Now it's blogger's turn

I just spent some time actually blogging on myspace, reading other people's blogs, finding out that I was considered to be imaginary for some time (flipping hilarious, btw), and I still have 15 minutes to waste, so I thought I'd show some attention to my blogger. After all, it's only fair. I have to take advantage of my hacking into the State computers.

Today has been a total waste. If I hadn't done some useless blowing of my paycheck in Brighton, I wouldn't have noticed the key scratches on my car, and therefore I wouldn't be trying with all of my energy to forget that my brand new car has been vandalized. Even if they are scratches from rocks - which they aren't, because I have rock holes in my paint already - my baby would still be a victim to the unkind assholes of this world. Stupid fuckers. As I said on myspace, death will come to those who go near my car without a pre-approved purpose. And this is not a threat.

A quarter buys you 10 minutes in Sparty's parking meters. Which means that when I return to my car, if I can find my car ever again, I will have a ticket. Apparently they check through 6:00 and could only put two hours in my car. Which actually turned out to be an hour and forty minutes. So anyways, it's just a parking ticket. Good thing today is payday and I found the scratches on my car AFTER my trip to Borders. Or I and my checking account would be in very serious trouble.

Time to go knock over some more kids on their bikes. I mean, no, I said I wouldn't do that. I've been told I'm not in Detroit anymore. Damn it, Toto, you could have told me.

I'm Famous

Okay, so maybe I'm not famous and just my old campus is. I'm not just talking Detroit history famous; I'm talking Hollywood famous. Yeah, it's just that cool.

Crossover opens Friday, apparently is some basketball flick, but used the 6 mile campus in four scenes. It's not a lot, but it's just as cool as me being downtown as they were shooting the Detroit scenes in The Island. Of course my first reaction while reading this in the Sunday paper was, "So I leave and they start shooting films there?" I figure it's just because I was there that the production studios want to come running. JK - I'm not THAT full of myself. ;)

Shots of the business school (blah - all re-done recently and is now super fancy and shit on the inside. Also, as of last June, the only classroom building that was air conditioned. Damn rich, spoiled business majors), the library (this says new interior - I wonder what they did to it), and an exterior shot of the Health Professions building. So the Briggs building (home to Liberal Arts) gets screwed once again, but UDM is mentioned in the movie.

Now I'm not going to run out to the theatre to see this ghetto shit, but I have a gift card to Blockbuster that I might just keep until this is released. Hopefully it goes straight to video so I don't forget about it.

Feel that Titan pride. Peace, yo.

I Must be Craaaazzzy!

I haven't lost my mind, maybe just my waistline. I am pretty sure I am the only woman in the world who will go on the record as complaining about losing weight. I mean honestly. A year I wanted nothing more than to drop a few pounds, but after ten months of continuous weight loss with no intention of doing so, I'm starting to wonder. I know I've worked a lot and all of my jobs keep me active and constantly moving, but I just bought new jeans less than a month ago and already they are too big. I've never before been such a small size, despite always being on the skinny side.

It's weird.

And I am in desperate need of shoes. Shopping for shoes is worse than anything I know.

Good grief.

A Continuation of Yesterday

I forgot some bullet points yesterday that I didn't remember until I was sitting in my cubicle adding up late VSA hours.

• I think the disabled veteran that spends his time at the corner of Beaubien and the Ford service drive is starting to recognize my car. The blue alone stands out anywhere and when he sees it pass three days a week, I think he can put it together. This makes my guilt skyrocket. I'll have to change this. And soon.
• There were people in speedboats racing down the River on Saturday. I have long concluded that most boaters on Lake St Clair are a bunch of drunken idiots (this is proven, not an opinion). But these boats were lifting so far out of the water and rocking back and forth in the wind they were creating that I thought they were going to flip over. Seriously. I had my hand on my cell phone. Not only did it make me realize that that is one huge reason why I don't like boats, but it was scary to watch. They were going way too fast and I still don't know why people thinking drinking in a boat is any different than drinking in a car. Then I saw a family out in a sailboat, really close to the shore that was just out for a cruise on Sunday. Mix the racing idiots with that type of sailboat, the combination could be deadly, and it would be the family that would be the most damaged. There is no justice in this world.

I'll keep going with the bullets, since I'm on a roll:

• I spent my day yesterday fixing the computer/register we use at the main door to the museum. Fixed the new prices, deleted all the old City stuff, and changed the colors. Now the screensaver is off the dreaded blue and yellow and changed to maroon and silver - which is more museum friendly. The paint on the outside is maroon and silver is softer on the eyes than white. :) And I was able to skate out right at 4 with all my work done. I have Monday off, obviously for the holiday, but I'm reporting in on Tuesday to stay on top of the work load.
• I got my first phone call about youth volunteers yesterday. A woman called from a high school in Allen Park and wanted to know if someone from the museum would be able to sit at a table during a service fair in late September. I'm awaiting approval from the big boss. We'll see. I was excited - now when I get my business card, the part about youth volunteer coordinator will be true. ha!
• When I opened my myspace last night, I got a rather interesting message. It's nice that the courtesy was passed on to me, but as no extraordinary measures were put forth, I took it as such and passed. It wasn't easy, but I don't think I need to feel as guilty as I did for a time last night. As time moves on, the invitations will stop coming and the feeling bad because I can't help will cease. Eventually.

I think that's it for now. It feels so weird not having anything to do today. Almost like I'm forgetting to do something, but my planner is empty, so I know I'm not. And since it's so gloomy outside, I might either spend the day reading or finishing up House. I'm down to one more disc. :) Season premiere next Tuesday. I'm excited. I also have to set my dvr.

Monday Morning

So, I've had some thoughts that I need to get out of my system before I start my fun day of number crunching for time cards and then whatever new project I have to get started on. Just gotta love those cubicle days. :-/

• It's been a year since Katrina. While cleaning up the flood and trying to see if anything was worth saving, all I could think of was New Orleans. The timing of it all was impeccable. But I felt really bad about not giving more a year ago. I've never had to deal with a flood before, but now that I have on a very small scale, I have more empathy for victims. I'm relieved all we lost was junk that needed to be thrown out years ago and that nothing leaked into the museum galleries.
• The teacher's in Detroit are going on strike. As I was upstairs last night and heard that on the news, I stormed downstairs. My explosion was probably not to the best audience seeing as my dad is in a teacher's union, but whatever. My mom agreed only because I think she was a little shocked. Here's another reason why I dropped the education program and didn't become a real teacher: I never wanted to lose sight of the real objective of the profession, and get so caught up in the politics that it clouded my vision. They had all summer to negotiate a new contract. Administrative (the board) or the the teachers. All summer. They wait until a week before classes resume to decide to reject the contract. I understand their point; they shouldn't have to take pay cuts while the board gets raises. I think the whole problem with DPS is that they don't know how to budget and utilize the resources they have available to them. But they don't give a fuck about the kids. They dedicated their careers to educating children. That is what it is all about it. They don't care about them. This proves that the kids whom they are responsible for teaching didn't even cross their minds. And I'm not just talking about the teachers side here. The board is just as responsible (if not more so) for the enrichment of those kids as the teachers are. Everyone in a school system has a part in the education process. Being on such unstable ground anyway, why would you wait the whole summer to suggest something, know that they'll reject it, and all within a week of classes? It's fucking bullshit. The same thing happened at Eastern and it's why I dropped out. The superintendent down to the janitors need to realize that their first goal, their first priority, needs to be to the kids that attend their schools. This is why charter schools will succeed. This is why public schools are crumbling. Stop being stubborn and start caring. ugh. I hate strikes.
• There was a plane crash yesterday. The news anchors also said it was the worst domestic crash in six years. This is also very wrong. It's only been five years since 9-11. If they don't count the World Trade Center or Pentagon, then they should count United 93. It crashed at the hands of its own passengers in Penn. So whatever. That too made me angry, but it seemed irrelevant compared to the teachers. And I'm going straight to hell for just saying that.
• I hate Mondays. And what happened to August? Holy crap, it's already the 28th.
• Don't forget to check the museum's website to look at new pictures from our makeover. It is linked under hopeless promotion. There should be a box that says something about the makeover. Follow a couple links and you'll see. The building is looking good. And it will be re-open a month from tomorrow. That's pretty exciting. :)

I'm out now. Time to go be completely irritated with office politics for eight hours.

Catching up

I haven't blogged in so long that I don't even know how to start one of these things anymore. Guess I left off at the day before my VSA meeting. So that came and went. One of them "forgot" about the meeting and didn't show, another one was fifteen minutes late, and two were on time waiting patiently. I actually got to lead a few parts of the meeting that concerned the Dossin and the archiving project. That was fun. I was disappointed the fourth VSA didn't show up because he was the only one that hadn't gotten my spiel about how to do this. I went over the process again, this time with marker on poster paper and we all did it together. Kathleen says that I could do whatever I wanted to because I am - get ready for this - "such a teacher." She also assured me that was a good thing. Ha. So anyway, I was looking forward to getting all of us on the same page, but that didn't happen. I think the ones that were there know they screwed up and hopefully got some fear knocked into them. We started throwing around the word termination and they got a look of panic on their faces. Darn kids.

Then I was off to a mid-week escape in Lansing. :) Got caught up on relaxing and lots of missed sleep. Got some first meetings out of the way and then I was back east to babysit Friday night. It is really hard to babysit and put up with a 2 year old's temper tantrums when it is not your family or close friend. I only worked with Dawn and we got along famously, but honestly, I retired from casual babysitting a long time ago and while I know she appreciates my reliability and experience, I hope she isn't getting used to it. School is starting soon and it will be no time before the calls start coming in to sub. I make more subbing than she could pay me in babysitting costs, and once the museum re-opens, I'm going to have to be on my game all weekend long. I don't even know what that means, but it's a good prep talk.

Saturday I walk into the Dossin to find it completely flooded. This was due to a clogged drain upstairs. The boxes were so saturated that when I went to move them, they just crumbled. It was disgusting. I threw out so much shit and there would have been more at the curb except the other guy (okay, so he was one of the chief directors) that was there opted to be more cautious than logical. I hated the fact that he moved wet boxes back into a wet room that I hadn't finished working on yet. But what the hell do I know. I just work in that building every weekend and am the only person that really knows what is relative and what isn't. Oh well. There will come a time when they'll listen to me. I know it.

Saturday night I learned that subdivisions in Lansing look like surreal movie sets. Turn down one road and it feels like your instantly transported to a 1950s Levittown (let the googling begin). It was nice though, finally meeting the people who I've bought baby clothes for. :) And being completely reminded of how fun my brother can act was a good thing too. Who was so worried about first impressions anyway? ha. Makes me miss the old days with the guys. And I had a break through. Because it was important to me (and I could have been too tired to try otherwise) to be on my best behavior, I didn't snap back when I heard someone attempt to diss the dreaded "Detroit area". Have to put the "area" on the end or you'll get a dirty look. The cocked eyebrow and questioning voice are quite convincing though. After all, who would want to live there? I bet she would have run scared in the other direction had she known she was standing next to someone who grew up in that city. I should shut up now, I don't want to offend anyone I know is reading this. I get defensive about Detroit because so many people hate it for superficial and unjustified reasons. Like I said, by not saying anything, it was a major step for me. I'm proud of myself. :D

Now today is Sunday and I'm at home finally able to chill for a bit. It was only raining outside at the Dossin when I got there this morning instead of on the inside, which was a relief. My VSA was late but called to say there was an accident which was slowing her up. There were a couple people right away that came in requesting items from the gift shop that took some detective work. I was able to find it though and everyone was a happy camper. That kind of made me feel good. But it opens my eyes to the disorganized chaos. When I'm not there all day anymore, my VSAs have to know where to look to assist someone the same way I did. That means I get to train them on something else. I wish you could hear the excitement in my voice right now. = /
I got some maintenance done around the museum, including changing some fluorescent light bulbs at the same time a couple of gentlemen came in scouting out the building for future use. They'll be stationed at the museum in November for an Edmund Fitz commemoration event. But it was a good day. Lots of people. Lots of people right at the end. I have to start clearing the building at quarter to when there are that many people in it. If my docent doesn't have the balls to do it the right way, watch out, there's an undercover usher on the loose.

So that's all for now. I'm off to spend the rest of the evening with House. If I weren't so much like him on a daily basis I would say he's a bad influence on me, but since I am so much like that, I could care less. Maybe I can get another disc in before I decide to crash. We can only hope so.

:)

Connect the Dots

Yesterday was a productive day at the museum. I made up for last Monday, when I spent eight hours trying to figure out the Dossin numbers. I created all of my youth volunteer forms and finished typing up the archive procedures for my idiots working at the Cass Desk. I let the woman in charge of our collections look it over, she said it sounded wonderful, and gave me the okay to let them work on them. I am still rather apprehensive about the whole thing and with my test run yesterday, I know that them working on the files at the main museum will not last long. Tomorrow, I get to teach them how to fill out a form the right way. It's just like teaching. I will teach them to use two brain cells at one time and then connect the dots. It's not rocket science, it's cataloging. Aye!!

There was no operations meeting yesterday, which I didn't mind at all. I was able to talk to Kathleen longer about the problems that have been arising and work on my volunteer process undisturbed. She had her own issue on Friday, so my late VSA stories about them showing up in their pajamas didn't phase her as much as I had hoped. It phased Michelle and I could see her boiling underneath the smile she had to force upon her face when I said that. Ha. So anyway, tomorrow is a big VSA meeting and we are going to spend most of the time reviewing their job descriptions, things that have been slipping on, disciplinary procedures, and the diligence they must have while working with the archives. I can only hope that they all shape up because all four of them have been slacking something terrible this summer. It's boring at the Cass Desk and there isn't much to do and it's distracting with the construction workers, but holy cow, they are at work - it isn't a time or place to play around. People are waiting for us to screw up once we re-open, and since this bunch of idiots are the front line, they have to start shaping up now. Their professionalism is my number one goal. Under that category, being on time tops it all.

I don't know what else. I wish I had more time to oversee their behavior and was kept up to date on what happens during the week. Since I am the only one willing to communicate, I guess that is something the managers have to work on. Had I known that my Saturday VSA was late last week because she overslept, I wouldn't have brushed it off so easily on Sat morning. Ah well. The downside of being the part-timer I guess.

On January 20th, I will sacrifice my Hockey Night in Canada to find a way to watch Luc's retirement game. Now it's just a matter of finding someone with Center Ice. :)

Later.

Adventures in the Cubicles

What a weekend! I had two late VSAs, one of which was already on thin ice regarding her timliness. I can't wait to tell the story to the higher ups. I can only imagine how their expressions will look as relate the incident calmly and professionally. I think I got all the swear words out yesterday and this morning I feel rather confident about the whole thing.

On the other hand, I kicked the shit out of the Dossin. My new docent changed all the burned out lightbulbs, fixed a few crumbling displays, found a leak; I cleaned off the leaky area, took garbage cans of junk out to the trash cans (which I didn't know how old this stuff was), cleaned up garbage that was outside. I think on Saturday I got upwards of 30 files cataloged. Sunday, I didn't do any and felt I was far more productive. It helped with my frustration. If I had the power to fire someone, yesterday morning would have been the perfect opportunity. But alas, the part-time manager just has to deal with and then report the bullshit. But my voice will be heard today. Loud and clear.

Against my better judgement, I took some files from the archives back to the main building. If they have to be cataloged by Dec 30, then this is the only way to do it, but at the same time, they are so careless and distracted down at the back door. And all the construction guys coming in and out, I'm worried. You'd almost think I was in charge of the archives the way I am acting. But all I can do is leave detailed instructions and then go over those directions at our meeting on Wednesday morning. And wish those files the best of luck.

I better get going. I have lots of work to do today.

And I'm off

As much as I want to go back to the museums right now, there is a large part of me that doesn't. I wish I could sleep in today, and if my calculations are correct, the next chance won't come until next Friday. Maybe it's time for my ticker. :P

Yesterday was the first day in years that I babysat for someone other than my cousin. I retired from out of the family babysitting, or so I thought. I once feared that I lost whatever niceness to my personality I had left, but that was my over-exhaustion talking. I am still a nice person, sometimes too much so. I told Dawn when I left that I would babysit for her on Friday nights. Ha. Well, her kids aren't bad (5 and 2) and if nothing else, I got my teacher side back. She didn't get home until late because the store was apparently trashed and there are a bunch of morons who work there now, so that was my biggest thing. I don't like not getting enough sleep on Friday night because I need my energy for my weekends.

Today at the museum, I get to tell the VSAs that their work standards are being raised AND that I am the one monitoring them. We'll get their act together before the re-opening. Just wait and see. It is also my first day with the new docent on his own. I'm a bit anxious to see how this works out. Nothing like being the boss of someone 30 years old than you.

I hope my day goes well, I have my birthday dinner to suffer through later.

Welcome Myspace Friends

This is my real blog. I write something everyday, so come back as often as you like. But before you get lost in my ranting, I need to better explain my disclaimer:

I didn't link my blog to my myspace because I primarily use this as a venting outlet about my places of employment. Sometimes I bitch about family or friends, but not often. Sometimes I have happy or funny stories to share with the world, though I am having trouble thinking of one. Most of the time it is about who pissed me off doing something I can't stand and my lack of tolerance for that kind of behavior or personality trait. Most of these negative tendacies lean toward the storefront. Children's Place do not fear, I'm not biased in my blogging, the museum has made it's fair share of appearances too. And just you wait until hockey is back!

Since I have recently parted ways with the store, I decided to open up my blogger so my fellow myspacers can read it and have easier access to it. If you get lost in the archives or find a story that involves you, someone you know, or a place where you work, do not take it personally and do not judge. I hold no grudges and don't think twice about it, you shouldn't either, especially if you know how stubborn I can be. Going back and reading what I wrote after I calm down is educational and humorous. Typing on my blogger helps release the impatience and frustration I feel regarding certain situations, much like writing in a journal used to work before the myspaces, bloggers, and livejournals of the world had such an impact on us all.

Auf Wiedersehen, Coke

At some point during the past three days (Monday - Wednesday) I took a can of Coke to my car. The only logical guess would have been Monday morning, and I just didn't take the can into the museum with me, but both Tuesday and Wednesday mornings my drink holder was closed. I haven't even drank pop since I've been back, I've gone to Tim Horton's and just gotten a coffee. But at any rate, yesterday, while I was training for CPR and First Aid at the Dossin, my car was baking out in the hot summer sun. And in the meantime, this mysterious can of Coke exploded in my car. I was walking out after passing the course with flying colors (I only got one question wrong out of 45 questions), I noticed my windshield looked like someone poured water on it. I thought what the hell? But it wasn't on the outside of my car...I opened my door and found the nice splatter of sticky pop everywhere. It was disgusting and as I was driving home on Jefferson I thought of how beautiful the lake looked and how nice my car needed a bath. But I refrained from driving it in. Instead, I spent FOUR hours cleaning my dash and doors and windows, and I only stopped because I ran out of daylight. My first armour-all attempt failed. I have yet to go back and check on the second effort. I think the only success that could have possibily came was cleaning the windows. But my whole car just feels gross and nasty now. I'm hoping my valiant efforts in unsticking the stickiness proved successful, but with most things, only time will tell.

That was enough to make me stop drinking pop, at least on a regular basis. To start my new caffeine campaign, I had some tea this morning. We'll see how long I can kick the habit and keep it at the curb.

This ranks among the top i.m. convo's:
ryan: so i had no way of contactign you on sunday. i was goign to call you for a combination of sayign ahppy bi4rthday, and tryign to con you into a ride home from a show in mt clemens
ryan: so, happy belated birthday
amy: thanks, ryan
ryan: now youre even ollllllder
ryan: oh snap
amy: lol
amy: thanks for the reminder
amy: i appreciate it
ryan: anytime
amy: ha!
ryan: how old are you again?
amy: 25
ryan: ouch.
amy: shut up
ryan: lmao, im just fuckign with you
amy: yeah, i know. and you're still a little shit
ryan: lmao
ryan: dotn worry, im getting closer to 16 everyday
amy: what the hell? i am going to beat this kid's ass.

okay, i'm out. later, dudes.

Updates

Most importantly, I uploaded some Boston pictures last night. You can follow the obvious link on the right side of my page to view them.

Secondly, I spent 9 and a half hours working on 21 mannequins yesterday. I think part of the reason is because they are wearing more layers now (but realistically, you would NEVER dress a baby like that - stupid fashion designers) and another part is because whenever I found a spot to work, someone came in and grabbed it from me. What the hell. It was after 5:30, I finished putting the babies out and then I delegated the rest of what had to be done (shoes and clamps) to other people. I thought I quit that job. On my way home, I decided I really did.

Thirdly, since I haven't had one in eleven months, I used this vacation as an escape from my daily grind. Within 24 hours of getting home, I was getting (dare I say) lectured about not calling and being compared to my brother. I'm sorry, I turned 25 when I was gone and forgive me for not wanting to be attached to my cell phone every second (with the exception of Friday, which is the first time I even bothered checking my messages). There were more important things than that. And even though I have completely accepted I can never live up to my brother, it still stings when it happens. Putting myself through college, attaining a degree, and not whoring myself out are real disappointments in life. Shame on me. I haven't said much about it or to them and if I didn't before, I really just hate living here now.

Small note to friends: if you are in town and don't tell me about it, fine - I won't even mind, but if you are in town and tell me, and say we can go out later to catch up, then don't back out. Especially when we haven't talked all that often lately and I haven't seen you for almost four months. Kinda burns a little. But it's all good, I got to wash my car Monday night instead. It needed it, I almost say it was time better spent.

CPR training at my Dossin today. I better start to get my act together.

Tomorrow, sleep will come...

One if by Land, Two if by Boston, and Three Strikes you're Out

I am far from having my Boston pics up on my webshots page (maybe Tuesday night), but I'll share a few of my favorites:





Fewer places have I felt so connected to American history than in the Old North Church. Words can hardly describe how awesome this building is to me.













Cheers! I don't like Boston accents, but I like Boston beer. Tastes even better in Norm's chair.

This is what baseball is all about: classic ballparks, Green Monsters, and seeing the hometeam win. Add a couple hot dogs, a beer, and a beautiful summer night, and turning 25 couldn't have been more perfect.

One more before I'm out

Usually these are for myspace blogs, but I already posted that I was on vacation so I can't help it...this one is just too cool! It's a survey, done Detroit style - Hell yeah!

1. What kind of Faygo pop is your favorite?
Root Beer

2. Who is you favorite hometown sports team?
is it blasphemy if I don't say the Wings? We'll go with the Tigs.

3. Ever see them in action?
All but the Lions.

4. How fast do you usually go on I-696?
on average, 80

5. On I-94?
about 72

6. Do you go to the Michigan State Fair?
every few years

7. How far north do you consider up north?
I-75 corridor, north of Bay City/Saginaw

8. Have you ever been to Mackinac Island?
Once

9. What is your favorite news channel to watch?
when I watch it, it's channel four

10. Do you sing the Hansons Windows song?
sometimes - call 1-800-Hansons, get it done.

11. What about the Empire Carpet song?
blah-de-dah. I can't think of it now, but I'm sure I do.

12. Do you have a nickname for Taylor/people from Taylor?
Taylortucky

13. Westland?
I don't have a nickname for Westland, but I don't refer to it kindly. Haha.

14. Where were you born?
Grosse Pointe officially, but I have a hard time admitting that

15. Where do you live now?
Clinton Twp

16. Why did you move?
Never lived in Grosse Pointe, you tend to be birthed where the insurance covers you. I grew up in Detroit, we moved because we had to.

17. Do you hate Detroit cops?
I love Detroit cops!

18. What city's cops do you hate most?
Besides Waterford, Fraser.

19. Do you play the states lottery?
every now and again

20. If you do, did you know that the proceeds go towards public education?
yes. I enjoy giving them even more of my money other than that which already comes out of my paychecks. If I can't teach them, at least I support them, eh?

21. Do you go to the Renaissance Festival?
every few years

22. The Auto Show?
every few years. haha, i alternate the car show, state fair, and renaissance festival apparently

23. Ever met any celebrities from Detroit?
lots, blame my work environments

24. Play euchre?
regardless of how many times I've been taught, either sober or slightly intoxicated, I will never pick up on this game. Which makes me a reject of my own damn state. It is just something about euchre and my brain that is not compatable.

25. Ever been to Belle Isle?
Twice a week - it's my favorite. :D And I've been countless times before my job too.

26. Do you know someone that knows someone that knows Eminem, D12, Kid Rock, Uncle Kracker, etc.?
yeah, but who cares?

27. Do you know where the place on 8 Mile is that they filmed the movie 8 Mile?
Yes - I used to pass it all the time on my way to school.

28. Do you or a family member work at a GM plant?
no. as my non-euchre ability makes me a Michigan reject, my lack of relatives in the Big 3 makes me a Detroit reject. And my ancestors have been here for centuries and somehow never got involved with the auto industry. It's completely random and really odd that ever happened.

29. How fast do you go on 8 Mile?
50-65. speed limit is 40

30. Is 9 Mile the new 8 Mile?
if you mean by the race line, yes, it is.

31. What clubs do you go to?
I'm not a club kind of girl.

32. Ever been to the Renaissance Center?
yep! Food Court is great for dinner before games.

33. What schools do/did you go to?
St. Jude, St. Angela, then the L'Anse Creuse

34. Who did you want to go forward in the playoffs more this year Red Wings or Pistons?
my job screams Red Wings. and I've developed a sour taste for pro basketball in recent years.

35. Which direction does Outer Drive go?
East-West

36. Ever go to the Gratiot Cruise?
no, I avoid Gratiot when it's cruise time

37. Woodward Cruise?
I can count on one hand how many times I've been

38. Harper Cruise?
St. Clair Shores wanna-bes. no

39. Ever buy weed or any other drugs in Detroit?
I wouldn't trust it

40. Did you cry when Rosa Parks died?
No. But it was a moment in time

41. What about when Proof died?
He was shot not too far from where I grew up. Holla!

42. Or Joe C.?
no

43. Do you think Detroit did a good job hosting the Super Bowl this year?
Yes, but it was fake and obnoxious

44. Do you know any Down River Hos?
NO, thank god.

45. Is the owner of your local party store or gas station Arabic?
Yes, we call him Hollywood. Ha.

46. Do you still go to Hardee's?
I thought Hardee's went out of business

47. Do you have a favorite weatherman?
Chuck Gadica

48. Don't you love potholes?
yes, and because I do, I got the tire/wheel protection warrenty on the baby. :P

49. What station do you listen to?
89x, 93.1, 96.3, 101.1, 104.3, 106.7

50. Do you still have an ice scraper in your car?
i got my car in the summer. my ice scaper did stay in the super chev until I packed it and moved it to the baby.

51. Do you happen to know what the point of the lights in the underpasses is on I-696?
The longer tunnels in Southfield were built at a time before daytime running lights on automobiles, so it's a safety thing.

52. When is the last time you went to the Detroit Zoo?
It's been years.

53. What do you think about all the summer construction on the freeways?
It is the true sign that warmer weather has arrived in Southeast Michigan.

54. How often do you go over to Canada?
Not very often since 9-11. Even between ages 19-21 I didn't go very often. But holy crap, my 19th birthday in a foreign country was something to reckon with. HA!

55. Ever go to Greektown?
It's on my top five favorite places downtown

56. Do you travel up to Traverse City for the Cherry Festival?
No, but I love sour cherries from up north. Yummy.

57. Tell me you don't actually stop at red lights in Detroit.
I do, because I'm not scared. Detroit is home.

58. Where in the hell is Bad Axe?
top of the thumb

59. Have you been to Hell?
Not officially

60. Where is the coolest place to hang out and meet new people in your city?
JLA

61. Where are the coolest places to hang out downtown?
The Detroit Historical Museum (after Sept 29 now) on weekends, they have the hottest manager! haha. Greektown, Corktown, Ppl Mover, Co Park, JLA, Ren Cen, etc.

62. What about the coolest places to eat?
Everything is cool downtown

63. See a concert?
Pine Knob. Co Park is cool too

64. Have you been to Comerica Park or Ford Field yet?
Haven't ventured in Ford Field yet.

65. What are your thoughts about Mayor Kilpatrick?
Kwame had a rough first term, but he is sincere with his attitude for the city - and compared to his predecessors, he's doing a fine job.

66. Who do you think is the worst judge in Detroit/Metro Detroit?
I'm not sure

67. Have to climbed the sand dunes?
Yes, Frankfort/Beulah is my favorite part of Michigan!!!

68. Do you go to any festivals downtown?
every once and awhile, but I'm not a fan on being part of big crowds downtown. Too many people down there that don't know how to drive in the city, and they are scared suburbianites on top of it, it quickly tests my patience.

69. Wheres the roundabout?
Campus Martius has one. There's one on Utica Road and one at 18 and Van Dyke too. Don't ask me about the West Side.

70. Do you go to Cedar Point every year?
It's been probably 9 years since I've been.

Now I'm off until the weekend, or whenver I decide to write again after Boston.

Bye Bye!

This is your Captain speaking

Yesterday was my last day working with my Dossin docent Brendan. I followed him around most of the day as he showed the new guy the ropes. I know I am fairly comfortable knowing where things are and what to do if anything goes crazy. The only thing I'm still iffy on is the information regarding some of the displays, and now that I'm the one that Joel will be coming to for answers, I better brush up on the docent guide. I also decided on that self-promotion. I'm the Captain now. And since Stevie retired, I have no problem using that same phrasing. I have a tendancy not to like new people - but Joel seems like he has got it together. He is a GLMI member and is familiar with the Dossin and it's location, etc. Should be good.

I realized that after the Main Re-Opens Sept 29, I am going to have a really hard time being stationed in that building instead of the Dossin. Dude, they should just give me that museum. Seriously.

Saturday was a beautiful day. There was a breeze coming off the water and the air was that distinct lake smell. It's different than a rain smell or other water, it smelled like a lake. Add bbq scents to the air, and I could have done my work outside under the willow trees instead of a hot, stuffy office while working on crashing some family reunions. Yummy. It was a slow day and somewhat disappointing, but I got a lot of work done. Sunday was a great day compared to Saturday, and I'm glad Joel was able to hear Brendan's spiel a few times.

I have to work eight hours and then I am on vacation for the first time in eleven months. Last time I saw the Pacific Ocean, this time, it will be the Atlantic.

Saying I'm excited is probably an understatement. I have to get ready for my Monday in the cubicle (ha, sounds like a newspaper column or something). I'm already counting down the hours until lunch. Not because I have any big plans, but because I get an hour free. haha. And since we are in the midst of our Makeover, I get to wear jeans. Woot!

All's Well that Ends Well

Last night was my last night at the store. All my anxious, apprehensive, and nervous feelings were pointless. It was fun. Dawn didn't work, but she came in with her girls and brought cake - carmel with carmel frosting - yummy. I'm not a big cake fan, but that was some good shit. Denise came in and brought her girl, haha. It was fun having Cari around again. Needless to say, I stopped working about seven, we were out about 9:30. Denise and Cari said their gift to me was to come in and work for me. So they started straightening as I stood there and talked with everyone. Cari was up to old tactics, which was really a lot of fun - but there was a new girl who was there too and she was looking at Cari like, who the hell is this? Ha. Good times.

I would have gotten a present from Denise, but it didn't come in the mail yet. It will be an angel antenna thing (so I'll always have an angel looking over me). She made an angel and put it in a bag, and I'm like, oh look, Trevor made me something. HAHA. Dawn had the same reaction. It's cute. I told Denise I'd put my temporary angel in my car until I see her again and get the other one. But she gave me a really nice card - and she brought in an iced tea, but not long island style. That's okay. During the night I knew she would go into Ruby Tuesday's and ask for a long island to go, be turned down, and bring me something else instead. Hahaha. I got a card that the managers signed too - it was nice. I laughed at each one. Earlier in the day I had to go in and get my paycheck and I had to say good-bye to Betsie. She's the nicest person ever and I think I made her tear up a little when I left. I know Denise was crying, but Cari started poking fun at her so then I started poking fun at Cari. Fun. Fun times.

But it won't seem like I'm gone quite yet, I'm afraid. Next week my name is on the schedule but unavailable every day. The next week, I'll be on the schedule, but just one day (the 15th) for mannequin duty for the new floorset. I didn't look at the styling guide last night, I guess it will be a surprise how many new mannequins I have to dress. Halloween costumes come out the week after, but I'm not coming in special for those. And then it should start to be holiday preview in early September. I'm not sure I'll be able to work everytime Dee calls, but I can try.

The door is open, the bridge is not burned, and I can say that regardless of whatever issues pushed me over the edge, I left because I was tired and that I was feeling a little too burned out to continue.

Now I'm off to meet my new weekend docent at the Dossin. Tomorrow is my last day with Brendan - that makes me a little sad. He does everything and knows everything. Now I'm going to be the person that knows everything. I might just have to be promoted from skipper to captain, eh?

Put on a Happy Face

Because I am opening up the link to my blogger on my myspace shortly after I leave the store, I am telling this story against my better judgement. It will name people who will no doubt stop by, at least once, out of pure curiosity. At this point, I do not care. I can find the humor in anything - so here we go.

For the past I don't know how many Wednesday nights, it's always been Dee, Dawn, Denise and I working. It's a fun night. Last Wednesday, Kelly closed with us. Still fun. Last night, Kathie was the closing manager. While I have listed gripes about her before, I can't honestly say that I have a problem with her anymore. She is making a better effort than she did when she started and hopefully that can only benefit the colleagues I am leaving behind. Anyhow, I get a message around 10:45 yesterday morning asking if I want the day off because they have to trim hours. I said go ahead and give the hours to Dawn. She also said she wouldn't just cut me because it's my last week because she would never do that to me.

Let me just tell you what a crock of shit that line was. I had to go into the store last night to say good-bye to Denise (who was very worried when she didn't see my car when she came in). I stayed in the back and chatted with her for a few minutes. She told me some cute Trevor (olld manager Cari's 4 year old son) stories. She said that Amy isn't going to be working there anymore and it won't be any fun to go into work anymore. He first asks, which Amy (because he hears Cari say that all the time). Then he asks, well, what is she going to do? Hahaha. She's coming in Friday night for my party. She said she has too.

Back to the storefront - as I was up in the front when I first walked in I stopped and said hi to Dawn (who was fighting with a slow register), I only expected to see her and Kathie on the floor. Much to my surprise, there were other associates working. Two of them in fact. Two new associates. At first I was taken back, I have seniority, but then I just started to laugh. I know why she wanted to cut my hours. It is my last week. I think she realizes that my work ethic will be less than par this week and my attitude probably something to be desired. She has two new people working - does she want the disgruntled employee whose last day is Friday working with them with the closing manager whom she admittedly does not like? Hell no! Amy = bad influence = cannot work with my new robots. It's hilarious. Really. Dawn told me that, I couldn't agree more. I told Denise, she said, you know you might be on to something there Amy. Hahaha.

I dread going into work no more. I'm excited. I cannot wait to mention to Dee that I went by the store last night to say bye to Denise and saw the new people. Hahaha. I want a camera so I can get her reaction. I might even say something about how I would be a bad influence on them so that's why she cut me. I think this is a great story. And she called Dawn at 10:30 - when Dawn was the on-call. I was the scheduled one last night. Hm...interesting things. Denise asked why all of a sudden she is hiring all these people - and I told her: she is going to have to hire at least five people to take my place. She agreed, and said how I do everything there. I said yeah, I know how to do every single thing and pitch in when and where I am needed. Denise is worried about the mannequins. I am too, actually. I have to talk to Dee about that. I have to leave the door open. I might never hear from her again, but at least it won't be a burned bridge. And while I might never want to step foot inside a mall again, I might have to make an honest effort to go back and visit. They're my friends. They're making me a cake. With caramel frosting. Yummmmy. And they're bringing beverages. :-D

It should be a fun day at the TCP. Over a hundred boxes in shipment - bring it on!

cut hours

No work for me today! Dee didn't want it to sound like she was cutting me because it was my last week, but I told her to go ahead and give the hours to Dawn instead. So now I get a taste at what my new life will be like - at least in August, until I start getting sub calls and having to go docent/volunteer trainings at the museum in September.

In the meantime, I enjoy this snipet of a news story: Another milestone in the sales decline of Detroit's automotive giants arrived Tuesday as Toyota Motor Corp. surpassed Ford Motor Co. in U.S. monthly sales for the first time, by a margin of 1,837 vehicles.

Look at the new Michigan Plates here.
Might it be worth giving up my annual donation to Great Lake water preservation?

Daily Report

It's my youngest cousin's birthday today. He's turning 13. I can't believe he's already a teenager. Time flies. It is especially hard to imagine his age when almost all my memories of him are as a cute little baby and tike. All these kids are getting so old - the little shits.

Optimism is a funny thing sometimes. You never have it when you need it the most and then you have to rely on someone else who never has any to provide you with some. My guess is, if things turn out badly, I'll have company being an Avalanche fan this season.

That reminds me, I never really talked about Dom being back. He's a moron. Kenny is an idiot. If I don't trip over him next time I see him at the Joe, I'm going to kick his ass. And when Dom cracks up five games into the season again, I'll do so while laughing in his face. It's time the GM goes. And after Stevie's number goes up to the sky blue rafters, I quit. This up to and includes ushering and whatever kind of Wings fan I am left. Nobody's here anymore. I'll have more time on my hands to follow some of my favorite players.

ciao

It's August Already

I feel weird today. I don't know if it's because I have the day off - and that it just doesn't seem right - or if it's something else altogether.

I spent seven hours in my cubicle yesterday inhaling paint fumes (first they were painting the trim outside my window and then they were painting the second floor). Surprisingly enough, I don't have a migraine, though I was acting strange enough last night to claim that I was some kind of high from the smells. Ha. I worked mostly on volunteer stuff and wrote a letter to local schools that my boss was super impressed by. But I was still ready to leave by 3:30 when I decided I would take an hour to write emails and then duck out three minutes early. I like the freedom of not having to punch in at a time clock, something I've never not had to do.

Friday is my last day at TCP. I might feel weird about that. I've never quit a job on good terms before - the other ones just came to end naturally or are seasonal. Either starting Friday, the weekend, or when I get back from Boston, I'm opening my blogger up to my myspace readers. It is true that I've mentioned very specific instances and named people who directly pissed me off from the store in here, and some of those people might find it if they choose to read my archives. At the same time, my disclaimer will be that I use this as my venting source and it's all in the past now. Besides, I think they know that I have absolutely no patience and should and will understand. It doesn't mean anything anyway. They won't take it personally. They can't. It's not all about them all the time.

Time to flip my calendars one more time. It never fails, August always has the worst pictures. Well, my main calendar in my room is Easter Island this month. That's pretty cool. But the huge stone faces -- kinda creepy!

I don't know what I'm doing today. Guess it's time to figure it out.