who says
your twenties are spent defining who you are?
what the hell kind of crap is that? i'm a shadow away from ending the roaring twenties, and have a whisper of a clue what / who I am. I enjoy easy listening stations, humming away at the elton johns and billy joel tunes of time, but i don't think that makes me a dude in the late forty-fifty space.
virtual entertainment *is* justifiable as entertainment as I visited with E and A tonight.
Which reminds me, I have to call T tomorrow. Crayx week passed and I screwed up my timing. Wed. I think A and I are going out with Lee. (As in Playboy Lee.)
It's a NYC rat!
... or a dog;)
APS
So your life insurance application can be turned down based on the basis of an Attending Physicians Statement, or so says
an article on MSN
so that's why they draw blood.
(well not really)
Yesterday I had the pleasure of speaking with Andrey, who I used to work with at GS. Turns out he's a DAD and working towards his CFA. He decided along with a host of other developers, that managers are not made from the IT group. It was really nice to hear his voice, and makes me appreciate the time I had there even if was working for an ogre.
I was verifying my list of contacts for my job application. Yes, I had to fill out that pile of paperwork again even though I'll still be working for the same client. I find the concept of job applications amusing, as most people have more than 2 things to put down for the last five years. Ok, not everyone, but the miniscule line and a half they provide for a "job description" just cracks me up.
I am up at this hour for no good reason. I fell asleep pretty early (10ish), but woke up when Matt got home. (Somewhere after 1.30am). I'm bummed I tried to pull down research papers from a site I previously had access to, and unfortunately no longer do. Anyone have a hookup to Hoovers? Or something like it?
So when I got home last night I putzed around downstairs getting a glass of water. Clearly everyhing I was doing annoyed the female troll, and so I stayed clear. The most annoying thing is that my cable box is still acting up, so no tv for me unless I'm downstairs. The technicians weren't available to come last weekend when I was home, and last week when I called the first availability is this coming Saturday. (They dont' work Sundays.) There wasn't any urgency since the only things broken were On Demand and the Guide information. (It would say No Data).
Annoying as I now realize I'm going to Long Island to hang with the Rentals.
UGH. I opted for the afternoon block on Monday, but that may actually be a day/time the recruiter sends me to first rounds for the contract to perm spot. Cripe.
hail broadband
I'm too lazy to rejigger pixel size.
Here's a picture of my brother checking out the water
In Tijuana you will literally find a pharmacy everyother doorway. For fun they throw in margeritas. Just look
After looking at my homer-esque profile
in front of a decorated wall and at a rest stop I'm more determined to stick to my diet. (I made horrible tasting Atkins bread tonight.)
The spectacular-ness of space and no people . Until we wandered into the super bowl festivities, there was NO one anywhere
If I spent half as much time looking at life in front of me, then I might miss exciting things like, you know, a well lit floor. Is it just me, or is the beauty almost everywhere you look? That is, if you're not in a horrible foul mood?
Ok, so I suck. I'm not going to put the rest of them up tonight. Future showings will include the painted donkeys (to look like zebras for the tourists).
Prunes are wrinkled
I think I need botox after seeing my furrowed brow
Garbage Delivery
I love the suspicion held by my female roommate. Now she doesn't believe i'm actually going to work. For some god for saken reason, she's convinced i'd lie about my whereabouts...why??
Tonight she positively grilled me on it. Oddest thing.
And when she was trying to justify how tiring her trip to LA will be next week I almost lost it.
She (to him) Gosh, full days. 10 to 6pm, I mean really.
He: There were even days we started at 9!
She: No!
He: Yes.
She: So they just came and picked you up?
He: Most of the time. (Then there was a side story about how he got lost driving by himself.)
She: ...so when I go, I can understand how tiring travel can be. I mean, I'll have to drive around everywhere just to visit everyone.
He: Uh, no. But you won't be working, so why would you be tired?
She: [dirty look]
He: You can squeeze some fun time in there
She: [another dirty look] It's alot of effort
...and so it continued. it was really funny.
And then the conversation about going to Aspen started.
She: I wish I had a job where I travelled to Aspen.
He: So get one
She: [REally dirty look]
He: Just stop complaining about your job and get a new one.
OOOOOOoooook. Mr. Supportive.
Geez..
Oddity for this eve transpired when calling E. The phone rang for ages, and when she picked up it did not sound like her. ("Hi sweetie." just does not sound like her. Not that she's an ogre, but an odd word choice.) And then when I said, "No, it really doesn't sound like you." the phone started ringing again...and kept ringing. I swear I'm either going nuts or the phone is being possessed.
What's up with that?
corporate store location
notes in the event i decide to stick with cingular-i-suck:
phone scoop
and to look in person....
1103 3rd Ave, 212.319.3685
745 broadway, 212.677.4673
i'm being mean
or direct. i just learned that cancelling my existing (read: crappy) cell phone plan is pro-rated based on the time left. instead of the full 240, i'd have to pay 9 months worth.
and as i explained to the unlucky operator addressing my concerns, starting a new plan with another provider would 1) give me a nicer phone 2) cost me nothing and 3) still allow me to keep my number.
bite me. i'm vicious.
OH! and today when a man called me at work, i didn't realize i was speaking to the CEO (of admittedly a small company).
he too thinks i'm frank.
and wants me in for an interview after i've had time to do my due diligence.
the spot in question could be of interest. the processing at work today for the status reminded me how much red-tape is involved with everything i do. and then my ire was raised by the sneakiness of the lead on shore developer. during a conversation friday with his boss i was promised A, but today heard the equivalent of Z. I've now asked for a desk transfer if it's still available. I'm tired of having them huddle ten feet away when collectively responding to a question. I'm further annoyed by the constant eavesdropping. The noise i'd have to put up with next to the Chatter Box would be worth it.
ugh. i'm still on hold. the customer support person is trying to get permission to do something.
Life's little nuances
So we're all meeting up tonight for Sex and the City. The plan was to shop before hand, so that we could convene without scrambling for food/bevies. Last night I picked up cosmo ingredients (vodka, triple sec and cranberry juice), instead of the premade version from LI. Alison is tasked with bringing snackie treats. In planning a start time with Erin, we realized we all have special dietary requirements.
I can't drink cosmos because of the sugar, so the suggestion is martinis.
Erin can't do the cheese or fruit option, so we need lightly buttered popcorn.
Ha.
Clearly the summer months are looming, and the concern over bloomie size is making us cautious (for the first time) of what goes in our mouths.
So my new favorite tv show is the discovery health channel. i've watch trauma and plastic surgeons all morning. Butt implants (owie) and DUI related injuries. Fascinating. And Monday night I'm watching extreme plastic surgery. Of interest is the detailing of associated cost.
ALRIGHT. It's time for me to be productive.
interesting
on HGTV the designer has been tasked to redecorate the family's pool room (outside of the inground) into their daughter's first quasi-apartment. ok, so technically it used to be the garage, but what a nifty idea. it's mike seaver in reality.
or is this something the well to-do commonly have done for their offspring?
anyhoo,
the week has flown by. i only worked 25 hours while balancing interviews. a couple of interesting things happened, but i don't want to just take the first thing. i crave a bit of comfort and relish the respect i've finally gotten from my peers. or, as we were joshing about, the elders in my working group;)
so yes, i got a 30% increase (which sucks dollar-wise). on the plus side, OT is still a factor and i could actually look for a new apartment. nothing high-end mind you, but the thought of leaving the evil trolls behind is a rosy prospect.
i did feel slightly guilty when telling the she-troll how much money other folks generally make. she was dying to know what my salary was (probably secretly plotting to squeeze me for more bills - whatever)...and so I told her what the new hourly rate was. she's flabbergasted. and makes a little more than 40K. which, until i burst her bubble, was a lot in her perspective. oof.
tomorrow is (finally) the last episode of sex in the city. this is the primary reason i did not go to long island. i'm going to visit next weekend, so i can have sufficient time with the mom to eyeglass shop.
today i cleaned, inspired by alison. and still have more work to do with clothing. but i absolutely love changing my sheets. my stuff is in the washer now. which just reminded me of an earlier incident.
she-troll (who looks positively awful with short curly hair - HA) came down at 11am while i was on the phone with trisha. she said i was REALLY LOUD.
what the f*ck?
oh, so sorry i woke you at the crack of dawn. GRRR.
whatever. i did turn her offer for coffee down afterwards, even though it was killing me. it smelled so good. when i cooked dinner, conveniently after she had a can of vegetable soup, she was clearly waiting for me to offer.
RIGHT.
I did let her taste. And for the record, it was damn good. la la la.
Saturday Rules
Well, for folks who date, the following set of wine rules from the WSJ are worth skimming. Women will find them funny. It's a pdf file.
and so it is
work was a whirlwind, and we left at 6.45. we were shooting for earlier, but the dev team has no concept of, oh, say, urgency.
insert dramatic eyeroll.
then picture my boss and i desperately sending "URGENT" email to folks. then, the W hotel lounge on the 7th floor. Love when someone else is paying for the drinks. And the boss does try to make a point of my departure date to the higher ups. peon moi, and the MD ED crew was an interesting match. and it turns out the southern chick was captivating, so the training session was ok.
brb.
must concentrate on sleeping.
wah
so that's what i did yesterday as soon as i left the confines of the office. i called my mom to let her in on the semi-definitive news that i was not going to be picked up by the big corporation. all the evenings i stayed late (for a pidly sum), the weekends worked, and the countless holiday periods i lugged a secure ID around - for zilch. i really thought if i put my effort into this crappy temp gig a permanent spot would materialize.
So today I get to train the Atlanta lead business analyst on GRID...you know, so she is adequately prepared to meet with the BU the remainder of the next two days.
bite me.
As a priority I'll be returning the recruiter's phone call as soon as business hours start. I woke up around two and can't fall asleep again. So I'm up pondering how to make the most of my last two weeks. With the illusion of a job over my head, i can claim employment during any interview that potentially materializes during this period. the woman (can't recall her name now - not that i would post it) was illusive in her message, but i suspect wanted to prep me before sending me over. or, she could just be in the process of whittling down candidates. hmm.
i'm trying to type quietly as the e is (hopefully) in slumber mode. i came over to return bedding, but ended up staying to watch the direct tv dance. by the time they left, when the offer to drink a glass of wine arose I jumped on it. it was therapeutic to vent (a little I hope) and then hear about what sounds like the trip of a lifetime. i can't wait to see pictures. (and yes, i know i haven't posted mexico - but i have downloaded). anyway, after scarfing pizza down the carb wave hit, and we were both tired. the thought of hailing a cab seemed like mundo effort and i stayed here. the feeling of absolute failure was weighing a wee bit heavily on my mind, and the company was welcome. i have to tell you, i feel like such a fool. and as i was telling folks last night, i passed on one too many events this summer, christmas, etc....for what? UGH. whatever.
alright, alright. so this is one place for me to vent. it's hard to smile at work, but, boy, am I chipper. which reminds me...i'm goign to let them absorb the cost of mailing a box to my house vs. schlepping it home myself. and i will remember to take soft copies to demonstrate the work i've been up to. but, now that i remember, i have to convert to PDFs in order to keep. The proprietary software used won't transfer to my home pc/mac. I'm glad i remembered that.
Working Humor
Things You'd Love to Say Out Loud at Work
1. I can see your point, but I still think you're full of shit.
2. I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce.
3. How about never? Is never good for you?
4. I see you've set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public.
5. I'm really easy to get along with once you people learn to see it my way.
6. I'll try being nicer if you'll try being smarter.
7. I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message.
8. I don't work here. I'm a consultant.
9. It sounds like English, but I can't understand a damn word you're saying.
10. Ahhh...I see the screw-up fairy has visited us again...
11. I like you. You remind me of myself when I was young and stupid.
12. You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.
13. I have plenty of talent and vision; I just don't give a damn.
14. I'm already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.
15. I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you
16. Thank you. We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view.
17. The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.
18. Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.
19. What am I? Flypaper for freaks!?
20. I'm not being rude. You're just insignificant.
21. It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off.
22. Yes, I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
23. And your crybaby whiny-assed opinion would be...?
24. Do I look like a people person?
25. This isn't an office. It's Hell with fluorescent lighting.
26. I started out with nothing & still have most of it left.
27. Sarcasm is just one more service we offer.
28. If I throw a stick, will you leave?
29. Errors have been made. Others will be blamed.
30. Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed.
31. I'm trying to imagine you with a personality.
32. A cubicle is just a padded cell without a door.
33. Can I trade this job for what's behind door #1?
34. Too many freaks, not enough circuses.
35. Nice perfume. Must you marinate in it?
36. Chaos, panic, & disorder-my work here is done.
37. How do I set a laser printer to stun?
38. I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted a salary.
39. Who lit the fuse on your tampon?
40. Oh I get it... like humour... but different.
I've slept so much my neck hurts
from victorisdead
My map is blank:
create your own visited country map
...a site which cracks me in up in their new york write up. they intro with mention of the five boroughs, but talk only of manhattan and brooklyn.
But returning to the world of travel, I didn't really think the common public was so forward thinking:
Woman's chastity belt sets off airport alarm
(or backward)
yep
did it again. that is, nothing.
i started the morning early, you know because it's saturday, and showered before 8. it kills me how hard it is to get up M-F, yet come S/S I'm up before the sun. I poked open a book The Toucher had provided at work, and just put it down an hour ago. Backpack by Emily Barr was much better than Laura Jacobs' Women About Town. And now I am contemplating the vast nothingness that is approaching come two weeks. What the hell am I supposed to do then? And why am I the pariah of employment? Bleck. Spoke to my parents and realize i haven't spoken socially anyone since I saw alison earlier this week. Weird. In a good and bad way. I don't when it happened, but I've pared the circle so small that the phone does not ring off the hook. And it appears I will be the woman with pet aspirations (instead of, oh, having an apartment of my own or pets;). La la la.
on a serious note, i finally slept soundly last night. i needed it. the plan had been to take my laundry to queens today. but the thought of seeing, let alone speaking to "them" was enough to encourage my lack of motivation. the only dent put in my plans by this is washing e's sheets. i briefly entertained buying her sheets, but then i thought of the cost of my recent trip. which brings me back to the book the work colleague offered. it's about traveling with the goils are right now. and how a sudden windfall allows her to travel for more than a year. and falling in love. and drinking. and taking risks.
i was looking at the friday five (a series of questions that bloggers tend to respond to - don't ask me where they come from). when asked how much of a risk taker I am on a scale of 1 to 10, i'm not. at all. i used to be. and have slowly crept back into silence and obedience. which puts me in my current career dilemma. to self medicate, i puchased a carb heavy White Tuscan pizza (truffle oil, need I say more?) and a two dollar cookie. I was aghast at the price, but can now (as the sugar rush is rising) speak to the quality of the baked good. My god. Hey, you know if I was 8 inches taller I could be a plus sized model? Groan. I was looking at the Ford models 12 plus head shots yesterday. Oy.
Should have bought a lottery ticket today.
So ask me what time i got home tonight...
9.20. I left the office at 9, and took a car service to E's. We stayed late because the developers I work with are lazy. SORRY. so annoying.
The prospect for employment is cloudy again. The guy who could conceivably hire me is hemming and hawing as the overhead wouldnt' kick in until after i've left (in two weeks). LIKE i care. I'm annoyed as they're obviously pumping me for information in my last days. I'm working over the weekend to catch up the lost hours from the vaca. And if I do it right, hopefully this will generate enough dough to make me less bitter than normal.. The bright spot from todya was watching the Big B squirm and the dev guy get put in a tight spot. I'm not about to defend them anymore. I love when people become suddenly helpful and concerned when they themselves have created a situation that is horrible. Fooey on you.
Wednesday I round I with a recruiter for something that is semi-interesting. We'll see.
Tonight I feasted on McDonald's. And am capping it off with a cocktail from the Vintage outing of a few weeks back. Solaira NY Cream Sherry from Widmer may not initially sound appealing - but - oh it is. Alison can attest. (Who, by the way, is in Caaaaanada this weekend.)
It's kind of quiet when the cell phone hasnt' been charged. In order to have juice I need to treck back to Queens. And that's not happening until tomorrow. SO, quiet it is.
Sweet NYC
SO happy to be home. Well, not home, but Erin's apartment;) I stopped briefly at Home of the Raving Lunatics last night, as I did not have keys on me. (I secured them so carefully during my trip i coudln't find them when i got back.) I'm sitting here bemoaning the fact that my back is sunburnt. I, who never burn, am going to buy aloe tomorrow.
I was so pissed at myself w/the misplaced keys as it meant i couldn't leave work early. Taking the red eye home was a good idea, in that I was at work early. But bad, in that i had to lug my bag around. The mean awful people I live with were actually giving me the run around about being home to let me in. And just for that, I'm not going to be the one shoveling snow tonight;) Yep, winter weather is arriving and I'll be four floors above it. heh.
Oh, and Alison, the Evil Female's birthday was apparently this week. I did say happy happy, but didn't mean it. And they're eager for a cookout. RIGHT. (let me find out when they're going to be away so we can plan one.)
Wacky:
Water that supposedly makes you lose weight
Wackier:
I'm ready for another vacation. MY goodness, it rocked. SUn. Warmth. Change in scenario. Lack of a computer. Space. Clean smells. And lack of shoving while walking. (Ok, so we drove almost everywhere.) I took pictures, but won't load them until this weekend. I'm now ready for a nap. Tired. Sleepy. And happy that I can actually watch the news without anyone changing the channel to say, the Simpsons. (Not that there's anything wrong with Homer, but sometimes it's a good idea to see who else in the world hates the U.S.)
Aloe. Must get Aloe. Will try Noxema now.
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