That's right, isn't it?
I went to this awesome session today about Ann Arbor Public who holds a SuperMarioKart tournament for the kids in their community. They totally go all out and produce it and have interviews with the finalists, like SportsCenter. It was totally awesome and make me wish I had gone into YA services. But then I remembered that I'd probably hate it.
Last night I saw a screening of The Hollywood Librarian. We saw about 35 minutes of semi-edited footage and it looks pretty good. There is a fair amount of book-cart-drill-team footage, which certainly adds some glamour to the whole thing. It isn't finished yet, pending funding, so if you have $50 that you'd like to contribute to helping the reputation of my profession, feel free to PayPal it their way.
Today I spent a fair amount of time on public transportation. I decided that I didn't have an extra $50 for the "Devastation Tours" and I talked to a couple of people and was rather discouraged to just jump on any old bus and head out to the 9th Ward. One guy said that it is "pretty lonely."
Instead, I took some of the more regularly running routes. I took the Canal St. Streetcar from end to end, and toward the North-West end (closest to the lake) you could really see the difference from the French Quarter area. Yesterday, the NO Public librarian told me that there were initiatives among the locals to really get out and clean up the Quarter and the Convention Center area before we all came. She said there were kids out picking up trash and sweeping the sidewalks and everything. I almost cried when she was describing it to me, but I didn't really think of it again until I saw the difference leaving the Quarter area. Some places looked okay, but most of the houses up there had a very distinct water line about 4 feet up the side of the buildings. It was really incredible to see house after house with this line across them. On the side streets you could see the FEMA trailers parked in front of the houses and lots of construction crews and trash on the sidewalks. I have some photos which I hope to upload after I get back.
6.26.2006
The Crescent City
This place has lots of nicknames.
I've been going to meetings and what-not, but I've really enjoyed meeting lots of people around at happy hours and special events. Yesterday, I went to a special event at one of the branch libraries out on St. Charles St. I started speaking with this woman on the bus. She works at one of the local hotels. In the hurricane, she came out unscathed, but most of her neighbors lost everything. She said that this has enabled her to help other people. She gives away money, clothing, prayers, time...anything she has. She said it was great that the librarians were in town, because they need it, and that we should all try and take a trip up to the 9th Ward because dead people are STILL being found up there. She said anyone who comes here should go see it. I asked about public buses in that area, and she said that the worst of it isn't on the main roads because the main roads tend to be a little higher.
I got to the branch library a little early, so I struck up a conversation with the librarian there. She is originally from Akron (Ohio) and she and her husband lost everything in the hurricane. She lives in a FEMA trailer while they try to rebuild their house. She said she's evacuated about 15 times in the 20 years they've lived here, but usually for "no reason." Luckily, they decided to go anyway, but she said she could never imagine what it was like to lose everything she had. She got laid off for a while and then rehired. She has her pet rabbit and guinea pig living at the library because there isn't any room in the trailer for them.
They hold tours people can take to the devastated areas. I have mixed feelings because I think people should be able to go, but to make it tourist-y seems wrong to me. The librarian said that buses will come by their house while they are working and they'll stop and take pictures. I don't think I'll go on one of those, so I don't know if I'll make it to the areas I need to go. I want to ask the concierge about the public bus, but I feel awkward about that too.
It's a very sensitive time, but people are still drinking, partying and throwing beads off the balcony. I guess after all this, New Orleans still permits you to have whatever kind of experience you want to have.
I've been going to meetings and what-not, but I've really enjoyed meeting lots of people around at happy hours and special events. Yesterday, I went to a special event at one of the branch libraries out on St. Charles St. I started speaking with this woman on the bus. She works at one of the local hotels. In the hurricane, she came out unscathed, but most of her neighbors lost everything. She said that this has enabled her to help other people. She gives away money, clothing, prayers, time...anything she has. She said it was great that the librarians were in town, because they need it, and that we should all try and take a trip up to the 9th Ward because dead people are STILL being found up there. She said anyone who comes here should go see it. I asked about public buses in that area, and she said that the worst of it isn't on the main roads because the main roads tend to be a little higher.
I got to the branch library a little early, so I struck up a conversation with the librarian there. She is originally from Akron (Ohio) and she and her husband lost everything in the hurricane. She lives in a FEMA trailer while they try to rebuild their house. She said she's evacuated about 15 times in the 20 years they've lived here, but usually for "no reason." Luckily, they decided to go anyway, but she said she could never imagine what it was like to lose everything she had. She got laid off for a while and then rehired. She has her pet rabbit and guinea pig living at the library because there isn't any room in the trailer for them.
They hold tours people can take to the devastated areas. I have mixed feelings because I think people should be able to go, but to make it tourist-y seems wrong to me. The librarian said that buses will come by their house while they are working and they'll stop and take pictures. I don't think I'll go on one of those, so I don't know if I'll make it to the areas I need to go. I want to ask the concierge about the public bus, but I feel awkward about that too.
It's a very sensitive time, but people are still drinking, partying and throwing beads off the balcony. I guess after all this, New Orleans still permits you to have whatever kind of experience you want to have.
6.24.2006
The big easy
New Orleans is beautiful and interesting and strange, all at once. This is my first trip here and I'm fully intrigued. I spent the past couple of days walking around and getting a better sense of the areas near my hotel (tourist-y areas, the French QUarter, the convention center area, the river-side area). The city is packed with bars and restaurants and shops, everywhere. Red Rider was kind enough to walk me by her old house and through her old neighborhood and there were little side streets with restaurants and coffee shops tucked around the corners. It really reminds me of so many places: Philly, southern California, New York...it's really interesting.
The bus driver told us that 2/3 of the people who lived here before the hurricane have not come back. It seems pretty busy most places, but most of the people I see are librarians. We drove by this underpass where he pointed out the water line, 13 feet up the side of the highway. There are entire neighborhoods that still have tarps for roofs.
I've eaten a lot, including a 5-beer sampler and some fried cheesecake. The cake part was all melty and yummy. A guy struck up a conversation to me on the way to registration and gave me the lowdown on the casino buffet and then offered to split a doobie with me. I politely declined.
The bus driver told us that 2/3 of the people who lived here before the hurricane have not come back. It seems pretty busy most places, but most of the people I see are librarians. We drove by this underpass where he pointed out the water line, 13 feet up the side of the highway. There are entire neighborhoods that still have tarps for roofs.
I've eaten a lot, including a 5-beer sampler and some fried cheesecake. The cake part was all melty and yummy. A guy struck up a conversation to me on the way to registration and gave me the lowdown on the casino buffet and then offered to split a doobie with me. I politely declined.
6.16.2006
Finalamente
The Philly trip was great. We got to Erica and The Agent's house on Thursday night when we met their cat, Victor.
Victor is super cute and playful.
I spent a good portion of the weekend trying get a picture of him doing acrobatic stunts with his toy. Finally The Agent hooked it up:
Did you really look at that picture? That cat is doing a freakin' cartwheel!
Bevin brought Macy and Her Man down for a visit and we played some Cranium and took pictures while the dogs played.
Saturday, J.Gordan hosted a happenin' party at his house which required 80s attire. Here is the before-party shot:
Sadly, I don't have a post-party shot, but lets just say that if there had been some foam around, there might have been a fight.
We also went to breakfast, went hiking, gave Erica a surprise graduation present, visited with family, played games, had a cookout and all sorts of other great things.
I made an album for these photos, and a few others from our Denver trip.
Victor is super cute and playful.
I spent a good portion of the weekend trying get a picture of him doing acrobatic stunts with his toy. Finally The Agent hooked it up:
Did you really look at that picture? That cat is doing a freakin' cartwheel!
Bevin brought Macy and Her Man down for a visit and we played some Cranium and took pictures while the dogs played.
Saturday, J.Gordan hosted a happenin' party at his house which required 80s attire. Here is the before-party shot:
Sadly, I don't have a post-party shot, but lets just say that if there had been some foam around, there might have been a fight.
We also went to breakfast, went hiking, gave Erica a surprise graduation present, visited with family, played games, had a cookout and all sorts of other great things.
I made an album for these photos, and a few others from our Denver trip.
6.15.2006
my diet has gone to pot
but not literally.
I had a balance bar for breakfast today. I just read the ingredients and I still don't know what is in those things, but I was buzzing around for a couple of hours afterward.
We had our staff appreciation lunch at work today. I knew maybe 1/4 of the people there, but I did see my coworker's thong sticking out of her pants. It was a little awkward, even though her back was to me. I just pretended it didn't happen. Johnny has a special term for that, but I can't think of what it is now. She is at a jetgirl planning meeting, so I'll ask when she gets back.
For dinner I had chips and salsa and half a bag of cherries.
How's that for nutrition?
Scootking and Pixelville are back today! Welcome home guys!
I had a balance bar for breakfast today. I just read the ingredients and I still don't know what is in those things, but I was buzzing around for a couple of hours afterward.
We had our staff appreciation lunch at work today. I knew maybe 1/4 of the people there, but I did see my coworker's thong sticking out of her pants. It was a little awkward, even though her back was to me. I just pretended it didn't happen. Johnny has a special term for that, but I can't think of what it is now. She is at a jetgirl planning meeting, so I'll ask when she gets back.
For dinner I had chips and salsa and half a bag of cherries.
How's that for nutrition?
Scootking and Pixelville are back today! Welcome home guys!
6.14.2006
I read that
I finished the Da Vinci Code shortly after we got back from Philly (no, there won't be any philly photos in this post) and I don't see what all the fuss is about. Even if all that jazz was true, I don't think it would "shake the foundations of christianity." There are actually scholars who are spending time refuting the claims made in the novel. I also saw a church sign that was having a Da Vinci Code-refuting themed sermon. That just seems weird.
Speaking of shaking the foundations, Johnny and I have embarked on a mission to eradicate all traces of whining from our dog. She has a bad whining habit, so we've starting actively ignoring her when she does it. This involves turning our backs and walking away from her a lot. Or covering our heads with the blankets while holding perfectly still so she can't possibly interpret anything we do as reinforcement. It seems to be working pretty well, except for a minute ago when she parked herself next to me on the couch and whined into the back of my head for about 30 seconds straight. Such a baby.
Speaking of shaking the foundations, Johnny and I have embarked on a mission to eradicate all traces of whining from our dog. She has a bad whining habit, so we've starting actively ignoring her when she does it. This involves turning our backs and walking away from her a lot. Or covering our heads with the blankets while holding perfectly still so she can't possibly interpret anything we do as reinforcement. It seems to be working pretty well, except for a minute ago when she parked herself next to me on the couch and whined into the back of my head for about 30 seconds straight. Such a baby.
6.12.2006
Miss you.
Our friends are in Greece and we are watching their cats. They have season tickets to the Columbus Comets (although neither of them really like football much) so we got their tickets to Friday's game. It was really fun and the QB is someone I've known since she was in high school, so that only added to the experience. Johnny flyered a good portion of the crowd before we went to the Surly Girl with Lacy and the doctor couple. Lacy and one of the members of the doctor couple are moving (separately to separate places) while I am in New Orleans for ALA, which is awful because not only will I be hot, and at risk for a tropical storm, but I will miss their going-away celebrations, the drag show and all the other fun pride festivities that happen in the gay mecca of the midwest.
Yesterday we went to the CSA farm for the best potluck ever. We picked snap peas and strawberries and got to pet the little calves.
This little girl kept sticking her finger out for this calf to suck on and it kept soing it until her arm was completely covered in drool. Luckily that happened after we ate.
And, soon I will post the photos from the Philly trip. It was so fun and included lots of great activities and people seeing and things. I just need to find the cord for the camera.
Yesterday we went to the CSA farm for the best potluck ever. We picked snap peas and strawberries and got to pet the little calves.
This little girl kept sticking her finger out for this calf to suck on and it kept soing it until her arm was completely covered in drool. Luckily that happened after we ate.
And, soon I will post the photos from the Philly trip. It was so fun and included lots of great activities and people seeing and things. I just need to find the cord for the camera.
5.23.2006
too much kombucha?
Today, while I was checking out my long-awaited copy of The Da Vinci Code OhioLINKed from a community college, I overheard some student workers talking about their weekend plans.
One said:
I panicked. Over the hedge? Is that like "off the chain?" And was The Da Vinci Code cute?
I seriously worried for a full 20 seconds that I really had no inkling of 20-year-old slang until I realized.
Oh, right. That's a movie. I knew that.
One said:
- No, I didn't do anything really, just saw some movies. I saw The Da Vinci Code [laughs] again and it was over the hedge, it was so cute.
I panicked. Over the hedge? Is that like "off the chain?" And was The Da Vinci Code cute?
I seriously worried for a full 20 seconds that I really had no inkling of 20-year-old slang until I realized.
Oh, right. That's a movie. I knew that.
5.21.2006
the mountains are beautiful
I’m in Denver again. Maybe I’ll only post from Denver from now on?
I’m here for IUG which has been really useful and informative. I have gotten to see some people from my old library, including HoTS, which was really great. There is an extraordinary amount of food-eating happening, and some good margaritas.
Johnny came this time which has been nice. We went on Saturday to Fort Collins to go to Johnny’s cousin’s daughter’s birthday party at the roller rink. It was really fun, although I’m not as good at skating as I used to be. There were mostly 8 year olds, but there were a few teenagers who were very proficient at skating and making out in the corner.
The next big thing is our Memorial Day trip to Philly! Woo! This will be the best trip, especially because I don’t have to attend meetings the whole time.
I’m here for IUG which has been really useful and informative. I have gotten to see some people from my old library, including HoTS, which was really great. There is an extraordinary amount of food-eating happening, and some good margaritas.
Johnny came this time which has been nice. We went on Saturday to Fort Collins to go to Johnny’s cousin’s daughter’s birthday party at the roller rink. It was really fun, although I’m not as good at skating as I used to be. There were mostly 8 year olds, but there were a few teenagers who were very proficient at skating and making out in the corner.
The next big thing is our Memorial Day trip to Philly! Woo! This will be the best trip, especially because I don’t have to attend meetings the whole time.
5.10.2006
I almost pasted an email here instead of this post
that would have been the most boring post ever. Thank god I caught that.
Yesterday and today I am in an ILS admin training in lovely Bowling Green. The training is really interesting, but some of it is still review, thanks to my former boss and coworkers. I am glad I came, it's been a good opportunity to get to know some of the people who I will likely see again next weekend at IUG, back in Denver.
In addition to us library-types, there is a FirePerson training school happening here. The students are on break and I went to the Union to get some coffee, but I couldn't figure out where all the men in jeans were coming from. One of them struck up a conversation with me in the hotel elevator. He threw around lots of fireperson jargon, like "controlled burn" and something about rescue, or whatever. I guess I was supposed to be impressed, but I can't remember what about.
On my way home, I am likely to stop and see my parents for a little bit. I haven't seen them in a while, and both their birthdays are this month. We are taking my mom to dinner Friday night after the fashion show at Johnni's school. My mom wants me to help her pick out what to wear - I thought that was cute.
Yesterday and today I am in an ILS admin training in lovely Bowling Green. The training is really interesting, but some of it is still review, thanks to my former boss and coworkers. I am glad I came, it's been a good opportunity to get to know some of the people who I will likely see again next weekend at IUG, back in Denver.
In addition to us library-types, there is a FirePerson training school happening here. The students are on break and I went to the Union to get some coffee, but I couldn't figure out where all the men in jeans were coming from. One of them struck up a conversation with me in the hotel elevator. He threw around lots of fireperson jargon, like "controlled burn" and something about rescue, or whatever. I guess I was supposed to be impressed, but I can't remember what about.
On my way home, I am likely to stop and see my parents for a little bit. I haven't seen them in a while, and both their birthdays are this month. We are taking my mom to dinner Friday night after the fashion show at Johnni's school. My mom wants me to help her pick out what to wear - I thought that was cute.
5.07.2006
goin' home
No one joined us for our Ladies Night Out, but we had a pretty good time. It was held at this big event space which was in some random warehouse district, which made the cab ride interesting. Jess' boobs got hit on by some crazy drunk lady before I had to intervene. There were lots of bad outfits, and some fairly bad music, but we got to see some sights.
Yesterday was full of information, I went to a session on FRBR and one on RDA, both of which were full of information, but one was certainly more interesting. Can you guess which one? The sessions were over at 2, so we went shopping and then to dinner at this noodle restaurant, then to a diner-like establishment for coffee and a treat. I had a lovely slice of homemade blueberry pie.
I have to say I'm ready to go home. I will be glad to see Johneey, pet the dog, and watch the Sporanos with a nice bowl of popcorn.
Yesterday was full of information, I went to a session on FRBR and one on RDA, both of which were full of information, but one was certainly more interesting. Can you guess which one? The sessions were over at 2, so we went shopping and then to dinner at this noodle restaurant, then to a diner-like establishment for coffee and a treat. I had a lovely slice of homemade blueberry pie.
I have to say I'm ready to go home. I will be glad to see Johneey, pet the dog, and watch the Sporanos with a nice bowl of popcorn.
goin' home
No one joined us for our Ladies Night Out, but we had a pretty good time. It was held at this big event space which was in some random warehouse district, which made the cab ride interesting. Jess' boobs got hit on by some crazy drunk lady before I had to intervene. There were lots of bad outfits, and some fairly bad music, but we got to see some sights.
Yesterday was full of information, I went to a session on FRBR and one on RDA, both of which were full of information, but one was certainly more interesting. Can you guess which one? The sessions were over at 2, so we went shopping and then to dinner at this noodle restaurant, then to a diner-like establishment for coffee and a treat. I had a lovely slice of homemade blueberry pie.
I have to say I'm ready to go home. I will be glad to see Johneey, pet the dog, and watch the Sporanos with a nice bowl of popcorn.
Yesterday was full of information, I went to a session on FRBR and one on RDA, both of which were full of information, but one was certainly more interesting. Can you guess which one? The sessions were over at 2, so we went shopping and then to dinner at this noodle restaurant, then to a diner-like establishment for coffee and a treat. I had a lovely slice of homemade blueberry pie.
I have to say I'm ready to go home. I will be glad to see Johneey, pet the dog, and watch the Sporanos with a nice bowl of popcorn.
5.05.2006
denver v. 2
Red Rocks was super beautiful. It was raining, so we didn't exactly get to enjoy the full splendor, but Jess got some great photos which she will post shortly. After that, we just came back and went to bed.
This morning we got up and went to the hotel fitness center, which was about 15 degrees hotter than any room in a hotel ever is, and about 30 degrees hotter than any gym should be. The first session was Robin Sloan (who I keep wanting to call Robin Leach) and he showed us the Googlezon video, which he helped produce. He talked about the "scary future" of technology and how much things can change in such a short time, specifically from now until 2014.
After that were two shorter sessions, one on Blogs, wikis and podcasting and the other on the ERM and integration with the current ILS. I finally met this guy I always email and we set up a meeting for Thursday for an issue that has been outstanding at my work for about, oh, a year. It was quite a coup for me, especially if all goes well in the meeting.
Tonight, we might try to find a sushi restaurant and then go to the Denver Art Walk. Then, later, there is a queer ladies party that I am dragging Jess to. We'd been discussing how to get other queer ladies in attendance here to come with us. There is a bulletin board, but I didn't really want to post a sign that said:
QUEER LADIES
or:
QUEERS
or:
GAYS
or even worse:
LESBIANS
I finally settled on a graphical notice, an inverted triangle next to a women's symbol. I was still embarrassed to actually hang it up, but I did, then ran away real quick. We'll see if anyone shows.
This morning we got up and went to the hotel fitness center, which was about 15 degrees hotter than any room in a hotel ever is, and about 30 degrees hotter than any gym should be. The first session was Robin Sloan (who I keep wanting to call Robin Leach) and he showed us the Googlezon video, which he helped produce. He talked about the "scary future" of technology and how much things can change in such a short time, specifically from now until 2014.
After that were two shorter sessions, one on Blogs, wikis and podcasting and the other on the ERM and integration with the current ILS. I finally met this guy I always email and we set up a meeting for Thursday for an issue that has been outstanding at my work for about, oh, a year. It was quite a coup for me, especially if all goes well in the meeting.
Tonight, we might try to find a sushi restaurant and then go to the Denver Art Walk. Then, later, there is a queer ladies party that I am dragging Jess to. We'd been discussing how to get other queer ladies in attendance here to come with us. There is a bulletin board, but I didn't really want to post a sign that said:
QUEER LADIES
or:
QUEERS
or:
GAYS
or even worse:
LESBIANS
I finally settled on a graphical notice, an inverted triangle next to a women's symbol. I was still embarrassed to actually hang it up, but I did, then ran away real quick. We'll see if anyone shows.
5.04.2006
I'm cold.
I arrived this morning in Denver at around 9:20 or so, their time. I guess that is 11:20 Eastern? Also, by the way, for those of you who don't know, Ohio is in the same time zone as Philadelphia. I guess that is rare knowledge on the east coast.
The opening remarks for the conference start at 3:45, I think, and after that we go to Red Rocks for a dinner and some scenery. I had a little time to kill after I got here.
I got˜ to the hotel, but I couldn't check in yet because it was only 10 am here. I asked if there was somewhere I could eat and have free internet, and the hotel desk lady told me that "there is internet access in the hotel but it is $2.95 for the first minute and $0.25 for each additional minute." I was a little shocked to hear this. It was even more surprising when I found out that there is free wireless access at the 16th street Mall, where I am now.
There is also a free hybrid/electric powered bus running up and down the mall (to the right in the picture), so I might jump on that to see what is here.
It is a little chilly, but I felt rude taking up table space in Suzy Q, the place where I had a delicious avocado sandwich and cream of broccoli soup for my first lunch. I am planning to eat again in a couple of hours, maybe once Jess gets here. It is in this same deli where I realized that my zipper had been down since I used the bathroom on the plane, which means that my confident walk through the airport, my inquiry about the internet access, and my friendly conversation with the woman at the visitor's center were all marred by the zipper thing.
The opening remarks for the conference start at 3:45, I think, and after that we go to Red Rocks for a dinner and some scenery. I had a little time to kill after I got here.
I got˜ to the hotel, but I couldn't check in yet because it was only 10 am here. I asked if there was somewhere I could eat and have free internet, and the hotel desk lady told me that "there is internet access in the hotel but it is $2.95 for the first minute and $0.25 for each additional minute." I was a little shocked to hear this. It was even more surprising when I found out that there is free wireless access at the 16th street Mall, where I am now.
There is also a free hybrid/electric powered bus running up and down the mall (to the right in the picture), so I might jump on that to see what is here.
It is a little chilly, but I felt rude taking up table space in Suzy Q, the place where I had a delicious avocado sandwich and cream of broccoli soup for my first lunch. I am planning to eat again in a couple of hours, maybe once Jess gets here. It is in this same deli where I realized that my zipper had been down since I used the bathroom on the plane, which means that my confident walk through the airport, my inquiry about the internet access, and my friendly conversation with the woman at the visitor's center were all marred by the zipper thing.
4.30.2006
two tidbits
1. I was eating some yogurt, then I realized that it was yogurt made from WATER BUFFALO MILK!!!
2. my humor profile:
Your humor has an intellectual, even conceptual slant to it. You're not pretentious, but you're not into what some would call 'low humor' either. You'll laugh at a good dirty joke, but you definitely prefer something clever to something moist.
You probably like well-thought-out pranks and/or spoofs and it's highly likely you've tried one of these things yourself. In a lot of ways, yours is the most entertaining type of humor because it's smart without being mean-spirited.
PEOPLE LIKE YOU: Conan O'Brian - Ashton Kutcher
The 3-Variable Funny Test!
You scored higher than 17% on darkness
You scored higher than 30% on spontaneity
You scored higher than 1% on vulgarity
Link: The 3 Variable Funny Test written by jason_bateman on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test
2. my humor profile:
Your humor has an intellectual, even conceptual slant to it. You're not pretentious, but you're not into what some would call 'low humor' either. You'll laugh at a good dirty joke, but you definitely prefer something clever to something moist.
You probably like well-thought-out pranks and/or spoofs and it's highly likely you've tried one of these things yourself. In a lot of ways, yours is the most entertaining type of humor because it's smart without being mean-spirited.
PEOPLE LIKE YOU: Conan O'Brian - Ashton Kutcher
The 3-Variable Funny Test!
You scored higher than 17% on darkness
You scored higher than 30% on spontaneity
You scored higher than 1% on vulgarity
Link: The 3 Variable Funny Test written by jason_bateman on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test
4.28.2006
brush with death
today i went on a tour of the "swing space" where the library will be (for 4 years) while they renovate this building. it's a warehouse. seriously. i don't know how they are going to fit all the books in there. i got to see my office too--it is about the same size, but with much less character, no window overlooking campus, no coffee shop outside the door, but i do get a whiteboard!
next weekend, i am going to NASIG with Jess which is going to be a blast.
lastly, a coworker and i had a proposal accepted for a journal issue to be published in the winter. We were sitting in my office talking about it, and she was rummaging through her purse pulling out her sunglasses, and we were talking about this and that and she reaches into her bag and pulls out..
NAIL CLIPPERS!!
Some of you may know how i feel about this death-tool. The sound of nails being clipped is akin to nails on a chalkboard, or the crunch of a cockroach under my shoe. I really hate it.
As you can imagine, I instantly recoiled. I was in a quandary! We just had this great collaborative discussion, and was I going to make it weird by asking her to put them away? Was I going to have to leave the room? Hide under the table?
She held the clippers up, with an "Aha! I found them" gesture. I literally backed my chair up. She turned the handle part around, preparing for clipping, then...she clipped a string off her purse!
I can't begin to describe how lucky I felt at that moment. I recovered, then told her that if she ever produced clippers in my office again, I would ban her. Well, I did think that, but I just told her about my clipper-fear and she said she had noticed the horror in my eyes, now that I mention it.
that was a close one.
next weekend, i am going to NASIG with Jess which is going to be a blast.
lastly, a coworker and i had a proposal accepted for a journal issue to be published in the winter. We were sitting in my office talking about it, and she was rummaging through her purse pulling out her sunglasses, and we were talking about this and that and she reaches into her bag and pulls out..
NAIL CLIPPERS!!
Some of you may know how i feel about this death-tool. The sound of nails being clipped is akin to nails on a chalkboard, or the crunch of a cockroach under my shoe. I really hate it.
As you can imagine, I instantly recoiled. I was in a quandary! We just had this great collaborative discussion, and was I going to make it weird by asking her to put them away? Was I going to have to leave the room? Hide under the table?
She held the clippers up, with an "Aha! I found them" gesture. I literally backed my chair up. She turned the handle part around, preparing for clipping, then...she clipped a string off her purse!
I can't begin to describe how lucky I felt at that moment. I recovered, then told her that if she ever produced clippers in my office again, I would ban her. Well, I did think that, but I just told her about my clipper-fear and she said she had noticed the horror in my eyes, now that I mention it.
that was a close one.
4.25.2006
ohh, my belly
Today, I am in a level 2 training class for Microsoft Access, kindly purchased by my employer. I had to drive out by the cataloging factory to get here.
Our instructor seems like a nice enough guy, but maybe a little ill-prepared. He has long wavy air in a ponytail and his self-described catch-phrase is "So far, so good." He loves Excel, apparently, because it has kinda been going like this:
And just now, he was leaning over the woman in front of me and said, "You're wearing Elizabeth Taylor's Passion, aren't you?" This launched a fairly lengthy conversation about the sense of smell as a memory trigger and the length and quality of his past relationships.
We talked about the recent Sopranos episode (we agreed it was sporadic and a little uncomfortable) and he showed us all photos of his recent trip to Utah.
There were a couple of times where I started feeling a little uncomfortable while he floundered around, so I answered a few questions for him. In spite of that, I am learning quite a bit. There was this database set up before I got here and I have some good ideas on how to clean it up.
So far so good, right?
Well, here's the thing. They have a free snack room. Yeah. Here is what I have eaten so far today:
Then we went to lunch. I felt a little bad about my stomach being so full of crap so I went to the grocery store and got sushi. I got back and felt like a snack, so I had:
However, I did, somehow, resist the Welch's Fruit Snacks. Blah. I just know if I can get home and make a smoothie, everything will be okay.
Our instructor seems like a nice enough guy, but maybe a little ill-prepared. He has long wavy air in a ponytail and his self-described catch-phrase is "So far, so good." He loves Excel, apparently, because it has kinda been going like this:
Ponytail: Now we will go over [topic]. Does anyone use excel a lot?
3 middle aged women, me, and someone else roughly my age: [no response]
Ponytail: [Switching to excel] Here is how this works...[gives demo]...and it works the same way in Access.
And just now, he was leaning over the woman in front of me and said, "You're wearing Elizabeth Taylor's Passion, aren't you?" This launched a fairly lengthy conversation about the sense of smell as a memory trigger and the length and quality of his past relationships.
We talked about the recent Sopranos episode (we agreed it was sporadic and a little uncomfortable) and he showed us all photos of his recent trip to Utah.
There were a couple of times where I started feeling a little uncomfortable while he floundered around, so I answered a few questions for him. In spite of that, I am learning quite a bit. There was this database set up before I got here and I have some good ideas on how to clean it up.
So far so good, right?
Well, here's the thing. They have a free snack room. Yeah. Here is what I have eaten so far today:
2 cups (half-full) coffee (with caffeine)
Nature's Valley Peanut Butter Granola Bar
caramel squares
sour apple Jolly Rancher
Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie
Then we went to lunch. I felt a little bad about my stomach being so full of crap so I went to the grocery store and got sushi. I got back and felt like a snack, so I had:
1 cup coffee ( half-full, with caffeine)
1 bag animal crackers
However, I did, somehow, resist the Welch's Fruit Snacks. Blah. I just know if I can get home and make a smoothie, everything will be okay.
4.24.2006
weekend activities
Saturday morning Lacy Coxx's GF left for Portland, forever. Lacy will be joining her in a couple of months. I am going to miss them.
But, Lacy is still here, so Saturday night we went to the Royal Renegades show at a country bar on the other side of town. Johni had the grand idea to get some Sparks, so we did the high school thing where we drank in the car outside the bar, then went out during the intermission for a refill. Wait, that wasn't just high school. btw, thanks Bevin for chronicling many memorable events so that I can refer to them later in life. In this case, 4 years later.
We had an afterparty at the house and there were some fun and weird goings-on, including an abhorrent event where an old geezer (who we knew, but didn't know was creepy) tried to get us to sleep with her. Ick.
Lovely KT brought us some chex mix and dessert chex mix (aka puppy chow) which I am enjoying now.
The point of this is to say that the afterparty was only possible because of our new cleaning plan which involves the brilliant idea of cleaning up after ourselves. We also recently rearranged the living room, so here is what it looks like. For those of you who have seen it recently, the main difference is the mantle and absence of blanket-curtains.
Also, since I am talking about the house, I took this photo of the yard last week.
Compare it to the one from the week before and see the progress.
But, Lacy is still here, so Saturday night we went to the Royal Renegades show at a country bar on the other side of town. Johni had the grand idea to get some Sparks, so we did the high school thing where we drank in the car outside the bar, then went out during the intermission for a refill. Wait, that wasn't just high school. btw, thanks Bevin for chronicling many memorable events so that I can refer to them later in life. In this case, 4 years later.
We had an afterparty at the house and there were some fun and weird goings-on, including an abhorrent event where an old geezer (who we knew, but didn't know was creepy) tried to get us to sleep with her. Ick.
Lovely KT brought us some chex mix and dessert chex mix (aka puppy chow) which I am enjoying now.
The point of this is to say that the afterparty was only possible because of our new cleaning plan which involves the brilliant idea of cleaning up after ourselves. We also recently rearranged the living room, so here is what it looks like. For those of you who have seen it recently, the main difference is the mantle and absence of blanket-curtains.
Also, since I am talking about the house, I took this photo of the yard last week.
Compare it to the one from the week before and see the progress.
4.21.2006
be there or be un-smooth
Jess Webb told me this today:
Yes!! Do you realize what this means? That you can come to jetgirl! Johnnie and ScootKing are planning the best thing that Columbus has seen since the 90s. The way I understand it, it will be a monthly party with DJs, dancing, performances, and other great stuff.
I was thrilled to hear about this idea because, even though I am 30 and approaching old, the shocking lack of fun queer-woman social activities glared out at me as soon as we moved back here. There is an equally shocking number of queer women here, but everyone just stays home I guess, because there isn't anything fun to do. Those days are now over, thank god. I will give you the website and details once I have them so you can start planning.
Since I am on a smooth-related kick, I will offer you my latest smoothie recipe, which, I must say, is Divine:
2 kiwi (peeled, of course)
1/4 cantelope (or musk melon, as my dad calls it)
1/2 scoop soy protein powder
water & ice
if you weren't sure your blender could do the fabulous things mine is doing now, put your fears aside and get some kiwi and cantelope. you won't be sorry.
...Southwest Airlines will launch new flights from Philadelphia to Columbus (thrice-daily)[...]starting July 2...
Yes!! Do you realize what this means? That you can come to jetgirl! Johnnie and ScootKing are planning the best thing that Columbus has seen since the 90s. The way I understand it, it will be a monthly party with DJs, dancing, performances, and other great stuff.
I was thrilled to hear about this idea because, even though I am 30 and approaching old, the shocking lack of fun queer-woman social activities glared out at me as soon as we moved back here. There is an equally shocking number of queer women here, but everyone just stays home I guess, because there isn't anything fun to do. Those days are now over, thank god. I will give you the website and details once I have them so you can start planning.
Since I am on a smooth-related kick, I will offer you my latest smoothie recipe, which, I must say, is Divine:
2 kiwi (peeled, of course)
1/4 cantelope (or musk melon, as my dad calls it)
1/2 scoop soy protein powder
water & ice
if you weren't sure your blender could do the fabulous things mine is doing now, put your fears aside and get some kiwi and cantelope. you won't be sorry.
4.20.2006
not so smooth
I've never been a proponent of being "in the closet" at work, in fact, I try to make it clear that I am not straight or married whenever it comes up. I don't subscribe to the "let people have their assumptions" idea.
Sometimes, though, I am a little smoother than other times. I went to a lunch with my library director (50s, straight, while male) and somehow I smoothly mentioned it, probably something like this:
Pretty smooth, right?
Today was not a smooth day. I ran into a couple of my coworkers 5 feet away in the coffee shop and we were discussing their kids and so on. The one coworker and I have already had this conversation and so she is in-the-know. The other coworker asks me, Do you have kids, are you married?
And here is what I say.
Uh, well, I'm gay and my, uh, partner is a woman, so we can't get married.
What the grarg is that? I feel like I let down the whole U.S. of Queer with that ridiculous response.
She said, But you can still have kids, right?
It was so kind of her to just glaze over my unnecessary awkwardness and move the conversation along. She started talking about these two girls who found each other because they had the same donor dad, and was a little mushy (in the emotional way) about it. So it all worked out fine, but I came away from it with a resolution. The next time someone asks if I am married, I will fall to the floor as a distraction so I don't have to worry about the cool-ness of my response.
Really, here is what I came up with (for now): No, but my partner and I are planning a committment ceremony.
That is so much smoother.
Sometimes, though, I am a little smoother than other times. I went to a lunch with my library director (50s, straight, while male) and somehow I smoothly mentioned it, probably something like this:
Oh, yes, my partner and I just bought our house and she is in school full time, so....
Pretty smooth, right?
Today was not a smooth day. I ran into a couple of my coworkers 5 feet away in the coffee shop and we were discussing their kids and so on. The one coworker and I have already had this conversation and so she is in-the-know. The other coworker asks me, Do you have kids, are you married?
And here is what I say.
Uh, well, I'm gay and my, uh, partner is a woman, so we can't get married.
What the grarg is that? I feel like I let down the whole U.S. of Queer with that ridiculous response.
She said, But you can still have kids, right?
It was so kind of her to just glaze over my unnecessary awkwardness and move the conversation along. She started talking about these two girls who found each other because they had the same donor dad, and was a little mushy (in the emotional way) about it. So it all worked out fine, but I came away from it with a resolution. The next time someone asks if I am married, I will fall to the floor as a distraction so I don't have to worry about the cool-ness of my response.
Really, here is what I came up with (for now): No, but my partner and I are planning a committment ceremony.
That is so much smoother.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)