I'm driving to Texas on Saturday. The prospect of a 12 hour drive isn't that thrilling, but I'll tell you what is: 36 hours worth of jolly good audiobooks. It's been a long dry stretch, having tried and rejected several duds in the past month, but I'm now restocked and ready to go. Here's what's on the playlist:
The Good Husband of Zebra Drive - Alexander McCall Smith
Lincoln Lawyer - Michael Connelly
Kafka on the Shore - Haruki Murakami
I've listened to enough of all three to know they'll be winners. (Well, I'm not sure about Kafka, but I liked the first chapter. We'll have to see where it goes from there.)
In case you're interested, here are the rejects, and why I rejected them. I really should have known better, but I figured they were worth a try:
I Heard that Song Before - Mary Higgins Clark
Double Take - Catherine Coulter
True Evil - Greg Iles
I've perhaps said before that I have a higher tolerance for a bad read in print than I do on audio. I think because for me it takes more concentration to listen than to read. If I'm reading and my mind drifts, I can easily skip back to what I missed. It's more trouble to do that with an audiobook.
And the performer can really make or break an audiobook. True Evil is read by Dick Hill, a popular award-winning performer, but I just didn't like his characters. Double Take is performed by a man and woman, and I usually don't like multi-cast books--the transitions between characters are too abrupt for me, though I'm probably in the minority on this one. Finally, despite these authors' popularity, I don't think any of them are great writers, and the writing was too distracting for me to enjoy the book.
You can check out my list of recently read books for other audiobooks I've enjoyed (since we just established that I'm not going to finish it if I don't enjoy it).
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
On the Other Hand
I'm going against what I just said, and will tell you that Cook's Illustrated Nut Crescent recipe is a winner. The best I've ever eaten.
Stick with the Tried and True
If you're considering trying Cook's Illustrated chewy oatmeal cookie recipe, don't. I already tried it, and they were inedible. Why on earth did I not stick with the tried and true recipe, proven many times over by multiple women in my family?
The Cook's Illustrated recipe uses baking powder and lots of sugar, which is supposed to make the cookies crunchy (the sugar is, not the baking powder). I should have known that 1 C of brown sugar and 1 C granulated sugar would be too much. The cookies were so sweet that I couldn't eat them, and the sugar completely overpowered the oatmeal. I had never met a cookie that had too much sugar. And now I have.
Sadly, the rest of the dough is still in the bowl on the counter, and the last sheet of cookies is still languishing in the oven. Guess what I'm doing when I get home!
Both cookies came off the same cookie sheet! (btw, those are clean dishes in the background)
The Cook's Illustrated recipe uses baking powder and lots of sugar, which is supposed to make the cookies crunchy (the sugar is, not the baking powder). I should have known that 1 C of brown sugar and 1 C granulated sugar would be too much. The cookies were so sweet that I couldn't eat them, and the sugar completely overpowered the oatmeal. I had never met a cookie that had too much sugar. And now I have.
Sadly, the rest of the dough is still in the bowl on the counter, and the last sheet of cookies is still languishing in the oven. Guess what I'm doing when I get home!
Both cookies came off the same cookie sheet! (btw, those are clean dishes in the background)Monday, December 17, 2007
Where Have I Been...
that I didn't know about baked oatmeal? We're eating breakfast at Seminary tomorrow and I was a little worried there won't be enough food (in reality, we'll probably have pancakes coming out our ears). After considering and discarding several french toast casserole recipes, I happened upon this oatmeal recipe. I came right home and made up a batch to make sure it would turn out.
It turned out perfect! I used pecans and Craisins for the nuts and fruit, and followed all the directions assiduously. The result? Super yummy (assuming you like oatmeal) and super easy (assuming you have the hour to wait while it bakes).
BTW, I read about the recipe at Cast Sugar, which looks like a pretty nifty blog. Anyone who bakes as many cookies as she does, and whose family favorite is molasses cookies, is OK in my book!
It turned out perfect! I used pecans and Craisins for the nuts and fruit, and followed all the directions assiduously. The result? Super yummy (assuming you like oatmeal) and super easy (assuming you have the hour to wait while it bakes).
BTW, I read about the recipe at Cast Sugar, which looks like a pretty nifty blog. Anyone who bakes as many cookies as she does, and whose family favorite is molasses cookies, is OK in my book!
Familiar Situation
I started blogging 20 months ago, mostly as a way to avoid doing homework. And here I am, still blogging for avoidance. Not from homework, but from workwork. The ugliest kind of workwork--my Outline of Faculty Data (vita) that's due on Friday.
Instead of working on my OFD while I still have time to show it to someone before everyone splits for the holiday (tomorrow), I'm learning how to identify a Sears kit home. Now which would you rather be doing?
Oops--gotta run. Time for lunch!
Instead of working on my OFD while I still have time to show it to someone before everyone splits for the holiday (tomorrow), I'm learning how to identify a Sears kit home. Now which would you rather be doing?
Oops--gotta run. Time for lunch!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Social Don't
In case you aren't sure, it is not in good taste to tell a single woman over 25 that she's "too cute to not be married." This is actually just a repackaged, subtler version of that other Social Don't, "Why aren't you married?"
The Best Part
The best part of blogging is reading everyone's comments. Keep up the good work, readers! And you lurkers--you could chime in once in a while too--we'd love to hear from you. We won't even chide you for commenting as Anonymous.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
A Lengthy Post, Part 2
So here's what the students came up with when I said I was frustrated and feeling we aren't doing enough to push ourselves in Seminary.
Some said they think they're doing good to be out of bed and at Seminary in the first place. One student commented on the extraneous chatter, saying that it is distracting when the teacher has to stop and wait for the extraneous chatter to die down. One student said that he feels like he has a mountain of things weighing upon him, and Seminary is the thing at the very top that's going to make the whole pile collapse. Someone else said that they feel like they're in a history class.
One student said we need "donut day." When I probed further, I determined that this is their version of a fun Scripture Mastery day, involving games and donuts. They said they would be willing to take turns bringing donuts. They are used to doing Scripture Mastery every Friday. I have been trying to do it once a week, but I often get behind and don't always do much with it.
Here's what I came up with:
Beyond that, I think all I can do for now is do what I can to prepare and teach with the Spirit, to continue to encourage the students to participate, and then let them make their own decisions.
What do you think about the goals? Should I have each student share with the class or with me what their goal is, or should I just let them write private goals and say I will keep them but not read or share them? I think they need help remembering and being accountable; I'm just not sure the best way to accomplish that.
Thanks for listening!
Some said they think they're doing good to be out of bed and at Seminary in the first place. One student commented on the extraneous chatter, saying that it is distracting when the teacher has to stop and wait for the extraneous chatter to die down. One student said that he feels like he has a mountain of things weighing upon him, and Seminary is the thing at the very top that's going to make the whole pile collapse. Someone else said that they feel like they're in a history class.
One student said we need "donut day." When I probed further, I determined that this is their version of a fun Scripture Mastery day, involving games and donuts. They said they would be willing to take turns bringing donuts. They are used to doing Scripture Mastery every Friday. I have been trying to do it once a week, but I often get behind and don't always do much with it.
Here's what I came up with:
- I don't think I'm ready to call a class presidency or start giving exams, and I'm going to stop worrying about it.
- I need to be better about choosing, ahead of time, specific lessons for the week and then telling the students what they will be. Perhaps that way some students will read specific assignments even if they are not generally up-to-date with their reading. Now, I usually target a group of chapters for the week, but decide on a nightly basis what I'll do next, and the students don't know much more than in which book we are working.
- I need to continue to find ways to do less talking and get the students to talk more (about applicable matters).
- If I'm sticking to a more specific schedule, then we should be able to plan on doing Scripture Mastery once a week. I proposed having two different people in charge each week. They would decide what activities we do and what scriptures to focus on. Some students said they aren't good at thinking of ideas or remembering responsibilities, so we agreed that we would have to choose partners carefully. The students seemed willing to try this after the first of the year.
- I said that I would like everyone to come up with one or two specific goals related to seminary, something they will work on for the next year. It can be different for each person, but I want it to be specific, something that will stretch them a bit but is achievable. They said they were willing to do this.
Beyond that, I think all I can do for now is do what I can to prepare and teach with the Spirit, to continue to encourage the students to participate, and then let them make their own decisions.
What do you think about the goals? Should I have each student share with the class or with me what their goal is, or should I just let them write private goals and say I will keep them but not read or share them? I think they need help remembering and being accountable; I'm just not sure the best way to accomplish that.
Thanks for listening!
Price of Technology
A flat screen monitor takes up less space on the desk, but it also affords no flat surface on which to store papers.
Two steps forward, one step back.
Two steps forward, one step back.
Recommendation
Feeling stressed out? Need some soothing background music to play while you try to dig out from under the paper pile in your office? Want a break from "Sleigh Ride" and "Silver Bells"?
This original music is guaranteed to solve these problems and more. Let the creator know what you think!
This original music is guaranteed to solve these problems and more. Let the creator know what you think!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
A Lengthy Post, Part I
Maybe my wise readers will have some input for me about Seminary. Of course, many of you have already given input, for which I am truly appreciative.
Background: I teach the juniors and seniors--twelve of them when they all come. Sister Fabulous (and I mean that in the most sincere way) teaches the freshmen and sophomores. The younger class has a class presidency who conduct class business, assign prayers, etc., and two students assigned to lead Scripture Mastery* activities. Students write in their journals every day and Sister Fabulous reads and responds to the journals every weekend. Each student is going to take a turn teaching a class lesson next year and Sister Fabulous is administering a semester final next week for which each student is writing a talk on a gospel topic, incorporating Scripture Mastery scriptures.
My class: I have one, or sometimes two, students in class at 6:15 when it's time to begin. I have two lovebirds who spend class wrapped up in each other, sometimes literally, with Mr. Lovebird keeping up a steady monologue directed at Ms. Lovebird. I have several bright, smart young men who can (and will) come up with an extraneous comment or riff for anything we're talking about in class. Two students are keeping up with their personal (Old Testament) reading. I have one student who attends 50% of the time and rarely has a word to say when she is there. I choose the opening hymn and play the piano, I beg people to sign up to give a devotional thought, I choose who will say closing prayers, I often have to ask students to get out their scriptures at the beginning of class(!), I take down the tables on Fridays and put them up on Mondays...
Now, that was of course the pessimistic view. They are actually good kids, and I like all of them, most of them very much. Also, I have never been in Sister Fabulous's class to hear how all their activities go over. I know many of her students are also not doing any personal reading, and of course, every class period is not picture perfect.
When we started today, with about four students, I told them I am concerned we aren't doing enough to stretch ourselves and make good use of the opportunity we have in seminary to learn the gospel, build our testimonies, etc. I mentioned all the things the other class does, and told them that truthfully, I didn't think we could do those things in our class because I don't think we would be willing to do them. No one disagreed. I ended up with nine students by the time everyone drifted in, and we spent the entire class period talking.
I did elicit some honest comments from the students, and we came up with a few suggestions. Well, I came up with some suggestions based on what the students were saying, and they seemed to like them or agree to them. I also came up with specific ideas about things I need to change or improve upon. I'll tell you about those in the next post, and perhaps it will spark an insight you want to share.
*Scripture Mastery involves 25 specific scriptures each year that the students are encouraged to learn, memorize, and be able to locate and apply in practical situations. Typically, one day a week or a part of each class day is devoted to scripture mastery activities. The kids love it when it's upbeat and fun, and I'm terrible at it.
Background: I teach the juniors and seniors--twelve of them when they all come. Sister Fabulous (and I mean that in the most sincere way) teaches the freshmen and sophomores. The younger class has a class presidency who conduct class business, assign prayers, etc., and two students assigned to lead Scripture Mastery* activities. Students write in their journals every day and Sister Fabulous reads and responds to the journals every weekend. Each student is going to take a turn teaching a class lesson next year and Sister Fabulous is administering a semester final next week for which each student is writing a talk on a gospel topic, incorporating Scripture Mastery scriptures.
My class: I have one, or sometimes two, students in class at 6:15 when it's time to begin. I have two lovebirds who spend class wrapped up in each other, sometimes literally, with Mr. Lovebird keeping up a steady monologue directed at Ms. Lovebird. I have several bright, smart young men who can (and will) come up with an extraneous comment or riff for anything we're talking about in class. Two students are keeping up with their personal (Old Testament) reading. I have one student who attends 50% of the time and rarely has a word to say when she is there. I choose the opening hymn and play the piano, I beg people to sign up to give a devotional thought, I choose who will say closing prayers, I often have to ask students to get out their scriptures at the beginning of class(!), I take down the tables on Fridays and put them up on Mondays...
Now, that was of course the pessimistic view. They are actually good kids, and I like all of them, most of them very much. Also, I have never been in Sister Fabulous's class to hear how all their activities go over. I know many of her students are also not doing any personal reading, and of course, every class period is not picture perfect.
When we started today, with about four students, I told them I am concerned we aren't doing enough to stretch ourselves and make good use of the opportunity we have in seminary to learn the gospel, build our testimonies, etc. I mentioned all the things the other class does, and told them that truthfully, I didn't think we could do those things in our class because I don't think we would be willing to do them. No one disagreed. I ended up with nine students by the time everyone drifted in, and we spent the entire class period talking.
I did elicit some honest comments from the students, and we came up with a few suggestions. Well, I came up with some suggestions based on what the students were saying, and they seemed to like them or agree to them. I also came up with specific ideas about things I need to change or improve upon. I'll tell you about those in the next post, and perhaps it will spark an insight you want to share.
*Scripture Mastery involves 25 specific scriptures each year that the students are encouraged to learn, memorize, and be able to locate and apply in practical situations. Typically, one day a week or a part of each class day is devoted to scripture mastery activities. The kids love it when it's upbeat and fun, and I'm terrible at it.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Do Not Grocery Shop or Shelve Books When You're Hungry
Circulation is pretty backed up with the end-of-the-semester-
turn-in-your-books rush, so I did some shelving last week. Since I don't do it regularly, it's a nice diversion. The students have to take the carts in the order they come, but I feel free to pick and choose since I'm a volunteer. I did a cart of fiction last week, but it's not as much fun as you would think it would be, since everything is sans jacket.
Tonight my desk shift ended early, and I felt guilty for not even seeing if they needed shelving help today (I think they did), so I took one nearly empty cart and headed upstairs (it takes me about 45 minutes to do a "full" cart).
Guess what subject is classified at 641.865?
turn-in-your-books rush, so I did some shelving last week. Since I don't do it regularly, it's a nice diversion. The students have to take the carts in the order they come, but I feel free to pick and choose since I'm a volunteer. I did a cart of fiction last week, but it's not as much fun as you would think it would be, since everything is sans jacket.
Tonight my desk shift ended early, and I felt guilty for not even seeing if they needed shelving help today (I think they did), so I took one nearly empty cart and headed upstairs (it takes me about 45 minutes to do a "full" cart).
Guess what subject is classified at 641.865?
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Happy Birthday, Belated
I was too busy visiting, in person, with the birthday honoree to post on the actual day (last Friday). So, here are some belated happy birthday wishes for Cynthia. Thanks for sharing your cake!
photo: Collins, Marjory. 1942. Greenbelt, Maryland. Grandma Taylor blows out the candles on her eighty-third birthday cake while her daughter, Mrs. McCarl, and grandson look on. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, FSA-OWI Collection, [LC-USW3-003640-E DLC]. Available at
http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/
r?ammem/fsaall:@field(NUMBER+@band(fsa+8d21071))
photo: Collins, Marjory. 1942. Greenbelt, Maryland. Grandma Taylor blows out the candles on her eighty-third birthday cake while her daughter, Mrs. McCarl, and grandson look on. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, FSA-OWI Collection, [LC-USW3-003640-E DLC]. Available at
http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/
r?ammem/fsaall:@field(NUMBER+@band(fsa+8d21071))
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Why Can't Every Day Be Casual Day?
Actually, there's no formal dress code here, but I would say most of the librarians dress a bit better, on average, than many of the faculty on campus, probably because so many of us have public service duties. I usually wear a skirt to work.
Today, however, the day before Thanksgiving, when at 7:45 pm there are probably only 35 patrons in the library, I'm wearing Levis and Crocs. And I must say, I'm much more comfortable and happy in jeans and roomy shoes than in a skirt and pantyhose. And I daresay my library advice will be just as spot on as it would be if I were wearing a skirt.
Today, however, the day before Thanksgiving, when at 7:45 pm there are probably only 35 patrons in the library, I'm wearing Levis and Crocs. And I must say, I'm much more comfortable and happy in jeans and roomy shoes than in a skirt and pantyhose. And I daresay my library advice will be just as spot on as it would be if I were wearing a skirt.
Finally, Part II
Here are a couple of photos of the library art installation: >reduce<
The pile and paper strings were constructed from library printing waste.
For more photos, visit my flickr page.
The pile and paper strings were constructed from library printing waste.
For more photos, visit my flickr page.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Argh!
I now have cool pictures of the art installation, but I brought the wrong computer cable to work.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Finally - Part I
I finally have something cool going on in my library that I can blog about! Since my professional blog is, for all practical purposes, defunct, you get to read about it here instead.
We have a very nice, neat, physically appealing library. The food and drink policy allows only bottled water. There aren't many open seating areas where groups of students congregate to work together and study---they're all closed off inside group study rooms. It's relatively quiet, relatively clean, but a bit boring.
One thing we do have, however, is "free" printing. Student technology fees and the library budget enable library users to print at no additional cost. As much as they want (up to 50 pages at a time). It's a fabulous perk. And reams of used paper are left on the printers every day. We recycle, but last year, over 6,500,000 pages were printed in the library. That's a lot of paper, any way you look at it.
Enter the Student Art Alliance, who at the library's behest is doing an art installation in the atrium aimed at raising awareness of the paper we consume.
Tune back in tomorrow or Wednesday for photos of the most exciting thing that's happened in the library since I arrived (unless you count the stray dog who wandered inside during the summer or the mouse I found in our office and carried outside a couple of months ago).
We have a very nice, neat, physically appealing library. The food and drink policy allows only bottled water. There aren't many open seating areas where groups of students congregate to work together and study---they're all closed off inside group study rooms. It's relatively quiet, relatively clean, but a bit boring.
One thing we do have, however, is "free" printing. Student technology fees and the library budget enable library users to print at no additional cost. As much as they want (up to 50 pages at a time). It's a fabulous perk. And reams of used paper are left on the printers every day. We recycle, but last year, over 6,500,000 pages were printed in the library. That's a lot of paper, any way you look at it.
Enter the Student Art Alliance, who at the library's behest is doing an art installation in the atrium aimed at raising awareness of the paper we consume.
Tune back in tomorrow or Wednesday for photos of the most exciting thing that's happened in the library since I arrived (unless you count the stray dog who wandered inside during the summer or the mouse I found in our office and carried outside a couple of months ago).
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Progress (Sort Of)
By 10am today, I had:
been to Kroger to buy Scotch tape
taught a seminary lesson, complete with Scotch-tape outline of Moses' tabernacle on the floor
had the oil in the car changed, had the car washed, and had the car tires rotated (at three different places)
picked up my mail at the Post Office
been to UPS to pick up my new Skandia shelves
stopped at Kangaroo for a drink and some Hostess Sno Balls
It's now 1:52 pm, and the only things I can add to the list are:
ate the Sno Balls
read a few chapters in Leviticus
took a nap
Yes, that's the story of my life: two steps forward, one (or more) step back
been to Kroger to buy Scotch tape
taught a seminary lesson, complete with Scotch-tape outline of Moses' tabernacle on the floor
had the oil in the car changed, had the car washed, and had the car tires rotated (at three different places)
picked up my mail at the Post Office
been to UPS to pick up my new Skandia shelves
stopped at Kangaroo for a drink and some Hostess Sno Balls
It's now 1:52 pm, and the only things I can add to the list are:
ate the Sno Balls
read a few chapters in Leviticus
took a nap
Yes, that's the story of my life: two steps forward, one (or more) step back
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Milestone
I just taught the 142nd instruction session of the semester, and what should also be the last. Yay!
Yes, Instruction Librarian is my job title, but I'm ready for a bit of a break, at least from library instruction. I'm so sick of listening to myself talk and make corny jokes.
For those interested in numbers, I taught 42 of the 142 sessions, a very respectable number (there are ten other librarians who teach).
Now, on to other instruction "opportunities."
Photo: Chicago Daily News. 1928. Woman standing at a chalkboard and sitting at desks during a class at the Chicago Public Library. Chicago Daily News negatives collection, Chicago Historical Society. Available at http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/cdn:@field(NUMBER+@band(ichicdn+n086741))
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Over too Soon
The family weekend was much too short, and the baby needed her mother too much (as a baby should, of course) to let Auntie and Grandma hold her as much as they would have liked. But those aren't complaints--just the facts.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Misleading
The sidebar poll about my plans for the weekend was perhaps a bit misleading, in that I myself had no firm plan for the weekend, and thus no firm idea of what was first on the plan. I had lofty thoughts about going home from work Friday and knitting while I caught up on some tv, but it didn't turn out that way. I did catch up on some tv (Law & Order: Criminal Intent), but I didn't knit while I watched.
I turned in fairly early Friday (11ish?) and virtuously went into the office for a while on Saturday am. I made up for it by napping in the afternoon. Anyway, I did manage to sleep, take out the trash, watch a little tv, run the dishwasher, and do some Seminary reading, though not any Seminary lesson-planning.
Perhaps the next weekend-plans-poll should be designed to let you tell me what should be first on my list.
I turned in fairly early Friday (11ish?) and virtuously went into the office for a while on Saturday am. I made up for it by napping in the afternoon. Anyway, I did manage to sleep, take out the trash, watch a little tv, run the dishwasher, and do some Seminary reading, though not any Seminary lesson-planning.
Perhaps the next weekend-plans-poll should be designed to let you tell me what should be first on my list.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Something's Wrong
I know my 50+ readers will laugh at me, but I'm starting to feel old. Reasons and examples:
I was wide awake by 4:04 am this morning and decided to get up and come to the office, with the vague idea of cleaning my desk. On a Saturday.
My baby brother will be 30 years old in a few short months.
Gray hair.
I don't remember what it's like to be 16.
I was wide awake by 4:04 am this morning and decided to get up and come to the office, with the vague idea of cleaning my desk. On a Saturday.
My baby brother will be 30 years old in a few short months.
Gray hair.
I don't remember what it's like to be 16.
Friday, October 26, 2007
A Change
As life and blogging both enter a period of limited variety and activity, I decided to take down the Currently Enjoying and Library Item Count sidebars. Neither item has changed in weeks.
I'm still listening to Nineteen Minutes in the car when I think about pulling it out, and Rough Stone Rolling is still sitting on the floor by the side of my bed. And while the library item count fluctuates from time to time, most of the items are work-related books sitting on the floor of my office because I'm not ready to admit I'll never read them and should return them to the stacks.
I don't eat much of interest anymore either, other than your garden variety junkfood, so there's no sense in reviving the Currently Eating sidebar.
I'm open to suggestions, but for now, what you see is what you get.
I'm still listening to Nineteen Minutes in the car when I think about pulling it out, and Rough Stone Rolling is still sitting on the floor by the side of my bed. And while the library item count fluctuates from time to time, most of the items are work-related books sitting on the floor of my office because I'm not ready to admit I'll never read them and should return them to the stacks.
I don't eat much of interest anymore either, other than your garden variety junkfood, so there's no sense in reviving the Currently Eating sidebar.
I'm open to suggestions, but for now, what you see is what you get.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Here for the Duration, or, Woe is Me
Monday I'm teaching three instruction classes between 9am and 12:45, and then I am on the desk from 6 to 9pm. (We won't discuss that fact that it's 6:40 in the middle of my 3-10pm Sunday night shift and I have nothing planned for tomorrow's seminary lesson, but I thought I'd would mention it in the interest of disclosure.)
I had planned to take a "split-day" Monday and go home between 12:45 and 5:45. After last night's trip to Costco, however, I think I'll try spending my split-day in the office. That way, I save the hour of driving back and forth, save electricity by not running the A/C at home, and if I plan carefully, I will have access to adequate food and drink. Because let's face it, if I go home, what will I do? The plan would be to work on seminary and eat and maybe nap for a bit, but the reality is that I would nap and maybe eat and probably not work on seminary at all.
At the office, however, I can work on my seminary lesson just as well as at home, and thanks to Costco, I can even nap in my office in relative comfort. Hey, if it worked for George, why can't it work for me?
I had planned to take a "split-day" Monday and go home between 12:45 and 5:45. After last night's trip to Costco, however, I think I'll try spending my split-day in the office. That way, I save the hour of driving back and forth, save electricity by not running the A/C at home, and if I plan carefully, I will have access to adequate food and drink. Because let's face it, if I go home, what will I do? The plan would be to work on seminary and eat and maybe nap for a bit, but the reality is that I would nap and maybe eat and probably not work on seminary at all.
At the office, however, I can work on my seminary lesson just as well as at home, and thanks to Costco, I can even nap in my office in relative comfort. Hey, if it worked for George, why can't it work for me?
Friday, October 19, 2007
Sleep Deprivation Curbs Creativity
Has it really been nine days since I posted, and a throw-away post at that? I'm afraid this is another throw-away, but I'm doing what I can.
I had a wonderful time playing with Allie and Jack in Austin last weekend, and I'll post a picture or two in a bit. I was back at work on Tuesday, and when my friend Amy asked me to hand her something within my reach, I nearly replied "hand me that paper, please?" before I caught myself. After spending time with a two year old, that kind of response is nearly automatic. Actually, Allie is very good about being polite, and Jen could tell you all the reasons to not verbally encourage a child to say "please" or "thank you," but I still do it.
The picture I wish I had taken was of Jack crawling on the floor with a pair of my black socks in his mouth. I guess any mother can attest that it's not the fancy, glittery toys that attract, it's the mundane things like a bottle of water, a pair of socks, two plastic cups...
I had a wonderful time playing with Allie and Jack in Austin last weekend, and I'll post a picture or two in a bit. I was back at work on Tuesday, and when my friend Amy asked me to hand her something within my reach, I nearly replied "hand me that paper, please?" before I caught myself. After spending time with a two year old, that kind of response is nearly automatic. Actually, Allie is very good about being polite, and Jen could tell you all the reasons to not verbally encourage a child to say "please" or "thank you," but I still do it.
The picture I wish I had taken was of Jack crawling on the floor with a pair of my black socks in his mouth. I guess any mother can attest that it's not the fancy, glittery toys that attract, it's the mundane things like a bottle of water, a pair of socks, two plastic cups...
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Imminently on the Horizon
Should "on" in this post title be capitalized or not? I can't make my brain tell me the correct answer.
I came back from Savannah Saturday night, and the week is now winging its way swiftly toward Friday's trip to Texas. I'm not crazy about flying, not out of fear so much as inconvenience* and being such a slow packer. But I'm actually looking forward to the opportunity it will give me to knit and listen to my mp3 player (may I say "iPod" even if that's not what I own? It's easier--like "kleenex" or "xerox").
I'm particularly looking forward to seeing Allie and Baby Jack and my mother. And my brother and sister-in-law, of course. And a piece of cake. Hmm--what Texas resident(s) of the family are missing from that list?
*Yes, I do realize that flying is less inconvenient than driving--I'm just a natural complainer.
I came back from Savannah Saturday night, and the week is now winging its way swiftly toward Friday's trip to Texas. I'm not crazy about flying, not out of fear so much as inconvenience* and being such a slow packer. But I'm actually looking forward to the opportunity it will give me to knit and listen to my mp3 player (may I say "iPod" even if that's not what I own? It's easier--like "kleenex" or "xerox").
I'm particularly looking forward to seeing Allie and Baby Jack and my mother. And my brother and sister-in-law, of course. And a piece of cake. Hmm--what Texas resident(s) of the family are missing from that list?
*Yes, I do realize that flying is less inconvenient than driving--I'm just a natural complainer.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Falling Short
To be perfectly honest, I'm not having the best time in Savannah (not the worst time either, so I'll survive). Here's a picture I took this afternoon. I wish I had more pictures to show, but I always feel so stupid walking around with my camera like a tourist (even though I am one), that I usually don't take too many pictures (and I'm not a very good photographer anyway, so you're not missing much). I wish I could tell you what church is in the picture, but I can't, since I didn't bother to find out. Guess the precise, detail-oriented librarian part of my brain had shut down by then.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Out of the Frying Pan
I told a few of you that I was released from teaching adult Sunday School two weeks ago. Well, it appears that starting next Monday at 6:15 am, I'll be teaching seminary*. Yes, you read correctly. Seminary.
Considering the huge struggle it was to drag myself out of bed and to work by 8:45 this morning, I think I have a big challenge ahead. My parents, when not feeling sorry for me, should feel a slight tinge of satisfaction remembering the 4 years of dragging me out of bed to attend seminary and knowing that it is now coming back to haunt me.
*Seminary is a Latter-day Saint program of weekday religious instruction for youth ages 14-18. Here, the class meets Mon-Fri, 6:15 to 7:15 am. This year's course of study is the Old Testament. In parts of the country with large LDS populations (Utah, Arizona, etc.), students can take seminary as an elective during the school day and are taught by full-time Church Education System instructors. In other places in the United States and around the world, the instructors are volunteers and Seminary class is held before school.
Photo: Chicago Daily News, Inc., photographer. (ca. 1917). Naval reservist, sleeping in a hammock, on the Commodore, a training ship. Chicago Daily News negatives collection, DN-0067875. Courtesy of the Chicago Historical Society. Available from Library of Congress American Memory http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/
cdn:@field(NUMBER+@band(ichicdn+n067875))
Friday, September 28, 2007
Favorites
I'm not fond of having to pick favorites, but I'm listening to The Very Best of the Eagles and I thought I would share a few favorites to which I'm willing to commit.
Favorite Eagles song: New Kid in Town
Favorite Beatles song: A Day in the Life
Favorite Carpenters song: Superstar
Favorite Dessert: cake
ps - How could anyone not love the Eagles? Their music, that is.
pps - Don't you love Wikipedia? Who knew that the Carpenters' "Superstar" was a remake?
Favorite Eagles song: New Kid in Town
Favorite Beatles song: A Day in the Life
Favorite Carpenters song: Superstar
Favorite Dessert: cake
ps - How could anyone not love the Eagles? Their music, that is.
pps - Don't you love Wikipedia? Who knew that the Carpenters' "Superstar" was a remake?
On the Horizon
Did I tell you I'm going to Savannah for a conference next weekend? My hairdresser said to watch Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil before I go, and someone else said that Savannah's great because you can get a drink to go at the end of dinner and carry it around in the street. My brother told me to be careful about where I stop for supper.
Hmm. Since I try to not watch R movies and I don't drink, not sure I'll be doing either of those (I did read the book, however, many years ago). And since I won't have a car, I probably won't be going too far afield for meals. Too bad about the movie though, because I am fond of John Cusack and Kevin Spacey.
Anyway, I'm excited to be staying at the conference hotel for the first time in my life, rather than taking the poor man's route of staying farther away at a cheaper place and having to drive to the conference. The last hotel in which I stayed was the local Doubletree, when I interviewed for my current job. I had a super-comfy king size bed, but was only in it for about 5 fitful hours, so I really couldn't enjoy it. How are the beds at the Courtyard?
Also on the horizon:
Hmm. Since I try to not watch R movies and I don't drink, not sure I'll be doing either of those (I did read the book, however, many years ago). And since I won't have a car, I probably won't be going too far afield for meals. Too bad about the movie though, because I am fond of John Cusack and Kevin Spacey.
Anyway, I'm excited to be staying at the conference hotel for the first time in my life, rather than taking the poor man's route of staying farther away at a cheaper place and having to drive to the conference. The last hotel in which I stayed was the local Doubletree, when I interviewed for my current job. I had a super-comfy king size bed, but was only in it for about 5 fitful hours, so I really couldn't enjoy it. How are the beds at the Courtyard?
Also on the horizon:
- quick trip to Texas in October to play auntie to Niece # 3 and Nephew #1 in advance of Nephew #1's first birthday (can we have cake when I come?)
- quick trip in November to play auntie to Nieces #1, 2 & 4, though on that trip I'll have competition from Grandma
Monday, September 24, 2007
Welcome, Little One
No picture to display, but I thought I would tell you that Niece #4 made her appearance today, September 24, right on schedule.
She weighed in at 7 pounds, 8 ounces. I'm excited for her older sisters to experience the thrilling role of "big sister." It's an awesome responsibility, but I know they'll discharge it well. I'm excited for myself to have another Niece to dote on. Now if only she (and her Cousins) weren't so far away. On the other hand, I'm racking up the Rapid Rewards points, so maybe it won't be too bad. At least she doesn't live in Africa!
She weighed in at 7 pounds, 8 ounces. I'm excited for her older sisters to experience the thrilling role of "big sister." It's an awesome responsibility, but I know they'll discharge it well. I'm excited for myself to have another Niece to dote on. Now if only she (and her Cousins) weren't so far away. On the other hand, I'm racking up the Rapid Rewards points, so maybe it won't be too bad. At least she doesn't live in Africa!
Oops
Look what I did this afternoon:
Unfortunately, this was not a one car or a one-car/one-stationary object accident, as most of my (recent) incidents have been. I clipped the back door of the car next to me as I was pulling into my parking space after lunch. No excuse--I wasn't even on the phone. I think the other car is mostly paint damage, but I'm waiting for the owner to discover the damage and phone me.
Update: The other driver ended up being someone from the library, and she was very cool about it all. She just called me and said that she had her husband look at the damage and they're not even sure there's a dent, mostly just paint damage, and she's not going to pursue anything. Whew!
Unfortunately, this was not a one car or a one-car/one-stationary object accident, as most of my (recent) incidents have been. I clipped the back door of the car next to me as I was pulling into my parking space after lunch. No excuse--I wasn't even on the phone. I think the other car is mostly paint damage, but I'm waiting for the owner to discover the damage and phone me.
Update: The other driver ended up being someone from the library, and she was very cool about it all. She just called me and said that she had her husband look at the damage and they're not even sure there's a dent, mostly just paint damage, and she's not going to pursue anything. Whew!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
The End of Productivity
Did I tell you I got cable and Internet at home last week? I'll never get anything done now, but I'm enjoying things. I'm already set up to record Heroes and House this week, and am looking forward to seeing many other shows. And I've discovered HGTV, since I don't get DIY.
On the plus side, I'm trying to knit while I watch, so maybe I'll be more productive in one tiny area of my life.
In a similar vein, anyone care to weigh in on whether I should even bother to look at The Bionic Woman this week? Maybe one of you will watch for me and tell me what you think? Is it too much to hope for a Lindsay Wagner cameo? Maybe she could sell Jaime a Sleep Number bed or something.
On the plus side, I'm trying to knit while I watch, so maybe I'll be more productive in one tiny area of my life.
In a similar vein, anyone care to weigh in on whether I should even bother to look at The Bionic Woman this week? Maybe one of you will watch for me and tell me what you think? Is it too much to hope for a Lindsay Wagner cameo? Maybe she could sell Jaime a Sleep Number bed or something.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Vindicated
I taught a class last night for a new English faculty member. She just came to MTSU from UT-Arlington, and she agrees with me that the traffic here is as bad as, or possibly even worse than, DFW traffic.
See, I wasn't exaggerating.
See, I wasn't exaggerating.
Read This
Did you know that I have clever, creative friends? Check out the catalog card Starr made. I want to make my own, but I can't figure out what to put on it.
On an unrelated topic, will someone please tell me why I'm surfing the Internet at 10:30 pm instead of doing something more useful, such as choosing tomorrow's clothes, preparing for tomorrow's 8am class, or getting some much needed sleep?
On an unrelated topic, will someone please tell me why I'm surfing the Internet at 10:30 pm instead of doing something more useful, such as choosing tomorrow's clothes, preparing for tomorrow's 8am class, or getting some much needed sleep?
Monday, September 17, 2007
Chocolate and More Chocolate
My new chocolate brown Mary Jane Crocs
The Chocolate Fluffernutter Cake we ate at work the same day
(any of my MI readers recognize the WS towel? They're still going strong, and are much loved.)
The Chocolate Fluffernutter Cake we ate at work the same day
(any of my MI readers recognize the WS towel? They're still going strong, and are much loved.)
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Alike, Yet Different
Last week I passed a billboard advertising Best Buy's grand opening in Murfreesboro, which had occurred the week before. That started me thinking about me and my siblings. One sibling probably would have been at the grand opening, or at the least could have recited the advertised specials. I, however, had forgotten all about the grand opening.
One sibling would be interested in MTSU's Aerospace Department, one of the best of its kind in the country. He could probably tell you all about the airplanes in their fleet, including the Boeing 727, the Piper Super Cub, and the other 30+ planes they fly. I've probably ridden in a Boeing 727, but that's about as much as I could tell you about one.
One sibling knows off the top of her head that An American Tragedy was penned by Theodore Dreiser, and who Melvil Dewey was and why he's an important person. I doubt the other two siblings think about Melvil Dewey more than once or twice a decade.
On the other hand, all three of us have a keen appreciation of chocolate and at least some musical talent. We all have green eyes and brown hair. We are also all somewhat predisposed, with lack of defensive action, to being a bit (or more than a bit) overweight (welcome to the club, A2--nice to have you join us).
So, despite our differences, I'm happy to claim two siblings for my own. I fondly remember playing "lean" in the backseat of the car, sending packages (and stuffed animals) through the "mailbox," making up stories about Frank Fox's alter-ego, and going to the movies (relatively) early on a summer Saturday morning.
For those of you without siblings of your own, I can only hope you have some good cousins or siblings-in-law.
One sibling would be interested in MTSU's Aerospace Department, one of the best of its kind in the country. He could probably tell you all about the airplanes in their fleet, including the Boeing 727, the Piper Super Cub, and the other 30+ planes they fly. I've probably ridden in a Boeing 727, but that's about as much as I could tell you about one.
One sibling knows off the top of her head that An American Tragedy was penned by Theodore Dreiser, and who Melvil Dewey was and why he's an important person. I doubt the other two siblings think about Melvil Dewey more than once or twice a decade.
On the other hand, all three of us have a keen appreciation of chocolate and at least some musical talent. We all have green eyes and brown hair. We are also all somewhat predisposed, with lack of defensive action, to being a bit (or more than a bit) overweight (welcome to the club, A2--nice to have you join us).
So, despite our differences, I'm happy to claim two siblings for my own. I fondly remember playing "lean" in the backseat of the car, sending packages (and stuffed animals) through the "mailbox," making up stories about Frank Fox's alter-ego, and going to the movies (relatively) early on a summer Saturday morning.
For those of you without siblings of your own, I can only hope you have some good cousins or siblings-in-law.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
This is Not a Complaint
I will just state for the record that it took 55 minutes to drive the 7 miles to work this morning. Approximately 38 of those minutes were spent on the first mile of my trip.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Accepting Applications
I need a guest blogger. Or I need to start running reruns. Not sure anyone is interested in reruns of my blog posts, however. Anyone interested in guest blogging?
Actually, I made small steps toward a new post last night by downloading and cropping some photos I plan to show you. Alas, they're on the laptop, I'm working on the desktop, and a) transferring photos from laptop to desktop, or b) turning on laptop to connect to wi-fi, will have to wait, since work and sleep take precedence.
In the meantime, here's what's happening in my non-work life, which seems to encompass only about 10 hours of the day right now, including drive and sleep time.
Took delivery of Lyle Lovett and the Eagles. Too busy and stressed to pay proper attention to Lyle, but I'm enjoying the Eagles.
About to start listening to Jasper Fforde's First Among Sequels (when I can pay proper attention, that is).
News of my own auntie and mother knitting together in Utah spurred me on to pull out Baby Jack's stocking. I didn't get very far before I was ready to turn the heel, and I had to put it aside, again for lack of concentration power. So I've been knitting swatches instead, a few rows a night, just to knit something. Poor Baby Jack--I started his stocking before he was born, Christmas came and went, and he's about to turn a year old, still with no Christmas stocking. We won't talk about the fact that aforementioned auntie started and finished a stocking for Jack's soon-to-be-delivered cousin in the space of a few days.
Today, my parents marked their fortieth wedding anniversary. Thanks for being my parents!
ps - A1, are you still reading? There was a plant in a post for you a while ago, but you didn't bite.
pps - Isn't that rude of me to include a secret message in a public post? If you're dying to know who A1 is and what the plant was, e-mail me.
Actually, I made small steps toward a new post last night by downloading and cropping some photos I plan to show you. Alas, they're on the laptop, I'm working on the desktop, and a) transferring photos from laptop to desktop, or b) turning on laptop to connect to wi-fi, will have to wait, since work and sleep take precedence.
In the meantime, here's what's happening in my non-work life, which seems to encompass only about 10 hours of the day right now, including drive and sleep time.
Took delivery of Lyle Lovett and the Eagles. Too busy and stressed to pay proper attention to Lyle, but I'm enjoying the Eagles.
About to start listening to Jasper Fforde's First Among Sequels (when I can pay proper attention, that is).
News of my own auntie and mother knitting together in Utah spurred me on to pull out Baby Jack's stocking. I didn't get very far before I was ready to turn the heel, and I had to put it aside, again for lack of concentration power. So I've been knitting swatches instead, a few rows a night, just to knit something. Poor Baby Jack--I started his stocking before he was born, Christmas came and went, and he's about to turn a year old, still with no Christmas stocking. We won't talk about the fact that aforementioned auntie started and finished a stocking for Jack's soon-to-be-delivered cousin in the space of a few days.
Today, my parents marked their fortieth wedding anniversary. Thanks for being my parents!
ps - A1, are you still reading? There was a plant in a post for you a while ago, but you didn't bite.
pps - Isn't that rude of me to include a secret message in a public post? If you're dying to know who A1 is and what the plant was, e-mail me.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
NPR and the Holy Bible, or, Never Say Never
If you look at this site with any regularity, you may have noticed the contents of the "Currently Enjoying" sidebar are pretty static these days. I should just change the contents to read NPR and The Bible, since that's about all I'm listening to and reading these days (discounting Pandora.com, which I'm playing in the office).
How did this come about, you ask? I can't explain the NPR bit. I never thought I would end up an NPR listener (nothing at all wrong with NPR, just wasn't my style), but here I am. The music station I sometimes listen to interviews stand-up comics all morning, so one day I happened upon NPR, and here I am.
As for the Bible, by the time I get through reading for the next Sunday School lesson, I'm too tired to read anything else. Again, nothing at all wrong with the Bible, but I'd like to someday get back to the other books I've put aside.
How did this come about, you ask? I can't explain the NPR bit. I never thought I would end up an NPR listener (nothing at all wrong with NPR, just wasn't my style), but here I am. The music station I sometimes listen to interviews stand-up comics all morning, so one day I happened upon NPR, and here I am.
As for the Bible, by the time I get through reading for the next Sunday School lesson, I'm too tired to read anything else. Again, nothing at all wrong with the Bible, but I'd like to someday get back to the other books I've put aside.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Taking Pleasure in Small Things
It's Saturday and I'm at work. But I'm going to happy about what I can:
Saw this morning that ULTA is coming to Murfreesboro! And I already knew about Barnes and Noble going into the same shopping center. How lucky that I just told ULTA to change my mailing address, even though I thought I had no current use for their coupons.
I may be at work, but I'm also tapping my toes to Sheryl Crow Radio on Pandora.com, radio from the Music Genome Project (thanks, Amy!). Check it out for yourself--you can build your own radio station starting with an artist or song you like, and Pandora will play music with similar characteristics. Here are the stations I loaded yesterday. Can you fill in the blanks?
Sheryl Crow Radio
G _ _ _ _ _ _ W_ _ _ _ Radio
C _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Radio
L _ _ _ L _ _ _ _ _ Radio
Saw this morning that ULTA is coming to Murfreesboro! And I already knew about Barnes and Noble going into the same shopping center. How lucky that I just told ULTA to change my mailing address, even though I thought I had no current use for their coupons.
I may be at work, but I'm also tapping my toes to Sheryl Crow Radio on Pandora.com, radio from the Music Genome Project (thanks, Amy!). Check it out for yourself--you can build your own radio station starting with an artist or song you like, and Pandora will play music with similar characteristics. Here are the stations I loaded yesterday. Can you fill in the blanks?
Sheryl Crow Radio
G _ _ _ _ _ _ W_ _ _ _ Radio
C _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Radio
L _ _ _ L _ _ _ _ _ Radio
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Forthcoming, Or, One of These Things is Not Like the Others
T is for Trespass - Sue Grafton - Dec 4
World Without End - Ken Follett - Oct 9
Candy Cane Murder - Joanne Fluke et al. - Sept 25
Bones to Ashes - Kathy Reichs - Aug 28
Monday with a Mad Genius - Mary Pope Osborne - Aug 28
Sweet Revenge - Diane Mott Davidson - Aug 21
World Without End - Ken Follett - Oct 9
Candy Cane Murder - Joanne Fluke et al. - Sept 25
Bones to Ashes - Kathy Reichs - Aug 28
Monday with a Mad Genius - Mary Pope Osborne - Aug 28
Sweet Revenge - Diane Mott Davidson - Aug 21
The Fun is Over
Well, I hope all of the fun isn't over. The relaxing summer, however, is definitely over. School starts again in two weeks, and I'm already feeling mildly panicked over everything I need to have done.
First up is training on Wednesday for other people in my department on how to use the "clickers" to deliver the library instruction for University Seminar classes. That wouldn't be so bad if I already had the instruction presentation updated and modified for a shorter class period, but I don't. So why, you ask, am I blogging instead of working?
Good Question!
photo: Donaghue, V. (1940). September - back to work - back to school - back to BOOKS. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, WPA Poster Collection, [LC-USZC2-5218 DLC].
http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/wpapos:@field(NUMBER+@band(cph+3f05218))
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Status Report
Current Location: office
Chapters read in Deathly Hallows: 25
Remaining visits with fitness coach: 1(!)
Listening to: Simon & Garfunkel Old Friends Disc 1 (thanks A1!)
Just finished eating: jumbo hot dog (impulse purchase at Women in Computer Science bakesale)
Pounds lost during wellness program: -3
Ounces of Diet Coke consumed so far today: 30
Working on: identifying possible competitors for a proposed book project. Gotta love WorldCat.
Temperature outside: 99 degrees F
Temperature in office: 73 degrees F
Table fan speed: Medium
Looking forward to: December
Chapters read in Deathly Hallows: 25
Remaining visits with fitness coach: 1(!)
Listening to: Simon & Garfunkel Old Friends Disc 1 (thanks A1!)
Just finished eating: jumbo hot dog (impulse purchase at Women in Computer Science bakesale)
Pounds lost during wellness program: -3
Ounces of Diet Coke consumed so far today: 30
Working on: identifying possible competitors for a proposed book project. Gotta love WorldCat.
Temperature outside: 99 degrees F
Temperature in office: 73 degrees F
Table fan speed: Medium
Looking forward to: December
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Auntie K is Smiling
She's smiling wide. She just placed a pre-order for It's Not Big It's Large, Lyle Lovett's new studio album. To take advantage of free shipping, she threw in The Very Best of the Eagles. Yeah, I know, I only save $4 on free shipping and the second cd is more than $4, but don't rain on my parade, ok?
I just get all tingly and happy thinking about a new Lyle Lovett cd. And by September 4, when it's slated to arrive, I'll probably be needing all the tingly and happy I can get.
Now only if Lyle would play in Nashville soon...
I just get all tingly and happy thinking about a new Lyle Lovett cd. And by September 4, when it's slated to arrive, I'll probably be needing all the tingly and happy I can get.
Now only if Lyle would play in Nashville soon...
Thursday, August 02, 2007
A Quiz Winner
And the gold star goes to...
my (anonymous) mother, for correctly identifying L. M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables as the source of this quotation:
"This child had taken and lost her treasured amethyst brooch and now sat there calmly without the least apparent compunction or repentance."
How appropriate, since it was by reading my mother's copy that I first learned to love that book, and it was my same dear mother who drove me to the public library to read all the sequels.
Well done!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
A Heartfelt Plea
Dear St. Anthony,
Do you help Catholics and non-Catholics alike? I sure hope so. I appear to have "misplaced" all my exercise records from the past 8 weeks of the wellness program. I had them Thursday when Andy handed them to me, and now, after a weekend of cleaning up for company, they've vanished.
I need to find these items before 7:30 tomorrow morning, so if you can lend a girl a hand, I'd really appreciate it.
Sincerely,
A lost soul
Do you help Catholics and non-Catholics alike? I sure hope so. I appear to have "misplaced" all my exercise records from the past 8 weeks of the wellness program. I had them Thursday when Andy handed them to me, and now, after a weekend of cleaning up for company, they've vanished.
I need to find these items before 7:30 tomorrow morning, so if you can lend a girl a hand, I'd really appreciate it.
Sincerely,
A lost soul
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
A Quiz
A (virtual) gold star to the first reader who can correctly name the source of the quotation used for today's Word of the Day at The Free Dictionary (if you're reading this after July 25, you'll need to look at the archived version).
To check your answer, click here.
To check your answer, click here.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Sick Day?
Did anyone else experience the no-traffic phenomenon this morning on the way to work? All I can think is that everyone who didn't finish Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows over the weekend called in sick this morning.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Dog Days, Or, An Excuse to Post a Picture
The Firefox weather add-on I use shows a little icon for each day's weather forecast. Thursday shows a flaming-hot thermometer, signifying "very hot" weather. This got me thinking about the origin of the term "dog days." I had no idea it had anything to do with astronomy and the alignment of Sirius and the sun. I truly thought that it just referred to the tongue-hanging-out-of mouth effect of the summer heat.
photo: Chicago Daily News. (1904). [Two black and white puppies standing next to each other]. Chicago Daily News negatives collection, DN-0002055. Courtesy of the Chicago Historical Society. Available from Library of Congress American Memory, http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/cdn:@field(NUMBER+@band(ichicdn+n002055))
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Expanding Horizons
Online Social Activities for the Week
Added picture to Facebook profile
Changed blog template and layout
Replaced blog photo
Sprang for a paid wiki (yay--no more ads!)
Uploaded two photos to new Flickr account
Cataloged a few books in LibraryThing
Added picture to Facebook profile
Changed blog template and layout
Replaced blog photo
Sprang for a paid wiki (yay--no more ads!)
Uploaded two photos to new Flickr account
Cataloged a few books in LibraryThing
New Look
What do you think about the new look? It's fun to have a piece of my life I can change up when I want without too much trouble or impact. I won't tell you, however, how many hours it took me to modify the colors in the new Blogger template (far more many than it should have).
If I knew anything about Photoshop, I would tidy up my self portrait. Alas, I'm not the expert some people are.
If I knew anything about Photoshop, I would tidy up my self portrait. Alas, I'm not the expert some people are.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Isn't That the Truth?
There are many temptations in this life, but cake is probably one of the biggest of them.
- Alexander McCall Smith, In the Company of Cheerful Ladies, 2004.
- Alexander McCall Smith, In the Company of Cheerful Ladies, 2004.
Form is Everything
Some (or all) of you may know I'm participating in a 10-week wellness program at work. Thank you, A2 and M, for being so kind as to check up on my progress when we talk. If anyone else is wondering how I'm doing, here's the lowdown:
*According to my fitness coach, Andy, my form on the dumbbell curl is better than 98% of the people in the weight room. Andy doesn't know I own a (purloined) copy of The Weider System of Bodybuilding and that I once received personal coaching at Austin's Gym.
*At week 4, I have yet to lose any weight. I also have yet to gain any weight.
*I meet for 30 minutes one-on-one with the Registered Dietitian this week. I don't think she'll have many words of praise for me when she sees my food journal, even though I "forgot" to record the 3 heaping spoonfuls of Marshmallow Fluff I ate last night.
*I'm at the weight room 2-3 times a week and doing cardio (usually the elliptical machine) 2-3 times a week. Andy said I need to be doing 40 mins of cardio 4 times a week or more if I really want to see any results. If only I had an elliptical machine in my super air conditioned living room...
photo: Chicago Daily News, Inc. (c. 1905). [Photograph of a man with his hands on a weight lifting apparatus]. Chicago Daily News negatives collection, DN-0003451. Courtesy of the Chicago Historical Society. Available from Library of Congress American Memory.
Word of the Day
I long ago gave up trying to keep current with the Merriam-Webster Word of the Day that comes to my Yahoo! inbox. Once in a while, however, I still run across an unfamiliar word on my own. Today's word, tchotchke, is a great one.
Turns out, I got my own piece of tchotchke from ALA when Bako brought me back, at my request, a WorldCat stick-on calendar.
Turns out, I got my own piece of tchotchke from ALA when Bako brought me back, at my request, a WorldCat stick-on calendar.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Dreaming
I had a roommate in college, the same one who said she was going to choose a graduate school based on whether they would let her wear sweats to class, who would look at the cookbook when she was hungry, as a way of satisfying herself.
Spread out on the bed next to me, and on the stool and floor next to the bed, are the following:
Why, then, am I still hungry?
Spread out on the bed next to me, and on the stool and floor next to the bed, are the following:
- Baking with Julia
- A Potful of Recipes
- Small-Batch Baking
- Maida Heatter's New Book of Great Desserts
- Quick & Healthy Volume II
- The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Book of Desserts
- Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
How I Pass the Time
One of my favorite parts of working at the reference desk is perusing the new books, all of which parade past the desk on a bookcart before going to their new home in the stacks. I always feel a thrill when I arrive at the desk and see a new cart has arrived.
Investigating the new book cart is a great way to add to my "books to read" list, even though I don't need help finding titles. Here's one I added last night:
And the best fun of all is rearranging the cart's contents in call number order. It makes me feel so happy and peaceful to impose perfect order on one small part of my world.
Now if only those new books weren't so naked...
Friday, June 22, 2007
My Body is in TN...
but my mind is in Washington, along with my friends and all the other librarians at the American Library Association conference. I can so see myself there--riding the Metro, going to the Library of Congress Reading Room open house, attending the World Premiere of The Hollywood Librarian: Librarians in Cinema and Society, listening to Nancy Pearl, walking around the National World War II Memorial...
sniff, sniff
sniff, sniff
Sunday, June 17, 2007
It's Official
Some of you may know that I am teaching Sunday School (Gospel Doctrine course) for three weeks until they have a permanent instructor.
Well, guess who the permanent instructor will be?
Yup--you got it. I can't say I'm surprised. But I see all the Primary children in the halls and it makes me homesick for Primary.
In other Sunday news, I got to Church today and found I had only one organ shoe with me (the left). Oops! Things went ok with only one, but the closing hymn was a bit rough. For some reason, without a shoe on my foot suddenly couldn't figure out where it was and where it was supposed to be.
Well, guess who the permanent instructor will be?
Yup--you got it. I can't say I'm surprised. But I see all the Primary children in the halls and it makes me homesick for Primary.
In other Sunday news, I got to Church today and found I had only one organ shoe with me (the left). Oops! Things went ok with only one, but the closing hymn was a bit rough. For some reason, without a shoe on my foot suddenly couldn't figure out where it was and where it was supposed to be.
Thanks, Dad
It doesn’t make any difference how much money a father earns, his name is always Dad-Can-I.... Like all other children, my five have one great talent: they are gifted beggars. Not one of them ever ran into the room, looked up at me, and said, “I’m really happy that you’re my father, and as a tangible token of my appreciation, here’s a dollar.”
-Bill Cosby, Fatherhood
The Columbia World of Quotations. (1996). New York: Columbia University Press. Retrieved June 17, 2007, from http://www.bartleby.com/66/7/15107.html
-Bill Cosby, Fatherhood
The Columbia World of Quotations. (1996). New York: Columbia University Press. Retrieved June 17, 2007, from http://www.bartleby.com/66/7/15107.html
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Forget the Boombox, Just Bring Back Justin
I love reading the crime briefs in smaller-circulation papers, and always kept up with the Police Beat in the Daily Universe when I was at BYU. Now, I keep up with the Police Reports in the Daily News Journal. Here's one of my recent favorite:
May 23, 2007 Police Reports, Daily News Journal
May 23, 2007 Police Reports, Daily News Journal
Incidents/offense: Bombed portable bathroom. When: Noon - 8 a.m., May 18 - 21. Where: Charleston Avenue and Scarlett Drive. Complaint: A Port-A-Potty was blown up behind a house under construction. Residue scattered about 50 feet from the mobile toilet. A fire marshal was called to investigate the stinky situation. Officer: Timothy Meeks, Murfreesboro Police Department
Or, there's this from today's Sidelines:
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons who unlawfully entered and took a boom-box CD player containing a Justin Timberlake CD from Room 326G of the Keathley University Center. This felony was committed sometime between 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29 and 8 a.m. the next day.
Oops
I don't feel perfectly ok about blogging at the reference desk, but I'm obviously doing it anyway. That's probably why I was distracted and published a post on my professional blog instead of here on its intended forum, my personal blog.
Now, I don't advertise my professional blog much because it's young and suffers from boith stunted growth and maternal neglect. But, I'm too tired to bother transferring the post (and its darling photo). So, if you're interested, click on over. At least the post is loosely library-related, so it isn't completely out of place on the other site.
Now, I don't advertise my professional blog much because it's young and suffers from boith stunted growth and maternal neglect. But, I'm too tired to bother transferring the post (and its darling photo). So, if you're interested, click on over. At least the post is loosely library-related, so it isn't completely out of place on the other site.
Monday, June 11, 2007
What I'm Reading
More Appropriate Post Title: What I Would Be Reading if I Had the TimeThe Rap Sheet - a blog about crime fiction. Yum! One brief comment: I noticed in a June 7 post that the Crime Writers of Canada recently named their picks for the best Canadian crime writing of 2006. Kathy Reichs' Break No Bones was a candidate for best novel. Now, I like Reichs just fine, but her writing is fairly formulaic, and I wouldn't put her in any of my "best" lists. The Christian Science Monitor's list of best mysteries and thrillers of 2006 is more to my liking. It includes Summer Snow by Rebecca Pawel, a young historical crime writer, and The Pale Blue Eye by Louis Bayard. Both unique, thoughtful mysteries with sound plotting and great writing.
barbara fister's place - a blog by an instruction librarian who reads and writes crime fiction. I frequently see Fister's comments on the listervs I read, and I agree with her student-centered, practical opinions about many issues. Her blog is a nice mix of library-related stories, fun Web finds, and of course, crime fiction. It's perhaps what my professional blog might be like if I were more dedicated and creative. Alas...
(yes the lack of a link to my professional blog is a deliberate omission)
photo credit: Eisters, Gerhard. (ca. 1910-1016). Photograph of Clara Louise Thompson. In Women of Protest: Photographs from the Records of the National Woman's Party, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. Retrieved June 11, 2007, from American Memory.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Culinary Successes
I finally managed to make real food in my new kitchen--english muffin batter bread and cream of broccoli soup.
Both turned out rather well, if I do say so myself. The bread has a few cosmetic problems, but it tastes fine and makes for a fine piece of toast when topped with the strawberry freezer jam I made last week. You can see a picture of the bread, and a short description of the bread itself, at the Bakingsheet blog (now known as Baking Bites). *
The soup recipe comes from Julia Child's The Way to Cook, and uses a base of pureed rice and onions, rather than the traditional roux, to achieve the cream part of the soup. More work, but hopefully less fat.
*More info for those interested: I used the original King Arthur Flour recipe that is in turn adapted in Bakingsheet. The only thing I can see that she adapted is to change one cup of milk for one cup of water. She also says to heat the liquid to 110 degrees. I thought that wasn't warm enough if you had mixed the yeast into the rest of the dry ingredients before adding any liquid. Anyway, I followed the original recipe and was perfectly happy.
Both turned out rather well, if I do say so myself. The bread has a few cosmetic problems, but it tastes fine and makes for a fine piece of toast when topped with the strawberry freezer jam I made last week. You can see a picture of the bread, and a short description of the bread itself, at the Bakingsheet blog (now known as Baking Bites). *
The soup recipe comes from Julia Child's The Way to Cook, and uses a base of pureed rice and onions, rather than the traditional roux, to achieve the cream part of the soup. More work, but hopefully less fat.
*More info for those interested: I used the original King Arthur Flour recipe that is in turn adapted in Bakingsheet. The only thing I can see that she adapted is to change one cup of milk for one cup of water. She also says to heat the liquid to 110 degrees. I thought that wasn't warm enough if you had mixed the yeast into the rest of the dry ingredients before adding any liquid. Anyway, I followed the original recipe and was perfectly happy.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
They Don't Make Junk Like They Used To
I bought a $20 bookshelf at Target this weekend. Unfortunately, it made hardly a dent in the piles of unshelved books at home. I must comment, however, on the utterly abysmal quality of said $20 bookshelf. I have two others from Target, several years old, and while they were also only $20, they at least didn't have chips or torn (plastic) veneer when I opened them up to put them together. Not so with the new shelves. But, I was too tired and lazy to do anything about it, so the new shelves are in the living room with their slightly more reputable looking cousins.
How long until a Container Store shelving sale?
How long until a Container Store shelving sale?
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Rendered Speechless
I have now watched the season finale of Lost. I have nothing to say about it. I may never have anything to say about it, or anything else, again.
No one told me that if I watched that episode at the end of a long, information-packed day when I was already on overload, it might send me into a catatonic state zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
No one told me that if I watched that episode at the end of a long, information-packed day when I was already on overload, it might send me into a catatonic state zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
I Knew It
I've commented to a few people about how many people in Tennessee seem to be cigarette smokers. I notice it everywhere--in cars, in parking lots, in restaurants (ugh).
Well, here's proof my statements were correct: according to the CDC, only Kentucky and Indiana have a higher prevalence of smoking among adults than does Tennessee.
image: [Anti-smoking sign in Zion City]. 1912. Chicago Daily News, Inc., photographer. DN-0058627, Chicago Daily News negatives collection, Chicago Historical Society. Available from Library of Congress, American Memory, http://memory.loc.gov/ndlpcoop/ichicdn/n0586/n058627.jpg
Well, here's proof my statements were correct: according to the CDC, only Kentucky and Indiana have a higher prevalence of smoking among adults than does Tennessee.
image: [Anti-smoking sign in Zion City]. 1912. Chicago Daily News, Inc., photographer. DN-0058627, Chicago Daily News negatives collection, Chicago Historical Society. Available from Library of Congress, American Memory, http://memory.loc.gov/ndlpcoop/ichicdn/n0586/n058627.jpg
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Lost and Found
I knew you'd come back to me someday!Found:
My National Parks Passport
A book that I borrowed from my mother about 3.5 years ago
10 packs of Orbit Cinnamint gum--about 3.5 years old
More books than I know what to do with
A box of books that doesn't even belong to me
Lost:
No, I still haven't watched the season ender yet
Wait a minute - these aren't mine!Friday, May 25, 2007
Important Question
I just visited the doctor, and had to step on the scale. Ugh. I'm 6 pounds shy of my all-time high weight (no surprise there). In a week, I start a 10-week wellness program at work, that includes weekly meetings with a fitness coach, meetings with a nutritional coach, and a personalized exercise program.
So, the question is--Is Life Without Junk Food Worth Living?
So, the question is--Is Life Without Junk Food Worth Living?
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
One Man's Trash...
This story about college resale programs reminded me of the BYU Lost and Found sale, which I visited a few times. It also made me think about something I heard in Chattanooga a couple of weeks ago, where someone said that in the past several years (or at least the past 15-20), the student body at BYU has changed, and is much more affluent and upper-middle class, to the point where many students have cars and look at students who work on campus as being second-class citizens. Hmm. Don't know if that generalization is actually true, but it does make one think.
New Opportunities
So there I was, sitting in my office on my "lunch" break, catching up on Heroes, when my phone rang, showing a 615 number. And guess what? While I was out of town last Sunday, our ward was split to form the Blackman Branch, of which I am now a part. The branch has about 260 members, which makes it nearly big enough to be a ward. And, we're meeting in the Smyrna building.
Hmm. I will have to leave a bit earlier for Church this Sunday than I usually do. Quite a bit earlier, since I'm playing the organ (hence the phone call, though I suspect and hope someone would have called me before Sunday regardless). Any bets on whether or not I'll be called as Ward Organist?
Personally, I think this is a good thing. It's much easier to get to know people in a branch of 260 than in a ward of 500-plus. And since I haven't formed any strong attachments in the ward, I'm not as sorry to leave as I'm sure some people are.
Finally, call it coincidence or not, but I was supposed to work this Sunday. Just this afternoon, however, someone in the office asked to switch with me. Great timing, eh?
Hmm. I will have to leave a bit earlier for Church this Sunday than I usually do. Quite a bit earlier, since I'm playing the organ (hence the phone call, though I suspect and hope someone would have called me before Sunday regardless). Any bets on whether or not I'll be called as Ward Organist?
Personally, I think this is a good thing. It's much easier to get to know people in a branch of 260 than in a ward of 500-plus. And since I haven't formed any strong attachments in the ward, I'm not as sorry to leave as I'm sure some people are.
Finally, call it coincidence or not, but I was supposed to work this Sunday. Just this afternoon, however, someone in the office asked to switch with me. Great timing, eh?
Baby Steps
So, I have finally posted two items on my professional blog. Admittedly, I'm not too happy with the posts, because they are more regurgitation than original thought, but it's a start, right? This isn't necessarily a plug for you to all become subscribers, but it's out there if you're interested.
Even if you don't want to read my professional blog, if you have 10 minutes to spare, click on over to YouTube and take a look at the copyright and fair use video I linked to in my post. The video's not necessarily a great example of film making, but it's clever and educational.
Even if you don't want to read my professional blog, if you have 10 minutes to spare, click on over to YouTube and take a look at the copyright and fair use video I linked to in my post. The video's not necessarily a great example of film making, but it's clever and educational.
Monday, May 21, 2007
A Little Happy Pepper
This is SweetPea, age 6.5 months. Notice that he's appropriately dressed for a native Texan. Now what I want to know is, is he a Dublin Little Pepper?
Time to Pay the Piper
My trip was fabulous. The journey home, on Frontier, went fine, but it was a bit long, and when I finally got home at 1:15 am, I was glad to be there.
More, much more, later in the week when I'm a bit more caught up with things at work and home.
In the meantime, my long-waisted female readers may be interested to see the camisoles I bought at the BYU Bookstore (for $9.99 a piece, a great deal if you've ever priced other brands). Granted, I myself am not long-waisted, but I have other figure flaws that require the wearing of such an item. Enough said.
More, much more, later in the week when I'm a bit more caught up with things at work and home.
In the meantime, my long-waisted female readers may be interested to see the camisoles I bought at the BYU Bookstore (for $9.99 a piece, a great deal if you've ever priced other brands). Granted, I myself am not long-waisted, but I have other figure flaws that require the wearing of such an item. Enough said.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Day Two - Utah Library Association
On day two, I learned about Federated Searching, Open Access, and Citation Generators. I ate my lunch at Subway, and we were finished at 5 pm, after which I went to Carrabba's with the Millwards and my two cousins.
I followed that up with a stroll through University Mall, where I managed to make purchases at both Eddie Bauer and See's. A gold star to the reader who can name at least three of the four kinds of chocolate I bought at See's (readers in Utah are not eligible).
For those who are interested, Mr. Mac is alive and well, and Food-4-Less is now Ream's.
Friday, May 18, 2007
I Forgot...
that when you're in Utah, land of low humidity, it's possible to have great hair!
Of course, there's plenty of bad hair in Utah too, despite the low humidity.
Of course, there's plenty of bad hair in Utah too, despite the low humidity.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
I Told You So
I always tell my colleagues at other campuses how utterly beautiful and pristine the grounds are at BYU. Here's proof.
But I did lie about one thing--there is some gum on the sidewalks (not much, however).
But I did lie about one thing--there is some gum on the sidewalks (not much, however).
A Boring Reminiscence
I wanted to take some pictures inside the Harold B. Lee Library, but I was too scared of the Secret Service lookalike security guard to risk it, so I only took this one, just to show you that even though they did a beautiful addition a while back, they preserved the old building, right down to the worn terrazzo steps in the stairwells.
Day One - Utah Library Association
Non Library-Related Highlight of the Day: Finding an-out-of-the-way Ladies Restroom that isn't mobbed after every session
Conference Related Letdown: Lest I forget, I was rudely reminded that I am no longer in Texas. This conference had 447 pre-registrants, a great number for them. The keynote addresss was delivered in a rather small hotel ballroom (no lights, music, etc). There are approximately 30 exhibiting vendors. By comparison, Texas Library Association conference has thousands of attendees and hundreds of vendors. OTH, they have "free" cookies in the exhibit hall here.
Personal Health Status: I forgot, until Mom reminded me, that the altitude adjustment can be a bear. I've had a hideous headache since I got here 24 hours ago.
Reminder About Why I Love being a Librarian: The keynote speaker, Rivkah Sass--Library Journal's Librarian of the Year for 2006. Smart, articulate, funny, and passionate about libraries and librarians' obligation to making libraries usable, useful places.
Conference Related Letdown: Lest I forget, I was rudely reminded that I am no longer in Texas. This conference had 447 pre-registrants, a great number for them. The keynote addresss was delivered in a rather small hotel ballroom (no lights, music, etc). There are approximately 30 exhibiting vendors. By comparison, Texas Library Association conference has thousands of attendees and hundreds of vendors. OTH, they have "free" cookies in the exhibit hall here.
Personal Health Status: I forgot, until Mom reminded me, that the altitude adjustment can be a bear. I've had a hideous headache since I got here 24 hours ago.
Reminder About Why I Love being a Librarian: The keynote speaker, Rivkah Sass--Library Journal's Librarian of the Year for 2006. Smart, articulate, funny, and passionate about libraries and librarians' obligation to making libraries usable, useful places.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Blogging on the Run
I'm blogging from the Information Commons at BYU's Harold B. Lee Library. Pretty awesome!
Yes, I'm here for a few days to attend the Utah Library Association Meeting. I got two hours of sleep last night before leaving my house at 4:30 to catch the plane, so I'm about to head off to find myself some caffeine (oops, did I say that out loud?). More later, but rest assured that the BYU Bookstore is nearly as awesome as ever, and the library, remodeled since I was a student XX years ago, is truly awe-inspiring.
Yes, I'm here for a few days to attend the Utah Library Association Meeting. I got two hours of sleep last night before leaving my house at 4:30 to catch the plane, so I'm about to head off to find myself some caffeine (oops, did I say that out loud?). More later, but rest assured that the BYU Bookstore is nearly as awesome as ever, and the library, remodeled since I was a student XX years ago, is truly awe-inspiring.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Work in Progress
The first part of "the move" is done--I'm in the apartment with all my things (well, almost all). I could not have done it without Mom, Dad, Penske, Southwest, various people at Church who showed up to unload the truck and carry everything (including the piano) upstairs, and whoever else might have been rooting for me behind the scenes.
Now comes the other part--imposing some order on the chaos in the apartment. I think that's going to take some time!
Now comes the other part--imposing some order on the chaos in the apartment. I think that's going to take some time!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Ode to a (Brief) Era
Free High Speed Wireless Internet, I will miss you when I'm gone. All those minutes we spent together--surfing the Internet, watching episodes of Heroes and Lost, shopping, blogging--it's hard to believe that in an hour, it will all be over. My heart aches when I imagine myself sitting all alone in my new apartment, staring at a computer that can't take me anywhere, while you callously take up with the next person who gives you an access code.
I will never forget you. Will you forget me?
I will never forget you. Will you forget me?
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Here We Go
I am gobsmacked to realize I just sustained my first mosquito bite of the season--while sitting in the hotel-house blogging. It's one thing if I venture into their domain knowingly, but when the enemy infiltrates the sanctity of my home and attacks me without warning, I call that unfair.
BTW, am I the only one here who thinks Baron Davis looks too smug to live?
BTW, am I the only one here who thinks Baron Davis looks too smug to live?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)