Pop, Soda or Coke?

I'm still reading Stuff White People Like but in the meantime......What parts of the country say soda, pop and Coke?

How White Am I?

Several months ago, I encouraged you to read the blog Stuff White People Like. Not only does it make me laugh every time that I read it, but it is often spot on. And it is often spot on about me. My hold on the book just came in and there are 150 things that white people like. As I'm reading (and laughing) I started to wonder, how white am I?

So, here we go! One point for each one that applies to me. I'll try to do it as I read the book. Play along, white people! It will be fun. Oh, and I still think you should read the book and blog. Tongue-in-cheek....it's very funny.

#1 Coffee
Um, yes. I love coffee. I do, however, own a Nespresso (owned by Nestle) and often buy from the Starbucks across the street from work. I'm pretty sure both of these things are despised by white people.

#2 Religions Their Parents Don't Belong To
I'm going to say no to this one, but I was lucky enough to be born into a desirable religion.

#3 Film Festivals
No and no. I have a big television at home and I don't like crowds.

#4 Assists
I think this is sports-related, so no.

#5 Farmer's Markets
Yes but the crowd issue often keeps me away. And the fact that all of Omaha's Farmer's Markets are on Saturday and I work. Damn you, Omaha!

#6 Organic Food
Yes.

#7 Diversity
Who doesn't love diversity? From the book, "White people love ethnic diversity, but only as it relates to restaurants." So true!

#8 Barack Obama
Yes. Although I'm sure he will disappoint me so I keep my expectations low.

#9 Making You Feel Bad for Not Going Outside
Yes! If it's beautiful, I always feel guilty for being inside, even if I don't feel like going out. Sorry to say, but I also judge people who don't go outside. I'm a horrible person.

#10 Wes Anderson Movies
Nope. I've only seen the Royal Tenenbaums and I thought it was kind of dumb. I think it tried too hard to be cool and edgy.

#11 Asian Girls
Not in the way they're talking about.

#12 Nonprofit Organizations
Of course. I've worked for them all my life. This is funny, "If a white person can stick around long enough, the nonprofit oganization can eventually become a lucrative position. This is because nonprofits retain their top executives by paying a salary competitive with similar positions in other industries. So you can be working at a nonprofit and still make six figures and you don't have accountability or pressure. White people can't lose!"

#13 Tea
It's ok. I prefer coffee and water. I guess that's a yes.

#14 Having Black Friends
Reminds me of Rent a Negro. I'm going to say no, because I don't really care about this.

#15 Yoga
Duh.

Ok, gotta go. Drama at the library. More later.

Emerging Leaders

I just found out I've been accepted in to the Emerging Leaders program through ALA. The official description is:

"Emerging Leaders began in 2007 as one of ALA Immediate Past President Leslie Burger’s six initiatives. The Emerging Leaders program enables newer librarians from across the country to participate in problem-solving workgroups; network with peers; gain an inside look into ALA structure, and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity. It puts them on the fast track to ALA and professional leadership."

I'm not exactly sure what it all means but I'm excited! Oh and I'm required to attend mid-winter conference in Denver and annual conference in Chicago.

Library Journal review

I signed up to review documentary DVDs and non-fiction books for Library Journal and my first review has been published! You can read it here in the online version and it should have been printed in the September 15 print edition. It's just a volunteer thing but I feel proud to be helping libraries make good purchasing decisions. It seems important.

Couch Potato

I love television. Just like I love lots of other things and I think that television (like so many other things) is fine in moderation. I've pretty much been taking a summer break from tv but all the Fall shows are starting and last night I discovered my new favorite.

You must watch Whatever, Martha on Fine Living. Torrent it if you have to, but watch. Produced by Martha Stewart, Martha's daughter Alexis and friend watch old episodes of The Martha Stewart Show and mock them. That's it. I laughed harder than I have at a show in a long time. Even Ry laughed out loud and that almost never happens.

It's a bit like Mystery Science Theater 3000 (in fact, that's how Martha thought of the show) but funnier. According to the New York Times article, "Reaching younger people has been a puzzle that Martha Stewart Living has had difficulty solving. In 2006, the company started Blueprint, a glossy magazine aimed at young women. The expensive venture failed within a year."

I'm not sure if I'm still considered a young person, but they have certainly reached me with this show. It's fantastic. And what makes it even better is that it's blessed by Martha so I can watch without guilt.

Anyone else watching? Katie?

i was on vacation and missed this...

...and since my dad was here on vacation with me, i think he probably missed it too. hilarious.

pictures of house

Here's our new house!

While I wish I was McCain's running mate...

....that is not my news.

Sorry I've been absent lately. I am not good at the blog thing. Or the Twitter thing. I don't think I'm interesting enough to read about.

Two pieces of news:

1. Ry and I bought a house in Omaha! I'll try to post pics soon but it's a big beautiful 1907 house with hardwood floors, a huge yard and a fabulous 70s kitchen. I'm busy trying to fill it up with vintage Tupperware and Rubbermaid. There's also a brand new queen size bed in the guest room. (hint, hint) I know it's a big step but I really love Omaha and the mortgage is $100 less/month than renting. I finally found a place where I can afford a big Portland-style house.

2. And the bigger news...we're getting married. Next week. Sorry, no big wedding for you all to come to but neither one of us really wants that anyway. For the first time, Ry has no health insurance so we decided to get married for that. At first it felt like it wasn't very romantic reason but I wouldn't be doing it if I wasn't sure (and we have been together for 6 1/2 years). My parents will be here next week, we have a judge and are trying to decide whether to have it in a park or at the house. When we visit Portland in January, we'll have a party at my parent's new house in Milwaukie. They have a hot tub so you have to be there.

I really do miss everyone! With Ry moving here, buying a house and trying to get settled it's been a bit crazy. I do still have thoughts about libraries and I will try to get them out on a more regular basis.

Oh and Michael? I know you don't care about the person stuff (since we've never met), but what should I take my parent's to in Lincoln next week? I've never been and I'm not sure what to do. We're going Friday since I think we'd be crazy to go on Saturday.

hello?

Is anyone out there still reading this?

If you are, say so. Because I have BIG news to share!