Mystery Shopping Gone Bad

I am not much of a shopper...I sometimes pay one of my kids to do my food shopping for me...and I think this experience could turn me against all shopping except for buying from catalogs. I had gone to the mall one afternoon to go to an "upscale" store that seems to be the only one in Western Maryland that carries the fragrance I like. I had my elderly neighbor with me. We stood at the counter, patiently waiting for a sales clerk to venture over our way.At that time there were no other customers around and there were three clerks standing around talking. They looked our way and continued talking. Another customer walked up and my gosh...she got waited on. Still we stood there while the other two clerks continued talking. The sales clerk finished with the customer and finally looked us up and down and asked in a most snotty manner if there was something we wanted.I told her yes PLEASE and asked for the fragrance. She acted like it was such an effort to reach under the glass counter to retrieve the bottle! While I was waiting for my change, my neighbor commented that she felt we didn't belong in this particular store. That really ticked me off because that was EXACTLY how we were made to feel. It dawned on me that I had on old pants and my son's hoodie, maybe not the best way to dress when going into an expensive store. But it shouldn't have mattered...I was still a customer. I was very polite when the clerk came back with my change, but I did tell her that just because I wasn't dressed up didn't give her the right to be rude. Now when I'm running out of my fragrance, my sister sends it to me.

Assignments

I'm trying to get myself UNconfused. The problem I've been having is the assignments in each module all seem to be due on different dates. I was reading some of the comments and blogs that others have done and I keep seeing "LISTS". A wonderful idea. I think this will make a big difference for me. So now with working on time management and schedules, I've created a list that's showing me when what is due. This will be a time saver so I don't have to go to each and every place to find the assignments. I can already see a lot of organization showing through...as long as I remember to note WHAT is due and WHEN it's due...and then actually DO it! Maybe I'll eventually find the top of my desk.

Time Management

After reading Inch by Inch I realised time management doesn't seem to exist for me. Funny that I read this now...in a check-in with my supervisor the other week,she suggested that I make up a schedule for desk time, which Sherry and I share. I was thinking this wouldn't work. No way. Hmmmmmm. After thinking about all that I do, it looks like I'm spread out all over the place. So I've been sitting here with a ton of paper and writers cramp and it's all starting to make sense. Maybe it WILL work after all. Starting the beginning of the week I'll give it a try. The worst thing that could happen is maybe I'll at least get myself a tad more organized.

Magical Mystery Tour...Shopping!

I had to stop at a $$ store in town this morning to pick up snacks for an after school program. On my way in the store I passed the manager who was on her break. I asked about any empty big boxes for a new-mom cat who had 6 kittens on my front porch. No luck. I went on into the store and OMG they moved what I was looking for. After walking around the store on a Dorito hunt,I heard the manager calling me. She directed me to where they moved my Doritos, found me a box and asked if there was anything else I needed. I realize this isn't much, but I came out of the store with a really good feeling. She remembered what I was looking for and helped me out. (Alas, no, she turned me down on a kitten.)This is how I hope customers feel when they leave my library...that we've been helpful and they have what they want.

About Westernport Renovation

The renovation of the Westernport
branch will enrich library users’
experiences by creating a floor plan
designed to be welcoming, warm, and
easy to navigate, while improving the
ability of staff to fully monitor the
entire facility.
New paint and carpet will be used
in schemes that improve the look and
feel of the whole library, as well as
defining the usage of specific spaces
within the building. Upgrades to
current shelving will match the new
interior design and color scheme, and
new or refurbished furniture will
further define spaces that add interest
and enhance the comfort of all users
Modern and energy efficient lighting fixtures will
improve the lighting in the facility and broaden the
appeal of the space. Furthermore, the out-dated
electrical wiring will be upgraded throughout the
building to ensure the safety of our users. Finally, the
project creates the facility’s first safety system,
including smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire alarms,
pull-boxes, and the ability to remotely monitor the
facility.
The combination of these improvements will
result in a brighter, more inviting, and colorful place
that is warm and welcoming. The improvements also
will ensure the safety and sustainability of the
facility, so that it can continue to be a vibrant center
of the community that promotes learning, encourages
social interaction, and lifts the human spirit.
The Westernport branch in its current state is
a considerable community asset. In a town of a little
over 2,100 people, it sees over 2,000 visitors a
month. The branch is open six days a week, checks
out over 4000 items, and hosts nearly 300 children
each month at its numerous story hours.
Our most recent renovation saw an increased
usage of 11% at the improved facility, and we expect
a significant jump following this renovation, as both
first time and return users linger and make the most
of the many library services we offer.
Renovation of

Did you know?

Thing 8

I set up RSS feeds and bloglines about a year ago after attending a training workshop. Some of my favorite ones are Shifted Librarian, Walking Paper, Librarian in Black, Information wants to be Free... just to name a few. RSS feeds are a great way to keep up with news...and to see when some of my favorite authors books are available.

Rosesmom

Geek Chic

OMG I'm a 20!!!! I thought I'd be way WAY down the line at about a 5. My kids think it's funny that I can't work their remotes. I think it's sad.

Thing 2

For me, the easiest part of the 7 and 1/2 habits is having FUN while I learn.I'm glad that was left for last because it made me feel better after reading them all.
The hardest for me is Habit # 4...not a whole lot of confidence in myself to learn.But if I wasn't nervous about it, I'd be overconfident. I just love the idea of never too old, too youg.etc.It's so true.

Thing 1

This is my second round with 23 Things and I think I'll enjoy it as much as the first time. I can spend more time on different "Things" that I didn't have time for before. I LOVE to play!