I love the seasons. Really. Each one has their merits.
Okay. Find. I'm lying. I HATE winter. Moving on.
I really enjoy fall. I think fall is one of the more interesting seasons because it's so drastically different from beginning to end.
It starts off really bright and kind of crisp. The sky is a gorgeous shade of blue, the leaves are beginning to turn, and the humidity and heat start to go away. Then it fades into fall: the deep colors on the trees, more clouds in the sky, and there might be frost. Once it gets into Novembers, it's an entirely different animal. It's grey - but there's still colors on the trees. Then there's that first November day, where it's grey, windy (oh, so very windy) and the contrast between the trees and the sky is awesome. It really is amazing to watch the sky change.
Very rarely is there several days of down pouring rain in September.
I know, I know. At least it's not snow.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
10 Years
I know we have all seen the specials and the articles and the footage of today, ten years ago. To be perfectly frank, I'm tired of seeing it.
So I'm not going to bore you here with my story. I can remember where I was when it happened. And how I felt days and moments after it happened. If I close my eyes I can take myself back there. What I remember most is wondering how we were going to get through tomorrow, let alone 10 years.
The stories from that day that I remember most are the ones of kindness. How everybody just wanted to help one another. And we held hands and put one foot in front of the other. Then one day had passed. Followed by a week. A month went by. Before you knew it, it had been a year. And now? It's been 10 years.
I don't think we should ignore what happened or forget it. But rehashing and revisiting that day isn't going to help anyone. After the crippling fear and overwhelming anger subsided what lasted was pride. Hope. Love.
Those are the very things that we should look back and reflect on. Those are the memories that we should hold onto strongly.
Those are the things that should be celebrated.
So I'm not going to bore you here with my story. I can remember where I was when it happened. And how I felt days and moments after it happened. If I close my eyes I can take myself back there. What I remember most is wondering how we were going to get through tomorrow, let alone 10 years.
The stories from that day that I remember most are the ones of kindness. How everybody just wanted to help one another. And we held hands and put one foot in front of the other. Then one day had passed. Followed by a week. A month went by. Before you knew it, it had been a year. And now? It's been 10 years.
I don't think we should ignore what happened or forget it. But rehashing and revisiting that day isn't going to help anyone. After the crippling fear and overwhelming anger subsided what lasted was pride. Hope. Love.
Those are the very things that we should look back and reflect on. Those are the memories that we should hold onto strongly.
Those are the things that should be celebrated.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Always Check The Lower Level
Sometimes there are moments in my life that I realize are perfectly good metaphors even if I don't intend them to be. Today was one of those examples.
In the town I work in, there was some fancy-schmancy car show. Which meant that there was ZERO parking in the garage behind the store.
Let me rephrase that: people assumed that there was ZERO parking in the garage. Because the upper two levels were all full.
I pulled in the garage and watched people frantically drive in circles looking for a spot. Or stalking some poor soul as they walked to put something back in their car.
When I got into work, my boss asked me if I had any trouble parking. "Of course not," I shrugged, "I parked in the lower level. Nobody ever parks there."
One of my coworkers walked in and apologized for being late because they couldn't find parking. They watched people circling and drove away to park waaaaaaay far away from the store.
I laughed to myself and realized that when you are watching other people go in circles or want to run the opposite direction, turn left. There's probably parking in the lower level.
In the town I work in, there was some fancy-schmancy car show. Which meant that there was ZERO parking in the garage behind the store.
Let me rephrase that: people assumed that there was ZERO parking in the garage. Because the upper two levels were all full.
I pulled in the garage and watched people frantically drive in circles looking for a spot. Or stalking some poor soul as they walked to put something back in their car.
When I got into work, my boss asked me if I had any trouble parking. "Of course not," I shrugged, "I parked in the lower level. Nobody ever parks there."
One of my coworkers walked in and apologized for being late because they couldn't find parking. They watched people circling and drove away to park waaaaaaay far away from the store.
I laughed to myself and realized that when you are watching other people go in circles or want to run the opposite direction, turn left. There's probably parking in the lower level.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Stories from the Front Lines of Retail: How You Can Irritate Me Immediately
So, it's a busy day at work a couple days ago. I'm out in the front of the store and the phone rings. Naturally, I answer it.
"Store Where I Work, this is Amanda. How may I help you?"
"Yes, I just have a simple question. Do you have sweet paprika?" Now, I should have had a clue here that this was not going to be "simple". Nobody prefaces a simple question with saying it's simple.
"Yes. I have Hungarian sweet, California sweet, and Spanish smoked sweet."
"How much is it?"
"Well, that depends on how much you get."
"I want about a cup's worth."
"Alright, that will be about $8."
"Okay. Is it cheaper if I don't get in the jar?"
"Yeah, I can put it in a plastic bag. It'll be $1.75 less."
"But you don't have a bag I can put it in?"
For a brief second I pull the phone away from ear and look at the phone, blinking. "Well, I can put it in a jar but, as I said, that is more expensive."
"I understand that. So you can't put it in a bag."
"I can, it's a plastic bag." Maybe you can see where this is headed. I couldn't. I was purely confused.
Exasperated sigh from her, "I heard you. So there's no bag."
I bite my tongue to avoid screaming, "I have a glass jar or a plastic bag. It zips closed and is plastic. They come in various sizes."
"Honey, that's called a baggie. Say it with me: baggie."
"As I said I can put it in a bag-"
"Baggie."
"Bag. Or a glass jar."
Loud, unnecessary sigh, "I'm trying to avoid plastic."
"I have the glass jar-"
"You don't have a paper bag to but it in."
"Not that's food grade, no."
"What if I bring in my own container?"
"Unfortunately, I can't fill something that came from outside the store. Health department regulations."
Another LOUD sigh, "You don't even have a paper cup?"
"Not that's going to hold a cup's worth. I have Dixie cups."
HUUUUUUUUUUUGE sigh, "FINE. I'm just going to have to think this through and contemplate my options since you are so unwilling to help me. Is there a manager there I can speak to?"
"Actually, ma'am, I am the manager here."
Long pause. "Well, I'm still going to have to think this through."
And she hung up.
"Store Where I Work, this is Amanda. How may I help you?"
"Yes, I just have a simple question. Do you have sweet paprika?" Now, I should have had a clue here that this was not going to be "simple". Nobody prefaces a simple question with saying it's simple.
"Yes. I have Hungarian sweet, California sweet, and Spanish smoked sweet."
"How much is it?"
"Well, that depends on how much you get."
"I want about a cup's worth."
"Alright, that will be about $8."
"Okay. Is it cheaper if I don't get in the jar?"
"Yeah, I can put it in a plastic bag. It'll be $1.75 less."
"But you don't have a bag I can put it in?"
For a brief second I pull the phone away from ear and look at the phone, blinking. "Well, I can put it in a jar but, as I said, that is more expensive."
"I understand that. So you can't put it in a bag."
"I can, it's a plastic bag." Maybe you can see where this is headed. I couldn't. I was purely confused.
Exasperated sigh from her, "I heard you. So there's no bag."
I bite my tongue to avoid screaming, "I have a glass jar or a plastic bag. It zips closed and is plastic. They come in various sizes."
"Honey, that's called a baggie. Say it with me: baggie."
"As I said I can put it in a bag-"
"Baggie."
"Bag. Or a glass jar."
Loud, unnecessary sigh, "I'm trying to avoid plastic."
"I have the glass jar-"
"You don't have a paper bag to but it in."
"Not that's food grade, no."
"What if I bring in my own container?"
"Unfortunately, I can't fill something that came from outside the store. Health department regulations."
Another LOUD sigh, "You don't even have a paper cup?"
"Not that's going to hold a cup's worth. I have Dixie cups."
HUUUUUUUUUUUGE sigh, "FINE. I'm just going to have to think this through and contemplate my options since you are so unwilling to help me. Is there a manager there I can speak to?"
"Actually, ma'am, I am the manager here."
Long pause. "Well, I'm still going to have to think this through."
And she hung up.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Things Not To Do At Movie Theaters
Apparently, we need a refresher on how to behave when watching a movie in public.
Folks - it's not the same as when you're at home, okay?
1) Cellphones.For all that is holy, put it away. Got that? Put. It. Away. I don't care if you're checking a quick text message. The theater is dark and that bright screen is searing my retinas. If it's that important, go outside. Oh. And if you forgot to put your phone on silent...you will be flogged. And humiliated.
2) Keep Your Shoes On. Good God, man, I do not need to see and/or smell that. Especially if you're sitting next to me. Look, I get the need to feel comfortable. I do. However...if you can't go for about 2 hours or so without taking off your shoes - that is a serious problem my friend. One that should be addressed. Immediately.
3.) Sit Still. This is only exempt if I am at Pikachu Meets My Little Ponys At Disneyworld On A Magical Rainbow Of Bubbles And Candy. At that point I can expect to be surrounded by a gazillion hyper, sugar fueled children. If I am sitting in a theater waiting to watch a non-children movie, sit still. Don't mimic the horses galloping by pretending you're riding one. I don't care if you're 12, your parents should have taught you how to behave in public.
4.) Open Your Snacks BEFORE The Movie Starts. Okay. So this one isn't a crime so much as a courtesy. I know it's not your fault that they have sealed your chocolate covered cheese doodles in the world's loudest plastic. But you are aware of this when every time you move the damn bag it breaks the sound barrier several times. Just do everyone a favor, and open it beforehand.
Please, keep all of this in mind. And, if you don't, do not be surprised if my foot goes through the back of your chair next time you're at the multiplex. You've been warned.
Folks - it's not the same as when you're at home, okay?
1) Cellphones.For all that is holy, put it away. Got that? Put. It. Away. I don't care if you're checking a quick text message. The theater is dark and that bright screen is searing my retinas. If it's that important, go outside. Oh. And if you forgot to put your phone on silent...you will be flogged. And humiliated.
2) Keep Your Shoes On. Good God, man, I do not need to see and/or smell that. Especially if you're sitting next to me. Look, I get the need to feel comfortable. I do. However...if you can't go for about 2 hours or so without taking off your shoes - that is a serious problem my friend. One that should be addressed. Immediately.
3.) Sit Still. This is only exempt if I am at Pikachu Meets My Little Ponys At Disneyworld On A Magical Rainbow Of Bubbles And Candy. At that point I can expect to be surrounded by a gazillion hyper, sugar fueled children. If I am sitting in a theater waiting to watch a non-children movie, sit still. Don't mimic the horses galloping by pretending you're riding one. I don't care if you're 12, your parents should have taught you how to behave in public.
4.) Open Your Snacks BEFORE The Movie Starts. Okay. So this one isn't a crime so much as a courtesy. I know it's not your fault that they have sealed your chocolate covered cheese doodles in the world's loudest plastic. But you are aware of this when every time you move the damn bag it breaks the sound barrier several times. Just do everyone a favor, and open it beforehand.
Please, keep all of this in mind. And, if you don't, do not be surprised if my foot goes through the back of your chair next time you're at the multiplex. You've been warned.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Psoriasis and Me
I try not to do this. I really don't. It's not something I like to draw attention to, because I have spent so much of my life fighting it. Forcing people to see me and not just my skin. For most people, this isn't an issue. But for me - it is. I have had some truly horrifying experiences. I have chronicled a few here. Honestly, the list could go on.
But that's not my point.
This morning, I was having a lovely morning. Contemplating what I wanted to post. Perhaps and amusing chinchilla story or about how much I love thunderstorms. And then I read this: http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/psoriasis-linked-dangerous-health-threats
Just an article detailing all of the things that can be wrong with you if you are diseased with psoriasis (which, by the way, is just a correlation NOT a causation). That everything is doom and gloom and there is no cure. You are as screwed up as you think you are.
Boom. Morning shot.
For those of you who do not have psoriasis, it may not seem like any big deal. But, let me tell you, as someone who has had it for 20+ years it was like diving head first into a cold pool of all the negative things anyone has ever said to me about my skin condition. When I stumbled into the bathroom to put on my make up, the reflection staring back at me was not mine. It was a woman, yes. With dark hair, side-swept bangs. She had my eyes. A nose that resembled my father's. But what stood out was her skin.
It looked alright, mostly. Except along her hairline and beside her nose. Places where your skin tends to dry out. Her ears. In these patches, the skin was a different color. Pink. And it made me want to know what happened to her. That's when I realized - this was me.
Dear God. Was this the me that people see daily? Suddenly, I was 12 again. Fighting the words, "Freak" and "Monster" and "Hideous". No - I'm not kidding. I've heard those words in regards to me. Trust me, people are that cruel.
So I closed my eyes and shook my head. That wasn't me. No. Not the girl who moved out on her own. Decided to take guitar lessons. Has taught herself to make some damn complicated desserts. Can read Spanish from 1492. Jumped into a management position with no experience. Who graduated college. Who had her heart broken and put it back together. Who battled depression and won. Who can recite both Shakespeare and George Carlin.
This woman in the mirror was a stranger, defining herself by her skin - she wasn't me. Not the girl who decided at 16 that she would never let people see just her skin. And those who do? Are shallow and not worth her time.
So I opened my eyes. And that woman in the mirror? She was gone.
I was back.
But that's not my point.
This morning, I was having a lovely morning. Contemplating what I wanted to post. Perhaps and amusing chinchilla story or about how much I love thunderstorms. And then I read this: http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/psoriasis-linked-dangerous-health-threats
Just an article detailing all of the things that can be wrong with you if you are diseased with psoriasis (which, by the way, is just a correlation NOT a causation). That everything is doom and gloom and there is no cure. You are as screwed up as you think you are.
Boom. Morning shot.
For those of you who do not have psoriasis, it may not seem like any big deal. But, let me tell you, as someone who has had it for 20+ years it was like diving head first into a cold pool of all the negative things anyone has ever said to me about my skin condition. When I stumbled into the bathroom to put on my make up, the reflection staring back at me was not mine. It was a woman, yes. With dark hair, side-swept bangs. She had my eyes. A nose that resembled my father's. But what stood out was her skin.
It looked alright, mostly. Except along her hairline and beside her nose. Places where your skin tends to dry out. Her ears. In these patches, the skin was a different color. Pink. And it made me want to know what happened to her. That's when I realized - this was me.
Dear God. Was this the me that people see daily? Suddenly, I was 12 again. Fighting the words, "Freak" and "Monster" and "Hideous". No - I'm not kidding. I've heard those words in regards to me. Trust me, people are that cruel.
So I closed my eyes and shook my head. That wasn't me. No. Not the girl who moved out on her own. Decided to take guitar lessons. Has taught herself to make some damn complicated desserts. Can read Spanish from 1492. Jumped into a management position with no experience. Who graduated college. Who had her heart broken and put it back together. Who battled depression and won. Who can recite both Shakespeare and George Carlin.
This woman in the mirror was a stranger, defining herself by her skin - she wasn't me. Not the girl who decided at 16 that she would never let people see just her skin. And those who do? Are shallow and not worth her time.
So I opened my eyes. And that woman in the mirror? She was gone.
I was back.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
A Bottle of Wine, Some Chocolate, and Disney Movies
I got together with my best friend last night. It was a nice, low key evening. We grabbed dinner and then bought a bottle of wine, chocolate, and decided to have a mini Disney movie marathon. It was bliss.
While we were watching Sleeping Beauty, Amy turned to me and said, "Did you ever notice that in these movies the King and Queen usually only have one child?"
I nodded and took a bite of my chocolate, "But isn't that the point of Sleeping Beauty that she was their only child?"
"Yeah, but if you think about it realistically they would've popped out a whole bunch. Kids died easy then. You had to have spares."
"Well, she might have sisters."
Amy settled into the couch, "She could have a brother. After all, Phillip is clearly the heir to Hubert's kingdom so she still would marry well and inherit all that. Aurora's a princess after all. They'd still want her taken care of."
"True. Although it depends on the type of monarchy. She could still be the heir to the throne in her kingdom and then they'd combine the two for a honking huge one."
Amy nodded and topped off her glass of wine and offered me the bottle. I topped off my glass and took a sip. I leaned back to watch the movie enjoying how nice of an evening it was and thinking that it was criminal we hadn't done this sooner. I popped a caramel in my mouth.
"You do realize," I said when I was done chewing, "we just analyzed the sociopolitical status of a Disney Princess movie."
Amy took a sip of wine and nodded.
"I think there might be something wrong with us."
She grabbed a chocolate, "Not as much as Maleficent. Why do the villains live in such crap places?"
I laughed and stretched out on the floor, deciding that if there was something wrong with us I really was content to leave it alone. After all, that's how you know you're best friends - you have crazy conversations and don't judge the other. In fact you go along.
And, seriously - why do the villains live in such run-down places?
While we were watching Sleeping Beauty, Amy turned to me and said, "Did you ever notice that in these movies the King and Queen usually only have one child?"
I nodded and took a bite of my chocolate, "But isn't that the point of Sleeping Beauty that she was their only child?"
"Yeah, but if you think about it realistically they would've popped out a whole bunch. Kids died easy then. You had to have spares."
"Well, she might have sisters."
Amy settled into the couch, "She could have a brother. After all, Phillip is clearly the heir to Hubert's kingdom so she still would marry well and inherit all that. Aurora's a princess after all. They'd still want her taken care of."
"True. Although it depends on the type of monarchy. She could still be the heir to the throne in her kingdom and then they'd combine the two for a honking huge one."
Amy nodded and topped off her glass of wine and offered me the bottle. I topped off my glass and took a sip. I leaned back to watch the movie enjoying how nice of an evening it was and thinking that it was criminal we hadn't done this sooner. I popped a caramel in my mouth.
"You do realize," I said when I was done chewing, "we just analyzed the sociopolitical status of a Disney Princess movie."
Amy took a sip of wine and nodded.
"I think there might be something wrong with us."
She grabbed a chocolate, "Not as much as Maleficent. Why do the villains live in such crap places?"
I laughed and stretched out on the floor, deciding that if there was something wrong with us I really was content to leave it alone. After all, that's how you know you're best friends - you have crazy conversations and don't judge the other. In fact you go along.
And, seriously - why do the villains live in such run-down places?
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