.musings of an addled librarian.

:. woman arrested for overdue books .:

@ August 31, 2008

Here is the link to this story on The Smoking Gun: Book Her, Dan-O

.

A Wisconsin woman was arrested for two overdue library books. Now, as a librarian, I of course advocate returning your library books on time or, failing that, at least paying the associated fines (which are usually reasonable). I do think, however, arresting someone for this type of infraction is a tad over the line. On a positive note, the woman didn't look too traumatized by her experience (see mug shot at the above link). As a warning to the rest of you out there: we librarians don't fool around!

:. new job .:

@ August 17, 2008

I begin my new job tomorrow as a Learning Commons Specialist at the McKillop Library at Salve Regina University

. Since I graduated Library School three years ago, I've waited for a job in an academic library. Technically, this isn't a "professional" librarian position per se, but at least I have my foot in the door so who knows what may happen in the future. Maybe now I can actually direct this blog more toward a library/librarian one rather than the misdirected mess it has been. I'm excited, but very very nervous as well. Given my personal issues the past few months, I'm hoping I can do this job and do it well (and keep it!). Any positive comments, thoughts, vibes, etc., are more than welcome.

Update, August 31, 2008: The job is going well. I enjoy it a lot, and everyone I work with is wonderful. I'm a bit nervous about the students returning this week, as that will make things more hectic and force me into the "front lines" answering questions, etc., when I myself am still becoming acclimated to the library, but so far it is going well (*keeps fingers crossed*).

:. well, at least I did something .:

@ July 26, 2008

I debated either deleting this "blog" (and I use that term loosely) altogether or revamping it; obviously I've opted for the latter. I don't by any stretch of the imagination call myself a "blogger," but I figure it's best to err on the side of caution and leave it here in case something were to actually pop into my brain. Actually, I have a lot of topics I'd like to rant about, but for some reason lately there's a large gap between my brain and my fingertips.

:. it's been a while .:

@ June 28, 2008

I've neglected this site for a while, but unintentionally. This year so far has been a bad one as far as "real life" situations go. I'll spend today making some small updates and changes and hopefully I'll be able to get around to making some larger updates in the near future (*keeps fingers crossed*).

:. In Treatment:HBO .:

@ February 25, 2008

I've discovered an HBO program called In Treatment

where each episode is an actual therapy session (well, not "actual," as the show is scripted and populated with actors). The show is addictive and mesmerizing, not to mention insightful. Paul, a married man in his 50s with marital problems of his own, is a psychoanalyst who conducts his practice from his home office. Each weeknight episode features a different patient: Monday is Laura, a young woman who has erotic trasnference for Paul and for whom Paul has feelings in return. Tuesday is Alex, an arrogant Navy pilot who has an affair with Laura. Wednesday is Sophie, a young suicidal gymnast. Thursday is couples therapy with Jake and Amy whose marriage is disintegrating. Friday is Paul's therapy with Gina, a colleague. It's interesting to see and hear Paul's reactions as a (somewhat fallible) therapist but also his reactions as a "regular" person. "In Treatment" shows new episodes on HBO every weeknight at 9:30, but hurry as the new episodes end on March 28 (although repeats are usually run regularly, so watch them and get acquainted with the show before the new season begins - assuming HBO renews the season as apparently there is some doubt). If you have HBO, check it out!

Note: Update from HBO, August, 2008:

HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed drama series IN TREATMENT, which will begin production on its second season in New York this fall, with a debut scheduled for 2009. Returning next season will be Gabriel Byrne as Dr. Paul Weston and Dianne Wiest as Dr. Gina Toll. Additional cast members to be announced as they are confirmed.

:. Rest In Peace Pee-Wee .:

@ January 19, 2008

My little "nephew" Pee-Wee, a red-bellied parrot, died this past Wednesday after a prolonged illness. He was a cute little bird, intelligent and spirited. He would say various phrases like "C'mere," "Ooh La La", "Pee-Wee-Wee-Wee," and he made smooching noises when kissed. He LOVED to be petted and coddled; in fact, anyone who went near him he would bend his head toward them to be petted. His original name was Pee-Wee, named at the pet store where he was raised from a baby, but my friend re-named him Neko. However, we mostly still called him Pee-Wee, since he knew his name and would shout it out whenever he felt like it. He was only about 1 1/2 years old. He was an adorable & sweet boy, and will be missed. {Click on the image of Pee-Wee for a larger view}