first day.

today was my first day as an intern at 826 Valencia, which i can honestly say was the most fun i've ever had in a day of work.

some highlights:

* gave several people a good mopping.

* got lard all over my hand when rescuing a spyglass from said fatty substance. after being greasy nearly all day, my skin on that hand is now silky soft.

* the kids today participated in a workshop on espionage. they had to dress up in a disguise, and find the two agents of Captain Rick that were lurking around the store. at the signal of, "it's hot out today," i handed the budding spies granola bars.

* met Dave Eggers. he seemed very bemused and bewildered by all that he has spawned. nice guy, very soft spoken. reminds me of a friends' older brother from when i was younger. i didn't have the heart to tell him (yet) that i think his revision of "You Shall Know Our Velocity" compromises the emotional integrity of the original (though I won't go as far as to say the new version 'sucks.' but almost.). i would advise everyone to read the first McSweeney's version, which is excellent

* hob-nobbed with the good folks that put together the Believer and McSweeney's Quarterly. can you say 'inside track'?

* had my official staff Polaroid portrait hung on the 826 bathroom wall. oh, the glory.

in a week, i'll start working with the kids and also doing some production stuff for the 826 Quarterly. this is the best job ever.

tim

p.s. hey Sharyn, if you want an offical 826 pirate eye patch, drop me a line-- they're a bargin at $4, and i'd be happy to take one to the post office for ya.