What I’m Thankful For…. 2013 Version

 

It may be a traditional/trite/stereotypical thing to be thankful for, but I am thankful for my job. I have a unique position in that I am the branch manager and in charge of teen and tween programming. While that means that I wear a TON of hats, and can sometimes be stressed to breaking when everyone calls in, I am in charge of what I do, when I do it, and how it gets done. It may change in the future, but for now, I get to call the shots (within reason) and run with anything I can think of. That is something that not a lot of people can say- it gives me an outlet for my creative side, and for my tendency to want things running MY way.

Tied directly into my unique job are my “kids”. I’ve been at my job since December 2007, and I’ve seen these guys above grow up from scrambled middle schools to not so scrambled high schoolers and older. I’m called “Mom” by others, and they share their day. When I’m not at work, they all ask where I am, and get worried when I go on vacation. I’m invited to birthday parties, graduations, weddings, and baptisms of their babies. They are as much “my” kids as they are their parents- I know when they’re skipping, when they’re lying, and when they need help. And while it may be different than other librarians, I know that I’m making a difference in their lives, and that makes me extremely thankful.

TLT has given me an outlet to share things, thoughts, and feels that I never thought I’d have the opportunity to share, and has shown me that my randomness can actually be appreciated by some. I have made a heart sister in Karen, and huge friends in Heather and Robin and Stephanie. It may not seem like it, but I am extremely thankful for having the opportunity to be part of Teen Librarian Toolbox (see got it right, gold star) and that they accept me for who I am.

Some people call them friend family, I call them heart family. They are the friends (and extended family) who have found deeper places in my life and would be the family I would call mine if I got a choice. They are the friends who’s children I call my nieces and nephews, who have made me the godparent of their child, who have been with me through all the craziness of my life, through That Guy’s health scares. Through their issues, through mine, I know I can call them up in a heartbeat and they will be there, either listening or at the house. I’ve found them in jobs, in college, in committees and professional organizations, and they are scattered across the country, but they are my rock and support.

Finally, I am thankful for That Guy. He has been with me through everything since we met in college. He has held me when my world has broken (many times), and not only put back the pieces but helped me put back the pieces, and watched as I put back the pieces. He’s helped me talk through job moves, and career moves, and professional moves. He’s helped me talk through personal issues, family issues, medical issues- he is my soul mate, and I could not do what I do and be who I am without him.

As a thank you, we are giving away books.  Christie, Heather, Robin and I are each giving away 1 small box of books/ARCs that we have accumulated (probably around 5 books in each box).  So that means we’ll have 4 boxes, so 4 winners.  Do the Rafflecopter thing.  We’ll choose 4 winners and each of us will send a box in the mail.  Sadly, because of the cost of shipping, we are asking for U.S. residents only and I am sorry. We’re taking entries until Friday, December 6th.

We really do appreciate your sharing this journey with us.

Filed under: Thankful