretta Chase
Half the Sky--Nicholas Kristoff
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society--Mary Ann Shafer and Annie Barrows*
Fearless Fourteen--Janet Evanovich
November:
The Convenient Marriage--Georgette Heyer
Lady Vernon and her Daughter--Jane Rubino and Caitlyn Rubino-Bradway
Austenland--Shannon Hale
The Pursuit of Alice Thrift--Eliner Lipman
Indiscretion--Jude Morgan
Hundred Dollar Holiday--Bill McKibbon
The Town That Food Saved--Ben Hewitt
*I do re-read books, but I will only list them here and denote them with an asterisk if I read the entire thing, cover to cover. I often read my favorite passages of books over and over again, but I'm not counting that in this year long record of reading.
June 17, 2011
Results! Results! Results!
Hello! I have returned.
A year ago, I started recording every book I read. In that 24th year of life, I also endured some bad shit. So...I read a lot of fluff. Like. A lot. I'm almost ashamed. But then I think about it, and those were hilarious books, and there is nothing like watching your friend read love scenes aloud while you make over 100 whoopie pies with your dearest friends and her boyfriend squirms. And then dancing drunkenly with nutcrackers. And then frightening your boyfriend's brother by drunkenly doing impressions of his adorable Southern mother. Or reading books because your middle aged coworkers won't shut up about them. Or reading books because a blog tells you to, and finding that you love all the suggestions.
SO, with no further ado: here are the first 3 months of my 24th year of life, in books:
June:
Wolf Hall--Hilary Mantel
Seven Up--Janet Evanovich
Hard Eight--Janet Evanovich
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest--Siegg Larsson
To the Nines--Janet Evanovich
Pets and the Planet: A Practical Guide to Sustainable Pet Care--Carol Frischmann
July:
The Hunger Games--Suzanne Collins
Not Quite a Husband--Sherry Thomas
Blessed Unrest: How the Largest Movement in the World Came into Being and Why No One Saw It Coming--Paul Hawken
The White Queen--Phillipa Gregory*
Catching Fire--Suzanne Collins
August:
The Hedgehog's Dilemma--Phil Warwick
Something Wonderful--Judith McNaught
Girl in the Arena--Lise Haines
Ten Big Ones--Janet Evanovich
Eleven on Top--Janet Evanovich
His at Night--Sherry Thomas
Belfast Diary: War as a Way of Life--John Conroy
Almost Heaven--Judith McNaught
The Red Queen--Phillipa Gregory
Gosh, I read a lot of trash. Summer, you know? Depression, you know?
Next up: Fall, and a return to some more serious subject matter.
*I'm sorry, but every time I see the name Phillipa after this I will only think of this hottie.
A year ago, I started recording every book I read. In that 24th year of life, I also endured some bad shit. So...I read a lot of fluff. Like. A lot. I'm almost ashamed. But then I think about it, and those were hilarious books, and there is nothing like watching your friend read love scenes aloud while you make over 100 whoopie pies with your dearest friends and her boyfriend squirms. And then dancing drunkenly with nutcrackers. And then frightening your boyfriend's brother by drunkenly doing impressions of his adorable Southern mother. Or reading books because your middle aged coworkers won't shut up about them. Or reading books because a blog tells you to, and finding that you love all the suggestions.
SO, with no further ado: here are the first 3 months of my 24th year of life, in books:
June:
Wolf Hall--Hilary Mantel
Seven Up--Janet Evanovich
Hard Eight--Janet Evanovich
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest--Siegg Larsson
To the Nines--Janet Evanovich
Pets and the Planet: A Practical Guide to Sustainable Pet Care--Carol Frischmann
July:
The Hunger Games--Suzanne Collins
Not Quite a Husband--Sherry Thomas
Blessed Unrest: How the Largest Movement in the World Came into Being and Why No One Saw It Coming--Paul Hawken
The White Queen--Phillipa Gregory*
Catching Fire--Suzanne Collins
August:
The Hedgehog's Dilemma--Phil Warwick
Something Wonderful--Judith McNaught
Girl in the Arena--Lise Haines
Ten Big Ones--Janet Evanovich
Eleven on Top--Janet Evanovich
His at Night--Sherry Thomas
Belfast Diary: War as a Way of Life--John Conroy
Almost Heaven--Judith McNaught
The Red Queen--Phillipa Gregory
Gosh, I read a lot of trash. Summer, you know? Depression, you know?
Next up: Fall, and a return to some more serious subject matter.
*I'm sorry, but every time I see the name Phillipa after this I will only think of this hottie.
April 15, 2011
Young Professional
This happened awhile ago, but I decided to share it with you all. I was featured as the Fond du Lac Reporter's Young Professional of the Week on Sunday, April 3.
It was kind of terrifying to realize that I would be in the paper, mostly because I knew patrons would see it. That said, it was also a huge honor to be recognized after only living and working in Fond du Lac for 10 months. The people at the Reporter were really nice and I got to have my picture taken in a studio and everything.
So far, only one patron has talked to me about it, and he was really cool! He was really pumped about me wanting to hike the Inca Trail and asked how I got interested in that. He is planning to hike the Appalachian Trail, and is starting to train now that the weather is a bit better. Since he is retired and in good physical condition, he figured he might as well try. How cool!
It was kind of terrifying to realize that I would be in the paper, mostly because I knew patrons would see it. That said, it was also a huge honor to be recognized after only living and working in Fond du Lac for 10 months. The people at the Reporter were really nice and I got to have my picture taken in a studio and everything.
So far, only one patron has talked to me about it, and he was really cool! He was really pumped about me wanting to hike the Inca Trail and asked how I got interested in that. He is planning to hike the Appalachian Trail, and is starting to train now that the weather is a bit better. Since he is retired and in good physical condition, he figured he might as well try. How cool!
March 28, 2011
That's so radical.
Can you believe it is only two short months (and some change) until my 25th birthday? It blows me away. So much has happened in the past ten months. I won't lie, they were pretty awful months. Hopefully spring will show up soon and things will stop being so lonely and cold.
On my 24th birthday, I decided to start recording every book I read while I was 24. It has been really fun and a lesson in humility. Guess what? I don't read that much! It is shocking how few books I'm reading a month. Some months are heavier than others, of course, but it looks like I'm averaging a book a week. That doesn't seem like a lot to me, especially considering how bored I am in FDL. TV on DVD has certainly been a contributing factor to this. Whoops.
In June I'll be sharing the results of my year of reading record keeping, but until then, I had to share this book with you. It is called "Radical Homemakers: Reclaiming Domesticity from a Consumer Culture" by Shannon Hayes. It looks at the "movement" of people deciding to take themselves out of the rat race and live in ways that honor four basic tenets:
1) ecological sustainability
2) social justice
3)community engagement
4) family well-being
The book goes into a ton of detail (obvi) but what I appreciated most was that Hayes explores both the historical background/evolution of homemaking and profiles real people making these choices. There are areas in which I disagree with her, quite strongly.
Hayes profiles many homeschoolers and people who do not have health insurance, some by choice. The "negatives" of homeschooling are not, in my opinion, adequately explored, nor are the advantages of attending school. Of course, not all people have access to amazing public schools or can afford a good private school. I truly believe there are solutions to making our schools better and that parents can make a huge difference, regardless of the quality of a school.
After watching several family members endure serious illness and disease, I believe that while the health insurance industry is totally screwing us, I won't be without health insurance by choice. I also think that school, even regular ole public school, has some benefits. And, of course, I love me some academia.
That said, this book took a lot of things I've been pondering and summed them up. It gave me a nice background, a construct, to understand some of the choices I'm contemplating. At this point in my life, there seem to be nothing but choices. For how long do you put career first? Do I feel comfortable putting my career aside for a partner's career? Do I go full on vegetarian, even though food is such an important way for me to connect with others and meat is a part of those people's lives/cultures/traditions*? How do I contribute to the well being of a community that seems hostile to so many of my beliefs? Ah! Even as this book challenged me, it reassured me. "Radical Homemakers" is highly recommended for anyone trying to decide how to create a fulfilling, socially responsible life. It won't give answers, but it does give ideas. And who doesn't need some inspiration now and then?
*To answer this, I guess what I've decided is that I'm not going to go vegetarian. I believe we're animals, and animals do eat other animals. Fact. Watch the Discovery Channel. However, I am disgusted by the policies of industrial agriculture and the way it disregards the souls and well-being of animals. (Yes, I believe animals have souls.) So, I will only be purchasing meat from small farms where it has been raised humanely. As for dairy, I'm WI born and bred, and there's no way I'm giving up cheese. As far as eggs, I plan to source them from locals who have a flock in the yard. This is a lot easier given that I live in Hicksville and that my aunt has chickens. In the end, my diet will be largely meat free, as I cannot afford humanely raised meat very often. This seems like a reasonable choice for me and I hope that my vegetarian and vegan friends can respect it.
On my 24th birthday, I decided to start recording every book I read while I was 24. It has been really fun and a lesson in humility. Guess what? I don't read that much! It is shocking how few books I'm reading a month. Some months are heavier than others, of course, but it looks like I'm averaging a book a week. That doesn't seem like a lot to me, especially considering how bored I am in FDL. TV on DVD has certainly been a contributing factor to this. Whoops.
In June I'll be sharing the results of my year of reading record keeping, but until then, I had to share this book with you. It is called "Radical Homemakers: Reclaiming Domesticity from a Consumer Culture" by Shannon Hayes. It looks at the "movement" of people deciding to take themselves out of the rat race and live in ways that honor four basic tenets:
1) ecological sustainability
2) social justice
3)community engagement
4) family well-being
The book goes into a ton of detail (obvi) but what I appreciated most was that Hayes explores both the historical background/evolution of homemaking and profiles real people making these choices. There are areas in which I disagree with her, quite strongly.
Hayes profiles many homeschoolers and people who do not have health insurance, some by choice. The "negatives" of homeschooling are not, in my opinion, adequately explored, nor are the advantages of attending school. Of course, not all people have access to amazing public schools or can afford a good private school. I truly believe there are solutions to making our schools better and that parents can make a huge difference, regardless of the quality of a school.
After watching several family members endure serious illness and disease, I believe that while the health insurance industry is totally screwing us, I won't be without health insurance by choice. I also think that school, even regular ole public school, has some benefits. And, of course, I love me some academia.
That said, this book took a lot of things I've been pondering and summed them up. It gave me a nice background, a construct, to understand some of the choices I'm contemplating. At this point in my life, there seem to be nothing but choices. For how long do you put career first? Do I feel comfortable putting my career aside for a partner's career? Do I go full on vegetarian, even though food is such an important way for me to connect with others and meat is a part of those people's lives/cultures/traditions*? How do I contribute to the well being of a community that seems hostile to so many of my beliefs? Ah! Even as this book challenged me, it reassured me. "Radical Homemakers" is highly recommended for anyone trying to decide how to create a fulfilling, socially responsible life. It won't give answers, but it does give ideas. And who doesn't need some inspiration now and then?
*To answer this, I guess what I've decided is that I'm not going to go vegetarian. I believe we're animals, and animals do eat other animals. Fact. Watch the Discovery Channel. However, I am disgusted by the policies of industrial agriculture and the way it disregards the souls and well-being of animals. (Yes, I believe animals have souls.) So, I will only be purchasing meat from small farms where it has been raised humanely. As for dairy, I'm WI born and bred, and there's no way I'm giving up cheese. As far as eggs, I plan to source them from locals who have a flock in the yard. This is a lot easier given that I live in Hicksville and that my aunt has chickens. In the end, my diet will be largely meat free, as I cannot afford humanely raised meat very often. This seems like a reasonable choice for me and I hope that my vegetarian and vegan friends can respect it.
February 10, 2011
This has nothing to do with libraries.
Parkers at Purple Stride Chicago 2010I know I said I was going to stop posting non-library stuff here. But. I'm not. Because I'm posting this.
Come and be a part of Purple Stride Milwaukee with us! It is June 4, 2011, and we are so excited to celebrate with all of you and remember my dad. We are so so excited. Please join us. Donate or join the team by going here.
January 4, 2011
Keeping Track
In the battle between the tactile and digital world, there is one area where I have tried so hard to go digital and have failed. I've not only failed, but I've failed multiple times. What has done me in?
Calendars.
I cannot, for the life of me, use a digital calendar effectively.
It does not matter if it is Google Calendar (which I like) or my iCal (which I used to update obsessively, never to check), or the calendar in my Outlook at work (which will even set alarms to remind you to go to meetings!) Nope. It doesn't work. The only things that work are nice big wall or desk calendars. I like the boxes to be large enough to write in, I like to see the whole month at a time, and I like there to be a pretty photo. Since 2008, my home calendars have been: Ireland, Georgia O'Keefe, Natural Parks, and John Singer Sargent. At work I have the largest desk calendar Staples sells, and it is island themed. Actually finding the date on a piece of paper and writing it down, then looking at it multiple times a day, keeps events fresh in my mind and helps me to remember.
In addition, calendars bring a little bit of art into my life. Until recently, my apartment calendar was always in the kitchen. Now it lives in my bedroom. In both places, it brought color and energy to the space. It takes more energy and thought to sync my work and home calendars, but it seems that only the really important "work" events end up on my home calendar. Isn't that how it should be anyways?
Calendars.
I cannot, for the life of me, use a digital calendar effectively.
It does not matter if it is Google Calendar (which I like) or my iCal (which I used to update obsessively, never to check), or the calendar in my Outlook at work (which will even set alarms to remind you to go to meetings!) Nope. It doesn't work. The only things that work are nice big wall or desk calendars. I like the boxes to be large enough to write in, I like to see the whole month at a time, and I like there to be a pretty photo. Since 2008, my home calendars have been: Ireland, Georgia O'Keefe, Natural Parks, and John Singer Sargent. At work I have the largest desk calendar Staples sells, and it is island themed. Actually finding the date on a piece of paper and writing it down, then looking at it multiple times a day, keeps events fresh in my mind and helps me to remember.
In addition, calendars bring a little bit of art into my life. Until recently, my apartment calendar was always in the kitchen. Now it lives in my bedroom. In both places, it brought color and energy to the space. It takes more energy and thought to sync my work and home calendars, but it seems that only the really important "work" events end up on my home calendar. Isn't that how it should be anyways?
December 31, 2010
NYE Resolutions
My resolutions for 2011:
1) Drink more water.
2) Better posture!
3) Work towards making the life I WANT, not the life I think I "should" lead.
4) Write more letters.
5) Dance more.
December 26, 2010
Moving (on, forward, away)
Hello blog world. It has been so, so long. I've sort of abandoned this project. It started when I was in a different place in my life, figuratively, literally, emotionally, etc. I will continue to write here once in awhile. I don't harbor any illusions that this blog is going to make me ultra famous in Library Land, and I know (through the power of Google Analytics) that pretty much everyone who reads this thing is a friend or relative of mine. It's useful as a place to push around ideas, and I guess it doesn't matter if it is widely read or read at all.
That said, 2010 is drawing to a close. We have less than a week to go of the worst year ever, and I am just hoping to get through it without any more illnesses, accidents, or deaths. There has been a lot of sadness, pain, disappointment, and despair this year. There has also been a lot of love and support. Unfortunately, at this point all the "good things" were connected to something so terrible that it kind of dims the brightness. For example, a community rich with kindness, support, friendship and love appeared to take care of my dad and our family, but it was connected to my dad's cancer and death. Would trade all those outpourings of love for him. I got a job, but it involves living in a town I don't like, alone, with NO friends and away from my bf. Financial security, yes. Loneliness, anxiety, depression, and paranoia? Would trade the cash for some friends close by and a sense of community. Really.
The one truly good thing, that has no "bad" side attached, is my cat, Winston. In July he came home with me and has since provided more love than I can express. He has become my best friend. Today I came to my apartment, sat in a chair and he curled up in my arms, just like a baby. I feel for him the way I imagine people feel about a child. It was just what I needed.
So, after a lot of thought, I'm moving on. I'm moving forward to a new year. Things will be better, because I will MAKE them better. In 2010, things happened and I reacted. In 2011, I am going to DO things. Even if those decisions aren't the most "rational" (ie, move again! Get a different job, even though I love mine, so that I can have friends again and live someplace where I am happy!) it will be for the best. Life is short, and hard, and often quite brutal, but it also can be beautiful and sweet and fun. I want to laugh more. Part of that is moving these sorts of thoughts into a new space. This will still be updated once and again, but I'm going to put more energy into a new project I'm doing with an amazing friend. Look for casualdecadence.com to be up sometime in 2011.
Thanks for listening. Now go hug someone. I guarantee they need it.
That said, 2010 is drawing to a close. We have less than a week to go of the worst year ever, and I am just hoping to get through it without any more illnesses, accidents, or deaths. There has been a lot of sadness, pain, disappointment, and despair this year. There has also been a lot of love and support. Unfortunately, at this point all the "good things" were connected to something so terrible that it kind of dims the brightness. For example, a community rich with kindness, support, friendship and love appeared to take care of my dad and our family, but it was connected to my dad's cancer and death. Would trade all those outpourings of love for him. I got a job, but it involves living in a town I don't like, alone, with NO friends and away from my bf. Financial security, yes. Loneliness, anxiety, depression, and paranoia? Would trade the cash for some friends close by and a sense of community. Really.
The one truly good thing, that has no "bad" side attached, is my cat, Winston. In July he came home with me and has since provided more love than I can express. He has become my best friend. Today I came to my apartment, sat in a chair and he curled up in my arms, just like a baby. I feel for him the way I imagine people feel about a child. It was just what I needed.
So, after a lot of thought, I'm moving on. I'm moving forward to a new year. Things will be better, because I will MAKE them better. In 2010, things happened and I reacted. In 2011, I am going to DO things. Even if those decisions aren't the most "rational" (ie, move again! Get a different job, even though I love mine, so that I can have friends again and live someplace where I am happy!) it will be for the best. Life is short, and hard, and often quite brutal, but it also can be beautiful and sweet and fun. I want to laugh more. Part of that is moving these sorts of thoughts into a new space. This will still be updated once and again, but I'm going to put more energy into a new project I'm doing with an amazing friend. Look for casualdecadence.com to be up sometime in 2011.
Thanks for listening. Now go hug someone. I guarantee they need it.
November 15, 2010
Thank You!
Thanksgiving is only a week and a half away-shocking, right? November has flown by. I can't believe how quickly time has been moving.
As Thanksgiving approaches, it is time for all of us to think about what we are grateful for this year. There is a wonderful post up on Felt & Wire about thank you notes, and I'd encourage you to go read it. The author asks us to consider sending a thank you note to someone for something unexpected. I love writing thank you notes and am planning to do this. Maybe one of you will be a recipient!
Here are some of my favorite thank you cards:
November 9, 2010
Christmas is coming.
It seems like the US can't get started on Christmas soon enough. In early October the stores were already setting up holiday displays. Now that Halloween has passed, all efforts at restraint seem to have disappeared. At the library we're just as guilty. We've got a holiday fiction display up. And believe you me, things are flying off the shelf. It's nuts.
It has even gotten to me. I'm already mentally planning a cookie exchange, making lists of gifts for my loved ones, and thinking of how to decorate the apartment. Since this is my first Christmas living alone and so far from friends and family, I've got a lot of freedom. I also have a cat that likes to bat at anything hanging...
I'm going to be replacing the beautiful glass ornaments that usually adorn my tiny tree with homemade ones. I'm planning on documenting the entire process up here, so check back for updates. Please feel free to send ideas too!
It has even gotten to me. I'm already mentally planning a cookie exchange, making lists of gifts for my loved ones, and thinking of how to decorate the apartment. Since this is my first Christmas living alone and so far from friends and family, I've got a lot of freedom. I also have a cat that likes to bat at anything hanging...
I'm going to be replacing the beautiful glass ornaments that usually adorn my tiny tree with homemade ones. I'm planning on documenting the entire process up here, so check back for updates. Please feel free to send ideas too!
October 19, 2010
Weather
Some people are really affected by the weather. I know several people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and it is a very real, very serious disorder. For all of those living in the northern hemisphere, there seems to be some level of SAD in our lives. However, I think each season, not just winter, brings with it certain feelings and moods. Autumn is here, which is my favorite season. The crisp air and cooler temperatures allow me to break out my fall clothes, but they also inspire me to spend more time on crafts, cooking, and reading "serious" books. I lamented awhile back that I couldn't concentrate on non-fiction; that has mostly gone away now that temps are in the 50s.
Libraries have a huge opportunity with these seasonal shifts in mood and tone. Why not tailor programming to them? Most libraries have dedicated summer programs but leave the other three seasons to be a grab bag of programs, activities, and book clubs. Our library has been trying to keep a theme going and discussed the idea of seasonal programs that mimic (on a much smaller scale) the summer reading programs. So far, I think it is going well. It is nice to have a focus. "Limits" or guidelines can force people to get creative!
Our fall program is centering around health and wellness. Our big test is this weekend, with our one big event-the health and wellness fair! A lot of local health professionals (alternative and mainstream) and other "wellness' type people are going to be setting up tables, giving talks, providing information, and even providing flu & pneumonia shots!
This health fair actually arose from a chat I had with a nurse while getting my venomous spider bite taken care of this summer. It has been exciting to see the program come to life. After the carefree feeling of summer, fall seems like a good time to step back and assess the ways we're taking care of ourselves, our family, and our friends. Are we really doing everything we can to lead a happy, full, healthy and fulfilling life?
I know there are lots of things that I wish I did differently. Maybe fall and the more reflective mood will help me, and lots of other library patrons, accomplish them!
Libraries have a huge opportunity with these seasonal shifts in mood and tone. Why not tailor programming to them? Most libraries have dedicated summer programs but leave the other three seasons to be a grab bag of programs, activities, and book clubs. Our library has been trying to keep a theme going and discussed the idea of seasonal programs that mimic (on a much smaller scale) the summer reading programs. So far, I think it is going well. It is nice to have a focus. "Limits" or guidelines can force people to get creative!
Our fall program is centering around health and wellness. Our big test is this weekend, with our one big event-the health and wellness fair! A lot of local health professionals (alternative and mainstream) and other "wellness' type people are going to be setting up tables, giving talks, providing information, and even providing flu & pneumonia shots!
This health fair actually arose from a chat I had with a nurse while getting my venomous spider bite taken care of this summer. It has been exciting to see the program come to life. After the carefree feeling of summer, fall seems like a good time to step back and assess the ways we're taking care of ourselves, our family, and our friends. Are we really doing everything we can to lead a happy, full, healthy and fulfilling life?
I know there are lots of things that I wish I did differently. Maybe fall and the more reflective mood will help me, and lots of other library patrons, accomplish them!
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