December Read/1

Title: The Rules of Victory: How to Transform Chaos and Conflict—Strategies from the Art of War

Authors: Gimian, James; Boyce, Barry

Subjects: Success; Conflict Management; Leadership; Sunzi, 6^th Cent. B.C. Sunzi bing fa; Military Art and Science

Call Number: 158 G491R 2008

ISBN: 9781590300855

Number of Pages: 293

Book Description (from the inside of the book cover):

            According to Gimian and Boyce, who collaborated on a best-selling translation of Sun Tzu’s classic, one of the essential teachings of The Art of War is that conflict is inevitable when we seek to effect change. However, we can learn to perceive the underlying dynamics of these situations and we can learn how to work with them to transform potential conflict into victory. What’s more, when we master the skills of The Art of war, we attain our goals without engendering further conflict and destruction.

            The Rules of Victory features:

-In-depth explanations of the essential principles, strategies, and skills of the Art of War.

-First-person success stories illustrating how these teachings can be applied to a wide variety of professional and personal challenges.

-guidance on how to recognize, and even create, a critical turning point in any campaign or project you undertake.

-A complete translations of the Art of War

My Read:

            I am a believer of the power of mindset. The text of the following from Sun Tzu really empowers what I have faith in: the victorious military is first victorious and after that doest battle; the defeated military first does battle and after that seeks victory. The Sun Tzu describes how the battle is first won in the mind (p87). Such theory is also in tune with the whole book’s idea of a task’s framework: view, practice, and action. All originates and initiates from the mind.

            Let’s don’t forget the most known concept and text of the Sun Tzu: Know the other and know oneself, then victory is not in danger. Know earth and know heaven, then victory can be complete (p88). There is this one theme the authors emphasize and contain from the beginning to the end of the book: The world is an interconnected whole; taking whole is the key and a must at any situation. It implies that when facing or dealing a situation not only should a person see from inside out one also has to be able to include the enemy to complete the victory. A true triumph also prevents possible conflict or chaos even after the victory. Observing the front and pondering the after (觀前思後) is wisdom learned by experiences.

            There is this term “shih” repetitively found throughout the whole book; it might be the most important strategy and tactics the authors discovered crucial and key element in any battle and victory. Shih is power in motion: the rush of water, to the point of tossing rocks about, this is shih; the strike of a hawk at the killing snap, this is the node.

When I was reading chapters about shih, the scenes and he visit to the Niagara Falls in Buffalo city years ago surfaced and I came to understand what shih would “look like.”

Shih implies strength, force, and power. There are these certain condition and situation that bring out the power within or inside. A person might not be able to make people do things the way she expects. Still, the combination of the people involved, the timing, the place, and the situation would allow and provide opportunities to claim victory.

            The following text found at the end of the book truly encourages and inspires me: Victory is not based solely on the quality of your people or their strength of will. Thus there is no need to remake or alter them. If you know their nature, you can position them so that they become natural weapons Thus you take advantage of the way power arises in the world (p219).

            Another benefit I found helpful to me from this book is the idea of “mixing your mind with the Sun Tzu (p227-p230). The idea the authors propose to the readers is to read aloud the texts. Find a quiet place, read aloud the text and allow some time to stop and reflect what one just reads. When reading aloud, a person is also listening to the read text. “Simply listen” is the idea behind. Since the Sun Tzu is written in classic Chinese, it’s hard to read and fully comprehend the meanings and messages of the words. It’s a good exercise for the readers.

            This is a good book on the Sun Tzu. It’s hard to claim that I “read and finish” this book. If time allows I might read this book again to gain more insightful tips and wisdom the authors tried to deliver.

Reference:

The Art of War: The Denma Translation—Sun Tzu

www.rulesofvictory.com

A Job or Joy?

            The Saturday delivery came quite early today; right after we were open after 10 am. There were a total of twenty-one tubs. As busy as this branch has been the quantity of the requested tubs was within the norm. Jennifer and I occupied ourselves unloading the items requested, processed, and sent to the customers in need. As I was bending and placing the items onto the waiting trucks, I heard Jennifer’s voice, the kind woven with joy and excitement. “Here it comes! The young man will love it and I am going to call him.”

            It turned out that there was this young kid requested certain item and couldn’t wait for its arrival the other day. Jennifer was at the desk when this child came to the counter and asked about the status of his reserve. That’s why Jennifer, our beautiful and attractive veteran customer service representative, remembered this specific item. The sight of it wiped Jennifer off the floor and made Jennifer rush to the computer to process and call the patron. A smile, as bright as the shining sun, as sweet as the holiday goodies, was seen on Jennifer’s pretty face. Holding the item as if it were a newborn baby, Jennifer walked fast passing me and had it processed as soon as possible.

            Such excellent customer service wouldn’t be seen or witnessed by the public, the library users; at least not as obviously as one thinks. It is like beautiful and artistic wallpaper at a place. People come and go minding their own business. The beauty of the wallpaper resides at the background, silently doing its job. If people happen to know about the wallpaper they would stop by and show their appreciation. The patterns of wallpaper vary yet the purpose and effect of the wallpaper are served quietly by the proprietor.

            To a person as passionate and enthusiastic as Jennifer, working at the public library is not simply a job. It’s a joy; it comes from sense of achievement, honor, and pride. It’s sense of achievement for she is able to respond to and meet the patrons’ needs and demands. It’s a great honor to be able to make a living by serving the public at the same time; a genuine smile is priceless, money can’t buy. Sense of pride comes from being a member of a team and making effort to maintain high quality and excellence teamwork and customer service.

            A job would stay being certain task if one’s mind and heart are somewhere else. It’s a joy to be able to serve other people. The life span a person owns might be limited yet the impact and influence made by a person defy time and space.

            Is it a job or joy? You define.

Ruby's December Read

Sinister Substitute-Ruby

            Dave was very glad to get rid of Damien Black. He went to school as usual, but this day didn’t start well for Dave; everything seemed in a mess until his science teacher-Ms. Voronica Krockle was absent. The science teacher was a very strict and mean person; all her students didn’t like her. Today was her first absence in the nine years she had been teaching at Geronimo Middle School. In the beginning, Dave was very happy but he discovered there was something wrong quickly.

            Here came a science substitute teacher who was a nice gentleman. But all he just wanted to know is “Do you know anybody with a pet gecko?” Actually, Damien Black disguised himself as the substitute (he was a master of disguise), and he eagerly wanted find out who was the boy took away the powerband and the speakable gecko from him. Dave and Sticky suspected that Ms. Voronica Krockle was abducted by Damien Black. So they decided to save her. (Even though Dave thought Ms. Krockle was an evil and he wasn’t willing to rescue her life.)

            On the other hand, Ms Voronica Krockle was placed up in the tower of Damien’s creepy mansion. There is a windowless prison. She couldn’t understand why she had been kidnapped and she just was wondering if it is revenge from the students she had taught. Meanwhile, Damien gave up to search out the boy at school, he decided to return Ms. Voronica Krockle to the schoolyard, there was an interesting thing happening: when Ms. Voronica Krockle met Damien Black face to face, she fell in love with him. But Damien changed his mind: he wanted to kill her because of his prisoner had seen him.

            Dave used his gecko power to save the science teacher, and did his deliveries again.

Lily's December Read

How the Bear Lost His Tail-Lily

            The story talks about “how the bear lost his tail.” The fox decided to play a trick on the bear. When the bear walked by, he saw many fat fish in a circle on the ice around the fox. Down in the fishing hole, the fox twitched his tail and pulled of another fat fish.

            The bear wants to try to catch the fat fish, the fox took the bear to the shallow part of the lake where he knew very well that no fish could be found in the winter. The fox said to the bear “turn your back and place your tail in the hole, then when a fish grabs your tail, pull it out.” Then the fox went home to sleep in his cozy bed.

            The next morning, the fox went to check on him. The bear was snoring so loudly that the fox shook with laughter and he quietly crept up close to the bear’s ear and shouted: Now bear! The bear woke up startled and pulled with great force the part of his tail that was stuck to the ice. The fox swiftly ran away as the angry bear chased him.

            To this day, the bear has a short tail and no love for the fox. So, if you hear a bear moaning in the woods remember that he may still be upset about his lost tail and how the fox tricked him.

           

Xmas Tree and Staff

Christmas Tree and Library Staff

taken December 15, 2012

After a busy Saturday

Tea Time at J.S Chen's Dimsum & BBQ

Reading Club Tea Time

December 17, 2012

International Potluck Luncheon

International Potluck Luncheon

December 15, 2012

Tea Time-December 12, 2012

            Did you notice the date of today and the time the program was held? 12-12-12 at 12 pm!! I thought of it last night yet failed to talk about it but Sherri did. She brought up the issue to welcome the two newcomers who were Lily’s friends. Both of them came directly from a church in which they are taking some conversation classes. Heard about the reading club and the weekly meetings, they came to check us out. I do wish the experience they took home after the program would invite more visits.

            Dann is a “retired” mother of two married daughters. Been in the country for more than thirty years, her English and adjustment of the culture and environment are proficient and excellent; they are present by the way she expresses herself: confident, comfortable, and easy-going.

            PayLing is also a stay home mother with two boys aged 20 and 17 respectively. Speaking as if raining bullets, her English is impressive. The reason she might not be a constant visitor of the meetings is she has her plate too full at her current lifestyle. Translating and volunteering at different places keep her occupied. In addition to the lenient volunteering, PayLing is attending community college to acquire some certificate for bookkeeping. Humbly she said it’s just her way to spend time on things she has interest. Without strong will and certain degree of commitment, one couldn’t do the things Ms. PayLing is engaged with. Bravo, PayLing.

            After the hearty introductions, the group moved to talk about the lyrics of the song, Move On, sung by ABBA. As usual, each member took turn to read a short paragraph. Then, starting from the librarian, members are welcome to bring up any issue talking about life, sharing personal life experiences, mentioning lessons learned over the year. The most impressive part Sherri got from the beautiful lyrics is the third paragraph: I’ve travelled every country, I’ve travelled in my mind. To emphasize her points, Sherri used her index finger to point to her own head. “Here, the mind is the most important thing in the world.” From head and mind, the group got into hot talks about mind sets and their influence upon a person’s life.

            Lily liked the part: How I treasure every minute, Being part of it, being in it, With the urge to move on. It’s only as one is getting old and counting the days one would last and breathe on the earth one came to understand the precious asset one owns: everyday as one is alive and one feel living. Ruby said had she given the lyrics to read at her younger age she might not have understood or appreciated the meaning of the words. They would just be words without further or deeper touch. The group agreed that cumulative life experiences are the best teachers teaching a person what life really means.

            The librarian summed up the session reinforcing the importance of keeping trying and not to give up too soon. Life might be hard. Yet what will you feel with your eyes shut? YOU. It’s your mind set and sense of existence telling you what life is. If you are positive and willing to always try then life is not as hard as you imagine it is. There might be unwanted changes and untimely challenges yet it’s your mind set and attitude deciding the level of hardship. If you could tell yourself that “I’ve always tried” then your life is something; something valuable that would make you proud enough to tell your next generations your own stories and tell them who you have been. You have stories to tell.

            Are you alive, living or both? If you ever ponder upon such questions and reflect frequently on events taken place in your life then you are both.

           

Is It You?

            The gentleman stopped by the information desk before he headed out the building after he got his requested serial item. “Is it you?” Pointing to the cover of the periodical he asked me the question. Smiling “Oh, it’s you.” I was glad that he was able to come and check out the magazine. All began with Jennifer’s request: she wanted me to answer a phone call she received regarding to a specific month and year of the Consumer Report’s.

            “It’s possible that the specific volume of the serial was checked out.” Jennifer gave me a heads-up. Back and forth I confirmed the month and year. Due to the bulk of volumes, somehow I ran into certain difficulty to narrow down the specific year and month of the Consumer Report’s. Then an idea hit me. “Sir, is there any reason you want to check out and read this volume?” “Yes, I would like to read the article about health insurance in the article. I read in the library early today and I wanted to finish it.” “Are you in a hurry? Do you have time to hole while I do more digging and searching?” “Yes, I will wait for you.”

            Google, indeed, is a best friend: fast and smart if one feeds a reasonable request. I found the article online and read the topics one after another to the other end of the phone to make sure if this was the right volume and the article he was looking for was indeed in that month’s volume. Meanwhile, as I waited for his response, my hand scrolled up and down the screen. “Hmm…the cover of the magazine seemed so familiar.” I asked myself. “Sir, hold a second for me; I want to do the shelf check.” “Ok.”

            While I was searching the trucks, I told Abby what’s happening. Abby suggested me to use the public catalog to do the search. Ah…I was a fool; my mind was stuck and not working to its fullest today. Of course, the public catalog would do. It showed my hunch was right; I saw the cover just this morning. Back to the desk, Lynette, our branch manager was on the phone. She waved the magazine with a smile while filling the request for the gentleman. Gosh I knew I saw that cover for it said: The Best products of the Year and the cover featured bottles of fine wines. I was the one checked it in this morning and it was on my desk. Why did I miss it? When I answered the phone I was using the other computer while waiting for my computer logging in. No wonder…

            It’s another successful case of teamwork. From Jennifer, Abby, to Lynette, each one of us made the effort and contributed to the good outcome.

            The gentleman said “Is it you?” “Yes.” He didn’t know that YOU meant the team of the library. I lighted up the screen and showed him the website. He told me he did the same but the website asked for him to pay to read the article. “Well, here it is. Free.” “Wow.” I showed him how I did the search and what came up. “Whenever you have a question, please call us.” “No wonder you librarians are smart.” Ha…what a day!

            My best training came from interactions with people. When a patron showed up and said she didn’t know the name of the author or the book, my heart started to race and my spine began straight. It’s as if certain alarm inside me was just turned on by that request. “Give me something, please.” As the reference interview went on, my hands would keep on stroking the keyboard while my eyes and ears were on the person at the other side of the information counter. With help from websites like Google, wikipedia, or Amazon I was able to discover something and turn the monitor toward the person to let her see if the item on the screen was the one she was looking for. So far, the success rate was high. Problems and questions are truly good teachers providing me places and grounds doing more browsing, searching, digging, and treasure hunting.

            “I got a question.” Or, “I have a problem.” They are my feeds and fuels to satisfy my curiosity and searches of sense of achievement and successes. Give yourself a chance and give me a try.

Why not? Who knows? It’s the beauty of uncertainty and searching. 

Holiday Party, 4th Floor, 12-07-2012

     The library staff had a great night attending this wonderful party. The floor was filled with joy and happiness highlighted by smiles, hand clapping, and laughter. The food was great; I had 3 plates of goodies to satisfy my poor stomach.

     The following were some highlights I tried to catch with my tiny little digital camera. Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to my brothers and sisters in this big family. Let's say farewell to the Year of Dragon and welcome the Year of Snake.

Please enjoy the video I took at this joyful party.

mw

Holiday Party, 4th Floor, 12-07-12

The Power of NOT Giving up Too Soon

            Today the library got another perfect score on the Request To Fill list; every item on the list was found, processed, and placed in the according outgoing tubs. How did we manage to do that again and again? We didn’t give up too early or too soon; as long as there was time and energy left during the day we gave it another try. Such positive attitude and determined mind set help us to meet patrons’ needs and take home sense of achievement, sense of honor, and sense of pride. The aforementioned three senses are values and foundations of happiness and joy that money is not able to buy or purchase. They might not be visible and tangible yet their existence follows as tasks are well done. Similar to the air and the wind, we can’t see them yet we need them to feel our own unique presence and sense of the Self.

            As a person grows, develops, and gets older, the innocence, the most valuable Being as a human being, gradually leaves this person. Over the years, people we met, events took place, or places we had our feet in changed us. We have learned how it felt when encountering an embarrassing situation, how failures meant, or what we have disappointed ourselves. One frustration after another, a person gets tired, physically, mentally, and spiritually. When similar conditions or circumstances present themselves, we have learned from experiences how not to get bad feelings about ourselves. Instead of doing or even trying, we simply stopped taking any action. If it was ordained to fail, why should we waste our time, energy, and resources? Indeed, things happen, no doubt. But…

            Did you ever think of yourself, in why way, is different from others, especially from those who you see and feel not as good as you are? Each and every person was born with different gifts. Over the years as one grew, educations from family, school, people, and the society equipped a person with learned knowledge, earned skills, and talents buried, hidden, then discovered. There is no shortage of learning opportunities. So what are the problems or obstacles blocking the way for a happy life, a life decorated with joy, successes, greatness, and things making a person happy and fulfilled? Who are you? What are you? Did you ask ever?

            Habits are repetitive behaviors reinforced by autopilot and lack of reflection. How to break a bad habit? Personal experience told me it could begin with a wakeup call on self-awareness. First you ask questions; thinking and pondering empower a person to face the inner self, the self that is deeper than the skin. Answers wouldn’t come too easy for the majority of us are not sages, or saints. There are demands of ego needed to face and take care of. Be realistic.

            Gradually, questioning would bring out lights; they are the guides for promising paths. They are guides meaning you are the one who walk the roads of life. One has to walk the paths and shed sweats to discover the answers. The path never ends.

            Don’t give up too soon. Assistance and help from the Heaven would come only if one does the work first. The beauty of not giving up is one could feel one’s unique existence on earth. Similar to pain that sharpens our senses, difficulties and challenges would bring out our hidden talents and super power.

            Move on, my dear friends. Who knows what’s waiting for you at the next corner of the road you are walking on? It may be another perfect score or opportunity you have desired for. Maybe…So why not?

Will to Learn

            It’s another productive day at work though there was not as many items waiting to be shelved as yesterday or the day before. Thanks to my manager, Abby, and Jennifer, this year I have learned a lot about work ethics, how to be more efficient to approach people, and about life itself. Sense of great gratification drove me to ask for some fund from my family to do some shopping for these people who have made my day at work as if living in some paradise where working hard is a shared value and spirit without asking for. Today’s inviting weather gave me a hint that today would be the day for shopping. Off I went.

            I finished my lunch in my car and I almost jumped out of my car and headed for the shop. Then a voice told me why not to do some marketing and distributing coming events in the library while I did the purchase. Equipped with gathered calendars I got from my major sponsor having them in a big tote bag I set off for the adventure of marketing, a field new to me and one I expect myself to be good at.

            The tour began with a well renowned bank. Before entering my first chosen target I told myself it’s normal to get a No from whomever I would talk to. If it’s the worst scenario I was going to encounter then I had nothing to lose except maybe my face and a sense of hurt of my big ego. Well, I would take care of it later on my way back to the library. Not surprising, the representative at the service counter told me the branch manager was occupied and I might try it again another time. “Thank you. And here is a gift good for a whole year for you.” I gave the nice lady one of the calendars and thanked her.

            I got fourteen coupons from a chain restaurant and two contact names and phone numbers from stores’ managers. Not too bad I should say at my first try. At the body work shop I felt awkward for I am not a big fan for fragrance, body lotion, and other products. Back and forth I toured the store, asked questions, and shook my head a lot. Then I remember the way my coworkers dressed themselves. Colors would do the trick and smell might give me some clues. One person at a time I told myself. Blue and purple came first, pink and red second, and exotic flower and colors followed.

            As I watched the lady do the wrapping I got her talking to me. It turned out the person behind her is the store manager. “Sorry, all such requests have to be sent to the district management.” “I understand, thank you.” Then I gave the lady who helped me wrap a calendar. “It would be great on the office wall.” At hearing this and saw the expression on the lady wrapping for me I got another calendar and handed it to the manager. “I can take the calendar home.” I saw the smile on the nice helping lady. Fortunately I was ready and had enough calendars to give away.

            On my way back to the library I saw two police officers savoring their coffee outside a coffee shop. I backed off and presented myself in front of their table; another two calendars were out of my big tote bag. Then the third officer came out the coffee shop and joined the pair. I gave the third friend I ran into a calendar. In addition to the calendars, I distributed some of my event’s fliers to different people I talked to. “You are invited.” I thanked them and wished them well.

            I consider such tour and visit a self training. If there is no such training at workplace why not find some out of the system. It’s not too hard. The hardest part is the will to learn. I believe if one has no heart or will to undertake or act on some classes, projects, or programs there is no shortage of ruses or excuses convenient and ready for a person to defend and reason with. The will comes from strong determination for excellence and the heart dominates and makes decisions. If both of them, will and heart, are absent, what’s left to drive a person for success, greatness, or something worth of efforts and trying?

            Will to learn and heart to give is driving forces for excellence, greatness, and happiness. How willing are you to learn, to give, or to share with? If you are honest with yourself and find the answer, the path to success and happiness is not too far.

             

Time Tea at the Library

            Ruby, Abby, and I had a great time at the Time Tea meeting today though Abby and I had to take turn attending the meeting due to shortage of staff. When the number of members became slim the situation itself created a great opportunity to learn about personal backgrounds, individual life experiences, and other private issues. Today was one of the good examples between Ruby and me.

            We talked about the current issues at hand: Sherri’s attending a wedding in the windy city: Chicago, Fiona’s taking care of a family whose 3 year-old son is battling with certain cancer, and Lily’s busy schedule around the coming holiday season. Then back to Ruby’s and my own life in the past week. Though the setting was in the library’s auditorium, the soft and warm dim lights embracing the two of us made us feel like seating at a quiet corner in a high end coffee shop sipping our tea, savoring goodies on the table, and enjoying each other’s company. The atmosphere opened two hearts and invited soul talking. It’s another successful session of the Tea Time.

            In return, Ruby and I asked personal questions regarding to the experiences of learning foreign languages. Ruby wished she could have had the right mind set to have a well defined and designed plan 10 years earlier. At younger age, it’s difficult to own a clear view or perspective for there were so many distractions going on in a person’s life: births of children, fulfillment of careers, relationship to build and maintain. One’s mind and heart were always on the race for something “due” tomorrow or things to acquire and keep. Busy, busy, busy.

            My case was similar to what Ruby told me. There were worries seeming hard to deal with or overcome that I got myself stuck on the loop of worrying. I didn’t learn the power of positive thinking at that period of time. It’s after I entered the library world that I got to know more about myself. Instead of worrying things or imaging the unknown and uncertainty, I have learned how to see situations, events, and things from different angles. And don’t forget the power of reflection and self-awareness. The brain and mind are for thinking, pondering, creating, and reflecting. A life without reflection and thinking is a life empty of hope and void of dream. At least, that’s what happened to me.

            The mission statement is a shared value for everyone working for the library. Because you have faith in it, you believe and make a connection between the mission the library wants to achieve and what you can contribute to make that mission accomplished. The mission statement serves as a voice loudly claims what the public library can do to make a difference in a person’s life, to the communities it serves. It is also a reminder and foundation for the staff to remember why what they do matter to the users, to the society.

            Ruby’s case encourages me to go for my goals: to the serve the people, to create value for the other people and to touch people’s lives. A person grows into a millionaire by saving a penny from the beginning. Without the number 1 ahead of the many zeros all there will be are zeros. Ruby is the 1 I am saving and investing. There is hope that 1 (one) will generate another 1 and two will grow into four. I am not that good at math but good enough to bet that the number will become bigger if I go on trying, giving, and sharing. Who knows what the number will be. It’s a mystery worth of working on. Let’s see.

Partner

            What do they mean to you or what will be your reaction or response when you face one of the following situations, conditions, or circumstances: chaos, conflict, complexity, difficulty, campaign, or crisis? All imply certain degree of hardship, obstacles, anxiety, or frustration. What will you do or what action will you take when surrounded such uncomfortable encounter?

            Every morning when we open our eyes, the battle begins: there are decisions to make, from which outfit to put on for work to what’s for breakfast, from whether to have lunch with someone or have it alone to what time to brush teeth before bedtime. Choices have to be made; some come from autopilot, habits, or routines, and some have to be made depending upon how the day proceeds or whom you run into. It’s a nonstop process and battle day in and day out. So what’s your plan for the day?

            To me, chaos and conflict mean opportunities and learning grounds. After reading some books about leadership looking for answers, instead of clarification and enlightenment, I got more questions and confusions. Almost every book told about motivations, rewards, or inspirations. Why would these be so important if, from the beginning, one went looking for a job and knew what one wanted to achieve? If what a person wants is just a paycheck, how would one be happy and satisfied being a human being, a species that claims to be more intelligent and the most dominant creatures roaming the earth? There must be something ingrained in us that drive us to the betterment, excellence, and greatness. Will is what I think one of the driving forces inside each of us.

            Jennifer and I have been coworkers ever since the first day I was employed at the branch library. Years ago, when there were more than enough people to have their own groups, Jennifer and I belonged to different group with each under different supervisors. Back then, hardly did our line of work crossed over; she was the veteran circulation service representative and I a page. Over the year changes came; people came and went and the bodies of workforce reduced from 14 to 6. During these years I went back to school, earned a degree, and got hired as an adult librarian. Still, we worked together under the same roof by different management. The boundary of duties and responsibilities became blurring; everyone made her efforts to have tasks done. The library somehow became a family to me. I felt like I worked with Jennifer shoulder to shoulder on a daily basis.

            It’s a slow process, in retrospect, thinking of the relationship I have built with Jennifer over the years. She became more visible and approachable after the CSR’s supervisor being moved. Without default supervision, Jennifer boomed and grew into a new person, at least, in my eyes. There was no doubt about her competence and capability being a seasoned and experienced CSR. Again and again patrons complimented Jennifer for her prompt responses and quick maneuvers at the circulation desk. Those positive feedback told me one thing: Jennifer owns talents and gifts at public relation and other service fields.

            In addition to our manager, Lynette, I am used to be the one emptying the overnight chute for returned items early in the morning when we come in to work. Though occupied by circulation tasks Jennifer usually would find time to do the same task during the open hours. She would gather the returned items and carry them to an available computer to check them in and place them onto according shelves on the truck behind the page work area. It’s autonomy calling Jennifer to perform such tasks. Autonomy comes from will, the will to contribute, to make efforts for the teamwork, and to make a difference at the workplace.

            At work, people are grouped together to meet goals, satisfy the customers, and fill the demands. Basically speaking people come to work to make their own living: to bring home a paycheck to meet their daily life needs. Is there anything else for a person to take home with?

            The other day Jennifer and I had a conversation at a lunch table outside the library. Jennifer told me sometimes she would have concerns or even worries about some of our regulars. If certain people didn’t come or show up at the library she would think of them and wonder if they were ok. It’s as if those patrons broke their routine and got Jennifer wonder and worry about their absence. I felt so proud of Jennifer at hearing her confession. She subconsciously has elevated her customer services to certain level. One would wonder what is the drive or force behind this phenomenon of Jennifer’s.

            Will comes from within. No need to be asked, requested, or pushed; a person is willing to make efforts for her team. Physically exhausted? Yes, but mentally and spiritually satisfied for one would take home sense of achievement and sense of pride. Jennifer and I are partners; we talked about positive influence, we shared tasks, duties and responsibilities with pride and honor, and we worked together as close as if we were driven by tacit knowledge and glued with joy and love, love of being there for each other.

            Loads of tasks become lighter for I have Jennifer there working with me. Works, like joy and love, have to be shared to intensity their degree of impact and importance. Public library is a holy place; each book holds potential for fulfillment, satisfaction, and happiness.

I am glad that I have a partner who shares with me defined view and values. Her name is Jennifer.

God Speed, Eric and the Family

            Time flies at such a speed that it seems the speed does a funny trick on our memory; at least it does on mine. It seems like recent that I have met this young man and his growing family with three brilliant and look alike boys aging from five to five months old. Last year of this time we had a great dinner together at a local authentic Taiwanese style restaurant to welcome them to the community. This year at the same time we had another getting together dinner at the same diner. Except this time it’s a farewell dinner; the whole family is ready to relocate to the other state. Eric, father of three, is going to start his career at a promising finance company.

            A person might not be impressed at Eric’s average height and looks. Once a conversation begins one’s perception of and impression on Eric would be changed. It’s his expression and matter of a fact manner that would cut a groove in one’s mind about him. His confidence permeates through words he chose, through the looks he has had speaking or explaining something, and into the conversations he had with people. When he spoke there was no trace of doubt or hesitation on the topics or subjects at the interactions. This is what impressed me and had me believe that the family’s future including the kids’ is very bright and full of hope and promises.

            At work I met plenty of people from different backgrounds, some from local and some as far as Australia. Their needs and demands differed just like the manners and behaviors of those patrons’. I was amazed at what those people could teach me even when the situations were an unpleasant one. I remember this phone call made by a gentleman. Out of blue he started to talk about a family event that upset him to this extreme that he couldn’t stop talking to a librarian, a total stranger. His tone told me he was really emotional and had a need to vent out the negative feelings toward a person important to him. What should I do? I heard him out and listened to him and his concerns, worries, and uncertainty. It’s an interesting experience.

            Another case dated back last summer. It’s a group of seniors, tourists from Australia. They came in to ask to access the internet to do some wire transaction; they stroke a deal and had to pay for the purchase. It’s a huge amount: $75,000. Once they were certain that the public computer is secure, they completed the access and wired the money from their home country. In and out, this group of seniors visited the library more than twice. While waiting for the process to complete, I got into conversation with them. Knowing they would spend months in the US I gave them my name, email addresses, and phone numbers telling them not to hesitate to call me in case they needed help. In return they gave me their names. We are all travelers and who knows when we will need a kind hand to give us assistance and help? Their trust and bravery to tour this country self-guided told me they are good people.

            Eric’s successful story tells me this country is indeed a dreamland for whoever has a dream to fulfill as long as one is willing to try and do his best. Eric finished all his graduate school classes this past June and passed all the CPA required exams by the end of September. He applied for a job by sending just one company and he got hired! His case proves what I have believed: one has to try and do his best then Heavenly help will arrive at the right time.

            Next Wednesday Eric and his family will move to a new place they would call home and begin Eric’s blooming and booming career. Eric gave me his new home address, email, and phone number telling me if I travel to that state don’t forget to stop by and pay him and the family a visit. I sure will.

            People came in and out the library. They might leave or never come back again. Still, some of the people and what and how they dealt with me do cut a deep groove in my mind and register in my memory. Those people and the beautiful memories are fuels and engines charge me and drive me at the workplace I like so much.

            We, staff of the public library, are the connections between the books and the people we serve. It’s a holy profession. 

A Sacred Place

            I was thinking and feeling she was going to give me a hug in front of the library saying goodbye so I moved a bit forward and bent down ready to give and receive a warm and friendly hug. God forbidden, I was wrong this time. Instead of a hug, this nice lady gave me a kiss on my cheek then hugged me saying goodbye. Waving our goodbyes, I told her it’s my pleasure to serve her, to serve the public. She said thank you and appreciated what the public library did for the communities, and the users. Smiling, I turned my back leaving the nice and inviting weather behind me and thinking what a nice patron she is and how nice the weather was. It’s a double take for me.

            Yesterday, I got a flying kiss from a patron who is also a member of the WOW Reading Club. Nowadays, more and more patrons told me and shared how they felt about this library. “This library is different from the other public libraries I visited.” “Why, and how?” I asked. “Because the staff are friendlier; they greet us with smiles and treat me really nice.” Whenever I had such conversations and heard the positive feedback from patrons I felt so honored and happy able to reach to people with education, knowledge, and skills I have acquired over the years from my family life, schooling, and interactions with a variety of people.

            Over and over, again and again, I thanked to the customers and patrons for they place their trust on us, staff of the library. They might not know how hard we have worked under different challenging circumstances and difficult situations and conditions; it’s a combination of challenges of physical, mental, and spiritual. They might not know the primary reason I like to work in a public library is because it’s a place holding promising hope, future dreams, and a vault for happiness. Yes, happiness. For I ran into my happiness in the library almost everyday. How?

            First of all, I felt honored to serve the people who walked in the library. They trust me enough to try me, to allow me to find ways to help them meet their needs. For instance, this lady was frustrated because she couldn’t print out what she needed from her email using the desktop the library owns. When all methods I have known failed me, I tried my last resort. And it worked. The moment I saw the form I felt my heart skipped a beat. The immediate joy overwhelmed me as if I was the person in need of this piece of paper. I came to the lady with the paper hidden behind me. “You do owe me a cup of coffee, Ma’am. Here you are.” Her change was spontaneous at the sight of the printout. “Ma’am, hardly did I give up too soon. You have to, at least, give me a try.” Still she told me her concerns about the public computers telling me how frustrating the situation would become. I assured her I would be glad to assist her whenever she comes. “But, are you here everyday? Do you work on Saturdays?” “Yes, and yes to both of your questions” She left the building with a smile. Give me a chance, don’t give up too soon on me or yourself.

            Secondly, it’s the patrons who made me a better person. Their degree of satisfaction is a pivot telling me how I could make changes to adjust and adapt to fit in the public environment, what I could do to meet different requests and needs, and where I could get help to meet the excellence and sense of achievement I have been working for. We, human beings, are similar to the seasons: there are warmth, heat, coolness, and coldness. People’s behaviors differ and the emotions and feelings change over the years based upon individual’s life experiences and personal expectations from life. It seems so complicated, full of challenges, and so hard to control or even conquer. But there is one thing one could have in control: to be yourself. You are the only one person makes the choices, puts the heart on things matters to you, and acts on the choices you select. Thanks to patrons and people in the library, I have grown and learned a lot.

            Though I have been physically exhausted and challenged, I am mentally and spiritually happy and satisfied. Everyday I went back home with sense of achievement; I was proud of what I have done at work for I did give my best to a place I love and care so much. I gave and did my best. Books and other items won’t stop coming in; they are means I make a living. Each book is heavy for it might answer someone’s questions and save a soul. Books and habit of reading is a person’s best friend; they are loyal and always there ready to assist and answer a person’s requests and hunger for answers or pique more questions to help a person grow, develop, and glow. And library is the place holding the priceless values and treasure.

            The public library is a sacred place. People and books are visible; they are there for the public to access and use. It’s the invisible and unseen that holy to me: the hidden knowledge waiting for users to browse, search, study, and digest, the trust the patrons have on the staff, and the will and commitment from the staff to assist and serve. The spirit of giving is what glues all the things together. The will to give is the value I cherish and see in a person.

The library is a place I call home. A sacred place indeed!

            

Oslo and Heather

            I met a new friend today; his name is Oslo. Though I saw him many times at the library never did I have the chance to introduce myself or say hello to him. Something magical must be loitering in the library for out of no blue I stopped by the table, found the courage, knelt down, and said hi to this new, cute friend. Oslo is nine months old and he is a dog with shiny a black fur coat. I knew he must be a guide dog for there is this special collar around his neck and he is always leashed whenever he is in the library.

            Heather is the name of Oslo’s trainer. From the beginning I thought this young lady is some kind of tutor or a teacher for she is always with some kid working at a table in the house. Distracted by friendly and playful Oslo I forgot to ask Heather. Heather is a volunteer dog trainer. She told me there will be another 5 to 6 months for Oslo ready for next training. Then Oslo will become a trained guide dog for the blind. I gained plenty of messages and knowledge from the conversation I had with Ms. Heather. There are dog raisers, volunteer trainers, and well raised and trained dogs served for the disadvantaged people. This bright side of human beings and creatures is the reason keeping me happily working in the library. Benevolent acts and generous and giving hearts are always in need and their silent yet powerful and positive forces bring more best out of people.

            A dog, systematically and skillfully trained, can make a poor person live in richer condition and status. If an animal, like a dog, can give a hand to the poor, we, as the human beings, are surely capable of helping our own fellow beings. Working in the public library offers me immense opportunity to exercise the lesson called humanity on people around me. They are my coworkers, supervisors, patrons, and friends.

            Positive thinking helps me overcome threats from negative forces. Instead of being dragged down or feeling sad I have pity on people with negative aura. Seeing and observing with my own eyes and heart, I have been learning how to hear and listen to people. Sometimes I would walk a patron to the door exchanging goodbyes even when this is my first time meeting this person. On the other hand, there are others whom I have known for quite sometimes and I still didn’t know who they are. Is it instinct or something else driving me to behave certain way to different people?

            Life is beautiful for there are so many mysteries to meet, divide, and conquer. Thanks to people, known or unknown, my life is like cooking a special dish with a variety of materials, ingredients, and spices. Yesterday I might have something bitter, today something cold and tasted funny, who knows what’s waiting for me tomorrow? If something bad happens it’s my own choice not to savor it. Forget about it, let it pass and move on. If something good takes place it’s also my choice to share it with my friends and family and register it to my memory. Choice is optional for you are the one to make the decision which side you will take.

            Spicy, warm, or very green on your plate today? You decide!  

November Reading Meeting

            Today’s monthly meeting was a long and warm one. Everyone welcomed Sherri back and asked about her whereabouts and status. It’s family gathering thing that kept her away and occupied. Though she couldn’t and didn’t finish her book she still felt she had to come to see her friends. Universal expression was shown on everyone’s face when Sherri said she missed us. It’s a warm and sweet touch that Sherri brought in today at the meeting. Thank you, Sherri.

            “How is Fiona?” It’s a question that everyone was in need of an answer. Fiona, you are missed. We truly hope that the family you support and help will recover and be back to its norm.

            First of all, I have to say that Ruby did a wonderful job this past month. Her persistent diligence and consistent determination and commitment truly touched everyone. Sherri shook her head appraising Ruby and complimented her by saying “If everyone works as hard as you are, there is no difficulty or obstacle to tackle the barrier of any foreign language. Impressive!” Encouragement comes from peers is especially appreciated for members stand at the same side and know each other better than anyone else.

            Ruby kept on reading the Rainbow Fairies Series. She considers herself a beginner at reading. This Fairies series serve as her stepping stone for another series: Gecko & Sticky. By reading a series, according to Ruby, she is able to build her own bank of vocabulary and repetitive phrases and sentences that she found helpful and useful at daily life. Simplicity is her favorite for it’s an easy way to self-express: easy, convenient, and straightforward. Asked if she found something interesting at the names the author used for her series Ruby said she did finding it interesting that the author matched the Fairies’ names to visualize the meaning of the rainbow colors. For example, Sunny is the name for Yellow fairy and Ruby for Red fairy. Interesting discovery, one has to say.

            “The Lost Wife” by Alyson Richman was Sherri’s choice of the month. The background of this romance story was due back to the World War II. A young couple just got married right before the husband and his whole family decided to escape the Europe and sail to the promising land-USA. The wife couldn’t have the heart to leave her family behind so she stayed where she was though she was pregnant with his child who later was miscarried.

            Sixty years passed and they met again-at a wedding of their own grandchildren; he remarried and she got a child result of a sad rape happened at the concentration camp in which she and her family were kept during the wartime. They didn’t expect to see each other for they thought the other was killed at that difficult time. He was retired OB doctor. They were haunted by ghosts for they had lived in the same neighborhood and might have run into each other in the passing years. Assumed each was dead they thought destiny tricked them and tested their love for each other. Though they didn’t tell or share how much they reserved their love for each other, their hearts were locked with their keys lost in the war.

            Sherri didn’t finish the book, yet. Everyone at the meeting couldn’t wait to hear the “happy” ending of the couple. Well, at least, I, personally, wish there be a good ending for this touching love story taken place at a harsh and difficult time of the human history. “One should feel blessed and good luck comparing small things we have faced to the big issues in real life.” Sherri shared her point of view and feeling gotten from reading this book. In the book the lost wife was an art teacher. She would risk her life to confiscate available chalks or crayons for the small children to enjoy the beauty in art. To Sherri, the beauty of art somehow would help ease intensity of pain inflicted by cruelty and misery in a person’s life.

            The following was composed by Abby who hosted the meeting after 1 pm.

            For this week, Lily read one of the Jewel Fairies books by Daisy Meadows. She doesn’t remember which one as there are too many to remember. After which we discussed vocabulary words gleaned from the Fairies books. Interestingly, most were either informal terms, or some sort of adjective. “Tingling” is a hard word to explain in English.

The longest topic we discussed was the names for collective groups of animals. Most animals could be referred to as a “herd” (of cattle), but there are some animals that have multiple references, or names that no one knows about. Most of us know about a “school of fish”, but how many people know that a group of whales is a “pod”? This one really had Ruby stumped for a while. I have to admit that I have never heard of or used the ones that I found on a four page list obtained from Google.

Sherry brought her “adopted” daughter, who brought her daughter for a visit. We all enjoyed the cake, the almond brittle and the cookies that Mei-Wan brought. Unfortunately, Mei-Wan had to return to the reference desk at that time, so I ate hers for her. It was all delicious. (By Abby)

Appreciation goes to Lily and Ruby; they brought a round cake to share with members. Jennifer, our pretty and attractive CSR, was invited to join the meeting for a short stay. Thank you, Jennifer.

Next Tea time will be held next Wednesday, 12-05, 2012, at 12 pm in the library.

See you all soon!

Ruby’s Read2/November

Sunny the Yellow Fairy/Meadows, Daisy

            The Rainbow Fairies Ruby and Amber were already safe in the pot at the end of the rainbow, Rachel and Kristy started off their next adventure.

            When they followed the bubbling stream for finding the third fairy-Sunny, a chill, breeze ruffled Kristy’s hair, she noticed that some of the leaves were turning brown, even though it wasn’t autumn. Strange weather could only mean one thing, “Jack Frost’s goblins are still around.” Whenever the goblins were nearby, everything turned frosty and cold. All at once, a small group of bees came straight toward them, they ran into a little cottage. In there, they met an old lady who is a beekeeper, she treated them same of her honey. The two girls thought it was the most delicious they have ever tasted, and wondered whether Sunny is nearby or not. One hive stood beneath an apple tree along where just as they guessed the third fairy was in it!!

            The rainbow fairy Sunny was dripped with honey, the girls took her away for cleaning in hurry, and left Sunny’s wand in the little cottage. When they went back to search the wand, one of the goblins was holding it in his hand (OMG!) After a violent fighting, Sunny finally took back her wand. The girls sent Sunny to meet Ruby and Amber, and kept on their next journey.

Ruby’s Read1/November

Amber the Orange Fairy/Meadows, Daisy

            There were two girls, Rachel and Kristy, who went to Rainspell Island on vacation with their family. They found a magic place-FairyLand, where the Rainbow Fairies live. But now, the Fairyland is suffering a disaster from the evil guys’ spell. It becomes a cold and gray world since seven rainbow fairies were sent away from Fairyland. Rachel and Kristy had promised the king and queen of Fairyland that they would help them to find out the Rainbow fairies.

            After finding the first Rainbow Fairy-Ruby, they started to search for the second one-Amber (the Orange Fairy). While they took a walk on the beach, they saw a lot of sparkling things such like a wrapper from a chocolate bar, or a little brown crab, not the Fairy that they wanted to find out. So they were very disappointed. Then they spotted a large scallop shell which was a light peach color with orange streaks, the Orange Fairy, Amber, was trapped inside.

            The two little girls rescued Amber from the shell by one of the magic bags the Fairy Queen gave them, and led Amber to meet Ruby who hidden in a pot. There was a friend came from the Fairyland, he is a talking frog whose missions are looking after the Rainbow Fairies and keeping their safe. While Ruby and Amber were exciting to meet each other again, the evil guy-Jack Frost’s goblins were close by. The goblins brought frozen wind everywhere, the girls helped the fairies evade, and went to find out the other fairies.