Brains, Books, and Bogus Thoughts

Be Still My Heart...

2012-01-13T12:02:00.000-08:00

...it's only snow! Yes it's true, here it is January 13th and here in Michigan we finally got significant snowfall. It's not the beautiful white ground that has my heart racing,

it wasn't even the tree branches dressed in gorgeous white flakes, or the very hungry birds that swarmed the bird feeder.

Now what got my heart racing was having to pull out of my garage and driveway and navigate snow covered and slippery roads. It didn't use to bother me. In fact I use to be frustrated when the boss would close for half a day because of road conditions. Now I'm ready to hibernate and not go anywhere. Why you may ask...after all I was born, raised and learned to drive in Michigan Winters so what's the big deal.

One simple roll over last winter and now it's panic attacks every time my tires start to slide or pull a bit in the snowy slush and icy streets. Sure I wasn't hurt, my car was repaired almost like new and I managed to get some time off work due to the accident but I'm finding that the emotional and psychological impact aren't erased as quickly. Any way Winter is here and I will be one of those drivers you all curse at who won't go over 25 miles an hour if there is any snow on the road. Anyway just to leave on positive note: our Pilated Woodpecker is back this year.

New Years Resolutions...

2011-12-27T13:58:00.000-08:00

...to keep or break, that is the dilemma. Resolutions just don't seem to last long so I hesitate to make them because I fail at enough things without adding more to the list. But this year I thought I would decide on resolutions that are non-measurable, in that it is a more or less type resolution and if I do it once that could easily be more or less than I did last year. Also if I use the 'make an effort' phrase then as long as I remember to attempt it once during the year I've met my resolution. So here goes:

I will attempt to purchase more Michigan and American made products this year to boost the economy.
I will create less trash this year by recycling and composting more to help the environment.
I will attempt to purchase at least 1 book to support an author that I really enjoy.
I will be more grateful and less of a griper to promote a happy working atmosphere.
I will not break more than 5 resolutions in 2012.

What about you? Are you resolved to do things different in 2012?

It's the Most Wonderful Time...

2011-12-06T06:45:00.001-08:00

...of December! Yes I know you were expecting me to say the year but is it really? If you celebrate the reason for Christmas all year round then that really doesn't make this time of the year any more special than the rest of the year. But for December this is a wonderful time, at least for me.
Our library program is over, Breakfast with Santa saw 250 people in the library within 2.5 hours, including feeding them, taking Santa pictures and doing a Christmas story and craft all while the library still offered its regular services of computers and material checkouts. (Whew)
Unfortunately I don't have all of my Christmas shopping done, but as we don't do a lot of gift giving in my family I basically just have nieces and nephews to buy for or put everything together as a big family gift this year. Church Christmas program only involves me sitting around and sing songs I have sung before so there is no stress there because I'm not in charge nor do I have any kids to make sure they have their lines memorized.So this is the time that I can just sit back, enjoy the Christmas music, decorations (I put my windowsill tree up last night)and TV specials. The only thing that can kill the spirit is if I allow myself to get upset about the whole Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays debate.
Face it people the Calendar says Christmas not Holiday. It says Hanukkah not Holiday. It says Kwanzaa not Holiday. So here is my solution. Wish everyone the holiday greetings of the day you celebrate and add on the Happy Holidays just in case they celebrate a different one.
For today let me wish you a "Happy Pearl Harbor Day" (though I'm not sure Happy is the right word). If I had written this on the 4th I would wish you a "Merry National Cookie Day: because who doesn't want to celebrate that! If you remember to do so on Saturday the 10th be sure to wish all your human friends a "Happy Human Rights Day". If that isn't enough greetings for you don't forget; Santa Lucia Day on the 13th, Boston Tea Party anniversary on the 16th, and you can always through a party to celebrate Card Playing Day on the 28th. But my wish to you is very simple.
Have a Very Merry Christmas and Happy (all other) Holidays!

To my future employers...

2011-10-26T17:08:00.001-07:00

...I know you've googled me looking for all my deep dark secrets. Here they are,
1. I'm not good at networking in person but I'm pretty good at digital social networking
2. There are times that I say more than I should. I like to think it is because I have an aversion to secrecy but some may think of it as gossiping
3. I work hard, think creatively, and problem solving is one of my skills. The downside of problem solving skills is that it leads me to thinking that my solutions are the best
4. I don't present visually as a very professional person but I am well educated, communicate clearly, and have a professional attitude
5. Once hired I don't like changing jobs so I very likely could be that employee who stays forever (unless I'm shanghaied by a jealous library who wants me for my 'mad' blogging skills

I know I'll hear from you soon!

My Day Off

2011-10-21T09:43:00.001-07:00

Sleeping, shopping and Subway!
It's been a long time since I've enjoyed a relaxing week day off and I'm making the most of it.

Yesterday was a long training day for the library in Kentwood. The Black Belt Librarian taught us many important things about security and customer service. Security isn't something we think a lot about in a small town but as pointed out to us yesterday, "You never know who you are dealing with and you can't judge by appearances."

Tomorrow my oldest niece is getting married. I haven't decided if I feel that she is awfully young or if I just need to admit that I'm older than I pretend. It does help to remember that I was still in college when she was born. I'm excited for her and she's marrying a good guy, I just pray they are ready for the changes ahead.
Today is my best friend's birthday. God brought us together in college and she's been BFF ever since. Life may not always turn out the way we wish or plan but if we trust God we know that it will all work out for the best.

"Blackie's Day Off", by Cheryl Lucas

2011-09-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

Blackie was a horse. He was a strong horse. Blackie worked for the Miller family. Blackie worked HARD for the Miller family. He would plow the field. He would plant the field. He would harvest the field. Blackie knew how to raise barns and pull logs. Blackie was tired of working.Blackie lived in a big red barn with other horses, pigs and cows. Blackie lived right next to a horse called Betty. Betty was not a strong work horse. Betty was a buggy horse. Betty got to go with the Miller family to visit the neighbors. She would take the Miller family to town. Betty would go with the family to their Sunday Meetings. Betty was a traveler.Blackie would listen to Betty talk about all the places she had been.Blackie wished that he could see all the places Betty talked about.One Sunday morning after Betty and the Miller family left Blackie found a broken fence.Blackie knew how to fix the fence but he needed farmer Miller and his tools.Blackie thought about all the work he would have to do at the farm. He thought about all the places Betty had told him about.He looked again at the broken fence and decided to take a day off.Blackie jumped over the broken fence and headed down the road.Soon Blackie came to a hard road with white and yellow stripes.There were fast machines on the hard road. They went really fast.Blackie decided it was safer if he traveled in the soft grass beside the road.Up the road Blackie trotted. Some of the fast machines would slow down and watch him.Others would move far away from him like they were scared.Blackie thought they were very strange.Blackie saw a big house up on a hill. The house had beautiful flowers.Blackie loved flowers. He went up the hill and smelled all the flowers.Betty had told Blackie that neighbors were friendly and would often have a treat for visitors.Blackie decided that the beautiful roses would make a wonderful treat. They tasted good.After visiting the house on the hill, Blackie decided to go to town.On his way to town Blackie found a really big pond. The pond was so big that he couldn't see the other side.Blackie stopped to drink from the pond. The roses had made him thirsty.When he finished drinking Blackie continued on his trip to town.Betty had told him about all the big buildings. There was a library, a bank, and a grocery store.Blackie wasn't sure what these buildings were for but they were big.There were a lot more of those fast machines in town too.Some of them were not moving so Blackie could get a closer look.After seeing what was in town Blackie headed back into the country to explore.Blackie saw even bigger machines in fields. It looked like those machines were doing the same job Blackie did.Blackie was glad that he didn't have to work with those big machines. They looked a little scary.Blackie saw all sorts of funny things. He saw a woman riding a two wheeled machine.A man driving a machine around in circles in his yard. Children standing throwing a ball at a circle again and again and again.Pretty soon Blackie was ready to go home and enjoy a nap under the shade tree.Blackie headed down the road looking for his pasture.He was a cow pasture, a pig pen and a field with some kinda of tall long necked sheep.When he went over to talk to them they said they were Alpacas. Blackie asked them if they knew where his field was. They didn't. They weren't very friendly either. One even tried to spit at him.Blackie continued down the road looking for home.Blackie heard a familiar sound. The rumbling of buggy wheels.Over the top of the next hill Blackie saw a line of buggies leaving a neighbors house.Blackie trotted on up to the closest buggy horse and asked if he knew Betty.Again and again Blackie asked if any of the horses knew where Betty was and how he could get home.Soon Blackie heard his name being called. Blackie followed the sound and saw Betty.She was pulling her buggy full of the Miller family.Blackie was so happy to see his family that he gave a loud whinny and kicked up his hooves.Young John Miller got out of the buggy and came to click a lead on Blackie's halter.Blackie followed the Miller family all the way home to his pasture and took his nap under the shade tree.The next morning Blackie and Farmer Miller fixed up the broken fence.Blackie worked many days for the Miller family. But now as he worked, he would remember all the wonderful places he had visited on his day off.As he would plow the field he would think of the neighbor's roses.When he had to plant or harvest the field he would remember the big pond he drank from.Every time he helped raise a barn he would wonder how the big buildings in town had been built.At the end of the day Blackie would bed down in his barn and dream about the places he would visit on his next day off.

When the boss is away...

2011-08-30T13:21:00.000-07:00

...I can get into a lot of trouble!
On the positive side my boss doesn't read my blog or see my facebook account on the negative side all my coworkers have access so I'll have to watch what I say!!!!
In all honesty I don't think I'm in trouble yet because I specifically asked the boss how much of her job did she want me to do while she was gone on vacation. Her response... "All of It" so really I shouldn't get in trouble for anything unless it is from the Board...right?

So here is what I've done so far while the boss has been away; ordered books, assigned memorials to books, gotten the windows cleaned, scheduled the carpet to be cleaned, authorized the closing of the library 2 hours early for the carpet to be cleaned, paid bills, authorized time off, plus all my other normal duties. Is there any doubt that I will need a vacation soon? 1.5 weeks to go and then I'll have to stop myself from overstepping my job description!

My green thumb...

2011-08-18T11:11:00.000-07:00

...was amputated at birth.

My Flowers

My Mom's Flowers

Enough said

Lay up your treasures in heaven...

2011-08-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

...but cherish the memories on earth.

My Dad informed our church congregations that 2 weeping willow trees were going to be taken down. These trees have been a part of the Brockway Wesleyan Church for decades and for many it is going to be difficult seeing them gone. I have many memories of climbing the corner willow tree after school. (This was back before I really understood that climbing trees in school uniforms wasn't a really good idea)
The tree had this wonderful branch that came out and then curved up far enough from the trunk to create a swing like seat. This was usually as far as I went as I wasn't super fond of heights even as a kid. Others, especially the boys, would climb right up as far as they could.
It will be sad to see these trees come down, but it reminds us to lay up our treasures in heaven where wind, storms and rot cannot uproot them, and to cherish memories of special times gone by.

Things you may not know...

2011-08-08T06:53:00.001-07:00

...about your Public Library.
1. Libraries are not free. Yes it may be free for you to use it but there is a financial cost to having a local public library. This cost is usually a property tax millage that goes to the library directly or to the city/county if it is not a District Library. Local support of libraries becomes more important as State and Federal Aid continue to be cut.
2. Just because a library has the beginning, the middle or the end of a series does not guarantee that they have the whole series. Sometimes it's a matter of starting the series late and not being able to buy the beginning. Other times it's a matter of no one was reading the series so the library quit buying them. But often it is a matter of books being damaged, lost or not returned. Be thankful if you library allows you to inter loan titles from other libraries.
3. While a library may offer online resources 24/7 it cannot physically stay open 24/7 unless it has a huge benefactor who gives millions of dollars to the library every year. Most libraries budget for a certain number of hours and then break those hours up to offer different times on different days. This may mean that your library opens early on some days and closes early or they may open late on days that they have evening hours. Learn your libraries hours and hope that they don't keep changing them.
4. Programs are a free entertainment and informational resource provided by the library. Yet just as a book that never gets checked out, no matter how good it is, a program that is not well attended gets deleted. Our library offers story time programs for toddler/preschoolers, after school programs for students, computer classes for all ages and a variety of specialty programs including virtual vacations, meet the author programs and special performers. Your library is a great place to broaden your horizons.
5. Your public library is not staffed, designed nor licensed to be a daycare facility. Many parents believe that the public library is a "safe place" for their kids to hang out (sometimes all day) so they think nothing about letting their 6, 7, 8,...year old kid go to the library by themselves. What everyone needs to realize is that a library is no safer than any other public facility. Yes, there are staff at the library but they aren't babysitters or daycare providers. A library is not like a public school where teachers have the responsibility of the students. A library is only as safe as the people that are in it and since a public library is open to all there are times where it may be a very unsafe environment and we don't even know it.

Those are some of my top thought on things you may not know about public libraries. Use them, support them, and supervise your children while in them! Thank You.

Are you comfortable...

2011-07-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

...in your own skin? That was the question of the night last night at my church board meeting. Understanding the intent of the question I was hesitant to answer. Yes I'm comfortable in my leadership role at BWC, Yes I'm comfortable with the ministries and direction of BWC, and Yes I have adjusted and have become comfortable with all the changes that come when a church goes through a change of leadership.

But am I comfortable in my skin? Absolutely not!! I have too much skin for one thing because there is WAY TOO MUCH BODY for it to cover and another I don't care all that much for personal contact. I can only think of one person outside of my family that I'm comfortable hugging (Luv ya Haze) and even in the family, don't ask me to hug those not born into the family. Even as the nephs and nieces grow up that level of comfort changes, (so I hug as much as I can when they are young).

Maybe it's my spinster ways that puts too much importance on hugging and hand holding but I just don't have that comfort level with them to not be thinking "I don't want to be touching or touched right now" every time those touches occur. So how do you get comfortable with something like this? You know if you're afraid of heights and want to conquer that fear there are lots of theories on how to conquer those fears. Often these theories include a jump in and deal with it option. So I ask is that possible for my uncomfortable phobia? Should I start going around and hugging everyone I know? Should I hold hands with anyone I may be walking with? Can I just stay uncomfortable in my skin?

Do your friends...

2011-07-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

...really know who you are? I would hope for the most part yes but technology and social media can raise some questions. I do a book blog for the library with the help of the staff. "Let's Talk Books" is designed to be a reader's advisory tool to help readers find a good book. We publish it on Wordpress and it use to automatically post on my facebook page. Yesterday it stopped & I couldn't figure out what happened.
Well today I start research and find this handy facebook app NetworkedBlogs and attempt to set that up to post my blog not only to my facebook page but also the library's page and twitter account. It was relatively simple to set up but it requires authentication that you are the blogs author. To do this I had to send requests to 5 facebook friends who would verify that, yes I write the blogs. The library's blog wasn't too difficult I just hit up the library staff but for my personal one I had to select 5 other friends. This is where the problem arose because only a very few of my family and friends read my blog or even know I have one. (Shh, this blog is top secret) So I selected the few that I knew had read my blog in the past and my sister who faithfully keeps track of it, but then I had to think of who on my friends list of 174 people know I have a blog or would be willing to verify I was the author even if they didn't know. So I selected some that I have good gaming report with and added a post asking them to verify.
Now after all that I have to think...do I really want my blog on my facebook. Granted I don't often blog anything that is embarrassing or offensive but having it show up on my facebook could draw in more readers who would then learn more about how boring and routine my life is. But then I did start this blog so many years ago as a way to share my bogus wisdom and now I offer it all to my facebook friends should they want to read it. (That is if enough friends now me and verify that yes, Cheryl Lucas is just the type to write a blog called "Brains, Books, and Bogus Thoughts")

Getting my nookie...

2011-07-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

...on! Well I've had my nook color for a few weeks and I really like it. I can read with it in the dark and can play 'angry birds' on it and even check facebook status. The only thing I don't like is that to check out ebooks from the library's site I still have to go through my laptop and then transfer it to my nook. The library's site is getting some new ebooks though and I may be able to download those without going through my laptop but over all it is good.
While B&N may not have as many free nook books as Amazon has free Kindle books they do have a variety and they have a free Friday selection that even if I'm not sure I will like it, it's FREE!
And for those who thought this was a racy blog post... sorry nook nookie is the only nookie in my life.

Oh my goodness....

2011-06-10T07:41:00.001-07:00

...Christie Craig commented on my blog!!! I feel recognized by royalty! There is some kind of awe I feel for authors who have a deft hand at combining humor, romance, a touch of suspense and even a flash of the paranormal. When I first discovered Christie Craig's books the library already owned 3-4 of them yet I had not tried any. Being the paperback romance queen of the library you would think that I had read at least one of each author but alas there are too many books and too many authors so I grab author's I know and titles that catch my attention.
That's what caught my attention with Craig's book "Weddings Can be Murder". As an almost 40 year old 'spinster' weddings are never something I enjoy and only go if they are close family or lifetime friends so I thought this book was right up my alley. Needless to say within 2 weeks I had checked out and read every Christie Craig book our library had and submitted order recommendations for those we didn't. Even her foray into YA lit under the name C.C. Hunter was a great teen paranormal story.
So all of this gushing and you are probably wondering why she posted on my blog to begin with...in an ever widen hope of winning something cool I entered a contest on an awesome blog: killerfictionwriters.blogspot.com which has some of the funniest authors in the mystery/romance genre that I've read and I actually won!!!! My life once again is good. BTW one of the prizes I won was a $10 B&N gift card and if you read my last post you know I just bought a nook. E-books here I come!

My foray into technology...

2011-06-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

...keeps costing me money. Living in the boondocks (It would be nicer if there really was a lake with a dock) makes keeping up with technology difficult. I have to bring my laptop to work every time I need to update or download something and can't access anything at home.
The TV is filled with ads for Droids, iPads, Blackberry Playbooks, and various other techno devices that are suppose to be the 'must haves' of the techno world. I really was thinking seriously about purchasing some type of tablet device but without Internet access at home I would be in the same situation as I am with my laptop. So I start looking into the 3G and 4G options. The problem, you have to have a service provider agreement to access these features. Once again I live in the boondocks and service providers are extremely limited. We can only get access with our current cellphones because we invested in a booster antenna to reach a service tower. Now a few months ago high speed Internet became available in my hometown through our phone company. The caveat, you must live within 2 miles of their service building/hub. I live 8 miles!
So what do I go and do this week. I buy a nook from Barnes and Noble. It's not 3G but it is Wi-Fi so I can bring it to work and load it up with ebooks from the library or if I must keep from B&N. I have previously looked at Kindle but I wanted something that I could access the Internet with not just read books. Kindle is also been a very proprietorial reader in that the only things you could read on it were books you buy from Amazon.com. That is changing this year as they are going to make their Kindle formatting available through library ebook lending sites like Overdrive.com. This will make people with Kindles happy but it still didn't offer what I wanted so I went with the nook color and by next week I should know if it was money well spent or more money wasted.

Just a quick lunch break...

2011-04-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

...post. I ate my healthy salad and finished it off with 2 ice cream sandwiches. Does the healthy salad still count? I have been excessively tired lately and I don't know if it is just getting back to routine after vacation or something else. I struggle to keep my eyes open at work and I'm ready to go to bed by 8 PM. The problem with that is I'm then wide awake by 5 AM and I don't like mornings.

Had to make a correction there because I first put that I hate mornings. My 5 year old nephew whom I visited during vacation has a bad habit of "HATING" everything. If he doesn't want something offered him or if he doesn't want to do something asked of him his response is "I Hate That". I tried in my one week there to get him to change to "I Don't Like That" instead. The furthest I got was when he would hate something I'd ask him what he meant and he would cover his mouth with both hands and open his eyes as wide as he could and then proclaim that he didn't like it. Who knows it probably didn't stick because Aunt Cheryl isn't there to keep reminding him of the difference between not liking and hating. Maybe this summer I can help him along some more.

Return to the beach...

2011-04-16T17:26:00.000-07:00

...and saw the dolphins. They were just too fast and too far away for any good pictures. One did get pretty close and was wonderful to see but just not easy to take a pic because you never knew where it would surface. Here is some wildlife I did get.

A Snowy Egret

Pelican Roost

Ring Neck Snake (Fished out of the pool)

Why does blogger take so long...

2011-04-12T08:39:00.001-07:00

...to load pictures? I loaded 20 on facebook in the time it took to load one here. I guess somethings just are the way they are.
gChevy and Madison in his new tent/hunting blind
Josh and Taylor spending hours staring at laptops.
Lighted lantern set off at the beach last night. It reminded me of Tangled even though there was only one and not thousands

FYI I managed to read 2 chapters while waiting for these pics to load :(

Just some quick pictures of that Florida sun...

2011-04-11T19:10:00.000-07:00

...as it sets over the Gulf.
I am discovering that being in shape would make a much more enjoyable time yet I'm going to enjoy myself anyway and spend some serious time thinking about how I can change eating and other habits to improve my life.
I've done the obsessed thing where I count calories or points and yes it works but eventually the obsession fades and I give up. I need to find a way that I can live with and not a flame that burns hot then goes out.
There are more pics on my facebook for those who are FB friends of mine, and if your not, there will be more pics coming here to they just take longer to load.

The sun in Florida...

2011-04-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

...is the same sun in Michigan but it sure feels nicer here in April! I'm not a big one for heat though as I don't like to sweat but it has been nice seeing blue skies and green grass & and trees. Having a pool at my sisters is nice to as I took a nice dip this morning.
The days may not be packed with things to do but that is okay because I'm on vacation and just chilling with my laptop & book pile is what I'm looking forward too.

And another reason to buy a camera...

2011-03-16T06:33:00.000-07:00

...they provide memories that the mind cannot relay. It's been a week since my lovely Blueberry Baby rolled over into a ditch. While damages are not as extreme as a rollover would normally produce they would have been worth a pic or two. I tried to take one with my phone but didn't follow through with the correct steps and it didn't save.
In a week or two my Blueberry Baby will be back looking a good as new. While my Insurance Premiums may go up as a reminder of my icy road rollover, my bruises and car damages will be gone and then all I will have to remind me of this once in a lifetime experience (hopefully) is a slight anxiety of driving on icy roads and fading memories.

Is there anything to write about...

2011-03-01T10:28:00.000-08:00

...that is worth reading? Well since reading worth is based on individual taste I'll let you judge for yourself.
Addictions are a funny thing. Now I realize there are some serious addictions that are dangerous to your health and those around you but it's just as easy to get addicted to simple and silly things. I firmly believe that technology is one of the most unrealized addictions in our society today. Take time to think about the amount of time you spend with technology, whether TV, computer, video games, phones, music, etc... and now even reading is becoming a techno habit!
Ebooks and ereaders are the new wave of the literary world! This has some convenience factors but also I'm discovering some drawbacks. Part of the problem for me is that reading off an ereader is not as easy as holding a book. Why? I'm not really sure but I think it has something to do with page spacing and ease of reading. I'm a pretty fast reader and have trained my eyes to flow through a page of text quickly. When reading from an ereader though I have found that it is a slower process as the text is limited to what is visible on the screen so you click through several screens to see the same amount of text as I could scan on one page of a book.
Also I haven't found an ereader that works in dim lighting. I know the Kindle doesn't glare so it's easy to read in bright sunlight but I do most of my reading inside and sometimes there isn't a bright light source beside or behind me. I can read on my laptop because it is a brighter screen but the ereader I tried had no illumination at all making it almost impossible to see.
One main advantage to ereaders is that you can read with total anonymity. Not that people can't see that you are reading but they don't know what you are reading unless you tell them. As an avid romance reader that is one advantage I like. Even though I realize that no one should have to apologize for their reading taste I still feel that you are judged by it. Romance readers are often looked at as fluff readers. And I will admit there is that element of unrealistic fantasy that comes with reading romances but isn't there enough serious and depressing things in real life that we don't need to read about it in fiction too? When using an ereader no one will know if your reading the latest Harlequin or the newest Nobel Prize winner.
All things said and considered I like to hold a book when I read and until I find an ereader that is easier to read than what I have tried so far I'm not jumping on the band wagon.

Maxine's Valentine Sing-along (visit maxine.com)

2011-02-10T09:48:00.001-08:00

Drill Sargeant Valentine (visit maxine.com)

2011-02-10T09:48:00.000-08:00

Do they count as happy pills...

2011-02-04T11:24:00.000-08:00

...if they are a natural supplement? I wouldn't say I suffer from major depression. I'm more of an anxiety type person myself, but I do tend to fall into periods of total indifference. I don't care if I get out of bed, I don't care if I go to work, I don't care if I move off my couch all weekend, I just don't care.
I have discovered that these times usually come when I consistently forget to take my 5-htp daily. If I take it regularly it keeps my moods more balanced and keeps me more engaged in my own life rather than just letting it drift on by. I've forgotten them for the last month I think and I believe that is maybe one reason I've not wanted to be at work lately. I've been easily aggravated with my boss and would prefer to just be at home with my nose in a book and my mind in a land far far away.
I guess this is just a reminder that it is better to pop the 'happy pills' than deal with the aftereffects of forgetting them.

And the word for today is...

2011-01-25T11:04:00.000-08:00

...Hookey. –noun
unjustifiable absence from school, work, etc. (usually used in the phrase play hooky)
As a public librarian I don't often involve myself in truancy matters unless we have same kid/teen coming to the library everyday during school hours, without any type of adult supervision and playing around. Then we contact the schools to ask if that kid/child is enrolled and if they are excused or suspended. (We can only do this if a staff member already knows who the kid/teen is and that information is not connected to their library usage. (Crazy privacy laws))
Well today we had 4 teenagers hanging out in the Teen Room laughing and talking at 11:30 AM. I stepped in and asked, "Are we playing hookey today?" at which I got a few blank stares and one (supposedly already out of high school) askes, "What's hookey?"

My point. There is a reason kids/teens are required to attend school and it would be really helpful to them if they paid attention while they were there!

Too many wants...

2011-01-19T13:52:00.000-08:00

...not enough money. Let this be a lesson to any non-adult who may read this blog. Just because you are a grown-up and have a job does not mean you can buy everything you want. With adulthood comes bills, taxes and responsibilities. Sure I earn enough to go out and buy all the gadgets I want but then how do I make car payments, and Direct TV payments, and insurance payments, and property tax payments. The utility bills keep coming and if you want lights, water, heat, etc... you have to keep paying them. Don't forget that because you have that car and insurance payment means you have a vehicle that you have to keep gas in and tires on and fresh oil in and have enough in reserve for and work or repairs that need to be done. Most of us also want to eat so that means grocery bills and you know you don't want to run out of toilet paper or other of life essentials so that gets added onto the grocery bill. For those who believe God's Word is law there is also tithe and charitable giving that comes out of those paycheck that have already been hit by Uncle Sam. So face it. Even as an adult you can't spend money like it grows on trees. (I'll let someone with a family list all the extra expenses kids and spouses add to the budget.)

Now I'm not broke. I have a fairly healthy savings account that I could survive on for a month if I lost my job for some reason but I'm not affluent enough to buy everything I want all at once nor without thinking about whether I really need it and would use it. So these are the purchases I am currently mulling over and deciding if I should splurge and how much can I afford to splurge at once and what do I need to wait for:

1. A Nook: our library has started loaning e-books and I think it would cool to have an e-reader so I can check them out and read them.
I prefer reading from a physical book but when traveling it might be easier to take the e-reader with 20 books on it than to pack 20 physical books in my suitcase. Cost of Nook $199.99
2. A GPS: I do quite a bit of traveling for the library and I really don't like driving in cities especially if it is a new city and I don't know where my location is.
I've borrowed my Dad's GPS before and it really takes some of the stress out of driving even if it takes you down some weird roads. Cost of GPS $150.00 approximately.
3. A Digital Camera: I'm not a big picture taker as I always feel conspicuous when snapping pics. I don't know if it my aversion to having my pic taken or if it is my delusion that everyone is always watching and judging me no matter what I'm doing.

But I will admit that blog postings and facebook sharing are more interesting when there are pics in the content. Cost of camera unknown because I don't know what kind I would like.
4. TV Series on DVD: Regardless of what patron's may think I don't buy everything I want with library money just so I can watch it. I may buy the beginning of a series to see if there is more than me who like it but if it doesn't circulate well then I don't feel justified to buy the rest of the series just because I want it. Right now I would really like to see seasons of Mentalist, White Collar, Avatar: the Last Airbender, Lie to Me, The Office, and Warehouse 13 but without knowing if the will be popular with the library patrons I can't, in good conscience spend library money for them so I buy them myself and if I don't want to keep them after watching I donate them to the library. (Besides the library budget can't afford everything I want plus everything others want) Cost of DVD series $25-$65 a season.

My current free money budget $200. Anything over that I will have to save towards. So, what do you think I should buy first? (Future wants include a Smartphone and DVR)

Free time...

2011-01-07T08:02:00.000-08:00

...and how we spend it. Isn't the whole concept of 'free time' suppose to mean that you can spend it doing whatever you want? That's what I think. Maybe the problem is that I claim more time as 'free' than I should. I work 40 hours a week, I sleep about 40 hours a week, I give 5-8 hours to church ministry. The rest of my time I like to think of as free. There is a few hours that I have to dedicated to grocery shopping and cooking and very little housekeeping but the rest should be free to do what I want. (I am an adult after all) Being single I don't have kids or a spouse to take care of, I don't have pets to feed, walk or train, it's just me and I enjoy my free-time!
What do I do with this free time? Mainly I read. Sometimes I read with the TV on but it usually is just for the noise because it is mainly reruns anyway. There are a few shows that I dedicate time to just watching and only read during the commercials. I enjoy watching movies but not many of them have really impressed me lately. Of course the other thing I like doing during all this 'free' time is eat and my body shows it. There are people in my life who feel I should be doing something more productive with my free time. Things like exercising, more housekeeping, getting out of the house, and spending time with people instead of by myself. Isn't the concept of 'free' mean that you don't have to force yourself to do something you can just do what you want? So what if I am a reading addict who doesn't like to leave the house. I have to leave for work, church, shopping and banking. Isn't that enough?

Technical trouble...

2010-12-30T12:06:00.000-08:00

...arrrrgh
I use to have the library's facebook and twitter account connected so whatever I put on the library's facebook status would also be tweeted. After MLA conference I thought I would be proactive and tweet directly but haven't been keeping up. Now I'm trying to reconnect them but I'm having trouble getting it connected in the right direction and only to the TDL page posts not my posts. Ugh, still fighting with it.

Out with the old...

2010-12-30T09:38:00.000-08:00

...is that really what you want to do? You know those New Year adages, you've heard them most of your life."Out with the Old, In with the New", "New Year New Beginnings", etc... But what really has been so bad about the old year? Several blogs I follow have been posting about all the negative and terrible things that happened in 2010 and how they just hope that 2011 will not be a repeat.
Granted we never want to repeat the difficult times in our life, but at least we already know we can survive them. You may have faced financial, relational, emotional and physical difficulties in 2010 but if you are reading this then you are definitely still here. Sure it was tough and you didn't enjoy it, but CELEBRATE you are still here and should you face it again you know how to make it through.
For me there has been good times and bad time and sometimes those times came together. I saw my younger sister marry a decent man and seems to be happy with life. The downside of that is they moved to Florida for work and I miss my nephews. I started the year on a weight-loss triumph and end it back at the starting line knowing what I need to do and just waiting for my mind to shoot the starting pistol. We celebrated my Grandpa's 100th birthday this year and end it with him recovering from a broken leg and pneumonia. 2010 was a year of work too. TDL had another landmark year in our new building. Patron's continue to come and use the library's collections, computer, reading space, and free WI-FI. We have started new reader's advisory services including our "Let's Talk Books" blog. I have also started blogging for books at "Blogging for Books". I've discovered some new authors and TV shows I like. I'm adjusting to a new Pastor at church and learning to face 40 with welcoming arms. While my friends list may not be as long as my family list I've discovered that there is a lot of people who know and like me. (At least that's what facebook says!) One thing I will say about looking towards 2011 though is that I know there will be just as many trials, triumph, tears and touchdowns as there was in 2010.
Happy New Year and hold onto the memories of the Old Year.

The misconceptions about ...

2010-12-16T09:36:00.000-08:00

... librarians. Many people believe that librarians do nothing at work but sit around and read. Yes their is a lot of reading that goes into the job of a librarian but that reading usually includes, emails soliciting everything from magazines, books, furniture, databases and yes air fresheners. The reading also includes library journals that keep us updated on issues facing libraries in government and threats to library funding. Book reviews also take up a lot of reading because after all we can't just buy books we want to read or that have a cool cover we have to establish a well rounded collection that reflects the interests of our community.
That leads me to the part of the job that requires us to know our community. To provide services that the community wants and needs it is important that we be involved in the community. This often means being part of community organizations, serving on community boards, getting involved with the local schools and trying to keep a positive relationship with the local governmental entities. Librarians network more than computers!
Computers!!!! This is the trickiest part of a librarians job because it is constantly changing and improving. It seems every year or tow a new version of computers come our and so when replacing computers at a library you also have to replace software because what worked on XP won't work on Vista and what worked on Vista won't work on Windows 7. Now I know all you fruit lovers out there are saying "Just go Apple!" but the sad truth is that 80% of the population uses PCs and that is what the majority of the software out there is designed for. Apple computers while cool and very handy for a lot of security and usability features require a strong learning curve and the knowledge on how to convert your programs and documents into an Apple compatible format. There are enough people that we help that don't know how to use a PC I don't think we are ready yet to teach them to use Apples when everything they know is oranges.
Helping patrons, for many of us librarians this is one reason we became librarians. We want to share our knowledge, our love of reading, and our skills for finding information. We are here for your questions! The most popular question is always about the bathrooms; 'do you have one' 'where is it' 'do you have anymore toilet paper' and our favorite 'did you know someone made a big mess in the bathroom?'
My response to that last is not what I want to say because if I said what I wanted to say it would be this. "Yes, I know someone made a mess and smeared #%$##@ all over the walls but we are waiting for them to become an upstanding citizen and come back and clean it up." Don't think that would go over well. Other questions range from "What is the title of the new James Patterson book?" (He writes/has his name on at least 7 a year) "Do you remember the book I read 3 years ago? It had a blue cover and I think a star on it?" "Do you have any good books?" (To which I honestly reply "no we only keep bad books in the library")
When not helping patrons we are policing children and teens. You know that old sitcom where the kids tell their parents they are 'going to the library' but really are meeting up with their friends and creating havoc. Well in real life they do come to the library and we like to see them in the library but they do not come to do library things like read, learn, study, etc... no they come so they can meet up with their boyfriend/girlfriend and have a snogging session, or meet with 10 or their other friends and wrestle and run around the library. Parents think the library is a safe place but it is only as safe as the people in it. We try really hard to not be those mean shushing librarians but we do need to maintain enough order so that everyone can enjoy the library, even those ancient genealogists who at times are noisier than the kids.
If you do catch us shushing it probably because we are trying to take a nap!

If you want to know more about what it is like to work in a library check out the book "Free for All: Oddballs, Geeks and Gangsters in the Public Library", by Don Borchert, available at your local library. (Or at least at mine)

Not so instant replay...

2010-12-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

...of one of my favorite posts. Maybe I like it so well because the words and ideas aren't mine. I have been thinking about this book for several weeks but nobody in our library system has it anymore so I had to order myself a cheap used copy just so I could reread it and remember the rest of this conversation.

Here it is:
The truth about men...
...as only a single woman can tell it!
Men are like mascara...they run at the first sign of emotions.
Men are like lava lamps...pretty to look at but not real bright.
Men are like coolers...load them up with beer and then you can take them anywhere.
Men are like copiers...good for reproduction but thats about it.
Men are like commercials...you can't believe a word they say.
Men are like blenders...you know you have to have one, you just don't know why.
Men are like plungers...they spend most of their lives in the hardware store or the bathroom.
Men are like coffee...the best ones are rich, hot, full-bodied, and keep you up all night.

If you want to know how men are like Chocolate bars, vacations, and snow storms check our Marianne Stilling's book, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evie". (There are also several good comebacks about what women are like.)

Christmas is coming...

2010-12-02T14:39:00.000-08:00

...and it will all be over by the 25th. Library holiday fundraisers are underway this weekend with a lot of wonderful items available in a silent auction.

To see more of the items for sale look for the Tamarack District Library's facebook page. Saturday will be Breakfast with Santa and next Saturday will be the family Christmas. And then some caroling and work parties the next couple of weeks and by the 23rd all my Christmas celebrations will be over and then I can relax.
Only 2 people to shop for yet so that's not going to be stressful it's just the getting through each day.

Things I want to accomplish...

2010-11-29T13:38:00.000-08:00

...before the end of my 40th year.
1. Go to Florida to see my nephews and I guess my sister too
2. Find a hobby besides reading or watching digital entertainment
3. Make more connections with friends and family, break down part of my isolation wall
4. Read my Bible more
5. Practice my leadership skills at work and church

That may not seem like a lot and some I've already been doing but for a natural lazy, introverted person it seems pretty big.

When other people get creative...

2010-11-17T07:17:00.000-08:00

... all I have to do is talk about it! The library's Creative Creations program was last night and Mary & Jeanne did an awesome job! I was asked to blog about it as my sister was ill and not able to attend. Since she got the majority of the creative juice in our family I thought this photo array would provide a lot of juice!

The whole room was decorated for Christmas yet was relaxing and didn't make me panic about how close 12/25 is.

This is the paperback snowman created out of a 400 pg paperback book. I could recommend several authors whose books would qualify!

A Candy Christmas will be available for bids during the Friends of the Library's Celebration of the Trees silent auction Dec. 2-4th!

Candles were the craft du jour this year. Iced candles made from candle leftovers or from brand new ingredients make an aromatic centerpiece.

If you missed the night you missed a lot but we still have Christmas craft and decoration books available at the library! Plan for next November's Creative Creation including your own Creative Show and Tell!

There are days...

2010-10-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

...when the wrecking ball of life keeps on swinging.

Why is it then that you can never get the wrecking ball to break down the parts of you life that you want demolished? Bad habits multiply, aggravations build higher, animosity forms a stronghold and bitterness becomes a solid foundation.
When all these things build up the joy, happiness, contentment, peace and relaxation tend to come crashing down. It would really be nice if we could control that wrecking ball and have it only demolish the things we want out of our lives and have the rubbish instantly removed. I would remove my addiction to food and my self destructive tendencies. I would demolish my self righteous hang-ups and bust open those fears that hold me captive. I would then build up a God centered life filled with honest compassion for all people and a patience to deal with those same people. A love for myself that sees me as God sees me and not as the mirror reflects me along with seeing others the way God sees them to see their value through His eyes.

I've been neglecting...

2010-10-12T06:29:00.001-07:00

...the book part of this blog for a while. Therefore I shall endeavor to share some of the books I have enjoyed lately and why.
1. "Wicked Appetite", by Janet Evanovich
Best know for her hugely popular Stephanie Plum series, Evanovich has created a spin off series featuring Diesel, the Unmentionable character from the Plum Between-the-Numbers books.Diesel is on the quest to find and protect the stones that represent the 7 Deadly Sins. This first book brought together humor, adventure and just a touch of attraction as the searched for the Gluttonoid. Maybe it was the fact that gluttony was the first stone they searched for or maybe it was just the wonderful humor but I'm already looking forward to the next book. My biggest hope is that she doesn't drag out a love triangle throughout the series like she has with the Plum books.

2. "Ravished by a Highlander", by Paula Quinn
I admit that I am a romance junkie and am only mildly embarrassed by that fact. This was the first book I read by Quinn and I was just expecting a regular straightforward historical romance full of brawny Scotsmen in kilts! (Yummy) What I found most interesting about this book was all the history interwoven with a touching love story. Set during the coronation of King James, this fiction book brought out the reality of the role religion played in the battle for the Monarchy. Betrayal and faith walked side by side and there were times when even knowing this was a romance I would wonder if love would be enough to protect Davina and Rob.

3. "Eat Prey Love" by Kerrelyn Sparks
No that isn't a typos and this is not the basis for Julia Robert's movie. This book continues the "Love at Stake" series about Vamps and Shifters. Cait discovers that the sister she hasn't seen in over a decade didn't abandon her but instead was separated from her by their father. Their reunion hold it's own surprises as Cait discover that her sister has married a vampire and her niece and nephew have very special abilities. These shocking truths are nothing compared to the were-panther who ignites instant animal attraction in her. But Carlos, the were-panther, has bigger problems than the mortal who has invaded his life. He is on a search for a Mate and the discover of other were-panthers before his race is extinct.

That's it for now but if you are willing to admit that you enjoy a lot of romance in your stories check out some of these blogs.
Killer Fiction
Running with Quills
TDL's Let's Talk Books

Foolish choices...

2010-10-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

...deadly decisions! You read about it everyday, people do silly or foolish things and they end in death. We like to use the term 'accident' but is it really an accident when you are intentionally endangering your life? Surfing on subway cars, free climbing tall buildings, diving of cliffs hoping to catch the incoming tide...
In my mind these are all foolish choices and not having an adventurous bone in my body so I'm never tempted with these foolish choices.
What I am tempted by are deadly decisions! You know what decision I mean, the decision to sit down with a whole "Death by Chocolate" layer cake and eat the whole thing. The decision to take the whole quart of ice cream to the couch instead dishing up a serving. (Because you know that if you take the whole quart you'll eat the whole quart even if you tell yourself you'll only have a little) That decision to stay in bed that extra half hour instead of getting up and putting some extra movement in your day. There is also that popular decision to hit the fast food place or the pizza place and pick up dinner after a long day of work instead of going home and fixing a halfway balanced meal.
The risk of early death is high with either scenario. Maybe I should try a few more foolish choices to liven up my life and cut back on the deadly decisions?

On a happier note...

2010-09-17T06:38:00.000-07:00

...it's Friday! Everyone is back from vacations and we can settle into our work routine to see how our new schedule flows. I'm trying to out run a head cold but my body is in slow motion so I don't know if I'll make it.
I have found that nothing can change an attitude faster than a good nights sleep. There is a reason God gave us night time and it wasn't to stay up with friends, books or TV. Those things are okay when done rarely but night after night not only affects you physically but also mentally and emotionally. I really need to convince myself that no matter how good the book I'm reading is it will still have the same story in it when I pick it up in the morning. I'm finding that I'm losing the ability to sleep in on Saturdays so it is becoming more important that I go to bed at a decent hour. I never was one to stay up late for parties or socializing but I can't remember the number of times I stayed up until the early AM hours with a good book.
Last night was a good night. I went to bed with a stomach that wasn't so full that I felt sick, I had a swig of Nyquil in an attempt to beat this head cold, and turned off the lights around 11:00. I still didn't want to get out of bed this morning but there really aren't very many morning when I do. Something about a nice warm bed and pillows to snuggle with makes for lazy mornings even if I'm not falling back to sleep. So sleep and 5-HTP are making for a better day.

Okay I feel the pressure...

2010-09-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

...but I'm still not sure I have anything to write about. Lately I've just been feeling empty. I go through the motions of my day, I go to work, do what needs to be done, smile and assist patrons, try to get along with my boss and coworkers, then go home and do nothing but relax and read or watch TV. My problem is that while I'm going through all these motions I keep stuffing food in my mouth because at least that gives me a small short moment of 'yum' factor. The downside of that is that the weight comes rushing back and then not only am I feeling empty inside but my outside is starting to hurt and ache and my clothes won't fit. This all adds depression to the emptiness and I look for more things to break through.
I overfill my responsibilities with Church activities thinking that serving will help bring meaning into my life. Mentally I know that God's Love should fill me to overflowing but knowing it and feeling it are two different things. Changes that I thought I was ready for I'm find are causing more stress and upheaval in my personal life. It's not that I don't know what should happen and how things should change and that I'm probably relying on my will more than God's strength but you know, the knowledge of all that doesn't help a lot when the emptiness just doesn't fill up. Being smart isn't always a good thing because then you know what should be happening or what you should do but if you can't find the motivation, purpose or strength to do it, it just adds to the feeling of failure.
As a teen I fought through feeling of suicide and a brief (one time) therapy of cutting. Is survived I'm still a live and I think well adjusted. I may be a little withdrawn from people, may not like crowds, take years to develop really close friendships, live like a hermit other than work & church. Sometimes I do wonder if I'm still suicidal? I sometimes think that my choice of suicide is sugar and fat. Don't worry, I'm hanging in there and starting my 5-HTP again that should level out my mood swings. I'm not as bad off I this sounds. For at least 8 hours of the day I function like a normal human and when required I can also add a couple hours to that. I'll find my way again. I know the answer I just have to find the way to get there.
Depressing enough for ya Jeanette?

Ahh Vacations...

2010-08-11T07:54:00.001-07:00

...I'm not sure if going or returning is less relaxing? Before a vacation you are frustrated making sure everything is packed and you don't forget anything. If you also have a job you have the extra stress of making sure your work is caught up and everyone who will need to know what you know, knows it. Leaving a clean desk or house is also a trial unless you are already one of those super organized individuals who keep things clean all the time. All the other things that fall onto the 'to do' list before vacations include; clean the car out, empty the refrigerator, make sure you have enough clothes to vacate in without having to find a laundromat, confirm your reservations, map your trip so you don't spend hours going in the wrong direction, and if you are vacationing with extended family you can multiply that list by however many there are packing and driving.
Vacations themselves should be relaxing and mine was about 85% of the time but unfortunately if you have young children like my sister while vacationing the only relaxing times are while they are asleep.
Coming back brings on a fast submersion into the land of stress and frustration that quickly erases that 85% relaxation benefits. First, after a long, long, long day of traveling (11+ hours on the road with multiple stops) you have to unpack your vehicle and carry everything inside. (I don't have the kids to assign this task to.) After everything is in you then have to unpack the bags and return all your belongings to their rightful place. You may even find yourself doing a load of laundry in the middle of the night just so you have clean clothes to wear the next day. Your refrigerator is empty, the answering machine is blinking its receiver off, your email accounts are so full of junk and spam that you spend 3 hours just cleaning them out so you can reply to the important ones (if you don't accidentally delete them with the SPAM), and the snail mail is in a pile waiting to be sorted and bills are waiting to be paid. The next day at work you will find that; work has piled up on the desk that you didn't get cleaned off before you left, what you thought people knew before you left is not what they remembered, appointments and meetings have appeared on your calendar magically while you were gone, and everything needed to be done last week while you were gone so you get on it ASAP only to find out that you missed the deadline because you were on vacation when the task was delegated to you.
So here is the question is it more stressful to prepare for vacation or return from vacation? Does this mean that you should never take a vacation or should you just go on vacation 24/7 and forget about all the work and home stress? Can you get paid to vacation all the time and not have it be work? I don't know but I will tell you this, I'm back into the regular work routine and looking for the next time I can take a vacation! (I must thrive on stress)

I wish I would have thought of it first...

2010-07-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

...but I didn't so here are some Bogus Thoughts stolen from a favorite blog of mine "Killer Fiction".

"A Phew Filisophical Questions" by Leslie Langtry
Since the other week when I wondered why RAGE doesn’t burn calories, a couple of other questions have popped into my head.

I don’t ask Mr. A’s opinion anymore. One time a friend and I were having some serious e-mail back and forth regarding a shoe on James’ Cameron’s Titanic documentary. Seems the shoe is found completely buttoned up – with like, fifty buttons. So, we surmised a foot had been in it. What happened to the foot?

Well, we had all kinds of cool theories – a shark with a snail fork, etc. Then Mr. A ruins all our fun by saying the foot just dissolved in the icy waters over time. Bastard.

So, I spent Sunday trimming poor Muppet again. She looks like a tiny weasel with large, uneven bald spots now. Her hair grows ridiculously fast and mattes up if she sneezes. On the other hand, there is my pug. I wonder why in some animals, their hair is short all the time. The pug's hair grows only one length…ever. Why? And how can I get in on that?

Or maybe we can do what the Chrissy and Velvet dolls did. You remember? A button in her navel makes the hair longer and a button on her back makes it short. Sounds wonderful to me - I'm not using my navel for anything right now.

The second question comes from something a pet shop owner told me when I went to get food for the Beta we had named, “Margaret’s Fish.” The fish guy told me not to over feed the fish because, “Fish will eat until they die if you let them.”

I’d heard this before. It’s an old saw if you keep fish as pets, right? And yet, if that’s true, what about fish in lakes, rivers and seas? I’ve never heard of a fish hatching in the morning and dying by afternoon because it kept eating and couldn’t stop. Why is that?

How is it that some fish cannot control themselves when it comes to gluttony and their inevitable deaths? How come other fish live for years? Do they have some kind of self-restraint that eludes the rest of all fishkind? And how can I apply it to my complete lack of willpower that comes over me when I see a Twinkie?

Maybe my own brain will start producing bogus thoughts soon but I hope you enjoyed Leslie's mind ramblings.

Never give up...

2010-07-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

...never surrender! Unless....
Unless what! What is it that makes us 'give up' what is that final straw that makes us throw in the towel? I've heard that quitters never win but I also know that if you quit while you're ahead then you finish a winner.
Is it frustration, distress, pain, boredom, tiredness, deprivation, WHAT is it that makes us 'give up'? I have started soul searching this question because I want to give up and surrender to my eating addiction. I'm tired of having to make 'good for me' choices, I'm frustrated with having to tell myself no when it comes to foods I know taste good and I enjoy, I'm bored with my routine but don't have the interest or motivation to find a new one. I am also distressed that if I do 'give up' those 80 pound I manged to get off will race back on with all their friends they made while they were gone. (Several are already back but I hope it is for a short visit)
So what do I do now? Where do I find the determination to "Never give up...Never surrender"? Is it in willpower? My willpower disappears at the first pack of mint chocolate cookies. Is it motivation? I can't find any motivation before or after a full work day. Is it in setting goals to accomplish? Goals are nice but I have to believe I can attain them before it will change my behavior. Is it in counseling and therapy? I don't know I haven't tried that yet.
I think of other things I've accomplished in my life where I didn't give up. I earned a BA degree in 4 years when many people were taking 5-6 years for their 4 year degree. I earned my MLIS degree while working full time and without taking out any loans. I haven't had big relationship accomplishments because that's another area where never starting is easier than giving up or failing. I have managed to lose 80 pound in just over a year and if stop giving up I can do it again!

Sorry Zach...

2010-07-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

...I just don't know what to write!
So here is a bunch of bogus thoughts based on the Word.
1. Why is it so much easier to see the splinters in our neighbor's eye when we have a beam in our own, yet if we take care of the beam in our own eye we don't notice the splinter in our neighbors?
2. When the prodigal son returned the Father (God) came to meet him. The prodigal did not feel worthy to be a son and hoped to be a servant. The father welcomed him back as a son and threw a party. The older son never left his father but lived his life as a servant instead of a son. When the Father came to him and asked him to join the party the oldest son refused to even enter the house. Both sons were lost but only one was found.
3. Mary and Martha had different priorities. Martha was a doer who showed her love and devotion by working and preparing a welcoming home and meal for Christ. Mary was a listener and learner who showed her love for Christ by breaking free of the rules that governed proper behavior and sat at the feet of Jesus (A place no proper woman should have been in that day and age) and listened to his teachings. Both loved the Lord and were doing as they felt lead. Martha got into trouble though when she decided that Mary should be showing her love for the Lord in the exact same manner as Martha was. God speaks to us differently and welcomes our individual worship and devotion no matter what form it takes as long as it is honest and from the heart.
4. Only human kind has eternal life for it was only man who was made in the image of God and has God's eternal breath in him. And as woman was made from man they also share that image and breath.

Okay hope that's enough for now. My brain only thinks oddly for a little while.

I had a dream...

2010-06-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

...and then I gave it up. Okay for those who do not know I have been on a weight loss journey for 1 year and 3 months and for the last 5 months I have been gaining and losing the same 15 pounds. FRUSTRATION, ANGER, and DISAPPOINTMENT have been very evident in my life and I have struggled to keep going instead of giving up totally. There have been many days and weeks where I gave up and ate boxes of cookies and bags of chips with very little care as to how they would affect my health 'cause dang-it they just tasted good.
In my efforts to determine why, after so many successful months of weight-loss, I was struggling I kept coming back to the dream I had. Back near the beginning of the year I heard about "Music Boat 2010", a cruise filled with Christian music artist sailing out in November. I have always dreamed about taking a cruise and was instantly excited. I wanted to go...one of my goals for 2010 was to take a dream vacation...it would be filled with other people who love Christian music...I was scared to death at the thought of going by myself! That was the problem.
I don't have major panic attacks nor am I unable to leave my house but I do have varying levels of social anxiety that I allow to hinder me from doing what I think would be fun and exciting. I don't like big crowds even if I know the people, but if it is going to be a crowd of people I don't know I tend to become a nervous wreck. I'm not afraid to leave my house but I don't like going to new places that I'm not familiar with and can begin panicking just thinking about how I will drive/travel to new locations and can I do it without hitting any major cities. The easiest way I have found to deal with this problem (Except never go anywhere I haven't been before) is to find someone who is outgoing and sociable to tag along with. I've even invited neighbors to go grocery shopping with me because I don't like going alone. So that is what I tried to do with my dream cruise. With a lot of excitement I checked into price packages, travel arrangements and contacted everyone I could think of who might have a couple thousand dollars to spend on a cruise. Nothing panned out and instead of toughening up and say "I can do it on my own" I gave up my dream. What came next...disappointment in myself, subconscious validation that I couldn't change, and an end to my successful weight-loss journey.
They say confession is good for the soul so maybe by blabbing this all over the internet I will find the courage to follow through on my next dream. A one week vacation at the Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge in Utah! Anybody have a couple thousand dollars laying around and want to go with me??? :)

I'm a mess...

2010-06-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

... but I don't want to admit it. Between Sunday School lesson and devotions, God has really been hitting me with the truth that it is only through his love and grace that good things exist in my life. Contrary to today's world view there is now 'power within us' to change our lives unless we have Christ within us! Everything from depression, success and weight-loss cannot be finished without God's help because our own strength is very temporary and weak when compared to God's.
I struggle to rely on God because I have always bought into the adage "God helps those who help themselves" and believed that I was able to do enough that God could use his 'help' for those who needed it more. I'm find that the older I get the less strength and determination I have to 'help myself. I take on too many responsibilities and then try to do it all in my own power rather than plugging into God's power supply.
I know I need God's help but why is it so difficult to rely on him rather than to 'do it myself'? I often feel like Paul.. "That which I want to do I do not do, but what I don't want to do I find myself doing..." I need to glory in my weakness go God's strength can be glorified! I need to do this and rely more on God and hopefully I can find the way to do that before God takes serious measures to make me learn it.

Does TV Recycle...

2010-05-17T14:11:00.000-07:00

...themes and plots? I keep getting into these nostalgic moments and re-watching TV shows that I enjoyed years ago. I'm currently going through "The Pretender" (Aired in the early-mid 90s) and after about the 10th episode I started thinking that it was reminding me of another TV show that I have seen more recently but couldn't put my brain cells on it.
It finally came to me halfway through the season that it was reminding me of Showtime's "Dexter". Those who are not familiar with either of these series let me recap. THE PRETENDER is about a man who was taken from his parents as a young child and raised in The Centre where his special 'genius' talent was used to simulate events to determine what could have happened or what was most likely to happen given a certain set of circumstances. This information was used for good and evil while leaving Jarrod separated for society as a whole and his parents also. He escapes and looks for his mother. He is searching for his past while the Centre tries to recapture him. Along the way he rights wrongs and brings people to justice.
DEXTER is a TV show based of a book series about a man who suffered unknown trauma in his early years before being adopted by a police officer and his family. He now has this uncontrollable urge to murder and mutilate (Warning: this is NOT a family show) but because of the love and direction he received from his adopted family he only kills other murderers and child molesters that the police cannot catch. Anyway here is where the two shows line up together for me:
1. Both have pasts that they don't fully remember that has led them to their current crusades.
2. Both have people trying to catch them although in DEXTER's case they don't know who they are trying to catch.
3. They both have this demented stare while plotting how they are going to measure out justice.
One big difference is that with the Pretender Jarrod does not kill the bad guys but he does meet out a measure of emotional/psychological trauma before turning them over to the law. Is there any other shows that you can think of that have parallels where you have enjoyed one but not the other. (Forgot to mention that I didn't watch more than 1 season of Dexter because the content was very risque and not just bloody)

Saying NO...

2010-05-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

...even when you don't want to. I'm sure many of you have been told that you just need to say NO sometimes. Whether because you are over worked, scheduled or stressed say NO can help you balance your life. Sometimes it is really hard to say NO especially if you are a people-pleaser or you get validation through jobs well done. But that is not the area I'm struggling with right now. I'm fighting with myself to say NO to chocolate, chips, candy, crackers, donuts, cookies, and on and on and on.....

I have found that I can't say YES to just one of any of these food because if I have one suddenly the whole bag, box, carton, pound, has disappeared and there was no one else around but me so where did they go?????? I'm hoping that by saying YES in other areas of my life (i.e.Church activities, Cleaning, Crafts, Family & friend events, etc...) there will be less times to struggle with telling myself NO!

Creative processes...

2010-04-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

...result in illness.
Out of the comfort box I was ready to step and share a poem at the Friends Poetry Reading. What happens? I end up with a stomach virus the kept me in the bathroom for over 5 hours. (I know TMI) But since I didn't get to read my poem in front of the few Library Friends in the audience I thought I would post it here on my blog where anyone with the misfortune of finding my blog can read it.

ESCAPE
by Cheryl Lucas

School
Job
Housework
I Escape

Illness
Pain
Death
I Escape

Taxes
War
Politicians
I Escape

Loneliness
Fear
Anger
I Escape

When life is too much
or not enough
I escape...
In a book

Feeling good...

2010-03-26T12:50:00.001-07:00

...in the neighborhood. Life is full of ups and downs and right now I'm feeling pretty up. I thought for a while that I was going to lose all my young nieces and nephews as their families moved away but I only lost half of them.

The girls are still living next door and visit often (maybe not as often as their parents might wish) and it's good to have them near. While I don't have any of my own I still enjoy brief moments with other people's kids.

It may be the sunshine adding to my good mood or maybe the fact that the boss has been gone all week. Maybe it's the fact that I feel like I'm back on the weight-loss road or or maybe my happy pills are working. (Does Vitamin D3 keep working even when the sun is out?) Love God, Love Family & Love Myself. Life is good!

I'm tired...

2010-03-04T11:52:00.000-08:00

... of dieting, exercising, making good choices and being disciplined. Is it to much to ask for one day a week to do, eat, say and go where and what I want to without any consequences? I totally agree that adulthood is overrated.

I don't want to be a kid again I would just like to feel like one for 24 hours.

Never Give Up, Never Give Up, Never Give Up...

2010-02-17T12:48:00.000-08:00

...no matter what! Binging without purging does not lead to weight-loss and binging and purging destroys your health so what is a person to do when they need to lose weight but can't stop binge eating? Knowledge alone is not helping the matter and how do you find will-power over something that controls you because you can't control it.
My next step is to create a list of distractions for when the cravings hit and see if I can distract myself long enough for the bizarre gorging fit to pass.

Discipline is good for you...

2010-01-25T14:33:00.000-08:00

...right? Instead of resolutions this year I decided to set goals for myself. I set short term and long term goals and I'm working diligently to achieve them without seeing it as a failure if I don't. One of my goals is to read a nonfiction book each month. I finally finished January's with one week to spare! (I started it in mid-December) Now I need to start my February one and thought that since Feb. is short I should choose a short book. My choice, the 50 page "Short Guide to a Happy Life", by Anna Quinlan. (Is that cheating?)

Another goal is to take a dream vacation this year. I'm up in the air about this one. I really thought a cruise on the Music Boat 2010 would be great, but knew that I wouldn't enjoy it if I had to go by myself so as a second option I'm considering a trip to Italy with my aunt and cousin. This requires a passport and a BIG step out of my comfort zone. So even the 'fun' goals require decisions and follow through.

I'm also trying to enlarge my social networking skills off the computer. In an effort to do that I'm trying to invite people over ever so often. The tough part will be when I go outside of my family to do this and planning what to do to entertain said company. I have until the end of February to have my first 'party', anyone interested in coming to my house for games, movie, or just to borrow my sauna?

When nothing exciting happens...

2010-01-13T14:30:00.001-08:00

...it's time to get creative. After reading my sister's inspiring blog about living with kids on a low income budget I have realized that my life is only boring because I don't want it to be anything else. There are a lot of things I could do and many places I could go if I just had the energy and desire to get out of my comfortable rut and go.
I have been playing with the idea of taking a cruise in November, but have to book before the 25th to get the best deal and I can't afford to go by myself nor do I have the nerves to take an adventure like that on my own. So right now I'm praying that God will make a way for my Aunt to go with me. If He doesn't I know that there will be other opportunities that He will provide.
My biggest adventure in 2009 was weight-loss. It will probably end up being my biggest adventure/challenge in 2010 because I still have a long way to go. I've set up goals, both long and short term, for 2010 hoping that it will keep me motivated. The last couple of months have been the yo-yo months. What comes off one week comes back the next week. I'm really struggling to make my diet a lifestyle and not a diet that I'm getting tired of. I tell myself that I won't give up, and I don't believe I will but I know that I will struggle for a while.
One of my goals is to read a nonfiction book each month. Some months it will be a child's nonfiction because I'll need a head start on the book for the next month. I've spent several weeks reading "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale. I've learned some good tips and practices but I'm still struggling to read it. (I'd much rather read the newest Jayne Ann Krentz and Julie Garwood.)
Maybe I'll make it a goal to do something 'exciting' before the end of January. Then again reading a new release can be exciting!

Revisiting an old...

2009-12-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

...blog posting. I have often thought about this posting and although the commercials are not on TV anymore there should be someone out there who still remembers them and if you didn't catch this one the first time, here is my holiday wishes to all.

What I've learned from TV
If you watch very much TV you have probably caught those AT&T commercials for their cell phone network that works where you live even in Hollyorkazonasouthameriland! I like funny commercials that stick in my mind. Even if I never buy the product or service advertised I will remember the company.
The reason this commercial has played on my mind is the dilemma we face every December. What holiday greeting do you use? While the majority of Americans Celebrate Christmas it seems to receive the largest amount of censorship. I usually fall back on just wishing people a Happy Holiday and then they can apply it to what ever holiday they celebrate.
I often feel this is a cop-out as I strongly believe that Christmas is a celebration of Christ’s birth and therefore it should be Christmas not Holiday. At the same time I don’t want to disrespect people who also celebrate Hanukkah and Kwanzaa but wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah & Kwanzaa is too much to say as a casual greeting so this year I have the perfect solution…

From me to all of you Merappy Christanukzaa

I'm Thankful for...

2009-12-02T09:53:00.000-08:00

1. A Savior: God isn't just God, He's my Father, Savior and Friend.
2. Family: I know that's number 1 on most peoples list but there are some families out there that I'm really happy to not be a part of.
3. Facebook: Without it I wouldn't know how many friends I really have.
4. A Job: I don't love my job everyday but since I don't hate it everyday I know I'm fortunate.
5. My Health: It is a constant struggle to get healthier but for now I have do illness, disease, or dismemberment so I believe I'm blessed.
6. Authors: without them I would have nothing to read and there for nothing to do!
7. My Church: I realize that a church can't be all things to all people but Brockway meets my needs and I love the people there.
8. Our Soldiers: The sacrifice of these men and women along with their families should be acknowledged everyday not just when bad news or political mumblings arise.
9. Freedom: While it is being attacked and suppressed more than ever before I'm glad to live in a country that still allow religious freedom.
10. The #10: It's always a good place to stop.

It's been a while...

2009-11-16T14:26:00.001-08:00

... so I'll keep it short.
The best things about living alone:
1. You can leave your bathroom door open when showering and prevent the sauna effect.
2. You don't have to fight with anyone for the remote.
3. If you want ice cream for breakfast, you don't have to share.
4. You don't have to wait for the bathroom in the morning.
5. You can pretend your not home when the phone rings.

The worst thing about living alone:
1. There's no one else to blame things on!

Is life what you make it...

2009-10-06T05:54:00.000-07:00

...or what God gives you? I've often lamented about having a boring life or no life at all. We fight for the "Right to Life" but what do we do with the life we were given? A frequently used adage is "God helps those who help themselves" and in some areas that is true and in others there is no help at all but that that comes from GOD!

Anyway today I want to share my bogus thoughts about life. Is life more than breathing and having a heartbeat? Does there have to be brain activity to have life? (If so I've been dead a lot of times!) Do all parts of a body have to be functioning for life or just enough to say you're breathing? I know some wonderful people who have hardly any mobility functions but just a smile from them can improve my day and change my attitude. I call that life!

I know that when I say I don't have a life I'm thinking more along the social and exciting aspects that make life look more enjoyable. God is reminding me though that life is a precious gift he has given to all of us and to dismiss it just because I don't have friends that I hang out with every weekend, or have an adventurous spirit that always tries something new is not right. I thank God for the life I have and it is my hope that how I live this life is pleasing to him and not just fun.

The Blahhhs....

2009-09-29T12:24:00.001-07:00

.........

A great vacation...

2009-09-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

...leads to more wishes. I wish vacations were longer. I wish Hazel & Darren lived closer. I wish work would stand still while I'm gone so that I don't have to play catch-up. I wish I was adventurous and did something unforgettable on my vacation. I wish I knew what was happening at home even when I'm not at home. I wish I didn't cry at my audio books, it make driving dangerous. I wish there was an expressway from Ionia to Lakeview. I wish I had another vacation!

When you OD on...

2009-09-02T14:46:00.000-07:00

...vacations. Okay here is my pondering thoughts. I have gone 3 years now without using all my vacation time in the year that I was suppose to use it. I came the closest last year with multiple long weekends and days off in the last 3 months of the fiscal year. Now I'm getting ready to take my first vacation of the new year (began in July) and I can't wait to go. I've probably had more time of in the last 6 months than any other 6 month period of my employment yet I still can't wait to get out of here and forget about work. Is this a sign? Am I getting burned out? Do I hate my job? Am I falling in love with vacation? I don't know but come 1:00 tomorrow I'm going to be on the road heading to Union City!!!!

Ode to my many...

2009-08-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

...faults. I'm not intentionally on a journey to self discovery but as I fight with myself to discover why I'm an emotional eater and self improvement saboteur I've discovered a few things. I'm a lazy, judgmental, fearful individual.

1. Lazy. I've always looked at it as being creative but really I look for the shortest and easiest way to get things done. Sure it doesn't take as long to do things my way but I'm not putting as much effort into doing it either. Are the end results as good as they could be? Sometimes efficiency in necessary but when it is easier to sit down with the whole bag of pretzels than to go measure out a serving and put it in a bowl, it doesn't always end the way it should. Besides using a bowl makes another dish to be washed! (See I'm lazy because I don't even wash my dishes, that's what my sister is for! LOL)

2. Judgmental. I've always believed that what I believe to be right should be right for everyone. I still believe that sin is sin but is everything that is a sin for me a sin for you? Are there gray areas that aren't addressed as a "Thou shalt..." or Thou shalt not..." that are left to personal convictions? I guess the issues that bother me the most are drinking and smoking. The Bible definitely speaks about being a drunkard but what about those who enjoy a social drink or antisocial drink yet never have become addicted to alcohol? Is it still a sin? Smoking is only mentioned once in the Bible when 'Rachel lit off her camel' yet because it is harmful to the 'temple' some consider it a sin. Gluttony is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a sin & I've been guilty of that my whole life yet never felt spiritually condemned by it as some people do drinking and smoking.

3. Fearful. I am afraid to try things where I'm not assured of success or acceptance. With weight loss this has been a big one because what happens if I lose weight yet the things I think will change don't? My motto is, "It is better to have never tried, than to try and fail". I don't like to change hairstyles or clothing styles because, "what if it looks worse than I already do" is never far from my mind. Going alone is also something I don't like doing. I'm fine with living single but when it comes to going places or new experiences, I still want someone to hold my hand and handle all the tasks where I could say or do something wrong. Which leads to another thing I fear. I don't like being wrong. I believe that is why I never voluntarily answered questions in college.

I guess if I know what my faults are, I then am obligated to work on them. I realize I can't do that on my own so I've started praying more and being aware of when I tend to fall into these ruts. But I'm afraid that if God helps me correct these faults, He will then bring others to light and I'll have to start all over again. So do you agree, is it better to never have tried than to have tried and failed?

When reading isn't a joy

2009-08-06T08:54:00.000-07:00

Yes I know that doesn't seem possible, as much as I love reading you'd think it always brings me joy, but it doesn't. Textbooks are one example. Here I am with a Masters Degree and I don't believe I ever read on complete textbook. There were some that got more open book time than others, but it was usually just what I had to read for an assignment or test. It is probably a good thing my short term memory was sharp back then or I would never have passed those classes.

Now that I'm a librarian sometimes I have to read things that I do not enjoy. First let me expound on more time on why I love to read. Reading to me is a major escape. I love meeting new characters and experience things through them that I will never experience in my own life. But here is a major issue, I WANT HAPPY ENDINGS!!!!!!! Yes even though the book may have death, terror, illness and struggles the good guys are suppose to triumph and the bad guys get what they deserve. Love always prevails and relationships don't end in divorce, death or betrayal. I don't look for books that are going to disturb me or make me dwell on issues that can depress or divide. That is why I don't enjoy reading those types of books that make good book discussion choices. I now have 3 of those types sitting on my to be read pile. They are all nonfiction and cover topics of Sudanese refugees, a daughters experience with an Alzheimer father, and a history and search for rural Michigan. I don't believe I will enjoy reading these but I know they are books that will impact me in ways that I will never forget them and that is probably a good thing.

My favorite question...

2009-07-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

...when I'm at work is. "Do you have any good books?". Now I know everyone has their definition of 'good' but really, if your in a library don't you think there would be at least 1 good book in the building? Reader's Advisory is one of my favorite parts of my job even though my reading tastes are limited to genre fiction and not literary works.
I even try to read new teen and junior books to keep up with what is available. As 'Queen of Romances' I always have recommendations from that genre and I also do pretty well with mysteries and suspense but don't ask me for a SciFi recommendation unless you are looking for paranormal or supernatural. (I know lot of vamp authors but they tend to be more romantic than horror)
So if anyone actually reads this blog and is looking for a 'good book' let me suggest a few authors. Tear Jerker/Jodi Picoult, Laugh-a-minutes/Janet Evanovich, Edge-of-your-seat Suspense/Sallie Bissell, Suspense with a touch of romance/Iris Johansen, Christian Suspense/Dee Henderson, Supernatural-Historical/Amanda Quick, Vampromance/Lindsay Sands, Supernatural-Suspense/Jayne Ann Krentz, Alpha-male Romances/Lori Foster, Historical-Romance/Johanna Lindsey, and all time favorite author Julie Garwood.
As you can tell I tend to skew towards female authors but I also like some James Patterson, Greg Ilse, Harlan Coben and James Grippando.

And my bogus thoughts for the ...

2009-07-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

...whenever. In SS we talked a bit about how things change and yet stay the same. It got me thinking about how generations change but often return to the same. Anyone over 30 already knows that fashions repeat all the time but what about other things? So here is my convoluted, bogus thoughts. (disclaimer: These thoughts are not historically researched or proven, just impressions)
The 1920's were known as the Roaring 20's. They were known for bootlegging, music, movies and automobiles.
1940's were a more demure time when fashion was more conservative and families were traditional.
1960-70's was the age of love and freedom when responsibilities seemed to go out the window. Everything was about getting back to the natural element without any authority or "The Man" telling you what to do.
1980-1990's thing went "Preppy" and it became all about success, money and status. It was popular to be "The Man" so you could make the bucks and control the world.
2000-? the media has control over the direction the nation goes. From global warming to the support or nonsupport of the war what we here in the TV, Internet or in print has more sway than what you decide for yourself. Media and government seem to be actively moving our country away from the traditional foundation it was built on to a more sociological law. From the earliest grades of preschool to the halls of the Ivy League Universities, authority has moved from the teachers and administrators to the students and parents who don't understand why their kids fail when they don't do their assignments. We care more for what the celebrity on People magazine has to say than what our grandparents know about life. The government is bailing everyone out while at the same time taking control and limiting more of our freedoms. Soon the prisons will be filled with Christian leaders who refuse to silence their beliefs and the murder's will be free to attend therapy.

Okay after that rant here is my final bogus thought. Where will the next generation lead us? Will they see the error of the current generations ways or will we continue to descend into darkness, sin, and corruption?

Finger Lickin...

2009-06-24T12:33:00.000-07:00

...book! I'm speeding my way through Janet's newest book "Finger Lickin' Fifteen". So far so good. Sometimes I get bogged down in the impossibility of the story but most of the time it's just a laugh a minute. I think I may have missed something as I didn't read her "Plum Spooky" yet but it's okay things still make sense.

Life is feeling good lately. I've started working out with a personal trainer, who won't give me a family discount, and my WW journey is making slow but steady progress. I still think it is really unfair that gaining weight is fast and easy while losing it is a long and difficult process.

Work is going well. I'm practicing my leadership skills and expanding my horizons. Summer Reading is going really well and I'm planning two High School only events. The first one is next week. I hope to have a good turn out, maybe even teens who haven't signed up for SRC.

Nothing else to say for now. More good books coming later!

Have I joined the league of...

2009-05-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

...Evil Librarians? Just finished this awesome Jr/Teen 'fantasy' book called "Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson. It was a riot with the mixture of story and lecture to the reader. It's really hard to explain but one part talks about how information can either free or control a country (or in this case a kingdom). As information specialists, Librarians have been able to deceive and control the Hushlands and it is up to the Smedry family to defeat the Librarians and let the truth be known. Each Smedry has a unique and valuable talent and are named after Prisons, or as they tell it the Librarians name prisons after the Smedrys. Alcatraz has the talent to break things, his Grandfather, Leavenworth, has the talent of always arriving late, his cousin, Sing, has the talent of tripping, and his other cousin, Quentin has the talent of speaking gibberish. Throw in a knight named Bastille and you have a group of heroes ready to free us from the control of the Evil Librarians.
I would recommend this one to all you families out there who are looking for a great read aloud with you 5-8th grade boys but girls would love it too. Just don't believe everything you read about librarians. After all I will let you read the book!

They vant to suck your blood...

2009-05-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

...but they end up making you laugh. I don't know how long the paranormal romance fad is going to last but after 5+ years it is still going strong. I don't really enjoy the blood and guts of vampire novels but the vamp romances I read are usually more funny than bloody.
It intrigues me the way different author's tackle the origin and need to feed of vampires. Lyndsay Sands creates her vamps as the natives of Atlantis, where technology was so advanced that they created microbots that are injected into the bloodstream and repair damage to the body. Well they may have been advanced in technology but evidently they didn't know biology. The body is always dying and weakening so their little bots were constantly working to repair the body and keep it in peak condition. Since they use blood to repair the body they then needed to replace the blood or those little bots would end up killing the body they were trying to preserve. Sound confusing? Sands definitely describes it better and one of my favorites by her is "The Accidental Vampire".
Other author's I enjoy don't have as unique origin stories but the almost all feed from blood banks or, as Kerrilyn Sparks Vamps do, synthetic blood. I just read a new author who is starting a Vamp series about a childrens librarian turned Vamp after being shot by a drunk hunter. Her series starts with "Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs", and reminds me of MaryJanice Davidson's "Undead..." series. Very humorous but doesn't tell the story in one book.
Okay that's enough of for the undead right now, I'm heading back to Iris Johansen and some breathtaking suspense!

TC in one piece...

2009-04-29T13:52:00.000-07:00

...with only a minor detour. Here I am in Traverse City enjoying the 2009 Rural Library Conference and I am thankful for the safe journey. Even though I took the scenic route. My MapQuest directions were right, I was wrong. Evidently Fife Lake is not on Fife Lake Road. But needless to say I arrived, only had to ask directions once, and even traveled along the lakeshore for a while.

It is almost dinner time so this will be short.
Bye!

Can 4 good days...

2009-04-28T06:10:00.000-07:00

...erase 2 really bad days? I'll find out tonight as I go to my WW meeting and weigh-in on the topic of "What happens when you eat your way through the weekend"? One of the bad things was that I ordered Girl Scout Cookies before signing up for WW, and they came in on Saturday. I LOVE those thin mints and what started as "I'll just eat a serving" ended up as "I can't believe I just ate the whole box". (And then I had an instant replay on Sunday) But they are all gone now so I shouldn't have to battle that particular temptation for a while.

Tomorrow I head off to beautiful, cold Traverse City for Rural Library Conference. I plan on learning and getting new ideas to implement in the library. Conference food will probably be good and bad. (Taste good/nutritionally bad) I'll have to take the stairs at least once a day to keep my exercise up. If I get wireless up there I'll let you know how it goes. (Not that anyone realizes I've started to post to my blog again)

What do you do when...

2009-04-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

...those uncontrollable urges hit you? I'll find myself sitting on the couch probably watching TV while reading a book,(My version of multitasking)when the urge hits. I start feeling antsy, and the urge is all I can think about.
I try to distract myself but my TV show has gone to commercial, I can't remember where I left of in my book, and I can't think about anything but this overwhelming urge...to EAT! I know I should jump on the bike and pedal away from the urge but my stationary bike doesn't take me very far from the kitchen. I've also heard people say that if you don't satisfy that urge or craving you will end up eating more later. What they don't tell you is how to satisfy the urge that just wants to eat everything!
Are there really people out there who's first response to an eating urge is to eat veggies? Probably those Vegan and Vegetarian people but as a normal carnivore I can honestly say that veggies will never be my first choice. Even on those days that I force myself to be good and eat the veggies instead of the cookies, chips, ice cream, pretzels, cheese, crackers, chocolate, etc... I know that isn't going to satisfy the URGE.
I guess I'll have to find other answers to my urges because in all honesty they don't hit because I'm hungry but because of some other reason or emotion. My WW leader said that if hunger isn't the problem and food isn't the answer. I guess I better get better at discovering the real problem before I run to may favorite answers.

I haven't died...

2009-04-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

...yet! It's been been over 9 months since I've updated this blog. I could have had a baby in that amount of time but that would have required that S & M thing. (s*x and a man) Needless to say I'm still a happy single gal trying to make her mark on the world. It probably won't be through creative blog posts but you never know. Maybe some publisher out there will come across my blog and decide I have an amazing talent for the written word and they want to publish everything I can write. (LOL)
After waking up from that nightmare I'll remember why I'd much rather read than write. Getting to the books part of my blog I'm in the middle of a hysterical historical romance right now. I'd rather be reading it that writing actually. It is a first novel by Lisa Cooke, "Texas Hold Him" and has made me laugh out loud so much that people are giving me funny looks. (I probably should wait until I'm alone to finish it.)I don't often write about my current reading choices because even though I know I shouldn't care it still embarrasses me to say I read romances. I don't know why it does because romances are the epitome of the happy ending story. With everything going on around us, depressions, recessions and dodo's in office, happy endings are essential.
I often like my romances with a heart stopping amount of suspense thrown in, or maybe even a vampire or two, but most often it's going to be a humorous love story where the perfect or more often than not 'less than perfect' couple works through their problems and find happiness together. There are even a lot of romances that make me cry through the whole book. Robyn Carr is such an author with her Virgin River series, but for today I choose to laugh!

Nothing big...

2008-06-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

...just normal life. Summer is chilly this year as weather plays funny with us. Big rain storms and tornado watches pop up often but so far we have been blessed to not have anything severe. I do wonder about this global warming thing as people are wearing sweatshirts on June 18th.
Summer Reading Club has begun at the library and kids, tweens and teens are signing up to read. I hope they stick with it and enjoy a lot of good books. I also volunteered to help with the kids club at church this summer so I'll be busy there also.
Janet Evanovich's new book is out and that is next on my reading list. Elizabeth Lowell's newest "Blue Smoke & Murder" was pretty good. I can't say that I've liked everything she's written but her newest stuff is pretty good. Summerfest is this weekend with bake sales, book sales, parades, craft shows, kids games and fireworks. Busy, busy, busy!
Me and my car are doing good. I'm getting 27-30 mpg just on short trips to work & back. Someone rammed me in a parking lot and I've already had to get my grill and fender repaired. (Bummer) Of course they didn't leave anything to let me know it had happened so it wasn't until 2 days later that my dad noticed and wondered what I had done to it.
I've got to get back to cleaning my desk. It's a whole day project!

Wedding Bell Blues...

2008-05-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

...was a good book but I really liked the sequel "For Pete's Sake" better. These are the beginning of a new series by Linda Windsor who writes hilarious contemporary Christian fiction. But also speaking of wedding...my cousin Jackie is getting married tomorrow. She seems awful young to me but that is probably because I'm getting really old. I don't know her groom very well but from what I hear he comes from a very good Christian family.
Life continues as normal. I have a short vacation coming up and plan on doing some household repairs and improvements. I've been putting it off for a long time. I haven't been feeling sweet enough to do my 'honeydew' list. Life goes on, kids get older, I feel ancient, people I once thought were old now aren't, and summer will be here soon!

The new car...

2008-05-06T14:01:00.000-07:00

...is driving fine. Someday I may even post a picture of me with my car. The funniest thing was going and buying a child seat. Since J & G are leasing my old car they needed their second set of car seats that I had been borrowing so we had to do the shuffle whenever I needed to take L to school.
Now I'm a single gal cruising around in my brand new Vibe, with a booster seat in the back. (so much for that image I never had!)
Life is going well, new library construction is still going slow but we are into some decision phases that will make a difference in how long it seems. I've read a couple of cool books lately. Amanda Quick and Iris Johansen have both released new titles and they were quick reads. I also found a new author Lisa Lutz who has 2 books our in her Spellman series about a family of private detectives. They are different but very enjoyable. Need some reading recommendations? You know where to go!

I'm getting...

2008-04-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

...a new CAR!!!!

Home again...

2008-04-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

...before the snow. A week long Public Library Association conference in Minneapolis can really wear a person out. It was a wonderful conference and definately counts as one of my 'out of the comfort zone' activities for the year.
There were 9,800 plus attenders registered for the conference and I really don't like crowds. I also don't like traveling in big cities. Fortunately I went with our library director and she did the city driving while I directed from the map. It was a good experience but I'm not sure I would make a habit out of it because it gets really expensive. I also wouldn't want to make the trip by myself. This trip was a graduation acknowledgment from the board for earning my MLIS degree.
We also took a day and went to the Mall of America to do some shopping and sight seeing. The really tough part is that between the traveling and conference meetings I'm still waiting to have a day off to do absolutely nothing. (It's been over 2 weeks now)
My headline refers to the fact that we had a nice sunny week in the Twin Cities and then after we left the got hit with 6 inches of snow.

Countdown to...

2008-02-22T09:50:00.000-08:00

...vacation! Okay so it is only a long weekend but if weather permits I'm heading to Indiana for some fun and relaxation. I've stocked up on books and movies and will get a chance to visit with Darren and Hazel. As Mary says it is getting harder and harder to work in our old, falling apart library when the new one is getting ready. We've had another major leak that resulted in a couple days of sucking up water and chipping away at the ice sculpture that had adhered to the wall outside.

I'm going car shopping tomorrow with Mom and Dad. It's going to be a fact finding mission and maybe if things come together I can buy a new car Friday morning to go to Indiana. I'll need to pray hard about it so I get a great car at an affordable price.

The Great Divide...

2008-02-12T07:56:00.000-08:00

...isn't just geographical, it has proven to be political also. I may be young by some peoples standards but in my opinion the last 5 years has shown an ever widening divide in America. It's not just Republicans and Democrats it goes deeper. The is an overwhelming influence that is trying to destroy the very foundation that America was established under. I realize that Satan is the main force but he has seduced people from Hollywood to Washington DC in the lie that 'separation of Church and State' means that Christianity and God should be obliterated for all public areas and discussions yet it doesn't apply to any other religion.
In an age when 'tolerance' is supposed to be the buzz word for all disagreements why is it that no one is willing to tolerate Bible believing Christians? Maybe because Bible believing Christians have a different definition of 'tolerance'. We are to love the sinners we come in contact with regardless of their sins, but we are not to tolerate, condone or encourage sinful behavior. This is a difficult commandment God has given us but remember that He never gives us more than what you and Him together can handle.
As the political race continues to heat up and accusations are flung far and wide, I encourage you to stand up and vote for what you believe in. I believe that life in America is changing drastically but if good men (and women) do nothing than we prepare the way for our own destruction.

There are my bogus thoughts for today. Hopefully some of it was worth reading!

I know it's been awhile...

2008-01-23T11:36:00.000-08:00

...but time is speeding away. Work has been very busy lately. Monday I went and presented a Reader's Advisory program to 5 classes of 8th Graders. It was very tiring but also fun. After months and years of delays and problems the new library is taking shape. The rafters are in the air and the roof and brick work will hopefully start in the next 3-4 weeks. We were very sad to lose our construction site supervisor to lung cancer last week but his replacement is really cracking the whip and getting things done.

It's a brand new year and I know not to make a resolution to keep my blog updated because I know I'll forget it. I realize I need a resolution to get healthy but that's not one I'm interested in keeping right now either. The resolution that I decided on was to do things that I've wanted to do but have always been scared to try. I'm not talking dangerous things like bungee jumping but more along the lines of things that I think would make me look foolish or would draw attention to myself. The first thing I did was put purple highlights in my hair. It was so light nobody even noticed so I'm finishing the bottle and trying it again. My teaching experience on Monday was also a step outside of my comfort zone.

My next big adventure is going to Minneapolis for National Public Library Association Conference in March.

Believe it or not...

2007-12-12T09:11:00.000-08:00

...I've graduated to MySpace. I probably won't keep it anymore updated than what I do my blog. The only reason I start these things like a blog or MySpace is for the knowledge of how to use them. Hopefully I learn enough to assist people who are struggling to understand the technologies of today. The only problem is the technologies of today quickly become the technology of yesterday.
I believe that this link will take you to my page should you be interested in visiting.

Click Here!

What I've learned from TV

2007-11-29T08:46:00.000-08:00

If you watch very much TV you have probably caught those AT&T commercials for their cell phone network that works where you live even in Hollyorkazonasouthameriland! I like funny commercials that stick in my mind. Even if I never buy the product or service advertised I will remember the company.
The reason this commercial has played on my mind is the dilemma we face every December. What holiday greeting do you use? While the majority of Americans Celebrate Christmas it seems to receive the largest amount of censorship. I usually fall back on just wishing people a Happy Holiday and then they can apply it to what ever holiday they celebrate.
I often feel this is a cop-out as I strongly believe that Christmas is a celebration of Christ’s birth and therefore it should be Christmas not Holiday. At the same time I don’t want to disrespect people who also celebrate Hanukkah and Kwanzaa but wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah & Kwanzaa is too much to say as a casual greeting so this year I have the perfect solution…

From me to all of you Merappy Christanukzaa

I can't believe it...

2007-11-26T13:08:00.000-08:00

...a whole month has gone by since my last post. Time is just disappearing and I'm not sure where it is going. The library/Jaycee "Lunch with Santa" is this Saturday and then things snowball from there.
I've been laid up for the last week and a half with a sprained ankle. Unbelievable pain was my experience but thanks to those pain killers and ice packs it was manageable and I'm pretty much mobile now. It just aches from being down all day and having to get up and down so often.
I can't think of anything else to post on so I'm signing off for now and maybe I'll get back on here before Christmas.

When life gets busy...

2007-10-24T13:13:00.000-07:00

... I can't find time to read! This is the second year that I've logged all the books I've read. This really hasn't stopped me from rereading books, it's just now I do it on purpose. I have found that October has not been a good reading month for me though because it is already the 24th and I've only read 6 books. Part of the reason may be that I bought myself a Wii and have been playing with the nephs and nieces. Also I've discovered that I enjoy the TV show "House MD" and I've been watching the first 2 seasons on DVD. Plus my new favorite TV show this year has been "Chuck" on Mondays. I still keep my regular Thursday night dates with George but Chuck is my new man on the side. LOL
Tomorrow night (10-25-07) is the Library's Internet safety program for parents and I'm really hoping for a decent turnout. I would be very happy with about 10 people but since I'm planning on having donuts and coffee I think we should be able to have a few more. Program starts at 6:00 PM should any blog reader wish to attend!

If it's all in the attitude...

2007-10-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

...then it's all controllable. I don't know if you believe that or not but I know for me that this last week has been good. Our lives come down to a series of choices and very little happens purely by chance. Yes there are things that are unexpected or uncontrollable but if you think about it and trace back the circumstances of the situation it will eventually come back to a choice you made.
My choice this last week was to look on the positive side of life and think about the good things God has done for me and less time on pity parties. Some things that made it easier is the fact that I took 3 vacation days and had friends for IN come up and visit me this weekend. It was very relaxing to sit around and visit without worrying about schedules and responsibilities.
That doesn't last forever and my next project, outside of work, is to organize the Christmas Program. Yes, it really is that time again! Anyone want to help?

What do I have to be happy about...

2007-10-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

...should be everything! We've been doing a series in church on 5 ways to introduce people to Christ. One statement that keeps coming up and hitting me between the eyes is that my Christian Life should be exciting and joyful so that it would be attractive to non Christians. I guess that I usually think that my life is boring and my Christian life is choice and duty. My goal this month is is to find joy and excitement in my Christian life that spills into my everyday life and they become one and the same. When I really think about what God has blessed me with I know that there is absolutely no reason not to be excited about him every moment I just need to keep my mind on his blessings.
One blessing that I need to remind myself of regularly is that I'm able to walk and stand and even run slowly if the need is there. When it was discovered that I was born without a hip socket the doctor told my parents that as an adult I would not be able to stand for long periods of time and that I may need some type of assistance to walk. Even being overweight I can do the things that the doctor predicted I would not be able to do. Regular Chiropractic visit help keep me aligned and reduce problems and if I get some of my weight back off that will help also. God has given me this gift of mobility and when I think of friends who do not have that gift I'm ashamed at how much I take for granted. God loves me and that's something to be excited about!

Yes it has been forever...

2007-09-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

...but my life is boring. I'm just glad my life isn't tragic! Things are going well, I've been struggling with some emotional/depression issues but I think it's getting better if I remember to take my vitamins.
Really good book I've read lately include Nora Roberts High Noon, Kat Martin's Scent of Roses & The Summit, & Christina Dodd's Scent of Darkness & Touch of Darkness. I've received a couple of really nice recommendations from our Online Book Club offered from our library. You can sign up for it from our home page lakeview.llcoop.org and and there are a lot of different genres of clubs to join. I'm currently reading fiction, romance & teen. When you sign up they send excerpts of the featured books to your email & if you like it you can then request it through your local library.
Other than reading and eating I tend to neglect everything else. I do have a long weekend off work coming and expecting company to visit before mid October so I'm really needing to clean house.
Brockfest & family reunion are also scheduled for this weekend so I'll be very busy even if I don't have to work.

Still waiting...

2007-07-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

...for those hot construction guys to show up. But it should be soon as the library has received their notice to proceed from Rural Development. This will definitely be a learning experience as we raise this building. The Ground Breaking Celebration went really well and almost 100 people came out to celebrate with us. If you want to keep up to date on our progress keep an link on the library's web page lakeview.llcoop.org for current information. One of the reasons this blog has been running old is because I'm trying to keep the TDL construction blog updated also.
There is a lot happening on the homefront but nothing that I want to publish on my blog. Just keep us all in prayers. Janet Evanovich published her 13th Stephanie Plum novel and it was a hoot. I'm still waiting for a relationship decision to be made but Janet is raking in the money on the series so she probably won't make that decision anytime soon.
Had a great concert at church Monday night. 40 highschool students under the directorship of the Bethany Bible College's Music and Ministry Team leader 'Exalt'ed the name of Jesus and blessed the hearts of everyone in attendance.

Okay it's about time...

2007-06-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

...to post again. Not much has been happening but it sure seems like I've been busy. The most exciting event in my life recently was the Ground Breaking Celebration for the new Tamarack District Library. If you would like to see some pictures from the event look at the library's new web page lakeview.llcoop.org and enjoy.
Closing time got to go!

And I'm back...

2007-05-31T10:44:00.000-07:00

...to work. Memorial Day weekend provided a wonderful opportunity to visit Hazel & Darren in U.C. IN for a couple of days. It was a very relaxing time to visit and catch up on what's happening. Hazel showed me several blogs from other IWU alumni that we went to school with and it was fun to see what they are doing.
I managed to do a lot of reading but haven't found anything that has astounded me recently. Our One Book One County pick for Montcalm County this year is "Water for Elephants" it's set during the Depression and follows a circus and the people involved. I have heard mixed feedback from readers but the professional reviewers have given it high marks. The other One Book program we do chose "To Kill a Mockingbird" this year and we will be having the closing program at the Big Rapids H.S. on June 8th, 7:00 PM.
Season finales are done and now it's time for reruns. My fave show CSI of course left us with another cliff hanger. Will Sara be back next season or not? The return of Lady Heather throw some dust in the mix. NCIS sure threw in their twist with a known arms dealer showing up as D's girlfriends father. There's not many shows that I watch faithfully but maybe there will be something new and good next season.
As far as movies go, I took Josh to see "Shrek the Third" when it came out and it was cute. Possibly better than the first. That doesn't happen often. I'm leery to go see the newest Pirates of the Caribbean because of that fact. Watched "Arthur and the Invisibles" on DVD last night. I think the fact that I read the books first ruined it. They left a lot out and I had a hard time jumping from scene to scene knowing what wasn't there. It just goes to prove the book is always better. Don't you agree?

Here it is...

2007-05-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

...only 3 weeks til June. That is one disadvantage of working in a library. With dating everything we are always thinking 3 weeks ahead and time disappears. Went to a wonderful Rural Library Conference earlier this week at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. Didn't do any Spa-ing but did enjoy the accommodations and food. The Gates Foundation sponsored the event and paid for everything but the rooms. It was part of a Rural Library Sustainability project that they have been taking to all of the states.

On a personal note I'm still waiting for my diploma to show up. I got a congratulations letter from my State Rep, Judy Emmons on my graduation from Wayne State. I thought that was a very nice touch for a governmental person. I have enjoyed reading Michael Spradlin's Spy Goddess books. He's a Michigan author who writes for teens. I also really enjoyed Amanda Quick's (Jayne Ann Krentz) new book "The River Knows". It was like reading some of her earlier novels without the paranormal side of it.

Relaxing vacation...

2007-04-30T08:29:00.000-07:00

...where I didn't get anything done. Aren't those the best kind? I did a lot of reading and caught up on some of my teen reading for recommendations.
The library is accepting bids for construction now so we are one step closer!!!!! I'm working on a series of MI author articles for the newspaper this month. If you get the Lakeview Area News let me know what you think.
Planning a day away for mom and my siblings. We plan on hitting GR for lunch and shopping on the 19th. I'm hoping it will be fun and relaxing giving us time to visit and rehash memories.
Josh is playing soccer for AYSO this year and seems to be having fun. He doesn't have a passion for the game but does seem to be having fun. He went to see his mom and Chevy this weekend and Mom & Dad took a weekend away.

This is it...

2007-04-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

...I go to my very last class tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Four and a half years of juggling work with classes and I am finally a Master in Library and Information Science. I got a sneak peak at my grades and even with all my doubts and stress I managed to ace my last class! I will complete my Masters with a 3.98 GPA thanks to that A- I got in Cataloging. :(
The rest of the week is vacation. Nothing is planned except sleeping in and relaxing but I still would like to get my play room painted. I might not have time since I need to clean the room first!
Been enjoying small group game nights on Saturday. It's been fun to visit with others and explore new board games and old favorites.
Read a new book by Heather Graham that just blew me away. It was a really good paranormal suspense but the ending just astounded me and I can't stop thinking about it. It's one of those that I can't quite decide if I liked the ending or not but I did enjoy the book. It's called "Dead Room".

Still a couch potato...

2007-04-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

...ready to become a potato chip! The fat is creeping back on and I haven't found the enthusiasm to work it back off. I keep telling myself that I'll get back on track when... but that day never comes.

On to a less depressing subject. I'm ready to paint the last room in my apartment. It is what I call the play room and my plans are for a very bright and energetic room without being blinding bright. My planned color scheme includes orange, green and dark blue. I'm thinking about adding the niece & nephs hand prints to the room or some other design elements that would represent them. Maybe I will like that room so much it will become my reading room also.

I'm waiting to get back into the reading groove but I have to kick the DVD addiction first. I'm finishing up the 2nd season of CSI: NY and I'm still working on Young Riders. I probably won't get the new James Bond watched right away and I'll have to get it again later. I will have 4 days vacation next week but that will hopefully be some painting days and not all TV days. It's good having Josh home for the rest of the school year. He's happy but still goes through missing his mom.

Two more classes left and then I will be a Master in Library and Information Science. (Isn't that exciting!)

The countdown...

2007-04-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

... is going fast! Only 2 weeks left and I've ordered my cap and gown. I don't know if it's good news or bad but I won't be walking on May 5th but I still bought the cool cap and gown. Mom says it may come in handy in case I'm ever asked to talk at someones commencement. (LOL) My main concern is that I don't know if I will feel 'graduated' without going to the actual ceremony but I just couldn't work it out and wasn't looking forward to a 3 hour plus ceremony with thousands of people there.

Been watching a lot of DVDs lately and not reading as much. Watched the second season of Wonder Woman and picked up this bit of trivia, "How many years passed between season 1 and season 2 show of Wonder Woman?" This is years in the show not our years. I'm currently watching first season of "Tru Calling" which only lasted a season and a half then I'm starting on Young Riders and CSI New York season 2. I'm also planning on watching Casino Royale 007, and Eragon. I don't think I'll be reading much this weekend either.

The diet has officially hit the skids. I keep telling myself that it is stress and I'll get back on track but I think it's more that I'm tired of trying to be good and have been craving all the candy and chips that I've been without for 9 months. Hopefully someday soon I will be inspired to start again before all my hard work is undone.

The Countdown is on...

2007-03-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

...there is only 5 weeks of classes left before I am done with my MLIS!!!!!!
I am so ready for this I can't even imagine what life will be like afterwards. No more arranging my schedule to accommodate work and school!

Not much else going on in life. I'm still working on my Research Proposal and will have to do a classroom presentation on that in April.

Been feeling nostalgic lately and watching old TV shows. Spent last weekend watching ThunderCats and Wonder Woman. Next on the agenda is Young Riders.

Haven't been reading much lately. Just a bunch of fluff that doesn't take a lot of brain power. Went to Leadership Academy last week and learned some really good ideas and skills that will really help me make a more effective leader in all areas of life.

It's only been 21 days...

2007-02-27T09:51:00.000-08:00

...and I'm posting again! This won't be a long post as I'm rushing my lunch hour so I can get stuff done before going to class. I enjoyed the Nora Roberts movies on Lifetime this month. (Thanks Val!) Yes I agree they aren't as good as the books but think about it, it takes 1-3 days to read one of her books but the movie has to be less than 2 hours. Something has to change.
March will be a busy month as I will spend a week at Leadership Academy so I can learn how to be an effective leader in the library world and I am also attending the Spring Institute for youth services. Add in my school work, regular work, house work and unexpected work and I don't know where I find the time to read but I seem to get it done. Latest good reads were Jane Heller's Some Nerve, and a teen book by David Lubar, Sleeping Freshman Never Lie. Lubar will be at Spring Institute as his book won the MI Thumbs Up award from the Teen Services Division of MLA. He is a very funny author.
Diet has been very bad lately. I have been binging (but not purging) and can't seem to get back on track. I'll have a couple of good days and then bam it's back to junk food and chocolate. I'm still working out at the gym regularly and hope that will help me maintain.
Gotta go. Board meeting tonight & everything has to be ready before I leave in 1 1/2 hours.

It's me again...

2007-02-06T09:37:00.000-08:00

...and it hasn't been very long, has it? It is a boring Tuesday and the weather is sub-zero so the smart people are staying home. I still have to go to class tonight so I'm trying to prep myself up in preparation for that trip.
I've been going through a rough emotional/hormonal couple of weeks and I'm needing to get back on my diet plan and stop snacking. I'm working out about 4 times a week now and feeling good but it's still not enough to counter all the snack foods I've been mowing down. Kickboxing class has been fun and the pool class is one I plan on returning to.
Nora Roberts is having a series of movies from her books on Lifetime this month. I'm fortunate enough to have a great neighbor who will TiVo them for me and then I can visit and watch them. I really liked her newest suspense "Angels Fall" which was the first one they showed on Lifetime.
Employment needs are still evident in our family as 2 brothers-in-law are looking for fulltime jobs with benefits. One of the drawbacks of having a family and kids is that things like insurance become a necessity. Of course it is easier to get State or Federal coverage when you have kids too.
Well, I need to get back to work now so I'll try to post again later!

Wow, can't believe it's been so long...

2007-01-23T08:26:00.000-08:00

...since I remembered to post here. Life has been busy but good. Enjoyed Christmas with family and Thanksgiving with friends. Work has had it's ups and downs with continued delays in construction plans but we have started taking baby steps towards our ground breaking.

I have been in a reading slump lately. I have found that I can't read for pleasure and stay on my diet at the same time. I think the idleness of sitting and reading triggers my munching gene. I have been reading some diet and health books and my current one is "You on a Diet: the owners manual for waist management". It's pretty big and gets into a lot of science and biology so the reading is going pretty slow. Jayne Anne Krentz has a new book out "White Lies" that I am anxious to read.

Jeanette and family are now in their new home and the sale on their house in TN should finalize this week! (Pray that closing cost will be lower than estimated.) They still haven't found any full time work but they both have pretty steady part-time jobs right now.

I have started my last class for my MLIS degree. Come mid-April I can claim the title of a real Librarian. (Think I can meet Noah Wylie then?) My class is research and I will have to do a research proposal but fortunately will not have to preform the actual research.

I can't promise to stay on top of my blogging since I have joined a free online weight loss site (www.sparkpeople.com) and spend a lot of my free online time there.

I'm soooo tired....

2006-12-11T14:36:00.000-08:00

...I don't know what to write. It has been a hectic day. Of 5 staff members, I was on time, 1 was late, 1 was gone 1/2 day for appointment, and the last 2 called in and took the day off. I've been on my feet most of the day and still have to go to the gym tonight.

I have played around with 5 pounds for 3 weeks now. Gain then losing then gaining it again. I have been binging on greasy, salty or sweet foods and have not been tracking my calorie intake. I find it interesting that during the time I'm struggling to get back on track is the time everyone starts noticing and mentioning that I've lost weight. I have noticed the change in my clothes fitting but since it has taken me a whole year to lose the 50 lbs. I guess I don't see the physical change as much. I did get a picture from last Christmas to try to compare and I can tell a diference in my face so I guess it is showing.

Well the work day is almost over. The gym is calling. Oh by the way I have finished my class for this semester and am done until January 9th when I start my last class!!!! Christmas program is next Sunday and once that is over I shall have a stress free Christmas.