Monday, June 23, 2008

Consider Yourself Warned

Warning. This post should be avoided like the plague.

Okay, well, I figure I've done my job. If you are still reading then it is all on you. This post will be not brief enough, and will have everything you hate in a post! Woot!

The Sad Sack Whining Portion
Summer Reading Program has officially kicked into gear at work. Many of you have heard the quiet sobbing that commences in my head each year about this time. As the Children's Division of a Public Library, our goal is to encourage a love of reading from birth onward. Our Summer Reading Program is the little trick up our sleeve each year. We say things like "Reading is Rewarding!" We get kids signed up and then give them little prizes for reading each week. We also do additional storytimes and special programs to capture the crowd that is too busy during the school year. We have 35 teen volunteers to help us administer the program on a daily basis. When the library is open, there are two or three volunteers helping out. We need them, but they are a lot of work! Plus, this year we are still short staffed, as my co-worker, The Drifter, is out on medical leave indefinitely. Every year I do a bit of crying about all of the extra work that these six weeks require. It's kind of a tradition, so let us honor it now. Go on, cry with me.

The Horrible Illness Portion
I was sooo sick this weekend. I had sort of been fighting off something most of last week. But you know how when you finally get a day off and can just give into it? Yeah. I was basically in a coma all of Saturday and on into Sunday morning. I really felt like I might die. It was a stomach thing. With fever. I haven't eaten solid food since Friday evening and if I'm smart, I might let it go another day. It sure as heck isn't going to kill me and I am drinking water. I am, at this point, scared to eat, really. But by this morning I did feel a lot better and came to work even. You can cheer wanly with me, if you like.

The Death Portion
My kids' grandpa, WTG's dad, passed away on Sunday evening. Sort of like George Carlin, with the heart and all. Although in the Chief's case, he had been hospitalized and in very poor condition for the past three or four weeks. He had some things in common with Carlin come to think of it. The ponytail. The bitterness (but the Chief wasn't so humorous). Um, was Carlin an alcoholic? No, I don't think they shared that. Anyway, may God have mercy on his soul. He was so...mean. But he did love his sons and by a measure of remove his grandchildren too. Sorry Chief, that is the best I can do for you in this awful blog eulogy. Wave good-bye to Chief, everyone. Bye....

Did I warn you or what? Um-hm.

11 comments:

AlienCG said...

Whiny Stuff: Well, you know it's coming, but you never know what you're going to get in the teen volunteers. I'll give you the opportunity to whine.

Horrible Illness Part: I'm glad to hear you're feeling better.

The Death Part: There is never anything I can think to say when it comes to death. My condolences on this loss.

MrManuel said...

I was going to say sorry about your loss, but it doesn't seem like you personally will lose much sleep over it. lol

Sorry about the sickness. Yuck!

Anonymous said...

Death is never a good thing.

Horrible illness is never a good thing either. I had what you described back in March and it was not pleasant..I did loose about 15 pounds though.

Summer Reading, by your past accounts, is not a pleasant thing either. Which is harder, the little kids or the teen volunteers?
I have a feeling I know.

Tara said...

I love all of your posts, so just stop that "don't read this" nonsense right away, ya hear? Just stop it, stop it, stop it. :)

I'm waving good-bye to Chief. I'm sorry he was so mean, it makes it hard to mourn someone like that.

If I were going through the business of the Childrens Division during the Summer Reading program, I'd be whining right along with you. We've got business over here too, and I just want to hide under my desk until it's over. ;)

I hope you're able to eat some food now. Those stomach viruses...They can just get the hell out. It's good you're drinking water, though.

Tara said...

Ugh, I meant to say the busy-ness of the Children's Division. Not as much of a word, but you know what I mean

NoRegrets said...

Sorry, I read it anyway. I hope all goes better.

FW said...

I read it too! As always, entertaining reading! Sorry you were sick this weekend, at least you're feeling a bit better.

Mrs. Hairy Woman said...

we were warned... sorry to hear about "Grandpa"..And the illness, and the library... HUGS.... Hope that helped...

Anonymous said...

Laura you have got to learn something about me... since I was a child...if you tell me not to do something I will be hell bent on doing it! ;o) and if you tell I can't....well you just watch me!
ok, you know there is a busy time coming up but I wonder if it's other stuff weighing on your mind too making it a little harder this time? Think of the rewards, helping someone choose,read,finish their first book must be an amazing thing to be involved in.
So sorry you have been sick, you probably needed the down time but not the attachments that came with it. If you are drinking plenty of water then you are doing all you can...hope it's well and truly gone by now.
I can totally relate to your feelings about the loss of you childrens grandfather. My dads sister has been given only weeks to live, she has Chronic leukaemia. I haven't spoken to her in years, something that happened between my mum and her and I also have my own personal reasons from years ago. My dad held out an olive branch to her at my mums funeral and it wasn't accepted so we came to the joint decision that we wouldn't be hypocrites so we haven't been in contact. I'm happy with my choice but I worry that my dad may regret his. I have offered to take him to see her and so far he has refused but we will see. So, anyway, yes, I can understand your feelings. There will be sadness but then I imagine that there are other feelings to be considered also.
I bet you feel a little bit better after getting it all down on 'paper' though?
Will hugs help....virtual ones? I have some if you feel the need. :o)

Churlita said...

Sorry you've been sick.

My girls loved the Summer Reading program when they were little. I feel bad that it's such a pain for you.

It's too bad your exes dad couldn't have been a better person when he was alive. I hope your kids don't miss him too much.

laura b. said...

AlienCG: You are a benevolent and understanding Alien :-)

MrManuel: You're right, wish I could feel more sorrow here.

Evil-E: I don't have a scale, but I'm thinking I probably suffered without significant weight loss...just my luck.
Ah, you must know me too well. I looove the kids. The teens must work for my affection. *sigh*

Tara: haha! I like giving fair warning. I always hope it is pointless. And thanks for understanding all of my blathering so perfectly. It is appreciated.

NoRegrets: Thank you and thank you again :-)

FW: Always so happy to see you! I am feeling much better, thank you.

Mrs.: Aw, hugs always help! Thanks! :-)

Daffy: You make a number of very, very good points in your comment. For someone who doesn't know me, you sure know me!
The situation with your dad and your aunt sounds like something not easily resolved. I suppose it will be one of those situations still not resolved long after your aunt has passed, because sometimes even that just isn't enough to bring closure.
And I will gladly accept virtual hugs, with thanks :-)

Churlita: Aw, now I feel so mean! I love the 'kid' part of it, but the administrative part, yes....it is a pain.
I hope my kids can remember their grandpa with love and forget the rest.