I swear, that someday in the near future I'll have positive and uplifting posts. But then again, I think I'd lose half my followers if I started doing that. I'd have to search harder in society to find something humorous to write about.
To pass the time I've been 'taking notes'. Notes of things that are said in passing as the day goes on.
Lingo I've learned this week:
"Flip the phone" this means I need to fetch her blackberry that she still can't use.
"Hit the Switch" This means to unlock her car, which is to be followed by either loading or unloading said car.
I've heard her ask two questions today which make me further question her intelligence. She picks up an item from the table, shows it to me, and asks me what it is. "Um....that's the battery charger to your camera" (you know, that thing you use on a weekly basis)
Later on I hear her asking 'what are snap peas?'
oh you cannot be serious.
A bit later after setting up some listings "call so and so and tell her where to meet Nick this afternoon to see those houses" "Sure Thing, I'll do that now" "Be sure to call her. Call her"
"OK....I got it"
And I guess at some point since I've started working here, she's remembered that she has a 2nd printer, which connects to her computer. So I get asked "Could you maybe start using the other printer periodically? Just so it keeps working. I forgot about it." This printer is not even hooked up to my computer. Will I ever use it? doubtfully.
Then as she casually walks through my 'office' area, she rips one. Yup.
....and to top off my day, she misspelled my name. Again.
At least at home I can sit back, enjoy a clean household, chill with my pups, and do my best to unwind. Lately I've been staying up later than normal, just to delay the start of the next day as much as possible. I'm enjoying this show on Planet Green called The Fabulous Beekman Boys. Didn't think much of the show at first, but how can you not love a show about two gay city boys living and working out on a farm?
http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tv/the-fabulous-beekman-boys/the-fabulous-beekman-boys.html
That's it for the night. Sweet Dreams. :D
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Tuesday spilled over to wednesday,,,,
Of course, I enjoy them more when I can lounge by the pool and soak up the sun with a cocktail in my hand, but I managed to make the best of a half day with a doctor's appointment. I slept in til nearly 7AM, which is a feat I can hardly manage on weekends. We were both tired from the Titan's first home Preseason game. Rob managed to get some season tickets, and me, hardly a football fan, found it difficult not to enjoy. 11 rows back from the field - now I'm on a mission for the cutest Titan's apparel I can find.
After my appointment this morning, I decided to take my dear sweet time to get to work. My boss wasn't expecting me til noon anyway, so I went to the little shopping plaza next to Green Hills mall to do some browsing, and to give in to my craving for chinese food. (mmm, crab rangoons) I will rarely turn down good chinese food.
Looked at my watch, still some time to kill. So, I headed to Verizon to see about getting a 4th Droid Eris. Even better, they are finally sending me a new phone. Hopefully the LG Ally will be a better one than my current. Something about calling people that I'm already on the phone with 6 minutes into a conversation from when I originally dialed their number, greatly annoys me.
After finally getting that squared away, I moseyed on into work. Walking into a house with a blaring TV playing cartoons on VHS from the early 80's, a 3 year old who claims he still can't hear it, a screaming 14 month old, and the the boss telling me everything she wants done today, before I even had my notebook out, or my bum in the seat. I've never felt a headache come on so quickly. It only took her 20 minutes within my arrival to ask "so did your appointment go well?"
"yep"
"So, what did you have to go in for?"
"I'd rather not say"
"What? Are you mad? Are you having a bad day or in a bad mood?"
"nope, just don't feel like sharing my personal health with you."
Thankfully they headed out early so she could take the kids elsewhere, and before leaving she asks me if I'll be in on time tomorrow....God willing. What's that supposed to mean? I reminded her the only reason I wasn't in at 9 this morning was a doctor's appointment. Then she's able to remember.
-------------------------------------------------------
So I forgot to post my blog yesterday. I need a few more hours in the day.
Wednesday.....I've only been here one hour and it feels like 8. Boss called me last night to come in early. Since getting here I've been copying contracts, making calls, setting showings, designing flyers - all with a 14 month old on my lap and getting more orders barked at me while I'm on the phone. Holy Crap. I would never drop my kids at my parents house if it functioned like this.
After my appointment this morning, I decided to take my dear sweet time to get to work. My boss wasn't expecting me til noon anyway, so I went to the little shopping plaza next to Green Hills mall to do some browsing, and to give in to my craving for chinese food. (mmm, crab rangoons) I will rarely turn down good chinese food.
Looked at my watch, still some time to kill. So, I headed to Verizon to see about getting a 4th Droid Eris. Even better, they are finally sending me a new phone. Hopefully the LG Ally will be a better one than my current. Something about calling people that I'm already on the phone with 6 minutes into a conversation from when I originally dialed their number, greatly annoys me.
After finally getting that squared away, I moseyed on into work. Walking into a house with a blaring TV playing cartoons on VHS from the early 80's, a 3 year old who claims he still can't hear it, a screaming 14 month old, and the the boss telling me everything she wants done today, before I even had my notebook out, or my bum in the seat. I've never felt a headache come on so quickly. It only took her 20 minutes within my arrival to ask "so did your appointment go well?"
"yep"
"So, what did you have to go in for?"
"I'd rather not say"
"What? Are you mad? Are you having a bad day or in a bad mood?"
"nope, just don't feel like sharing my personal health with you."
Thankfully they headed out early so she could take the kids elsewhere, and before leaving she asks me if I'll be in on time tomorrow....God willing. What's that supposed to mean? I reminded her the only reason I wasn't in at 9 this morning was a doctor's appointment. Then she's able to remember.
-------------------------------------------------------
So I forgot to post my blog yesterday. I need a few more hours in the day.
Wednesday.....I've only been here one hour and it feels like 8. Boss called me last night to come in early. Since getting here I've been copying contracts, making calls, setting showings, designing flyers - all with a 14 month old on my lap and getting more orders barked at me while I'm on the phone. Holy Crap. I would never drop my kids at my parents house if it functioned like this.
Monday, August 23, 2010
A republican walks into a bar
A Republican, in a wheelchair, entered a Bar & Grill one afternoon and asked the waitress for a cup of coffee. The Republican looked across the restaurant and asked, “Is that Jesus sitting over there?”
The waitress nodded “yes,” so the Republican requested that she give Jesus a cup of coffee, on him.
The next patron to come in was a Libertarian, with a hunched back. He shuffled over to a booth, painfully sat down, and asked the waitress for a cup of hot tea. He also glanced across the restaurant and asked, “Is that Jesus, over there?”
The waitress nodded, so the Libertarian asked her to give Jesus a cup of hot tea, “My treat.”
The third patron to come into the restaurant was a Democrat on crutches. He hobbled over to a booth, sat down and hollered, “Hey there honey! How’s about gettin’ me a cold mug of Miller Light?” He too looked across the restaurant and asked, “Isn’t that God’s boy over there?
The waitress nodded, so the Democrat directed her to give Jesus a cold beer. “On my bill,” he said loudly.
As Jesus got up to leave, he passed by the Republican, touched him and said, “For your kindness, you are healed.” The Republican felt the strength come back into his legs, got up, and danced a jig out the door.
Jesus passed by the Libertarian, touched him and said, “For your kindness, you are healed.” The Libertarian felt his back straightening up and he raised his hands, praised the Lord, and did a series of back flips out the door.
Then, Jesus walked towards the Democrat, just smiling.
The Democrat jumped up and yelled, “Don’t touch me .. I’m collecting disability.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I couldn't resist. :D
We had a decent weekend. Rob's folks were in town for a couple days and we hit Cheekwood for the Chihuly Exhibit, and the following evening we headed to the Wilson County Fair. The Chihuly exhibit was decent, but IMO if I'm spending $15.00 to see such awesome glasswork at night, I'd at least figure they'd go through the effort to better light them. The fair was great though. It's amazing how many people come out there for it. It never ceases to amaze me what fried goodies will be new each year either. This year's specialty was 'Fried Butter'. It's better than it sounds. Basically just a small sweet fried roll with butter inside. I could eat a ton of them, but I had only one. I'm too young to die.
Work has been fair. For a Monday, I can't complain too much. Just the typical lacks in common sense. For instance, walking by and glancing at my screen to see what I'm doing. Then asking if it's something new. Hopefully you felt like an idiot when I told you that this is the mailer that goes out EVERY week. And nothing makes me happier than be be told 2 hours before I leave that you want a community open house set up today. Which means calling all the agents with listings for sale in that neighborhood and getting an ad for the paper together, and one that actually meets your approval. It was classic that when I called the agents just to get a bunch of 'no's, or I can't do it's' that you doubted me - that I actually called them. Even though you were sitting just 10 feet away while I called them all.
....and as you can guess - no job offer. I've made up my mind though. If I get insulted one more time - I'm out. I've even got my speech ready. I've been working on it since April. Maybe work part time somewhere else and go back to school. Now if I can only decide what I want to go to school for - and which will be the better investment of my time and money vs. what I really want to do....
Anyway - Happy Monday. :D
The waitress nodded “yes,” so the Republican requested that she give Jesus a cup of coffee, on him.
The next patron to come in was a Libertarian, with a hunched back. He shuffled over to a booth, painfully sat down, and asked the waitress for a cup of hot tea. He also glanced across the restaurant and asked, “Is that Jesus, over there?”
The waitress nodded, so the Libertarian asked her to give Jesus a cup of hot tea, “My treat.”
The third patron to come into the restaurant was a Democrat on crutches. He hobbled over to a booth, sat down and hollered, “Hey there honey! How’s about gettin’ me a cold mug of Miller Light?” He too looked across the restaurant and asked, “Isn’t that God’s boy over there?
The waitress nodded, so the Democrat directed her to give Jesus a cold beer. “On my bill,” he said loudly.
As Jesus got up to leave, he passed by the Republican, touched him and said, “For your kindness, you are healed.” The Republican felt the strength come back into his legs, got up, and danced a jig out the door.
Jesus passed by the Libertarian, touched him and said, “For your kindness, you are healed.” The Libertarian felt his back straightening up and he raised his hands, praised the Lord, and did a series of back flips out the door.
Then, Jesus walked towards the Democrat, just smiling.
The Democrat jumped up and yelled, “Don’t touch me .. I’m collecting disability.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I couldn't resist. :D
We had a decent weekend. Rob's folks were in town for a couple days and we hit Cheekwood for the Chihuly Exhibit, and the following evening we headed to the Wilson County Fair. The Chihuly exhibit was decent, but IMO if I'm spending $15.00 to see such awesome glasswork at night, I'd at least figure they'd go through the effort to better light them. The fair was great though. It's amazing how many people come out there for it. It never ceases to amaze me what fried goodies will be new each year either. This year's specialty was 'Fried Butter'. It's better than it sounds. Basically just a small sweet fried roll with butter inside. I could eat a ton of them, but I had only one. I'm too young to die.
Work has been fair. For a Monday, I can't complain too much. Just the typical lacks in common sense. For instance, walking by and glancing at my screen to see what I'm doing. Then asking if it's something new. Hopefully you felt like an idiot when I told you that this is the mailer that goes out EVERY week. And nothing makes me happier than be be told 2 hours before I leave that you want a community open house set up today. Which means calling all the agents with listings for sale in that neighborhood and getting an ad for the paper together, and one that actually meets your approval. It was classic that when I called the agents just to get a bunch of 'no's, or I can't do it's' that you doubted me - that I actually called them. Even though you were sitting just 10 feet away while I called them all.
....and as you can guess - no job offer. I've made up my mind though. If I get insulted one more time - I'm out. I've even got my speech ready. I've been working on it since April. Maybe work part time somewhere else and go back to school. Now if I can only decide what I want to go to school for - and which will be the better investment of my time and money vs. what I really want to do....
Anyway - Happy Monday. :D
Friday, August 20, 2010
and it was only a half day
I looked forward to Friday - not only because it was Friday, but it meant only being at work til noon.
Got my 'to do' list tackled with about 30 minutes to spare when I'm given another list. She's notorious for the 'before you leave lists'. With my ninja like skills, I still manage to finish everything. Then the printer runs out of ink. No doubt, this small task will become so much more.
Boss goes upstairs to get ink. "come get these boxes for me!" So I do. I trudge up the steps and go to pick up 4 toner boxes "Carry these downstairs so we can talk about them" Huh? Talk about them? Did printer ink become the next book club?
I went to change out the yellow - no biggie. Open, pull out the one with the yellow tabs, replace. So I start to change it out when I'm told to stop, wait til Nick gets off the phone, and talk to him about it. What's this 'talking' about ink? Last I checked it was pretty simple. I've owned countless printers before. I'm confident that I can handle this somehow difficult task.
So I tell her 'you want me to stop changing this out?' YES! Wait for Nick! So, Nick gets off the phone, I tell him the deal. He's wondering why I wasn't allowed to do this as well. Then boss comes in. Starts talking about one of her past assistants - the one that ordered these sacred ink cartridges that I somehow don't have the mental capacity to change. "She wasn't with us long, just a few months, but she was by far the smartest assistant we had. It's such a shame she left us for that job to make 30 thousand a year"
.....
You know I'm sitting, RIGHT HERE. Talk about insulting. Aside from the anger and hurt I felt I thought 'yeah, she had to be smarter, she quit this BS after only a couple months'.
and it was only half a day.......
Got my 'to do' list tackled with about 30 minutes to spare when I'm given another list. She's notorious for the 'before you leave lists'. With my ninja like skills, I still manage to finish everything. Then the printer runs out of ink. No doubt, this small task will become so much more.
Boss goes upstairs to get ink. "come get these boxes for me!" So I do. I trudge up the steps and go to pick up 4 toner boxes "Carry these downstairs so we can talk about them" Huh? Talk about them? Did printer ink become the next book club?
I went to change out the yellow - no biggie. Open, pull out the one with the yellow tabs, replace. So I start to change it out when I'm told to stop, wait til Nick gets off the phone, and talk to him about it. What's this 'talking' about ink? Last I checked it was pretty simple. I've owned countless printers before. I'm confident that I can handle this somehow difficult task.
So I tell her 'you want me to stop changing this out?' YES! Wait for Nick! So, Nick gets off the phone, I tell him the deal. He's wondering why I wasn't allowed to do this as well. Then boss comes in. Starts talking about one of her past assistants - the one that ordered these sacred ink cartridges that I somehow don't have the mental capacity to change. "She wasn't with us long, just a few months, but she was by far the smartest assistant we had. It's such a shame she left us for that job to make 30 thousand a year"
.....
You know I'm sitting, RIGHT HERE. Talk about insulting. Aside from the anger and hurt I felt I thought 'yeah, she had to be smarter, she quit this BS after only a couple months'.
and it was only half a day.......
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
When to say you've had enough....
This is my monday.
No sooner did I walk into work today then I was getting yelled at.
What for this time you ask?
Well, each month I put together a newsletter to send out to her clients. I look forward to doing this because I actually get to be creative, and people email her saying that they enjoyed reading it, and look forward to trying out the recipes I've put in there. I spent a few hours yesterday collaborating August's newsletter just to have it blow up severely in my face. Here's the email I got this morning about the 'cold' email newsletter I sent out.
"I am upset with you. WHY can you not listen to what I say and do it? You don't want me to repeat myself but you don't do what I ask. Jodi, I asked you to put that it was my recipe. I asked you to let me see it before you sent it out. I DON"T use a prepared crust and I would have told you what crust i use. PLEASE PLEASE listen and take note."
WTH. Really? Over a crust? (and yes, she does use a prepared one, I've had to make these for her guests before) I asked if all the changes she wanted were made, and I was told they were. Apparently she never bothered to actually read over it. So once again, I apologize profusely for this life and death mistake I've made.
Bad move. "Don't tell me you are sorry ever again! You are not sorry!! Don't say that to me again!"
It took all I had to not walk out that door at that moment. I'm actually still thinking about it. I promised myself I'd put up with this until I found something else. Days like today make that seem almost impossible. With the fear that if I do walk out, I'll only have gotten a week and a half's paycheck. Will it cover my bills? What if all these interviews I've been going to don't pan out? So many what if's.....
It's quite the dilemma. Half my brain is telling me to leave while the other half is stuck in financial mode running through all possible scenarios of if I can pay everything until at least the end of this month.
All over a crust. Woman....let me tell you what you can do with that crust.
No sooner did I walk into work today then I was getting yelled at.
What for this time you ask?
Well, each month I put together a newsletter to send out to her clients. I look forward to doing this because I actually get to be creative, and people email her saying that they enjoyed reading it, and look forward to trying out the recipes I've put in there. I spent a few hours yesterday collaborating August's newsletter just to have it blow up severely in my face. Here's the email I got this morning about the 'cold' email newsletter I sent out.
"I am upset with you. WHY can you not listen to what I say and do it? You don't want me to repeat myself but you don't do what I ask. Jodi, I asked you to put that it was my recipe. I asked you to let me see it before you sent it out. I DON"T use a prepared crust and I would have told you what crust i use. PLEASE PLEASE listen and take note."
WTH. Really? Over a crust? (and yes, she does use a prepared one, I've had to make these for her guests before) I asked if all the changes she wanted were made, and I was told they were. Apparently she never bothered to actually read over it. So once again, I apologize profusely for this life and death mistake I've made.
Bad move. "Don't tell me you are sorry ever again! You are not sorry!! Don't say that to me again!"
It took all I had to not walk out that door at that moment. I'm actually still thinking about it. I promised myself I'd put up with this until I found something else. Days like today make that seem almost impossible. With the fear that if I do walk out, I'll only have gotten a week and a half's paycheck. Will it cover my bills? What if all these interviews I've been going to don't pan out? So many what if's.....
It's quite the dilemma. Half my brain is telling me to leave while the other half is stuck in financial mode running through all possible scenarios of if I can pay everything until at least the end of this month.
All over a crust. Woman....let me tell you what you can do with that crust.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Mandatory IQ tests for agents
I honestly can't complain about my week - compared to others this one is a walk in the park. Today has been quite humorous. 10 minutes before the team meeting and caravan, boss remembers that there's a team meeting and caravan. The caravan which stops at one of her homes, which she has not prepared food for. Good thing for that tub of cookie dough. Today I was Betty Crocker as she carefully went over and over, and then repeated how to spoon dough on a cookie sheet. It's a darn good thing she told me. In my 29 years on this earth I would never have known how to do this. If not for her there to save the day I'd have put the entire plastic tub directly in the oven. *Whew*
After the team meeting she calls to tell me to get the key for the house and bring them over. She fails to remember that she's got the key. 'Well, just drive to the end of the street and we'll meet you there to pick them up. Turn on your AC and wait at the corner. But not so far at the corner of the street that you are sticking out and someone hits you.'
I tried so hard to resist a smart ass remark, but to no avail 'um...yeah, I kinda figured not to pull out in the street, I do after all have common sense' This coming from the woman who I'm convinced I will be in the car with should I die in a fiery car crash.
Apparently I do not posses the ability to bake, drive, or I'm sure most days, think on my own. It really is comical.
My fingers are crossed and my prayers are sent that I get an offer today from ReMax. Unless of course it is my destiny to entertain my 5 followers on here with workday antics.
I finally learned the cause of my frequent headaches too. Nearly every day for 3 months+ now I've been getting bad headaches at work. I figured it was just mold in this house from the floods back in May. Turns out I've been getting chronic tension headaches. Typically caused by stress, anxiety, and/or poor posture. In my case, all three. (poor posture is blamed on the fact that my desk chair is a wooden stool). Can cause irritability, trouble sleeping, light and sound sensitivity, and of course, headaches. Check, Check, Check, and Check. Awesome.
But like I said, all things aside, it's still been a decent Tuesday. :)
After the team meeting she calls to tell me to get the key for the house and bring them over. She fails to remember that she's got the key. 'Well, just drive to the end of the street and we'll meet you there to pick them up. Turn on your AC and wait at the corner. But not so far at the corner of the street that you are sticking out and someone hits you.'
I tried so hard to resist a smart ass remark, but to no avail 'um...yeah, I kinda figured not to pull out in the street, I do after all have common sense' This coming from the woman who I'm convinced I will be in the car with should I die in a fiery car crash.
Apparently I do not posses the ability to bake, drive, or I'm sure most days, think on my own. It really is comical.
My fingers are crossed and my prayers are sent that I get an offer today from ReMax. Unless of course it is my destiny to entertain my 5 followers on here with workday antics.
I finally learned the cause of my frequent headaches too. Nearly every day for 3 months+ now I've been getting bad headaches at work. I figured it was just mold in this house from the floods back in May. Turns out I've been getting chronic tension headaches. Typically caused by stress, anxiety, and/or poor posture. In my case, all three. (poor posture is blamed on the fact that my desk chair is a wooden stool). Can cause irritability, trouble sleeping, light and sound sensitivity, and of course, headaches. Check, Check, Check, and Check. Awesome.
But like I said, all things aside, it's still been a decent Tuesday. :)
Monday, August 16, 2010
Start your Monday with a donut.....
Seems to have worked for me. Been a fairly low stress day so far (knock on wood) which comes as a surprise to me considering what Thursday and Friday were like. On Thursday just before I left, boss couldn't find her credit card in her purse. "oh, this is not good. I need to get online and see where it's been used. I usually leave it in this pouch, and it's just not in there. Oh, where could it have gone? Did you take it?"
What?!
I was insulted she even asked me. Did I take her credit card? Really? Like I somehow felt obligated to waltz on over to her purse, while she was here, reach my arm in there, fish around, and dig out her card.
Two minutes later, she found it. In her purse. Did I get an apology for the accusation I had it? I'll let you guess.
Now on Thursday morning (sorry for skipping around), I woke up before the birds with all my camera gear in hopes to finally photograph a meteor shower. This time of August is the Perseids, and they are a fairly consistent show. I got up early numerous times last year to catch them, and never had any success, so this was my first attempt of the year. I also decided I'd try something new. (which, woohoo, worked) I was absolutely thrilled with my results of actually capturing earth's rotation on a photograph.
Anyway, after Thursday's excitement with my stealing a credit card, and the fact there was absolutely nothing going on at work, I called in on Friday. 'Had a stomach bug'. So....I took advantage of my day and made the most of it, starting with once again waking up at 3:30 in the morning. Was able to take more photos, and try a different angle with my startrails.
After shooting for a bit, I went back to bed and when I re-awoke, I called my boss. Her response was priceless. "I'm not going to be able to make it in today. I've been up all night with a stomach bug, not sure if it was something I ate or what." "Oh, I just knew it! I knew this was going to happen! You know, your body just isn't meant to stay up so late in the night like that." (I made the mistake of telling Nick about my early morning photo shoot success....see where bragging gets you.) "I didn't stay up late, I woke up early the other morning" "You just can't stay up late, I know when I stay up late, I feel bad about it. You should know not to do that" "I didn't stay up late. I went to bed at 8pm and woke up at 3:30. Besides, that was the day before yesterday. I'm pretty sure I don't have an upset stomach because I woke up early two mornings ago" I swear, you just can't argue with stupid. She's still convinced my 'stomach bug' was self inflicted from my supposed all nighter that I didn't have. *shakes head*
I enjoyed my day off. I really took it off because I had an interview in my town, which is 25+ miles from where I work. I was pretty sure that if I showed up to work on a Friday in a nice outfit, then took a 2.5 hour lunch, my cover would be blown. My interview went very well, and I'm praying that I get an offer. It's less hours, but more money, so I won't be losing any. Plus, it's 5 miles from home. Please God, let me get this offer, so I can save what is left of my sanity and get out of the current job I have!
After my interview I went to the pool. Yep.....it was great. There was no one there. Couldn't have enjoyed my day any more. :)
Saturday was crazy with the Tomato Arts Festival in East Nashville. We had a fantastic lunch at MadDonna's. for the Festival they were offering a Fried Green Tomato BLT. Light buttery bread, crispy fries, I only wish they offered this every day! I wish we could have stayed later, but the heat was just too much to handle. Me, being extremely sensitive to heat, I had to be careful, and it wore me out. When we got home, I passed out.
That night we headed off to a friend's birthday party in Brentwood. The home was perfect with the country western theme, and it was great to see all Rob's friends again. (I'm sure he thought so too)
Sunday we recovered by heading off to the Wilson County Fair. This is our 3rd year in a row of going together. I was even more excited than usual to go too, since I had entered 5 photos in the contest. I'm happy to report that 3 of them won. Being the largest fair in the state, I'm going to take those bragging rights. Think I won enough money to recoup the money I put into getting prints and mats done for it. That's a double win in my books. But we had a great time, and once the clouds rolled in, it made things that much more enjoyable, and we walked around for hours and still didn't see anything. If you want one good fair to hit each year, this is the one.
My sweet boy Rocco:
Adorable Xolo that the Nashville Kennel Club had!
Yes, that what it really is. No, we didn't try it.
Happy Monday Everyone!
What?!
I was insulted she even asked me. Did I take her credit card? Really? Like I somehow felt obligated to waltz on over to her purse, while she was here, reach my arm in there, fish around, and dig out her card.
Two minutes later, she found it. In her purse. Did I get an apology for the accusation I had it? I'll let you guess.
Now on Thursday morning (sorry for skipping around), I woke up before the birds with all my camera gear in hopes to finally photograph a meteor shower. This time of August is the Perseids, and they are a fairly consistent show. I got up early numerous times last year to catch them, and never had any success, so this was my first attempt of the year. I also decided I'd try something new. (which, woohoo, worked) I was absolutely thrilled with my results of actually capturing earth's rotation on a photograph.
Anyway, after Thursday's excitement with my stealing a credit card, and the fact there was absolutely nothing going on at work, I called in on Friday. 'Had a stomach bug'. So....I took advantage of my day and made the most of it, starting with once again waking up at 3:30 in the morning. Was able to take more photos, and try a different angle with my startrails.
After shooting for a bit, I went back to bed and when I re-awoke, I called my boss. Her response was priceless. "I'm not going to be able to make it in today. I've been up all night with a stomach bug, not sure if it was something I ate or what." "Oh, I just knew it! I knew this was going to happen! You know, your body just isn't meant to stay up so late in the night like that." (I made the mistake of telling Nick about my early morning photo shoot success....see where bragging gets you.) "I didn't stay up late, I woke up early the other morning" "You just can't stay up late, I know when I stay up late, I feel bad about it. You should know not to do that" "I didn't stay up late. I went to bed at 8pm and woke up at 3:30. Besides, that was the day before yesterday. I'm pretty sure I don't have an upset stomach because I woke up early two mornings ago" I swear, you just can't argue with stupid. She's still convinced my 'stomach bug' was self inflicted from my supposed all nighter that I didn't have. *shakes head*
I enjoyed my day off. I really took it off because I had an interview in my town, which is 25+ miles from where I work. I was pretty sure that if I showed up to work on a Friday in a nice outfit, then took a 2.5 hour lunch, my cover would be blown. My interview went very well, and I'm praying that I get an offer. It's less hours, but more money, so I won't be losing any. Plus, it's 5 miles from home. Please God, let me get this offer, so I can save what is left of my sanity and get out of the current job I have!
After my interview I went to the pool. Yep.....it was great. There was no one there. Couldn't have enjoyed my day any more. :)
Saturday was crazy with the Tomato Arts Festival in East Nashville. We had a fantastic lunch at MadDonna's. for the Festival they were offering a Fried Green Tomato BLT. Light buttery bread, crispy fries, I only wish they offered this every day! I wish we could have stayed later, but the heat was just too much to handle. Me, being extremely sensitive to heat, I had to be careful, and it wore me out. When we got home, I passed out.
That night we headed off to a friend's birthday party in Brentwood. The home was perfect with the country western theme, and it was great to see all Rob's friends again. (I'm sure he thought so too)
Sunday we recovered by heading off to the Wilson County Fair. This is our 3rd year in a row of going together. I was even more excited than usual to go too, since I had entered 5 photos in the contest. I'm happy to report that 3 of them won. Being the largest fair in the state, I'm going to take those bragging rights. Think I won enough money to recoup the money I put into getting prints and mats done for it. That's a double win in my books. But we had a great time, and once the clouds rolled in, it made things that much more enjoyable, and we walked around for hours and still didn't see anything. If you want one good fair to hit each year, this is the one.
My sweet boy Rocco:
Adorable Xolo that the Nashville Kennel Club had!
Yes, that what it really is. No, we didn't try it.
Happy Monday Everyone!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Don't do what??
Yet another amusing day at the office. Yesterday I had no escape, as she canceled her 12:00 appt, and said she'd be driving me to the class (oh, let me calm my overjoyed self). No break, no Starbucks. On the car ride there she kept talking about 'wanting to be friends' Seriously? You are a nut job and every moment spent in the same building as you is just that much more of my sanity that I risk losing! Claims she's been friends with all her other assistants, then mentions how they only last 4 months at best.
Then last night she texts me at 8PM to call a client for her. I don't think so.
On to today. The phone rings, and she answers it. Who ever called hung up. We get those calls quite often - I'm only assuming telemarketers, wrong numbers, etc. "well, that was weird. They just hung up" (as if this is the first time this has happened in her 50+ years on earth) "Do you suppose it's someone you know?" To which my response "like who?" (I had to ask) "Well, someone might call and hear my voice and hang up" To which I replied with a confusing 'ok' but thinking to myself, 'I know I would'. "Well, someone might call here for you and not want to talk to me. You know, personal calls. Like calls from your cell phone. Do your friends call here?"
Really? Like.....Really?! Yeah, first off woman - my friends all have jobs. Pretty sure we are all at work right at this very minute. We don't chat. Even when we aren't at work, we still don't chat. And do you really think I would give them your home phone number to call me on?
Halfway through eating my 10:30 meal (which I have to eat in order to take my medications on time) and working on her next ad, I had to drop everything I was doing to once again make her bed for her. Once I found out that she only washes her hair like once a week, I became insanely grossed out, and now dread making the bed for her even more than I did.
All that aside....
I finally got my corvette into the shop today too. 7 months after the break in at Centennial Sportsplex, I'll finally be getting a new center console since they absolutely shredded mine to pry out my head unit and attempted to get all my wiring harnesses with it, as well as fixing my doors, since they tried a prybar on the drivers side, before drilling a hole in the passenger side to get in. They've also agreed to fix the front bumper as well since the paint is chipping off of it from the last time they worked on the car (from the semi tire explosion incident) Hoping to hit a cruise night with it all fixed up before it goes to it's new home.
Looks like September 3rd, we'll be heading downtown for the SoundForest Splash. An event with independent films, and New Belgium Craft Brews.
http://www.soundforest.org/news.html
This weekend also starts the Wilson County Fair. We go to this every year and look forward to wandering through Fiddler's Grove, Eating the Funnel Cakes, Fried Twinkies, Corn on the Cob, and Rob's 'Pronto Pups', and enjoying the people watching. (It's prime there, bring a camera) I entered five photos in the contest too, and if even one places at all, I will be a happy camper. :)
http://www.wilsoncountyfair.net/
Then last night she texts me at 8PM to call a client for her. I don't think so.
On to today. The phone rings, and she answers it. Who ever called hung up. We get those calls quite often - I'm only assuming telemarketers, wrong numbers, etc. "well, that was weird. They just hung up" (as if this is the first time this has happened in her 50+ years on earth) "Do you suppose it's someone you know?" To which my response "like who?" (I had to ask) "Well, someone might call and hear my voice and hang up" To which I replied with a confusing 'ok' but thinking to myself, 'I know I would'. "Well, someone might call here for you and not want to talk to me. You know, personal calls. Like calls from your cell phone. Do your friends call here?"
Really? Like.....Really?! Yeah, first off woman - my friends all have jobs. Pretty sure we are all at work right at this very minute. We don't chat. Even when we aren't at work, we still don't chat. And do you really think I would give them your home phone number to call me on?
Halfway through eating my 10:30 meal (which I have to eat in order to take my medications on time) and working on her next ad, I had to drop everything I was doing to once again make her bed for her. Once I found out that she only washes her hair like once a week, I became insanely grossed out, and now dread making the bed for her even more than I did.
All that aside....
I finally got my corvette into the shop today too. 7 months after the break in at Centennial Sportsplex, I'll finally be getting a new center console since they absolutely shredded mine to pry out my head unit and attempted to get all my wiring harnesses with it, as well as fixing my doors, since they tried a prybar on the drivers side, before drilling a hole in the passenger side to get in. They've also agreed to fix the front bumper as well since the paint is chipping off of it from the last time they worked on the car (from the semi tire explosion incident) Hoping to hit a cruise night with it all fixed up before it goes to it's new home.
Looks like September 3rd, we'll be heading downtown for the SoundForest Splash. An event with independent films, and New Belgium Craft Brews.
http://www.soundforest.org/news.html
This weekend also starts the Wilson County Fair. We go to this every year and look forward to wandering through Fiddler's Grove, Eating the Funnel Cakes, Fried Twinkies, Corn on the Cob, and Rob's 'Pronto Pups', and enjoying the people watching. (It's prime there, bring a camera) I entered five photos in the contest too, and if even one places at all, I will be a happy camper. :)
http://www.wilsoncountyfair.net/
Monday, August 9, 2010
oh you know,
it'll be a blog productive day, if I've actually got something to write about just after my Monday has started.
While my situation is amusing at best, it actually does cause me some serious upset. Some days I have the patience to laugh about it, and others I just want it to end. Last week was a rough week and so far this week is heading much the same direction. Within moments of walking in the door I was being bickered at for things I unknowingly did not do, or did incorrectly. Entering a phone number for a prospective client as a home number, instead of a cell, when it was not labeled anywhere claiming specifics, not typing in 'new member' when I entered a 'new member' for a member of her church that she'll harass for business....ah, how I love Mondays! Then I apologize profusely, tell her 'I'm sorry ma'am, it won't happen again' My apology got me yelled at: 'Don't say you won't do it again. You will do it again!'
Our spelling lesson for today is 'fraud' and 'pianist'. By the age of 55, you ought to know how to spell these simple 5th grade level words.
Amazing that I can be the Assistant Project Manager for two multi-million dollar commercial construction projects, and do every single thing right, then come to a menial job like this, and get fussed at on an hourly basis. My only saving grace today is the one hour I can escape here for a class at the main office on Marketing. I try to leave a little early to get my sugar free, decaf, skinny cinnamon dolce at Starbucks. Glad I'm learning all these skills though, they'll surely come in handy should I choose to get my license later on in the year.
My weekend was enjoyable at least. Lu and Jeremy were in town while picking up another horse about 45 minutes south of me. They hadn't been over in nearly two years now, so we hit the Williamson County Fair where they were lucky enough to catch some famous stars, and then we headed downtown to wander the always bustling Broadway and a stroll across the Shelby Street Bridge to get a view of this beautiful city at night. We at some pretty awesome food while they were in town as well. Which.....you know me - I'm always up for a tasty meal!
We headed to Bosco's in Hillsboro Village for some of their brews, and I opted for the Mediterranean pizza with spinach, kalamato olives, artichokes, feta, and mozzarella cheese. Light, tasty, perfect. For lunch on Sunday we headed to mine and Rob's new favorite restaurant. The Athens Family Restaurant on Franklin Pike is a must. We'd been there before, and told Jeremy about the Lamburger, and he wouldn't leave without trying it. Once again, I had the Pastichio, which is a loose baked pasta with beef and cheese, and their potatoes are in this wonderful cream sauce. Rob got the meatball dish (Soutzoukakia) and they were by far the best meatballs either of us had tasted. This restaurant it yet to disappoint us. We can't wait to go try it for breakfast one morning.
Recently I've also been looking for therapeutic and relaxing hobbies to do in the evening. There was a thread in off-topic on the Corvette Forum with one guy asking if it was normal that his wife still colors....like with crayons. There was an overwhelming response of yesses. So since then, I have bought myself a little package of crayons and found a few websites online that offer advanced or adult coloring pages - no...nothing dirty, but complicated drawings or psychedelic designs that prove limitless for the imagination.
http://www.coloring-pages-for-all-ages.com/advanced-coloring-pages.html
http://www.coloring-fun.com/advanced-coloring-pages.html
Hope everyone has a lovely monday. :)
While my situation is amusing at best, it actually does cause me some serious upset. Some days I have the patience to laugh about it, and others I just want it to end. Last week was a rough week and so far this week is heading much the same direction. Within moments of walking in the door I was being bickered at for things I unknowingly did not do, or did incorrectly. Entering a phone number for a prospective client as a home number, instead of a cell, when it was not labeled anywhere claiming specifics, not typing in 'new member' when I entered a 'new member' for a member of her church that she'll harass for business....ah, how I love Mondays! Then I apologize profusely, tell her 'I'm sorry ma'am, it won't happen again' My apology got me yelled at: 'Don't say you won't do it again. You will do it again!'
Our spelling lesson for today is 'fraud' and 'pianist'. By the age of 55, you ought to know how to spell these simple 5th grade level words.
Amazing that I can be the Assistant Project Manager for two multi-million dollar commercial construction projects, and do every single thing right, then come to a menial job like this, and get fussed at on an hourly basis. My only saving grace today is the one hour I can escape here for a class at the main office on Marketing. I try to leave a little early to get my sugar free, decaf, skinny cinnamon dolce at Starbucks. Glad I'm learning all these skills though, they'll surely come in handy should I choose to get my license later on in the year.
My weekend was enjoyable at least. Lu and Jeremy were in town while picking up another horse about 45 minutes south of me. They hadn't been over in nearly two years now, so we hit the Williamson County Fair where they were lucky enough to catch some famous stars, and then we headed downtown to wander the always bustling Broadway and a stroll across the Shelby Street Bridge to get a view of this beautiful city at night. We at some pretty awesome food while they were in town as well. Which.....you know me - I'm always up for a tasty meal!
We headed to Bosco's in Hillsboro Village for some of their brews, and I opted for the Mediterranean pizza with spinach, kalamato olives, artichokes, feta, and mozzarella cheese. Light, tasty, perfect. For lunch on Sunday we headed to mine and Rob's new favorite restaurant. The Athens Family Restaurant on Franklin Pike is a must. We'd been there before, and told Jeremy about the Lamburger, and he wouldn't leave without trying it. Once again, I had the Pastichio, which is a loose baked pasta with beef and cheese, and their potatoes are in this wonderful cream sauce. Rob got the meatball dish (Soutzoukakia) and they were by far the best meatballs either of us had tasted. This restaurant it yet to disappoint us. We can't wait to go try it for breakfast one morning.
Recently I've also been looking for therapeutic and relaxing hobbies to do in the evening. There was a thread in off-topic on the Corvette Forum with one guy asking if it was normal that his wife still colors....like with crayons. There was an overwhelming response of yesses. So since then, I have bought myself a little package of crayons and found a few websites online that offer advanced or adult coloring pages - no...nothing dirty, but complicated drawings or psychedelic designs that prove limitless for the imagination.
http://www.coloring-pages-for-all-ages.com/advanced-coloring-pages.html
http://www.coloring-fun.com/advanced-coloring-pages.html
Hope everyone has a lovely monday. :)
Friday, August 6, 2010
Friday the 6th.
Weekend, oh glorious weekend - you are just around the corner. In 5 short hours I can once again forget about work for an entire two days. I'd say I get to crack open a beer, but I still have to hit the bank and the vet's office for Dora's follow up appointment on her heart and lungs. (which hopefully will go fine) I can certainly tell a difference in her since starting on the meds for her murmur. She still falls over though when shaking, and I was really hoping that would go away. :-/
Lu and Jeremy will be in town this weekend as well. My sister hasn't come to visit me since October of 2008. She and Jer are buying horse #4 in Murfreesboro, and we are close enough to be their lodging. Debating whether to head to the Williamson County Fair, or head Downtown.
And work. I'm now on this super important, drop everything you are doing mission for the boss. She wants a 4 bedroom house on the beach to rent for her family's vacation. This is way more important than the actual time-limit work I have to get done.
Really? I'm pretty damn sure you can this yourself. You are not my family. I am not a travel agent. Let me work on your listings and closings like I was hired to do. For once. If I'm still here when they get back, I'm confident I'll be forced to forge this entire trip's expenses on her taxes to somehow make it look business related.
AND...I have an interview next week for another Real Estate Company in Mt. Juliet. (yay!)
Lu and Jeremy will be in town this weekend as well. My sister hasn't come to visit me since October of 2008. She and Jer are buying horse #4 in Murfreesboro, and we are close enough to be their lodging. Debating whether to head to the Williamson County Fair, or head Downtown.
And work. I'm now on this super important, drop everything you are doing mission for the boss. She wants a 4 bedroom house on the beach to rent for her family's vacation. This is way more important than the actual time-limit work I have to get done.
Really? I'm pretty damn sure you can this yourself. You are not my family. I am not a travel agent. Let me work on your listings and closings like I was hired to do. For once. If I'm still here when they get back, I'm confident I'll be forced to forge this entire trip's expenses on her taxes to somehow make it look business related.
AND...I have an interview next week for another Real Estate Company in Mt. Juliet. (yay!)
Thursday, August 5, 2010
2 week update on the caddy
...and maybe it's the 103* temps that have me loving it just so much. I cannot imagine us getting through this summer if I hadn't gotten it. With a daily heat index of about 125*, I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy to have to commute in a 13 year old corvette that only blows hot air out out of the vents.
It might be a simple thing that most people have, but I'm forever thankful to finally have a safe, reliable vehicle. It's a great luxury for me to be able to turn on the AC when I get warm, and to be able to flip on my windshield wipers in the rain, and know that they'll work. I've got a gas gauge that works no matter how far I drive, and no more warning codes telling me to pull out the key and try again in 10 seconds. The Vette goes to the body shop next week to have the front bumper re-sprayed and to get the damage fixed from when it was broken into back in December (BTW, to the thieves that stole my $700 stereo that my insurance wouldn't pay for, I hope you die a slow painful death)
I went to Atlanta last weekend to spend a couple days with my family while Rob was in Maine, and while there, had my windows tinted out in the Caddy. Next up, chrome 22's. (yeah, I'm kidding)
Didn't get the job offer at ServPro, and I'm not overly upset about it. Sent out another 22 resumes today in hopes for a better opportunity. Finally got around to filling out my paperwork to volunteer with CASA as well, which hopefully, down the road will lead to a career.
Today at work is one just like the rest. I've decided that saying I don't know how to do something, will get me a nasty look, but will also prevent me from having to explain anything 10 times. My boss has been trying to adapt to using a blackberry. This in itself is a task. Now join that with the main website we use for client management, and emails. She's had to upgrade from 7i to 8i, which is what I've been using since I started here. It's apparently just too 'technologically advanced' for the boss. After 1 day of learning the software, she's already quit. Yesterday, every 5 minutes she'd call me in there to ask another question. "jodi, how do you look this up?" So, I'd tell her how "no....no that's not it. There has to be an easier way. Are you sure this is it? This can't be it. Oh, 7i is just so much better. Can you call them for me? Look up their number, I can call" Every 5 minutes.......
Those of you who are my Facebook friends saw my unfortunate status update yesterday as well. Woman, if you are on the toilet, please, PLEASE do not talk to me. It's seriously grossing me out. I've told you repeatedly to take that time for yourself, and you chuckle, as though I'm not serious. I am.
And PLEASE finish chewing that food in your mouth before you talk....I don't know about you, but my mother taught me not to talk with your mouth full. Someone as out of the loop and old fashioned as you are surely also learned this lesson.
I also appreciate you chewing me out this morning for not calling the main office the moment you told me to. BTW Mrs. Know it all, it wasn't urgent. That's why I knew it could wait til I was done with what I was doing. Being as experienced as you claim to be in this field, you should have known that. 'Yes ma'am, I'm sorry ma'am, won't happen again'
good luck with your next assistant.....
It might be a simple thing that most people have, but I'm forever thankful to finally have a safe, reliable vehicle. It's a great luxury for me to be able to turn on the AC when I get warm, and to be able to flip on my windshield wipers in the rain, and know that they'll work. I've got a gas gauge that works no matter how far I drive, and no more warning codes telling me to pull out the key and try again in 10 seconds. The Vette goes to the body shop next week to have the front bumper re-sprayed and to get the damage fixed from when it was broken into back in December (BTW, to the thieves that stole my $700 stereo that my insurance wouldn't pay for, I hope you die a slow painful death)
I went to Atlanta last weekend to spend a couple days with my family while Rob was in Maine, and while there, had my windows tinted out in the Caddy. Next up, chrome 22's. (yeah, I'm kidding)
Didn't get the job offer at ServPro, and I'm not overly upset about it. Sent out another 22 resumes today in hopes for a better opportunity. Finally got around to filling out my paperwork to volunteer with CASA as well, which hopefully, down the road will lead to a career.
Today at work is one just like the rest. I've decided that saying I don't know how to do something, will get me a nasty look, but will also prevent me from having to explain anything 10 times. My boss has been trying to adapt to using a blackberry. This in itself is a task. Now join that with the main website we use for client management, and emails. She's had to upgrade from 7i to 8i, which is what I've been using since I started here. It's apparently just too 'technologically advanced' for the boss. After 1 day of learning the software, she's already quit. Yesterday, every 5 minutes she'd call me in there to ask another question. "jodi, how do you look this up?" So, I'd tell her how "no....no that's not it. There has to be an easier way. Are you sure this is it? This can't be it. Oh, 7i is just so much better. Can you call them for me? Look up their number, I can call" Every 5 minutes.......
Those of you who are my Facebook friends saw my unfortunate status update yesterday as well. Woman, if you are on the toilet, please, PLEASE do not talk to me. It's seriously grossing me out. I've told you repeatedly to take that time for yourself, and you chuckle, as though I'm not serious. I am.
And PLEASE finish chewing that food in your mouth before you talk....I don't know about you, but my mother taught me not to talk with your mouth full. Someone as out of the loop and old fashioned as you are surely also learned this lesson.
I also appreciate you chewing me out this morning for not calling the main office the moment you told me to. BTW Mrs. Know it all, it wasn't urgent. That's why I knew it could wait til I was done with what I was doing. Being as experienced as you claim to be in this field, you should have known that. 'Yes ma'am, I'm sorry ma'am, won't happen again'
good luck with your next assistant.....
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Dora's 12th Birthday Today & Other Musings
Happy Birthday to my little Dizzy Dora Leigh Winefred. You feisty, grumpy little angel. I'm stopping by 'See Spot Eat' on my way home to bring you and Rocco a special treat! Hard to believe I've had you since I was 17 years old....oh how time flies.
Sometimes going home to my dogs seems to be the cure all for a rough day. I can go home and no matter what my mood, they are there to support me, climb all over me, and be happy as can be just to see me again. It's a nice feeling to be so loved. I'll never understand how some people don't like dogs. I like my dogs more than most people. Some people probably can't understand that either.
I had a job interview at ServPro yesterday - a fire and water restoration company. We'll see if I get a call back or not. Pay isn't much more than I'm making here, and I would have to be on call (unpaid) just about once a month...so that would take some adjusting as well. But it still has to be better than what I'm dealing with now. Today. Where I've been once again told I 'wasn't thinking' when entering the square footage of a house. The numbers she gave me that are now wrong. I forget that some days I'm to be a mind reader. I really need to brush up on my skills because I'm apparently sucking at it. And I'm sorry if you are busy, focused, running late and on a mission, but don't get short with me and disrespect me as a result. Because eventually I will snap.
And Rob is home - safe and sound. Looks like a great trip he had....to be able to see scenery like that - different architecture, trees, and ways of life. Hopefully I'll make it up there one day too.
Other than that.....it's Tuesday. Only Tuesday. God, please guide me through this week and grant me the patience to deal with people with a shorter temper than my own. I'm going to need it!
Sometimes going home to my dogs seems to be the cure all for a rough day. I can go home and no matter what my mood, they are there to support me, climb all over me, and be happy as can be just to see me again. It's a nice feeling to be so loved. I'll never understand how some people don't like dogs. I like my dogs more than most people. Some people probably can't understand that either.
I had a job interview at ServPro yesterday - a fire and water restoration company. We'll see if I get a call back or not. Pay isn't much more than I'm making here, and I would have to be on call (unpaid) just about once a month...so that would take some adjusting as well. But it still has to be better than what I'm dealing with now. Today. Where I've been once again told I 'wasn't thinking' when entering the square footage of a house. The numbers she gave me that are now wrong. I forget that some days I'm to be a mind reader. I really need to brush up on my skills because I'm apparently sucking at it. And I'm sorry if you are busy, focused, running late and on a mission, but don't get short with me and disrespect me as a result. Because eventually I will snap.
And Rob is home - safe and sound. Looks like a great trip he had....to be able to see scenery like that - different architecture, trees, and ways of life. Hopefully I'll make it up there one day too.
Other than that.....it's Tuesday. Only Tuesday. God, please guide me through this week and grant me the patience to deal with people with a shorter temper than my own. I'm going to need it!
Monday, August 2, 2010
ah.....the first day of school.
Brings back memories.....
This is a rough blog for me to write. As you all send your kids off for the first day of school - with their new clothes, backpacks, and lunchboxes - remember to keep communications open with them.
I never told my parents what I went through when I was in public school - so they had no idea.
I was never the popular kid. I had glasses, a gap in my teeth, wore the clothes that I liked, and didn't watch MTV. I was...what you would call, a geek. A nerd. A dork or a dweeb. I was a loner.
I didn't have friends. No one would let me sit with them at lunch, and as a result I sat in quiet to eat every single day. If I dared to approach the 'popular' table, I was told there was no room and I should go away. So I did.
I was shoved in the hallways, my books scattered across the floor. I never said a word. Just sitting at my desk keeping to myself doing my work, kids would walk by and just pull my ponytail holder out of my hair. I didn't do a thing.
I tried to be friendly. Despite all the 'hints' that they wanted nothing at all to do with me, and apparently were just embarrassed being in the same building as me, I kept trying. One day I walked towards a group of them all during an indoor recess. No sooner did they all see me then I was told 'you can't be here. this is only for cool people.' They all laughed, and I just walked away. To sit alone at my desk and count the minutes until recess was over.
Kids are cruel. I had bugs put in my pencil box, I was pushed, mocked, spat on.....and why? Because I didn't conform with all of them. I was just 'me'.
I used up every excuse in the book (and made up a few along the way) to get myself sent home from school sick. Some days I really was. With ulcers in my stomach from nerves of having to back for another day.
When my mom asked me if I wanted to be home schooled, I was ecstatic. That was it. This was what I had only daydreamed about. Some say I missed out on a lot, and maybe I did. But I don't regret the path I took one bit. I was no longer the nerdy loner. I started skating and spent endless hours each week there practicing for competitions. I had friends. I'd shed the glasses, and the 'nerd' persona. It's amazing what a person can do with just a change of atmosphere.
So parents.....please, please pay attention to every detail of your child's life. Don't let them get bullied. Whether or not they are, teach them what to look for, how to stand up for themselves, and fight back. I wish I had.
Instead I let them walk all over me, talk down to me, and let me feel that I was worthless. The irony of it is, I'm friends with most of you now on Facebook.
This is a rough blog for me to write. As you all send your kids off for the first day of school - with their new clothes, backpacks, and lunchboxes - remember to keep communications open with them.
I never told my parents what I went through when I was in public school - so they had no idea.
I was never the popular kid. I had glasses, a gap in my teeth, wore the clothes that I liked, and didn't watch MTV. I was...what you would call, a geek. A nerd. A dork or a dweeb. I was a loner.
I didn't have friends. No one would let me sit with them at lunch, and as a result I sat in quiet to eat every single day. If I dared to approach the 'popular' table, I was told there was no room and I should go away. So I did.
I was shoved in the hallways, my books scattered across the floor. I never said a word. Just sitting at my desk keeping to myself doing my work, kids would walk by and just pull my ponytail holder out of my hair. I didn't do a thing.
I tried to be friendly. Despite all the 'hints' that they wanted nothing at all to do with me, and apparently were just embarrassed being in the same building as me, I kept trying. One day I walked towards a group of them all during an indoor recess. No sooner did they all see me then I was told 'you can't be here. this is only for cool people.' They all laughed, and I just walked away. To sit alone at my desk and count the minutes until recess was over.
Kids are cruel. I had bugs put in my pencil box, I was pushed, mocked, spat on.....and why? Because I didn't conform with all of them. I was just 'me'.
I used up every excuse in the book (and made up a few along the way) to get myself sent home from school sick. Some days I really was. With ulcers in my stomach from nerves of having to back for another day.
When my mom asked me if I wanted to be home schooled, I was ecstatic. That was it. This was what I had only daydreamed about. Some say I missed out on a lot, and maybe I did. But I don't regret the path I took one bit. I was no longer the nerdy loner. I started skating and spent endless hours each week there practicing for competitions. I had friends. I'd shed the glasses, and the 'nerd' persona. It's amazing what a person can do with just a change of atmosphere.
So parents.....please, please pay attention to every detail of your child's life. Don't let them get bullied. Whether or not they are, teach them what to look for, how to stand up for themselves, and fight back. I wish I had.
Instead I let them walk all over me, talk down to me, and let me feel that I was worthless. The irony of it is, I'm friends with most of you now on Facebook.
Friday, July 30, 2010
T- 66 minutes
Oh I thought this day would never come. This has got to be probably one of the longest weeks on record. Maybe it's the pain I was in, or even the PMS. Either way....
Today is pure hilarity. My boss is convinced that an abbreviation of ones name as an email address is 'weird'. It means that the email (while it contains no photos, external files, attachments, etc) is probably bad and will 'let someone into the computer'. As in controlling it. Positively sure there is no way to protect said computer, she is therefore afraid to open most emails containing leads.
Convinced that MS Outlook is a terrible program, as is mozilla. Both demon spawns that will only corrupt one's system.
Take one email she opened. From a man overseas looking to buy a house 'within one month'. Sight unseen. Proper nigerian greetings? CHECK. Offering Asking Price? CHECK.
Seems legit, so she emails him back. Good work!
T-59 minutes.
Today is pure hilarity. My boss is convinced that an abbreviation of ones name as an email address is 'weird'. It means that the email (while it contains no photos, external files, attachments, etc) is probably bad and will 'let someone into the computer'. As in controlling it. Positively sure there is no way to protect said computer, she is therefore afraid to open most emails containing leads.
Convinced that MS Outlook is a terrible program, as is mozilla. Both demon spawns that will only corrupt one's system.
Take one email she opened. From a man overseas looking to buy a house 'within one month'. Sight unseen. Proper nigerian greetings? CHECK. Offering Asking Price? CHECK.
Seems legit, so she emails him back. Good work!
T-59 minutes.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
faster....c'mon!
It's only Thursday. This week feels as though it will not ever come to an end!
Rob is having a good time on his trip so far, and they headed out this morning to officially start the backpacking excursion. While suffering through my workday yesterday he was kind enough to text me pictures of ice cold beers he was drinking and to tell me about the crab stuffed lobster he had for lunch.
rub it in a tad bit more. ;)
Today I came to work, well rested, in good spirits, and with a 'this will be a great day attitude'. Damn if that didn't go straight out the window first thing! At least I tried! So now I know that if I act miserable and unhappy, it has the exact same effect on her as if I were on top of the world. Note taken.
This woman drives me up the wall. She's incredibly rude, completely lacks any form of common sense, and if she can't farm business from you, she'll treat you as though you are pond scum. (oh, it's almost the realtor blog rant all over again!)
Woman - do not leave your undergarments on the kitchen counter. This, I must admit is probably what you expect when you work in someone's home office. But really? Clean, Dirty, I honestly don't care. I don't wish to see them, and I'm pretty sure no one else is the house wants to either. While we are on the topic of 'modesty' - here's an idea. When you go to the bathroom, close the door. Do not talk to me, do not talk to your clients on the phone. Take that time for yourself. I don't wish to discuss contracts with you while I can (unfortunately) hear what you are doing on the toilet one room over. Have some decency, and learn that some things in life, should be done discreetly. This is one of many that you should instill in your life.
While I am knee deep in contracts that you've gotten on my case about fixing, right now, at this very moment - because it's imperative that this or that get changed, don't call me up from my work to help you make your bed. It's a very simple task, one that I'm sure you possess the ability to complete on your own. Even with your complete lack of common sense I feel confident that you can accomplish this on your very own.
Please stop repeating yourself. Once I've acknowledged to do what you've asked of me - it means 'ok, I'll get right on it'. This means you no longer have to ask me to do it, describe how to do it, or phrase it 3 different other ways - just in case, by some misfortune, I've heard you wrong the first 3 times and do something completely off the wall from what you originally thought you asked me.
Think before you speak. Something basic. I learned this very simple concept in kindergarten. Instead of asking a question, then thinking aloud to yourself about it, then re-asking it again, just to be followed by questioning yourself if you should just do it, then to come to the conclusion that it doesn't even need to be done - take those few moments, and rehearse that speech on your mind. THEN, speak. If I said everything that came to my mind I would have been shot by now.
Thankfully it's noon. Tomorrow I'm leaving work early to go get the tags done for my car - then I get to pack up my pups and head to GA for a weekend away.
....but for now it's only noon on Thursday.
Rob is having a good time on his trip so far, and they headed out this morning to officially start the backpacking excursion. While suffering through my workday yesterday he was kind enough to text me pictures of ice cold beers he was drinking and to tell me about the crab stuffed lobster he had for lunch.
rub it in a tad bit more. ;)
Today I came to work, well rested, in good spirits, and with a 'this will be a great day attitude'. Damn if that didn't go straight out the window first thing! At least I tried! So now I know that if I act miserable and unhappy, it has the exact same effect on her as if I were on top of the world. Note taken.
This woman drives me up the wall. She's incredibly rude, completely lacks any form of common sense, and if she can't farm business from you, she'll treat you as though you are pond scum. (oh, it's almost the realtor blog rant all over again!)
Woman - do not leave your undergarments on the kitchen counter. This, I must admit is probably what you expect when you work in someone's home office. But really? Clean, Dirty, I honestly don't care. I don't wish to see them, and I'm pretty sure no one else is the house wants to either. While we are on the topic of 'modesty' - here's an idea. When you go to the bathroom, close the door. Do not talk to me, do not talk to your clients on the phone. Take that time for yourself. I don't wish to discuss contracts with you while I can (unfortunately) hear what you are doing on the toilet one room over. Have some decency, and learn that some things in life, should be done discreetly. This is one of many that you should instill in your life.
While I am knee deep in contracts that you've gotten on my case about fixing, right now, at this very moment - because it's imperative that this or that get changed, don't call me up from my work to help you make your bed. It's a very simple task, one that I'm sure you possess the ability to complete on your own. Even with your complete lack of common sense I feel confident that you can accomplish this on your very own.
Please stop repeating yourself. Once I've acknowledged to do what you've asked of me - it means 'ok, I'll get right on it'. This means you no longer have to ask me to do it, describe how to do it, or phrase it 3 different other ways - just in case, by some misfortune, I've heard you wrong the first 3 times and do something completely off the wall from what you originally thought you asked me.
Think before you speak. Something basic. I learned this very simple concept in kindergarten. Instead of asking a question, then thinking aloud to yourself about it, then re-asking it again, just to be followed by questioning yourself if you should just do it, then to come to the conclusion that it doesn't even need to be done - take those few moments, and rehearse that speech on your mind. THEN, speak. If I said everything that came to my mind I would have been shot by now.
Thankfully it's noon. Tomorrow I'm leaving work early to go get the tags done for my car - then I get to pack up my pups and head to GA for a weekend away.
....but for now it's only noon on Thursday.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Finally Slowing Down.....
For me anyway. I drove Rob to the airport at 5AM today, and he's safely in Maine with his buds - ready to do some backpacking, camping, and whitewater rafting. (boys get to have all the fun!)
I halfway thought about flying up with him, but just getting a cheap hotel somewhere, then just venturing out on my own to take pics of a terrain I've never seen before. But...I bought a car, so can't splurge anymore.
I'm starting to recover from last weekend too. We don't usually drink, but we both had a steady buzz both Friday and Saturday night. Friday night was the 'Locust Indecent'. About 10pm we heard a strange noise out the back storm door. We got up to look to see if someone, or some animal was out there. We didn't see anything, so Rob stepped out the door. No sooner than he did that - then a huge screeching locust flies in the door and right at me. You all know I loathe things that fly. They scare the pizz out of me. Birds included. So anyway, I scream, jump up, and try to run away....while still jumping.
It didn't work.
I have a bruise the size of a softball.....possibly larger, on the side I landed on when I toppled over on the kitchen floor. Rob tried not to laugh. Can't say I blame him though....no doubt it had to have been a riot watching all 5'9" of me fly through the air and hit the ground. I refused to step anywhere on the main level of the house until that wicked screeching, winged devil was gone.
Saturday night was the neighborhood Silent Disco party. I had no intention of getting in the pool in my swimsuit due to the fact that I looked like I had been beaten with a baseball bat. Brutally. But we didn't let that get in our way of having a great time. Nothing like walking by a pool to see a bunch of half-lit adults dancing with no music to be heard.
By 1am we somehow thought it was a fantastic idea to order a pizza, and do cartwheels in the front yard while waiting for it.
Here comes part 2 of my injuries. I strained a muscle in my abdomen while doing cartwheels (which I had not done in well over 15 years). Finally today I'm able to move around without wincing in pain. Note to self - if I hadn't learned it already - anything I think about doing that sounds fun after I've had a few drinks, is probably a really bad idea.
Not much else going on. I turned down a job offer last week for probably one of the most monotonous jobs I've ever interviewed for. Yesterday when I had to help my boss tilt the handle down on her vacuum so she could use it, and then plug her cell phone charger into the wall for her (in pain) because she couldn't get it, I began to question my decision.
This week could not be dragging on any more. Things are slow, and I hate having to find work. Then being asked every 10 minutes just what it is that I'm working on.
Where's the warp speed button when you need it?
I halfway thought about flying up with him, but just getting a cheap hotel somewhere, then just venturing out on my own to take pics of a terrain I've never seen before. But...I bought a car, so can't splurge anymore.
I'm starting to recover from last weekend too. We don't usually drink, but we both had a steady buzz both Friday and Saturday night. Friday night was the 'Locust Indecent'. About 10pm we heard a strange noise out the back storm door. We got up to look to see if someone, or some animal was out there. We didn't see anything, so Rob stepped out the door. No sooner than he did that - then a huge screeching locust flies in the door and right at me. You all know I loathe things that fly. They scare the pizz out of me. Birds included. So anyway, I scream, jump up, and try to run away....while still jumping.
It didn't work.
I have a bruise the size of a softball.....possibly larger, on the side I landed on when I toppled over on the kitchen floor. Rob tried not to laugh. Can't say I blame him though....no doubt it had to have been a riot watching all 5'9" of me fly through the air and hit the ground. I refused to step anywhere on the main level of the house until that wicked screeching, winged devil was gone.
Saturday night was the neighborhood Silent Disco party. I had no intention of getting in the pool in my swimsuit due to the fact that I looked like I had been beaten with a baseball bat. Brutally. But we didn't let that get in our way of having a great time. Nothing like walking by a pool to see a bunch of half-lit adults dancing with no music to be heard.
By 1am we somehow thought it was a fantastic idea to order a pizza, and do cartwheels in the front yard while waiting for it.
Here comes part 2 of my injuries. I strained a muscle in my abdomen while doing cartwheels (which I had not done in well over 15 years). Finally today I'm able to move around without wincing in pain. Note to self - if I hadn't learned it already - anything I think about doing that sounds fun after I've had a few drinks, is probably a really bad idea.
Not much else going on. I turned down a job offer last week for probably one of the most monotonous jobs I've ever interviewed for. Yesterday when I had to help my boss tilt the handle down on her vacuum so she could use it, and then plug her cell phone charger into the wall for her (in pain) because she couldn't get it, I began to question my decision.
This week could not be dragging on any more. Things are slow, and I hate having to find work. Then being asked every 10 minutes just what it is that I'm working on.
Where's the warp speed button when you need it?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Jo's Excellent Midwest Adventure & Weekend Kayaking
Wow has it been a full weekend and crazy past few days. We spent the weekend in GA visiting family, repairing a house, and playing with goats. Sunday for Lu's birthday we headed to the Chattahoochee to do some kayaking. I was pleasantly surprised that mom was even interested in going. All through scouts when we were younger she would never even toy with the idea of going white water rafting with us - so I was happy to see she was getting a little more adventurous. The morning started off foggy, and the water was freezing - mom, of course wore her sweater. On the river. In July.
and my handsome river guide:
We all had a blast and the 2 hour journey went by all too fast. It was just wonderful to be out and doing something as a family. It had probably been 4+ years since the last time we had. We need more weekends like that.
And now onto my Midwest Adventure - I didn't publish much before hand - thoroughly believing if I had, then I would have jinxed this entire thing.
Good News - my plane did not crash in a fiery wreck, and I once again, did not die on the flight. Whew.
I enjoyed my trip back across America's Heartland. I've always wondered how much corn needs to be grown in order for Kroger to sell it 10 ears for $3. Now I know. Illinois is nothing but corn. Mile after mile after mile. I spent 7 hours in total driving through Illinois. But don't get me wrong - it's absolutely beautiful, and with a can or two of sugar free red bull, and some tasteful Rap CD's, it's enough to keep anyone wide awake and hyper - even through a 7 hour drive of corn.
My favorite part though was the windfarms. Those machines fascinate me and I think it's one of the most beautiful man made creations we have in this country. If it wasn't corn I was driving past, it was windfarms - watching our fields produce energy for us all to use. I love it.
It wasn't a bad trip back at all, and that 91/2 hour drive went by quicker than most 4 hour drives home to GA to visit family. I used to drive distances like this all the time when I was younger - I never remember my back hurting this bad. I guess I'm starting to show my age! And if you can believe it - I didn't bring a camera. I almost brought my full DSLR setup, but I knew I'd want to just get home, but I still wish that I had it with me.
and my handsome river guide:
We all had a blast and the 2 hour journey went by all too fast. It was just wonderful to be out and doing something as a family. It had probably been 4+ years since the last time we had. We need more weekends like that.
And now onto my Midwest Adventure - I didn't publish much before hand - thoroughly believing if I had, then I would have jinxed this entire thing.
Good News - my plane did not crash in a fiery wreck, and I once again, did not die on the flight. Whew.
I enjoyed my trip back across America's Heartland. I've always wondered how much corn needs to be grown in order for Kroger to sell it 10 ears for $3. Now I know. Illinois is nothing but corn. Mile after mile after mile. I spent 7 hours in total driving through Illinois. But don't get me wrong - it's absolutely beautiful, and with a can or two of sugar free red bull, and some tasteful Rap CD's, it's enough to keep anyone wide awake and hyper - even through a 7 hour drive of corn.
My favorite part though was the windfarms. Those machines fascinate me and I think it's one of the most beautiful man made creations we have in this country. If it wasn't corn I was driving past, it was windfarms - watching our fields produce energy for us all to use. I love it.
It wasn't a bad trip back at all, and that 91/2 hour drive went by quicker than most 4 hour drives home to GA to visit family. I used to drive distances like this all the time when I was younger - I never remember my back hurting this bad. I guess I'm starting to show my age! And if you can believe it - I didn't bring a camera. I almost brought my full DSLR setup, but I knew I'd want to just get home, but I still wish that I had it with me.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
For my sister....
I know I'm a few days early, but weekends are hectic and I don't have the time to blog. So I wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday. You've been my best friend through my childhood, when no one else was, and you were my partner in crime through our teenage years.....
Despite all the fights when we were little- the hitting, the kicking, the slapping, I love ya. (and I'm glad we are past that phase) :D
I think more about the 'village' we built in the sandbox with JT - using moss for grass, little plastic horses, and hot wheels. Playing Littlest Pet Shop, Precious Places, or Sylvanian Families, Building Forts out of sawhorses and blankets in the backyard, and practically living outside on our summer vacations.
Here comes the cheese............
I can't imagine having grown up without you.
See you tomorrow Lu!
Despite all the fights when we were little- the hitting, the kicking, the slapping, I love ya. (and I'm glad we are past that phase) :D
I think more about the 'village' we built in the sandbox with JT - using moss for grass, little plastic horses, and hot wheels. Playing Littlest Pet Shop, Precious Places, or Sylvanian Families, Building Forts out of sawhorses and blankets in the backyard, and practically living outside on our summer vacations.
Here comes the cheese............
I can't imagine having grown up without you.
See you tomorrow Lu!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Where'd all the good people go?
The follow up to my July 4th blog. The pride I feel for my country - I don't always feel it.
I'm frustrated. I'm frustrated with people. Not all people, but I'd say about 40%, easy. People are so self absorbed. So caught up in their own little lives they can't look around and see beyond it. Each day I look around and wonder if there really is more good than bad. And I honestly don't think so. People are only out for themselves. They don't want to be inconvenienced by anyone or anything. That cell phone call they are on is more important than being polite and respecting the cashier in the check out lane. Cigarette butts are something that can and should be thrown out the window.....don't mind the person in the convertible behind you. Really. Don't realize the fact you are throwing something out that does not belong on the shoulder of the road.
People litter, and they waste. They intentionally tick off other drivers on the road just for kicks. 50% of Americans don't pay taxes. Those are the ones that don't work, and have the government pay for their food, their cell phone, their housing.....and these are the people who aren't even the REALLY bad ones! Don't even get me started on people who rape, hurt children, or abuse animals.....they deserve just what is coming to them.
I've seen an SUV full of mexicans stop in the middle of the road, open their car door, and drop an entire garbage bag out on the street. It's things like this that disgust me. People just don't care. There is no 'treat others as you would like to be treated'. People don't try to live a good life, and maybe it's just me, but I find it really disturbing. My boss even, who claims to be a woman of God, belittles me and insults me on a daily basis - blaming me for anything that goes wrong. If I make a mistake, I'll admit it. People - take responsibility for your words and actions!!! It is no ones fault but your own!
Maybe I'm just old fashioned. I want to help people. I want to help kids, I want to help animals.....I want to give more than I have. Nothing really great comes to me. No success, not great paying job so I can do more for others. I must be doing something wrong. I know I'm not alone....there are others like me who struggle and do good things in life, and feel like I feel.
Nothing in life is fair.....
and no statement is more true than that.
/Wednesday Rant
I'm frustrated. I'm frustrated with people. Not all people, but I'd say about 40%, easy. People are so self absorbed. So caught up in their own little lives they can't look around and see beyond it. Each day I look around and wonder if there really is more good than bad. And I honestly don't think so. People are only out for themselves. They don't want to be inconvenienced by anyone or anything. That cell phone call they are on is more important than being polite and respecting the cashier in the check out lane. Cigarette butts are something that can and should be thrown out the window.....don't mind the person in the convertible behind you. Really. Don't realize the fact you are throwing something out that does not belong on the shoulder of the road.
People litter, and they waste. They intentionally tick off other drivers on the road just for kicks. 50% of Americans don't pay taxes. Those are the ones that don't work, and have the government pay for their food, their cell phone, their housing.....and these are the people who aren't even the REALLY bad ones! Don't even get me started on people who rape, hurt children, or abuse animals.....they deserve just what is coming to them.
I've seen an SUV full of mexicans stop in the middle of the road, open their car door, and drop an entire garbage bag out on the street. It's things like this that disgust me. People just don't care. There is no 'treat others as you would like to be treated'. People don't try to live a good life, and maybe it's just me, but I find it really disturbing. My boss even, who claims to be a woman of God, belittles me and insults me on a daily basis - blaming me for anything that goes wrong. If I make a mistake, I'll admit it. People - take responsibility for your words and actions!!! It is no ones fault but your own!
Maybe I'm just old fashioned. I want to help people. I want to help kids, I want to help animals.....I want to give more than I have. Nothing really great comes to me. No success, not great paying job so I can do more for others. I must be doing something wrong. I know I'm not alone....there are others like me who struggle and do good things in life, and feel like I feel.
Nothing in life is fair.....
and no statement is more true than that.
/Wednesday Rant
Sunday, July 4, 2010
On This July 4th....
Unlike some Americans, I don't use Independence Day as an excuse of a holiday just to drink. Because of my family's history in this great country, it means much, much more to me.
My family came over to this country from England on a ship after the Mayflower in the 1600's. Seeking religious freedom from Great Britain, my ancestors came to this unsettled country in search of a better life. They endured more than any one of us can even fathom just to be here. They took absolutely nothing for granted. They were far braver than I will ever be.....
They contributed to the settling of this country. As new generations were born, they made their way west. They founded towns in the midwest, they not only survived, but they struggled for greatness......they helped to make this country what it is. That alone makes me proud to live in America.
On this day in 1776 we adopted the Declaration of Independence - stating our separation from Great Britain. All of us who's ancestors were beside mine should have the same pride and excitement for this day as I do. To realize what we did hundreds of years ago is almost unimaginable now.
My family was in the military. They fought in the Civil War as Union Soldiers and were held captive at Andersonville Prison in Georgia. They fought for freedom, and what they believed in. It was humbling for me to walk through Andersonville nearly 150 years later - knowing that my distant Grandfather struggled to stay alive while here.
My Gradfathers were in the military in the 40's and not a day goes by I don't appreciate all they did for us....for my parents, their siblings, and now all of my cousins and their children.
(Phillip Reifschneider, my mother's father)
(Milford Chester Totten - left us July 2004)
My uncle fought in Vietnam.....bearing stories in his soul that no one will ever hear. For us, and for our country he endured terror.
And now we live in a much, much different world now. One I'm not so sure about some days. Where some people don't support our founding beliefs and morals. They don't all support our military overseas, fighting for us and for our freedom. THEY ARE FIGHTING FOR YOU!
I stand by what this country was founded on. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
This is not a freedom we should take for granted, and we should never forget that. Happy Independence Day America.
My family came over to this country from England on a ship after the Mayflower in the 1600's. Seeking religious freedom from Great Britain, my ancestors came to this unsettled country in search of a better life. They endured more than any one of us can even fathom just to be here. They took absolutely nothing for granted. They were far braver than I will ever be.....
They contributed to the settling of this country. As new generations were born, they made their way west. They founded towns in the midwest, they not only survived, but they struggled for greatness......they helped to make this country what it is. That alone makes me proud to live in America.
On this day in 1776 we adopted the Declaration of Independence - stating our separation from Great Britain. All of us who's ancestors were beside mine should have the same pride and excitement for this day as I do. To realize what we did hundreds of years ago is almost unimaginable now.
My family was in the military. They fought in the Civil War as Union Soldiers and were held captive at Andersonville Prison in Georgia. They fought for freedom, and what they believed in. It was humbling for me to walk through Andersonville nearly 150 years later - knowing that my distant Grandfather struggled to stay alive while here.
My Gradfathers were in the military in the 40's and not a day goes by I don't appreciate all they did for us....for my parents, their siblings, and now all of my cousins and their children.
(Phillip Reifschneider, my mother's father)
(Milford Chester Totten - left us July 2004)
My uncle fought in Vietnam.....bearing stories in his soul that no one will ever hear. For us, and for our country he endured terror.
And now we live in a much, much different world now. One I'm not so sure about some days. Where some people don't support our founding beliefs and morals. They don't all support our military overseas, fighting for us and for our freedom. THEY ARE FIGHTING FOR YOU!
I stand by what this country was founded on. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
This is not a freedom we should take for granted, and we should never forget that. Happy Independence Day America.
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