pondering planes and other modes of transportation

I am beginning to wonder if it's possible to fly without having a flight cancelled. When I flew west at Christmas, my flights were cancelled on the way their and back due to weather. And, then today, my dad was suppose to fly to see me and his flight was cancelled.

It got me thinking how unpleasant flying has become. I mean, it used to be exciting. Getting the peanuts or pretzels. Going to a place in a few hours that would normally take a day or more by car. But, now it's a few hours of anxiety. Will I make it to my plan on time? Is my luggage going to arrive like it should? Or, misery. Being stuck somewhere and not being able to spend as much time with family and friends.

I am not sure where this post is going. But, I am wondering if there are other people like me that are questioning the benefits of flying. I mean, I know the airlines have had it rough. High fuel costs, a sinking pool of people being able to afford their high ticket prices because the economy is not behaving like it should. And, the cancelled flights that I mentioned above were caused by the weather. Which I know is something that the airlines can't control. But, I still think it might be a while before I fly anywhere. Maybe I will, though, when the weather improves.

Blogging again

I've changed this blog and consolidated my posts from a previous blog into this blog. So that's why there's later posts than when I actually created this blog. Also, I kind of combined my personal and professional posts. For a while, I was participating in 23 Things. That's librarian-speak for trying to be hip on Web 2.0 stuff. So that's why there are a few posts titled "thing 1," etc.
Needless to say, I didn't quite finish the 23 things. I kind of lost steam on them since I had to do them on my own time rather than while I was at work. Oh, by the way, I've changed jobs. I am an associate librarian in an academic library now. Before, I was a clerical worker with her librarian degree in a research library. Considering how uncertain things are right now with the economy, I was happy to find this new career opportunity. But, I did have to move about 70 miles so I'm living in a new town with a new job. And, I recently got into a car accident. (The people involved were okay, but the vehicles' weren't so much.) So I'm taking a new mode of transportation - the metro bus.
But, I am still pretty much the same person. One that likes to collect Converse shoes although I haven't been wearing them as much with the new job. I can wear them for casual Friday, but otherwise, I have to wear more professional-looking footwear. And, I'm still the gal that likes to blog about movies and books that she's read. With movies, I kind have recently re-acquainted myself with The Goonies and 10 Things I Hate About You. The first for it's shots of Canon Beach and Astoria, OR. The storyline of kids finding treasure to save their homes is touching, too. And, the latter because it's my favorite Heath Ledger movie. Granted, I haven't seen The Dark Knight so I'm not saying that 10 Things is Heath's best film. But, I always get a kick out of Heath's and Julia Stiles' characters falling for each other even though they didn't fancy each other at first. The scenery of sunny, Seattle is a nice pick-me-up, too, since I have to look at lots of white snow outside.
Books - I've read a few old favorites from my collection. Of course, once I've unearthed them from my many boxes. Currently, I'm reading The Garbage Man Always Comes on Fridays 12 Steps for Improving Your Relationship with God. It's helped me deal the car accident which, unfortunately, was my fault. In the book, the author also made a life-changing mistake so she writes about how God put her life back together once she gave up the parts of her life that were keeping her from Him. I'm finding the book encouraging and helpful. I'm still working on taking out the selfish parts of my life, but I am thankful that God is patient with me and keeping me company through the process.

waiting for eight

On Friday night, I had the first Presidential debate on TV. Mainly, I listened to it while working on a job application. Occasionally, I looked up when something sounded interesting. But mostly, I wondered which candidate would give me safe roads to drive on (the new I-35 W bridge opened here) and an economy that I could trust. Unfortunately, these issues weren't covered in the debate. So I'm still wondering.

wanting to sleep, but can't

Last night, I hung out with some friends. So I come home and pick up the book, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist thinking that I just read one chapter while drinking my tea. Whoa - big mistake. I couldn't put the book down. I mean, it was one of those things that I was so curious to see if Nick and Norah get together at the end, that I keep reading and reading. And, then before I know it's 3 a.m. so I go to bed. But, then for some reason, I wake up at 10 a.m. and now I can't go back to sleep.

wondering why G is bad

So I watched Penelope the other night, and it really wasn't that bad of a movie. I mean, it was quirky, but I enjoyed it. And, it got me thinking why live-action movies like Penelope and Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium with G or PG ratings get slammed by the critics. I mean, they reminded me of that very cheesey TV version of "Babes and Toyland" with Drew Barrymore and Kenau Reeves. Kind of whimsical and nostologic of childhood. Not exactly Oscar material, but fun movies to watch.
Isn't that what movies are? A place to escape and believe the impossible? Maybe if they had song and dance numbers or animation they be better received by the critics. The Pixar and High School Musical empires tend to go over well. But, why not something like Kitt Kittridge?
Has our culture become so cynical and misguided that we can only tolerate violence and sex? One of my favorite movies is the Frank Capra movie, You Can't Take It With You. In 1939, it won the Oscar for Best Picture. I shudder to think if it would even be nominated if it was released now.

where I've been

I realized that's been over a month since I've posted anything here. So here's a brief recap of my past month.
2 visits to the doctor to get over my chronic sinus problem
Fed 600 people with burgers, brats, veggie burgers, and hot dogs at a barbeque fundraiser
1 trip to the Minneapolis Impound lot to spring my car that was towed because I was parked less than 5 feet away from a driveway
So things have been lively. Plus on tuesday night, I went to film shoot planning to be an extra and they needed someone to play the part of "friend" and say lines. Not sure if my performance on camera will impress the Academy, but I hope that it does not merit a Darwin award.
Thankfully, next week I'm going on vacation. But, time will tell, I guess what kind of interesting things will happen then.

Thing 6

I had more fun using these tools then I anticipated. I made a trading card for myself and posted it on my blog. Then I made one for my roommate and her fiancee that are marrying next month.

I think it's great how the digital revolution allows people to easily transform their images into new products like trading cards and buttons. For libraries, it gives staff people more options to design stuff themselves to advertise their products and services instead of hiring companies to do it for them. However, if the library is part of an institution that has their own PR and marketing department, their options for using online tools might be more limited.

I played around with Image Chef a little bit. I made a button saying "Sarah loves snow." These sites will be great come Christmas time to create unique gifts for friends and family.

P.S. I also changed the layout of my blog. The white space was getting to me so I think I'll try this green one for a while.