Okay, so this will very likely be my last post. Post 350. And for several months, I've been wanting to revisit a music survey thing that I did back in 2007 (Weirdness). It's one of those ones where you turn your iTunes on random and you write down whatever song pops up. I thought it was interesting back in 2007 and now that I have more and different music, I'm interested in seeing what songs I get this time around.
If you reached the top of Mount Everest, you would scream:
Song: Come Back Down
Artist: Lifehouse
---HAHAHAHA. Funny.
The next time you stand up in front of a group of people, you'll say:
Song: Lean On Me
Artist: Cast of Glee
---Interesting.
Your favorite thing to say when drunk is:
Song: Escape
Artist: Nathan Angelo
Your message to the world:
Song: Such Great Heights
Artist: The Postal Service
When you think of your best friend you think:
Song: Life is Wonderful
Artist: Jason Mraz
Your deepest secret:
Song: No Stopping Us
Artist: Jason Mraz
Your innermost desire:
Song: Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want
Artist: The Smiths
---This is hilarious.
Your oldest memory makes you think:
Song: It's a Wonder
Artist: Joe Purdy
Somewhere in your wedding vows, you'll include:
Song: Wonderful Tonight
Artist: Michael Buble
On your deathbed, you'll whisper:
Song: Something's Come Over Me
Artist: Ernie Halter
---Well, that's terrible.
Your friends say behind your back:
Song: Loving You, Loving Me
Artist: Dave Barnes
You say behind your friends' back:
Song: This Beautiful Ache
Artist: Ernie Halter
---Hmm. Odd.
Your opinion of MySpace:
Song: The L.A. Song
Artist: Dave Barnes
When you wake up in the morning, you mutter:
Song: These Arms of Mine
Artist: Otis Redding
If you found yourself lost on a desert island, you'd yell:
Song: Learn You Inside Out
Artist: Lifehouse
Right now, your feelings are:
Song: Keep On Loving You
Artist: REO Speedwagon
What's your excuse for reposting this:
Song: To Where You Are
Artist: Josh Groban
Your life's soundtrack:
Song: M.L.T.
Artist: Matt Duke
The day you fall in love will be the day that:
Song: Outside Villanova
Artist: Eric Hutchinson
Your farewell message to the readers of this:
Song: Road to Ride On
Artist: Joshua Radin
Friday, December 30
2011: Resolutions Update
An update!
1. Pass Comps so that I can... - DONE! April 13, 2011
2. Graduate with a MLIS in May. - DONE! May 10, 2011
3. Read at least 50 books this year. - DONE! December 24, 2011 - barely!
4. Travel somewhere super fun. - DONE! November 2011 - New York and Boston!
5. Decrease my debt. - Semi-done? I would have said DONE! but I bought a new vehicle today, so now I have more debt. But if I only count credit card debt, it would be a resounding DONE!
6. Be healthier overall. - DONE! Lost 25 pounds since the beginning of the year.
Overall, pretty good job on keeping resolutions. I should write more for next year.
However, I don't think I'm going to keep this blog in 2012. I think it is time to shut 'er down. It's been fun, but I rarely update it any more. And if decide to continue blogging, I think I'll do it somewhere else. Who knows? We'll see.
1. Pass Comps so that I can... - DONE! April 13, 2011
2. Graduate with a MLIS in May. - DONE! May 10, 2011
3. Read at least 50 books this year. - DONE! December 24, 2011 - barely!
4. Travel somewhere super fun. - DONE! November 2011 - New York and Boston!
5. Decrease my debt. - Semi-done? I would have said DONE! but I bought a new vehicle today, so now I have more debt. But if I only count credit card debt, it would be a resounding DONE!
6. Be healthier overall. - DONE! Lost 25 pounds since the beginning of the year.
Overall, pretty good job on keeping resolutions. I should write more for next year.
However, I don't think I'm going to keep this blog in 2012. I think it is time to shut 'er down. It's been fun, but I rarely update it any more. And if decide to continue blogging, I think I'll do it somewhere else. Who knows? We'll see.
2011: A Review
2011 has been full of all sorts of lessons and life events. For example,
* I graduated with a Master's degree.
* I got a new vehicle.
* I learned I'm getting a new nephew early next year.
* I learned that I can do summer reading programs! They are exhausting, but I can do them! And survive!
* I learned that Aussie tour guides are the BEST!
* I learned that the Atlanta airport is massive. And has insanely steep escalators.
* I learned that I still love Boston.
* I got to travel! To New York and Boston! <3
* I still love my job.
* I sorta miss school.
* I LOVE my Kindle. I don't know how I ever lived without one. Especially for long trips.
* My niece is made of awesome. She cracks me up so much.
* I'm sad there are no more Harry Potters, whether in print or film.
* I saw a Broadway play - Wicked! It was AMAZING.
* I saw Jason Mraz perform an acoustic show at Carnegie Hall, which was awesome.
* Walking snacks are SO great. Driving snacks are pretty okay, too.
* I'm a healthier me!
* I graduated with a Master's degree.
* I got a new vehicle.
* I learned I'm getting a new nephew early next year.
* I learned that I can do summer reading programs! They are exhausting, but I can do them! And survive!
* I learned that Aussie tour guides are the BEST!
* I learned that the Atlanta airport is massive. And has insanely steep escalators.
* I learned that I still love Boston.
* I got to travel! To New York and Boston! <3
* I still love my job.
* I sorta miss school.
* I LOVE my Kindle. I don't know how I ever lived without one. Especially for long trips.
* My niece is made of awesome. She cracks me up so much.
* I'm sad there are no more Harry Potters, whether in print or film.
* I saw a Broadway play - Wicked! It was AMAZING.
* I saw Jason Mraz perform an acoustic show at Carnegie Hall, which was awesome.
* Walking snacks are SO great. Driving snacks are pretty okay, too.
* I'm a healthier me!
Saturday, July 9
2011 Resolutions Update
2011 is half over. Where does the time go!?
At the beginning of the year, I made the following resolutions. And all are completed or in some stage of completion.
1. Pass Comps so that I can... - DONE! April 13, 2011
2. Graduate with a MLIS in May. - DONE! May 10, 2011
3. Read at least 50 books this year. - Half completed as of July 1, 2011
4. Travel somewhere super fun. - In the planning stages!
5. Decrease my debt. - Working on it!
6. Be healthier overall. - Working on it! Have lost at least ten pounds this year and am more cognizant of what I eat/drink.
2 completed, one half-completed, and two in various stages of completion. 5 and 6 will not be completed in one year, but a sizable dent or changes can take place in 2011. Those will likely be on next year's resolution list as well. I may up #3 to 75 or 100 books for next year. It would also be interesting to keep track of how many picture books I read and how many times a week I read them, too.
At the beginning of the year, I made the following resolutions. And all are completed or in some stage of completion.
1. Pass Comps so that I can... - DONE! April 13, 2011
2. Graduate with a MLIS in May. - DONE! May 10, 2011
3. Read at least 50 books this year. - Half completed as of July 1, 2011
4. Travel somewhere super fun. - In the planning stages!
5. Decrease my debt. - Working on it!
6. Be healthier overall. - Working on it! Have lost at least ten pounds this year and am more cognizant of what I eat/drink.
2 completed, one half-completed, and two in various stages of completion. 5 and 6 will not be completed in one year, but a sizable dent or changes can take place in 2011. Those will likely be on next year's resolution list as well. I may up #3 to 75 or 100 books for next year. It would also be interesting to keep track of how many picture books I read and how many times a week I read them, too.
Saturday, June 18
Speed Zone Ahead
This will be random. You have been warned.
--
I graduated(!) with my M.L.I.S. in May 2011. I am so pumped! I'll be more pumped when I get the actual diploma, but I'll live until then, I suppose.
--
Summer reading programs take a lot of work to prepare and implement. I see lots of kiddos and teens each week and I hope to see more as the summer progresses. I love my job, but I do have a question: Does anyone know how many calories are burned while performing a story time?
--
I love watching So You Think You Can Dance. It makes me want to dance, even though I cannot. Well, I can dance, but it isn't pretty. Anyhow, last week's results show really irritated me. To send NO ONE home when some of the solos of the bottom three couples seriously sucked? That's ridiculous. And now that four are going home next week, we'll probably lose someone really great. Blah. Why do I even watch these shows?!
--
I started this blog in 2005 for no better reason than to rant and rave to no one at all, but it seems that I now have followers. I'm not sure what this means and I'm not sure if the so-called followers really read the blog or just found something interesting once and saved it for later. I don't really get the followers thing. But if you are following, hello to you and comment on things if you like. Some of the older posts are particularly humorous and crack me up when I need a good laugh. However, for the most part, this thing is rarely updated because I don't want to say anything work-related that may get me fired.
A few years back, my mother had a blog where she commented on work things and she was fired for it, even though there was NOTHING in her employer's policies that prohibited the blogging about work things. So now I censor myself on a day-to-day basis, which REALLY infuriates me because I am a librarian and we are against the censoring of things as a whole. Free speech and all that jazz. Free speech doesn't help you much in a state of at-will employment.
I sometimes wonder if I moved to a different area of the United States if I would have to censor myself so much. Sometimes, it seems certain areas are more encouraging of speaking your mind than others.
Anyway.
--
I really LOVE the new Foo Fighters album. It's awesome. Sometimes I take it out of my car's cd player to listen to something else but I always put it back in within 24 hours. I can't get over it. I love it.
--
I hate road signs that say "Speed Zone Ahead." There's no speeding up in a speed zone, which is what my brain thinks should happen. No, it's actually a reduction of speed that it supposed to take place. Shouldn't the signs say "Reduced Speed Ahead" instead? I know such signs exist or existed at one time. "Speed Zone Ahead" is not logical.
--
I love my niece. She is the greatest. She makes me laugh. After a long battle, I have finally gotten her to say "You got it, dude!" in her cute, nearly 2 year old voice. What can I make her say next?
--
The end. :D
--
I graduated(!) with my M.L.I.S. in May 2011. I am so pumped! I'll be more pumped when I get the actual diploma, but I'll live until then, I suppose.
--
Summer reading programs take a lot of work to prepare and implement. I see lots of kiddos and teens each week and I hope to see more as the summer progresses. I love my job, but I do have a question: Does anyone know how many calories are burned while performing a story time?
--
I love watching So You Think You Can Dance. It makes me want to dance, even though I cannot. Well, I can dance, but it isn't pretty. Anyhow, last week's results show really irritated me. To send NO ONE home when some of the solos of the bottom three couples seriously sucked? That's ridiculous. And now that four are going home next week, we'll probably lose someone really great. Blah. Why do I even watch these shows?!
--
I started this blog in 2005 for no better reason than to rant and rave to no one at all, but it seems that I now have followers. I'm not sure what this means and I'm not sure if the so-called followers really read the blog or just found something interesting once and saved it for later. I don't really get the followers thing. But if you are following, hello to you and comment on things if you like. Some of the older posts are particularly humorous and crack me up when I need a good laugh. However, for the most part, this thing is rarely updated because I don't want to say anything work-related that may get me fired.
A few years back, my mother had a blog where she commented on work things and she was fired for it, even though there was NOTHING in her employer's policies that prohibited the blogging about work things. So now I censor myself on a day-to-day basis, which REALLY infuriates me because I am a librarian and we are against the censoring of things as a whole. Free speech and all that jazz. Free speech doesn't help you much in a state of at-will employment.
I sometimes wonder if I moved to a different area of the United States if I would have to censor myself so much. Sometimes, it seems certain areas are more encouraging of speaking your mind than others.
Anyway.
--
I really LOVE the new Foo Fighters album. It's awesome. Sometimes I take it out of my car's cd player to listen to something else but I always put it back in within 24 hours. I can't get over it. I love it.
--
I hate road signs that say "Speed Zone Ahead." There's no speeding up in a speed zone, which is what my brain thinks should happen. No, it's actually a reduction of speed that it supposed to take place. Shouldn't the signs say "Reduced Speed Ahead" instead? I know such signs exist or existed at one time. "Speed Zone Ahead" is not logical.
--
I love my niece. She is the greatest. She makes me laugh. After a long battle, I have finally gotten her to say "You got it, dude!" in her cute, nearly 2 year old voice. What can I make her say next?
--
The end. :D
Sunday, April 24
Me Without You
I wrote this poem in February 2004. And while I have thought about it many times over the years, it has become relevant to me again in recent months.
"Me Without You"
Nowhere to go, nowhere to hide
To hide, I can only retreat inside
Inside, I watch myself be strong
Strong, although I know its wrong
Wrong, because I'm not at fault.
At fault, at fault, who is to blame?
It's only salt --
Salt to our invisible wounds.
Wounds that sprung up overnight.
Overnight, they metastasize without the light
The light that shines at morning sun
Sun that never rises in our hearts --
What's done is done.
Done and gone, tick-tock, our time is gone.
Good-bye, good-bye, my weary heart wants rest.
Rest will not come until I pass the test.
The test, it looms in impatient waiting
Waiting for my spine to quit fading.
Fading, fading, fading fast
Fast, it's gone. This cannot last.
Last is final; final is through.
Through, we're through. It's me without you.
"Me Without You"
Nowhere to go, nowhere to hide
To hide, I can only retreat inside
Inside, I watch myself be strong
Strong, although I know its wrong
Wrong, because I'm not at fault.
At fault, at fault, who is to blame?
It's only salt --
Salt to our invisible wounds.
Wounds that sprung up overnight.
Overnight, they metastasize without the light
The light that shines at morning sun
Sun that never rises in our hearts --
What's done is done.
Done and gone, tick-tock, our time is gone.
Good-bye, good-bye, my weary heart wants rest.
Rest will not come until I pass the test.
The test, it looms in impatient waiting
Waiting for my spine to quit fading.
Fading, fading, fading fast
Fast, it's gone. This cannot last.
Last is final; final is through.
Through, we're through. It's me without you.
Passed!
The defense lasted all of an extremely terrifying eleven minutes, but I somehow managed to come up with the right words. Three minutes after leaving the defense, my phone dinged. An email informed me that I had passed. I replied to the email: "Are you sure you have the right person?"
Fifteen minutes later, I received an email saying that yes, I had indeed passed. So yay.
Another chapter comes to a close in just over two weeks.
Fifteen minutes later, I received an email saying that yes, I had indeed passed. So yay.
Another chapter comes to a close in just over two weeks.
Saturday, April 2
Defense!
I have to defend one answer on my comprehensive exam. This means that I passed 2/3 of the exam. This also means that I have to go before three faculty members and make my case about why I answered the way I answered. I'll know in a few days when I will go defend, which will be within the next two weeks.
What I also learned yesterday, apart from my score, is that defenses generally last 30 minutes to an hour. AN HOUR! And that the faculty members will ask me questions and MAY ask questions outside the scope of the original question.
I have too much to do (all due Monday) to start studying for my defense now, so I hope that I have ample time to prepare for the defense before I actually have to defend. I also hope I don't turn into a babbling, puking fool in front of the faculty members.
And I really hope I pass.
What I also learned yesterday, apart from my score, is that defenses generally last 30 minutes to an hour. AN HOUR! And that the faculty members will ask me questions and MAY ask questions outside the scope of the original question.
I have too much to do (all due Monday) to start studying for my defense now, so I hope that I have ample time to prepare for the defense before I actually have to defend. I also hope I don't turn into a babbling, puking fool in front of the faculty members.
And I really hope I pass.
Thursday, February 17
Books Read in 2011
Last year, I made a goal to read at least 50 books and keep track of what I read. As I had two intensive literature classes last year, it was not difficult to reach my goal. So, this year, I made the same goal. I don't have any literature classes this year, so this will be a more accurate count of how much I read in a year. As with last year, I will not count books I start but do not finish and picture books I read for story time.
1. The Orchid Affair - Lauren Willig
2. Anna and the French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins
3. Looking for Alaska - John Green
4. True Grit - Charles Portis
5. Into the Wild - Jon Krakauer
6. The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
7. Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins
8. Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins
9. Bossypants - Tina Fey
10. 13 Little Blue Envelopes - Maureen Johnson
11. The Heart Is Not a Size - Beth Kephart (TBA Committee Requirement)
12. The Things A Brother Knows - Dana Reinhardt (TBA Committee Requirement)
13. A Little Wanting Song - Cath Crowley (TBA Committee Requirement)
14. Jane - April Linder (TBA Committee Requirement)
15. You - Charles Benoit (TBA Committee Requirement)
16. The Mockingbirds - Daisy Whitney (TBA Committee Requirement)
17. Ostrich Boys - Keith Gray (TBACR)
18. Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver (TBACR)
19. Some Girls Are - Courtney Summers (TBACR)
20. The Help - Kathryn Stockett
21. The D.U.F.F. - Kody Keplinger (TBACR)
22. Lockdown - Walter Dean Myers (TBACR)
23. Sorta Like a Rock Star - Matthew Quick (TBACR)
24. Hothouse - Chris Lynch (TBACR)
25. Bright Young Things - Anna Godbersen (TBACR)
26. Crazy - Han Nolan (TBACR)
27. Forever - Maggie Stiefvater
28. One Day - David Nicholls
29. The Book Thief - Markus Zuzak
30. A Discovery of Witches - Deborah Harkness
31. Once Was Lost -Sara Zarr
32. The Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan
33. The Sea of Monsters - Rick Riordan
34. The Battle of the Labyrinth - Rick Riordan
35. The Titan's Curse - Rick Riordan
36. The Last Olympian - Rick Riordan
37. The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb - Melanie Benjamin
38. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs
39. Lola and the Boy Next Door - Stephanie Perkins
40. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks - E. Lockhart
41. Dead Until Dark - Charlaine Harris
42. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
43. The Summer I Learned to Fly - Dana Reinhardt
44. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - John Behrendt
45. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) - Mindy Kaling
46. The Name of the Star - Maureen Johnson
47. His Good Opinion - Nancy Kelley
48. Ivy & Intrigue - Lauren Willig
49. Matched - Ally Condie
50. Divergent - Veronica Roth
Note: TBA Committee Requirement - I am reading books this year as a reader for a teen book award process. There are lists of nominated books and I am required to read about 16 books between April 15 and July 28, 2011. This may also be referred to as TBACR.
1. The Orchid Affair - Lauren Willig
2. Anna and the French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins
3. Looking for Alaska - John Green
4. True Grit - Charles Portis
5. Into the Wild - Jon Krakauer
6. The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
7. Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins
8. Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins
9. Bossypants - Tina Fey
10. 13 Little Blue Envelopes - Maureen Johnson
11. The Heart Is Not a Size - Beth Kephart (TBA Committee Requirement)
12. The Things A Brother Knows - Dana Reinhardt (TBA Committee Requirement)
13. A Little Wanting Song - Cath Crowley (TBA Committee Requirement)
14. Jane - April Linder (TBA Committee Requirement)
15. You - Charles Benoit (TBA Committee Requirement)
16. The Mockingbirds - Daisy Whitney (TBA Committee Requirement)
17. Ostrich Boys - Keith Gray (TBACR)
18. Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver (TBACR)
19. Some Girls Are - Courtney Summers (TBACR)
20. The Help - Kathryn Stockett
21. The D.U.F.F. - Kody Keplinger (TBACR)
22. Lockdown - Walter Dean Myers (TBACR)
23. Sorta Like a Rock Star - Matthew Quick (TBACR)
24. Hothouse - Chris Lynch (TBACR)
25. Bright Young Things - Anna Godbersen (TBACR)
26. Crazy - Han Nolan (TBACR)
27. Forever - Maggie Stiefvater
28. One Day - David Nicholls
29. The Book Thief - Markus Zuzak
30. A Discovery of Witches - Deborah Harkness
31. Once Was Lost -Sara Zarr
32. The Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan
33. The Sea of Monsters - Rick Riordan
34. The Battle of the Labyrinth - Rick Riordan
35. The Titan's Curse - Rick Riordan
36. The Last Olympian - Rick Riordan
37. The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb - Melanie Benjamin
38. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs
39. Lola and the Boy Next Door - Stephanie Perkins
40. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks - E. Lockhart
41. Dead Until Dark - Charlaine Harris
42. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
43. The Summer I Learned to Fly - Dana Reinhardt
44. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - John Behrendt
45. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) - Mindy Kaling
46. The Name of the Star - Maureen Johnson
47. His Good Opinion - Nancy Kelley
48. Ivy & Intrigue - Lauren Willig
49. Matched - Ally Condie
50. Divergent - Veronica Roth
Note: TBA Committee Requirement - I am reading books this year as a reader for a teen book award process. There are lists of nominated books and I am required to read about 16 books between April 15 and July 28, 2011. This may also be referred to as TBACR.
Sunday, January 23
60. 110.
The comprehensive exam is in 60 days.
The end of the semester is in 110 days.
Graduation is sometime around the end of the semester.
I need to get a move on and start studying. The days will dwindle quickly.
The end of the semester is in 110 days.
Graduation is sometime around the end of the semester.
I need to get a move on and start studying. The days will dwindle quickly.
Monday, January 17
The Last of the First
Tomorrow is my last first day of school. Or last first day of classes. If I go by first days of school categorized by a full year of school, I've had 19 first days. If I count individual semesters in college in addition to years of elementary, middle, and high school, I've had 13 years of primary education coupled with 13 semesters of secondary education, for a total of 26 first days.
Should I have a count of the number of first days I've had? Probably not.
Four years ago, I was starting my last semester of undergrad. Most students would have thought they would be experiencing their last first day of school after an undergrad degree. But I knew then I would get an advanced degree of some kind.
But I don't think I'll go back to school again. I don't think I will get a more advanced degree than this. So, this is it.
And it's weird.
Should I have a count of the number of first days I've had? Probably not.
Four years ago, I was starting my last semester of undergrad. Most students would have thought they would be experiencing their last first day of school after an undergrad degree. But I knew then I would get an advanced degree of some kind.
But I don't think I'll go back to school again. I don't think I will get a more advanced degree than this. So, this is it.
And it's weird.
Wednesday, January 12
January 12 of 12
It's been years since I've participated in a 12 of 12, but I felt nostalgic today and I remembered my camera. However, the day wasn't terribly eventful.
If you don't know what a 12 of 12 is, I suggest you visit Chad Darnell's blog. He started this concept of taking 12 pictures to document the day on the 12th day of the month. 12 of 12!
So, January's 12 of 12:
I'd been up for about thirty minutes prior to taking this photo, but this was when I realized that if I didn't get a move on, I would be late for work!
When I got in my car and saw the temperature, I knew why I didn't want to get out of bed this morning. Brr!!
I work as a Children's/Youth Services Librarian for a library system. I do story times, school visits, and teen activities each day at a different library in the county during the week. Today, I was at the library where my office is, so only my blue GO bag was required. This week's story time theme is snow and snowmen, which worked nicely with the snow we got on Sunday and Monday.
Wednesdays at 9am finds me at one of the local head starts for a 20-25 minute story time. Just grabbing my name badge before getting out of my car.
Lunch! I used to despise Wendy's (square burgers are an abomination!), but I'm beginning to come around.
The library where my office is located was open for the last time today, thus the nostalgic feeling. We're moving to a wonderful new building over the next few weeks. However, as I'm only at this library on Wednesday, I had to pack today. I share this office with the library branch director and this is only one side of it. There's still one big box or two that is packed up that you can't see.
After work, I drove to my sister's house so that I could reunite her with her car, which she left at her in-law's house during the Sunday snow. I think I need a new car and have been paying close attention to the cars I see the highway.
I got to play with and read to my niece while at my sister's. A rare moment to find Ari silent and still.
Stopped at Walgreens after dropping my sister off at her car.
Home sweet home!
I logged into one of the online classes I'm taking this semester. Technically, classes don't start until next week, but this professor opened the class early and posted an assignment. And because I can't control myself, I completed the assignment when I should have been enjoying my semester break. Oh, well! Last semester, hopefully. Should graduate with an MLIS in May.
It's Wednesday. And Wednesdays always end with Vlogbrothers, John and Hank. Mondays and Fridays also end with John and Hank.
And that's my 12 of 12!
If you don't know what a 12 of 12 is, I suggest you visit Chad Darnell's blog. He started this concept of taking 12 pictures to document the day on the 12th day of the month. 12 of 12!
So, January's 12 of 12:
I'd been up for about thirty minutes prior to taking this photo, but this was when I realized that if I didn't get a move on, I would be late for work!
When I got in my car and saw the temperature, I knew why I didn't want to get out of bed this morning. Brr!!
I work as a Children's/Youth Services Librarian for a library system. I do story times, school visits, and teen activities each day at a different library in the county during the week. Today, I was at the library where my office is, so only my blue GO bag was required. This week's story time theme is snow and snowmen, which worked nicely with the snow we got on Sunday and Monday.
Wednesdays at 9am finds me at one of the local head starts for a 20-25 minute story time. Just grabbing my name badge before getting out of my car.
Lunch! I used to despise Wendy's (square burgers are an abomination!), but I'm beginning to come around.
The library where my office is located was open for the last time today, thus the nostalgic feeling. We're moving to a wonderful new building over the next few weeks. However, as I'm only at this library on Wednesday, I had to pack today. I share this office with the library branch director and this is only one side of it. There's still one big box or two that is packed up that you can't see.
After work, I drove to my sister's house so that I could reunite her with her car, which she left at her in-law's house during the Sunday snow. I think I need a new car and have been paying close attention to the cars I see the highway.
I got to play with and read to my niece while at my sister's. A rare moment to find Ari silent and still.
Stopped at Walgreens after dropping my sister off at her car.
Home sweet home!
I logged into one of the online classes I'm taking this semester. Technically, classes don't start until next week, but this professor opened the class early and posted an assignment. And because I can't control myself, I completed the assignment when I should have been enjoying my semester break. Oh, well! Last semester, hopefully. Should graduate with an MLIS in May.
It's Wednesday. And Wednesdays always end with Vlogbrothers, John and Hank. Mondays and Fridays also end with John and Hank.
And that's my 12 of 12!
Friday, December 31
New Year's Resolutions 2011
This year, I hope to:
1. Pass Comps so that I can...
2. Graduate with a MLIS in May.
3. Read at least 50 books this year.
4. Travel somewhere super fun.
5. Decrease my debt.
6. Be healthier overall.
1. Pass Comps so that I can...
2. Graduate with a MLIS in May.
3. Read at least 50 books this year.
4. Travel somewhere super fun.
5. Decrease my debt.
6. Be healthier overall.
Wednesday, December 29
Resolutions 2010: A Review
End of the year. How did I fare?
1) Read a Tolstory. Preferably Anna Karenina. Preferably cover to cover.
I really tried to do this. I tried on two separate occasions with two different translations and still could not make it a quarter of the way through. The second time I at least made it past 100 pages, but I could not get into it. Usually, if I'm not into the book within the first 100 pages, I let myself give up. Therefore, I gave up.
2) Be more aware of my budgetary constraints.
I did better on this. Made a move to better pay my way in the world and incur the least amount of debt possible. I was amassing a nice fall-back cushion when car woes made me poor in November.
3) Read at least 50 books in the year. I probably read close to that this year (if not more), but I didn't keep track. Therefore:
4) Keep track of the books I read during the year.
Did it! 66 total chapter books! And I kept track, too. Go, me!
5) Being more organized in all aspects of life, not just work and/or school.
Hmm. Not so sure I did as well with this one. Not sure what I meant to accomplish with this goal, either.
6) See more than one live musical performance by a favorite musician. This one will be the most tricky, I'm afraid.
Success!! It took until the end of September, but I saw Jason Mraz when he came to Searcy, AR this year. I wanted to see Dave Barnes and had a close opportunity to do so, but I didn't want to go by myself. Guess I'll just have to take some concert leaps and see some live music solo.
I consider meeting most all my resolutions a success! #1 was an obvious fail and I'm not really sure what #5 was all about, but #2-4 and #6 worked out okay. Might have to make resolutions for 2011.
1) Read a Tolstory. Preferably Anna Karenina. Preferably cover to cover.
I really tried to do this. I tried on two separate occasions with two different translations and still could not make it a quarter of the way through. The second time I at least made it past 100 pages, but I could not get into it. Usually, if I'm not into the book within the first 100 pages, I let myself give up. Therefore, I gave up.
2) Be more aware of my budgetary constraints.
I did better on this. Made a move to better pay my way in the world and incur the least amount of debt possible. I was amassing a nice fall-back cushion when car woes made me poor in November.
3) Read at least 50 books in the year. I probably read close to that this year (if not more), but I didn't keep track. Therefore:
4) Keep track of the books I read during the year.
Did it! 66 total chapter books! And I kept track, too. Go, me!
5) Being more organized in all aspects of life, not just work and/or school.
Hmm. Not so sure I did as well with this one. Not sure what I meant to accomplish with this goal, either.
6) See more than one live musical performance by a favorite musician. This one will be the most tricky, I'm afraid.
Success!! It took until the end of September, but I saw Jason Mraz when he came to Searcy, AR this year. I wanted to see Dave Barnes and had a close opportunity to do so, but I didn't want to go by myself. Guess I'll just have to take some concert leaps and see some live music solo.
I consider meeting most all my resolutions a success! #1 was an obvious fail and I'm not really sure what #5 was all about, but #2-4 and #6 worked out okay. Might have to make resolutions for 2011.
2010: A Review
This year has been the Year of the Paper-Writing. I feel like that is all I have done this year. Other not-so-flashy highlights and things I learned:
* I must have traveled to Tulsa 20-some-odd times for class this year. The drive is loooong.
* I read 66 books this year, not counting the at least four or so I read five times a week during story time. The last book I read this year, I read it within four hours. Completely blew through it in one sitting. It. Was. Awesome. And. Insane.
* I completed 15 hours of grad school. Another six to take in the spring semester and Comps to pass in order to graduate in May 2011.
* I got a new position within the organization where I already worked. I love it.
* People let you down. I suppose it is human nature to fail other people, but it doesn't make it suck any less.
* Finding a craft to fit a story time theme sounds easy in theory, but it really isn't. Especially when you have to prepare for one hundred kids, which is about half of what I see on a weekly basis.
* I really love Converses and pajamas. If I could spend all day in Converses and pajamas, it would be a very wonderful day indeed.
* Finding teen crafts and activities is even harder.
* I'm starting to see a light at the end of my grad school tunnel. I hope it isn't a train (i.e., failing Comps and being pushed back until December).
* I want to go to Boston for a visit.
* My car has cost me a lot of money this year: four new tires and a new windshield only scratches the surface.
* Glee has lost some of its original luster.
* I want a more luxurious vehicle. Being as that I drive a lot for work, I don't think that is an unreasonable desire.
* Many kids I went to school with got married or engaged within the last year. Makes me feel really stupid... or really smart. The feeling changes depending on the day.
* Apple computers are AWESOME! Apple repair service is pretty great, too.
* Kindles are super fun. :)
* I like Ben Affleck as an actor. And a director. And who knew how versatile and awesome Matt Damon would become when we first saw him way back when? Not me!
* I wish I was better at _________. Fill in the blank.
* My niece is wondermas. And I don't like the way niece is spelled.
* I still really want to write a book, but I don't know what to write. I have characters, dialogue, and some scenes, but nothing to warrant a full book.
* I wish that I had seen more movies this year. In the theater or otherwise. I've watched a fair bit of television, but I truly feel that all I have done is write papers or do homework. And I'm sick of it. If I don't get to graduate this semester, I think I will go on a bender. I'm not sure what a bender would entail for me, but I think that is what will happen, unfortunately.
2010 was just another year. Nothing superbly fantastic occurred. I managed to post at least once a month, except for November, which is more months than I've done in the last three years. So, yay me!
* I must have traveled to Tulsa 20-some-odd times for class this year. The drive is loooong.
* I read 66 books this year, not counting the at least four or so I read five times a week during story time. The last book I read this year, I read it within four hours. Completely blew through it in one sitting. It. Was. Awesome. And. Insane.
* I completed 15 hours of grad school. Another six to take in the spring semester and Comps to pass in order to graduate in May 2011.
* I got a new position within the organization where I already worked. I love it.
* People let you down. I suppose it is human nature to fail other people, but it doesn't make it suck any less.
* Finding a craft to fit a story time theme sounds easy in theory, but it really isn't. Especially when you have to prepare for one hundred kids, which is about half of what I see on a weekly basis.
* I really love Converses and pajamas. If I could spend all day in Converses and pajamas, it would be a very wonderful day indeed.
* Finding teen crafts and activities is even harder.
* I'm starting to see a light at the end of my grad school tunnel. I hope it isn't a train (i.e., failing Comps and being pushed back until December).
* I want to go to Boston for a visit.
* My car has cost me a lot of money this year: four new tires and a new windshield only scratches the surface.
* Glee has lost some of its original luster.
* I want a more luxurious vehicle. Being as that I drive a lot for work, I don't think that is an unreasonable desire.
* Many kids I went to school with got married or engaged within the last year. Makes me feel really stupid... or really smart. The feeling changes depending on the day.
* Apple computers are AWESOME! Apple repair service is pretty great, too.
* Kindles are super fun. :)
* I like Ben Affleck as an actor. And a director. And who knew how versatile and awesome Matt Damon would become when we first saw him way back when? Not me!
* I wish I was better at _________. Fill in the blank.
* My niece is wondermas. And I don't like the way niece is spelled.
* I still really want to write a book, but I don't know what to write. I have characters, dialogue, and some scenes, but nothing to warrant a full book.
* I wish that I had seen more movies this year. In the theater or otherwise. I've watched a fair bit of television, but I truly feel that all I have done is write papers or do homework. And I'm sick of it. If I don't get to graduate this semester, I think I will go on a bender. I'm not sure what a bender would entail for me, but I think that is what will happen, unfortunately.
2010 was just another year. Nothing superbly fantastic occurred. I managed to post at least once a month, except for November, which is more months than I've done in the last three years. So, yay me!
Saturday, October 30
Oh, Harry Potter...
During the late 1990s, when the Harry Potter books were in their infancy, I refused to read them. I was certain that they were full of satanic verses and theories.* As a church-going Christian teenager, the books were not for me. Plus, everyone expected you to read them and I enjoy being contrary.
In the summer of 2001 or 2002, after the fourth book had been published, my wonderful Grandma came to stay for a few weeks. She brought a hardcover edition of the fourth book with her for my sister and me to read. It languished in various corners of the house until, one day, I ran out of things to read (oh, the horror!!). Reluctantly, I picked up Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, certain that I would hate it. That I probably wouldn't even finish it.
I couldn't have been more wrong. I LOVED it. The characters, the description, the writing... wonderful, suspenseful, thrilling, incredible. I couldn't wait to read the others. I did have to wait, of course. And because library-going had become rare in that time, I saved up my money to purchase the books at WM. I got the first two in paperback (horrid for me, as I love hardcover) and the third in hardcover. I read them quickly, devouring the adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione and the requisite, ever-increasing danger of Lord Voldemort. (Interesting fact: My copy of the fourth book actually went to Harvard when I lent it to a teacher. Harvard!)
When the fifth book came out, I had purchased it on Amazon and it arrived on my doorstep the day it was released. I purchased the next two books the same way. I would swallow the books in one gulp, it seemed, finishing the books within a day. It had become customary for me to re-read all the books before the new book came out, too.
Upon finishing the seventh book, I felt disgusted by what had happened. I had always pegged Snape as a bad guy. To learn that he had, in fact, been as good as Dumbledore claimed was disappointing. And I didn't want Harry with Ginny. I always felt he had more in common with Hermione (although, I see that he and Hermione are more like brother-and-sister than potential love interest). And finally, I was disappointed with how the prophecy was circumvented by making Harry an unintended Horcrux. It seemed to me, from the prophecy and the final books, that Harry should die in the process of killing Voldemort. For him to live and have the "Nineteen years later" epilogue seemed wrong. I remember thinking that Rowling took the easy way out; instead of living with the sadness of killing Harry off, she devised some way to keep him alive, even though it seemingly went against everything previously written.
Disgusted by what had happened in the last book, I packed up all my books and promptly gave them away.
I continued to watch the films as they had been released (the fourth and fifth films being major disappointments), but I did not re-read the books. In November, the first part of the film-version of the final book will be released. I finally felt it was time to re-read the books once again. So, in the beginning of September, I picked up the first book and read through the entire series within a month's time. As I have little free time, all the reading came just before bed or during lunch at work.
It was a WONDERFUL visit back to the land of Hogwarts. Nice to see all the old gang back together again. And it was nice to see that Rowling's writing was just as excellent as I'd left it. It was TERRIBLE to finish the final book. I wanted to start the entire series all over again. I wanted to spend more time at the Weasleys, more time at Hogwarts, more time with Harry, Ron, and Hermione and all their friends and enemies.
As I finished the fourth and fifth books, I rewatched their respective film counterparts and realized how much those two films completely butchered the books. However, I am looking forward to the final two films... generally, the films are entertaining, despite their maiming of the text. The fourth and fifth films were the least enjoyable of the series, though. Whether this is due to the dark nature of those books, I am not sure.
It will be hard to say good-bye to the Harry Potter film franchise, just as it was hard for me to say good-bye to the Harry Potter books this year. Things that are really great and wonderful are terribly difficult to leave behind. Good thing the books are widely circulated in print and digital formats so that I may continue to read them forevermore.
*The books are not satanic. While they are about wizards and witches, the books are more about the battle between good and evil, with Lord Voldemort and his Nazi-like ideas of one race (the pure blood Wizarding race!) being the Devil figure. Harry and his friends that fight against Voldemort are like the ordinary individuals who continue to rally against evil in the world.
In the summer of 2001 or 2002, after the fourth book had been published, my wonderful Grandma came to stay for a few weeks. She brought a hardcover edition of the fourth book with her for my sister and me to read. It languished in various corners of the house until, one day, I ran out of things to read (oh, the horror!!). Reluctantly, I picked up Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, certain that I would hate it. That I probably wouldn't even finish it.
I couldn't have been more wrong. I LOVED it. The characters, the description, the writing... wonderful, suspenseful, thrilling, incredible. I couldn't wait to read the others. I did have to wait, of course. And because library-going had become rare in that time, I saved up my money to purchase the books at WM. I got the first two in paperback (horrid for me, as I love hardcover) and the third in hardcover. I read them quickly, devouring the adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione and the requisite, ever-increasing danger of Lord Voldemort. (Interesting fact: My copy of the fourth book actually went to Harvard when I lent it to a teacher. Harvard!)
When the fifth book came out, I had purchased it on Amazon and it arrived on my doorstep the day it was released. I purchased the next two books the same way. I would swallow the books in one gulp, it seemed, finishing the books within a day. It had become customary for me to re-read all the books before the new book came out, too.
Upon finishing the seventh book, I felt disgusted by what had happened. I had always pegged Snape as a bad guy. To learn that he had, in fact, been as good as Dumbledore claimed was disappointing. And I didn't want Harry with Ginny. I always felt he had more in common with Hermione (although, I see that he and Hermione are more like brother-and-sister than potential love interest). And finally, I was disappointed with how the prophecy was circumvented by making Harry an unintended Horcrux. It seemed to me, from the prophecy and the final books, that Harry should die in the process of killing Voldemort. For him to live and have the "Nineteen years later" epilogue seemed wrong. I remember thinking that Rowling took the easy way out; instead of living with the sadness of killing Harry off, she devised some way to keep him alive, even though it seemingly went against everything previously written.
Disgusted by what had happened in the last book, I packed up all my books and promptly gave them away.
I continued to watch the films as they had been released (the fourth and fifth films being major disappointments), but I did not re-read the books. In November, the first part of the film-version of the final book will be released. I finally felt it was time to re-read the books once again. So, in the beginning of September, I picked up the first book and read through the entire series within a month's time. As I have little free time, all the reading came just before bed or during lunch at work.
It was a WONDERFUL visit back to the land of Hogwarts. Nice to see all the old gang back together again. And it was nice to see that Rowling's writing was just as excellent as I'd left it. It was TERRIBLE to finish the final book. I wanted to start the entire series all over again. I wanted to spend more time at the Weasleys, more time at Hogwarts, more time with Harry, Ron, and Hermione and all their friends and enemies.
As I finished the fourth and fifth books, I rewatched their respective film counterparts and realized how much those two films completely butchered the books. However, I am looking forward to the final two films... generally, the films are entertaining, despite their maiming of the text. The fourth and fifth films were the least enjoyable of the series, though. Whether this is due to the dark nature of those books, I am not sure.
It will be hard to say good-bye to the Harry Potter film franchise, just as it was hard for me to say good-bye to the Harry Potter books this year. Things that are really great and wonderful are terribly difficult to leave behind. Good thing the books are widely circulated in print and digital formats so that I may continue to read them forevermore.
*The books are not satanic. While they are about wizards and witches, the books are more about the battle between good and evil, with Lord Voldemort and his Nazi-like ideas of one race (the pure blood Wizarding race!) being the Devil figure. Harry and his friends that fight against Voldemort are like the ordinary individuals who continue to rally against evil in the world.
Tuesday, October 26
Society = Fail
From The Advocate: School Official Wants Gays Dead
The article details the Facebook ramblings of a school official in the Midland School District in Western Arkansas. Clint McCance railed against the call to wear purple to support LGBT youth and the recent suicides that has been rocked the LGBT community and the world at large. His response is that the only way he would wear purple is if ALL homosexuals committed suicide. He goes on to comment that wearing purple honors their deaths, which are a sin, and honors that they killed themselves BECAUSE of who they are, which is also a sin.
Wow. He completely missed the impact of the recent suicides. Those children felt alienated for being THEMSELVES. They were BULLIED by their peers. We should remember that we ALL have feelings, whether we are gay, straight, black, white, green, purple, or red. Someone may not be like us... may be different than ourselves. This is no reason to ostracize someone. Our differences should be celebrated not attacked.
Those kids didn't commit suicide because they were homosexual. They committed suicide because they were bullied. Because they felt alone, like they had no one on their side. We, as a people, should be more tolerant and accepting of others. We can't fix every thing or everyone. We can't prevent every suicide. But we FAIL as a society when individuals are committing suicide because they are bullied by their peers.
To anyone who has been thinking of committing suicide: Don't. Things can and WILL get better. But things can't get better for YOU if you're not here to witness it. Hold your head up high and keep moving forward. As Robert Frost said: "The best way out is always through."
The through is rarely easy. But the getting there? Through the through? You will be stronger than you ever imagined.
It Gets Better.
The article details the Facebook ramblings of a school official in the Midland School District in Western Arkansas. Clint McCance railed against the call to wear purple to support LGBT youth and the recent suicides that has been rocked the LGBT community and the world at large. His response is that the only way he would wear purple is if ALL homosexuals committed suicide. He goes on to comment that wearing purple honors their deaths, which are a sin, and honors that they killed themselves BECAUSE of who they are, which is also a sin.
Wow. He completely missed the impact of the recent suicides. Those children felt alienated for being THEMSELVES. They were BULLIED by their peers. We should remember that we ALL have feelings, whether we are gay, straight, black, white, green, purple, or red. Someone may not be like us... may be different than ourselves. This is no reason to ostracize someone. Our differences should be celebrated not attacked.
Those kids didn't commit suicide because they were homosexual. They committed suicide because they were bullied. Because they felt alone, like they had no one on their side. We, as a people, should be more tolerant and accepting of others. We can't fix every thing or everyone. We can't prevent every suicide. But we FAIL as a society when individuals are committing suicide because they are bullied by their peers.
To anyone who has been thinking of committing suicide: Don't. Things can and WILL get better. But things can't get better for YOU if you're not here to witness it. Hold your head up high and keep moving forward. As Robert Frost said: "The best way out is always through."
The through is rarely easy. But the getting there? Through the through? You will be stronger than you ever imagined.
It Gets Better.
Sunday, August 29
One of the reasons I love John Green
Author John Green writes really awesome books. They're funny. They're thought-provoking. They're real. They're ENJOYABLE. In addition to writing great things, John and his brother Hank participate in video blogs, each taking turns posting a new one every other day. All of them are entertaining, some of them are laugh-out-loud hilarious, but some of them are even educational. Like this one, in which John puts an end to the question "Is Obama a Muslim?"
Friday, July 23
Walk On
Yesterday, when you were young,
Everything you needed done was done for you.
Now you do it on your own
But you find you're all alone,
What can you do?
You and me walk on
Cause you can't go back now.
You know there will be days when you're so tired that you can't take another step,
The night will have no stars and you'll think you've gone as far as you will ever get
But you and me walk on
Cause you can't go back now
And yeah, yeah, go where you want to go
Be what you want to be,
If you ever turn around, you'll see me.
I can't really say why everybody wishes they were somewhere else
But in the end, the only steps that matter are the ones you take all by yourself
And you and me walk on
Yeah you and me walk on
Cause you can't go back now
Walk on, walk on, walk on
You can't go back now
-The Weepies
Everything you needed done was done for you.
Now you do it on your own
But you find you're all alone,
What can you do?
You and me walk on
Cause you can't go back now.
You know there will be days when you're so tired that you can't take another step,
The night will have no stars and you'll think you've gone as far as you will ever get
But you and me walk on
Cause you can't go back now
And yeah, yeah, go where you want to go
Be what you want to be,
If you ever turn around, you'll see me.
I can't really say why everybody wishes they were somewhere else
But in the end, the only steps that matter are the ones you take all by yourself
And you and me walk on
Yeah you and me walk on
Cause you can't go back now
Walk on, walk on, walk on
You can't go back now
-The Weepies
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