College is a transition -- a rite of passage. My friend, Marianne, found this out when she applied to go to Temple University. Knowing her as well as I do, I can see this happening.
September 7
Many of my teens are heading off to Freshman Year of college. Listening
to their fears and also to their joys reminded me of the July/August
Orientation I had to attend at Temple University after the school
accepted me. My parents had to attend the mandatory Parents' Tea, in
which school administration, professors, and student services personnel
addressed parents and told them what to expect of Temple life, on and
off campus. My parents returned late in the afternoon. I greeted
them with,"Well? How was it?"
They exchanged looks, a sign I knew to be
trouble. Mom sweetly said, "Let's put it this way. If you so much as
ever try smoking, drinking, taking drugs, having sex, asking me for
birth control, I personally will break your face and every bone in your
body." Then she kissed the top of my head.
Stunned, I looked at my
father who replied, "And when your mother's through with you, I will do
the same. Don't even think about it!"
What in the world did they hear?
Well, it turned out that Pop opened up the proverbial can of worms. All
the parents heard all the platitudes about college youth growing up.
Administration asked the parents if anyone had any questions. Pop said
he and Mom had a question. "What about drugs? What do you say about
that?"
A very uncomfortable silence ensued and then all hell broke loose
with parents demanding answers about Temple's drug culture. The
administration replied that drug experimentation, alcohol
experimentation, sexual promiscuity were a normal part of the adolescent
maturation process and that services existed on campus to help the
students get past hurdles they couldn't control, AND, the school would
never divulge the student's problems to the parent, My parents replied
that was not the answer they wanted to hear. I couldn't believe my
parents would ever think that I would be guilty of any of that. I was a
very grounded teen with no desire to incur Italian Family Wrath and I
had never been in trouble except for talking too much and speaking my
mind, something my parents encouraged. Imagine my surprise, then, when I
heard all of this.
"Am I still going there? It's too late to apply
anywhere else."
"Oh, you're going there and you're coming home, but all
the time you are out of this house, just remember what will be waiting
for you when you come home!"
Two weeks later, all incoming Freshmen had to
spend a week at Temple living in the dorm. The two girls who shared
the room with me began talking about the Parents' Tea. They both said
that when their parents came home, they read them the riot act. One of
them said, "You know, everything was cool at my house before that
meeting. Some father raised his hand and asked about drugs. Because of
him I got grounded in advance!"
I NEVER admitted that my parents were
responsible!
Showing posts with label Marianne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marianne. Show all posts
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Thursday, December 15, 2016
MARIANNE STORIES #47
Everyone makes mistakes. Fortunately my friend Marianne is there to straighten things out.
September 5
Funny story for the day! An Albanian woman who only deals with me came in this afternoon with her sons and a problem. The boy had wanted Minecraft For Dummies and had placed his own hold using the public catalog PC. He hadn't realized at the time that the pickup location had to be Northeast Regional instead of the Central Library. He didn't understand why his book was waiting for him there. Mom asked me to look into it. We didn't know that he had placed his own hold. When I looked up the record I clarified the title.
"It's Minecraft For Dummies, right?"
"No! No! No!"
"No?"
"NO! We are not dummies!"
I replied, "Of course, you're not dummies. Why would you think that?"
"You said 'Dummies', right?"
"No, I said the book is Minecraft for Dummies. I would never call you dummies!"
The woman burst out laughing and asked if we could begin again. When she found out her son made the mistake, she said, "Now THAT one is the dummy, no?" LOL
September 5
Funny story for the day! An Albanian woman who only deals with me came in this afternoon with her sons and a problem. The boy had wanted Minecraft For Dummies and had placed his own hold using the public catalog PC. He hadn't realized at the time that the pickup location had to be Northeast Regional instead of the Central Library. He didn't understand why his book was waiting for him there. Mom asked me to look into it. We didn't know that he had placed his own hold. When I looked up the record I clarified the title.
"It's Minecraft For Dummies, right?"
"No! No! No!"
"No?"
"NO! We are not dummies!"
I replied, "Of course, you're not dummies. Why would you think that?"
"You said 'Dummies', right?"
"No, I said the book is Minecraft for Dummies. I would never call you dummies!"
The woman burst out laughing and asked if we could begin again. When she found out her son made the mistake, she said, "Now THAT one is the dummy, no?" LOL
Thursday, December 8, 2016
MARIANNE STORIES #46
This story my friend Marianne tells reminds me that there are many hurting people in this world.
August 14
A troubled teen came in to the Children's Dept. to talk to me, to catch up on what we both have been doing this summer, to pick up the books she ordered. She kept pushing the books around on our desk so that I could glimpse the titles. I asked her what she was reading and she prominently displayed a novel about suicide and another novel about cutting. I told her they looked interesting. I put them back on the desk and asked her if she was okay. She responded she was. I asked again and also asked if she wanted to talk to me privately in our workroom without anyone listening, but that the door would be open. She said she was okay. She told me her friends told her she should read these books because they thought she would really love them. I replied that I thought it was great that she and her friends were sharing book experiences. I also told her to broaden her tastes a little, that a steady diet of dark depressive literature had a negative effect on most people, and that perhaps she could balance her reading with some of the uplifting books we had to achieve a balance. This girl loves food, so I told her that a steady diet of chocolate cake, while initially scrumptious, would harm our bodies in so many ways. Too much of anything is unhealthy, even too much spinach, too much dairy, too much protein. Our minds are like our bodies. Too much of anything harms them. I told her to let me know what she thought of the two books the next time she comes in.
Her response, "Friday okay with you, Ms. B? Will you be here next Friday?"
I put it on my calendar. A woman was listening nearby. When the teen left, she came to me and said, "You'd make a wonderful social worker. Think about it!" I smiled and said I was happy in my present job. She repeated, "You'd make a wonderful social worker. The field needs people like you. I can say this because I AM a social worker!"
August 14
A troubled teen came in to the Children's Dept. to talk to me, to catch up on what we both have been doing this summer, to pick up the books she ordered. She kept pushing the books around on our desk so that I could glimpse the titles. I asked her what she was reading and she prominently displayed a novel about suicide and another novel about cutting. I told her they looked interesting. I put them back on the desk and asked her if she was okay. She responded she was. I asked again and also asked if she wanted to talk to me privately in our workroom without anyone listening, but that the door would be open. She said she was okay. She told me her friends told her she should read these books because they thought she would really love them. I replied that I thought it was great that she and her friends were sharing book experiences. I also told her to broaden her tastes a little, that a steady diet of dark depressive literature had a negative effect on most people, and that perhaps she could balance her reading with some of the uplifting books we had to achieve a balance. This girl loves food, so I told her that a steady diet of chocolate cake, while initially scrumptious, would harm our bodies in so many ways. Too much of anything is unhealthy, even too much spinach, too much dairy, too much protein. Our minds are like our bodies. Too much of anything harms them. I told her to let me know what she thought of the two books the next time she comes in.
Her response, "Friday okay with you, Ms. B? Will you be here next Friday?"
I put it on my calendar. A woman was listening nearby. When the teen left, she came to me and said, "You'd make a wonderful social worker. Think about it!" I smiled and said I was happy in my present job. She repeated, "You'd make a wonderful social worker. The field needs people like you. I can say this because I AM a social worker!"
Friday, December 2, 2016
MARIANNE STORIES #45
Learning a new language can be difficult. Even if it's already your native language! See what my friend Marianne has to say.
August 11
My volunteers came in today and told me how much they enjoyed the Volunteer Party/Dinner at the Parkway Central Library Saturday Night. They said they were very sorry I couldn't go and that they missed me and how I would navigate the buffet area to tell them what to select. I was glad they went but also very sad that I couldn't attend because I was sick. Jake proceeded to tell me what was served. After he described everything, he realized he had forgotten an item.
"Ms. B, they also had salami."
"Salami?"
"Yeah, Ms. B, salami."
"Jake, that's very unusual to serve at a buffet dinner. Are you sure?"
"Yeah, Ms. B, I'm sure. Funny thing, though, it tasted like fish."
"Jake, did you ever have salami?"
"No, Ms. B."
"Well, Jake, it doesn't taste like fish."
"Honest, Ms. B, it tasted like fish!"
"Jake, if it tasted like fish and it was salami, then it had to be very bad salami and you would have gotten very sick and you would probably be in the hospital right now!"
"Ms. B, it WAS salami!"
"Okay, Jake, but I think you are mistaken."
Later, other volunteers came in to tell me about the party. When I asked about the salami, they said, "Ms. B, there was no salami."
"But Jake said he had salami that tasted like fish."
"Oh! Ms. B, that was the broiled salmon!"
August 11
My volunteers came in today and told me how much they enjoyed the Volunteer Party/Dinner at the Parkway Central Library Saturday Night. They said they were very sorry I couldn't go and that they missed me and how I would navigate the buffet area to tell them what to select. I was glad they went but also very sad that I couldn't attend because I was sick. Jake proceeded to tell me what was served. After he described everything, he realized he had forgotten an item.
"Ms. B, they also had salami."
"Salami?"
"Yeah, Ms. B, salami."
"Jake, that's very unusual to serve at a buffet dinner. Are you sure?"
"Yeah, Ms. B, I'm sure. Funny thing, though, it tasted like fish."
"Jake, did you ever have salami?"
"No, Ms. B."
"Well, Jake, it doesn't taste like fish."
"Honest, Ms. B, it tasted like fish!"
"Jake, if it tasted like fish and it was salami, then it had to be very bad salami and you would have gotten very sick and you would probably be in the hospital right now!"
"Ms. B, it WAS salami!"
"Okay, Jake, but I think you are mistaken."
Later, other volunteers came in to tell me about the party. When I asked about the salami, they said, "Ms. B, there was no salami."
"But Jake said he had salami that tasted like fish."
"Oh! Ms. B, that was the broiled salmon!"
Thursday, November 10, 2016
MARIANNE STORIES #44
July 30
Here's the second part of the story of my blind date. I got home and told my parents what had happened. My mother looked at my father and told him that if he ever put me in that position again--he and his friends arranged the "date"--she would make his life miserable!
She and I were drinking a cup of coffee when the phone rang. It was my father's cronies who called to do a post mortem of the "date" and to present the jerk's side of the story. My father listened politely and was very gentlemanly and said that it just didn't work out and that happens with these things. The rest of that phone conversation was incredible:
"Your daughter talks too much."
"I raised all my daughters to be articulate."
"Your daughter is too opinionated."
"I raised all my daughters to be knowledgeable and to be able to express themselves. They are entitled to their opinions and beliefs. Marianne is very intelligent and expressive."
"Your daughter is always going on about her job."
"I raised my daughters to do what they love and to love what they do."
"Your daughter took offense to the makeup issue."
"My daughter is beautiful without makeup. I personally don't like it, and the fact that my wife, her mother, didn't wear it when I met her, was one of the first things that attracted me to her. No man should comment about a woman's appearance on a date."
"Your daughter is entirely too outspoken and independent. She can't let a man be a man, can she?"
"I raised my daughters to be outspoken and independent. Her mother is that way, too, and I have no problem with that. We raised our daughters that way so that they wouldn't have to be subjected to insufferable men like him! Good for her! And by the way, any man who kills for fun has something wrong with him. I didn't call you to tell you that he is a huge jerk, but now that you made this obnoxious effort to call me to complain about my daughter who is a jewel of jewels, let me tell you that your guy isn't worthy of a flea!"
I was speechless as Pop slammed down the phone. He looked at me ruefully and said, "You're never going to be married, are you?" Mom told him that this was all his fault and that she and I were going shopping for jewelry. She said I should buy a beautiful piece of gold to remind me that I was gold in anyone's eyes and Pop, for his punishment, had to pay for it! I was no kid. I was in my 40s! And, I paid for my own gold! I hope Billy, if he married, made a great husband!
Here's the second part of the story of my blind date. I got home and told my parents what had happened. My mother looked at my father and told him that if he ever put me in that position again--he and his friends arranged the "date"--she would make his life miserable!
She and I were drinking a cup of coffee when the phone rang. It was my father's cronies who called to do a post mortem of the "date" and to present the jerk's side of the story. My father listened politely and was very gentlemanly and said that it just didn't work out and that happens with these things. The rest of that phone conversation was incredible:
"Your daughter talks too much."
"I raised all my daughters to be articulate."
"Your daughter is too opinionated."
"I raised all my daughters to be knowledgeable and to be able to express themselves. They are entitled to their opinions and beliefs. Marianne is very intelligent and expressive."
"Your daughter is always going on about her job."
"I raised my daughters to do what they love and to love what they do."
"Your daughter took offense to the makeup issue."
"My daughter is beautiful without makeup. I personally don't like it, and the fact that my wife, her mother, didn't wear it when I met her, was one of the first things that attracted me to her. No man should comment about a woman's appearance on a date."
"Your daughter is entirely too outspoken and independent. She can't let a man be a man, can she?"
"I raised my daughters to be outspoken and independent. Her mother is that way, too, and I have no problem with that. We raised our daughters that way so that they wouldn't have to be subjected to insufferable men like him! Good for her! And by the way, any man who kills for fun has something wrong with him. I didn't call you to tell you that he is a huge jerk, but now that you made this obnoxious effort to call me to complain about my daughter who is a jewel of jewels, let me tell you that your guy isn't worthy of a flea!"
I was speechless as Pop slammed down the phone. He looked at me ruefully and said, "You're never going to be married, are you?" Mom told him that this was all his fault and that she and I were going shopping for jewelry. She said I should buy a beautiful piece of gold to remind me that I was gold in anyone's eyes and Pop, for his punishment, had to pay for it! I was no kid. I was in my 40s! And, I paid for my own gold! I hope Billy, if he married, made a great husband!
Thursday, November 3, 2016
MARIANNE STORIES #43
My friend Marianne is not a fan of hunting. I'm not either. She refers here to the dentist who killed the beloved lion last year. And blind dates.
July 30
This terrible account of the hunter who killed the lion reminded me of a blind date I had with a hunter only I didn't know it at the time--years ago. I didn't want to go, but family and friends pushed for it saying he seemed like a good match for me. Thirty seconds into meeting him, I knew it was a mistake, and I suggested a means of mutual escape, but he pushed on, so I went, thinking it might be okay after all.
We sat down in the restaurant and began talking. I asked him what he liked to do for fun. He replied by asking me the same question, so I told him I loved museums, music, the beach, puzzles of all kinds, movies, cooking, baking, active in church and at my life's work, family activities, pretty much anything except sports. His eyes began to glaze over, so I stopped and asked him the question again. He said he liked to shoot deer to relax. He said when he was tense he would go shoot deer, not to eat but just for the thrill of stalking them and killing them. I was horrified, and we had a "discussion" about hunting.
He noticed I didn't wear makeup. I told him I didn't like it and I was a natural person, what you see is what you get. He replied that any woman could improve her appearance by wearing makeup. I told him that any woman could improve her Sunday afternoon by not going out with a jerk. He responded with telling me I was too outspoken.
At that point, the water boy who was hovering nearby, turned around and approached our table to fill our water glasses. To my surprise he was one of my kids from the library. He filled my glass and then accidentally on purpose spilled water on my date's pants. Furious, he berated the boy who stood there glaring at him. I told my date it was an accident. He went to the men's room to dry off, and Billy came over to me and said, "Ms. B, I did that on purpose. Get out now while you can! This guy's a jerk. He's no good for you. He did nothing but insult you. Don't you always tell us not to go with people who do that to us? I think you are pretty just as you are and you are very interesting, too. Leave before he gets back!"
I told Billy I had it under control. I paid for my own meal, the jerk drove me back to my car, I went home, showered to get the stink of that experience off me and bought a piece of gold jewelry!
I think hunting and killing for sport should be outlawed! So should blind dates! LOL Love my library kids!
July 30
This terrible account of the hunter who killed the lion reminded me of a blind date I had with a hunter only I didn't know it at the time--years ago. I didn't want to go, but family and friends pushed for it saying he seemed like a good match for me. Thirty seconds into meeting him, I knew it was a mistake, and I suggested a means of mutual escape, but he pushed on, so I went, thinking it might be okay after all.
We sat down in the restaurant and began talking. I asked him what he liked to do for fun. He replied by asking me the same question, so I told him I loved museums, music, the beach, puzzles of all kinds, movies, cooking, baking, active in church and at my life's work, family activities, pretty much anything except sports. His eyes began to glaze over, so I stopped and asked him the question again. He said he liked to shoot deer to relax. He said when he was tense he would go shoot deer, not to eat but just for the thrill of stalking them and killing them. I was horrified, and we had a "discussion" about hunting.
He noticed I didn't wear makeup. I told him I didn't like it and I was a natural person, what you see is what you get. He replied that any woman could improve her appearance by wearing makeup. I told him that any woman could improve her Sunday afternoon by not going out with a jerk. He responded with telling me I was too outspoken.
At that point, the water boy who was hovering nearby, turned around and approached our table to fill our water glasses. To my surprise he was one of my kids from the library. He filled my glass and then accidentally on purpose spilled water on my date's pants. Furious, he berated the boy who stood there glaring at him. I told my date it was an accident. He went to the men's room to dry off, and Billy came over to me and said, "Ms. B, I did that on purpose. Get out now while you can! This guy's a jerk. He's no good for you. He did nothing but insult you. Don't you always tell us not to go with people who do that to us? I think you are pretty just as you are and you are very interesting, too. Leave before he gets back!"
I told Billy I had it under control. I paid for my own meal, the jerk drove me back to my car, I went home, showered to get the stink of that experience off me and bought a piece of gold jewelry!
I think hunting and killing for sport should be outlawed! So should blind dates! LOL Love my library kids!
Thursday, October 27, 2016
MARIANNE STORIES #42
A great insight from my friend Marianne.
July 7
Saw something truly inspiring last evening when I sat in the garden while still light out. I heard a commotion in the sky and looked upwards to see a group of unusual birds flying overheard in their usual V formation. At the end of the line was a little struggling bird trying desperately to keep up but floundering and fluttering. It seemed to bounce up and down, couldn't fly straight, and had been too far behind the others. Suddenly a small contingent flew back and supported this one, flying on either side, flanking it and some bringing up the rear. The little bird seemed to stop struggling and began to fly better. They continued this way until they flew out of sight. If they can support their struggling, weaker ones, why don't we?
July 7
Saw something truly inspiring last evening when I sat in the garden while still light out. I heard a commotion in the sky and looked upwards to see a group of unusual birds flying overheard in their usual V formation. At the end of the line was a little struggling bird trying desperately to keep up but floundering and fluttering. It seemed to bounce up and down, couldn't fly straight, and had been too far behind the others. Suddenly a small contingent flew back and supported this one, flying on either side, flanking it and some bringing up the rear. The little bird seemed to stop struggling and began to fly better. They continued this way until they flew out of sight. If they can support their struggling, weaker ones, why don't we?
Thursday, October 20, 2016
MARIANNE STORIES #41
As my friend Marianne found out, some people like yogurt and some people don't.
July 3
I didn't have to time this morning to pack my usual lunch, so I grabbed a yogurt and an apricot. I had eaten them on my morning break. By lunch time, I was ravenous--thank you, thyroid and steroids--so I went to the pizza shop to get a slice of pepperoni pizza. I saw one of our miscreants there, Dave, and his father. I chatted with them, then went to the counter to get my order.
Little Dave sauntered over and asked me why I was getting food when I usually brought my own. (They all know this because I always talk about home cooking with them). I told Dave I was getting pizza because I didn't have time to get my lunch together. He said, "Ms. B, you didn't have no time for your lunch, but you had time to get your money? When I don't have no time, I don't have nothin'.:"
"Well, Dave, I always have a few dollars, not much, just for an emergency. Good thing, too, today, because I am hungry. I brought a yogurt and an apricot, but I ate them already 2 hours ago."
"Ms. B, you said Yogurt? Yuck! No wonder you gettin' somethin' good like pizza!" LOL
July 3
I didn't have to time this morning to pack my usual lunch, so I grabbed a yogurt and an apricot. I had eaten them on my morning break. By lunch time, I was ravenous--thank you, thyroid and steroids--so I went to the pizza shop to get a slice of pepperoni pizza. I saw one of our miscreants there, Dave, and his father. I chatted with them, then went to the counter to get my order.
Little Dave sauntered over and asked me why I was getting food when I usually brought my own. (They all know this because I always talk about home cooking with them). I told Dave I was getting pizza because I didn't have time to get my lunch together. He said, "Ms. B, you didn't have no time for your lunch, but you had time to get your money? When I don't have no time, I don't have nothin'.:"
"Well, Dave, I always have a few dollars, not much, just for an emergency. Good thing, too, today, because I am hungry. I brought a yogurt and an apricot, but I ate them already 2 hours ago."
"Ms. B, you said Yogurt? Yuck! No wonder you gettin' somethin' good like pizza!" LOL
Thursday, October 13, 2016
MARIANNE STORIES #40
This one of my friend Marianne's volunteers should be in the FBI!
June 24
Labicq was working the Summer Reading Game Table. He is a little older than I thought, actually 13. Ahmad, another volunteer, wanted to get his Summer Reading Game credit for the books he read. Labicq sat there twiddling a pencil and dangling the roll of stickers at the same time while listening to Ahmad talk about his book. Every once in a while I heard Labicq say, "Well? And then what happened?" "Who was that character that did that?" When Ahmad responded, Labicq said, "I think I need more information. You just finished reading that book and you don't know the character's name?" Still dangling the roll of stickers as a lure, the bait, the tease. Ahmad answered, "Oh, I know. This is his name." He proceeded to give the name.
Labicq raised his voice triumphantly. " Wrong! I knew it! I knew you didn't know. Man, what's the matter with you? You lying to me or what?" Ahmad said he wasn't lying, all the while eyeing the roll of stickers and pencil Labicq still held.
"Do I get my stickers or not?"
"Keep talking. I'm not satisfied you read this book."
When the grueling interrogation was over, Ahmad said that was the longest he had ever talked at one time, exactly 15 minutes. He walked away. I asked Labicq why he quizzed Ahmad so thoroughly.
"Ms. B, he was just talking random things. Just throwing them out there. He was making no sense. I READ that book. I remember everything. How could he not remember the character's name?"
"Labicq, you are tougher than I am."
"That's why I'm here, Ms. B. I will make sure no one gets a prize if he doesn't deserve it."
I chuckled and thanked Labicq for his work. He actually stayed a half hour later to make sure Ahmad was telling the truth because Ahmad is known for spinning stories quite well. Labicq glanced at me shyly, blushed and said, "Anytime, Ms. B. You can count on me!"
June 24
Labicq was working the Summer Reading Game Table. He is a little older than I thought, actually 13. Ahmad, another volunteer, wanted to get his Summer Reading Game credit for the books he read. Labicq sat there twiddling a pencil and dangling the roll of stickers at the same time while listening to Ahmad talk about his book. Every once in a while I heard Labicq say, "Well? And then what happened?" "Who was that character that did that?" When Ahmad responded, Labicq said, "I think I need more information. You just finished reading that book and you don't know the character's name?" Still dangling the roll of stickers as a lure, the bait, the tease. Ahmad answered, "Oh, I know. This is his name." He proceeded to give the name.
Labicq raised his voice triumphantly. " Wrong! I knew it! I knew you didn't know. Man, what's the matter with you? You lying to me or what?" Ahmad said he wasn't lying, all the while eyeing the roll of stickers and pencil Labicq still held.
"Do I get my stickers or not?"
"Keep talking. I'm not satisfied you read this book."
When the grueling interrogation was over, Ahmad said that was the longest he had ever talked at one time, exactly 15 minutes. He walked away. I asked Labicq why he quizzed Ahmad so thoroughly.
"Ms. B, he was just talking random things. Just throwing them out there. He was making no sense. I READ that book. I remember everything. How could he not remember the character's name?"
"Labicq, you are tougher than I am."
"That's why I'm here, Ms. B. I will make sure no one gets a prize if he doesn't deserve it."
I chuckled and thanked Labicq for his work. He actually stayed a half hour later to make sure Ahmad was telling the truth because Ahmad is known for spinning stories quite well. Labicq glanced at me shyly, blushed and said, "Anytime, Ms. B. You can count on me!"
Thursday, October 6, 2016
MARIANNE STORIES #39
My friend Marianne must look like a million bucks!
June 20
Khadeja, 11 yr old volunteer who is part Pakistani, part Egyptian, told me I look very tired. I told her I am not getting enough sleep because I have a lot of work to do.
"Ms. B, you go home after work, right? You don't do library work at home, do you?"
"Yes, Khadeja, sometimes I do but I'm tired from all the home work I do like shopping, cooking, laundry, cleaning, work like that."
"Ms. B, you DO that?"
"Sure, Khadeja, I live in a house just like you. who do you think does all of that work?"
"Servants?"
"Khadeja, did you just say servants?"
"Yes, Ms. B, I thought you had servants!"
I wonder where that thought came from! LOL
June 20
Khadeja, 11 yr old volunteer who is part Pakistani, part Egyptian, told me I look very tired. I told her I am not getting enough sleep because I have a lot of work to do.
"Ms. B, you go home after work, right? You don't do library work at home, do you?"
"Yes, Khadeja, sometimes I do but I'm tired from all the home work I do like shopping, cooking, laundry, cleaning, work like that."
"Ms. B, you DO that?"
"Sure, Khadeja, I live in a house just like you. who do you think does all of that work?"
"Servants?"
"Khadeja, did you just say servants?"
"Yes, Ms. B, I thought you had servants!"
I wonder where that thought came from! LOL
Thursday, September 29, 2016
MARIANNE STORIES #38
As my friend Marianne found out, it's nice when people think you're a genius.
June 18
Two of my boys were volunteering at the Summer Reading Game table. They have volunteered for me for years. As I always do, I gave them the Word for the Day and told them to look it up in the dictionary. The word was obsequious. I came back 10 minutes later to find them still at the dictionary.
"Did you guys look it up?"
"Yeah, Ms. B, but we didn't understand what it said."
"You didn't understand? Why?"
"Well, it used a word we don't know so we have to look that up."
"Oh, I see. Might the word be fawn?"
One of them said, "How did you know that?" The other replied, "Don't you know by now she knows everything? She IS the dictionary!"
June 18
Two of my boys were volunteering at the Summer Reading Game table. They have volunteered for me for years. As I always do, I gave them the Word for the Day and told them to look it up in the dictionary. The word was obsequious. I came back 10 minutes later to find them still at the dictionary.
"Did you guys look it up?"
"Yeah, Ms. B, but we didn't understand what it said."
"You didn't understand? Why?"
"Well, it used a word we don't know so we have to look that up."
"Oh, I see. Might the word be fawn?"
One of them said, "How did you know that?" The other replied, "Don't you know by now she knows everything? She IS the dictionary!"
Thursday, September 22, 2016
MARIANNE STORIES #37
I just love my friend Marianne's story of this boy who takes things literally.
June 18
12-yr-old Labicq, a Bangladesh boy, was volunteering at our Summer Reading Game Table. He is very literal, and often doesn't get implied humor or metaphor or commonly used idioms. He was very patient with some of our more difficult customers as he explained our Summer Reading Game rules. One woman, a Puerto Rican, seemed to give him a particularly difficult time, all due to language issues, hers as well as his. I made a joke saying, "Are we all speaking English right now?" The woman laughed, but he said, "Ms. B, what language did you think we were speaking?" After the exchange was over, I told him he was a very good sport. His response: "Actually, Ms. B, I'm not very good at sports!"
June 18
12-yr-old Labicq, a Bangladesh boy, was volunteering at our Summer Reading Game Table. He is very literal, and often doesn't get implied humor or metaphor or commonly used idioms. He was very patient with some of our more difficult customers as he explained our Summer Reading Game rules. One woman, a Puerto Rican, seemed to give him a particularly difficult time, all due to language issues, hers as well as his. I made a joke saying, "Are we all speaking English right now?" The woman laughed, but he said, "Ms. B, what language did you think we were speaking?" After the exchange was over, I told him he was a very good sport. His response: "Actually, Ms. B, I'm not very good at sports!"
Thursday, September 8, 2016
MARIANNE STORIES #36
My friend Marianne not only meets kids from around the world, but other family members too.
June 6
An Albanian family came in today for the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. The little girl wanted to read them so much. While I talked with the girl and her mom, the grandmother spoke in Albanian to her daughter, telling her to ask about my hair. The girl's mother said that her mother loved my hair and that she did too. She asked me what color it had originally been, black or brown. I think what confused them is that my eyebrows are black. I told her I had never dyed it-the two of them had dyed hair- and that my hair color before the gray appeared was a very dark chestnut brown, chestnut, because in the sun you could see the red highlights in it. and it was very thick too. Both women loved the style, the natural waves, the layering of it, and the way the gray blended in nicely. They talked for 10 minutes about my hair, and how they wished theirs would look as nice. Funny, almost every day, someone asks me why I don't dye my hair. Today, these women praised it!
June 6
An Albanian family came in today for the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. The little girl wanted to read them so much. While I talked with the girl and her mom, the grandmother spoke in Albanian to her daughter, telling her to ask about my hair. The girl's mother said that her mother loved my hair and that she did too. She asked me what color it had originally been, black or brown. I think what confused them is that my eyebrows are black. I told her I had never dyed it-the two of them had dyed hair- and that my hair color before the gray appeared was a very dark chestnut brown, chestnut, because in the sun you could see the red highlights in it. and it was very thick too. Both women loved the style, the natural waves, the layering of it, and the way the gray blended in nicely. They talked for 10 minutes about my hair, and how they wished theirs would look as nice. Funny, almost every day, someone asks me why I don't dye my hair. Today, these women praised it!
Thursday, August 25, 2016
MARIANNE STORIES #35
My friend, Marianne, meets kids from all over the world in her job as head librarian in the Children's Department. And you never know what these kids will say.
June 5
One of my Muslim boys approached our reference desk, leaned over and said to me, "Ms. B, can I tell you a secret?"
"That depends on what the secret is. Sometimes, I am bound to tell it. Be very careful what you want to confide in me."
"Ms. B, it's okay. I want you to call me by my real name, Jeffrey."
"Jeffrey? Your name isn't Jeffrey."
"Is too!"
"Is not! I know your real name, and it's not Jeffrey."
"Ms. B, I want you to call me Jeffrey and not tell anybody. They won't know."
Megan overheard this and asked, "How can Ms. B call you Jeffrey and no one will know about it? If she calls you Jeffrey, everyone will know, right?"
"Ms. B, I want you to call me Jeffrey. It will be our secret. No one will know."
"Why do you want to be called Jeffrey?"
" Because I like that name. I like Jeff. Yeah, I want that name."
"What name is on your library card?"
"I don't have a library card. My brother uses his for me. So when my mom comes in to sign the paper for the library card, she won't know I put Jeffrey down because she can't read English. Then I will be Jeffrey! Please, Ms. B, call me Jeffrey. Call me Jeff. I want you to call me Jeff."
"Well, how about Ms. Megan, then? Is she supposed to call you Jeff, too?"
"No, Ms. B, only you. Only you can call me Jeffrey or Jeff. It will be our secret!"
Someone obviously wants my undivided attention!
June 5
One of my Muslim boys approached our reference desk, leaned over and said to me, "Ms. B, can I tell you a secret?"
"That depends on what the secret is. Sometimes, I am bound to tell it. Be very careful what you want to confide in me."
"Ms. B, it's okay. I want you to call me by my real name, Jeffrey."
"Jeffrey? Your name isn't Jeffrey."
"Is too!"
"Is not! I know your real name, and it's not Jeffrey."
"Ms. B, I want you to call me Jeffrey and not tell anybody. They won't know."
Megan overheard this and asked, "How can Ms. B call you Jeffrey and no one will know about it? If she calls you Jeffrey, everyone will know, right?"
"Ms. B, I want you to call me Jeffrey. It will be our secret. No one will know."
"Why do you want to be called Jeffrey?"
" Because I like that name. I like Jeff. Yeah, I want that name."
"What name is on your library card?"
"I don't have a library card. My brother uses his for me. So when my mom comes in to sign the paper for the library card, she won't know I put Jeffrey down because she can't read English. Then I will be Jeffrey! Please, Ms. B, call me Jeffrey. Call me Jeff. I want you to call me Jeff."
"Well, how about Ms. Megan, then? Is she supposed to call you Jeff, too?"
"No, Ms. B, only you. Only you can call me Jeffrey or Jeff. It will be our secret!"
Someone obviously wants my undivided attention!
Friday, August 19, 2016
MARIANNE STORIES #34
June 5
More boys want to volunteer, some of them our miscreants. I have a very thorough screening process. I give the children an application which they must fill out and get signed by parents. On the top of the application I write that they must call for an appointment for an interview with me and I write our phone number. I tell them they can not call me the same day, they must wait at least 2 days before they call me. If they do not follow the directions I have given, I disqualify them from the volunteer acceptance process.
Today, Jamal wanted to volunteer and get the application. I began writing my instructions on the top of the application. His brother Ahmed, who was waiting for HIS interview today (he's the one who gets into fights), proudly told his older brother what was going to happen. "See, Ms. B is going to give you a very special private time for a meeting with her, but you will have to call to arrange it. She is writing down everything in her very special handwriting: Cursive! It is very important so she uses her important handwriting, Cursive! See? Look at Ms. B's special beautiful handwriting! I wish I could write Cursive!"
Of course, all the children crowded around to see Cursive!
More boys want to volunteer, some of them our miscreants. I have a very thorough screening process. I give the children an application which they must fill out and get signed by parents. On the top of the application I write that they must call for an appointment for an interview with me and I write our phone number. I tell them they can not call me the same day, they must wait at least 2 days before they call me. If they do not follow the directions I have given, I disqualify them from the volunteer acceptance process.
Today, Jamal wanted to volunteer and get the application. I began writing my instructions on the top of the application. His brother Ahmed, who was waiting for HIS interview today (he's the one who gets into fights), proudly told his older brother what was going to happen. "See, Ms. B is going to give you a very special private time for a meeting with her, but you will have to call to arrange it. She is writing down everything in her very special handwriting: Cursive! It is very important so she uses her important handwriting, Cursive! See? Look at Ms. B's special beautiful handwriting! I wish I could write Cursive!"
Of course, all the children crowded around to see Cursive!
Thursday, August 11, 2016
MARIANNE STORIES #33
June 4
Weird day today, one that challenged my love of people and public service. It began with an opening phone call from a belligerent woman who demanded to know what summer camp activities we were having for the children. I explained we were not a summer camp. She replied she knew that, but she wanted to know what field trips we had planned. I told her we didn't do field trips. I explained the summer reading game, but she wanted to know what I was planning to offer the children in terms of trips to the zoo, the museums, the park. I explained again that we had no trips.
"You mean, you are not having trips?"
"Yes, that is correct."
"Let me get this straight, is it only you that's not doing trips and why is that if everyone else is?"
I explained that no one was doing trips.
"You used to. You had all kinds of trips. Please Touch Museum, Zoo . Like that."
I told her we never did those trips, but that in some years, cultural institutions gave us passes to give to the children as prizes.
"Give me Welsh Road's phone number. Since you obviously don't want to give children a camp experience with trips, I'll call a more cooperative library. What are we supposed to do with these kids now that they are out of school?" I refrained from answering, "How about parenting them!"
Weird day today, one that challenged my love of people and public service. It began with an opening phone call from a belligerent woman who demanded to know what summer camp activities we were having for the children. I explained we were not a summer camp. She replied she knew that, but she wanted to know what field trips we had planned. I told her we didn't do field trips. I explained the summer reading game, but she wanted to know what I was planning to offer the children in terms of trips to the zoo, the museums, the park. I explained again that we had no trips.
"You mean, you are not having trips?"
"Yes, that is correct."
"Let me get this straight, is it only you that's not doing trips and why is that if everyone else is?"
I explained that no one was doing trips.
"You used to. You had all kinds of trips. Please Touch Museum, Zoo . Like that."
I told her we never did those trips, but that in some years, cultural institutions gave us passes to give to the children as prizes.
"Give me Welsh Road's phone number. Since you obviously don't want to give children a camp experience with trips, I'll call a more cooperative library. What are we supposed to do with these kids now that they are out of school?" I refrained from answering, "How about parenting them!"
Thursday, July 21, 2016
MARIANNE STORIES #32
My friend Marianne is still fighting with the Verizon guys.
June 3
Decided to go in to work after the grueling trip back and forth to Penn. At 2:30, I left my house to find the Verizon guys digging up our sidewalk, roping it off, and parking their truck in the street blocking part of my driveway. My car was in my driveway, and I had to back out to go to work.
I went out and called over to the men, telling them I needed to go to work, saying that I worked for the city and I had to show up. One guy said okay, but the big brute from yesterday sauntered over, flashed me that smile again and said, "Sure! No problem." With that he whipped up the large elastic sheeting from the sidewalk with one hand and draped it around himself. He told the guy in the truck to move it. Then he turned to me and said, " Only lost a second and half on the job!"
I thanked him for his cooperation and moved toward my car. All at once, he assumed a languid pose with the shovel and drawled, "Have a nice day," and flashed the smile again. I got the distinct impression he thought he was God's personal gift to women. I have a newsflash for him: Michelangelo's David he's not!
June 3
Decided to go in to work after the grueling trip back and forth to Penn. At 2:30, I left my house to find the Verizon guys digging up our sidewalk, roping it off, and parking their truck in the street blocking part of my driveway. My car was in my driveway, and I had to back out to go to work.
I went out and called over to the men, telling them I needed to go to work, saying that I worked for the city and I had to show up. One guy said okay, but the big brute from yesterday sauntered over, flashed me that smile again and said, "Sure! No problem." With that he whipped up the large elastic sheeting from the sidewalk with one hand and draped it around himself. He told the guy in the truck to move it. Then he turned to me and said, " Only lost a second and half on the job!"
I thanked him for his cooperation and moved toward my car. All at once, he assumed a languid pose with the shovel and drawled, "Have a nice day," and flashed the smile again. I got the distinct impression he thought he was God's personal gift to women. I have a newsflash for him: Michelangelo's David he's not!
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
MARIANNE STORIES #31
June 3
The Children's Dept. is having The Mad Hatter's Tea Party to kick-off the Summer Reading Game this year, and celebrating a milestone anniversary of Alice in Wonderland. It is free, but children need a ticket, and we have limited number of tickets. Claudine came up to the desk to ask for her ticket. Megan asked her if she wanted a ticket for her brother, Emmanuel, too, or if Emmanuel was interested in attending. Claudine froze on the spot and just stared, clearly looking very uncomfortable. Megan asked her if she wanted to ask her brother if he wanted to attend and to check with their mother. No response from Claudine. I said to her, "Claudine, I think I know what's going on. You really don't want your brother to attend, right? You want to come by yourself and not have him around, right?" Claudine opened her eyes wide and solemnly nodded her head. "You're afraid he will ruin it for you, right?"
"Yes."
"Okay, Claudine, here's your ticket. You don't have to bring it up with your brother. However, if he wants to come, we have to give him a ticket." Claudine smiled and walked away.
Twenty minutes later Emmanuel walked up to our desk. "Ms. B, I want to come to the tea party. May I have a ticket, please? I will be very good, and I will wear my best suit. I will look good for the tea party!" His younger sister looked on balefully.
"Okay, Emmanuel, but you know you must behave and you cannot torment Claudine. We want you both to have a good time, but if you misbehave, you will have to leave."
"I be good, Ms. B. I have never been to a tea party, I want to come and I will look sharp!"
Poor Claudine. She so desperately wanted to ditch her older brother! Funny how little sisters can't seem to lose their older brothers!
The Children's Dept. is having The Mad Hatter's Tea Party to kick-off the Summer Reading Game this year, and celebrating a milestone anniversary of Alice in Wonderland. It is free, but children need a ticket, and we have limited number of tickets. Claudine came up to the desk to ask for her ticket. Megan asked her if she wanted a ticket for her brother, Emmanuel, too, or if Emmanuel was interested in attending. Claudine froze on the spot and just stared, clearly looking very uncomfortable. Megan asked her if she wanted to ask her brother if he wanted to attend and to check with their mother. No response from Claudine. I said to her, "Claudine, I think I know what's going on. You really don't want your brother to attend, right? You want to come by yourself and not have him around, right?" Claudine opened her eyes wide and solemnly nodded her head. "You're afraid he will ruin it for you, right?"
"Yes."
"Okay, Claudine, here's your ticket. You don't have to bring it up with your brother. However, if he wants to come, we have to give him a ticket." Claudine smiled and walked away.
Twenty minutes later Emmanuel walked up to our desk. "Ms. B, I want to come to the tea party. May I have a ticket, please? I will be very good, and I will wear my best suit. I will look good for the tea party!" His younger sister looked on balefully.
"Okay, Emmanuel, but you know you must behave and you cannot torment Claudine. We want you both to have a good time, but if you misbehave, you will have to leave."
"I be good, Ms. B. I have never been to a tea party, I want to come and I will look sharp!"
Poor Claudine. She so desperately wanted to ditch her older brother! Funny how little sisters can't seem to lose their older brothers!
Thursday, July 7, 2016
MARIANNE STORIES #30
My friend, Marianne, never minces words as I've found out many a time. She says what she means and she means what she says!
June 2
The Verizon guys have made a mess of my immediate neighborhood with bringing FIOS: ripping up street, concrete sidewalks, dirt and filth all over. Today, they started on my block. I returned from food shopping to find a truck partially blocking our driveway. I parked my car in front of our house, when this young guy comes to my car window and tells me I can't park there.
"Why? This is my house. You are blocking my driveway."
"Can't you park down the street?"
"Again, why? By the way, who are you guys anyway? You are destroying the neighborhood."
"We're Verizon. Can't you park down the street?"
"Why must I park down the street? I have to unload my car, and if you think I'm going to unload my car from down the street, you will have another thought coming soon!"
He walked away and consulted with the rest of the Neanderthals. He then comes back,"Ma'am, you will have to park down the street."
"Sir, I will NOT PARK DOWN THE STREET. I have to unload my car. Got that?"
He walked away, came back and began stuttering. The old guy driving the truck backs up. The young guy says, "Ma'am, uh, it's okay, you can park, okay, don't get angry."
"Thank you."
I released the trunk, and walked to the rear of my car. All of a sudden a crowd of big burly guys in hard hats surround me.
"What is it?"
"We've come to help you unload your car."
"Thank you, but no, I can unload it myself."
The largest one towered over me and flashed me a charming smile. "Hey, c'mon, let us help you. You have a lot to carry, and we're here to help. We can carry for you."
"Again, sir, thank you for the kind offer, but I can manage myself. Besides, you really don't want to help me for helping sake, you want to speed this process along so that I will get with it and move my car. I will unload my car myself. I will move it when I am ready."
I smiled a sweet but frosty smile. They looked stunned as I loaded 5 bags of groceries in each hand and carried them up the steps. The big burly one with the charming smile said, "Man! She is tough! Would you think by looking at her she would be that strong?"
I returned to my car, and saw them gaping. "Gentlemen, never underestimate a woman. We know your motives all the time!" They burst out laughing, and I moved my car down the street.
June 2
The Verizon guys have made a mess of my immediate neighborhood with bringing FIOS: ripping up street, concrete sidewalks, dirt and filth all over. Today, they started on my block. I returned from food shopping to find a truck partially blocking our driveway. I parked my car in front of our house, when this young guy comes to my car window and tells me I can't park there.
"Why? This is my house. You are blocking my driveway."
"Can't you park down the street?"
"Again, why? By the way, who are you guys anyway? You are destroying the neighborhood."
"We're Verizon. Can't you park down the street?"
"Why must I park down the street? I have to unload my car, and if you think I'm going to unload my car from down the street, you will have another thought coming soon!"
He walked away and consulted with the rest of the Neanderthals. He then comes back,"Ma'am, you will have to park down the street."
"Sir, I will NOT PARK DOWN THE STREET. I have to unload my car. Got that?"
He walked away, came back and began stuttering. The old guy driving the truck backs up. The young guy says, "Ma'am, uh, it's okay, you can park, okay, don't get angry."
"Thank you."
I released the trunk, and walked to the rear of my car. All of a sudden a crowd of big burly guys in hard hats surround me.
"What is it?"
"We've come to help you unload your car."
"Thank you, but no, I can unload it myself."
The largest one towered over me and flashed me a charming smile. "Hey, c'mon, let us help you. You have a lot to carry, and we're here to help. We can carry for you."
"Again, sir, thank you for the kind offer, but I can manage myself. Besides, you really don't want to help me for helping sake, you want to speed this process along so that I will get with it and move my car. I will unload my car myself. I will move it when I am ready."
I smiled a sweet but frosty smile. They looked stunned as I loaded 5 bags of groceries in each hand and carried them up the steps. The big burly one with the charming smile said, "Man! She is tough! Would you think by looking at her she would be that strong?"
I returned to my car, and saw them gaping. "Gentlemen, never underestimate a woman. We know your motives all the time!" They burst out laughing, and I moved my car down the street.
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
MARIANNE STORIES #29
June 1
Returning to work tomorrow! Hope I can last the day. Pop is depressed and said, "Are you sure you are up to it? You have been pretty sick. I guess this is it for me. The party's over."
"The party, Pop? I wasn't aware of any festivities going on."
"Well, I like having you home. It was fun having you around. Now, that's over. I hate seeing you work until 9 at night."
I will tell my sisters to step up their phone calls tomorrow! Glad to be going back and instilling The Fear of Ms. B in our miscreants, the very ones that made me cry with their sweet supplications of Come Back!
Returning to work tomorrow! Hope I can last the day. Pop is depressed and said, "Are you sure you are up to it? You have been pretty sick. I guess this is it for me. The party's over."
"The party, Pop? I wasn't aware of any festivities going on."
"Well, I like having you home. It was fun having you around. Now, that's over. I hate seeing you work until 9 at night."
I will tell my sisters to step up their phone calls tomorrow! Glad to be going back and instilling The Fear of Ms. B in our miscreants, the very ones that made me cry with their sweet supplications of Come Back!
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