Kicking off 2013

So, the semester has finally begun.  You can tell because I am on campus writing this blog, sitting on a library computer amongst a bunch of faces that I do not know.  There was one familiar face, a handsome guy that comes into Dunkin from time to time.  I had just gotten to the library, a bit out of breath from my hike up the hill(more on that momentarily) and on my way to a LibGuides training meeting.  Between the adrenaline and the jitters, it seemed like a good idea to go introduce myself.  Since the last time he came into Dunkin and smiled at me I had been running scenarios in my head as to what to say when next we met.  I went with "Hey, you know I realized I have known you for a semester now and I still don't know your name."  A little surprised but with a small smile, he told me his name and I reminded him of mine.  As if my change to glasses wasn't Clark Kent enough, without my Dunkin visor I look different once more.  We exchanged small talk, what he was studying and what I was doing at the library today.  I'm not sure when I'll see my crush again, but it is the small things that can make or break your day :]

I like the atmosphere of academic libraries.  Especially ones where there is a high student exchange program.  I'm being distracted as I type this by two dudes whispering in French.  Their volume is too low to hear, but if only...

Sidebar.  Mystery man aside, I am on campus.  If you arrive on campus any time after 9am or 10am, you can kiss parking nearby goodbye.  Instead, since I am a "commuter" and not a real "staff/faculty" memeber, I ended up parking in what URI students call "The Plains."  A parking lot much like a Target(I point this out because the other commuter parking on campus is no good.  In the "Target"/Plains parking two cars can pass each other, a feat that the other lots don't allow, and there is less fighting there.)  and structured much better.  However, it's location is placed even further away than the Gym(The Ryan Center) and, to get back to the Library, is something I consider a hike.  It's all up hill and at a casual pace takes 15 minutes, I have timed it twice this week.  Once on tuesday as I got to my car before driving to Providence for a class(long story) and the second was this morning.  Bring an iPod, it's a good investment.

Parking is a problem across most of the state and particularly on the campuses.  If you want to consider URI Providence a campus.  You park in the Dunkin Donuts Convention Center and then walk a zig-zag of eight blocks to a tall building where my class was.  It doesn't stand out and isn't a straight shot to get to- a quality that URI Kingston shares.  Anyways, I had to sign up for a scan card that would allow me to park for free as a student(I already bought the commuter one at Kingston for the year, which ran me $250.)  Since I am on campus more this semester, it makes sense now, but most of my classes are online and so it is about time it's getting used.  But, I am still limited in parking.  C'est la vie.

My classes so far are ok.  One of them is tricky to follow along with and, this semester in particular, it is quite experimental.  My second one is clear cut but I love the professor and wish it was in person.  The third, the Providence one, I think I will like and come to appreciate once I get use to the drive.  My roommate drove this week and it is my turn next week.  Jinkies.

It feels like Spring as Winter continues to allude and surprise Rhode Island.  My best advice?  Bring a coat, pack a spare pair of shoes, and always have an umbrella in your car.  Gloves & hat: optional. 

I have to get ready to punch in for work- my third job of which I accepted this semester and already love.  I'm still getting use to how things run(Sierra, LibGuides, locations, passwords, procedures) but it will be amazing experience in the long run slash I might do my academic PFE here.  Who know!  Wish me luck!

After through Holidays

I am finally able to write a new blog. My first semester classes did not cease until December 18th.  That week was followed by work- early I might add- and then taking the train home. Some Christmas celebrations, my own birthday, and lots of catching up with friends occured. I was home by the New Year(again, work) and then I had a week off Due to shody schedule. Working yesterday and this morning, I won't be working again until Saturday. So, I am Maine bound once more.
     It you are wondering how I did this fall, I got two As and a B+. I was expecting an A in my History of Books & Printing course, but, well, it was percentaged oddly. And as far as the ALA homefront goes, I have a meeting with them this Friday to discuss a comittee as well as my Social Media Coordinator duties. So, more on that later.
     Today I adventured Boston. I had a few hours between trains and I have been promising my fellow friend(and now former URI classmate(he got into Simmons)), BH, that I would meet up with him and go see Pavement Coffeehouse on Newbury, where he works.(and yes, Newbury Comics originated there)  Being Maine grown, Boston is a scary beast.  I started to tame it with my Thanksgiving trip when I took the Orange line, successfully, between Back Bay and North Station. And again at Christmas, where I was asked boarding advice from a train newbie. But Pavement Coffeehouse requires a walk as well as a T switch.
     Normally,I GPS everything and everywhere new. I asked BH for the address while I was still in Rhode Island and had the intention to map it when I got to Boston. However, when I got there, my location wouldn't lock. Gods love the city. I walked outside and, having heard that Newbury was a fifteen minute walk, I decided walking sounded nice. And then I looked left, straight, and right and realized I had no idea which direction to head. I didn't know which way way North anymore nor what street Back Bay Station is located at.  So, I made a new plan, an adventure plan; to take the Orange T, going outbound, and switch to the Green T at Haymarket. This ended up going well and, while I was paranoid at each stop, my new wheeled-suitcase makes it a sinch. From Haymarket, I followed the signs to the outbound Green T, got on, and listened for Hynes Convention Center. Once there, BH told me to continue on Newbury and my location was on the right and below the stairs. I exited Hynes and took a right onto Newbury. Counting the house & store numbers, I could determine I was headed in the correct direction. Feeling assured and more at ease, I saw plenty of stores that were worth noting for a future day. This included Newbury Comics. Lord, imagine the Doctor Who gear!
     BH was waiting at the cafe, sharply dressed and, like a proper librarian, book in hand.(The Last Samurai, should you be curious) Since he works there, I asked his recommendation for coffee, which was a  apple cinnamon latte(SO yummy!) and grabbed The Awakening( scrambled eggs, feta, spinach, and other stuff I can't remember at the moment). It wad a great visit. We talked about our finals, current reads, and winter break festivities. One cafe and one shoe shop stop later, I was back on the Green line headed to Government Square, Government Square to North Station and am now, snuggly, going home for the week.  While home, I want to see Le Miserables, have sleepovers, read along-side my mum, and relax.
     Before I leave you, I want to say a few more things 1) I am making progress towards attending King's College this June. B) I am reading The Graveyard Book(Neil Gaiman) as well as Cloud Atlas(Dave...something or other) both are brilliant. And 3 or C) Dragon Age is a wonderful BioWare product. An RPG with greatly written companions, plenty of freedom, and good graphics. I am currently a ginger dwarf named Athos. Betrayed by my brother, I have been stripped of my noble rank and wander towards the path of The Grey Wardens.
     And this is where I leave you.