8.30.05

School's back in session. My first class of the semester is tonight. Tonight's class is Government Documents. Sounds really dry, I know, but I should learn a lot. My other class is Readers Advisory. I am really excited about this class because it should be loads of fun. I have already finished a few of the books on my reading list.

I have finished:
Nighttime Is My Time by Mary Higgins Clark
Prey by Michael Crichton
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Black Rose by Nora Roberts

Currently reading:
Folly and Glory by Larry McMurtry

Not exactly the titles I would choose, but that's the point of this class. Because I will be an Adult/Young Adult Librarian in a large urban public library system as of January, I need to become familiar with most of the popular authors in different genres.

8.10.05

watertaxibeach2005 009
Originally uploaded by athrahans.

Yes, that's right. There is a beach(with sand) in Long Island City, Queens right on the East River. Really.

Don't worry--no swimming allowed. I am not sure anyone would jump in even if it were allowed.

It was interesting. Watching people play volleyball and sunbathe with the Manhattan skyline as the backdrop was strange. We had a good time. The food and beer was okay and the DJ's selections were not exactly my taste, but hey, it's something different.

8.6.05

Welcome to Alabama
Originally uploaded by Ms. Colette.

Makes me a little homesick. Just a little.

8.5.05

I know, I know, it has been a while. Sorry.

Just wanted to mention that a friend of mine from OU was on Jeopardy in July. I missed the show, but found her show pic on the web.

More later.

7.7.05

My thoughts are with the people of London. Having gone through September 11th here in NYC, I know how confusing and terrifying these times are.

Information about today's attack can be found here.

7.6.05

After reading a fellow library student's blog, I am starting to think a little more about my blog and my search for work. I wonder if my blog would have any impact on my job search. Of course, I specifically mean a negative impact. These thoughts start to creep into my head as I sit here typing away. Should I censor myself for fear of being "caught"?

I found this link offering a legal guide for bloggers. Thoughts?

7.2.05

Wow! I just heard that there were over 27,000 librarians at the conference. That's pretty incredible.

So, if you ever wanted to know what the exhibits area looks like at a library conference, here you go. And here.

I walked away with two tote bags, some pens, and about 12 free books. Not bad. Actually, I couldn't have come out with much more, but I learned from my Boston conference experience, not to pick up more than you can take back home on the plane.

I have to stop now. Lucky me, I have a appointment to have blood drawn. It is great having high cholesterol. Damn genes.

6.30.05

I'm BACK. Today was my first day back at work.

If you didn't already know, I have been in Chicago at the annual American Library Association conference. I had a wonderful time learning about the organization and meeting lots of people. I also had two job interviews that I thought went quite well. I won't mention names yet, but will keep you updated. Let's say that both are large urban library systems.

One of the highlights was on Saturday night at the opening session. The keynote speaker was Barack Obama. Wow, this guy really gets people excited. It was great being there to witness it. The Chicago Sun-Times did a small story on the speech. See here.

I will not go into details about the conference right now, because I am getting sleepy, but promise more later.

Here are some photos for now. These are not all mine, but were taken at the conference. Will post mine later.

6.08.05

Why Can't Johnny Read Books by Jane?

I found this link from LISnews about men not reading novels written by women. Interesting.

6.05.05

Today is our 6th wedding anniverary. Time flies when you're having fun. We had originally planned to see a photography exhibit today and go out for dinner, but are staying in instead. We were at a party last night and are both paying for it today. Our bodies are just not able to heal as quickly, I guess. We have really been celebrating all weekend anyway. I came home Friday to find M at home early (gasp!, never happens) with flowers, card, wine, and sushi. Awwww! I love him so much. Well, six years must mean something. We will soon be coming up on the 9th anniversary of our meeting in Germany. We don't really celebrate that, but I keep it in mind. People always want to know how long we dated before getting married. So, do the math.

The thesis project is FINISHED! That is all I will say about it.

Now, I am getting ready for the Chicago conference. I have been scribbling in my planner and it looks a mess. The week is completely booked.

ITINERARY
Thursday: Get in to O'Hare around 9am. Attend tour of the Center for Research Libraries from noon to 4:30. Orientation at 7pm.
Friday: 7am until 4:30 - Preconference event "Re-inventing Reference." Meet up with James & Stacey for dinner/drinks.
Saturday: Morning - Work registration and visit exhibitor booths. Early afternoon - RUSA board meeting. Late afternoon - Opening ceremony with Barack Obama.
Sunday: 6:15 until noon - Literary Breakfast, 4pm - pizza with fellow Student-to-Staffers. 6pm until whenever - New Members Round Table social.
Monday: noon to 5:30 - RUSA President's Program "Googling the Better Mousetrap."
Tuesday: 8am to 9am - Closing session with Henry Winkler. Noon to 4pm - tour of Chicago Public Harold Washington Branch. Hotel checkout and meeting up with Ally at her place.
Wednesday: Get in to LGA around noon.

There are a few gaps in there and I hope to network with people and possibly get out and see some sites.

Oh, and about the Nine Inch Nails concert--definitely one of the best shows I have seen. They played nearly two hours. I was tired just watching them jump around the stage. We had great seats as well. No standing up on the floor. I am too old for that now.