I was talking to Maria and Steph on the phone just a few minutes ago. Maria took a quick trip to visit Steph in Texas.
I know there's been some concern for me lately because I've been burning my candle at both ends. Just like any good workaholic overachiever. I know what I am. I've come to terms for it. I'm a perfectionist, a bit dominant in just about every aspect of my life and uber focused on success. My biggest flaw is probably my fear of failure/control freak issues. I demand a lot, but no less than I'm willing to bring to the table.
I work hard, play harder. Unfortunately, the amount of time playing is limited by the amount of time my job requires. I know I've got a reputation for being a bit of a flirt... One of my friends calls me a "playa'". Apparently, "Shorty got game"...LOL! So yeah, I'm used to being teased about the guy-girl ratio around me.
So tonight, while I'm talking to Maria, she asks how I'll be spending my evening. I told her that I'd spent my day doing manual labor (a rare thing, indeed) sloughing the pool and cleaning down the deck and the pool cover and that we planned on barbecuing tonight. With Kirk and the neighbor guys. They heard the odds were three boys to me...and started laughing and joking about how I liked those odds. Gotta admit, I was amused.
Here's the only problem... These guys? Not so much my type. They're more like brothers to me. I mean, let's look at the cast of characters. There's Kirk...I used to be involved with him until we figured out that although we love eachother, we're not IN love with each other. Then there's Mike....Except for the fact that he's 29, I swear that the 40 Yr Old Virgin was written for him. And Ben...well, Ben's Ben. He's my buddy, we may joke about things like giving head while driving, and I may know most details about his sex life...but I'm also the girl who gave him advice on how to help his first love get the big "O" from more than just Oral. Makes it tough to consider anything.
But, this week has been full of prospects.
Patrick- of the hot, sexy tattoo's Patrick. Who teaches gymnastics in his spare time. With perfect teeth...who likes to text dirty with me, who trades saucy pics back and forth via camera phone, who gives great hugs...and who's over 5 years younger. He texted me last night and this morning. We'll be making plans to hang out.
Patrick-of the Lauderdale Patrick. Closest thing I've probably had to a boyfriend in the last few years. Gets me like no one else. And accepts me just the way I am. Calls me Goddess. I'll be seeing him in a week. Also a younger man.
Louis-of the bangin' bodies Louis. Called me last week to tell me he went out of town and brought me back something. Half Italian, Half Puerto Rican. He's a laborer...and it shows. Jared's already warned me to "tap that" or he's gonna try. He wants to hang out the moment I have time.
I think I'm gonna need to free up some time on my schedule.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Another Quiz
| Men See You As Desirable |
 |
How Do Men See You?
Isn't It Ironic...Don'tcha Think?
| You Are Catwoman |
 |
What Superheroine Are You?
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Wannabe's
A guy I've been chatting with for a while online said something today. I was surprised at how much it got my back up.
I don't claim to be a musician. I am a pretty big audiofile, though. The conversation went something like this:
Him: What are you up to?
Me: I'm ripping a few CD's to my computer library.
Him: What kind?
Me: I'm in a bluesy place right now...so it's BB King, Boz Skaggs, and a few others. Do you like the blues?
Him: Not really, the music just didn't touch me. The only thing about the blues I like is the guitar.
Me: That's right, you play, right?
Him: Yes. Right now I'm really moved by U2.
Me: Ah, so do you like Clapton?
Him: No, I think Clapton's overrated and a bit inflated, not to mention overplayed. Especially after Tears In Heaven.
Me: ::thud::
Him: And don't get me started on Layla...both versions...they make me want to slit someone's throats. He's REALLY not THAT good.
Me: What about his work with Cream?
Him: I've heard of them, but I don't really know much about them...just that they weren't all that and he's a hack.
And did I mention this guy considers himself an amateur musician...specializing in guitar? I was floored. He told me that Cream wasn't even classic rock...because he listens to A station...that's right...ONE station...and he doesn't know if he's ever heard their music, so it must not be THAT good. I mean, classic rock is "Stairway To Heaven" by Zeppelin or "Sweet Home Alabama" by Skynyrd.
And so I did what any self respecting fan of classic rock would do. I banged my head into a wall. He "appreciates" Hendrix...He gives the nod to BB King. He HATES Stevie Ray Vaughn because he thinks he's got a terrible voice. And he thinks Clapton is a Hack. I didn't even bother to ask him if he'd heard of Rush for fear of his answer. Apparently his current hero is Bono and U2. When he asked if he'd lost brownie points, I just stated I thought we were even because I've always felt Bono was a bit over inflated on the ego and that U2's music was a bit plain and redundant. Which is my honest opinion. This guy is sorely undereducated in a field he claims interest in breaking into. Not to mention awfully narrow in his vision. All I could say was....WOW!
He then said that if we were to walk out and ask 20 random people he doubted any of them could mention 1 Cream song, much less 3. I didn't have the heart to tell him what a good friend pointed out...it's highly unlikely 20 random people could even tell you who the Vice-President is, so it's not much of a gauge.
Oh, and did I mention this guy has been looking for a way to meet me? Should I have mentioned how "Wonderful, Tonight" is a HUGE soft spot of mine, and guaranteed to make me melt just a bit? Too bad he's not a fan. ;-)
I don't claim to be a musician. I am a pretty big audiofile, though. The conversation went something like this:
Him: What are you up to?
Me: I'm ripping a few CD's to my computer library.
Him: What kind?
Me: I'm in a bluesy place right now...so it's BB King, Boz Skaggs, and a few others. Do you like the blues?
Him: Not really, the music just didn't touch me. The only thing about the blues I like is the guitar.
Me: That's right, you play, right?
Him: Yes. Right now I'm really moved by U2.
Me: Ah, so do you like Clapton?
Him: No, I think Clapton's overrated and a bit inflated, not to mention overplayed. Especially after Tears In Heaven.
Me: ::thud::
Him: And don't get me started on Layla...both versions...they make me want to slit someone's throats. He's REALLY not THAT good.
Me: What about his work with Cream?
Him: I've heard of them, but I don't really know much about them...just that they weren't all that and he's a hack.
And did I mention this guy considers himself an amateur musician...specializing in guitar? I was floored. He told me that Cream wasn't even classic rock...because he listens to A station...that's right...ONE station...and he doesn't know if he's ever heard their music, so it must not be THAT good. I mean, classic rock is "Stairway To Heaven" by Zeppelin or "Sweet Home Alabama" by Skynyrd.
And so I did what any self respecting fan of classic rock would do. I banged my head into a wall. He "appreciates" Hendrix...He gives the nod to BB King. He HATES Stevie Ray Vaughn because he thinks he's got a terrible voice. And he thinks Clapton is a Hack. I didn't even bother to ask him if he'd heard of Rush for fear of his answer. Apparently his current hero is Bono and U2. When he asked if he'd lost brownie points, I just stated I thought we were even because I've always felt Bono was a bit over inflated on the ego and that U2's music was a bit plain and redundant. Which is my honest opinion. This guy is sorely undereducated in a field he claims interest in breaking into. Not to mention awfully narrow in his vision. All I could say was....WOW!
He then said that if we were to walk out and ask 20 random people he doubted any of them could mention 1 Cream song, much less 3. I didn't have the heart to tell him what a good friend pointed out...it's highly unlikely 20 random people could even tell you who the Vice-President is, so it's not much of a gauge.
Oh, and did I mention this guy has been looking for a way to meet me? Should I have mentioned how "Wonderful, Tonight" is a HUGE soft spot of mine, and guaranteed to make me melt just a bit? Too bad he's not a fan. ;-)
The Easy Questions
I recently received one of those fun little surveys from my cousin. You know the kind...the ones that ask...your favorite article of clothing, your dream vacation spot, your favorite season...
In that survey, one question stood out to me. "What super power would you most like to have?" Simple as that sounds, it actually made me stop and think. In the past I'd probably have put something like...strength or the power to read minds...maybe even the power to become invisible. As I grow older, I've noticed, my responsibilities change causing a shift in what I need to be effective as a friend, a person, an employee as well as an employer.
And as I sat there thinking about what super power I wanted, my attention span shifted. Maybe it was the vibrating phones on my hip (and no, the pleural was not a typo)...maybe it was the 60 emails since the last time I cleared my email box for work...a day ago. Maybe it was thinking about my new employee and all the processes I need to get started for him to do his new hire. Or the three new supervisors I'm trying to ease into their new roles. Then again it could be my employee with the workers comp injury. Or the supervisor who's father dying right before Christmas spawned a trip to Greece. Or the employees that called out sick or the other one who's grandmother became gravely ill in NY before dying. And as I sat there thinking about this...it dawned on me. I had my answer!
If I could have any super power in the world, I'd want the ability to duplicate myself so that I could be in all the places I'm needed at the same time and still know what's going on in every place I'm at.
It was when I found myself driving into oncoming traffic (not to worry, I'm okay and so is my car...thankfully) that I realized....I need a break. I've been burning my candle at both ends. I've never done anything like that...and I wasn't on my phone. The radio in the car wasn't even on. It was just... fatigue...and maybe fighting becoming sick...and a headache. All I know is I need some rest. I was approved to cut my day short after THAT incident.
I'm so thankful for weekends. Maybe now I'll be able to recharge. I'm even going to attempt to shorten my cell phone usage. Quit laughing. I can try. Maybe it'll even work.
In that survey, one question stood out to me. "What super power would you most like to have?" Simple as that sounds, it actually made me stop and think. In the past I'd probably have put something like...strength or the power to read minds...maybe even the power to become invisible. As I grow older, I've noticed, my responsibilities change causing a shift in what I need to be effective as a friend, a person, an employee as well as an employer.
And as I sat there thinking about what super power I wanted, my attention span shifted. Maybe it was the vibrating phones on my hip (and no, the pleural was not a typo)...maybe it was the 60 emails since the last time I cleared my email box for work...a day ago. Maybe it was thinking about my new employee and all the processes I need to get started for him to do his new hire. Or the three new supervisors I'm trying to ease into their new roles. Then again it could be my employee with the workers comp injury. Or the supervisor who's father dying right before Christmas spawned a trip to Greece. Or the employees that called out sick or the other one who's grandmother became gravely ill in NY before dying. And as I sat there thinking about this...it dawned on me. I had my answer!
If I could have any super power in the world, I'd want the ability to duplicate myself so that I could be in all the places I'm needed at the same time and still know what's going on in every place I'm at.
It was when I found myself driving into oncoming traffic (not to worry, I'm okay and so is my car...thankfully) that I realized....I need a break. I've been burning my candle at both ends. I've never done anything like that...and I wasn't on my phone. The radio in the car wasn't even on. It was just... fatigue...and maybe fighting becoming sick...and a headache. All I know is I need some rest. I was approved to cut my day short after THAT incident.
I'm so thankful for weekends. Maybe now I'll be able to recharge. I'm even going to attempt to shorten my cell phone usage. Quit laughing. I can try. Maybe it'll even work.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Moving On
With the new year, I've decided to cut some of the "dead weight" out of my life. You know the type...the ones who suck the energy out of you like a leech. They're the ones who take with no regard to how much it may drain you to give....and then when you need them, they become magicians and simply disappear.
I had one of these friends. To make things worse, he was also a colleague....well, still is. Now I know this guy is spoiled, with no real social skills to speak of. But I'd been THERE for him, you know? I guess the best way to explain it is to describe him. Chris is a guy who's gotten everything he wants. If he can't afford it, he just places a call to Daddy...and yes, he calls him Daddy. And if that doesn't work, he calls his crazy mom.
A couple of years ago, when I met him, Chris was driving an Impala...With over $500 payments. How could the payments be so high, you ask? Well, when Chris was 16 he was given a Kia...which he traded in early...at about 18 for a Cavalier. After having the Cavalier for a little over a month, he decided he didn't like it anymore and traded it for the Impala...which left him backwards on payments. He just turned 21 and he recently traded in for a Trailblazer...fully loaded...so now his payments are pretty astronomical. It's a good thing he still lives at home.
Then there was his first apartment...Daddy co-signed & put up the requisite first and last month's rent. So he stayed in his new apartment 2 weeks, decided it wasn't for him and moved back home. And it was okay that daddy lost the entire deposit.
Anyway, this is a guy who has moments of kindness...but who mostly just takes advantage. Most recently, his victim has been me. Those of you who know me know that I got promoted. This promotion made me beyond busy as I'm now responsible for 4 store locations. I also believe in team play, though. So when Chris came to me right before holiday season because he was short staffed 3 people in his location...and asked me to interview candidates for him (he's not certified) I said yes. And then spent my November and December running my 4 locations, training my 3 brand new supervisors, putting out my fires, and interviewing HIS potential new hires. Then there were the questions...his guys had them...they'd call me...and I'd help out. When he wasn't feeling well, I even helped cover his location for an evening. I loaned him my laptop. I even found time to introduce him to a guy I thought he might be interested in.
So the time came when I needed something from him...well, not even FROM HIM! I needed 15 minutes of time from one of his employees who's extraordinarily talented with computers. And the time could have easily been spared. My response was a text message from him stating that his employee couldn't be spared...because he had to go to their offsite storage to clean it and wouldn't have the time.
That's the LAST TIME I do this guy any favors. And ya know what? I'm kinda vindictive sometimes. I'm having a party for my team...of which he's not...and in the past I would've invited him...but not this time. Although I am inviting one of his employees...and I know at least another one of his employees who will be going because he's married to one of mine. I know he'll hear about it. And right now? In the words of Rhett Butler..."Frankly, My Dear, I don't give a damn."
*** Oh, and on a side note...I got a Christmas card from my dad...2 days ago! Ya know what? It didn't even bother me. It's been the least of my worries, and at least he called 2 days after Christmas to tell me his card would be late....I guess he didn't think I'd realize Christmas was already gone...LOL!
I had one of these friends. To make things worse, he was also a colleague....well, still is. Now I know this guy is spoiled, with no real social skills to speak of. But I'd been THERE for him, you know? I guess the best way to explain it is to describe him. Chris is a guy who's gotten everything he wants. If he can't afford it, he just places a call to Daddy...and yes, he calls him Daddy. And if that doesn't work, he calls his crazy mom.
A couple of years ago, when I met him, Chris was driving an Impala...With over $500 payments. How could the payments be so high, you ask? Well, when Chris was 16 he was given a Kia...which he traded in early...at about 18 for a Cavalier. After having the Cavalier for a little over a month, he decided he didn't like it anymore and traded it for the Impala...which left him backwards on payments. He just turned 21 and he recently traded in for a Trailblazer...fully loaded...so now his payments are pretty astronomical. It's a good thing he still lives at home.
Then there was his first apartment...Daddy co-signed & put up the requisite first and last month's rent. So he stayed in his new apartment 2 weeks, decided it wasn't for him and moved back home. And it was okay that daddy lost the entire deposit.
Anyway, this is a guy who has moments of kindness...but who mostly just takes advantage. Most recently, his victim has been me. Those of you who know me know that I got promoted. This promotion made me beyond busy as I'm now responsible for 4 store locations. I also believe in team play, though. So when Chris came to me right before holiday season because he was short staffed 3 people in his location...and asked me to interview candidates for him (he's not certified) I said yes. And then spent my November and December running my 4 locations, training my 3 brand new supervisors, putting out my fires, and interviewing HIS potential new hires. Then there were the questions...his guys had them...they'd call me...and I'd help out. When he wasn't feeling well, I even helped cover his location for an evening. I loaned him my laptop. I even found time to introduce him to a guy I thought he might be interested in.
So the time came when I needed something from him...well, not even FROM HIM! I needed 15 minutes of time from one of his employees who's extraordinarily talented with computers. And the time could have easily been spared. My response was a text message from him stating that his employee couldn't be spared...because he had to go to their offsite storage to clean it and wouldn't have the time.
That's the LAST TIME I do this guy any favors. And ya know what? I'm kinda vindictive sometimes. I'm having a party for my team...of which he's not...and in the past I would've invited him...but not this time. Although I am inviting one of his employees...and I know at least another one of his employees who will be going because he's married to one of mine. I know he'll hear about it. And right now? In the words of Rhett Butler..."Frankly, My Dear, I don't give a damn."
*** Oh, and on a side note...I got a Christmas card from my dad...2 days ago! Ya know what? It didn't even bother me. It's been the least of my worries, and at least he called 2 days after Christmas to tell me his card would be late....I guess he didn't think I'd realize Christmas was already gone...LOL!
Saturday, January 07, 2006
An Update
So the guys from the store called the cops about the junk they found on that computer. They waited till the customer came to pick up his computer and then handed it to him. He looked at the thing and asked about the missing hard drive. When they notified him that the police had come and confiscated it, he acted nonchalant.
As the matter of fact, he got this sick, demented smile on his face and just said, "Oh, Really?" He then requested the case number. As if finding child porn is an everyday thing.
It's enough to turn the stomach. I hope he gets what he deserves.
And as for the employees...apparently there was a fear they might take their plight to Oprah if they were fired...so they were allowed to keep their jobs.
As the matter of fact, he got this sick, demented smile on his face and just said, "Oh, Really?" He then requested the case number. As if finding child porn is an everyday thing.
It's enough to turn the stomach. I hope he gets what he deserves.
And as for the employees...apparently there was a fear they might take their plight to Oprah if they were fired...so they were allowed to keep their jobs.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Unsung Heroes
What is wrong with society today? I know I leave myself wide open when I ask questions like that. Right now I simply don't care. Why is it that so many things are ass backwards in society today? A guy walks in to a local electronics store...asks them to clean his computer. As the computer tech turns on the computer, she's smacked in the face with images best left unseen. Images of a young girl. Disturbing images. Now scarred in her head. Imprinted in her mind for all eternity. They left her in tears and without any composure for a few minutes. When she could think again she communicated what happened through the proper channels hoping to help this young girl somehow. Based on the images she was only in her early teens. These "channels" processed the info straight up to their legal department. And then the answer came down...
"No. You may not notify the authorities. We signed an agreement stating we would not be looking into his files. That they were personal & confidential. So despite how disturbing what you found is...you may not pursue it. Failure to adhere to our decision will result in termination."
Hmmmmm....Lemme think about this one. Protecting the children of this society or lose your job. Tough one, I know. Geez! Have we really become so fearful of lawsuits and jaded that we're afraid to act when a cry for help comes up? I mean this girl was being held down in some of the pictures. Just hearing about it disturbed me. I can imagine what it did to her. Not to mention her co-workers who caught wind of the situation. I'm sorry, but there's the right thing and then there's THE RIGHT THING!!!! And when something reaches out into your soul and screams for justice? How can you not follow? How could you live with yourself if you turned away from that voice? And yet that's what she was ordered to do. Because big business is afraid of a little confrontation.
I cheered (even as my heart broke for this young girl) when I heard that several people from there...against company policy...took a stand and made some calls. Children are the heart of this community. They deserve to be protected. Society would be a much better place if we spent more time taking care of our youth and less time in frivolous law suits. And maybe, just maybe...if we changed our outlook...our world would be better.
Good for this employee and the others involved for calling the police despite the consequences. They're heroes in my book. Most of you who read this know just how close to home this hits for me.
"No. You may not notify the authorities. We signed an agreement stating we would not be looking into his files. That they were personal & confidential. So despite how disturbing what you found is...you may not pursue it. Failure to adhere to our decision will result in termination."
Hmmmmm....Lemme think about this one. Protecting the children of this society or lose your job. Tough one, I know. Geez! Have we really become so fearful of lawsuits and jaded that we're afraid to act when a cry for help comes up? I mean this girl was being held down in some of the pictures. Just hearing about it disturbed me. I can imagine what it did to her. Not to mention her co-workers who caught wind of the situation. I'm sorry, but there's the right thing and then there's THE RIGHT THING!!!! And when something reaches out into your soul and screams for justice? How can you not follow? How could you live with yourself if you turned away from that voice? And yet that's what she was ordered to do. Because big business is afraid of a little confrontation.
I cheered (even as my heart broke for this young girl) when I heard that several people from there...against company policy...took a stand and made some calls. Children are the heart of this community. They deserve to be protected. Society would be a much better place if we spent more time taking care of our youth and less time in frivolous law suits. And maybe, just maybe...if we changed our outlook...our world would be better.
Good for this employee and the others involved for calling the police despite the consequences. They're heroes in my book. Most of you who read this know just how close to home this hits for me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
