I'm getting excited about ALA Midwinter in Philadelphia. I'm flying out on Thursday morning. Maybe it's because I am still so new to the profession, but I really love mass takeovers by librarians on unsuspecting cities for the purpose of discussing all things library related, to schmooze with other librarians, go to all the decadent parties (though I think vendors really should cut back on these crazy parties and pass the savings on to the libraries), and to pick up some really cool swag. Yes, I sure love library conferences.

I don't know much about Philly other than the lore about cheesesteaks, us history, and the Rocky scene. So, I go armed with only one tidbit to help me order cheesesteak like a local. You have to ask for Wiz Wit'. That means, you want a cheesesteak with fried onions (that's the wit' part, or with for all you non-philadelphians) and cheese Whiz, but provolone would be a perfectly acceptable substitute. I wonder what kind of response I would get if I asked for seitan instead of meat?

Anywho, I am currently reading Handbook to Luck by Cristina Garcia. This may be my Book A Month Challenge choice instead of the Janissary Tree. Don't get me wrong, I really liked the Jannisary Tree by Jason Goodwin. I just like Garcia's book better. I'll talk more about that later.