By the time you read this, I’ll be sitting in a Greek-ish cafe with several of my favorite co-workers for one of our periodical* after-work TGIF dinners, for which we book** reservations at a new restaurant so we can check out*** the food, atmosphere, and odds of a decent margarita.^
Tonight will be especially festive, as we’re celebrating going live with our new automated library system last week and that we all survived the switch from the old system, which most of us aren’t mourning. We will complain, gossip, swap tips and tricks, and be asked to keep it down, please.
Should be fun.
It’s great to have a support group at work . . . which is just the segue I need to show off my new favorite piece of jewelry:
This rubber bracelet (brainchild of the matchless Teri) was meant to commemorate a face-to-face of an international and ecletic circle of bloggerfriends, most (all?) of whom met over at Betsy Lerner‘s place and just . . . clicked.
But it’s much more than that.
Only four of us—Lyra, amyg, Sherry, and Teri—could actually meet last week. But Teri sent the bracelets to everyone, anyway, and that I received this concrete sign that I’m part of this incredible group has lifted my spirits, inspiration, and determination like you wouldn’t believe.
Others. including Laura, Downith, and MacDougal Street Baby,^^have described this feeling in their own talented ways. For me—to use a comment I left, I think, on Downith’s post—this band is a reminder to get going and that I’m not going it alone.
You can’t put a price on that.
_______________________
*Library humor!
**More library humor!
***Make it stop!!
^That’s a general assumption of consumption, by the way, though librarians who do drink seem to be divided between the margarita and single malt camps. Personally, I don’t think those worms died of happiness. And I’m working tomorrow, so diet Pepsi it is.
^I know I must have missed some posts—please let me know and I’ll add them.
Earful of Cider 
Support. There’s nothing quite like it.
On that note, hope this finds you hang-over free.
I am. We all are — the restaurant didn’t serve alcohol, and none of us missed it.
I did get a little wired on diet soda, but there are worse vices.
This writing thing is such a solo activity. I swear there are days when I’m working away, frustrated, and I take a break and read all your blogs. There’s something about participating in the conversation that makes me feel like I’m not the only one banging my head against my keyboard, and it also makes this whole thing a lot more fun. Having a community is underrated. I’m thankful for every last one of you, and for the smart talk on your blogs.
Couldn’t say it better myself, Teri! Thanks again for the tangible reminder.
I hope you had a fabulous meal – and I’d much rather eat than drink 🙂
Me, too, generally speaking.
They specialized in Greek food—the spiced chicken was amazing, and someone let me try their falafel. I know what I’m ordering next time!
The only disappointment for me was the hummus, which I ordinarily love. But it had ground olives in it and I’m not a fan of those—in fact, I’m slightly allergic to black olives (something in the oxidization process or something).
Love the library humour and love the blog circle.
Love that you’ve got my back when I screw up a post, Downith. 😉
I’m calling you in sick next time. Be warned.
Once the next time and place is chosen. I’ll send you a recording of my mother’s voice, so you can prepare, and the sick line number.