[Publib] "You Guys"

[Kathleen Horan]

Hi, John,
 
I'm from The Big Apple, and up there, we use "you guys" when addressing a crowd, no matter its gender.  After reading your post, though, I'm rethinking this habit.  Since I still say "dawg" and "cawfee," I won't feel comfortable using the southern plural of you:  "y'all."  I'm going to opt for an authentic variation and say "youse" from now on. Thanks for setting me straight.  Youse are awl good people. An' I mean dat.
 
  -- Kathleen
 
"Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual."     -- Victor E. Frankl
 
Kathleen P. Horan, M.L.S.
Branch Manager
Palm View Branch Library
McAllen, TX
956-688-3322

________________________________

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org on behalf of John
Sent: Thu 7/12/2007 9:44 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] Guybrarians



Actually, I rather like "guybrarian."  What annoys me is having
waitpersons at restaurants appearing and asking "How're you GUYS doing?"
when most of the people at the table (if it's a gathering of librarians)
aren't "guys."  Which reminds me of another pet peeve: Wait staff
asking, "How does everything *taste*?"  I have to fight back the urge to
say something like, "It tastes TERRIBLE.  How does your chef come up
with this DRECK?  My HACKLES are really raised, and I'm never coming
back!"

Re: attire...I bought a new suit when I interviewed for this job and one
other position in the area.  I promptly suffered one of those waistline
sags--after the interviews, thank G/god--that comes with middle age (I
don't seem to gain weight; I merely sag), the suit didn't fit, and I
haven't replaced it.  I like fairly dressy jeans that aren't blue (and
corduroy in the winter) with a tasteful shirt, usually purchased at
Jacques C. Penn-A, and, oddly enough, a necktie.  I used to scorn ties.
They do have their drawbacks, especially on those days when a toilet
gets clogged and ONLY THE DIRECTOR can even possibly think of wielding a
plunger.  Gets annoying tossing that tie over my shoulder, only to have
it slip back down, perilously close to whatever it is I'm plunging...or
picking up, if I'm required--because ONLY THE DIRECTOR can do these
things, absent the cleaning person--to pick up something disgusting from
the floor.  On the other hand, when I used to be a municipal librarian,
I enjoyed wearing my Mr. Potato Head tie to, say, city council meetings
or budget hearings.  Mr. Potato Head seemed, well...appropriate for
wearing amidst such throngs as city council members be.  Are.  My wife
buys all my sweaters, on which I am complimented frequently; being
modest, I give credit where credit is due, and then always report such
comments--and credit--to Herself when I get home, knowing that being the
bearer of such good news can enhance the marital relationship.

Just the other day I was at the circ desk, actually doing something
useful besides administrating, and a woman came up to the desk and said,
with great expression, "Wow!  LOVE that purple shirt!"  I told her that
once upon a time I had been told that purple was/is a "power color," and
that I covet immense power immensely.  (Note: Before purple, I heard
that red was a power color, but that could be erroneous, and I don't
look particularly good in red, anyway.)  She just laughed.  I laughed
with her.  I considered it good CUSTOMER SERVICE to laugh with her, as I
assiduously study CUSTOMER SERVICE on a regular basis.  Today I awoke
feeling humble--probably because I had to go to the dentist at 8
a.m.--and so donned a more low-key shirt.  The dentist quite obviously
was the one in power, and I didn't want to appear threatening by wearing
purple, don't y'know.

And now, back to real work....  Have a *nice* day, all you guys out
there.

John D. Richmond, Director
Alpha Park Public Library District
3527 So. Airport Road
Bartonville, IL 61607-1799
Ph: (309) 697-3822, x. 12
Fax: 697-9681
E-mail: jrichmond at alphapark.org
________________________________________________
I especially enjoy trying out baby changing shelves, although our
grandchildren don't seem any different no matter how many times I put
them on one. -- Bernie Siegel

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