"What is... a-n-a-l cancer??"
That's one of the first reference calls I took this morning at the library. At first I thought maybe it was a prank call, someone trying to get a librarian to say "butt cancer." I very nearly accused them pulling my leg, but decided to err on the side of professionalism. The library already had a bunch of people there, and I didn't want to explain too loudly that it meant cancer in the opening of your butt, so I covered the mouthpiece of the phone and mumbled, "It's cancer of the butt." The person kept not understanding me so I had to say it about four times, at which point they go, "OH! You mean like rectal cancer?"
Umm... yeah, pretty much. I opted against prolonging the awkwardness by getting into the distinction between the rectum and the anus.
Then I remembered when I was working in the county fiscal affairs department and once received a call from someone who'd received a letter from "The Department of Fecal Affairs." It took every last ounce of self-discipline to not burst out laughing. (Not long after that, a coworker in charge of the county repository got a call inquiring about the "county suppository.")
Moral of the story: I don't like having to talk about butts and poop in a professional context, but it's given me some funny stories. And also, I could never be mature enough to be a proctologist.
P.S. Closed on the house about a month ago. Still no internet at the house, but I will eventually post before/during/after pictures once there is. And once we are out of the "during" phase, for that matter.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
3 Weeks
If all goes as planned, that is when my husband and I will close on our first house. Crazy. Absolutely crazy.
I'm still afraid to assume anything, even though I have no reason to assume the mortgage application won't be approved. The worst that can happen is a delay on the closing date, which would be a pain in the butt, but not a deal-breaker.
Of course, this is where it pays to know people with connections. It turns out our realtor used to be an appraiser for one of the banks our mortgage company works with, plus she's good friends with a branch manager at the bank we're going through for the mortgage application. Something tells me she may have exploited these connections to get everyone to move quickly. I would love to know if we're approved for sure by next week, but I'm not holding my breath, since it seems like every time I assume things will start to go smoothly something manages to go wrong!
At this point I don't know what else could possibly go wrong, unless the appraiser decides the property is worth less than what we're paying (unlikely, since homes in that neighborhood typically sell for $20k - $100k more than our purchase prices), or credit freezes up entirely (my income and credit score alone are both good enough to get approved as things stand now, or so says everyone I've dealt with so far).
So, barring any major issues, in three weeks this will be ours:
Certainly not extravagant, but pretty darn cute, and it'll be even better once we're through with it!
I'm still afraid to assume anything, even though I have no reason to assume the mortgage application won't be approved. The worst that can happen is a delay on the closing date, which would be a pain in the butt, but not a deal-breaker.
Of course, this is where it pays to know people with connections. It turns out our realtor used to be an appraiser for one of the banks our mortgage company works with, plus she's good friends with a branch manager at the bank we're going through for the mortgage application. Something tells me she may have exploited these connections to get everyone to move quickly. I would love to know if we're approved for sure by next week, but I'm not holding my breath, since it seems like every time I assume things will start to go smoothly something manages to go wrong!
At this point I don't know what else could possibly go wrong, unless the appraiser decides the property is worth less than what we're paying (unlikely, since homes in that neighborhood typically sell for $20k - $100k more than our purchase prices), or credit freezes up entirely (my income and credit score alone are both good enough to get approved as things stand now, or so says everyone I've dealt with so far).
So, barring any major issues, in three weeks this will be ours:
Certainly not extravagant, but pretty darn cute, and it'll be even better once we're through with it!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Welcome
Things are looking good as far as the house situation goes.
Our offer was formally accepted by the seller's bank.
All the documentation we need to apply for a mortgage has been sent to our bank.
All that remains is to be approved for said mortgage. The lady at our bank said she'd be "shocked" if the application is not approved.
We have already chosen our doormat:
ThinkGeek is pretty much the best website ever.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Up Way Too Early
I wouldn't feel like I was up too early if I'd been able to fall asleep earlier than midnight and actually stayed asleep. But as it turns out, I am wide awake after only 5 1/2 hours of very interrupted sleep.
Why?
Well, it's looking like the husband and I are finally going to be getting that house! (Yes, the one I was talking about MONTHS ago. Don't let the term "short sale" fool you. There is nothing short about it.)
We got word last Friday, after giving the seller's bank an ultimatum, that our offer had been accepted. After calling our lender and much distress over we would actually qualify for the loan, the woman at the bank said she would be shocked if the mortgage wasn't approved. Glen just started subbing (like, two weeks ago) and is hoping to get a full-time teaching job next year, and since he just started there was doubt over whether we could count his income since he hasn't been doing the subbing thing long at all and is no longer working at the restaurant. But when she ran the numbers, I was told that even if we just used my income, we should be approved. I nearly fell off my chair when she told me that.
So now it comes down to the inspection, which is scheduled for this afternoon. We know there are a couple of problems, most obviously a leak on the roof over the laundry room. Desperately hoping the solution will be a less-expensive patching of the direct location of the leak, but we are prepared to replace that section of roof. (The laundry room is this weird little addition in the back with an old roof, while the rest of the roof looks brand new and we were told it was replaced within the past few years. I have no idea why the laundry room was neglected.)
Everything else is relatively minor, like taking down wallpaper and painting, replacing cabinet hardware, putting in a couple of new windows, etc. We already have nearly all the furniture we need (and yes, most of it is crammed into our current one-bedroom apartment), so the need for new furniture is minimal (and there is a good chance that a lot of it will come from thrift stores!).
If it all works out, we will pretty much feel like we've died and gone to heaven. Two extra bedrooms, a big back yard where we can grow vegetables, a washer and dryer, a dishwasher, and room for most, if not all of, my books!! (Oh yes, and there is a giant shed in the back yard that has electricity, Glen refers to it as the "clubhouse.")
So hopefully nothing too bad will turn up at the inspection today, and hopefully the bank was right when they said there should be no problem getting approved for a mortgage, and hopefully interest rates will stay low for a bit, and... well, hopefully a lot of things.
But regardless, I consider myself lucky to be in a position to hope for these things.
Why?
Well, it's looking like the husband and I are finally going to be getting that house! (Yes, the one I was talking about MONTHS ago. Don't let the term "short sale" fool you. There is nothing short about it.)
We got word last Friday, after giving the seller's bank an ultimatum, that our offer had been accepted. After calling our lender and much distress over we would actually qualify for the loan, the woman at the bank said she would be shocked if the mortgage wasn't approved. Glen just started subbing (like, two weeks ago) and is hoping to get a full-time teaching job next year, and since he just started there was doubt over whether we could count his income since he hasn't been doing the subbing thing long at all and is no longer working at the restaurant. But when she ran the numbers, I was told that even if we just used my income, we should be approved. I nearly fell off my chair when she told me that.
So now it comes down to the inspection, which is scheduled for this afternoon. We know there are a couple of problems, most obviously a leak on the roof over the laundry room. Desperately hoping the solution will be a less-expensive patching of the direct location of the leak, but we are prepared to replace that section of roof. (The laundry room is this weird little addition in the back with an old roof, while the rest of the roof looks brand new and we were told it was replaced within the past few years. I have no idea why the laundry room was neglected.)
Everything else is relatively minor, like taking down wallpaper and painting, replacing cabinet hardware, putting in a couple of new windows, etc. We already have nearly all the furniture we need (and yes, most of it is crammed into our current one-bedroom apartment), so the need for new furniture is minimal (and there is a good chance that a lot of it will come from thrift stores!).
If it all works out, we will pretty much feel like we've died and gone to heaven. Two extra bedrooms, a big back yard where we can grow vegetables, a washer and dryer, a dishwasher, and room for most, if not all of, my books!! (Oh yes, and there is a giant shed in the back yard that has electricity, Glen refers to it as the "clubhouse.")
So hopefully nothing too bad will turn up at the inspection today, and hopefully the bank was right when they said there should be no problem getting approved for a mortgage, and hopefully interest rates will stay low for a bit, and... well, hopefully a lot of things.
But regardless, I consider myself lucky to be in a position to hope for these things.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Shopping in My Closet
I've never really done this before. I've weeded through my closet and gotten rid of all the things I don't absolutely love. I'm not even sure I've used the old trick of creating new outfits from combining clothing in new ways. Instead, I skipped that step and went straight to re-purposing old clothing.
I was trying (and failing) to put together a cute, dressy (but not too dressy) outfit for going out to dinner with my husband, his friend, and his friend's new girlfriend tonight. I wanted to wear a dress, but most of my dresses are pretty summery and didn't look right with my tights. It's finally getting a bit warmer, but there was no way I was going to go out there with bare legs! Then I came across an old skirt that I don't really wear anymore because it hits right around the mid-calf area, which is kind of an awkward length for me, and, I imagine, for most people. I bought it mostly because I thought the pattern was gorgeous.
Tonight, inspiration struck and my awkward old skirt was reborn as an adorable new dress!
I was trying (and failing) to put together a cute, dressy (but not too dressy) outfit for going out to dinner with my husband, his friend, and his friend's new girlfriend tonight. I wanted to wear a dress, but most of my dresses are pretty summery and didn't look right with my tights. It's finally getting a bit warmer, but there was no way I was going to go out there with bare legs! Then I came across an old skirt that I don't really wear anymore because it hits right around the mid-calf area, which is kind of an awkward length for me, and, I imagine, for most people. I bought it mostly because I thought the pattern was gorgeous.
Tonight, inspiration struck and my awkward old skirt was reborn as an adorable new dress!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
"I'm Sorry"
Man, if I had a nickel for every time I heard those words from a library patron!
I don't know how much of this need to apologize results from a perception of librarians as strict, cranky old women with buns and how much of it comes from a lack of understanding of why librarians are there in the first place (namely, to help people find things!), but for some reason a lot of patrons seem to think they are imposing on us if they ask us for help finding something. Personally, I see it as job security! (There's also that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you find exactly what the patron is looking for and they're all impressed and grateful.)
Recently, there was an article in the American Libraries Digital Supplement called "The Bunheads Are Dead." The title is fairly self-explanatory, it's about how the stereotypical librarian is becoming a thing of the past. I think it's wonderful that people who pursue an MLIS have a huge variety of opportunities available to them, even if the title doesn't include the word "librarian." I love knowing that getting a degree in library science doesn't mean I've pigeonholed myself career-wise. But I still love being a "traditional" librarian in a public library.
No offense to any paraprofessionals out there, but I am concerned by the trend of filling school and public librarian positions with paraprofessionals, which was mentioned in the article. Being a good librarian is one heck of a lot more than knowing how to check out books and where to put them when they come back. It's about knowing have to navigate, evaluate and organize information in all its forms, and that does require some degree of training in order to do it well. (Although I suppose the argument could be made that most public librarians often find themselves playing the role of psychologist/social worker, and it's probably a safe bet that most of us don't have an MSW.)
I guess the point is, respect your librarians, because there's a lot more to the job than most people realize. But don't be afraid to ask us for help either. That's what we're here for, I promise!
I don't know how much of this need to apologize results from a perception of librarians as strict, cranky old women with buns and how much of it comes from a lack of understanding of why librarians are there in the first place (namely, to help people find things!), but for some reason a lot of patrons seem to think they are imposing on us if they ask us for help finding something. Personally, I see it as job security! (There's also that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you find exactly what the patron is looking for and they're all impressed and grateful.)
Recently, there was an article in the American Libraries Digital Supplement called "The Bunheads Are Dead." The title is fairly self-explanatory, it's about how the stereotypical librarian is becoming a thing of the past. I think it's wonderful that people who pursue an MLIS have a huge variety of opportunities available to them, even if the title doesn't include the word "librarian." I love knowing that getting a degree in library science doesn't mean I've pigeonholed myself career-wise. But I still love being a "traditional" librarian in a public library.
No offense to any paraprofessionals out there, but I am concerned by the trend of filling school and public librarian positions with paraprofessionals, which was mentioned in the article. Being a good librarian is one heck of a lot more than knowing how to check out books and where to put them when they come back. It's about knowing have to navigate, evaluate and organize information in all its forms, and that does require some degree of training in order to do it well. (Although I suppose the argument could be made that most public librarians often find themselves playing the role of psychologist/social worker, and it's probably a safe bet that most of us don't have an MSW.)
I guess the point is, respect your librarians, because there's a lot more to the job than most people realize. But don't be afraid to ask us for help either. That's what we're here for, I promise!
On a completely unrelated note, my husband made my Valentine's Day by giving me a signed copy of "The Pigeon Wants a Puppy" by Mo Willems. I absolutely LOVE the Pigeon books, even if they are intended for preschoolers.
Seriously, how adorable is the Pigeon??
Friday, February 13, 2009
A Bit of Library Advocacy
If you are reading this, live in NJ, and support public libraries, please go here and contact your Assemblyman!
Earlier this week a bill was introduced to cut the funding for New Jersey's public libraries in half. Assemblyman Prieto's justification is that "many municipalities are collecting monies in excess of the needs of their public library systems."
I'm not saying there aren't any libraries in the entire state that receive more funding than they need, but more often than not one hears about libraries having to cut hours, programming, and/or staff because they can't afford to maintain the status quo. I work in a library in a relatively low-income area, and while I am not aware of all the details of the situation, I know that we are having enough funding issues as it is.
However, we also have a lot of very appreciative patrons who depend on us as their only source of internet access (and instruction in the use thereof), for help finding information for a job search or a school project, or even just for the entertainment of reading a novel or watching movie that they can't afford to buy or rent. They rely on us even more when the economy is awful, as it is now.
I know the government needs to cut costs, but public libraries provide people with the means to overcome economic hardship. While this may reduce the amount of money municipalities are required to invest in the community, it will also eliminate the returns their would have received on that investment.
Earlier this week a bill was introduced to cut the funding for New Jersey's public libraries in half. Assemblyman Prieto's justification is that "many municipalities are collecting monies in excess of the needs of their public library systems."
I'm not saying there aren't any libraries in the entire state that receive more funding than they need, but more often than not one hears about libraries having to cut hours, programming, and/or staff because they can't afford to maintain the status quo. I work in a library in a relatively low-income area, and while I am not aware of all the details of the situation, I know that we are having enough funding issues as it is.
However, we also have a lot of very appreciative patrons who depend on us as their only source of internet access (and instruction in the use thereof), for help finding information for a job search or a school project, or even just for the entertainment of reading a novel or watching movie that they can't afford to buy or rent. They rely on us even more when the economy is awful, as it is now.
I know the government needs to cut costs, but public libraries provide people with the means to overcome economic hardship. While this may reduce the amount of money municipalities are required to invest in the community, it will also eliminate the returns their would have received on that investment.
Monday, February 2, 2009
In the Library
Today I found out that there's a library-scented perfume! Who'd have thought?According to the website, it smells like "Russian & Moroccan leather bindings, worn cloth and a hint of wood polish."
Awesome :-)
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Feeling Guilty
Is it weird that I feel incredibly guilty about not having found a full-time library job yet? Well, not even so much about not finding one, because I have limited control over that situation, especially given the current state of the economy... What I feel guilty about is that I'm not as upset about it as I think I should be. After all, I spent 2 1/2 years and nearly $20,000 getting my MLIS.
I suspect part of the reason I'm not so upset is that (a) I at least am working part time as a librarian, so at least I'm getting some sort of return on my investment, financially, professionally and psychologically and (b) I'm lucky to have any job in any field, let alone two jobs, both of which are actually related to my education.
Part of me is even afraid to switch full-time jobs even if something came up, particularly if it's something in a public library. The unfortunate thing about times like this is that, even though library use pretty much skyrockets, the budgets go down the tubes and I'd fear for my job security. I'd be much more inclined to accept a job in a school library, but I'd still be afraid of not being asked to return the next year. My job as a government auditor is pretty darn secure, and while it may not be my dream job I enjoy it most of the time. It just doesn't give me the same sense of purpose as working in a library. When I come home from the courthouse, I feel drained... when I come home from the library, I feel invigorated.
I don't want to be so risk-averse that I turn down a great job opportunity should it be offered... but at the same time, I am terrified of putting myself in a position where I don't have any (or very little) income. Especially if my husband and I do end up with a house.
Yes, that's right. Still no word on the house. The seller's bank wanted to do a second appraisal, because our offer was so far below the original purchase price. Very frustrating, because we do feel we're getting a very good deal and don't want to just walk away, but how long are they going to string us along? All we can do is keep our eyes open for a comparable home at a comparable price, and should we find it... well, too bad for the bank, we're going to withdraw our offer and good luck to them finding another buyer.
But in happier news, the past couple of weekends have been fun! Last Friday I went to New York for a friend's birthday, and we had a delicious dinner at L'Express. Went to New York yet AGAIN on Sunday to visit another friend. Got brunch at Tapeo 29... their brunch comes with your choice of Bloody Mary, mimosa, or screwdriver, with free refills. Seriously, who gives free refills on alcohol? Amazing. Last night my husband and I went back to the city AGAIN with one of his friends to see a midnight showing of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie at Sunshine Cinema. Good times, but finding parking was horrible, ugh.
Well, I'm off. The boy is working tonight, so I have the apartment to myself. Time to finish straightening things up, make some dinner, and love the fact that I have tomorrow off!
I suspect part of the reason I'm not so upset is that (a) I at least am working part time as a librarian, so at least I'm getting some sort of return on my investment, financially, professionally and psychologically and (b) I'm lucky to have any job in any field, let alone two jobs, both of which are actually related to my education.
Part of me is even afraid to switch full-time jobs even if something came up, particularly if it's something in a public library. The unfortunate thing about times like this is that, even though library use pretty much skyrockets, the budgets go down the tubes and I'd fear for my job security. I'd be much more inclined to accept a job in a school library, but I'd still be afraid of not being asked to return the next year. My job as a government auditor is pretty darn secure, and while it may not be my dream job I enjoy it most of the time. It just doesn't give me the same sense of purpose as working in a library. When I come home from the courthouse, I feel drained... when I come home from the library, I feel invigorated.
I don't want to be so risk-averse that I turn down a great job opportunity should it be offered... but at the same time, I am terrified of putting myself in a position where I don't have any (or very little) income. Especially if my husband and I do end up with a house.
Yes, that's right. Still no word on the house. The seller's bank wanted to do a second appraisal, because our offer was so far below the original purchase price. Very frustrating, because we do feel we're getting a very good deal and don't want to just walk away, but how long are they going to string us along? All we can do is keep our eyes open for a comparable home at a comparable price, and should we find it... well, too bad for the bank, we're going to withdraw our offer and good luck to them finding another buyer.
But in happier news, the past couple of weekends have been fun! Last Friday I went to New York for a friend's birthday, and we had a delicious dinner at L'Express. Went to New York yet AGAIN on Sunday to visit another friend. Got brunch at Tapeo 29... their brunch comes with your choice of Bloody Mary, mimosa, or screwdriver, with free refills. Seriously, who gives free refills on alcohol? Amazing. Last night my husband and I went back to the city AGAIN with one of his friends to see a midnight showing of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie at Sunshine Cinema. Good times, but finding parking was horrible, ugh.
Well, I'm off. The boy is working tonight, so I have the apartment to myself. Time to finish straightening things up, make some dinner, and love the fact that I have tomorrow off!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Still Alive
Happy New Year!
I know, I'm terrible at this. It's funny, because I've been too busy to write anything but I haven't felt like I have anything terribly interesting about which to write!
Still no definite news on the house. SUPPOSEDLY we should hear something nexted week. But then again, we were originally supposed to hear something on December 15, so I don't know if I believe that. We're planning to look a few back-up houses on Sunday. We'd really like to know what's going on by the end of the month.
It's been a busy couple of weeks, socially speaking. On December 20, I got together with college friends for what was supposed to be our book club. But none of us finished the book in time. Oops? On Christmas Eve the husband and I invited our parents over for drinks and snacks, and the following day we made the rounds and had 2 Christmas dinners. The day after Christmas we braved the mall. Saturday the 27th was my annual Christmas dinner with my girlfriends from high school, and the next afternoon we had a get-together that included babies and husbands. I spent last night up at a cabin in the Poconos with my husband, one of my college roommates and a whole mess of other people, and now I'm going to be heading over to another friend's house. I feel like such a social butterfly! Pictures will hopefully be up on Picasa and/or Facebook tonight or tomorrow.
Also, in library-related news, we had an interesting incident when I was working at the library this past weekend. I was in the children's room and the incident happened in adult reference, but from what I understadn it involved a patron making a big scene over a teenager looking at "pornography" on the libraries computers (I put "pornography" in quotes because from what I heard it was a webpage that had a picture of a girl in a bikini, but was not in any way sexually explicit), loudly and rudely criticizing the parenting skills of the teenager's mother, informing the staff at the circulation desk that she was going to report us to the newspaper and storming out.
Gotta love when stuff like that happens. It keeps things interesting.
Right?
Okay, it's actually just really annoying.
I'm off. Hopefully there will be news on the house next week, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
I know, I'm terrible at this. It's funny, because I've been too busy to write anything but I haven't felt like I have anything terribly interesting about which to write!
Still no definite news on the house. SUPPOSEDLY we should hear something nexted week. But then again, we were originally supposed to hear something on December 15, so I don't know if I believe that. We're planning to look a few back-up houses on Sunday. We'd really like to know what's going on by the end of the month.
It's been a busy couple of weeks, socially speaking. On December 20, I got together with college friends for what was supposed to be our book club. But none of us finished the book in time. Oops? On Christmas Eve the husband and I invited our parents over for drinks and snacks, and the following day we made the rounds and had 2 Christmas dinners. The day after Christmas we braved the mall. Saturday the 27th was my annual Christmas dinner with my girlfriends from high school, and the next afternoon we had a get-together that included babies and husbands. I spent last night up at a cabin in the Poconos with my husband, one of my college roommates and a whole mess of other people, and now I'm going to be heading over to another friend's house. I feel like such a social butterfly! Pictures will hopefully be up on Picasa and/or Facebook tonight or tomorrow.
Also, in library-related news, we had an interesting incident when I was working at the library this past weekend. I was in the children's room and the incident happened in adult reference, but from what I understadn it involved a patron making a big scene over a teenager looking at "pornography" on the libraries computers (I put "pornography" in quotes because from what I heard it was a webpage that had a picture of a girl in a bikini, but was not in any way sexually explicit), loudly and rudely criticizing the parenting skills of the teenager's mother, informing the staff at the circulation desk that she was going to report us to the newspaper and storming out.
Gotta love when stuff like that happens. It keeps things interesting.
Right?
Okay, it's actually just really annoying.
I'm off. Hopefully there will be news on the house next week, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
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