So... the application for the position of Librarian for the US Marine Band asks for an optional writing sample...

o.0

I've never submitted an app that asked for that... any thoughts on what kind of writing sample they would want?

What kind of writing does the job entail? I would think something like that. Do you have any press releases or something that you've written?

As far as writing, it entails "researching and writing content for the website," and "formatting and editing concert programs and program notes."

I don't have anything that really fits that bill, but I suppose I could take a look at their website and make a mock-up. Is that kosher? Or would this be something where I would have to use something I've already done?

The writing sample is optional, but since I think I'm a decent writer, I'd like to toss it in there.

I think you could do a mock-up. They just asked for a sample, not a published sample. Maybe do a write-up of a composer or something.

Yep, I agree with Chi - they want to see what you can do that fits their bill, not see what you've done to fit someone else's bill. A mock-up should be fine.

It's obviously easier to send something you already have, but something custom-written seems like an excellent idea. Just make sure to have someone else proof it.

Ailleann, may I suggest writing something about John Philip Sousa? As one of the most well-known directors of the U.S. Marine Band, if you could find something unique about him to highlight or just present the information in a different way I'm sure you'd win their hearts in a second! Show off both your writing skills and your research skills at the same time.

Thanks Sail, that's an excellent idea! Yay research!

Challenge #103 (box in the back of the closet) is now closed.

Challenge #104 is school lunches, which is a topic I'm unashamedly stealing from Anne Lamott.

This is revenge. This is revenge because I cannot read the words "school lunch" without this coming back to me. Apologies to those eating...no wait. Skip this if you are eating. -

I can still call up the smell of my elementary cafeteria. One that never changed, no matter the day's meal.

There were two trash buckets in front of the tray return window.

One was for paper, your milk cartons and napkins.

The other was for everything else.

Butteredcannedcorn-hamburgermacaronihelper-whiteroll-sausagecheesepizza- chocolatemilk-wholemilk-cheeseburger-fries-fruitcocktail-chickennuggets- cheezyenchiladas-spaghettiandmeatsauce-hotdog-grilledcheese-applesauce-salad

A slurping, sloshing stew in a 50 gallon bucket.

And the kindergarten monitor had to ask why I wasn't eating my lunch?