Hopefully...

I'm Reading a Book!

2011-03-30T12:44:00.001-06:00

So, I haven't updated the blog in a long time! Sorry! And, today isn't that day, but I'll post this little video in the meantime!

Gotta Keep Reading - Ocoee Middle School

2010-08-26T17:06:00.000-06:00

Check out this video- based off the flashmob Oprah/Black Eyed Peas show!!!!

APHC: Ruth Harrison, Reference Librarian

2009-07-22T19:25:00.001-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEq7ADBGW-8

Summer Programs at the Library

2009-07-19T18:31:00.001-06:00

Besides the summer reading program, my department has been busy with 3 days of storytime. I've been doing the 2-3 yr old storytime each day and it's been fun. We have some regulars and they are starting to recognize me. It's so fun hearing their little voices say my name and are excited to see me! My personal favorites are the twins, Kate and Brennan. They are half Japanese and adorable! Their mom says that whenever they drive by the library they ask if Ms Elizabeth is there. So cute!
The children's department has also been busy with special storytime programs. I haven't done any programs myself, but I've been on hand to help out. I will be heading up another costume-character program next month. Yeah...
One of my co-workers, Debbie, won a grant for our library and we received some new books. That was really cool. In the grant she wrote up ways she would use these books for special library programs, if she won. So, now she's caring out these programs. One of the books was "Our White House: looking in, looking out" and it's a collection of facts and short stories about the White House. What's she did for one of her programs was talk about the pets that the President's have had - they they painted a simple picture of the White House and the green lawn in front - then the kids could paint what animals they would have as pets if they were President. It was a big success.
Next week Donna and Debbie are doing a program to commemorate the 40 years since NASA first landed on the moon. That will be really fun.

Movie Mania - literally!

2009-07-09T18:40:00.002-06:00

We've had a weekly movie showing each Thursday. Donna found the newest kid's movies that just came to DVD (Hotel for Dogs, Paul Blart Mall Cop, Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Race to Witch Mountain, High School Musical 3 and Space Buddies - if you wanted to know) and we show them each week - with a free bag of popcorn. (We have a big popcorn popper). The first week we have more than one hundred people show up and our meeting room has a fire code restriction of 100 people. Also, the volunteers had only popped 50 bags of popcorn and people were pestering the volunteers to make more popcorn.
Well, to prevent this happening again the next time we figured out a ticket system - just like in the movie theaters. We are only setting up 75 chairs, popping 75 bags of popcorn and giving out 75 bags of popcorn. Once the tickets are gone, that's it! It went a lot better the next week and the weeks following - much more in control!
We've also had teen volunteers helping out this summer. Since we are short-staffed we've been having them help with re-shelving (a never-ending job) and other special projects as necessary. They've been a big help.

Be Creative - Summer Reading Program 2009

2009-06-16T18:06:00.000-06:00

I'm keeping busy with work, and this summer has been going good, for the most part! We've been busy with the Summer Reading Program and getting kids and teens to sign up. If the kids read 10 hours, marking off their game-board, then they get a prize! The half-way prize is a Smencil - a gourmet smelling pencil. Those are really popular. The end prize is a new book. Well, some are newly bought and the rest are nice looking donation books. That was a bit frustrating to me, to re-gift books that were donated to us - but they are in good condition and hopefully the kids will never know! This is a change from last year, they used to give out little prizes from the Oriental Trading company and the kids loved those. Since the city of Chesapeake is trying to save money, and be "green", they chose to give a book as the final prize. That's great - but I had hoped we would have a slew of new books that were new off the market - not donated copies of The Babysitter's Club. Oh well, whatever is left over won't be wasted.

Summer in D.C.

2009-06-14T18:20:00.002-06:00

Pictures from my weekends in D.C.!

The National Mall

2009-06-14T16:24:00.002-06:00

In June I was invited to a wedding, at the D.C. Temple, of a friend from my mission, Nica Conde. I was excited that I could actually go! Her wedding was on Friday and I decided to make a weekend of the trip and do some sight-seeing in D.C. on Saturday. Her wedding was so nice and I even got to see some old friends from my mission - that was really neat.
The reception was in Arlington, Virginia - so before the reception I went to the Arlington National Cemetery. The rows of white headstones were humbling - as was seeing the tomb of the unknown soldier. I also walked over to see the Kennedy's headstones. Saturday I went to the National Mall. I parked my car and took the Metro subway downtown. I hoped to see the national sites, and maybe some of the Smithsonian museums. Too bad they are all so far apart from each other! I sure did do a lot of walking! I actually had shin-splints for a few days afterwards.
Anyway, I saw the Washington Monument, then walked over the Lincoln Memorial - stopping at the Vietnam and WWII memorials on the way. I really liked the Lincoln Memorial - and it was also surreal looking at the statue that I've seen in so many pictures and movies. Martin Luther King stood there with his rally and spoke that famous speech. I wanted to spend more time contemplating all these things - but there were so many people there that it was too crowded to linger. I started walking back towards the capitol and almost made it - but my legs just gave out! I didn't think my legs would be able to get me back when I finally got there. So, I turned back and decided to quickly look through a couple of the museums.
I went to the Air & Space Museum and saw the Wright Brother's airplane, and one of the Apollo capsules that went to the moon. I next went over the Natural History museum and saw the Hope diamond! It's actually smaller than I expected - but it was sure beautiful! By this time I was exhausted, so I got back on the Metro back to my car. That was a great weekend - and I look forward to more opportunities to visit our nation's capital!

Frank & George

2009-06-01T17:27:00.003-06:00

I've had a few opportunities to do some traveling this month and it's been fun. I had the chance to go to a Frank Lloyd Wright designed house, the Pope-Leighey House. That was really neat - it's just wood and concrete and lots of unique windows. I guess he really liked the natural light in the home - and natural elements. The wooden walls weren't painted, just stained to show the grain of the wood. He even designed the furniture - it was pretty neat. I was impressed.

In the same town is Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. That was really amazing and surreal. The house was very grand, with some original pieces of furniture. A few of the rooms were painted green because Washington believed, as others in his time, that this showed prosperity. While waiting to go to different rooms there were tour guides sharing facts and stories about the Washington's. When George Washington died, his wife closed up their master room and moved her belongings to another room. She couldn't sleep in that room anymore. The grounds of Mount Vernon were quite extensive and unfortunately I didn't have the time to see them all, but that just means I'll have to go back! There was this neat museum by the front gate and it had some neat exhibits about Washington - including some wax figures of Washington at different ages of his life. It was cool.

YSA Memorial BBQ Pool Party

2009-05-29T17:51:00.000-06:00

We had a good time! Very fun!

Ericka

Sydney

Me and Heidi

Meredith, Ericka, Sydney and Heidi

Peter and the Wolf

2009-05-28T13:45:00.001-06:00

I just watched this short film and it was amazing. The music is classic - but this stop-motion animation is incredible. I loved Peter's character, and his big blue eyes. Watch it sometime - you won't regret it!

Daisy Duck and Tagging

2009-05-26T21:49:00.002-06:00

I helped with my first costume-character program this week. The library system rented a Daisy Duck costume (not Disney's Daisy Duck - but a duckling character from a book - very cute) and all the libraries had to plan a program to use the costume. My co-worker, Debbie, volunteered to be in the costume - and I didn't envy her. It looked so hot inside and she was so sweaty afterwards. So, I planned a family program with some stories, songs and a craft. We have a big screen and projection equipment that lets me plug in our laptop and run a PowerPoint presentation. I scanned in the pictures from the books - then showed them on the big screen. I blurred out the words on the pages and read those myself. We sang some duck songs and Debbie came out in the costume, and the kids went crazy. She went outside and we read another story then we did an easy craft - then Debbie came out again and the parents came up and took pictures of their kids with the the Duck costume. It was a success, though a little crazy on the kid's part. Debbie told me that was to be expected - the kids love the costume characters. Yeah! My first successful program! Jean was planning on coming, but then had a meeting to go to and I was grateful again for the tender mercies of the Lord. I needed to do this program without someone watching over my shoulder. I feel more comfortable about these story programs now and will be okay if Jean wants to attend in the future.

Work is going better. We're all keeping busy with a big system-wide project. We are in the process of putting Radio Frequency (RFID) tags on all the library materials and that will let the patrons do "self-checkout" and also help from theft. So, we are all working on "tagging" the books - meaning we need to place a tag in each book and scan the barcode to match it up, etc etc. We have a deadline of June and we're all scrambling to get this completed. With this process, Jean wanted us the library to be heavily "weeded" so we weren't wasting money by placing tags in old and dirty books. So, we've all been working on that - and it's been keeping me busy. I'm getting faster in doing it, but we are currently tagging the section that I'm still weeding. Yikes! I hope to get my part done my next week, then I can help with the tagging and what not. We also have to shelve our own books - just because we only have one person to do shelving in the whole library and she's only part-time. The library is short-staffed and we have a hiring freeze. I know, nothing new right now. It's just keeping us on our toes!

Raleigh Temple Trip

2009-05-09T21:34:00.000-06:00

Decided to drive down to Raleigh, North Carolina to attend a session at the temple. This temple is about the same distance as the D.C. temple - but I hear the traffic is much less. It took me 3 hours to drive down there. I had to call ahead to reserve my seat for the 12pm session. It's a small temple and the rooms were so cute! I think they only have 2 ordinance rooms and a small celestial room in the middle. Still very beautiful. It was just what I needed.

I wanted to see more since I was in North Carolina, but the only thing that I ended up was seeing a little memorial park for Martin Luther King. There was a statue and a fountain - that was it.

I was a little disappointed. Next time, I'll have a better game plan.

Supervisor Training...

2009-05-06T21:29:00.001-06:00

I participated in my first Supervisory Training Course. I'm required to get Supervisory Certification and need to take classes, etc. This was a week-long one called "Effective Supervisory Training". The class was held at the City Hall building and it was with other city employees. (Sheriff, Mosquito Control, etc.) It was enlightening - but long. I hated being out of the library for a whole week and I started making lists of things I needed to get done when I got back. I don't know how I could of avoided it. I'm required to complete this Certification program in the next year - and these classes are only offered at specific times. I'm glad it's finished and it looks like the other required courses are only a few hours long each. I can do that.
So, all week long one of the things I was worried about was this family program that I was in charge of. It was related to the Chesapeake "One book, one community" event. The book they chose was about a boy and his interaction with the first all-black Coast Guard. I helped arrange a program about shipwrecks and coast guard rescues off of Virginia Beach. This lady came and shared a presentation. Ok, that wasn't what I was stressing about - it was the attendance. We require registration for our programs, so we know how many to plan for, etc. Hardly anyone signed up for this program - and not for a lack of trying. I posted posters and handed out bookmarks - but it wasn't enough. I should have been contacting patrons, who came a similar program in the past, a month in advance and also got a press release into the local paper. I'm not in the habit of doing those things and it blew up in my face, unfortunately. I did have 7 people show up for the program, which is better than nothing, but I still feel bad that the library sponsored this low-attended activity. Well, this definitely was a learning experience! I know now what needs to be done to have more attendance for a program.
Monday, I'm still feeling bad about this Coast Guard program the previous Sat. and was dreading talking to my manager, Jean, about it. She pulled me aside and we talked. She was candid with me and told me that she was worried about my performance and how I was doing. She said they had a different impression of me at my phone interview and hoped that I would of had more experience. She did say that she was glad I was a nice person and not cocky - but she wanted me to step up. I felt so ashamed and even started crying a bit (talk about embarrassing). She quickly wrapped things up, asking me to "get in the fast lane", and she let me leave. I had a hard time concentrating the rest of the afternoon (with my blood-shot eyes) and as soon as I got home I broke down. I talked with Mom and Dad, and even my Branch President about what to do next and I got lots of good advice and even a priesthood blessing. I did a lot of thinking and list-making and eventually was able to get to sleep that night.
I fasted that next day and went in a little early to work to start getting in control of the my job. Jean was out of town and I was so grateful for the tender mercy. I needed the alone time to think and plan. I studied our department calendar, I started delegated some of my duties, and started feeling more in control. I held a staff meeting the next week and we talked about my place in the department and how we all can work together as a team. I haven't had another talk with Jean, but I did tell her in passing, at the end of that week, that I felt better about what was going on in the Children's Department and felt more in control. She didn't say much, but just reminded me to "stay in the fast lane". I think things are going better and I feel more confidence when I see Jean walk into the room. Keep me in your prayers that I can have the skills and confidence to achieve in this job! There are no other options - I have to succeed!

Trip to D.C. Temple

2009-04-19T21:24:00.001-06:00

The YSA Branch took a trip to the Washington D.C. Temple. It was amazing. We left at 11am and got there about 3:30pm. No, it doesn't usually take that long to get to D.C. - we hit Spring Break traffic. Good thing we made later appointments! The temple is so tall - and white. It's very beautiful. Inside, the celestial room had tall ceilings. My friend, Heidi, told me that they had designed it so you look up. I thought that was really neat. In the lobby of the temple is big floor-to-ceiling painting of Jesus and the right hand/left hand judgement. I can't remember the name. While waiting for others to finish with baptisms, I went over to the visitor's center. It has a Christus in the lobby - and if you turned around to look at the temple through the large windows you could see the reflection of Christ on the temple. Very neat. After a quick bit to eat, we got back on the road and didn't get home until at least midnight. It was good day!

American Born Chinese

2009-04-12T21:13:00.002-06:00

As alienated kids go, Jin Wang is fairly run-of-the-mill: he eats lunch by himself in a corner of the schoolyard, gets picked on by bullies and jocks and develops a sweat-inducing crush on a pretty classmate. And, oh, yes, his parents are from Taiwan. This much-anticipated, affecting story about growing up different is more than just the story of a Chinese-American childhood; it's a fable for every kid born into a body and a life they wished they could escape. The fable is filtered through some very specific cultural icons: the much-beloved Monkey King, a figure familiar to Chinese kids the world over, and a buck-toothed amalgamation of racist stereotypes named Chin-Kee.
This was an really interesting story. It's about a "American-born Chinese" boy who is trying to fit in with his peers - but also learn to appreciate his Chinese heritage. It is told in three different stories, that end up being connected and thought-provoking. I enjoyed it!

Easter Sunday

2009-04-12T20:02:00.002-06:00

Easter Sunday was nice, and Easter Sunday dinner was even better! (hehe) The Tuft's made the traditional ham and yummy potatoes, Ashley made deviled eggs and I helped by making some sparkling raspberry lemonade. (Thanks for the idea Kade!) It was all so yummy! Later, Dianna pulled out some plastic eggs with items in them to represent the Savior's atonement experience. This is a tradition in their family and I've seen this before in YW. One egg will have a nail, or soap, or a small piece of cloth, one had 3 dimes (30 pieces of silver), and the last one was empty. They all had a little paper with a New Testament scripture describing how the object was significant. It was good and afterwards we watched The Lamb of God, perfect to end the day with that, and actually I started my morning by watching the Testaments so I had some good bookends to my day! It was interesting, as I was driving to work the Friday before Easter I passed by a couple churches that had made, on their front lawn, a replication of the tomb, with the stone open. I don't know if they were going to use them for a presentation, or if they were just for show. It's great being back in the Bible Belt!

Speaking of the Bible Belt, it's really interesting see how open the people are here about their Christianity. My co-workers talk about going to church, teaching Sunday School, etc. A guy gave me a business card and there was a scripture on the back with that fish symbol. A co-worker, at another library, always wears this pin of the cross with a little piece of fabric and a small crown of thorns draped over it. Another co-worker, who is very religious in her catholic faith, was talking to me about her husband's new job prospects and she said to me: "I can tell you this because I know you're also God-driven". I was really flattered by that. This is a great experience!

Virginia Residency

2009-04-11T19:49:00.004-06:00

I'm finally a resident of Virginia. I got my car titled and registered, received new license plates, and also got my new driver's license. The picture is decent, but I'm stuck with it for 8 years! (hehe) I'm still not used to seeing VA plates on my car, but I imagine I'll get used to it in time.

To top it off, I just got a price-saving key-card from the local grocery store, Food Lion. My residency is complete.

Wicked Lovely

2009-04-08T21:10:00.001-06:00

I love an enticing book cover, and title, and this one sure did entice me. It's a more "realistic" story about fairies and their interactions with the human world. The main human character, Aislinn, has the ability to see the "fey", invisible fairy world, and ends up having more involvement with them than she would like. She has to help the Summer King fairy save his world, and maybe even become his queen. I won't say more, but I liked the story and will probably read the sequel.

Graveyard Book

2009-03-31T21:12:00.002-06:00

This was a really interesting, and enjoyable book. It's a sort of Jungle Book idea, in which the baby is raised by ghosts in a graveyard. He is given "Freedom of the Graveyard" and that lets him enter crypts, learn ghost abilities, see in the dark, etc. He has some quirky adventures. The story was weird at times, but kept my interest peaked to keep reading. This is the newest 2009 Newbery award winner and I agree that it deserves it!

Current Projects

2009-03-30T19:59:00.000-06:00

It's getting better to work 8 hours. The hour lunch helps break up the day and I find that I'll look at the clock and will only have an hour left until I can leave. Time flies when you're busy and not watching the clock.
I'm currently working on a system-wide project in that we are putting new call number labels on the graphic novels (which is "an artistic book, produced by a graphic novelist utilising the form of a comic book" - and they're all the rage with the teens). So, I receive a packet of labels, next I find the book on the shelf and change the call number in the computer catalog. Then, I stick the label with the book and put it on the repair cart - and the part time staff takes over and puts the new label on the book.
This is one of the projects that keeps me busy - besides my main task of deciding which books to get for our collection. I don't have to choose from all the books available, but from a pre-selected shopping "cart" that a designated librarian has put together. I just have to go through the titles in the cart, look at the reviews, and decide if we want or need it. I have access to three accounts which produce carts different times during the month and that will keep me busy when they start popping those out more often. This is a new system and they are working on getting the glitches out.
Sorry for all the library talk - I just wanted to give you a sampling of what I'm doing here as a (insert snooty voice) "professional librarian". It's good.

One Book, One Community

2009-03-23T19:44:00.002-06:00

Storm Warriors

The year is 1895 and young Nathan Williams wants nothing more than to be a "storm warrior," one of the brave men of the U.S. Lifesaving Service on Pea Island, off the North Carolina shore. Again and again, Nathan has helped the team rescue frightened sailors from floundering ships during the winter storm season. But Nathan's father is a fisherman, and he expects Nathan to be the same. After all, Pea Island is the single station open to African American surfmen, and the precious few jobs are passed from father to son. Still, Nathan is coached in lifesaving skills by the Pea Island crew and dares to hope that one day he may share in their ranks. But after helping with a particularly difficult rescue, Nathan is forced to face the truth: "In that moment I knew, without a shred of doubt, that I did not have the courage to risk my life that way. The dream, and all the months of hoping, blew away as quickly as the foam off the waves." After a close friend makes clear the obvious, Nathan realizes that there are other ways to save lives and discovers his true destiny.

This was a very interesting story and I enjoyed it. It's based off the true story of the African-American crew that manned the Pea Island Coast Guard in the last 1800's - post Civil-War time. These men were very brave and were given a prestigious award - long after they were dead. Chesapeake City has chosen this book as their One Book One Community and it will be interesting what activities and programs we will have relating to this book!

Virginia Report...Finally

2009-03-22T21:36:00.002-06:00

I've been in Virginia for a month now and I've been trying to get enough motivation to write a full report of my adventure so far. Well, a month has gone by and here I am. So, I 'm going to sum it up - if you have any questions let me know.

New Job:
Wow, this is quite a job. I'm the department head for the children and young adult services at the Russell Memorial Library. Yes, I didn't realize my job would be that extensive, but it's good. My co-workers are all really nice and helpful and answer all my questions with no eye-rolling. They are just glad that I'm here because the job has been vacant for a year now. I'm starting to do some of my duties and attend meetings - I'm already very busy. I have my own desk and computer AND my own phone extension. This is serious stuff! (hehe) My primary duties are to order materials for our departments, meaning that I make final decision on what books and movies to buy. Next, I'm doing story time twice a week, (Monday is "Just for 2's" and Tuesday is "Just for 3's".) Also, I'm working on "weeding" some of the book collections. I'm currently working on the graphic novels - next I will work on the picture books. Then, I'm attending meetings, going on school visits and helping planning programs for the library. I've arranged one right now with the Virginia Beach Coast Guard to share a presentation about wrecks and rescues off the Virginia coast line - this program in going with our theme of the book we choose (Storm Warriors by: Elisa Carbone) for "One Book, One Community". It should be exciting! I think that sums up what I've been doing this last month with my job - more information to follow I imagine!

New home:
I have a cute little 1-bedroom apartment about 4 miles from the library. I work in the northwestern part of Chesapeake, and I live just a few streets out of Chesapeake, in Portsmouth (pronounced Portsmith) It only takes me 10 minutes to get to work, and on surface streets! I'm in a decent apartment complex, and so far all my neighbors are African-American. This is great! I'm still working on unloading all of my boxes, but I feel like I'm at a point where I just about settled in. I'm trying to decide to do with all my books, on one bookcase - quite a conundrum. I'm learning my way around here a little more - but it helps that I now own a GPS system. I can go exploring, then tell it take me home and it gives me directions! I love it!
My aunt, Dianna, and her family live in Chesapeake and I feel so blessed that I had family here! They helped out so much and let me come over for Sunday dinners. They're great! I've loved the time I've had with them so far and look forward to more fun times ahead!

Virginia in General:
It is so beautiful here - and many many trees to go around. The library parking lot is surround by a small forest. I'm anxious for spring to bring in all the leaves! Also, there are many rivers and water sources to cross. I cross over the Elizabeth River every day on the way to work! Besides the bridges, there is an underground tunnel, which is under the river, driving through Norfolk and it's always amazing driving through it! The weather is nice, but I heard humid times are ahead! Yeah... We had a little snow my first week and everyone was so scared to do anything! (hehe) It all melted by the end of the day! Wimps! (hehe) There is much history here and I'm anxious to visit Jamestown, Williamsburg, Yorktown and other historic landmarks. I've already been to Virginia Beach - and put my finger in the freezing Atlantic Ocean. I'll be sure to go back when it's warmer.

Ok, that's all I have time for this time! More info to come soon!

Al Capone Does My Shirts

2009-03-18T19:36:00.001-06:00

I really liked this book! It's about a boy, Matthew aka Moose, who comes to live on Alcatrez Island in the 1930's because his dad got a job as a prison guard. He has an older sister, Natalie, who has autism and Moose's mother tries really hard to help Natalie function and be independent. Al Capone is in the prison at this time and Moose's friend, Piper, tries to think of ways to utilize this information without getting in trouble with her father who is the warden. Besides liking the historical aspect of the story, I enjoyed seeing this family come to love and appreciate each other. I also like how unlikely friendships start. I enjoyed this book!

My New Library

2009-03-11T22:12:00.002-06:00

I took these pictures (the indoor ones) while the room was empty - I'm so sneaky! I need to take more when I feel brave!

First Weekend in Chesapeake, VA

2009-02-22T18:55:00.001-07:00

Virginia or Bust!

2009-02-20T22:25:00.001-07:00

Time to Go!

2009-02-17T21:55:00.003-07:00

Monday I picked up the Penske rental truck and parked it in front of my house. I had been packing like crazy so I could be ready to load the truck on Monday and Tuesday. Dad had the day off, it was President's Day, and they had actually just gotten back in town from Idaho that afternoon. Well, earlier Dad and I planned to move in the heavy objects on Monday, then I would move the boxes in on Tuesday, etc. Dad & Mom came over and we pulled the truck into the driveway. We started getting my stuff ready to move when my home teacher happened to be walking by, and my male neighbors downstairs all were home. They all were available to help Dad and I get my belongings into the truck. It didn't take any time at all! Many hands make light work! I was so grateful for their help and hopefully they knew that! After, we drove the truck over to Grammy's house to pack the rest of my belongings into the truck. By this time, David and Sheila were helping out. When I had all the boxes in the garage for David and Dad to pack in, I was a bit worried that I wouldn't be able to get it all in! Well, I shouldn't have doubted because Dad and David are packing masters and they turned that space into a nicely ordered cube. It all fit perfectly with a few spaces to squish some last minute objects! I couldn't believe we got all of that finished on one day! Yeah!

Tuesday I was able to do some last minute errands and even had time to watch a movie with Mom. I started my good-byes and that was really hard. I hate doing that! Dad gave me a blessing that evening and it was great. I didn't even know he was wanting to do that, and it was really good.

Leaving tomorrow...

Caliente! on Youtube!

2009-02-13T16:43:00.002-07:00

Here is the puppet show for those of you who didn't get to see it! Watch a little bit and try not to judge our amateur attempts! (hehe)

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

2009-02-12T19:31:00.002-07:00

Forced to leave her sunny Caribbean home for the bleak Connecticut Colony, Kit Tyler is filled with trepidation. As they sail up the river to Kit's new home, the teasing and moodiness of a young sailor named Nat doesn't help. Still, her unsinkable spirit soon bobs back up. What this spirited teenager doesn't count on, however, is how her aunt and uncle's stern Puritan community will view her. In the colonies of 1687, a girl who swims, wears silk and satin gowns, and talks back to her elders is not only headstrong, she is in grave danger of being regarded as a witch. When Kit befriends an old Quaker woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond, it is more than the ascetics can take: soon Kit is defending her life.

I really enjoyed this book. It took me a long time get around to reading it, but I'm glad that I did. It's about a young girl raised in Barbados, who goes to live with her Puritan aunt and her family. She has to learn fast to restrain herself and that frustrates her. She meets an old lady who lives secluded, and somewhat shunned in the community. They instantly become friends. This friendship is what causes some controversy. I was worried at the climax that things weren't going to work out - but I was pleasantly surprised.

Larry the Loud Librarian

2009-02-11T22:30:00.001-07:00

Banff National Park

2009-02-07T22:05:00.000-07:00

Today was really fun. We drove to Banff National Park and spent the day there. There is a town there that reminds me of Park City kind of - full of shops and resort hotels, etc etc. We first went to lunch and Chili's. Yum! Next we went on the gondola ride. This ride, which was an enclosed ski lift, took us to a top of a mountain. The ride up was slow and a bit scary - just because we were suspended over the snowy trees. I got some fun pictures.

The view from the top was amazing. It was the Canadian Rockies and they were beautiful.

Too bad it was windy and cold that we couldn't stay outside for long to admire the view. We got our pictures and went inside to the warm gift shop. They we took the ride back down the mountain.

It was really fun. After we parked the car and walked through some of the shops on the main street. They were the usual souvenirs that were over-priced. I didn't get anything this time - except for an ice cream cone and some fudge. Yum!

Birthday Report

2009-02-05T09:44:00.008-07:00

So, my birthday started great. When I got up, Jocelyn was in the process of decorating the house with decorations. She had leftover "30" decorations from when Daylyn turned 30 a few months ago. She even had a bunch of balloons for me. I guess that Daylyn picked them up the night before and was worried that I would see him bringing them in - but Jocelyn and I were still out at Wal-mart when he got back.
So, after breakfast Jocelyn and I started our Jane Austen festival by watching the new Sense & Sensibility. She loved it, of course she would!

Later we all went to dinner at this place called Kelsey's. Jocelyn gave me all these choices for dinner and I thought it would be fun to go to a place we don't have in the states. So, I chose this place they liked that had American food. It was really good. Jocelyn had called ahead for a reservation and she told them about my birthday so they came out with a desert with a sparkler on it. That was really cool. The people at the table next to us started singing before my party did and then all the people around us were singing as well! I bet my cheeks were so red!

When we got home Jocelyn finished up her special cupcakes she made for my birthday. They looked like a corn-on-the-cob! It was so cute!

It was a great day!

They say it's your birthday!

2009-02-04T14:57:00.002-07:00

This song is a tradition in our family - Enjoy!

"They say it's your birthday! It's my birthday too yeah!"

Canada!

2009-02-03T21:56:00.003-07:00

I made it to Canada! This will be a great 5 days!

More info to come!

As a Rule

2009-02-03T20:57:00.002-07:00

This was my favorite part of the Superbowl - well it's the only part I actually watched...

Star Wars Rocks

2009-01-31T22:11:00.000-07:00

Packing with a Vengeance

2009-01-29T21:05:00.002-07:00

So much is going on - and it will still be crazy for a few more weeks yet! It's surreal that I'm moving in 3 weeks. I found a 1 bedroom apartment available in Portsmouth, for a decent rent and it's less than 4 miles to my work. I applied and was accepted - so now I have a place to live. Now I've been packing in any free moment I've had. It's hard because half of my belongings are at Grammy's house - but I've decided to just get everything ready at each respective location and I'll drive the moving van to each place and pack it up! Grammy is giving me her flowered love-seat, I'm taking the big dresser from Mom & Dad's and I have my bed at my house. Plus, boxes galore. I'm trying to be a wise packer by putting heavier things in the smaller boxes, and the lighter things in the bigger boxes. Hopefully this won't strain any one's back - especially mine! I wish I could have my sister, Anna, with me as my personal consultant - but we don't have that luxury anymore! I'll just have to make due with my own abilities!
So, I'm packing all I can this week. Then, next week I'm going up to Canada to visit my friend Jocelyn for my birthday week. I just didn't want to sit at home and feel sorry for myself on my 30th birthday. So, Canada here I come! Jocelyn is so excited - we're going to have a great time.
I'll get back from Canada on Sunday the 8th, and that week will be my last week of work at the library - as well as my last chance to pack everything up. No doubt I will be getting together with many friends - because it will be our last chance for a long time. I'm trying not to think about my good-byes because I start to getting really sad!

Canadian Candy-gram

2009-01-27T21:07:00.001-07:00

I'm going to Canada a week from today. My Canadian friend, Jocelyn, is really excited and she sent me this candy-gram! How fun is that! Plus, I get to try out some unknown Canadian candy bars! Yum!

Sayonara little Honda!

2009-01-26T20:52:00.003-07:00

I sold my Honda! I had 2 people come by and test drive it. The second person offered $500 because he thought the transmission needed some work done. He even took it to a transmission place. Well, the next day I took it over to Flash Gordon's transmission place and he drove it around and said that the transmission and clutch were fine - just a bit noisy. He did recommend new spark plugs for the engine, because it had been sluggish for a few months. I told him that I was trying to sell and he said that if I could get $1,200 for it that would be good. I put $1,500 as my price. Later that evening, David put in new spark plugs and the engine was working great.
So, this guy Edgar came for a test drive that Friday morning and put an offer for it. I negotiated to sell it for $1,100 - it was lower than I had hoped - but I was just glad that he wanted to buy it. Plus, I got the money I needed to buy the Dodge. Well, I wasn't ready for a buyer so I had to hurry and empty all my stuff out of the car, find and sign the title, and take off the license plates, etc.. Then, he took me over to Office Max so I could get a copy of the title. I had posted the car on KSL online classified and Edgar called me later that day to ask if I could take off the listing. I guess he's going to fix it up and sell it again! Oh well, it's not in my hands anymore!
I was car less at this point and Dad had me come by, care of the downtown Trax, and pick up the stratus from the Church Office parking lot. I had the day open, so I took the Dodge to get 2 new tires, so I could get the safety/emission to pass. Then I deposited the cash that Edgar paid me for in the bank - and I made a down payment on the Dodge Stratus. In the long run, this was a long day, long week, involving cars! Today I went over the DMV, waited for an hour, and got a new title and license plates - so now I'm set until I need to leave! Phew!

Caliente!

2009-01-17T23:32:00.006-07:00

I did my first puppet show this last Saturday and it went pretty well. Our theme was funny stories from the south and I think we picked some fun stories. We did our first show at the Day Riverside library and we had a good little group show up. I could hear them giggling as the show went on. Mom and Dad even showed up! I think we did good for our first time in front of a live audience. We have two more shows, on the next two Saturdays. They should go even better!

NEW JOB! Finally!

2009-01-16T11:30:00.001-07:00

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So, I had a phone interview with a job in Chesapeake, Virginia a few months ago, didn't get myself too excited just because I've had so many and I've learned not to get my hopes up. Well, last month they called and wanted me to send my background info - fingerprints, criminal history, child protective services background and a copy of my Masters degree diploma. Still, I wasn't getting too excited, but the thought started lingering that I might have to move to Virginia.
Well, I got a call Thursday morning from the manager of the library and she offered me the job. I was so shocked that I couldn't give her a direct answer, but she was nice and said I had the weekend to decide. After getting off the phone I instantly started calling people: Dad, Mom, Anna, my roomies, etc etc. I had the day off so I thought and talked about it all day. Mom and Dad are sad, but excited. Anna is way stoked. David was just surprised. After talking it out all day I felt like this is want I wanted, and needed, to do. I called the manager Friday morning and accepted the job.
She's giving me 6 weeks until I need to start - so that has me starting on February 23rd. I'll probably leave on Feb. 18th - that give me about three days to drive across country. Google Maps says it's a 1 day, 9 hour trip. We'll see about that. I have to rent a U-Haul to move all my stuff - then tow my car behind it. We'll see who can help me out! I've got a month to figure all of this out! I'll keep you updated! This should be a good experience!

Selling the Honda

2009-01-15T13:26:00.002-07:00

So, I'm selling my car, but no buyers yet. I have a sign posted in the car window and a posting on Craigslist. I have had a few calls and emails, but no offers yet. I'm just praying I can sell it before I need to leave! I can't place that burden on someone else - and I need the extra funds to go towards my u-haul rental! I have it for $2000, but if someone is willing to give me even $1500 then I'll take it.

Here is the posting on Craigslist.com: http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/cto/994523252.html

1994 Honda Civic LX, dark grey, 181,000 miles, $2,000 OBO, Clean title history, All maintenance has been done in time, clean bill of heath on last oil change inspection, Good tires, Great gas mileage: 20mpg city/30mpg highways, CD Stereo missing (it was stolen)...

Kids Events @ The City Library

2009-01-07T17:33:00.002-07:00

Here are some of the programs that I'm helping with this month! I'm excited! Check them out!

January 6, 2009

Storytimes, crafts, music, magic! The City Library is dedicated to giving kids and their grown-ups plenty to discover year-round. Read below for Kids Events at The City Library.

January 16, 2:00 p.m., Sweet Library

January 16, 4:00 p.m., Main Library

January 24, 2:00 p.m., Day-Riverside Library

January 30, 2:00 p.m., Sprague Library

If you laugh like a girl because you are a girl, then come to our Daring Book Club for Girls! There will be stories, activities and jokes (Knock knock. Who's there? Boys. SLAM!) That's right - a boy-free zone!

January 17, 2:00 p.m., Day-Riverside Library

January 24, 2:00 p.m., Sprague Library

January 31, 2:00 p.m., Main Library

¡Caliente! Warm up your winter! Whizgiggle's Puppet Theater presents hot stories from the American South and south of the border.

For more information about The City Library's events and services, please call us at 524-8200 or visit our website: www.slcpl.org. All City Library events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

Michael Jackson Doll

2009-01-04T11:55:00.000-07:00

I love you Michael Jackson!

New Year's Extravaganza

2009-01-01T19:01:00.003-07:00

New Year's Eve was really fun. Everyone had plans and I was starting to worry about where I was going to go - then I got a text from a friend inviting me to go to First Night with half-off tickets. I was excited (only $4). We met up at Temple Square and watched a few concerts in the Assembly Hall. The first one we saw was some Polynesian dancers, that was fun, then Jon Schmidt came out and did a fun concert. He's a great performer. After that we rushed over to the Gallivan Center to see fireworks at midnight. I love fireworks! Happy New Year!

New Year's Day was really low key - my brother and I ended up working on some cleaning chores around my parent's house. I don't think I even changed out of my pajamas! Yikes! That's ok - you could say I started the new year on a fresh clean slate! Hopefully literally that is true!

Happy New Year! 2009!

Christmas

2008-12-25T18:57:00.001-07:00

Christmas was good here - a little more low-key, but good. Mom woke Andrew and I up about about 8am, well Andrew was awake waiting for me. It's hard getting up at 7am! (hehe) From Santa I received some new luggage and it was greatly appreciated. My old luggage is from my high school graduation and it's splitting apart from the mission and from my trip to Taiwan. My new ones are really nice! I'm excited to use them for my trip to Canada next month. Did I mention that I'm visiting my friend, Jocelyn, in Canada for my birthday? Happy birthday to me! I wanted to do something different for my 30th birthday, this will be great!
Anyway, back to Christmas. Andrew got a pull-up bar and some workout DVDs that will make him really buff and ripped. He was excited about that. Later we went out to Grammy's and played games. A group of us cousins played Apples to Apples and it was hilarious! We didn't stay too late because Grammy was getting tired, also Mom and Dad needed to get ready for their trip to Arizona.
That's Christmas - not much else to it!

For the person who has Everything

2008-12-23T17:25:00.005-07:00

BANANA GUARD - Protect Your Banana!

Are you fed up with bringing bananas to work or school only to find them bruised and squashed? Banana Guard allows you to safely transport and store individual bananas letting you enjoy perfect bananas any time, anywhere.

LOCK-CUP

Lock Cup - Anti-Theft Coffee Cup. Are you tired of others stealing your coffee cup? Well now there's a solution. The Lock - Cup has a hole which prevents most people from using it. Only the owner of the cup can use his/hers shaped key to close the hole.

TRANSPARENT TOASTER

You love toast, but you always burn it? Than, this invention us for you. This transparent toaster allows you to see the bread while it is toasting so you just have to take it out when the colour is right. This idea is based on a transparent heating glass technology.

BUTTER CUTTER

One Click Butter Cutter controls your portion as an important part of staying healthy. This ingenious butter cutter delivers one standard pat with each click of the handle.

GIANT REMOTE

Never lose your remote again! With giant buttons, this extra-large remote is easy to use and impossible to lose. It's a 6-in-1 remote so you can use it to control your TV, VCR, DVD player, satellite, cable and auxiliary A/V device. It even features glow-in-the-dark buttons, so you can easily find the remote in the dark.

DAY CLOCK

What day is today? You don't know? Then you need a Day Clock. It's uniquely designed to keep track of weekly events like your golf day, card night, movie night, and so much more. It's ideal for vacations and cruises when it's easy to lose track of the day.

CRIME SCENE TOWEL

Chalk outline crime scene beach towel - be the coolest person on the beach!

LASER SCISSORS

Laser Scissors Cutting a straight line has never been easier. Just aim the pin-point laser and follow the line. The scissor blades are stainless steel and cut very clean with a micro edge.

TOILET SEAT LIFTER

'Who left the Toilet Seat up?' The Peace Maker will end the battle of the toilet seat. Merely step on the pedal to activate the lifting mechanism. When finished, remove your foot from the pedal and the seat gently comes to a rest where it started.

ILLUMINATING CAR SLIPPERS

Do you get up at night to drink water, go to the toilet... Do you wish you could see in the dark? Remarkably bright LED lights are triggered by your footsteps and light up the floor 30 feet in front of you; ultra-soft plush style are extra comfortable and cozy warm.

'THE THING' - INFANT PILLOW

The Zaky is an ergonomic infant pillow designed by a mum to mimic the size, weight, touch, and feel of her hand and forearm to help her baby with comfort, support, protection, and development.. The Zaky can help calm your baby and help your baby sleep better through the night.

TRAVELER'S PHRASE BOOK T-SHIRT

If you are traveling a lot and don't always know the language of the country you are visiting, then this T-shirt is for you. It has a phrase book printed on it so just point a finger at the pictogram you need and then point it twice at the question mark, which means, 'Where is it?' and in no time you have found what you were looking for.

WHEEL-MOVING BENCH

Whether you want to sit on the sun or in the shade, near the river or under the tree... Now you have your movable bench, to sit wherever you like.

You're A Bad Man, Mr. Gum

2008-12-22T14:36:00.002-07:00

What a funny book! I was chuckling throughout this silly story. It's about this mean old man, Mr. Gumm, who has to maintain his garden or an angry fairy will appear and whack his head with a

frying pan. A loveable large dog starts to romp around his garden and Mr. Gumm has to think of a way to gid rid of this dog, to help stop the fairy from whacking him with the pan! It's a short fast read and very funny!

Every Soul a Star

2008-12-19T14:32:00.000-07:00

Ally, Bree, and Jack meet at the one place the Great Eclipse can be seen in totality, each carrying the burden of their own problems, which become dim when compared to the task they embark upon and the friendship they find.
I really enjoyed this book! It's told by 3 different teenagers and their coming together at this camp to view a solar eclipse. Their new friendships help them deal with what's going on in their lives and changes that are forced upon them. Then the eclipse comes and changes them all for the good! I liked how well it flowed with the three narrators and it was neat seeing different perspectives and thoughts. I also learned more about astronomy! Cute book!

Bound

2008-12-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

YOUNG XING XING IS BOUND.
Bound to her father's second wife and daughter after Xing Xing's father has passed away. Bound to a life of servitude as a young girl in ancient China, where the life of a woman is valued less than that of livestock. Bound to be alone and unmarried, with no parents to arrange for a suitable husband. Dubbed "Lazy One" by her stepmother, Xing Xing spends her days taking care of her half sister, Wei Ping, who cannot walk because of her foot bindings, the painful but compulsory tradition for girls who are fit to be married. Even so, Xing Xing is content, for now, to practice her gift for poetry and calligraphy, to tend to the mysterious but beautiful carp in her garden, and to dream of a life unbound by the laws of family and society.
But all of this is about to change as the time for the village's annual festival draws near, and Stepmother, who has spent nearly all of the family's money, grows desperate to find a husband for Wei Ping. Xing Xing soon realizes that this greed and desperation may threaten not only her memories of the past, but also her dreams for the future.

This was a quick read, but very interesting. It's a Cinderella story and it takes place in ancient China, when the women would bind their feet to look "beautiful" and attract husbands. It's interesting learning about these ancient beliefs and customs in China - the author did her research well!

The Watsons Go To Birmingham - 1963

2008-12-16T14:23:00.001-07:00

The ordinary interactions and everyday routines of the Watsons, an African American family living in Flint, Michigan, are drastically changed after they go to visit Grandma in Alabama in the summer of 1963.

I enjoyed this book, especially after hearing the author speak at a conference. Each chapter is kind of a short story, and I think some are based on the author's childhood. It is very well written - Christopher Paul Curtis is a really good storyteller. When the main character sees some racial violence, when in Alabama in 1963, his reaction is realistic and touching and I can't explain it well, you'll just have to read it!

Rapuzel's Revenge

2008-12-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, in a land you only think you know, lived a little girl and her mother . . . or the woman she thought was her mother.
Every day, when the little girl played in her pretty garden, she grew more curious about what lay on the other side of the garden wall . . . a rather enormous garden wall.
And every year, as she grew older, things seemed weirder and weirder, until the day she finally climbed to the top of the wall and looked over into the mines and desert beyond.

Cute adventuresome graphic novel version of the traditional story with fun illustrations. This is a great damsel-in-distress fights back story. I love how Rapunzel uses her long braids as a lasso, or a a whip, etc. Very creative! I enjoyed it!

The Underneath

2008-12-10T14:12:00.000-07:00

The Underneath is a such an interesting book. There are two separate stories going on, but yet they are intertwined and meet up in the end. One story is about this chained up dog, Ranger, who lives underneath the porch of his master's house. A pregnant cat, Calico, hears his lonely cries and comes to live with him and gives birth to her little twin kittens. For a time things are good and Ranger and Calico find love again in this new family. The other story is about this magical creature, in snake form, that is sealed up in a jar, buried beneath a tree. She is waiting for her revenge. Long ago she had a daughter that fell in love, shed her snake form and became human went off with this man. This made this snake very jealous and angry. Intertwined in these two stories is an angry scarred man, Gar Face, and his hunt for the large thousand-year old Alligator King. I really enjoyed this book for it's intriguing story and how the characters endeared themselves to the reader. I was worried at how the story would end, but I loved the ending for what it was.

Skulduggery Pleasant

2008-12-09T11:57:00.000-07:00

Meet Skulduggery Pleasant
Ace detectiveSnappy dresserRazor—tongued witCrackerjack sorcererandwalking, talking, fire-throwing skeleton
As well as ally, protector, and mentor of Stephanie Edgely, a very unusual and darkly talented twelve-year-old.
These two alone stand in the way of an all-consuming ancient evil.

I love a book that grabs me from the first chapter. This is an excellent example. Stephanie, the main character, is thrown into a magical world she didn't know existed - but she has the help of her deceased uncle's best friend, Skulduggery Pleasant. He's a talented sorceror, and a living skeleton. Skulduggery is very witty, and a sharp dresser - and he helps protect and teach Stephanie. This is a start of a new series and I'm eager to read more!

Puppetry Training

2008-12-08T13:24:00.001-07:00

I'm going to be on a team that does a puppet show next month. I'm excited, and a little scared! This is good experience - all Children's Librarian should have puppet show skills. One of the team members is from Argentina and she's worried about her thick accent, so we're doing a "Caliente" story theme with stories from the south! We're still in the planning stages, but it should be really funny. I'm in charge of a story, called "Don't Touch My Hat", that's about this cowboy sheriff that accidentally takes his wife's fancy hat one night to do his sheriff duties, etc. It'll be great. I'm sure I'll have more to say on that next month.

My One Hundred Adventures

2008-11-28T13:02:00.001-07:00

Jane is 12 years old, and she is ready for adventures, to move beyond the world of her siblings and single mother and their house by the sea, and step into the “know-not what.” And, over the summer, adventures do seem to find Jane, whether it’s a thrilling ride in a hot-air balloon, the appearances of a slew of possible fathers, or a weird new friendship with a preacher and psychic wannabe. Most important, there’s Jane’s discovery of what lies at the heart of all great adventures: that it’s not what happens to you that matters, but what you learn about yourself.

Polly Horvath has a great writing style and she's a good storyteller. I also really enjoyed her book Everything on a Waffle. This story, My One Hundred Adventures, is about a young girl, Jane, who wants to experience life and prays for one hundred adventures. She only has 14 in this story, but boy does she have some interesting experiences! Some of the characters were a bit frustrating, i.e. the preacher Nellie Phipps and the crazy mother Mrs. Goard, but that is part of the adventure I guess! This is sort-of coming of age story and I felt good about the ending. Cute book!

Small Little Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T21:15:00.001-07:00

Thanksgiving was a smaller affair this year. We, my parents and brother, just had a low-key thanksgiving at my Grandma's house. Grammy is bedridden right now, so we just went over to spend the day with her. My mom prepared a small meal, just the right size for four of us and she did a great job. We sat around Grammy's bed and ate and talked until she started getting sleepy. She sleeps a lot more now. We then went out to the living room and watched a movie. That's about it! It was a good day! Happy Thanksgiving!

Book Review Overload!

2008-11-26T00:40:00.003-07:00

I'm sorry for all so many books! Whoa! I'm finally caught up to what I'm reading right now - so this long list will not happen again! This is just what I've been reading over the last six months - not in November alone. Just in case you were wondering!

The Mysterious Benedict Society

2008-11-25T13:01:00.001-07:00

Dozens of children respond to this peculiar ad in the newspaper and are then put through a series of mind-bending tests, which readers take along with them. Only four children-two boys and two girls-succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and inventive children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules. But what they'll find in the hidden underground tunnels of the school is more than your average school supplies. So, if you're gifted, creative, or happen to know Morse Code, they could probably use your help.

What a great book! This was a page turner from the first chapter! It was thrilling, funny and the story was very clever. It's about these 4 amazingly smart/resourceful kids who help spy at a a learning institute, where questionable things are going on. They have to be very resourceful to learn answers and sneak around without getting caught. I want to say more, I can't do it justice! I loved it!

The Magic Thief

2008-11-25T01:00:00.001-07:00

In a city that runs on a dwindling supply of magic, a young boy is drawn into a life of wizardry and adventure. Conn should have dropped dead the day he picked Nevery's pocket and touched the wizard's locus magicalicus, a stone used to focus magic and work spells. But for some reason he did not. Nevery finds that interesting, and he takes Conn as his apprentice on the provision that the boy find a locus stone of his own. But Conn has little time to search for his stone between wizard lessons and helping Nevery discover who—or what—is stealing the city of Wellmet's magic.

This is about a young pick-pocket theif who gets involved with a wizard and the magic crisis in this fictional town. I'm guessing that this might be the start of a series. It was a good book and I enjoyed it for the most part. It did have a slow start, but I kept on reading to see what would happen. I felt pretty good about it, even though it's not one of my favorites.

Hush: An Irish Princess' Tale

2008-11-25T00:22:00.000-07:00

This was a fascinating book and a good story. It takes place during the reign of the Vikings. Melkorka, an Irish princess, gets kidnapped by Russian slave traders. She takes a vow of silence and it saves her life. She is observant and learns from her captors and from her surroundings and helps her fellow slaves. In the end she learns to trust again. I learned in the epilogue that this book is based off a real person.

Crimson Thread: A Retelling of Rumpelstiltskin

2008-11-23T23:59:00.001-07:00

The year is 1880, and Bertie, having just arrived in New York with her family, is grateful to be given work as a seamstress in the home of textile tycoon J. P. Wellington. When the Wellington family fortune is threatened, Bertie's father boasts that Bertie will save the business, that she is so skillful she can "practically spin straw into gold."
Amazingly, in the course of one night, Bertie creates exquisite evening gowns -- with the help of Ray Stalls, a man from her tenement who uses an old spinning wheel to create dresses that are woven with crimson thread and look as though they are spun with real gold. Indebted to Ray, Bertie asks how she can repay him. When Ray asks for her firstborn child, Bertie agrees, never dreaming that he is serious....

Rumpelstiltskin isn't my usually my favorite fairytale, but this retelling was pretty good. I like this "Once Upon a Time" series because they take a common fairytale and put into a certain historical time period and it's fun trying to guess where the traditional story will come out. This one was put during the early 1900's in New York and Bridget/Bertie and her family are Irish immigrants. I liked it and it had a cute ending - what more can I ask for?

Found (Missing Series #1)

2008-11-23T00:59:00.001-07:00

Thirteen-year-old Jonah has always known that he was adopted, and he's never thought it was any big deal. Then he and a new friend, Chip, who's also adoped, begin receiving mysterious letters. The first one says, "You are one of the missing." The second one says, "Beware! They're coming back to get you."
Jonah, Chip, and Jonah's sister, Katherine, are plunged into a mystery that involves the FBI, a vast smuggling operation, an airplane that appeared out of nowhere — and people who seem to appear and disappear at will. The kids discover they are caught in a battle between two opposing forces that want very different things for Jonah and Chip's lives.
Do Jonah and Chip have any choice in the matter? And what should they choose when both alternatives are horrifying?

What an interesting story! What's more, it left you hanging at the end! How long until the next book! It starts out with a mystery plane from nowhere filled with babies. Then, 13 years later these mystery children are starting to get notes that say, "You're one of the missing". The story is gripping and I'm anxious to see how it will all work out!

The Trouble Begins at 8

2008-11-23T00:58:00.001-07:00

"MARK TWAIN WAS BORN fully grown, with a cheap cigar clamped between his teeth." So begins Sid Fleischman's ramble-scramble biography of the great American author and wit, who started life in a Missouri village as a barefoot boy named Samuel Clemens.
Abandoning a career as a young steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River, Sam took a bumpy stagecoach to the Far West. In the gold and silver fields, he expected to get rich quick. Instead, he got poor fast, digging in the wrong places. His Stint as a sagebrush newspaperman led to a duel with pistols. Had he not survived, the world would never have heard of Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn—or red-headed Mark Twain.
Samuel Clemens adopted his pen name in a hotel room in San Francisco and promptly made a jumping frog (and himself) famous. His celebrated novels followed at a liesurely place; his quips at jet speed. "Don't let schooling interfere with your reducation," he wrote.
Here, in high style, is the story of a wisecracking adventurer who came of age in the untamed West; an ink-stained rebel who surprised himself by becoming the most famous American of his time. Bountifully illustrated.

I don't usually read biographies, but this one came highly recommended and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The life of Mark Twain, or Samuel Clemens, is presented in an intesting and entertaining way. For example, Mark Twain did a series of lectures, or comic routines, and his posters read: "Doors open at 7 o'clock. The Trouble to begin at 8 o'clock.". The author, Sid Fleishman, did a good job and I'm curious to read more biographies that he's written!

Savvy

2008-11-23T00:57:00.001-07:00

Mibs Beaumont is about to turn thirteen, which in the Beaumont family means her "savvy"-her special power-is about to strike. Her brothers' savvies let them create hurricanes and spark electricity, but Mibs has yet to learn what her savvy is. Then, two days before her birthday, her father is in a terrible car accident. He is sent to a hospital two hours from their isolated small town, and Mibs determines that she must get there, adamant that her savvy is going to help save him. She ends up on a traveling bible salesman's pink bus with all her siblings and the preacher's children, including the preacher's son, Will, who has a crush on her. The story chronicles the ups and downs of their journey to the hospital-where, in the end, Mibs's savvy (she can hear the thoughts and feelings of people with ink on their skin) helps her hear Poppa's tattoo speak and, ultimately, save his life.

Savvy was a fun coming of age story. Everyone in Mibs' family inherits a special power, or savvy, on their 13th birthday. The day before Mibs' 13th bday her father is in a terrible car accident and it sets rolling a series of events that help the characters bond and realize what's important in life. This book got good reviews, and it was a clever story - but it wasn't my favorite.

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village

2008-11-22T00:54:00.001-07:00

Step back to an English village in 1255, where life plays out in dramatic vignettes illuminating twenty-two unforgettable characters.

Maidens, monks, and millers’ sons — in these pages, readers will meet them all. There’s Hugo, the lord’s nephew, forced to prove his manhood by hunting a wild boar; sharp-tongued Nelly, who supports her family by selling live eels; and the peasant’s daughter, Mogg, who gets a clever lesson in how to save a cow from a greedy landlord. There’s also mud-slinging Barbary (and her noble victim); Jack, the compassionate half-wit; Alice, the singing shepherdess; and many more. With a deep appreciation for the period and a grand affection for both characters and audience, Laura Amy Schlitz creates twenty-two riveting portraits and linguistic gems equally suited to silent reading or performance. Illustrated with pen-and-ink drawings by Robert Byrd — inspired by the Munich-Nuremberg manuscript, an illuminated poem from thirteenth-century Germany — this witty, historically accurate, and utterly human collection forms an exquisite bridge to the people and places of medieval England.

This book is classroom amount of monologues from characters from a Medieval village. The different perspectives and voices were interesting and the historical facts were really helpful. It was a quick read and I learned much. It was the 2007 Newbery Winner!

The Willoughbys

2008-11-22T00:52:00.004-07:00

Abandoned by their ill-humored parents to the care of an odious nanny, Tim, the twins, Barnaby A and Barnaby B, and their sister, Jane, attempt to fulfill their roles as good oldfashioned children. Following the models set in lauded tales from A Christmas Carol to Mary Poppins, the four Willoughbys hope to attain their proscribed happy ending too, or at least a satisfyingly maudlin one. However, it is an unquestionably ruthless act that sets in motion the transformations that lead to their salvation and to happy endings for not only the four children, but their nanny, an abandoned baby, a candy magnate, and his long-lost son too. Replete with a tongue-in-cheek glossary and bibliography, this hilarious and decidedly old-fashioned parody pays playful homage to classic works of children's literature.

Cute book and funny story! I liked how in attempts to be "old-fashioned" they made references to classic stories like Jane Eyre and Anne of Green Gables. I enjoyed it! Make sure you read the glossary!

The Westing Game

2008-11-22T00:52:00.003-07:00

This brilliantly crafted, award-winning novel is an intriguing mystery that follows an eclectic group of characters as they struggle to be the first to solve the puzzle set forth Sam Westing's will-and, most importantly, lay claim to the Westing fortune.

The Westing Game kept my on my toes and still kept surprising me until the end. A rich man has died and has left a large fortune behind. Sam Westing didn't leave his money in an easy way, but set up a game with clues for his heirs to figure out - starting the Westing Game. It was very intriguing puzzle and kept me guessing through out the book! It deserved the 1979 Newbery award!

Magyk (Septimus Heap Series #1)

2008-11-22T00:49:00.002-07:00

The seventh son of the seventh son, aptly named Septimus Heap, is stolen the night he is born by a midwife who pronounces him dead. That same night, the baby's father, Silas Heap, comes across a bundle in the snow containing a new born girl with violet eyes. The Heaps take this helpless newborn into their home, name her Jenna, and raise her as their own. But who is this myster ious baby girl, and what really happened to their beloved son Septimus?
The first book in this enthralling new series by Angie Sage leads readers on a fantastic journey filled with quirky characters and magykal charms, potions, and spells. magyk is an original story of lost and rediscovered identities, rich with humor and heart.

Engaging fantasy story with fun characters. Some things I predicted, but some things surprised me. I like a good surprise. I enjoyed it enough to want to read the next in the series!

Hunger Games

2008-11-21T00:50:00.001-07:00

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival.

A friend lent me an advance copy of this book and I really enjoyed it. It's about this futuristic society, postwar, and the "Capitol" has each district submit two young adults to participate in Hunger Games similar to the gladiators. They fight to the death while everyone watches. Well, the main character, Katniss, is the selected girl from her district and this book is about her struggle to live and her conscience. It had a slow start, but I got reeled in and couldn't put it down!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

2008-11-21T00:47:00.002-07:00

Boys don't keep diaries-or do they?

The launch of an exciting and innovatively illustrated new series narrated by an unforgettable kid every family can relate to

It's a new school year, and Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. The hazards of growing up before you're ready are uniquely revealed through words and drawings as Greg records them in his diary.

In book one of this debut series, Greg is happy to have Rowley, his sidekick, along for the ride. But when Rowley's star starts to rise, Greg tries to use his best friend's newfound popularity to his own advantage, kicking off a chain of events that will test their friendship in hilarious fashion. Author/illustrator Jeff Kinney recalls the growing pains of school life and introduces a new kind of hero who epitomizes the challenges of being a kid. As Greg says in his diary, "Just don't expect me to be all 'Dear Diary' this and 'Dear Diary' that." Luckily for us, what Greg Heffley says he won't do and what he actually does are two very different things.

This book was funny, I loved the illustrations. What I didn't like was that the main character, Greg, isn't always honest and tries to get out of doing what he needs to do. I guess this is an accurate depiction of a teenage boy! (hehe)

Criss Cross

2008-11-21T00:45:00.001-07:00

She wished something would happen. Something good. To her.
Looking at the bright, fuzzy picture in the magazine, she thought, Something like that.
Checking her wish for loopholes, she found one.
Hoping it wasn't too late, she thought the word soon.

I enjoyed this story of group of teenagers and their new feelings of love and figuring out who they are - and how their lives have "criss crossed". Cute story!

Kira-Kira

2008-11-21T00:44:00.003-07:00

Glittering. That’s how Katie Takeshima’s sister, Lynn, makes everything seem. The sky is kira-kira because its color is deep but see-through at the same time. The sea is kira-kira for the same reason. And so are people’s eyes. When Katie and her family move from a Japanese community in Iowa to the Deep South of Georgia, it’s Lynn who explains to her why people stop them on the street to stare. And it’s Lynn who, with her special way of viewing the world, teaches Katie to look beyond tomorrow. But when Lynn becomes desperately ill, and the whole family begins to fall apart, it is up to Katie to find a way to remind them all that there is always something glittering—kira-kira—in the future.

This was definitely an award winning book, and I agree. It was sad, but good. I loved the imagery the author uses - she's an excellent writer!

The Society of S

2008-11-21T00:44:00.002-07:00

"If you ever want to hide from the world, live in a small city, where everyone seems anonymous."

That's the advice of twelve-year-old Ariella Montero, who lives with her father in Saratoga Springs, New York, in a house haunted more by secrets than by memories. The Society of S traces her journey south, to Asheville and Savannah, and on to Florida, as she learns that everything she knows about her family is a lie.
When she finds her mother, she learns the truth: Ariella is a fledgling member of the Society of S.

Ths book started out interesting (a girl finding out she's a vampire as well as her parents), but it took some interesting turns and I not sure how I felt about the ending. If you read it, give me your opinion!

Higher Power of Lucky

2008-11-21T00:43:00.002-07:00

Lucky, age ten, can't wait another day. The meanness gland in her heart and the crevices full of questions in her brain make running away from Hard Pan, California (population 43), the rock-bottom only choice she has.
It's all Brigitte's fault -- for wanting to go back to France. Guardians are supposed to stay put and look after girls in their care! Instead Lucky is sure that she'll be abandoned to some orphanage in Los Angeles where her beloved dog, HMS Beagle, won't be allowed. She'll have to lose her friends Miles, who lives on cookies, and Lincoln, future U.S. president (maybe) and member of the International Guild of Knot Tyers. Just as bad, she'll have to give up eavesdropping on twelve-step anonymous programs where the interesting talk is all about Higher Powers. Lucky needs her own -- and quick.
But she hadn't planned on a dust storm.
Or needing to lug the world's heaviest survival-kit backpack into the desert.

I enjoyed this cute story about an orphan who is worried that she will be abandoned - but entirely wrong. She lives in a small town and has a best friend who is fanatic about tying knots. The ending was cute and touching.

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series #1)

2008-11-20T23:54:00.001-07:00

Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school . . . again. No matter how hard he tries, he can't seem to stay out of trouble. But can he really be expected to stand by and watch while a bully picks on his scrawny best friend? Or not defend himself against his pre-algebra teacher when she turns into a monster and tries to kill him? Of course, no one believes Percy about the monster incident; he's not even sure he believes himself.

Until the Minotaur chases him to summer camp.

Suddenly, mythical creatures seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology textbook and into his life. The gods of Mount Olympus, he's coming to realize, are very much alive in the twenty-first century. And worse, he's angered a few of them: Zeus's master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect.Now Percy has just ten days to find and return Zeus's stolen property, and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. On a daring road trip from their summer camp in New York to the gates of the Underworld in Los Angeles, Percy and his friends–one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena–will face a host of enemies determined to stop them. To succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of failure and betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves.

I was hesitant to read this book - but the story snagged me in the first chapter and I was hooked! It's a great adventure mythology story about a boy who is half-god, also called a "hero". It's a fast read, very funny, and really enjoyable! Rick Riordan is a good writer!

White Darkness

2008-11-20T23:09:00.001-07:00

Sym is not your average teenage girl. She is obsessed with the Antarctic and the brave, romantic figure of Captain Oates from Scott's doomed expedition to the South Pole. In fact, Oates is the secret confidant to whom she spills all her hopes and fears.
But Sym's uncle Victor is even more obsessed--and when he takes her on a dream trip into the bleak Antarctic wilderness, it turns into a nightmarish struggle for survival that will challenge everything she knows and loves.

This book was fascinating, and really well written. I listened to the audio CD - the narrator was fantastic. This is a story in layers and with the main character you find out more information as she goes on her adventure to Antarctica. It keep me intrigued the last moment!

Way Down Deep

2008-11-20T12:34:00.002-07:00

Although Ruby seemed to just appear out of thin air on the steps of the courthouse on the first day of summer in 1944, no one in Way Down Deep, West Virginia, ever worried too much about where the toddler came from. They figured that if Ruby’s people were dumb enough to lose something as valuable as a child, then that was their problem. So even though Ruby can’t help but wonder where she came from, she has led a joyful and carefree life in Way Down Deep, loved and watched over by Miss Arbutus – proprietor of The Roost, the local boardinghouse – the residents of The Roost, and the rest of the town. But when Ruby is twelve, a new family moves to Way Down Deep, and they inadvertently provide enough clues about Ruby’s past that she is able to find her own people. Ruby travels from Way Down Deep to the top of Yonder Mountain to learn who she really is – only to find that she is bound to Way Down Deep by something even stronger than family ties: love.

With a touch of fairy-tale magic and a lot of heart, Ruth White explores just what it is that makes a place truly home.

Such a cute children's novel - and it takes place in West Virginia. (Where I served my mission) It shows this quirky town and how they raise this orphan girl and all come to love her - and when she has to leave they all rally together to get her back. It's a heart-warming story and I really enjoyed it!

The Host

2008-11-19T23:55:00.001-07:00

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed.Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind. Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves-Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.

I enjoyed this book and not for the sci-fi aspect. I loved the human relationships this alien has and how she bonds with her host. Of course I loved the romance as well! The ending was not expected and I was glad of the outcome!

Rachel and Leah: Women of Genesis

2008-11-19T23:27:00.001-07:00

Leah was so young when her sister Rachel was born that she could not remember a time when Rachel was not the darling of the family—pretty, clever, and cute, whereas Leah plugged along being obedient, hard-working, and responsible. Then one day a good-looking marriageable kinsman named Jacob showed up, looking for a haven from his brother's rage, and Leah fell in love at once. It didn't surprise her at all that Jacob saw only Rachel. But surely, as the two sisters worked and lived alongside Jacob for seven years, he would come to realize that Leah was the one he ought to marry...

Orson Scott Card has given life to these women from the Old Testament. I was intrigued by how he chose to portray different characters and it had me going back to the Bible to read about them more. I've enjoyed the "Women of Genesis" series. This is the third in the series. Other books included: Sarah, Rebekah.

Wednesday Wars

2008-11-19T22:49:00.001-07:00

Seventh grader Holling Hoodhood has a tough year ahead of him. First of all, his teacher Mrs. baker, keeps giving him the evil eye. Second of all, the class bully keeps threatening to do Number 167 (and you don't even want to know what Number 167 is). Third of all, his father keeps calling him the Son Who is Going to Inherit Hoodhood and Associates. But things are changing, and while reciting his favorite curses from Shakespeare's plays, Holling might just find the true meaning of his own story.

Wednesday Wars was such a great book! I really loved this book! I loved how Holling, a 7th grader, developed an awesome friendship with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, and through reading Shakespeare he learned about life and the people around him. I laughed and cried reading this book. I've actually had the opportunity to hear the author, Gary D. Schmidt, speak at a conference and now I appreciate this book even more. I recommend this to anyone - and it's a Newbery honor book! Check it out!

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell

2008-11-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

Susanna Clarke’s brilliant first novel is an utterly compelling epic tale of nineteenth-century England and the two very different magicians who, as teacher and pupil and then as rivals, emerge to change its history.

This book is like a Harry Potter for adults. It was really enjoyable. It's the adventure of these two wizards in the Regency period - and they even help fight the Napoleonic Wars. It's written like it's a real story - with footnotes and everything. The book is long, but as soon I got into it I couldn't put it down.

Everything on a Waffle

2008-11-18T23:18:00.000-07:00

Haven’t you ever just known something deep in your heart without reason?

Eleven-year-old Primrose living in a small fishing village in British Columbia recounts her experiences and all that she learns about human nature and the unpredictability of life in the months after her parents are lost at sea.

This is such a cute quirky story about having hope. The main character's parents are missing at sea and but she never gives up that they are still alive. The town members are great - including the local restaurant that serves "everything on a waffle" - really! It's funny and heart-warming and I loved it!

Book Reviews

2008-11-18T23:07:00.003-07:00

I'm going to start posting my attempts at reviews. I have been doing this on my GoodReads account a little bit, but I thought I would use this blog as well! I'd welcome any comments on these books! We'll see how this goes!

Sweet Emilia

2008-11-17T14:30:00.003-07:00

This is my niece, Emilia. These are her 18th month pictures and I feel they are just too cute not to share!

Baman and Piderman

2008-11-07T22:26:00.000-07:00

My cousin, Vanessa, just told me about this video. It's random and that's why it's funny! Check it out!

Book overdue for 61 years

2008-11-06T16:44:00.006-07:00

Blinkx Video: Book overdue for 61 years returned in Tulsa, OK

Posted using ShareThis

Arizona Pictures

2008-11-02T16:46:00.001-07:00

Here are pictures from my trip to Arizona last month! Enjoy!

Halloween to the Rescue!

2008-11-01T21:57:00.000-06:00

The Superheroes of the Children's Department

Robin and Batgirl

Bibliogirl, Catbrarian, Robin, Supergirl and Batgirl

Captain Underpants, Xlibris

Bibliogirl, Robin, Catbrarian, Supergirl, Captain Underpants, Xlibris and Super Book Witch

Super Librarians

2008-10-28T23:50:00.001-06:00

Halloween is coming up this week and I've finally put together my costume. In the Children's Dept we are going as superheroes. I decided I wanted to be BatGirl, but haven't had success in finally the right accessories. I heard that my roommate took a child's costume and just tweaked it to fit her. (See Cut the Malarkey) So I went over Target to see what I could find. I finally decided to buy a little boy's Batman costume. From it I salvaged a mask, cape, utility belt, arm bands and a Batman logo. I went to town pinning these objects to my black shirt. It looks great, if I do say so myself. My other co-workers are going as Bibliogirl, Catbrarian, Exlibras (all made up) and Supergirl. It will be great! (hehe)
I will be sure to post pictures, this will be too funny.

Twilight Movie Countdown

2008-10-22T20:16:00.002-06:00

Arizona Adventures

2008-10-21T23:46:00.002-06:00

My brother and I went down to Queen Creek, Arizona to visit my sister and her family at their new house. We sure did have a fun time.
Here's the report: The airport experience started out frustrating, just because of our cheap airline. It started when we got charged for our checked in bags (1st bag=$15, 2nd bag= $25) Then, on the flight they wanted 2 dollars for the beverage. Can you believe that? I'm still upset about that. But, I later heard that not all airlines are adopting this scheme. I won't fly with US Airways again! Ok, calm down - Anna just drove up when we got our luggage and we were excited to see her and Alec and Emilia. Alec was just fine, but Emilia was a little apprehensive about us - though she was saying Andrew's name. It didn't take too long for her to warm up to us like the boys did. As soon as we got to the Johnson's home, and had the grand tour, we totally got into the pool. It looked so inviting - though it ended up being a bit cold. It was great! We had fun taking pictures of Andrew jumping into the pool. I got some good shots. When Kade got home, we piled into the van and went to a delicious pizza place - almost as good as Litzas!
Anna and I went out to the Curves in Queen Creek a few times. I have only been to one other Curves besides my own and it was interesting comparing the two locations. This one had more machines, but not a free water cooler. Oh well - at least they had good music! (hehe)
Friday night we went to this neat restaurant called the San Tan Flats. I say restaurant, but only part of the place was indoor. There is this courtyard with tables and fire pits and you could sit at and eat your food outside, roast marshmallows and listen to the live band. They are known for their amazing hamburgers and I have to agree - mine was dang good. Too bad my nose was congested and could only partially taste my meal... that just means I'll have to go back to remember how good it was! (hehe)
Saturday the Johnson's hosted a small BBQ/Birthday party. The Frasiers, the family that was living with them during the summer, and a neighbor family came. Most everyone got into the pool and had a great time. I declined because my allergies started turning into a cold, and didn't want to spread germs, etc etc.
After church on Sunday we took a drive on the "roller coaster road". They found it when they were driving around, and also found a few polygamous houses. Quick side note, these polygamous houses are not finished on the outside and Anna and Kade think that they are because they don't have to pay all the property taxes if their houses aren't finished. Anyway, the roller coaster road, it's this road that has many hills and you can get some serious air if you're going fast enough. It was too funny. Free fun! Can't beat that!
Monday, we finished the rest of the 3rd season of The Office, and laughed so hard when Jim came dressed as Dwight and acted like him - then later Dwight came dressed up like Jim. Very funny. I hate to admit it, but I'm hooked! I put the next season on hold and want to see what happens next, especially with Jim and Pam! (hehe) Hopefully I'll be able to watch it soon and then catch up with the current 5th season. Sorry, major tangent there! Before going back to the airport we stopped at this place in Gilbert that does full body massage and reflexology. It was an amazing, yet painful, experience. Andrew, Kade and I were in the same dimly lit room and sat in there sort of recliners and had our massages by some Chinese people. It was all safe and we were fully clothed. Later when he worked on my back and bum cheeks I was so relaxed I didn't even care! It was exhilarating!
Finally it was time to go and we had the same fiasco, well not really, with the extra charges for our luggage, etc. Oh well. All in all, it was a great trip and hopefully we'll get to go again soon!

Dreams of Women

2008-10-14T23:46:00.003-06:00

Happy 50th Anniversary Paddington!

2008-10-13T14:54:00.003-06:00

Fifty years ago, on 13th October 1958, "A Bear Called Paddington" was first published. I remember watching this exact show when I was little! Here's how it all started out!

www.paddingtonbear.com

Trouble Magnet

2008-10-11T23:41:00.000-06:00

So, I went to a wedding reception in the Riverside area, kind of by Sutherland's, off of Redwood Road. Well, while I was in the church enjoying myself, and my car was broken into AGAIN. They took the stereo and some DVDs from the library. I was so upset, I'm still upset! How dare they! I called the police, but they just gave me a case number and that was it. I honestly don't remember if I locked the door or not - I think it's habit but did I forget or is my little Honda a magnet for trouble? I might be responsible for the library DVDs (one costs about $60), but I'm going to attempt to fight it because it's not my fault! We'll see if they are merciful! Oooh, I'm so frustrated! I'm praying for peace about the situation, and also that they culprits might take my DVDs back to the library because they are not hot titles (one is a British tv show season, one is an episode of Doctor Who from the 70's, and one is a children's book on CD) - but I'm not crossing my fingers!

Caliente!

2008-10-08T17:24:00.000-06:00

Work's the same and I getting more and more involved in programs and what not. I decided that even though I'm still applying for full-time jobs, I'm not going to miss out on neat stuff in the meantime. I'm going to be doing some storytimes next month, including one for babies. Also, next year I'm apart of a puppet show team. We are doing stories from "the south" including South America, "Caliente!". It should be fun and a good learning experience. One of the stories will be a shadow puppet show - cool huh! (I'm such a nerd! hehe)

The Spider and the Fly

2008-10-04T17:22:00.001-06:00

So, at the library I have the October window display. I did it last December and did the little fireplace, etc etc. Well, Oct is Halloween month but I didn't want to do the token witch and what not. I thought it would be fun to do words from a scary poem and I remember a poem called, "The Spider and the Fly". It's about this spider who entices the fly to come inside his house and he ends up catching and eating the fly. It's a cautionary tale, and quite symbolic if you think about it. So, I used the first paragraph of that poem and now needed some pictures to go with it. I also remembered this neat illustrated copy of this poem:

So, I enlarged images from this book, with our opaque projector, and colored it in with black artist chalk. It turned out pretty well for my first time. I'll send pictures along as soon as I have them. Well a dilemma developed when I attemped to get the big spider laminated. The spider is as wide as butcher paper and his legs are kind of sprawled out (he's bowing the fly-girl) Well, I knew our library laminator wouldn't be wide enough for such an endeavor so I took it downtown to Kinkos. I learned later that Kinkos is expensive for laminating and it was true because it cost 50 bucks to laminate the spider and fly! Can you believe that? I obviously didn't understand how the pricing worked and was upset with myself for letting that happen. Well, I talked to my boss about it and he said for me turn in my receipts and see how much they would be willing to reimburse me. If even half of money could be paid back I would take it! I've definitely learned my lesson! Yikes! Well, at least it looks great and we'll have it for a long time! (hehe)

ALSC National Institute

2008-09-20T17:12:00.002-06:00

All this weekend I had the opportunity, sort of last minute, to attend a nation Association for Library Service toal conference for the Children (ALSC). It was downtown, at the Hilton, and it was great. Since Utah hosted the event they had a western theme and the local crew all wore denim shirts and cowboy hats. One even wore a Some of my co-workers came and it was fun being with them. The whole weekend was about services for children and new books, etc etc. I was wonderful. They even had some famous authors there and I got a few books signed. That's like a celebrity for a librarian! (hehe) One was William Joyce, who wrote "George Shrinks" - which inspired that PBS show! It was great! What an opportunity - hopefully I'll get to go again!

Regional Conference with President Monson

2008-09-14T22:08:00.000-06:00

My stake, and Mom & Dad's stake, had our regional conference. My stake was invited to attend it in the conference center, but the their stake was having it broadcasted in the church building. My roomies were out of town, so I opted to go down to Rose Park to watch the conference instead of going to the Conference Center alone. Also, it meant that I could go with them to Gentree's baby's blessing in Provo. Anyway, President Monson presided over the conference and it was great. He talked about organizing ourselves and building a house unto God. He mentioned 7 ways to do accomplish that: establish a house of house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order and lastly a house of God. Pres. Monson said, "We are the master builders of eternal homes, let those stones be sacred because our hands have touched them."