Happy 4th of July

Our church has a 4th of July party just about every year and in the past few, we've added a talent show.  This year I was asked to do something.  In years past I've done some poetry readings (don't think I'm too pretentious, most of them were my favorite Shel Silverstein poems--gotta love 'em) but this year I thought I'd do something a little different.

Having traveled quite a bit out of this country, I've seen how different countries and different cultures live and, despite of the hardships and controversies the U.S. is facing, I still believe the foundations of our government are solid and strong.

So, with less than 5 minutes of your time, you can reflect on two great historical moments, both written after times of trial and war; years apart but still powerful and meaningful today.

*disclaimer--I'm an amateur and this is my simple salute as a citizen of our nation, the United States of America.

**also note that there is not a lot a background noise because this is a recording of my practice session in case I punked out from nerves at the talent show (this is my first solo a cappella performance)

*** update:  I did it and it was well-received by my church family :)

Book Review--Compost

Today we're gonna get low-down and dirty... with compost.

I have a great imagination.  And in my imaginary world, I grow beautiful plants and flowers and have a fantastic garden.  I have plants with leaves of all colors, flowers that range in size from miniscule dots of color to huge splashes of pigmentation that fill the view.  I have red tomatoes and strawberries, lovely cucumbers and green beans and even grand heads of lettuce, nodding in approval.

Yeah, my garden is lush ...in Wonderland.




Reality is more like:

From HOPEFUL!

To HOPELESS (thanks pups)

But, I do persevere.  Which has led me to read several things about gardening and growing things.  I'm always willing to try to green up my thumb (currently it appears to be hairy--I can keep mammals alive; the kids and dogs are thriving).  So, while it may appear to be a random choice, my pursuit of gardening excellence got me interested in all aspects, including:

Composting is not a necessary component of successful gardening but I do find it interesting. Maybe that's the scientist in me coming out again.

Successful composting can be beneficial to your garden by introducing wonderful nutrients and weed-fighting capabilities. I had no idea of the range of types of compost that you can cultivate all with differing times of completion.  Compost: The natural way to make food for your garden by Ken Thompson laid all of the details out in an understandable way.

As we've established, I'm a bit of a geek in more than one area so it won't surprise you to note that I got excited over two different and distinct aspects of this book.

One was the technical information which was thoroughly accurate and based on sound scientific principles and research but was absolutely understandable and readable.  This did not read like a dry, intellectual tome--it was easy to read but I felt confident in the accuracy of the information presented.

The other thing I enjoyed was the visual layout of the book.  I found the page and font colors and the photographs very appealing.  It please my sense of aesthetic as I delved into the depths of a compost pile.  Odd dichotomy but it worked well.

If you are an avid gardener, ecology enthusiast or even just a curious amateur scientist you'll enjoy digging into the details of composting.

It's all in the follow-through

I spent a recent Saturday doing something to expand my sense of adventure.  While a large part of the motivation is because I want my kids to be more adventurous than I am (lead by example, right?), I've started to enjoy this particular aspect.

I've been learning to shoot a gun!  Guns were not a norm in our household growing up and I had only ever really seen one up close when my brother got issued his.  I was incredibly nervous about the whole idea but I had some good friends who were trained, confident, and very patient while they taught me.  Given the extent of my hesitation and my penchant for researching, however, you won't be surprised to hear that I wanted a bit more formal instruction.  Enter in that Saturday.

Friend, sister and me!

My sister, friend and I attended the NRA-sponsored "Women on Target" class at the local gun range.  This was a wonderful class and I was very happy about the format, the information given and the instructors present.  Thanks to all who participated!

But it was during a portion of the classroom time that made me think.  To ponder.  To muse... (o.k. I'll stop) about an aspect of life that is critically important but often overlooked or marginalized.

The follow-through.

Our instructor was pointing out the importance of following through with each shot so that your anticipation of the next shot doesn't interfere with your aim.  A slow, steady trigger pull and keeping your hands and arms steady throughout the whole motion.  This, in turn, reminded me of all the years Dad spent coaching me in softball (just slow pitch recreational but fun, nonetheless).  My throwing needed a follow-through to make sure it went where I wanted it to go.  My hitting needed a follow-through so the ball wouldn't end up in the dugout.




You can have the best aim but you need the follow-through to carry it out.

The same went for my sporadic tennis lessons over the years.  Forehand, backhand, serve, everything needed the plan, the execution and the all-important follow-through.  Could I tell if I wasn't following through correctly?  I did make many trips outside the fence to pick up the ball I'd launched, that's for sure.

But sitting there, in the classroom in a completely unrelated activity at a very different time of my life, it occurred to me that so many activities require a follow-through motion because it's vital for anything.  Everything!  Not just sports and activities but in any area and stage of life.  Business plans need follow-through to stay afloat and be successful.  Parents need follow-through so make sure their kids know the importance of repercussions (not the same thing as punishment).

 Have you ever tried to work or live with someone who had no follow-through?  Plans that don't come to fruition are frustrating with no execution.  Apologies are eventually hollow with no change in action.  Promises made that are never kept.  All of these things require follow-through to keep life progressing in a healthy manner.

These days, I only have to worry about my own follow-through and teaching my kids the importance of it, too.  I try to temper my enthusiasm and optimism for plans with the reality of my time, energy level and finances.  That's not to say I never do anything or promise anything it's just that I do it with much consideration and the personal requirement that I follow-through.  I don't think there's an objective way to measure success in life but for me it's knowing that what I mean what I say and I do what I promise so that my kids are rarely disappointed by things within my control.

As for this point in my life I, to be re-evaluated periodically, my follow-through is to be consistent, honest with myself, and content with my decisions. For the next stage my follow-through may look different but I will make sure I know what it is and stick with it.

Adult Summer Reading

Whew, a week into the Adult Summer Reading Program and I can finally take a deep breath!

The Alamogordo Public Library has a fantastic children's Summer Reading Program every year, headed up by our awesome Youth Services Librarian (here's her blog, there is always something going on there).  But, from what I understand, the adult side has been much more sporadic and low-key.

Being the go-getter that I am (read: proposer of idealistic and insane programs), I thought it would be a great addition to library programming to have a Summer Reading Program (SRP) for adults.  I had done Winter Book Bingo this past year based on a program done by the Seattle Public Library (I gave them credit on the back) and it was really well-received so I thought it would be good to follow it up during the summer.

Wow, I almost bit off more than I can chew.  BUT, with support and encouragement from Ami (Youth Services Librarian referenced earlier), full permission from the Library Manager, and financial help from the Alamogordo Friends of the Public Library, I have managed to put together a great (I'd be modest except there have been many adjectives like this describing the program so I don't want to denigrate my adoring public's opinion) program based on the Collaborative Summer Library Program package.




Which is right up my alley because I try to be fit. Now, we're taking a broad interpretation of the concept of fitness; it's not just exercise and eating right it's also taking the time to relax, meditate, do something fun, anything that benefits your well-being. (and, yes, that includes coloring!)

What we have cued up for the program include:

Silent Book Club:  Read (or listen to) any book of your choice and fill out a Book Review Sheet.  The review sheets are added to a poster so everyone can take a look at what's popular and maybe try a new title.  Each time you return a review sheet, you get a raffle ticket for the general prize bucket.  There are no limits on how many books you can read, sheets you can fill out, or raffle tickets you can earn!

How to Food: This is a series of 3 classes on menu planning, grocery shopping and food prep.  Each class session you attend will net you a ticket!

Fitness Fest: We are hosting a fitness fest for area organizations and businesses to encourage every aspect of a safe and healthy lifestyle. If you visit at least 5 informational table and get your punch card marked, you'll get another ticket for a chance at a prize!

And the biggest portion of the program, which also requires the most effort, is the

Million Steps Challenge!

Health professionals recommend that we get at least 10,000 steps a day, which indicates a healthy level of activity. This, in turn, lends itself to better general health and longevity.  I made three tiers to the challenge:

Primary Challenge: the basic goal of 10,000 steps a day for the summer

Focus Challenge: if you are already active, bump yourself up to about 12,500 steps a day

Top Tier Challenge: really get yourself active and try for 15,000 steps a day which will get you all the way to 1,000,000 steps by the end of the summer reading program.

I even made a fun log book and conversion chart for alternate activities.  You can make all of your activities count as "steps" using the conversions so your biking, swimming, gardening and cooking can all increase the number of steps, and consequently your activity level, each day.

With the overwhelming positive response and the gratifyingly large number of participants, I'm already planning on what to do next year!

If you're in the Alamogordo area, come in and sign up!  Don't let the kids have all the fun.  And if you are further afoot, check your local library to see what kind of program they have.  If there's nothing available put in a request and then check in back here and we'll work out a long-distance something for your own enjoyment!

On the Reference Desk

I keep a log of things that happen ORD (on the reference desk).  Some of them are funny, some sweet, and some scary.  Here are a couple of my most recent:

[Phone call]

Patron:  I'm writing a report and don't have my slang dictionary handy.  How do you spell cattywampus?

Me: c-a-t-t-y-w-a-m-p-u-s

Patron:  Wow, did you know that off the top of your head?  That's awesome.

Me: I did know it but I double checked with the computer just in case.

(hang up)

30 seconds later, the phone rings again.

Patron: Is that one word or two?

Me: One.

[Same day at the Desk]

Patron 2: How do you spell "inconveniences"?  All the I's and E's mess me up.
Me: Let me write it down for you.

[ILL Demands]

Problem Patron (this person is a regular and a regular problem): I put a title in the catalog and two unrelated titles came up.
Me: Sir, that's because we don't have it and the catalog was offering suggestions with those search terms.
Problem Patron: Oh.  Can you check and see if any other library in the state has it?"
Me: Sir, there is no catalog for the entire state.
Problem Patron: Can you Inter-library Loan it for me?  New Mexico does do inter-library loan, right?
Me: Yes, sir (gritting my teeth because we're not that backwater).  It's a $5 fee.
Problem Patron: How do I find out if it's available without paying the fee?
Me: You can look at other library catalogs online.  I did just check (even though I'm not really supposed to because that's part of the process) and it's available in El Paso.  If you would like to fill out this form, you can turn it in with your $5 fee and we'll call you when it comes in."
Problem Patron: But if I pay and they can't get it, do I get my $5 back?
Me: No, sir, it's a processing fee.
Problem Patron: Never mind, I'll check Cloudcroft, I don't think they charge a fee.
Me: Very good, sir.

Relating this to my boss she mused, "Hmmm, I don't know if he drives a Prius or not but it takes at least $5 in gas to get to Cloudcroft."

[Phone call]

Hard-to-hear-and-understand-patron: I have COPD and a lady at the health food store told me to look at the internet and there would be a website to give me instructions on how to inject myself with hydrogen peroxide to help my health.

Me (trying not to sound horrified): I'm sorry, that's out of my purview.  The information on that is varied and controversial; you'll need to contact a medical professional.

[On the Reference Desk]

Patron: I'm (cough) uh (throat clearing) looking (cough cough grunt, throat clearing)... I'm going to cough.  (pulls out a Visine bottle and dribbles some into the back of her throat).  I would like the address of Bill Bryson.
Me: I can only get you his publisher's information... (please, please tell me that you re-used that bottle for something else and you didn't just squirt a known poison* into your mouth).


Stay tuned for future installments of ORD--On the Reference Desk...


*Ingesting eye drops doesn't actually give you diarrhea as is usually assumed--it is instead very dangerous and potentially deadly.  Check out Snopes for some extra information.

Book Review--Dr. Mütter's Marvels

There's no other way to put it.  I'm not a history buff.  I'm definitely not a fan of history books.  I don't really want to get into too much self-reflection on all the whys and wherefores but I will say that one of the reasons is that dry textbooks in school did nothing to make the past appealing or real in any way.

I am, however, a huge fan of science!  And taking a look at scientific developments over the years is VERY appealing to me... so I willingly delve through bygone days learning about history through the lens of science.*

My most recent foray was into the medical field.  While I do have a background education in biology, I never was interested in going on to practice medicine because the only live-specimen dissection I've ever done resulted in dizziness and tunnel vision.  However, my awesome sister and half of her family (eldest son and daughter) are all EMT's and are frequently on call for any kind of medical emergency.  So combining a family interest in medicine and my own wacky curiosity, I was excited to read Dr. Mütter's Marvel's: a True Tale of Intrigue and Innovation at the Dawn of Modern Medicine by Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz.

I was not disappointed!  This was a well-researched, well-presented look at a fascinating mover-and-shaker in the advancement of modern medicine.  The book also was able to place the man and his mission in the wider context of the time period, internationally and within the civil constructs of the day.

I am sometimes leery to read about "medicine" back in the olden days (except those days are not so long ago!) because I tend to get a little too empathetic and can really get bogged down in imagining scenarios in graphic detail (the main reason I don't read accurate historical fiction--there were real people that suffered in horrible ways and there's not always a happy ending for them).  Aptowicz, however, had a knack for describing the scenes in a detailed but not gory way.  She describes the surgical procedures and evidences of disease in a calmly analytical way that didn't invite me to wallow in despair.  That's not to say she shied away from the obvious, just that she did it in a way that wasn't haunting and was very much approachable. The pictures and sketches served to illustrate the point but were not designed to look like a horror film (even though some of the conditions were pretty horrifying).

I came to admire Dr. Thomas Dent Mütter and many of his colleagues for their perseverance in advancing medicine even in the face of social hierarchies, stubborn disbelief in the unseen, and through war.  The humanity shown by Dr. Mutter to his patients was humbling as well as encouraging--he changed the face of patient care and many have reaped the benefit over the years. Patients are people was the thought that underscored his career.

Reading about the now unthinkable conditions of even the best hospitals makes me more and more thankful for living in this modern era.  While new discoveries are always being made, the basic concepts of hygiene, germs, and immunizations lay the groundwork for a life that is healthier and longer than people in Mutter's time--the simple things in life are far less likely to kill us.

If you've ever complained about a doctor, wait time or treatment, maybe take a gander at this book to realize how far we've come in medicine in a relatively short amount of time.

p.s. now I need to schedule a trip to Philadelphia to check out Dr. Mütter's museum!  Anybody want to buy my tickets?

*Some of my favorite science books recently have been: The Thing Explainer by Randal Munroe, A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson, and The Information by James Gleik.

CosPlay Fun... and it's work?

I love it when I get to do something totally fun that counts as work.  That happened this past weekend when the library hosted a booth at Alamogordo's Aeon Adventures.  Why would the library have a booth at a cosplay event? (for you noobs, cosplay is short for costume play.  Dressing up as favored characters or character types)

Why because we love Harry Potter!  So much so, that the library staff unanimously decided we should have a release party to celebrate the 8th book (written as a play) when it comes out in July.  In preparation, we are selling raffle tickets for some cool stuff (funded by Alamogordo Friends of the Library) so we'll have some money to make the celebration really rock!

Here are are a couple of pictures of the booth (I did minimal work setting up, our Youth Services librarian really did the lion's share of the work but she does such a phenomenal job I'm really superfluous sometimes).  But we had such fun!  I got to dress as Hermione (or a random Gryffindor student--but I had Hermione's wand ;) ) and we got to talk up the library, sell tickets and generally enjoy the fun atmosphere of the congenial company of the rest of the Adventure goers.  As you know, I'm not great at pictures but here are a few:

Our super-cool collection of items to raffle. (If you're in town, we'll be selling tickets all summer at the library!)

We had a fun craft of bookmarks to color and some t-shirts. 

And here I am conducting one of our helpers in a kazoo performance.

More pictures can be found at Bellatrix Lestrange's blog (a.k.a. Youth librarian) and she's much better with pictures than I am!

I also got to talk up my first try at an Adult Summer Reading program (they've had them at the library before but this is the first one I'm organizing) and I'm getting really excited about it!  It's great when you love what you do and this weekend was a great example of it!