Interesting patron question

So I had an older gentleman yesterday ask me about WiFi. He said he had a laptop and his son gave him a little box to stick in it (for wireless), but the question was this: why would I need/want to use it? I explained the concept of wireless, i.e., not having to plug your computer into a network. And I gave him the flyer we have with the info on setting up the wireless card for our network. He's using dialup at home, so I told him this would be faster if he wanted to do a lot of stuff online. I explained how it made his PC portable, so he could take a meeting at Panera, say. And mentioned how college kids like taking their work with them, outside or wherever. He looked very thoughtful, gave me the flyer back, thanked me, and went off with a rather bemused expression.
Another satisfied customer.

This quote resonates for me today

"The sole cause of all human misery is the inability of people to sit quietly in their rooms."
- Blaise Pascal

My current reading queue, in no particular order

Final account: an Inspector Banks mystery by Peter Robinson
Fool moon: Dresden Files Book 2 by Jim Butcher
The tiger in the attic: memories of the Kindertransport by Edith Milton
Kicked, bitten, and scratched: life and lessons at the World's Premier School for Exotic Animal Trainers by Amy Sutherland
Princess in pink (Book on CD) by Meg Cabot
Talk to the Hand: The Utter Bloody Rudeness of the World Today, or Six Good Reasons to Stay Home and Bolt the Door by Lynne Truss
PostSecret : Extraordinary confessions from ordinary lives by Frank Warren
You've got to read this book! : 55 people tell the story of the book that changed their life
A girl's guide to vampires by Katie MacAlister
New moon: a novel by Stephenie Meyer

Woo Hoo

I had 42 people at my Travelogue today. I feel so much better now.

I'm in over my head

Dear Diary,
It started out so innocently; taking a little old lady to doctor's appointments. I didn't need any emotional involvement. But now here I am; pharmacy aide, chauffeur, shopping assistant, sounding board. I can't tell if I'm too gullible (are her daughter's really that horrible?) or is she really just being devious so I'll come running whenever she needs help(i.e. daily), or doesn't want to be lonely. I don't want to resent her, but I do feel very sorry for her. (Are her daughters really that horrible? Or did she do something horrible to make her deserve the way they treat her?) Am I just paranoid now too, because I feel helpless? And why oh why do I let this anxiety fill me and spill over into everything I do?

I'm feeling frustrated

I had to cancel my first program of the "fall season". And even though I know its not my fault I feel like I'm doing something wrong. Its especially discouraging when some of the other libraries think that 30 people is a low turnout for a program, and to me that's a great showing! I wish I knew what was really expected of me. And that I didn't feel my job is superfluous. But I know it is, as I suspect that Webster residents could live just fine without library programs. In fact, most of them do!

Feeling Unsettled

I can't explain it, but I just feel kind of ansty these days. I can't stick with anything productive long enough to finish it.

Back to school, Part 2

So we filled out the forms, did the haircut, prepped the uniform, backpack, and lunch bag; And Josh went back to school yesterday. Today it almost seemed normal again. No fuss, no muss. But it still feels like the end of summer (it is) and I'm not sure I'm ready for it. Especially since I will have fewer excuses for going in to work late, or for staying away from classes at the pool. But it was fun to get the news about school at dinner. A few new teachers, and a lot of the "same olds". Today will be the beginning of the magazine drive...(magazines or renewals, anyone?), and another boatload of paper to deal with. The biggest surprise is that I did not in fact book a program the same night as curriculum night at school, so I won't have to miss the meet the teachers thing. I know its weird, but I love going to school for a night. It makes the teacher stories so much more vivid if you know who they are.
I'm still fighting the feelings that come with him being the youngest. I mean its 8th grade already, but he's my baby, right? So I still struggle to let go a little more each day. I've got to admit its easier when he steps in and acts responsible too. The problem is that I have to be responsible and parental as well. We'll get there...together.

True Confessions

I beat my children...at miniature golf.
My husband beat me...ditto.
I had ice cream and spoiled my lunch. (Okay I made it my lunch.)
I finally slept through the night last night (7 solid hours, maybe even a little more). And I felt great when I woke up. I can't remember the last time that happened.
I don't feel guilty about wasting time this weekend. I'm enjoying it immensely.
I'm learning to screen calls with my caller ID. And not feel bad about ignoring some.
No more blogging...today.

Rainy Saturday

I just want to mention how wonderful it was to have a rainy Saturday with no place to go. I loved being able to sleep in, lounge around, eat whenever, do the laundry in between chapters of a book, and generally just hang out. I could use another one already. (Or at least a Sunday afternoon nap).

Missing you, and you, and you, too

We've spent an entire week at the library without the wonderful young people who worked with us all summer. I miss looking over at the circ desk and seeing my daughter just enjoying her job. (You could see it on her face.) But the surprising thing is how much I've missed some other people's kids too. I know I'll get used to new people and personalities, but its not the same as having the ones I've come to know and love. And yes, I know they are in a better place (ok, maybe not better), learning new things and enjoying their friends, and their independence. And some of them (Elizabeth, Dorothy, Sarah & maybe even Melissa) will go on to be real librarians and enjoy library life forever. But I still am selfish enough to wish they were still here. I know their spirits hover around because I hear the laughter sometimes.

BTW, I had a wonderful discussion with Arlene today about how much she loved working with my daughter, and that gave me warm fuzzies too.