Glad I had Monday off

I got my schedule all mixed around this week. I opened at the store today. I was supposed to get off at 3, but punched out at 5:53. I went to the bank and got change; did an arduous yet simplistic window display; filled my flip flops; rang up a few people; and stayed late to help clean the store because it was trashed after a very busy day. It was a long and busy day. Tomorrow I am working my on-call shift and just in time for the district manager to visit. I've never met this woman, but I've heard lots of stories, so it should be interesting. Friday I'm working an extra shift. And next week, I'm not off until Thursday! Woot...I feel like it's holiday time. It's almost back to school time at the store and that means it's busier than Christmas. My working nine or ten days in a row might become commonplace again.

Needless to say, I'm thankful that Monday was a holiday and I'm not available at the store on Mondays anymore.

I'm watching House now. I love this guy.

It's a Johnny Cash kind of day

First, let it be known that I am very happy that I'm not working at the store right now. I changed shifts with someone who was able to cover my 12-5 and I took their on-call. I wasn't needed and kind of figured I wouldn't be, but I still wore all black in case I needed to fly to Sterling Heights from downtown. As when I was on the phone with Dee, she rearranged my whole schedule and so now I open tomorrow. That's cool. At least I'll have my afternoon free to get some of these mounting errands done.

I also missed my entrance to 94 when I was talking to Dee this afternoon and got on 75 instead. While I was swearing profusely in my head, I got off at the Boulevard. I stayed on the service drive. After the Davison, this actually becomes Dequindre (though it might be around the area of Hamtramck). Anywho, before I knew it I was at 8 Mile and took that across to Gratiot. It's been a while since I've been on 8 Mile, at least a year, seeing as this was my route to and from school for a couple years. I enjoyed the detour and how things have developed in the past year or so since I've been on the sections of those roads I was on today.

I was in the office all day. Had two hours of meetings, which kind of sucked in many ways. Then I worked on the concierge folder (three ring binder with information about the museum and Cultural Center) for the front desk, Dossin, and myself. I have a desk now, albeit a xerox paper box until June 24th when there is an empty cubicle to be mine, but I'll take it. I went out to lunch with a couple ladies; I thought it would be good to get acquainted with other office staff. Even though I'm there only one day with them, I don't want it to seem as though I am ignoring them or whatever.

I haven't had an office job in five years, I think one day a week of that setting is fine enough for me. If they want to increase my hours, I won't deny them that, but I'm not sure I can stand just being in a cubicle all day. I'll be getting one with a window, I'll have the tiling styles on the Main Library studied and identified in no time flat. haha.

I think I'm off in search of something cool to drink. Other updates: My brother gave me House to watch. Btw, I hung out at his apt. for the first time yesterday since before Christmas. His baby kitty, though not so baby anymore, is kind of cute. It wouldn't be my first choice though. I got my first paystub (they automatically direct deposit) from the DHS today. I read one whole chapter in my Templar book yesterday. I have a headache from the heat. When I come home after a long day of work, I just really want to be left alone for a while to unwind. I almost forgot that; it was the same with school. I need my own place to live very, very badly. I also need a new car and a lottery jackpot in my possession. I'll take donations. :) That's all for now. Byebye.

Apparently, beauty really is pain

High heels, even though they are really not that high, are a pain in the -well- foot to wear. On hot days when I have to go solicit cars in the Cultural Center and run around two museums all day, wearing high heels is not a good idea. I'm glad I had flip flops in the car. I also will never do this again on the weekend. :) okay, thanks, bye.

I pretty much ran the show today. It was exciting and I was pretty confident with things. There are just a few areas where I'm still unsure about what to do, but those are mostly in the 'what if...' situations.

The Ops meeting got changed to Tuesday and it sounds like I am going to be there all day. This of course really sucks because I am scheduled at the store on Tuesday from noon to five. The manager doesn't get there until 9:30 on Tues and that is the time the meeting starts. You would really think that I would have this whole juggling the jobs thing down pat by now, but I guess not. It also doesn't help that I don't find out about changes in the museum schedule until it's too late for the store, and it's a holiday weekend, and I can't reach anyone not scheduled on Tuesday who is available during the day. ARGH. Will this madness ever end? Ever?

Suppose that's all for now.

Happy Memorial Day!!!

What's new

It has been ages since I've hung out with my friends. I see them and I talk to them, but because of my schedule, I haven't actually hung out with them in, I don't know, months. And that probably isn't an underestimate either. It's amazing how a couple little hours can relift my spirits and, on the flip side, make me aware of how much I miss it. Even if it is small conversations of critiquing the latest movies, season finales, and how the hell I landed a management position at the DHM. And yet another comment on how I am the female version of House.

Last night I met my brother, his gf, and Dale at a bar for karaoke. I'm pretty fearless when it comes to that kind of stuff, so I said what the hell. Lindsey never sings by herself and even though we chose a Johnny Cash song ("I know every word of 'One Piece at a Time' because 'I love that song') it was a horrendous rendition and somewhere the Man in Black is rolling over in his grave in disgust. I was able to muster a couple lines here and there when I wasn't busy laughing my ass off, or yelling at Lindsey who knew every word (ha - yeah), or trying to get the mics NOT to have feedback when too close to each other. This man sang Bohemian Rhapsody like ass, but the rest of the crowd was singing along, and I gave him a standing ovation because he did a much better job than Lindsey and I. Then he said how he was able to keep up because he heard us singing. Ha. It was a mess, but I am able to laugh at myself, so I don't care. It was a room full of guys too, like they cared. But I left before I could see Lindsey make her solo debut; I'm just rather curious to see how that worked itself out. I haven't karaoked in a long time, while this isn't something I miss quite as much as the company, it was nice to be reminded what an ass I can make of myself sometimes, and then laugh it off with the next guy.

Museum training went well. I found out that in three weeks, after the Detroit Festival of the Arts, I'll be handed over the museums. That's exciting. And since I pretty much ran the show today, I think it will be all right. But I found out that the main docent at the Dossin is leaving in August for grad school. So by the time I get used to him helping me out there, he'll be gone. Hopefully by that time, I will be more familiar with that setup and feel as comfortable doing everything there as I do the main.

Let it be known to the masses that now I am finally getting excited about the job. I landed in my desired field with direct correlation to my degree, and I'm in charge of the DHM on weekends. Plus, my boss told me today that she is probably going to be upping my hours soon. Shit yeah, I rock! It's an awesome job I found my way into.

This is what my life has been boiled down too

I once again feel as though I am living at the store. Opening up my availability has given me the chance to work with people I usually only saw at either shift changes or during the school holidays when I worked days too. It also gives me the chance to see the day shoppers as opposed to just the night (more baby during the day, more big kids at night - but that only makes sense). Today I got yelled at for looking so skinny and was told not to lose any more weight. I said that I'm not doing it on purpose. Mo even asked if I was feeling okay and everything. Ha...they are all a bunch of moms there. :) I said I felt fine; it was just my work schedules, etc. I don't think they liked that answer. And on the work front, I finished markdowns in big girl stockroom and filled some stuff. I also reorganized the shelves and now it all makes sense back there. Ha. It took a long time. I did that for the majority of my shift yesterday too. And one whole day without touching the flip flops or sunglasses. I'll have a lot to catch up on tomorrow. hahaha. :-/

Got up early and watched LOST this morning. It was good. I have better theories about things that they really didn't touch upon this season. I almost want to rewatch season one again just to connect the dots a little bit better and gain a better understanding of the characters. But in what spare time I can do that, I have no idea. There are more important things to watch, House for example, when my brother is done with it and can let me borrow it. I hear the connections between me and House are uncanny. He's told me that every time I've talked to him since he started watching. Ha.

Guess that's all in my boring life for now. Bye.

Hurley, Meet Sparrow

Apparently my ability to remain calm on the outside despite mild freakouts concerning my schedule on the inside is not as easy as it seems. One of my regular standing room peeps once mentioned how she could tell I was stressed by the way I chewed my gum at the game; I can add grinding my teeth to that list. I think I've always done this, but I guess the thought in the back of my mind of working an insane number of days in a row again - this isn't holiday season in retail, is it? - just makes its presence known. Blah.

Good news: I'm using my very own, brand-new computer. It's exciting. It's quiet. It's fast. It's a brand name. It's mine. It has AIM installed on it within the first five minutes of having it on. haha. Now I just have to reload everything and start from scratch. I wonder in what spare time I will accomplish the list of things I still have to do to this computer to make it really mine. Hmmmm.

If I weren't an honest thief, I would go back to a Lansing area movie theatre and steal a Capt Jack thing. But I couldn't get away with it. Rats. Speaking of Capt. Jack, I have named my computer Sparrow, because I didn't feel right calling it Hurley and I thought it needed something more than just a plain Jack. So this way, it represents one of my Jacks and symbolically accounts for all of them. Such deep thought, weird, eh?

Now it's time to Walk the Line. It's good to be back even though I know very few people actually missed my presence online.

testing blogger

So it looks like I'll be putting in full days at the museum on Mondays as well. That is fine. There was a lot of information being thrown around at the meeting today. A lot still needs to happen before I am given control of the buildings on the weekends. It's a communication issue that will be worked out soon. They said they view me as a savior, which is odd, because I vaguely remember this comparison before (hm, for my river rats, perhaps?). Hm, to hear a higher-up refer to me as that was really quite impressive.

I have a grown up job now. That's exciting.

Updates make the world go round

I don't do myspace surveys because I like too or expect anything from them; I merely do them to fill up space in my blog section. Ever since my boss joined, I decided it would be wise to bitch about the store in an area of the web where she does not know. Sometimes though, I enjoy what my friends - or brother in this case - pick and choose from those surveys. If you don't feel like going (it is titled "and something more"), one question asked to choose between the O.C. and Laguana Beach. I said LOST. haha. This is the comment I found this morning: the answer to #16 made me laugh. although i believe you have angered jack bauer. im going to let you borrow House, M.D. you will love that show. everyone thinks you are some how related to House.
But please let it be known that I did not anger Jack Bauer. I've done that once, I know not to do that again.

I should have my own computer again by Thursday. You never know how much of a lifeline it is until it's gone. This is only the second time in seven years that I've had a brand new computer to call my own. The first time was an iMac I got when I shipped off to Eastern. They were supposedly a Mac school (more than just their athletic conference too), but when it came time that I wanted to take an online course, it was not Mac compatable. HA! Big surprise, right? Ah well. Since then, I've had hand-me-downs and eBay specials. I kind of feel like a sell out getting a Dell, but they are good computers, I guess. Sometimes, even I deserve something good. It must be a result of working against karma too often.

Later. I must now finish getting ready for my Monday morning meeting downtown. By saying that, it makes me sound so important. hahaha.

Lots of changes in store for me

So yesterday I trained all day at the museum. It will be pretty routine after I learn the procedures and it is nothing I cannot handle. There is always something going on at the museum, I'll have to learn all that information. I've been told that I am already among the most popular of the managers in the Society, primarily because I am granting everyone else a chance to enjoy and regain their weekends. They have only had the museums for two or three months, but at the same time, that's a long time to shuffle around and worry about things that are usually in your job description. I know it sucks that my weekends are gone now, but at the same time, this is an opportunity that I couldn't pass up again.

I have to drive my own car to Belle Isle to open up the Dossin. That is fine and I get paid mileage, but I'm afraid the time has come to do something about my transportation. Speak this in a whisper, if the Super Chev hears, it'll act up for sure. I just can't have that happen right now.

I babysat for my cousin's kids last night. That is always fun. I went there right from work and was able to talk and catch up with her for a little bit. I always like that feeling of connection with my family. It doesn't happen often, so I bask in the chances I get. Will and Emma are completely insane and that always makes it fun. We watched A Bug's Life and some basketball and then I threw them on their beds for a little bit. I finally got them in bed around 10. haha. Ems went right to sleep and William stayed up for a little bit. Jody got home around 10:50, I was home around 11: 25 - even taking surface roads since all the freeways are closed. I was impressed with the timing I made coming home.

When I got home I found Old Reliable died. It was really strange. Saturday morning I couldn't load any program because they all disappeared or somehow unloaded itself from my computer. AIM however was still working. This just confuses me. Since I knew I was going to be gone all day, I shut it down. I went to turn it on after I got home, and nothin. I had to reenter the code for Win98 and then nothing happened. But it was still my Livestrong wallpaper which is completely random. I now must leave my blogger and cross to the dark side. Dude, I think I'm getting a Dell.

So that was fun

Yesterday was quite the adventure. I was all ready to teach fourth grade and got to the school to find out they actually needed me on the 19th, not 18th. I can't say I've ever done that before, but I'm not surprised either, even with my infinite organizational skills. I always pictured myself going to the wrong building instead of showing up on the wrong day, but that was fun too. I had a good laugh about it. I ended up coming home and right when I made a mental checklist of everything I could accomplish before I had to go to the store, the phone rang. Turns out a teacher messed up and so I went and taught elementary gym. That was fun. I had a second grade class, three fifth grades, and two fourth grades. I even went and asked if they needed anything done during his prep hour instead of leaving early. It didn't feel like I had been gone from teaching for two months, but I didn't feel like I necessarily missed it either.

I got a new girl to cover my shift on Saturday. So that was a relief. Another associate came in, one that I haven't been really nice too because I don't particularly care for her work ethic, and told her about my new job. She seems really excited for me. That's cool. A mild guilt trip followed shortly thereafter. It's not like I'll never see her again. So I can get over it. Dee gave me the task of changing the columns yesterday. That was a pain in the ass. Good lord! The flip flops live on these now and each one had to be bumped down to the next one. So it took awhile to get started because I had to clear one off in order to move the stuff up. I had both eight foot ladders working and used all the empty baskets we had left. It took my entire shift (minus a ten-minute break that I used to call the museum lady and the sub caller). But it was productive and I worked steady, so it was all good.

I got a message on my machine yesterday that they want to train me on the exhibits today. I felt bad not calling Kathleen until a little after 8pm, but she said she was just leaving the museum (yikes). So I'm going down this afternoon to train on the exhibits and run through the closing procedure with them. She said she would try to expose me to as much as she could today. I'm told that should be fun. But it's training. And it should be exciting because it's "my field" or what not, but it's training. We'll see.

After I eventually got home, I found e-hurley had decided to take a vacation. So he is resting somewhere, probably on MY rum island (or so I'd like to think) and won't return until I give him a new power supply. Hopefully, I'll be able to go to the computer guy before I head downtown, if not, then I don't know. It will be next week, and I really can't wait that long to fix him up. I'll send my dad on the mission if I run out of time. :)

Tomorrow is a full day of training at the DHM too. I'm sure I'll have plenty of stories to share.

It's a doubleheader kind of day

So I'm teaching today. It's been awhile. It has also been awhile since I've had to teach and then go to the store directly afterward. The elementary release doesn't help either, so I won't have much time to change from teacher to Cash. That kind of sucks. It also kind of sucks that I have fourth grade today. That was, by far, the worst year for me. I'll try to forget my own painful memories and go easy on the kids today. HAHAHA.

I start training at DHM on Saturday and I still haven't found a replacement for my shift at the store. I have no idea what I'm going to do. I'm one of Dee's best workers (this is not me being full of myself, she told me so last night), so she can't be overly pissed off at me. Besides, I have to hold on to that job for the summer. I just hope it all works out. In the meantime, I'm taking the phone list and calling some people on my lunch break that have the day off to see if they'll cover it for me. :-/

Getting up early wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Had I been a tad more confident last night I would have been able to get a full eight hours.

Oh well, can't win 'em all. The game must go on.

Here, take some Aleve

I'm only French-Canadian and so I am only accustomed to an occasional bitch slap now and again. I can imagine that a jetliner doesn't feel much better. You have my empathy.

I went shopping last night, I got a couple new pieces to my professional wardrobe and while I made out like a bandit (both in terms of what I got and the price I paid), I feel like there still needs to be more. Good thing I work in a mall. Now if I could muster the energy and motivation to get there early, I might be able to do some other successful shopping. But we'll have to wait and see. I don't want to overload.

I did everything I needed to yesterday (paperwork, emails, etc) and so today I sit here impatiently waiting my time to go to work, wondering if I could go back 14 hours if maybe I could have helped prevent an accidental tap of the return button that caused second guessing and aviation problems. Oh well, something is just bound to take my mind off of that. I hope it happens quickly.

I'm crazy, I know I am. I'm going to enjoy my insanity while it lasts.

Aaron's back

And at least he is not dead. I'll take him being in bad shape any day. And he can still kick ass even while he's all bloodied up.

Chris Henderson said I should change my home page. But I'm not going too. I don't read the Op-Ed pages that often anyway and even if I did, a man who killed Tony (that is still painful) and David Palmer and is so severely hated by Jack won't make me think twice about it. Destiny of this country my ass, bitch. You're going to have to deal with crossing Bauer now. Best of luck to you.

Where in Southern California is Wayne Palmer? I'm worried about him. I have my guesses, but I'm not exactly sure. They better tie up that lose end next week, too.

The Chinese have re-entered the dialogue! So this should make things interesting. Lest we forget about the Chinese, eh?

If Dr. Romano doesn't shut the fuck up, I'm going to send him to the nearest helicopter so his other arm and be disconnected as well. What a bastard of a character. But honestly, he is a great actor. Always playing the bad guy is a hard job.

Back to reality

I'm slightly nervous. I know I shouldn't be, but today I have to go down to the full staff meeting. There will be more introductions and more everything else. I met a lot of people yesterday, shook a lot of hands, hated that I shook a lot of limp hands. One man said, "what a handshake" after mine. I can't help it, it's just better that way. And today I get to fill out the paperwork. Apparently the main woman has been out of the office and keeps some of it under lock and key. This leads me to think that it is more than just tax forms I'll be filling out. Guess I'm in the big leagues now.

Reading a transcript of a speech by Georgie is NOT a good way to start the morning. Take my word from it and proceed carefully when you choose what news link you click on first. Thank you, and good night. What is that anyway? And why in 21st century do we not have a full control over our borders. For pete's sake, George. And no, that is not entirely his fault, all the presidents should share the responsibility of the immigrant problem escalating to where it is now. The majority of people in this country come from immigrant families, I understand that and am fine with that. But respect history and the American legacy and make them follow the procedures. Don't bend the laws because you're sick of hearing about this issue and can't handle the pressure. Stand up, be firm, and tell them to take the citizenship test. Honestly, for the love of all that is still good in this country, respect it, will you?

I think that's all for now. Hopefully today goes smoothly and creates some blogworthy moments. Knowing me, this is bound to happen.
Bye!

Monday, Monday

I'm being replaced. I knew it would happen, but to see it happen right in front of me, it kind of stings a little. I had to work at the store yesterday. I, of course, filled flip flops, fixing the displays to get more out on the floor and less in the backroom (isn't that the goal of retail, anyway?), filled sunglasses, yadda, yadda, yadda. There is not another person who does this chore, and if they do, the way they do it pisses me off and I just fix the mistakes later anyway. Whatever. Dee had put out some of the new collection in baby girl. And she had this new girl do the mannequin for it. I was in the backroom getting a ladder and I asked this girl if she was learning how to do mannequins, and she said yes. I said, so I'm being replaced. She apologized, Dee looked back at me and just did her sneaky little smile. Since I can't be there for the floorset next week, the mannequins are going to look like shit, that area of the backroom is going to be trashed, and I'm going to walk in on Tuesday morning completely disgusted with them. So what else is new, they can't even keep a section clean for two days! I got my new schedule with my new availability and surprisingly, Dee didn't try to screw me over. It might be because it is a floor set week. But hey, if she's cool with four days, then I'm cool with the hours she gives me. I guess it will all work itself out.

I go downtown today to fill out the one hundred tax forms for my new job. It would only be ninety-nine, but I still have to pay Kwame. Then I think I have to go shopping for dressy clothes. :-/ Maybe I can put it off until later in the week. Hahaha.

For fun, this is my ranking, give or take:
Det, Phil, Col, Bost, LA, Edm, Ott (but I soooooo HATE their goalie), Van, Mon, TO, Cal, Phx, NJ, SJ, Buff, NYR, Min, Dal, Pitts, Chic, StL, Ana, NYI, Car, Wash, Nash, CBJ, TB, FL, Atl.
Before the lockout, you would have seen Boston, Colorado, and Edmonton as my top three teams; Det would have come in at four.

My Lucky Day

I got the job at the Detroit Historical Museum!

WOOT! I'm so excited. It took a year to find it, but I got a job that is in direct correlation to my degree and will get my foot into the door of the museum world!

Monday afternoon I fill out paperwork, Tuesday is a meeting, Saturday I start training.

I thought I didn't grasp the concept of a weekend before, now I will never know one again. But how exciting and yes, it is totally worth it!

Now I have to email a few people and share with them my great news.

:-D

I just want to sit and stare at you

Migraine headaches suck. Even more so when they are triggered by something I do not know.

However, finding a new treatment for this type of migraine will do nothing but spoil me in the future. It's possible I might be using you for your drug therapies as well as your cable company.

I think it was very possible I was the only person driving through a torrential, blinding downpour with sunglasses on.

If you come across a drill, send it in my direction.
Thank you.

It is Tuesday

I don't have anything to blog about today. At least nothing interesting.

I did a window display at work last night. The first one I've done in a long time. It was nice to be back and to do that. But I learned that I can't really tie knots worth a damn, therefore, I could never own a sailboat or be a pirate. Kind of a sad reality to come to realize, really.

I have no idea what is wrong with the hockey playoffs, but all four teams that I want to win are down in their series now. Still lots of time left. Now it is my turn to be the foolhardy optimist.

Now back to your regularly scheduled lives. I'm sorry I can't refund you the two minutes it took for you to read this post. Check back later in the week when I'm sure to have something exciting and newsworthy to write about.

Never ceases amazement

We all know there is ignorance that surrounds us on a daily basis. Sometimes the mere magnitude of their arogance is so overpowering, it forces even professionals to stir. Sometimes watching the news introduces us all to a whole new breed of individuals. Please use caution if you click on this link, it will make your blood boil a little bit, regardless of whether or not you agree with the main argument in the piece. I do not condone Fox News Channel either, this link was passed along to me with the warning, "can I make you angry now?"

Enter at your own risk.

Welcome to the City of your Dreams

The freeway was backed up again today as I was going downtown. I know the city streets like the back of my hand and so I took the surface the rest of the way to the museum. I took a couple pictures with my handy dandy picture phone.

This is a picture of my dream house.

One day, I shall this my own and it shall be mine.

The area I was driving (on Mack between Gratiot and Woodward) is the oldest residential area in the city of Detroit. The houses were built in the 1880s primarily of wood. Few remain standing to this day, but the beauty remains in those that do:

I love Detroit history. Now give me the opportunity to make a job out of it. Please!

Here we go again

They waste no time at the Detroit Historical Society. The interview yesterday went well. The woman "coached" me and told me to focus on examples from my jobs where I was in charge, a presense, and that concentrated on my decision making skills. I think they are primarily interested in teaching in that regard, but all that entered my mind was ushering. It's not a fun job and since we have no support from the grey coats (errr, jla security) I am in charge and 'manage' my section at all times. I made a list of what each job has provided me and after studying them all night, I think, I mean I know I am able handle the museum job. Anywho - the woman also said she would be putting my resume on the desk of her boss. Well, yesterday afternoon I got a call, it was from the DHM, and I have my second interview at 10:30. No time wasted. I should feel rather confident going in to this if for nothing else but their reaction: I mailed my resume on Monday; They called me Tuesday; I called back Wednesday (I was working Tues night); Interview Thurs; 2nd interview with COO Friday. Bam! And I do feel confident because I am confident. The End.

I got a parking ticket -again- yesterday. Why? They fucking hate my car at Wayne State. The meter at the corner of Kirby and Woodward is cursed. I put in eight quarters to cover my time (four would have been safe) but it only read one coin, so I only had twenty minutes in the meter. WTF? That is a dirty trick by the city. I should fight it, but it's just a parking ticket and the city needs money. They miswrote the ticket too - I don't have a two door car! I wonder if that means anything. While it probably does, I don't think I have the energy to find out. I hate Wayne State. It never fails, ever, that I get tickets when I park there. I should have parked in the garage, but that place kinda freaks me out, and I was dressed up. It's not like I could have run away from danger as fast as I could if were in casual clothes. I don't often think like that when I'm in my city, but I'm not stupid, I know it is Detroit and danger lurks in more places than what I'd like to think.

Oh yeah, I can even pay my ticket online now. That's a big improvement since the last one! Isn't that exciting?

I can't talk on my cell phone in the city while I'm driving anymore. I primarily do this only after hockey games. But soon that will be a $100 dollar fine. Don't blame me if I'd rather stick to giving Kwame money in increments of twenty at a time. Not to mention city tax; but on my measley wages, it is no wonder his croonies always feel the need to give me a ticket.

Wish me luck, again.

Two Hours 'til Takeoff

My hair looks like shit today. It always does when it matters the most. I've been trying to get it to curl the past couple days - it's getting there but no where near the pre-disastrous November chop. I'm just getting sick of it and wish it would grow out and stop being a pain in my ass. Argh.

I asked Dee to be my third reference last night. I forgot about it until we were almost punched out. She said she'd do it. I felt weird saying how the position is for a weekend manager spot. She gave me kind of a strange look when I said that. The third assistant managment position has been open at the store since Cari left a couple months ago. But there is a difference between interviewing for a job for which I could really care about, one that would be an outstanding foot in the door, and one that would just be a job and a benefit provider. I want a job that I can enjoy, not one (or two or three) that fills my blogger with endless bitching about my impatience with society's ignorance.

All I need to think about is an email I recieved from the director the museum where I interned a year ago. The highlights included the following:
Please give my name as reference. I just know you will get the job. The president of their guild is here tonight and I will let her know to spread the word that you come highly recommended.

Deep breathing, keeping that email on the front of my mind, and confidence are my focuses today. With that, I can't go wrong. Even my horoscope said something about envisioning success. Guess it's in the stars!

Wish me luck.

A little less faith, a lot more hope

The Super Chev is back at the shop. My first guess is that when I went over the railroad tracks on Hall Road yesterday that the bad struts finally broke. The rattle/kluncking sound made me nervous coming home, but it made it in one piece and now it is visiting Kevin.

I have an interview tomorrow at the Detroit Historical Museum for the weekend manager position I found on the nonprofit job listing site I check. Considering they called me immediately and wanted to set up an interview, I'm excited, optimistic, and impatiently awaiting the chance to see if this is finally the break I've been waiting for.

The Flyers and the Canadiens lost their games last night. Instead of having five teams going to the next round, I have two, maybe three. More hockey faith washed down the drain. I don't know, any further predictions and wishes are put on hold until the outcome of game seven.

Let the rain come down on me

I've only heard two news stories repeated to some varying degree all day. One being the cloud over Hockeytown, two being the immigration rallies held across the country yesterday. Being as I already commented on the crushing loss to the Oilers, which seems to get worse instead of better as time passes today, I'll leave that be. Though I did forget to mention that I am now down to two jobs and I might as well only say one, seeing as teaching assignments -which I have been seeking- are few and far between. I knew the Wings wouldn't be playing hockey in June, but the idea of that remained a hidden desire of mine. Only now that it is all over can my superstitions rest and my true feelings be revealed. I hate the new NHL, I hate that we have shit teams in our division that make us collect points faster than other teams, I hate that we are not challenged until the first round of the playoffs against the eighth-seeded team. ARGH.

Now that I'm riled up again, all I have to say to the illegals is this: with the exception of Native Americans, we are immigrants to this country. There is a right way and a wrong way to go about becoming a citizen. If you so desire this destinction, then stop being a fucking whiny ass bitch and take the test like the rest of the people who want to call themselves American. This country is the melting pot; all are welcome here, but don't fucking take advantage and try to cheat what nearly 230 years of history has established. And where the fuck were the immigration officials yesterday? They should have been there with cages and gathered these motherfuckers and shipped them back to their own countries. It doesn't say anything for the U.S. border patrol that have some 11 million illegals within our borders. These are sneaky thieves, who are now demanding rights and privelages? Oh no, no. I'm sorry, that's not the way it works. If you were so passionate about becoming a fucking American, you should fucking take the test. If you pass, you can call yourselves whatever the hell you want. Until then, shut the fuck up because you are pissing me off. And go home. My country has enough burden without you.

A Blow to the Heart of the Hopelessly Optimistic

I didn't want to get out of the shower this morning because I knew this blog would shortly follow. I've been saying it all along, but somehow the reality of the situation is darker and more painfully depressing than the predictions could have ever made it out to be.

I knew the Wings were not going to make it back to the Joe. I knew it. All logical inclinations showed that they didn't have it in them to make a game seven reality. I also knew that a two goal lead going into the third was not good enough; that was not enough to win. The Oilers are a tricksey team and I knew they would tie it. I pictured another multiple overtime win going in Edmonton's favor. But they finished the job they wanted to do: off the famed Detroit Red Wings on home ice. They did that, congratulations. Their passion and hunger drove them to the succeeding point. And I am thankful, although I wanted to return one last time to my section, that they lost on the road. Losing in the first round is painful enough, doing so at home is even worse. I've only seen these kind of aching disappointments in my tenure at Joe Louis. Well, they made it to the second round once. The excitement and hope grew; the loss devestating.

Why did they lose, really? The Wings have no competition in their division to stand a chance against the rest of the league. That's why we won so many games and lost so early. It's easy to win when you play teams like Chicago, Columbus, and St. Louis eight times each a year. So are we really the most talented team the Detroit media makes us seem? No. Only because of the solid experience in the locker room and pressure/hope/belief of the fans and media make it seem like we are.

So what now becomes of this team? I would say recuit new defensemen and younger, fresher forwards. Make Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Williams, and perhaps Kronwall the focus and build a team around their strengths and weaknesses. Take the spotlight off those whose time in it has passed. Mr. Illitch should step up and fire Ken Holland. This is the fourth year the Wings have exited early from the playoffs. In Detroit, that is less-than-acceptable. There is a certain expectation of springtime hockey in this city. If people are going to jump on the players and judge who goes and who stays and who retires, they should take a close look at the front office and place blame on those who are high and mighty within the organization.

And me? I've been threatening retirement for a while now. I said I'd go out with Luc and whichever Wing is smart enough to let his legend become cemented in hockey's history. I'm not sure I can do that. I'd miss my usher friends. I'd miss my ticket holders. I'd miss Al. I'd miss my beer guys. I'd miss the atmosphere in the arena on game day. I'd miss sitting in the peaceful rink before doors open contemplating whatever is on my mind. I'd miss studying the banners in the rafters during boring spots in the game. I hoped I would return one final game in the fall to see a banner rise and join the glorious past. Not this year. Not yet.

Once in my lifetime I would like to witness an original six Cup final. Just once. That's all I ask. It had better happen before we move to the Eastern Conference when the Penguins relocate to Winnipeg (knock on wood). Now comes the painful task of crossing off Detroit from my playoff matchups and hope to God that Calgary can deep fry those damn Ducks into oblivion tomorrow night.

Monday's Menu

A Nashville Breakfast:
Shark meat, prepared the way you like it: sauteed with in-your-face spices.

The Texan Lunch:
Make your own meal on the slopes of the Colorado Rockies. But be careful not to cause an avalanche. Opps! You already did! Better luck next year, boys.

An Edmontonian Dinner:
Nothin like a round of hot Wings to get ya pumped up. Wash them down with your favorite crisp Canadian beer.

Late-Night Snack:
Boiled Duck, anyone? Maybe with some Flamin' sauce for proper flavor?