HELLO WORLD!/STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Everybody's doing it! Steph, Holly, Jim Gomez. What about spagblog? Even my 10-month old son has his own mediated blog (recently resurrected from the pit of hell that is the frustrating bonk of the tired but usually technologically competent parent). One of the biggest questions about these things is, "what do I really have to say to people out there?" It shouldn't be an online self-flagellation, but something useful, even if only to provide evidence to those surfing that there really are folks like you out there.

So, what do I have to say? I'm a relatively new librarian in a large academic setting, having received my MLIS in 2001 from the University of Washington Information School. I'd like to say that a portion of this will be about my work life, or thoughts on information provision, access, issues, etc. We'll see.

But, more of it is likely to be about mixing that professional aspect with being a new mother. What does that mean when you also care about your professional life? What if you don't really know? I'm lucky to have a really supportive co-parent (David), but sometimes there are still the frustrating moments. And, I always have my heart tugged when I leave Michael at daycare. There are some great work/life balance resources out there, some of which I've read, but there could always be more. I find that the most helpful resources are testaments of what others have done.

And then there's this Jesus thing. In the past few months or so, a new shift has come about in my spiritual life, pulling me closer to traditional Christianity. I see this as a more daily practice, including listening, reading, doing, as well as belonging to some regular group of fellowship. How to mix the worldly challenges of all of the above with renewing your faith? How to pursue this without becoming the very things you hate about organized religion?

So, if you know me, I hope this provides an opportunity for you to see a side of me that you may not always see (or maybe we just don't have time to talk about it). Perhaps it will spark a future conversation. Or, if you're surfing/searching and don't yet know me, maybe it will offer something of value.

On with the spagblog!