Still working?

Boy, was it hard to get up and out today. Had to be in Camden to start work before 9 AM. Also, needed to do several errands on the way to work. To add to the misery, I was sick, had a TERRIBLE night and it was dark and cold. Well, now I am at work and it is quiet and peaceful and I am catching up on my computer work and sucking on cough drops.

This is what I hate about winter:
- the dark
- the cold
- the lack of sun
- the wearing of coats
- the wind

This is what I love about winter:
- the bare bones of the trees
- the pastel sunsets
- a tiny bit of snow

The zone of interest (audio book), by Martin Amis. This is a despicable book. I picked it up without much thought, thinking that Martin Amis was a good writer. I started off trying to figure out what it was actually ABOUT. I knew it was about some misogynistic men of the German persuasion. So, it is about men who work at concentration camps during World War II. Other unpleasant topics are suspected adultery, abortion, murder, torture. I couldn't wait for it to be over. Also, it was hard keeping the narrators straight.

Elizabeth and Hazel : two women of Little Rock (book), by David Margolick. Got this on loan from another library for a book club discussion. It is the story of an event, the integration of schools in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957. More to the point, the story of a photograph taken on September 4th, 1957 of a black girl walking down the street surrounded by a crowd of angry white people. One face stands out, that of Hazel. The photo becomes an iconic portrait of America. The two women did get to know each other and even become friends later in life, but the raprochement did not last. The author examines the legacy of the Little Rock nine and the attitudes of the townspeople and the country in memory and in present time.

"The Villages"

Imagine over 107,000 people over 55 living within 5 square miles. It is the fastest growing metropolitan area in the country! I don't think I would like it. Too crowded with wealthy retired people. It was founded by a billionaire and is known as "Disneyland for adults". It is in Florida, not sure exactly where.

A job has become available in my area of expertise. However, it is a "starter" job, downsized to 20 hours in order to save money on benefits. While it would be nice to have some extra money, the thought of having to commit myself to a schedule is not appealing and I would rather escape from some of the people who hang out at his place rather than help them. I am not proud of that sentiment, but there it is. I was there yesterday and some people came in and sat at the adjoining table. I couldn't wait to leave. Two people, one handicapped, curse words every other word, and a rank odor of cat piss. I am very sensitive to the smell of urine and unwashed bodies and stale smoke. (Hmmm...maybe I WOULD like the Villages?!)

Nice to wake up today with only the prospect of my usual research haunt and choir practice. Sometimes I wear myself out running around to all of my various activities. Like tomorrow, when I have arthritis exercise class at 8 AM, followed by art class from 9:30 - 12:30. Then I have to run down to Ocean City to return a library book. I tried to renew it, but someone had put it on hold. French women don't get facelifts talks about aging gracefully without too much intervention.

A woman with style

Have been looking for a wheeled contraption so I can lug my stuff around between the car and other places. A woman came in with, essentially, a briefcase on wheels. But she was stepping lively, dressed fashionably and wearing high heels and managed to look cool and effortless. Somehow, I only end up looking like a bag lady.

Meant to be early to work today but I ended up being late and had to speed. I HATE that. I like to be early as I only work one day a month and there are bound to be some rude surprises at the workplace. Better to figure them out BEFORE the rush. By now, I have figured it all out. The main surprises today were passwords that had been changed. But I managed a work-around and got it all straightened out eventually.

The sun has disappeared. There won't be any "Vitamin D bathing" today. Milder, though. I don't really care since I am stuck inside all day.

Noise free zone?

That's a laugh. This is on a sign in library but there are crowds with loud voices and hammering and drilling going on. Also crime tape, and plastic covering up the "new" book display. Put in some ear plugs but I find them of limited value.

Finished a book on my Nook - borrowed through the Overdrive system. Defending Jacob is by William Landay. There is a crime, which may or may not have been committed by the narator's teenage son. The father goes a bit overboard protecting and defending his son. Somewhat of a shocking ending. There is a trial and possibly a "murder gene".

Read another book by Adrana Trigiani, The Supreme Macaroni Company. It was a large type fiction borrowed from The Bridgeton Public Library. Wanted to get a feel for Tuscany, which figures not so prominently in this book. Valentine comes from a large Italian family and she is a shoemaker, with a business in Manhattan. She meets an older man from Tuscany and marries him when she is 39. Of course, her family is ecstatic. The book follows her business and romantic adventures.

Erasers that don't work

This is one of my pet peeves. Can't think of any others at the moment. I am also very unhappy when the temperature goes below freezing as it did today. Plus there was wind. It is really HAT weather.

Was asked to work this weekend. I said yes since I only work one day a month and I didn't have one scheduled for the month of December. Yes, it will inconvenience me, as I was supposed to go to a funeral. (It is amazing how working only ONE day a month can still feel incommodious when it rolls around). But I am barely employed and so want to be agreeable and able to be counted upon.

Feeling kind of busy over the holidays but not with parties. Just with scheduled events that are distracting me from getting ready for gift shopping and wrapping. I am very bad at all that anyway. I don't shop for myself so it is not so fun to shop for others.

Conversational snippets

I like feeling invisible as I circulate throughout the world hearing snippets of other people's conversations. Perhaps one could base a novel on such? Today I was at a college campus and overheard a woman telling a friend that she blamed her problems on her "mother being high on acid" when she was conceived.

Snippets I would rather NOT hear are from the house of the tenants across the street. They are LOUD and VULGAR (the tenants) and I can't wait for them to move or get kicked out(this eventually happens to ALL of my neighbors). As I was walking down the street admiring the fall leaves and the pleasant street I live on, I passed their house and from inside the house, I could hear FUCK this and FUCK that. And I fear that this woman has several children. No wonder people grow up strange.

Had a very enjoyable day today even though it was raining. Went up to where I work part time to have a photo shot for the new web page. I am quite pleased with it and the photo session was fun. The campus was beautiful with the fall leaves. Went to lunch with three colleagues and had a delicious salad that was not too expensive.

Job titles I would like to have

Wouldn't it be nice to tell someone at a party that you were an "Equine portrait photographer"?

One of my pet peeves is people who talk on their cell phones WHILE THEY ARE WORKING, especially when they aren't even speaking English. I think it was a Cambodian nail technician that brought on THIS rant. Then one of the other workers turned on his MAC and started blaring some program in another language even though the TV was on. Grrrr.... The manicure was OK but the ambiance was terrible. Won't be going back there soon or ever.

I fear I am getting early-onset Alzheimer's. (Also have been unable to resolve the issue that once I heard that there was no longer an apostrophe in Alzheimer's but that seems to have been a DREAM). I went to get my haircut and couldn't remember which side I parted my hair on. Can I blame it on the mirror effect? A few days ago I went to pick up a friend at the bus station and had trouble remembering exactly what exit and which road to turn around on. Is it NORMAL aging or ABNORMAL aging? I do feel somewhat foggy even when I am NOT taking a pain pill or a Xanax.

Dancers wanted

One of the many changes I noticed yesterday as I was driving down Delsea Drive was that one of the "jinxed" properties is reopening as Double D Gentleman's club and they want dancers.  I know a few jobs available and I know a few people looking but they do not match.  I am sure there will be lots of "gentlemen" in there.

Running out of options to avoid the heat. Went to the pool for an exercise  class (aqua aerobics) and came to the library.  Didn't use the computers at the pool because there is an older man who monopolizes them and I don't want to be near him.  Ever since the day when he knew I was waiting for the computer and he paused during his FACEBOOK session to watch some TV, just like someone who didn't have a care in the world.  So, just my luck, that SAME MAN is getting a card at the Millville Public Library and sat down right across from me.  Running out of time, anyway and you have to BEG for more time.  The librarian only gave me 1/2 hour.  Can't wait to get home where there is only ME, MYSELF and I.  Too hot to go out shopping for a dehumidifier which I desparately need.  Also my back is "out" and I cannot carry a heavy piece of equipment.  My purse is even more than I can carry.

What to do when the weather forecast is 95-100 degrees for the next four days?  I DETEST such weather.

Never too early for Coke

Guy behind me in line at McDonald's was getting a large Coke at 8:00 AM.  I was getting a small black coffee.  Yes, I AM feeling slightly self-righteous.

Names of people are getting quite creative, especially around MY town. Here are some from the police blotter, May 11, 2013 - Jaymere, Purman, Quamane, and Tonetta.

I think what I miss most about work is the opportunity to be on the computer ALL DAY LONG.
Today am working at my part-time job, which is hardly working in the summer.  I like to keep a hand in and keep my library privileges.  I have been renewing one book for more than 15 years and don't know if I can ever get it back.  I loaned it to a boyfriend when he was writing a play.  He returned a lot of them recently, but not that one.  He is married to someone else now, so it is sort of awkward. 

Wishing I was at the beach, where it is cooler.....

An entire afternoon without a snack

Can I do it?  Ate my lunch early cause it was here.  Nothing to eat all afternoon.  I brought no snacks to work because I am trying to be careful and my coworker apparently is in the same boat.

Practicing French in the car.  Pronouncing things properly gives your face and neck quite a workout.  I need to be doing those exercises anyway to combat the double chin affect.  Then went to get my nails done and the only magazines I could find were Essence, something in Vietnamese and People en espanol.  So I read People in Spanish.  

Working today but hardly working.  Classes are over and exams are starting and there is just not much activity around the library today.

Bad travel dreams have started

Last night I dreamt that I missed the plane and also that I forgot my suitcase.  Just went to visit a supremely organized friend of mine.  She loaned me some Euros and told me about a few things to do in Paris off the beaten path.  She has many travel purses and a list of what she has done every year in Paris and an ongoing list of THINGS TO DO there.  I am feeling overwhelmed.

It is National Stroke awareness month.  See if the person can SMILE and raise both arms over their head.

I seem to have been catapulted into a position today.  Mostly a figurehead at this point.  Just by hanging around.  Possibility of a part-time temporary job.

Went out for a walk down the street in Greenwich today.  Appreciating the quiet and the lack of traffic.  Soon, the seasons of BUGS will start and I will no longer want to stroll outside.  But, today, great smells and not too hot or cold.

The Bible is HOT

Heard this on the radio today.  After the success of The Bible mini-series, producers are falling all over themselves to design Bible-related shows.  I could have told them that, just from the requests we got at the reference desk at the Vineland Public Library.

So many helpless people!  Guy with a cane at the Wawa today couldn't find the newspaper he wanted.  Probably because all of the names have changed due to REGIONALIZATION (hate it).
Anyway, I do not want to become one of the helpless people.  That is a struggle as you age.  That is why I am exercising.

Little known things about me: I punched a time clock for 37 years.  Three different jobs.  In fact, I punched a clock today.  But do not feel sorry for me, because THIS job I only do once a month (and not EVERY month).

I need help with my narrative essay

Had to learn a new something today - Gimlet - for recording reference interactions online instead of on paper.  It is always something.  I meant to get to work 15 minutes early today to get ahead of all of the new stuff.  The last time I worked was two months ago and a lot can change in two months.  So far, so good.  Couldn't sign in as my password had expired.  Jeez...I don't remember getting any notice of that!  Managed to get that changed so I could get into the "password keeper" so I could find out how to log into Gimlet.  The day is moving sort of slowly.  Got to work with my favorite Saturday co-hort.  I go for months without working with her.  Today it was a surprise gift.  We both brought snacks.  So much for my diet.

Tomorrow I will exercise.  Also have to make sure to watch 60 minutes.  Maggie Smith is going to be on.  Certainly Downton Abbey is the crowning achievement of her career.  Later on tomorrow evening will be the finale of season 3.  Dreading finding out what is going to happen to Matthew.  I heard he does not want to continue on to season 4.  Auurgh!  I adore him.

Last night watched a bit of 8 mile, with Eminem.  I love that movie.  Didn't really get to hear much music in the parts I watched.  Went back to reading.

I am half-sick of shadows

Kind of a silly title and kind of a silly book. I did enjoy it although the audiobook kept skipping in my car. I think it is my player. The book is by a man, Alan Bradley and is about a young girl, who is part sleuth, part alchemist. She lives in a house that is almost a castle with her father, her two aggravating sisters and some servants.
Her mother has died and they have fallen on hard times. Her father decides to rent out the house to a movie crew around Christmas time. Trouble ensues and includes snowstorms and fireworks and a murder. This is considered the author's second "Flavia de Luce mystery". I enjoyed it for the descriptions and the very British witticisms.

Hung out with some really fun six year olds last night. We watched an old fashioned cartoon called The aristocats. I was amazed that modern children could enjoy such a thing. The kids were delightful, so loving, delivering occasional kisses, "just because"... So sad to think that children this age were murdered by another crazy American. Although I guess it is not just Americans who are crazy. Japanese and Vietnamese people knife each other as they do not have our easy access to guns. But what is going on? Do they just get the idea from TV and other events? But why?

Working today. Went to the cafeteria for lunch. I love it over there. Except for the fact that this is a PEPSI campus. Thinking of all the trees and all the seasons I have witnessed here and also thinking about a coworker who retired and died too soon.
I like this one tree out there. The leaves turn all brown but they do not fall off. It is juxtaposed next to an evergreen. I have been working here part time going on twenty five years! They already had a goodbye party for me several years ago but I keep on hanging on. Now I work only once a month, and not every month.

Laboring in obscurity

Is it kind of silly to be writing a blog that no one reads? I write stuff down here and forget to tell it to anyone I actually KNOW. Went out to lunch today and felt rather underdressed. The Coach Room is where all of the lawyers and judges go and also many office Christmas parties are held there. I went with some friends who wanted to eat the chicken pot pie. I went against my principle of "only eat out one meal per day". Today I will be eating out for THREE meals. The menu? Oatmeal, chicken pot pie and beef stroganoff. Not exactly the diet menu. I did walk for 30 minutes in the neighborhood. Chicken pot pie I can take it or leave it. Once a year will suffice. Some people get really excited about it.

Just participated in the census for the Current Population survey. That is that boring book which arrived at my library, was a pain to catalog, and that no one ever looked at. I had to answer questions about my health, my eating, my spending on food, my hunger, my education, etc. Realized all of my spending is based on my own little rules of frugality and not on actual running out of money. In reality, I spend a lot more money eating out than I do on groceries. They said they are going to visit me once a month for four months and then again in a year. I felt kind of special being one of only 55,000 people, but then I read it again and saw that they ask 55,000 people every month to get the official government figures on total employment and unemployment. I guess I am now one of those people who are NOT LOOKING FOR WORK.

Ravi Shankar died. I heard on NPR that when he played at Carnegie Hall, he was warming up his sitar playing. When he stopped after 3 1/2 minutes, the audience gave him a standing ovation. This was only cited to say how little Americans understand Indian music.

Too much sun

I can't believe I just had to move my whole computer set up due to TOO MUCH SUN. I am constantly harping about my NEED for sun and warmth and then I had too much of it. It is hard to use the computer when there are a lot of reflections. Was reviewing my journal from the summertime and I had to laugh because I wrote that I needed to think about a vacation to somewhere COOLER. Now all I can think about is my need for a vacation to somewhere WARMER. The eternal malcontent, that's me!

So excited that I learned how to share a video yesterday. I kind of miss being FORCED to learn things in the workplace. It is tempting to fall behind when left to my own devices. The other day I couldn't even remember how to make a Word document single spaced. To be fair, I couldn't remember that even when I was working.

Wish I had access to my wreath I made from book pages. Now it is hanging in the Lummis Library in Greenwich. Today I was telling someone about it and wished I had at least a PICTURE to show. I was pleased that one of the fellas down there admired it enough to want to hang it up. I must add CRAFTS to my list of things to do at home.

Paper cuts are killing me

It is going to be a long winter. I am currently in a library trying to forget about the drizzly weather. That is a good function of WORKING which I am starting to miss. You were trapped inside a pleasant, warm, cool place all day long so you didn't have to think about the weather, nor did you have to PAY for heat or air conditioning.

Finished a book for my book club tonight. I didn't highlight any good quotes but I did enjoy the book, as much as you CAN enjoy nonfiction or biography, that is. The mighty & the almighty : reflections on America, God, and world affairs, was written by Madeleine Albright. I never really paid her much attention when she was the Secretary of State but I found myself agreeing with most of her thoughts. From the back of the cover..."She argues that, to be effective, U.S. policy-makers must understand the power and place of religion in motivating others and in coloring how American actions are perceived". She talked about how provocative it was when George Bush gave his speech and brought up the "axis of evil" countries.

Attended an interesting workshop last night since my French club was postponed. Drove up to the Woodbury Library, even though I was not really familiar with where it was, to make a holiday wreath from book pages. This is somewhat of a sacrilege to a librarian but I have seen how many books actually get THROWN AWAY in this day and age, by people and by libraries, and I have been interested in recycling projects. I made a wreath using a book about Queen Victoria. Of course, I wanted to pay attention to the subject and author of the book and included that info in my wreath, with limited success. I'm not really a "crafty" person, but it was fun.

You can get anything you want...at Alice's Restaurant

Great serendipity...I got in the car just as WMMR was playing Alice's Restaurant, the 25 year annniversary version. I don't like it as much as the original and it is longer, but it does include some interesting additional material claiming that President Nixon owned the album. Arlo finds it a very strange coincidence that the gap on the Nixon tapes was 18 minutes and 20 seconds long and the song Alice's Restaurant was 18 minutes long. He's just sayin'...

A lot of people working today. At the deli, the gas station, Verizon guy out on the street, McDonald's. I heard on the radio that Thanksgiving is the BEST day for plumbers! I'm not working...just taking a vacation from my usual routines. Made some cranberry sauce, went for a walk, some more grocery shopping for last minute essentials, now using the wireless at my sister's house, waiting for that big Thanksgiving dinner.

Just looking through my list of bookmarked blogs. Let me see if I can attach a link to this one which is still updated and hilarious. How does Jen Lancaster have the time to keep up this blog and crank out so many books?

http://www.jennsylvania.com/jennsylvania/

Desk-in-a-box

Came to work today. I have a job which is only one day a month. And not every month.
I have no desk, no office, no mailbox. But I DO have a business card and a name badge and a pay check. All of my belongings are now in a box which is kept in the supply closet. Bingo! Instant desk! After I borrow a key, get a cart and traipse up to the second floor on the elevator, go through several doors, unlock the door to the supply closet and viola there is my stuff. At the end of the day, I pack it up and put it back.

Fruit makes me hungry. And Diet Coke, too. I eat it or drink it and suddenly, I am ravenous.

I bought three Amish pretzels the other day. I bought them because THEY WERE ON SALE.
I don't really even LIKE pretzels....clammy white flour and salt, yeuch. I can't believe there are whole businesses which only serve/sell pretzels.

My excursion for the day

I can build a whole day around an appointment. Today had a chiropractic/massage appointment in Vineland, the town I used to work in. Did many errands on the way there and stopped in to visit the old gang for break time. Now, a day with NO appointment causes me some anxiety, but I can fill up a whole day with just one.

It is very peaceful here today. And quiet, like a library is SUPPOSED to be but so seldom is, these days. And the teak colors of the furniture go nicely with the fall colors out the picture windows. In addition to the whole library system going into freefall and changing, Verizon lines have been out since the storm.

Going to WORK on Saturday. I have a job. It is only ONE day a month. And not EVERY month. Now, that is MY idea of a job.