Little Things

It's the last day of November.  I have been at Red Bridge for barely over a week.  Even though my time has been short, I have found new things to experiment with at the branch.  They tend to be common sense things, but often times we are blinded by familiarity.  Admittedly, I have had the same thing happen to me.  It's not a bad thing; a new set of eyes may help discover things that have since faded into the fog.

I don't like doing unnecessary work in order to get the job done.  I want the job done efficiently and with little chance of getting injured.  It's not even the paperwork aspect of it; it just sucks getting hurt.  So, if given the choice between (a) filling a box on the ground just to pick it up and unload it onto a cart and (b) placing items on a cart so that it can be rolled out and transferred to another cart, I will always choose (b).  Not only is it easier, it's less hazardous to someone's health and well-being.

I decided that, instead of keeping 3 sheets of paper for branch programming, the branch should consolidate all programming onto one legal-sized sheet.  I love legal-size paper.  I can't explain it; it just happened.  However, I cannot take the credit for coming up with the idea because another co-worker had the idea some time ago.  I just executed it.  I guess we'll see how it goes in December.

Maybe I'll try to work in an ask-off calendar next month too.  Small but vital, an ask-off calendar can make it easier for people to take time off and make it easier for the scheduler to see how thin the crew will be throughout the month.  I can thank my former manager for that idea.

Anyway, I guess I'll wait to see how many ripples my little splashes will make.

That's Not Manager Work

I helped unload totes today at my new branch.  This is commonplace in the library world of MCPL.  When I was at Blue Springs South branch, we would always unload totes in the mornings.  The totes held items returning to our branch for shelving and those items that have come in for patron requests.  It's a pretty uneventful job, but it is absolutely necessary in order to process holds in a timely manner when there are many totes.

As I stationed myself in between some totes, I had an interesting encounter with... we'll call her Trudy.

Trudy:  "What are you doing?"

Me:  "I'm helping you unload totes."

Trudy:  "Are you supposed to do that?"

Me:  "I always have, so I figured I would help out.  It needs to be done."

Trudy:  "But the managers don't really help with totes in the morning."

Me:  "Oh... Well, I am.  I actually kinda like it."

Trudy:  "Well, you certainly are a breath of fresh air."

I don't know about you, but I found this to be pretty amazing.  I've never been one to follow rules (even unwritten ones) perfectly, and I was blown away that normal clerk stuff seemed off-limits to managers.  I may be new to this manager stuff, but I don't think it's a good practice to ignore the "clerk work."  I did that stuff for three years, which I know is a short timed compared with many library workers.  I am happy that I am not required to do that anymore, but that doesn't mean that I won't still do it from time to time.  I know that I have a lot more stuff that needs my attention now, but helping unload the totes, as mundane as it seems, is not only a great way to break the monotony of sitting at a desk, but also a great way to get to know the staff, even if I am technically above them.  Just because I have a different title doesn't mean I'm better than them.  I've been asking a lot of questions during my first week, and I'm sure that I will ask a lot more.  Anyway, manager work is manager work, but manager work is also clerk work.  By the way, clerk work may also be page work at times.  Although, I could just be a weirdo librarian.

*NOT* the Same Old Branch

Hooray for first days!  I felt like it was my first day of school again.  I picked out all of my outfits for the entire work week.  That may seem crazy, but it IS crazy.  It's pretty interesting to see how two branches from the same library system do things so differently.  There is of course a learning curve with names and duties, but I'll get there.  It was just like my first day on the job at Blue Springs.

Actually, it wasn't.  When I started at Blue Springs 3 years ago, I was still afraid to talk to people and I was afraid what people would think of me.  Sure, I had my shirt and tie on just like today, but I was a different person.  It's weird to realize how much I have changed in three years.  I'm much happier, and I'm not afraid to speak up and talk to people.  I am not afraid of what people might think of me because I think that I am a better person than I was three years ago.

Anyway, this is going to be quite the adventure.  I have a desk with a hidden compartment; I'm still around people all day; and I see promise and fulfillment in my new position.  With all of my well wishes on facebook, I have faith that I will do great.  The nightmares about getting fired have stopped too.

A Moment

Friday was my last day at the library.  I was there for 3 years and 3 months.  It's amazing to see all of the changes that happened within that time period.  What's more amazing is the amount of things that I never saw, or noticed.  It's weird that it took me my entire tenure at the branch to notice something differently, but I guess that's how life works sometimes.

As I was wandering around the library with iPad in hand, I noticed our green chairs that have been scattered across the library since I started.  They never have been anything special, but those are the chairs that we supply for patrons to sit in when they read books and magazines, or play games on their PSPs.  They've always been there, and I have always seen them, but for some reason, I actually took note of them this time.  Maybe it was because I was leaving that made me pause.  I looked around; the library was pretty empty, as it is in the early afternoon.  I took a seat.

In three years, I had never sat in these chairs.  I had never sat on a couch.  I had restricted myself to staff sittings, is that's even a proper term.  After I sat down, the library had that new feeling again.  It's like when you walk into your new house, or visit some place for the first time.  I came into the library everyday, but it had a familiar look.  After viewing it in a different place, I saw it with new eyes again.

I had that Dead Poet's Society moment, minus school desks.  It puts things into perspective again.  I turned out the lights Friday night, and I stood in the doorway to take in the novelty of the old library.  In a way, it was an incredible way to transition.  I looked upon my old library with a new perspective, and will now be going to a new library altogether.

I feel like watching Dead Poet's Society now.

This is *NOT* Goodbye

I wrote a letter to the Blue Springs South Branch staff because I've always felt I write better than I speak, and I didn't want to get emotional and not be able to finish the letter if I read it out loud.

Dear Blue Springs South:

I accepted the Assistant Branch Manager position at Red Bridge with mixed feelings.  While I am exciting to be moving forward in my career, I am sad to be moving on from this branch.  For the past three years, I have gotten to know you.  I am proud to know all of you, not only as co-workers, but also as friends.  A lot has changed in the branch in those three years.  As those changes have happened, your spirit and camaraderie has remained strong.  I can honestly say I have never worked with such an amazing group of people, and I don’t know if I ever will again.  You have set such a high standard for me. To think that I could find a group to surpass you is almost unimaginable.

You have taught me so much about work and life, and I can never repay you for that kindness.  You have comforted me in times of trouble, and you have praised me in times of great happiness.  You have supported me in everything that I have done, within the library and beyond.  That support has been invaluable.  I have learned so much, and I hope to learn more as I move on.  It is difficult leaving such a close-knit group, but I know you are all just a call or quick drive away.

You are all fantastic, and I know that Blue Springs South is one of the best branches (if not the best branch) in the system.  I believe there is a reason that Blue South was chosen to usher in the new customer service model.  You can do it, and I see only bright things for everyone at the branch.

Again, you are the best group with which I have ever worked.  I am honored to know all of you.  I wish you luck in everything, and I hope to visit often (or at least bring food or bug you on Facebook).  It’s impossible for me to be in a bad mood around you, and I hope that your spirit never changes.  Thank you for everything that you have given me.  Remember, it’s never goodbye.

Food Day

Food, Glorious FOOOOOOOOOOD!

Today, there was a food day at the library.  If you can't tell, a food day is when everyone brings in food for all to eat.  I love food days, and today's was special because it was in my honor.  The ladies decided to bring in some delicious edibles since I am moving to another library branch (as Assistant Branch Manager).  I've been at the Blue Springs South branch for over 3 years, and those 3 years have been amazing.  I have never felt closer to a group of co-workers than I do now, and I consider many of them an extension of my family.  If I wanted to count the number of people that are now an extension of my family, I don't think I could.  I would easily lose count.  Through thick and thin, the library has been there for me.  I never asked for it; I never expected it; and co-workers don't have to support each other.  This group of people did, has, and always will.  That is why I am sad to leave.  I know that I will have grand adventures as I progress in my career, but I hate leaving such a group of people, and I hate loss (I think we all do).

Anyway, the menu 
Barbeque Chips
Pumpkin Pie Cake (I know, it's awesome)
Deviled Eggs (One of my favorites)
Daylight Donuts
Pretzels
Devil's Food Cookies
Pineapple Chunks
Brownies
Mini-GBs (Gummy Bears for those of you not hip to their street name)
Jelly Shortbread Cookies
White Chocolate Chip Cookies WITHOUT Macadamia Nuts
2 types of Triscuits & Wheat Thins
2 Veggie Trays
Tortilla Chips with Rotel Dip
Homemade Potato Salad with Turkey Bacon

Not pictured 
Bacon wrapped Lil Smokies
Green Bean Casserole (my absolute favorite holiday dish ever)
KFC
Fudge with Pecans
Pumpkin Pie (just for me!)

White chocolate chip cookies are the best thing ever.  I don't like the macadamia nuts in them; it seems to ruin the genuine taste of the white chocolate.

A second veggie tray was brought in, and they were afraid that it was too much on the vegetable front.  I informed them that it was fine.  I LOVE vegetables and always have since grade school when I... oh wait, back to THIS story.

I was asked, "Do you like Original?"  When that spurred a perplexed look, I was then asked, "Do you like chicken?"  Of course I like chicken, but I guess my brain wasn't functioning.  She wanted to get me KFC; I just didn't put it together.

My wall of congratulations and embarrassment.

"He's done so many kooky things!"
"Yeah, how can you remember them all?"

Remember when:

On your first day of work, you took a tote to bring in the pick list?
(Obviously it made more sense than a basket)

Your first day of work at BS was on your Cassandra's birthday!!

You were in the Christmas play and several of us came to watch you perform?

You were Santa at our branch?
(and Colbern Road)

You were a Champion during our first Customer Service Day and you tried to get everyone's attention on the bus?

You always tried out the puppets and stories for storytime?
(I also read Pete the Cat to the staff on Wednesday Morning)

You won all those trivia contests?

Thanks, guys!

Newness

November 18th is my last day at my current library branch.  As of November 21st, I will be the Assistant Branch Manager at the Red Bridge Branch of Mid-Continent Public Library.  I am excited for this awesome opportunity, but I am also sad because I have had the honor of working with some of the best people ever.  I have gotten to know them as co-workers and friends.

This is new territory for me, and I think that it will be a great adventure.  I'll keep you posted.

The Simple Moon

I took this photo while on a cruise in the Bahamas.  It is simply the moon resting in the sky over the endless ocean.  At that moment, I felt really small but I also felt special to be able to see something so simple yet so beautiful.  It's amazing how such simple things can mean so much.

In antiquity, different peoples worshiped the sun, the moon, the trees, storms, and many other things.  They were celestial and earthly phenomena that were easily explained my mythology and religion.  People were in awe of such things thousands of years ago, and, though I haven't really been before, I am now in awe of the moon for a very different reason.

About a month ago, two of my friends came back from Afghanistan.  They told me stories of things they had seen and experienced.  They told me about their down time (what little they had).  They even told me about their culinary exploits half way around the world.  Everything that they said just seemed surreal to me.  I've never experienced anything like they have, and personally hope that I don't.  However, I am proud of them for doing what they do and helping those overseas.  I don't care how people may feel about war and the US presence in other countries.  I know how I feel, and I also know that the people that my friends described were overwhelmingly thankful for what they were doing.

As they told me numerous stories, many of them I will probably forget.  Some I will remember, but there is one thing that they both said that was unequivocally humbling for me.  When they would go outside on a clear night, they could look up at the sky and, even though there was imminent danger just down the road, they could see the moon.  When they saw the moon, they realized that it was the same moon that everyone else was seeing back home.

Some stories are sad; some stories are happy.  No matter how it touches you; if a story touches you, I think you will remember.  Now, every time that I look up at the moon, I know that it is the same moon that everyone else sees.  The soldiers on foreign soil, my friends in St. Louis, my family all across the US are all looking to the same moon, and that touches me and gives me peace.  So, if you have the opportunity, take a glance at the moon tonight and reflect.  It may make you think that those peoples in antiquity were on to something.