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Vandaveer - Woolgathering / Roman Candle - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

qod

Quote of the Day from a departmental meeting:

"Patrons have new ways of not finding things."

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dough obsession & miscellany

I recently learned how to make dough* and I find that I can't stop making pizzas. I love kneading and how that stretching ball of dough feels warm after rising and the smell of yeast and floury hand prints on my flowery apron.

My mom used to make all our bread when we were growing up, and my current baking tendencies (see above) take me back to that unfinished basement kitchen in Portland where exposed pipe joints were wrapped in light yellow (formerly white) bread towels to help soften the blow when you ran into those four-inch diameter monstrosities. Or when my pop did, I should say.

In that faux kitchen, it was pretty much a given that he would knock his noggin at least once a day without even trying. I'll have you know that my dad is amazing. He can hit his head on just about anything. When other people fail to run into a low hanging branch or overhang or bridge, he effortlessly makes contact.

I only jest because he does as well, and because it's a running family joke. And because it's my duty as a daughter: one I cannot ignore.

Some notes to close this hopscotching little entry: my shed still lives in the middle of my yard, we have survived the hectic start of fall term, I am now the sort of person who listens to LPs, and next week I will hit the road with a friendly gang of fellow fans to support Brandi & Band on their new tour. In our wake, autumn-y leaves will swirl and spin and imagine they can return to their former homes until they finally settle into the corners between curbs and asphalt.

*from master chefs ms & gj

favorite park bench

scone wizards

checkout desk gift-wrapped

value assigned with font size

super sandwich

Today there were loads of dangerous blunt edges and sharp & pointy attitudes. So when I arrived home, I mashed together my new favorite sandwich. I say "mash" because it was so giant that I had to squish it a bit just to manage a bite. On my 7-grain (toasted) bread I placed the following: mozarella cheese, tomatoes, bacon, fried egg, and avocado. I set off the fire alarm. Twice. Had a near miss with a dropped paring knife. But it was worth it. The sandwich was Delicious. Possibly because my day was crap. Possibly because my stomach was rumbly and empty. Most likely because of the bacon.

missing: 1 shed

I pulled down my driveway. Parked on the gravel in front of the shed. As I always do. Except. The shed is missing. In its place is a hole exposing sewer pipes. My shed (upon further examination) is in the middle of my yard. Doors facing the neighbors to the east. Also one of the branches from the giant pine tree is busted and next to my relocated wheelbarrow. And a section of fence is damaged.

I have no idea who was traipsing about my yard. No I do. I think it must have been SUB. But why? Busted pipe? Also I'd really like to know why they didn't contact me about this work. Or even leave a flipping note to explain. I'm a little pissed to tell you the truth. Not to mention embarrassed. My yard is a disaster. Some might even say unkempt.

pledge card

Filled out a strike pledge card today. Broke one of my tiny glasses while washing dishes. Did not drink any coffee. Did, however, consume a three o' clock slump dr. pepper. Purchased groceries (including lemons and yumm sauce) using an electronic list. Responded to an e-mail from my favorite band. Started setting up interviews for the fall term newbie LSAs, finally admitting to myself that the school year will begin. Chased a squirrel across kincaid street. Sang along a bit too loudly with Mr. Johnny Cash. About my folsom prison blues. And wrote this invisibly-bulleted list about a run of the mill Tuesday that I insisted on referring to as Monday.

face of a fugitive

Just before the woman in the loose sleeved rosebud print cardigan snapped the photo, I followed several (very important and logical) thoughts like a hungry squirrel snatching up nearly edible bread crumbs trailing off into a heavily wooded forest.

How should I smile? Have I worn a photogenic t-shirt? Are my glasses tilting? Is this the picture I want to show to grocery store clerks and bouncers seated on stools outside bars? Most importantly, is this the face I want flashed up on news bulletins nationwide when I'm wrongly accused of some heinous crime by a secret society that wants to get rid of me because I stumbled across evidence of their wrongdoing while researching a story for the local news rag? Should I look menacing so strangers leave me alone while I'm on the lam and seeking proof of my innocence? Or should I look innocent so a trusting farmer will take pity on me and let me sleep in the hay loft so I'm not ensnared by law enforcement officials who are on the payroll of the aforementioned secret society?

Of course that's what I'm worrying about while having my picture taken for my new driver's license. Doesn't everyone?

nostalgia's air-brushed shores

Trying to recreate the past is an ill-advised course. I know this. And yet I still fall for damn nostalgia's siren song every time I steer my ship dangerously close to its glossy and air-brushed shores. Only to find shallow and rocky channels and glaring imperfections when up close. Some day I'll learn to change direction. And to keep my mouth shut. One can only hope. Whatever. I have cupcakes that are begging for chocolate frosting. Off to rustle up some powdered sugar.

i love google docs

I want to marry Google Documents. They make my job so much easier. I can create online forms to query my little worker bees for class schedules, piece together an online fall schedule in Excel with instant updates for all my students in far off lands to view, and publish all my daily desk lineups for the week ahead. And now, I can even create online training presentations, embed them in the Circ Blog and share with other library supervisors.

[insert me swooning here]

I'm in love. With Google Documents.