A Fortnight of Storytelling - Day 4
What does your everyday look like? Describe the scene of your happiest moment of each day.
As of late, my day begins with a certain weariness. The details are boring and repetitive. Only remarkable in their similarity of calculations of what to wear, will I be changing later and what time am I to arrive which dictates what time I am to leave.
I drink coffee, fuss with my hair, mentally think about which bills need to be mailed off, if anyone's birthday is coming up, do I have cards to mail or do I need to purchase new ones, if I need to fiddle with the DVR to tape any shows or basketball games, if I need to iron a shirt or if they were removed in time from the dryer, sit at the computer and check Facebook and e-mails and blogs. One of the best times of the day is the smell of coffee telling me the pot is ready.
Before turning the key to start the car I say a silent prayer, a plea to please have the car start. It usually does, keeping my procrastinated timing of hitting the road to arrive at work on time has not been thwarted. One of the best times of the days is the relief of the engine catching.
I work. the best time of the day is meeting that unexpected Guest who shares a part of themselves with you. "I am the same age as Elvis. When I was 16 I came to Memphis and rode on a motorcycle with him". What a wonderful memory I tell her.
I clock out and get into my car and pray the engine turns over. It usually does.
I go home or go to The Bucket. The Bucket is homey and nice.
But the best most anticipated time of the day is pulling into the drive way at "home" and knowing that someone is waiting for me.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Too Much Sour Cream
So what do you do? I mean, come on! Sour Cream was on sale at Kroger's and I had a 40 cents off coupon!
The first thing I did was make Beef Stroganoff. Oh yum. thank you Paula Dean and her fantastic recipe I have been using for quite some time that only requires you to over come your fears of simplicity when it comes to preparing a meal and plopping in a can of mushroom soup. Joe eats all the meat and I am left with a creamy mushroom sauce over noodles for lunch the next day.
I have all this left over Sour Cream!!
So I make a bunt cake from this totally left field Cook Book from the Bucket. Ah ha! Sour cream.
Can you say Death by Chocolate? It is a little bit heavy for my taste but I would like to smother it in a chocolate ganache .
And the same cook book has a recipe for Coconut Cake that sounds too good to be true!
Today I was day dreaming like I have not day dreamed since High School. I literally had to snap myself out of it. But I was putting together a very simple cook book with all my favorites. I was designing the front cover and one thing lead to anther and I said out loud "VISTAPRINT".
I think this was all brought on by a conversation I over heard at the Book store. A woman talking on her cell phone about a No Kill rescue center she wanted to open but she had no idea how to even begin and so she called her friend, because she/he went to business school or so she thought, and she needed help.
I wanted to tap her on the shoulder and mouth the words, "BUSINESS PLAN"....
The first thing I did was make Beef Stroganoff. Oh yum. thank you Paula Dean and her fantastic recipe I have been using for quite some time that only requires you to over come your fears of simplicity when it comes to preparing a meal and plopping in a can of mushroom soup. Joe eats all the meat and I am left with a creamy mushroom sauce over noodles for lunch the next day.
I have all this left over Sour Cream!!
So I make a bunt cake from this totally left field Cook Book from the Bucket. Ah ha! Sour cream.
Can you say Death by Chocolate? It is a little bit heavy for my taste but I would like to smother it in a chocolate ganache .
And the same cook book has a recipe for Coconut Cake that sounds too good to be true!
Today I was day dreaming like I have not day dreamed since High School. I literally had to snap myself out of it. But I was putting together a very simple cook book with all my favorites. I was designing the front cover and one thing lead to anther and I said out loud "VISTAPRINT".
I think this was all brought on by a conversation I over heard at the Book store. A woman talking on her cell phone about a No Kill rescue center she wanted to open but she had no idea how to even begin and so she called her friend, because she/he went to business school or so she thought, and she needed help.
I wanted to tap her on the shoulder and mouth the words, "BUSINESS PLAN"....
Monday, March 12, 2012
May Day May Day or May-May Day
I called "out" Monday morning. I slept fitfully all night dreaming about how I was going to do it. It's hilarious that I felt such anguish over taking a day off when I am not sick. It's inconceivable that I have not done this "mental health" thing in so long that I can't even remember the last time.
They did not even ask why. It went like this, "I won't make it in today." "OK"
All that tossing and turning over nothing! But, then again that is the kind of employee I am, conscientious and trustworthy.
Which reminds me of the Good old Days at the Beverage Company in Lexington. It was necessary to call in before 6am and leave a voice mail for our District Sales Manager (DSM). You did not want to ever talk to him in real time!! Horrors! He might tell you to get your sorry ass to work pronto! (My DSM's nickname was "Coochie" or shorter, "Cooch", I hope that tells you something).
So you would call in at 6am knowing only an act of God would have hm at his desk at that hour, and leave your message.
Depending on Cooch's mood, if they were interesting and amusing enough, we would be called into his office to listen and make judgement on their validity and integrity.
Once of my favorites was DH calling with the "Jack Daniel" flu. He sounded like he was laying in a ditch on the side of the road, voice barely audible delivered in a raspy whisper, "Cooch, I'm sick" and then he hung up.
I had to call in one morning, one fateful morning after eating almost the entire bag of the devilishly delicious cinnamon and sugar almonds and then following it up with some fresh pineapple! My mouth and subsequently my lips, swelled up so much that Joe referred to me as Angelina Jolie. I was mortified, but curiously intrigued with my new look.
The coup de grace was when my Stepdaughter said "You look like a duck!"" and then seeing my stunned reaction, followed up with, "A pretty Duck".
Cooch called everyone into the office to listen to my Call-In message.
"B, I can't come in, I have Big Lips".
I had the highest score for that month.
Anyway, I miss that family of Co-workers. The best job and best people ever, except for the Boy Wonder, but he eventually left and Cooch took over the reigns. After that we were running with scissors and drinking milk from the carton.
I spent all day Monday having down time. I went to the Book store, the Public library, the antique Mall and shopped at ALDI.
I needed the day off and did have to disfigure myself with Big Lips to get it!
They did not even ask why. It went like this, "I won't make it in today." "OK"
All that tossing and turning over nothing! But, then again that is the kind of employee I am, conscientious and trustworthy.
Which reminds me of the Good old Days at the Beverage Company in Lexington. It was necessary to call in before 6am and leave a voice mail for our District Sales Manager (DSM). You did not want to ever talk to him in real time!! Horrors! He might tell you to get your sorry ass to work pronto! (My DSM's nickname was "Coochie" or shorter, "Cooch", I hope that tells you something).
So you would call in at 6am knowing only an act of God would have hm at his desk at that hour, and leave your message.
Depending on Cooch's mood, if they were interesting and amusing enough, we would be called into his office to listen and make judgement on their validity and integrity.
Once of my favorites was DH calling with the "Jack Daniel" flu. He sounded like he was laying in a ditch on the side of the road, voice barely audible delivered in a raspy whisper, "Cooch, I'm sick" and then he hung up.
I had to call in one morning, one fateful morning after eating almost the entire bag of the devilishly delicious cinnamon and sugar almonds and then following it up with some fresh pineapple! My mouth and subsequently my lips, swelled up so much that Joe referred to me as Angelina Jolie. I was mortified, but curiously intrigued with my new look.
The coup de grace was when my Stepdaughter said "You look like a duck!"" and then seeing my stunned reaction, followed up with, "A pretty Duck".
Cooch called everyone into the office to listen to my Call-In message.
"B, I can't come in, I have Big Lips".
I had the highest score for that month.
Anyway, I miss that family of Co-workers. The best job and best people ever, except for the Boy Wonder, but he eventually left and Cooch took over the reigns. After that we were running with scissors and drinking milk from the carton.
I spent all day Monday having down time. I went to the Book store, the Public library, the antique Mall and shopped at ALDI.
I needed the day off and did have to disfigure myself with Big Lips to get it!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
The Woman Behind the Curtain
I looked at it as a Win-Win situation. Either I was given the job of Merchandise Lead or I resign and find a job closer to home, thus cutting out an hour of daily drive time not to mention the rising cost of gas.
After the interview the wait began. We were told that the decision would be made on Monday. I had ample time to prepare myself for the outcome either way. It was amusing to me that if given the job I was determined to find something else, though I waited....
And waited...
And waited.
Monday came and went. I began to get nervous. I felt I had a 90% chance of being awarded the promotion. On Tuesday it dropped to a 75%. By Friday morning I knew I did not get it and I was quite nervous about being called back to the office and given the bad news.
I was not certain how I would handle it. Would I cry? Would I cry out! Would I make some horrific remark! The possibilities were limitless. I even felt a little sick.
In the end I just walked calmly to the back offices and was told that the promotion was given to someone else. I said, "I'm disappointed" and for some stupid reason I thanked her.
I then walked across the street to HR, asked to speak to the Director and handed in my resignation which I had written earlier in the morning and held in my pocket. Despite the fact that my face was blood red with the humiliation and disappointment, I felt such tremendous relief that I temporarily toyed with the idea of just walking off and away.
But I went back to my station behind the cash register and continued on with my day.
For the past three days I have been writing my Exit Letter in my head, addressed to the VP of Merchandise. It would go something like this...
I have had some horrendous managers in my life time but Ms. TS is at the top of the list. I have endured the Reign of Terror imposed on me by Heather Be Thy name, the narcissistic, accident prone, hypochondriac, self absorbed, 6 foot tall blond pony tailed 40 year old Amazon cheerleader who would bully the guest for "cutting line" and wear pants so low and tight that when she bent over her crack showed. When this fact was pointed out to her she told us we were making it up. We took to taking pictures of her Royal Hind-ness thus amusing ourselves with seeing who could get the most revealing! She took to wearing the tightest clothes and most daring plunging neck lines when she was trying to catch the eye of a new Restaurant manager and made our lives a living hell.
She was not the worst.
I once was assigned to a department that was headed up by the Boy Wonder. He was 23 years old and had the audacity say out loud "We need to get rid of that old Fart" speaking of the senior Key Account Manager to a room full of people! He had the gall to demand that we drive to his apartment and administer medicine to his ailing kitten. He blamed anything that went wrong on his Assistant. He once had a car accident and made the passenger lie about who was driving and go take the drug test!
He was not the worst.
For six months I directly reported to a woman who was having a torrid affair with another manager in the company, she began dressing like a Hooker and was totally unavailable for any type of business shenanigans. I had to do all the work and she presented it all to the bosses as her own.
She was not the worst.
The worst is the woman sitting behind the Curtain in the Back Office who never shows her face on the Plaza or the Crossing unless it is absolutely unavoidable and task oriented. She sits at her desk and watches the Associates with her camera's and makes no attempt to manager anyone, speak to anyone or provide any type of leadership.
This is a woman who considers writing someone up for minor infractions as Constructive Criticism. She thinks the minimum wage is $5.25. This is a woman who lied to me five months ago when she all but promised me the Lead Position in January if I would stay and as an associate until Spring.
That is so cleansing. I know it is sour grapes but it feels so good. I do not believe in burning bridges. So when and if she even acknowledges that I have resigned I will try to maintain the high road and just say my time here is finished.
Elvis World will have to limp along without me.
After the interview the wait began. We were told that the decision would be made on Monday. I had ample time to prepare myself for the outcome either way. It was amusing to me that if given the job I was determined to find something else, though I waited....
And waited...
And waited.
Monday came and went. I began to get nervous. I felt I had a 90% chance of being awarded the promotion. On Tuesday it dropped to a 75%. By Friday morning I knew I did not get it and I was quite nervous about being called back to the office and given the bad news.
I was not certain how I would handle it. Would I cry? Would I cry out! Would I make some horrific remark! The possibilities were limitless. I even felt a little sick.
In the end I just walked calmly to the back offices and was told that the promotion was given to someone else. I said, "I'm disappointed" and for some stupid reason I thanked her.
I then walked across the street to HR, asked to speak to the Director and handed in my resignation which I had written earlier in the morning and held in my pocket. Despite the fact that my face was blood red with the humiliation and disappointment, I felt such tremendous relief that I temporarily toyed with the idea of just walking off and away.
But I went back to my station behind the cash register and continued on with my day.
For the past three days I have been writing my Exit Letter in my head, addressed to the VP of Merchandise. It would go something like this...
I have had some horrendous managers in my life time but Ms. TS is at the top of the list. I have endured the Reign of Terror imposed on me by Heather Be Thy name, the narcissistic, accident prone, hypochondriac, self absorbed, 6 foot tall blond pony tailed 40 year old Amazon cheerleader who would bully the guest for "cutting line" and wear pants so low and tight that when she bent over her crack showed. When this fact was pointed out to her she told us we were making it up. We took to taking pictures of her Royal Hind-ness thus amusing ourselves with seeing who could get the most revealing! She took to wearing the tightest clothes and most daring plunging neck lines when she was trying to catch the eye of a new Restaurant manager and made our lives a living hell.
She was not the worst.
I once was assigned to a department that was headed up by the Boy Wonder. He was 23 years old and had the audacity say out loud "We need to get rid of that old Fart" speaking of the senior Key Account Manager to a room full of people! He had the gall to demand that we drive to his apartment and administer medicine to his ailing kitten. He blamed anything that went wrong on his Assistant. He once had a car accident and made the passenger lie about who was driving and go take the drug test!
He was not the worst.
For six months I directly reported to a woman who was having a torrid affair with another manager in the company, she began dressing like a Hooker and was totally unavailable for any type of business shenanigans. I had to do all the work and she presented it all to the bosses as her own.
She was not the worst.
The worst is the woman sitting behind the Curtain in the Back Office who never shows her face on the Plaza or the Crossing unless it is absolutely unavoidable and task oriented. She sits at her desk and watches the Associates with her camera's and makes no attempt to manager anyone, speak to anyone or provide any type of leadership.
This is a woman who considers writing someone up for minor infractions as Constructive Criticism. She thinks the minimum wage is $5.25. This is a woman who lied to me five months ago when she all but promised me the Lead Position in January if I would stay and as an associate until Spring.
That is so cleansing. I know it is sour grapes but it feels so good. I do not believe in burning bridges. So when and if she even acknowledges that I have resigned I will try to maintain the high road and just say my time here is finished.
Elvis World will have to limp along without me.
Friday, March 09, 2012
It Takes A Long Time to Grown an Old Friend - John Leonard
It was a cold and rainy day at Elvis World. The rain did not pour down, it was hurled from several different directions at some incredible angles and totally soaked everyone in its path despite umbrellas, rain slickers and running very fast.
Elvis fans run fast? Only if there is an Elvis sighting!
I was banished to the Northern Lower 40. In other words the shopping center that is located on the other side of Elvis World proper. Our guests must walk a far piece to view the two attractions and three gift shops that are located approximately a foot ball field length from the Plaza.
Only the young, the in-shape, the diehard fans and those who drive will arrive at this destination. When it rains like it did yesterday and coupled with the extreme drop in temperature - that is the formula for a slow day.
When and if people did make it to the shop I was stationed they had a tendency to stay and pretend to shop as they fretted about the increasing violent rain out side the plate glass windows.
Two ladies of a certain age (in their mid 60's) were moving around and examining every little thing and holding stuff up and shouting out in their Northern accents "How much is this???!!" They chuckled over the jump suits, they tried on t-shirts over their clothing, they fingered the expensive Lansky dress shirts with the miniature guitar buttons, they laughed over the "puffy" shirts, they examined all the refrigerator magnets looking for metal to test their strength. They asked millions of questions. They couldn't find a thing and had to be given directions for the bathrooms, the Christmas ornaments, the restaurant next door for coffee, the location of the Heartbreak Hotel, and finally after all the fuss and the oohing and ahhing they bought about $50 between the two of them.
"Oh the rain has not stopped! It looks like it will not stop any time soon. Look, I will go get the car and pick you up at the door. No sense for both of us to get wet. Where is the umbrella."
"Please, let me go. You have no luck with umbrellas, no luck at all."
"That was just a fluke! A silly umbrella!" She took the umbrella from her friend and headed out the door.
Her friend looked at me and sighed, "I should go, but she would never let me. Because she has a rain coat and I do not."
We looked out the window at her friend, fighting the rain, the umbrella turned inside out and about to be jerked from her grasp by the gusty wind and dragging her across the parking lot......IN THE WRONG DIRECTION!
"Oh my" the lady gasped and rushed for the door, "AGNES!!AGNES!! The car is over THERE!!"
Poor Agnes changed directions and headed back from the south end of the parking lot to the vehicle which was parked on the north end of the lot.
After the five minute ordeal of Woman verses Nature, Agnes re-entered the store and handed over the broken wet disfigured umbrella to her friend and said, "This is defective".
They laughed like banshees, straightened the wrecked umbrella, huddled under the lopsided purple protection from the rain, wrapped their arms around each other and bolted out the door and ran - well they ambled quickly - to the parked vehicle, now in the handicap zone waiting for them!
The love and affection they shared made me smile. All day.
Elvis fans run fast? Only if there is an Elvis sighting!
I was banished to the Northern Lower 40. In other words the shopping center that is located on the other side of Elvis World proper. Our guests must walk a far piece to view the two attractions and three gift shops that are located approximately a foot ball field length from the Plaza.
Only the young, the in-shape, the diehard fans and those who drive will arrive at this destination. When it rains like it did yesterday and coupled with the extreme drop in temperature - that is the formula for a slow day.
When and if people did make it to the shop I was stationed they had a tendency to stay and pretend to shop as they fretted about the increasing violent rain out side the plate glass windows.
Two ladies of a certain age (in their mid 60's) were moving around and examining every little thing and holding stuff up and shouting out in their Northern accents "How much is this???!!" They chuckled over the jump suits, they tried on t-shirts over their clothing, they fingered the expensive Lansky dress shirts with the miniature guitar buttons, they laughed over the "puffy" shirts, they examined all the refrigerator magnets looking for metal to test their strength. They asked millions of questions. They couldn't find a thing and had to be given directions for the bathrooms, the Christmas ornaments, the restaurant next door for coffee, the location of the Heartbreak Hotel, and finally after all the fuss and the oohing and ahhing they bought about $50 between the two of them.
"Oh the rain has not stopped! It looks like it will not stop any time soon. Look, I will go get the car and pick you up at the door. No sense for both of us to get wet. Where is the umbrella."
"Please, let me go. You have no luck with umbrellas, no luck at all."
"That was just a fluke! A silly umbrella!" She took the umbrella from her friend and headed out the door.
Her friend looked at me and sighed, "I should go, but she would never let me. Because she has a rain coat and I do not."
We looked out the window at her friend, fighting the rain, the umbrella turned inside out and about to be jerked from her grasp by the gusty wind and dragging her across the parking lot......IN THE WRONG DIRECTION!
"Oh my" the lady gasped and rushed for the door, "AGNES!!AGNES!! The car is over THERE!!"
Poor Agnes changed directions and headed back from the south end of the parking lot to the vehicle which was parked on the north end of the lot.
After the five minute ordeal of Woman verses Nature, Agnes re-entered the store and handed over the broken wet disfigured umbrella to her friend and said, "This is defective".
They laughed like banshees, straightened the wrecked umbrella, huddled under the lopsided purple protection from the rain, wrapped their arms around each other and bolted out the door and ran - well they ambled quickly - to the parked vehicle, now in the handicap zone waiting for them!
The love and affection they shared made me smile. All day.
Thursday, March 08, 2012
Late Night Conversations
With one eye on the clock that would free me from the fake homey Barn walls of the Bucket watching the tick tick tick of each excruciating moment crawl by on the computer screen when I noticed out of the corner of my eye the MOD amble up to the cash stand.
He assumed a comfortable slouch against the counter and began to talk. Of what, I can not remember but somehow the conversation wandered to bars, drinking at bars, the cost of drinking at bars, the switch from hard liquor to beer due to the cost involved of drinking at bars, drinking at bars in Italy. Drinking with Rugby players from Scotland at bars in Italy.
I so wanted to tell him about drinking with Irish Soccer players at an Airport bar in Dublin, but I practiced restraint, if only to myself. I have lost my need to one up people since - oh, I don't know. It's part of growing older and part of loosing your mind.
It did liberate some memories from the Black & Tan days.
He claimed to have been a bar tender and was making a good argument about Coors beer being one of the best/better domestic beers. I managed to get a word in and I interjected that Joe and I liked local micro breweries.
He made a face. "You gotta be careful at those places" he stated shaking his head.
Then I thought about how much I loved Mad Anthony in Ft Wayne, and the New Albanian in New Albany, Bluegrass Brewing Company in Lou, Blackhorse Brewery in C-Ville, the Old Varsity Blue in Lex (I think it was called something else, my "Assistant" from the Beverage company and I met there frequently), and on and on and on.
How boring to drink only Coors. Like my BIL who turned up his nose at the growler of Raspberry Wheat from Mad Anthony we lovingly brought home for their consumption. Oh well, Joe and I cut it with the BIL's Bud Lite, as it is meant to be devoured, since we did not have a growler of the blonde lager. The bomb. I do not think they refer to it as such, but it is the best in beer.
Which brings me to the Black and Tan.
The MOD began to tell me how to make a Black and Tan! If I had brought it up wouldn't you think I knew what it was all about?
Do people love to hear themselves talk?
After all, I drank enough of them to know they are beyond all descriptions other than delicious. And if you drink more than two, be prepared to call a cab, or in my case, walk the long mile home. Unfortunately you had to walk the even longer mile back in the morning to reclaim your car.
All in all, I checked out 15 minutes after the hour. An enjoyable 15 minutes of conversation. I found out he is a bland expounder and he found out I am an awesome listener and a lover of fruity beers.
He assumed a comfortable slouch against the counter and began to talk. Of what, I can not remember but somehow the conversation wandered to bars, drinking at bars, the cost of drinking at bars, the switch from hard liquor to beer due to the cost involved of drinking at bars, drinking at bars in Italy. Drinking with Rugby players from Scotland at bars in Italy.
I so wanted to tell him about drinking with Irish Soccer players at an Airport bar in Dublin, but I practiced restraint, if only to myself. I have lost my need to one up people since - oh, I don't know. It's part of growing older and part of loosing your mind.
It did liberate some memories from the Black & Tan days.
He claimed to have been a bar tender and was making a good argument about Coors beer being one of the best/better domestic beers. I managed to get a word in and I interjected that Joe and I liked local micro breweries.
He made a face. "You gotta be careful at those places" he stated shaking his head.
Then I thought about how much I loved Mad Anthony in Ft Wayne, and the New Albanian in New Albany, Bluegrass Brewing Company in Lou, Blackhorse Brewery in C-Ville, the Old Varsity Blue in Lex (I think it was called something else, my "Assistant" from the Beverage company and I met there frequently), and on and on and on.
How boring to drink only Coors. Like my BIL who turned up his nose at the growler of Raspberry Wheat from Mad Anthony we lovingly brought home for their consumption. Oh well, Joe and I cut it with the BIL's Bud Lite, as it is meant to be devoured, since we did not have a growler of the blonde lager. The bomb. I do not think they refer to it as such, but it is the best in beer.
Which brings me to the Black and Tan.
The MOD began to tell me how to make a Black and Tan! If I had brought it up wouldn't you think I knew what it was all about?
Do people love to hear themselves talk?
After all, I drank enough of them to know they are beyond all descriptions other than delicious. And if you drink more than two, be prepared to call a cab, or in my case, walk the long mile home. Unfortunately you had to walk the even longer mile back in the morning to reclaim your car.
All in all, I checked out 15 minutes after the hour. An enjoyable 15 minutes of conversation. I found out he is a bland expounder and he found out I am an awesome listener and a lover of fruity beers.
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
The Boss is Back!
I came in late Friday night after a wonderful time at the Bucket! Joe was out like a light in front on the Television which allowed me the luxury of channel surfing.
Realizing it was late enough for Jimmy Fallon I quickly switched over and there was The Boss, Bruce Springsteen promoting his new CD, The Wrecking Ball, for the entire show. It was so great that if you did not see it please at least check out this performance from NBC ...
DEATH TO MY HOMETOWN
The moment it started I thought "Celtic". Oh Baby, not bad for an old rocker.
I rushed out yesterday morning and purchased the CD. A no brainer. Download it? Hell no, I must have the real deal.
With downloading and purchasing music from Amazon or file sharing, it is not often that I purchase a CD. I am inundated, smothered, saturated, immersed, snowed under, buried up to my eyeballs with music. If it's not all day with Elvis it's all night being brain washed with the Bucket's collection of Country music. You would think the soundtrack of my life is overwhelming these days.
Well, it is
But I am reminded why I love music and why it moves and excites me when I see Bruce Spingsteen show how it's done on Late Night Television.
It was mind blowing. Especially when they did "The E Street Shuffle" and the audience stormed the stage and rocked out.
It does not get any better than that.
Realizing it was late enough for Jimmy Fallon I quickly switched over and there was The Boss, Bruce Springsteen promoting his new CD, The Wrecking Ball, for the entire show. It was so great that if you did not see it please at least check out this performance from NBC ...
DEATH TO MY HOMETOWN
The moment it started I thought "Celtic". Oh Baby, not bad for an old rocker.
I rushed out yesterday morning and purchased the CD. A no brainer. Download it? Hell no, I must have the real deal.
With downloading and purchasing music from Amazon or file sharing, it is not often that I purchase a CD. I am inundated, smothered, saturated, immersed, snowed under, buried up to my eyeballs with music. If it's not all day with Elvis it's all night being brain washed with the Bucket's collection of Country music. You would think the soundtrack of my life is overwhelming these days.
Well, it is
But I am reminded why I love music and why it moves and excites me when I see Bruce Spingsteen show how it's done on Late Night Television.
It was mind blowing. Especially when they did "The E Street Shuffle" and the audience stormed the stage and rocked out.
It does not get any better than that.
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
Bruised Orange
The trouble with trying is that you may try too hard. The trouble with trying too hard is that you end up with a ton of "posts" in your draft file. Nothing is good enough, nothing works, then you become self conscious and insecure, then you stop entirely.
That is how you end up with inactive account. I.E. R.I.P.
I really enjoyed the freedom that I allowed myself in January when I was just trying to write a daily post. I would throw up anything and just be happy with it, grateful that I was able to put the proverbial analog pen to paper and have some success.
I don't know why I can't share or expound or observe with careless abandon!
The beauty of writing is that it is self satisfying. I am driven because I have to write. I am hesitant because I have concerned myself with censorship. I do not keep a hand written journal any longer and that is a crying shame. The truly good stuff, the writing with horrendous spelling mistakes, the flow of "no one but me is going to read this" beauty is lost FOREVER.
The down and dirty truth of the matter is that I am secretive about my blogging. Why? Who knows! It's not like I am exposing anyone or anything. I have spent so much time, put so much into it and I have/had no plans for it other than an on-line diary of sorts and I can't even do that anymore.
I ramble because I have a husband who is trying to download music from Amazon and it is a bitch because we are too old to know anything about PAYING FOR DOWNLOADS. Now when we paid a one time subscription for MP3 something or another (before they shut it down) it was a cinch. Now I am sitting here, trying to fill in the time of an hour and ten minute download (OMG!!) by rambling.
Kind of like Bruised Orange.
That is how you end up with inactive account. I.E. R.I.P.
I really enjoyed the freedom that I allowed myself in January when I was just trying to write a daily post. I would throw up anything and just be happy with it, grateful that I was able to put the proverbial analog pen to paper and have some success.
I don't know why I can't share or expound or observe with careless abandon!
The beauty of writing is that it is self satisfying. I am driven because I have to write. I am hesitant because I have concerned myself with censorship. I do not keep a hand written journal any longer and that is a crying shame. The truly good stuff, the writing with horrendous spelling mistakes, the flow of "no one but me is going to read this" beauty is lost FOREVER.
The down and dirty truth of the matter is that I am secretive about my blogging. Why? Who knows! It's not like I am exposing anyone or anything. I have spent so much time, put so much into it and I have/had no plans for it other than an on-line diary of sorts and I can't even do that anymore.
I ramble because I have a husband who is trying to download music from Amazon and it is a bitch because we are too old to know anything about PAYING FOR DOWNLOADS. Now when we paid a one time subscription for MP3 something or another (before they shut it down) it was a cinch. Now I am sitting here, trying to fill in the time of an hour and ten minute download (OMG!!) by rambling.
Kind of like Bruised Orange.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Tardy Thursday Thirteen
I am blissfully happy.
Don't know why! Just feel that everything is coming up roses for me and my Baby. I was at Walmart thinking, "Of course it's my day off and the temp is 30 degree's down from yesterday!" and immediately added "But the sun is shining!!" and I felt it. The awareness of all things good.
What was I doing at Walmart? Besides the usual cat food run? I was replacing my silly smart phone with a Go Phone. My plan with AT&T is not eligible for an upgrade until July. The SMART phone outsmarted me (once again) and will not charge. The phone has been put out with me for quite some time. Manifesting itself when I dropped it and the back cover went flying under an unwavering counter -forever!! It had a swing out key pad so I could not just slap it into a skin so it has been very angry ever since. No duct tape this time as was the fate of my last phone, a lovely Hello Moto. So now I have a $14.99 Go Phone, which we all know will last through a nuclear blast.
Anyway, Keeping with the theme from several days ago........
13 Indications that you are growing OLD!!
1) Every time you bend down to pick something up you grunt.
2) Sometimes when you laugh very hard you pee a little!
3) You check the weather before going out. How Old is that!!
4) When ever you hear the latest/newest music you go "Yuck!! The Beatles were so much better!"
5) You remember the Beatles.
6) Your feet hurt from standing on them all day and if someone asks you if you need anything it's all you can do to not say, "Could you give me a foot rub?"
7) You buy crappy shoes for comfort - I once wrote a whole post about this titled "I use to be Cool"
8) You think you are still cool, but you are not.
9) You can start a sentence with "Son, when I was younger....."
10) You almost choke when some young whipper snapper says, "Way back in the 1960's......." Remember this would have been you talking about the 1920's at their age. It hurts.
11) You can not operate a lap top without help from some whipper snapper.
12) You go to your High School reunion and everyone looks so old!!
13) People ask you if you knew Methuselah.
Other Thursday 13's here.
Don't know why! Just feel that everything is coming up roses for me and my Baby. I was at Walmart thinking, "Of course it's my day off and the temp is 30 degree's down from yesterday!" and immediately added "But the sun is shining!!" and I felt it. The awareness of all things good.
What was I doing at Walmart? Besides the usual cat food run? I was replacing my silly smart phone with a Go Phone. My plan with AT&T is not eligible for an upgrade until July. The SMART phone outsmarted me (once again) and will not charge. The phone has been put out with me for quite some time. Manifesting itself when I dropped it and the back cover went flying under an unwavering counter -forever!! It had a swing out key pad so I could not just slap it into a skin so it has been very angry ever since. No duct tape this time as was the fate of my last phone, a lovely Hello Moto. So now I have a $14.99 Go Phone, which we all know will last through a nuclear blast.
Anyway, Keeping with the theme from several days ago........
13 Indications that you are growing OLD!!
1) Every time you bend down to pick something up you grunt.
2) Sometimes when you laugh very hard you pee a little!
3) You check the weather before going out. How Old is that!!
4) When ever you hear the latest/newest music you go "Yuck!! The Beatles were so much better!"
5) You remember the Beatles.
6) Your feet hurt from standing on them all day and if someone asks you if you need anything it's all you can do to not say, "Could you give me a foot rub?"
7) You buy crappy shoes for comfort - I once wrote a whole post about this titled "I use to be Cool"
8) You think you are still cool, but you are not.
9) You can start a sentence with "Son, when I was younger....."
10) You almost choke when some young whipper snapper says, "Way back in the 1960's......." Remember this would have been you talking about the 1920's at their age. It hurts.
11) You can not operate a lap top without help from some whipper snapper.
12) You go to your High School reunion and everyone looks so old!!
13) People ask you if you knew Methuselah.
Other Thursday 13's here.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Tell Tale Signs
I was dismayed a few weeks ago when I was erroneously told it was Fat Tuesday. One would think living so close to the center of the whole Fat Tuesday experience one would get the date correct! "Oh no" I inwardly whine, "I have to choose something to give up for Lent!" But a quick glance at the calendar told me I had several more weeks to enjoy whatever it is that I will sacrifice for 40 days.
Don't ask why. It's the Catholic in me.
So, it was officially Fat Tuesday last night and I heard Beale Street calling. All day people from all walks of life where telling me that was the place to be!
I knew Joe would be shoo in for that type of fun. My approach did not have to be subtle at all, just an assurance that I would drive and we would be home by 11pm! Ha!! Ain't life grand!
But it was not to be. Joe was working late and I had to embrace the fact that I am sliding into a certain acceptance that accompanies the aging process. Years ago, I might have just headed down there myself with the certainty that I would run into someone I knew.
Not any longer.
The aging process is a nasty beast. Not only are you startled by that stranger in the reflection of any type of glass when you realize that stranger is YOU but you have to accept that your mothers hands are now your hands! In the past you would stagger from the cramped confines of the car after a lengthy car trip - now it's just the five minute drive to the liquor, I mean grocery store.
Not to mention the punishment of a stinging hang over if you throw caution to the wind and have that third beer. Maybe I am just out of practice. Yea, that's it! I'm not practicing much anymore, so strike that off as a possible Lenten sacrifice.
Then there is the humiliation of being over looked and worse, not being seen at all! It still does not stop me from flirting. I will ask to see an ID and if they are relatively good looking I can't help myself and say coyly, "You are much more handsome in person....", this type of remark always evokes some type of reaction. Usually they SEE YOU at that point. And they always smile. Sometimes they get all puffed up, stand up straighter and glance at the photo, "Oh come on. Maybe some time ago....." it's fun to make someones day.
But I digress.
That happens a lot too. Loosing track. Loosing things. Loosing your hair, your mind.
So, there was to be no debauchery or depravity on Beale Street this night.
Acceptance of the situation without much resistance or regret is another Tell-Tale sign of traveling over the hill.
Yet what a fantastic night I had! The University of Kentucky was getting their lunch handed to them at half time, so I switched over to JUSTIFIED (man oh man! Everyone should watch that show, it's so good) and watched it not once but twice because Joe came home.
Then I reluctantly watched the second half of UK verses Mississippi State and they came from behind and won!!
Another sign? Sleep does not come easily!!
Don't ask why. It's the Catholic in me.
So, it was officially Fat Tuesday last night and I heard Beale Street calling. All day people from all walks of life where telling me that was the place to be!
I knew Joe would be shoo in for that type of fun. My approach did not have to be subtle at all, just an assurance that I would drive and we would be home by 11pm! Ha!! Ain't life grand!
But it was not to be. Joe was working late and I had to embrace the fact that I am sliding into a certain acceptance that accompanies the aging process. Years ago, I might have just headed down there myself with the certainty that I would run into someone I knew.
Not any longer.
The aging process is a nasty beast. Not only are you startled by that stranger in the reflection of any type of glass when you realize that stranger is YOU but you have to accept that your mothers hands are now your hands! In the past you would stagger from the cramped confines of the car after a lengthy car trip - now it's just the five minute drive to the liquor, I mean grocery store.
Not to mention the punishment of a stinging hang over if you throw caution to the wind and have that third beer. Maybe I am just out of practice. Yea, that's it! I'm not practicing much anymore, so strike that off as a possible Lenten sacrifice.
Then there is the humiliation of being over looked and worse, not being seen at all! It still does not stop me from flirting. I will ask to see an ID and if they are relatively good looking I can't help myself and say coyly, "You are much more handsome in person....", this type of remark always evokes some type of reaction. Usually they SEE YOU at that point. And they always smile. Sometimes they get all puffed up, stand up straighter and glance at the photo, "Oh come on. Maybe some time ago....." it's fun to make someones day.
But I digress.
That happens a lot too. Loosing track. Loosing things. Loosing your hair, your mind.
So, there was to be no debauchery or depravity on Beale Street this night.
Acceptance of the situation without much resistance or regret is another Tell-Tale sign of traveling over the hill.
Yet what a fantastic night I had! The University of Kentucky was getting their lunch handed to them at half time, so I switched over to JUSTIFIED (man oh man! Everyone should watch that show, it's so good) and watched it not once but twice because Joe came home.
Then I reluctantly watched the second half of UK verses Mississippi State and they came from behind and won!!
Another sign? Sleep does not come easily!!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Lay it On Me, Daddy-O
Recently I have taken a review course on Customer Service that reinvigorated my waning skills. Really? Customer service skills are so elementary that at times you are surprised that you have to be reminded.
But reminded you must because any time spent with the general public will make you want to go postal.
From my refresher course I was struck by the main idea of treat your guests as you would like to be treated! Sinfully simple!
So, as silly as it sounds, I decided to treat every guest with the utmost respect and to be extremely charming as to ensure they have a positive experience. This entails answering repetitive questions over and over such as ....
"How do you get to the So and So?",
"Where are your bathrooms?"
"How much is this?"
"Can I have four quarters?"
"Where does all the money go?"
"Why is it so expensive?"
"Do you think Elvis is really dead?"
"Do you get tired of hearing this music every day?"
"You must love working here!!"
"Did you meet Elvis?"
Most the time it is fun and most the time people are really great. A lot of the time I get to meet people who actually did know Elvis and those are the best days.
So, I am half way through my day. A surprisingly very busy day and we asked each other the question "Where are all these people coming from??!!" but it was a pleasant diversion from the typical "off season". But busy busy busy. The non-stop kind.
I am being charming and pleasant as to ensure a positive experience. A man and woman approach the counter and she lays down some clothing to purchase. The husband and I strike up a conversation about where all the proceeds go, does Lisa Marie ever make an appearence etc. etc. etc. for a few seconds. I ask the wife, because this is the RULE OF THUMB, women do not like you talking to THEIR MAN, so I always engage the female (men are so much easier to talk to ,but alas....)
"So, is he going to be an Elvis fan after today?" I asked her referring to her husband.
"If his mother couldn't convert , far be for me to be able to achieve the impossible".
I ramble on (I suppose) as I rang up her purchases, "I was never a fan until I began working here. Realizing how generous he was and his impact on the culture that still exists today! It's hard not to be a fan".
She raises her head to look at me in the eye, "Who are we talking about?" she asks.
I wanted to reach across that counter and smack her smug face. I screamed out loud in my head, YOUR HUSBAND YOU IDIOT" but I didn't remembering the mantra, "Treat others as you wish to be treated...."
And I just smiled and said, "That will be $95 dollars"
If you wonder why I need to be reminded to be NICE constantly, that is why. Some people are just condescending and I just have to learn to live with it, forget it and move on to the next person, it just may be Elvis' realtor.
But reminded you must because any time spent with the general public will make you want to go postal.
From my refresher course I was struck by the main idea of treat your guests as you would like to be treated! Sinfully simple!
So, as silly as it sounds, I decided to treat every guest with the utmost respect and to be extremely charming as to ensure they have a positive experience. This entails answering repetitive questions over and over such as ....
"How do you get to the So and So?",
"Where are your bathrooms?"
"How much is this?"
"Can I have four quarters?"
"Where does all the money go?"
"Why is it so expensive?"
"Do you think Elvis is really dead?"
"Do you get tired of hearing this music every day?"
"You must love working here!!"
"Did you meet Elvis?"
Most the time it is fun and most the time people are really great. A lot of the time I get to meet people who actually did know Elvis and those are the best days.
So, I am half way through my day. A surprisingly very busy day and we asked each other the question "Where are all these people coming from??!!" but it was a pleasant diversion from the typical "off season". But busy busy busy. The non-stop kind.
I am being charming and pleasant as to ensure a positive experience. A man and woman approach the counter and she lays down some clothing to purchase. The husband and I strike up a conversation about where all the proceeds go, does Lisa Marie ever make an appearence etc. etc. etc. for a few seconds. I ask the wife, because this is the RULE OF THUMB, women do not like you talking to THEIR MAN, so I always engage the female (men are so much easier to talk to ,but alas....)
"So, is he going to be an Elvis fan after today?" I asked her referring to her husband.
"If his mother couldn't convert , far be for me to be able to achieve the impossible".
I ramble on (I suppose) as I rang up her purchases, "I was never a fan until I began working here. Realizing how generous he was and his impact on the culture that still exists today! It's hard not to be a fan".
She raises her head to look at me in the eye, "Who are we talking about?" she asks.
I wanted to reach across that counter and smack her smug face. I screamed out loud in my head, YOUR HUSBAND YOU IDIOT" but I didn't remembering the mantra, "Treat others as you wish to be treated...."
And I just smiled and said, "That will be $95 dollars"
If you wonder why I need to be reminded to be NICE constantly, that is why. Some people are just condescending and I just have to learn to live with it, forget it and move on to the next person, it just may be Elvis' realtor.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thursday 13
A day off! Sweet Joy!!
I am off to the library to pick out a new book. I just finished Tender is the Night, by F. Scott Fitzgerald and though I was not in love with any of the characters I admit to having a significant intake of breath at the conclusion of the novel accompanied by a rush of emotion.
Maybe it was just the beauty of the prose. The sadness and tenderness used to describe the slow painful fading of Dick Diver's persona as he disappeared into the obscurity of small town New York. I have decided to take a little time to absorb the story and not rashly rush on to the next book -( I am so excited I am ahead of my two book a month commitment for 2012!)
Dick Diver should have seized his moment. He should have put down the damn bottle and realized what a lucky Dick he actually was. Is it coincidence that the name "Don Draper" sounds like Dick Diver?
I think not.
Enough reflection. I picked up my copy of This Side of Paradise but decided to save it for later. Instead I am headed to the library with a list of books.
Here are 13 books on that list from Good Reads.
1) Irish Journal - Heinrich Boll , anything Irish and travel I will devour.
2) Across Five Aprils - Irene Hunt, love Civil War fiction.
3) You can't get there from here - Gayle Foreman, more travel, can't get enough.
4) Travels with Charley, John Steinbeck, classic I have not read and I find classics are the best.
5) The Blue Nile - Alan Mooreland, see the theme here, the pattern!
6) Ayesha, the return of She - H. Rider Haggard - Love his books and have not read anything for a long long time. Read She about 20 years ago (maybe) and was stunned!! So I will love this finding this.
7) The Camel Bookmobile - Masha Hamilton
8) My Masai Life - Robin Wiszowaty. Ever since reading Out of Africa, I have had a love of all African books.
9) Too close to the Sun - Sara Wheeler
10) The Splendid Outcast - Beryle Markham, I will get this book if I can find it. I may make a trip to the local bookstore.
11) Battle Cry of Freedom - James McPherson. I am either going to pick up an African memoir or a Civil war novel! That seems to be the trend.
12) The Sweetest Dream - Doris Lessing
13) Dream of the Blue Room - Michelle Richmond. If I can find it, this is the ONE I will most definitely check out or pick up at the bookstore.
More Thursday Thirteen HERE.
I am off to the library to pick out a new book. I just finished Tender is the Night, by F. Scott Fitzgerald and though I was not in love with any of the characters I admit to having a significant intake of breath at the conclusion of the novel accompanied by a rush of emotion.
Maybe it was just the beauty of the prose. The sadness and tenderness used to describe the slow painful fading of Dick Diver's persona as he disappeared into the obscurity of small town New York. I have decided to take a little time to absorb the story and not rashly rush on to the next book -( I am so excited I am ahead of my two book a month commitment for 2012!)
Dick Diver should have seized his moment. He should have put down the damn bottle and realized what a lucky Dick he actually was. Is it coincidence that the name "Don Draper" sounds like Dick Diver?
I think not.
Enough reflection. I picked up my copy of This Side of Paradise but decided to save it for later. Instead I am headed to the library with a list of books.
Here are 13 books on that list from Good Reads.
1) Irish Journal - Heinrich Boll , anything Irish and travel I will devour.
2) Across Five Aprils - Irene Hunt, love Civil War fiction.
3) You can't get there from here - Gayle Foreman, more travel, can't get enough.
4) Travels with Charley, John Steinbeck, classic I have not read and I find classics are the best.
5) The Blue Nile - Alan Mooreland, see the theme here, the pattern!
6) Ayesha, the return of She - H. Rider Haggard - Love his books and have not read anything for a long long time. Read She about 20 years ago (maybe) and was stunned!! So I will love this finding this.
7) The Camel Bookmobile - Masha Hamilton
8) My Masai Life - Robin Wiszowaty. Ever since reading Out of Africa, I have had a love of all African books.
9) Too close to the Sun - Sara Wheeler
10) The Splendid Outcast - Beryle Markham, I will get this book if I can find it. I may make a trip to the local bookstore.
11) Battle Cry of Freedom - James McPherson. I am either going to pick up an African memoir or a Civil war novel! That seems to be the trend.
12) The Sweetest Dream - Doris Lessing
13) Dream of the Blue Room - Michelle Richmond. If I can find it, this is the ONE I will most definitely check out or pick up at the bookstore.
More Thursday Thirteen HERE.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Anatomy of a Valentines Day
It began like most mornings this time of year. The sun rising over an overcast grey winter sky. The chill of yesterdays rainy sleet forgotten with the weak assurance a warmer day. After all, it's Valentines Day!
While concoting an incredibly tasteless corn beef and hash breakfast I made the rash decision to forgo dinner at a local chain restaurant and indulge instead with T-bone steaks, maybe rib eye's, and a bottle of red wine. Served with romantic candles in the privacy of home!
All that was left was to make the trip to the grocery and pick up the provisions for my amorous venture after work. I had the menu memorized by the end of the day, adding and subtracting and had arrived at the most appealing meal ever imagined!
And then.......
The car would not start. Stuck in the employee parking lot with panic rising in accordance to the diminishing daylight.
A quick call to my Love. "THE CAR WON'T START!!"
"Do the lights come on?"
"Yes! I just got a new battery not so long ago!"
"Where are you?"
"The parking lot at Elvis World!"
"I'll be right there."
Oh how I love him! No rebukes, no fussing, no nothing.
Just "I'll be right there." As beautiful and as lovely as "I love you" and more substance than a box of chocolates.
"Try putting it in neutral then back to park. Then try to start it."
"Oh!!! It started!"
"Come on home"
Damn. There goes the trip to the liquor store for the wine, Kroger's for the steak, and the bakery for some kick butt cup cakes! Rats! My plans dashed at the last minute!
I found a bag of frozen raw shrimp in the freezer, sea food boil in the cupboard. A box of chocolate cake mix and powered sugar and just enough left over coffee for a tasty frosting. Potato's and chicken and green beans - that was our Valentine dinner.
Oh and just enough coconut rum for two cocktails.
Never was a more fantastic dinner.
While concoting an incredibly tasteless corn beef and hash breakfast I made the rash decision to forgo dinner at a local chain restaurant and indulge instead with T-bone steaks, maybe rib eye's, and a bottle of red wine. Served with romantic candles in the privacy of home!
All that was left was to make the trip to the grocery and pick up the provisions for my amorous venture after work. I had the menu memorized by the end of the day, adding and subtracting and had arrived at the most appealing meal ever imagined!
And then.......
The car would not start. Stuck in the employee parking lot with panic rising in accordance to the diminishing daylight.
A quick call to my Love. "THE CAR WON'T START!!"
"Do the lights come on?"
"Yes! I just got a new battery not so long ago!"
"Where are you?"
"The parking lot at Elvis World!"
"I'll be right there."
Oh how I love him! No rebukes, no fussing, no nothing.
Just "I'll be right there." As beautiful and as lovely as "I love you" and more substance than a box of chocolates.
"Try putting it in neutral then back to park. Then try to start it."
"Oh!!! It started!"
"Come on home"
Damn. There goes the trip to the liquor store for the wine, Kroger's for the steak, and the bakery for some kick butt cup cakes! Rats! My plans dashed at the last minute!
I found a bag of frozen raw shrimp in the freezer, sea food boil in the cupboard. A box of chocolate cake mix and powered sugar and just enough left over coffee for a tasty frosting. Potato's and chicken and green beans - that was our Valentine dinner.
Oh and just enough coconut rum for two cocktails.
Never was a more fantastic dinner.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Tender is the Soul
Thought I would throw down a post just to make sure I don't totally let go again.
I am reading Tender is the Night and am totally in awe of F. Scott Fitzy. I am having slight flashbacks to High School and reading The Great Gatby. The man was a true master of prose even though I am half way through the book and do not like nor sympathize with any of the characters.
The other night we watched a movie called The Runaways and I dislike it for the same reasons. And I like/love Joan Jett!
I have embarked into a frenzy driven rush to find a new job that has led to one interview and dashed hopes when I did not receive a call for a second interview. I was definitely under the impression that he was going to call me back!! Why ask when I would be available to meet the "other two"? great Balls of Fire. But I have not given up hope. It's just slowed down.
Maybe the fact I have them a bogus SS# 123-45-6798 made them reconsider. I am not giving my SS on an on-line application. The nerve!
Anyway, I'm OK. Especially compared to the likes of the characters in Tender is the Night!!
I am reading Tender is the Night and am totally in awe of F. Scott Fitzy. I am having slight flashbacks to High School and reading The Great Gatby. The man was a true master of prose even though I am half way through the book and do not like nor sympathize with any of the characters.
The other night we watched a movie called The Runaways and I dislike it for the same reasons. And I like/love Joan Jett!
I have embarked into a frenzy driven rush to find a new job that has led to one interview and dashed hopes when I did not receive a call for a second interview. I was definitely under the impression that he was going to call me back!! Why ask when I would be available to meet the "other two"? great Balls of Fire. But I have not given up hope. It's just slowed down.
Maybe the fact I have them a bogus SS# 123-45-6798 made them reconsider. I am not giving my SS on an on-line application. The nerve!
Anyway, I'm OK. Especially compared to the likes of the characters in Tender is the Night!!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Candidate for Anger Management
I've had a rough 24 hours. I feel like I have been through the ringer. I was in a semi daze earlier, but I have snapped out of it and feel much better. I should survive the evening shift at the Bucket with the help of my little friend, Five Hour Energy Drink. Otherwise, I'd be toast.
I was up at 430 am on the computer trolling for a new job. The honeymoon is over at Elvis World and I have to move on. I was a hairs breath of resigning yesterday.
And I only have a few moment to reflect and jot it down here. Here, where I had high hopes of writing everyday, but I only missed five days out of the month so that's not so bad. I am jump started back into the saddle.
Back to Elvis world.
I was called into the back office and informed that while filling out paperwork for everyone to get a raise, it was noticed I was being paid Way Too Much Money and effective immediately, my hourly wage is bumped back over a dollar.
I was astonished and totally taken by surprise. I immediately asked when the vacated Lead position was going to be posted. it has been vacant for over a month and I was promised the position at the end of last summer. I am certain I probably asked the question in a not too happy sounding voice.
"Well, we need to talk about that. It seems you were written up for having a cell phone, after being warned no cell phones allowed, and "M" said you were angry and hostile about the constructive criticism."
Since when is disciplinary action constructive criticism?
"So, does this mean I am at the bottom of totem pole for the Lead position?'
She yammered on and on, making some correlation and concern she had that if I could not handle constructive criticism then I could be rude to guests.
Then I was told in a very round about way, that it was too bad I use to have a great paying job and now I know what it feels like to be on the struggling end of the wage hierarchy.
I knew right there I was in the middle of a reverse discrimination thing. There is no way out of this and I am absolutely stunned and so saddened that this the way it is.
Now I have the double whammy of being paid under my worth and having the wrong skin color.
I was up at 430 am on the computer trolling for a new job. The honeymoon is over at Elvis World and I have to move on. I was a hairs breath of resigning yesterday.
And I only have a few moment to reflect and jot it down here. Here, where I had high hopes of writing everyday, but I only missed five days out of the month so that's not so bad. I am jump started back into the saddle.
Back to Elvis world.
I was called into the back office and informed that while filling out paperwork for everyone to get a raise, it was noticed I was being paid Way Too Much Money and effective immediately, my hourly wage is bumped back over a dollar.
I was astonished and totally taken by surprise. I immediately asked when the vacated Lead position was going to be posted. it has been vacant for over a month and I was promised the position at the end of last summer. I am certain I probably asked the question in a not too happy sounding voice.
"Well, we need to talk about that. It seems you were written up for having a cell phone, after being warned no cell phones allowed, and "M" said you were angry and hostile about the constructive criticism."
Since when is disciplinary action constructive criticism?
"So, does this mean I am at the bottom of totem pole for the Lead position?'
She yammered on and on, making some correlation and concern she had that if I could not handle constructive criticism then I could be rude to guests.
Then I was told in a very round about way, that it was too bad I use to have a great paying job and now I know what it feels like to be on the struggling end of the wage hierarchy.
I knew right there I was in the middle of a reverse discrimination thing. There is no way out of this and I am absolutely stunned and so saddened that this the way it is.
Now I have the double whammy of being paid under my worth and having the wrong skin color.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Rainbows of the Soul
There is something about Elvis World that gives people permission to dress up. It should come as no surprise that people arrive dressed to the Nines as Elvis, Marilyn, Dale Evans, Colin Farrell, and even Gumby!
I believe some people do not do it on purpose. The Europeans look European. There is just a certain flair they have. It shows in their skinny jeans, their hair, their glasses, their back packs, their easy coolness. I have to admit, I have not met an ugly European. They are shiny faces and an openness that is not only refreshing but fills me with a longing for something I can not put my finger on. Perhaps a memory of better times.
The young kids shouting their independence and all looking remarkably the same. Did we do that too? All with long hair streaked with outlandish colors, skinny jeans, Ugg boots, and their noses glued to their i phones as they follow at a slower pace their parents with the hopes that no one will assumed they are connected. At least that's what I did. The parents do display a Kid in a Candy Store type of awe.
Am I stereotyping? Women from Texas; Big hair and knee high expensive boots.
Canadians? Just like us but like to show off their plastic money.
Australians? They buy the shops out and tell you how expensive everything is in Australia and how they have to buy new luggage to take everything home. And they show you their plastic money.
But it is those who dress up that capture my attention.
One day last summer I looked up and spotted a woman browsing in the front of the shop. She had one of those little hats from the 50's on her head, with the small veil that extended over her forehead. In her white gloved left hand she held the other white glove as she pulled a Gold Lame clad Barbie from the shelf. She slowly sashayed around the store until she emerged so I could get a good look at her entire ensemble.
She was in a beautiful red and white flared flowered dress. It was cinched at waist with a red belt. She wore stockings with the seam up the back and pretty little soft white heels.
My heart lurched in my chest as I recognized the outfit, the uniform of my Mothers generation and immediately my eyes filled with tears I could not hold back.
What is this emotion?
I have thought about the sudden burst of tears and realized that it is the young little girl inside of me who wants her Mommie and there she was. Out of the Blue. Without warning. Stepping out of 1959. She was so beautiful
The soul would have no rainbow had the eyes no tears. ~John Vance Cheney
Friday, January 27, 2012
Town without Pity
The Weekly Photo Challenge from Wordpress this week is........
HOPE
It is hard to believe that it is almost seven years ago we packed up, sold the house and moved to Ft. Wayne. Upon arriving we walked around the downtown area and I took a lot of pictures. Always a fun way to first view a city, through the camera lens.
Then we ran across this warning!!!
And I hoped it was not true.
Go here for more interpretations of HOPE.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Don't have a Grand child with a Dog Collar
Thursday Thirteen for January 26, 2012
First off, why is it that you never listen to your Mother? They can dispense the absolute best advice by sharing their life experiences. Yet, the irrefutable lessons we learn, the ones that truly reveal their innate universal validly, have to be understood the hard way. No one can tell you. You would never listen.
1) Never criticize, condemn or complain. This is like the mantra from the Dale Carnegie Training programs. Who likes to be around someone who is always complaining? I think I complain a lot, maybe not out loud so much, but in my soul. I do not like this situation and I realize it drags me down, compromises my happiness. I wish I could stop it and just accept things. Have you ever been around someone who is always criticizing? Or condemning? You just want to vacate the area.
2) All things pass. I try to remember what was bothering me at this time last year? Or last month? or three months ago? Sometimes I can isolate a particular incident, but on the whole the answer is no. So I try to tell myself not to get so upset by little things. Because unless it is death, taxes or love, it's a little thing. Everything else can be handled, maybe with drugs, but it's all going to be OK. (just joking about the drugs).
3) There is no relief in consuming large amounts of alcohol to make the pain go away. It does not work and only makes it worse. It only will bring on a terrible hang over and you may wake up in a ditch. Or worse, have a Grand child with a dog collar. (I love that commercial!)
4) There are no do overs in life. So when it comes to your kids, make them the most important focus of your life for their first 18 years of life. When they go to college - let go for god's sake.
5) Don't give advice unless asked for it.
6) You do not know it all so don't act like it. You do not have to be right all the time. Do not correct someone in public or point out how ridiculous they sound! If you know the Beatles were not inducted into the Rock-N-Roll hall of fame the first year and they insist they were, just say you must be wrong (even though you just heard all about the it the night before on The Heavy Metal Show) and tell them you need to look it up on the Internet. Sometimes it just feels OK to know you are right.
7) Be able to say, I'm sorry I was wrong . Mean it. Do not say, "I'm sorry, but...." just say, "I'm sorry, my bad." This also makes for a happy marriage.
8) Sleep on it. Do not jump on anything, even if it seems a sure thing. Even if you think you must react immediately - sleep on it.
9) Trust your gut. Your subconscious knows things. All will be revealed in time.
10) Listen to people, what they are really saying sometimes is hidden in between the words. Have you ever been taking to someone and to see if they are listening you stop before the punch line or the climax or the summation of bringing it all together? You leave it hanging? Just to see if they will say, "So? Then what happened?" Or if they will say, "OK see you later" and walk off. I swear, I try not to be that person who does not listen. Too much good stuff is given to you , like a gift if you only ask. If you only listen. So I think one of the most important lessons, if not the most important life lesson one can learn is how important it is to listen to others.
11) Never underestimate the power of a kind encouraging word. Saying "Thank you" or "You do that so well!!" goes a long way. I remember last summer when I was trying to run again and was really struggling and soooooooooooooooo slow. As I labored in the 100 degree heat on the paths in Shelby park a young high school kid running with a pack of high school kids whizzes by me and says, "Good Job". I really needed that. So, be a blessing to someone.
12) Don't take yourself too seriously. Life is too much fun.
13) Love is everything.
These are in no particular order! For more Thursday Thirteen go here!
First off, why is it that you never listen to your Mother? They can dispense the absolute best advice by sharing their life experiences. Yet, the irrefutable lessons we learn, the ones that truly reveal their innate universal validly, have to be understood the hard way. No one can tell you. You would never listen.
1) Never criticize, condemn or complain. This is like the mantra from the Dale Carnegie Training programs. Who likes to be around someone who is always complaining? I think I complain a lot, maybe not out loud so much, but in my soul. I do not like this situation and I realize it drags me down, compromises my happiness. I wish I could stop it and just accept things. Have you ever been around someone who is always criticizing? Or condemning? You just want to vacate the area.
2) All things pass. I try to remember what was bothering me at this time last year? Or last month? or three months ago? Sometimes I can isolate a particular incident, but on the whole the answer is no. So I try to tell myself not to get so upset by little things. Because unless it is death, taxes or love, it's a little thing. Everything else can be handled, maybe with drugs, but it's all going to be OK. (just joking about the drugs).
3) There is no relief in consuming large amounts of alcohol to make the pain go away. It does not work and only makes it worse. It only will bring on a terrible hang over and you may wake up in a ditch. Or worse, have a Grand child with a dog collar. (I love that commercial!)
4) There are no do overs in life. So when it comes to your kids, make them the most important focus of your life for their first 18 years of life. When they go to college - let go for god's sake.
5) Don't give advice unless asked for it.
6) You do not know it all so don't act like it. You do not have to be right all the time. Do not correct someone in public or point out how ridiculous they sound! If you know the Beatles were not inducted into the Rock-N-Roll hall of fame the first year and they insist they were, just say you must be wrong (even though you just heard all about the it the night before on The Heavy Metal Show) and tell them you need to look it up on the Internet. Sometimes it just feels OK to know you are right.
7) Be able to say, I'm sorry I was wrong . Mean it. Do not say, "I'm sorry, but...." just say, "I'm sorry, my bad." This also makes for a happy marriage.
8) Sleep on it. Do not jump on anything, even if it seems a sure thing. Even if you think you must react immediately - sleep on it.
9) Trust your gut. Your subconscious knows things. All will be revealed in time.
10) Listen to people, what they are really saying sometimes is hidden in between the words. Have you ever been taking to someone and to see if they are listening you stop before the punch line or the climax or the summation of bringing it all together? You leave it hanging? Just to see if they will say, "So? Then what happened?" Or if they will say, "OK see you later" and walk off. I swear, I try not to be that person who does not listen. Too much good stuff is given to you , like a gift if you only ask. If you only listen. So I think one of the most important lessons, if not the most important life lesson one can learn is how important it is to listen to others.
11) Never underestimate the power of a kind encouraging word. Saying "Thank you" or "You do that so well!!" goes a long way. I remember last summer when I was trying to run again and was really struggling and soooooooooooooooo slow. As I labored in the 100 degree heat on the paths in Shelby park a young high school kid running with a pack of high school kids whizzes by me and says, "Good Job". I really needed that. So, be a blessing to someone.
12) Don't take yourself too seriously. Life is too much fun.
13) Love is everything.
These are in no particular order! For more Thursday Thirteen go here!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
The Common Man
My goal this year is to read at least two books a month. I think I read a total of TWO books all last year, but this is a new year!
I just finished Book Two last night, Listening is an Act of Love, a celebration of American Life from the Storycorps Project.
I give it five starts, an incredible book. I cried all through the second part. The stories of common everyday people, just like you and me, are amazing. It was a thoroughly moving book. I grabbed this book off the bio shelf at the Goodwill because I thought someone had stolen my idea! When I first retired from Coke, and was taking it easy, I thought that I would go into Nursing Homes and interview people about their histories.
Someone beat me to it. And I had no idea that these stories had been running on NPR for years!
My subconscious was talking to me while I slept last night and upon waking I knew I had to commit to a mini Storycorp Project of my own focusing on the extended family I have surrounding me.
I woke up with a song in my heart! It has been awhile.
If you can find this book at the library grab it!! You will be engrossed for however long it takes to finish. I would have loved to have read it from cover to cover.
Questions to ask those you love, admire or even yourself...
What is the most important lesson you have learned in life?
I just finished Book Two last night, Listening is an Act of Love, a celebration of American Life from the Storycorps Project.
I give it five starts, an incredible book. I cried all through the second part. The stories of common everyday people, just like you and me, are amazing. It was a thoroughly moving book. I grabbed this book off the bio shelf at the Goodwill because I thought someone had stolen my idea! When I first retired from Coke, and was taking it easy, I thought that I would go into Nursing Homes and interview people about their histories.
Someone beat me to it. And I had no idea that these stories had been running on NPR for years!
My subconscious was talking to me while I slept last night and upon waking I knew I had to commit to a mini Storycorp Project of my own focusing on the extended family I have surrounding me.
I woke up with a song in my heart! It has been awhile.
If you can find this book at the library grab it!! You will be engrossed for however long it takes to finish. I would have loved to have read it from cover to cover.
Questions to ask those you love, admire or even yourself...
What is the most important lesson you have learned in life?
Monday, January 23, 2012
LAY DOWN ALL THOUGHTS,
SURRENDER TO THE VOID
It is shining, it is shining - The Beatles, Tomorrow Never Knows
In other words some randomosity....
I was watching television with my husband last night and he was flipping stations and landed on PBS and a bio history "period" piece of the 1960's and '70's focusing on the singer Phil Ochs. We didn't stay on the program very long but long enough for me to become very interested. Especially the statement he made that his subconscious stopped talking to him and feeding him inspiration. I truly understand that.
Then we flipped over to the VH1 station because he wanted to watch a heavy metal program. He had been so sweet to me recently that I did not complain or groan or get up and leave the room. I just decided to watch the show and to my surprise it was great! The host went ballistic on the nomination committee for the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame for the obvious exclusion of some of the his favorite bands and the inclusion of "rock-n-rollers" like Donna Summers ??????? etc. I loved it. Then Slash came out and they concluded that Guns-N-Roses would be a shoo in this year, the first year of their eligibility, just because of the drama that will surround "who will take the stage?". I believe Axel Rose is on the total outs with the rest of the band. Not to mention that the original drummer is a raging drug addict. I know this because he tried to turn his life around with Dr. Drew on celebrity rehab (great show -lol, my daughter folks). So that show was very cool too.
I once found a $10 bill in the post office parking lot about 25 years ago. Since Thanksgiving Day I have found a $10 bill on the floor of the Bucket, a $5 bill floating around the lot at the X-ing, another $5 at my feet in the parking lot, and a $40 Target gift card in the employee parking lot (but I turned that in thinking that they might claim it). The other day I was talking too much to a guest as I was giving them back their change. It was $2.53 in change. For some dumb reason I gave them $3.53 and I realized it as she was snapping her purse shut. Oh crap, I thought. I also thought, I'm not going to tell her I just make a mistake and hand it over. I let her walk away, it was so late, we were closing and we are never penalized for anything under $5. I'll be damned, there is a $1 bill laying on the floor in the deserted about ready to close shop. I am a money magnet. Ha ha ha.
I was running behind trying to get out the door the other morning and Joe made my lunch for me. That is why I watched the metal show with him. He's a keeper.
Daffodils are blooming in my front yard! Never have I lived in a place where I had daffodils in January! I'm not certain how I feel about this.
I have begun my Christmas shopping already for this year! It helps to work in a retail store and know a good deal when you see it. Employee discount makes it sweet.
I am so stoked up that Justified is back on! I swooned over Colin Farrell, I would have fainted over Tim Oliphant. Now I realize Tim is no Colin - but oh my, how I love me some Raylan Givens.
Oh and ............Go Big Blue!
It is shining, it is shining - The Beatles, Tomorrow Never Knows
In other words some randomosity....
I was watching television with my husband last night and he was flipping stations and landed on PBS and a bio history "period" piece of the 1960's and '70's focusing on the singer Phil Ochs. We didn't stay on the program very long but long enough for me to become very interested. Especially the statement he made that his subconscious stopped talking to him and feeding him inspiration. I truly understand that.
Then we flipped over to the VH1 station because he wanted to watch a heavy metal program. He had been so sweet to me recently that I did not complain or groan or get up and leave the room. I just decided to watch the show and to my surprise it was great! The host went ballistic on the nomination committee for the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame for the obvious exclusion of some of the his favorite bands and the inclusion of "rock-n-rollers" like Donna Summers ??????? etc. I loved it. Then Slash came out and they concluded that Guns-N-Roses would be a shoo in this year, the first year of their eligibility, just because of the drama that will surround "who will take the stage?". I believe Axel Rose is on the total outs with the rest of the band. Not to mention that the original drummer is a raging drug addict. I know this because he tried to turn his life around with Dr. Drew on celebrity rehab (great show -lol, my daughter folks). So that show was very cool too.
I once found a $10 bill in the post office parking lot about 25 years ago. Since Thanksgiving Day I have found a $10 bill on the floor of the Bucket, a $5 bill floating around the lot at the X-ing, another $5 at my feet in the parking lot, and a $40 Target gift card in the employee parking lot (but I turned that in thinking that they might claim it). The other day I was talking too much to a guest as I was giving them back their change. It was $2.53 in change. For some dumb reason I gave them $3.53 and I realized it as she was snapping her purse shut. Oh crap, I thought. I also thought, I'm not going to tell her I just make a mistake and hand it over. I let her walk away, it was so late, we were closing and we are never penalized for anything under $5. I'll be damned, there is a $1 bill laying on the floor in the deserted about ready to close shop. I am a money magnet. Ha ha ha.
I was running behind trying to get out the door the other morning and Joe made my lunch for me. That is why I watched the metal show with him. He's a keeper.
Daffodils are blooming in my front yard! Never have I lived in a place where I had daffodils in January! I'm not certain how I feel about this.
I have begun my Christmas shopping already for this year! It helps to work in a retail store and know a good deal when you see it. Employee discount makes it sweet.
I am so stoked up that Justified is back on! I swooned over Colin Farrell, I would have fainted over Tim Oliphant. Now I realize Tim is no Colin - but oh my, how I love me some Raylan Givens.
Oh and ............Go Big Blue!
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