More than one Olympic athlete has gotten into trouble for inappropriate tweeting. I have a lot of positive feelings about social media, but it has its drawbacks. I can only imagine that had Facebook and Twitter existed when I was a young hothead that I would have never passed an initial Google search. I am also glad that was not an option upon my graduation.
I mention my undergrad years because most of the athletes you read about it are that age or younger and if there is one thing that I have learned about teenagers is that most of them dumb. They may be able to program an I-Pad, pass exams, and navigate the web, but they really are, in general, short sighted. Understanding consequences is not a strong suit.
There are, however, some athletes who are old enough to know better and to them I would like to say, "Get it together." Nothing you put on the Internet is private I don't care if you delete it an hour later. We have already seen it. Here is a newsflash, the things that are funny to you and your friends are probably not funny to outsiders. Most of those "controversial" comments aren't funny at all, but at least if you say them to people who like you, instead of writing it for all the world to see, you stand a chance of not being called out. You might even be able to deny it. The bottom line is that "Followers" are not your friends. Why is that so hard for people to understand?
Another thing I don't understand, is why they have so much free time to keep tweeting nonsense. Shouldn't you be busy. Are there no sights to see or other events to watch? If you have to post something, then upload Twitpics of you at Big Ben or with other athletes. Photobomb someone. Take a nap, for goodness sake. You can't get in trouble while you are sleeping. Stop mouthing off. Responding to commentators is a distraction. Focus. Keep your eyes on the prize. Remember: Eye of the Tiger (not the Tweeter)!
My real question to Olympic athletes is this:
Don't you have something more important (less disruptive) to do, like practice.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Best Weekend
I just came back to work after having the best weekend I have had this entire summer. I did not have to work this weekend and I took off Thursday and Friday. My parents watched LoLo and Suga both of those nights, so I got to hang out with Husband like a couple that doesn't have kids. It was awesome. Saturday we went to the best kids party I have ever been to in my entire life. (That mom is going to be so disappointed when she comes to our party next week. Oh well, that is the price she pays for being an overachiever.) Sunday we went to church, the kids took a long nap while I cleaned, and we ate at a friends house. I did drop my cellphone in the toilet, but other than that this weekend ROCKED.
As I replayed the weekend, I realized that I was left with a few questions.
1. I am a totally scareddy cat. Why do I think that I can watch hardcore action movies? Husband and I watched Immortals at like midnight after watching The Dark Knight rises earlier that day. I must have reached my annual quota for homicidal maniacs because it took 2 episodes of House Hunters, earnest prayer and extreme fatigue before I could even consider going to sleep. That guy from Immortals was the worst. I thought there might be a couple fights leading to a battle sequence, but this guy was straight up crazy- setting people on fire and slitting throats. Way to much for this Chicken Little.
2. When did it become okay to go to church with no bra on? I am not talking about teenage girls who may not know better. I am talking about grown women who may have a child or two judging from the level of hang time (wink, wink). I just don't understand. unless the miracle you are praying for is a lift and tuck, you need to get it together.
3. Why serve food and not serve dessert? We went out to a really nice lounge that someone Husband went to school with opened and it was after dinner, so I had my mind set on dessert. Only there was none listed on the menu. Really? I just can't get down with a place open after 9pm with no sweets. Give me a cookie of something.
4. Why am I not rich enough to stop going to work? That is not really a question from this weekend. That was my thought when the alarm went off and I remembered that Husband also had work. That meant I had to get my babies up, dressed, fed and in the car by 7. Not only was my weekend over, but so was my summer vacation.
At least it ended well.
As I replayed the weekend, I realized that I was left with a few questions.
1. I am a totally scareddy cat. Why do I think that I can watch hardcore action movies? Husband and I watched Immortals at like midnight after watching The Dark Knight rises earlier that day. I must have reached my annual quota for homicidal maniacs because it took 2 episodes of House Hunters, earnest prayer and extreme fatigue before I could even consider going to sleep. That guy from Immortals was the worst. I thought there might be a couple fights leading to a battle sequence, but this guy was straight up crazy- setting people on fire and slitting throats. Way to much for this Chicken Little.
2. When did it become okay to go to church with no bra on? I am not talking about teenage girls who may not know better. I am talking about grown women who may have a child or two judging from the level of hang time (wink, wink). I just don't understand. unless the miracle you are praying for is a lift and tuck, you need to get it together.
3. Why serve food and not serve dessert? We went out to a really nice lounge that someone Husband went to school with opened and it was after dinner, so I had my mind set on dessert. Only there was none listed on the menu. Really? I just can't get down with a place open after 9pm with no sweets. Give me a cookie of something.
4. Why am I not rich enough to stop going to work? That is not really a question from this weekend. That was my thought when the alarm went off and I remembered that Husband also had work. That meant I had to get my babies up, dressed, fed and in the car by 7. Not only was my weekend over, but so was my summer vacation.
At least it ended well.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Party Pooper
I realized this morning that I am kind of a Debbie Downer. This is mostly with regard to my friends and their very interesting love lives. The problem is that I always want the things they say to make sense to me and usually they don't. This leads to me asking questions and inevitably I ruin the moment.
This is not, however, my intention. I want to rejoice with them and bask in the glow of new love and new possibilities. My problem is that I have trouble basking in the glow of a relationship that I am fairly certain is a bad idea.
Example:
Mallow tells me she was asked out by a guy that she has known for a while. When I ask about him, she gives me some generic answer about him being nice. I ask how he looks and she says, "Um, he is cuuute? He looks okay." My natural response, "Why would you date a guy that is not hot?" She repeated that he was nice, but I asked again what the point of dating someone you are not attracted to could possibly be, unless she was one of those people who believed that a person could become more attractive once you get to know them. I commended her if she was one of those people because I am self-aware enough to understand that I am shallow and for me a person is either hot or not.
It is like shopping for clothes. You take clothes to the dressing room because they look good on the hanger and you hope they will look good when you put them on. Why take your clothes off for something that did not even look good to you on the showroom floor. That just doesn't make sense to me. (I have also advised them to stop taking their clothes off for these clowns, but that is topic for another day. Lord, help me.)
I have also been known to ask questions like, "What is the point of this relationship? If you have to change most everything about him, are you really sure that you like him? Is this really how you want to spend your time? Don't you think it is a bad idea to start dating someone else before you tell your husband and family you want a divorce" and various other parade raining statements. I still affirm that I ask these questions out of love, but maybe I should start just listening to the story and saying, "Ok!" That is probably what they want to hear anyway, since it is well documented that they don't listen to me anyway.
I know they need the truth, but they also need my support. Right?
This is not, however, my intention. I want to rejoice with them and bask in the glow of new love and new possibilities. My problem is that I have trouble basking in the glow of a relationship that I am fairly certain is a bad idea.
Example:
Mallow tells me she was asked out by a guy that she has known for a while. When I ask about him, she gives me some generic answer about him being nice. I ask how he looks and she says, "Um, he is cuuute? He looks okay." My natural response, "Why would you date a guy that is not hot?" She repeated that he was nice, but I asked again what the point of dating someone you are not attracted to could possibly be, unless she was one of those people who believed that a person could become more attractive once you get to know them. I commended her if she was one of those people because I am self-aware enough to understand that I am shallow and for me a person is either hot or not.
It is like shopping for clothes. You take clothes to the dressing room because they look good on the hanger and you hope they will look good when you put them on. Why take your clothes off for something that did not even look good to you on the showroom floor. That just doesn't make sense to me. (I have also advised them to stop taking their clothes off for these clowns, but that is topic for another day. Lord, help me.)
I have also been known to ask questions like, "What is the point of this relationship? If you have to change most everything about him, are you really sure that you like him? Is this really how you want to spend your time? Don't you think it is a bad idea to start dating someone else before you tell your husband and family you want a divorce" and various other parade raining statements. I still affirm that I ask these questions out of love, but maybe I should start just listening to the story and saying, "Ok!" That is probably what they want to hear anyway, since it is well documented that they don't listen to me anyway.
I know they need the truth, but they also need my support. Right?
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Working on My Fitness
By the end of the day yesterday, I really was not in the mindset to go work out. Thankfully, I had already made plans to go running with my friend and she was on her way before I could cancel. By the time I finished setting up for my bosses meeting, changing locations, resetting the meeting, notified attendees, scanned a document and made reservations for people who adamantly denied having any need of my services after 5:30 it was 5:51. I had just enough time to change and pee before meeting my friend outside for our run.
I was glad that I went, but more glad that I was late because she had to go to a practice and did not have time to run with me. That meant I did not have to run on pace and could keep it mellow for 3 or 4 miles and go home. I decided to run the inner loop that encompasses the ball field. I usually don't run there because it is sand and while that may be good for the knees, it is terrible for my calves. I ran about a mile before they started screaming and at about the 1.5 mark I realized that i was barely moving. That is when it dawned on me, "You idiot, you don't have to run in here. Just go out and run the road course." It was one of those "Ah-ha" moments. Unfortunately, it was soon followed by my infamous paranoia.
My next thoughts were something like this:
Oh, God, I left my phone in the car. I never leave my phone. What if I have an emergency? Is that guy following me? I wonder if someone could be hiding in these bushes. Would I have enough energy at this point to even fight off an attack. I hope they don't go for my wedding ring. Look around. Keep alert. Eye of the tiger. I don't want to be that girl who wanders off and gets hurt. I never wander off...Oooo, that's pretty. I wonder what is over there. (This all happened in less than a minute. I swear.)
I ran about another mile and as I was running I noticed a few things.
1. I run a lot happier and better on a hard surface. I really wish I knew where I could find a rubber track.
2. I run faster when I see fat people. I know it may not be the right thing to say, but it is true. They inspire me to get it together.
3. I also run better when I pass people who look "kind of" fit. I refuse to let them think they are more fit or better than I am. This group includes guys standing around like they are in planning to work out, those hardcore walkers and women who may need to get there shorts just one size larger next time.
4. I am annoyed by extremely fit people. I do not find them motivational because typically when I am running and considering whether my fear of heat stroke is warranted, that level of fitness seems unattainable and they are just a reminder of how out of shape I have gotten. This is especially true for the pregnant woman that I say walking yesterday. Really, lady? It is like 100 degrees and you are out here walking pregnant. Give me a break. At least go walk in the mall somewhere. I am sure your overpriced downtown condo has a treadmill somewhere.
5. I really do not like when men where women's jeans. It has nothing to do with sexual orientation. I just think that they look retarded and can do better. They just never fit quite right and fit is everything.
Shortly after that last revelation, I decided to call it a day. Mainly because I had just smashed what had to be the 4000th bug off my shoulders and face. I was officially over it, but my advice to all who are feeling kind of blah about your work out plans is simple.
Try going to the park. It worked for me.
I was glad that I went, but more glad that I was late because she had to go to a practice and did not have time to run with me. That meant I did not have to run on pace and could keep it mellow for 3 or 4 miles and go home. I decided to run the inner loop that encompasses the ball field. I usually don't run there because it is sand and while that may be good for the knees, it is terrible for my calves. I ran about a mile before they started screaming and at about the 1.5 mark I realized that i was barely moving. That is when it dawned on me, "You idiot, you don't have to run in here. Just go out and run the road course." It was one of those "Ah-ha" moments. Unfortunately, it was soon followed by my infamous paranoia.
My next thoughts were something like this:
Oh, God, I left my phone in the car. I never leave my phone. What if I have an emergency? Is that guy following me? I wonder if someone could be hiding in these bushes. Would I have enough energy at this point to even fight off an attack. I hope they don't go for my wedding ring. Look around. Keep alert. Eye of the tiger. I don't want to be that girl who wanders off and gets hurt. I never wander off...Oooo, that's pretty. I wonder what is over there. (This all happened in less than a minute. I swear.)
I ran about another mile and as I was running I noticed a few things.
1. I run a lot happier and better on a hard surface. I really wish I knew where I could find a rubber track.
2. I run faster when I see fat people. I know it may not be the right thing to say, but it is true. They inspire me to get it together.
3. I also run better when I pass people who look "kind of" fit. I refuse to let them think they are more fit or better than I am. This group includes guys standing around like they are in planning to work out, those hardcore walkers and women who may need to get there shorts just one size larger next time.
4. I am annoyed by extremely fit people. I do not find them motivational because typically when I am running and considering whether my fear of heat stroke is warranted, that level of fitness seems unattainable and they are just a reminder of how out of shape I have gotten. This is especially true for the pregnant woman that I say walking yesterday. Really, lady? It is like 100 degrees and you are out here walking pregnant. Give me a break. At least go walk in the mall somewhere. I am sure your overpriced downtown condo has a treadmill somewhere.
5. I really do not like when men where women's jeans. It has nothing to do with sexual orientation. I just think that they look retarded and can do better. They just never fit quite right and fit is everything.
Shortly after that last revelation, I decided to call it a day. Mainly because I had just smashed what had to be the 4000th bug off my shoulders and face. I was officially over it, but my advice to all who are feeling kind of blah about your work out plans is simple.
Try going to the park. It worked for me.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Just Waiting
I came home after driving across state lines with my children and mother to find my house was a mess. Husband and our nephew have been at the house living it up big boy style and made no effort to clean. Dishes in the sink and dirty bathrooms. What is going on here? They did not even unload the dishwasher that I ran the morning that I left. What have you been eating off of and drinking out of? Could it be the plate that I found in the refrigerator? Is this what happens when there is no estrogen to balance out the testosterone?
Taking all that in must have left me stunned because I am on auto-pilot today. I got up this morning, took a shower and drove to work, all without any real sense of what I was doing. I came in and started my day. I was so out of it that I did not even think to eat for the first hour or so. I hung out with my girls and ate lunch. We laughed and then I came back to work, but it all seems like something that I am watching myself do as opposed to being something that I am actively involved in.
I have also applied to a ridiculous number of jobs today. This would be great if I were working with a resume that I was proud of, but after having a friend look at it, I have come to realize that it is crap and may be one of the reasons I am stuck here. She sent me notes and asked me questions in the hopes of making changes, but to be honest I have no idea or real interest in "selling myself". It is by far my least favorite thing. Shocking, considering how much I like to talk about me and all things concerning me. I guess I operate under the assumption that everyone should already accept the awesomeness that is me. Proving it to someone has never really been my thing.
Back to today, I am pretty sure that I have been having conversations while on auto-pilot. The danger is that much like when you pull into your driveway and don't really remember the drive home, I don't remember what I said. I hope I wasn't telling people my real thoughts. I doubt it because everyone is still talking to me. I do know that I have been fairly non-responsive to Boss Lady today and that has given a small amount of peace as she will usually walk away if she thinks I am busy working. Clearly she thinks that is the only reason that I would have not to want to talk. I see no need to correct her on that one.
I have so much to do and I just cannot seem to connect today. It is like I am just sitting, just waiting for something to happen. I would say that I want to go home, but my children live there and that is last place I can go to relax and reconnect. Hopefully, my run this afternoon will clear out my cobwebs.
Speaking of running, I finally tried Ebay in the hopes of scoring some cheap workout dvds and realized I don't have the patience for bidding or the attention span to follow up on my bids. I lost interest after being outbid a few times and resumed my wait. I think that I am really just waiting for some sign of hope. An interview call back (not likely, if I don't get my resume and cover letter together), someone to come clean my house, my bosses to take some time off, or seeing myself from a good angle in the mirror. Even my laugh feels like I am waiting for a better joke. I am just waiting for something about this day to feel worthwhile. Maybe what I really waiting for is for Husband to clean the kitchen.
The suspense is killing me.
I also would like to apologize for the errors because my Spellcheck button has disappeared.
Taking all that in must have left me stunned because I am on auto-pilot today. I got up this morning, took a shower and drove to work, all without any real sense of what I was doing. I came in and started my day. I was so out of it that I did not even think to eat for the first hour or so. I hung out with my girls and ate lunch. We laughed and then I came back to work, but it all seems like something that I am watching myself do as opposed to being something that I am actively involved in.
I have also applied to a ridiculous number of jobs today. This would be great if I were working with a resume that I was proud of, but after having a friend look at it, I have come to realize that it is crap and may be one of the reasons I am stuck here. She sent me notes and asked me questions in the hopes of making changes, but to be honest I have no idea or real interest in "selling myself". It is by far my least favorite thing. Shocking, considering how much I like to talk about me and all things concerning me. I guess I operate under the assumption that everyone should already accept the awesomeness that is me. Proving it to someone has never really been my thing.
Back to today, I am pretty sure that I have been having conversations while on auto-pilot. The danger is that much like when you pull into your driveway and don't really remember the drive home, I don't remember what I said. I hope I wasn't telling people my real thoughts. I doubt it because everyone is still talking to me. I do know that I have been fairly non-responsive to Boss Lady today and that has given a small amount of peace as she will usually walk away if she thinks I am busy working. Clearly she thinks that is the only reason that I would have not to want to talk. I see no need to correct her on that one.
I have so much to do and I just cannot seem to connect today. It is like I am just sitting, just waiting for something to happen. I would say that I want to go home, but my children live there and that is last place I can go to relax and reconnect. Hopefully, my run this afternoon will clear out my cobwebs.
Speaking of running, I finally tried Ebay in the hopes of scoring some cheap workout dvds and realized I don't have the patience for bidding or the attention span to follow up on my bids. I lost interest after being outbid a few times and resumed my wait. I think that I am really just waiting for some sign of hope. An interview call back (not likely, if I don't get my resume and cover letter together), someone to come clean my house, my bosses to take some time off, or seeing myself from a good angle in the mirror. Even my laugh feels like I am waiting for a better joke. I am just waiting for something about this day to feel worthwhile. Maybe what I really waiting for is for Husband to clean the kitchen.
The suspense is killing me.
I also would like to apologize for the errors because my Spellcheck button has disappeared.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Feeling Stuck
I am feeling a bit in a rut today. As you all know, I have been trying to find another job. I have not found one yet. That makes me sad. I also have been struggling for about a year to get all of my paperwork in for certification. My current job refuses to sign the paperwork and that is making me mad.
I also just received a whopping $1 pay increase that threw me for a loop because the HR person avoided my questions about said raise for at least a month before leaving me a voicemail telling me, "You should have noticed the change."
Are you serious? Who notices that change left over from a dollar after tax and insurance. Calling it a raise or "pay bump" is just an insult.
I am starting to feel stuck. I hate that feeling.
Any suggestions? I'm listening.
I also just received a whopping $1 pay increase that threw me for a loop because the HR person avoided my questions about said raise for at least a month before leaving me a voicemail telling me, "You should have noticed the change."
Are you serious? Who notices that change left over from a dollar after tax and insurance. Calling it a raise or "pay bump" is just an insult.
I am starting to feel stuck. I hate that feeling.
Any suggestions? I'm listening.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
I See You
I just saw that this will be my 180th post. I find that to be crazy, but exciting. Thanks for not quiting on me.
I work in a building with a lot of windows and mirrors and like most women, when I come into contact with a reflective surface I make sure to check myself out. I like to make sure that everything is where I think it is and make necessary adjustments. Usually, I am so focused on myself I don't notice other people's reflection, but the last two days have been different.
The last two days have shown me that I am not the only person checking me out. As I was walking down the hall back to the office from the bathroom, I was looking at my shirt in the mirror because it was not sitting right on my hips. Right as I was about to fidget with it, I saw that the male coworker that I waved to ALL the way at the other end of the hall had stepped out into the middle of the walkway to take a peek. It caught me off-guard and I went back to the desk with my shirt still slightly off-kilter.
Yesterday, I was walking back into the building after buying another overpriced breakfast, while gripping in the phone the my bestie about tourists being in my way when walked past an older guy. I nodded my hello as he walked by because he was clearly looking in my direction. I really did not give him much thought until I reached for the door only to see his reflection almost bent over because he was craning his neck so hard to catch a glimpse.
"Hey, Buddy, I can see you!" I am sure other people saw him too. I am not one of those people who is easily offended by things like that, but I am easily embarrassed on behalf of others and I was embarrassed for this guy. Clearly, I was the only one of us feeling this way.
I just glad that my co-workers fiance who works on the next floor wasn't walking by or that someone else wasn't behind me texting and walking when homeslice did his double take because those were disasters just waiting to happen. The Lord warns against lustful eyes. It is to protect everyone involved.
I guess I could take it as confirmation that I am getting back into shape, but the question about this behavior that most plagues me is a simple one...
"You do know that I can see you, right?"
I work in a building with a lot of windows and mirrors and like most women, when I come into contact with a reflective surface I make sure to check myself out. I like to make sure that everything is where I think it is and make necessary adjustments. Usually, I am so focused on myself I don't notice other people's reflection, but the last two days have been different.
The last two days have shown me that I am not the only person checking me out. As I was walking down the hall back to the office from the bathroom, I was looking at my shirt in the mirror because it was not sitting right on my hips. Right as I was about to fidget with it, I saw that the male coworker that I waved to ALL the way at the other end of the hall had stepped out into the middle of the walkway to take a peek. It caught me off-guard and I went back to the desk with my shirt still slightly off-kilter.
Yesterday, I was walking back into the building after buying another overpriced breakfast, while gripping in the phone the my bestie about tourists being in my way when walked past an older guy. I nodded my hello as he walked by because he was clearly looking in my direction. I really did not give him much thought until I reached for the door only to see his reflection almost bent over because he was craning his neck so hard to catch a glimpse.
"Hey, Buddy, I can see you!" I am sure other people saw him too. I am not one of those people who is easily offended by things like that, but I am easily embarrassed on behalf of others and I was embarrassed for this guy. Clearly, I was the only one of us feeling this way.
I just glad that my co-workers fiance who works on the next floor wasn't walking by or that someone else wasn't behind me texting and walking when homeslice did his double take because those were disasters just waiting to happen. The Lord warns against lustful eyes. It is to protect everyone involved.
I guess I could take it as confirmation that I am getting back into shape, but the question about this behavior that most plagues me is a simple one...
"You do know that I can see you, right?"
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Why Ask?
I worked in retail for 3 years before I pleaded to God to be set free. I was, however, good at it and my customers LOVED me. They would ask for me by name. That rarely happens at the mall, but I know why it did. I listen and I am nice. Basically, I excel at customer service. That experience taught me the value of customer service and that when you no longer enjoy it and it gets too hard to fake it, you should quit and do something else. It is not the customer's fault that you hate your job. Stop taking it out on them.
I think I have pretty standard expectations for the type of service I should receive when I contact Customer Service departments. I want them to listen to my problem, understand my point of view, tell me the company line, and then work toward a compromise or resolution. This is sadly not how it usually happens.
Take today for instance. Instead of bombarding people with emails, I went on the website and filled out a work order for a computer database issue. I marked it as being of high importance and answered all of their 6 preliminary questions before listing my issue. I even included a screen shot of the error message. You would think that would be enough to indicate that I have a real problem, but NO. What is the first thing this fool does? He tells me to follow the steps that I just told him don't work. Then he says, "I don't know why you would get that message. Has anyone else had this problem?" No and you would know that if you read my answer to your preliminary questions. Then he proceeds to talk to me like I am crazy or stupid or both and at every turn he gets the error message. He even remote accessed my computer and you know what he found when he did it...you guessed it- an ERROR MESSAGE. By this point, I just want to scream, "Now do you believe me! My problem is real."
He tells me that he needs to go and talk to someone else because he can't understand how or why this is happening. So you just wasted 15 minutes of my time going over the information that you asked me to include as a means of expediting the process because you clearly did not read it and now I have a headache and no answer. Thanks!
The same thing happened last week when I submitted a online question to the customer service department for a game that I like to play. They clearly did not read my question because I did not ask about restarting the game I asked about deleting and reinstalling the game. There answer came from the FAQs page. I am at least smart enough to check there first. So here I am opening my email excited to get an answer and all I get is some garbage answer that I could have found myself. Aargghh!
It is not limited to computer customer service. I have the same issue when I call the number to the phone company, airline, or store. They ask you a million questions "to better direct your call" and then the person gets on the phone and has no idea who you are or why you are calling. Why did I spend all that time yelling my selection into the phone if my answers weren't being put into the system somewhere. Is it just to distract me from the ridiculous hold time because it is certainly not to "better service [my] needs". I am not even talking about the repetitive security questions that are supposed to make me feel like you care about protecting my information. I am talking about me saying "Reservation" over and over in different accents trying to get it to register only to have the person on the line ask me again once I get connected. Grrr!
Where is that information going? Clearly you don't have it or are not checking!
I just want to scream out, "Why did you even ask?"
I think I have pretty standard expectations for the type of service I should receive when I contact Customer Service departments. I want them to listen to my problem, understand my point of view, tell me the company line, and then work toward a compromise or resolution. This is sadly not how it usually happens.
Take today for instance. Instead of bombarding people with emails, I went on the website and filled out a work order for a computer database issue. I marked it as being of high importance and answered all of their 6 preliminary questions before listing my issue. I even included a screen shot of the error message. You would think that would be enough to indicate that I have a real problem, but NO. What is the first thing this fool does? He tells me to follow the steps that I just told him don't work. Then he says, "I don't know why you would get that message. Has anyone else had this problem?" No and you would know that if you read my answer to your preliminary questions. Then he proceeds to talk to me like I am crazy or stupid or both and at every turn he gets the error message. He even remote accessed my computer and you know what he found when he did it...you guessed it- an ERROR MESSAGE. By this point, I just want to scream, "Now do you believe me! My problem is real."
He tells me that he needs to go and talk to someone else because he can't understand how or why this is happening. So you just wasted 15 minutes of my time going over the information that you asked me to include as a means of expediting the process because you clearly did not read it and now I have a headache and no answer. Thanks!
The same thing happened last week when I submitted a online question to the customer service department for a game that I like to play. They clearly did not read my question because I did not ask about restarting the game I asked about deleting and reinstalling the game. There answer came from the FAQs page. I am at least smart enough to check there first. So here I am opening my email excited to get an answer and all I get is some garbage answer that I could have found myself. Aargghh!
It is not limited to computer customer service. I have the same issue when I call the number to the phone company, airline, or store. They ask you a million questions "to better direct your call" and then the person gets on the phone and has no idea who you are or why you are calling. Why did I spend all that time yelling my selection into the phone if my answers weren't being put into the system somewhere. Is it just to distract me from the ridiculous hold time because it is certainly not to "better service [my] needs". I am not even talking about the repetitive security questions that are supposed to make me feel like you care about protecting my information. I am talking about me saying "Reservation" over and over in different accents trying to get it to register only to have the person on the line ask me again once I get connected. Grrr!
Where is that information going? Clearly you don't have it or are not checking!
I just want to scream out, "Why did you even ask?"
Monday, July 16, 2012
Guilty Pleasures
We all do something that would embarrass us if we were to ever be followed or monitored by hidden cameras. I thought about this as I engaged in one of mine this afternoon and thought I should share a few of my own. It can't do any harm in writing, right?
- I like to dance when I am in the elevator by myself. It is most embarrassing on days like to today when I am trying to see if I still got and drop it low only to struggle to get it back up.
- Sometimes I hide from my children.
- I sometimes check to see if I am double jointed. I am not, hence the awkwardness.
- I sometimes try to make things happen using only the power of my mind. This does not work on laundry, but I do think that it sometimes works on people.
- I sometimes push the door close button when I see people coming toward the elevator.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
I Agree
I am going to say something that I don't think I have ever said before. I agree with Katie Holmes. SHOCKER! Recently she was quoted in an article as saying, "It is like in your 20's you are trying to hard to figure things out." That is so true.
I remember that feeling of having to prove myself. I could see my friend doing it, too. We had to show everyone how adult we were, how smart, and capable, and worthy of a marriage proposal/ job opportunity we were. You are constantly trying to prove something to everyone- including yourself. It is like you are constantly trying to check things off of an ever growing "To Do" list. It almost feels like all your life goals and aspirations are going to be decided by what you do with those 10 years and lets be honest, most of us piss away at least the first 2.
I had hoped that 30 would cure all that anxiety and to a certain extent it has. At 30, I realized that, generally speaking, I have a long time to go before I die and I should relax and enjoy some of it. So far at 30, I realize that many of the things I thought would make me happy and "successful" are really just annoyances or things that if I were being truthful don't really appeal to me.
Example:
I don't really want a big house because I don't want to clean it and I am too paranoid to have a person come in and do it for me.
Katie is right. I feel like in your 20's you are generally so concerned with making sure that everyone likes you and knows how great you are that you don't stop to notice how much you don't actually like them.
I remember that feeling of having to prove myself. I could see my friend doing it, too. We had to show everyone how adult we were, how smart, and capable, and worthy of a marriage proposal/ job opportunity we were. You are constantly trying to prove something to everyone- including yourself. It is like you are constantly trying to check things off of an ever growing "To Do" list. It almost feels like all your life goals and aspirations are going to be decided by what you do with those 10 years and lets be honest, most of us piss away at least the first 2.
I had hoped that 30 would cure all that anxiety and to a certain extent it has. At 30, I realized that, generally speaking, I have a long time to go before I die and I should relax and enjoy some of it. So far at 30, I realize that many of the things I thought would make me happy and "successful" are really just annoyances or things that if I were being truthful don't really appeal to me.
Example:
I don't really want a big house because I don't want to clean it and I am too paranoid to have a person come in and do it for me.
Katie is right. I feel like in your 20's you are generally so concerned with making sure that everyone likes you and knows how great you are that you don't stop to notice how much you don't actually like them.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
My Number
I have always been really good at flirting. I will admit that. I pretty much flirt with everyone to an extent. I have found that if done correctly it is a good way to pave the way for favors (I am often in need of many) and it makes people feel good about themselves. I don't ever flirt in a way that makes the person feel like they have a chance. I just make them feel interesting and appreicated. A smile goes a long way.
This is how I have always been. Being happily married hasn't changed my natural tendency to sweettalk, especially when I need something, but this time it may have gotten me into some trouble.
I went to my therapist job yesterday to get some paperwork signed. While running around from person to person, I saw a bunch of people that I don't really get to see anymore because I have relegated myself to weekends. One of those familiar faces I will refer to as Ewok. This is because to me he is short and cute in a completely asexual way. He called out, "Hey, stranger!" We made small talk and I went about searching for a signer for my forms.
The wrong person wrote on my forms and so I had to go to the office where he works to ask if I could get a new print out. The receptionist was on the phone and the other 2 were busy. His desk was empty. At that moment he came in and I asked if he could reprint the 2 pages for me. The rest of the conversation went like this...(all snarky comments were made playfully and with a smile.)
Me: Hey can you print out these to pages for me so that I can get ____ to sign them?
Ewok: Oh you finish your internship, disappear and then come ask for favors?
Me: What internship? I finished that way before I even met you!
Ewok: Oh. So what was that coming in all those days?
Me: I work here.
Ewok: Oh. So you're legit, on the payroll. We need to get you trained and put you on the schedule up here.
Me: No, thank you. Crazy people come in here.
Ewok: Well, now my feelings are hurt. You can print it out yourself.
Me: Alright then.
NurseICan'tStand: Tiffany?!?
Me: No.
NICS: Oh you look like Tiffany.
Me: Nope. It's Janaan.
NICS: Oh. Ok.
I print my sheets and go to the copier, but there is nothing there.
Me: Where does your stuff print out?
Ewok: Did you select a printer? Where did you send it? You need to select the RICO printer. Are you just sending things without checking?
Me: I figure you should know where your machine prints to. Why would I change it? (I go to select the printer and it won't accept the option) It is not working. It doesn't recognize that printer.
Ewok: Oh, now you broke it. I knew I shouldn't have let you over here. You have the machine all messed up.
Me: Well if you had done it for me like I asked this would not be a problem.
After trying and failing a few more times. I check the copier and my original attempt was there.
Me: Well, my stuff came out, but your machine is still messed up. Sorry. I don't want to push anymore buttons and make it worse, but thanks for the copies. *Smile
Ewok: When you work again?
Me: August
Ewok: Must be nice to not have to work.
Me: I did the whole month of June and last week, which means I was here in July.
Ewok: (slightly muffled) I don't know if I can wait til August to see you again.
Me: (Ignore. Walk Away)
I finally got my paperwork to the right person and on my way out had to pass by Ewok's desk. As I went through the office he put up the "Wait a Minute" finger and I stopped because he was back at his computer and figured that he wanted to ask me about what I did to his printer connection.
As I stop in front of his desk, he slides a sticky note pad and pen at me. I look at it and then at him as he looks away and say, "What am I supposed to do with that?" Then it dawns on me. He wants my phone number. Is he the only person in this building who does not know that I am married? Does the ring on my finger just not register with him. The tall guy who works next to him comes over and says, "So you just going to stand there?" I say, "He passed me this note, but didn't say what he expects me to do with it." Tall Guy says, "Just shake your head and walk away." That confirmed my suspicions.
All I could say next was, "For real, Dude." Then he took my phone as I was dialing my main job to say I was on my way back and punched in his number. I realized that I was at my place of employment and surpressed all those words that Jesus has worked so hard to purge and walked out.
I promptly called Husband to make fun of the situation. I am so glad that I married a cool guy who knows me and trusts my judgement. Then sent the text, "I didn't want to say anything embarassing, but I want to be clear. We can be cool, but I am happily married, if that was your intention." He responded like the good guy I thought he was. It was a simple, Oh. I didn't know. I respect that." I said he was short, not trifflin'.
What knocked me a little was something Husband said when I got home and showed him the text. He said, "I don't expect you to handle things like me, but I just wouldn't have called." Yeeeaaahhh...about that. I had to explain to him that I have to work with this person and being a jerk is not going to make my Saturdays run smoothly. Secondly, all my information is posted in the office and the last thing I need is for him to misinterpret my silence as "playing hard to get" and start calling texting or show up at my house. (Client privacy is protected, therapist privacy is a joke at my current site.) So before we all end up on the news, I took care of it.
I dodged bullet that time, but it did make me wonder if it might be time for me to retire that smile!
This is how I have always been. Being happily married hasn't changed my natural tendency to sweettalk, especially when I need something, but this time it may have gotten me into some trouble.
I went to my therapist job yesterday to get some paperwork signed. While running around from person to person, I saw a bunch of people that I don't really get to see anymore because I have relegated myself to weekends. One of those familiar faces I will refer to as Ewok. This is because to me he is short and cute in a completely asexual way. He called out, "Hey, stranger!" We made small talk and I went about searching for a signer for my forms.
The wrong person wrote on my forms and so I had to go to the office where he works to ask if I could get a new print out. The receptionist was on the phone and the other 2 were busy. His desk was empty. At that moment he came in and I asked if he could reprint the 2 pages for me. The rest of the conversation went like this...(all snarky comments were made playfully and with a smile.)
Me: Hey can you print out these to pages for me so that I can get ____ to sign them?
Ewok: Oh you finish your internship, disappear and then come ask for favors?
Me: What internship? I finished that way before I even met you!
Ewok: Oh. So what was that coming in all those days?
Me: I work here.
Ewok: Oh. So you're legit, on the payroll. We need to get you trained and put you on the schedule up here.
Me: No, thank you. Crazy people come in here.
Ewok: Well, now my feelings are hurt. You can print it out yourself.
Me: Alright then.
NurseICan'tStand: Tiffany?!?
Me: No.
NICS: Oh you look like Tiffany.
Me: Nope. It's Janaan.
NICS: Oh. Ok.
I print my sheets and go to the copier, but there is nothing there.
Me: Where does your stuff print out?
Ewok: Did you select a printer? Where did you send it? You need to select the RICO printer. Are you just sending things without checking?
Me: I figure you should know where your machine prints to. Why would I change it? (I go to select the printer and it won't accept the option) It is not working. It doesn't recognize that printer.
Ewok: Oh, now you broke it. I knew I shouldn't have let you over here. You have the machine all messed up.
Me: Well if you had done it for me like I asked this would not be a problem.
After trying and failing a few more times. I check the copier and my original attempt was there.
Me: Well, my stuff came out, but your machine is still messed up. Sorry. I don't want to push anymore buttons and make it worse, but thanks for the copies. *Smile
Ewok: When you work again?
Me: August
Ewok: Must be nice to not have to work.
Me: I did the whole month of June and last week, which means I was here in July.
Ewok: (slightly muffled) I don't know if I can wait til August to see you again.
Me: (Ignore. Walk Away)
I finally got my paperwork to the right person and on my way out had to pass by Ewok's desk. As I went through the office he put up the "Wait a Minute" finger and I stopped because he was back at his computer and figured that he wanted to ask me about what I did to his printer connection.
As I stop in front of his desk, he slides a sticky note pad and pen at me. I look at it and then at him as he looks away and say, "What am I supposed to do with that?" Then it dawns on me. He wants my phone number. Is he the only person in this building who does not know that I am married? Does the ring on my finger just not register with him. The tall guy who works next to him comes over and says, "So you just going to stand there?" I say, "He passed me this note, but didn't say what he expects me to do with it." Tall Guy says, "Just shake your head and walk away." That confirmed my suspicions.
All I could say next was, "For real, Dude." Then he took my phone as I was dialing my main job to say I was on my way back and punched in his number. I realized that I was at my place of employment and surpressed all those words that Jesus has worked so hard to purge and walked out.
I promptly called Husband to make fun of the situation. I am so glad that I married a cool guy who knows me and trusts my judgement. Then sent the text, "I didn't want to say anything embarassing, but I want to be clear. We can be cool, but I am happily married, if that was your intention." He responded like the good guy I thought he was. It was a simple, Oh. I didn't know. I respect that." I said he was short, not trifflin'.
What knocked me a little was something Husband said when I got home and showed him the text. He said, "I don't expect you to handle things like me, but I just wouldn't have called." Yeeeaaahhh...about that. I had to explain to him that I have to work with this person and being a jerk is not going to make my Saturdays run smoothly. Secondly, all my information is posted in the office and the last thing I need is for him to misinterpret my silence as "playing hard to get" and start calling texting or show up at my house. (Client privacy is protected, therapist privacy is a joke at my current site.) So before we all end up on the news, I took care of it.
I dodged bullet that time, but it did make me wonder if it might be time for me to retire that smile!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Age Inappropriate
I spend a great deal of time in therapy and while I am there as the therapist, I am aware that it provides me with insights into my own issues. One of those issues came to the surface last week after two patients had been dismissed for getting to "know" each other. If you don't understand what it means to "know" someone, I suggest you find a Bible and look it up. Then it was brought to my attention that two others may also be veering toward inappropriate socialization practices. This one brought out my gag reflex and probably an audible, "Eww!"
I could tell that the other person's first thought was that I was bothered by them being same sex. Honestly, after years of talking to everyone from hardcore drug addicts to children with visual hallucinations, nothing surprises me and I have very few hangups (when I am in therapy mode), but there are a couple that still remain.
What is it that makes people think that while you old, wrinkly and saggy that the person you are with should young and supple. Then I thought about the fact that he was really too old to be with Kimora when they got together, so I know he is too old to be with this new girl who is probably the same age as one of her younger cousins.
I know that some people look good for their age and in this nip/tuck age it is easier and easier to keep up appearances, but sooner or later your age will start to show and even if she is willing to no 30 year old wants to be feeding her man applesauce and looking for his dentures. It is just not sexy.
Are you that delusional that you think that you are on the same level of hotness. I hope not. You need to find someone that will be able to understand what gravity is doing to you without being afraid to look while it happens. You need to get real and at least date in the same age range as your US Census age bracket.
Please, spare some young person the trauma of your shrivel!
I could tell that the other person's first thought was that I was bothered by them being same sex. Honestly, after years of talking to everyone from hardcore drug addicts to children with visual hallucinations, nothing surprises me and I have very few hangups (when I am in therapy mode), but there are a couple that still remain.
- I get very upset when it is clear to me that one of the people involved is a client that is clearly disturbed and unable to make choices due to the inability to fully understand the interaction. I think that taking advantage of someone vulnerable is ALWAYS wrong and is a surefire way to get me ticked.
- I have serious issues with age inappropriate pairings. There are some exceptions. Hugh Hefner and whoever he is with. They are adults using each other for mutual gain. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. She is younger, but she was plenty old enough to make the choice and she chose him. The things that upset me are pairings like Joey Buttafuoco and Amy Fisher, Jerry Lee Louis and his cousin or David Hutchinson and Courtney Stodden (that is if you believe she is really 16).
What is it that makes people think that while you old, wrinkly and saggy that the person you are with should young and supple. Then I thought about the fact that he was really too old to be with Kimora when they got together, so I know he is too old to be with this new girl who is probably the same age as one of her younger cousins.
I know that some people look good for their age and in this nip/tuck age it is easier and easier to keep up appearances, but sooner or later your age will start to show and even if she is willing to no 30 year old wants to be feeding her man applesauce and looking for his dentures. It is just not sexy.
Are you that delusional that you think that you are on the same level of hotness. I hope not. You need to find someone that will be able to understand what gravity is doing to you without being afraid to look while it happens. You need to get real and at least date in the same age range as your US Census age bracket.
Please, spare some young person the trauma of your shrivel!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Be Back Soon
I have had one of those crazy days. I can barely get a moment to myself, so I won't be writing today, but I expect to be back tomorrow.
'Til then.
Love you, bye!
Just one tip to tide you over: If your tattoo looks like a rash, you need to do better!
'Til then.
Love you, bye!
Just one tip to tide you over: If your tattoo looks like a rash, you need to do better!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Mended Heart
I am longer in the almost non-existent minority of people who have yet to see Love Jones and I can totally see what all the hype was about. You may be wondering how it is possible that I have evaded this seminal and very important film. I will tell you like I told my friends, "I got reasons!"
The truth is that I have only one reason. I have always associated that movie with heartbreak and up until this weekend have never been able to see past the gut-wrenching pain of my youth (everything hurts more and is so much more dramatic when you are young) to be able to find it in me to watch. This weekend was different for a few reasons.
1. My husband is much hotter than the guy who dumped me the weekend it came out to go with another girl because he felt I was taking to long to make our relationship official.
2. He found it on sale in that $5 movie bin at Wal-Mart.
3. I have to admit that I have ALWAYS wanted to see and just needed the right circumstances.
Husband came home from shopping with that gleam in his eyes and that smile on his face that lets me know that he has just done something that he is proud of and can't wait for me to be excited too. Usually, I am not, but I pretend because he is SO cute to me. (Like when he has "helped" by doing laundry) He stepped in and said, "Look what I got for us..." and presented the movie.
My first reaction was a mix of delight and disgust because to be honest even the mention of that movie sends me right back to that phone conversation where he tells me that not just that we are not going together, but that he went with another girl. It doesn't stop there. He then tells me that this other girl is now his girlfriend. I guess those months together were just practice for him to get ready for a real relationship. (I must say that I also took great satisfaction from the fact that a few months later this girl cheated on him. Karma ROCKS!)
The point is that up until now I have never been able to separate the experience from the movie, but Husband was so excited I just could not say no.
The perk of knowing someone as long as I have know Husband is that he knows all my history. The downside of having known your husband since you were 14 and spending at least those first 10 years as real friends is that he knows all my history. This means he knows all about me and Heartbreaker. He also knows that I played the Love Jones CD on repeat for months and can still recite A Blues for Nina at the drop of a hat- all without having ever seen a single scene. I have never even stumbled upon it on cable. The other fun thing about having married someone who really is one of your best friends is that he will never hesitate to call me on my stuff and refuses to let me stay in my mess and I guess he felt like I had milked this one long enough. We were going to watch it together and he, as usual, was going to be with me as I healed and overcame a past hurt.
It was, in a word, AWESOME! It was the most real, sexy, amazing relationship movie I think that I have ever seen. All I wanted to do after seeing it was talk about it, but the truth is I am the only person I know for whom this is a new experience and most of my friends just assume that I have seen it. Telling them that I haven't means I would have to explain about Heartbreaker over and over again. Then I realized that I don't care.
I had a great time watching a love story with the man that I love. I am excited. I feel like a new door has been opened to me and to have that experience with Husband only makes our relationship richer.
I got a love jones, for real!
The truth is that I have only one reason. I have always associated that movie with heartbreak and up until this weekend have never been able to see past the gut-wrenching pain of my youth (everything hurts more and is so much more dramatic when you are young) to be able to find it in me to watch. This weekend was different for a few reasons.
1. My husband is much hotter than the guy who dumped me the weekend it came out to go with another girl because he felt I was taking to long to make our relationship official.
2. He found it on sale in that $5 movie bin at Wal-Mart.
3. I have to admit that I have ALWAYS wanted to see and just needed the right circumstances.
Husband came home from shopping with that gleam in his eyes and that smile on his face that lets me know that he has just done something that he is proud of and can't wait for me to be excited too. Usually, I am not, but I pretend because he is SO cute to me. (Like when he has "helped" by doing laundry) He stepped in and said, "Look what I got for us..." and presented the movie.
My first reaction was a mix of delight and disgust because to be honest even the mention of that movie sends me right back to that phone conversation where he tells me that not just that we are not going together, but that he went with another girl. It doesn't stop there. He then tells me that this other girl is now his girlfriend. I guess those months together were just practice for him to get ready for a real relationship. (I must say that I also took great satisfaction from the fact that a few months later this girl cheated on him. Karma ROCKS!)
The point is that up until now I have never been able to separate the experience from the movie, but Husband was so excited I just could not say no.
The perk of knowing someone as long as I have know Husband is that he knows all my history. The downside of having known your husband since you were 14 and spending at least those first 10 years as real friends is that he knows all my history. This means he knows all about me and Heartbreaker. He also knows that I played the Love Jones CD on repeat for months and can still recite A Blues for Nina at the drop of a hat- all without having ever seen a single scene. I have never even stumbled upon it on cable. The other fun thing about having married someone who really is one of your best friends is that he will never hesitate to call me on my stuff and refuses to let me stay in my mess and I guess he felt like I had milked this one long enough. We were going to watch it together and he, as usual, was going to be with me as I healed and overcame a past hurt.
It was, in a word, AWESOME! It was the most real, sexy, amazing relationship movie I think that I have ever seen. All I wanted to do after seeing it was talk about it, but the truth is I am the only person I know for whom this is a new experience and most of my friends just assume that I have seen it. Telling them that I haven't means I would have to explain about Heartbreaker over and over again. Then I realized that I don't care.
I had a great time watching a love story with the man that I love. I am excited. I feel like a new door has been opened to me and to have that experience with Husband only makes our relationship richer.
I got a love jones, for real!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)