Library Etiquette

I have spending a lot of time in the library, as of late. I have had an atrocious amount of school projects to complete in preparation for my upcoming stint as a student teacher in the second grade. I have attempted to take advantage of all the local libraries and I can truly say, there is no place like home. The Elk Grove Library is a comfortable study sanctuary. However, it is not always an option and with my, "take what I can get," schedule, I stop in to whatever library I am closest to.

Today, I sit in the Addison Library on this subpar Wednesday afternoon, I am having a difficult time ignoring my growling stomach. Unfortunately, in my haste of dropping Gigi off at school and maximizing my homework time (as I sit here typing a blog instead....), I forgot to bring any form of sustinance. I was daydreaming about my next meal when I was suddenly brought back to reality by the puddle of drool I had formed on the table, as well as my new study-neighbor.

He announced his arrival with a series of belches. He seems like a shower might do him some good, and I'm tempted to point out to him that he forgot to secure a button at the equator of his large gut and thus, I can see inside his shirt. But, before I have a chance to open my mouth, he begins ranting to himself yet aloud about something. I can't make out exactly what he is saying, other than keywords such as, "F*&K and Damn the Man." I didn't even know people really said the latter of the two. Then, he waddled off out of sight, taking with him, his stench, reminiscent of body odor and sloppy joes. I am feeling slightly clausterphobic and immensely unfocused now that my clean study air has been infiltrated by his odor.

When he returns, he is sporting a pair of eye glasses. I'm guessing he had forgotten them elsewhere in the library and that was the reason for his flirting dangerously with falling off the deep end. Now, he is flipping madly throught a newspaper and he catches me observing him. He shifts his eyes nervously side to side, before holding up a hand and saying hello. I return the gesture and we both get back to our respective work.

As I sit here, listening to him mumble, breathe heavily, and separate phlegm in his throat, I reflect upon library etiquette. I'm certainly more used to the old school version of sit quietly and don't cause a distraction. But, perhaps, there is a new age outlook and despite my love of all things mannerly, I am the odd one out....

Needless to say, my embarrassment about my growling stomach has ceased. And, that is probably because now, my appetite has too.