Cops, Books, and Children

What do cops, books and children all have in common? Well, they are all at the library! I think this is the first official public library I've been too (and the first I've worked at too) where there are cops on a normal basis. I don't think it's crazy, but everyone else does. Today, for example, there were three cops at work. I almost wish there were more, because the kids were NUTS and I was going crazy. None of the kids would behave today, and when I tried to kick certain kids out, they wouldn't listen to me! I don't know what to do, because these kids have no respect for me, and they don't mind running under the table or just being crazy monkeys. I didn't ask to be in charge of a zoo, but I certainly feel like a zoo keeper right now.

I wish I had some help at the library. I don't feel that one person should be in charge of helping so many kids at once. I'm literally running around without a break for a good five hours! I can't even go to the bathroom or get a drink of water, because if I do, the kids will freak out and cause trouble! And while there are usually eight kids in the room at once (some kids want to be in the room so bad that they will volunteer to sit on the floor or stand), there are usually three to four waiting outside for help! I can't even individually help each student, because as soon as I help one student, another is already yelling "I need help! I need help! NOW!" These kids have no patience, and no understanding that there is only one of me and way too many of them.

If you guessed I'm stressed out, you are right. I probably shouldn't write when I'm stressed out, but when I'm feeling good, I'm usually away from the computer and at the ocean or just hanging out with people. Everyone keeps reminding us that we only have one year here and we had better use it wisely or we will look back with regret. I don't want to regret anything, and I want to live my life to the fullest. So that's why I'm always trying to do something. Of course, there are defiantly times when I just plop down in front of the TV and don't do anything. That's not really a good thing, but I figure that since I work for about 8 1/2 to 9 hours a day, it's only fair. I can't believe that some people do 10 hours and it's no big deal. I just think that's nuts!

Well, this tanned Florida girl is going to say good-night. It's after midnight and tomorrow will be extra long as I have to read in the morning to little 1-3 year olds, then I have to do a lot of prep work, then I have tutoring, and then a program that runs late at night. So, all in all, it will be a busy day!