Gloves

We've started letting patrons back into the library, so I'm working with people again.  It's been kind of nice, but mostly frustrating.  I forgot how stressful people can be.

As a side note, I sometimes wear gloves when I'm handling things for patrons (touching computer keyboards, etc.).  There's something rather satisfying about pulling on rubber gloves.  I feel like a mad scientist or something.  It's a little something that makes me smile, but since no one can see my face (because of my mask), I'm the only one who knows.

Allergies

Yesterday, I learned that I'm allergic to latex after spending hours over the weekend doing library work in latex gloves.  My hands are covered in raised, red bumps, and the skin feels dry and scaly.  I spoke with the drug-store pharmacist today, and he confirmed what I had already suspected.  Huh.  I've never had a problem before.  I wonder why now?

The First Day's Return

Day one back at the library.

Everything was perfect!  I got to see (most of) my work friends, and had a really great time.  It was a bit slow (no patrons in the building), but it was great to be back.  I guess this means I love my job, haha!

Back to the Old Grind

I go back to work at the library on Monday.  Not going to lie...I'm pretty nervous.  Ironically, I don't think I would have been half so nervous if I had been going to work all throughout this whole pandemic.  But, the fact that I've been off for seven weeks, and am NOW going back...that's got me really anxious.

I'll share updates when the big day arrives.

Work Update

I have a job interview on Friday.

For a librarian position.

Wish me luck.

ASMR IRL

So, I while back my blogger buddy Robby wrote up a blog post about ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response), that tingling sensation you get along the scalp, shoulders, and back of the neck when you hear certain sounds (like whispering or something really crinkly) or when someone plays with your hair, etc.  Ever since seeing that blog post, I've been watching ASMR videos almost daily.  I love them, and I love the sense of relaxation that comes with the videos.  But, I never get that tingling sensation that everyone always talks about, or if I do, it's just a hint of a tingle.

Well, the other day I was at work, and I had this strange feeling.  A woman was shuffling some papers at the desk, and I realized after a minute or so that the sound was giving me some serious ASMR, because my head, shoulders, and neck were all tingly.  Who'd have thought that after all those videos and all that trying to experience this sensation, it would have come from a completely random source?

The Big Boss

So, I have a performance review coming up.  And that always gets me thinking about my ultimate end-game for my career.  The more I work in a library, the more I realize that the only mobility after librarian (the next step up from my current position) is manager.  And the more I think about it, the more I think I might want to be a manager.  I want to be the big boss.

Naked Snake AKA "Big Boss" (Metal Gear Solid)

Okay, maybe not that Big Boss...but I want to be the boss.  Normally, this is not something I would ever consider.  I have always hated being in charge, because I would always butt heads with someone bigger, louder, or older than me, and that power I grasped for a split second would fizzle out.  Then, I had a couple of really frustrating group projects in grad school.  And I realized that being the group leader (aka, the boss) was actually pretty nice.  Being in a position of power, doling out the tasks to everyone, actually gave me a sense of satisfaction in a job well done, and allowed me to keep things organized.  It was very freeing.  Sure, the group didn't always listen to me, but that was because we were all on the same authority level.  The only difference was that I assigned tasks.  Being a real boss means that I actually am in charge.

And being in charge means I get a gold statue of myself, right?

So, I'm hoping to talk to my current managers about getting some management experience.  I don't want to leave my library, and I don't intend to, but if a management position opens up, I want to be able to apply for it.  Heck, if a librarian position opens up, I would like to be able to apply for it, and I believe that showing some initiative in the management portion will look good for me in an interview.

So, yeah...that's what's going on with me.  Until next time, dear readers!

My Weekend

It has been an interesting weekend.  I got yelled at by three patrons and my boss...and NONE of it was my fault!  So, work was kind of a bust.  And who wants to work on a Saturday, anyway??

On the plus side, I picked up some horror films and anime to watch when I finish homework, and I found a copy of Silas Marner at a used book sale.  Just a bit of background there: when I was in high school, Silas Marner was my jam.  I'm a bit nervous to see if it will hold up to my very fond memories, but either way, it cost me 25 cents, so it was a risk worth taking.