Moving away from a

Moving away from a support system is always challenging for anyone, but
especially the extroverted female; as in this extroverted female. R requested
that I travel with him when he came out here to interview. I was looking forward
to the demi-vacation, but knew that I would need to check things out around the
town. The first place I went, other than for coffee, was to the library. A
community is only as good as it's library. I was a bit disappointed. Not by the
1950's architectural structure, but by the overwhelming literature devoted to
the local religion and the complete lack of new releases and classic books. I
was told that they were in the middle of constructing a new building in the
park. I supposed that was to appease my questioning about the lack of books, so
I smiled and answered with feigned enthusiasm. The next questions I asked were
answered with skeptical tones: Is this a city or county library? What is the
approximate budget? What portion of it is designated for the purchase of books?
One woman smiled, seemingly pleased with this inquiring outsider. I left a bit
disappointed. So, this year opened the Library in the Park. It is a beautiful
building that incorporates the natural rock of the area. The interior is
decorated in a mix of deco/retro fixtures. It is lovely to behold, but, what
about the books? I have a hard time understanding how there simply isn't room in
the budget for the purchase of new literary material, but fifteen new computers
are burning away the retinas of our youth. Still, we go. We dig and we
occasionally find treasures. I am told that they are working on increasing the
budget in the coming year. I have sworn my allegiance to campaign for any tax
increase; any bond issue; anything to get more books on the shelves. While my
list of complaints about the athenaeum are long, I have benefited from it in one
specific way. Not long after we moved the family out here, I took K to the story
hour (not a pleasant experience either, really, as the books that were being
read to the 2-5 year olds were way to long to hold their attention). Afterwards,
we went upstairs to peruse the titles and find something to take back with us. I
heard a woman with an accent call for her daughter. I thought that it sounded
like she spoke Spanish, but I wasn't sure. I listened again. Yes, I was sure of
it. I followed the voice and found a beautiful woman sitting next to the
check-out desk. I was desperate to make a friend and she seemed like an
approachable person. Sitting down next to year, I asked her "Habla ud.
español?" She answered yes and we began a tiny conversation of polite
exchanges. We chatted for a few more minutes and then switched to English. It
was pleasant. We exchanged phone numbers. It was then time to leave and I felt
that maybe the library did have something to offer. The next week, I called to
ask her to go see a movie. There was one playing at the dollar theatre that I
had been wanting to see (Four Feathers). It was short notice, but I wanted some
company. She met me there and we went for coffee afterwards. It was a delightful
evening. She returned volley by calling a few days later inviting me to meet her
and a few other friends for lunch. Thus began the friendship with V. We shared
similar interests in cooking (good cooking, not casseroles), literature,
shopping, music. It was lovely. Starting in the fall, we saw less of each other
as she took a part-time job and I began teaching again. We became busy with our
own lives and saw a bit less of each other. But when we got together, we
realized how much we missed the company of one another. I forgot about a date we
had set up and made other plans one evening. She was enojado. Rightfully so. I
apologized. She accepted. None of this passive stuff- call a spade a spade and
play the next card. About a week ago, I got an e-mail from her with a link to
her blog. It is terrific- if you can read Spanish. I sent her an e-mail inviting
her over for coffee and blog-talk (i.e. template manipulation). She came over
Saturday and we had a fabulous time. Messing around with the settings is like
trying on clothes. It's like choosing an outfit after going through several;
deciding on the perfect set; then going to pick the accessories (fonts, font
colors, sizes, hover and link colors). We had such a fun time together. Thank
you, my friend.