Library Girl!

I have been having trouble posting in Blogger so I hope this works.

Well, I am almost finished with my first week at work. I really like my job. It is challenging. Lots of information to learn. But there is a lot of variety. I have been focusing on learning receiving/invoicing this week and then I will shift to cataloging. I was also given a special project. I get to work on processing a special collection of books donated to the library for the rare books room. I really enjoy that. I can use skills from my museum days.

It's strange how the universe keeps pushing me towards books. I worked at Barnes and Noble off and on for several years during college and graduate school. After two years in museums, I was laid off and ended up at a public library with a little help from my friend Greg. I spent five years there. I was hoping to go into non-profits here in California but I ended up in a library again. I love being around books. Especially working in an academic library. As I unpack each box, I get a chance to see all the wonderful things coming into the library. There are so pretty esoteric topics out there! The junior college environment is also nice. I work in a beautiful new library and people are all really nice. We'll see what the coming weeks bring.

No babies yet. We might start trying next year. Gary just turned 45 on Tuesday so we don't want to wait too long. I'll keep you posted...

We're Back

Well, we made it back safely from Italy. It was a wonderful two weeks. We started in Rome and then drove up through Umbria, over to Tuscany and then ended in Milan. The big cities always have a lot to see but we really enjoyed the small towns. We especially liked Lucca. What a great city! Very pleasant and cosmopolitan. And we got enough good weather to get a chance to bike along the city walls. We were sad to leave but hope we will get a chance to return to Italy. We both threw a coin in the Trevi fountain just to be sure.

Now, we are facing some more big changes. I start my new job tomorrow which I am nervous about. It has been a long time since I have started a new job. It will be a big adjustment. But I am excited. Also, we are moving into a rental house. There is no big rush to move so we are taking our time. Just a few things at a time. I'm excited to move because of the extra space. We'll be able to entertain easier and have more room for guests to come and stay. I'm really looking forward to having my mom come out. We won't be as crowded as we were during the wedding planning.

I hope I'll be able to sleep tonight. I'm nervous and we still haven't quite gotten back on schedule after our trip. And I will have to start getting up pretty early from now on. I'll let you know how it goes.

Greetings from Rome

Well, we made it to Rome. We walked around last night viewing the city and trying to stay awake. We started in the Campo di Fiori and walked to Navona Square where we ate dinner. We threw coins into the Trevi Fountain and rested at the Spanish Steps for a few minutes before heading back to the hotel.

Today, we walked through the Forum and Colosseum and visited the Pantheon.

We hope to go to the Via Appia tomorrow along with the Vatican Museum.

It's hot and humid! We are walking everywhere or taking the subway and are getting around the city pretty well. Having a great time! Wish you were here!

Much Ado About a Room with a View

Well, this is it. We leave on our honeymoon tomorrow morning. I'm excited and nervous. I haven't travelled out of the country in six years. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well and that we have a good time. I'm such a worrier. But the first time I went to Europe, I injured my ankle the day before I left and ended up having to go on crutches. So, things happen.

Anyway, I'll keep an eye out for internet cafes and perhaps I'll be able to post. If not, I'll be back online after Sept. 20!

Luke 12:48

In my bible, which is a New American Standard version, part of Luke 12:48 says, "And from everyone who has been given much shall much be required." I have taken this verse to heart for many years. It talks about blessings and responsability. If you believe, as I do, that God has blessed you with both material and spiritual gifts, then you should do something positive with them.

I have had some wonderful role models in my life. Namely, my parents and grandparents. I remember my mom always being involved in community activities when I was growing up. And my parents were both involved in our church. We even hosted bible studies at our house. My parents were generous to a fault. They always tried to help other people in any way they could. And my grandparents were the same way.

And I am adopted. I was adopted through Lutheran Family Social Services when I was three months old. And my parents didn't put any restrictions on the adoption. They were willing to take whatever baby they got. And they ended up with a half-Mexican half-Irish baby girl with some serious diaper rash but overall good health. And to this day, people tell me I look exactly like my parents. And I do.

I was blessed with a good home, loving parents and excellent health. I went to the best public school and never lacked for anything. We weren't rich but I always had everything I needed and more. I never lacked for toys or vacations or activities. And I was able to go to the college of my choice. I couldn't ask for a better life.

I have been blessed with wonderful family and friends and now, a wonderful husband who loves me wholeheartedly and without reservation. And my mom has always helped me to make the most comfortable of homes for myself. Often, giving me things that I didn't deserve.

I am very mindful of how my "cup runneth over." And I have tried very hard to give back through my time and my money. My friend Vieve recently blogged about overcommitting oneself. I have a habit of that. There are so many voluntary activities I want to be a part of. So many ways I'd like to help and give back. I am trying to be good about not getting carried away. I've limited myself to a few activities. I continue my work with the Junior League. I've joined the local Woman's Club. I help out with a project at my church. And I teach Sunday school. Now that I will be working full-time, that will have to be enough. Although I am sure I will help out with various single-day projects from time to time.

A whole lot has been given to me over the years. I just hope I take enough time to give some of it back.