April, 27, 1992

Lately when I think about the library, I imagine Julie Brunnette and Don Damon wielding a big axe at budget time.  I am already considering how to absorb budget cuts:  reduced hours of operation, reduced hours for part-time staff.  Then -- Superman to the rescue -- I explain to the community what the cuts mean and a tremendous uproar ensues.  The Gang of 5 is recalled, and the City of Middleton finally has a progressive form of government.  Make this dream reality.

Tuesday, February 11, 1992

A partial morning off.  I have an 11 o'clock appointment with Pat to have my hair cut.  My free time is spent at the computer, inputting calendar squares from early 1987.  JoAnna's pregnant; I'm bored.  I still miss the freedom of Oshkosh, the exhilarating bike rides, the crazy Tuesday night, the late-night solitary highs.

Deb is today's interview candidate.  Considering the fact that she's already been offered two jobs this year, both Liz and I are expecting a big-gun showing.  It doesn't happen.  Deb is so overcome with a case of nerves that she can manage only the briefest of answers to our questions.  She doesn't put the slightest dent into Eve's or Diane's chances.

The board meeting is a very useful and productive 2-hour session.  Sandy Allen appears to be very supportive of the library's needs, specifically in the areas of staffing and materials.  Now I have mixed feelings about John Schaffer's candidacy.  I think I'd rather have Sandy go to the mat against Julie and Don.

Wednesday, January 22, 1992

The interview schedule is finally starting to take shape.  Diane is willing to move up her time by three weeks.  After having two candidates decline an interview because they had already been offered jobs, I feel a desperate need to speed up the entire hiring process.  Vincent sound somewhat effeminate over the phone, but I can't let that color my judgment.

Today I provide round-trip taxi service to daycare. When I pick up the boys, Eddie appears to have just run out of patience.  He scrunches his face and lets out a wail as soon as he sees me.  Once I hold him for awhile, he's his usual and happy charming self.

It's dinner preparation time once we get home.  Later on, JoAnna and I discuss Don Damon's and Julie Brunnette's opinion of libraries.  They still see the building as Julie Sherman's library, the type of juvenile thinking you'd expect from these two troglodytes.

Tuesday, December 3, 1991

After a brief stop at the library, I drive to the system office to attend a very routine and comparatively brief Advisory Committee meeting.  (I just automatically start writing in the present tense.  So much for a change of pace.)

On the drive back to Middleton, I groove on a collection of 80s tunes that I recorded onto one tape and stop at Hilldale to buy JoAnna a special birthday present, a pearl-drop earring and necklace set at Marshall Fields.  At Moseley's, I buy a blank book for myself, into which I hope to start recording some meandering thoughts about my life.  Soon.  But not this week, I suspect.

I attend the council meeting that evening, and the budget passes without further change.  Julie Brunnette addresses the issue of reimbursement for nonresident use, which I amplify during the reports from city officials.  Sandy Allen is assigned to the library board.  The good news is that her mom is a big library supporter.

September 25, 1991

After a couple of hours on the telephone, mostly dealing with the problem of rescheduling the next LINK meeting, I go to the dentist for the first time in more than two years.  I am amazed to learn that it's been that long.  I felt a need to avoid Brad after his repeated offers to join the Optimists.

On the way home to get my hair cut, I stop at home to relieve myself.

At the library, I have a follow-up conversation with Julie Brunnette over the phone.  Now I feel better.

I pick up Andy at daycare, and once we get home, get into some chores.

September 23, 1991

LINK

All morning (and not to mention through most of the weekend) I mentally prepare myself for a meeting with Julie Brunnette.  I expect to address a need for a general library overview, but she's interested in the specifics of the Dane County reimbursement for nonresident use.  I'm less than pleased with my efforts and what is worse, Julie has to leave for another appointment before I can fully explain the cross-municipal aspect of the formula.  At least I don't get the feeling that she's out to gut the library budget.

I get home just as supper is being served and convince Andy to join us rather than watch cartoons.