I'm pleased to report that my first week of work has gone off with a hitch...Kind of.
The receptionists keep a walkie-talkie at the front desk, and the resort people keep two of the walkie talkies with them at all times.
Out of nowhere my walkie talkie makes a funny sound like someone wants to talk to me.
I look over at Jennifer, suspiciously, and say, "Do I need to do anything for that?"
She tries hard not to laugh as she says "yeah, go ahead and ask who it is,".
So I beep it back and in my most authoritative/borderline psycho voice I go "Whoooo is this?" By this time my brain has registered the beep in the same room and I know it's Dayson. The quiet ones are always trouble.
Later my walkie talkie starts randomly playing the theme of Pirates of the Carribbean and my printer is spitting out cryptic messages about needing to be fed.
Hmm...very suspicious indeed. Luckily for me, one of my coworkers whom I love dearly, looks like Velma from Scooby Doo. ;)
Friday, May 30, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
My Budget Hotel Experience: 1st Day in Durham
Yesterday I ran away from home, or at least that's how it feels right now as I'm holed up in a hotel room with not much more than big dreams for the future.
The drive turned out to go relatively smoothly. I had a first-time ever incidence with my EZ Pass that left me sitting stunned for a few moments, wondering if I was going to have a run-in with the police. I was lucky, and continued on with only a mere embarassment at the loud, obnoxious sound made by the terminal. My EZ Pass was on the dash, and I had already executed one run through on it, without incident. I'm not too excited to see the ticket that will probably inevitable reach my grandparents P.O. Box in the coming days.
However the most excitement of the day was reserved for around 10:30 p.m. last night. I showed up in a part of Durham I've never seen before. Now I consider myself to be full of class, but not particularly a classy person, and I had this place beat by 10 miles. I cautiously extradited myself from my car, and walked into the cheap office. I paid $40 for a night in a room that had stains on the chairs that I didn't want to know where they came from, a rug that looked like it had never seen a vacuum, a shower that appeared to be from the movie "Psycho" with it's mysterious shower head and gym locker room tile quality. I planned to remain in my clothes that I drove in, and per the advice of my grandmother, grab a night of sleep before heading to another hotel in the morning, in a more acceptable location. I do feel the need to point out that the television was missing buttons, and despite the remote, only worked by plugging/unplugging it. But the absolute best part of the room was all the all access to the real, live porno right above my head. You think I'm kidding. The only thing left to the imagination was the physical appearances of the people in question.
I had just laid down to try to get some sleep, and to cast off the notions that bugs may be roaming over me during the night. (When asked if I am a thrill-seeker, I nod emphatically--NO!). Something in my gut instinct told me to go move the car. It was still parked in front of the office, just a short ways down from The Bates Motel room. I went out, started the car, and began to back out when I see a large black woman, and a tall, albeit more slender man approaching me, waving frantically. I realized in a matter of seconds that a)I did not want a confrontation with this girl, and b)I didn't even have my cell phone.
I was hoping for some sort of rear-exit, and having no boundaries in my mind as to where I was, I had no clue how to get out. I managed to leave, driving by them only to turn around on the next street which was a "No Outlet". I passed them again as they started to walk down the sidewalk and she tried to flag me down. I drove for a few seconds, pulling onto some side road and turning around. I knew that if they came back, I certainly didn't want to come out to find some damage to my car, let alone all of my packed items to be missing.
So, locking the doors behind me, I ran inside, and grabbed the only things I had taken with me--my wallet, purse, and cell phone and got in my car driving away. I made it to the part of Durham I love and know so well--the safe part of Durham and checked into a hotel where I'm now staying. The last time Tim and I stayed her the "clunk clunk" of the bed when he turned over made me think that someone had broken into our room and was tampering with the air conditioning. I've managed to luck out with a non-smoking room, and two beds. Not to mention a suitable shower, a coffee pot, a television that works, a microwave, and a refrigerator.
Still shaken up from the Budget experience, I noticed a man in a pick-up truck driving slowly around the hotel complex. Let's face it, I'm on the second floor and there's no way to go if this weirdo decided to pay me a visit. So I called the front desk and explained that a man in a red pick up was driving around.
"Okay, is there a problem?" the operator asked.
I explained that I was very shaken and the man was freaking me out. He had stopped on the pavement, unparked to stare at me as I looked at him from my room, and after a few more laps he parked and began to watch people.
A second call to the front desk yielded nmore results when I asked the security guard to get rid of the guy, silently threatening to call the police. To my knowledge, that truck has not been seen again since.
The drive turned out to go relatively smoothly. I had a first-time ever incidence with my EZ Pass that left me sitting stunned for a few moments, wondering if I was going to have a run-in with the police. I was lucky, and continued on with only a mere embarassment at the loud, obnoxious sound made by the terminal. My EZ Pass was on the dash, and I had already executed one run through on it, without incident. I'm not too excited to see the ticket that will probably inevitable reach my grandparents P.O. Box in the coming days.
However the most excitement of the day was reserved for around 10:30 p.m. last night. I showed up in a part of Durham I've never seen before. Now I consider myself to be full of class, but not particularly a classy person, and I had this place beat by 10 miles. I cautiously extradited myself from my car, and walked into the cheap office. I paid $40 for a night in a room that had stains on the chairs that I didn't want to know where they came from, a rug that looked like it had never seen a vacuum, a shower that appeared to be from the movie "Psycho" with it's mysterious shower head and gym locker room tile quality. I planned to remain in my clothes that I drove in, and per the advice of my grandmother, grab a night of sleep before heading to another hotel in the morning, in a more acceptable location. I do feel the need to point out that the television was missing buttons, and despite the remote, only worked by plugging/unplugging it. But the absolute best part of the room was all the all access to the real, live porno right above my head. You think I'm kidding. The only thing left to the imagination was the physical appearances of the people in question.
I had just laid down to try to get some sleep, and to cast off the notions that bugs may be roaming over me during the night. (When asked if I am a thrill-seeker, I nod emphatically--NO!). Something in my gut instinct told me to go move the car. It was still parked in front of the office, just a short ways down from The Bates Motel room. I went out, started the car, and began to back out when I see a large black woman, and a tall, albeit more slender man approaching me, waving frantically. I realized in a matter of seconds that a)I did not want a confrontation with this girl, and b)I didn't even have my cell phone.
I was hoping for some sort of rear-exit, and having no boundaries in my mind as to where I was, I had no clue how to get out. I managed to leave, driving by them only to turn around on the next street which was a "No Outlet". I passed them again as they started to walk down the sidewalk and she tried to flag me down. I drove for a few seconds, pulling onto some side road and turning around. I knew that if they came back, I certainly didn't want to come out to find some damage to my car, let alone all of my packed items to be missing.
So, locking the doors behind me, I ran inside, and grabbed the only things I had taken with me--my wallet, purse, and cell phone and got in my car driving away. I made it to the part of Durham I love and know so well--the safe part of Durham and checked into a hotel where I'm now staying. The last time Tim and I stayed her the "clunk clunk" of the bed when he turned over made me think that someone had broken into our room and was tampering with the air conditioning. I've managed to luck out with a non-smoking room, and two beds. Not to mention a suitable shower, a coffee pot, a television that works, a microwave, and a refrigerator.
Still shaken up from the Budget experience, I noticed a man in a pick-up truck driving slowly around the hotel complex. Let's face it, I'm on the second floor and there's no way to go if this weirdo decided to pay me a visit. So I called the front desk and explained that a man in a red pick up was driving around.
"Okay, is there a problem?" the operator asked.
I explained that I was very shaken and the man was freaking me out. He had stopped on the pavement, unparked to stare at me as I looked at him from my room, and after a few more laps he parked and began to watch people.
A second call to the front desk yielded nmore results when I asked the security guard to get rid of the guy, silently threatening to call the police. To my knowledge, that truck has not been seen again since.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Josh Blue-Last Comic Standing
While I'm busy packing check out this comic from the television show "Last Comic Standing". Not only is he funny, he also has cerebral palsy. Contrary to what some internet idiots may think, I'm not promoting making fun of people with disabilities. I think I may hold the title for "Shortest Relationships EVER with Disabled People" but more about that Later!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Playing Catcher
If faith is believing when common sense tells you not to, then people weren't kidding when they said they took a huge leap of faith. As my move date draws nearer (tomorrow-wow, how weird is it to say THAT?) and reality is still off in outerspace somewhere, despite all of the packed up boxes around me as I write, I'm reminded of an Ashton Kutcher interview I heard on the radio.
He talks about his new movie "What Happens in Vegas" and Vegas itself. And for those of you stuck on the idea that "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" Ashton enlightens you that, "the only thing staying in Vegas is your money".
But his comment about the craziest thing he's ever done was what really got me. He explained that he was that when he met Demi Moore he was 25, he had the number one movie in America, the number one show on television and the list goes on. She was 15 years older than him, divorced, and had three kids. WHAT? He explains that he didn't stop to think it through, otherwise he never would've taken the leap.
I am packed and ready to move 400 miles away from everything that is familiar to me for a gamle on love. Unlike the movies, if my life falls apart I will have to figure out what my next move is. And I hate to say it, but I'm impulsive and impatient, and while I've never played chess, I think I'd be a bad one.
On a more personal note, I can completely attest to the illogical Despite my obvious fears of the "deep end" I feel so loved that I know that even if I do fall, I have the best person there to catch me.
He talks about his new movie "What Happens in Vegas" and Vegas itself. And for those of you stuck on the idea that "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" Ashton enlightens you that, "the only thing staying in Vegas is your money".
But his comment about the craziest thing he's ever done was what really got me. He explained that he was that when he met Demi Moore he was 25, he had the number one movie in America, the number one show on television and the list goes on. She was 15 years older than him, divorced, and had three kids. WHAT? He explains that he didn't stop to think it through, otherwise he never would've taken the leap.
I am packed and ready to move 400 miles away from everything that is familiar to me for a gamle on love. Unlike the movies, if my life falls apart I will have to figure out what my next move is. And I hate to say it, but I'm impulsive and impatient, and while I've never played chess, I think I'd be a bad one.
On a more personal note, I can completely attest to the illogical Despite my obvious fears of the "deep end" I feel so loved that I know that even if I do fall, I have the best person there to catch me.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Facts of Life...
Tonight was my very first college graduation. Yes, I walked at my high school graduation but this was considerably more...distinguished.
I wish I could say I feel more accomplished. In reality though, the ceremony was long, the ground was squishy, and being caught in a downpour on the walk down did not do much for my hair. Pictures to follow soon, I'm certain.
Most of the speeches were the run of the mill. They were meant to be inspirational but came out sounding like "blah, blah, blah,". If this is the material that motivational speakers use, they should consider a new profession.
One of the speakers, Chris Matthews of MSNBC's "Hardball" had an excellent, albeit long-winded speech. In his infinite wisdom he offered the following advice:
1) Ask. As in ask for what you want. Whether it be college acceptance, a job, a loan to start a business etc. Don't say "no" for someone else by not asking. Let them say no. He explained that he met a senator in Texas whom said Politics were a lot like door-to-door sales. You need to go to 100 doors. Out of those 100 doors 9 people will invite you back for the sales pitch. (The wife/husband isn't home etc.) Out of those 9 people you will make 3 sales. Finding a job/loan/opportunity is the same way.
2) Get in the game. Chris Matthews used the analogy of meeting a basketball star, and he asked him, "How did you get into basketball?" The man replied, "How everyone got into basketball. I'd go down to the local basketball court, and stand on the sidelines while the older kids played. We'd bounce the ball back in when it went out of bounds. Eventually, one of the older kids would have to go home to supper, and someone would say "Hey punk, wanna play?"." That analogy is like life. Opportunities don't come looking for YOU, you have to be there. And it's not always like you start at the top either. Chris Matthews started as a security guard for the White House. Getting in the field (or the game) is the most important part. If you want to be a doctor go to Italy, go to Spain, go anywhere that will take you.
3) Listen. Chris didn't bring this up, but we all listen, we just don't hear. We need to really listen to people, to figure out their wants, their needs, and their motives.
The speech was enlightening. However I feel like I busted my ass for a piece of paper that doesn't mean anything to me except 4 more years of hard work. Oh what fun.
I wish I could say I feel more accomplished. In reality though, the ceremony was long, the ground was squishy, and being caught in a downpour on the walk down did not do much for my hair. Pictures to follow soon, I'm certain.
Most of the speeches were the run of the mill. They were meant to be inspirational but came out sounding like "blah, blah, blah,". If this is the material that motivational speakers use, they should consider a new profession.
One of the speakers, Chris Matthews of MSNBC's "Hardball" had an excellent, albeit long-winded speech. In his infinite wisdom he offered the following advice:
1) Ask. As in ask for what you want. Whether it be college acceptance, a job, a loan to start a business etc. Don't say "no" for someone else by not asking. Let them say no. He explained that he met a senator in Texas whom said Politics were a lot like door-to-door sales. You need to go to 100 doors. Out of those 100 doors 9 people will invite you back for the sales pitch. (The wife/husband isn't home etc.) Out of those 9 people you will make 3 sales. Finding a job/loan/opportunity is the same way.
2) Get in the game. Chris Matthews used the analogy of meeting a basketball star, and he asked him, "How did you get into basketball?" The man replied, "How everyone got into basketball. I'd go down to the local basketball court, and stand on the sidelines while the older kids played. We'd bounce the ball back in when it went out of bounds. Eventually, one of the older kids would have to go home to supper, and someone would say "Hey punk, wanna play?"." That analogy is like life. Opportunities don't come looking for YOU, you have to be there. And it's not always like you start at the top either. Chris Matthews started as a security guard for the White House. Getting in the field (or the game) is the most important part. If you want to be a doctor go to Italy, go to Spain, go anywhere that will take you.
3) Listen. Chris didn't bring this up, but we all listen, we just don't hear. We need to really listen to people, to figure out their wants, their needs, and their motives.
The speech was enlightening. However I feel like I busted my ass for a piece of paper that doesn't mean anything to me except 4 more years of hard work. Oh what fun.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Because I no longer work there...
I received an interesting phone call today from someone I haven't talked to in quite a bit.
I met Bekki when I worked for a Property Management Company in PA circa January-October 2007. She was the lifeguard, and showed up wearing a very obvious cleavage-bearing shirt for her re-hire interview. Thank goodness first impressions aren't only impressions as she turned out to be a pretty awesome person. Going out with her was difficult as she tended to attract all the attention. If we were still tight, I'd have to say I'd need to find uglier friends.
Her phone call wasn't of a social order though. She called to ask why I had left the company. I explained that I wasn't happy in my situation, and I left out the part where my entire mouth was housing ulcers and fever blisters which did nothing to aid to my physical attractiveness.
She explained that she was having problems with our boss, that she had constant complaints about Bekki--that the Board of Directors decided not to have her lifeguard this summer since she was working in the office, and one of the lifeguards blew up the pump, somehow making that HER fault. There were issues with the time spent on the phones, and of course our boss's attendance--which is a problem when she needs to sign everything and/or wants to see everything. How she deals with the boredom, I'll never know.
She inquired as to whether problems with the boss ever factored into my decision to leave, or whether I was truly unhappy and that was why I had left. I said, without hesitation, "Absolutely".
The truth was that I was in constant contact with my cousin at the Main Office, trying to find resolutions. Bekki has the balls that I don't have--to confront Joni about her attitude, and her short-comings. But still things aren't getting better.
If I had the mind-set to mind my own business I might not be considering sending a letter or phoning the President of the company.
I met Bekki when I worked for a Property Management Company in PA circa January-October 2007. She was the lifeguard, and showed up wearing a very obvious cleavage-bearing shirt for her re-hire interview. Thank goodness first impressions aren't only impressions as she turned out to be a pretty awesome person. Going out with her was difficult as she tended to attract all the attention. If we were still tight, I'd have to say I'd need to find uglier friends.
Her phone call wasn't of a social order though. She called to ask why I had left the company. I explained that I wasn't happy in my situation, and I left out the part where my entire mouth was housing ulcers and fever blisters which did nothing to aid to my physical attractiveness.
She explained that she was having problems with our boss, that she had constant complaints about Bekki--that the Board of Directors decided not to have her lifeguard this summer since she was working in the office, and one of the lifeguards blew up the pump, somehow making that HER fault. There were issues with the time spent on the phones, and of course our boss's attendance--which is a problem when she needs to sign everything and/or wants to see everything. How she deals with the boredom, I'll never know.
She inquired as to whether problems with the boss ever factored into my decision to leave, or whether I was truly unhappy and that was why I had left. I said, without hesitation, "Absolutely".
The truth was that I was in constant contact with my cousin at the Main Office, trying to find resolutions. Bekki has the balls that I don't have--to confront Joni about her attitude, and her short-comings. But still things aren't getting better.
If I had the mind-set to mind my own business I might not be considering sending a letter or phoning the President of the company.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Pre-Conceived Notions
I know I told the entire internet (if you frequent my Myspace page anyways) that the move date was going to be Friday. That turned out to not be true when Amanda, the girl whom was supposed to be moving back to Rhode Island decided she couldn't move our until the week after I was supposed to start my job, only to turn around and leave me finding my own place to live. Now the move date has been officially moved to Sunday, with me and my new love, my Sebring, heading down the lonesome road. To live in a hotel, for a week.
In the meantime, I've been steadily packing, and tossing things that I don't feel have the same sentimental value they used to. I have also:
1) Confirmed that I do indeed, and will continue to still have a job when I get down there
2) Bought Renter's Insurance
3) Looked into short-term health care
4) Looked into buying furniture
5) Considered paint variations
And so much more. I don't think the reality that I'm moving, 400 miles away on a whim has really hit me yet. Nor will it until I'm RIGHT there. The final day of work is Friday, so we'll see how that goes! More updates as interesting news becomes available!
In the meantime, I've been steadily packing, and tossing things that I don't feel have the same sentimental value they used to. I have also:
1) Confirmed that I do indeed, and will continue to still have a job when I get down there
2) Bought Renter's Insurance
3) Looked into short-term health care
4) Looked into buying furniture
5) Considered paint variations
And so much more. I don't think the reality that I'm moving, 400 miles away on a whim has really hit me yet. Nor will it until I'm RIGHT there. The final day of work is Friday, so we'll see how that goes! More updates as interesting news becomes available!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Speechless
In my post-drinking haze it occurred to me that when Chris called me, I should have known better than to pick up the phone. It's like drunk dialing: you don't do it to the people you love. (And/or wish to still talk to).
It was frustrating enough that I was sitting ontop of the mall parking lot behind two others cars (the girls from work), having no clue what was going on because a phone was plastered to my ear.
It was further frustrating, but yet somewhat comical when Brittany rolled down the windows of her BMW and flashed me her classic smile indicating that I should simply hang up. Her justification? I was out with the girls.
It left me speechless when Reagan rolled down her window, while I'm still on the phone, still on the top of the parking garage, still not having a clue as to what is going on and asks me if I've ever muff dove. Aside from the obvious no, what kind of sarcastic remark could I even remotely make to counter THAT?
So along the lines somewhere when I told Chris about my new car, and the cost of it his reply of "That's not a lot of money," didn't sit well with me. And if I hadn't experienced a few drinks to remove that little repressor that tells my mouth not to say things my head thinks, I probably wouldn't have snapped...at him.
I've since apologized, and things seem to be okay. One thing is for certain though, when I'm out with the girls, I'm not answering the phone!
It was frustrating enough that I was sitting ontop of the mall parking lot behind two others cars (the girls from work), having no clue what was going on because a phone was plastered to my ear.
It was further frustrating, but yet somewhat comical when Brittany rolled down the windows of her BMW and flashed me her classic smile indicating that I should simply hang up. Her justification? I was out with the girls.
It left me speechless when Reagan rolled down her window, while I'm still on the phone, still on the top of the parking garage, still not having a clue as to what is going on and asks me if I've ever muff dove. Aside from the obvious no, what kind of sarcastic remark could I even remotely make to counter THAT?
So along the lines somewhere when I told Chris about my new car, and the cost of it his reply of "That's not a lot of money," didn't sit well with me. And if I hadn't experienced a few drinks to remove that little repressor that tells my mouth not to say things my head thinks, I probably wouldn't have snapped...at him.
I've since apologized, and things seem to be okay. One thing is for certain though, when I'm out with the girls, I'm not answering the phone!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
"For the record, I'm not putting out"
"Hey, do you have a date Friday night?" was how it all got started. She asked me on the playground ("she" being married, and myself being in a relationship both with the opposite sex).
Confused, I shook my head wondering if all the blonde had gone to her head. Chris is in North Carolina I felt myself say.
"Good," she replied. "Then you can be my date. But for the record, I'm not putting out."
So it was no surprise when 6:00 rolled around and the girls of my current place of employment found themselves squished in a booth downing fruity, frozen drinks at Chile's. (For those of you not familiar with the restaurant chain, they serve more than varying degrees of Chili).
Nor should it have been a surprise when our worst horror stories were revealed. My most infamous moment was when we went around the table confessing our bra size. as it became my turn to divulge, the waiter approached with our drinks only to find out that I'm a 36 DD.
Nor should the girls have been surprised when we found ourselves all rolling out in our respective cars over to the mall roof top to see if Alicia's boyfriend's car had indeed been stolen. Really it was more of a chance to see him up close and personal, and when that opportunity failed to present itself, we headed to Champ's instead.
Confused, I shook my head wondering if all the blonde had gone to her head. Chris is in North Carolina I felt myself say.
"Good," she replied. "Then you can be my date. But for the record, I'm not putting out."
So it was no surprise when 6:00 rolled around and the girls of my current place of employment found themselves squished in a booth downing fruity, frozen drinks at Chile's. (For those of you not familiar with the restaurant chain, they serve more than varying degrees of Chili).
Nor should it have been a surprise when our worst horror stories were revealed. My most infamous moment was when we went around the table confessing our bra size. as it became my turn to divulge, the waiter approached with our drinks only to find out that I'm a 36 DD.
Nor should the girls have been surprised when we found ourselves all rolling out in our respective cars over to the mall roof top to see if Alicia's boyfriend's car had indeed been stolen. Really it was more of a chance to see him up close and personal, and when that opportunity failed to present itself, we headed to Champ's instead.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Psst
"psst"
I stopped reading my book, taking pause for a moment to reflect that in the entire 7 months that I've worked for my current company, and shared a suite with Christina she has never "psst"ed me. So when it happened again, I had to peek over sleeping children.
Suddenly a deflated paper airplane flew onto my side. It read:
Where do you want to go tonight? "I don't care" isn't an answer nor the name of a restaurant. :) It then listed places around the area before saying, choices not limited to above. What time too?
Your neighbor.
Attached to the deflated excuse for a paper airplane was sky-high legs, and blonde hair. The girl you want to hate for her good looks, but can't because she's so awesome.
I stopped reading my book, taking pause for a moment to reflect that in the entire 7 months that I've worked for my current company, and shared a suite with Christina she has never "psst"ed me. So when it happened again, I had to peek over sleeping children.
Suddenly a deflated paper airplane flew onto my side. It read:
Where do you want to go tonight? "I don't care" isn't an answer nor the name of a restaurant. :) It then listed places around the area before saying, choices not limited to above. What time too?
Your neighbor.
Attached to the deflated excuse for a paper airplane was sky-high legs, and blonde hair. The girl you want to hate for her good looks, but can't because she's so awesome.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
He Doesn't Know His Country Artists
Guaranteed if Tim is home two things are going to happen. The first is that a penis will be drawn on my whiteboard.
The second is that through the paper thin walls of our two adjoining bedrooms (albeit with no doors in between) you can hear him trying not to crack up as he does his worst impression of this idiot singing Sammy Kershaw's "She Don't Know She's Beautiful". Check it out.
The second is that through the paper thin walls of our two adjoining bedrooms (albeit with no doors in between) you can hear him trying not to crack up as he does his worst impression of this idiot singing Sammy Kershaw's "She Don't Know She's Beautiful". Check it out.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Mother's Day and Rules
Apparently in PA there's a hot new hangout that's not the 7-11 (where kids hung out when I was in high school), or Wawa, a local convenience store with the best coffee. (The south really doesn't know what it's missing).
But the place in question really isn't the most interesting part. My Mother's Day was. Now, I'm not a mother, and I'm getting ready to move 400 miles away from mine in the hopes that her drama will be less effective. I didn't come back from my trip early to celebrate Mother's Day. I came back early to spare me the extra rental car cost, and to work on two papers (the library in NC is closed on Sundays) and mostly because Chris was out of visits. So what was the point in staying? There was plotting to do that could be done for a lot less money.
I'm low maintenance, my mother is...barely hanging on. All she wanted for Mother's Day was a whopper. So Tim and I drove out to Burger King, purchased Whopper meals for both of us, and our mother on our tab, and for our grandparents on theirs. We dropped their food off after deciding that it WAS Mother's Day and we SHOULD eat with our mother.
When we got inside we found our stepfather to have removed himself from bed. Of course in the midst of hungrily doling out food, I lost my appetite when she said, "You couldn't get one for Bruce?"
My intial reaction was anger. "It's Mother's Day!" I said. In all fairness my method of thinking was that all she wanted was a Whopper. Our buying whoppers were irrelevant since we didn't plan to eat with her anyways.
She didn't make the situation better when she said, "It's okay he's going to eat a bacon sandwich. I told him to call you and ask you to pick him up one."
Tim checked his phone for missed calls. Judging by the look on his face, there were none. But she continued, "We should've have gone to Burger King, the three of us."
We had met that morning at our grandparents house (and my current place of residence), why couldn't something have been arranged then?
Seeing our visible distress at how badly this make-believe holiday was going she said, "Fine, I will never ask for anything again,". That made things so much better.
I was very upset at this point, having been home less than 24 hours, and wreaking havoc for not thinking in the way that my mother did: You always bring enough for everyone.
In my defense, if I had brought her a present, should I bring presents for everyone on a designated holiday that is not Christmas?
Tim and I walked out, leaving the food to sit there.
She called a short-time later to say that, "I have always raised you to bring enough food for everyone. You can come get your shit and get out, and I am no longer your mother."
When we had calmed down enough to eat, we headed to Burger King, where I ordered, but Tim did not, and later asked me to lie about it!
While we were there, we noticed a throng of teenagers piling into the Burger King for their all new set-up of a bar with a series of computers on it.
Now the question remains that since I've always been taught that if you use a restaurant bathroom, you buy something, does the same rule apply if you just show up to use the computer?
But the place in question really isn't the most interesting part. My Mother's Day was. Now, I'm not a mother, and I'm getting ready to move 400 miles away from mine in the hopes that her drama will be less effective. I didn't come back from my trip early to celebrate Mother's Day. I came back early to spare me the extra rental car cost, and to work on two papers (the library in NC is closed on Sundays) and mostly because Chris was out of visits. So what was the point in staying? There was plotting to do that could be done for a lot less money.
I'm low maintenance, my mother is...barely hanging on. All she wanted for Mother's Day was a whopper. So Tim and I drove out to Burger King, purchased Whopper meals for both of us, and our mother on our tab, and for our grandparents on theirs. We dropped their food off after deciding that it WAS Mother's Day and we SHOULD eat with our mother.
When we got inside we found our stepfather to have removed himself from bed. Of course in the midst of hungrily doling out food, I lost my appetite when she said, "You couldn't get one for Bruce?"
My intial reaction was anger. "It's Mother's Day!" I said. In all fairness my method of thinking was that all she wanted was a Whopper. Our buying whoppers were irrelevant since we didn't plan to eat with her anyways.
She didn't make the situation better when she said, "It's okay he's going to eat a bacon sandwich. I told him to call you and ask you to pick him up one."
Tim checked his phone for missed calls. Judging by the look on his face, there were none. But she continued, "We should've have gone to Burger King, the three of us."
We had met that morning at our grandparents house (and my current place of residence), why couldn't something have been arranged then?
Seeing our visible distress at how badly this make-believe holiday was going she said, "Fine, I will never ask for anything again,". That made things so much better.
I was very upset at this point, having been home less than 24 hours, and wreaking havoc for not thinking in the way that my mother did: You always bring enough for everyone.
In my defense, if I had brought her a present, should I bring presents for everyone on a designated holiday that is not Christmas?
Tim and I walked out, leaving the food to sit there.
She called a short-time later to say that, "I have always raised you to bring enough food for everyone. You can come get your shit and get out, and I am no longer your mother."
When we had calmed down enough to eat, we headed to Burger King, where I ordered, but Tim did not, and later asked me to lie about it!
While we were there, we noticed a throng of teenagers piling into the Burger King for their all new set-up of a bar with a series of computers on it.
Now the question remains that since I've always been taught that if you use a restaurant bathroom, you buy something, does the same rule apply if you just show up to use the computer?
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
My Place
The roommate situation is always a tricky one, and I've by far met some interesting people in my travels down to NC.
The first guy I met was Jay, 35, male, and lives alone. He was looking for a roommate for his suburbia townhouse. He seemed alright, but the rooms were the size of two small bathrooms. If the wall between them had been knocked down, it would be an entirely different story.
The second set of people I met was Kate and her roommate that's moving out, Sarah. The place was nice--kind of like the condominium complex I worked at before--but nicer. It had a pool, a community room, a small workout area, and a nice size bedroom. I'd be living with Kate, and RC whom was MIA kind-of. (His whereabouts were somewhat known). The problem with that place was that Sarah kept changing her mind as to when she would be available to move out. When I last checked it would be July 1.
The most exciting potential roommates I met were Scott and Jacob. I met Scott at his "wow this looks like it could be a storefront" home in Raleigh. He showed me around, and the bedroom was decent sized with no closet. (I was prepared for that). It had a private bath, and laundry facilities were next to the bathroom. (Consequently the boys would have to walk through my bathroom to get to the washer/dryer). The best part was that the kitchen/living room area was on the second floor of the house. Granted, if anyone ever broke in, I'd probably regret being on the first floor anyhow. Once the tour was over, Scott and I carpooled to the local Uno's, which had an excellent bartender named JC by the way, and we met up with Jacob. Both of the guys were really cool, and had only one condition: that I go camping with them if I became their roomie. I told them they had to kill all the bugs for me, which was a no deal much to my disappointment. ;)
The third and final set of roommates I met lived in Cary. There were three girls, one due to move back to Rhode Island for "personal reasons". When I first met her and checked out the house, I absolutely fell in love with the place. It was then that she told me that "Memorial Day weekend would be perfect," for me to move in. I arranged to meet the other girls as well the next night, and despite getting all turned around, and lost, I made it to meet them. They seemed to be an alright bunch, but young. My primary concern was the lack of testosterone and the seemingly brewing fights that always seems to happen as a result.
When I was back in PA, Amanda told me that she couldn't move out Memorial Day weekend, so it was going to be the following weekend. Hello, living in a hotel room for a week. The very next day she tells me that she cannot move out that weekend, and won't know when she can move out. I told her that was fine, wished her luck and told her I was withdrawling my interest in moving in. After all, I have a job to tend to.
Thankfully, I had called the apartment complex I had sent an application to and got approved. All that stands between me and my lease is proof of income. Move-in date is scheduled for May 30th. And the more I think about it, the more I kind of like the idea of getting my own place.
The first guy I met was Jay, 35, male, and lives alone. He was looking for a roommate for his suburbia townhouse. He seemed alright, but the rooms were the size of two small bathrooms. If the wall between them had been knocked down, it would be an entirely different story.
The second set of people I met was Kate and her roommate that's moving out, Sarah. The place was nice--kind of like the condominium complex I worked at before--but nicer. It had a pool, a community room, a small workout area, and a nice size bedroom. I'd be living with Kate, and RC whom was MIA kind-of. (His whereabouts were somewhat known). The problem with that place was that Sarah kept changing her mind as to when she would be available to move out. When I last checked it would be July 1.
The most exciting potential roommates I met were Scott and Jacob. I met Scott at his "wow this looks like it could be a storefront" home in Raleigh. He showed me around, and the bedroom was decent sized with no closet. (I was prepared for that). It had a private bath, and laundry facilities were next to the bathroom. (Consequently the boys would have to walk through my bathroom to get to the washer/dryer). The best part was that the kitchen/living room area was on the second floor of the house. Granted, if anyone ever broke in, I'd probably regret being on the first floor anyhow. Once the tour was over, Scott and I carpooled to the local Uno's, which had an excellent bartender named JC by the way, and we met up with Jacob. Both of the guys were really cool, and had only one condition: that I go camping with them if I became their roomie. I told them they had to kill all the bugs for me, which was a no deal much to my disappointment. ;)
The third and final set of roommates I met lived in Cary. There were three girls, one due to move back to Rhode Island for "personal reasons". When I first met her and checked out the house, I absolutely fell in love with the place. It was then that she told me that "Memorial Day weekend would be perfect," for me to move in. I arranged to meet the other girls as well the next night, and despite getting all turned around, and lost, I made it to meet them. They seemed to be an alright bunch, but young. My primary concern was the lack of testosterone and the seemingly brewing fights that always seems to happen as a result.
When I was back in PA, Amanda told me that she couldn't move out Memorial Day weekend, so it was going to be the following weekend. Hello, living in a hotel room for a week. The very next day she tells me that she cannot move out that weekend, and won't know when she can move out. I told her that was fine, wished her luck and told her I was withdrawling my interest in moving in. After all, I have a job to tend to.
Thankfully, I had called the apartment complex I had sent an application to and got approved. All that stands between me and my lease is proof of income. Move-in date is scheduled for May 30th. And the more I think about it, the more I kind of like the idea of getting my own place.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Movin' Date
So the move-in date is official: it's going to be May 30th. The problem that comes to mind is that I start my job the 27th. So next Friday I'll be packing up my 23 years of life and moving to NC, with any luck not to return for longer than a visit.
While I'm waiting for my very own, very first apartment to be ready, I'll be staying in a hotel, hopefully this time of the non-smoking variety. The Red Roof Inn is cutting a week-long deal with me, which is pretty sweet.
I've spent weeks obsessing about, and meeting with roommates, only to get no answer to my questions of interest, or worse a deal to be made, only to get revised before ultimately ripped away. But more of those details in the next couple of days.
I'm hoping North Carolina will provide me with a lot of things, and nothing short of blog-worthy material!
While I'm waiting for my very own, very first apartment to be ready, I'll be staying in a hotel, hopefully this time of the non-smoking variety. The Red Roof Inn is cutting a week-long deal with me, which is pretty sweet.
I've spent weeks obsessing about, and meeting with roommates, only to get no answer to my questions of interest, or worse a deal to be made, only to get revised before ultimately ripped away. But more of those details in the next couple of days.
I'm hoping North Carolina will provide me with a lot of things, and nothing short of blog-worthy material!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Meeting Tori
When I got out of the nail salon with only one finger's nail polish not completely in tact, my phone rang. Much to my surprise it was Chris's mom.
She and I talked for a while--about the medications she was on, and the like, and made arrangements to meet for lunch when all of a sudden she goes, "Oh shit. Here's Torri, I've gotta go."
Torri is Amber's (Chris's daughter) mother. Apparently up until now she hasn't know about Chris and myself (some 7 months into our relationship), and Janet, Chris's mom figured that her overhearing our conversation was not a good way to bring up the subject.
I hadn't even made it back to my hotel when Janet was ringing me again. As soon as she said my name, I knew what she was going to say. She said, "Torri just informed me that she's been lying, and she hasn't been going to work. She lost her job. And she wants to come to lunch. I just wanted to make sure it was okay with you."
Of course it's not okay with me! But I want to see Amber, and spend some time with her, so I tell Janet that it's going to be awkward, but that Torri can come. Her reply was, "Well did you think if you stayed with Chris you wouldn't have met her?" I expected to meet her in the distant, distant future.
Long story short Janet and Tyler (her other granddaughter) picked me up at my hotel and we all went to lunch.
Dramatic does not begin to describe the events that unfolded. Basically Torri was a bitch the entire time, and did anything she could to prove that she knew Chris, or his family better than I did. Luckily for me, she left before the food was even served and I was able to spend some quality time with Amber (whom later randomly informed her dad that she liked me), and to talk to Chris's mom.
By far though the comic relief was 1 year old Tyler whom knew that a dog didn't say "Honk, Honk", but would crack up laughing, leaving all the adults in a fit of hysterics anyway.
Hopefully meeting Torri will lead to me being able to take Amber to see Chris without incident, but I'm doubtful it will involve less than extortion. Still, I'm glad that's over!
She and I talked for a while--about the medications she was on, and the like, and made arrangements to meet for lunch when all of a sudden she goes, "Oh shit. Here's Torri, I've gotta go."
Torri is Amber's (Chris's daughter) mother. Apparently up until now she hasn't know about Chris and myself (some 7 months into our relationship), and Janet, Chris's mom figured that her overhearing our conversation was not a good way to bring up the subject.
I hadn't even made it back to my hotel when Janet was ringing me again. As soon as she said my name, I knew what she was going to say. She said, "Torri just informed me that she's been lying, and she hasn't been going to work. She lost her job. And she wants to come to lunch. I just wanted to make sure it was okay with you."
Of course it's not okay with me! But I want to see Amber, and spend some time with her, so I tell Janet that it's going to be awkward, but that Torri can come. Her reply was, "Well did you think if you stayed with Chris you wouldn't have met her?" I expected to meet her in the distant, distant future.
Long story short Janet and Tyler (her other granddaughter) picked me up at my hotel and we all went to lunch.
Dramatic does not begin to describe the events that unfolded. Basically Torri was a bitch the entire time, and did anything she could to prove that she knew Chris, or his family better than I did. Luckily for me, she left before the food was even served and I was able to spend some quality time with Amber (whom later randomly informed her dad that she liked me), and to talk to Chris's mom.
By far though the comic relief was 1 year old Tyler whom knew that a dog didn't say "Honk, Honk", but would crack up laughing, leaving all the adults in a fit of hysterics anyway.
Hopefully meeting Torri will lead to me being able to take Amber to see Chris without incident, but I'm doubtful it will involve less than extortion. Still, I'm glad that's over!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Vacation: Day 1
Today was a day full of surprises, from start to finish. It all began with a 3:00 a.m. wake up call....which really turned into a 3:45 rolling out of bed to get ready for my day/finishing packing/leave for the airport day. My mother picked me up for the airport at 4:00 a.m.
I got into Raleigh around 7:30 a.m. and immediately headed to my hotel, which is in a completely different city than I normally stay in. At this point I have realized that I have no phone charger, and I have no way of connecting to the internet to find a Verizon store. It's 8:30 a.m. and Circuit City, across the street from my hotel, is advertising Verizon Wireless, but they don't open till 10 a.m. So I'm off to explore the surrounding shopping centers. No such luck there. I phone Chris's mom, Janet, to ask her about a Verizon store, only to find she's still rising from the oral pain relief medications prescribed from her surgery. She asks me to call her back at 11:00 a.m.
One ring to the owner of Edwards Mill Bar and Grill yields no results, so I head to my hotel and decide to check in early. Thankfully that went off without a hitch--minus the fact that I'm staying in a smoking room. I have to say opening the door to smell the wonderful scent of smoke wafting out at me is almost too much excitement to bear.
Once I checked in, I headed over to the Verizon Wireless store, and purchase a charger. Another call to EMB&G still yields no results so I head over to a local nail salon to get my nails done.
Ooops I'm short on time. The rest of the story later!
I got into Raleigh around 7:30 a.m. and immediately headed to my hotel, which is in a completely different city than I normally stay in. At this point I have realized that I have no phone charger, and I have no way of connecting to the internet to find a Verizon store. It's 8:30 a.m. and Circuit City, across the street from my hotel, is advertising Verizon Wireless, but they don't open till 10 a.m. So I'm off to explore the surrounding shopping centers. No such luck there. I phone Chris's mom, Janet, to ask her about a Verizon store, only to find she's still rising from the oral pain relief medications prescribed from her surgery. She asks me to call her back at 11:00 a.m.
One ring to the owner of Edwards Mill Bar and Grill yields no results, so I head to my hotel and decide to check in early. Thankfully that went off without a hitch--minus the fact that I'm staying in a smoking room. I have to say opening the door to smell the wonderful scent of smoke wafting out at me is almost too much excitement to bear.
Once I checked in, I headed over to the Verizon Wireless store, and purchase a charger. Another call to EMB&G still yields no results so I head over to a local nail salon to get my nails done.
Ooops I'm short on time. The rest of the story later!
Friday, May 2, 2008
The drinkin' bone
There's a country song that's chorus goes,
"The drinking bone's connected to the party bone
The party bone's connected to the stayin' out all night long
And she won't think it's funny, and I'll wind up all alone
And the lonely bone's connected to the drinkin' bone"
I've realized that I have been drinking a lot this week- like every night. Tonight I stayed late at work to wait on some pictures of the kids to print, pictures that I later discovered were too big, and will inevitably just have to be scanned back into the computer to be workable.
When I headed out, Christina, one of the other teachers called out to me, "Cheryl, what are you doing?"
Of the literal thinking people, I thought she meant right then. "Oh," I stammered. "I'm not doing anything."
"Do you want to grab a drink?"
Like anyone has to ask me twice. We hit a local restaurant called Max and Erma's (on second thought I think they are a chain, but they're the only Max and Erma's I've ever encountered) only to find no room at their bar, so we headed to Applebee's instead.
There we had fishbowl glasses of margaritas, and enough food to fill our bellies, but not enough to counteract the alcohol and the honesty that it produced.
We talked about relationships. She told me, as she's had before, about her own real life "J" and I explained to her that regardless of the red flags, and what other people tell her, that it's not over till it's over. And when it is over, if the feelings for the person are legitimate then nothing changes that.
We talked about her habitual lying. She told me she inadvertently lies about things like "what she ate for breakfast". When I asked her why, she told me it's not a conscious thing, it started in high school with the need to fit in, and now it's become a habit. The lie slips out of her lips before the truth can.
I explained that I'm a bad liar--I forget whom I've told things to, which is probably why the truth slips out of my lips before a lie has a chance to form. Guaranteed, if I'm lying, it takes me a while to determine if that particular lie is believable.
The food was good. The conversation was better, but I've decided that if my drinking "habit" continues on the path it's on, I'd have a good chance of opening my own bar (or liquor store) for the debt I'm going to accumulate.
"The drinking bone's connected to the party bone
The party bone's connected to the stayin' out all night long
And she won't think it's funny, and I'll wind up all alone
And the lonely bone's connected to the drinkin' bone"
I've realized that I have been drinking a lot this week- like every night. Tonight I stayed late at work to wait on some pictures of the kids to print, pictures that I later discovered were too big, and will inevitably just have to be scanned back into the computer to be workable.
When I headed out, Christina, one of the other teachers called out to me, "Cheryl, what are you doing?"
Of the literal thinking people, I thought she meant right then. "Oh," I stammered. "I'm not doing anything."
"Do you want to grab a drink?"
Like anyone has to ask me twice. We hit a local restaurant called Max and Erma's (on second thought I think they are a chain, but they're the only Max and Erma's I've ever encountered) only to find no room at their bar, so we headed to Applebee's instead.
There we had fishbowl glasses of margaritas, and enough food to fill our bellies, but not enough to counteract the alcohol and the honesty that it produced.
We talked about relationships. She told me, as she's had before, about her own real life "J" and I explained to her that regardless of the red flags, and what other people tell her, that it's not over till it's over. And when it is over, if the feelings for the person are legitimate then nothing changes that.
We talked about her habitual lying. She told me she inadvertently lies about things like "what she ate for breakfast". When I asked her why, she told me it's not a conscious thing, it started in high school with the need to fit in, and now it's become a habit. The lie slips out of her lips before the truth can.
I explained that I'm a bad liar--I forget whom I've told things to, which is probably why the truth slips out of my lips before a lie has a chance to form. Guaranteed, if I'm lying, it takes me a while to determine if that particular lie is believable.
The food was good. The conversation was better, but I've decided that if my drinking "habit" continues on the path it's on, I'd have a good chance of opening my own bar (or liquor store) for the debt I'm going to accumulate.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
We laughed until I cried...
May is the officially one-year month (if one has ever heard of such a thing) for my blog. Unfortunately for the readers (or fortunately as it makes for good blogging material) my one-month-year anniversary was not a very pleasant one.
For one thing, the kids were all awake from their naps by 2:20 (they usually sleep till 3 or better). One toddler off their beds is enough to keep tract of. 7 is way too many. Add to this stress of school, other work stress, and trying to move, and I was at wits end.
Thank the heavens, something made my boss come in (probably to check on her daughter when she tends to do all to frequently--I'm convinced it's justto mess up the smoothness of my day) and she asked me if I was okay. I'm not normally one to fall apart (in the confines of work, or in front of people I don't know very well and/or trust) but the stress and the workload is really getting to me. Her exact words to me were, "You're scaring me."
Per the advice of Christina, a well-meaning Toddler teacher in my suite, I went into the bathroom with the tears running down my face before I even hit the door. As I cried my little heart out, pouring out months of exhaustion, and deadlines, and a demanding schedule, I sank to the floor. I cried, and I cried, and I cried.
To make matters worse, a pounding headache was a constant source of aggravation all day. On my way back to my room I popped two Tylenol to-gos (which I don't recommend as they taste like crap) and finished out my day.
I'm pleased to report that the evening ended on a much better note: mainly strawberries daquiried and full bellied. And a 94 on my test.
The best part of the evening that brought me out of my funk though was when my lab partner told me of her last patient of the day. She told me, "He was a nice kid. He was a good patient. But he licks cars." And we laughed until I cried. Because someone finally had it worse off than me.
For one thing, the kids were all awake from their naps by 2:20 (they usually sleep till 3 or better). One toddler off their beds is enough to keep tract of. 7 is way too many. Add to this stress of school, other work stress, and trying to move, and I was at wits end.
Thank the heavens, something made my boss come in (probably to check on her daughter when she tends to do all to frequently--I'm convinced it's justto mess up the smoothness of my day) and she asked me if I was okay. I'm not normally one to fall apart (in the confines of work, or in front of people I don't know very well and/or trust) but the stress and the workload is really getting to me. Her exact words to me were, "You're scaring me."
Per the advice of Christina, a well-meaning Toddler teacher in my suite, I went into the bathroom with the tears running down my face before I even hit the door. As I cried my little heart out, pouring out months of exhaustion, and deadlines, and a demanding schedule, I sank to the floor. I cried, and I cried, and I cried.
To make matters worse, a pounding headache was a constant source of aggravation all day. On my way back to my room I popped two Tylenol to-gos (which I don't recommend as they taste like crap) and finished out my day.
I'm pleased to report that the evening ended on a much better note: mainly strawberries daquiried and full bellied. And a 94 on my test.
The best part of the evening that brought me out of my funk though was when my lab partner told me of her last patient of the day. She told me, "He was a nice kid. He was a good patient. But he licks cars." And we laughed until I cried. Because someone finally had it worse off than me.
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