Clothing stains

Spring green coloring streaked across the thighs of my boot-cut jeans. Frustration simmered in my gut. Even after two washes with that janky stain remover from Ihr Platz, my creamed spinach spill remains.

When I feel fussy about such inconveniences, I laugh at myself, too. Stains suggest that someone lives in these clothes. Stacy and Clinton probably wrinkle their noses - oh, the horror! - but life is too short to save eccentricity for old age. I love my jeans, and no vegetable-related accident will change that!

In addition to spinach, I have spilled turmeric-saturated Indian food on my less-than-fashionable garb. A little bright yellow never hurt anyone, right? Sadly, I outgrew those jeans.

My favorite article of stained clothing is my Weathervane khakis. On the right thigh, a few silver dots pattern the fabric. The ink came from a CD marker in the Patients' Library. We labeled all of the new CDs and DVDs - apparently at the expense of my clothes.

At the cuff of the right pant leg, bicycle grease smudges the edges. My green ten-speed stole off into the night, but its gears left their mark on my clothes.

Do you have favorite clothing stains? Why or why not?

"Momentum Writing"

I'm experimenting with fiction writing again. I have started a trial of the "momentum writing" method in order to establish a regular writing habit. I will post my (short) products here. For the next month, I will post 3-4 sentences of fiction each day. I will gradually increase the amount over time.

October 24

The heavy air stank sharply of sweat and watery pilseners as ten thousand dudes raved on the dance floor. All heads bobbed with the beat, and arms writhed rhythmically. The techno music blared short and squeaky Swedish rhymes. My torso throbbed along with the bass as I approached the scowling bartender. His tip jar was empty, save for a fistful of pennies.

German food - a brief description

As I wait for my Fischstäbchen (fish sticks) that are heating ever so gradually in the microwave oven, I am thinking about the food of Germany. Most Americans are familiar with the stereotype of sausages and beer - and trust me, the Germans do not disappoint on that front. But meat and beverage alone do not provide full nutrition. What are the Germans eating these days? How are their culinary choices similar/different from American choices?

Germans seem to like breakfast. A typical German breakfast is somewhat of a cross between the American deli lunch and American continental breakfast. When staying in a German hotel, Americans are likely to feel at home with the Müsli and other cereals, soft-boiled eggs, yogurt, fruit, juice, coffee, and tea. Additionally, Germans usually serve cold cut meats (usually pork) and cheese alongside a selection of crusty breads. Sweet toppings are also available (butter, jams, marmalade, and of course NUTELLA). The breads may be in slices, but more often than not you will find Brötchen (small bread) at breakfast. I am fond of these little rolls - you can grab a couple at any bakery when you're on the go, or you can buy assorted bags at the grocery for under a euro. They tend to taste better when they've been baked to crisp perfection - warm and chewy is the way to go.

Lunch is often the hot meal (or main meal) of the day, with cold cuts, bread, and fruit at dinner. Since I usually eat on my own, I don't have as strong of an impression of these meals, but I can reflect upon some of the offerings at the grocery store! I have seen plenty of pork and chicken - beef to a lesser extent. The produce and frozen foods seem similar to American offerings. I do miss Mexican cuisine, but the amazing candy/chocolate and beverage aisles make up for it. The selection of gummy candies - both Haribo and other brands - is large. Additionally, the sheer variety of chocolate is wonderful, not to mention the quality. Even the cheapest 35-cent candy bar is practically guaranteed to have a smooth, creamy, rich flavor. All sorts of bars have different nuts and fruits in them, and marzipan (which I love) is not hard to find.

Abundance and Transition: Dollar -> Euro

I seek to experience abundance in my life. Rather than holding on to anxious thoughts about money shortages and living costs, I am focusing on value and exchanging with people in my community and world.

Abundance in my life requires thoughtful attention to different cultures of wealth. As an American who is banking and shopping regularly in Germany, I am now very aware of two major cultural differences. First, Germans use cash more frequently than Americans do. Second, German cash includes more coinage than American cash.

What is debit card use like in Germany? While many larger vendors accept the EC-Card, I'm not sure how frequently Germans use them. During my regular shopping trips at Edeka, a small grocery downtown, I have only seen *one* customer use an EC-Card. Unfortunately, my observations are far from scientific. I only go shopping at certain times of day, and Edeka shoppers might be an unrepresentative sample of Germans. So accept my claims at your own discretion. :)

I don't think credit cards are part of everyday shopping in Germany. While I see that retailers have a 9-key PIN pad for EC-Cards, I have not seen a card swiping machine that has a screen for signing. Whereas I have paid with my VISA for less than $10 of merchandise at Wal-Mart, I would never do that at Ihr Platz!

So what's the significance of paying in cash more often in Germany? Exhibit A: photo. SO. MANY. COINS.

Euro denominations in coins are as follows: 1 ,2, 5, 10, 20, and 50-cents, as well as the intriguing 1 and 2-Euro coins. When I make an Auszahlung (withdrawal) at the ATM, I can receive paper bills in denominations of 5, 10, 20 or 50 Euros. Yes, 100 Euro notes exist, but I have not seen any in a long time...

When an American like me pays in cash often (e.g. a 10 or 20-Euro note), I receive a lot of coins in change. I usually stuff these coins into my pocket along with the Kassenbon (receipt) as I hurry away from the Kasse (cash register). After all, I'm usually just one of many customers in a long line at Edeka, and I have to bag my own groceries. In my haste, I forget about spending these coins, and so they end up in a large pile on my desk or floor as pictured!

After much deliberation, I have finally removed my American dollars and coins from my wallet. Yes, I've been schlepping about $15 USD with me everywhere. You may ask - why? What motivated this impractical behavior? Most likely, keeping my American money was comforting. Psychologically, I was telling myself: "I need my American money. Dollars feel more real, comfortable, and valuable to me." Now that these dollars are stored in my desk, I can say I am a (more) fully integrated member of European society. I work and receive my stipend here in Euros, so I shall also think and spend in terms of Euros. I am living within the European economy, so I have little reason to spend lots of time calculating exchange rates.

I'm intensely curious about how you are thinking and feeling about money during this (alleged) economic crisis. Along these lines, the financial maps of many of my friends are shifting in large and exciting ways. Such is life for the recent college graduate :) So, how are you experiencing abundance right now? What can we learn from each other about financial fitness?

Shoe love in Europe

It's already October?!?!

The current date and my feelings about Osnabrück let me know that I am ready to write more about my Fulbright experiences thus far. I love sharing amusing tidbits about the pupils on Facebook, but for some more in-depth observations, check out my blog here!

When I first arrived in Osnabrück, my roommate Kerstin asked me, "Do you think Germans look different than Americans?" Thinking that she meant physical features, I answered a quick no. She responded, "I think they do." Since she spent a year at Trinity College in Chicago, her response is based on experience, not just stereotype. So what did she mean? She meant in terms of dress.

Being from Iowa - and having just graduated from a small college where everything from Renaissance dresses to Snoopy pajamas are fair game - I suppose I don't pay much attention to fashion. For me, one ogles fashion on Project Runway J When Kerstin asked me that question about appearance, I was still feeling overwhelmed by the language and practical routines like grocery shopping, sending mail, etc. I hardly paid attention to clothing. Now that I've settled in, I can heartily agree with her observation.

German women appear to be very fond of scarves, pea coats, stockings, and especially knee-high boots. Never before in my life have I seen so many different kinds of boots! Every color and material you can imagine, and paired with just about every kind of outfit - everything from a denim miniskirt on a 16-year old to a formal black dress for the office. Of course there are also flats and tennis shoes (predominately Converses), but the click-clack of boots are audible all over the cobblestone paths of the pedestrian zone.

For this gal, the boots-filled store windows are both a dream and a nightmare. I love to gaze at the offerings that differ so much from what I buy at Famous Footwear. I usually have to be content with gazing, however, as I am on a scholarship stipend that doesn't cover shopping extravaganzas J

To partake in the local color and give my Payless black heels a rest, I did have to buy a pair of brown leather ankle boots. I love the pointy toes that look a little menacing, but mostly just fashionably feminine.

Iowa Public Libraries: Sex Offender Ban

The latest legal change for Iowa's libraries asks us to balance the civil right of information access with the protective duty of our criminal justice system. In short, the new Iowa sex offender bill bans certain registered sex offenders from public library property. After reading this new amendment to Iowa law (called Senate Bill 340 - available to the public at www.iowasexoffender.com) I ask - what is the purpose of this law, and to whom exactly does it apply? In order to provide high quality service to our citizens and communities, public librarians must interpret the law in an empowering way.

Public libraries are now an exclusion zone for sex offenders convicted of offenses against minors. Thus, this law compares public libraries to public schools and child care centers. As institutions that are supported by taxpayers and serve children, public libraries do have some obligation to protect minors who use the library. However, public libraries are also vital information resources for all citizens in a democratic community, including those with criminal backgrounds. So does restricting library access truly prevent crime, or is the restricted access simply an infringement of civil rights without due case?

ACLU activist Dave Muller observes that sex offenses against minors vary widely. Some legal offenses may not be entirely morally reprehensible. For example, Muller puts forth the scenario of a 17-year old boy transmitting nude photos of his 17-year old girlfriend. While not particularly admirable, this behavior is at least understandable. In the age of Web 2.0, such social activity may even be relatively common. Anyone who has surfed the internet without safety settings knows that an unbelievable amount of smut circulates digitally. However common, when such actions involve persons under the age of 18, they are classified as "Tier I" sex offenses. Criminal law defines the age of minority to protect, but Muller's practical (and definitely realistic) example illustrates how the term "sex offender" encompasses a wide variety of citizens. Offenders' past actions may not predict future behavior, especially if properly rehabilitated. If they are not likely recidivists, is limiting library access justifiable?

Dave Muller suggested erroneously that the library board chose to enact an optional ban on sex offenders - a misuse of a new government-granted power. Actually, the law's text indicates that Senate File 340 compels libraries to enact such a ban, with the possibility of procedural discretion. While Iowa librarians theoretically could have lobbied against this law, but the possible payoff for user access would have likely drowned with voter disapproval. Additionally, a detailed view of public library policy in Iowa City demonstrates, high-quality service is still possible without direct access to library property. For instance, online resources are still available; additionally, sex offenders can hold a library card and have a proxy select and check out materials for them. Alternatively, these sex offenders are also likely eligible for at-home services (e.g. book delivery for the homebound).

ICPL's Board President Thomas Dean wrote a well-reasoned response, which explained the compulsion of the law and the Board's decision to offer permission upon written appeal. The criteria for approving such an appeal currently remains in subcommittee. My question to information professionals and citizens alike is - what is valuable in a written appeal? For instance, I think a detailed plan for his/her time spend at the library is important. I want to know how and why the offender wants to use the library. Also, some indication of personal responsibility for his/her prior actions would be welcome.

My only disappointment is that there is no obvious confidentiality clause about the appeal process. Having to apply for using a civic institution is disempowering enough. Without an explicit commitment to maintaining confidentiality, he/she may think: "The risk of being further 'outed' in my community is not worth the potential benefit of library resources. I won't even try." However, I believe that confidentiality is a given value for the library profession. I look forward to reading the subcommittee's conclusions of criteria.

moving forward ->

I have the intention to resurrect this blog. I don't have the perfect clarity of what value I can contribute with this blog, but I envision myself as a young librarian/information professional/international traveler who has insights to share and discuss with a readership. I would enjoy that human connection, and hopefully I can help and inspire those who have dreams similar to mine.

I have finally finished my spring/summer employment at Wal-Mart stores, and while I cannot say the work was intellectually stimulating, I think I am developing greater patience. I have mixed thoughts and feelings about how my character should develop as I get older...but patience is a quality I have neglected in my studies and my personal life. Unrealistic expectations are not at all unusual for me. *Yes,* I have demanded from myself full-time school, music ensembles,and part-time work - and CLEARLY I needed to be able to prepare for grad school and keep a 4.0 GPA at the same time. Wasn't that just setting myself up for failure? Such an obscenely, self-centered way of life, e.g. valuing my opinion of myself much more than my contribution to others...

I am making the choice every day to" live every day as my last, yet learn as though I will live forever" (thanks Gandhi).

I think about what I want and how to make it happen. I don't think about what I "should" want - perfection - and instead, what feels right to my heart. My heart is much wiser than my minds' thoughts - I leave the psychological constructs and social conditioning in the background where they belong. My heartset draws me to my goals. I deserve to accomplish them, just like you do.

I can't believe how much my changes of attitude have revolutionized my life. I am making friends much easier than before, and I have a much more ambitious vision than before. Ironically, letting go of the perfection makes me much more ready to tackle challenges. I feel abundant financially, and am so much more grateful for the educational experiences I have had as an undergraduate.

What beliefs hold you back? Which move you forward? How can we get less of the former and more of the latter?

Inspiration on Three Legs

Bystanders stare. Small children point and shriek. Similar pairs stop and ask myriad detailed questions.

So goes an afternoon walk for my sister Theresa and her dog, Carter. He's a three-legged hound. To the pessimist, Carter's story suggests that not all attention is desirable. Amidst this onslaught of attention is Theresa's intense science program and work schedule at the cow barn. She feels uncomfortably challenged every day.  What does memorizing soil science terminology and shoveling cow poop (literally) have to do with saving furries? she asks herself and the barking, peeing, chewing hound underfoot.

Underneath the inconveniences of Theresa's life, however, lies a hardened layer of inspiration and perseverance. Wanna know more? Would a picture of Carter's cuteness encourage you?

Theresa’s caption for above photo: “Carter’s magic trick. Look, Ma, no leg!”

Understanding how Theresa and Carter met requires at least a tantalizing tidbit of Theresa's professional background. Theresa cared for the lives of furry, scaly, and feathered critters of all stripes and sizes at BEBT Veterinary Clinic. She worked there for several post-baccalaureate years while boosting her science background. When her veterinary school applications did not achieve her desired outcome, she applied for a master's degree in Bacteriology at Wisconsin and was accepted. Her professional path is more like a circle or a spiral than a line - more interesting to walk alongside, no? :)

Her time frame for achieving the D.V.M. has elongated, but she will still reach her goal. I'm continuously impressed by her steadfast love and dedication to "all creatures Great and Small," if I may borrow the title of James Herriot's famous book. (Theresa's bookshelf has a copy. Highly recommended.)

As she prepared for her big move and transition to graduate student life, she worked a grueling and fateful night shift. She saved a seriously injured dog who stole her heart. Carter was a beagle mix pup who found himself in big trouble after one of his owners backed his car over him. For such a young animal, he was lucky to survive. Theresa noted that on the night Carter came in to BEBT, business was completely chaotic.  She was assigned to the ICU when the on-call vet came back with "this damn puppy." Theresa felt angry - she already had patients that NEEDED to be seen.  The owners, in a typical frustrating fashion, had no money. Thus comes the ethics vs. business dilemma. Do you save the animal without compensation? Services rendered without pay devalues the work involved. On the other hand, needy cases are deserving in the eyes of many compassionate clinicians. The doc was new, so she absolutely agonized over the situation. She didn't want the Bergers (the vets who owned the clinic) to get mad at her for bringing in another charity case.

Theresa was angry about the delay. Many supervising vets often rescued critters, made the techs do the nursing work, then take all of the credit. All she wished was that they would just "euthanize the damn thing and get it over with" so that a doc would look at HER patients. Finally, the vet decided to take him into the hospital as a charity case. 

In order to save him, the veterinarian amputated his front right leg. The owners did not pay the veterinary bill. Either they could not afford it, or did not want to handle the expense. As compensation, the veterinarian possessed the animal. Carter needed a new home. Thus, an unlikely friendship began in the clinic ICU - and remember, Carter was not one of "her" patients that night :)

Theresa was not looking to get a dog at all. Since she was moving and starting school, our parents urged her to avoid the extra responsibilities of puppy ownership. She respected but ultimately declined their advice. She has no regrets.

Balancing the duties of being Carter's mommy with school and work challenges Theresa, but a close examination of their current successes yields some general principles:

1. Get plenty of exercise!
Doctors have been telling us for years about the physical benefits of exercise, but the intellectual, emotional, and social effects are just as profound. Carter is much calmer and more agreeable after a long walk, and the time he spends with Theresa while walking is special. He knows that she cares about him.

If we all set aside special times to walk with our partners, friends, and family members, how would we feel? How would our relationships develop and deepen?

2. Make lots of friendships with positive, active individuals.
Carter enjoys socializing. At doggy day care, he plays all day long with similarly energetic pups. Without these friends, he would spend his days in a kennel. He plays well with others. Their time together is mutually beneficial.

Like Carter, we cannot depend on one individual to fulfill all of our needs. Theresa helps Carter meet his exercise and socializing needs by finding him doggy playmates. How can we nurture others and be nurtured in return?

3. Carpe diem!

Dogs live fully in the present moment. To our canine pals, each game is the best game; each walk is the best walk. Sometimes, we need to let go of the comparative analysis. I often find myself wishing I were elsewhere, doing something else - x, y, or z sounds preferable. I resist my current situation and feel depressed.

Let's fully accept the moment for itself. Create some positive effort toward the good. Strive for the best, but also settle into where you are.

School and work represent excellent opportunities, but even small events at home offer lessons. I will notice them and share. May you also be attentive and successful.