A couple of interesting incidents to relate about today's session of wandering around Lincoln.

Found an interesting little thrift store around O St and 17th(?). Bargain prices. Didn't see fit to buy anything today, but I might stop there again in the future.

Wandered by A Novel Idea, where I bought a copy of Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere. He's one of those authors I've "always been meaning to try", so now I will! :)

The clerk on duty (yes, that same one) commended my choice, and once again demonstrated her encyclopedic knowledge of all things literary by suggesting that while Neverwhere tends to appeal to the scifi audience, those who are more into fantasy type stuff might prefer Gaiman's Stardust. (Note to self: Monday seems to be a good day to visit that store.)

From there, I went South to Open Harvest. In addition to buying a few random snacks (I think I've become addicted to wasabi peas (credit/blame goes to bouncing, who introduced me to the damn things)), I decided that I had done enough thinking about it over the past few weeks. It was time to act.

When I got to the checkout, I told the clerk that I wanted to become a member. $25 and a few form fields later, it came to be.

A manager was called to the front, and I was given the "new member orientation". She presented me with a packet full of papers, and spent about 5 minutes explaining things.

Why? Because I want to put my money where my mouth is. Because at this point, I'm estimating a 75% chance I'll want to start spending a couple hours per week volunteering there. We can sit around on the web all day and complain about how fucked up things are, but in terms of practical results, that's about as effective as holding protest marches and draping our cars in bumper stickers. (Haha, joke's on me.)

If there's any hope for America, it lies with those who are putting together organizations such as this one.

(That's not to say that my motives don't also have a large component of self-interest. It's a decent bet that if I volunteer, it gives me a better chance of getting my foot in the door for possible future employment. Of course, the discount doesn't hurt either.)

Speaking of employment, I really must get to work. Buh-bye now.