...:: BookSavvy ::...

Regeneration, or I promise to try to update this

2011-01-19T14:54:00.002-06:00

Yes yes, you've heard it before. But for reals this time, I'm going to try to start updating this blog again with just cosplay or knitting. You can still see my woefully out of date cosplay page at http://booksavvy.org/cosplay/ or my out of date book/library blog at http://booksavvy.org/blog/

Round Three!

I'm not dead, I'm just busy!

2010-07-17T10:10:00.001-05:00

No really... I'm here. I just can't seem to find time to journal when I actually have something to say and then when I get around to it... I have zero time or nothing to say anymore. Me, speechless? I know, right? LOL

Love you all, off to workies!

Just a mindless Scarf Update post...

2010-02-23T21:22:00.000-06:00

Not really a post...

2009-07-28T12:18:00.002-05:00

But there's a kid sleeping on the big circular couches we have in the Education Library. And he's snoring... and I want to laugh. But I won't, because I'm supposed to be an adult...

But, I will blog about :) I should probably wake him up... but what if he's a sleep-puncher or something? I guess he's not any louder than the people in the group workstations next to him...

I guess those are pretty comfy couches. LOL.

Meow!!

2008-06-23T08:23:00.008-05:00

In which I gush about my new kitty for the entire post...

Awww!! Isn't he precious? I finally went and adopted a kitty from the shelter. I had seen some adorable kittens at the local PetCo for adoption and I thought I should drive out to the Brown County Humane Society to see who needed a home. And I fell in love with this little guy on sight! He was called Cecil, but I've named him Ulysses (more on that later). I picked him out on June 16th but he wasn't neutered yet so I had to wait until last Friday to pick him up. He's such a sweet little guy!

He was very good in the car on the way home, he didn't really cry but was (of course) scared. Once we got home, he explored a little and was pretty fearless. He didn't spent too much time under the bed, he used his new litter box right away and chowed down on some food and water. He drinks a lot! He tried to hide under my reclining couch, so Matthew and I had to stuff towels under there so he wouldn't be able to get under there and get stuck.

I spent 4 days trying to come up with a name. Cecil was only okay. I kind of liked Basil, but in the end I went with Ulysses because I bought him on Bloom's Day. For those non-dorks, June 16th is the day the story Ulysses by James Joyce takes place. It's kind of a big deal in Ireland (a friend was even in Dublin on Bloom's Day this year... at the pubs in celebration) but I'm not that much of a James Joyce fan. What sealed it was when Matthew suggested (jokingly) calling him Ulysses S. Cat. Which of course I loved. So his full name is General Ulysses S. Cat... Uly for short. Kinda fits considering how fearless he his. The runners up were Kingsley and Alton (he's from Brown County...anyone get it?).

He's a little terror! Running around the house and full speed and playing with his toys. I bought him one of those circles with the ball stuck in it and he plays with that forever. He also like to play tug of war with the little dangly cat toy. His nails were razor sharp and I have quite a few friendly scratches from him trying to climb over me. Yesterday while he was sleeping, I was able to cut all his nails. Unfortunately now he can't climb on the bed anymore. So he'll sit at do his cute little almost silent meow or this little squeaking purr he does until I pick him up and put him on the bed. He's already figured out how to climb my bookcase, but so far he's only done it once. He'll try to jump on anything from anything, no matter the distance! Like I said, no fear!

He likes to nap in my lap (or Matt's!) and he gets himself so tuckered out he'll sleep for a hour or more! Then it's back to playing full tilt. He really likes to sleep on my head at night... needless to say I haven't been getting much sleep because he's so little I'm worried about him getting squished in my little twin bed. But he won't sleep on this little bed I made for him from big comfy towels, so I think next paycheck I'll have to get him a little kitty bed and try that. He HATES his collar, but I need that bell to keep track of him. I even had to go buy a special kitty sized one, he's too tiny for a normal collar.

When I'm gone for a while, he comes running out when I get home and mews at me all accusatory... like "Where have you been?! I've been lonely!" I think he hides under the bed when I'm gone. Today will be the first day he's been home alone for so long. Matt is going to go check up on him while I'm at work. I miss the little guy! I'm worried he might have a kitty cold, he keeps sneezing and I think his nose looks runny but I might just be an overprotective mommy. I'm going to take him to the vet this week to be sure and to get a check-up.

So that's my little man! He's so cute and tiny. I wonder where he came from... he was found at around 8 weeks as a stray. Well, he's home now! Yup... step one towards crazy cat lady is complete ;)

And then my mom calls me yesterday to tell me that her and my father adopted a rottweiler from the shelter back home! A beautiful 4 -yr old boy named Rowdy. He's so sweet and just what my dad needed after we lost Jake. And this is a month after my little sister adopted two german shepard/rott pups from the same shelter. No doubt we're an animal loving family!

White water rafting at IU

2008-06-09T09:04:00.011-05:00

::being photos from the start of a very wet week::

As promised, here's some photos from the flooding we got last week in downtown Bloomington. For those of you unfamiliar with B-town, Kirkwood is the main drag where the bars are located, as well as the public library and, my favorite, Noodles & Co. Apparently a few years back they did some heavy duty construction (known as the Big Dig) to fix Kirkwood from flooding... yeah... they did a great job as you can see...

One of the worst part being, that those parking spots are prime parking. So you know those people were really excited to get such good spots... and now they have their own personal ark. The Public Library started taking on water in the Children's Department, but thankfully there wasn't much more than soggy carpet to deal with. The department is in the sub-basement and the water started filling up against the glass and the kids were like "Oh! It's like in the aquarium!" LOL.

I love this one, of the kids kayaking down Jordan River... which is normally not really more than a creek... a bit further down a kid was just chilling in the middle of Indiana Ave on an innertube... like ya do.

The Indiana Daily Student has a great slideshow of pictures from downtown Bloomington at http://www.idsnews.com/news/multimedia/multimedia_file.aspx?file_id=12685.

The streets outside my apartment took on a fair share of water, which they always do even in just a regular rainy day. Of course this meant a few abandoned cars who tried to wade through it. Thankfully we didn't get anything like Martinsville this past weekend.... but it sure was a sight to see...

I forgot my ark in Chicago...

2008-06-08T20:33:00.006-05:00

:: being where our heroine wades her way around Indiana ::

Perhaps you turned on the news and noticed the news clip saying "Indiana is flooded." Well, although Indiana isn't as large as some states, the whole state in not flooded... only the roads to my town are.

Bloomington was relatively unscathed this time. Last week we had a huge flood right near the heart of downtown IU. The main drag (where the bars are located) was flooded up to the car windows and I personally witnessed a man in an innertube just wading around the downtown streets (as well as people kayaking down the creek that goes through campus). Pictures coming tomorrow...

Martinsville is the the town just north of us and they got hammered. It was weird to see the Starbucks I stop at on the way home to Chicago floating like an island. Hopefully the rain will hold off enough to let the folks dry off. Apparently, Martinsville got hit by a huge tornado in 2003 and now this...

Lesson I've learned: Never live in Martinsville.

::Cough Cough::

2008-05-19T15:50:00.003-05:00

In which I have once again neglected my blogging duties and let dust over take my poor blogger....

I mean well! I have good intentions... Till then, I hope my Twitter keeps you occupied... so even if I don't update, at least something is new, right? :) I might be better suited to micro-blogging anyway, since my mind tends to run on ellipses.

Being in honor of National Library Week...

2008-04-15T11:24:00.005-05:00

In honor of National Library Week (today being National Library Workers Day), Entertainment Weekly has a great list of "18 Sexy Trips to the Library." Some you might remember, some you might use as a battle cry, but all of them are great examples of how the media portrays libraries and librarians (and the occasional rare book dealer)...
18 Sexy Trips to the Library

EDIT: Wow... two months since my last post... eek!

Being the eleventy-sixth birthday of the Professor...

2008-01-03T20:48:00.001-06:00

In which we toast the great Architect of Middle-Earth.

TheOneRing.net raises its glass to today to join fans the world over in toasting the master of Middle-earth, J.R.R. Tolkien, who was born January 3rd 1892, for his 116th birthday (or eleventy-sixth for those in the know).

If you’d like to join in the worldwide toast, The Tolkien Society has its annual event organized where fans can sign up to toast by hoisting the liquid beverage of your choice to “The Professor.”

In which I thank you, oh literary & movie gods...

2007-12-31T17:43:00.000-06:00

being where the road has come to a wonderful end...

From my friends at TORn...

Peter Jackson Returns to Middle-Earth

As long as PJ is involved, us Ringers can rest a little easier that we won't have a Golden Compass on our hands... (even though I liked the movie, it did not do the book justice).

Happy New Year!!

In which I don't have an inaugural speech

2007-12-11T08:34:00.000-06:00

Being where I am a sucker for doing too much at once ;)...

Well, as of Friday I am officially the new President of the ALA Student Chapter at Indiana University. While I have been on exec boards for other organizations (included a two year run as vice-president), this is the first time I have even been president. Scary? Yes. Exciting? Yes.

I have a great group of people on the executive board and I think we will do a great job of working together to make ALA-IU-SC better than it already is. Which will be hard to do, since we were chapter of the year in 2005 and runner up in 2006.

Not to toot our own horns, of course :)

In which houses aren't the only things haunted...

2007-11-01T12:15:00.000-05:00

Being one person's travels to haunted libraries, in honor of this All Hallow's Eve...

Haunted Libraries-2007

In which the Aussies have done it again...

2007-10-25T12:21:00.000-05:00

Starting on October 31, ABC Australia has a new sitcom about those silent but deathly proveyers of knowledge, the Librarians. From watching the preview, it has the same feel of "Flight of the Conchords" (which is hilarious) and a bit of BBC's series "Teachers" (which America ruined with their poor incarnation. When will they learn that what makes British dramady great is the BRITISH HUMOR!! Slapstick is not always a must, studios take note).

From the looks of it, episodes will be available for a week from ABC AU, which makes me happier than I can describe.

Check it out! No... seriously, I wasn't trying to be clever. Check it out.
The Librarians on ABC Australia

Being a place In which I could run-away and live quite happily

2007-10-24T12:10:00.001-05:00

If you haven't heard about the Joe & Joan Martin ImaginOn Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, you will be amazed. Not only home to the children's collection, it also houses theatres, areas for children's crafts and specifically of interest to me, an area known as "The Loft" which is specifically designed for Teens.

The Loft houses the entire YA collection, listening posts where teens can listen to AV materials, as well as book clubs and events designed for teens. It also has it's own staff of Teen Specialists. The Loft even has it's own website that helps teens connect with materials and information, as well as each other. You can visit it at www.libraryloft.org

I am just in awe of this Center. Imagine if your library, down the street from your house, had this sort of collaboration? I don't think I'd have ever left. I think people tend to forget that the library is also about communities within the community and we've neglected our young adults for a long time. We have to remember that getting kids into the library is important, but keeping them wanting to stay and come back as young adults is key. I remember being lucky to have one spinner rack full of Sweet Valley High Books in my public library.

What is important for libraries to remember is that it's not about what YOU may THINK teens want, but getting teens together and talking to them and figuring out what they KNOW they need. A place for themselves. Isn't that why we as "anti-establishment misfits of society" locked ourselves in our rooms? We just wanted a place of our own. The Center is a joint collaboration of the arts in one building and provides families with a place where they can come together. Bringing words "from the page to ths stage." Amazing. I would have proudly called the ImaginON my home and I can't wait to go visit...

hmm... I wonder if they perhaps would like a staff of six? ::evil smile::

In which our heroine has a bit of nerves...

2007-10-20T16:17:00.000-05:00

Being entirely due to the fact that next week I have my first Book Talk. Eeek! I can talk your ear off about a book one-on-one, but in front of a group of people staring at me? It's like my auditioning nightmares come to life. Wish me luck.

Yesterday the University dedicated a bust in the Wells Library in honor of Herman B Wells, former president and chancellor of the University. It is easy to see how Dr. Wells could be so well loved by an entire university. He dressed up as Santa during the holidays, walked the grounds and actually signed every single diploma for every student during his tenure as president. Over 65,000. Wow. I only wish I could have had the opportunity to meet Dr. Wells, but as I enter the library every day from now on, his jolly smile will be there to greet me like a kindly grandfather figure. I can only hope that our new President McRobbie will take this to heart. Perhaps we cannot expect him to sign each of our hard earned diplomas, but I hope he inspires the same level of admiration and respect that Herman Wells did. It is said that Dr. Wells thought of every student, faculty and staff member as his family and the university as his home. Lets hope that we can live up to his expectations as he watches over the 6,000 students who pass through the library every day.

In which I attempt to enlighten you with my Fall 2007 Book List

2007-10-01T17:59:00.000-05:00

In an effort to keep my side links from getting out of hand, here are all the books I've read during the duration of this blog. Look for this to become a yearly list come January.
Last updated- 10.8.2007

Booklist - Fall 2007

November
"Here, there be Dragons" by James A. Owen

October
"Keturah and Lord Death"- Martine Leavitt
"Vampire Academy"- Richelle Mead
"Betrayed" - P.C. Cast

September
"Wildwood Dancing"- Juliet Marillier
"Sweep, Vol. 1: Book of Shadows"- Cate Tiernan
"King Dork"- Frank Portman
"Masquerade" - Melissa De La Cruz

August
"Marked"- P.C. Cast & Kristen Cast
"Ironside"- Holly Black
"Blue Bloods"- Melissa De La Cruz
"Eclipse"- Stephenie Meyer

July
"Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows"- J.K. Rowling
"First Among Sequels" (Thursday Next series)- Jasper Fforde
"Wicked Lovely"- Melissa Marr

June
"Stardust"- Neil Gaiman
"Outlander"- Diana Gabaldon
"What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew"- Daniel Pool

In which the road goes ever on and on...

2007-09-17T20:48:00.001-05:00

I thought everyone might enjoy seeing a picture of my cubicle at work. Can you find yourself in my "Wall o' Friends"? I miss you all, if you couldn't tell...

I found this band while surfing for some reliable new release information (I never thought I'd miss knowing what came out every Tuesday once I left Borders!). The song is called "Addy Will Know" and it's about the modern, helpful librarian.

Give it a listen, it's pretty fun!
Addy Will Know!!!

I had a great time this weekend at the annual SLIS Fall Reception. I met a lot of people, both newbies, oldbies and alumni to SLIS and got to know some people a little better. I also had a great time talking to a fabulous woman from the ALA, but I'll post more about that next time (maybe even with a picture or two!)

In other sad news, noted fantasy author Robert Jordan passed away. I know I have a few friends who will be heartbroken to know he never finished his last book. I can't even begin to say how much he will be missed.

In which you try to decipher what I'm saying...

2007-09-15T22:38:00.000-05:00

Being a list of commonly used terms, acronyms and abbreviations used by librarians and particularly students at Indiana University's School of Library and Information Science.

IUB- Indiana University- Bloomington Campus. Big Ten, home of the Hoosiers and the movie "Breaking Away."

SLIS- The School of Library & Information Science at Indiana University. It's where us dorky book lovers come to be even geekier ;)

Slizzards- the nickname lovingly given to the graduate and Phd students of SLIS. A picture of a slizzard is posted on Professor Nissonger's office door.

The Library- also known as Wells or the Main Library. It is the home of SLIS and the slizzards.

West Tower- also knows as the Information Commons. It houses the largest grouping of computers and printers on campus and is open 24/7. Also the home of the Undergraduate Core Collection (books specifically used by the undergraduates). This tower is only 5 floors.

East Tower- also known as the Stacks. This is where the 4.6 million (you heard me) volumes currently making up the holdings of IUB in circulation and in the reference collection. The main floor houses the Reference Research Room and a Copy store as well as the main circulation desk and reference desk. This tower is comprised of 11 floors (more on that later).

LIT- Library Information Technology. The department I work for which is basically the technical aspect of running a library, from databases to the online catalog.

IUCat- The Indiana University Library Online Catalog system used on all 8 campuses.

IE7- Internet Explorer 7... which is a thorn in the side of the LIT and tech support alike.

The Lab- Once housed the SLIS library (which has since been moved to the 11th floor of the Library), this is the lab for the sole use of SLIS students, no matter how many undergrads attempt to log in. ::evil laugh::

The 11th Floor- While the elevators in the East Tower might lead you to believe otherwise, there are actually 11 floors to the Stacks. The elevator, however, only goes to the 10th floor and you must climb the stairs to the 11th, where most of the holdings of the old SLIS library are housed. Kinda creepy.

The Lobby- This is the area between the towers, where cell phones are allowed and there is seating and a cafe that takes RPS Meal Points (which the Eatery downstairs does not).

ALF- no, not the cat-eating alien, but the Auxiliary Library Facility. This building, near 10th and the Bypass holds 2 million volumes that are not frequently used. You may request an item from ALF to be delivered to any library on campus, usually the next day.

The Bypass- the railroad tracks that cross 10th street and pass next to Eigenmann in the form of a very old looking stone bridge. It's a tight squeeze for the Campus and Bloomington Transit buses and always feels like a crash is eminent. Best to close your eyes if you're the jumpy type.

ALA- the American Library Association. SLIS is an accredited program by the ALA and has an active student chapter which has won chapter of the year honors in 2005 and runner up in 2006. I am currently the president.

PLG- the Progressive Librarian's Guild.

The Lilly- The Lily Library, home of the Rare Books and Special Collections. Lilly Library holdings include about 400,000 books, more than 100,000 pieces of sheet music, and more than 7.5 million manuscripts. A closed stack library, you can only get volumes by requesting them from the Reading Room. Special exhibits are amazing. Has a great collection of mechanical puzzles, children's book and miniature books.

Hep- The nickname given to Coach Hoeppner, who passed away suddenly this year. The Hoosiers are trying to "Play 13," the total number of games required to go to a Bowl game this year, in his honor.

Little 500- The annual bicycle race made famous by the movie "Breaking Away." To most students, it's just another excuse to for a party.

C Route- the most popular of the Bloomington Bus Transit routes, it goes around campus, past the Library and to College Mall. Always crowded at peak times, you best learn to love your neighbors. Also good for overhearing outrageous conversations by undergrads.

For more information about the town of Bloomington, IN., please visit our very own Wiki The Bloomingpedia.

last updated 9.17.07

In which it is Bi-Mon Sci-Fi Con!!

2007-08-11T20:42:00.001-05:00

I am surrounded by my people. Ahhh... the smell of unwashed fan-boy in the morning... Off to look at my free swag. Its fun being a girl at a comic book convention.

Showing my alliance to the 501st Legion, Vader's Fist!

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via Sidekick