This summer has been a rather busy summer due to my academic schooling and exercising.  As work begins and my time for exercising lessens, I have made the decision to begin training for the Tulsa Run.  This is only a 15 K run but it is a beginning for me.  This will keep me focused on training and making good decisions for my body.  I plan to keep the blog current with my training. 

Tonight I ran 10 miles in a little less than two hours.  I know that I will need to increase my mileage to about 12-15 miles and decrease my times down to 8 to 9 minute miles.  I have two and a half months to get to that point. 

My overall goal is to  run the enitre Tulsa Run without stopping and to have a respectable time. 

We shall see.

Now go do that voodoo that you do oh so well!!!!!

Okay, I’m in my Blazing Saddles mood today.

Based upon the title, i’ve thinking of The Doors right now.  The summer vacation is coming to a close.  I was fortunate enough to do the OU runaround one last time.  I had to get a letter stating that I will graduate this summer and then play the “twenty signatures” game all around campus.  Though this was frustrating, I have to believe that it will be the last time. 

After completing my tasks at OU, I had to delive the information to the State Department of Education.  This was once again a frustrating event.  To make a long story short, I will need to fill out more paperwork and send it in via mail to State Department of Education. 

On a lighter note, the wife and kids are out of town and i’ve did next to nothing.  In fact, i’m lounging around in boxers watching Weekend at Bernie’s for the third time in three weeks.  Something about a dead guy partying for a weekend without anyone realizing he’s dead, makes me laugh. 

Okay….adios.

The big question I would like to pose this evening is………..are school library media specialists on the same level at public or academic librarians?  I would like to think that we are viewed as being equal even though our jobs drastically differ.  The educational level of patrons should not dictate a higher class of librarian.  All librarians are created equal.  Is that too cheesy?

Okay, i’m going to say it tonight.  This country cannot afford four more years of McSame.  This man does not have a clue on economics (by his own admittance).  He supports a war that was not necessary and then only votes 4 out of 11 times for veterans rights.  This man is a professional politician that will say anything to get elected. 

McSame gave us everything in Vietnam and for that I am grateful.  However, beng a POW does not mean your qualified to be a president.  Actually, possibly the opposite should occur.  Being a POW would have to screw you up mentally for a lifetime?  Also, no one will say it but I will……….age is a difference when it comes to running a country.  A man in his 70’s does not operate on the same cognitive level as a man in his 40’s.  I know we try to be fair to all but we cannot have another dumb president. 

Obama gives us out best chance to restore our status with other countries.  Obama can get us out of Iraq.  Obama can bring new ideas to Washington.  Obama still has all capabilities of getting his facts straight. 

Okay, i’m done.

Well, Well.  The summer vacation for me is drawing to a close and therefore I wanted to remind myself of what I actually did this summer. 

• Studied for LIS Comp. Exam
• Waited on results of LIS Comp. Exam
• Passed LIS Comp. Exam
• Began exercising on Wii Fit
• Started running and walking on campus
• Lost 40 pounds as of this date
• Visited family
• Slept a bunch

Things i’d like to do before Aug. 12th (first day of work)

• Read books, especially 1984
• Get new carpet in house
• Clean debris from yard
• Sleep

There you have it, not overly eventful of a summer. 

Adios.

Okay, i’m very scared of T. Boone Pickens.  I recently saw his commercial advocating alternative energy such as windpower.  His plan almost sound okay but I have to admit, this man has low credibility with me.  This is the same man that has made his riches at the expense of American public.  Most of all, this is the same man that spearheaded the Swiftboat Veterans group that attempted to discredit John Kerry’s military service.  This action ranks as one of the most “low down” acts in my book.  It also doesn’t help that he bought OSU’s soul through enormous contributions.

America’s Funniest Videos becomes funny.

As time goes by, I am beginning to realize that one of my early professional goals is to help others climb up the LIS ladder.  Currently, I have many friends and buddies that are still in the LIS program and will need someone like me to act as a resource to them as they begin to tackle the task of studying and passing comprehensive finals.  When I first started studying for comps, I was very frustrated because I could not find someone who had recently taken the test in order to get feedback and perhaps information to help me study.  Finally, after two months I interacted with someone who had a past study guide that I was able to copy.  For this reason, I am in the process of “paying it forward” to those LIS students that know me.   I have and will provide those individuals with my study guide.  The study guide does not guarantee success but it is a starting point for them.  I hope that someday these same LIS students will “pay it forward” to other LIS students. 

This process is very important to me because I have climbed the ladder to obtain my MLS degree and I do not want to pull the ladder up on the others.  I want to make the same ladder available to them and to offer them encouragement and perhaps guide them in their comp exam quest.  

I am reminded of the Library Code of Ethics VIII.

We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.

Looking at the last two years, I have had plenty people contribute to my current situation.  They more than fostered my aspiration of becoming a member of the profession.

Karen C. was a librarian that first brought the idea of Library school up to me.

Peggy B. and Lydia Z. were the individuals that really encouraged me to take that initial leap.

Kathryn allowed me to enter the field early and has been there when the chips were down.

Buffy has always offered encouragement and was critical to my cataloging success.

Allison and Marcia were LIS students who kept me on track with assignments.

Carrie, Angie, Wyatt, and Michael were great study partners as I studied for comps.

Finally, Megan (my assistant) for dealing with my mental instability throughout the whole comp ordeal and for keeping me aware of upcoming assignments.

These people, along with many others that I did not mention, I owe a big thanks to.  Most of all these people have opened my eyes to making an extra effort to help those entering and already in the profession.

I have a gripe today.  I live in a town that is constantly clearing land and erecting chain stores in the name of progress.  Other times, people frequently vote for projects that represent progress.  My argument is that progress is not always good.  Stripping the land, eliminating habitat, and rolling out the tax break red carpet is not my idea of a good thing.  I continue to watch my town build new houses when current home owners cannot sell their houses.  Older buildings that once housed a business lay vacant as strip malls line the highway.  I propose focusing on quality instead of quantity.  Lets make what we already have better.  Okay, i’m done griping.