Kara v. Book #2: Kara Jean and the Library

It is a well documented fact that I (species Kara of the genus jean), when observed in my natural habitat, will exhibit the instinctive behavior of packing the walls, floors, and occasionally ceilings of my den with large quantities of books.

While the orthodox view attributes this act solely to the pursuit of knowledge and entertainment (both which require actual reading of the books) recent studies have indicated that these paper bond objects can impart a sense of comfort and warmth to those near them, even if forever left unread. Occasionally they are even used as bedding material.

The books may be gathered from any source: bookstores, used bookstores, garage sales, estate sales, occasionally the side of the road. However, the greatest hauls seem to derive from a single source, chosen for it's availability, easy access, and low cost:

The library.

One summer in college it was observed that a collection of over 50 library books (carrying with them over $70 in fines) had amassed in my den. It took two crates to haul them back to the library once classes began.

And so, not unexpectedly, one of the first things I said to my mom upon arriving home for my medical leave, right after "I love you" and before, "What's for dinner?" was, "Can I borrow your library card?"

She gave me a look and reluctantly handed it over.

Mwahaha.

Library haul April 2011

Early spring in Minnesota (but mostly just an excuse to post more pictures of creatures)

It was 60 degrees and sunny in Minneapolis today, and so, being the good Minnesotan that I am, I decided to take a walk by the lake.

Sometimes I think God gave our great state so many lakes so that Minnesotans would have one nice thing to look at in early spring. This is not the most flattering of times for the northern climes (yay cheesy rhyme!). Roads and boulevards are encrusted with dirt and talc residue left from winter saltings. Leaves don't emerge until late April. And the new grass has to fight through the peat bog seal of dead leaves and mold left over from the fall.

And so, on the first 60 degree day of the year, people and animals alike converge on the lake, the first bastion of color among the grays and browns of spring.

The waterfowl were out in droves at the new drainage pond by Lake Calhoun, some of which let me take photos.

Peekaboo!

Hey there, cutie

A mallard and his wake

A white heron, hunting fish and proving that awkward  really is beautiful

Creatures of my bedroom

A few days ago I found a wasp in my room.

It seemed cruel to kill her. A late spring is finally dawning in Minnesota after one of the coldest winters in recent memory, and any summertime bug with the tenacity to survive that doesn't deserve a helpless death under the weight of a rolled up newspaper. I took out my camera, and she, sensing her cue, posed in a ray of sunlight and let me take pictures while she removed a piece of lint from her back leg.

The next day I found her curled into the carpeting, dead.

A few nights later I noticed a dark spot exploring the crevices of my ceiling. It was a little spider, running her nightly laps - up the corner, across the ceiling, back down the wall and over again. There was something endearing in her frantic pacing. What might this hyperactive insect be looking for, or running from, or trying to forget?

She also got her glamour shot.

As far as I know she is still alive, exploring the space behind my walls. I just hope she doesn't get eaten by a centipede.

My frustrations with the current state of healthcare, summarized in a four-line dialogue

[Elevator music]

[Elevator music]

[Elevator music]

[Telephone ringing]

PHARMACIST: Hello this is Michael, how can I help you?

ME: Hi, I picked up a new prescription from you yesterday and I'm calling to ask if it has any gluten-containing ingredients?

PHARMACIST: Sure, I can check that for you, one second.

[Elevator music]

[Elevator music]

PHARMACIST: Hello? Yeah, so I did a quick Google search on your prescription and a few websites say it's gluten-free so you should be good to go.


Yargh!!!!