Plan: I'm interviewing a new babysitter for Christopher.
Who I met: Maggie Hughes is a 19 year old, recent high school graduate who lives in the neighborhood near us. She was so polite and sweet-Christopher and I just loved her! I let her know immediately what my expectations are, and she said that was no problem whatsoever. I think it's going to be a great fit!
What I learned: I'm a hell of a negotiator. I'm paying her half as much as the last woman who watched him, but I'm getting a lot more for my money. She's going to walk him to and from the bus stop, and make sure he eats breakfast in the morning and a snack in the afternoon. But, most importantly, she's going to help him with his homework and reading. Maggie's an early education major at Meramec, so she has no problem working with him. Yea! I can't wait for the 1st day of school!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
July 30 and also August 1
Plan: We were having our last Summer Reading Club performer for the year: the Yo-Yo Kid! I had to work the Childrens desk, but I met him when he got here and asked him if he needed anything while he was setting up. I wanted to snag him on his way out and interview him. Well, that didn't work because I got swamped helping kids. I went a different route and e-mailed him telling him what I wanted and asking him to call me. And he did!
Who I met: Ian Cole is our youngest performer at the library. He's 18 years old; barely old enough to sign the performer's contract and make it legally binding. I don't know why, but I just found him really interesting. And even though I'm going to send him this link and he's going to read it, I don't mind telling you that I've been cracking jokes all summer about him being so young that his Mom drives him to gigs, and asking what happens if he can't work because he's grounded.
What I learned: Ian's going to be a freshman at K State next year in Manhattan, Kansas. Immediately we had something to talk about because my step-sister, Danielle is starting her junior year there. I asked him what he was studying, and it's architecture-the same! He said that was great to hear that she liked it so much. It was shocked that he only started yo-yoing 6 years ago. I guess I had jsut assumed that he had been doing it since he was much younger because he's won so many championships. He just saw some crazy yo-yoing on TV and decided he wanted to do it, then he ordered a competitive yo-yo and a book off the internet, and he got started. I asked him, "Are you more of a sock or a shoe?" and the teenager in him came out with the standard response: "I don't know." "Well, take a minute." I said. "OK... I guess I'm more of a shoe because I like to get out there and be seen." I was not at all surprised at all by this answer. I mean, he performs for a living, so he must want to be out there in the open.
So, Ian, thank you. Best of luck in school!
Thanks to Dave Moore for the photos!
Angie
Friday, July 30, 2010
July 29
Plan: This was easy. I was going to the Chuck Berry concert at Kiener Plaza to rally support to bring the Democratic National Convention to St. Louis 2012. Easy.
Who I met: It WAS easy. We had to wait in line for a good hour, so I introduced myself to the woman standing behind me. Her name was Kim and she told me that her husband was nervous letting her go by herself because it was downtown. I told her we would stick together because I wasn't scared. I asked her what brought her down to the event. She's a huge Chuck Berry fan, but also excited that the DNC might be here in 2010. She said her husband was a doctor, and Chuck Berry's brother was a patient of his, so she's seen him play at Blueberry Hill.
What I learned: That was SO easy! We spent the time in line together and then sat together for the concert. She has a daughter going into middle school, and I was able to recommend a few books for her because I'm such a shameless promoter of the library. We chatted
until the concert and then we clapped and laughed together, and it was a lot of fun! I asked if she would mind letting me take her picture for my blog, and she did mind, but she took a picture of me and Christopher and a lot of other Democrats. Also, in the picture of Christopher holding a sign, you can see a bit of her arm. So there you have it.
Leave a comment!
Angie
Who I met: It WAS easy. We had to wait in line for a good hour, so I introduced myself to the woman standing behind me. Her name was Kim and she told me that her husband was nervous letting her go by herself because it was downtown. I told her we would stick together because I wasn't scared. I asked her what brought her down to the event. She's a huge Chuck Berry fan, but also excited that the DNC might be here in 2010. She said her husband was a doctor, and Chuck Berry's brother was a patient of his, so she's seen him play at Blueberry Hill.
What I learned: That was SO easy! We spent the time in line together and then sat together for the concert. She has a daughter going into middle school, and I was able to recommend a few books for her because I'm such a shameless promoter of the library. We chatted
until the concert and then we clapped and laughed together, and it was a lot of fun! I asked if she would mind letting me take her picture for my blog, and she did mind, but she took a picture of me and Christopher and a lot of other Democrats. Also, in the picture of Christopher holding a sign, you can see a bit of her arm. So there you have it.Leave a comment!
Angie
July 27
Plan: I had nothing planned and I should have met someone before a came to work, but I didn't. So then I was stuck in the building until 9:00 PM. I realized I would have to meet someone here at work, which I didn't really want to do, but since I hadn't done anything the day before, it was necessary.
Who I met: We have had this teen volunteer all summer named Haohang. I've seen her, but never spoken to her and until a couple of weeks ago, I had no idea how to pronounce her name (it sounds like ho hon). So I just asked her what grade she was going into and all about school. She's going to be a senior this year and she's very excited about it. I asked if she had done the Summer Reading Club-and for those of you who talk to me on a regular basis, you'll know this is all I've been thinking about for the last few weeks. She said she did and she loves to read. But then I took it a step further and asked her if she likes to write. She told me a sweet story about how when she was in grade school, she thought maybe she could be the next Dr. Seuss, and she tried to write a rhyming book. It didn't work out though; it turns out that rhyming is harder than it seems. The English teacher part of me wanted to learn more about what she likes to write now. She said mostly she enjoys writing for a class if there's a specific topic, but she loves doing speech and debate. She competes in oratorical contests and Lincoln-Douglas debates, which I could tell she was extremely passionate about, and it made me excited just listening! She doesn't like creative writing, which I can empathize with. But she likes creative non-fiction, which is my favorite genre to write. While we were chatting, a boy came over and asked me a question, then looked at her and said "You look like you're Chinese.", and she just smiled and said, "I am Chinese. Thank you." She was polite to him, and wasn't even phased by the question.
What I learned: One thing I realized was that Haohang had been here two days a week all summer, and I had never even talked to her because I felt awkward about it. I thought maybe she was shy because she was quiet, but she was only being quiet because I was! As soon as I asked her a question, she was an open book. You might think that with my middle school teaching background, I would be more inclined to strike up a conversation with her. But, no. I do fine with groups of students when I'm in charge, but just one is a little different, and I'm, well, a bit awkward.
I was so impressed with this young woman for remaining calm when openly confronted by racism. Unfortunately, the fact that she addressed it so casually implies that it happens to her frequently. What the hell is wrong with people? Are parents not teaching their children that it's rude and inappropriate to say something like that. Would someone ever just walk up to me and ask my race? No kid has ever said "You look like you're German." I'm embarrassed for our country.
Who I met: We have had this teen volunteer all summer named Haohang. I've seen her, but never spoken to her and until a couple of weeks ago, I had no idea how to pronounce her name (it sounds like ho hon). So I just asked her what grade she was going into and all about school. She's going to be a senior this year and she's very excited about it. I asked if she had done the Summer Reading Club-and for those of you who talk to me on a regular basis, you'll know this is all I've been thinking about for the last few weeks. She said she did and she loves to read. But then I took it a step further and asked her if she likes to write. She told me a sweet story about how when she was in grade school, she thought maybe she could be the next Dr. Seuss, and she tried to write a rhyming book. It didn't work out though; it turns out that rhyming is harder than it seems. The English teacher part of me wanted to learn more about what she likes to write now. She said mostly she enjoys writing for a class if there's a specific topic, but she loves doing speech and debate. She competes in oratorical contests and Lincoln-Douglas debates, which I could tell she was extremely passionate about, and it made me excited just listening! She doesn't like creative writing, which I can empathize with. But she likes creative non-fiction, which is my favorite genre to write. While we were chatting, a boy came over and asked me a question, then looked at her and said "You look like you're Chinese.", and she just smiled and said, "I am Chinese. Thank you." She was polite to him, and wasn't even phased by the question.
What I learned: One thing I realized was that Haohang had been here two days a week all summer, and I had never even talked to her because I felt awkward about it. I thought maybe she was shy because she was quiet, but she was only being quiet because I was! As soon as I asked her a question, she was an open book. You might think that with my middle school teaching background, I would be more inclined to strike up a conversation with her. But, no. I do fine with groups of students when I'm in charge, but just one is a little different, and I'm, well, a bit awkward.
I was so impressed with this young woman for remaining calm when openly confronted by racism. Unfortunately, the fact that she addressed it so casually implies that it happens to her frequently. What the hell is wrong with people? Are parents not teaching their children that it's rude and inappropriate to say something like that. Would someone ever just walk up to me and ask my race? No kid has ever said "You look like you're German." I'm embarrassed for our country.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
July 26
Plan: My Mom has been kind enough to remind me to meet someone everyday. Which begs the question: had she done that when I was a child, would I be less socially awkward? Hm. So I told her that I would find someone to interview, but that I had no real plan. She suggested sitting outside and talking to someone walking their dog. I let the hours slip by and at 11:30PM, whilst having a heated conversation with an ex-boyfriend about returning my Wii games, I walked out to my car to get my phone charger. Then, I hung up the phone, and there was a guy sitting on the front step of my apartment smoking a cigarette. He had overheard my part of the phone conversation, so that seemed like a good ice breaker.
Who I met: I shook his hand and told him my name. His name is Randy (just like the other guy). He said he had seen me around the building; he's staying with his brother on the floor below me. I didn't even really need to ask many questions because he seemed excited to have someone to talk to. First, he told me he goes to ITT tech and he had his grade report in his hand (nice!), with all As. I congratulated him and suggested he put it on the fridge like I did when I was in college. But he won't because he doesn't really live here. He's just getting out of an 8 year relationship with his girlfriend, who he used to live with. I thought that 8 years seemed like a long time, so I asked how old they were when they first started dating and he said 16. I told him that's a long time to be with someone and asked if he missed her. He said that he did, but mostly, he missed his two dogs, which he couldn't bring with him.
What I Learned: I felt bad for him losing his dogs, and I pointed out that at least they didn't have children. "That's right." he said, "Don't be a fool-wrap your tool." That's true, kids.
Then if made me think about my boyfriend when I was 16, Stephen Gunther, and what it would have been like if we had stayed together for 8 years. Tumultuous-at best. We were together off an on for 7 years, in actuality, but only about half of those years were on. Whenever I think about Stephen, (which has been happening a lot lately, since he's passed away) I think how we literally grew up together. I mean, he was the first guy who actually picked me up for a real grownup date. We went through all the teenage drama together. But how weird would it be if we were still together now?
Another thing I learned was that this really isn't as hard as I'm making it out to be. I ended up talking to Randy for a good hour. I think that's because 1) Christopher wasn't home, so I didn't have to hurry back and 2) he was bored and lonely and needed someone to talk to. So I'm glad I was in the right place at the right time. But I need to seriously not wait until the end of the day to get this done because it is entirely too stressful.
Who I met: I shook his hand and told him my name. His name is Randy (just like the other guy). He said he had seen me around the building; he's staying with his brother on the floor below me. I didn't even really need to ask many questions because he seemed excited to have someone to talk to. First, he told me he goes to ITT tech and he had his grade report in his hand (nice!), with all As. I congratulated him and suggested he put it on the fridge like I did when I was in college. But he won't because he doesn't really live here. He's just getting out of an 8 year relationship with his girlfriend, who he used to live with. I thought that 8 years seemed like a long time, so I asked how old they were when they first started dating and he said 16. I told him that's a long time to be with someone and asked if he missed her. He said that he did, but mostly, he missed his two dogs, which he couldn't bring with him.
What I Learned: I felt bad for him losing his dogs, and I pointed out that at least they didn't have children. "That's right." he said, "Don't be a fool-wrap your tool." That's true, kids.
Then if made me think about my boyfriend when I was 16, Stephen Gunther, and what it would have been like if we had stayed together for 8 years. Tumultuous-at best. We were together off an on for 7 years, in actuality, but only about half of those years were on. Whenever I think about Stephen, (which has been happening a lot lately, since he's passed away) I think how we literally grew up together. I mean, he was the first guy who actually picked me up for a real grownup date. We went through all the teenage drama together. But how weird would it be if we were still together now?
Another thing I learned was that this really isn't as hard as I'm making it out to be. I ended up talking to Randy for a good hour. I think that's because 1) Christopher wasn't home, so I didn't have to hurry back and 2) he was bored and lonely and needed someone to talk to. So I'm glad I was in the right place at the right time. But I need to seriously not wait until the end of the day to get this done because it is entirely too stressful.
July 25
All day I told myself to meet someone, and then I really just didn't do it. I ended up making small talk with a girl in the sauna at the gym, but there wasn't enough pertinent information exchanged to make it blogable. I need to be more diligent.
This is tough.
Angie
This is tough.
Angie
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
July 24
Plan: I really wanted to chicken out and put it off until the day after my birthday because that really seems more like it would be the 1st day of my 30th year. But after some coaxing (and actual physical pushing) from my Mom, I finally got some balls and talked to a stranger.
Who I met: Well, what better way to meet my first victim than a birthday drink at the bar? There was a man sitting next to my Mom drinking what looked like scotch. This gentleman was older, so I was a little apprehensive about how I was going to explain what a blog was. Or the internet. I introduced myself and told him about my idea to meet a new person everyday and he thought it was fantastic. His name is Randy and the first thing he did was hand me his card (see picture). "Here's what you need. You get these printed with your name and email address at Staples and for just a few bucks, they'll give you enough to last a lifetime." Great advice! I had been sort of throwing that idea around, but thought it might be even more presumptuous if I stuck a card in someone's face. Well, it seems that Randy is familiar with the internet and he checks his email and before he retired, he had to use it for work a lot.
What I learned: Randy was in sales for over 30 years and was on the road sometimes for over 200 days out of the year. He's divorced and he been for years; he has one son and a new grand-baby! Like most Grandparents, he was very proud and his eyes lit about when he told me about his eight-month-old grandson who had visited that day and how he was putting his butt in the air in preparation for learning to crawl-a very exciting time in the life of an infant!
I asked the burning question I'm sure you're all thinking "Would you rather be a sock or a shoe?" To which Randy asked if he could think about it for a minute. Then answered, "I would be the shoe because it gets to get out there and see the world and I traveled for work for years, so I like that. The sock just has to stay covered up." Makes sense. I thanked him for his time and for answering my questions. But you know what I really learned? Don't discount senior citizens! They can still know what's what with technology. In fact, the next day my Grandma sent me a friend request on Facebook, so apparently, it's becoming less of a generational thing.
More to come!
Angie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)