Avindair and I have been doing a lot of thinking about the future lately.
A lot.
America will be undergoing some painful changes in the next decade, politically, economically, socially. Will our jobs last? Will our kids have a future? And so much more. Try to negotiate the waters of future worry with present tense and near-future needs and life dreams - the stuff that keeps one going - and you'll give yourself a massive migraine.
We know we need to simplify - our lives, our work and our possessions. We need to work on our kids, our home and ourselves. We need to find out way out of this climate for our kids, our health and our sanity. We need to reconnect with the things we love... the things that really matter.
We love seeing the world. We love travel. We love connecting with people. We love writing. We love learning.
Yesterday, during one of our increasingly depressing discussions of the world situation, a lightbulb went on. Not one of those little nightlight bulbs... no. But one of those nice, clear 60w babies that are great to read by in your favorite comfy chair. We came up with a great idea. One we are going to take steps to learn about and may ultimately be solution we pursue.
It would mean a big life change. But one for the better. It would mean ridding ourselves of many of the things we've collected over the years. It would leaving many things behind.
...but that wasn't the epiphany. This was.
Yesterday after work, I came home and cooked dinner. It was a simple act, but I enjoyed it, knowing that I was doing something good for my family. I mulled over the big 'ol lightbulb of the day. Weighing the pros and cons of what we were considering and I thought, "What would I rather do? Come to the end of my days knowing that we had traveled the world, making a difference in people's lives by teaching them how to communicate with each other and make the world a better place? Or would I like to be able to say that I held onto this glass jar for 30 years?"
Why allow our possessions to own us, when instead, we could go out and experience the world?
Showing posts with label Personal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Personal. Show all posts
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Monday, December 31, 2007
New Year's Meme
I know, I know. Not terribly original, but here it is. I haven't written in a few days and something silly usually gives me a jump-start. Here's to a Happy New Year, everyone!
1. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?
- Had a movie premiere at a real theater for Stone Soup
- Saw Space Shuttle launch
- Taped my own piece of video and helped edit it
- Traveled by train
- Participated in the Minnesota AIDS Walk
- Saw my son in a high school musical
- Went through the Pompeii exhibit at the Science Museum
- Started playing golf
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I usually don't make resolutions. I just continue trying as best I can to improve myself in some way.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Someone who used to be close, yes. A friend of the family from my younger years.
5. What countries did you visit?
In Florida I was close to Cuba. I don't suppose that counts, though.
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
- Greater peace of mind
- Breathing room
- Time for taking care of the home front
7. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I'm bad with exact dates, but there are two: the Pray for Daylight premiere and the Space Shuttle launch.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting a job with a good company and a good boss.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not spending enough time improving the house.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Little stuff. Nothing major.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My iMac. Best computer purchase yet.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
- My husband: for reconciliations with family and perseverence at work.
- My son: for focus on his goals, development of his skills, and achievement in an entirely new arena.
- My daughter: for her determination to improve her grades and give her beautiful hair to Locks of Love.
- My mother: for having the courage to accept her limits and begin to live her life more fully.
- A friend: who's been through hell and back, taken the responsibility for his actions, and his putting his life back together.
13. Whose behavior appalled and depressed you?
- Former friends
- Our government and leaders
- The TSA
- A majority of the American public
14. Where did most of your money go?
Technology and travel.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
- My job
- The movie premiere
- The Space Shuttle launch
- Visiting my in-laws (no joke!)
- Seeing Sir Ian McKellan
- Seeing Spamalot
- Seeing my son in his FIRST high school show
- Finding old friends online
16. What songs will always remind you of 2007?
That's a tough one. I really don't know that until I'm past 2007 and hear a song that ends up reminding me of it.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
Happier. Definitely. More content.
ii. Thinner or fatter?
About the same.
iii. Richer or poorer?
In cash or in things that are really important? Friends, love, security, family... richer.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
- Working on the house
- Spending time outside
- Being with my family
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
- Being on the computer (work and play)
- Worrying (job search)
- Being angry over things I had no control over
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Quietly with my husband and kids... playing Rock Band, playing board games, watching movies.
22. Did you fall in love in 2007?
365 times... with my husband.
23. How many one-night stands?
ZEEE-RO.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
I think Doctor Who topped the list.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Interesting question. There are definitely those that I dislike, am disappointed in, or am baffled by reasoning, behavior, or choices.
26. What was the best book you read?
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
There was none this year, unless you count rediscovering old favorites.
28. What did you want and get?
- More travel
- Seeing family
28. What did you want and not get?
- Travel to Europe
- Our passports
- A better job for Avindair
30. What was your favourite film of this year?
On the fun side, Hot Fuzz.
On the serious side, Sicko.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
On my actual birthday day, had a nice dinner with my husband and kids. I turned 41.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having the freedom to be in charge of my own schedule -- when to work, when to play.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Me.
34. What kept you sane?
My husband and kids, my dog, getting outdoors.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Whom did I "fancy"? I don't think I'd go that far. There are those whose work I enjoy or I think are attractive, but "fancy"? Not so much.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Health care
37. Whom did you miss?
- Family
- Penmaster and Raven
- Uncle Dale
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Not a clue.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007:
Say goodbye to people and situations that are a destructive influence. Life's too short.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"Always look on the bright side of life."
1. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?
- Had a movie premiere at a real theater for Stone Soup
- Saw Space Shuttle launch
- Taped my own piece of video and helped edit it
- Traveled by train
- Participated in the Minnesota AIDS Walk
- Saw my son in a high school musical
- Went through the Pompeii exhibit at the Science Museum
- Started playing golf
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I usually don't make resolutions. I just continue trying as best I can to improve myself in some way.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Someone who used to be close, yes. A friend of the family from my younger years.
5. What countries did you visit?
In Florida I was close to Cuba. I don't suppose that counts, though.
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
- Greater peace of mind
- Breathing room
- Time for taking care of the home front
7. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I'm bad with exact dates, but there are two: the Pray for Daylight premiere and the Space Shuttle launch.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting a job with a good company and a good boss.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not spending enough time improving the house.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Little stuff. Nothing major.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My iMac. Best computer purchase yet.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
- My husband: for reconciliations with family and perseverence at work.
- My son: for focus on his goals, development of his skills, and achievement in an entirely new arena.
- My daughter: for her determination to improve her grades and give her beautiful hair to Locks of Love.
- My mother: for having the courage to accept her limits and begin to live her life more fully.
- A friend: who's been through hell and back, taken the responsibility for his actions, and his putting his life back together.
13. Whose behavior appalled and depressed you?
- Former friends
- Our government and leaders
- The TSA
- A majority of the American public
14. Where did most of your money go?
Technology and travel.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
- My job
- The movie premiere
- The Space Shuttle launch
- Visiting my in-laws (no joke!)
- Seeing Sir Ian McKellan
- Seeing Spamalot
- Seeing my son in his FIRST high school show
- Finding old friends online
16. What songs will always remind you of 2007?
That's a tough one. I really don't know that until I'm past 2007 and hear a song that ends up reminding me of it.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
Happier. Definitely. More content.
ii. Thinner or fatter?
About the same.
iii. Richer or poorer?
In cash or in things that are really important? Friends, love, security, family... richer.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
- Working on the house
- Spending time outside
- Being with my family
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
- Being on the computer (work and play)
- Worrying (job search)
- Being angry over things I had no control over
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Quietly with my husband and kids... playing Rock Band, playing board games, watching movies.
22. Did you fall in love in 2007?
365 times... with my husband.
23. How many one-night stands?
ZEEE-RO.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
I think Doctor Who topped the list.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Interesting question. There are definitely those that I dislike, am disappointed in, or am baffled by reasoning, behavior, or choices.
26. What was the best book you read?
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
There was none this year, unless you count rediscovering old favorites.
28. What did you want and get?
- More travel
- Seeing family
28. What did you want and not get?
- Travel to Europe
- Our passports
- A better job for Avindair
30. What was your favourite film of this year?
On the fun side, Hot Fuzz.
On the serious side, Sicko.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
On my actual birthday day, had a nice dinner with my husband and kids. I turned 41.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having the freedom to be in charge of my own schedule -- when to work, when to play.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Me.
34. What kept you sane?
My husband and kids, my dog, getting outdoors.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Whom did I "fancy"? I don't think I'd go that far. There are those whose work I enjoy or I think are attractive, but "fancy"? Not so much.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Health care
37. Whom did you miss?
- Family
- Penmaster and Raven
- Uncle Dale
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Not a clue.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007:
Say goodbye to people and situations that are a destructive influence. Life's too short.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"Always look on the bright side of life."
Monday, November 19, 2007
What a Monday
This past weekend was a productive one in the Nerd Clan household. It was our daughter's 11th birthday. My parents came 'round to redecorate her room into one a little more "mature". The bubblegum pink walls were covered in a muted green. Grown-up, floor-length curtains covered the windows. All of the little girl toys went to one of three places: keepsake storage, giveaway box, or the garbage.
Sunday was spent finishing up a few odds and ends, but it was mostly restful and quiet.
Monday started relatively well. The brand-new 11-year-old was staying home with a cold, and Avindair was going to stay home with her.
"We'll snuggle on the couch and watch movies," he said. "It'll be a nice father-daughter day."
In my rush to get ready for work, Avindair offered to let me take his car. The one with the heated front seats.
"It'll be a treat. I'll even run out and get it warmed up for you."
Minutes later he came back in... an edge to his voice."Someone smashed our passenger side window."
Crap.
I threw on my shoes and ran out to the car. It was smashed in, all right. With a blank space on the windshield where our 2-month old portable GPS used to be. Nothing else was touched.
Our insurance company, Geico, was fantastic. One phone call and they made an appointment for a glass company to come out today and fix it in our driveway.
The police came to make a report. It was a little bit of a relief to find out that we weren't alone. Four home in our neighborhood got hit that they knew of so far. No one suspected until this morning. The NerdHound didn't even wake up. Of course, we're so used to the sounds of teenagers roaming the streets at all hours of the night (even though our suburb has a curfew), that I suppose we've become accustomed to a certain level of noise. At least we could take some comfort in the fact that we weren't singled out.
What now? Tony's father-daughter sick day has turned into "fix things and make the house secure" day.
1. An electrician is coming out today to install motion-detection lighting on the garage. We had our lights on, but according to the police, the motion-detection lights are a great deterrent for any future problems.
2. 1-800 Got Junk is coming out to haul away our remodeling refuse so that the cars can go back in the garage.
3. The auto glass place is coming to fix the car window.
One good thing, we were able to provide the police with the serial number for the GPS. If the thieves try to sell it at a pawn shop, we might be able to piss on their day just a little bit, too.
Now all we need to do is put signs around the house reading, "TRESPASSERS WILL BE SHOT". You think the neighbors will object?
Sunday was spent finishing up a few odds and ends, but it was mostly restful and quiet.
Monday started relatively well. The brand-new 11-year-old was staying home with a cold, and Avindair was going to stay home with her.
"We'll snuggle on the couch and watch movies," he said. "It'll be a nice father-daughter day."
In my rush to get ready for work, Avindair offered to let me take his car. The one with the heated front seats.
"It'll be a treat. I'll even run out and get it warmed up for you."
Minutes later he came back in... an edge to his voice."Someone smashed our passenger side window."
Crap.
I threw on my shoes and ran out to the car. It was smashed in, all right. With a blank space on the windshield where our 2-month old portable GPS used to be. Nothing else was touched.
Our insurance company, Geico, was fantastic. One phone call and they made an appointment for a glass company to come out today and fix it in our driveway.
The police came to make a report. It was a little bit of a relief to find out that we weren't alone. Four home in our neighborhood got hit that they knew of so far. No one suspected until this morning. The NerdHound didn't even wake up. Of course, we're so used to the sounds of teenagers roaming the streets at all hours of the night (even though our suburb has a curfew), that I suppose we've become accustomed to a certain level of noise. At least we could take some comfort in the fact that we weren't singled out.
What now? Tony's father-daughter sick day has turned into "fix things and make the house secure" day.
1. An electrician is coming out today to install motion-detection lighting on the garage. We had our lights on, but according to the police, the motion-detection lights are a great deterrent for any future problems.
2. 1-800 Got Junk is coming out to haul away our remodeling refuse so that the cars can go back in the garage.
3. The auto glass place is coming to fix the car window.
One good thing, we were able to provide the police with the serial number for the GPS. If the thieves try to sell it at a pawn shop, we might be able to piss on their day just a little bit, too.
Now all we need to do is put signs around the house reading, "TRESPASSERS WILL BE SHOT". You think the neighbors will object?
Monday, October 01, 2007
Don't Wait
My mother called this morning to let me know about the death of a friend of the family. We knew it was coming. He'd been ill for a long time. Hospice had been caring for him in his home. His family had been gathering.
Still, it hit me harder than I'd thought it would.
Dad knew Jerry through work. Our families had been very close when I was younger. They had two boys around my age. Our moms were on the same bowling team. We went tent camping, canoeing, and to the shooting range for target practice. We got together for dinners, birthday celebrations and holidays. Listened to Fleetwood Mac. Drank my first beer, Pabst Blue Ribbon, in their back yard. The boys and I used to go to movies and out roller skating. Jerry, himself, was friendly, cheerful, robust, and big-hearted. For awhile, at least, they were really like a second family to me.
Then we all drifted apart, as people sometimes do.
My parents and theirs didn't get together any more. The boys, like me, grew up, got married and had families of their own. I hadn't seen them in years, much less talked to them. Perhaps the occasional Christmas card, but that was all.
Then I heard that Jerry was ill. Dad started seeing Jerry again, when he was in town. I knew that he was getting worse. I kept thinking, "I should call. I should write. I should do... something." But I never did. I never told them that I was thinking of them. And now, all I can do, is send flowers and a card. Heartfelt, but too little, too late. And nothing can ever change that.
I'm not writing this to feel sorry for myself. Just a reminder that if someone in your life has meant something to you -- a friend, a mentor, a relative... even an acquaintance -- tell them. Don't let it wait.
Still, it hit me harder than I'd thought it would.
Dad knew Jerry through work. Our families had been very close when I was younger. They had two boys around my age. Our moms were on the same bowling team. We went tent camping, canoeing, and to the shooting range for target practice. We got together for dinners, birthday celebrations and holidays. Listened to Fleetwood Mac. Drank my first beer, Pabst Blue Ribbon, in their back yard. The boys and I used to go to movies and out roller skating. Jerry, himself, was friendly, cheerful, robust, and big-hearted. For awhile, at least, they were really like a second family to me.
Then we all drifted apart, as people sometimes do.
My parents and theirs didn't get together any more. The boys, like me, grew up, got married and had families of their own. I hadn't seen them in years, much less talked to them. Perhaps the occasional Christmas card, but that was all.
Then I heard that Jerry was ill. Dad started seeing Jerry again, when he was in town. I knew that he was getting worse. I kept thinking, "I should call. I should write. I should do... something." But I never did. I never told them that I was thinking of them. And now, all I can do, is send flowers and a card. Heartfelt, but too little, too late. And nothing can ever change that.
I'm not writing this to feel sorry for myself. Just a reminder that if someone in your life has meant something to you -- a friend, a mentor, a relative... even an acquaintance -- tell them. Don't let it wait.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Beware of Aging
My cell phone buzzed against my desktop.
"Oh, no," I thought. It was probably a school nurse. Seasonal colds and flus were making the rounds.
I answered, expecting to have to make my excuses to my boss, grab my keys, and go.
It was my Mom. Mom calling my cell phone in the middle of the work day couldn't possibly be good.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, honey. Nothing's wrong. Everything is just fine. We're okay."
Her voice didn't sound like everything was okay.
Mom is a 24/7 live-in caretaker for my grandmother -- her elderly mother. For years she's done everything for her and her home with the tenderest of care and attention to every detail for years... often to the detriment of her own health, well-being, and general sanity. The woman hasn't had more than a handful of 8-hour sleep sessions in all that time. Waiting on my grandmother, attending her every need, night and day, day in and day out. A short time ago, to the relief of the rest of the family, she decided that she simply couldn't do it any more and put Grandma on the waiting list for a nursing home.
Monday they called and said they had a room open -- for Wednesday.
Mom's voice was a heart-breaking combination of relief, guilt, fear, loss, excitement...
My grandmother needs complete care. She needs help to eat, to stand up, to sit down, to go to the bathroom, to get dressed, to get in and out of bed, to walk from place to place... everything. The intelligent, strong-willed, opinionated, sometimes infuriating, but always supportive woman I knew is trapped inside this elderly shell of weakness, pain, and confusion. It's no longer safe for her to live in her home she loves so much. It's no longer possible for my mother to give her the care she needs.
Then there's the financial question. The home my grandmother will be going into, for the full care she needs, will cost almost $6000 per month. That's above and beyond the cost of all of the medication she needs on a monthly basis. The nursing home insurance she and my grandfather paid for most of their working lives, only shells out about $2500 per month. Medicare pays nothing. Leaving my grandmother's assets, investments, cashed in life insurance policies... and possibly even, her home... to take care of the balance. Eventually, if she stays in the nursing home, virtually any inheritance... any assets that would have gone to my mother, will have to be liquidated to pay the nursing home. Of course, if she had no assets, she'd pay far less and get the same care.
My mother is trying to think of alternatives. There are no other family members to help. Mom's brother died years ago. She's considering taking in renters at my grandmother's house. At 63, she'd like to finally start enjoying her life a little, travel, see her grandkids... but she may have to consider taking a job. But the kind of jobs open for women like my mom in the town she lives in will net her maybe $8 / hour after taxes... tops. I can't offer any help, with two kids and a mortgage, and living 300 miles away.
I just get angry at the lack of help for caretakers of the elderly. Little to non-existant breaks, compensation, support, information, legal help, finanacial advice... just a bunch of vultures waiting to rip of their piece of the carcass.
Sorry for the downer of a post. It's been on my mind all day.
"Oh, no," I thought. It was probably a school nurse. Seasonal colds and flus were making the rounds.
I answered, expecting to have to make my excuses to my boss, grab my keys, and go.
It was my Mom. Mom calling my cell phone in the middle of the work day couldn't possibly be good.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, honey. Nothing's wrong. Everything is just fine. We're okay."
Her voice didn't sound like everything was okay.
Mom is a 24/7 live-in caretaker for my grandmother -- her elderly mother. For years she's done everything for her and her home with the tenderest of care and attention to every detail for years... often to the detriment of her own health, well-being, and general sanity. The woman hasn't had more than a handful of 8-hour sleep sessions in all that time. Waiting on my grandmother, attending her every need, night and day, day in and day out. A short time ago, to the relief of the rest of the family, she decided that she simply couldn't do it any more and put Grandma on the waiting list for a nursing home.
Monday they called and said they had a room open -- for Wednesday.
Mom's voice was a heart-breaking combination of relief, guilt, fear, loss, excitement...
My grandmother needs complete care. She needs help to eat, to stand up, to sit down, to go to the bathroom, to get dressed, to get in and out of bed, to walk from place to place... everything. The intelligent, strong-willed, opinionated, sometimes infuriating, but always supportive woman I knew is trapped inside this elderly shell of weakness, pain, and confusion. It's no longer safe for her to live in her home she loves so much. It's no longer possible for my mother to give her the care she needs.
Then there's the financial question. The home my grandmother will be going into, for the full care she needs, will cost almost $6000 per month. That's above and beyond the cost of all of the medication she needs on a monthly basis. The nursing home insurance she and my grandfather paid for most of their working lives, only shells out about $2500 per month. Medicare pays nothing. Leaving my grandmother's assets, investments, cashed in life insurance policies... and possibly even, her home... to take care of the balance. Eventually, if she stays in the nursing home, virtually any inheritance... any assets that would have gone to my mother, will have to be liquidated to pay the nursing home. Of course, if she had no assets, she'd pay far less and get the same care.
My mother is trying to think of alternatives. There are no other family members to help. Mom's brother died years ago. She's considering taking in renters at my grandmother's house. At 63, she'd like to finally start enjoying her life a little, travel, see her grandkids... but she may have to consider taking a job. But the kind of jobs open for women like my mom in the town she lives in will net her maybe $8 / hour after taxes... tops. I can't offer any help, with two kids and a mortgage, and living 300 miles away.
I just get angry at the lack of help for caretakers of the elderly. Little to non-existant breaks, compensation, support, information, legal help, finanacial advice... just a bunch of vultures waiting to rip of their piece of the carcass.
Sorry for the downer of a post. It's been on my mind all day.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
AVAST, me hearties!
It's International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Pour a pint of grog and party like it's 1799!
What's Yer Inner Pirate?
brought to you by The Official Talk Like A Pirate Web Site. Arrrrr!
You are The Quartermaster
You, me hearty, are a man or woman of action! And what action it is! Gruesome, awful, delightful action. You mete out punishment to friend and foe alike – well, mostly to foe, because your burning inner rage isn’t likely to draw you a whole lot of the former. Still, though you may be what today is called “high maintenance” and in the past was called “bat-shit crazy,” the crew likes to have you around because in a pinch your maniacal combat prowess may be the only thing that saves them from Jack Ketch. When not in a pinch, the rest of the crew will goad you into berserker mode because it’s just kind of fun to watch. So you provide a double service – doling out discipline AND entertainment.
What's Yer Inner Pirate?
brought to you by The Official Talk Like A Pirate Web Site. Arrrrr!
Friday, August 31, 2007
It Couldn't Have Happened to a Nicer Guy
When the Nerd Clan moved to the Twin Cities way back in October of 1998, things weren't looking so good for the home team.
Due to the Red River Valley flood of '97, I was going to be losing my great job as Computer Department Manager of the UND Bookstore. The university needed to find ways to save money to pay for the damages the flood wrought and a way to attract students back to the ravaged campus. They ended up leasing the bookstore business to Barnes & Noble... and B&N was not in the business of selling computers.
Avindair was working a crappy job for an insane boss (you should hear the stories), having to drive 150 miles round trip every day from Grand Forks to Fargo, traveling to other cities for a week at a time at the drop of a hat, and having paychecks that bounced.
With no career prospects in Grand Forks, we had to look elsewhere. Elsewhere had to be the nearest metro area... Minneapolis/St.Paul.
Marathon to the Twin Cities #1
I found a job all right. In one day I drove 5 hours to the cities, spent two hours interviewing, and drove 5 hours back. They offered me the job of regional inside sales rep at a company that made multiport serial cards. It was set up as a pay + commission structure. Not a dream job, I'll admit, but it was enough to help support our family in a new city. They knew I'd have to relocate and were all smiley-supporty.
Marathon to the Twin cities #2
In between job offer and moving, Avindair and I took an overnight trip to the cities to find an apartment. We took the first place we could find as close as possible to my work, since Tony didn't have a job yet, that wasn't a scary (is that a heroine dealer?) rat trap that we could also afford. Paid the *yowch* first month's rent, stayed one night with local relatives (the first of three times we'd see them in the 9 years we've lived here), and once again headed back to Grand Forks.
Marathon to the Twin Cities #3
Did you know that it's possible to break down an entire apartment for 4 people, pack it on a truck, drive to another city, unpack it, set up the new apartment, and drive back to the original city in 48 hours? With the help of two of our best friends, DaveGuy and Bella, we did... bless their hearts.
Halloween 1998
The night before we left for our new home. For good. Our son, who was only 6 at the time, was enjoying Halloween at Grandma's house. Due to our neverending search for good jobs, he was being uprooted once again. It broke our hearts. We were having to move just a few months into first grade. Avindair and I dreaded it for him. In his six short years we'd already moved five times - six if you count the two places in Denver. He would once again have a new home, a new school, a new daycare, new teachers, new friends, new places to play... with our little family and the contents of our apartment the only things that were a constant in his life.
Our daughter had it a little easier. She would be turning 2 in just two weeks and didn't have the level of adapting to go through that our son did.
"Hi, I'm the new rep."
The first week in November I started my new job. And to tell you the truth, it suck-diddly-ucked, Flanders.
First, my sales manager and I were the only females on the sales team. Good Old Boys Club in the extreme. It didn't matter if I'd been a sales manager in my own right, I was treated like "just a girl".
Second, nearly all of the sales reps had been FRIENDS SINCE GRADE SCHOOL. Yup. Even in a city this size, they had grown up together, gone to college together, and were now working at the same company -- and they acted like it. Not only was I not in the boys club, I also was a charter member of the "You're Not From Around Here" club.
Third, after several weeks, after uprooting my family, incurring the expense of moving, having rent and utilities and car payments and daycare to pay, and in the midst of holiday season with kids, I eagerly awaited my first paycheck. Payday came and went. And I had no paycheck. I confronted my boss. "Didn't we tell you? We pay a month behind, after you've completed your first month. So you don't get your first paycheck until January. But if you want, we can give you an advance."
WHAT THE HELL?
So, to stay out of bad debt with our monthly bills, I had to go into debt with my new employer. A debt that I then had to make payments on with every future paycheck for nearly a year.
Fourth. Every month we'd gather for an all employee meeting. The owner would usually fly up from Florida, where he lived part of the time, and address the troops. I'd already heard from other employees that he kept the Florida address to avoid Minnesota taxes and that he was a bit... eccentric. What I heard at my first employee meeting made my jaw drop. After everything my family and I had been through to be there, at that point in time, I was infuriated. Here's what the speech from the company's owner boiled down to:
1. God was to be thanked for everything we had and the all of the successes of our company.
2. The owner had the position he had in life, because God put him there. He was appointed to be sucessful by God.
3. We all, as workers, had the position we had below him in life, because God meant for us to be there... below him.
4. God had made it clear that he (the owner) was better than us.
Oh, yeah. THAT'S the way to motivate your employees.
My family and I had worked hard to be where we were. Life had thrown us a lot of curve balls and we did our damndest to keep our heads (literally) above water and persevere. I was supposed to believe that some white-bearded father-figure on a cloud had handpicked me to be the bitch-slapped worker bee for life and handpicked some narcissistic looney to reign supreme... just because?
Um... no.
Eventually, of course, I got out of there. I got away from the insane, zealot, tax-dodging owner and his nepotism-ridden company.
And My Point Is?
Just the other day, I saw this article in the Star Tribune.
"With founder a fugitive, Comtrol remakes itself"
http://www.startribune.com/535/story/1382004.html
Apparently, God doesn't want him paying taxes. This CEO-on-the-lam was also a republican, a former delegate the Repulican National Convention, AND the founder of the Minnesota Christian Coalition.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/8/16/104246/586
Or read this goodie from the US Department of Justice:
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/mn/press/econ/econ0140.pdf
The articles just get more and more fun:
http://blog.au.org/2006/08/18/taxing_situatio/
Finding this news just made me feel warm and fuzzy all day. This nepotistic businessman, leading republican supporter, right-wing Christian zealot, law breaking nutzoid was on the run from finally getting what was REALLY due him.
Huh. Maybe there IS a God?
Due to the Red River Valley flood of '97, I was going to be losing my great job as Computer Department Manager of the UND Bookstore. The university needed to find ways to save money to pay for the damages the flood wrought and a way to attract students back to the ravaged campus. They ended up leasing the bookstore business to Barnes & Noble... and B&N was not in the business of selling computers.
Avindair was working a crappy job for an insane boss (you should hear the stories), having to drive 150 miles round trip every day from Grand Forks to Fargo, traveling to other cities for a week at a time at the drop of a hat, and having paychecks that bounced.
With no career prospects in Grand Forks, we had to look elsewhere. Elsewhere had to be the nearest metro area... Minneapolis/St.Paul.
Marathon to the Twin Cities #1
I found a job all right. In one day I drove 5 hours to the cities, spent two hours interviewing, and drove 5 hours back. They offered me the job of regional inside sales rep at a company that made multiport serial cards. It was set up as a pay + commission structure. Not a dream job, I'll admit, but it was enough to help support our family in a new city. They knew I'd have to relocate and were all smiley-supporty.
Marathon to the Twin cities #2
In between job offer and moving, Avindair and I took an overnight trip to the cities to find an apartment. We took the first place we could find as close as possible to my work, since Tony didn't have a job yet, that wasn't a scary (is that a heroine dealer?) rat trap that we could also afford. Paid the *yowch* first month's rent, stayed one night with local relatives (the first of three times we'd see them in the 9 years we've lived here), and once again headed back to Grand Forks.
Marathon to the Twin Cities #3
Did you know that it's possible to break down an entire apartment for 4 people, pack it on a truck, drive to another city, unpack it, set up the new apartment, and drive back to the original city in 48 hours? With the help of two of our best friends, DaveGuy and Bella, we did... bless their hearts.
Halloween 1998
The night before we left for our new home. For good. Our son, who was only 6 at the time, was enjoying Halloween at Grandma's house. Due to our neverending search for good jobs, he was being uprooted once again. It broke our hearts. We were having to move just a few months into first grade. Avindair and I dreaded it for him. In his six short years we'd already moved five times - six if you count the two places in Denver. He would once again have a new home, a new school, a new daycare, new teachers, new friends, new places to play... with our little family and the contents of our apartment the only things that were a constant in his life.
Our daughter had it a little easier. She would be turning 2 in just two weeks and didn't have the level of adapting to go through that our son did.
"Hi, I'm the new rep."
The first week in November I started my new job. And to tell you the truth, it suck-diddly-ucked, Flanders.
First, my sales manager and I were the only females on the sales team. Good Old Boys Club in the extreme. It didn't matter if I'd been a sales manager in my own right, I was treated like "just a girl".
Second, nearly all of the sales reps had been FRIENDS SINCE GRADE SCHOOL. Yup. Even in a city this size, they had grown up together, gone to college together, and were now working at the same company -- and they acted like it. Not only was I not in the boys club, I also was a charter member of the "You're Not From Around Here" club.
Third, after several weeks, after uprooting my family, incurring the expense of moving, having rent and utilities and car payments and daycare to pay, and in the midst of holiday season with kids, I eagerly awaited my first paycheck. Payday came and went. And I had no paycheck. I confronted my boss. "Didn't we tell you? We pay a month behind, after you've completed your first month. So you don't get your first paycheck until January. But if you want, we can give you an advance."
WHAT THE HELL?
So, to stay out of bad debt with our monthly bills, I had to go into debt with my new employer. A debt that I then had to make payments on with every future paycheck for nearly a year.
Fourth. Every month we'd gather for an all employee meeting. The owner would usually fly up from Florida, where he lived part of the time, and address the troops. I'd already heard from other employees that he kept the Florida address to avoid Minnesota taxes and that he was a bit... eccentric. What I heard at my first employee meeting made my jaw drop. After everything my family and I had been through to be there, at that point in time, I was infuriated. Here's what the speech from the company's owner boiled down to:
1. God was to be thanked for everything we had and the all of the successes of our company.
2. The owner had the position he had in life, because God put him there. He was appointed to be sucessful by God.
3. We all, as workers, had the position we had below him in life, because God meant for us to be there... below him.
4. God had made it clear that he (the owner) was better than us.
Oh, yeah. THAT'S the way to motivate your employees.
My family and I had worked hard to be where we were. Life had thrown us a lot of curve balls and we did our damndest to keep our heads (literally) above water and persevere. I was supposed to believe that some white-bearded father-figure on a cloud had handpicked me to be the bitch-slapped worker bee for life and handpicked some narcissistic looney to reign supreme... just because?
Um... no.
Eventually, of course, I got out of there. I got away from the insane, zealot, tax-dodging owner and his nepotism-ridden company.
And My Point Is?
Just the other day, I saw this article in the Star Tribune.
"With founder a fugitive, Comtrol remakes itself"
http://www.startribune.com/535/story/1382004.html
Apparently, God doesn't want him paying taxes. This CEO-on-the-lam was also a republican, a former delegate the Repulican National Convention, AND the founder of the Minnesota Christian Coalition.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/8/16/104246/586
Or read this goodie from the US Department of Justice:
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/mn/press/econ/econ0140.pdf
The articles just get more and more fun:
http://blog.au.org/2006/08/18/taxing_situatio/
Finding this news just made me feel warm and fuzzy all day. This nepotistic businessman, leading republican supporter, right-wing Christian zealot, law breaking nutzoid was on the run from finally getting what was REALLY due him.
Huh. Maybe there IS a God?
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Phone Woes
Today started out pretty darn well. Last night I slept better than I had in days. I dreamt all night. Good dreams, too. The kind that leave you with a lingering warm fuzzy all morning. My commute to work met no delays or nasty drivers. Even my hair cooperated and looked good.
I drove up to my workplace. Got a nice parking spot. Remembered my access card to get in. Put my lunch in the fridge. Got my morning cup of coffee. Didn't spill any on my white pants. Booted up my computer. Plugged in my cell phone to charge.
And noticed that I'd missed a call. Only a few minutes earlier. From my dad?
How had I missed a call when I'd been holding the phone in my hand?
Instead of dialing up my messages, I called Dad direct. My grandmother had been recovering from illness and injury. There may have been a change in her condition that I needed to know about.
Nope. It turns out that my dad had been trying to call me since LAST NIGHT. My mother had been taken to the emergency room. She was home and recovering now, but he'd be trying to reach me for hours. He tried my home phone, but it went straight to voice mail. Never rang at the house. He tried my cell phone. No answer. Went to voice mail.
In addition, Avindair's dad is in surgery today. The phone (if it was working) could ring at any time for news of his progress. Our kids are at home, can't call them to check on them. This is ridiculous.
Ever since we switched to Comcrap VOIP we've had problems. And complained. And complained. This was the last straw. After Avindair bitched them out thoroughly, they finally agreed to give us 2 days credit on our bill. (My, how generous.) The phone service still isn't working right.
Bottom line. We're shutting off Comcrap phone service. We're shutting off Comcrap cable. And if we can find a comparable speed Internet service, we're going to shut off Comcrap cable modem, too. Not one more dime to these corporate vultures.
Unfortunately, the area where we live seems to be a black hole of phone service. The ONLY land line service we can get is Spront... and it's crap, too. Just less craptacular than Comcrap. Yes, we sometimes have to dial 5 or 6 times to get a line out, but at least we CAN EVENTUALLY get a line out... and in. I guess we have to choose between bad or worse service - AND get to pay a premium for it. WHEE!
Go cellular, you say? A few problems with that. First, 911 service. We have kids. I want to be able to pick up a phone on the wall and dial 911 if needed, not run around looking for my cell. Plus, the towers in our area are notoriously bad. Often my cell phone won't ring, or it goes straight to voice mail, OR... and I love this one... I won't get a notified of a message until HOURS or even DAYS after it's been left for me. Not so good if the school calls, or my son or daughter call needing a ride, or... any number of possible emergency scenarios. After all, THAT'S why I have the damn phones in the first place.
And to make matters worse, this phone service crap screwed up what was shaping up to be a really nice day. F**K!
I drove up to my workplace. Got a nice parking spot. Remembered my access card to get in. Put my lunch in the fridge. Got my morning cup of coffee. Didn't spill any on my white pants. Booted up my computer. Plugged in my cell phone to charge.
And noticed that I'd missed a call. Only a few minutes earlier. From my dad?
How had I missed a call when I'd been holding the phone in my hand?
Instead of dialing up my messages, I called Dad direct. My grandmother had been recovering from illness and injury. There may have been a change in her condition that I needed to know about.
Nope. It turns out that my dad had been trying to call me since LAST NIGHT. My mother had been taken to the emergency room. She was home and recovering now, but he'd be trying to reach me for hours. He tried my home phone, but it went straight to voice mail. Never rang at the house. He tried my cell phone. No answer. Went to voice mail.
In addition, Avindair's dad is in surgery today. The phone (if it was working) could ring at any time for news of his progress. Our kids are at home, can't call them to check on them. This is ridiculous.
Ever since we switched to Comcrap VOIP we've had problems. And complained. And complained. This was the last straw. After Avindair bitched them out thoroughly, they finally agreed to give us 2 days credit on our bill. (My, how generous.) The phone service still isn't working right.
Bottom line. We're shutting off Comcrap phone service. We're shutting off Comcrap cable. And if we can find a comparable speed Internet service, we're going to shut off Comcrap cable modem, too. Not one more dime to these corporate vultures.
Unfortunately, the area where we live seems to be a black hole of phone service. The ONLY land line service we can get is Spront... and it's crap, too. Just less craptacular than Comcrap. Yes, we sometimes have to dial 5 or 6 times to get a line out, but at least we CAN EVENTUALLY get a line out... and in. I guess we have to choose between bad or worse service - AND get to pay a premium for it. WHEE!
Go cellular, you say? A few problems with that. First, 911 service. We have kids. I want to be able to pick up a phone on the wall and dial 911 if needed, not run around looking for my cell. Plus, the towers in our area are notoriously bad. Often my cell phone won't ring, or it goes straight to voice mail, OR... and I love this one... I won't get a notified of a message until HOURS or even DAYS after it's been left for me. Not so good if the school calls, or my son or daughter call needing a ride, or... any number of possible emergency scenarios. After all, THAT'S why I have the damn phones in the first place.
And to make matters worse, this phone service crap screwed up what was shaping up to be a really nice day. F**K!
Friday, July 06, 2007
Size Does NOT Make A Difference
Get your mind out of the gutter!
I'm talking about clothing size. Sheesh!
I was doing laundry last night. As I folded some old tshirts - 10-year old tshirts - I glanced at the size label. They were marked L (Large). No surprise. Being, um, *blessed* in womanly curves, even if I weighed less, I simply don't have the body type to wear a Small.
Here's the thing. Those particular old tshirts are huge on me... always have been. I haven't changed that much in 10 years. However, yesterday I went to the very same store, bought the very same brand tshirt, and had to buy an XXL in the Women's department -- not Misses.
The brand new XXL (Extra Extra Large) is form-fitting on me. The 10-year-old L (Large) is huge on me. I held them up together. The XXL is less than 3/4 the width of the L.
If there's any proof of the fashion industry sizing-down clothing, this would be it.
Next year, I'm looking forward to trying out the new Giganta-size baby tees.
I'm talking about clothing size. Sheesh!
I was doing laundry last night. As I folded some old tshirts - 10-year old tshirts - I glanced at the size label. They were marked L (Large). No surprise. Being, um, *blessed* in womanly curves, even if I weighed less, I simply don't have the body type to wear a Small.
Here's the thing. Those particular old tshirts are huge on me... always have been. I haven't changed that much in 10 years. However, yesterday I went to the very same store, bought the very same brand tshirt, and had to buy an XXL in the Women's department -- not Misses.
The brand new XXL (Extra Extra Large) is form-fitting on me. The 10-year-old L (Large) is huge on me. I held them up together. The XXL is less than 3/4 the width of the L.
If there's any proof of the fashion industry sizing-down clothing, this would be it.
Next year, I'm looking forward to trying out the new Giganta-size baby tees.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
TAGGED: 8 Things About Me...
CubeZoo has tagged me to reveal 8 random things about myself.
8 Things About Me:
1. I lived in Germany for three years.
2. I'd rather live in Europe than in the U.S.
3. I played viola for 10 years.
4. I've been married for 20 years. Half my life and loving every day of it!
5. I have a degree in English, but almost decided to get a degree in Vocal Performance.
6. I'd love to refresh my French language skills.
7. I'd love to spend my life traveling the world.
8. I'm maddeningly eclectic.
Taggy-taggy-tag... You're IT! Anomalous Data, Saveau, MagicMarmot, MadBlonde, Illiante, Conrad Zero, ForeignHotel, and Miss Molly Grue.
THE RULES
1. All right, here are the rules.
2. We have to post these rules before we give you the facts.
3. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
4. People who are tagged write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
5. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
8 Things About Me:
1. I lived in Germany for three years.
2. I'd rather live in Europe than in the U.S.
3. I played viola for 10 years.
4. I've been married for 20 years. Half my life and loving every day of it!
5. I have a degree in English, but almost decided to get a degree in Vocal Performance.
6. I'd love to refresh my French language skills.
7. I'd love to spend my life traveling the world.
8. I'm maddeningly eclectic.
Taggy-taggy-tag... You're IT! Anomalous Data, Saveau, MagicMarmot, MadBlonde, Illiante, Conrad Zero, ForeignHotel, and Miss Molly Grue.
Monday, June 18, 2007
The Ghost That Typed
The Life of a Corporate Contract Writer
Every day we’re surrounded by words. Most of the time, people don’t even think about it. Not just books and newspapers. Who writes what you see on your cereal box in the morning? The information on your shampoo bottle? The message on your fast food drive-thru bag? Weekly sale ads in the Sunday paper? Product information at your favorite online stores?
Then go a step further. Who writes your company’s newsletters and Intranet? The instructions you go to for submitting your timecard? The information for your medical insurance? Behind everything is a writer…
…or at least there should be. Frankly, if you’ve ever been confused by what you’ve read, the company was probably too cheap to hire a professional. How a company presents itself through written communications makes an impression; the right words have impact. As with anything, you get what you pay for; and experienced, professional writers, are often far undervalued.
MARCH 2002
“Welcome to the team! We couldn’t do it without you!”
I set the insert card on the table next to a vase filled with 2-dozen spring tulips. The sudden shift from I-really-need-a-job data entry back to being a Web and marketing writer had been dizzying. Not only were my real skills finally being dusted off after one year post-layoff, but I was appreciated, too. Pretty heady stuff.
What followed was four intense years of being the sole writer for one of the largest, most successful and critically-lauded school fundraising programs in the nation, run by one of the world’s largest food companies. I was brought on to bring the communications for their program both consistency and style. Yes, I was a contractor, but I was part of the team. My opinion was valued. My ideas were used and were successful for both the program and the K-8 schools it served.
For four years, every month I wrote and edited eight to twelve articles, three emails, multiple ads, and much more. There were four quarterly newsletters, each with two versions. There were printed materials, flyers, letters, notifications, and special events. I created earning ideas, contests, and gave advice. I constantly monitored the forums where school volunteers voiced their problems and concerns so my writing could be relevant to their unique needs. I wrote all of the copy through four yearly website overhauls for two websites… plus two more. I worked days, nights and weekends to meet their needs. For four years I ate, drank and slept this program.
AUGUST 2006
“As of the October website updates, your services will no longer be needed. This is no reflection on your abilities as a writer. Due to budget constraints we will now be doing the writing in-house.”
The brief, impersonal Dear Jane email that ended my contract was a direct hit. Even today I feel it like a physical punch to the gut. Not a personal call. Not a meeting. Four years and I was summarily dismissed. The email didn’t even come from the head of the program, but from another contractor.
Four years of carefully crafting their entire message, branding and image through words – without so much as a goodbye lunch.
I could go into the evolution of the “team”, the corporate politics, lying and thoroughly unethical business behavior behind it all, but that’s not the point of my posting today.
I’ve moved on for the most part. I have a good regular job right now, with a good company, and a great boss. It’s steady, pays the bills, provides my family with medical insurance and keeps a roof over our heads. I still accept the occasional freelance writing job for other areas of the fundraising program when they ask. From what I’ve heard through the grapevine, the “in-house” writers provided by the other contractor haven’t worked out very well – they’ve been through several in just a few months – so much for consistency.
This wasn't my only client. Just the most startling example of just how disposable and invisible contractors -- in any profession -- have become. We're expected to show up, solve the company's problems with no tangible recognition or benefits other than a paycheck, and leave. A temporary employee that you don’t have to provide benefits for, that you don’t have to keep happy or give incentives to, who’s an expert in their field, that you can let go when the project is done AND get recognition for their work? For businesses, what’s not to like?
My point is that all the work I took such pride in… the effect it had on tens of thousands of schools across the nation and millions of kids… the fact that the words I crafted made an impression on millions of people and really did make a difference… no one… not one of those people… will ever know that it was me behind it. Corporate contract writers don’t get a by-line. My portfolio and resume will never fully demonstrate to a future employer the dedication I had for my work.
I’m just one of many nameless, faceless writers whose words and work are taken for granted.
I’m just the ghost that typed.
Every day we’re surrounded by words. Most of the time, people don’t even think about it. Not just books and newspapers. Who writes what you see on your cereal box in the morning? The information on your shampoo bottle? The message on your fast food drive-thru bag? Weekly sale ads in the Sunday paper? Product information at your favorite online stores?
Then go a step further. Who writes your company’s newsletters and Intranet? The instructions you go to for submitting your timecard? The information for your medical insurance? Behind everything is a writer…
…or at least there should be. Frankly, if you’ve ever been confused by what you’ve read, the company was probably too cheap to hire a professional. How a company presents itself through written communications makes an impression; the right words have impact. As with anything, you get what you pay for; and experienced, professional writers, are often far undervalued.
MARCH 2002
“Welcome to the team! We couldn’t do it without you!”
I set the insert card on the table next to a vase filled with 2-dozen spring tulips. The sudden shift from I-really-need-a-job data entry back to being a Web and marketing writer had been dizzying. Not only were my real skills finally being dusted off after one year post-layoff, but I was appreciated, too. Pretty heady stuff.
What followed was four intense years of being the sole writer for one of the largest, most successful and critically-lauded school fundraising programs in the nation, run by one of the world’s largest food companies. I was brought on to bring the communications for their program both consistency and style. Yes, I was a contractor, but I was part of the team. My opinion was valued. My ideas were used and were successful for both the program and the K-8 schools it served.
For four years, every month I wrote and edited eight to twelve articles, three emails, multiple ads, and much more. There were four quarterly newsletters, each with two versions. There were printed materials, flyers, letters, notifications, and special events. I created earning ideas, contests, and gave advice. I constantly monitored the forums where school volunteers voiced their problems and concerns so my writing could be relevant to their unique needs. I wrote all of the copy through four yearly website overhauls for two websites… plus two more. I worked days, nights and weekends to meet their needs. For four years I ate, drank and slept this program.
AUGUST 2006
“As of the October website updates, your services will no longer be needed. This is no reflection on your abilities as a writer. Due to budget constraints we will now be doing the writing in-house.”
The brief, impersonal Dear Jane email that ended my contract was a direct hit. Even today I feel it like a physical punch to the gut. Not a personal call. Not a meeting. Four years and I was summarily dismissed. The email didn’t even come from the head of the program, but from another contractor.
Four years of carefully crafting their entire message, branding and image through words – without so much as a goodbye lunch.
I could go into the evolution of the “team”, the corporate politics, lying and thoroughly unethical business behavior behind it all, but that’s not the point of my posting today.
I’ve moved on for the most part. I have a good regular job right now, with a good company, and a great boss. It’s steady, pays the bills, provides my family with medical insurance and keeps a roof over our heads. I still accept the occasional freelance writing job for other areas of the fundraising program when they ask. From what I’ve heard through the grapevine, the “in-house” writers provided by the other contractor haven’t worked out very well – they’ve been through several in just a few months – so much for consistency.
This wasn't my only client. Just the most startling example of just how disposable and invisible contractors -- in any profession -- have become. We're expected to show up, solve the company's problems with no tangible recognition or benefits other than a paycheck, and leave. A temporary employee that you don’t have to provide benefits for, that you don’t have to keep happy or give incentives to, who’s an expert in their field, that you can let go when the project is done AND get recognition for their work? For businesses, what’s not to like?
My point is that all the work I took such pride in… the effect it had on tens of thousands of schools across the nation and millions of kids… the fact that the words I crafted made an impression on millions of people and really did make a difference… no one… not one of those people… will ever know that it was me behind it. Corporate contract writers don’t get a by-line. My portfolio and resume will never fully demonstrate to a future employer the dedication I had for my work.
I’m just one of many nameless, faceless writers whose words and work are taken for granted.
I’m just the ghost that typed.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Whew!
What's that sticky stuff?
It had been a long day at work. A weary commute home. I looked down to see big white sticker under my shoe. The wind has a nasty habit of depositing leaves and every piece of blowing trash in a three block radius in front of our door.
I reached down, removed the offending sticker, and opened the door. I knew was waiting for me on the other side.
The 2-Day FedEx envelope sat on the floor of our entryway. It leaned casually against the wall in a black beret, smoking a thin, brown cigarette... mocking me. I think I would have rather encountered an axe murderer on the other side of that door.
I considered it carefully. Would it bite? I picked it up by the edge.
Phew. What stinks in here?
The heavy envelope made an audible thud as it hit the kitchen counter. I considered putting a match to it, but thought better of it. What horrors would it hold? Could my heart stand it?
I took a deep breath (yeesh - what is that smell?) ripped the envelope like a giant band-aid. The quicker, the better.
Our 2007 taxes.
Suddenly, I could breathe again.
Our tax guy is worth every, freaking cent.
Good news: we got a return.
Eh news: we're handing it all over to Uncle Sam to cover the taxes I will eventually have to pay on my extra business income next year.
Bad news: I tracked in dog shit on my shoe.
All we have to do are sign the forms, mail them on time, and pay the tax guy for his expertise.
My taxes in 2004 and 2005 were something that even Freddie Kruger couldn't have devised in his wildest ravings. I won't post the totals, but let's just say that April 2005 left me gasping for air to the tune of tens of thousands. I still blanche at the thought of it.
And the worst part, was that he was wrong.
For 2006, I got the tax guy of my dreams (let me know if you want a recommendation). He fixed the previous guy's mistakes to the tune of so much of a return, that it prepaid my quarterly taxes for almost half of the next year. Yowch.
It's funny. But even though I know what the end number of the tax return reads, I still involuntarily shrink from it. It's like being bitten by a big dog. He may look friendly now, but you never trust him again.
Yeah. Like I ever trusted the IRS before.
Tonight I toast my tax guy and look forward to next year's simpler... much simpler... tax return.
It had been a long day at work. A weary commute home. I looked down to see big white sticker under my shoe. The wind has a nasty habit of depositing leaves and every piece of blowing trash in a three block radius in front of our door.
I reached down, removed the offending sticker, and opened the door. I knew was waiting for me on the other side.
The 2-Day FedEx envelope sat on the floor of our entryway. It leaned casually against the wall in a black beret, smoking a thin, brown cigarette... mocking me. I think I would have rather encountered an axe murderer on the other side of that door.
I considered it carefully. Would it bite? I picked it up by the edge.
Phew. What stinks in here?
The heavy envelope made an audible thud as it hit the kitchen counter. I considered putting a match to it, but thought better of it. What horrors would it hold? Could my heart stand it?
I took a deep breath (yeesh - what is that smell?) ripped the envelope like a giant band-aid. The quicker, the better.
Our 2007 taxes.
Suddenly, I could breathe again.
Our tax guy is worth every, freaking cent.
Good news: we got a return.
Eh news: we're handing it all over to Uncle Sam to cover the taxes I will eventually have to pay on my extra business income next year.
Bad news: I tracked in dog shit on my shoe.
All we have to do are sign the forms, mail them on time, and pay the tax guy for his expertise.
My taxes in 2004 and 2005 were something that even Freddie Kruger couldn't have devised in his wildest ravings. I won't post the totals, but let's just say that April 2005 left me gasping for air to the tune of tens of thousands. I still blanche at the thought of it.
And the worst part, was that he was wrong.
For 2006, I got the tax guy of my dreams (let me know if you want a recommendation). He fixed the previous guy's mistakes to the tune of so much of a return, that it prepaid my quarterly taxes for almost half of the next year. Yowch.
It's funny. But even though I know what the end number of the tax return reads, I still involuntarily shrink from it. It's like being bitten by a big dog. He may look friendly now, but you never trust him again.
Yeah. Like I ever trusted the IRS before.
Tonight I toast my tax guy and look forward to next year's simpler... much simpler... tax return.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The Cat's Out of the Bag
I've been waiting to post this for a couple of weeks. It had taken so long to get what I wanted and needed that I was afraid I'd jinx it with a premature announcement. So without further ado...
I got a job. A good one. A real, honest-to-goodness, regular full-time employee type job with decent pay, good commute, great co-workers, casual atmosphere, and nice benefits. A job where people say please and thank you. A job where my boss doesn't track me with a stop watch and asks for my opinion. A company that's been around for 33 years and grown exponentially in the last 10. A company that has employees celebrating 25-year anniversaries.
And I even like the work.
I'm a Technical Writer / Trainer in Product Development for a Twin Cities-based incentives company. In a nut shell, my company helps other companies keep employees feeling happy and appreciated through incentives and loyalty programs.
More later. I'm still writing freelance on the side occasionally and I'm up late tonight to meet a deadline.
'night, all...
I got a job. A good one. A real, honest-to-goodness, regular full-time employee type job with decent pay, good commute, great co-workers, casual atmosphere, and nice benefits. A job where people say please and thank you. A job where my boss doesn't track me with a stop watch and asks for my opinion. A company that's been around for 33 years and grown exponentially in the last 10. A company that has employees celebrating 25-year anniversaries.
And I even like the work.
I'm a Technical Writer / Trainer in Product Development for a Twin Cities-based incentives company. In a nut shell, my company helps other companies keep employees feeling happy and appreciated through incentives and loyalty programs.
More later. I'm still writing freelance on the side occasionally and I'm up late tonight to meet a deadline.
'night, all...
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Skiing and a Show
Yesterday was a good day.
Made a tremendous dent in the laundry pile and got a respectable amount of sorting and putting away of stuff in the bedrooms.
When the kids came home, we'd planned to hit cheap night at the movies to see "The Astronaut Farmer". Since the next showing was still three hours away, Avindair and I went over to Pioneer Midwest in Osseo to finally get me my very own cross country ski set! I'd been renting for 1-1/2 seasons, and it was time to make the leap. We got in on their fantastic seasonal clearance sale - most items 40% off or more - and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable.
After the purchase, we had just enough time to grab a quick dinner, change into all of the new gear and hit the trails at Elm Creek Park Reserve. What a difference! Let it be known that I am not a talented cross country skier, but I am determined. With the rental skis I essentially trudged all 2.5 k. With the new, light, waxed skis, the trail was half the work with twice the fun. So worth it!
Since I didn't have to take the time for ski rental pick up and drop off, we got home with half an hour to spare before the movie. We had plenty of time to get changed, load the NerdPod into the NerdVan, and make it to the theater.
"The Astronaut Farmer", starring Billy Bob Thornton and Virginia Madsen, is one of those feel-good films you can take everyone to see. Charles Farmer, an aeronautical engineer, Air Force pilot, and space program candidate, is forced to give up his dreams of going into space to due to a tragic family event. He spends the next decade building his own rocket, and enlists the help of his wife and kids to make his dreams come true. A great, warm-hearted family film, "The Astronaut Farmer" is one of determination, inspiration, and love. The science is iffy, but it's the story that will draw you in. Want a movie that you can walk away from with a smile? "The Astronaut Farmer" is the one to see.
Not a bad day. Not a bad day, at all...
Made a tremendous dent in the laundry pile and got a respectable amount of sorting and putting away of stuff in the bedrooms.
When the kids came home, we'd planned to hit cheap night at the movies to see "The Astronaut Farmer". Since the next showing was still three hours away, Avindair and I went over to Pioneer Midwest in Osseo to finally get me my very own cross country ski set! I'd been renting for 1-1/2 seasons, and it was time to make the leap. We got in on their fantastic seasonal clearance sale - most items 40% off or more - and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable.
After the purchase, we had just enough time to grab a quick dinner, change into all of the new gear and hit the trails at Elm Creek Park Reserve. What a difference! Let it be known that I am not a talented cross country skier, but I am determined. With the rental skis I essentially trudged all 2.5 k. With the new, light, waxed skis, the trail was half the work with twice the fun. So worth it!
Since I didn't have to take the time for ski rental pick up and drop off, we got home with half an hour to spare before the movie. We had plenty of time to get changed, load the NerdPod into the NerdVan, and make it to the theater.
"The Astronaut Farmer", starring Billy Bob Thornton and Virginia Madsen, is one of those feel-good films you can take everyone to see. Charles Farmer, an aeronautical engineer, Air Force pilot, and space program candidate, is forced to give up his dreams of going into space to due to a tragic family event. He spends the next decade building his own rocket, and enlists the help of his wife and kids to make his dreams come true. A great, warm-hearted family film, "The Astronaut Farmer" is one of determination, inspiration, and love. The science is iffy, but it's the story that will draw you in. Want a movie that you can walk away from with a smile? "The Astronaut Farmer" is the one to see.
Not a bad day. Not a bad day, at all...
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
20 Questions
Yes, I know. I haven't had an original post in weeks. Recovering from the holidays. Keeping up with clients. Searching for a new gig. Dealing with life. Some good, some bad, some ugly... some really good... but that's life.
So, until I get my ass in gear and write something meaningful - enjoy another meme.
1. Elaborate on your default icon.
To tell the truth, I haven't taken the time to figure out how to post an icon on Blogger. I do have one on Live Journal -- me as Cassie Banning. I only have a Live Journal account to post to friend's blogs!
2. What's your current relationship status?
Very. Happily. Ever after. Married!
3. Ever have a near-death experience?
In what sense? Me, personally near-death? Not that I remember. Damn those black outs.
4. Name an obvious quality you have.
Calm.
5. What's the name of the song that's stuck in your head right now?
There's actually an entire CD lodged just above my left temple. Man, that stings!
6. Name a celebrity you would marry.
Kate Winslet -- oh, wait -- a guy? Hmmm... it would have to be someone smart and talented... Kenneth Branagh?
7. Who will cut and paste this first?
Of the 3.6 people who read my blog - no clue.
8. Has anyone ever said you look like a celebrity?
Yup. Kelly McGillis.
9. Do you wear a watch?
Rarely.
10. Do you have anything pierced?
Two piercings in each ear.
11. Do you have any tattoos?
Not yet.
12. Do you like pain?
Are you kidding? Four words - labor and delivery... twice. I adore my children and couldn't imagine my life without them. But labor pains are really quite spectacular and enough for a lifetime!
13. Do you like to shop?
Only when it's not necessary. Hate grocery shopping. Hate clothes shopping. Love browsing bookstores, home improvement stores, clearance shelves just about everywhere, and places like Pier 1.
14. What was the last thing you paid for with cash?
A bottle of flavored water.
15. What was the last thing you paid for with your credit card?
Food.
16. Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone?
An annoying sales call from one of our credit cards trying to get us to add a premium "service" for a small additional fee. Yeah, right.
17. What is on your desktop background?
Computer 1: The kids splashing in the sunset surf of the Gulf Coast in Gulfport, MS. Computer 2: Da Vinci drawings
18. What is the background on your cell phone?
Red satin. Sexy!
19. What was the last movie you watched?
Fell asleep to "Episode 3: When Good Anakin's Go Bad". I think I watched it for 5 minutes. But had to stay awake for Palpatine and Anakin's chat during the zero-G ballet. As Avindair says, "Ian McDiarmid is the shit!" (In a good way.)
20. What was the last book you read?
I'm in the middle of at least two right now, "London" by Edward Rutherford and "Incubus Dreams" by Laurell K. Hamilton. The last one I finished? Does "Strangers in Paradise: Vol 2" count?
So, until I get my ass in gear and write something meaningful - enjoy another meme.
1. Elaborate on your default icon.
To tell the truth, I haven't taken the time to figure out how to post an icon on Blogger. I do have one on Live Journal -- me as Cassie Banning. I only have a Live Journal account to post to friend's blogs!
2. What's your current relationship status?
Very. Happily. Ever after. Married!
3. Ever have a near-death experience?
In what sense? Me, personally near-death? Not that I remember. Damn those black outs.
4. Name an obvious quality you have.
Calm.
5. What's the name of the song that's stuck in your head right now?
There's actually an entire CD lodged just above my left temple. Man, that stings!
6. Name a celebrity you would marry.
Kate Winslet -- oh, wait -- a guy? Hmmm... it would have to be someone smart and talented... Kenneth Branagh?
7. Who will cut and paste this first?
Of the 3.6 people who read my blog - no clue.
8. Has anyone ever said you look like a celebrity?
Yup. Kelly McGillis.
9. Do you wear a watch?
Rarely.
10. Do you have anything pierced?
Two piercings in each ear.
11. Do you have any tattoos?
Not yet.
12. Do you like pain?
Are you kidding? Four words - labor and delivery... twice. I adore my children and couldn't imagine my life without them. But labor pains are really quite spectacular and enough for a lifetime!
13. Do you like to shop?
Only when it's not necessary. Hate grocery shopping. Hate clothes shopping. Love browsing bookstores, home improvement stores, clearance shelves just about everywhere, and places like Pier 1.
14. What was the last thing you paid for with cash?
A bottle of flavored water.
15. What was the last thing you paid for with your credit card?
Food.
16. Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone?
An annoying sales call from one of our credit cards trying to get us to add a premium "service" for a small additional fee. Yeah, right.
17. What is on your desktop background?
Computer 1: The kids splashing in the sunset surf of the Gulf Coast in Gulfport, MS. Computer 2: Da Vinci drawings
18. What is the background on your cell phone?
Red satin. Sexy!
19. What was the last movie you watched?
Fell asleep to "Episode 3: When Good Anakin's Go Bad". I think I watched it for 5 minutes. But had to stay awake for Palpatine and Anakin's chat during the zero-G ballet. As Avindair says, "Ian McDiarmid is the shit!" (In a good way.)
20. What was the last book you read?
I'm in the middle of at least two right now, "London" by Edward Rutherford and "Incubus Dreams" by Laurell K. Hamilton. The last one I finished? Does "Strangers in Paradise: Vol 2" count?
Friday, December 01, 2006
Thinking ahead...
Okay, folks. I know this is nothing more than blog-fluff, but I haven't had the mental capacity to do much more than this for the past several weeks. That being said, I'm finally on the upswing of the moody scale and this helped put me on the path to a little holiday cheer today. Enjoy!
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
A hot chocolate substitute... hot Ovaltine. Just as tasty and more vitamins.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree?
Sants doesn't wrap presents. His elves do.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
White. I love the simplicity of it.
4. Do you hang a mistletoe?
I don't think I ever have.
5. When do you put your decorations up?
When I have the time. Ideally, right after Thanksgiving, but I'm behind schedule right now.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish?
Family and friends. The food could be frozen pizza for all I care.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
Any Christmas that my Uncle Dale came to visit. That was a present in itself.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I don't recall exactly. Although I do vaguely remember asking my Mom about it and her answering that people that are generous and giving are the real Santas.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
When I was a kid, after I knew there was no Santa, we opened all our gifts on Christmas Eve. Now, everyone gets to open one on Christmas Eve before bed. The rest get opened in the morning. A mix of Avindair's family traditions and mine.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
That's an odd question. I use wild weasels to string the lights, squirrels to hand the ornaments, a trained monkey to plug everything in, and then a big Rottweiler to chase them all out of the house when we're done.
11. Snow - love it or hate?
As much of a pain in the ass it can be, I love it. If I have to be cold, I want pretty snow to look at and play in.
12. Can you ice skate?
I owned skates ONE winter as a kid, skating at an outdoor rink in North Dakota. I was terrible at it. Now I wish I'd done it more and learned. I think I just hated falling down on the bumpy ice.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
I had to revise this answer. My first favorite was a thin gold necklace and bracelet from Avindair. He'd really taken to heart the one thing I asked for. It was thoughtful, simple and beautiful. The second was last Christmas from my mom, dad and grandma. Mom took me out to pick out a ring with matching earrings. Something that they knew I would like, and would be able to keep, use and value for the rest of my days. That was my one gift from them and I absolutely loved it.
It makes me sound like a jewelry fiend... but I'm not!
14. What's the most exciting thing about the Holidays for you?
Seeing the anticipation in my children's eyes.
15. What is your favorite holiday Dessert?
Pumpkin pie... all winter long.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
It used to be writing a thank you note to the kids from Santa along with the half-eaten milk and cookies... as well as some nibbled-on carrots the reindeer left behind. Now I think it's just the whole family gathering in our jammies and fluffy robes for popcorn and a movie in front of the fireplace.
17. What tops your tree?
There's an ornament around here somewhere...
18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
Receiving is nice, but I love giving.
19. What is your favorite Christmas song?
"White Christmas". I'm a sucker for Irving Berlin.
20. Candy canes?
Eh. I'm not a big fan, but the kids love them. And they look nice on the tree and on garlands.
There you have it folks. The Geek Goddess' Christmas Top 20.
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
A hot chocolate substitute... hot Ovaltine. Just as tasty and more vitamins.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree?
Sants doesn't wrap presents. His elves do.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
White. I love the simplicity of it.
4. Do you hang a mistletoe?
I don't think I ever have.
5. When do you put your decorations up?
When I have the time. Ideally, right after Thanksgiving, but I'm behind schedule right now.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish?
Family and friends. The food could be frozen pizza for all I care.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
Any Christmas that my Uncle Dale came to visit. That was a present in itself.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I don't recall exactly. Although I do vaguely remember asking my Mom about it and her answering that people that are generous and giving are the real Santas.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
When I was a kid, after I knew there was no Santa, we opened all our gifts on Christmas Eve. Now, everyone gets to open one on Christmas Eve before bed. The rest get opened in the morning. A mix of Avindair's family traditions and mine.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
That's an odd question. I use wild weasels to string the lights, squirrels to hand the ornaments, a trained monkey to plug everything in, and then a big Rottweiler to chase them all out of the house when we're done.
11. Snow - love it or hate?
As much of a pain in the ass it can be, I love it. If I have to be cold, I want pretty snow to look at and play in.
12. Can you ice skate?
I owned skates ONE winter as a kid, skating at an outdoor rink in North Dakota. I was terrible at it. Now I wish I'd done it more and learned. I think I just hated falling down on the bumpy ice.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
I had to revise this answer. My first favorite was a thin gold necklace and bracelet from Avindair. He'd really taken to heart the one thing I asked for. It was thoughtful, simple and beautiful. The second was last Christmas from my mom, dad and grandma. Mom took me out to pick out a ring with matching earrings. Something that they knew I would like, and would be able to keep, use and value for the rest of my days. That was my one gift from them and I absolutely loved it.
It makes me sound like a jewelry fiend... but I'm not!
14. What's the most exciting thing about the Holidays for you?
Seeing the anticipation in my children's eyes.
15. What is your favorite holiday Dessert?
Pumpkin pie... all winter long.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
It used to be writing a thank you note to the kids from Santa along with the half-eaten milk and cookies... as well as some nibbled-on carrots the reindeer left behind. Now I think it's just the whole family gathering in our jammies and fluffy robes for popcorn and a movie in front of the fireplace.
17. What tops your tree?
There's an ornament around here somewhere...
18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
Receiving is nice, but I love giving.
19. What is your favorite Christmas song?
"White Christmas". I'm a sucker for Irving Berlin.
20. Candy canes?
Eh. I'm not a big fan, but the kids love them. And they look nice on the tree and on garlands.
There you have it folks. The Geek Goddess' Christmas Top 20.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
It's All About ME!
More silliness to start my day. Why do I seem to always get these from MagicMarmot? I don't tag people (I was never good at that game anyway - couldn't run fast enough), so just feel free to cut, paste and tell all.
6 odd or weird habits/things/facts about yourself:
1.) I have hitchhikers thumb.
2.) My first major in college was Vocal Performance.
3.) As a kid, I liked mustard and mayo sandwiches.
4.) I also used to mispronouce TR as F when I was very young.
5.) I lived above a laundromat until I was 20.
6.) I didn't learn how to ride a bike until I was 10.
1. Are your parents married or divorced?
Married
2. Are you a vegetarian?
Hell, no. I like veggies, but meat=good.
3. Do you believe in heaven?
Not in the clouds and angels way. I think there's something we can't possibly comprehend.
4. Have you ever come close to dying?
Not that I know of.
5. What jewelry do you wear 24/7?
My wedding ring and anniversary band.
6. Favorite time of day?
Early morning or late night.
7. Do you wear make up?
Yes, I do.
8. Ever have plastic surgery?
Nope
9. Do you color your hair?
All the time -- it's overdue now.
10. What do you wear to bed?
Mostly t-shirts and jammie pants.
11. Have you ever done anything illegal?
And been caught?
12. Can you roll your tongue?
Yup.
13. Do you tweeze your eyebrows?
Yup.
14. What kind of sneakers?
New Balance
15. Do you believe in abortion?
Yes, I do.
16. What is your hair colour?
Naturally? Kind of a dull, mousey brown now.
17. Future child's name?
Got all I want, thanks!
18. Do you snore?
Sometimes
19. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
First choice - London. But it's only a starting point.
20. Do you sleep with stuffed animals?
Nah, I have a nice warm husband and a poodle.
21. If you won the lottery what would you do first?
Call a financial advisor / accountant.
22. Gold or silver?
Mostly silver.
23. Hamburger or hot dog?
Burger.
24. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?
A pizza with everything on it. It sounds silly, but my first thought was, "What one food can contain all four food groups?"
25. City, beach or country?
I love the beach, but the country would win out.
26. What was the last thing you touched?
The keyboard.
27. Where did you last eat?
At my computer desk.
28. When's the last time you cried?
Last week.
29. Do you read blogs?
Me? Nope. Never. (ha!)
30. Would you ever go out dressed as the opposite sex?
As a woman, it's not really a big deal. I steal my husband's sweaters all the time!
31. Ever been involved with the Police?
Nope. Sting asked me out a few times, but I just wasn't interested.
32. What's your favourite shampoo, conditioner and soap?
Shampoo / Conditioner - it depends on what I need - anything from the cheapest Suave to Paul Mitchell. Soap - whatever moisturizers, smells good and happens to be on sale.
33. Do you talk in your sleep?
Avindair tells me I do... when I'm under stress, especially.
34. Ocean or pool?
Ocean.
35. Window seat or aisle?
Window
36. Ever met anyone famous?
Yup.
37. Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it?
TWIRL
38. Ricki Lake or Oprah Winfrey?
Neither.
39. Basketball or football?
Football, if we're talking "soccer". Never could get into American football.
40. How long do your showers last?
As long as I have hot water, if I can get away with it.
41. Automatic or drive a stick?
Automatic!
43. Are you self-conscious?
Not terribly, no.
44. Have you ever drank so much you threw up?
Urp. Yes.
45. Have you ever given money to a tramp?
Tramp as in hobo or a woman in mini skirt with blue eyeshadow? No to both.
46. Have you ever been in love?
Yes. Most definitely.
47. Where do you wish you were?
On a retreat.
48. Are you wearing socks?
Yes. Cold toes.
49. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?
Yes. Once. And it was an exciting, hair-raising ride.
50. Can you tango?
Never tried, but I'd love to learn.
51. Last gift you received?
Avindair brought me roses on a bad day.
52. Last sport you played?
Oh, hell. Does a game of pool count?
53. Things you spend a lot of money on?
Books.
54. Where do you live?
A northern suburb of Minneapolis.
55. Where were you born?
Grand Forks, ND.
56. Last wedding attended?
It was a cousin.
57. Favorite fast food restaurant?
Wendy's for the Fresco sandwiches.
58. Most hated food?
Lutefisk.
59. What's your least favorite chore?
Laundry.
60. Can you sing?
Yup.
61. Last person you IMed?
Mom and Dad.
62. Last place you went on holiday?
North Dakota.
63. Favorite regular drink?
Tea with cream and sugar.
64. Current crush?
How about "always crush"? My husband. :-)
6 odd or weird habits/things/facts about yourself:
1.) I have hitchhikers thumb.
2.) My first major in college was Vocal Performance.
3.) As a kid, I liked mustard and mayo sandwiches.
4.) I also used to mispronouce TR as F when I was very young.
5.) I lived above a laundromat until I was 20.
6.) I didn't learn how to ride a bike until I was 10.
1. Are your parents married or divorced?
Married
2. Are you a vegetarian?
Hell, no. I like veggies, but meat=good.
3. Do you believe in heaven?
Not in the clouds and angels way. I think there's something we can't possibly comprehend.
4. Have you ever come close to dying?
Not that I know of.
5. What jewelry do you wear 24/7?
My wedding ring and anniversary band.
6. Favorite time of day?
Early morning or late night.
7. Do you wear make up?
Yes, I do.
8. Ever have plastic surgery?
Nope
9. Do you color your hair?
All the time -- it's overdue now.
10. What do you wear to bed?
Mostly t-shirts and jammie pants.
11. Have you ever done anything illegal?
And been caught?
12. Can you roll your tongue?
Yup.
13. Do you tweeze your eyebrows?
Yup.
14. What kind of sneakers?
New Balance
15. Do you believe in abortion?
Yes, I do.
16. What is your hair colour?
Naturally? Kind of a dull, mousey brown now.
17. Future child's name?
Got all I want, thanks!
18. Do you snore?
Sometimes
19. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
First choice - London. But it's only a starting point.
20. Do you sleep with stuffed animals?
Nah, I have a nice warm husband and a poodle.
21. If you won the lottery what would you do first?
Call a financial advisor / accountant.
22. Gold or silver?
Mostly silver.
23. Hamburger or hot dog?
Burger.
24. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?
A pizza with everything on it. It sounds silly, but my first thought was, "What one food can contain all four food groups?"
25. City, beach or country?
I love the beach, but the country would win out.
26. What was the last thing you touched?
The keyboard.
27. Where did you last eat?
At my computer desk.
28. When's the last time you cried?
Last week.
29. Do you read blogs?
Me? Nope. Never. (ha!)
30. Would you ever go out dressed as the opposite sex?
As a woman, it's not really a big deal. I steal my husband's sweaters all the time!
31. Ever been involved with the Police?
Nope. Sting asked me out a few times, but I just wasn't interested.
32. What's your favourite shampoo, conditioner and soap?
Shampoo / Conditioner - it depends on what I need - anything from the cheapest Suave to Paul Mitchell. Soap - whatever moisturizers, smells good and happens to be on sale.
33. Do you talk in your sleep?
Avindair tells me I do... when I'm under stress, especially.
34. Ocean or pool?
Ocean.
35. Window seat or aisle?
Window
36. Ever met anyone famous?
Yup.
37. Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it?
TWIRL
38. Ricki Lake or Oprah Winfrey?
Neither.
39. Basketball or football?
Football, if we're talking "soccer". Never could get into American football.
40. How long do your showers last?
As long as I have hot water, if I can get away with it.
41. Automatic or drive a stick?
Automatic!
43. Are you self-conscious?
Not terribly, no.
44. Have you ever drank so much you threw up?
Urp. Yes.
45. Have you ever given money to a tramp?
Tramp as in hobo or a woman in mini skirt with blue eyeshadow? No to both.
46. Have you ever been in love?
Yes. Most definitely.
47. Where do you wish you were?
On a retreat.
48. Are you wearing socks?
Yes. Cold toes.
49. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?
Yes. Once. And it was an exciting, hair-raising ride.
50. Can you tango?
Never tried, but I'd love to learn.
51. Last gift you received?
Avindair brought me roses on a bad day.
52. Last sport you played?
Oh, hell. Does a game of pool count?
53. Things you spend a lot of money on?
Books.
54. Where do you live?
A northern suburb of Minneapolis.
55. Where were you born?
Grand Forks, ND.
56. Last wedding attended?
It was a cousin.
57. Favorite fast food restaurant?
Wendy's for the Fresco sandwiches.
58. Most hated food?
Lutefisk.
59. What's your least favorite chore?
Laundry.
60. Can you sing?
Yup.
61. Last person you IMed?
Mom and Dad.
62. Last place you went on holiday?
North Dakota.
63. Favorite regular drink?
Tea with cream and sugar.
64. Current crush?
How about "always crush"? My husband. :-)
Friday, October 13, 2006
So THAT'S Where I Put My Desk!
It's no secret that I've been a stress-puppy lately. And, without the prospect of a 3-week retreat in the country, I figured I'd have to perform my own psychotherapy on the run.
I started yesterday by cleaning my desk... and it's helping.
First, I took one of those cardboard filing boxes. The kind you get from Office Depot. I filled it with all the stuff littering my desk: things to be filed, pictures, paid bills, check stubs, the general paper pile-up that I mentally label "stuff I need to take care of some day". At the same time, I filled a garbage bag with the junk that gets mixed in with the "gotta keep" stuff.
And you know what I discovered? The top of my desk! But more than that, the little bits and pieces I keep on my desk as reminders of what's important and why I sit there day after day doing my job.
Everything on my desk means something to me. I couldn't stand the thought of having a perfectly functional desktop space.
1. Pictures of the kids, my parents, grandparents, Avindair - Family is important to me. My family is my center.
2. A clay Star Wars Emperor Palpatine head - Alex made this in school. I keep my pens in it!
3. A 3-inch tall straw maid - A gift from a cast-member in a show I did - years ago. A reminder that am creative.
4. A stuffed toy frog - A gift from my (now deceased) Uncle Dale when I was a kid. It reminds me of his wonderful, positive personality, how much he believed in me, and frogs are a symbol of good in many cultures: luck, abundance, life and rebirth.
5. A purple, hand-made, mirrored box holding a Sakajawea dollar, a green stone, and two rings - The color of the box is a reminder of independence and free spirit. One ring, my Brownie ring from grade school, is a link to the past. The other, a gift from my daughter. The coin, is something quirky - not popular, but still valuable. The stone was something I chose to bring home as a momento from traveling; it's smooth, vaguely heart-shaped, and a beautiful shade of my favorite color.
6. Five little action figures - A chick in black holding a cup of coffee, Wonder Woman, a barbarian woman, another female fighter with a sword, and Wolverine... 'cause he's hot.
7. A 4-inch glass heart - A gift from my mom. That says it all.
8. A seashell - From a family trip to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. Lots of symbolism in this one - family, nature, freedom and order -- and it's green, too.
9. A little toy lion - For courage and strength.
10. A small, silver, hand-made, heart-shaped box - From one of my best friends as she traveled the world to Oman in the military.
11. A tall, colorful witch - Light-hearted reminder that being mindful and spiritual is to make one happy and not somber.
If you could look around my office, you'd see books of every description stuffing three big bookshelves (and I need more bookshelves), more family pictures, comic book art, games, computer stuff, music, action figures, kid's art, starship models. One look at my surroundings and I'm reminded of why I do what I do -- and what my priorities should be.
It's easy to get off track - to stop seeing what's right in front of me. I realize now that my desk is like my "Work Altar", giving me encourage and perspective to do what I need to do. What I started yesterday isn't a cure... not by a long shot... but it's a start!
I started yesterday by cleaning my desk... and it's helping.
First, I took one of those cardboard filing boxes. The kind you get from Office Depot. I filled it with all the stuff littering my desk: things to be filed, pictures, paid bills, check stubs, the general paper pile-up that I mentally label "stuff I need to take care of some day". At the same time, I filled a garbage bag with the junk that gets mixed in with the "gotta keep" stuff.
And you know what I discovered? The top of my desk! But more than that, the little bits and pieces I keep on my desk as reminders of what's important and why I sit there day after day doing my job.
Everything on my desk means something to me. I couldn't stand the thought of having a perfectly functional desktop space.
1. Pictures of the kids, my parents, grandparents, Avindair - Family is important to me. My family is my center.
2. A clay Star Wars Emperor Palpatine head - Alex made this in school. I keep my pens in it!
3. A 3-inch tall straw maid - A gift from a cast-member in a show I did - years ago. A reminder that am creative.
4. A stuffed toy frog - A gift from my (now deceased) Uncle Dale when I was a kid. It reminds me of his wonderful, positive personality, how much he believed in me, and frogs are a symbol of good in many cultures: luck, abundance, life and rebirth.
5. A purple, hand-made, mirrored box holding a Sakajawea dollar, a green stone, and two rings - The color of the box is a reminder of independence and free spirit. One ring, my Brownie ring from grade school, is a link to the past. The other, a gift from my daughter. The coin, is something quirky - not popular, but still valuable. The stone was something I chose to bring home as a momento from traveling; it's smooth, vaguely heart-shaped, and a beautiful shade of my favorite color.
6. Five little action figures - A chick in black holding a cup of coffee, Wonder Woman, a barbarian woman, another female fighter with a sword, and Wolverine... 'cause he's hot.
7. A 4-inch glass heart - A gift from my mom. That says it all.
8. A seashell - From a family trip to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. Lots of symbolism in this one - family, nature, freedom and order -- and it's green, too.
9. A little toy lion - For courage and strength.
10. A small, silver, hand-made, heart-shaped box - From one of my best friends as she traveled the world to Oman in the military.
11. A tall, colorful witch - Light-hearted reminder that being mindful and spiritual is to make one happy and not somber.
If you could look around my office, you'd see books of every description stuffing three big bookshelves (and I need more bookshelves), more family pictures, comic book art, games, computer stuff, music, action figures, kid's art, starship models. One look at my surroundings and I'm reminded of why I do what I do -- and what my priorities should be.
It's easy to get off track - to stop seeing what's right in front of me. I realize now that my desk is like my "Work Altar", giving me encourage and perspective to do what I need to do. What I started yesterday isn't a cure... not by a long shot... but it's a start!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Weary
The number one word to describe me right now. Just plain weary.
It's the everyday things that are getting to me. The routine, the mess, the deadlines, the to-do list. The kinds of things that every person on this planet has to do every day - but eventually your soul has just had enough and you need a break.
I don't see that break coming any time soon.
Like a lot of people, I wake to the alarm, hit the snooze a few times, shuffle out of bed, fail to eat a good breakfast, and head off to work.
I try to ignore the everyday-life flotsam covering my desk, our kitchen counter... the floor boards of my car. I don't have the time or the initiative to deal with it. I'm on the treadmill with my shoe laces untied. Eventually, I'm going to trip.
Didn't take a real vacation this year because of repeated work woes. Haven't even been successful in planning a weekend getaway and I don't see that happening any time soon. Mostly because I just don't have the energy to deal with the headache it takes to plan and execute a vacation.
I am weary.
I wish I could be one of those sparkling people that gets up at the break of dawn with a spring in their step and a smile on their face. The kind of person that has a place for everything... and everything in it's place... and because of that doesn't worry like the rest of us.
Sometimes I wish I could be the kind of person who didn't give a rat's ass about anything. But that's just not within me.
Or maybe be the kind of person whose life is so simple, so uncomplicated, that issue never comes up.
Truth is, the same things that bring complexity and headaches also bring facination and laughter and challenge and love -- and those are things that I wouldn't... couldn't do without. What I could probably use is two full weeks off. The first week to play catch up and do all the things I'd like to get done - because I couldn't enjoy week two looking at the to-do's around me. The last week to just enjoy a week of nothing but getting up, taking a walk, reading, cooking a good meal, ignoring work and emails and phones, puttering around the yard, being with my family, not running to catch up with my life.
Hell, everyone has trouble just dealing with life from time to time. That's where I am today, but at least I have some of it behind me. I did manage to get up, get ready, write a whiny blog post and get my kids off to school. Now for the rest of the day.
It's the everyday things that are getting to me. The routine, the mess, the deadlines, the to-do list. The kinds of things that every person on this planet has to do every day - but eventually your soul has just had enough and you need a break.
I don't see that break coming any time soon.
Like a lot of people, I wake to the alarm, hit the snooze a few times, shuffle out of bed, fail to eat a good breakfast, and head off to work.
I try to ignore the everyday-life flotsam covering my desk, our kitchen counter... the floor boards of my car. I don't have the time or the initiative to deal with it. I'm on the treadmill with my shoe laces untied. Eventually, I'm going to trip.
Didn't take a real vacation this year because of repeated work woes. Haven't even been successful in planning a weekend getaway and I don't see that happening any time soon. Mostly because I just don't have the energy to deal with the headache it takes to plan and execute a vacation.
I am weary.
I wish I could be one of those sparkling people that gets up at the break of dawn with a spring in their step and a smile on their face. The kind of person that has a place for everything... and everything in it's place... and because of that doesn't worry like the rest of us.
Sometimes I wish I could be the kind of person who didn't give a rat's ass about anything. But that's just not within me.
Or maybe be the kind of person whose life is so simple, so uncomplicated, that issue never comes up.
Truth is, the same things that bring complexity and headaches also bring facination and laughter and challenge and love -- and those are things that I wouldn't... couldn't do without. What I could probably use is two full weeks off. The first week to play catch up and do all the things I'd like to get done - because I couldn't enjoy week two looking at the to-do's around me. The last week to just enjoy a week of nothing but getting up, taking a walk, reading, cooking a good meal, ignoring work and emails and phones, puttering around the yard, being with my family, not running to catch up with my life.
Hell, everyone has trouble just dealing with life from time to time. That's where I am today, but at least I have some of it behind me. I did manage to get up, get ready, write a whiny blog post and get my kids off to school. Now for the rest of the day.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Marmot Memeage
I stole this from my pal, MagicMarmot. The questions, I mean. The answers are mine, I'm afraid.
1. You and Jesus go out to dinner - who pays? I'll pay. He did die for my sins and all. It's the least I could do.
2. You suddenly have to flee the country and adopt an alias. What is it? Oooo... I wanna adopt a Vulcan. They're smart! Oh... wait... an ALIAS.
3. Pick one state in the U.S. to get rid of permanently? Can we keep the land an just get rid of the residents?
4. You wake up as the opposite gender what's the one thing you wanna try? Running without having to wear an athletic bra!
5. Luke Skywalker or Han Solo? Han, baby. Definitely, Han.
6. Toy you always wanted but never got as a child? A train set. I actually got one, but we had to return it when it didn't work. Psyche!
7. Top three celebrities you wanna do.
1. Antonio Banderas
2. Jason Issacs
3. Hugh Jackman
8. What's an automatic deal breaker in a potential significant other? Cruelty
9. What is the last movie you saw that actually scared you? I honestly don't remember.
10. Stupidest thing you've ever said out loud? I'm sure there have been plenty - I just don't recall.
11. You're sentenced to death and it's the morning of your execution, what do you want to eat? A giant bowl of Tiramisu. Screw the calories!
12. What's something that most people do that you've never done? Drink at high school parties.
13. Before you die you want to go to...? Rome
14. Something you'd really like to do but probably won't ever be able to do? Travel the world.
15. A wild animal you'd like to have as a pet? A wolf. Scare the crap out of the neighborhood.
16. A drug you'll never try? Anything that's illegal. It's just not my bag, baby.
17. If you were an animal what would you be? A lioness.
18. If you had to marry someone you knew at the age of 12 who would it be? Ick - it wouldn't be Jerry Lee Lewis, THAT'S for certain.
19. What's something most people don't know about you? I'm really a time traveler lost in your dimension.
20. First celebrity crush? Probably Davy Jones from the Monkees.
21. What's a weapon to suit your personality, habits and abilities? A .44 caliber handgun.
23. Favorite breakfast bread style (pancakes, waffles, toast etc...)? Grandma Minnie's homemade biscuits.
24. Favorite parody movie? Galaxy Quest
25. Worst way to die? Drowning
26. Grossest injury you've ever seen? Tony and I went through the '88 Flugtag Airshow disaster. Let's leave it at that.
27. The worst injury you've ever had? Sword wound. No kidding.
28. Favorite thing about thanksgiving? Family time.
29. Sport you hate the most? Big game hunting. Does that count?
30. What city in the U.S. do you want to visit? Boston
31. What's something you think would be sweet to know everything about? History
32. Favorite Actor/Actress? Can't choose - I'm a movie fiend!
33. What's one phrase you absolutely detest? "It's just business."
34. What makes an awesome party? Awesome friends.
35. What's your material obsession? Books
36. What's something most would consider an insult but you like it said about you? GEEK!
37. Favorite kind of dog? Canine
38. Favorite carnival food (everyone has one)? Caramel apple
39. Morning or night person? Morning person on vacation. Night person on weekends.
40. Worst drunken/drugged up habit? When being drunken or drugged up becomes a habit for me, I'll let you know.
41. Weirdest ebay purchase? William Shatner's old toupee. Nah. I seldom purchase anything from eBay. Last thing was a set of movie lights.
42. Favorite food to eat when you're wasted? Probably pizza.
43. Its Saturday at 3am where are you? Sleeping soundly.
44. Who's your favorite friend to go out with? My hubby.
45.Worst job you've ever had? Secretary for the kind of lawyer they created lawyer jokes for.
46. What's something your friends make fun of you for? My friends don't make fun of me. They understand the consequences.
47. Favorite cereal? Rice crispies.
48. Book you could read repeatedly? You're asking a former ENGLISH MAJOR this question? Les Miserables, Wuthering Heights, The Alchemist, there are more...
49. What's the meanest thing you've ever done? Be impatient with my kids.
50. What was your best Halloween costume ever? Elvira-like vampire.
1. You and Jesus go out to dinner - who pays? I'll pay. He did die for my sins and all. It's the least I could do.
2. You suddenly have to flee the country and adopt an alias. What is it? Oooo... I wanna adopt a Vulcan. They're smart! Oh... wait... an ALIAS.
3. Pick one state in the U.S. to get rid of permanently? Can we keep the land an just get rid of the residents?
4. You wake up as the opposite gender what's the one thing you wanna try? Running without having to wear an athletic bra!
5. Luke Skywalker or Han Solo? Han, baby. Definitely, Han.
6. Toy you always wanted but never got as a child? A train set. I actually got one, but we had to return it when it didn't work. Psyche!
7. Top three celebrities you wanna do.
1. Antonio Banderas
2. Jason Issacs
3. Hugh Jackman
8. What's an automatic deal breaker in a potential significant other? Cruelty
9. What is the last movie you saw that actually scared you? I honestly don't remember.
10. Stupidest thing you've ever said out loud? I'm sure there have been plenty - I just don't recall.
11. You're sentenced to death and it's the morning of your execution, what do you want to eat? A giant bowl of Tiramisu. Screw the calories!
12. What's something that most people do that you've never done? Drink at high school parties.
13. Before you die you want to go to...? Rome
14. Something you'd really like to do but probably won't ever be able to do? Travel the world.
15. A wild animal you'd like to have as a pet? A wolf. Scare the crap out of the neighborhood.
16. A drug you'll never try? Anything that's illegal. It's just not my bag, baby.
17. If you were an animal what would you be? A lioness.
18. If you had to marry someone you knew at the age of 12 who would it be? Ick - it wouldn't be Jerry Lee Lewis, THAT'S for certain.
19. What's something most people don't know about you? I'm really a time traveler lost in your dimension.
20. First celebrity crush? Probably Davy Jones from the Monkees.
21. What's a weapon to suit your personality, habits and abilities? A .44 caliber handgun.
23. Favorite breakfast bread style (pancakes, waffles, toast etc...)? Grandma Minnie's homemade biscuits.
24. Favorite parody movie? Galaxy Quest
25. Worst way to die? Drowning
26. Grossest injury you've ever seen? Tony and I went through the '88 Flugtag Airshow disaster. Let's leave it at that.
27. The worst injury you've ever had? Sword wound. No kidding.
28. Favorite thing about thanksgiving? Family time.
29. Sport you hate the most? Big game hunting. Does that count?
30. What city in the U.S. do you want to visit? Boston
31. What's something you think would be sweet to know everything about? History
32. Favorite Actor/Actress? Can't choose - I'm a movie fiend!
33. What's one phrase you absolutely detest? "It's just business."
34. What makes an awesome party? Awesome friends.
35. What's your material obsession? Books
36. What's something most would consider an insult but you like it said about you? GEEK!
37. Favorite kind of dog? Canine
38. Favorite carnival food (everyone has one)? Caramel apple
39. Morning or night person? Morning person on vacation. Night person on weekends.
40. Worst drunken/drugged up habit? When being drunken or drugged up becomes a habit for me, I'll let you know.
41. Weirdest ebay purchase? William Shatner's old toupee. Nah. I seldom purchase anything from eBay. Last thing was a set of movie lights.
42. Favorite food to eat when you're wasted? Probably pizza.
43. Its Saturday at 3am where are you? Sleeping soundly.
44. Who's your favorite friend to go out with? My hubby.
45.Worst job you've ever had? Secretary for the kind of lawyer they created lawyer jokes for.
46. What's something your friends make fun of you for? My friends don't make fun of me. They understand the consequences.
47. Favorite cereal? Rice crispies.
48. Book you could read repeatedly? You're asking a former ENGLISH MAJOR this question? Les Miserables, Wuthering Heights, The Alchemist, there are more...
49. What's the meanest thing you've ever done? Be impatient with my kids.
50. What was your best Halloween costume ever? Elvira-like vampire.
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