Happy New Year! Thoughts to Rambles...

I'm not the resolution type of gal so I figured out that instead of making a list (as if I would have the discipline to make a real list!) I would jot down random thoughts about my 2006 life and what I would change/make better, or not change at all/strive to do again.

FAMILY & FRIENDS

• Make more time for the people (and dogs and cats!) that I care about.
  
  I need to keep on the path of change that I started in '06 and continue to make time for those I care about. I'm reminded that time is precious and one day the people who keep me going are not always going to be around. Not to be depressing or pessimistic, but several of my relatives and a couple of my friends have had health issues this year. This is not a premonition or anything, it's just a small reminder that my sources of energy, optimism and strength need to be cherished as we're all mortal.
  
• Not stress the things that are done by backstabbers or hurters...
  
  Much easier said than done. Last year and in '05 a few people that I thought were my friends, did some eally shitty things to me and confessed about some trifling crap. Although I don't feel as hurt, I still feel anger at times about being taken advantage of. I need to move past these feelings. That's why the first item of being around only positive people who are true friends, is the most important goal.
  The kicker? I have to find a way to forgive. The downer? I'm not big on forgive and forget. I may forgive but I have a hard time forgetting...

GOT TO HAVE A J-O-B (if you wanna be with me! 80s fans may remember this hook!)

• Take risks.
  
  This is one I need to continue doing/strive to do again. My risks at the end of '05 and throughout this year revolved around jobs. In '05 I left a comfy yet stifling workplace for a shot at a career at a company that was undergoing a merger. With a friend's referral I got the job and loved it despite the possibility of a layoff due to the merger. However, I gew to despise my boss for a long list of reasons and left, partly because of my boss and mostly due to concern that I would be blamed for some serious flaws with our projects that I couldn't get her to addres. The kicker? I ended up with a permanent job after the merger. The downer? I chose to leave knowing that I may be giving up one of the best jobs I ever had.
  
  The kicker? I ended up working at the second worse job of my entire life! I suffered through 8 months of dreading going to work and having headaches and other physical symptoms. So, I quit. Yup, just up and left (professionally). Now, I'm at a workplace that isn't perfect but at least my boss is cool, he's smart and my coworkers and I all get along. We love what we do and when something critical had to be accomplished in an unreasonable amount of time, we all pitched in and got it done. So, the commute etc may not be perfect, but hey, it's damn near close.

LIFE, or something like it!

• Enjoy life and the various aspects of living without racing to "an end" of some kind! :-)
  
  For all of my undergrad years, I felt like I was in a race to the finish. I started college later than most and was often reminded of not having my college degree in my job searches and casual converations with colleagues who attended college right out of high school, top name colleges, etc. While I don't think many of these former coworker clowns could write or use logic to get themselves of a simple cardboard box, they had the credentials that I was still struggling to obtain. So, I felt like I had to have a certain GPA to compete. Well, I finished college in 4 years while working fulltime and not to brag, but I graduated with honors! Now I'm attending grad school and don't feel as if I have to rush as much since I'm not competing anymore.
  
  The point? I'm not killing myself to get my degree in a specific timeframe. The kicker? I really enjoy learning (not math!) The downer? School is expensive and takes a lot of time. But, if you have a goal in mind, go for it!
  
• Try to stick to my goals from '05 and finish my short stories and other projects I keep thinking about.

That's the whole point of my rambles here. If you have a goal, then go for it! This is a new year and a good time as any to think about what is going well, what isn't going well and what you want to accomplish or be known for. If someone happens to stumble across my blog and reads my random thoughts, happy new year to you and may you and your loved ones have a wonderful, healthy year in 2007!!

Vacation Chill/Thankful

I've been away from work for about a week now and my semester is finally over!

The main thing that I have discovered about myself in the past few days is that I would go stark raving mad if I had no job or nothing to do. Don't get me wrong - I'm happy to have my "sanity check" vacation that I take at the end of every year to just chill, sleep late, hang with family and friends, sleep, sleep :-) and basically just end the year on nice, relaxing, positive notes.

The only downside is that by about this time (6th day or so), I become restless. Oh, it's not really that bad because I have stuff to do like projects around the house that I've put off all semester not to mention the books to catch up on, etc. However, I realize that desite the fact that I'm ready to end the work week by oh say, every Wednesday, activity keeps me sane and eliminates rust on the brain. Or, so I'd like to think.

So, now that I am reminded of this, I will continue to enjoy the time away from the rat race and the mass herdage with a smile knowing that I have a great personal life, finally have a job and coworkers that I like and that for the most part, people I care about are happy and healthy.

To make things better, it still doesn't feel like winter in these parts (woo hoo!!) which makes it all the better to bike and enjoy fun stuff outdoors. It could be worse, I could live in some blizzard stricken area which would suck.

So, with that thought, I think I'll go enjoy the rest of my veg out time and focus on enjoying the little and simple things in life. Oh yeah, and catch up on my tivo'd shows! yaaa tivo!!

Anyway, my hope for the rest of the year is that we all have a good time leaving the 2006 year behind and welcome the new year with positive thoughts and plans. While I'm not the mushy type, I do occasionally wish for peace and the welcoming of the new year is a good time as any to revisit this hope.

Peace.

I've Been Tagged

So, I'll try and be a good sport and respond 'cause I've been tagged by Irish http://sharkswithlaserbeams.blogspot.com.

A- Available or Single? Nope. Hmmm, but if I'm available, shouldn't I also be single? Oh, silly me...

B- Best Friend? Yes, I have four and a half. There is no ranking on the list which includes my husband, mom, dad and two close friends.

C- Cake or pie? Yes, please!!

D- Drink of choice? Choice? It's alcohol. Preference? It's water. Is there a diff between 'choice' and 'preference'? No, just wanted to get two answers in there...

E- Essential item I use every day. Too many body parts to mention!! ;-)

F- Favorite color: Black. And purple. Not in the I just got beatdown kinda way tho'...

G- Gummy Bears or Gummy Worms? None. I'm not a candy kinda person.

H- Hometown? Trinidad, West Indies - aka Caribbean.

I- Indulgence: TV shows like Law & Order - SVU and any lawyer-like pics, biking, sports, working out - I'm addicted to activity!

J- January or February? Or March or October! Or, where are we going with this??

K- Kids and names: Animal kids include dog "Herbie" (Hurrikane) and cat "Furface" (Rizzo)

L- Life is incomplete without? FUN!

M- Marriage date: Am I supposed to pick one?? Oh, well mine is Jan 2nd.

N- Number of siblings: None. Go ahead, just start shrinking me and telling me about the only child syndromes now...

O- Oranges or apples? YES, please. Especially if they are on the side of my glass, or or in my drinks!

P- Phobias or fears? Hmm, no real phobias but I do have a fear of getting old and not being able to take care of myself. That would not be cool.

Q- Favorite quote? 1) Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. 2) If you're going through hell, keep going. Both are by Churchill.

R- Reasons to smile: I love my life.

S- Season: Garlic? Oh, you mean favorite or now? I'm confused. Well, now is Winter with 50 and 60-degree days that I absolutely love and my favorite season is Spring. All the trees are coming back to life and Summer Fun is just around the corner.

T- Tag 3 or 4 people. I'll let others use this if they want but please, keep the crowd requests down to three or four please. :-)

U- Unknown fact: Well it ain't so unknown no more...I played Football (aka soccer) in high school without telling my parents. They wanted me to focus on my studies and piano and guitar lessons when all I wanted to do was play sports!

V- Vegetable you don’t like: Celery! Onions!

W- Worst habit: Grinding my teeth in my sleep. Drives everyone I've slept next to, nuts.

X- X-Rays: Had several. Funniest one was when I almost tore a ligament in my foot and my husband was questioned for almost an hour about whether he tried to throw me down the stairs. Poor thing was put through the wringer with the cops' and doctors' questions.

Y- Your favorite food? I love food. Almost all food. I'd give up desserts for food.

Z- Zodiac sign: Libra!! In case you don't know the symbol, it's the shape at the bottom of my rose tattoo! :-)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Almost, anyway. :-)

Well, it's been awhile and I've been such a slacker in my entries. I think if I still used a journal to write in, or a diary, it would be collecting dust right now.

While I'm not the new year resolutions kinda gal, I figured I should end the old year on a positive note and be thankful for everything that I have and my health. Yeah, yeah, it's corny but at least it's real, to me anyway. I am thankful that my family and friends are doing well and with one exception of a friend with a health problem, most is well. So, it's time to look forward to a new year...

Hopefully, it won't be as tiring or as eventful with jobs as this year has been. I just realized that I've had three jobs this year!! Woo hoo, on the bright side, I'm employable and on the not-so-bright side, well, I've had three consecutive jobs at three different companies - which, by the way are total opposites.

I started the year at an online financial services company and then moved to a logistics and transportation company known as oops, only to round out the top three by working for the Federal Government. Well at least I'm flexible! Yes, in that way too! ;-) Ha ha

The new job is really cool, I get to meet some interesting political people, I like what I do, I get to play racquetball at lunch three days a week and go to the gym the other two so I guess I have little to complain about. The commute still sucks at times (1 hour train ride into DC and a 10-15 min walk to the office), but for the most part it's ok. I've found lots of things to do on my train ride. In addition to the old faithful of people-watching, I have to study during the semester, and now that I'm out for the holidays, I can read and play games, etc. while listening to music.

So it's really not that bad. I think I'll have to start a while new category of commuter tales because some of the stuff is just tooooo funny to keep to myself. One example is of the "Quiet Car Nazi" who shushes everyone, including some guy who sneezed! I think he thinks it's the Absolutely Silent Car. What a weirdo, but I guess 19 years on a 2 hour one way commute will do that to ya! Oh, and not to mention the other fun part about my commuter train is that they allow alcohol and food, etc. so from time to time I'll watch people stumble off the train looking totally wrecked and twisted. Ahhh yes, commuters...

Now, I just need to get wireless connectivity on my laptop on the train and a good discreet camera ;-) Hmmm....

My New Adventure, Part Deux

I made a choice about my job situation. I chose to try something new that I think is for the best (stress levels, conscience, etc.) and in so doing, I turned down an investment firm's very decent offer. While the job I chose is certainly not a bad paying gig, it pays less than the investment firm and is a longer commute from home.

However, I'm trying to stick to my belief that money isn't everything and while I certainly enjoy shopping :-) I want to enjoy my workdays and feel as if what I'm doing really will make a difference. Yeah, yeah, I know I may sound like an extreme idealist but I've had my share of working for the man who doesn't give a damn about the lil man.

Although I'm happy at work and think the environment is much better than several of my last jobs, I can't seem to shake a nagging feeling which surfaces every three days or so that says I may have just turned my back on the rewards that were starting to roll in, such as the job offers and compensation. After all, didn't I pay my dues in the financial services industry so that I could get to this position and higher??

I'm trying to figure out why I have these thoughts even though I'm happy with my job. Is it that I've been programmed to think that success is defined by how much you make and the reputation of the company that you work for, which in turn determines your worth as a person? I don't think that success is defined by $$ or status, but is there something brewing in my subconscious?

Most of my friends have been supportive of my decision while two have said that they thought I was making a mistake by a) taking less money and b) by choosing to work in DC and have to take the train to work. But hey, I'm going to do what I claimed was on my list of things to pay attention to this year, and that is to trust my instincts. Therefore, I will say that based on instincts, I made the best choice and if someone's really a friend, they'll just be happy for me.

I've added another year!

I've successfully added another year to my life! Woo hoo! Ok, so technically I didn't really add the year. However, I think it's a good sign that I've made it to another year without inflicting bodily harm to several of my ex-coworkers and ex-bosses. That is definitely something I should celebrate.

Another aspect of my life that I'm celebrating this day is that this is the first birthday in quite some years that I'm not partying the weekend away or ending up hung over or drunk by the end of the night. Well, at least I don't plan to end up drunk tonight but since I didn't plan to feel relaxed (very!) last night, who knows! Seriously though, I think this is another good start.

So, I've been hearing about these life lists that people are making and since I'm not a list kinda gal, I think I'll just stick to my usual and at least think about what I want to focus on this year and I'll list the kosher ones here as reminders.

And who knows, maybe I'll get adventurous and post the "not-so-kosher" juicier ones later! ;-)

1. Continue last year's goal of making the effort to always be a better daughter, spouse and friend.
2. Continue learning (about anything that interests me...)
3. Be a more patient person
4. Be more considerate of other people's feelings
5. Trust my instincts more
   

My New Life

Ok, so it's not really a new life but it sure feels like it.

My life as an unemployed person sure is interesting. Let's see. I was going to make a daily journal of everything I did and then I realized that - well - I didn't do much of anything. Oh, yeah I went on some interviews that were quite interesting and spoke with a million and what seems like never-ending recruiters.

Yeah, yeah, my life is sooo hard these days, right? Wrong! Ha! My life is great. I have no job which is equal to no stress!! But, I did get reacquainted with the cleaning supplies at my house (or lack thereof...) and the dog was "freed" to roam around slowly in the morning instead of the usual 2-minute hustle I force on him. Oh, the most exciting parts of my days consist of studying in the morning for a couple of hours and then being able to work out for like two hours around midday!! Why aren't I independantly wealthy? Then I can have this lifestyle all the time. AND, I promise not to bitch about how tough life is when you have money and how money grubbing people want to rob you blind.

Ok, so I snuck a rant in there...but other than that, I'm looking forward to the days of doing, ummm, well nothing. Until I choose where to go to work, that is...

Choices include staying in the private sector and going to work at an investment firm (yeah snore, I know) or get into a new industry altogether (gov't). I'm leaning towards the gov't as I'm tired of all the snooty "I'm-better-than-everybody-attitudes" that are close friends of the "I'm-an-ivy-leaguer-so-I-know-more-than-you-do". Not to mention the fakers and ass kissing haters.

Yeah, I know there will never be a perfect job but if I scout around for a decent environment, I think I will be content. So, there is the question. Which job offer has teh best environment?
(jeopardy theme playing in my head now...)

Well, that remains to be seen...but until I make that decision, I think I'll take a nap. :-)

I quit!

Today's Entry:

After a long and cruel ordeal, I quit my job today!! Ok, so I professionally resigned, effective immediately, but I like saying, "I quit my job". It has more of a rebellious ring to it, y'know?
After months of dealing with crazy, condescending morons who wouldn't know logic if it walked up to them, introduced itself by name, and then slapped the holy crap out of them.

Ahhh, well I just had to get that off my chest. Now that I have, I plan to do mothing but study, and perform fun and mindless activities. Wait. I mean, enjoy fun activities. Perform just seems so formal and surgeon-like.

Well, it's on to the next, big adventure!

Life

As I sit here on a Sunday, I am faced with an unusual feeling - dread. I realize that I am experiencing something in my life that I thought I would not have happen to me. I hate my job. I know, I know, join the club, right? But the thing is, I never truly hated my job. I strongly disliked some people I worked with or hated having some creepy, ugly freak o'nature guy's hand on my thigh but I never felt dread on a Sunday at the thought of going to work on a Monday.

Is this the onset of an early midlife crisis? Is it that my tolerance levels have decreased, as if that's possible...)? Am I going to be like so many other people I know and end up being bitter about my life's professional direction? I really thought by this age I'd be past dealing with crap like dictator-like, overbearing, pompous, prejudiced asses. Hmmm, I think I just insulted an ass somewhere...

Anyway, let me be clear. To be honest, I really like the type of job that I have. I enjoy the core aspects of my job. It's the dumbass people that I hate. It's not that I'm perfect either, but I don't intentionally set out to hurt people. Granted, my sense of humor may be seen as inappropriate at times, but that's the difference between humor and a job. Humor can be subjective so I understand if not everyone finds the same thing funny. Work, on the other hand, should be different...y'know?

Oh well. I guess I'll just have to suck up the fact that I have yet another job that I'm going to leave as soon as a good opportunity presents itself. Is it too much to ask that there be a job opening that matches my skill set, and one that doesn't allow donkeys to manage people and actually thinks that diversity is a good thing (btw, and understand that diversity is NOT simply affirmative action and hiring a bunch of PMS'ers - which is a direct quote by a former boss!).

Monster & HotJobs and I are abou to become the best o'friends! Bring it on.

Ok. Vent over. Drinking starts. I guess that's one way to prepare for Manic Monday which also happens to be the first day of my Fall semester class - Marketing Strategies! Man. Do I know how to rock a Monday or what!?!?

Gaming Etiquette - Is there one?

Ok, so by admitting this, I'm sure I'll be placed into some nerd-like category but it's true - I enjoy many of the Xbox 360 games. Yes, I liked video games as a kid but there was only so much creativity that can be drummed up by the endless side-to-side motion of the spaceship or frog or whatever icon thingy at the bottom of the screen on the timeless classic that is, the Atari. Then, along came the newer game consoles where the figures are 3-D with great simulations, etc. and so, I've been hooked.

While I'm not the best at the games I play regularly, which include Football, Basketball, Texas Hold 'em, Zuma, Halo 2, Uno, and many others, I certainly wish that some of the people I encounter online, would realize that what we're doing is, quite simply, playing a GAME!

Seriously, people. What is it about a GAME that makes you want to scream profanities and racist comments at the other players when you lose? I repeat, it's a GAME. Maybe this is why people are so addicted to video games. It provides a way to unleash all of the anger and frustration from not being able to play, ahem, dare I say, REAL SPORTS. Or, even better, the jealousy from not being a participant on the World Poker Tour where you can play for, get this,, REAL MONEY?? Hmmm, I seem to have a theme going here.

Theme 1. It's a game that you're playing. Seriously. You're not in the REAL military inspiring your troops to do great things in battle to save your team and protect your country. Sure, you can get upset when you lose because after all, it is competition. However, to go on a tirade because you couldn't win and talk about assraping and mexicans and a whole slew of other indescribable offenses? Maybe you should use all of that frustration and energy to practice so that you can, oh say, maybe play better?!?

Theme 2. When playing a card game of some kind, you must realize that while it's an electronic form of the game, it is, and will always be, just cards. Also, when people speak to each other, even in a trash-talking way (mind you, trash talking is different than screaming profanities), it is always polite to respond. So many people act like they can't open their friggin' mouths to even say hello when the game first starts and a bunch of people are saying hi or whatever.

Again. It's cards. When you sit around a table to play a game, you usually have some interaction. Maybe the problem is that the socially insecure and rude bastards feel so much more comfortable playing a game because they are well hidden behind a machine, that they freeze up when communication is needed for game play, such as playing as partners in Uno, or trying to coordinate an offensive in basketball or football.

Here's a thought. Maybe we should all get out in the real world and play a REAL game like say touch football or get together with a bunch of friends with some beer to play cards one evening. You know, like REAL people and not a bunch of androids infront of a computer screen.

Sadly though, the lack of manners and oh heck - plain common sense - is not the most troubling to me as I can tune out ignoramuses. The part that really troubles me is that I hear young kids cursing and saying phrases like I mentioned previously as if it's a regular aspect of communication. I know, I know. Kids are supposed to be allowed some freedom to express themselves and what not. But, when I hear a little boy or girl on a game that is talking about assraping and other indecencies, it begs me to ask the question - where are these kids playing these games that no adult in their lives can hear what they're saying?

I'm not saying that parents are responsible for everything their child does or doesn't do - but wow - I think my profanity database has improved greatly due to Xbox 360 games so I'm much better equipped for my commute back and to work when I hit massive road rage. Thanks fellow gamers!

Friend or Foe?

Yesterday I had a conversation with someone I've known for a very long time. The person knew me when I was a scrawny teen with pretty much nothing. We've been through a lot together and I always thought that we were really good friends. Well, this may just be the year of the worst friend-related realizations for me. I mean, it's like the stars and moon and other elements in the universe are lined up to just screw with me. Or screw me over. Whichever comes first.

Example:
I just found out that this friend of mine dated (and I use the term loosely) a guy I dated. Ok, weird but whatever. It's not like I'm wishing he and I were together or anything. After all I'm happily married. But, isn't there a rule about dating a friend's ex?

This guy was a true jerk and of course, I didn't find out until we were dating for like 5 months. Why? Well, turns out he had a kid he never told me about for starters. And, to protect the not-so-innocent, I'll just say that he had issues with the law. Anyway, she dated him for like 4 months and then they broke it off. So, the main point about me being ticked is that she tells me this after like 6 years AND that the four month period just happened to overlap with the time he and I were together. Howz them for fightin' words??

Ok, so I have absolutely no desire to start a fight, but seriously. Someone who is supposed to be a friend was screwing someone I was dating. What the!? And she still thinks we're friends. Well missy, I think that categorization of our relationship is a little skewed.

So, is it wrong to be ticked at her? After all, it happened several years ago although I just found out.

Would you believe?

that I haven't posted anything for, like ages? Not updating my blog was tough - I mean tough like going cold turkey and quitting smoking (not that I smoke, but I imagine it would feel this way) or quitting coffee (which by the way is just plain insane and stoopid because caffeine is my lifeline).

Why is blogging so addictive? It's not like I write for a particular person to read it. I write it to clear my mind of whatever random (and sometimes useless) thoughts that are floating around in there. Ok, I admit that I posted two notes asking for input - one about a sucky aspect of my job and the other about music. But still. Who is this imaginery person that I write for? Why do we write in journals? I'm sure this can be linked back to some ancient time when Gods walked among us and great thinkers roamed the earth and blah, blah, blah. Uhmmm, what was I saying?

Oh yeah, journals and diaries. Where'd the notion come from? Maybe some caveman was trying to sharpen his brush or leaf or something of the sort against a rock or wall or ginormous solid surface and discovered that it left a stain. Hence, writing was born! Or maybe, doodling was invented.

Anyway, some bored or positively tortured soul probably started writing everything down from the discovery point. And now I too, write almost everything down. I think I write too much and yet, not enough because sadly, I'm not a published author...yet! But I'm guessing no one will pay for my wild rantings, so in the meantime, I'll ramble free of charge here. :-)

So, school starts again soon. When you see kids walking to school with their heads, shoulders and lips dragging along, I'll be right in line behind them. Until the first night of class and I realize that I missed it. Great. Now I sound like a nerd. And unlike what many may say, it's NOT cool to be in the same company or bracket with Bill Gates, unless they're talking tax bracket and VP of some company. Dude is still a nerd with wild (or not so much!) rumours about his questionable hygiene.

So, to close this post, good night to my alter ego (no, not you Kevin!) and I hope after a good night of rest, I won't be rambling as much.

How do you respond to...

...weird sayings and responses?

Have you ever greeted someone and have them respond with a word that you just don't understand? No, it's not that they're speaking a foreign language or anything, it's just that they say the weirdest things that must have been passed down from generation to generation without any real understanding of the word.

Allow me to illustrate.

I say: "Hi". They say: "Howdy".
(ok, this one I get. It's a form of hello, like "hi".) but the rest are, well, just weird...

I say: "How are you?" They say: "Ducky".
What the hell does feeling like duck have to do with anything? When did the duck become a conversation starter?

I say: "How's it goin'? ". They say: "Peachy"
Ok, I actually questioned someone about this response. I asked if he felt fruity and fuzzy. He hasn't used that term to respond to "hello" or any variation since.

I say: "Hey, how are you?" They say: "how are you?"
Ok, who's on first? I asked you a question. Why are you asking me a question in return? Isn't the typical order, question - answer, etc.?

An experiment that I have conducted in the past week also tells me that of the 15 people I said "hello" to, only 3 actually responded in like or with some recognizable variation of "hello". Also, when someone asked how I was doing, I responded, "terrible" and the person said, "good. glad to hear it." Ok, maybe the person hates me and is happy that I was having a terrible day or (and I dare say that I think this is the real reason) the person was simply not listening to me at all!

My new experiment this week is that I have been using adjectives to respond to people asking me how I'm doing or how's it goin'. Only one person out of the 8 that I've used in my experiment caught on to what I said. I'll see if the responses get better going forward.

Anywho, hope we all have ducky and peachy hump days!

Meme update and explanation

To those wondering what a meme is, the link below explains it best in plain english. The website touches on the use of a meme for blog use as well as some other explanations.

Feel free to answer and post the questions on your blog, because the best part about a meme is that we learn stuff about each other!

http://thedailymeme.com/what-is-a-meme/

Nothing much goin' on so...

...since I love reading other people's memes and since I am trying to steer away from a rant, I figured I'd take the plunge and do one of these. Credit goes to "Some Girl" for the meme.

Forty Things

1.ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT?
From riding a motorcycle with a friend. I am the dumbass who chose to wear shorts while riding.

2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?
Paint! :-)

3. WHAT DOES YOUR CELL PHONE LOOK LIKE?
Not sure since I haven't removed the cover in some time! But I think it's silver and black.

4. WHAT MUSIC DO YOU LIKE TO LISTEN TO?
Almost anything - I LOVE music! Mostly 80s, new and old hip hop, R&B, alternative, reggae, and many many more...

5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?
Uhhh, I think it's 5:17 p.m.

6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
A job I can enjoy and a long healthy life.

7. WHAT DO YOU MISS?
Not a whole lot, but I do miss my friends and my lifestyle in Trinidad at times.

8. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?
Well, it's not a possession, but my family & friends.

9. WHAT KIND OF HAIR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?
As long as the hair isn't on the guy's back, I don't care what it looks like! Ha ha

10. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED:
50

11. WHAT IS THE ONE NUMBER YOU CALL MOST OFTEN?
My hubby's cell. #

12. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED OUT THIS SURVEY?
Exercising. A girl needs her power blocks kick, ya know :-)

13. IF YOU COULD GET PLASTIC SURGERY WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Hmmm, this is a tough one. I'd donate the option to charity! While I'm not perfect, I finally learned how to be happy with my looks and body.

14. WHY DID YOU FILL OUT THIS SURVEY?
I always read other people's MEMEs and didn't have anything that great to post so I borrowed it from Some Girl.

15. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF ALCOHOL BECAME ILLEGAL?
Break the law! Don't even joke about a thing like that ;-)

16. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
Jewelry! I can never have enough.

17. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT?
None. Several of my friends will probably hound me about this again, so listen up if you're reading this - yes, I said none. For the millionth time...

18. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Nope, not that I know of. My mom just happened to like the name.

19. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?
Wow, ok. This is more personal than I anticipated...but let's see...About a month ago. Long story...

20. DO YOU TRUST OTHERS EASILY?
Not really. I'm working on building up my trust levels.

21. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
HA HA, I have sooo many. But to protect the not so innocent, the ones I can post are B-eye-tch and hole.
I once meant to write "hola" to ask someone a question that I phrased nicely and politely but I mistyped and it read, "Hole, please tell me..."Hence, hole.

22. DO YOU UN-TIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Nope. Why would you? Then you'll have to tie the laces when you put them back on! C'mon now, let's leverage the efficiencies...

23. WHO IS YOUR CRUSH?
Hmm, let's see...Fantasy/celebrity: Hugh Jackman, LL Cool J; Reality: My hubby (I know, I know...but it is!)

24. WHAT`S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Coffee! Yum. No wait - Chocolate! Yum. No wait - coffee. Really. Ok, is there a chocolate and coffee mix? Then that's it!

25. WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU WENT ON A DATE?
I've been married for quite a few years so I'd have to say in the late 90's!

26. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE COLORS?
Black & Purple

27. HOW MANY WISDOM TEETH DO YOU HAVE?
None. They were yanked.

28. WHO/WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST RIGHT NOW?
Who: Our dog, Brutus; What: Sense of security.

29. LAST THING YOU ATE?
Steak, broccoli and red peppers.

30. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My mom :-)

31. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE IN THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Smile.

32. FAVORITE THOUGHT PROVOKING SONG?
Redemption Song by none other than Mr. Bob Marley.

33. FAVORITE THING TO HATE:
Self-absorbed morons.

34. FAVORITE DRINK?
Cocktail: Apple Martinis are the bomb!; Beer: Guinness/Killians; Shot: Kamikaze.

35. FAVORITE ZODIAC SIGN:
Libra...

36. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORT?
Football (ahem, soccer)

37. HAIR COLOR?
Black (with a gray one showing up. damn!)

38. EYE COLOR?
Brown

39. DO YOU WEAR GLASSES?
Yes, but only for 2 mins before bed or if I haven't slept much the night before. Typically, it's contact lenses.

40. SIBLINGS?
Nope, I'm an only child. Bring on the jokes...

Whore?

Yes, I said, "whore"!

OK, to get to the point - While pondering the work woes that I had (and still have, to some extent), I realized that I have a whole new question to ponder. Am I a whore? Wait! Let me clarify - I don't mean a woman who provides sexual services in exchange for money. I mean someone who does something for someone in the hope that she will get something in return that she wants.

I guess nowadays, "whore" is used as a term of endearment. For e.g. you're such a pizza whore, which means that someone will do anything for a pizza. Well, I wish I were just talking about pizza. See, I realized that I sank to a new level at work by sharing some of my concerns regarding a project with people who had the power to change the direction of the project. Which, by the way, is what I wanted. And, which was against my Project Manager's wishes. So, I acted like it was in their best interest to question some things, which they did, and voila! I got my project direction changed.

So, is that selling some of myself and principles out or is that just being savvy in the workplace? Before you say that's bargaining or negotiating or whatever, one of the key folks who helped me out asked that I help him out in return with dealing with another difficult team member. So, I did because I felt like I owed it to him. However, the sad part is that I thought the team member was right and he was taking advantage of the situation - not a lot, but a little bit.

Ok, so maybe that isn't as bad as I think it is. Can you tell that I'm trying to make myself feel better about my approach and decision?

Another interesting question and observation that struck me this afternoon deals with language and how it changes. With some of my friends, it is acceptable to call someone a whore. I mean, it's not like you can just launch into, Hey whore, lovely day, isn't it? But several of my friends and I joke about people being whores for something they really like, etc. However, when I joked around and called another friend a chocloate whore, she had quite a different reaction. You know the saying, "if looks could kill"? Well, she wanted to kill me, or so it seems.

And I quote, "how the f*ck you gonna call me a whore? When I explained that it was a term of endearment, she said that just because it's acceptable among the common young street folks these days, it didn't mean that it was not an offensive word. She equated it to the *n* word in that although it is used as a form of affection between friends, it is still a highly offensive word. Was it disrespectful to be flattered that she put me in the "young" category while chewing me a new one??

Ok well I apologized and reiterated that I didn't mean to insult her. Anyway, our conversation ended quite awkwardly and we parted ways.

So people, seriously, when and who can I call a whore?? It's not as if I'm going to go around calling people names or anything (well, no more than usual!), but at times I wish there were some rules about when I can use certain terms and not have it taken out of context or received badly, y'know? Sheesh. Can't we all just lighten up and not be so stick-in-the-muddish??

Work Woes

I like to think of myself as a happy, optimistic, easy going sort of person, among other things. However, from time to time these qualities are replaced (temporarily) by confusion and despair. Well, it's more work related really. But if I feel crappy about work then it tends to trickle into my personal life which is something I try hard to avoid.

Here's the problem. As a consultant, I am still learning the ropes, including how to deal with the politics, at the newest company that I work for. The company is not terrible, but it is very old-fashioned in its management styles and practices. But I digress. That's not the bad part. The bad part is that my manager who is usually a cool guy btw, is light years ahead in his analytical skills, knowledge of the job, and ability to work efficiently than the project manager (equivalent to my manager's level) that I have been assigned to work with on this huge and highly visible project.

This week I've worked about 50+ hours already and today I worked for 11 hours without lunch. Oatmeal and a banana only goes so far. Of course, now I feel like crap. But again, that's not the problem. I like working. It's just that I don't like being caught up in someone else's battles and in the politics of a job. But, yes I know, that's everywhere.

Anyway, my manager and another senior manager tells me today that my deliverable should be compiled and written in a particular manner. They also tell me the rationale for their suggestions. I agree with them. However, the project manager I'm assigned to work with wants things done in a different way. Since he's on the same level that they are, I'm kinda stuck in the middle. So, I do two documents. Yaaa. I'm smart enough to be able to compile two documents in 5 hours that would normally take two days. Hence, no lunch.

So, off I went to share the doc. with the project manager and calmly and logically explain the reason for the approach. Surprise, surprise - my project manager didn't like the one my manager told me to compose. He wants it done differently. Anyway, to skip the oh-so-boring details of my core duties, I compile the other document (which is being reviewed by the project team tomorrow so there's not much editing and re-reading time!). I do as much as I can and late this afternoon my brain cramped up. I couldn't get past one sentence. I knew it was time to stop. So, I got the hell out of there and well, now I'm here...

But before I left, my manager asked how the document wascoming along. I explained the Project manager's request and comments and shows him the document. He says that I should fight the issue but I really don't feel that it's my responsibility to argue over a deliverable with someone I have to work with for the next 6 months. I really wanted to ask him why he couldn't say something if he felt that strongly about it. He must have read my mind. He said that he can't get the project manager to change his approach but as the senior analyst on the project, I have the authority to fight the issue and lead the project team down the right path. Uh huh. Ok. Can I get that in writing?

Besides, it's not like it's a life and death type of decision. However, it really can come back and bite me in the ass if the project approach and scope changes in another phase of the project. I will then have to request Senior Management approval to make changes to the document I wrote today. That kind of request is never viewed favorably. Besides, I'm afraid that it will seem as if I didn't think critically about the business problem to be solved before documenting the strategy.

*Sigh*

I'm tired. I'm tired physically and I'm tired of these battles and turf wars in the workplace. Maybe that's why I change jobs so often. But I know these things will happen wherever I go so I just try to deal. But it sucks.

Help! What should I do? I don't want to be rated poorly on the project but at the same time I have to follow the project manager's direction because, well he is the project manager. Damn!
Why couldn't I be independantly wealthy or be born with a silver spoon in my mouth?? Or is that a gold spoon?? Heck maybe that's why I don't have a spoon - I don't even know what color it should be!

Any thoughts from surfin' visitors, especially anyone who's been in situations like this would be most appreciated!

Keep ya head up - I'm certainly tryin' to...

Hump Day Funnies to keep me going...

Note: This has sound. I love it!

Awimbawe - Hippo and Pooch {:-p
Ha, wait for the pooch - he's the dancer throughout .

Tribute - Leather Pants, Mullet Rock, etc.

I'm still laughing at the styles from the concert. Therefore, I have decided to unleash my *ahem* brilliant creativity on the world (really it's just anyone who cares or dares to read this!) in true Al Yankovic style (altho' he does this much better) in between the moments of insanity I suffer at work all day long.

Don't Stop Itchin' - Sung to tune of “Don’t stop believin’ “ by Journey (Tribute to the many leather pants and the inevitable chafing to follow!)

"Just a small time itch…
growing into sensational spurts
I take the liberty of scratching everywhere…

Just a small time itch…
Driving me into a stitch
...
if I have to explain to my doctor one more time…
It goes on and on and on and on…

Strangers staring…down at my private parts
Wondering what’s going on tonight…
Feels like
fire ants
marching through a long fieeeelllddd

Shadows of me scratching in the night…

Rubberneckers
Nosy People
Scared to shake my hand

Not knowing what they'll catch...

{END}

Pour some Desenex on Me! Sung to the tune of “Pour Some Sugar on Me” by Def Leppard (Tribute #2 to leather pants and chafing!)

“Chafing like a bomb
baby I can’t get it on
Looking like a tramp
an outdated 80’s rock vamp
Talcum powder, desenex, fungal spray
help me out cause I'm chafin' tonight

Oh, aww! Oh, aww!

Summertime, chafing time
Powder me down
Little miss prissy staring me down

O-awwww!

Grab a box and rip it up
Break the box and pour it out!

pour some Desenex on me
ooh, in the name of relief,
pour some Desenex on me…
come on and cool me down
pour some Desenex on me

I'm hot, sticky and powdery
From my head down to my feet!

{END}

Homage to Joe Elliott's Long Leopard Coat (lead singer for DL for those not in the know!) Sung to the tune of Hysteria by DL:

"Out of style,
And still oh so furry
You can try
But you can’t get away from me…

I’m in fur love
I’m in deep yeah
Oooh ooh why, do you feel so good?

I gotta wear you tonight
No matter how warm it is tonight
Can't give up my fur coat
no matter how long and tiiiight

Hysterical…
Is how I feel
Whenever you’re not near
When you're not near
I despair!

It’s so magical, when you’re here
That’s why I need you,
my leopard coat (background)
I can't believe it

My leopard coat…
Nothing can compare…

{END}

Mullet Rock Chorus - Sung to tune of “Wheels in the sky” by Journey

"Mullets in the wind keep on blowin’
You should really be cut tomorrow…
Mullets in the wind keep on blowin’
But I don’t know how I’ll live without you"

Credits & Acknowledgements
Thanks to the following:

All the guys who thought that the best style for the night was a mullet and leather pants (in 80+ degrees). I am convinced the combination was chosen purely for my amusement!

Joe Elliott for breaking out the full length leopard print fur coat (again, it's 80-degrees dood!). Hey, I like your music but c'mon, it's 2006.

Irish (http://sharkswithlaserbeams.blogspot.com) for helping me create the titles to these hits (or near misses) and for reminding me of the old man boobies. Ugh.

Bored and surfin'...thx to bloggers for links!

Apparently if I were a bra or if I get another tattoo, this is what they should look like! Click the links to see what you would be...

You Are a Flashy Red Bra!

Outgoing, friendly, and fascinating. You're a charmer, with your pick of the men. But you want a man who's as magnetic as you are. You need someone who can keep up with your all night gab fests!

What Kind of Bra Are You?

You Should Get A Butterfly Tattoo

Girly and funky For you, tattoos are a thing of beauty - not toughness

What Tattoo Should You Get?

And, to round it all out with something a little more *ahem* substantial, check out which President you're most like. Thank God I got a JFK and not Dubya!

You Are Most Like John F. Kennedy

You live a fairy tale life that most people envy. And while you may have a few dark secrets, few people know them.

What Modern US President Are You Most Like?