I've recently been spending far too much time on the sofa thanks to a rough bout of kidney stones. Never fear though, I'll soon be back in person and better than ever.
While browsing through Facebook, I ran across a survey that a good friend posted that got me to thinking. Since we're still in the introductory phases of our new digital newsletter format plus the fact that we've got new staff members as well as new patrons, I thought this would be a good opportunity for the public to get to know the library staff a bit better.
I've never been one to ask someone to do something I wasn't willing to do so I'll get the game going with hopes that my office mates will follow suit in future editions of our newsletter! In the meantime, here goes!
• Favorite smell(s): Love the smell of wood burning so fire pits, barbeques and smokers move high on the list. When we were at our temporary location during our remodel, it was a treat to walk outside and get a whiff of barrels charring at the cooperage across the street! For man-made scents, Halston Z-14 men's cologne instantly takes me back to my early 20's!
• First job: As an "orderly," a term you don't hear anymore, at Mary Immaculate Hospital and Marion Manor Nursing Home here in Lebanon. Located at present day Spring View Hospital, back when it was owned by the Dominican Sisters of Peace.
At 13, my father passed away, just a couple of years before I began my employment with Mary Immaculate. In a small town, when I would walk into a room, many times the first thing I would hear would be, "So who's boy are you?" As a teenager, I learned much about my father's character through the stories patients and their families would share with me, and I have no doubt his character lives on in me today. Fun fact: do you know where the helicopter lands at Spring View? That's where the pool was (more or less) open to the staff......as long as the sisters weren't using it!
• Dream job: When I was a kid, I always dreamt of flying but back then kids didn't have access to the resources available today and frankly, I never thought that would be an option for me.
Advertising fascinates me, and may be one of the reasons our director has confidence in me in "getting the word out." I try to communicate in an easy, relaxed manner, hopefully catch your attention enough to make you want to learn more. Hopefully, if you've made it this far in the article, it's working!
When I left Lebanon in the fall of 1979 I vowed never to return. I've seen the bright lights and big cities, I've been fortunate to see much of the world others only dream of. I never thought I would be at my happiest right back where I began, in my hometown, serving the community. If you know me, you know how passionate I am about what I do. I'm extremely lucky, I found my dream job......or did it find me?
• Astrological sign: I'm an Aries. I'll be honest, I don't follow the signs like many do, so I'll let you read into my sign and my personality as you see fit! From what I have read, the consensus seems to be that I'm passionate and hard headed. Yep.
• Favorite Foot Attire: No idea what this has to do with anything but as long as I have comfy, well fitting footwear, I'm happy. Best footwear I ever owned was a pair of eel-skinned cowboy boots. Fun (weird) fact: I heard somewhere that you are more likely to put on your footwear beginning with your non-dominate side first. That stuck in my head and for the life of me this right-hander can't put on my right shoe first.
• Favorite candy: Out of default it would have to be Smarties, as Smarties won't melt in your pocket and will bring this diabetic's blood sugar up in a pinch. Other favs include Maple Nut Goodies and Malted Milk Balls. Interestingly enough, as an Adult Onset Type 1 Diabetic, when I became insulin dependent, I pretty much lost my sweet tooth. A single bite of a chocolate brownie will hold me over for a long time. Cornbread and butter, Mac & Cheese? Those are my guilty pleasures!
• Favorite Ice Cream: I'm a cheap date, so those generic vanilla ice cream sandwiches do me just fine. For a splurge, let's go with Cherry Cordial Amaretto. Turn any ice cream into a milk shake and you'll win my heart over!
• Pet peeve(s): If I'm driving in front of you, behind you, across from you, beside you, in the car with you and you can't be bothered to turn on a turn signal? You're going to hear about it!
• What are you listening to right now? Bluegrass Junction. While I'm an old Disco beat from the 70's, and the mirror ball will always live in my heart, I enjoy the complex simplicity of the Bluegrass stories. The chords and beats hold a sophistication that simply isn't found in much of today's music.
• Favorite condiment: Ranch Dressing, good on anything. Second thought: my own homemade Bacon Jam!
• Favorite holiday: NONE! I can't stand those days where we are expected to be obligated to do something, say something, give something. That goes for entire holiday seasons as well. Be kind to one another each and every day and make today a special day for someone else.
• Favorite song: Somewhere In Time from the 70's with Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. The Birdcage, because there's always more toast.
• Favorite day of the week: Can't answer this question. My life just rolls over from one time period to another. Different time periods have different priorities, responsibilities, joys, etc.
• Favorite animals: Cats take priority, although I love most all animals, snakes being the exception. There are times animals take priority with me over humans.
• Tattoos: One. If I were younger I'd consider more. Too much extra skin now to cover!
• Like to cook? LOVE to cook. If I win the lottery, look for a gourmet kitchen and "suppers." Love it when someone appreciates what I've made.
• Can you drive a manual transmission? Heck yeah! Amazed at kids that can't and have no desire to learn, or learn how to tell time with an analog clock , or make correct change without a calculator......don't get me started!
• Do you like vegetables? YES! Sweet corn is my favorite. Thankful for a deep freezer to keep veggies in!
• Do you wear glasses? Just made the transition from readers only to more full-time eyewear. Still getting used to them.
• Favorite season: Summer. I can handle being hot a whole lot better than I can handle the cold. Could never live farther north than right here.
• Dream travel destination: One way ticket to the Isle of Brock. Only my besties are in the loop.
So there you have it. A peek inside of me!
