What would you do with $220 million?

Tuesday, June 29, 2004

Today's MegaMillions jackpot is up to $220 million. I was in Illinois on Saturday and managed to pick up a ticket. (I say manage as I almost forgot until right before I got on the highway and had to make a big u-turn--legal--to go back to the Stop N Shop at the exit.)

I bought $5 worth of tickets. It may be a waste of my money, but I feel it isn't. One it helps pay to make someone's world change. Secondly, I pay at least $6 to see a movie that lasts about 90 minutes. The nice little fantasy one gets from dreaming about what they could and would do with such an instant change of fortune. These fantasy's last longer than 90 minutes--heck, I spent just 90 minutes this morning wondering what I could do with $220 million.

Would I learn from past winners mistakes? Would I really change? Well, maybe on the latter as I would no longer be employed--but I believe I would still work, just on a volunteer basis for causes I strongly believed.

Whatever I would do post receipt of check, I would definitely see my cousin Earl first to establish the best way to receive and administer the money.

So, what would you do with $220 million (or about $112 million in cash)?
posted by suzyjax on 6/29/2004 09:35:00 AM > 0 comments

Rant on the people I work with part 3

How lazy is Candance? She closes on Monday. The people who close on Monday are to clean up the work room area. I came in this morning to trash overflowing the cannister and a general disarry of boxes and paper in the room.
Last Monday I told her about it. This week, I am pissed!!!!!!!!
Am I supposed to call her every Monday and tell her to get her shit together?!
The reason I get really mad is that I close on Tuesdays. Which means I get to clean up for her day AND my day. Lovely.
Meanwhile, Candance's schedule consists of coming in about 1/2 hour late each day, barricading herself in her office, and leaving right at 5:00.
And this bitch has the nerve to question Mark for getting a "free" day off as he works Sundays (thus the library is closed for the actual holiday and the observed holiday). She insinuated that he owed the library a day. Hell, the way I look at it she owes the library a day every other week!
posted by suzyjax on 6/29/2004 09:31:00 AM > 0 comments

Oh my gosh!

Sunday, June 27, 2004

A technology article in the NY Times, details cellphone "alibi clubs". These clubs help the users lie about their whereabouts to skip work, carry on affairs, etc.

sending out a text message to hundreds of other cellphone users in an "alibi and excuse club," a network of 3,400 strangers who help each other skip work, get out of dates or give a loved one the slip.

My questions:

1) What makes you think that the lover, spouse or boss that you are trying to give the slip is not a member also? 3400 strangers might include some familiar faces.

2) When will people start to use these to commit crimes or establish alibis for such?
posted by suzyjax on 6/27/2004 03:15:00 PM > 0 comments

What's amazing to me...

Friday, June 25, 2004

What's amazing to me...could be the title of many amusing thoughts I post here. This could be volume/part one.

It is amazing to me that someone would want to get engaged, yet is calling me for a quick get-together an hour before he picks up said woman at the airport. I guess to my advantage I live close to the airport so I guess it's on his way. Hmmm...
posted by suzyjax on 6/25/2004 12:23:00 PM > 0 comments

More on the wrong number

I found my cell phone and JTA called a few moments ago. I guess he apologized for his behavior Sunday, although it was more of an explanation. I just don't get this relationship with his girlfriend. She just won't let him have any female friends. And--bad news--Jody is moving back to St. Louis. Thus, she will be around all of the time and it might be the end of this little fling of mine.

JTA claims he is going to propose to Jody. IF they get married, it might quickly end in divorce if she keeps up her insanity and jealousy. Of course, JTA plays the doormat role very well and will probably put up with her longer than anyone else might.
posted by suzyjax on 6/25/2004 09:29:00 AM > 0 comments

Hidden stairways and passages

The library I work in will be 75 years old next year. We plan on having lots of hype surrounding this throughout the next school year, highlighted by the opening of a time capsule during homecoming weekend.

I was assisting someone doing genealogy research in our school's archives today and thought I would look to see what type of informtion existed about the time capsule (mainly: how do we get to it?) and other historical information about the building and library.

In some of the information about the opening of the library, one student was quoted that the "best views of the countryside can be found by going up in the tower". You can go up in the tower?! I spent most of the rest of the morning trying to figure out how one would get up there. There was one stairwell (which I didn't even know existed) that had a ladder going up to the roof (or possibly the tower). Or it could be when they put on the addition of the building in the late '60's they blocked off the access.

In addition, these hidden stairwell connected to passageways that I also didn't know existed. Hmmm...these could be the source of major pranks in the future.
posted by suzyjax on 6/25/2004 09:19:00 AM > 0 comments

Thou-Shalt-See TV

Thursday, June 24, 2004

The New York Times > Opinion > Thou-Shalt-See TV is a very witty piece in todays NY Times. And, not suprisingly, comes from a writer of The Daily Show.
posted by suzyjax on 6/24/2004 10:59:00 AM > 0 comments

Lost Cell Phone part 2

Tuesday, June 22, 2004

Oh well, still don't have my phone. But, my situation could be worse, according to this article from The Onion.

Local Woman Dies Of Lost Cell Phone
APALACHICOLA, FL—Catherine Polk, 24, died at a local Starbucks Monday afternoon, due to complications resulting from the tragic loss of her cell phone. "It was horrible—Cathy didn't have any of her numbers written down anywhere else, and she was waiting on a call about last-minute tickets for a concert," said best friend Melissa Barreth, who was with Polk when she first discovered that her Cingular V400 quad band/GSM cell phone was not in her purse. "We tried everything to find it, but in the end, there was nothing we could do." The coroner's report confirmed that Polk died of a sudden lack of wireless service.


posted by suzyjax on 6/22/2004 05:32:00 PM > 0 comments

Lost my cellphone--again!

I have, once again, lost my cell phone. It was in my car hooked up to the charger. I believe I remember seeing it when I was driving to the shop from work. Then, after I got in the car from the grocery story and going back to work (where I wanted to plug it into a charger) I could not find it.

I hope it's under a car seat somewhere.

I do this all the time and am completely out of touch for a few days until I find it.
posted by suzyjax on 6/22/2004 03:32:00 PM > 0 comments

Hair and Stuff

Went on my lunch (long lunch day) and had my hair done. So, I now look and feel fabulous. Robyn brought along Zoey so it was fun, fun, fun. I just love this little girl and she is just at such a cute age. Her only downside is that she looks like a Langhorst, specifically her Uncle Gary. I will try not to hold that against her.
posted by suzyjax on 6/22/2004 03:28:00 PM > 0 comments

Wrong number?

Sunday, June 20, 2004

I just called JTA to see what was up. We were supposed to get together on Thursday but I went to be early after a busy day of meetings and errands. Tonight was another possible hookup day, which is why I called.
So, when he picks up the phone I can hear someone in the background. I can only assume this was Jody. I ask to speak to him when he says Hello and he tells me I have the wrong number! I just started laughing.
I guess that's better than saying "I will have to call you back" and then have Miss You-can't-be-friends-with-any-female ask who was on the line. Why doesn't she go back to Texas or wherever she lives so I can have some playtime?!
This was good for a laugh.
posted by suzyjax on 6/20/2004 08:55:00 AM > 0 comments

Thursday--Donna Brazile luncheon

I went to the Donna Brazile luncheon on Thursday. It was downtown in the Metropolitan Square building--a place I had never been to the "top". The Top of the Met has some spectacular views although, due to my fear of heights, I never got too close to the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Ms. Brazile was inspirational. She challenged us all to do whatever we could to defeat Bush this November. I already was contemplating quitting job #2 to do all that I could on the campaign. This thinking is now in serious mode.

We all received a personalized copy of her book. I can't wait to read it, but must finish the other two books on my plate first.
posted by suzyjax on 6/20/2004 08:40:00 AM > 0 comments

A beautiful day in the neighborhood

It's such a nice day today. So, cool--I think the high is to be in the 70's. I always hold out on turning on the AC and weekends like this prove I am right.
Of course, I don't get to enjoy too much as I am working job #2.
posted by suzyjax on 6/20/2004 08:22:00 AM > 0 comments

It's getting hot in here

Wednesday, June 16, 2004

They recently installed a new air conditioning unit at the library. It was huge, soy ou think this place would be an icebox. It doesn't seem to be doing the job. I often sit at the circlation desk with sweat just rolling down my face.
Just sitting.
Sweating.
I feel pretty!
posted by suzyjax on 6/16/2004 12:14:00 PM > 0 comments

Golden Bowlful of Literary Inspiration

Tuesday, June 15, 2004

The New York Times has a story today, The New York Times > Books > Golden Bowlful of Literary Inspiration, that states that there are 5-6 (or more) books about Henry James that are being published in the near future.
Hello? Don't they know we have recently re-catalogued the 5-volume definitive work on Henry James?
posted by suzyjax on 6/15/2004 03:57:00 PM > 0 comments

Yahoo Expands E-Mail Storage, in Nod to Google

The New York Times > Technology > Yahoo Expands E-Mail Storage, in Nod to Google is a story in the NY Times on how I now don't have to fret about getting to my e-mail on a more regular basis. I was ALWAYS over my 6.0 MB limit (but not usually at the 7.0 MB point where they cut you off until you clean it out).
I just knew that today I would come into the "over the max" message as I had not checked my e-mail since Sunday afternoon. Hmmm...this is GREAT NEWS!


posted by suzyjax on 6/15/2004 03:51:00 PM > 0 comments

I found this odd...

In Dierberg's ad they show their grilling specials and it's mostly shrimp. I know of noone who has "thrown some shrimp on the barbie". This is St. Louis--where are the pork steaks?
posted by suzyjax on 6/15/2004 03:24:00 PM > 0 comments

Lost my groove

I was in such a groove with work until about 1/2 hour ago. Now, I don't care if I see another book.

I have been doing anything but dealing with these hundreds of books that need spine labels.

I think I shall see what is on sale at Dierbergs and Shop N Save. I have not bought any groceries for my lunches this week.

D'oh. KWMU just reported that a St. Louis County company was in trouble for making an illegal product. Then, went on to say that 321 Productions of ST CHARLES! Hello, don't associate my beloved county with this yahoo city of St. Charles.
posted by suzyjax on 6/15/2004 03:04:00 PM > 0 comments

And along came a spider

So, the cherry on top of my ice cream sundae of a day is that I just was bitten by a spider. This is the second time in as many weeks! And this one was right on the neck. (Now how I didn't feel this on my neck before the bite is beyond me.)


posted by suzyjax on 6/15/2004 01:13:00 PM > 0 comments

When Tuesdays are like Mondays

Mondays are my day off from the library. That doesn't mean each Tuesday should be like a Monday!
I came in this afternoon to a total mess. I specifically asked my co-workers NOT to mess with my project and was very clear that once my workers finished their assigned tasks that they need not do any work on my project. We have a ton of stuff going on so you would think they might find something else for them to do.
That aside, the manager (of all people!) gives another workers cart to one worker who had finished her cart. This other worker does something completely different on the project so it was a total waste of time. Her time could have beeen better spent studying or staring at the walls than to interfere with my progress on this project. This follows a memo I sent out on Friday asking people, once again, to stay out of it!
These people are not being helpful they are causing more work on my end.
I would like this job, especially this project, if they would keep out of it! But they are causing me to hate every aspect of being here.

posted by suzyjax on 6/15/2004 01:08:00 PM > 0 comments

The sound your hear is that of rich white people whining

Sunday, June 13, 2004

Diversity Plan Shaped in Texas Is Under Attack
Oh cry me a river you rich white folks who can’t get your kid into the state colleges in Texas. For those of you who don’t know, Texas has an admission policy stating that the top 10% of any high school will automatically be admitted. This was to be used to allow racial and economic diversity in the colleges without setting actual quotas.
Now the problem I have with this program is that on the racial side it assumes—and only works—if our schools and neighborhoods are segregated. We should be working to diversify our neighborhoods, high schools, and colleges. Our goal shouldn’t be to diversify our college campuses at the cost of segregated municipalities.
The issue with the “cry me a river” rich folks is that their kids struggle to get in the top 25% at their “better” school is a far better student than some urban kid who is in the top 10% at his school.
The solution isn’t to change the methodology but to make our schools more equitable by developing programs and providing funding to improve any school that may be considered in the lacking category. In addition, we need to expand college opportunities for all. If high school students are being denied admission due to lack of space, rather than lack of aptitude, then we should be increasing the college’s ability to accept more students through increased funding for new dormitories, buildings, and laboratories.

posted by suzyjax on 6/13/2004 11:42:00 AM > 0 comments

Getting Information or Stirring the Pot?

Thursday, June 10, 2004

Recently, we received a very benevolent e-mail stating that since the American Independence Day Holiday of July 4 fell on a Sunday this year, we could have Monday, July 5th as a paid holiday.

Our library is open 7 days a week. Does this mean we are closed both Sunday AND Monday? What about that Saturday?

I just sent an e-mail to the director of our library (and copied the entire staff) inquiring as to what the policies were regarding these days. My usual schedule is Tuesday thru Saturday, so Sunday and Monday paid holidays will not affect or benefit me. Now there does appear to be some inequity in that I receive NO benefit and some people, those who work on Sunday, get to "double dip". Do I get an additional day?

I am sure some will see this as stirring the pot (like I give a rat's ass). I just wanted to tie down my schedule and get some information.
posted by suzyjax on 6/10/2004 01:24:00 PM > 0 comments

The Randi Rhodes Show on Newsradio 1290 WJNO

The Randi Rhodes Show is currently doing a hilarious take on how Bush tortures the English language.
posted by suzyjax on 6/10/2004 01:22:00 PM > 0 comments

Rant on the People I work with Part 2

I have been holding this rant in hoping that I might get over it. Last week there was a conference for academic librarians. I think I might have stated that before. Almost everyone went except for 3 members of the staff.

Our library is open 12 hours each day during the summer. This could be easily divided into 4 hours per person to work the circulation desk. Easily.

However, Candance refuses to come out of her office most of the time. This is bad enough, but the kicker was that on two times that she came actually out of her office and strolled by the circulation desk she comments on how cold it is in her office.
The circ desk is in an open area with high ceilings--it is never cool in the summer time or very warm in the winter. You think she would come work her time at the circ desk just to warm up. But noooooo.

So, when she takes off on Friday claiming a doctor's appointment (why would you schedule that during this conference?) it really made no difference that it was only Mark and I running the library.
posted by suzyjax on 6/10/2004 11:55:00 AM > 0 comments

Henry James

Tuesday, June 08, 2004

Is there really a need for a 5-volume biography on the life of Henry James? 5 volumes? Not five volumes on his works, but five volumes on his life! Does it have transcripts of every conversation he has had in his life? Just something that came across my desk today needing to be catalogued.

posted by suzyjax on 6/08/2004 04:30:00 PM > 0 comments

What my life should be like

Yesterday was a good day that is just a fond memory now that I am back in reality. Nothing great or spectacular, but more of what my life would be like if I were a lottery winner.
I started at the day at Governor Holden's campaign office working on one small project. Then headed over to the Missouri History Museum to work in the Lewis and Clark Exhibition until 4:00. I would usually play golf after that, but it was cancelled on this particular Monday. So, I met my friend Beth on the CWE and we shopped for books at Left Bank and had a nice outside dinner at Wild Flower Cafe.
I really need to win the lottery--or marry well--so I can have more days like this and less spent working, working, working on less purposeful endeavors.
posted by suzyjax on 6/08/2004 07:25:00 AM > 0 comments

Thank you to the inventor of the mute button

Sunday, June 06, 2004

Killing the day at the part-time job with the 9 to 6 shift. I don't think I can take much more of these customers.

Had one today who asked me how big was the 14 inch item?! I had to put the mute button into action to not actually laugh in her face. AND she still didn't get it until I said it was over a foot long!
posted by suzyjax on 6/06/2004 02:55:00 PM > 0 comments

The Afternoon Nap

One thing I used to love was the weekend afternoon nap. I lived for sleeping in front of the Cards game on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Now, as a student who works two jobs these are but a distant memory...until yesterday.

Yesterday, between Thomas Jefferson Days events, I was able to go home and take a nap. Now, mind you, some of this was needed due to the number of beers I had the previous evening. That aside, it was soooo wonderful.

I almost hated to get up to get ready for the champagne reception and banquet.

I miss the afternoon nap.
posted by suzyjax on 6/06/2004 01:47:00 PM > 0 comments

The internet is broken

Friday, June 04, 2004

I always have to chuckle at any patron (student, staff or faculty) who comes to a librarian and states "the internet is broken".
Today, I feel their pain...blogger is not posting my posts. Although they are saving them, which is nice that I don't feel completely frustrated and can post them when things are working again. Then, FrontPage will not update my site. I am getting some type of httpd.conf error. Says it cannot open it because it cannot find it. Hmmm...
posted by suzyjax on 6/04/2004 12:07:00 PM > 0 comments

Veterans for Kerry

I just received an e-mail message to join Veterans for Kerry. Now, I love our women and men in uniform--much so that I have dedicated my time to serving them at the USO. However, I am not the military type (following orders?!). The only general I salute is Dollar General. How did I get on this mailing list?
posted by suzyjax on 6/04/2004 11:50:00 AM > 0 comments

Thomas Jefferson Days is tonight and tomorrow

I am and am not looking forward to this event. I do like the meet and greet and seeing people who feel the same about our government that I do. However, I am going by myself so I will almost certainly feel like a wall-flower more often than not.
One good thing is that I did speak with my friend, Sandy, yesterday. She said she would be attending this event. Yeah! I haven't seen her for almost a year and haven't really talked to her for a month or two.
I had called her because I knew I would run into her husband tonight. He is with the Sheet Metal Workers and they usually have a hospitality suite at this event. I didn't want to show my face if he was gonna say "when was the last time you called my wife!". Now, I will get to see both of them and can hang out with Sandy. That and partake in some of the "liquid hospitality" provided by this and other labor unions.


posted by suzyjax on 6/04/2004 11:28:00 AM > 0 comments

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mother's birthday! She really wanted to go to the Cards game against the Houston Astros. I tried to round up tickets for any game this weekend, but this isn't as easy as it used to be--one of the pitfalls of working in the academic world over the business world.

Due to lack of funds, I told her I had the Post put off printing my Wal-Mart thing until today as a birthday present. I actually didn't even tell her it was going to be there. She saw it on her own. Said as she was reading it was like "yeah, that's right. That's sooooo right. Oh, that's my daughter."
posted by suzyjax on 6/04/2004 11:25:00 AM > 0 comments

The Post printed my Rant on Wal-Mart!

Today, the Post printed my rant on Wal-Mart. It was in response to Nicklaus' column on Wal-Mart and Vermont. I really can't worry about Vermont, but it does irritate me when people think that the few cents they save at Wal-Mart does not cost them anything.

I recently wrote a paper for school on why we shouldn't shop at Wal-Mart. I really could have done more than the 10 pages required--I could have written a book. Maybe I will...the title could be "The True Cost of Low Prices".
posted by suzyjax on 6/04/2004 11:19:00 AM > 0 comments

If Steven Greenhouse doesn't have a Pulitzer, he should

I usually do not notice the bylines on most news articles that I read. Alhtough I have noted the OpEd contributors and have my personal favorites. But, the beauty of returning to school and citing sources I have come to really appreciate the work of Steven Greenhouse of the New York Times.

He often writes about the plight of "common folk" and those who will fall into the cracks of our society. He had a great article on Monday about the life of laundry workers, people we must realize exist--I mean our clothes, linens, etc just don't clean themselves--but to whom we never give a second thought.

He has written many articles on Wal-Mart, exposing some of their treatment of workers and unpleasant working conditions (I believe he broke the story on the Wal-Mart workers being locked-in to the store).

If he doesn't already have a Pulitzer, he should be awarded one at some point in his journalistic career.
posted by suzyjax on 6/04/2004 11:04:00 AM > 0 comments

This is NOT a booty call

Thursday, June 03, 2004

A few weeks ago I had been thinking about my old friend Rod from college. The last we had spoken or e-mailed he had just converted to Islam and was attending law school in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. Even that was about 5 years ago.

Every once in while I would get the urge to contact him and try to google him. No luck. Then a few weeks back I decide to spend my Saturday at the library hunting him down. Now, I must say that I am proud of myself for actually finally locating him. He has changed his name to the Muslim name of Zaki and he is now living in Indianapolis--a place I would have never thought to look. But, I was 99% sure that Zaki Ali was my Rod as this name also appeared as a lawyer in the Indy suburbs.

So, that Monday I give him a call in his office. I really wanted to feign that I had just been arrested and was in desperate need of a lawyer. Unfortunately, his office is structured that you speak to at least two people before you get to him. I figured the jig would be up before it was down and just played it straight. I had to leave a message anyway as Mr. Ali was in court.

He did call me back almost immediately. I think his call came in the same time as one form Robyn as the voicemail indicator beeped in my ear not much into my conversation with her. When we finally ended our game of phone tag I got a chance to catch up with him.

He had just been in St. Louis for a SEMO Football reunion to celebrate one of the guy's b-days, which made me wish that I had attempted this sooner. He told me how things were going in his life and I told him what I was doing now.

Here's the kicker of the conversation: I was talking about my job and he is looking at the library's webpages. I tell him that the one view is the same view from my office. I even laughed that many couples make out on those couches and I "get" to watch.

Now when I say this most of the time it is in person and you see my eyeballs roll. It is obvious it is not the spark of my day. However, Zaki says "Oh, still got that high level of estrogen, huh?" AS IF I enjoyed watching these kids make out on a regular basis!

This happened near the end of our conversation and it kinda bugs me. Did he think this was some 5-years-later middle-of-the-day booty call? Aaagh.

It's too soon to call back. I wish I had gotten an e-mail address because it would be much easier to re-break the ice that way. And now I feel like I do need to rebreak the ice. This was NOT a booty call.
posted by suzyjax on 6/03/2004 05:13:00 PM > 0 comments

How dumb are these students?

Today a student has been a complete pain in the ass! She has tried to break both the stapler and the hole punch. I mean, she would call it using it, most would call it abusing it. I told her time and again that she could only do a few pages at a time. I don't think she will be satified until she breaks it.

Then, this same dumb bitch, goes and prints multiple copies of a 16 page website. This caused all sorts of distress as it was blocking other students from using the printer.

First, print one copy. It is a printer not a photocopier.

Second, check how many pages before you print.

So, I told her to cancel all of her jobs. And of course, being the dumb bitch that she is, couldn't figure it out.

The sucky part is that we don't charge the students for printing. I would feel better about this if I could say---okay that's $100 for your handouts Miss Tree Killer!

One of the students impatiently waiting said she was in his class tonight and it was probably a handout for the class. Well, then she is a Tree Killer!
Students don't care about another student's handouts--especially if its 16 pages!

When you hear the phrase "not college material" this Miss Tree Killer should come to mind.
posted by suzyjax on 6/03/2004 01:59:00 PM > 0 comments

Motivation to Work

I have had no motivation to get anything done today. I guess it is looking at two carts full of books needing spine labels--it makes me want to run screaming from the building.

At one point, I had really gotten into a work groove when Mark came and told me to go to lunch. Since we are short staffed today I can't blow off any chance to take a break.

Then it took me almost an hour after that to get back in the groove of work again.

Killing time e-flirting with JTA3. I am trying to entice him to meet me at the library instead of playing softball. Or at least praying it will rain so there is no choice to make.
Why does it rain every day of the past few weeks except yesterday and today when it could do me some good?
posted by suzyjax on 6/03/2004 12:07:00 PM > 0 comments

The first line of your autobiography

On yesterday's Diane Rehm Show, Diane was interviewing someone who had written a book. In addition, this guest had also done many interviews herself. The guest said she asked the following question in almost all of her interviews:

"What would be the first line of your autobiography?"

I thought this was a very interesting ice-breaker type question. I may have to use that for any meetings that require such an activity.

Then, of course, I thought what would be the first line of MY autobiography? The first thing that came to mind was "I was born a poor white child". Then I realized that most people would not get the Steve Martin-related humor. I mean, they never get it when the new white or yellow pages arrive and I jump up and down screaming with joy that "the new phonebooks are here, the new phonebooks are here!".

Yes, I have a weird since of humor.
That aside, what would be the first line of your autobiography?
posted by suzyjax on 6/03/2004 07:07:00 AM > 1 comments

Bagels and the morning routine

This morning I decided to drop into the grocery store on my way to work. I figured that, in addition to my groceries, I could also pickup my morning bagel. This was a bad idea. The grocery store version of a bagel was really just bread in the shape of a bagel. They should really label these "bagel-shaped kaiser rolls".

This really ruined my morning routine.

I usually stop by The Bagel Factory on my way to work. In my opinion, they have the BEST bagels in St. Louis. And, being an early bird, they are usually still warm when I arrive to pickup my daily bagel.

Again, this ruined my morning routine and I wonder if it will ruin my entire day. My morning routine usually consists of me arriving at the library a few minutes before 7 AM. I start-up my pc and retrive the newspapers. I then go back to the PC and while eating my bagel (topped with whatever delightful spread I had made that week) I read the New York Times , check my e-mail and Page Six. Yes, I read the gossip pages and feel my morning is not complete without them. Unfortunately, I really don't like Page Six. But, they have the most stuff on a daily basis and it keeps me on top of "what the kids like" these days. If it wasn't for Page Six and The Awful Truth I would still think Lindsey Lohan was the same cute 10-12 year old she was in The Parent Trap. It is my one connection to pop culture.

That said, how does Page Six manage to get right-wing bias into the gossip pages? You would think that celebrity gossip would be fairly non-partisan but some how that Dick--Richard Johnson--manages to be evil. He should take a lesson from his PageSix compadres Liz Smith and Cindy Adams. Both manage to inform without mean spiritedness.

Once I have those read, I am ready to begin doing actual library work.

When I am ready to take a break I usually peruse The Note, NotedNow and The Washington Post. I usually save the St. Louis Post-Dispatch until the afternoon, figuring any "late breaking" local news would be more relevant in the afternoon.

I would hate for anyone to think I am some sort of slacker. I firmly believe that all library staff should be on top of current events. The above activity promoted this...


posted by suzyjax on 6/03/2004 06:35:00 AM > 0 comments

Rant on the people I work with Part 1

Wednesday, June 02, 2004

I decided to name this part one as I am sure this will be an ongoing rant.

Anyway...

This week there is an academic librarian conference at the Lake of the Ozarks. It starts tonight at 7:00. Lynn, who is the night person at the library, is one of the people attending. Thus, we all have to cover her shifts this week. So, you would think that she could come in early today knowing we will be short-staffed and then leave for the Lake. I guess this is just dreaming. She comes in after noon and then leaves around 1:00. She stops by my office to say she is leaving and I about fell out of my chair. The thing doesn't start for 6 hours and I told her as much. She says some lame thing about getting gas, etc. There is a gas station right down the street from the school (and on the way to the Lake) where you can not only fill your tank but get snacks and drinks for the ride.
Why did she even bother to come in?
Why shouldn't she get gas on her time (or at least the 12 hours of the day before she bothered to show up at the library)?! And does it take you four hours to get gas?!
At least Corrie had sense enough to come in around 7 AM and stay until 12:30 or so.
I told Candance who is closing tonight (without any thanks from Lynn) that we are going next year just so Lynn can NOT go!
posted by suzyjax on 6/02/2004 03:29:00 PM > 0 comments

I am just a girl who can't say "no"

I really have a problem, but I just can't say no to these causes that I care about. Thus, I am now working on the Holden campaign every Monday--doing whatever to help out in the office.

The call before the Holden campaign was the Carnahan for Congress. Now, I will be helping them at the Thomas Jefferson Days event this weekend.

Oh well, it keeps the calendar full. Idle hands are the devil's workshop and all. Or is it no rest for the wicked.

posted by suzyjax on 6/02/2004 02:07:00 PM > 0 comments

The Day After Tomorrow

Tuesday, June 01, 2004

It made me laugh!
It made me cry!
This was a great movie--just the summer blockbuster escape I needed today. Of course I was a little biased as I have been on the edge of my seat waiting for this movie to be released being such a lover of environmental causes! That and I just love, love, love Dennis Quaid.

I went to see the show at the new Regal 18 at the new St. Louis Mills shopping center. Mostly because I felt if it was new the floors might not have the usual sticky feeling. That and I try to spend my $$ in St Louis County or the City of St. Louis if possible (it was also playing at the Wehrenberg Cine on Hwy 94 which is just as close but in St. Charles County). The cine was nice, clean--just what you would expect for something fairly new.

The mall was big and I only got a glimpse of it. It is very bright and brightly colored. Maybe another lunch hour can be spent just perusing some of what they have there--including the Books-A-Million which I have been ordering from via their website for some time now.


posted by suzyjax on 6/01/2004 12:36:00 PM > 0 comments

Working in academia over the summer

Being at a university over the summer is both good and bad. It is slow so I am getting a lot of work done on the major project I was hired to complete. Bad because it is the only thing going and has been a bit overwhelming of late. I have five Graduate Assistants helping with the project and I spend more time getting things ready for them than I do any work on my own. I think I just need to get myself, and them, into a groove.

Another good thing of summer in academia is that the feel is a little more relaxed and the hours are a bit more flexible. I will be taking advantage of this by taking an extra long lunch today to go and see "The Day After Tomorrow". Now, before anyone thinks I am a slacker: I still came in at 7 AM today although Tuesday is usually my "late" day when I work until 8 PM. I think I will more than be making up my movie time, thank you very much.
posted by suzyjax on 6/01/2004 08:10:00 AM > 0 comments

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