Shifting Gears to You from We

I'll know when I'm fully at home in my La Crosse skin when I am able to say "we" when talking about how the La Crosse library does things.  In getting my bearings on the job, I've been referring a great deal to BPL. I've worried about invoking my previous workplace so much, but it serves to put things in perspective for staff and myself--at least I hope it does.  Anyway, during these invocations, I frequently find myself saying "we" when I'm talking about BPL and "you" when referring to La Crosse policies. "Why do you guys have a two hour internet limit?  At BPL we have a one hour limit."  And, it's not just in reference to the job, but to the community--parking regulations, farmers markets, traffic, recycling ("can I put my rotten furniture on the curb? We can do that in Bloomington." ....  Even though I'm still in a library and still in the midwest, I'm experiencing a culture shift.  Nothing has been terribly jarring or negative, just different. 

Last night was the first night I got home from work and wasn't worthless-stupid-tired. I also noticed that Juniorette was sleeping a lot the first week or so.  She hasn't expressed any anxiety or exhibited any stress regarding this move, but I think that her need to sleep a lot is her way of dealing with all the changes.  I've been trying to go home for lunch every day, just to check in with the girls.  My reason is that even though they say they don't really care one way or the other if they see my face midday, I like to think that they need me in some small way.  More than likely, I'm the one who needs to see their faces. 

Yesterday, I skipped the lunch trip home. I thought it'd be good for me to do something not related to work or the move, so I decided to walk downtown and grab a sandwich.  It was the right decision. I found an awesome resale shop, with all sorts of reasonably-priced, non-press board furniture, and got a much-needed dose of sunshine and fresh air. 

New neighbor Scott told me that I've missed five yard parties since I moved in (less than two weeks ago!) and wonders where I've been.  I have a lot more online social energy--Scott and I were fast friends, thanks to the wonders of Gmail chat, long before I spent my first night in La Crosse.  I think he's been somewhat puzzled by my near-invisibility since moving in.  So far, I haven't had the social energy for it, but this might be the weekend for my entre into La Crosse society.  This weekend's party is at Scott's, right across the street, so that makes it easy.  We should have a pretty good time.

Comments

[Kaijsa]

I've been at my new job for just over two months and I can definitely relate. I'm trying to force myself to use "we" about my current library and not constantly reference the former library, but it's difficult at this early stage. It's also problematic that both universities have the same initials.

[DisEdLibrarian]

I'm at the stage (2 years) where I'm using "we" for both!

[Lynn]

Hey Rochelle,

I can certainly relate to using "we" about a former job. I've been at my current job for just over a year and have only just noticed that I consistently use "we" to describe where I am now! I still talk about MFPOW - but usually only when prompted. Glad things are settling down. Moving is exhausting!

Lynn