Just because I thought I'd share my thoughts about a few consumer products. . . .
1. The Monster 1200 Steam Cleaner is actually really cool. I saw the commercial and was very intrigued about dust mites and bed bugs' survival abilities so I broke down and got one. Fabric attachments do come in handy if you ever do steam your cloth furniture, most of the other attachments are unnecessary. There was a deal that allowed you to get a lifetime supply of the sanitizer mix by paying like $20 more (which I didn't take), and since I haven't seen anything comparable at Walgreens yet, this is one regret I have. It goes quickly and they only send one bottle. You of course can just use plain old water, but if you DO get a bedbug infestation, it's nice to have something with a little more. . . kill power.
2. The Magic Bullet makes really good guacamole and smoothies. The juicer is kind of a pain in the ass as it takes a lot of matter to get a very small amount of juice (carrots are not very practical unless you have a garden full) but smoothies are delightful.
3. The smooth away (yes, I finally broke down and bought one) is kind of a dud. You really can only use it if you have hair that is less than 1/4 inch long. I have not tried it on anywhere other than my legs. I get the feeling that it would not be effective elsewhere anyway. If you have female facial hair it might be okay but it leaves your skin very dry so beware of that but for men, forget it, unless they come out with industrial strength diamond sandpaper to slap on the applicator.
Kowalski's had an end cap sale on two new things that I hope is still going on: BANANA NUT CHEERIOS and HONEY KIX. 2 for $5.
Walgreens had some of their Cover Girl makeup on clearance for $2.88. What lovely surprises.
Showing posts with label Society. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Society. Show all posts
Monday, February 2, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Deep Thoughts
I figured it was about time I gave my two cents about what's going on in the nation right now and how the economy is the worst we've ever seen it. For a while I was worried that I would be losing my health benefits through Starbucks because our store (and all stores) have cut labor and made it impossible for anyone to only be available for just 20 hours each week, which is the minimum number of hours required to qualify for healthcare, stock options, 401k, and tuition reimbursement. Eventually, I resigned myself from worry and figured I would either get the hours somehow, or if I didn't, I would just do what everyone else does in that situation and hope no one got sick for a while until I could qualify again.
I have had a number of generous people give me their hours and actually need to make trades for different reasons, and this has been surprisingly constant since the hour cut in the beginning of December. This situation, although generally less severe, was the case in the first quarter of last year too, and by the grace of God, I got my hours and we were fine. So I didn't really stay too concerned about as everything seemed to be on the up-and-up. Something else that took my attention off myself and my issues was the fact that several other employees are not just struggling to maintain their health benefits; they really don't have time to worry about that. They are struggling to pay their RENT. At least two people have told me that they haven't been to the grocery store in months, they just eat while they're at work. Once I realized what was actually going on, not only in Starbucks but nationwide, I'm sure, I had to admit that my situation wasn't anywhere near as troubling as I thought. I brought a bag of groceries, (things we had doubles of or items that were impractical for kids) to our store and left it in the back room with a note, "HELP YOURSELF;" it was gone within the hour.
U4EA laid off two employees yesterday and put the remaining two (one of which is Matt) on contract until further notice. So yes, it's hitting home now.
I understand that things are bad. Peoples' moods have been foul, I've been foul a few days myself. I don't even read the headlines on the Star Tribune website anymore when I look at the weather forecast because I don't want to know which companies had massive layoffs. I think things are going to have to get worse before they get better, but constantly having to consider all these things sometimes gets to be frustrating for me and I have to dive into whatever the kids are doing like coloring or playing legos or reading Brown Bear.
I guess what has helped me the most through all of this negativity is the fact that no matter how bad things get, there is usually always a way. It might not be easy, but there's a way. Just look at the Duggers, for Christ's sake.
I keep reading THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING a little each day. It really does help to keep a positive attitude. I remember back to a very negative time in our lives recently, the rebuilding of the house and our relocation to the Marriot Residence Inn in Edina for 3 months. I stayed positive for about 2 weeks and then let every tiny thing start to grate on my nerves. I was pregnant with Beatrix, about 7 months at the beginning, and I would actually have to lay down and breathe deep most days because the constant stressing and worrying would bring on contractions. Granted, this was not just something I blew out of proportion; our insurance adjuster and our construction project manager were both extremely out to lunch, never called us back, and took their time with basically everything to the point of ignoring us for weeks. I carried negativity onto everything else that I did. If I wasn't actually dealing with the issues or spending my time trying to get these people on the phone (and I HATE phones) I was complaining about them. If I wasn't complaining about the issues I was dealing with my mother, who complained about how we were handling things and what we should be doing instead. If I wasn't doing that I was seriously pissed off at people who kept telling us to be positive. If anyone around me complained about ANYTHING I was furious that they would have the gaul to even consider getting upset about anything around me; our problems were HUGE and their issues were miniscule. I was not a happy person. It was one time in my life where I felt that things were not hopeful.
The silver lining of course was that the house DID get put back together, it is much nicer now, and Matt and I learned not to really get upset about anything anymore. Things are much easier to put into perspective once you have been uprooted with your family with no end in sight for months. Money seems so much less important once you've had to basically charge 3 months and 30k of home improvements onto your credit cards and then hope to God that your mortgage guy can get the appraiser to approve the numbers and then get you a refinance all before Matt's job ends up in the crapper.
I know people are becoming desperate and that things seem to be hopeless, but humanity somehow finds a way. We'll get it put back together; maybe come out of it a little wiser too.
I have had a number of generous people give me their hours and actually need to make trades for different reasons, and this has been surprisingly constant since the hour cut in the beginning of December. This situation, although generally less severe, was the case in the first quarter of last year too, and by the grace of God, I got my hours and we were fine. So I didn't really stay too concerned about as everything seemed to be on the up-and-up. Something else that took my attention off myself and my issues was the fact that several other employees are not just struggling to maintain their health benefits; they really don't have time to worry about that. They are struggling to pay their RENT. At least two people have told me that they haven't been to the grocery store in months, they just eat while they're at work. Once I realized what was actually going on, not only in Starbucks but nationwide, I'm sure, I had to admit that my situation wasn't anywhere near as troubling as I thought. I brought a bag of groceries, (things we had doubles of or items that were impractical for kids) to our store and left it in the back room with a note, "HELP YOURSELF;" it was gone within the hour.
U4EA laid off two employees yesterday and put the remaining two (one of which is Matt) on contract until further notice. So yes, it's hitting home now.
I understand that things are bad. Peoples' moods have been foul, I've been foul a few days myself. I don't even read the headlines on the Star Tribune website anymore when I look at the weather forecast because I don't want to know which companies had massive layoffs. I think things are going to have to get worse before they get better, but constantly having to consider all these things sometimes gets to be frustrating for me and I have to dive into whatever the kids are doing like coloring or playing legos or reading Brown Bear.
I guess what has helped me the most through all of this negativity is the fact that no matter how bad things get, there is usually always a way. It might not be easy, but there's a way. Just look at the Duggers, for Christ's sake.
I keep reading THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING a little each day. It really does help to keep a positive attitude. I remember back to a very negative time in our lives recently, the rebuilding of the house and our relocation to the Marriot Residence Inn in Edina for 3 months. I stayed positive for about 2 weeks and then let every tiny thing start to grate on my nerves. I was pregnant with Beatrix, about 7 months at the beginning, and I would actually have to lay down and breathe deep most days because the constant stressing and worrying would bring on contractions. Granted, this was not just something I blew out of proportion; our insurance adjuster and our construction project manager were both extremely out to lunch, never called us back, and took their time with basically everything to the point of ignoring us for weeks. I carried negativity onto everything else that I did. If I wasn't actually dealing with the issues or spending my time trying to get these people on the phone (and I HATE phones) I was complaining about them. If I wasn't complaining about the issues I was dealing with my mother, who complained about how we were handling things and what we should be doing instead. If I wasn't doing that I was seriously pissed off at people who kept telling us to be positive. If anyone around me complained about ANYTHING I was furious that they would have the gaul to even consider getting upset about anything around me; our problems were HUGE and their issues were miniscule. I was not a happy person. It was one time in my life where I felt that things were not hopeful.
The silver lining of course was that the house DID get put back together, it is much nicer now, and Matt and I learned not to really get upset about anything anymore. Things are much easier to put into perspective once you have been uprooted with your family with no end in sight for months. Money seems so much less important once you've had to basically charge 3 months and 30k of home improvements onto your credit cards and then hope to God that your mortgage guy can get the appraiser to approve the numbers and then get you a refinance all before Matt's job ends up in the crapper.
I know people are becoming desperate and that things seem to be hopeless, but humanity somehow finds a way. We'll get it put back together; maybe come out of it a little wiser too.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Work
Laura Innes happened to come into Starbucks tonight (otherwise known as Dr. Weaver from ER). It was very exciting, especially since I very much love the show. . . I was hoping to write something non-threatening and non-attention bringing like, "WE LOVE LAURA INNES" or "LAURA INNES ROCKS" on her cup when she ordered but dammit all, she got a zen tea in a porcelain. She was very nice, very friendly, and extremely thin and petite! They always look so much bigger on camera!
The one thing that has stayed with me through the years was the episode where Romano takes over the ER and the staff actually wants Weaver back so Romano will leave, and when she comes down to check on things someone hides her crutch (so she can't leave). WHICH ONE OF YOU WISE-ASSES STOLE MY CRUTCH?
In other news, the jackass who barked the medium coffee in a double cup order came in again, this time sans awkward racial ramblings on his phone, come to think of it, no phone whatsoever. Which was nice. I was trying to have a conversation with a regular customer that I hadn't seen in a while and so I just thrust his coffee refill at him quickly just to get rid of him and LOW AND BEHOLD, he let me keep the change from his dollar (after the 54cent refill.) Still doesn't excuse his rudeness and social inappropriateness from before. . .
Friday, December 26, 2008
Opposing ends of humanity
Guy who comes in to starbucks, blabbing on his phone, says nothing to me when I greet him but instead just barks MEDIUM COFFEE IN A DOUBLE CUP and then goes back to his convo. As if to confirm this guy is a total douche, the conversation he was having involved doing an racist imitation of some immigrant (I'm guessing, as the accent he was trying to fake has yet to be identified) trying to order something at a restaurant.
Guy was at least 65. Super disgusting and inappropriate.
TIP TO MAINTAIN HUMANITY IN A SUPER SMALL AND EASY WAY: do not speak on your phone when you are ordering a drink at starbucks. Just don't do it. The message you send is that the person (OFTEN ME and the people I work with, so MY FRIENDS) you are ordering from is not worth ending or postponing a call/common courtesy. Ditto this if you are with your child. Your child sees what you are doing and then when your child is 14, they will do the same thing and neglect manners in the same exact way. Your rudeness carries on to the next generation. No wonder the whole world is rude. GET OFF YOUR FUCKING PHONE.
Also:
A cute little family, mom, dad, and daughter (who was probably about 8 or 9) coming in, ordering drinks, sitting at a table and playing cards with each other. I thought this was so lovely and refreshing I about bawled. I'm so happy they came in; people like this give me hope. No ipods, no laptops, NO FUCKING CELL PHONES, just a deck of cards. I love it.
Guy was at least 65. Super disgusting and inappropriate.
TIP TO MAINTAIN HUMANITY IN A SUPER SMALL AND EASY WAY: do not speak on your phone when you are ordering a drink at starbucks. Just don't do it. The message you send is that the person (OFTEN ME and the people I work with, so MY FRIENDS) you are ordering from is not worth ending or postponing a call/common courtesy. Ditto this if you are with your child. Your child sees what you are doing and then when your child is 14, they will do the same thing and neglect manners in the same exact way. Your rudeness carries on to the next generation. No wonder the whole world is rude. GET OFF YOUR FUCKING PHONE.
Also:
A cute little family, mom, dad, and daughter (who was probably about 8 or 9) coming in, ordering drinks, sitting at a table and playing cards with each other. I thought this was so lovely and refreshing I about bawled. I'm so happy they came in; people like this give me hope. No ipods, no laptops, NO FUCKING CELL PHONES, just a deck of cards. I love it.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Okay, I've had it.
the McDonald's billboard? $4 IS DUMB?
let's just talk about it, shall we?
1. there are a handful of drinks on the Starbucks menu that are $4 or above. The seasonal drinks, including the peppermint mochas, peppermint white mochas, gingerbread lattes, and eggnog lattes are expensive. They are special holiday drinks that I think many people anticipate and celebrate each year. MANY people say how excited they are for the new drinks or that the holiday drinks are here; that they are special treats I think lets people splurge a little to treat themselves at different times during the year. When I looked on McDonald's website they didn't have anything comparable to these yet.
The other drinks that are not seasonal that happen to be expensive are 20 or 24 ounces, the biggest sizes (AND YES, YOU CAN SAY LARGE AND THEY'LL KNOW WHAT YOU"RE TALKING ABOUT) and frappucinos at that. If you are especially hungry or thirsty or just gluttonous, well, you probably realize you're paying more for more PRODUCT.
2. Hungry, thirsty, and gluttonous people ordering these drinks make it possible for the employees at Starbucks to have healthcare, including part timers, so thank you. McDonalds needs to back off them.
3. I don't think anyone will actually argue that something like SA brand cappuccinos are on the same level an actual cappuccino that someone skilled actually makes in front of you while you watch. Having a machine spit out espresso shots and steam milk is probably a nice luxury and saves time and energy, but you know what else? IT KILLS HUMANITY. When we're all living in the matrix and all coffee gets scraped out of dumpsters and recycled through a machine and given to us as if it's quality, then yes, I'll probably take it or leave it. For right now, you really just have to decide, do you want cheapness or do you want quality? Some people like crap or accept it simply because it's cheap and then assign it some sort of value or novelty.
4. If we're supposed to think that $4 for a coffee is ridiculous, what are we going to say to the people who spend $400 on a pair of shoes or a purse or $600 for a cell phone? Are they dumb too just because they choose not to buy the cheaper, shoddier rip off? Maybe the people who lay their hard earned money down for these things would shoot back that what they are paying for is quality (or image). hmmmm. . . .
let's just talk about it, shall we?
1. there are a handful of drinks on the Starbucks menu that are $4 or above. The seasonal drinks, including the peppermint mochas, peppermint white mochas, gingerbread lattes, and eggnog lattes are expensive. They are special holiday drinks that I think many people anticipate and celebrate each year. MANY people say how excited they are for the new drinks or that the holiday drinks are here; that they are special treats I think lets people splurge a little to treat themselves at different times during the year. When I looked on McDonald's website they didn't have anything comparable to these yet.
The other drinks that are not seasonal that happen to be expensive are 20 or 24 ounces, the biggest sizes (AND YES, YOU CAN SAY LARGE AND THEY'LL KNOW WHAT YOU"RE TALKING ABOUT) and frappucinos at that. If you are especially hungry or thirsty or just gluttonous, well, you probably realize you're paying more for more PRODUCT.
2. Hungry, thirsty, and gluttonous people ordering these drinks make it possible for the employees at Starbucks to have healthcare, including part timers, so thank you. McDonalds needs to back off them.
3. I don't think anyone will actually argue that something like SA brand cappuccinos are on the same level an actual cappuccino that someone skilled actually makes in front of you while you watch. Having a machine spit out espresso shots and steam milk is probably a nice luxury and saves time and energy, but you know what else? IT KILLS HUMANITY. When we're all living in the matrix and all coffee gets scraped out of dumpsters and recycled through a machine and given to us as if it's quality, then yes, I'll probably take it or leave it. For right now, you really just have to decide, do you want cheapness or do you want quality? Some people like crap or accept it simply because it's cheap and then assign it some sort of value or novelty.
4. If we're supposed to think that $4 for a coffee is ridiculous, what are we going to say to the people who spend $400 on a pair of shoes or a purse or $600 for a cell phone? Are they dumb too just because they choose not to buy the cheaper, shoddier rip off? Maybe the people who lay their hard earned money down for these things would shoot back that what they are paying for is quality (or image). hmmmm. . . .
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Some bluntness about myself.
I've just been sitting here, reflecting about the holidays and have realized one or two things. These things probably will give the lay person a good deal of insight into me (this is me, after all).
1. I have never and will never, get stressed out about cleaning. I don't know how this came to me, since my mother is an absolute lunatic when it comes to cleaning for company. I seriously do not give a shit. This is not a lazy-because-I-have-so-many-kids thing. If anything, I've gotten a lot better in terms of bathroom, kitchen, and vacuum duty. I have a house that I open up to anyone (within reason) who wants to hang out here. I love having people over. The kids love having people over. The place gets trashed? Crumbs are on the carpet? The laundry piles up? WHO GIVES A FUCK? Sometimes I am just busy, enjoying my life, my kids, my reading, my cross stitching, etc. The house will not fall down if I don't clean/organize things. In fact, I had to live halfway between a house that almost did fall down because of a roofer (KRIS SCOTT) and a teeny hotel room, and I have to say, now, that most people would have killed either themselves, their husbands, the insurance people and the roofer after something like this. Thank god I wasn't freaking out about crumbs or cobwebs. The missing walls and my sanity (7 months pregnant) ranked just a bit higher.
2. I have never and will never, get stressed out about silly ceremonial OBLIGATIONS. I'm not talking about religion here. I'm talking about RSVPs, kids' birthday parties, holiday cards, Christmas/Birthday presents, etc. This also came to a head last year with my mother over certain RICOCK things that I won't even list they are so dumb and petty. It's your birthday? Eventually I'll get you something.
3. The parenting culture today sometimes really floors me, not in a good way. I'm talking about our generation, GenX, for the most part. What a bunch of insecure, judgemental freaks we can be! I am dealing with this for the second year now at Bubby's school, where most of the Coach and Prada Edina moms about DIE when they see Matt for the first time, wearing something like a Snakes on a Plane shirt or just having all his piercings, etc, but now that the school year is half over, they are suddenly warming to me/us. I'm sure this has something to do with everyone actually seeing each other with their children, regularly, and being able to witness the fact that we are decent people/parents. Great. Maybe now they don't think we're meth-addled porn distributors anymore. HAHAHAHA WE FOOLED THEM!!!!!!!
4. I have never and will never understood "party culture." I can go on a drinking bender about once a year, almost always during Corn Capital Days. I guess I just got my dad's drinking aversion.
5. I honestly don't feel tied down having this many kids. Getting everyone ready and dealing with all kinds of chaos is seriously not that bad, and most days, it doesn't even phase me. This is due very much to the fact that Matt helps/shares with everything. If I had an unhelpful spouse I would totally be singing a different tune. This is really the Cancer (zodiac, not disease) in me just glowing and flourishing with my cute (large) family. I am so thankful to have all I have; we are so blessed to have these wonderful beings and each other.
1. I have never and will never, get stressed out about cleaning. I don't know how this came to me, since my mother is an absolute lunatic when it comes to cleaning for company. I seriously do not give a shit. This is not a lazy-because-I-have-so-many-kids thing. If anything, I've gotten a lot better in terms of bathroom, kitchen, and vacuum duty. I have a house that I open up to anyone (within reason) who wants to hang out here. I love having people over. The kids love having people over. The place gets trashed? Crumbs are on the carpet? The laundry piles up? WHO GIVES A FUCK? Sometimes I am just busy, enjoying my life, my kids, my reading, my cross stitching, etc. The house will not fall down if I don't clean/organize things. In fact, I had to live halfway between a house that almost did fall down because of a roofer (KRIS SCOTT) and a teeny hotel room, and I have to say, now, that most people would have killed either themselves, their husbands, the insurance people and the roofer after something like this. Thank god I wasn't freaking out about crumbs or cobwebs. The missing walls and my sanity (7 months pregnant) ranked just a bit higher.
2. I have never and will never, get stressed out about silly ceremonial OBLIGATIONS. I'm not talking about religion here. I'm talking about RSVPs, kids' birthday parties, holiday cards, Christmas/Birthday presents, etc. This also came to a head last year with my mother over certain RICOCK things that I won't even list they are so dumb and petty. It's your birthday? Eventually I'll get you something.
3. The parenting culture today sometimes really floors me, not in a good way. I'm talking about our generation, GenX, for the most part. What a bunch of insecure, judgemental freaks we can be! I am dealing with this for the second year now at Bubby's school, where most of the Coach and Prada Edina moms about DIE when they see Matt for the first time, wearing something like a Snakes on a Plane shirt or just having all his piercings, etc, but now that the school year is half over, they are suddenly warming to me/us. I'm sure this has something to do with everyone actually seeing each other with their children, regularly, and being able to witness the fact that we are decent people/parents. Great. Maybe now they don't think we're meth-addled porn distributors anymore. HAHAHAHA WE FOOLED THEM!!!!!!!
4. I have never and will never understood "party culture." I can go on a drinking bender about once a year, almost always during Corn Capital Days. I guess I just got my dad's drinking aversion.
5. I honestly don't feel tied down having this many kids. Getting everyone ready and dealing with all kinds of chaos is seriously not that bad, and most days, it doesn't even phase me. This is due very much to the fact that Matt helps/shares with everything. If I had an unhelpful spouse I would totally be singing a different tune. This is really the Cancer (zodiac, not disease) in me just glowing and flourishing with my cute (large) family. I am so thankful to have all I have; we are so blessed to have these wonderful beings and each other.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Controversial Survey
I needed some help tonight. Here it is:
Controversy
01] Do you have the guts to answer these questions and re-post as The Controversial Survey? FULL ON. I think everyone should do it.
[02] Would you do meth if it was legalized?
What kind of nutter would even consider legalizing it? HEY! Here's this really good stuff that makes you stay up for days, eat nothing, and makes you look like the goddamned crypt keeper but minus the teeth, wanna try? Meth needs to go away.
[03] Abortion: for or against it?
Parenting is the most important thing any two people can take on. NO ONE should be forced into it. Give away FREE birth control in any form on any street corner to anyone who wants it.
[04] Do you think the world would fail with a female president?
I think eventually the male species will become obsolete and the females will support the world, like lion prides and many insect colonies, only keeping one male around for survival of the race. And that this might not necessarily be a bad thing.
[05] Do you believe in the death penalty?
I don't think something like this is my decision to make, whether someone lives or dies. However, I do think there should be such a thing as OKAY, YOU'VE HAD ENOUGH CHANCES AND YOU'RE DONE, PERMANENTLY.
[06] Do you think Marijuana should be legalized?
I would vote for it, yes.
[07] Are you for or against premarital sex?
Please. If you're responsible about it I don't care what you do.
[08] Do you believe in God?
I believe more in the idea of the son and savior, but yes. God works in there too.
[09] Do you think same sex marriage should be legalized?
Yes, I'd vote for it.
[10] Do you think it's wrong that so many Hispanics are illegally moving to the USA?
Well, I guess it's wrong if the law is being broken but it's not something I worry about heavily.
[11] A twelve year old girl has a baby, should she keep it?
That's her decision and her parents' decision, not mine. But how unfortunate.
[12] Should the alcohol age be lowered to eighteen?
For christ's sake, NO.
[13] Should the war in Iraq be called off?
Yes. What exactly is going on there right now? I mean, I support the armed forces and thank them for serving, but the two wars going on right now are POINTLESS. And I hope everyone enjoys the recession and trillions owed as a result. Fix things HERE. There are plenty of things that need it.
[14] Assisted suicide is illegal, do you agree?
I don't have a law book on me right now. . . People will find a way to do what they want to do.
15 Do you believe in spanking your children?
In certain circumstances, yes. Depends on the child. There are probably better, more effective ways to ensure kids respect their elders though.
[16] Would you burn an American flag for a million dollars?
I never thought so, but given the last 8 years, I definitely have a better sense of what it feels like to be ashamed of your country and president and how as a citizen, it is an important right to have protected, (being able to protest and disagree).
[17] Who do you think would make a better president? McCain or Obama?
I was voting for Obama from the beginning, but here's the thing: McCain is a smart guy. He doesn't give off much personality in interviews (and personality is a HUGE thing for me) but he was at least competent. Obviously I don't have too much in common with the republican party. I'm not a millionaire, I'm don't think that religion has any effect on what the LAW should be or how someone runs the country, and I am anti-war. That being said, I would have been much more okay with McCain being president than George W, the worst president this country will ever see. However: the minute he brought Sarah Palin on board he went right into the old crapper, as far as I'm concerned. She's probably an okay person, and kudos for her for, I don't know, succeeding in her career, but that woman as a vice president was the most ridiculously STUPID idea anyone ever had.
[18] Do you think Obama will be killed?
I'm an optimist, so no. And I believe that if there are idiots out there who would plot something like that, then they would try to carry it out in an idiotic way and that the secret service is probably light years smarter than them.
[19] Should child predators be forced to wear signs identifying themselves?
Yeah, like the outer handle of my hanzo sword.
[20] Are you afraid others will judge you from reading some of your answers?
I don't think they will surprise anyone. . . .
Controversy
01] Do you have the guts to answer these questions and re-post as The Controversial Survey? FULL ON. I think everyone should do it.
[02] Would you do meth if it was legalized?
What kind of nutter would even consider legalizing it? HEY! Here's this really good stuff that makes you stay up for days, eat nothing, and makes you look like the goddamned crypt keeper but minus the teeth, wanna try? Meth needs to go away.
[03] Abortion: for or against it?
Parenting is the most important thing any two people can take on. NO ONE should be forced into it. Give away FREE birth control in any form on any street corner to anyone who wants it.
[04] Do you think the world would fail with a female president?
I think eventually the male species will become obsolete and the females will support the world, like lion prides and many insect colonies, only keeping one male around for survival of the race. And that this might not necessarily be a bad thing.
[05] Do you believe in the death penalty?
I don't think something like this is my decision to make, whether someone lives or dies. However, I do think there should be such a thing as OKAY, YOU'VE HAD ENOUGH CHANCES AND YOU'RE DONE, PERMANENTLY.
[06] Do you think Marijuana should be legalized?
I would vote for it, yes.
[07] Are you for or against premarital sex?
Please. If you're responsible about it I don't care what you do.
[08] Do you believe in God?
I believe more in the idea of the son and savior, but yes. God works in there too.
[09] Do you think same sex marriage should be legalized?
Yes, I'd vote for it.
[10] Do you think it's wrong that so many Hispanics are illegally moving to the USA?
Well, I guess it's wrong if the law is being broken but it's not something I worry about heavily.
[11] A twelve year old girl has a baby, should she keep it?
That's her decision and her parents' decision, not mine. But how unfortunate.
[12] Should the alcohol age be lowered to eighteen?
For christ's sake, NO.
[13] Should the war in Iraq be called off?
Yes. What exactly is going on there right now? I mean, I support the armed forces and thank them for serving, but the two wars going on right now are POINTLESS. And I hope everyone enjoys the recession and trillions owed as a result. Fix things HERE. There are plenty of things that need it.
[14] Assisted suicide is illegal, do you agree?
I don't have a law book on me right now. . . People will find a way to do what they want to do.
15 Do you believe in spanking your children?
In certain circumstances, yes. Depends on the child. There are probably better, more effective ways to ensure kids respect their elders though.
[16] Would you burn an American flag for a million dollars?
I never thought so, but given the last 8 years, I definitely have a better sense of what it feels like to be ashamed of your country and president and how as a citizen, it is an important right to have protected, (being able to protest and disagree).
[17] Who do you think would make a better president? McCain or Obama?
I was voting for Obama from the beginning, but here's the thing: McCain is a smart guy. He doesn't give off much personality in interviews (and personality is a HUGE thing for me) but he was at least competent. Obviously I don't have too much in common with the republican party. I'm not a millionaire, I'm don't think that religion has any effect on what the LAW should be or how someone runs the country, and I am anti-war. That being said, I would have been much more okay with McCain being president than George W, the worst president this country will ever see. However: the minute he brought Sarah Palin on board he went right into the old crapper, as far as I'm concerned. She's probably an okay person, and kudos for her for, I don't know, succeeding in her career, but that woman as a vice president was the most ridiculously STUPID idea anyone ever had.
[18] Do you think Obama will be killed?
I'm an optimist, so no. And I believe that if there are idiots out there who would plot something like that, then they would try to carry it out in an idiotic way and that the secret service is probably light years smarter than them.
[19] Should child predators be forced to wear signs identifying themselves?
Yeah, like the outer handle of my hanzo sword.
[20] Are you afraid others will judge you from reading some of your answers?
I don't think they will surprise anyone. . . .
Sunday, November 9, 2008
A Day in the Life of the Privledged. . .
Chick with about 4 different COACH accessories, also accessory INFANT getting her large, vegan-ish looking KEVIN SMITH husband (yes, this combination was very odd for me to process, too) insisting that he get someone over to WIPE CRUMBS OFF THE TABLE so that they could sit down. Guess what? The condiment bar comes equipped with napkins! And had the previous table sitter not been JUST LIKE YOU (oblivious and disrespectful) they may have had their messy children, I don't know, CLEAN UP AFTER THEMSELVES!
You would NEVER know there is a recession going on at Starbucks. People buy $5 drinks left and right, sometimes multiple times per day. People load their cards with HUNDREDS of dollars. Then, when I got home and started thumbing through the New York Times (that I lifted from work) I came across the Sunday Style section. Gucci bag for the bargain price of $1989. People live like this?
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Two things of which I disapprove:
1. Crazy old bat in the neighborhood who is in a less than ideal domestic situation with her son and his white trash friends living with her (the WHITE TRASH HOUSE) making comments to Matt about the number of kids we have and how **brave** we are, but not in an admiring tone of voice, so not at all impressed with our **bravery**. Could do without this. I don't usually have to justify our choices in having more than the normal number of children when people see us with them/can witness that we actually enjoy it/have a good time being a chaotic crazy family with a bunch of kids, etc., but I can see maybe down the road having to get all Martha Sears on people and explain to them: THE WORLD NEEDS THESE KIDS.
2. Comments this morning on KDWB about THINGS YOU SHOULDN'T DO NOW THAT OBAMA IS PRESIDENT. This was an extremely tasteless, racially insulting bit of ridiculously uneducated and ignorant blather that seriously needs to not exist. I can't believe they even aired it.
2. Comments this morning on KDWB about THINGS YOU SHOULDN'T DO NOW THAT OBAMA IS PRESIDENT. This was an extremely tasteless, racially insulting bit of ridiculously uneducated and ignorant blather that seriously needs to not exist. I can't believe they even aired it.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Literary Bluntness
Tonight another freak stayed on until close at Starbucks. Not a drunk, this time, but some sort of schizophrenic who seemed hostile toward us. He didn't make any aggressive motions or threaten us but just stood outside by the mailbox for a half hour, staring in the window at us and mumbling to himself. After we walked out to the car from the side door he moved around as if to follow us and it was upsetting. And all the way on the drive home I cursed the way he made me feel unsafe and paranoid and judgemental, wondering if I shouldn't move us all home to Olivia or some gated community where everyone has to "apply" to live and interact and where I wouldn't encounter situations like these.
He then took the form of the hitch-hiker on The Twilight Zone, showing up at every corner, beating me to the next block or peering at me from the back seat with his creepy sunglasses on. Or a ridiculously fast running fiend like the Terminator made of liquid metal who could run as fast as a driving car. He became every villain I've ever known, Norman Bates standing above my bed when I was eight, Jason's mother stalking the camp counsellors, Mrs. Danvers in the burning house, Regan backbending down the stairs like a crab; someone whose mission it was to chase me down and get me. He was everywhere and everything horrible.
And I thought of what I would do if he followed me home or if I saw him on the street during day light hours with my kids, or some other alarming situation but then I remembered that the moment anyone questionable takes one step toward my family I become Beatrix Kiddo.
So, what to do about this? I don't like giving people power over my well being. Maybe I can just offer him the largest possible java chip frappucino JUST to stay the fuck away from me. But he'll be in, wanting more, to be sure. No one can stop at just one java chip frappucino. Today it's a frappucino, tomorrow it'll be a sirena espresso machine and a hander at knifepoint.
He then took the form of the hitch-hiker on The Twilight Zone, showing up at every corner, beating me to the next block or peering at me from the back seat with his creepy sunglasses on. Or a ridiculously fast running fiend like the Terminator made of liquid metal who could run as fast as a driving car. He became every villain I've ever known, Norman Bates standing above my bed when I was eight, Jason's mother stalking the camp counsellors, Mrs. Danvers in the burning house, Regan backbending down the stairs like a crab; someone whose mission it was to chase me down and get me. He was everywhere and everything horrible.
And I thought of what I would do if he followed me home or if I saw him on the street during day light hours with my kids, or some other alarming situation but then I remembered that the moment anyone questionable takes one step toward my family I become Beatrix Kiddo.
So, what to do about this? I don't like giving people power over my well being. Maybe I can just offer him the largest possible java chip frappucino JUST to stay the fuck away from me. But he'll be in, wanting more, to be sure. No one can stop at just one java chip frappucino. Today it's a frappucino, tomorrow it'll be a sirena espresso machine and a hander at knifepoint.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Some days. . . .
It pains me to complain (no it doesn't) but some days I really wonder what the hell I'm doing.
Working at a place for $8.74 an hour that will not guarantee me any sort of regular schedule or even **begin** to give
me any sort of priority when it comes to holidays and family sickness. . . . JUST so we can have health coverage.
The tradeoff is of course, being insured, having disability insurance, having a 401k and stock options (that are unfortunately both in the CRAPPER) free coffee, and little to no stress from the job itself.
I miss out on a lot. It's annoying.
And what's more annoying is that a national healthcare program would alleviate my need to go outside the home to find employment and leave me with tons more time to do the things I would love to do for a living (sell stuff on etsy, teach piano or violin, teach childbirth education classes, be a doula, and of course write). I'm not complaining about having to work, I really need to be able to, for myself and the family, but sometimes I feel as though I'm trapped in this ridiculous (often dramatic) retail workplace dead-end.
Many days I feel like giving UPS a call (weekends and holidays off).
If I don't get Thanksgiving off I am going to literally set fire to something. Like a starbucks cup.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Political Bluntness.
You know what really gets me? This whole "JOE SIXPACK" and "JOE THE PLUMBER" bullshizz that's being touted by McCain and Palin and how they're trying to make us all believe that they've got JOE'S interests at heart.
If this were true, I think there would be a lot fewer tax breaks for the BILLIONAIRES of this country. They are about as far away from JOE as you can get. At least qualify it truthfully: HERE IS OUR PLAN FOR THE PEOPLE THAT MATTER (billionaires) and then, JOE, you get a few perks thrown in too, in the end. We'll throw a small bone to you to make your forget about the trillions you and your children will be paying for this ridiculous POINTLESS war that no one wanted.
Also, never forget that the terrorists are lurking behind every corner. They want to take over this country. They want to kill Christianity and they HATE FREEDOM so you and your family will NEVER be safe unless a republican personally is in charge. This is where JOE comes in. JOE will be recruited to go and bomb the terrorist harboring countries and then get denied medical coverage when he comes back home with a busted skull. The other Joe, the BILLIONAIRE Joe will be okay paying for his once-every-five years colonoscopy and a few hits of viagra but the REAL Joe is up Tut-creek.
WAKE UP, JOE.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Foul.
The last few days have been wretched. My own disgust over what has turned out to be the worst decision I ever made (haircut from a random) is obviously influencing the way I see the world. What has me the most stressed is through this, I have to admit to myself that the way I look, physically, affects the way I feel about myself. Or in other words, appearances DO matter. I feel like every time I see the way I look in a window or mirror I seriously want to scream and/or pull a Britney Spears. . . .(un)fortunately there are no electric clippers around. Although a shaved head WOULD be an improvement.
I am very annoyed that I was not smart enough to see or know that a bad outcome would put me into a funk like this, or that I was giving this dude that much power over my self image. Perhaps this is why I need to just grow my hair long so as always to be able to have a ponytail option or bun or at least something non-threatening. Now my only option is to totally get rid of it, the gross bluntness on the sides where the thickness is so ridiculous and bad that it makes me mushroom head. . . . ugh.,
To "deal" with this, and to attempt to solve my own problem (that this is even a problem also annoys me. . . .there are after all starving children on the planet, wars going on, pain and actual suffering, etc.) I have another appointment with Slavka at Macy's tomorrow night. The woman who has been credited with every **decent** haircut I've had since 1998. Please, please, PLEASE let her have some way to fix this.
Also: we witnessed a bus accident on the way home from super targs today. Some dude in a motorized wheelchair **almost** got creamed, but actually got tapped as the bus failed to stop or even slow down until after he started rapidly backing up away from it as he crossed in a crosswalk when he had a green light and the bus should have yielded. He was unhurt, as far as I could tell. . . hopefully he is all right.
The image, by the way, is an accurate representation of the way my hair looks on top of my stem-y neck.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
two rants: feminism and politics.
1. I've given a lot of thought lately (and technically this probably should go on my media rants blog, but it's more applicable to my "inner sanctum" of thoughts than just media in general) to ACTION BLOCKBUSTERS. They are all about men, written by men, and never about any interesting women unless they are there to service the men sexually. There are a few exceptions, of course, (KILL BILL being the best one, and about a MOTHER, no less), but why leave out the woman? Independence Day: First Lady gets killed, other 2 supporting women stand by while the dudes get to go kick ass. AND WHO'S WATCHING THAT LITTLE GIRL? no one. War of the Worlds: Mother absent while excuse me, TOM CRUISE gets to try to get the kids to safety? Please. Armegeddon: aside from being the cheesiest movie EVER, no mother. I realize that these films are made for men by men and that men, young ones that like to see a lot of ass-kicking make up the target audience, but hey writers: do not write about things you do not understand. Back to the issue of blind Mary Ingalls leaving her infant son in the bassinette to burn while she helped other kids get out of the school. NEVER WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. This had to have been written by some goddamned MAN without a clue. These blockbusters are like that. Mothers don't leave their children like that, they wouldn't allow them to be in situations like these, and not one mother that I have ever known would trust the kids to the father if life and death were on the line. There is nothing like the fire and passion inside a mother's heart. . . .not even inside the father. It's something that doesn't often get discussed, but the guys just don't get the same bond we do, I'm sorry, but it's true. We birthed these babies, many of us carry them around, attached to our bosoms, and wake up with their every whimper every night of their lives.
1. The first lady would not allow the daughter to just be gallivanting around the oval office, even if she was out of town, when shit like the aliens taking over the country was going down. Her FIRST call would have been to secure that girl in some underground bunker somehwere, like Cheney.
2. The red headed mother in War of the worlds would have run her ass back to Tom Cruise's crappy old shack to pick up her kids the SECOND something crazy started going down. Especially since she didn't trust him much to being with.
3. Mary ingalls would never have left her baby alone when there was chaos going on around her, like the school being on fire. She may not have been able to see, but she would have gotten herself and the baby OUT. This issue seriously drives me INSANE with anger.
Politics:
There is a lot of talk now about the economy being shitty and that the sky is falling.
NEWS FLASH: IT'S BEEN SHITTY FOR THE LAST 8 YEARS!!! IT'S ALL WE KNOW!!!!
1. The first lady would not allow the daughter to just be gallivanting around the oval office, even if she was out of town, when shit like the aliens taking over the country was going down. Her FIRST call would have been to secure that girl in some underground bunker somehwere, like Cheney.
2. The red headed mother in War of the worlds would have run her ass back to Tom Cruise's crappy old shack to pick up her kids the SECOND something crazy started going down. Especially since she didn't trust him much to being with.
3. Mary ingalls would never have left her baby alone when there was chaos going on around her, like the school being on fire. She may not have been able to see, but she would have gotten herself and the baby OUT. This issue seriously drives me INSANE with anger.
Politics:
There is a lot of talk now about the economy being shitty and that the sky is falling.
NEWS FLASH: IT'S BEEN SHITTY FOR THE LAST 8 YEARS!!! IT'S ALL WE KNOW!!!!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Like Robinson Crusoe
(which I'm STILL reading. . . .since early this summer, but I'm on page 203 now at least).
I have decided that instead of allowing myself to devote any energy at all to worrying about what is going on in the news or the economy (when the sky is falling), I am just going to go about my business and not bring those things into "my island." TAKING IT OUT OF THE EQUATION, if you will.
I am happier when these things are not weighing on my mind. I have pretty much done a good job going about my business this summer, despite the distressing world events, starving and abused children, economy not doing well, starbucks stock going below $16, etc. I lived my life and didn't let negative events influence my outlook or mood.
In order to continue this I am seriously (for real this time) not reading the paper anymore. I haven't seen the news in months, probably years, just because of the business and small child factor, but now I'm dedicating myself to not read headlines or look at stories because I don't want any of their badness. I'll allow the crossword puzzle and/or the NY Times book review, but that's it.
I have decided that instead of allowing myself to devote any energy at all to worrying about what is going on in the news or the economy (when the sky is falling), I am just going to go about my business and not bring those things into "my island." TAKING IT OUT OF THE EQUATION, if you will.
I am happier when these things are not weighing on my mind. I have pretty much done a good job going about my business this summer, despite the distressing world events, starving and abused children, economy not doing well, starbucks stock going below $16, etc. I lived my life and didn't let negative events influence my outlook or mood.
In order to continue this I am seriously (for real this time) not reading the paper anymore. I haven't seen the news in months, probably years, just because of the business and small child factor, but now I'm dedicating myself to not read headlines or look at stories because I don't want any of their badness. I'll allow the crossword puzzle and/or the NY Times book review, but that's it.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
a pet peeve
one of the most miserable things i can think of is boredom.
boredom in my life and boredom in other people, like their personalities. i can't think of anything worse than being a boring person. how does this even happen anymore? i'm not saying every single person out there has to be an eccentric, rambling, looney, but hey, say something about SOMETHING that's interesting.
boo.
boredom in my life and boredom in other people, like their personalities. i can't think of anything worse than being a boring person. how does this even happen anymore? i'm not saying every single person out there has to be an eccentric, rambling, looney, but hey, say something about SOMETHING that's interesting.
boo.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
rally round the family
I bested Tom Morello on expert battle mode yesterday. It was very VERy gratifying. I kept on with the next few songs, and wouldn't you know it, I'm onto some of my favorite ones now, Scorpions, Rock You Like A Hurricane, ZZ TOp, La Grange, and Pearl Jam, Even Flow. I am not actually playing these songs **well** when I do them, but I'm getting past them all the same. Even though I cursed him many times, the battles with Tom Morello really really improved my. . . technique, if you could call it that.
I was flipping through Facebook's pieces of flair application yesterday and doing a search for guitar hero flare, and most of the buttons that were on there were negative ones, as in, circle with cross through (guitar hero in the middle), or I PLAY REAL GUITAR. seriously. why people gotta hate? and if it's the musicians doing the hating of this game, well, GET OVER YOURSELVES. it's fricking fun. maybe it's not actual musicianship, but you definitely get a better score for being able to perform little rhythm things correctly, you have to memorize all kinds of patterns, be able to gauge where your hand needs to be, when to move it, invent finger board patterns to get a better score and do things faster, etc.
When kids do suzuki violin method (proper), they are supposed to spend the first year practicing ONLY on a little cardboard faux-violin contraption before they can get their real 1/10 size violin. this supposedly prepares them for the weight of the instrument, where to put their hands, and just hanging onto it in general. granted, every single guitar hero nerd out there is not going to run out and buy themselves an ibenez just so they can do it for real, but i know at least one guy who did it that way because he apparently enjoyed the game so much he wanted to rock out an ACTUAL GUITAR. i think that is cool. I probably won't ever be a real guitar hero, but i may just try fiddling around on an electric someday to pretend.
2. by practicing a little guitar hero each day, i seem to get better and better. I am going to try to do the same with writing, it's gotta have the same effect, eventually, right?
3. caramel frappucino last night. i was sooooooo bad. but it was very delicious. matt thought it was wretched. MORE FOR ME!!!
4. i got the brangelina twins people magazine yesterday at lund's on penn ave (thanks for the tip, lisha). i hauled ass up to walgreens 3 different times this week trying to get it only to find that they either weren't carrying it or they weren't putting it out until the other people magazines (about some abducted girl?) were gone. i got it home and looked at it outside on the deck and pretty much bawled at how cute they all are and how much I love those beautiful kids. So many people I know really hate angelina (and pitt), and honestly, i suppose i can say she's not my favorite person ever (pitt even less so) but that one shot, with the whole family lined up, sitting down, pax flinging his foot out towards the camera, and maddox holding shiloh laying down? That was the best, true, chaotic picture of a family, ever. suddenly 4 kids doesn't seem like too many (!) :)
(none of this can be breathed to my mother, who literally would SLIT MY THROAT if/when I ever get pregnant again.)
5. i am pretty much dashing the entire idea with this small short story i started and taking a completely different approach with it. that anne lamott book (bird by bird) really is a great inspiration. i enjoy her very much. now, if only she wasn't so damned negative and depressive.
6. i bought a star trib yesterday just to have something to buy at walgreens (when they didn't have people). I get the dumb thing home, glance slightly at the twin cities section, of course see something about PEOPLE BEING BEATEN WITH BASEBALL BATS AROUND SOME GODDAMNED LAKE PHALEN IN ST. PAUL and promptly pitch the fucker into the garbage. well, to be fair, i let beebins play with the sports and business section, but i definitely shit-canned the news sections.
what is going on? i haven't been able to read a paper for probably a good year, because every time i do, i read about some death or child abuse situation. ENOUGH!!!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
more items.
about the uncomfortable cc-days "exchange": a friend of mine, who actually was there for the whole thing, thought that my dislike for this particular person was bordering on pathetic immaturity and that i was holding onto things that happened years ago for no good reason and that i really should get over it.
i thought about this for a while, and i suppose, in the run of things, the things this person said and did to me were not really the most horrible that could have happened. people all over the world are bullied, as in actually bullied, much, much worse. and god knows that i was rude to people too, said mean, catty things, backstabbed, and gossiped. but these things (sadly, i think) were pretty much contained within my small circle of friends and NOT to randoms who had nothing to do with anyone i associated with.
i'm going to quit mincing words now, because there really is no honor in it. if i'm going to truly feel these things and own up to my feelings, then i will be blunt about it.
1. jill boerboom has always been a huge bitch to me.
2. she is pretty much the only one from high school i can say this about (unless we start in on the class of 93, and there are a few from this class, but on a much less regular basis so they get let slide).
3. i don't know what exactly i did to make her ALWAYS be rude and mean, but from the sounds of it, i wasn't the only one she did this to.
4. in 7th grade civics class in the back of the classroom, while the rest of us probably sat in utter boredom while chet boen ranted on and on about something, jill boerboom told mikey vogt that i was the flattest one in the class. as we had been in gym class for a good number of months by then, she apparently had credibility to make such a statement having seen me changing in the locker room, first hand. to be fair, i think mikey vogt initiated the conversation by asking who had the biggest rack in the class, but the bit about me somehow made it into the conversation as well. for the rest of the year, the following year and the year after that, every guy in the class made it a point to REMIND me that they knew i was as flat as a board, the flattest one in the class, or (my favorite) TWO DIMENSIONAL. not until working in the fields in the summer before 10th grade was there any release. . . when adam serbus noticed and then announced, ANNA'S NOT AS FLAT AS A BOARD ANYMORE.
5. who the crap has breasts when they are 12 years old?
6. i think the only guys in our class that did not say anything rude to me about this matter were: Mike McDowell, THomas, Stevens, Jody Neu, and Steven Stuhr. Maybe Craig Sparby stayed out of it as well. EVERYONE ELSE SAID SHIT.
7. i have an extremely long and sophisticated memory.
8. i thought that better than faking a nice conversation with her at cc-days, my weirdness and failure to look her in the eye the entire time she stood next to me (while matt and elyssa yelled SHE FUCKING HATES YOU!!! over and over) was at least honest. she has never spoken to me about anything, ever. why she wanted to talk to me about the reunion i will never know. there were plenty of other people from our class who were there, who i spoke with, who i was never close with but had an interest in seeing/catching up with. . . .this was just different. i don't forgive her. and what's more, the shit she pulled with me was probably minor compared with what happened to other girls. she was not nice in volleyball, either.
9. i hope to god my girls never have to deal with someone like this. i know it's part of life, part of growing up, part of growing "character," being able to forgive and forget, etc. I will probably forgive some day but don't bet that i will EVER forget.
i thought about this for a while, and i suppose, in the run of things, the things this person said and did to me were not really the most horrible that could have happened. people all over the world are bullied, as in actually bullied, much, much worse. and god knows that i was rude to people too, said mean, catty things, backstabbed, and gossiped. but these things (sadly, i think) were pretty much contained within my small circle of friends and NOT to randoms who had nothing to do with anyone i associated with.
i'm going to quit mincing words now, because there really is no honor in it. if i'm going to truly feel these things and own up to my feelings, then i will be blunt about it.
1. jill boerboom has always been a huge bitch to me.
2. she is pretty much the only one from high school i can say this about (unless we start in on the class of 93, and there are a few from this class, but on a much less regular basis so they get let slide).
3. i don't know what exactly i did to make her ALWAYS be rude and mean, but from the sounds of it, i wasn't the only one she did this to.
4. in 7th grade civics class in the back of the classroom, while the rest of us probably sat in utter boredom while chet boen ranted on and on about something, jill boerboom told mikey vogt that i was the flattest one in the class. as we had been in gym class for a good number of months by then, she apparently had credibility to make such a statement having seen me changing in the locker room, first hand. to be fair, i think mikey vogt initiated the conversation by asking who had the biggest rack in the class, but the bit about me somehow made it into the conversation as well. for the rest of the year, the following year and the year after that, every guy in the class made it a point to REMIND me that they knew i was as flat as a board, the flattest one in the class, or (my favorite) TWO DIMENSIONAL. not until working in the fields in the summer before 10th grade was there any release. . . when adam serbus noticed and then announced, ANNA'S NOT AS FLAT AS A BOARD ANYMORE.
5. who the crap has breasts when they are 12 years old?
6. i think the only guys in our class that did not say anything rude to me about this matter were: Mike McDowell, THomas, Stevens, Jody Neu, and Steven Stuhr. Maybe Craig Sparby stayed out of it as well. EVERYONE ELSE SAID SHIT.
7. i have an extremely long and sophisticated memory.
8. i thought that better than faking a nice conversation with her at cc-days, my weirdness and failure to look her in the eye the entire time she stood next to me (while matt and elyssa yelled SHE FUCKING HATES YOU!!! over and over) was at least honest. she has never spoken to me about anything, ever. why she wanted to talk to me about the reunion i will never know. there were plenty of other people from our class who were there, who i spoke with, who i was never close with but had an interest in seeing/catching up with. . . .this was just different. i don't forgive her. and what's more, the shit she pulled with me was probably minor compared with what happened to other girls. she was not nice in volleyball, either.
9. i hope to god my girls never have to deal with someone like this. i know it's part of life, part of growing up, part of growing "character," being able to forgive and forget, etc. I will probably forgive some day but don't bet that i will EVER forget.
Monday, July 21, 2008
a few controversial statements
1. oral sex is meant for dating. who has time for this otherwise?
2. the good people out there that are decent and moral have an obligation to have many children in order to combat the millions of childbreeding morons out there who are not decent and moral. screw recycling and green drycleaning. save the world from morons. do your part: CONCEIVE.
3. minnesota vikings fans are like battered housewives, always believing the impossible will become possible.
4. men should never wear sweatpants EVER. and unless they are dressy and worn together with a professional ensemble, DITTO FOR BLACK SOCKS.
2. the good people out there that are decent and moral have an obligation to have many children in order to combat the millions of childbreeding morons out there who are not decent and moral. screw recycling and green drycleaning. save the world from morons. do your part: CONCEIVE.
3. minnesota vikings fans are like battered housewives, always believing the impossible will become possible.
4. men should never wear sweatpants EVER. and unless they are dressy and worn together with a professional ensemble, DITTO FOR BLACK SOCKS.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Somewhere in the world there are actual problems. . .
But in the meantime, here are the Starbucks patrons' issues.
1. some ESL dude and his "property" stood at the register and scrutinized the receipt of their FOUR VENTI STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM FRAPPUCINOS (which, after the cinnamon dolce and java chip are the highest priced items on the menu) and asked if we were certain that there was tax on a frappucino. Um, yes we are, and yes there is. Are you even in your right mind to contemplate that STARBUCKS wouldn't pay taxes? That the government isn't on top of that action? Please. 3.45 = $3.78 with tax. FOUR TIMES.
You were okay with paying $3.45 but when it crossed the line to $3.78, suddenly it seemed like it was maybe too steep?
Then as I plop them all up onto the counter asks me ARE YOU GOING OUT OF BUSINESS?!?!?! i said, this store specifically or starbucks in general? STARBUCKS IN GENERAL. ??!?!?!?????!???!??!
2. Pregnant granola south minneapolis chick comes in for her decaf espresso pods and sees that they all expire on august 31. a box of pods holds 12. has a scowling bit of attitude about it all and stomps out. if you have a box of pods that will be sitting around until august 31 then you are not a real coffee drinker anyway and clearly if you're drinking decaf you don't require any sort of quality whatsoever so who cares when it expires?
3. 4 year old child having a screaming fit because he could not have a hot chocolate. . . .OH WAIT. that was MY child. Then refused to walk across the street with leah and continued the fit out on the sidewalk but at least out of earshot and away from my coworkers. how embarassing.
1. some ESL dude and his "property" stood at the register and scrutinized the receipt of their FOUR VENTI STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM FRAPPUCINOS (which, after the cinnamon dolce and java chip are the highest priced items on the menu) and asked if we were certain that there was tax on a frappucino. Um, yes we are, and yes there is. Are you even in your right mind to contemplate that STARBUCKS wouldn't pay taxes? That the government isn't on top of that action? Please. 3.45 = $3.78 with tax. FOUR TIMES.
You were okay with paying $3.45 but when it crossed the line to $3.78, suddenly it seemed like it was maybe too steep?
Then as I plop them all up onto the counter asks me ARE YOU GOING OUT OF BUSINESS?!?!?! i said, this store specifically or starbucks in general? STARBUCKS IN GENERAL. ??!?!?!?????!???!??!
2. Pregnant granola south minneapolis chick comes in for her decaf espresso pods and sees that they all expire on august 31. a box of pods holds 12. has a scowling bit of attitude about it all and stomps out. if you have a box of pods that will be sitting around until august 31 then you are not a real coffee drinker anyway and clearly if you're drinking decaf you don't require any sort of quality whatsoever so who cares when it expires?
3. 4 year old child having a screaming fit because he could not have a hot chocolate. . . .OH WAIT. that was MY child. Then refused to walk across the street with leah and continued the fit out on the sidewalk but at least out of earshot and away from my coworkers. how embarassing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
