To Buy or Not To Buy?

So, I've been house hunting for the past month. I've seen some houses I would love, but couldn't reasonably afford and I've seen some that were downright scary. My husband discovered a house he likes this weekend. I think it's a nice house that's been maintained and is affordable. It's not a house I would have chosen, but it's nice. My dream house is just not out there. The dilemma...am I really a house owner. I don't like the yard work or repair work that a house entails. My game plan is to pay someone else to do it for me. A house means space and privacy for me. Something I desperately crave. But is a house a good option for me? I know many people know they want to buy a house. I wish I could be one of those people. I continuously think of other things I can spend my money on, such as traveling. Do others have this same internal debate? Do others own houses who don't like gardening and home repair? I hate being a renter, but I like having others do my maintenance for me. Is there a compromise I'm not aware of? I'd love to hear from others. We are debating whether to purchase this home my husband found. My internal war has no winning sides at this point. I need a few pointers. Help!!!

Coffee is my Friend

I am a caffeine addict! I know I should cut back. I know the health issues it causes. I was recently lectured again concerning my caffeine intake. I'm one of those who stops for a cup of coffee on my way to work. I sometimes stop and get some more during the day. It is very easy to do with a coffee shop downstairs. I also supplement this with a few sodas through the day. But I really do love the smell and taste of coffee.

For Lent this year, I decided to go drastic and gave up coffee. For six weeks, I have had no morning brew in the morning to energize me, nor a late afternoon pick-me up. I have continued my soda intake, but it's not the same. People have said it wasn't a sacrifice since I didn't cut caffeine out. To them, I say, yes it was. The coffee smell from my coworkers morning java tempted me. Considering I have been severely lacking sleep in the past few weeks, this has been a large sacrifice for me.

Tomorrow, my plan is to have my first cup of coffee in weeks. I can't wait to savor the aroma and taste. My hope is to limit my intake to a few times a week. For those who said I could not accomplish this, well...hmm...who knew I had such willpower.

Tree Talks

Exciting times ahead! This Saturday we kick off our Tree Talks: A Genealogy Lecture Series. Guess who is the first speaker? So, I'd recommend stopping by from 10-11 on Saturday to see our program on Using Census Records.

We are also preparing for our Military Symposium in September. Need to reserve ahead of time for this one. It is 2 days of Military Research with several expert speakers as well as consultation time with the experts. Did I forget to mention the Friday night dinner as well? Stay after closing to get some research completed before enjoying a catered dinner. If you know of anyone interested in attending, please let them know.

St. Patrick's Day

I'm feeling a little homesick today, since it's St. Patrick's Day. I am missing the rituals from back home.

St. Patrick's Day always meant an overabundance of chocolate for me. My fellow cohort, Patrick was born on March 17 and he was a chocolaholic. We always ordered him this amazing chocolate cake, with chocolate chips baked into it and a thick layer of chocolate frosting on top. It was sweetness overload. Patrick would end up wearing some form of green during the day. Last year, it was a green bow tie. I miss it. Both Patrick and I are no longer in the state of Florida, but I'll make sure to remember to eat chocolate today and wish him a Happy Birthday.

The other ritual I am missing is going to the Pub with my friends. Now we have a Pub up here, but it does not have the same feel. I miss the old worn benches and tables with their scarred wood. I miss the thatched roof over our heads (always hilarious when we were discussing the latest hurricane that was going to blow us away). The Irish lilt from all the servers at the Pub (they were all authentically Irish). The fare was always tasty and the atmosphere boisterous. I truly miss the rants and talks we had as we all squished around the table.

So enjoy your St. Patrick's Day! And remember me back home because you are in my thoughts as well!

Library Fears Part 2

After posting my feelings concerning the article in the Gainesville Sun, I see Library Journal and the Annoyed Librarian have both posted blogs concerning this article. I also appreciate Sol Hirsch's (Alachua County Library Director) response.

My concern with some comments I have seen have lead me to write on this topic again. The comments that have me upset are the bashing of the intelligence levels and university research levels of the state of Florida. Now don't get me wrong, I ran away from Florida as fast as I could. I also got tired of the jokes about the stupid people in Florida (weekly on Jay Leno) and the political jokes (2000 and now 2008 Election years). But as professionals, should such child-like name calling responses, be are way of reacting to an attack on our profession. We should be rallying the troops and defending our careers and institutions against these attacks.

Coming from the state, I can say they do not spend what they should on education. This should be used as an example of what can happen in a state that does not respect education. You have people writing in editorials to the newspaper that libraries should be shut down and sold off. What's next schools? Florida has a low graduation and literacy rate. The universities are trying to determine how to ensure students graduate on time. The rest of the country questions the intelligence of the state due to Florida continuously being negatively depicted in the national arena. One positive thing I can say is Florida has several fine academic institutions, my alma mater, University of Florida, being one of them. If you aren't aware the University of Florida is located in Gainesville, where the editorial was published.

Florida is not the only state making bad decisions that will negatively impact the education level of it's populace. Remember even if you do not use the library or have children in school. Their education effects your life. They are the future of our country when we are older.

Now I'm really upset since I felt forced to defend Florida.

Library Fears

As some know, Florida (my home state) had a property tax revolt. This lead to major roll backs last year and now massive cuts to county entities, including the library. Library Journal and other library related magazines have commented on how destructive this will be to various library systems. I know my former library system cut 90 positions last year. This was not through attrition, this was a decision to cut all pages/ shelvers in the entire system. (You can come talk to me to hear my opinion on that decision.) I've been waiting to hear from friends how the recent decisions are going to effect the library.

I was sent this editorial from the Gainesville Sun. It demonstrates some people's opinion of libraries. I found the editorial so appalling, I had to post it. I lived in Gainesville for 5 years and used the public library a lot. This was not my former employer, but I have heard that the library director for this system has rallied the troops.

I think all of us in the library field should be aware of what is occurring to our comrades in our field.