Sunday, June 16, 2013

Bookworm, Interrupted


There was a bitch in the BEL (Busan English Library) yesterday, and it was me.

I'm usually mindful of the fact that when I am out in public, I'm not just me.  I represent all Americans.  It's up to me to make a good impression on the Koreans.  It comes with living and working in another country, and I usually step up and try to be pleasant and helpful if someone wants to practice chatting in English or needs help with English homework.

Yesterday though, I didn't quite meet my standards.  The Bookworm Inside Me refused to yield.

There I was, sitting in my proper section of the library (the Orange Corner), reading a book.  I was pretty caught up in it when I felt someone plop down next to me and say "Excuse me".

I reluctantly dragged my eyes off the page and my brain out of 1910s Deep Valley (okay, I confess: I was reading a Betsy-Tacy book) and the woman launched into a grammar question about when it's appropriate to use a colon and when it's appropriate to use a relative clause.

I was supremely annoyed, and couldn't even force a smile.  My thoughts probably showed on my face: 
 Shit. Nowhere to run to.  Nowhere to hide.
Go away, I'm reading.  
Give me a break! It's the weekend.

The nice part of me struggled for control:  Aren't you ashamed of yourself?  Look good for America!

I don't feel like explaining grammar!  Now that I've finally got a proper library to hang out in, I want to relax and read without the threat of having to pull a mini-lesson out of my butt at a moment's notice!

You're reading a Betsy-Tacy book, for God's sake.  It wouldn't kill you to break off for a few minutes.  Quit acting like you're an animal and she's gotten too close to your food dish.

Grrrrrrrrr!

I couldn't bring myself to be entirely rude, but I was pretty terse with my explanation, and I served it up with a pleasepleasepleaseleavemealone expression. I also kept my book open, and as soon as she got up, I went right back to reading before she'd even walked off.

It's just like Julian Smith says: 
If you ever interrupt me
You can bet you're gonna see
The nasty me, the nasty me, the nasty me...


During my next visit to the BEL, I've got to find a place where I can be concealed and still remain in my proper area of the library.  Perhaps I could enlist the aid of the staff, but I think it would go like this:





5 comments:

The Relentless Reader said...

Omg, that video!! LOL, I've never seen that before. I have to share it on my FB page for sure :)

I can understand having a case of the grumps when someone interrupts you. Maybe wear headphones? BIG ones.

Vasilly said...

Thanks to Jennifer for sharing the video on FB. I really understand being a tad grouchy when you're in the middle of a good book. I hope you're able to find a great hiding spot the next time you're at the library.

jenclair said...

It must be difficult to hide from grammar questions in a place where so many want to learn English.

Thanks, Bybee, for sharing this video!

Unruly Reader said...

Oh my gosh. This is hilarious! That song really should become the readers' theme song...

Care said...

I am posting that on my bookclub's FB page - awesome!

And I think you might have a new blog tagline: "I can pull a mini-lesson out of my butt at a moment's notice"