Misadventures of the Monster Librarian

As Summer Reading ended I realized I hadn't yet taken a lick of my vacation time--and the year was already half over!--thus began that fun time of figuring out how to use up 12 days of vacation...Fast forward to this past weekend: 4 days of relaxing and no work, in and around the Windy City. The Boy doesn't have any available time off right now, so I'd planned time to myself in Chicago on Friday. After parking downtown--gaping at the $30+ parking fees!--I made my way over to the Art Institute. I love the Art Institute, it's pristine layout, it's carefully thought out collection. I love that when I see the Art Institute's lions, guarding the front steps, my step quickens; being on the steps of the museum affords you with one of the best views of Chicago, in my humble opinion. I love Michigan Avenue's hustle and bustle, it's proximity to Millennium Park, it's skyscrapers, and the constant flow of cars and tourists alike. To an outsider it would be a...

After rest the Boy is feeling better! So, I'm headed out on the road in the morning, pointed toward Chicago. Can't wait to see the exhibit at the Institute of Art! Can't wait to see Lake Michigan. To see downtown. To be in a big city. To get away from Sticks! To hang with the Boy! Can't wait! "Chicago" Hog Butcher for the World,    Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat,    Player with Railroads and the Nation's Freight Handler;    Stormy, husky, brawling,    City of the Big Shoulders: They tell me you are wicked and I believe them, for I have seen your painted women under the gas lamps luring the farm boys. And they tell me you are crooked and I answer: Yes, it is true I have seen the gunman kill and go free to kill again. And they tell me you are brutal and my reply is: On the faces of women and children I have seen the marks of wanton hunger. And having answered so I turn once mor...

It is a truth long since recognized that time drags when there is something we can't wait to get to, and flies by all too quick when we are in life's wonderful moments. That in a nutshell is this week. I have been looking forward to my planned 4 day weekend to Chicago since back in July. Not only do I want to go see the art exhibit, " Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity ," at the Art Institute of Chicago, but there's a small chance I might get to see a fellow former Farmer, and most importantly I am going to see the Boy. But I just talked to the Boy and he was in bed at 10p.m., and had the beginnings of a cough. OH NO! I am hoping that this is not the nasty bug I had two weeks ago, which left me feeling TERRIBLE for a couple of days. I am so so so hoping and doing that Catholic thing of praying to any patron saint I think might help. Oh dear... And yet, it is hard to be worried when there is such loveliness about: "Boundaries" There is a place w...

  Out of the office all day with a meeting, then I have to go back to the Library late to speak for a local civic group. I know all week I will just be praying for the weekend; 4 day weekend coming up and can't wait!! Friday morning I will be on my way to see this exhibit.