Organization Monkey

my new job at loyola marymount university (lmu) starts next week and i’ve been practicing my commuting options. the map tells me that the distance between my house and work is 1.9 miles. this is bikeable, runnable and walkable. since i haven’t done any of those things recently, i’ve been out practicing to see what is reasonable on a day-to-day basis. i first tried biking since there is a path that runs right along the ballona creek, giving me morning views of the nature preserve and its wildlife. having nature scurrying in the underbrush next to my bike was a little unsettling, and making it up the giant hill from the preserve to the university is, um, let’s say it’s a personal challenge to work on. luckily there is a bus that ports bikes that runs a block away from my house, so i could simply bus to work and bike home. the ride home would be down the giant hill, which would be sweet. today i rode the bus to lmu and ran back. it took me under 30 minutes. walking would certainly be another simple alternative. if i’m feeling terribly lazy i could bus there and home, or drive. parking is free on campus.

after spending 3 years with a 2-hour commute each day i am luxuriating in all the new, cheaper, healthier options that this new position will give me. i calculated that i’ll be saving $120/month in gas, $88 in parking. with that savings, i can buy some new sneakers and get a fancy bike helmet!

the new commute

old commute (21 miles, 1 hour driving time)

When any staff member leaves my library there is always a going-away party and going-away book, two very nice traditions.  The book is chosen by the person leaving.  It is purchased by administration and then circulated through the library so that everyone can write a note on the flyleaf.  A bookplate is added, the book is wrapped and is then presented at the going-away party.

I am looking forward to receiving my book tomorrow, along with the cupcakes and milk at the party.

Here’s the book I’ve chosen:
Blossfeldt (Taschen 25th Anniversary) (Hardcover)
Hans-Christian Adam (Author), Karl Blossfeldt (Photographer)
ISBN: 978-3836504690

at the end of this month i will bid farewell to usc’s norris medical library to take a position at loyola marymount university (lmu) as the von der ahe library‘s serials & electronic resources librarian, a new post for their library. stay tuned to this blog for continuing stories about electronic journal usage statistics, monkey comic strips, and other commentary on organization, data management, and monkeys/bananas.

(the lmu mascot is iggy the lion)

i’m working on an analysis of aahsl‘s annual statistics and having a rough time.  the stats are messy and seem inconsistent, and i’m new to the statistical program, sas.  i wish i had a stats signal, like the beam that was used to call batman when there was a crisis.  i could shine it and a stats consultant would leap through my window, ready to offer helpful suggestions and clever shortcuts. the signal might look like this: