Oh say can you teach...

I teach a basic Microsoft Excel class. It meets monthly. Near the end of class, I always ask the students if they have any questions. Of course, there are either lots of questions or just total silence because they just realized I was not really speaking English...(lol)...


So today I got one of the most interesting offers. I never dreamed in my life that I would be offered 2nd lieutenant rank in the national guard, but it was offered to me. Of course, I laughed because I know they want me for my brain power, especially in Microsoft Excel. I do not consider myself an expert but I know enough to teach it and explain it to beginners. My brain was probably at its peak earlier this morning. Anyway it was a sincere offer...but really?...me?...hahahehe...I belong on the frontlines of library world not the military world...(chuckle once more)

My heart melted a little today...

because one of the cutest and most handsome toddlers just said my name

If you'll just humor for a moment...This particular toddler has been attending my lapsit program since January...He has grown so quickly from being the most shy child to one of the more out-going of the bunch.

Anyway, just last week I was trying to teach him how to say my name and this week he said it!!! I couldn't believe my ears. I do not have my own children but almost every child who attends any story time I facilitate and who walks through my community's library doors has my attention for a least an hour. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly children grow, especially the little guys and gals. If one truly ponders the magnitude of this event....how important names are to people...

I believe myself to be my worst critic, but one thing I have learned is the importance of a name. Names are important. Names are how we identify ourselves (mostly). I believe in human goodness and that one act of kindness will work wonders on anyone, especially knowing a name.

So I guess my PSA for today's libraries is to learn one person's name and make an impression for a lifetime.

For Biker Librarians Alike...

Ok so while I was in Las Vegas, we were at the Hard Rock Cafe and I just couldn't resist hopping on this Harley. My leather chaps were at the cleaners, so I had to settle for khaki shorts and this brown top.

Usernames and passwords

So I just joined Twitter. It's one more username and password to keep, but I'll try it out anyway. What's one more to have? Really? Will Twitter help me become a better and more productive member of society? Hmm...a point to ponder...

Honestly, I am probably at the height of my productivity and who I will be in this society. I'll just have different experiences to enhance my already vivacious personality. As I see it, I have too many passwords and usernames to remember. I used to store them in my brain but lately it's overcome with so many other important things besides passwords and usernames; so I've started writing them down.

Fabulous Vegas

A few weeks ago, my sister and I went to the Fabulous Las Vegas! I had so much fun; it was my first time there and I really think that it takes multiple visits to really absorb everything that city offers. Perhaps one of the coolest things about Vegas is the people it attracts. I heard so many different languages while walking the Strip.

The uncoolest part of the trip was the flight. I'd never had a problem with earaches but I did that time. We had to de-plane in Houston and then our flight was canceled in Phoenix. We flew standby. Ultimately we arrived in Las Vegas and met my best friend from college. We stayed at the Planet Hollywood and decided a person would never have to leave for anything. (There were hundreds of shops inside) We visited tons of casinos and saw the musical Mama Mia at Mandalay Bay.

On Sunday afternoon, we checked out more casinos and shops (on the Caesar's Palace side). Afterwards, we journeyed to Kenab, Utah. It was a beautiful scenic drive. I was a bit intimidated by the "watch for falling rocks" signs. We stayed in Kenab until Tuesday morning. We saw the northerrn ridge of the Grand Canyon as well as Bryce Canyon. Later we drove to Hoover dam and it is one of the most awesome feats by man! We stayed at the Imperial Palace that evening; the room faced the Flamingo. The next day, we checked the outlet malls and library and then checked into the Trump International Hotel, which was a very nice treat. After we we settled in we checked out Madame T's wax museum, which was worth the stop. In my next postings I think I'll take about my visits to the Kenab Public Library and the Las Vegas Public Library...

Think positive thoughts...

and you'll amaze others as well as yourself.

I wanted to share my happiness. I applied for another library scholarship in May but I did not tell too many people. Well, this afternoon, the Central Mississippi Library Council informed me that I was chosen as the 2008 scholarship recipient! I was elated just as I was when I was chosen as on of the MS Library Commission's Public Librarian Scholarship Program recipients.

"You must be the change...

you wish to see in the world" said Mahatma Gandhi. Sometimes I feel very small and insignificant in this world but I have to adjust and think it's just a feeling and not at all a representation of my place in this world. Changing one's self is certainly easily said than done. Change requires so much energy of us both physically and mentally.


Gandhi's quote also reminds me of how librarians or library paraprofessionals should view our profession. Librarianship constantly changes to fit our patrons' present and future needs, otherwise I personally believe that (especially in public libraries) our jobs are meaningless. The first time I read Gandhi's quote I was working my first job in a library in north Mississippi and I thought it was beautiful and its meaning is ageless and inspiring. This field we call librarianship has definitions which surpass any book definition.