Most Teens Are Cooler Than I Am

Hey guys, its Alissa. I thought that since taking on writing every single day might make Rochelle grumpy and crazy, I would help her out by writing something on here. First of all, I am a terrible librarian for anyone over 10, because I don't read as much as I should. Unless of course it's People magazine. I can tell you all about how Jessica Simpson is in a weight battle, or how the Octo-mom is all kinds of crazy though. Really important stuff. You would think with my vast knowledge of pop culture I would be irresistibly cool, hip, and with the times. I thought I was all of these things, until I stupidly helped with a Teen Bible Study last week. The group was full of teens ages 12-17 (maybe older because I swear one of them looked at least 30). They were all really welcoming to me. I have to wonder if it has to do with the fact I am five feet tall and have braces. (and totally smokin') Anywho, we played the Human Knot which is a prime way to find out if someone has body odor or get up close and personal with someone you have a crush on. (Tic-Tacs are a must!) During the game my voice was cracking, because I was recovering from a massive cold that left me sounding like a combo between Linda Blair in "The Exorcist" and Tim Curry. I understand that unless you are over 25, you do not know who I am talking about. Google it. One of the teen girls like said "I really like your voice Alissa, its all like sexy and smokey." And like I said "Hey thanks, I think I sound really scary. I normally sound like a Muppet Baby." And like she said "What is a Muppet Baby?" WHAT IS A MUPPET BABY?!? WHO DOESN'T KNOW WHAT A MUPPET BABY IS? Come on!! Come freakin' ON!!! When your world gets kinda weird and you wish that you weren't there.....just close your eyes and make a wish and you can be anywhere.........anyone alive during the 80s can finish that sentence man. Whatever happened to the days where people watched "Pee Wee's Playhouse?" What happened to Pop Rocks? Jelly Shoes? Slap Bracelets? Punky Brewster? Whatever happened to that guy from Growing Pains, you know the other less hot brother of Kirk Cameron? These were the good ol' days. Days of tying the corner of your shirt in a knot and playing with Beanie Babies. These teens were so much more stylish and with it than I am. They were talking about celebrities I had never heard of. Who is Trevor Ariza? And when did purple and yellow mismatched socks become the posh thing to wear? I am so old. I looked in the mirror that night at my almost 26 year old face and noticed my huge patch of grey hair is spreading. Enjoy being a teen while you can even though most days it feels like it sucks. I know that acne, cliques, dating, all of that stuff can be totally miserable. But then one day you wake up and look in the mirror and wonder where it all went, and where all of your dark colored hair went. Instead of asking yourself questions like what will I wear to the prom, you ask how am I going to pay for my car insurance? So while I don't know much about books, I do know that I am not as cool as I thought I was. (Or else I am SO cool that I am TOO cool to be considered cool-yeah that's it) so yeah, that's my thoughts for today....that and how come they never showed Nanny's face? (unless you know what a Muppet Baby is, you will not know what that means)

Upcoming Events

So...there are a lot of events coming up at WCPL and we would love to see you there. First, I am sure you all know that TWILIGHT premieres on November 21, 2008!!!!!! Ally and I will be at Marquee Cinema on Saturday November 22, 2008. We will be promoting The Bolt and Twilight. There will be tons of free stuff available for everyone who stops at our booth. On December 19th school lets out early. Starting at 1pm that day we will be showing movies at the library until 5:30 pm. There will be free drinks, popcorn, and snacks all day long. Also, in January we are starting a teen volunteer program. Colleges and employers love people who are active in their communities guys. There are tons of things to do here. If you are interested in working with kids one day this is the perfect opportunity for you to get some experience. We will have more information available about our volunteer program once the program is 100% approved. Also beginning in January we will be having regular teen meetings where you all have the chance to tell us what you want. So...if you want your voice heard we are ready to listen, stop by the Wythe County Public Library Monday-Friday from 9-6 to tell us how you feel, to ask questions, or just to find a good book.

Hey guys,

It's been awhile since we wrote anything. SRP went really well, we had a steady group of girls who came to our programs, and more teens than we have had in several years. Just a quick update on what we have going on. This Friday (8/30/2008) we will be at Marquee Cinema for the premiere of Babylon A.D. It seems like a cool movie so if any of you are there come by our table between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. and get some free candy and buttons and other fun stuff. Other events coming up are Teen Read Week in October and Teen Nights in November and December. Keep checking back for more details about what we will be doing at each of these events. Also, don't forget to take our teen survey so that we can plan activities based on what you are interested in. Hope you all had a great August, and are looking forward to the new school year.

Lis and Chelle