Hats

What I Learned Today: A voice speaking in perfectly normal tones has the effect of a scream in the hushed atmosphere of a library.

The proper way to use computers in any library is to sign first. Even if you've never been to a library, you could figure this out. For starters, there are the big signs at every station saying "For Internet Access SIGN UP AT DESK". It doesn't take a genius.

At this particular library, it helps to check which stations are available first. I did so, found a good, live one, and signed up at the front, a whole 10 paces away from the computers. When I got back, someone was dragging a chair over to MY station. He misinterpreted my perplexed look, and assured me that he was just moving the chair, that he wasn't going to touch the other station (where someone else was working). I explained that I had just signed up for the computer he was settling down at. "Oh!" he said. "Well why aren't you sitting down?" I replied quite calmly, "I just HAD TO SIGN UP FIRST, ASSHOLE!"

Actually I didn't say that, but in the still of the library, it sure came out that way. He sauntered away, trying to look unaffected, but I could tell he was shaking inside. Meanwhile, everyone in the place is looking at the
crazy computer nazi. And all because he started speaking in a normal voice, and I replied.

Boy, am I glad something happened before I got to the computer, because otherwise, I would have had nothing to talk about. Life is the same. Wet. Warm. Slightly boring. It stopped raining just long enough for me to run to the laundromat and dry the towels that I've arranged under the leaks. Luckily I know just where they are now, everything is down to a science, and I have a dry futon.

I stopped by the rec center for the first time this morning. Fabulous. It's just down the street from my work and my parking lot, and for only $1.50 I get a morning swim and a shower. No more driving half an hour to a truck stop to pay $5 for a shower! Things just keep getting better.

That was only slightly sarcastic. My sister pointed out yesterday that I am halfway through this lag time. In just a little over a month, I'll be moving again. So yes, things are getting better.

We are not, however, going to talk about me in a swimsuit. I can get through that only if I force myself not to think about it.

Work is still fine. I got a big fat paycheck yesterday, as we just switched to a 2 week pay schedule. And they left out 8 of my 16 overtime hours, so it'll be even fatter next time. Tomorrow I am doing something new, waitressing in the a la carte restaurant. No sweat. I love a job that changes every day. It keeps me awake. Maybe I should be thinking of a job as the Pretender for a career. Brain surgeon? Television cameraman? Pan-Am pilot? No problem.

I'm off to try on a whole slew of hats.

Comments

[Kathleen]

Good for you for standing up to the internet bully. We have been yelled at plenty-a-times at the library (by the librarian) 'cause my kids hopped onto a station. Good luck waitressing. Stay warm. :)

[holly]

I think you can only put on a pilot's hat if you've been drinking. So get to it!