Nina writes:

What's up!? I guess we're doing our individual blogs now, so here's mine for Rick to post later, when he's done deciding which books shall make the BBYA list we are so desperately waiting for. I'm home now, but it took awhile... our plane was delayed for about a year, and I was late to youth symphony *gasp* which wasn't really that big of a deal, as it turned out: people were impressed I came at all, after living through the horror that is Texas, (general Seattle opinion). I was still wearing all my library gear, when I walked in, too. I looked reeeeeallly cool, with my "I read banned books" pins and my "got libraries?" tote bag. Like, actually a nerd to the max. I was even still wearing my badge. There was no way I could have possibly looked cooler.

Today was amazing, because we were able to go to the "Oscars of Young Adult and Children's Books" and witness the giving of the Newbery, Caldecott, Printz... talk about incre dible. The fact that "Looking for Alaska" won the Printz was just the icing on the cake. I cheered so loud my throat is sore. For the people (and I know who you are) that don't like this book: take THAT. Okay that's a bit unfair. I understand why people might have a problem with it... no, sorry, actually, I don't.

It was sunny today... the day we left... as if we were imposters in Texas and it was going back to normal now that we rainy Seattle people were leaving. Given the weather, though, I'm not sure why our plane from San Antonio to Dallas was sooo delayed. There was no wind, rain, snow, or any other natural or extraterrestrial disaster. What was the deal?? I mean, they could have packed us all in a bus and drove us to Dallas, and it would have taken less time.

Nina's Rules for Surviving Texas:
-Don't buy any food of any kind in the San Antonio airport. You will regret it as long as you live.The specialt ies available today were a fruit smoothie with threads/hair/other unnatural textured material in it, pasta drenched in oil, and stale bread.We survived on Michelle's stash of Lemonheads, Jackie's bag of Peachy-Os, my gum, and Molly's Clif bars and trail mix.
-If you must buy food in Texas, do Italian. Order pizza or some nice Caesar salad. Never go into Gunter's bakery, ever. They serve less than half the food on their menu and we already went over their idea of iced coffee. And beware of terrifyingly spicy food at art benefits masquerading as cute dumplings and sausage rolls.
-Although buying a cowboy hat, boots, and a "don't mess with texas" T-shirt may seem like a good idea upon entering the state, think hard about these decisions. Will people laugh and throw things at you when you return to Seattle? Will you ever be able to wear your new duds anyplace except Halloween? Put your rodeo dreams away and spend your money on other things, such a s ice cream, cat sombreros, or books you will have to buy. Unlike us. We VIPS get all our books for free.
-If you do encounter publishers eager to give books away, make sure your suitcase weighs less than fifty pounds. Paying extra at check-in, and permanent back and neck problems from trying to lug your suitcase off the conveyor belt put a serious damper on book euphoria.
-Say, "I went to the ALA conference in San Antonio to talk about teen books" when asked. People will ooh and ahh and remark on your cleverness. Not, "I was in Texas." This will only induce remarks from people who think they are hilarious, such as "Did you see George Bush? har har har. Did you go to the rodeo? yee-haw! har dee har."
-Frequently post blogs while you are there to let off steam and get all your semi-rude comments out, where they can be laughed at harmlessly by friends and family. If you don't, you might find yourself going up to a complete stranger Texan and aski ng them about their inability to put up traffic lights in the correct way, or why the Alamo doesn't have a basement, or why you would name a bar "Steers and Beers."
-Make a big deal about the Seahawks winning, so no one will mistake you for a Texan and will instead mistake you for someone a )from Seattle (true), and b) a Seahawks fan (hahaha...ha.)
-Listen intently to your supervisor's life stories whenever they feel the need to pour their hearts out, even if you have other things on your agenda such as writing more blogs or reading your free SWAG or going to sleep or making up songs about library lads. Librarians are sensitive souls. They need to feel appreciated, especially in Texas.

With all of that said, I just want EVERYONE who is reading this to know that I had a wonderful weekend, and that being able to voice my opinion on books I read was just so amazingly sweet. I would also like everyone to know that my suit case full of SWAG (43. 5 pounds) is now sitting on my floor, with books pouring out of it. I'm unsure of what to do with them. I don't have any more shelf space.
Rick, you are a great hobbit/manager/book-talker/librarian. Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to be on STAB and go on this trip!
Alene, you are my hero. If someone asked me to chaperone four teenagers in Texas for a weekend, I would have run screaming from the room. You did an awesome job and I'm so glad we all got to know you better!! :-) We all love you so much!
Angie, I will never forget your fabulousness. Way to get us VIP treatment!
Friends of Shoreline Library - thank you SO much for sending us to San Antonio! In case you couldn't tell already, we had the time of our lives!!!!!

And to Jackie, Molly, and Michelle - WE DID STAB SAN ANTONIO!!! (it was ACTUALLY poignant) and I love you all to pieces, I had such a great time with all you girls!!! and now good luck on all that homework we waited until tonight to do!!

~Nina