By the By

So, it's been awhile. Not too much to report. I went on an interview last week for an "Acquisitions Coordinator" position for the Phoenix School of Law Library. I think it went really well, but we will have to wait and see. The job is full time with benefits, which would rule. It's a paraprofessional job, but it would be a step up. If I do get it, I would be getting a lot of great technical services experience, but they start work at the ungodly hour of 7:00am. They said I should hear back early next week.

There is also a library assistant job I'm going to apply for. Opportunities are starting to float up, which is good. Also, I like going in to these interviews knowing that I still have a job waiting for me if I don't get it.

I have the next two days off, which is glorious because I haven't had two days off in a month or so. Tomorrow night I'm cooking a big meal and having some friends over. Saturday is Halloween and I can't decide if I'm going to go out or not.

Upstairs, Downstairs

The page gig is going pretty well. I must say it is pretty physical work, as I'm constantly lifting large stacks of books or pushing carts filled with books. Plus, I'm on my feet the whole time. Maybe I'm just used to lazing about the house and it's not really all that bad. But, for me it has taken some getting used to.

I am working at two libraries now: Cholla and Mesquite, and Saturday is my only day off. The people at Cholla are mostly really nice and helpful. The Mesquite folks I know less, as I've only been there twice now. They seemed to warm up to me a bit the last time I was in there. There can be a bit of an "upstairs, downstairs" vibe at times. By this I mean pages hang with pages, circ and librarians hang with circ and librarians. I don't mind too much and understand it will take time to get to know everyone.

There are talks about the ever hanging cloud known as "budget cuts" often, and there is the danger of branches closing. Then I heard four branches may have to close, but then also that there would be no cuts until 2010. So it's all very uncertain and scary in library land, but at least it's not Philadelphia. I'm just hanging in there as long as I can and hoping things get better for everyone soon. It's nice to have a job, even if it is part time.

In non library related news, I can't wait for Fall to show up. I love the season and the holidays, and Morgan and I will celebrate our six year anniversary in November. Time flies when you're having fun I guess. I can't wait until he finally graduates and we can maybe look around and try someplace new.

Page

I'm pretty sure I didn't get the Librarian job for Pima County, and that's OK. I haven't heard from them yet and it has been a month. A friend of mine who works for PCPL said she thinks the new librarian may already be working at her branch. I really wanted that job but I have to move on.

Moving on will be easier because I got a conditional offer today on a page position with Phoenix PL. So tomorrow I have to go and fill out paperwork and get fingerprinted, etc. I know teenagers get hired for this job, but I am still kind of excited. I mean, it is better than sitting around the house feeling sorry for myself. My income will probably be just enough to pay off my school loans every month, which is alright. Maybe they will give me more hours, or I can get a second job once it gets cooler and the snow birds come back. At least my foot is in the door and when a better job within the system becomes available, I'll know more people and have more experience. I know I still have a lot to learn. I'm just going to be the best page I can be, be happy I'm in a library and getting paid, and keep applying for other library jobs I see as they come up in AZ.

Beating the Heat

Morgan and I got back from our Flagstaff/Woods Canyon Lake trip yesterday. It was a lot of fun.
The first night we were there we went to our friend's birthday party/dinner. We ate at Cafe Ole, which was pretty delicious. Pitchers of prickly pear, mango, strawberry, and house margaritas kept showing up, the food was great, and, despite there being 18-20 people in the party, the bill was settled without incident (most amazing part).

The Zoes Celebrate

Saturday we went to one of my favorite places: the Lamar Haines Memorial Wildlife Area.

"cabin for shorties"

Saturday night we met Emmett and some friends out at Mia's, but turned in on the early side. Sunday we headed to Woods Canyon Lake to camp. We walked down to the lake from our campsite and talked to this guy Phillip, whose job it was to monitor a baby bald eagle. We got to look at the eagle in his scope, and then when I said I had never been in a canoe, he took me out for a ride.

I kind of want to own a canoe now! Morgan and I made some delicious meals, which is one of my favorite parts of camping.

After dinner we sat around the fire, chatting and then listening to a part of a Howard Stern show on Sirius. That night, it was the most perfect temperature outside for tent sleeping, but I had trouble because I kept thinking about that news story I heard recently about the kid who got ripped from his tent and eaten by a bear. I really needed coffee in the morning to jump start my Monday!

Overall it was a great weekend and I'm glad we got to be outside so much. I should visit Flagstaff and camp more often.

I'll Never

I'll never get sick of hearing or dancing to New Order's Bizarre Love Triangle. If I heard and danced to this song every day of my life, it would always be joyous and fun.

Job Hunting

Sho and I decided job hunting is:

A) Like that scene in "Never Ending Story" where Atreyu walks past the naked sphinx-like ladies and heads to that mirror. You know, the one you have to stare into and really see yourself in before you can pass on in your quest. (my contribution)

and

B) Like that scene in "Never Ending Story" where Atreyu is stuck in the swamp and can't get too sad or he might drown forever. The poor horse just can't take it and succumbs. (Sho's contribution)

This conversation, of course, took place right before an interview for a Librarian 1 position I was to go on in a matter of minutes.