(no subject)

It's a good thing blogs were invented, because I was never very good at written journals and otherwise large swathes of my life would probably go missing.

I've started bringing books to work with me and reading them at my lunch hour, in part to avoid having to go back half an hour early, mostly because I get weird looks from my lunch subs. I'm also trying to ditch as many unnecessary books as possible, starting with reading the shelf-and-drawer of books I own but haven't read, to evaluate whether to keep or sell them. So far the vast majority have gone into the sell pile, as I have a much shorter patience for bad and boring books than I used to.

At any rate, I was reading through the first chapter of The Book Of Air And Shadows and I noticed that someone had underlined passages from the first chapter. Underlining and margin notes are half the reason I buy books used, because I like to hear what others have to say and occasionally argue with them before I pass the book on. I thought whoever had done the underlining must be pretty bright -- they were mostly noting things I also found interesting or subtle or compelling.

Then I reached the end of the chapter and, to my shock, found a quick and dirty paragraph summarising the literary merits of what I'd just read...

...in my own handwriting.

I seriously don't remember reading this book and I certainly don't remember writing critical notes at the chapter-ends, but there they are. I have no idea when they even date from. Clearly, however, I am in agreement with myself as regards our mutual literary tastes.

And, considering the book was so unmemorable I consigned it to the "haven't read this yet" shelf, I suspect this one's going in the sell pile.

(no subject)

Dear sir,

I do not know who you are, and it's very doubtful that if we have met once in the distant past I will remember you. I am entrusted with the care and feeding of two hundred staff members, all of whom have the occasional guest, very few of whom warn me in advance.

When you walk into the office while texting on your phone and bark your own name at me without looking up, the blank silence you will receive is not because I'm an idiot. It's because I'm capricious, and enjoy toying with rude people. I pretty much knew from context that you were saying your own name, and if you were important enough to get me into trouble I would recognise it and know why you were here.

So, your name is not what I need. The name of the person you're here to see would be ideal, but if you have a general conception of who you need to speak to I can probably make some suggestions.

All of this, however, is predicated on you looking up from your phone for twenty seconds in order to interact with me, and not expecting me to read your mind when you proudly tell me your own name like a two-year-old. I don't play stupid as a policy but for you, sir, I am willing to make an exception.

Thank you for visiting, and have a nice day!

Sincerely,

The Receptionist