Goodbye to 2007

I stole this meme from Pop Culture Librarian! And like she said on her blog, feel free to steal - stealing is fun!

1. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?
I bought a new car!!! Her name is Lexi, and she's a 2004 Buick Rendezvous!! I might blog about her soon!!

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I'm not a resolutions kind of girl, so I didn't make any this year. I have however, made a book-ish resolution for next year!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
An friend of mine just gave birth yesterday, in fact!! (Congrats to J, B, and baby A!).

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Fortunately, I didn't have anyone close to me die this year.

5. What countries did you visit?
I've stayed put all year!! DH and I had hoped to go somewhere cool for our first anniversary, but it didn't work out. Hopefully I will travel out of the country next year!

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
A real vacation!! I am desperate to go someplace warm and tropical!!

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory?
Um, I don't know if anything happened that was really ETCHED into my memory. There were some cool moments and some good things that happened, but nothing that intense!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Graduating from UNT with my Masters degree in Library Science!

9. What was your biggest failure?
I don't like to count failures. Like Pop Culture Librarian said, that shit is toxic.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Besides one or two head colds, I made it through unscathed!!

11. What was the best thing you bought?
I'm going to have to say Lexi, my new Buick Rendezvous!!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I'm going to have to go with me - I buckled down (one of my mom's favorite phrases), and kicked myself into finishing my Masters at a pretty fast pace. I am very proud of myself and I think this is definitely a cause for celebration!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Again, I'm going to have to agree with Pop Culture Librarian - World events certainly can make my mood go over into the bad place.

14. Where did most of your money go?
To the wedding loan, and probably a bunch of crap.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I sound like a broken record, but I was REALLY excited about graduating!!!

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
One of the most stand out songs of the year for me was Umbrella by Rhianna - not that it has anything to do with 2007, nor will it specifically remind me of 2007...

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier.
b) thinner or fatter? Yeah...fatter...
c) richer or poorer? In terms of money? Poorer. In terms of life fulfillment? Richer.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
I always want to read more.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Stressing about things that don't matter.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent it with my DH, lounging, watching movies and eating a delicious meal!

21 is missing. Couldn't be bothered to stick around, apparently.

22. Did you fall in love in 2007?
I was already in love (and recently married) at the start of 2007, but I fall a little more in love with my DH every day!

23. How many one-night stands?
Nope - I'm a good little married girl!

24. What was your favorite TV program?
Grey's Anatomy. Oh, and all those reality competitions (American Idol, Americas Next Top Model, So You Think You Can Dance, On the Lot).

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Um, what?! What kind of question is this? Well...there is one person that would be in the "I hate him" category, if I hadn't already written him off as less than pond scum.

26. What was the best book you read?
I read a lot of really good books this year. That's all you get - I'm not going to specifically answer this question!

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
My greatest musical discovery... Well, I wasn't very adventurous in my musical tastes this year. I mostly stuck to Top 40. But, when I was loading songs from some of my old CDs into my MP3 player last night, I found a CD that I hadn't heard in for-evah (The Refreshments - Fizzy, Fuzzy, Big & Buzzy). I have always loved that CD, and was excited to pop it in my player again!

28. What did you want and get?
A happy and healthy 2007.

29. What did you want and not get?
A vacation to a tropical location!

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Favorite film that was released in 2007, or favorite film I watched in 2007? With FMRNS night, I have been exposed to some amazing movies from all different decades and genres. For movies released in 2007, I don't know if I really had a favorite.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I spent most of my 28th birthday in the airport on my way back to Nashville from WeFest.

32.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A vacation to a tropical location!!!

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Honestly, I don't pay a whole lot of attention to fashion. I try to look nice and wear flattering clothes, but it isn't a top priority for me.

34. What kept you sane?
My DH tends to keep me more grounded that I might be otherwise. Thanks DH!

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Ohhh, I 'fancy' Patrick Dempsey...Mmmmmm, Patrick Dempsey... *drool*

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
I am definitely not going to get into politics.

37. Who did you miss?
I miss my family and friends in MN/ND...but that is going to change soon...

38. Who was the best new person you met?
All the Knotties/Nesties I met at the National DW MSP GTG in January. These ladies are some of the best people I have ever met, and I am thankful for my friendship with them every day!!

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007:
It's not really a life lesson, but I have always believed that you can choose how you feel. I choose to be a positive and upbeat person, and sometimes that's all it takes.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Count your blessings, ignore the lowest fear. - REM, Bad Day

Final Thoughts:
Overall, 2007 was a great year. My husband and I had a great first year of marriage, we bought a car, I graduated from Graduate School. I've had happiness and health and enjoyed so many things. Sure, there were some downs this year, but nothing that I couldn't handle. I am looking forward to next year and at all the adventures that await.

Happy New Year everyone!!

A book-ish resolution

I don't usually make resolutions. When I used to make then, they were of the 'I am going to lose weight' variety and resolutions like that didn't seem to work for me.

This year, though, I want to keep better records of the books that I read. I have been keeping track of the books I read this year through GoodReads (click here for a previous post about GoodReads), but I am going to be more organized about it. I joined GoodReads not long ago, so I added all the books that I have read that I can remember, not just the ones I read this year, so it's a little jumbled. Going through my list of books that I have read, I counted around 50 that I know I read this year.

Next year, I will create a post that I'll keep updating with a list of books that I have read. Not only to see how many I read in a year, but also to see what kinds of different things I am reading. I also want to keep up with the Nest Book Club board reading list for the year. They choose books from several different genres and I think this will be a great way to expand my tastes and interests!

I'm actually excited about this resolution! I can't wait to get started!

Library question of the day

So this lady is sitting at the computer, and she's trying to work the A: drive, but that computer is weird and I pipe up and tell her where to find the drive.

Then she turns to me and says:

Woman at Computer: Can I ask you a question?
Real Librarian: Sure.
WaC: Why are people so hateful? I just got married and everyone is throwing it in my face that I only got married because I wanted a meal ticket.
RL: Uh...
WaC: They think he pays my bills, but he doesn't!! We help each other. Even my MOM has said that!!
RL: Uh...
WaC: I'm sorry to bring this on you, but I have no one to talk to.
RL: Uh...well, I'm sorry they are saying things like that, I understand how upsetting that must be. (relieved when an actual patron with LIBRARY question walks up).

Is the Librarian the new Bartender? If so, I'm glad I got my bachelors degree in Psych!

How do you find me?

I have a StatCounter on my blog that tracks things like the location of people who read my blog, as well as keywords people use when they stumble upon it.

I was shocked to see that I got a hit from Singapore, Romania, Finland and the Netherlands - all in one day!! Very, very cool!!!

Anyway, I was looking at the Recent Keyword Activity, and here are some of the searched people used to find me:

Pomegranate martini from Ruby Tuesday (mmmmmmm)

librarian unt program (it's a great program!)

being nice to the librarian (that's definitely a good idea!)

librarian scary patron stories (I have got a few of those!)

foursomes (get your mind out of the gutter!)

blogspot mean librarian (I'm not mean! Okay, sometimes...)

real confessions (that's what I do!)

office confessions tryst (well, I don't recall a tryst)

librarian boobs (Um...I don't remember showing mine off...)


Well, however you got here, I appreciate your taking the time to read my thoughts and stories!! Thank you!!!!!

A Merry Christmas break

I guess I'm taking a little time off from blogging. I'm in the middle of a 5 day weekend, and am enjoying every minute of it. All the shopping is done, all the decorations are up and all the cleaning has been taken care of!! It's great to just be able to relax!!

On Christmas Eve, a good friend is coming over for Christmas movies, Papa Murphy's Pizza and plenty of booze!! Christmas day is going to be my husband and I enjoying a quiet day full of morning mimosas, lounging around in our pajamas and eating delicious food - just the two of us! I am SO excited!!!

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!!! I'll catch up with you in a few days! =)

Take a seat

I just had to post a link to this video. A chair you can check out - and it follows you around!! I don't know how I feel about all that yet... I might be just a little creeped out by a chair following me around like a puppy!!

I found this via Library Stuff and LISNews.

Currently Reading - Audience Participation!

It's been a while since we've done a Currently Reading post! Please, leave me a comment and let me know what you are reading and what's next on your to read pile!!

Right now, I am very into The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman. I really want to see the movie on the big screen, but I definitely want to finish the book first. I have had it on hold for ever, and it finally came in! I plan on getting some good reading time in this weekend - maybe DH and I can hit the movie on Sunday! Here is a review from Booklist:

In the first of a planned trilogy, Pullman has created a wholly developed universe, which is, as he states, much like our own but different in many ways--a world in which humans are paired with animal "daemons" that seem like alter egos, only with personalities of their own. The story begins at Jordan College in Oxford, where young Lyra Belacqua and her daemon, Pantalaimon, are being reared and educated by the Scholars. Although a lackluster student, Lyra possesses an inordinate curiosity and sense of adventure, which lead her into forbidden territory on the night her uncle, Lord Asriel, visits. He's there to solicit funds for a return journey to the distant arctic wastes, where he has observed and photographed strange goings-on, including a mysterious phenomenon called Dust that streams from the sky and a dim outline of a city suspended in the Aurora, or Northern Lights, that he suspects is part of an alternate universe. After he leaves, Lyra finds herself placed in the charge of the mysterious Mrs. Coulter and in possession of a rare compasslike device that can answer questions if she learns how to read it. Already shocked by the disappearance of her best friend, Lyra discovers Mrs. Coulter's connection with the dreaded children-stealing Gobblers and runs away, joining a group of gyptians bound for the North to rescue missing children. Lyra has also learned that her uncle is being held prisoner in the North, guarded by formidable armored bears. Filled with fast-paced action, the plot involves a secret scientific facility, where children are being severed from their daemons; warring factions; witch clans; an outcast armored bear, who bonds with Lyra; and more. It becomes evident that the future of the world and its inhabitants is in the hands of the ever-more-resilient and dedicated Lyra. A totally involving, intricately plotted fantasy that will leave readers clamoring for the sequels.

Next up is Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards. I'm reading this for a new book club I have joined and I am really excited about it!! Here is a review from Publishers Weekly:

Edwards's assured but schematic debut novel (after her collection, The Secrets of a Fire King) hinges on the birth of fraternal twins, a healthy boy and a girl with Down syndrome, resulting in the father's disavowal of his newborn daughter. A snowstorm immobilizes Lexington, Ky., in 1964, and when young Norah Henry goes into labor, her husband, orthopedic surgeon Dr. David Henry, must deliver their babies himself, aided only by a nurse. Seeing his daughter's handicap, he instructs the nurse, Caroline Gill, to take her to a home and later tells Norah, who was drugged during labor, that their son Paul's twin died at birth. Instead of institutionalizing Phoebe, Caroline absconds with her to Pittsburgh. David's deception becomes the defining moment of the main characters' lives, and Phoebe's absence corrodes her birth family's core over the course of the next 25 years. David's undetected lie warps his marriage; he grapples with guilt; Norah mourns her lost child; and Paul not only deals with his parents' icy relationship but with his own yearnings for his sister as well. Though the impact of Phoebe's loss makes sense, Edwards's redundant handling of the trope robs it of credibility. This neatly structured story is a little too moist with compassion.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In other news, I got free passes to an advanced screening of the movie The Kite Runner, which opens in theaters tomorrow. This is based on the book by the same title by author Khaled Hosseini. I thought it was an amazing book, and am looking forward to seeing the movie!!

Christmas story time!

Since this is the last Tuesday before Christmas, I've picked out some great Christmas books for story time!






I'm pretty sad, though - this will be my last story time of 2007 - the library is closed on the next two Tuesdays!

And, as always, it's FMRNS Night! We'll be watching Lassie Come Home from 1943. It's true... I've never seen a Lassie movie.

We also have a couple back ups, just in case (it's always smart to have a back up!!) This week, the back ups are Splash from 1984 with Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah, and The Quiet Man from 1952 with John Wayne.



We didn't make it to Red Lobster on Saturday for my graduation dinner (A had been to a holiday party and was super full. We agreed that Red Lobster is best when you can eat a hundred cheddar biscuits - scroll down on that post for the recipe! - and tons of seafood!), so we'll be hitting Red Lobster tonight! WHOOOOOT!!

This is a library

Two teenage girls are sitting in one of the study rooms at the library. I walk by and notice they have the lights off and a candle burning.

Real Librarian: **knock knock** Excuse me, you can't burn candles in the library.
Teenage Girl: We can't? Why not?
RL: (Do I really have to say this?!) Um, because this is a library.
TG: Oh.

Really? How could you honestly think that this was acceptable library behavior?!

Pomp and Circumstance

Well, today is the day. I have finally arrived - I am officially a Real Librarian. The ceremony was at 9:00 this morning!!!

As you know, I decided not to make the trip to Denton, Texas to walk in the graduation ceremony. I am totally okay with that decision - I never really felt a pull to go there. It might have been different if I actually knew any of my classmates, but since I took all of my classes online, I wouldn't know anyone. Besides, my DH wouldn't have been able to go with me, my parents couldn't have gone, and I would have had to take a bunch of vacation from work.

So instead, I am sitting at work wearing my graduation gear - my cap, gown, hood and tassel. There is a beautiful balloon attached to my chair that says Congratulations! and my coworkers presented me with a card and some yummy candy! Ahh, so exciting!!!

I found this picture - some graduation tips for those who ARE actually walking graduation.


I suppose this means I have to start looking for a new job, huh? More on that later...

My poor DH has to work tonight until 10, so we are planning on celebrating later. So, instead, my friend A is taking me to Red Lobster (mmmmmm!!!), and we are going to have Bonus Night of FMRNS!! YAY!!!

Tonight's feature is the original Hairspray from 1988 with Sonny Bono and Ricki Lake. I haven't seen the new one yet, because I was told that I couldn't see it until I saw the original. I'm excited!!!

Good Patrons

It seems that if I blog about the patrons at my library, I blog about the bad patrons. The rude, the inconsiderate, the stupid...

The fine bloggers over at Tales from the "Liberry" decided to have a 'Good Patron' week - dedicating the blog for the week to some of the nice friendly patrons. The ones who are respectful and kind and make us feel good about what we do. So, I decided to dedicate todays entry to couple of patrons who make me love my job.

First, I have to talk about my story time kids. I know I shouldn't, but I have a couple favorites. There are two brothers. They are seriously SO CUTE it hurts!! They don't come in too often anymore, but when they do, I get rushed. Two sweet little boys running full tilt at me - and I love it! These two little boys bring the biggest smile to my face every time they come in. Not only are these boys the sweetest kids, but their mom is also one of my favorite people. When I got married last year, mom took the older of the two boys shopping for a wedding gift. He desperately wanted to get me a hairbrush (how CUTE is that?!) but mom helped him pick out the sweetest smelling candle instead. He was so proud of that candle!

And then there is my favorite little girl who comes in dressed as a fairy princess half the time. This little sweetheart will talk your ear off if you let her, which I always do! It turns out that her mom is also one of my favorite people - always so encouraging and considerate. They love coming into the library!

Next, I'm going to tell you about one of the sweetest older men I have ever met. He started coming in around a year ago - I remember because it was sometime just after the wedding. He needed some information about World War II and I found him exactly what he needed. He now comes in once every couple of weeks. He is an artist and an inventor, and frequently asks for information from the internet - though he doesn't know how to use it (the internet, that is). I've printed a couple pages here and there for him, and he is always so appreciative. He is also very complimentary - always telling me I am beautiful (maybe that's why I like him) and telling me to leave my husband and run away with him (don't worry, honey!). He came in yesterday asking for some information that required a little research, and told me he would come back today for the results of my search. To thank me for my work, he brought me the most beautiful rose. Awww!

I have another patron who comes in quite often - usually to find books for her kids. A couple of times she has come in and asked for books for her. We've spent lots of time talking about what each of us had read and recommending this book or that book. One day I sent her home with 6 books - she was thrilled!!

Last but not least - one of my favorite patrons to chat with. She has 3 teenage boys, and the best attitude I have ever seen. She is always so upbeat and positive, and has the best sense of humor. She seriously cracks my ass up!! We've plotted getting together for a 'book club' that consists of more wine and brownies than books - hahaha!

Every day we have amazing patrons who come in to the library. They say please and thank you, are truly appreciative for the help they are receiving and remind me why I love this job.

I am so grateful for them.

My last assignment

I just did it, Just now, about 5 minutes ago.

I turned in my last assignment for graduate school.

If you don't know, I am in my last semester in the SLIS graduate program from the University of North Texas. Before I was accepted into the UNT SLIS program, I had applied to several schools that offer the program online. I think I had received a good 10 rejection letters. It was disheartening, but I knew that being a librarian was what I wanted, and I wasn't going to let a couple 'you suck' letters get in the way of what I wanted.

Then, in April, 2006, I received my first Congratulations! letter. It was from the University of Tennessee - Knoxville SIS program. I was so excited, I couldn't contain myself!! I finally got in!!! The next day, I got an e-mail from the program. It once again congratulated me, and offered me a nice little scholarship to start my program early - meaning in May. I got all excited - and THEN I realized that the email wasn't from UT-Knoxville. It was from UNT!! WHOOOOT!!! I got into TWO schools!!!!!!

I decided to go with UNT because I could work more at my own pace. It sounded like the UT program was a requisite 3 years with multiple trips to Knoxville. And while Knoxville isn't too terribly far away - I didn't want to have to keep heading there for classes...that's what ONLINE is for!! The UNT program only took me a year and a half, which is awesome. I just figured that paying out of state tuition for half the time would equal paying in state tuition for longer - right?

I had to go to Denton once for a Web Institute and introduction to the program we use for all our classes. I also had to go to Las Vegas once for another Web Institute for different class. These trips were actually pretty fun, and while I had to pay my own way to get there, I definitely got a lot out of them. And it all worked out pretty well - the Denton Institute was over Memorial Day weekend, and the Las Vegas Institute was over Labor Day weekend, so I didn't have to take much vacation time to go! WHOOT!!

I definitely made the best decision for me. I loved my classes (which included a Storytelling class!), and had good experiences with all of my professors.

And the best part? It's OVER!!!!!!!

I won't be traveling to Denton for my Graduation Ceremony this Saturday, but I decided to order all my graduation stuff (cap, gown, hood and tassel) anyway. I actually have to work that day, so I am going to wear my graduation stuff to work!!!

I want to give a shout out to my friend Becky, who will be starting her UNT SLIS program in the Spring semester. Becky, if you need anything - let me know!!

I also wanna say whassup to my friend Amanda (from Life and Times of a "New" New Yorker) who is working her way through the UNT SLIS program! It's a great feeling to be done - and you will be there soon!!! It's TOTALLY worth it!!!!!!!

One more thing... Can I get a WHOOOOOOOOOOOOT WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT?!?!?!

*wink*

Wintery Tuesday

I SAY winter, but in reality, it's going to be 75 degrees in Music City today!! But, since I had already pulled winter/snow books last week (since when am I that on top of things?!), I am going to go ahead with the winter theme. I mean, it IS December 11!! Here are the books I chose for today.




And of course - it's FMRNS Night!!! WHOOOOOT!!!!! A and I had a 'Bonus Night' on Thursday, where we watched Bell, Book, and Candle with James Stewart, Kim Novak and Jack Lemmon, a romantic comedy from 1958.

This week we are watching Dead of Winter from 1987 with Mary Steenburgen and Roddy McDowall. The back-up feature is The Quiet Man from 1952 with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara.


Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE Tuesdays?!?!?!

Surrounded by talent

I'm going to take a moment and introduce you to a couple of my talented friends. Several of the people I know have some amazing talents, and I wanted to share some of their fabulousness with others!!

First, I'd like you to meet Delilah Why. They are an amazing rock band based here in Nashville, Tennessee. Yes, I said ROCK band and Nashville, Tennessee in the same sentence. Don't be surprised - Nashville is home to all kinds of music, not just country. That's also why we are called Music City. Anyway, this band has an amazing chemistry and a phenomenal sound.

Last night, Delilah Why participated in the Bodog Battle of the Bands, and they ROCKED THE HOUSE!!! We are pulling for these guys - the winner gets a major record contract and a reality TV show! And Dave, Dan, Pete and Cullen certainly deserve it. If you are feeling generous, you can sign up for a free Bodog membership, search for Delilah Why, and vote for them for a Wildcard slot in the next round! I mean, if you dig their music...

Check out their website or their MySpace Page to listen to some of their music!! They just released their new CD (Congrats, guys!!) And remember, Delilah Why loves you!

~*~*~*~*~

The next friend I'd like to introduce you to is Lynn, from the blog Diving for Pearls and the Etsy store OysterGirl Knits. Lynn (also known as Lynny-Pooh, and She who ROCKS MY FACE OFF) is a very talented knitter. She gave DH and I a very beautiful and detailed knitted blanked for our wedding present, and it is amazing - so soft and warm! She has also knitted a plethora of beautiful hats and scarfs, along with many other different things. Lynn was even kind enough to teach me how to knit (I, however, am not nearly as skilled).

Lynn is also a very talented singer/guitar player! She recently came to my branch library and had a program for the kiddies - Miss Lynn Sings Songs Old and New. It was a blast and the kids all had a great time singing and dancing along!!!

Anyway, Lynn has a number of beautiful hand knitted items available for sale in her Etsy store OysterGirl Knits. Check her out!!

~*~*~*~*~

The next friend I'd like you to meet is Lisa from the blog Love, Life and Soap. Lisa has an amazing talent for soap and soy candle making!! That's right - I said Soy candle making. Soy is a much better alternative to regular paraffin candles, as they are better for the environment including the air you breathe, and they release minimal soot. Buying soy candles also supports the soy farmers in America - and you gotta love that!! Soy candles burn longer with a better scent throw and come in all different kinds of beautiful colors! She has some delicious flavors available for sale, including Honeysuckle, Basil Sage Mint, Mango Papaya, and Pumpkin Crunch.

If you are interested in a complete list of all the flavors she creates (in both Candles and Soap), as well as pricing information, you can send Lisa at email at soynationcandles[at]gmail[dot]com.

~*~*~*~*~

Finally, I would like to introduce you to the amazingly talented photographer, Emily Jackson. She has recently started her own photo journalistic photography business. Check out her site, emily jackson photography to see some of her fabulous work and find booking information. You should also check out her blog to see some of her recent work, including pictures from a destination wedding of our mutual friends Ashley and Joey from Compass Point in Nassau, Bahamas.

I am so proud of Emily - she is such a talented photographer with an amazing eye. She is definitely going to go far!!

Thanks for reading about my talented friends, and checking out their pages!! Basically this is my 'I know these people' post for when they all become rich and famous! I hope they don't forget me!!! =)

Too Fabu

I'm going to tell y'all a little story. It's semi-embarrassing, but I just have to share...

When I first moved here almost 6 years ago, I started work at our main library downtown. I had to drive in traffic on the interstate every day to work and a lot of times, it crawled. Almost every day on my way downtown, I noticed this older boat-like car with a license plate that said Too Fabu. Inside the car was a woman with this blond bouffant hair-do. She just looked so glam and confident, and with a license plate that said Too Fabu, how could I not notice her?! I think she is probably in her early to mid 40s, but my DH thinks she might be older than that. Either way, it doesn't really matter to me - she's still cool!

A couple months after noticing this woman every day on my way to work, I noticed her getting on the interstate at the exit in my neighborhood! How exciting, I thought - Too Fabu lives in my neighborhood!!!

A couple months after that, I noticed Too Fabu driving out of my apartment complex. O.M.G!!!! Too Fabu lives where *I* live!!!!!!!

A couple months after that, when my husband (then fiance) and I moved from my one bedroom apartment into our new two bedroom apartment, I noticed that Too Fabu was parked in front of my new building. NO.FREAKIN.WAY!!! TOO FABU LIVES IN MY BUILDING!!!!!!!

Ok, I promise I am not a stalker. Seriously!!!! But, I have to admit, I have a little fascination with this woman. She almost has a sort of celebrity air about her. I have never talked to her, I don't watch for her to come home or anything like that. But, if I see her, a little butterfly comes to my stomach.

Now as I am writing this, I am thinking - DAMN, I sound pretty pathetic...

Anyway, a couple months ago, I about FELL OUT when I saw her in MY LIBRARY. She came in to use the computers. She was sitting at the computers in front of my desk, and I could barely contain myself. I mean, this 'celebrity' is sitting in my library, at the computers!! Aaaahhhh!!!

Well, yesterday, Too Fabu was in my library once again. She was using the computers, and she was all dressed up. She had on this fabulous red suit with these cute red heels, and her hair was all perfectly styled (she has since given up the bouffant hair-do).

All of a sudden, I look up, and Too Fabu is heading towards my desk to ask me a question. I try not to stare at her like she's Drew Barrymore or Demi Moore, so she doesn't think I'm a crazy person, but I have to admit, I am a little star struck. She asked if she could switch computers because the one she had logged into was loading really slowly, and normally it wouldn't be a problem, but she has an interview, and is kind of in a hurry.

So, being the nice friendly neighborhood librarian that I am, I get her all set up on another computer. She asked another question and I helped her with that, too.

Later she came back up to the desk because she had tried to print something, but she couldn't find the guest ticket that she used when we switched her computers. She looked for it for a minute and then, since it was only 2 pages, I offered to print it for her. She was very appreciative and thankful for my help!

Then I worked up all my courage and said "You look really familiar - I think you live in my complex." (Almost sounds like a cheesy pickup line doesn't it!? OMG, I am such a freak!)

She told me where she lived, and we established that, yes, we live in the same building. We exchanged names (her name is PERFECT for her!!), and we have now been formally introduced.

As she was leaving she said, "You are one of the happiest, most friendly people I have met in a long time. There should be more like you in the world. Thank you so much for all of your help today!"

I kept my cool, thanked her, wished her luck on her interview and said goodbye. After she left, I proceeded to FREAK OUT! She couldn't be any nicer!! It just makes it all so much better to know that she is a really nice person!!!

I picked up the phone to call my husband to tell him my exciting news (OMGOMGOMG!!! I FINALLY talked to TOO FABU!!!!), and he proceeded to laugh at me, call me a freak, and tell me he is really excited that I finally got the chance to talk to my girl crush.

*sigh* You can think I am pathetic if you want to - this exchange made my whole week!!!

In other news, DH and I just finished disk 5 of Heroes. O...M...G!!!!!! It is PHENOMENAL!!! DH and I have been staying up late watching it, because the ending of each episode makes my jaw drop and I just *HAVE* to find out what happens next!!!! Totally addictive and well written, with an amazing cast who work so well together! If you haven't seen it yet, you definitely need to check it out.

Colorful story time

This week, we are reading stories about painting and art! Here are the books I chose for this week!




And, of course - it's FMRNS!!! This week, we have a couple of choices! So far, we have watched 2 of the Indiana Jones movies - Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984).The first option for this week is then Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). (Which of course, isn't the last crusade anymore, is it? The next IJ movie - Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is due out in May 2008).

The other option for this week is a romantic comedy from 1958 called Bell, Book, and Candle with James Stewart, Kim Novak and Jack Lemmon.


Either way, I'm excited! I think there has only been one movie in all the movies we've watched that I haven't thought was Fabulous. Annie Hall was the only movie we didn't even finish because it just didn't meet the 'Fabulous' expectations. My friend A hadn't seen the movie in a REALLY long time, and upon watching it again, we both decided it was NOT list-worthy.

Maybe one day I will publish the whole list in its entirety. And true to 'librarian' form, it's color coded by genre. lol

General tips for the general public

I saw this on one of my favorite library blogs - The Society for Librarians* who say Motherfucker.

I didn't write this, but I totally agree with everything this frustrated library worker said!!! It definitely needs to be blown up and posted all over the library!!

Just some general tips for the general public.

1. It is not cool to yell in a library. Unless there is a fire, or someone needs immediate medical attention due to a paper cut severing a major artery or a shelf falls on someone.

2. I really appreciate your attempts to keep the noise level in the library down. Patrons, I really do. However, if you are trying to ask me something and your pitch is lower than a whisper - no inaudible - I cannot help you and will ask you to repeat yourself. Please do not get snippy with me.

3. If you're doing something you're not supposed to in my department, I will catch you. This goes double if you are sitting less than two feet from me.

4. Read the goddamn signs people.

5. Yes, you need a library card to check anything out of the library. This has been a rule since the dawn of time. Don't act so surprised.

6. Getting an attitude with the person who is doing their damnedest to help you with your project that is do tomorrow and you started today, is not a smart idea.

7. I am not a dog. If you need help, please refrain from doing the following: whistling, snapping your fingers, or making other various here doggy noises.

8. No, I will not bend the rules just for you, just this once. I'm very sorry. Get over it.

9. Yes, I will be more than happy to help you with your paper, research, PowerPoint, project, resume, letter, etc. No, I will not do everything for you.

10. My word is law. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.


Here is the link to the original post. Thanks to femmephantom for the post!!

Sunday at the 'brary

Just a little list of today's questions and comments!

Guest pass for the computer.

**Where's the holdshelf?

"There are words on my computer and I can't get them off."

How do I print this?

**Holiday books for kids

Cancel my reservation.

Extra headphones?

Where is the bathroom?

We need to get on a couple computers.

Do you have printing? How much is it? How do I do it?

**How to get a library card

**An obituary.

**Books about Mount Saint Helens.

**The Book of Wizard Crafts

A 4th grader filled out a Pen Pal Application

How do I print?

**Books on Mt. Pinatubo

**Books on recycling

**Update address on library card

"Will the front desk give me change for a $2 bill?" (This one was actually asked to a co-worker of mine).

Copy machine out of toner

**Consumer reports on vacuums


All the starred ones are actual library related questions. I'm actually kinda impressed by the number - a lot of times Sundays are mostly filled with computer related questions.

So here's a big ROCK ON to the users of my library today!!!

Bonus Night!

This past Thursday, my friend A and I decided to have a Bonus Night of Fabulous Movies Real's Never Seen! So, that would make it BNFMRNS... or FMRNS x2... or FMRNS The BONUS Edition!

Anyway, since our last two movies were pretty heavy (La Strada and The Last Temptation of Christ), we decided that we needed something a little lighter.

Tootsie with Dustin Hoffman and Jessica Lange was the PERFECT comedy!! If you haven't seen it, you definitely need to!!!


Then, last night, I took my DH out for his birthday dinner - anywhere he wanted to go! He decided on Ghengis Grill, a Mongolian Stir-Fry restaurant. It was SO good!! You can either build your own bowl - choose the protein, seasonings, veggies, sauce and starch, or you can use one of their recipes to build one of their bowls. DELICIOUS!!!!

Since we both had to get up early for work today, DH and I decided that his birthday celebration would continue on tonight - so we might hit the theater and see what movies are playing right now.

Either that, or we will watch one of the movies I have from the library right now: Mr. Brooks (with Kevin Costner), Collateral (with Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx), or start the first season of Heroes! Man, I love the library!!

I don't have an accent!

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Inland North You may think you speak "Standard English straight out of the dictionary" but when you step away from the Great Lakes you get asked annoying questions like "Are you from Wisconsin?" or "Are you from Chicago?" Chances are you call carbonated drinks "pop."
Philadelphia
The Northeast
The Midland
The South
Boston
The West
North Central
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Thanks to MissRancher from tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow... for finding this quiz!!

Oh, and she's right - it IS called POP!!!

*** In other news, it's my dear husband's birthday today!!!

Happy Birthday, baby!!!!!!!

Whack ass liberry

We are one of the few places that still has a pay phone available. It is located in our lobby, right by the front door. We always refer people to the pay phone in the lobby if they ask us to use the phone. We make very few exceptions - if an adult has an emergency, or if a kid needs to call for a ride home and they don't have any money for the pay phone. If a kid does need to use our business phone, we tell them that next time they will need to set up a time with their ride before coming to the library, or they need to bring money for the pay phone.

Today, a teenage girl comes running up to the desk.

TG: Lemme use your phone.
Real Librarian: We have a pay phone in the lobby.
TG: **while she is walking away** They gon' make me use the fucking pay phone in this whack ass liberry!

She walked away before I could ask if she was calling for a ride and she could use the phone, but after that comment, I wasn't about to help her.

The lack of respect that is circulating around society never ceases to amaze me. That and common courtesy and common sense. You don't see much of any of these things anymore!

Story time with a special guest

My mom is visiting me in Nashville this weekend, and I am SO excited that she is coming to story time!!! She has never seen me do story time before, so I can't wait! Since we have such a special guest with us, I am reading fun stories about moms!!! The first three are the ones that I decided to read today, the next few are additional books I found about moms!










And, as always, it is FMRNS Night!!! I am dropping my mom off at the airport, and heading directly to my friend A's place! The feature of the evening is The Last Temptation of Christ from 1988.

Fun signs @ the Library

It's been a while since I updated my blog!!! I've had the best weekend with my mom in town for the Thanksgiving holiday. She rocks my face off - my mom is seriously one of the coolest people I know. She is leaving tomorrow evening, and I am really sad that she has to go back to her reality!!

I'm going to be a lazy blogger for one more day, though. Woeful at @ the Library posted some fun library signage. the other day. I wish we could post some of these at my library!!!

Thanks to Woeful (LOVE your blog)!!!!!

I'll be back tomorrow with my usual Tuesday story time post!!! =)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ahh, Thanksgiving. A time to think and reflect on what you are thankful for. I am so fortunate, there is so much for me to be thankful for.

I am very excited because my mom is flying to Nashville to visit us for Thanksgiving. She'll be here tomorrow early evening. I haven't seem my mom since April, so I am SUPER excited!!! I'm sad that my dad won't be joining her in the trek to Nashville, but I understand why he decided to stay home (sorta). My mom and I always have a great time while she's here. We LOVE to go downtown to Second Ave. and live it up at the honky-tonks. By far, our favorite is Tootsies Orchid Lounge. We get there early (around noon!) and belly up to the bar to listen to live music, people watch, and of course, drink beer!!

I, however, am NOT a fan of shopping. In fact, the whole idea of Black Friday kinda sounds like torture to me. Did you know there are stores opening at 4:00 AM on Black Friday?!?! Um, yikes. My mom is a serious shopper. When we were younger, we would spend Thanksgiving at a hotel so my mom and aunts could hit the stores early. She LOVES getting up and being at the door before it opens and getting the best deals. I am considering just handing her the keys and drawing a map to the nearest Kohls.

My mom will be here until Tuesday afternoon. I am taking a little time off work on Monday, and then coming in for story time on Tuesday morning before spending the rest of the day with my mom. The coolest thing about that is she is going to come to work with me and watch me do story time!!! She's never seen that before, so I am super excited to have a special guest. And, in honor of our special guest, I am planning on reading books about moms!!! 'Cuz moms are special!!!

Anyway, I might not be around my blog for a couple days. I want to wish everyone a happy, healthy, safe, fun, relaxing and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!!!

Gobble Gobble!!!

Thanksgiving funny

Tuesday! Tuesday!

Happy Tuesday everyone!!!! Since Thursday is Thanksgiving, I am sure you know what I'll be reading about this week!! Here are the books I picked out:





And, as always, it's FMRNS Night!!! In case you aren't sure, FMRNS = Fabulous Movies Real's Never Seen Night. My friend 'A' and I have been getting together every Tuesday for the past 3 years. Before that, our movie watching was more sporadic. 'A' became my first friend when I moved to Nashville. The whole fabulous movie thing started one night while 'A' was asking me if I had seen this movie, or that movie... And I hadn't. 'A' decided that he was going to take it upon himself to educate me, and I am so glad he did!!! Some of the movies on the list that I hadn't seen before FMRNS was developed include:


The Color Purple (1985) with Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey.


Jaws (1975)
Gone With the Wind (1939) with Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh

The Graduate (1967) with Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft.
Charlotte's Web (1973)
Indiana Jones (all of them - 1981, 1984, 1989) with Harrison Ford.
Several Audry Hepburn movies
and pretty much all the Hitchcock movies.
We watch movies from every genre and decade. We have now watched over 150 movies.

The movies aren't the only thing, though. We always have a fabulous dinner, some great snacks, and our reality talent competition of the moment (American Idol, America's Next Top Model, So You Think You Can Dance) And we laugh...a lot. In fact, we have been known to laugh so hard that our tummies hurt and we have tears rolling down our cheeks. We call that "A's Pilates." We always have so much fun!!!

Last week we were going to watch La Strada (1954), the only Fellini movie on the list, but we just weren't in the mood for that type of movie. So, instead we watched The Terminator. We also had a special edition of FMRNS Night this past Friday, where we watched Jackie Brown.

So, this week, we are definitely going to watch La Strada - we have it out from Interlibrary Loan, and it needs to go back!