Last night was my official first night volunteering at the library. SO MUCH FUN! Who would have thought that it would be the best "job" I've had in years.
I started off learning the computer system to check out books and return them. Then we placed a few inter-library loans, then we re-shelved the children's books and helped a few patrons find what they were looking for. The atmosphere, the smell of the books, the faint hum of the computers and the quiet giggle of the young teen checking her e-mail.
My favorite quote of all time sums my thoughts up quite nice. Jorge Luis Borges once said that "I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library."
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Saturday
I just returned home from my nephew's Spring Concert. The idea this year was to celebrate the concept of Saturday. The day of freedom. Somewhat satirically the kids lamented the loss of their Saturday to chores, sports practice, piano lessons and so on. The concert itself was quite amusing. It did however start me thinking...
Saturday has long since ceased to be a relaxing day. No more lounging around till noon in my pajamas watching Power Rangers or He-Man. Instead Saturday has become a day of "catch-up". The day when you can get everything else done that you didn't have time to do throughout the rest of the week. Lucky me, I have a job that allows me every other weekend off. Sounds great, right? I guess in some ways it is. Instead of getting up at 6am (which may be sleeping in to some but is an un-godly hour in my opinion) I inevitably wake at eight. My body figures that no matter what time I hauled my ass home the previous night sleeping past eight is just not right. One plus of not having to rush my morning routine is the idea of enjoying a full pot of coffee. That's right, no more travel mugs. Cup after wonderful, albeit lukewarm, cup awaits me. Then start the guilts. I didn't do any cleaning all week so I guess I should do some now, right? *sigh*
There is cleaning to do and laundry, don't even get me started on laundry. I have a work uniform for crying out loud, where the hell does all this come from? Then there's the running around, the errands. Groceries, appointments etc.
Sometimes when I elect to stay home on Saturday nights I curl up in front of the TV, or stare trance-like at my computer screen, and pray for Monday to come so I can get a break.
Saturday has long since ceased to be a relaxing day. No more lounging around till noon in my pajamas watching Power Rangers or He-Man. Instead Saturday has become a day of "catch-up". The day when you can get everything else done that you didn't have time to do throughout the rest of the week. Lucky me, I have a job that allows me every other weekend off. Sounds great, right? I guess in some ways it is. Instead of getting up at 6am (which may be sleeping in to some but is an un-godly hour in my opinion) I inevitably wake at eight. My body figures that no matter what time I hauled my ass home the previous night sleeping past eight is just not right. One plus of not having to rush my morning routine is the idea of enjoying a full pot of coffee. That's right, no more travel mugs. Cup after wonderful, albeit lukewarm, cup awaits me. Then start the guilts. I didn't do any cleaning all week so I guess I should do some now, right? *sigh*
There is cleaning to do and laundry, don't even get me started on laundry. I have a work uniform for crying out loud, where the hell does all this come from? Then there's the running around, the errands. Groceries, appointments etc.
Sometimes when I elect to stay home on Saturday nights I curl up in front of the TV, or stare trance-like at my computer screen, and pray for Monday to come so I can get a break.
The Volunteer.
I took the plunge. I finally worked out the time in my schedule to volunteer. With the advice of my career counselor ringing in my head I stopped at my local public library and talked to the head librarian there about volunteering my time one or two nights a week.
On the way home it occurred to me that the only reason I'm giving up my precious time is so that I'll have something that looks self-sacrificing on my resume. So this brings to mind the question of whether or not these people actually exist. Are there really people out there who willingly give of their time solely for the purpose of helping someone else without expecting or receiving anything in return?
On the way home it occurred to me that the only reason I'm giving up my precious time is so that I'll have something that looks self-sacrificing on my resume. So this brings to mind the question of whether or not these people actually exist. Are there really people out there who willingly give of their time solely for the purpose of helping someone else without expecting or receiving anything in return?
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Growing up!
I'm not even sure if there is anyone out there reading my blog anymore. Life has been... shall we say interesting.
I'm finally completing my Bachelor's degree and trying to decide what to do with the rest of my life. Ideally I would be rich and would be able to pursue my dreams of lifelong learning. If I were to win the lottery tomorrow I would study for the rest of my life. I love to learn, it doesn't matter what it is so long as I'm using my brain.
However, in the real world one has to find something to do with the education she has so slowly slaved over for seven years. Yes that's right, seven years. For those of you who don't know me that well, I began my University career, and yes at times I feel like I should be paid for my hard work, in 2000. Working like a galley slave for the next eight years, give or take a few months when I took time off, I've been attending classes part-time and working for a pittance the rest of the time. Unfortunately for me, my job leaves me woefully underpaid but somewhat appreciated so I don't feel so bad about the underpaid portion, therefore I was required to take on the dreaded Student Loan. Now I'm forced out into the real world to find a real job that will enable me to pay back this loan that I procured.
Option 1: Return to school for the Masters program, not really what I want to do but it will keep me from having to re-pay my loan right away. However, this does mean I will have to borrow more which in essence doesn't make much cents(haha) at all.
Option 2: Accept a teaching position in South Korea that would allow me to see some of the world and do something new and exciting. This is my most likely option but it will keep me from friends and family for an entire year.
Option 3: Apply for a job working at the University Library. An appealing choice for someone who enjoys books and learning in any format. The major plus of this option... free education. You heard it right folks. Working at the University would allow me to register for one course, free of charge, each semester.
Okay... interrupt to add some curse words, I just stubbed my toe on the computer desk and am currently swearing with enough vehemence to make a sailor proud.
Back on topic...
Right now Option 2 looks to be the best idea. I mean, a chance to see parts of the world I've only previously dreamed of. The pay is quite good and opportunities to travel while I'm there.... imagine me circling in the street with arms outstretched while hallelujahs reign from the heavens. I know what your thinking.... what about the kids? Teaching has never been my vocation in life. I've always been told I would make a fantastic teacher, I do have the patience of a Saint, and I love kids, I truly do, I just don't think I could deal with bureaucracies that tend to go hand in hand with a life of teaching. Could I do it and enjoy for a year or two of my life? Absolutely. Hell, who knows I might even discover that the pros far out-weigh the cons and commit myself to a life of lectures and grading.
Anyway, just in case I do get the chance to fly myself halfway around the world I went last month and applied for my passport. That lovely, and quite costly, document now sits snugly in the hidden compartment of my jewelery box.
Ciao for now,
Becky
PS.... Annie... where did you go?
I'm finally completing my Bachelor's degree and trying to decide what to do with the rest of my life. Ideally I would be rich and would be able to pursue my dreams of lifelong learning. If I were to win the lottery tomorrow I would study for the rest of my life. I love to learn, it doesn't matter what it is so long as I'm using my brain.
However, in the real world one has to find something to do with the education she has so slowly slaved over for seven years. Yes that's right, seven years. For those of you who don't know me that well, I began my University career, and yes at times I feel like I should be paid for my hard work, in 2000. Working like a galley slave for the next eight years, give or take a few months when I took time off, I've been attending classes part-time and working for a pittance the rest of the time. Unfortunately for me, my job leaves me woefully underpaid but somewhat appreciated so I don't feel so bad about the underpaid portion, therefore I was required to take on the dreaded Student Loan. Now I'm forced out into the real world to find a real job that will enable me to pay back this loan that I procured.
Option 1: Return to school for the Masters program, not really what I want to do but it will keep me from having to re-pay my loan right away. However, this does mean I will have to borrow more which in essence doesn't make much cents(haha) at all.
Option 2: Accept a teaching position in South Korea that would allow me to see some of the world and do something new and exciting. This is my most likely option but it will keep me from friends and family for an entire year.
Option 3: Apply for a job working at the University Library. An appealing choice for someone who enjoys books and learning in any format. The major plus of this option... free education. You heard it right folks. Working at the University would allow me to register for one course, free of charge, each semester.
Okay... interrupt to add some curse words, I just stubbed my toe on the computer desk and am currently swearing with enough vehemence to make a sailor proud.
Back on topic...
Right now Option 2 looks to be the best idea. I mean, a chance to see parts of the world I've only previously dreamed of. The pay is quite good and opportunities to travel while I'm there.... imagine me circling in the street with arms outstretched while hallelujahs reign from the heavens. I know what your thinking.... what about the kids? Teaching has never been my vocation in life. I've always been told I would make a fantastic teacher, I do have the patience of a Saint, and I love kids, I truly do, I just don't think I could deal with bureaucracies that tend to go hand in hand with a life of teaching. Could I do it and enjoy for a year or two of my life? Absolutely. Hell, who knows I might even discover that the pros far out-weigh the cons and commit myself to a life of lectures and grading.
Anyway, just in case I do get the chance to fly myself halfway around the world I went last month and applied for my passport. That lovely, and quite costly, document now sits snugly in the hidden compartment of my jewelery box.
Ciao for now,
Becky
PS.... Annie... where did you go?
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