A Kindle Convert?

After weeks of shopper indecision, I just bought a Kindle online. As I wait for my gadget to arrive, let's take a minute to consider the context of my purchase.

As a 4th grader, I volunteered at the local library after school, organizing the youth section... just for kicks. I was also mildly obsessed with the summer reading program, wanting to beat out the other kids for "most books read." At Boston University I worked at the campus Library for 4 years. A few co-workers from that job remain my closest friends today; and my college roommate Kate and I were known to use the library staff and patrons as our personal dating pool. I am also an enthusiastic member of the Boston Public Library, which was actually the first of its kind in the U.S. (fun fact). So libraries and I have a history. Which is why it was so hard for me to wrap my head around the idea of using an e-reader in lieu of my beloved library books.

What sealed the deal for me then? I logged onto the website for the local library in Vinton, Iowa, searched the catalog for "Kurt Vonnegut," and saw only ONE book on record by that author. Not cool! Sure, I can always buy books online once I get to Iowa, but I'll still have to think about the storage and transportation issues. Being that my plan for 2011 is to travel as light as possible, looks like I'll be giving the Kindle a whirl. Plus I saved $30 by signing up for an Amazon.com credit card, so I think it was a pretty good deal. I'm excited about being able to access almost any book I want instantaneously. Maybe I'll try to be ironic and make Fahrenheit 451 my first Kindle read.

I know what you're thinking, people.

"Who the hell does this gal think she is?! Starting a blog and thinking she's all that. For shame!" I hear your concerns. For the past 26 years I have held this same viewpoint - that frankly, my personal day to day goings-on do not merit the ownership of a blog. That's not to discount anyone else's blog. It's just that my posts would likely involve take-out and repeats of Ghost Hunters on demand. That being said, this thing is happening. Hopefully my AmeriCorps travels, documented in photos and sometimes-clever text will be enough to win you over. In the meantime, I'm still waiting for my background check to go through before the job offer is completely official, which is terrifying since I have already given my notice at work and my roomie is on the prowl for a January 1st replacement. So if somewhere in my paperwork it's revealed that I have passed out twice while eating hot mashed potatoes or that I secretly rock out to Michael Bolton, I may end up sleeping on your couch... 'cause I don't think AmeriCorps accepts weirdos.