A few weeks ago, a specific song began running through my head. If I wake up in the middle of the night, there it is. It's a song I haven't heard since I was a kid; it was one of the songs my mother used to sing to us when I was little. I don't know how many other people know about this song. Turns out, it was a big hit by country singer Kenny Roberts in 1949. The song? I Never See Maggie Alone.
My mother went into a nursing home in early October of last year. She had been getting more and more frail for the last several months and her dementia was increasing. My father couldn't care for her any longer, but was at the nursing home every day. My parents celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on December 1, 2014. The day before, a Sunday, my siblings held a small celebration for them. While we were sitting around the table in the dining room of the nursing home eating cupcakes, my brother began singing. It was a good way to keep my mother, who tired easily, engaged. One of the songs was I Never See Maggie Alone, which I'm sure (not being a country music fan) I haven't heard since I left home to go to college at age 18. I definitely remembered the song and I remembered a lot of the words. My mother died the following Sunday. My last memory of her is having a good time singing with her kids.
Suddenly, last week, that song began running through my head.
The other song that has been competing with Maggie is Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most. I know where that one came from: Tom Reney has been playing it a lot on Jazz à la Mode - being that it's spring and all. I've been spending some time on YouTube listening to the various artists sing this song. Ella Fitzgerald's version is definitely my favorite, but there are some good instrumental versions, also.
When a song that I don't like gets stuck in my head, I have a remedy. I have a favorite Cole Porter song, You Do Something To Me, that I sing. What a great song. It sometime even pops up on its own.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Monday, April 6, 2015
Cataloging, Computers and Cars, or, I can now relax (I think)
It's been a stressful couple of months, but I think things are settling down. I hope this post is not a jinx.
Last fall, I agreed to lead an intensive RDA training. It was a good opportunity for me to delve into the new cataloging rules and finally learn them. It's that thing about teaching what we need to learn, and it works. I've been teaching cataloging and related subjects for close to 30 years, but was very nervous about this workshop. It haunted me. I kept thinking I could learn more and include more. I agonized over the best way to present the material. It was a difficult time for me.
I gave the workshop and it all went well. However, that was not the end of my stress. The night before the workshop, my computer died. All my (and my husband's) material is backed up on Carbonite, so that wasn't the problem. Neither of us could get to any of it, though. I was about to be tied up for two days with the workshop and I couldn't attend to the computer. (I'm the IT person at my house.)
As I said, the workshop went well, but on the way home, my car died. I was about halfway home when I lost my power steering and the battery light came on. I tried to make it to the Subaru dealership, but the battery ran out of charge about 4 miles away. I called AAA and my car was towed to the dealership - Friday evening just as they were closing.
Interestingly, the car is the least of my stress. Though it cost me a good portion of my workshop fee, I knew the car could be fixed. It wasn't much more than an inconvenience.
The computer, however, is a more difficult issue. After agonizing over my options, I bought a new computer. I set aside an entire day to get it set up, install software and download files. After a few glitches (Carbonite tech support is EXCELLENT) things seem to be working, though I kind of hold my breath every time I turn on the computer. I feel vulnerable when it comes to these things. So far, everything seems to be where it's supposed to be.
Saturday and Sunday I got to stay home and just relax. I know it'll be a short one, but I'm very much enjoying this plateau.
Last fall, I agreed to lead an intensive RDA training. It was a good opportunity for me to delve into the new cataloging rules and finally learn them. It's that thing about teaching what we need to learn, and it works. I've been teaching cataloging and related subjects for close to 30 years, but was very nervous about this workshop. It haunted me. I kept thinking I could learn more and include more. I agonized over the best way to present the material. It was a difficult time for me.
I gave the workshop and it all went well. However, that was not the end of my stress. The night before the workshop, my computer died. All my (and my husband's) material is backed up on Carbonite, so that wasn't the problem. Neither of us could get to any of it, though. I was about to be tied up for two days with the workshop and I couldn't attend to the computer. (I'm the IT person at my house.)
As I said, the workshop went well, but on the way home, my car died. I was about halfway home when I lost my power steering and the battery light came on. I tried to make it to the Subaru dealership, but the battery ran out of charge about 4 miles away. I called AAA and my car was towed to the dealership - Friday evening just as they were closing.
Interestingly, the car is the least of my stress. Though it cost me a good portion of my workshop fee, I knew the car could be fixed. It wasn't much more than an inconvenience.
The computer, however, is a more difficult issue. After agonizing over my options, I bought a new computer. I set aside an entire day to get it set up, install software and download files. After a few glitches (Carbonite tech support is EXCELLENT) things seem to be working, though I kind of hold my breath every time I turn on the computer. I feel vulnerable when it comes to these things. So far, everything seems to be where it's supposed to be.
Saturday and Sunday I got to stay home and just relax. I know it'll be a short one, but I'm very much enjoying this plateau.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Winter 2015
This winter has really taken a toll on me. The snow, the cold, the extent of both. I'm functioning okay, but I'm certainly not at peak performance. My lack of postings is one of the results.
M. and I had an early January vacation in southern California. It was great. One entire week where the most we had to wear to keep warm was a sweater or light jacket. We heard others complaining about the cold, but it was like heaven to us. I thought that when we came back home, the worst of winter would be over and we could begin anticipating spring, which, despite the mud, makes me happy because the days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer.
Ha! That week in January when we were away was just practice for the artic conditions in New England. That week in California is such a distant sensory memory even though it was just 6 weeks ago. At least the days are getting longer.
I have a lot of work to do. I agreed to give some cataloging workshops. Since I'm not teaching at Simmons SLIS-west this semester, I have more time and less money. I like giving CE classes. In, out, and no papers to grade. Of course, there are no relationships that build over the course of 12-14 weeks, but some of these people in CE programs I see 2 or 3 times.
I'm headed off for a chair Yoga class in a few minutes. After that, I have errands to run. When I get back home, I'll hunker down and get some serious planning done on those workshops. Now that I've put my intentions into print, I have to follow through.
M. and I had an early January vacation in southern California. It was great. One entire week where the most we had to wear to keep warm was a sweater or light jacket. We heard others complaining about the cold, but it was like heaven to us. I thought that when we came back home, the worst of winter would be over and we could begin anticipating spring, which, despite the mud, makes me happy because the days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer.
Ha! That week in January when we were away was just practice for the artic conditions in New England. That week in California is such a distant sensory memory even though it was just 6 weeks ago. At least the days are getting longer.
I have a lot of work to do. I agreed to give some cataloging workshops. Since I'm not teaching at Simmons SLIS-west this semester, I have more time and less money. I like giving CE classes. In, out, and no papers to grade. Of course, there are no relationships that build over the course of 12-14 weeks, but some of these people in CE programs I see 2 or 3 times.
I'm headed off for a chair Yoga class in a few minutes. After that, I have errands to run. When I get back home, I'll hunker down and get some serious planning done on those workshops. Now that I've put my intentions into print, I have to follow through.
Friday, January 2, 2015
And Another Thing ...
... I don't like about the "Holiday Season" is that people feel compelled to make or bake or buy cookies, cake and candy and share them with others. It's good to share, but too tempting to overindulge on empty calories. In past years I've been known to consume all of those edible gifts as quickly as possible so that I can be rid of them and begin eating more healthfully again. I've managed a more sane approach lately and don't bring any "leftovers" home.
But I remember two things I like about this time of year.
1) It's a reminder to communicate with people I know and like but rarely see. Every December I sit down at the kitchen counter and write personal notes to my friends who now live in Maine, Buffalo, California, Dallas, Minnesota, Washington state and other far-flung places. I let them know what I've been doing and inquire about them and their families. Most of them also send a card to me with an update of their lives
2) We sometimes get to leave work early with a full day's pay. No Bah-Humbug there!
But I remember two things I like about this time of year.
1) It's a reminder to communicate with people I know and like but rarely see. Every December I sit down at the kitchen counter and write personal notes to my friends who now live in Maine, Buffalo, California, Dallas, Minnesota, Washington state and other far-flung places. I let them know what I've been doing and inquire about them and their families. Most of them also send a card to me with an update of their lives
2) We sometimes get to leave work early with a full day's pay. No Bah-Humbug there!
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
What a Curmudgeon!
Finally the "Holiday Season" is almost over and I'll be able to get back to somewhat of a routine. I'll be able to work regular hours and not have to telecommute or try to fit work around the MLS-west office being closed.
I'll be able to attend the senior exercise class and not have to cancel because the Senior Center needs the time and room to set up for the annual holiday party. I'll be able to go to the supermarket and buy ordinary things like toilet paper or eggs and not have to circle the parking lot looking for a parking space. The traffic is horrible and everyone's nerves are on edge.
I won't be subjected to all that schmaltzy Christmas music. UGH!
The one thing I really like about this time of year are all of the lights. The houses are lit up (sometimes a bit overdone, but ...), the trees have lights and I even have a few strings of mini-lights around windows and doors which I plug in every evening. That's so cheerful.
As for gift-giving, I give gifts when I see something I think someone else would like. Remember "Peace on Earth, good will toward men"? I try to be kind, considerate and thoughtful all year long. Unfortunately, the "Holiday Season" sometimes brings out the worst in me. I'm so glad it's almost over.
I'll be able to attend the senior exercise class and not have to cancel because the Senior Center needs the time and room to set up for the annual holiday party. I'll be able to go to the supermarket and buy ordinary things like toilet paper or eggs and not have to circle the parking lot looking for a parking space. The traffic is horrible and everyone's nerves are on edge.
I won't be subjected to all that schmaltzy Christmas music. UGH!
The one thing I really like about this time of year are all of the lights. The houses are lit up (sometimes a bit overdone, but ...), the trees have lights and I even have a few strings of mini-lights around windows and doors which I plug in every evening. That's so cheerful.
As for gift-giving, I give gifts when I see something I think someone else would like. Remember "Peace on Earth, good will toward men"? I try to be kind, considerate and thoughtful all year long. Unfortunately, the "Holiday Season" sometimes brings out the worst in me. I'm so glad it's almost over.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Who Are You Reading?
I've always been a reader.
Maybe it's because I'm a librarian. Maybe it's why I became a librarian.
Regardless, I read every night before going to sleep. It's the best way I know to separate the work and worries of the day from the relaxing and refreshing aspects of sleeping.
I'm a pretty eclectic reader, though I do love mysteries (in all their forms: hard boiled detective, police procedurals, cozies, legal thrillers, etc.) and I lean toward female authors. I also like biographies. I've read all four volumes of Robert Caro's The Years of Lyndon Johnson. I recently finished Lyle Leverich's biography of Tennessee Williams which ends with The Glass Menagerie becoming a hit on Broadway. I plan to read John Lahr's biography of Tennessee Williams, but I wanted to read them in order (being the OCD-ish person I am).
I've read a lot of Rita Mae Brown's book. I'm not that fond of the Mrs. Murphy mysteries (written with the assistance of her cat Squeaky Pie; they're pretty light), but I do like the foxhunting mysteries. Even better, are her non-mystery fiction works such as Alma Mater and Bingo. The latter book is a sequel to Six of One. Not knowing that, I read them out of order. I've know of her first book Rubyfruit Jungle for about as long as I can remember, though I never knew exactly what is was about. I was reminded of that book when I saw the play (and also the movie) Educating Rita. Rita (whose real name is Susan) is a hair dresser from a working class family who wants to become educated by taking classes at the local college after reading Rubyfruit Jungle. The book has made such an impact on her, she even changes her name.
Well, it's a little dated (a lot has changed in 40 years) and I'm not going to change my name, but I loved the book.
Now on to the stack of tomes sitting on the night table next to my bed. What will be next?
Maybe it's because I'm a librarian. Maybe it's why I became a librarian.
Regardless, I read every night before going to sleep. It's the best way I know to separate the work and worries of the day from the relaxing and refreshing aspects of sleeping.
I'm a pretty eclectic reader, though I do love mysteries (in all their forms: hard boiled detective, police procedurals, cozies, legal thrillers, etc.) and I lean toward female authors. I also like biographies. I've read all four volumes of Robert Caro's The Years of Lyndon Johnson. I recently finished Lyle Leverich's biography of Tennessee Williams which ends with The Glass Menagerie becoming a hit on Broadway. I plan to read John Lahr's biography of Tennessee Williams, but I wanted to read them in order (being the OCD-ish person I am).
I've read a lot of Rita Mae Brown's book. I'm not that fond of the Mrs. Murphy mysteries (written with the assistance of her cat Squeaky Pie; they're pretty light), but I do like the foxhunting mysteries. Even better, are her non-mystery fiction works such as Alma Mater and Bingo. The latter book is a sequel to Six of One. Not knowing that, I read them out of order. I've know of her first book Rubyfruit Jungle for about as long as I can remember, though I never knew exactly what is was about. I was reminded of that book when I saw the play (and also the movie) Educating Rita. Rita (whose real name is Susan) is a hair dresser from a working class family who wants to become educated by taking classes at the local college after reading Rubyfruit Jungle. The book has made such an impact on her, she even changes her name.
Well, it's a little dated (a lot has changed in 40 years) and I'm not going to change my name, but I loved the book.
Now on to the stack of tomes sitting on the night table next to my bed. What will be next?
Saturday, November 8, 2014
If Everything is on the Internet ...
... why is my desk at MassCat stacked with books, etc. that need cataloging? Sorry, I didn't take a picture.
I've been inundated with requests for bibliographic records for books, DVDs, even a local serial publication. Self-publishing is the main reason for me to create original records. Someone in town publishes a book and donates it to the public library which now needs information in its online catalog so that patrons can find the book and it can be circulated. This is in no way intended to imply they're not worthy of publication, but because these tomes are not going through the commercial publishers, they lack bibliographic records in the traditional sources.
It's not just new items that lack records; some old publications never received them. Some of the MassCat libraries are special libraries with historical collections such as the Massachusetts Horticultural Society in Wellesley, or the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History.
As staff go through the process of retrospective conversion, making sure that all items are accounted for in the catalog, it is not unusual to find some for which no cataloging record exists. These are the things you won't find on Amazon.com. And you may not find them in Google books. The only record of some of these historically significant items will be in MassCat.
I've been inundated with requests for bibliographic records for books, DVDs, even a local serial publication. Self-publishing is the main reason for me to create original records. Someone in town publishes a book and donates it to the public library which now needs information in its online catalog so that patrons can find the book and it can be circulated. This is in no way intended to imply they're not worthy of publication, but because these tomes are not going through the commercial publishers, they lack bibliographic records in the traditional sources.
It's not just new items that lack records; some old publications never received them. Some of the MassCat libraries are special libraries with historical collections such as the Massachusetts Horticultural Society in Wellesley, or the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History.
As staff go through the process of retrospective conversion, making sure that all items are accounted for in the catalog, it is not unusual to find some for which no cataloging record exists. These are the things you won't find on Amazon.com. And you may not find them in Google books. The only record of some of these historically significant items will be in MassCat.
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