When I started this blog I lived in Manhattan, KS. As the government resources and geography/maps librarian at Kansas State University, living in the midwest, I also was able to explore a part of our country I never thought I would see. And what do you know – I was actually living there!
Then back to the east coast and off to Annapolis, MD, continuing as an academic librarian as well as a federal government employee. As the political science/economices/government information librarian at the U.S. Naval Academy, it was a job like no other. Immersed in a whole different professional atmosphere from the newest midshipmen to the experienced and proficient professor and/or officer. Loved it and enjoyed helping midshipmen with their papers, all the while learning myself.
My next move was to DC. Still a federal librarian, only working in Washington, DC (sometimes in a law library) and living in Northern Virginia. Fascinating job, fascinating city. Well, if you’ve read any of my blog you know I love to take pictures in a new city, and DC is one I explore often.
I recently returned to my hometown in Southern Virginia. Still researching and digging for the best answers, in the same subjects I scoured through for the last 20 years. The good thing about also working general reference is that I have also researched in just about any subject you can imagine. I thrive on the challenges!
In my free time I like to cook. And eat. Converse with my friends. Learn about life around me, even life that is so far away I cannot see it. Watch a few choice TV shows about the law, attorneys, and law enforcement. Various governments and espionage, with a comedy thrown in now and then so I don’t become too dark in my outlook. Laughter is good. I like reading nonfiction, such as criminal justice, global security, and the policy work that goes on in DC, our state capitals, and around the world. And eat. When reading fiction, the usual choices are mysteries, espionage, and (again) stories with a Washington, DC/federal government background. Other times I go in an entirely different direction and create jewelry. And study books and magazines about architecture, fashion, and design in general. And sometimes I take TONS of pictures of just about everything!
Cool mornings outside with a good cup of coffee are the best! I currently eat a little seafood with my veggie diet (pescetarian). I especially like to eat around a table of healthy food with good friends and fascinating conversation. Hiking by myself, because being alone in nature leads to very spiritual moments. I hiked the magnificent prairie sometimes when I lived in Kansas, but the Appalachians are closest to my heart. Spending time with my family and friends. I like walking to work in the mornings, even when it is -5 degrees outside. And there is eating.
Trivia? I was mistaken for Congresswoman Barbara Boxer once. Don’t look a thing like her. But I was wearing a suit and walking through the Hart Senate Office Building in DC. It was kinda a cool moment.
Thank you for the wonderful blog regarding Bistro Bis. So happy to hear you had such a wonderful experience! And for the record, I have found that the best way to eat Onion Soup (especially ours) is to just dig in any way you can… til it’s gone!
we hope to see you soon!
Sean-Patrick Applegate
General Manager