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Friday, July 10th, 2009
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5:57 pm
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so, my parents only left yesterday... crazy - they were going to be here for a month, and ended up staying 5. But now they are gone and I'm beginning the adjustment to solitary living. It still feels unreal - in fact, I woke up this morning and took a moment to remember that they were gone.
Work is killing me. Summer Reading is a bitch on youth services librarians. It's nice to be needed, but I'm running off my feet. And in a world with no subs, I'm on the desk ALL THE TIME. But it's still the right place for me.
Bill and I had a rough patch, but that's better now. I just need to stay in the moment. And we're going on our trip in a couple of weeks!
We went to the first GreenDay concert of their new tour, with my friend Anne. It was very fun, even with all the crowding, the standing for hours, the heat... I haven't been to a concert like that for years, and it was almost a religious experience. It's amazing how I felt like I was part of something in a crowd that big, 10 feet from Billie Joe. They throw a great party, it was real theatre up there. Admirable showmen. So now I need to go to more concerts. ;)
How is everyone?
Is it 82 degrees where you live?
current mood:  calm
current music: Green Day
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| Sunday, May 17th, 2009
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12:48 pm
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life has been crazy.
i'm still loving working at the Lacey library as a children's librarian. There are twists and turns that occasionally frustrate, and insane stuff is happening with the levy failing, but overall it definitely feels like where i'm supposed to be. I get to be an approachable know-it-all and influence the upcoming generations, and we all know that's what I want to do with my life. ;)
my parents came home for a month-long visit in February and ended up staying - well, until now+. See, while they were in the states, they had a barrage of medical checkups, and it was discovered that my dad had prostate cancer. So, they delayed their tickets, and in midApril my parents flew to Virginia to have the surgery done by an old friend who just so happens to be a specialist in the field. And now he's healing (well), and they're getting their visas switched over so they may not go back until midJune. Although, at the moment, they're spending a week or so in EasternWA with my grandma.
My relationship with Bill has continued very well. We match up in ways I never expected. We enjoy many of the same things, and at the same time show each other new layers of familiar places as well. We like to go on drives in rural Southwest WA (I've now visited Winlock!), watch quirky documentaries (i.e. American Movie), cook together (he cooks the steaks, I make the salad and set the table), and he's even started me on my first consule-based video game (Fallout 3). We go to my bookgroup together (librarian-types and book-lovers meet in cool downtown Oly restaurants and take turns talking about cool stuff - hook up via Goodreads.com), I've been to his gigs, he's written a song for me... So far, it's really really good. We're planning a longweekend in late July - probably to the Olympic Peninsula and/or Victoria/Vancouver B.C.
Oh, and I've continued to attend Quaker meeting when I can. My parents demanding visiting-missionary schedule has made that increasingly infrequent while they're here, but whenever they're out of town, I'm there. I love the community, the solidarity, the depth. I look forward to very slowly and gradually growing my involvement in this group of seekers.
Having my parents back has lightened the strain of household duties, since they are willing and able to help out with walking the dog (giving me one more hour of sleep), dishes, garden tending, lawn moving, laundry, etc. That of course has been nice, although there have been a few adjustments, as I've created my own way of doing things in some things. Part of the cutbacks at work mean my schedule will be changing, so I will no longer be going to work at 8am (and getting up at 5:30am) starting in June. I've successfully adjusted my internal clock so that I now get sleepy at 8:30 or 900pm, as I really do need those 9 hours of sleep. So I'm looking forward to getting one hour closer to my preferred 2am-11am sleeping schedule.
We shrank the garden even more while my parents have been here, so now I only have two beds of corn and beans to worry about. Last year, the garden was too big - so that it was a stress instead of any kind of joy. Two beds felt just about right as I planted on Friday. I'm also growing two varieties of Morning Glories in the kitchen window - one bushy, one viney, to train around the window.
Anyway, for those of you in PDX, I was thinking of you this weekend, as I played with the idea of showing up at Librarian Prom. I really do need to make it down and see some of you one of these days.
current mood:  satisfied
current music: Zappa "One for the Money"
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| Friday, February 13th, 2009
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10:00 am - oh, the agony
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In another, very recent, alternate life, this is my dream job. I love my job, but SERIOUSLY!
Performing Arts Librarian
A full-time, regular position, reporting to the College Librarian. Plans, implements and manages performing arts collections for instructional and research use in dance, music, and theatre. Coordinates selection, purchasing, processing and licensing of material in all formats. Participates in library reference (including some night and weekend shifts), instruction, and academic department liaison activities. Contributes to the creation, maintenance and evaluation of web content and services. We seek energetic candidates who welcome the chance to support library services in an intensely academic community. Minimum qualifications include the MLS or equivalent from an ALA-accredited library school and three years of professional library experience. Substantial knowledge of music repertory and bibliography, and a strong interest in liberal arts education are required. Supervisory experience, and knowledge of information technologies in the performing arts would be desirable. Starting salary is $48,500. Send letter of application, resume, and names and addresses of three references to Victoria Hanawalt, College Librarian, Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland, OR 97202 by March 16, 2009. An Equal Opportunity Employer, Reed College values diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
Deadline: March 16, 2009
current music: Lyrics Born
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| Monday, February 9th, 2009
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9:55 am - moon
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I walked from 6:30-7:15 today for the first time in a week and a half or so. We're back to the rotation where the sun is decidedly down at 6:30, when I walk through the woody part for the first time - but the sun comes up while I'm at the high school ball field, and it is definitely light when I'm back in those same woods. When I hit the ball fields, I was stunned to see the moon was HUGE and orange, resting right on top of the black hills. It was a little freaky but a lot beautiful. And that was my moment of zen for the day.
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(comment on this)
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| Monday, November 24th, 2008
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10:21 am - Twilight movie
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| Wednesday, November 5th, 2008
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9:47 am - joy
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...and the crowd goes wild!!! In a peaceful, we-can-now-do-the-work-that-needs-doing kind of way.
so fucking elated.
Now, if we can only get our library levy passed in February...
current mood: stoked
current music: "My Boyfriend's Back"
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| Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008
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12:55 pm - silly meme
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1. Type in "[your name] needs" in the Google search:
"Raina needs a daughter"
2: Type in "[your name] looks like" in Google search:
"Raina looks like a chump, bats like a dream"."
3: Type in "[your name] does" in Google search:
Raina does a backflip."
4: Type in "[your name] hates" in Google search:
"Raina hates bugs"
5: Type in "[your name] goes" in Google search:
"Raina goes to the zoo"
6: Type in "[your name] loves" in Google search:
"RAina loves contemporary sculpture"
7: Type in "[your name] eats" in Google search:
"Raina eats her birthday cake."
8: Type in "[your name] has" in Google search:
"Raina has two moms"
9: Type in "[your name] wants" in Google search:
"Kevin wants to make his (sic) comeback count."
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(comment on this)
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| Sunday, October 12th, 2008
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5:31 pm - new favorite song drool
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| Saturday, October 4th, 2008
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10:41 am
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saw Neil Gaiman last night. so fun.
and now i'm a zombie at work after 4.5 hours of sleep.
yep, that's all today.
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| Saturday, September 27th, 2008
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1:03 pm - intellectual laziness?
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Inspired by a friend's post:
I woke up this morning and lay there looking at my bookshelf. There are piles of books up there that I swiped from an Evergreen professor's office (with permission, of course) on postmodern theory. It occurred to me that I no longer anticipate ever taking the time to read them. Instead, I contemplate how many comic books I could trade them for at Orca.
Now, in part, this makes sense, because since I've committed to this childrens librarian gig, I will always have a huge stack of books I'll never get the time to read, so anything adult, esoteric, or otherwise not at least indirectly work related is impractical.
But I also miss the play of intellectual ideas. Bitch magazine is the closest I get to academics these days. And I miss it.
And at the same time, I'm lazy.
current mood:  complacent
current music: Etc.
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(comment on this)
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| Wednesday, September 10th, 2008
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11:29 am - bela and neil
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I'm super behind on my Neil Gaiman googlereader posts, and just read the one in which he announces that Bela Fleck will be recording a version of the Danse Macabre for an audiobook Neil is reading.
http://journal.neilgaiman.com/2008/08/bed-bed-bed.html
My worlds collide.
And it is awesome.
current mood:  chipper
current music: Unknown building hum
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(comment on this)
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| Monday, August 25th, 2008
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8:26 pm - i am a hermit
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i spent all of saturday night and sunday watching the first two seasons of sliders. i laugh at myself.
i have a wolf spider living in my bathroom sink. it used to only come out after dark (and freeze whenever I was in view) but now it is getting braver. I've almost come up with a name for the thing.
I went to my first youth services training since I got hired in the job that I start next Tuesday. It is nice to be back with my people. I got to pick out a puppet - a plush white duck which I cuddled for the rest of the day.
Spent the evening with my friend Lisa, who graduated from Emporia with me. We had fabulous sushi, talked about the single life, and reminisced about grad school days and people.
I can feel myself curling into myself and getting lazier. I do not have enough energy to be a social butterfly. I barely have time to nest.
Sliders, however, is a fabulous concept.
current mood:  contemplative
current music: "To the Teeth" Ani Difranco
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| Saturday, August 9th, 2008
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2:26 pm - not abandoned
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hello friends,
I have not abandoned you. I've just been feeling particularly hermitish and not particularly verbally expressive. I've done a lot of collaging these months.
Updates:
I got the Lacey job, where I start on September 2
My parents have officially moved to Mongolia, as of June 11
I'm dragging my feet and/or not finding the time to redecorate the house
I have knee-high corn and climbing beans and a surprise pumpkin, I think.
I'm very irritated with the tree that is rooting under my yard and sprouting new versions of itself at will for me to attempt to yank out.
I woke up over an hour late today, so I'm feeling very guilty that i didn't walk my dog this morning.
I finished Breaking Dawn at lunch today
I miss you all.
current mood: busy
current music: fan
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| Monday, May 19th, 2008
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12:57 pm - culled from neil gaiman's blog
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| Monday, May 12th, 2008
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4:55 pm - MAJOR TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH
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I've been looking for this for ages! A great post - I got it forwarded from Buff Hirko, a State Library person.
"Subject: MAJOR TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH
Introducing the new Bio-Optic Organized Knowledge device, trade named: BOOK.
BOOK is a revolutionary breakthrough in technology: no wires, no electric circuits, no batteries, nothing to be connected or switched on. It's so easy to use, even a child can operate it.
Compact and portable, it can be used anywhere -- even sitting in an armchair by the fire-yet it is powerful enough to hold as much information as a CD-ROM disc. Here's how it works:
BOOK is constructed of sequentially numbered sheets of paper (recyclable), each capable of holding thousands of bits of information. The pages are locked together with a custom-fit device called a binder which keeps the sheets in their correct sequence. Opaque Paper Technology (OPT) allows manufacturers to use both sides of the sheet, doubling the information density and cutting costs. Experts are divided on the prospects for further increases in information density; for now, BOOKS with more information simply use more pages.
Each sheet is scanned optically, registering information directly into your brain. A flick of the finger takes you to the next sheet. BOOK may be taken up at any time and used merely by opening it.
BOOK never crashes or requires rebooting, though like other display devices it can become unusable if dropped overboard. The "browse" feature allows you to move instantly to any sheet, and move forward or backward as you wish. Many come with an "index" feature, which pin-points the exact location of any selected information for instant retrieval.
An optional "BOOKmark" accessory allows you to open BOOK to the exact place you left it in a previous session-even if the BOOK has been closed. BOOKmarks fit universal design standards; thus, a single BOOKmark can be used in BOOKs by various manufacturers. Conversely, numerous BOOK markers can be used in a single BOOK if the user wants to store numerous views at once. The number is limited only by the number of pages in the BOOK.
You can also make personal notes next to BOOK text entries with an optional programming tool, the Portable Erasable Nib Cryptic Intercommunication Language Stylus (PENCILS).
Portable, durable, and affordable, BOOK is being hailed as a precursor of a new entertainment wave. Also, BOOK's appeal seems so certain that thousands of content creators have committed to the platform and investors are reportedly flocking. Look for a flood of new titles soon."
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(1 comment | comment on this)
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| Tuesday, April 29th, 2008
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1:43 pm - printing in color
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Golden post ripped from AmusedLibrarian community (aka not something that actually happened to me, but definitely could have) that makes me laugh:
"I work in a public library, and I had a patron complain that he had put in a request for a color printout but only gotten black and white. After looking at the printout he gave me I figured out the problem.
Me: Was this typed in color?
Him: No, but I told it to print in color.
Me: It can't print in color if the type is in black and white.
Him: But I paid for color printing.
Me: Well this little ad in the corner printed in color, but since the type was black and white it printed in black and white.
Him: *stares at me for a bit*
Me: The computer can't randomly choose colors. It will only print in color if you type in color.
Him: Oh... Well, thanks...
Sigh. At least he finally got it. "
current mood:  amused
current music: Ringing in my ears (getting over a cold)
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| Saturday, March 22nd, 2008
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2:23 pm - literary titillation
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Cool paragraph in an otherwise average book:
"Your powers are what you always have with you. It’s one piece of knowledge we all share here. No matter how many dossiers the government keeps on you, no matter what data your enemies have collected, no one knows your powers the way you do. Everyone has seen them on TV. For everyone else, it’s a momentary fantasy. They don’t have to take them into the kitchen, the bathroom, and the bedroom. Or wake up in the night in flames, or sweep up shattered glass in their apartment, or show up late for work with a black eye. No one else knows where they itch or bruise you, or has tried the things you’ve tried with them when you were bored or desperate. No one else falls asleep with them and finds them still there in the morning, a dream that won’t disperse upon waking."
- Soon I Will Be Invincible, by Austin Grossman, 2007
btw, I got the job in Shelton. more later. :P
current mood: happy
current music: Kinnie Star, "Anything"
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| Sunday, March 16th, 2008
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12:08 pm - new pix
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on my recent trip, joma was gracious enough to take all kinds of photos of me (among other things). check out my myspace to see the ones of me.
current mood: awake
current music: morning silence
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| Friday, February 8th, 2008
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5:05 pm - warding
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i totally believe in the mind/body connection.
in high school, i warded off a cold with my mind
this week, i decided to be sick for only one day - and though my nose is peeling and a cough's still lingering, i feel totally better! :)
it has, as promised, been a crazy week.
current mood: accomplished
current music: Anne's Mix (White Stripes, etc.)
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| Wednesday, February 6th, 2008
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5:45 pm - sickness
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my lips are super chapped.
i've used up more than half a box of "facial tissue"
i can't breath
sickness sucks
i left work after an hour and a half of labor yesterday - this week is way too busy to miss.
today was preschool storytime - where i'm the star of the show
this afternoon i worked with the teen librarian for hours writing the manual for our district-wide guitar hero program kit
tomorrow is laura ingalls wilder's bday, and i don't know what i'm wearing to the festivities
friday i'm an integral part of keeping the building open
saturday i get to attend a presentation training at the service center
can't miss work this week.
breathing would be nice.
current mood:  sick
current music: "Ravioli" to tune of Alouette
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indigosage's journal