Not So Sick, Not So Unemployed

Life is ... looking good lately (and I say this tentatively, because you know my next post will be like "OH GOD, how has all of this misery befallen me in such a short time?!?"). My puffy, irritated tonsils have been placated with much gargling and soothing tones. I didn't follow Brooke's nasty advice about garlic tea, but I did break down and try salt in hot water, which is still gross but rather effective. The sleeping problem is still ... a problem. Despite a) waking up at 5:00 AM yesterday, b) putting in a full day's work at the bookstore, and c) drinking my troubles away with the finest shiraz, I still was wide awake at 4:15 AM. Why? WHY?

And because we had no hot water last night, I figured that I could at least be productive and wash my hair. So I did, and then I had some leftover cupcakes, and finished Desperately Seeking Susan. Good lord, no wonder people are all like, "You live in New York? Aren't you afraid all the time? Have you ever been robbed? Are you friends with the crack addicts?"

You know, I came to the mid-Manhattan library ostensibly to do some work on my collection development project but now I'm just listening to the Safety Dance song and writing about, uh, non-library things.

But the bookstore! And I'm working again! People deserve to hear my stories! I trained yesterday, and am generally liking it so far. The computer system is ancient, and it kind of makes me nervous since it's very unforgiving if you make a mistake. And they have lovely tote bags that are only $2.95 and then I think I get a 40% discount on top of that. Who wants one? I bought two yesterday, and will probably post a picture later.

One of my favorite parts about my new job is that it will allow me to continue taking part in new and exciting research studies. Hooray for science!

I have plans today to lunch with Election Night Mitch (remember him?). I made him pick the restaurant last time we ate together, so now it was my turn and I chose the Blarney Stone Pub, which is supposed to be the diveyest place ever but with good, cheap food and beer. Here are the reviews, and my favorite parts:

So who cares that it's a total dive? Who cares that the women's room is down a staircase which looks like it's leading into some hidden labyrinth? Who cares if it sometimes smells like an odd mixture of seafood and sweat? THERE ARE $3 BEERS!

I was at this place last weekend on a business trip. The food and service were great. However, the whole time I was there this little bald dude kept running around screaming BlackFox and making ears on his head with his fingers. Later he flashed what appeared to be an M W with his fingers. I didn't know if it was a gang sign or some sort of homosexual signal so I high talied it out of there with the quickness.

Well, I contacted them about a week later and asked about this tiny man. They said he is a regular and they feel sorry for him since he is mentally handicapped and thinks he is a Fox.

OK, so you would need to jump up to dive into this dive, its that dreary and depressing on the inside. If you look up dive bar in the dictionary, its picture will be there, HOWEVER, the food is incredible and cheap.

Wish us luck!