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.

November Read/3

Title: Good Boss, Bad Boss: How to Be the Best…and Learn from the Worst

Author: Sutton, Robert I.

Subjects: Supervision of employees; Managing your boss

Call Number: 658.409 S967G 2010

ISBN: 9780446556088

Page Numbers: 308 p

Book Description:

            If you are the boss, are you a good one? How can you keep honing your skills-and stir your people to give their all and be proud to work for you? Are you in tune with how your words and deeds (and those little looks on your face) affect your followers? What do they really think of you-are you aware of how they see you, or do you live in a fool’s paradise? If they had a choice, would they continue to work for you?

            Dr. Sutton weaves together real-life case studies and pertinent behavioral science research to deliver a precise and sometimes startling account of what the best bosses do. Good Boss, Bad Boss delivers a definitive manifesto for anyone who has ever been elevated to a position of authority-and a blueprint of salvation for those who suffer because their bosses just don’t seem to get it (quoted from inside the book’s jacket).

My Read:

            “It’s not about you.” This is an advice from Jack Welch and Robert Joss and other authors in the field of management and leadership. It implores and discourages managers and leaders from falling prey to their most selfish and destructive instincts (Sutton, p245). I read other leadership books that hold the similar suggestion and warning. In Sutton’s book it stated “It’s all about you.” There are these two contradictions of ideas on management and leadership. To me, both ideas and thoughts are solid and justified correct. It comes from different motivations and applications.

            “It’s not about you.” This serves as friendly warning and benign advice for bosses not to be egotistical, selfish, overbearing or other self-obsessed hunger of authority. If there is no followers how could a person define or consider him/herself a leader? It’s people who matter; their loyalty and will to follow and be led are the core values of a good boss.

            “It’s all about you.” It also makes sense for management and leadership, back to its core and essence, that both are all about self-growth and self-awareness. Able to be a good boss, a person has to dedicate and commit to making efforts and making a difference in people’s lives. Power and authority could fool a person; they prey on weak souls whose tunnel vision and narrow mind set originated from greed and thirst for control and status. Ambition is good if the motivation and aspiration are initiated from altruism combined with self-actualization. To live to the fullest, a person aims higher going beyond the horizon. As one sets off for excellence and challenges the higher standards, the same person is willing to share acquired skills, experiences, and knowledge with people around.    

            A great boss is one who grows people with potentials and promising talents. A great manager is one who encourages his/her staff to walk out their comfort zone and meet goals they don’t think they could match. A great leader is one who not only leads his/her followers with a well-defined vision s/he leads with her/his heart and soul.

            At the end of the book the author asked a good question: “Are you in tune with what it feels like to work for you?” Asking questions is a sure and inspiring way for self-growth and self-awareness. This question reminds me of a good salesperson. In my view and definition of a good salesperson is a person who not only is able to sell s/he is capable of reselling again and again. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. The course of life is a marathon; one has to equip oneself with gears plus assistance from other people. One’s life is comprised of teamwork; assistance and aid from others come as one helps oneself and tries one’s best.

            God would help if one is willing to try first. The subtitle: Learn from the Worst sounds so true. The bad bosses serve as mirrors and sounding warning. Bad influence could become a tool and leverage if one is sure his/her motivation and ambition are not all about self-gain or just self-fulfillment. When savoring a piece of bread don’t forget to share, at least, the crumbs.

            To be good or become bad, it’s a choice away.

           

References:

The No Asshole Rule—Robert Sutton

Leadership Is an Art—Max DePree

Up the Organization—Robert Townsend

“Corner Office: Fitting In, and Rising to the Top”—Adam Bryant—http://wwwnytimes.com/2009/09/20/business/20corner.html?_r=3&scp=2&sq=scarf%20CEO&st=cse

“They Watch Everything You Do”—Kelley Eskridge--http://www.humansatwork.com/they-watch-everything-you-do/

Sense of Achievement

            “Are you ok?”

“Physically, I am exhausted. Mentally? I am excited and I enjoy the challenge.”

This was a conversation I had with a dear and close friend who just changed his career from one field to another that was new to him at the age of 53. How challenging and demanding is the new job? At and from the second week of his assignment he had to stay up late in his office after 11 pm and worked on Saturdays or Sundays. It seemed a norm for him to skip lunches and stay late working nonstop, even on weekends. One could tell from his voice that he was pooped and fatigued. Yet, his eyes, though puffed with big black bags under, were sharp and bright with expectations as if they were pondering upon some unsolved mysteries.

Do you have a friend like this? Or are you such a person? If you think this kind of person is a fool, you are right. But, in my eyes, they are happy fools. Happiness can’t be bought or borrowed; one has to understand how happiness is created or where it comes from to truly feel and enjoy it.

Yesterday, at lunch, another dear friend of mine told me that money can’t buy everything; it’s simply a tool. Most of people pursue their dreams to make more money or to generate fortune as if numbers and figures at one’s bank account(s) are goals and possessions towards happiness, joy, and wonderland. But is it true? How many sad news articles did you read from the mass media about wealthy people’s tragedies? Fame and power were acquired and gained. But there was no one to teach you what happiness really feels like. You might own the tool but do you know how to apply or use it?

When my close friend told me though his body was tired he was not mentally tired I could fully understand what he meant. I have been doing the same thing at work. The first day I worked in the library I called home and told my family that I felt dizzy and nauseate. No one at work told me which section or area was my responsibility so, after I assessed the shelves I took the 900’s books, fully loaded them onto a big truck with three layers. I shelved nonstop and I got tired; it’s my first job and first day at work. Do you know why I took the 900’s area? Because that area held the most books; the shelves were packed and crowded. Years later, I came to understand the reason why I did that.

People tend to take the easier and less difficult tasks at work. It seems to make sense for if there is no commission, bonus, benefit or advantage offered or provided why should a person be willing or voluntary to undertake a heavier or complicated job? Only a fool or stupid would do such thing, right? Actually they are not fool; they are happy giving souls. In addition, to me, it’s an ability to take over tasks that no one enjoys or likes doing. An ability that drives a person to bring out his/her best and potential, to meet his/her goals, and to earn a sense of achievement, a feeling and sensation gained through strong will, positive mind set and muscles works.

No pain, no gain. It’s so true. It’s like drinking water; until you savor it yourself, you won’t know if the water is cold, lukewarm or hot. Sense of achievement drives me to face difficulties and challenges with a positive mind set and attitude. Sherlock Holmes used to comment that solving a case itself was his reward. It’s better than any monetary reward or fame given by others. Sense of achievement comes within; it is generated without any invitation or asking for it comes from inside. Autonomy comes from passion, enthusiasm, and love of others.

What drives you to wake up, walk out your house, and walk in your workplace every morning? Paycheck? A place you feel you belong to? Tasks challenging enough for you to conquer? Doing a meaningful job? Teamwork that without others won’t work out? Sense of achievement? Or reasons only you know? There must be something keeps you doing the same thing again and again, day after day. Did you ever ask or find out what yours is or yours are?

Asking Questions makes me feel I am growing and living. Sense of achievement, though coming from hard work, allows me to sleep sound and well at night. If you want to know the connection between happiness and sense of achievement, try to do things differently at work or at any place you might influence others and others’ lives.

Good luck!