Two Words

To say that my life has been busy over the past few months is an understatement -- my life, in several big ways, has changed entirely. Life has a way of getting in the way of fun, but I hope to be able to commence with my random blogging soon. For the moment, let us all try to abide by the words of a wise man, Frank Costanza:

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Intervention

It snuck up on me, really. First it came in the form of yard sale or thrift shop finds. Antique stores soon became a favored resource. Even my grandmother's porch became the place to get my next fix.

For years I have had, at any one time, a couple of books in progress. I am a moody reader, so if something I read does not totally captivate me, I set it aside for awhile and read other things until the mood is right. Having said that, I like to have a variety of reading materials at my disposal at all times.

You know, it started innocently enough. I was an early reader -- at some point during pre-school, I picked up on it. I don't recall learning how to read, actually. I just remember being able to, and reading anything and everything. I first read my absolute favorite, To Kill a Mockingbird, in sixth grade. I have since read it at least three other times over the years and have come to love it.

As an undergrad, I declared as an English major with a literature concentration. Shortly thereafter, the thrill of buying dozens of novels a semester began. Once in awhile an anthology would find me. Slowly and methodically the illness continued to take root.

Tonight I drove thirty miles to buy a book. Actually, I drove thirty miles to buy two books, and the shop had neither in stock. Disappointed, I opted for a retail store that has a pretty strong book department...no such luck. I ended up buying two books that I had not intended to buy and washed away my guilt with an overpriced cup of coffee (as if my coffee vice could redeem my book vice!!). Apparently the guilt-reducing latte worked...I just got home and ordered the books I was initially seeking online. I feel no guilt, but do feel the need to come clean.

They say the first step is admitting you have a problem...

Hi, my name is Kim, and I'm a book-a-holic.

Monday Morning iPod Report

I have an iPod Shuffle, and I usually enjoy just let things fall as they may with regard to my music. Today, though, I am in a fickle mood, and keep manually skipping through tracks.

For those who know something about such things, please tell me what my favorite picks for the morning say about me:

Schoolhouse Rock (original and rock remix versions)
Stevie Wonder
Selections from "Fiddler" and "Hello, Dolly!"
Billie Holliday

Come on...I know you all have an opinion!

Random Tidbit

Why is it that we so often let the little details detract from the main purpose of our actions? I am assisting in putting together a coat distribution for the needy, and I am running into so many roadblocks that I am just not really looking forward to the event. It actually feels like I have been pushed into the "appearances over purpose" line with regard to my assigned tasks. When you are doing something for others like this, it's sometimes hard to ascertain how much you should make yourself (that is, your organization) look good and how much you should just do good.

It is said that we should give with a cheerful heart...I hope to in a week. For now, can anybody spare some clothing racks??

The exception to the rule...

I pride myself on rarely putting my foot in my mouth. Unless I know someone and feel comfortable, I am pretty quiet. I have found that this has served me well over the years...it has caused me to be seen as one of those "When she says something, it is meaningful" people. I like that. The following story is true. It transpired roughly four hours ago, and it illustrates exactly why I agree with Abraham Lincoln when he wrote, "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt."

I needed to exhange an item today at a certain store that shall remain nameless. It was a spur of the moment decision to go out there before work, but I had the time. It should be stated that I hate said store, and tend to avoid it unless I know it has what I need. I digress...

I wasn't overly concerned about not having the receipt because I didn't need a refund, I merely needed to exchange the item for the same thing in a different color. No big deal, right?

After waiting in a long line at customer service, I was asked to pick out the item I needed. I did so and quickly returned to the register. A rather grumpy lady was in front of me, disgusted that the store would not refund her for an MP3 player she had gotten as a gift in July. Feeling awkward about the conflict in front of me, I quickly found something else to focus on -- the rather large sign behind the counter that gave a very detailed timeline of acceptable return times for electronics. Loving irony as I do, I smirked and stepped up as MP3 lady growled and stomped off.

That could have been enough. I could have left it at that and savored my little afternoon irony. I could have, but I just HAD to open my mouth. "You know, if that large sign over your head weren't there, she wouldn't have asked for you to bend the rules," I said to the representative as she beckoned me to the counter. She looked over her shoulder and laughed...and promptly asked for my license, which was in my school bag in the car. Who needs a license when returning an item for the SAME THING?? Hurriedly (I did have to get to work), I thought of my one out: "Um, I don't know if this helps, but my brother-in-law is your boss." Yeah, I played that card. She was cool about it, but the other representative (and why was she listening anyway?) is probably still glaring at me.

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." (Sigh) I am so ashamed.