2007 In Review

So this has been an interesting year. I remember Oprah saying in January that this was "the year" to do anything and everything. It's amazing how quickly "the year" has passed me by. I have had a few major things happen in my life this year:

- started working my first full time job
- was in my first car accident
- (most recently) bought my first call by myself

For me this year has been full of ups and downs, as is the case for many people I know. All in all, 2007 hasn't been too bad of year. But I definitely hope that 2008 far exceeds it. Happy Holidays!

I Didn't Get the Memo...

But apparently it is no longer acceptable to pay for anything with cash. I guess I should have known when I started seeing those VISA commercials where everything runs so smoothly at the checkout if you just pay with your VISA. I don't like it when I try to pay for something with cash and the cashier hands me my receipt and change and there I am feeling rushed to put away my change and grab my purchase. The person behind me seems so annoyed that they have to wait an additional 30 seconds before I am out of the way. I'm sorry, I didn't know it wasn't okay to pay for something with REAL MONEY. At certain stores you can go ahead and swipe your card and sign for the purchase even while the merchandise is still scanning. So you are waiting on the cashier to finish. You can just grab your things and go. No fiddling with nickels and wallets. I understand that plastic is convenient, I make my fair share of purchases with. But please, don't make me feel bad for choosing an alternate method of payment. I mean, hello -- it's REAL MONEY!

My Resume

Since I have been at my current job almost a year I feel it is time to update my resume. Let me know what you think.

Most Recent Position
Jan 2007 - Current
Title
Office Biotch
Duties and Responsibilities
Everything that no one else wants to do.
Special Skills
I have magical powers with office equipment, or at least my co-workers seem to think so. I can un-jam a copier like no body's business or change toner faster than you can call my name. I can find office supplies that to the untrained eye seem hidden (that is because I secretly hide them when I order them). I can do everything that everyone else is perfectly capable of doing but seem to think that I can somehow do it better. I know where everyone is, what they are doing, when they will return and why they haven't returned your phone call. I also can tell why you called and what you need just by the message you leave with only a name and phone number. I know all, see all, and do all. I am the Oz of the office.

The Meaning of Thanksgiving

With the holiday upon us I think it is appropriate to reflect on the meaning of Thanksgiving. When did the holiday (that is supposed to be about expressing thanks for all of our blessings in life) become a stuff-your-face contest? When did it become all about eating more than a human should eat in a 24 hour period? Or about watching parades and football all day? Or about plotting strategies for a marathon shopping experience the following day? I am not really sure. Because as long as I can remember those things are the ones that stick out in my mind. Sure you spend time with your family, and usually express "thanks" the 30 seconds before the binging begins. But if being thankful it was it is truly all about, wouldn't we choose to express our thanks in ways other than filling up on pie and spending too much money?

As much as I love this time of year I am always disappointed at the commercialism of it all. Christmas commercials began November 1st. Displays started creeping up in stores by mid-October. Just remember this holiday season - it's not about the money you spend or the food you eat, it's the time you spend with those whom you love.

I Can't Complain

So Friday I tried an experiment -- I tried to go the whole (work) day without complaining. (Not that I complain about work.) Let's just say it didn't go too well. I tried. I really did. It made me realize how often we do complain about things. So I thought I would list a few things that I just love. (Please note the sarcasm.)

I love it when:

- People feel the need to come to a complete stop in the road before making a right turn.
- People cut me off when I answer the phone.
- You watch a promo for a new episode of a favorite show, and then when you watch the episode it is nothing like the promo lead you to believe.
- People feel the need to stand thisclose to you in the grocery line.
- You go into a store only to be bombarded with 15 people who ask to help you, then when you finally need help no one is there.


Those are just a few. What do you love?

I Don't Mean to Sound Selfish But...

I am totally bummed about the Writer's Guild Strike that is going on. Don't get me wrong, I am all for the writers getting more royalties and whatnot, I truly believe they deserve it. But since the strike began production has stopped on many of my favorite shows. I don't know what I am going to do. I might be reduced to crappy reality television such as "America's Next Top Model" (no I do not watch that show) and "Survivor" ( I cannot believe that show is still on the air). What will I do without new episodes of "Desperate Housewives" or gasp "Ugly Betty?" I don't know that life will be the same. This isn't the summer time. This is couch potato season. It gets dark before six. We should be able to watch our shows in peace. How long will this agony last?

Life Would Be Boring If Everything Were Easy

This is my new mantra. For those of you that have been waiting on a new post, I apologize. I wasn't really sure what I wanted to say, so I didn't say anything at all. I am fine physically, at least according to doctors, so that is good and I will leave it at that. I have come to realize I am going to have to make some changes in my life that are necessary, but I am not exactly thrilled about. But that is life. As I stated above, life would be boring if everything were easy. When I was a kid, I used to say that phrase that many kids say "That's not fair." My dad would follow up with "Life's not fair." But I think the statement he made that had the most wisdom was "Fair is when everyone gets what they want. Equal is when everyone gets the same." And he is right. Life's not fair because we don't always get what we want. But it is learning from those scenarios is what enables us to grow and become better people because of it. You have to think though, if we were never challenged, would we ever reach our full potential? Probably not. Shitty things happen. Lots of times they happen to good people. But that is life. We take what we are given, and we are to be thankful. Believe me, I am thankful. I am thankful for my family, my friends, my home, my job, everything that I have ever been blessed with. Yeah, sucky things have happened to me. I am sure sucky things have happened to you as well. But the most important thing is to keep your chin up and keep going. You have to know that getting through whatever hard time you may be encountering will only make you stronger.

The Stuff No One Tells You

No one tells you that your college graduation day will be not only one of the most exciting days of your life, but also the scariest. I remember thinking on that beautiful May day, now what? Everything I had worked for the most of my life was all over. I went to college. Got a degree. Now what am I supposed to do? I had no idea looking for my first job would be the most stressful/frustrating things I would do in my life thus far. I had been looking for a job while I was still in school, but taking 17 credit hours, working 20 hours a week, and being president of an organization didn't lend large amounts of free time so while I looked I still had to focus on the goal - graduation. I spent that entire summer looking. Interviewing, looking, emailing/faxing/mailing resumes. Nothing. I would put a smile on my face and walk into that room and convince myself I really did want that job. When fall came I began to feel like a failure. All the "smart" classmates of mine were just beginning grad school. (I tend to think many of them were scared and unsure too, that's why they so willingly jumped into a few more years of school. No offense to those that did choose grad school right after graduation -- my statement was not meant as an insult.)

I still didn't have a job. It seemed like everyone that was interested in hiring me barely paid above minimum wage. I was flabbergasted. I went to college. I did what I was supposed to do. I followed the rules. Isn't there supposed to be a job for me? A decent paying, entry-level job? I finally did find my first "real" job. I settled for a position barely paying above minimum wage as a track out day camp counselor (read: glorified babysitter). Needless to say I kept looking. After two miserable weeks at my "first grown up job" I started my second.

No one prepares you for the real world. No one tells you that entering the work force post college, no matter how "great" the job, you will be a peon. You will start at the bottom of the barrel. You will not get vacation time right away and you might even be doing tasks you feel are so below you. After all, you went to college. From what I have heard, it's called paying your dues. No one prepares you for this though. No one tells you that you will be broke and miserable and wonder "how did I get here?" I had internships, I had jobs in college. No one tells you that stuff doesn't matter in the "real world."

Now I know this sounds like a complete bitch-fest, and it partly is. But don't get me wrong, I wouldn't go back to college if you paid me and I do like my job. It's just things are not what you expect them to be. No one prepares you. Maybe because no one prepared them. The suffered through their post collegiate early twenties too. Maybe it's a rite of passage.

Seriously?

So I have been waiting expectantly for a phone call from my doctor's office all day. I actually called them at 2. I left my mobile number so I could be easily reached. Not only that, I have been carrying around my cell phone since then, not leaving it alone for a second so I don't miss a call. Still nothing. Seriously? Don't they understand the world revolves around me?

No More WebMD for Me

Okay so in the last 2-3 hours I have convinced myself that I have one or more of the following disorders/diseases:

-Lupus
-Cancer
-Heart Disease
-Arthritis
-Crohn's Disease
-Hypothyriodism
-Anemia
-Rejection of an organ transplant (okay, I haven't had an organ transplant, at least, that I know of, but maybe something happened when I was a baby that my parents never told me about?? It could happen...)
-Polymyalgia Rheumatica (I am not even sure what that is, but I might have it. You never know...)

Anyway, I have been informed by my best friend and a co-worker that I must stop googling disorders and stop freaking out. So I will go, and enjoy my weekend disease-free. But let me just say that WebMD is a hypochondriac's worst nightmare/best friend. Oh well. We all have our vices.

Just Another (Crap) Day in Paradise

So my Friday hasn't exactly gone according to plan. I spent all morning dealing with a car problem that left me stranded in BFE. Then I call my doctor's office to find out the results of some testing that they had done earlier in the week. The results didn't tell me much, just that I need more testing done. And the nurse practitioner that ordered the tests won't be in until Tuesday to discuss the results and next steps. Are you kidding me? I feel like crap everyday and I won't even be able to talk to her again about the next step until TUESDAY???? Suck. Suck. Suck. Suck. I don't mean to be a Debbie Downer, I'm just not the happiest camper at the moment. So if you are Protestant, say a little prayer for me. If you are Catholic, light a candle. And if you are a Scientologist, call up Tom Cruise. Maybe he can use some of his witchcraft to help me out.

I've Got It!

I have figured out what I am going to be for Halloween. I know you are probably thinking "Isn't it a little early for that?" Well in my office, there is a Halloween party complete with a costume contest. It's a big deal. And since it will be my first year I want them to know I am serious. I am in it to win it. There is a Target gift card at stake here people. I am not at this point in time disclosing my choice, because I don't want to hype it up too much, but when the time comes I will post pics. Anyway, it's been a busy week so I haven't been able to post. Have a great weekend!

Water, Water, Nowhere Near

If you live anywhere near where I do, (or anywhere in the Southeastern United States for that matter) you are quite aware of the extreme drought. In our area it is causing quite a stir. Water restrictions, people crying out about global warming, trashing the city council, the water police, it's craziness. Pure and simple. I am addicted to reading articles on local news websites and then reading the comments people post. You want to see how ugly people can be to one another? Just scroll through the comments on a hot topic article and you will see mankind in its finest hour. The best part is that some of the things people say is just crazy.

I read one comment recently where the person was saying how they didn't care if their grass died, it had not environmental benefit. Um, hello? Erosion? Yes, I know erosion can't take place if it doesn't rain, but come on. It seriously can't not rain forever. It will rain again. The sooner the better.

People also commented on how the city/county should stop issuing building permits. Now I don't know this for a fact, but I bet some of those people with those comments are directly affected by those hotly contested building permits. Maybe they have a job at a company that recently opened an office in the area and work in a new building. Maybe their neighborhood is a result of the development boom in the area. Let me just say, the construction industry is not at fault here. I will just leave it at that.

I am not going to completely bash the city council here, but I will say that as an area experiences significant development and a population boom it is their responsibility to help the infrastructure accommodate the needs of the residents. This means water, roads, schools, etc. But what do I know? I only have a Bachelor's in Political Science and took an entire class on State and Local Governments.

All I can do is pray for rain.

So This Is How the Other Side Lives...

On Saturday we went to the game and were finally able to celebrate a win again! Things were different for us this game though, instead of sitting in our normal seats we got to go up to the towers and see what life is like for the other side. Since I figured most of you won't get this experience I would share mine. We got of the elevators onto the first floor of the towers and could not believe what we saw. End to end, it was a plushy open corridor with tables, bar areas serving drinks (non-alcoholic of course) and buffet tables. We loaded up our plates with the free (free to us) food and sat down and watched the game from one of the many TVs. The food was good. They had salad, hot dogs, mashed potatoes (weird combination, I know) and cookies. There were boxes of popcorn up at the drink bar. After we ate we headed outside to the box seating and watched the game. The chairs were definitely comfy. (Way better than our normal metal bleacher seating.) At halftime, the buffet tables had been changed out and they were loaded down with nachos and chicken tenders. They also brought out ice cream that was made at the school's dairy. Believe me, it was more food that I needed to eat. The place was so nice you had no reason to leave (except for those interested in car barring it up at halftime). I don't think I even need to say that the restroom facilities were far nicer than those in the rest of the stadium. While I did enjoy my time up in the towers, I will have to say that I prefer my regular seats to the towers on a regular basis. Life is not the same up there. I felt disconnected from the game. It seemed that many of the people up there (no offense to anyone that has seats up there) are there for the social aspect, and maybe aren't quite the hardcore football fans that we are. It was cool, I did enjoy myself. But it wasn't the same. I look forward to my regular seats this Saturday.

What? Now My Neck is Fat Too??

So I recently joined a (free) website that allows you to track your nutrition and exercise for the purpose of losing or maintaining a healthy weight. For those interested in weight loss it has a place for you to enter your weigh following each weigh in as well as measurements. One of the measurements you are asked to track is your neck.

Apparently your neck gains or loses fat in proportion to your body. I did not know that. I mean, if your butt gets bigger, you do the unpleasant and buy a bigger size pair of pants. What do you do when your neck gets bigger? Is my neck fat now? Should I stray from necklaces and wear only collared shirts? What is a girl to do? You know how people notice when you gain (and lose) weight, well do they also notice your neck fat? I have never heard someone say "Wow, did you see how big her neck is? She really shouldn't be wearing that pearl drop necklace."

How do you know when your neck gets fat? Will someone come up and tell you? Is there a certain way you should be dressing if you have a fat neck? I know there are certain ways to dress if you are heavy on top, or heavy on bottom. What about heavy around the neck? I would just like to say thank you to that website. Because now I have to worry about something else looking fat when I get ready.

Remember

I am sure all Americans are aware of what day it is. Do you remember where you were, this day 6 years ago? I do. I probably never will forget.

I was a senior in high school. When the towers were hit I was sitting in my AP Calculus class. We had no idea at the time what had happened. It seemed like a normal fall day. Class was over around 10:00 am and I went on to my next class, World Geography (talk about a cake class). When I entered the room, the TV was on and my teacher explained the World Trade Centers had been hit, along with the Pentagon. The first thought I had was "Oh my god, we are going to war." I sat down and just watched everything that was going on. It was the only time I can remember that television coverage has gone for so long without any kind of commercial interruption.

I remember seeing the second tower fall and just trying not to cry. You couldn't that the second one hit had already fallen because of all the smoke. I remember just being in shock. We spent the remainder of the class period talking about terrorism and watching TV.

The rest of the day was pretty much the same. We just sat with the lights off, watching the live coverage. I remember feeling numb with shock. I just wanted to cry and cry. I didn't personally know anyone that was directly involved in the attacks (IE victims, or family/friends of victims) but still felt the pain and devastation that I think all of America felt that day.

I remember after school I had to run an errand and as I drove through town I almost expected for the sky to fall. It was so odd. I had never before felt so much fear and uncertainty. The radio didn't even play songs, it just had reports from NY and personal stories of those who had survived.

I remember coming home and the majority of the cable channels were covering it as well, which seemed so weird. Everything seemed surreal. Like a bad dream. Like I would wake up the next day and everything was back to normal.

I still think about that day. I still think about how I felt, how America felt. But it is our spirit that drives us forward, that helps up move on from tragedy and through the pain. Life is different six years later, but as long as we don't forget I think we are stronger for it.

The Unfortunate Toe Situation

*Warning to anyone that might be grossed out: This does contain info regarding a medical procedure and the gory aftereffects. *

This story actually begins back in March, when I had an ingrown toenail. Now this was a new experience for me, but it was a result of shoes that were a little tight, not a clipping (or lack there of) issue.

I went to the doctor and he had to cut part of my nail and the skin at the nail off. (I was properly numbed at the time, so this was not the painful part.) He then sewed the end of my skin to the top of the nail that was left. Ouch. The next 3 days were excruciating pain. I could not work, I could not walk, I could not sleep, I could not think. All I could do was writhe in pain. Once the stitches were out the pain had subsided and I began to heal.

Fast forward to a month ago. My nail had not completely grown back across, but was almost there. I caught the end of it on something and it ripped off (not the entire nail, just a portion). I didn't know this at the time, but a piece of the nail stayed in the skin and grew down, becoming ingrown. Last week my toe was red and sore so I went back to the doctor. He told me he would have to cut it again. I immediately regretted my choice to have it looked at.

He did cut the same as he had previously, but this time, instead of sewing it up he cauterized it. Let me just tell you, the difference between this time and the first was incredible. The first few days I felt no pain. Zero. (Side note: I was placed on an antibiotic both times to kill the infection.)

Currently, it is a little sore and starting to scab over. I clean it daily with hydrogen peroxide and then cover it with a band aid (mainly to prevent people from vomiting at the sight of it).

Needless to say, I can't wear any shoes that cover my toe at this point. Hopefully it will heal enough within the next day or two that I can head back to the gym.

Anyway, that is the story of the unfortunate toe situation.

Wanna Go For a Drive?

So I was watching the news this morning and one of their "stories" was that a poll was run to see which democratic presidential candidate would Americans choose to ride with on a cross country trip. Hillary Clinton was the major winner with about half the vote. Then came Obama, and last (but don't you dare call him least) was Edwards. So what does this mean? Well to me, nothing. I mean, can you imagine driving across country with any of these people?

Hillary would just spend the entire time she is not driving talking about how much experience she has and how well the trip would be going if she was in the driver's seat. She would talk about how we are headed the wrong direction, and which road she would take if she were driving. She would also probably sing in the car. Gag me. There is a reason Jobs invented the ipod.

Obama would probably whine when he wasn't driving. He would say how he is old enough to drive and he has plenty of experience. Experience he has gained by spending plenty of time racing go karts.

And then there is Edwards. He would probably want to stop along the way to visit those less fortunate. You know, nothing stamps out poverty like a handshake and a pat on the back. He would probably insist on taking the Benz though. Why should he have to suffer like those poor people? I mean, he was poor once, but he has earned his wealth like many hard working American lawyers, ambulance chasing and "interning" with hedge funds.

And who would I choose? Let's just say I would rather walk.

TGIF

I didn't get all my frustrations out in yesterday's rant so I figured I would continue. People are so rude. Another pet peeve of mine is when I answer the phone and the caller cuts me off in greeting, which states the name of my company. It's not like I give a 5 minute monologue. I have to say that. It's not because I think I sound cool or I love it so much. Don't be rude and cut me off. The solicitors are the worst. I guess they are soooo busy with their super important jobs that they don't have 15 seconds to let me say what I need to say. Then they abruptly cut me off and hang up on me when I tell them the person they are calling to speak with is not in their office. As Stephanie Tanner on Full House would say "How rude!"

It just makes me mad. I am a person. I am just doing my job. Stop being a jerk.

I other news I couldn't be more thrilled that this weekend has finally come. I loooooooooooooooooooove football. I am so glad the season is here! I am excited about going to the game tomorrow. Also, it's a holiday weekend. I know I appreciated holidays when I was in school but I now have even more appreciation for them. Perspective changes when you begin working full time and have a limited amount of vacation time. Holidays take on a whole new meaning.

That being said, I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend and Cheers! Football season is here!

Repeat: I love my job, I love my job, I love my job

I'm not saying I don't like my job, but everyone has parts of their job that they do not enjoy. For a portion of the day I answer the phones (as well as do other things -- read: I am not "just a receptionist"). One of the most annoying things people ask me is "Do you know a better time to call back?" Usually this is asked by a solicitor that the absent recipient does not want to speak to the first place. What bugs me is that contrary to popular belief, I do not read minds. I am not a personal secretary. I do not have a schedule of every minute of every working day for everyone in the office. They don't want to talk to you to begin with. Stop calling. Leave me alone. Of course I do not say these things, because I enjoy receiving a paycheck and eating, sleeping indoors, etc. But boy do I wish I could.

Some people get so rude with me too. I guess they think I am "just a receptionist." Jerks. One guy was so rude to me when I told him we weren't interested in the software he was marketing. I have a clue for you buddy -- if I told you we weren't interested, what makes you think getting an attitude with me is going to really get you any further?

Just a little hint to everyone out there: when you call a place of business be polite to the individual who answers the phone. Don't expect them to know everything, but do expect them to point you in the right direction. Give them a break, usually they will be appreciative.

That is all.

HOT

There is no other way to describe it. It's hot outside. Hotter than hot. The funny thing is, all the news casts keep telling people how hot it is. Like we don't already know. We get it, it's hot. I am sure most of us would appreciate if you didn't constantly remind us how hot it is. I think we get the picture...