Born Again

I'm pregnant.

Again.

Happens close to five days a week. In addition to shortened gestation periods, I also give birth. Monday through Friday. To litters. Litters of new books. And I love it.

When I explain to people that my job is as a "cataloging librarian", I am usually greeted with a quizzical look. Unless you work in this field, you have probably never heard of the term "Marc Record", don't know the biographical history of Melvil Dewey, or sing the daily praises of Charles Cutter. However, if you've ever BEEN in a library, or better yet, remember your fifth grade lesson on the fabulous Dewey Decimal System, then you know that each book is carefully annotated with complex codings in order to ensure it a proper home on the shelves. That's where I come in.

My litters of new book often arrive still smelling of fresh ink. Sometimes, the pages are still stuck together, and I know that I'm the first person who has had the chance to open this book. I consider this the breathe of life. I read almost each and every flap cover, and give it a cursory once over for misprints, strange pagination, or other weird ailments. Usually, a book caught early can be resuscitated through the wonders of the "no charge replacement". But, a book with a birth defect caught too late can spend an entire lifetime with its disease. And after a brief time, there is no cure.

Once I have ingested the personality of my newborn, I need to assign it a proper home. You see, I'm merely just a foster mother - the guardian responsible for finding it proper placement in the many stacks and branches our library holds. I carefully consider the content and themes of my baby, often consulting with neighbors and peers to see where the placement of similar personalities has taken place. For really difficult children, I sometimes need to consult with the mothership - more commonly known as the Library of Congress - to see where they have placed similar children of the same origin. Once I have arrived at a decision, my infant is stamped with a name, or as we professionals like to call it, a "call number". Chances are for most of the books, it is the same call number it will have it's whole life. Some quick computer coding, a barcode, tape, and my newborn is off to begin her life among the stacks. She'll never be as pretty as the day she left my hands, but all I can do is hope that she'll withstand the masses needing only little repair along the way.

Alas, I am more than just a Book Mother. I am also the Book Grim Reaper. My cubicle often doubles as a graveyard, and when the Messenger of Death delivers upon me a book in such a sad state that it cannot be repaired, it is up to me to wave my scythe and put my book out of its misery. Sometimes they are old and tattered. Sometimes they were young and poorly made. Occasionally, they have fallen victim to an abusive lender (oh, I long for the day I can get my hand on one of THOSE people ...). Either way, they are euthanized with care and concern, and the hope that their words touched someone in someway, no matter what the subject matter.

In any given day, that's what I do. I take pride in my work and knowing that because of my effort, someone - somewhere, is finding what they needed. Maybe it's the book that changed their life. Maybe it's the book that gave them hope again. Maybe it's the book that made them smile when they hadn't all day or all week. I'm the Book Baby Mamma, and I love it.

In Between Days

For the first time ever in my life, I am "in between jobs". Thanks to a hiring process straight out of the 1800s, my new employer alloted several weeks before I start my new position. This worked out well for my transition to Boston, and I have had three weeks of unadulterated unemployment bliss, during which I have run many a chore and accomplished a lot.

Now, having three weeks of "alone time", you tend to learn a few things about yourself. Here goes:

1. My technological un-savyness extends far beyond new media and the various hot topics of the daily Twitter crown (Chrome? Blip? huh?). Case in point: I've just discovered I have zero idea on how to operate the garbage disposal here at the house. At least, I think it's a garbage disposal ...
2. I really can carry on an extended conversation with a cat. Kitty and I have daily coffee chats, and I feel like we're really starting to understand each other. If only I could get here to clean her own litter box ...
3. I really can eat a Steak and Cheese sub ever day! I've never considered myself much of a "sub" person, but boy are they yummy, and there are sub places everywhere.
4. I am perfectly capable of amusing myself. I haven't turned on the TV except to what the train wreck that is New York Goes to Hollywood (VH1) and the occasional History Channel special. It appears my entertainment tastes run the gamut from one extreme to the other.
5. Printer Cartridges, Verizon, and Bank of America are all in an evil plot to "get" me, with a little American Express thrown in on occasion.
6. I will never be able to properly spell "occasion".
7. I can survive without coffee

So, I start my "employment" next week. I am debating if I want to participate in the Battle of the RMV this week, or save that for six months down the road. Six months down the road is in the lead right now.

Cheers!
Kat

Subway Etiquette and More

Progress, People!

Thanks to my new electronic boyfriend, Tom-Tom, I have managed to only get lost TWICE this week. Tom-Tom was an excellent purchase, especially since it talks to me in a male, British voice that indulges a fantasy I won't be getting into in this blog. There is the minor problem of being able to read Tom-Tom while driving at the same time, but what relationship isn't fraught with communication issues? I'm sure Tom-Tom and I will be able to work it out.

I have ventured into the fabulous world of the "MBTA" (that's Boston's Public Transportation system for you non-Mass folk). I have to admit - their website is pretty good, even though I still can't figure out which bus seems to run up and down the mountain that I live on.

However, I have to comment on a strange and developing Subway Paranoia that I seem to be developing. It's the Seat Movers. Now, I'm respectful of people's personal space. I don't take up more than just my seat on the subway, and I keep my belongings on my person. I shower daily (sometimes twice!) and even wear a light perfume which is not overwhelming in scent. So why do people sitting next to me get up and move seats? I mean, I'm not talking WIDE open seating. I'm talking they go from sitting next to me, and go and sit next to someone else - in some instances, what I would consider to be a less desirable seat mate. Am I not adhering to some subway etiquette that I'm not aware of? Maybe I smile too much or look friendly? Perhaps I need to offer gum to my seat-mates in an effort to make peace so they don't abandon me for the person across the way. What's WRONG with me? HELP!!!!

In other Subway news, I saw not one - but TWO individuals playing with their Rubik's Cubes on the subway. I think I want one, and for those of you itching to buy me a present, my birthday is coming up.

OK - off to make my second trip to buy a printer. I made a trip over the weekend to the "phantom" Burlington Coat Factory in Cambridge. And today, I walked into a Staples that - oopsy- wasn't actually open yet. Signage, people - SIGNAGE!

Take Two,
Kat

Yum, Yum, Gimmee Some

The moment it touched my lips, I knew we were going to have a long lasting relationship. It was so sweet, soft, and juicy. I could smell it from the doorway, and I knew that it would be mine. Yes, you have consumed me, authentic steak and cheese sub, with the light mayo and extra tomatoes. We shall be as one.

Living in the land of "Disney" for so long pretty much beat any original food thoughts out of my head. So to have a real "sub" that hasn't been produced ala Quizzno's or Subway is a treat in and of itself. It almost makes up for the fact that apparently due to my "accent" (????), I had to say the word "jalapeno poppers" six times before the gentleman on the phone new what I was ordering.

So, I can check "eat real food" off of my list for this week. I've learned three new Red Sox players. I've used "wicked" at least once daily in a sentence. And I've actually learned the name of the Boston mayor, and the location of the six nearby "packies" for emergency liquor supplies. I'm figuring I should rotate them so I don't become a regular.

I have mostly unpacked and the house is in semi-decent shape anticipating @colettebenoir's homecoming. I even broke out that "iron" contraption - the one that makes the steam and makes things less wrinkly - and even used it! Now, I have come to the realization that I:
a. Don't own a sweatshirt
b. Don't own a pair of winter "shoes"
c. Need to buy a Park-ah and probably a rain jacket
d. Have no idea how to close this window

Anyway, here are some as-promised photos from the road trip.

I'll be updating this Blog Mission Statement soon enough.

Home on the Range!

Greetings Readers!
I have arrived safe and sound in my new home in the South of Boston. After receiving a frantic call that my movers were coming on Sunday (yes, SUNDAY!), I had to bolt from the home of @thediva and book it to Mass. Other than two hours of traffic on the TappenZee bridge (spent watching my Tori Amos video collection), my ride was uneventful. Although I have to say - Connecticut is a much bigger state than I remember!
So, I am refamiliarizing myself with "Northern" living. For those of you that don't know, I grew up on the Mass/NH border but have lived most of my adult life in Florida. Here are some observations I have made thus far about my return to the North:

* GAS STOVES! Apparently, not only do they still make them, but people still have them. I vaguely recall something about a pilot light and a match, but I think I'll wait for @Colettebenoir to get home before attempting that one
* HILLS! My poor Florida-raised Corolla almost went into shock when she went up the side of the Mountain we live on. Poor thing. Wait until she sees snow for the first time.
* DRIVING! So, street signs are kind of an "optional", take-them-when-you-can-get-them thing. I ventured for a ride into Cambridge yesterday, and got lost two miles from home. GPS is being invested in - the sooner, the better.
* ROUNDABOUTS! I can see these having been fun on a horse and carriage, but throwing a bunch of cars in there? Bad idea. And they still build new ones!
* STAIRS! They are EVERYWHERE!
* STOP AND SHOP ~ You're still the ugliest grocery store on record.
* LIQUOR LAWS ~ I mean, seriously? Is this one of *those* states? I better stock up on wine.
* PARALLEL PARKING ~ Believe it or not, I actually used to be good at this at one time. But, I'm thinking I'm going to need a little practice.

So, I'm enjoying my current state of unemployment until the new job begins. It's going to be spent figuring out my public transportation options, buying comfortable walking shoes, and walking up the mountain once a day to ensure I don't have a heart attack on my way back from the commuter rail sometime. Until then - cheers! It was a very fun road trip and I'd like to do it again someday - minus the ghosts and the TappenZee wait.

Alexandria & More!

Next stop on the Fantastic Road Adventures of Kat Glimmer was Alexandria, Virginia!
Alexandria was recommended by a friend as a great place to stop if you want to get into Washington without all the "fun" of having to drive into Washington. The traffic there did not disappoint: I was stuck for almost an hour to go two miles. But, once in Alexandria, it's a perfectly lovely "cosmopolitan" little town. The streets are lined with shops and pubs, most of which carry the name "tavern". Live music was everywhere and even though I was there on a Thursday, I think I had invaded the town's date night. Unfortunately, my pub food was just so-so, but I give the musician a thumbs-up!
So, since it appears I can't go anywhere without some gem of catastrophe, my hotel lost power for close to two hours. It was actually more than just the hotel - it was the entire city block. The Hampton Inn graciously issued me a flashlight but did not seem to understand my remorse at having again missed the opportunity to watch Pretty Woman all the way through (that movie and Footloose - I have never seen in their entirety!). I took that as my chance to go to bed, and get my first, full, ghost-free night's sleep in quite a few days.
The next day I ventured onto the DC Metro. Once I overcome the incredibly confusing and archaic pass purchase instructions (c'mon people - more pictures! Take a nod from Denver), I purchased by pass and was off on my Space Mountain-like journey. Since I'm a fan of subways, I will say that the DC Metro was VERY clean, albeit VERY dark. Not sure if perhaps those two are connected in some way.
My stop at the Library of Congress was absolutely magnificent. I really can't believe I have never been before, and it was an absolutely FANTASTIC, interactive, and moving experience. Go ahead- laugh at me - I don't care! I didn't get shushed once while I was there, and I never could figure out how to make it into the "big" reading room, but the view was spectacular. I can cross one more thing off my "list".
I have now arrived safely at the home of @thediva where I am being forced into an involuntary fast. Should the never ending shower actually curtail at some point, there is the promise of bacon and pedicures (bacon pedicures?). Since the movers have completely reneged on their agreement to deliver their furniture by Tuesday of next week (I display zero shock at this), I've got time before I roll into my final destination of Boston. I should be arriving tomorrow, unless the lure of Foxwoods gets me on my way ...

Raleigh Ramblings

OK, so technically ~ I'm not IN Raleigh. I'm in Rocky Mount, which is a town that appears to be comprised of nothing but hotels and chain restaurants. In truth, I'm not even sure that I'm going to be driving through Raleigh - but any blog reader of mine wouldn't truly be about semantics, would they?
I survived yesterday's road adventure, dead tired from spending my last night in Savannah wondering if the damn haunted TV was going to come on again (it didn't by the way). Then, thanks to the very nice valet, my car lights were left on, draining my battery. After "Bubba" (no joke) gave my car a jump (and leered at me in a way that suggested it wasn't the only thing he was thinking of jumping), I was off and running.
As previously tweeted, don't ever have to pee on South Carolina. There were very little stops on the stretch if I95 I was traveling on, and I was grateful to have waited until North Carolina for that second cup of coffee. Also, South Carolina is completely devoid of signage. Now, the simplicity is beautiful in many respects, but at the same time, girlfriend would like to know if she's even close to the speed limit, you know what I mean?
I was able to meet up with a friend and have dinner last night here in Rocky Mount, and the company was lovely and much appreciated. Today, I venture to Alexandria, Virginia. My timing kind of sucks and it appears as though I'll be wading in right about rush hour. I may just have to detour along the way (although there are no South of the Borders to look forward to) to put me in a tad later.
Tomorrow - it's off the the Library of Congress!