Updates

Well, things are progressing here in my part of Pittsburgh. My Dad has been moved to Acute rehab at Mercy Hospital. He'll be there for another 2 - 3 weeks, spending 4-5 hours a day in physical, occupational and speech therapy, but it's fantastic that he's moved on to this step in his journey towards recovery. Considering his state over the Christmas holidays, we are so very fortunate that he is with us and progressing today. He's in good spirits and is just glad that he can have some "mechanically soft" food instead of the puree he was getting late last week.

Things at the library are going smoothly as well. Most of you know that I was given a bit of a promotion when I graduated and I have started being full-time here at the start of the new year. I'm doing a mix of what I used to do as library assistant and well as some new responsibilities such as training and overseeing our teen volunteers and have 10 hours a week devoted to program planning. For instance, over the weekend I had a group of people come into the library to learn how to turn MP3s into ringtones. And I'm working on more toddler/teen/adult programs to come our way in the next few months. We aren't the biggest library in the county, but that's what I like about it. I get a fix on all of my creative energies and get experience in may aspects of the librarian profession. Sure, it may not be the most glamorous of library jobs, but I think it's an exciting way to begin my world as a librarian. Plus, I still get to see and talk to people on a daily basis from behind the desk, helping them select books, research, chat about our reviews, etc. And that is one of the best parts about this job & the reason why I knew working at a library was for me: helping people and making a difference, even if it's a small one, every day. (Yes, I realize I am being sappy. I just know I'm lucky & starting a fun ride.)

Also, updates on my blog layout. I've added a running list of blogs that I read on a regular basis. Believe it or not, they aren't all of the blogs in my Reader but the ones I find more enjoyable and/or update more regularly. Some are written by people I know, others are not. If you write a blog, or have a favorite I missed and you think I should be reading, leave it in the comments & I'll add it to my list. In addition, I hope to keep up with my GoodReads account more as well. I don't plan on writing reviews on the books I read because I do plan on keeping you updated on my reading accomplishments here (I plan on writing reviews for every 3 books I finish). But you can check out the books I am reading currently off to the side. I think it will be interesting (for me at least) to see which books I finish out of the ones I start. Back in the day, I used to belong to the "club" that when I started a book, I finished it. But that was when I was buying most of my books instead of borrowing. And way before a wise person once told me, "There are too many books and only one life."

Alright folks, please leave your suggested blogs in the comments. I'm really curious to hear your suggestions. It's always fun to see what other people's "non-required reading."