Library, gym, et cetera

How did this happen? I spent a chunk of time at the library--the main research library on Fifth Avenue, with the lions outside and the gorgeous reading room--then got some lunch, ordered new eyeglasses, and went to the gym. I went to the gym thinking that I should probably go back to the library, but I'd rather be lifting weights.

Given the shape of the current research project, not going back to the library was a reasonable choice--in fact, I might have been wasting my time there. But how did bookish me turn into someone who would rather lift weights than be at the library? A chunk of the answer is, of course, that it's paid research, rather than a question or project that caught my interest on its own. Another chunk is that I was working with an annoyingly designed database interface, not with actual printed books or magazines.

The new glasses are significantly smaller than the current pair: the current pair are large and heavy enough to rub against and irritate my cheeks, so smaller is not merely a fashion choice. The frames go well with my coloring, in an unobtrusive way. After much discussion with the optician, I'm not getting prescription sunglasses, but am getting what they call "transitional," which I used to call "photogray"--the kind that go dark in sunlight, and then lighten again indoors. She assures me that the current version of these do lighten all the way to clear. I'm not entirely convinced--but with a 30-day unconditional guarantee if I don't like them, I'll try it, because swapping glasses repeatedly is a nuisance. I won't have the new glasses for at least a week, more likely two, but I can wait. I also bought some lens-cleaning cloths, the kind that are individually wrapped and pre-moistened with an appropriate cleaning solution, suitable for use when I don't have running water handy.

The library now requires an "Access card" for researchers. To get one, you fill out a form (either in advance online, or at the library), then show them photo ID, get your picture taken, and a couple of minutes later have a card with photo and bar code. [Without a photo ID, they'll give you a three-day temporary card, but only once.]

( more gym details, including thinking about numbers )

Library, gym, et cetera

How did this happen? I spent a chunk of time at the library--the main research library on Fifth Avenue, with the lions outside and the gorgeous reading room--then got some lunch, ordered new eyeglasses, and went to the gym. I went to the gym thinking that I should probably go back to the library, but I'd rather be lifting weights.

Given the shape of the current research project, not going back to the library was a reasonable choice--in fact, I might have been wasting my time there. But how did bookish me turn into someone who would rather lift weights than be at the library? A chunk of the answer is, of course, that it's paid research, rather than a question or project that caught my interest on its own. Another chunk is that I was working with an annoyingly designed database interface, not with actual printed books or magazines.

The new glasses are significantly smaller than the current pair: the current pair are large and heavy enough to rub against and irritate my cheeks, so smaller is not merely a fashion choice. The frames go well with my coloring, in an unobtrusive way. After much discussion with the optician, I'm not getting prescription sunglasses, but am getting what they call "transitional," which I used to call "photogray"--the kind that go dark in sunlight, and then lighten again indoors. She assures me that the current version of these do lighten all the way to clear. I'm not entirely convinced--but with a 30-day unconditional guarantee if I don't like them, I'll try it, because swapping glasses repeatedly is a nuisance. I won't have the new glasses for at least a week, more likely two, but I can wait. I also bought some lens-cleaning cloths, the kind that are individually wrapped and pre-moistened with an appropriate cleaning solution, suitable for use when I don't have running water handy.

The library now requires an "Access card" for researchers. To get one, you fill out a form (either in advance online, or at the library), then show them photo ID, get your picture taken, and a couple of minutes later have a card with photo and bar code. [Without a photo ID, they'll give you a three-day temporary card, but only once.]

( more gym details, including thinking about numbers )