Silly Me!

A little three-year-old patron came in to the library and was stomping around and growling.

"Are you a dinosaur?" I exclaimed.

"No," replied the boy, stomping by.  "I'm Bobby*."

"He's in a literal phase," said his Mom.


*Name has been changed so people don't stalk him for a dose of cuteness.

I'm the Paranoid and Suspicious One?

Well, I've never asked, but I don't feel like my friends and family would label me as paranoid or suspicious.  However...

At my new library, I was learning the various policies.  In this case, I was learning about lost items.  My colleague was giving me examples of the few extenuating circumstances in which we might wave fees for lost items.  These included things such as car theft, break-ins or fire.

As per the policy of my old library, I asked if we required a police report as proof.

"Um, no," said my colleague.  "We generally take their word for it."

Huh.

"So," I followed up.  "Have you had patrons with chronic "break-ins"?

"No, we really haven't," replied my colleague, looking at me askance.

Everywhere I turn in this library, I find I'm expecting patrons to manipulate the system and behave badly.  I fear it's going to take me a while to assume the best of them.  How pathetic!  I'm so glad I'm here.  Apparently I am the paranoid and suspicious one.

Small Town Life -- Example #2

Last week I closed on my condo.  The former owner gave me three sets of keys.

"Perfect!" I said.  "One set for me, one set for the contractor, and one set for the painter."

"Oh," said the former owner.  [Pause]  "Are you going to lock your doors?"

Um, yeah.  I guess I've lived in the city for too long.

Small Town Life -- Example #1

On Friday, I had to go to City Hall to finish filling out some paperwork.  When I met with a woman in Human Resources, she said, "I heard you bought a condo!"

Well, yes, I did.  But...huh.

If I Were Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle

If I were Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, I would want to live in this house:

Well, perhaps as a second home.  I wouldn't want to pass up her upside-down ship house.

P.S. What is this new "Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle" cover?  (See link above.)  I am not a fan.

A Little New England Humor

One of many beautiful Newburyport homes:

A home with owners who have a sense of humor:

My Brain May Fall Out

I am here!  Here in Newburyport, Massachusetts, freshly transplanted from Seattle.  What a whirlwind it has been.  Here is my life in a list.


In one month:


1) I interviewed for a job, was offered a job, accepted a job, and planned a move across the country.
2) I flew my Mom to Newburyport to find me a place to live.
3) I decided to buy a condo in Newburyport.
4) I decided to renovate a condo in Newburyport.
5) I decided to sell my condo in Seattle.
6) I put Sterling (my baby girl cat) in a boarding facility for two weeks, until I can move into my new condo.  I cried as I left.
7) I said good-bye to many, many amazing friends.
8) I started my new job.  Yesterday.

I am exhausted!  Mostly my brain is exhausted.  I have taken in so much information in these first two days of work that I can feel my brain overheating and slowly melting.  I am hoping it won't start leaking out my ears.

But I love my new job and my new library!  I will write more posts about those later, but I am in love with the staff and already filled with new ideas for the children's department!