I work in a public library in a medium-sized town. I'm amazed sometimes at the things people think we can get or do for them. They're convinced we have supreme knowledge and resources. Last night, just before I left the library, I spent half an hour looking for an overhaul manual for a military jet engine. Not something you would normally find in a suburban public library. Barnes and Noble didn't have it either. He could have ordered it online for about $180.00, but he wanted it now.
Some other questions I've been asked:
"Can you get the blueprints for my house?" (Some people think everything's on the internet.)
"How do I fill out these tax forms?" (We're not even supposed to tell them which forms they need.)
"I have these microscopic worms all over my body. Can you tell me what they are?" (He drew me a picture - ugh! I didn't even want to be in the same building with the guy, but he wouldn't go away and kept coming back to library asking for me by name.)
"Is this the police station?" (Huh?!?)
I guess I should feel honored that people actually think I know so much, but mostly I'm concerned about the incredible ignorance that seems to be rampant these days.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Monday, March 27, 2006
Time to catch up
Well, a lot has happened since I last posted. Brian did get his new flute - a beautiful sterling silver Gemeinhardt 50th anniversary flute with open holes and a B-foot. He's still active in the flute choir at the college, and now has joined the symphonic band as well.
Jacob and his girlfriend had a surprise for us - in February last year they got married at the library, in May they had the big church wedding, and at the end of August they presented us with our first grandson. It was a little ahead of schedule, but he's a beautiful baby. As a result of all this, Jacob was thrust into the working world. He spent 3 months as a sign waver, took a few months off, and is now doing QA at a computer recycling facility. That may end soon - he just had an interview for a position as an elementary school music teacher. They're all living with us, in a big fifth wheel trailer in the front yard.
Rachel has been trying to find a career that suits her. After a few years as a music major, she spent a semester taking courses in child development, and is now studying computer graphics and animation. She loves the animation courses (we knew she would) and is seriously considering which way to go in this field. After a two month break from music classes, she's back to singing with College Singers and Master Arts Chorale - she just couldn't stay away.
My sister Betsy joined the family commune in August. She volunteers regularly at the library where I work, and is greatly appreciated there. When Jacob and his family get their own place, she'll get the trailer.
Okay, now I'm all caught up. We'll see if I can remember to post more often. I'll try to write about some of the crazy things that go on at the library.
Jacob and his girlfriend had a surprise for us - in February last year they got married at the library, in May they had the big church wedding, and at the end of August they presented us with our first grandson. It was a little ahead of schedule, but he's a beautiful baby. As a result of all this, Jacob was thrust into the working world. He spent 3 months as a sign waver, took a few months off, and is now doing QA at a computer recycling facility. That may end soon - he just had an interview for a position as an elementary school music teacher. They're all living with us, in a big fifth wheel trailer in the front yard.
Rachel has been trying to find a career that suits her. After a few years as a music major, she spent a semester taking courses in child development, and is now studying computer graphics and animation. She loves the animation courses (we knew she would) and is seriously considering which way to go in this field. After a two month break from music classes, she's back to singing with College Singers and Master Arts Chorale - she just couldn't stay away.
My sister Betsy joined the family commune in August. She volunteers regularly at the library where I work, and is greatly appreciated there. When Jacob and his family get their own place, she'll get the trailer.
Okay, now I'm all caught up. We'll see if I can remember to post more often. I'll try to write about some of the crazy things that go on at the library.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)