A Fair Fun-Fest

Finally Friday. True, this has felt like an entire week of Fridays, but this is the real deal. Plus: long weekend #1! The American education system once again proves itself a worthy employer.

Today I would like to formally acknowledge that my posts have, as of late, been lacking a certain je ne sais quoi*. Ok, ok, I know: they kinda suck. And I know I suck for not pouring my heart and soul into writing them. But quite frankly, my brain has been so all over the place lately that I wouldn't even know where to begin. I might even go so far as to say that you're all pretty lucky I've managed to pull it together to write anything at all, all things considered.

This weekend bears with it the Great Deerfield Fair (I just added the Great right now- why should NY get a Great and not NH?), and I am going to be one excited fair-goer. I would tell you that it's my favorite event of the fall season but that would be false; it's my favorite event of the year! It symbolizes all that is holy about fall in New England: the smell of wet leaves and hay and moussed up mullets. The 4-H clubs of NH and their sad little baking contests. Paying a dollar to see the world's largest bear in a shady caravan, only to be disappointed by a fake-o stuffed animal. But enjoying it anyway because you have a caramel apple in one hand and a cup of hot cider in the other (and an apple bellyache on the way). Finding treasures like hair decorations with hot pink feathers and leather togs attached to an old roach clip and black face Aunt Jemima dolls (actual finds) that have probably been sitting in some old man's attic since 1974. Watching someone skillfully wield a chainsaw to create large wood totem poles to post in your yard next to the "Forget the Dog, Beware of Owner" signs. Trying to make the sheep baa at you while they are being shorn of their warm wool, which will then be used to make amazingly hairy ponchos in an assortment of disturbing color combinations. Getting yelled at in the midway, catching 12 year olds making out behind the poultry barn, stepping in cow poop, and making yourself sick on rides that are likely missing more than one nut and bolt. Trying to find the "Relaxation Grove", which turns out to really just be a greasy dark alley behind the fried dough guy and the french fry guy with two picnic tables occupied by large men dressed in leather and do-rags.

There's so much quality New England going on it's hard to take in all at once. I've learned the trick is to just let the fair wash over you (which might happen quite literally, if it's raining), and absorb as much of the culture as you can. This will be Chris's first NH fair and if I may impart just one tidbit of wisdom to him, it would be this: enjoy it. It's all over in the blink of an eye, and next September will seem a very long way off. I am now accepting any and all requests to accompany me next year. Who's in?

One last thing! For those of you who read The Boy's blog and are just reading this as a substitute for his, I can tell you all that despite his lack of posts he is, in fact, doing well. I have not locked him in the basement, feeding him only Boston baked beans and Sam Adams- although he would probably like that. No, he is actually just putting in some long days at the new job, learning the ropes and such. That's right, my man knows how to brown nose his way to the top! However, I'm sure as soon as things get a bit more settled it will be back to the usual hilarity over at brickwindow.

I'll leave you with this thought for the weekend:

*Eh? You like that? Mad French skills.

Absolute Zero

I've got nothing for you today, people. No, seriously. I don't even know where my head's at, so there'll be nothing of interest to read here. Go on, get. Why are you still reading this? You're that bored? Fine, whatever. Do what you want, but I'm not promising anything.

Ok, so I might have a couple things I could discuss with you. For instance, I could give you a list of reasons on why I am banning senior citizens from my library, or why segways should not be allowed to zoom around on the sidewalks, or why I've felt like busting up a Starbucks lately, or a few profound pontifications on why the Deerfield Fair trumps all other fairs.

But I don't want to and I'm not going to. And you can't make me.

So that's it. I'm done. Check back in tomorrow- there may be something exciting waiting for you. If you're lucky. Now vamoose.

The Weepuls Are Back In Town

Strange days here in the life of NPW. A mid-week update for you:

1. The magazine drive here at school is in full effect which can only mean one thing: weepul madness. Do you remember these things? I have vague memories of competing for them back in '92 when I was in middle school, but the fervor they inspire in these children to sell, sell, sell is a bit alarming. (Although I did find myself getting excited when one of my volunteers smuggled me the punk pig weepul yesterday and the penguin in a tuxedo weepul today. Anyone interested in buying a magazine from me?)

2. My crazy French class starts this afternoon. Since I could already use a nap, I'm hoping this "Madame" (as she calls herself) is at the very least entertaining enough that I don't have to sit there doodling "je veux dormir maintenant" over and over again like I did in high school. Maybe she'll let me sing La Marseillaise for everyone at the end?

3. Two long weekends coming up, just filled with things to do. Top of the list: Deerfield Fair. Second on that list: more Deerfield Fair. There will be some other fall events thrown in, but the fair? Seriously. Don't front. Tractor pulls + caramel apples = love.

4. I haven't been feeling quite myself lately. This could be caused by any number of possibilities; the change in temperature, the sniffly allergies, the disappointing doctor's visits, the readjustment to waking up before daybreak, or the newness of having Chris here. I've also found that I've been working hard to make sure Chris is feeling settled and happy, which is something I haven't had to do previously. He seems to be doing great, though, so I'm thankful for that. He's so easy-going and patient and optimistic, it'd be hard to go wrong. He definitely gets x's and o's all around.

So that's it for another episdode of Writing Down the Details of Your Life. See you tomorrow for some Thursday fun.

Rich Old White Ladies: Not Very P.C.

Both Blogger and gmail have been broken all day. Whether this was because they were, in fact, broken, or due to some technical work snafu involving stringent firewalls I don't know. But here I am, a tad bit crankier and whole lot sleepier.

Sometimes my work is like an episode of The Office, only more disheartening because it takes place in a building of learning (and is real).

So today I was flipping through one of the manga books I ordered and I was slightly dismayed at the amount of violence I encountered. When I mentioned this to one of my senior citizen volunteers, she shrugged and said off-handedly, "Why don't you ask one of those Japs that sit in the back of the library what they think of it?"

I know I must have flushed bright pink, but managed to squeak out, "Umm. They're Chinese."

"Oh," she replied, "they're all just slanty-eyed to me." And turned back to her dusting.

I can't tell you where her blanket "Asian/slanty-eyed" stance comes from, but damn if she didn't just bowl me over with a charm only the moneyed elderly possess. Wonder what she thinks of the Jews? Maybe I'll wish her a happy Yom Kippur and find out.

The Weekly Grind: Commencing

Isn't it funny* how all week you keep thinking that if you can just hold on 'till the weekend everything will be ok, then the weekend flies by and you can barely remember what you did? It sometimes feels like my weekends aren't my own, that they just exist to catch up on all the stuff you couldn't possibly get done otherwise. But things are all good- my Christopher is mostly settled in and starts his new job today. Keep your fingers crossed for him!

So Friday night Chris, Kirsten, Laura and I snagged the T over to Brookline for some Shabu Shabu, which was beautifully presented and surprisingly delicious. I was expecting just a big ol' plate of raw meat like they had on Lost in Translation, but it came with bunches of leafy greens and vegetables and rice and noodles, too. We had a blast just boiling stuff up and trying not to lose our meal in the giant metal pot they bring to your table. Thumbs up- I would recommend this place for both hours of entertainment and mad good food. Bonus: their prices are definitely right, and everything is big enough to split.

Saturday was spent watching hours of bizarre cartoons in the morning, waving a sad goodbye to Kirsten, and a trip up to NH to steal a computer monitor and some free home-cooked dinner from the Parents. By the time we made it back down to the city we had almost forgotten about the Harvard Square pub crawl that was going on but made it over there in time to catch the Grafton Street and Hong Kong action. Thankfully, we got out alive before everyone headed upstairs at the Hong Kong for some crazy hip hop dance moves mixed with multiple scorpion bowls.

And finally, Sunday. Oh, Sunday. Sundays are meant for relaxing and naps and reading in bed and maybe a movie or a pleasant walk somewhere. But not this Sunday- instead, I was treated to yet another bridal shower. A bridal shower where the bride in question 1. hates surprises, 2. hates being the center of attention, and 3. doesn't cook or like to decorate, therefore rendering almost every gift either unusable or unnecessary. A bridal shower that included all three of those things. As you can imagine, fun did not ensue.

After we managed our escape from wedding hell, however, I did manage to relax a little by stealing The Boy's Nintendo DS and playing the most inane game I have encountered, Lost in Blue. It basically involved running around an island collecting coconuts so I didn't starve to death and building fires so I didn't freeze... then waking up and doing it all over again. Until I found some wood and made a spear so I could catch fish- then it got real interesting! So after that sucked a few hours of my life away, I made some shrimp stir-fry for us, tidied things up a bit, read for a few minutes until my eyes were closing, and finally fell asleep around 11:30.

To wake up and start it all over again. At least in real life I don't have to collect coconuts to stay alive.




*By funny I mean sad.

The Week In Review

All in all, this week has been a major success. Cristoforo is all moved in, the working week is almost over, and I have two long weekends of fall fun and foliage coming up, thanks to the Jews and Mr. Columbus. Yes indeed, life is just peachy. In fact, I think I'd even go so far as to bestow the highest honor possible on this week:

That's right. The pirate seal of awesomeness. Now you have yourself a shiny weekend and I'll see you on the Mondizzle.

There's Something In The Air

Ahem. Yes. So. Remember last year when I mentioned all the mold and mildew creeping about this library? And remember how I was sick, like, 12 times last year? Well, I was pretty convinced by the end of the year that the latter was due to the former. Then today I get word from the principal: the reason the 35 year old orange carpeting has never been replaced is because underneath it is a generous layer of asbestos tile. Yes, he nods, the rug is certainly harboring a veritable colony of moldy bacteria, but which is the lesser of two evils, really?

His solution: a dehumidifier in the summer months.

Hmmm. Ok. Just one question, though- will a dehumidifier stop the asbestos fibers that cause cancer and serious illness from being inhaled into my sensitive lungs? I thought not. I guess I'll have to suck it up and deal with the constant sneezing and runny nose.

Quick survey: Is this man

A. Collecting valuable moon rocks to sell on eBay,

B. Vacuuming the asbestos tile so that it's squeaky clean,

C. Thinking of setting that hose on "spray", thus releasing toxic asbestos fibers into the air, all because he is an evil scientist bent on starting the first apocalypse (as evidenced by the angry-eyebrowed face on his suit),

or D. Trying to figure out how he can get that hose inside his suit without tearing it, so that he can vacuum-seal himself in?

What the Fluff?

Little known fact: Fluff was invented right here in Massachusetts, in the lovely village of Somerville, Union Square. Yep, you know it- we New Englanders love our fake marshmallow product a whole lot. So much, in fact, that next Saturday (the 30th), is What The Fluff? Day in Union.

According to the website, there will be science fair Fluff projects, baking contests, taste tests, and even a special guest appearance by the "Flufferettes". Exactly who or what the Flufferettes are, I don't know- but I'm sure as hell not going to miss it! I figure it will be paying homage to the meal I had every single day of high school: Fluffernutter, apple, can of Sprite. The epitome of health.

The famous Durkee and Mower still have not released the actual recipe for marshmallow Fluff to date; although they are required to list the ingredients, the process of creating it remains quite secret (they're like the Willy Wonkas of Fluff... only, they definitely don't have that cool elevator and a waterfall of Fluff might be a bit of an overkill). They do, however, mention that Fluff is both gluten-free and kosher. Yum! I can't wait to have me a belly full of sugar, egg whites, and vanilla.

Also, if you have a spare minute or ten, check out this page for some scary ass Fluff cartoons that you can print and color. Enjoy!

This One Goes Out To You, Gila Monster

Happy day! Not only does this week hail the arrival of my man but also of our new library mascots: the puffer fish! They look so tiny compared to last year's duo. I mean, by last June Puff Daddy and Puff Patty were big enough to take a sizable chunk out of your hand with their razor teeth. The new ones would barely be able to break the skin on your pinky finger. Adorable!

Fun fact: did you know that you're not supposed to eat puffer fish? It's true. They produce a neurotoxin in their organs, making them a potentially lethal dinner. Thankfully though, the only way to be poisoned by the darlings is to actually ingest them, which no one in their right mind would do after taking one look at them.

On another note, there is another animal that produces a very similar neurotoxin (and one we do not have in this library). It's the infamous gila monster. In contrast to the puffer, however, the gila injects his poison through his hollow teeth. Gilas are not often fatal to humans, but they bite hard and have a tenacious jaw grip. Probably not a very fun time, but then, it must be hard for them to live up to the surname "monster".

Why am I writing about gila monsters, you may ask? Let's just say it's a special dedication post. And so educational, too! I'm willing to bet cash money that you never thought you'd actually learn something by wasting time reading this blog. But there you go. You're welcome.

Gimme Some of that Gooshy Stuff

Big news this week: The Boy is moving out here! Approximate ETA: Wednesday afternoon, possibly earlier.

When I get home from work he will (hopefully) be all settled in my lovely apartment, ready to become just another Massachusetts resident. Seriously, I can't wait for his cute-as-hell face to be here already so I can get my daily dose of hugs in. The weekend was spent in preparations- finally made it down to Ikea so that my man will have someplace to actually put his stuff, got my hair did, had a key made, grocery shopped my ass off at Trader Joe's, cleaned, paid my ridiculous bills, and even found time to make it to a football BBQ up in Methuen. I've gots mad prioritizing skillz... and you know this.

Hopefully the next day or two pass quickly. You know how time always seems to slow when you're excitedly anticipating something? Well, I have a plan in place to help me out; it's even got three steps. Wanna hear it? Too bad, I'm telling you anyway! Ok, immediate plan: steal a cup of coffee and some candy corn (!) from the woman in the office next to mine. Later: get coffee from the Bucks, head to pilates to wear myself out. Tomorrow: slug it out here in school, run to Harvard for an appointment, run back to my place, play some Mario Kart and breathe a big sigh of relief that The Boy will be here v. v. soon. Because damn, I miss him.

But for now, back to whooping it up here in the library. Happy Monday, ladies and gents. Enjoy the week... I know I will!

Re: Fwd: Fwd: Cat Sealed In Pyramid Tomb Laments It's Fate

I can't believe they said that...

Weeeee! I just heard a 6th grade teacher telling her students that the Wingdings font was hieroglyphics! Luckily I disguised my snort of laughter as some type of mutant sneeze/hiccup, and managed to get away quickly, as I was shaking with giggles.

Thank the Sun Gods the ancient Egyptians had Wingdings... I mean, how else would they have sent each other funny forwards about the Pharaoh's latest antics?

Have A Good Weekend, Everyone!

Can I Curse Blogger While Using It?

Sometimes, Blogger really pisses me off. And by sometimes, I mean every other day, at least. But up until this point I've simply been too lazy to create my own website and transfer all this over, so I'm stuck with the ridiculousness of a website that includes the word "blogspot" in it. Does that word make anyone else feel icky?

Anyway, while I love that Google = free, it definitely has its issues. Yesterday (and quite possibly the day before, too) there was a problem with the comments section. As in, no one could leave them. And while it's been fixed, for now, it still leaves a lot to be desired. I managed to weed out most of the spam comments by adding a word verification system, which is annoying in itself, but still some manage to creep in. Now I can't write a post about bingo night without BINGOLOVR351 leaving a hundred comments like "youre site good design$(*. love binnngo, try our bingolvr.com for free money and sex". Grr.

Thankfully, my darling readers left comments late last night and today, so I wouldn't feel neglected. But I think the time is drawing near when I will have to wave goodbye to the ol' blogspot and usher in a new era of domain name ownership. Any suggestions on format, etc. will be considered and much appreciated.

Ridin' Dirty

Oh. My. God. My dreams have come true- mechanical bulls are now for sale... for home use. I tried this baby out at the mall the other day and let me tell you, nothing makes a grown woman look and feel more pervy than riding the iGallop in the entranceway to Brookstone.

Of course, this here bronco doesn't really buck, per se, it's more of a... gyration. Still, I'm 99% sure that I need it. I'm putting in the request today with student council to buy us one for our next staff party. Giddyup!

*Note the direction of the arrows: this woman is serious about having fun.

Still Catching Up

Holy Moses. I've been busier these past two weeks than the last two months of school last year. Still, I find time for my dear friends (and randoms) who have time to read this little life excerpt- I know how you need your entertainment on those long days of workdom. I feel like I need to catch up with you all via these posts; I had good intentions this summer but didn't get around to posting as often as I should have. Yesterday was my 200th post, and still it seems I have stuff to say. I know, I'm as surprised as you are that I didn't give up months ago.

What's going down:

This morning I almost had a teacher burn down the school by leaving the poster laminating machine on. Fortunately, my keen sense of smell alerted me to the choking, acrid odor of burning plastic. Crisis averted; chalk another one up for the librarian.

I had almost forgotten that I signed up for a Beginner's French class here in the district at the end of last year (for grad credit, of course). So it gave me a good laugh and a half when I got the reminder in my email today. Considering I'm already fluent, maybe I should bring some French novels I never got around to in college and read them during class? Or would that be too show-offy? Maybe it'll be good... I can brush up? Or maybe it'll be the most boring thing I've ever decided to do. Whatevs, it's free credit. Free.

Scheduled delivery date for the new library fish mascots: Monday a.m. The kids have not stopped pestering me about having another fish-naming contest- I need to remember to post the pictures of last year's fishies (Puff Daddy and Puff Patty) being released into the wilds of the Atlantic. One enchanting child asked this morning what we'd be keeping in the currently empty fish tank. "Birds," replied the health teacher.

I somehow got guilt-tripped into doing intramural football today after school, even though I have another meeting from 3:30-5:30. It's two-hand touch, which basically means grab-each-other's-shirts-and-pull-until-the-other-kid-falls-on-his-head touch. Last year we had kids showing up in flip flops, so this year I've laid down a blanket ban on sandal wearing during football. I also banned crocs, but that's purely aesthetic- those things are hideous. Come to think of it, teachers should also be banned from wearing them. I put up with the Birkenstocks and denim jumpers and appliqued sweaters, how much should one girl be expected to take?

Best get back to my cataloging. Anyone know of a good call number for the Birth of a Dark Ninja manga books?

A 9/11 Post That Has Nothing At All To Do With 9/11

Yes, hello. This morning has been fairly technologically challenged, but I'm here now. I'll never leave you again. Anyway, I know today is the 5 year anniversary of 9/11 and all, but I feel as though writing about it would be letting the terrorists win. Plus, it's depressing, and I can't have my readers dwelling on sad subjects. On to other things:

First off, one week down! That would equal 175 days till summer. Ooof, I better not think of it that way... I just got a bit of a queasy feeling.

Speaking of queasy, I got a tetanus shot at the doctor last week. In case you haven't had one in a very long time (like, say, 10 years), don't let your good doc trick you into believing that it "won't hurt a bit". That m.f.'er feels like someone punched you in the arm with brass knuckles, on top of a recent stab wound. I could actually feel my muscles trying to mend themselves back together all weekend. However, as The Boy succinctly stated, I should stop whining because "it's better than lockjaw". Indeed.

And speaking of whining, I don't know why everyone is crying about the Red Sox being down by seven games. I went to the game yesterday and not only did the Sox win big over Kansas City, but the game was fun as hell. Who cares about batting averages when you're sitting in Fenway Park? Besides, now that football has started people will be complaining about the Patriots and Tom Brady instead of the Sox and Manny Ramirez.

And speaking of Ramirez, the sixth graders have started their big biography projects and they are hilarious. They pick out everything from Jim Carrey to Venus Williams to Queen Elizabeth I. One boy was sorely disappointed that we didn't have any bios on Patton- "That's General Patton, from World War II", he informed me. Thanks for the history lesson, young sir.

And speaking of sixth graders, I have one small blonde boy who has checked out a different vampire book every day since the start of school. Last week I saw him and his twin playing some type of vampire RPG on the computer and when I tried to get closer to make sure there wasn't too much blood and gore going on, I noticed both boys reeked of garlic. I guess we won't have to worry about the undead creeping up on us here in school. As long as they're not carrying around wooden stakes they're okay with me.

And speaking of the undead, I feel like a zombie when I have to wake up at 5:30 in the morning, even when I fall asleep at 9 p.m. And so I will end my post here, and try to carry on with the working day in a less-dead fashion. See you tomorrow, peoples.

Happy End of Week

My first TGIF of the school year! Jam-packed weekend ahead: free concert at City Hall Plaza, some Ikea lovin', the big Greek Festival, and a Sunday afternoon Red Sox game. Shiny.

So I created a new enrichment class to teach this year called Technology & Media, thinking no one would sign up and I'd have an extra free period. Apparently this was dumb: not only is the class full, but they've been trying to sneak extras into the class- kids just showing up saying the Office Ladies told them they could be in this class. Too bad I only have 10 computers in the library, fools!

And if I do say so myself, the class is pretty cool. Kids are already planning projects like editing their own short films and creating vodcasts to show others in the class, website design for companies they'd like to start (crazy little 8th grade entrepreneurs!), and doing a demonstration on the differences between the PS1, PS2, and the soon-to-be-released PS3. They were also intrigued when I mentioned I'd bring in Parappa the Rapper for us to play, since I wouldn't tell them much about it. (I didn't want to start the rap battle phenomenon I had here last year, it was a bad scene. Fortunately, Parappa's french fry lyrics are better than any they'd come up with on their own.)

But a big sigh of relief: this years 8th graders are quiet and docile- they don't even have the potential to reach the level of doofus achieved by last year's 8th graders. I no longer have to dread Friday mornings to death. One of the boys even alerted me to the fact that some of the websites we were viewing had links to "inappropriate material"- an ad for true.com with a girl's boobs all hanging out of her tank top. Last years kids probably would have been huddled around it, guffawing and high-fiving each other as if they'd scored big time.

Anyway, now that the Tech & Media class is a big hit, I've had loads of teachers approaching me asking if I would do a class for them with the same topics. Uhh, for cash money? I will teach you anything you want to know about myspace and Google. Hell, I'll be the techno pimp of the district if you give me graduate credit.

She works hard for her money. So haaaard for her money.



PS- One of the Chinese dudes just asked to borrow a "lurer". It took me about 3 full, awkward minutes and a good deal of miming to decipher he was looking for a RULER. I miss their talking translators.

The Ol' Gossip

Yesterday I was using the bathroom in the nurse's office because it's much cleaner than using the student bathrooms (although less entertaining- I always love reading who <3's whom 4-eva).

Anyway, I had had to pee for about 3 hours before I finally got a chance to run in there. So I had just sat down when all of a sudden the door bursts open and there stands a very old man who was substituting that day. And he just stood there, his face turning red, spluttering a little until I calmly closed the door and continued with my #1. Normally, this would have embarassed the hell out of me (of course). But the dude was just so mortified I only kind of felt bad for him. And normally, I would have regaled our entire lunch group with this tale, but I didn't even tell anyone because I figured the guy probably felt really bad about walking in on the young librarian peeing, you know? For serious, how thoughtful am I?

But then this morning I come in and everyone is kind of smirking my way. Finally one of the teachers came up with a big grin and said, "Heard about your secret meeting with Harry yesterday. You know- in the back of the of nurse's office?"

Dude is going down. I don't even care if he's 76 years old- when I'm done with him he'll be too embarassed to even be thinking about me in the bathroom, let alone telling people about it. From now on, he'll be referred to as G.O.M.: Gross Old Man.

Breaking News

This just in: I no longer enjoy the Diet Black Cherry Vanilla Coke.

Now I'm not trying to steal Steve Irwin's thunder. I mean, crikey, it's dead impressive to take a stingray spine to the heart* and he deserves all the days of mourning he can get in the land down under. And wasn't there something in the news the other day about the Middle East? But we have a travesty on our hands right here in our very own country. What am I supposed to do with an entire 12 pack of Diet Black Cherry Vanilla Coke? Maybe Shaws will take a trade-in for, say, a 12 pack of Diet Coke with Lime? Hell, I'll even downgrade to just plain Diet Coke if they'll let me. Anything to stop the sickly sweet maraschino cherries and vanilla extract from coating the inside of my mouth any longer.

How did it come to this? Sources have indicated that the fatal blow was dealt this summer, when I was distracted by temptations of iced coffee and Diet Pepsi. It's difficult to pinpoint the exact moment the uprising occured; perhaps we should have predicted this outcome, but hindsight is always 20/20. What can we do about it? Well there's nothing we can do.

That's all the news this girl has to report. Back to you Bob.




*Pun intended.

Front Row Seats For The Big Show

Howdy do, peepolas.

Man, that whole sentence was just wrong.

Anyway, this has been an interesting morning. To note: the darling children are back. I spent a solid hour helping the young 'uns open their big kid lockers, filling out their schedules ("We have to learn about what in Health class?!"), navigating them through the crowds of overzealous 8th graders, and issuing numerous warnings about the dire consequences of spraying Axe Body Spray throughout our hallowed hallways. In short, exactly what you'd expect of a middle school first day.

I was also bemused to find two emails in my inbox: one stating that there was no money in the Technology budget to buy me a new laptop battery (thus rendering my laptop as useless as my desktop), and another informing me that all the librarians in the district would be getting new flat screen monitors for the circulation computers (which we don't need). Well gosh, this district sure knows how to allocate budget dollars!

I still have quite a bit of librarying to do, so I'm off. But for all those people who gave me flak for not writing more over the summer, I'm back. So shut it and enjoy the ride. Oh, and I better start getting some comments up in this piece, or I'll decide that you really don't care and I'll drive to each of your houses, ring your doorbells, and run away and hide in the bushes, laughing, while you stand on your porch with a puzzled face.

Or I'll just stop writing. Whatevs. Point: the fate of my blog rests in your hands. Kind of. To sum up: feedback=good.