Leading the Way - June 2009
Obeying the Law
by Nancy Anderstrom, PP, PLS, AACP
The season of attending our Regional meetings is upon us. We are all encouraged to attend these meetings, but being the professionals we are, we must be prepared. As always, as members of NALS, certified or not, we aspire to uphold our professionalism to the greatest degree possible. We must strive at all times to be law abiding citizens.
To that end, here are some tidbits you might want to consider for your travels.
For Regions 7 & 8 going to Las Vegas, Nevada:
It is illegal to drive a camel on the highway. I personally was planning
on leaving my camel at home, but for those more adventuresome types, or whose
cars may be in the shop, be forewarned. Also, it is against the law
to pawn your dentures. Eeewww. Be careful of those gambling debts.
For Region 6 going to Little Rock, Arkansas:
Alligators may not be kept in bathtubs. So you might want to leave
that precious reptile at home. Also, in Little Rock, it is unlawful
to walk one’s cow down Main Street after 1 p.m. on Sunday. Darn, Bessie
does love that mid afternoon walk, so remember to get that constitutional
in before noon.
For Region 3 going to La Porte, Indiana:
Hotel sheets must be exactly 99 inches long and 81 inches wide. You
might want to consider packing that tape measure. You wouldn’t want
to break the law by sleeping unawares. Also, baths may not be taken
between the months of October and March. Be glad not only for the invention
of showers, but that the conference is in July.
For Region 4 going to Savannah, Georgia:
No one may carry an ice cream cone in their back pocket if it is Sunday. Why
anyone would do that is a mystery, but those ice cream cravings can be powerful,
and we must uphold the law. Also, donkeys may not be kept in bathtubs. Again,
you might want to consider leaving that particular critter at home for the
duration. And don’t you wonder from where these bathtub laws arose?
For Region 2 going to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
It is illegal to sleep on top of a refrigerator outdoors. Good thing
the conference is at a hotel, and hopefully there will be enough rooms that
this will not be a concern. Also, you may not sing in the bathtub. The
law, however, does not mention if this applies to singing in the shower,
but it might be best to keep your operatic tendencies on hold. It is
better to be safe than sorry.
For Region 5 going to Eau Claire, Wisconsin:
It is illegal to serve apple pie in public restaurants without cheese. What
a disappointment for those who prefer a la mode. Maybe you should just
order the cheesecake or cookies.
For Region 1 going to Warwick, Rhode Island:
No one may bite off another’s leg, so be sure to leave your aggressions at
home. And it is considered an offense to throw pickle juice on a
trolley. Perhaps a taxi or bus is a better mode of transportation. Or
maybe just pack apple or cranberry juice instead of pickle juice.
And for those considering attending the Professional Development Conference in Tulsa in 2010, keep in mind that in Oklahoma, females are forbidden from doing their own hair without being licensed by the state. Hope you hook up with a good roommate who is willing to help out. Also remember that in Oklahoma, whaling is illegal. Makes you wonder why they have this law, and where they keep the whales.
Regardless of how ridiculous these laws may seem (and I do not know if they are actual laws, but I imagine some are; I did not research any actual statutes, but had fun looking up dumb laws), one thing stands out: that members of NALS carry with them the fortitude to rise above and beyond in upholding the law, and to conduct themselves accordingly, no matter where they travel. The credo “Every member shall . . .” applies in our work lives and our daily lives, whether we are at home or abroad – putting our best face forward at all times.