What's going on?

What happened to winter in Michigan? I don't really know why, but seeing a fly on the window today seemed really odd to me. I don't ever recall that happening this time of year before. It is December 30th, is it not? What, am I going to see a robin next?

Before I consider going out to sunbathe, I'll wish all my readers a Happy New Year. Best wishes for 2007.

At Long Last

I have been waiting to do this:

for a very long time.

Now it's time for my nap.

Good day.

The Year - 2006

I vaguely remember doing something like this last year on myspace - so here it is for this year on blogger. Enjoy.

January - All about the Bauer

• After catching up with Jack Bauer 1 -4, the Season 5 premiere becomes planner worthy.
• The Super Chev earned the nickname Bauermobile when the crankshaft decided to break the same week as the premiere. Beware of Jack's wrath.
• Learned the register at the store after three months of working there. Must have been an oversight somewhere.
• Started my blogger to supplement and separate myself from my myspace audience.

February - 28 days of work and play

• 4th: the date that changed my life
• Superbowl, Detroit style
• Spread my ushering wings - this time to the Masonic Temple and Annie.

March - A foundation is cemented

• Spent three days teaching an awesome bunch of second graders - the most fun I had teaching ever.
• When he called the Joe my "office," I knew I was hooked.
• Continued working three jobs - overall, a pretty mundane month.

April - Hellos and Good-byes

• Got my first ticket that I didn't get out of on the spot. I could laugh about it then and can still laugh about it today - what a fun learning experience! Thanks, Waterford PD!
• Attended my first Opening Day game. :) Go Tiggies.
• Row two for Les Mis at the Fisher - Absolutely.
• After working what would be my final game, met Brian to watch three more. Hockey, anyone?

May - The month my whole life changed

• We made it official.
• Back-to-back interviews with people at the Detroit Historical Society.
• Hired and started training at the Museum - my professional destiny realized.
• Substituted for the last time. My dream of teaching extinguished.

June - Meet the Baby

• I bought something I never thought I would be able to and did so on my own: a new car! I only consider buying American, so I purchased a 2006 Chevy Aveo - affectionately named the Maui Blue Pearl.
• Got to see Rob Thomas at Pine Knob. :)
• The Stanley Cup is won in seven games

July - Work, work, work, and work some more.

• Worked 28 straight days - including the Fourth - at two places.
• Captain Jack, anyone?
• Paid $70 for electronic fingerprints for teaching to never have to go back to it. Bummer.
• After being run down to the ground and noticing a severe change in my personality - decided to put my two weeks at the store. Hardest. Resignation. Ever.

August - A dream come true

• Finally made it to Boston! History is alive in that city - I loved every minute of that vacation.
• I turned 25. And I got to go to Fenway Park to celebrate. Best. Birthday. Ever.
• Coop-town or bust! Reluctant to come back to separate lives in Michigan, we stopped at the Baseball Hall of Fame. Just awesome.
• Mark this as the only year August only had six days. None of the other ones matter.

September - Reality bites

• After catching up with House 1-2, the season three premiere becomes planner worthy. At this time, I was very much the same person as House is - with the temper of Jack Bauer. FOX owes me big time royalities.
• With free time on my hands for the first time in a year, I spend it all in Lansing.
• Helped paint some Museum exhibits before we Re-Opened our doors.
• Camping in Ludington was fun, minus the whole falling and breaking my hip part. That's okay, the rum made me feel better.
• The Museum Re-Opened after a ten-week, $800,000 Makeover. 10,000 people came through the building that weekend - it was HUGE!

October - Welcome to the Big Leagues

• Tigers go to the playoffs! I got to go to the Division Series deciding game. I've never seen Comerica that alive - it was amazing to be a part of that.
• My boss resigned. I got her spot. This promotion puts me as a full-time, salaried, eventual Monday - Friday employee. It will take two very long months before I am able to enjoy this M-F luxury.
• Tigers won the pennant. Let's go to the World Series!
• My car turned 10,000 miles in four months.

November - Home Sweet Home

• Election day - A great day to be a Democrat. Bring on '08!
• Gained full control of the gift shop at the Museum. Bring it on.
• Necessary and important steps up the road of life: I moved out of my parents and in with my boyfriend.
• For the first time since August, I have a place to call home.

December - Happy Holidays

• Mounting pressures at work drive me to become a very short-tempered person. Or at least one that frequently loses her mind. And yes, this is newsworthy since I have been recovering rather remarkably after retail ruined me.
• Finally found a replacement as a weekend manager, however my transition to Monday - Friday ended with a bout with a 24-hour bug but resulted in an extended holiday weekend. Merry Christmas to me.
• Another holiday balancing two families and I thought it went really very well.
• Might the year end in the long-awaited delivery of a couch? Only time will tell...but let's not jinx it.

Realizations

As today is the first day of winter, tomorrow is the first day of spring. Think about it - the days will only start to get longer from this point on! Yay!!!

Your safety is never as great as a paycheck, no matter how desperate you are. There are always other options.

I worked 30 days in a row in July and did so without much complaint. As I am nearing the completion of working nine days in a row as I switched over to a Monday - Friday schedule, I am struggling. The full-time salaried title has spoiled me. I'm sure as well it should - I deserve it.

It is a little disappointing when you don't get anything from your employees who put you through hell on a daily basis, but awesome when you get a gift of candy from a coworker. Though, I think my favorite is a simple Christmas card that pulled a heart string and my present from boss which was totally unexpected. But giving the gift cards I bought to my staff was my favorite, because it's the thought that counts and I could tell they liked it. Even if it was just a little.

Working in a museum, you get benefits. Being able to see (hopefully) Night at the Museum before it opens nationally is priceless. I've been waiting since June to see this - I'm sure I'll be able to relate on many, many levels.

If I don't get to this before, Happy Holidays to everyone who may come across this blog. The very best to you and yours. :-)

'Tis the Season to be Broke

Happy Birthday! My baby turned six months old today.

To celebrate, I got ripped off at an oil change place that confirmed my loyalty to Kevin, my car mechanic. Not only will I get my synthetic oil changed at half the price of these overpriced-try-to-rob you chains, I will have the comfort of knowing the person changing the oil. It's either that or learn how to do it myself which might prove to be more fun. :)

Now I'm back to the starving artist routine for two months since half of my paycheck is already missing - which really sucks, considering the awesomeness of my income. I hate the big student loan payments - but at least now I am seeing the service and value of its high dollar amount. Sigh.

On a happy note, I am done Christmas shopping - except for stocking stuffers, if we get those before the after-Christmas sales.

Honoring that which I Live By

Today is Pearl Harbor day. 65 years ago today, the entire world changed. And it barely is mentioned anymore. Sad, really.

In other news, I have a weekend manager. Now I might be able to start getting organized at work and stop coming home with near migraines. Though eating chicken noodle soup for dinner while sitting in my living room with the Christmas tree lit and lights dimmed watching Christmas specials on the family channel is hard to beat. There is only one thing missing....

Aye, the Rum too

I am not yet accustomed to the West Side. People don't know how to drive or act or be nice to each other. It's stay out of their way or get run over. Literally. Ugh. I couldn't stand it when I had to come over this way for something and I can't stand it now that I live here. I will never accept being called a West Sider, either. Let me and my East Side foundations trump the snobbery and impatience and rudeness I find myself in.

Today is Jack day. Sparrow and Bauer all in one day. This is a great day, but Davy Jones and his croonies still kinda creep me out.

Ouch

As if my work load isn't pulling me in a hundred different directions as it is, when my assistant and only person who can keep my head on the right way while I'm in the office gets in an accident on her way back from lunch and calls me in tears and screaching sirens are blaring in the distance, it makes me scared. I am slowly gaining an understanding of the Monday-Friday business of it all, but honestly. Luckily, she is okay. Thank God.

And I hate it when it rains, not only does it make me melt when I step outside and my hair frizzy, but it makes already bad drivers forget how to drive.

My VSAs are feeling bad for me, so much so that one is contemplating applying for the weekend manager position because as he says, I am "below E" and I "shouldn't have to do weekend stuff anymore because I am not able to handle it anymore". Ha. I enjoy my staff sometimes. Except for calling me in tears. :(

I have the worst headache today. It started before word of the accident, so I'm sure that stressful trigger made it worse.

While watching House again today, there was a commercial for 24. NOOOOOOOO - Fox is killing me. One commercial or week off at a time.

Thank you and good night.

Religious Connotations

I don't want to call Dr. Wilson Judas.

:*(

What's even worse, I have to wait two weeks to find out.

Thank you, Fox Broadcasting.

Take your thirty pieces of silver and put House on next week instead. December 12 seems so far away...

Not too Bad

Thanks to my handy-dandy Brownie Girl Scout Handbook, I just made the best apple pie since 1988. And it's even better with caramel on the top of it. Yummmmmy.

Even though I hold the right to doubt every ounce of my mad culinary skills, you should not. But the element of surprise when things I make actually turn out good is second to none.

And that is all I have to say for the day.

Go Ahead, Laugh with Us

Friday at work was a slight disappointment after a much-hyped "Black Friday is our busiest day of the year" spin. Good thing I have staff I can laugh - and cry - with.

Alexis, Ray and I are in the gift shop.
This conversation was over the radios:
Evan: Alexis, do you copy?
Alexis: yes, go ahead
Evan: Do you know what drawer these Dossin files are from?
Alexis: It's the same set, J-Lyon. Lyon with a "y".
Evan: Oh yeah, that makes sense...I just finished a file named Lyon.
Amy: starts laughing
Alexis: starts laughing
Ray: Oh my goodness, Evan, you did not just pull a Tiffany
That's when I fell on the floor and could not control myself anymore. The three of us were dying with laughter.

Really, it's moments like these that make being a boss worth it.
Another fun moment from Friday:

Alexis informed me that at the staff meeting on Tuesday that we'll be drawing secret santa names. And that the limit is 25 bucks. I said One - I don't like anyone there that much to buy them 25 bucks worth of anything. Two - I just moved out, so I can either buy someone here something or pay my bills. Um...I wonder which one wins. Three - I was debating what color tea kettle to write down for the longest time, giving Alexis and Ray quite the laugh about it. When I stopped talking about it, Alexis said, watch Ray, Amy is going to ask what colors again. Sure enough I did, then that made everyone laugh too. Fun stuff.

Ray actually greeted a visitor while sitting on the floor. I can't imagine how that looked. And I just laughed at him. After that person was gone, I said, Ray, I can't believe you just said that while sitting down on the floor with your legs crossed. Can you imagine how that looked? He said, no, I really can't. And started laughing.

Since no one actually wanted to be there on Friday and since we only had 207 people, it's a good thing we can all be such dorks and laugh about things.

On the other side of town, a conversation between my mom and the mail lady, after their small talk about how Thanksgiving went:
Sue: Do you have something to tell me?
Mom: No, about what?
Sue: Don't you have something to tell me?
Mom: Um....
Sue: Weren't you going to tell me she moved out?
Mom: I didn't tell you? I thought I did.
Sue: No, I had to find out about it from the forwarding request that I just got today.
Mom: I could have sworn I told you. But yeah, I think it's been about two weeks now.

Some people don't tell friends they are moving and they get upset. We didn't tell our mail lady and her feelings were hurt just as easily. Who says Metro Detroit is too big to know your own neighbor? Let alone your mail lady. It's a bunch of rubbish.

I had my first glimpse of what a weekend could be yesterday. Yes, it was my first Sunday off since September 17th and only my third in six months. I want to call a random person in my stack of resumes and just hire someone. We can go through the technical stuff later. Seriously, if that wasn't already at the top of my list, it is higher than the top spot now. I waited too long on that other girl who ended up going to another department within the Society. I waited too long to second interview any of my first interview candidates. Now I have to start all over again. I wanted six people hired by November 10th - but that was my naivety. Interviewing and hiring is a much longer process than I anticipated it being - but maybe only because I have to hire so many people at one time. Bah humbug.

Saturday is Noel Night. I have to have a plan for my Gift Shop liquidation sale. I wouldn't mind selling all that ugly shit, but then I wonder about having any stock for the rest of December. I will also have to work at least 13 hours that day. Who's excited about that?

Time to get ready for work now. Auf Wiedersehen.

It's On

House is great and all - really, I'm a big fan, but Bauer needs to be back on the air on Monday. Seriously. House is either going to jail or Wilson is going to kill him first. I need to see how Jack coped with the Chinese and how exactly something I found about season six awhile back is going to play out. And I miss Aaron and Mikey. And if they bring Hobbits to the show this season, I will be very disappointed.

Maybe my countdown should have been to the day Season Five is released on dvd. Budget or no budget, Bauer is mine.

Good-bye, Bo

Today was the funeral service at the Big House. Now, I can't stand anything about Ann Arbor or the University of Michigan, and that especially holds true for the athletic teams that reign from that institution. With that said, I'm not sure there has ever been or will ever be a better coach so representative of the university from which he coaches or able to make such deep, meaningful impacts not only to the players and fans, but to the entire sport to which he devotes his entire being. Bo Schembechler, you'll be missed. Even by those who can't stand an ounce of anything involving the Wolverines.

In other news, Detroit was voted by Self magazine to be the unhealthiest city for women in the country. Perhaps I should have investigated a move to Honolulu. But what does Self know anyway?

A Time to Chill

No matter how exhausted I am on Monday nights, I can usually always find the light at the end of the tunnel when I watch my cousins. They can be really bad some nights, but there is always a sliver of hope and happiness as I am reminded of the simplicities that still exist in this big, scary world. When it seems all the piles are stacked up against me and me alone, witnessing the purist forms of innocence and wonder and excitement and learning make me smile. And it makes me feel good. Even more than the glimer of light of watching kids be kids is the knowledge that I have the next three days off of work - and - for the first time in my life, I get a paid holiday. Hell, yeah! I actually do have quite a bit to be thankful for this year, but you better believe that my full-time position with benefits that fell into my lap by the employment gods is high on my list - probably number two.

I talked to my parents for awhile on the phone tonight. It occurred to me that I now have longer conversations with my mom than my dad as of late, which is strange for us, but I'm sure that will all balance out in due course. While complaining to them about some of my coworkers who don't pull their end of the weight (yes, I know it happens everywhere - just shut it for a minute) and understanding my frustrations and empathizing with me, my mom mentioned something about how my life is the epitome of the top stressful things in life. That got me thinking about an idea for a blog, which I will come back to revisit in a minute.

Update on work: I am still stretched thin as I don't yet have a weekend manager. I have exhausted the stack of resumes but am holding hope for one promising candidate. I shall see how it pans out either later this week or next Monday. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I don't have a big head (errr, at least most of the time), and I don't mind saying that I have about the third most important job in that building (1-CEO, COO, and CFO; 2-Marketing and PR). As Manager of Visitor Services, I am it when it comes to the overall experience of the Museum to our guests. When something isn't set up the right way because someone didn't pay attention to the company calendar, it becomes my problem. When someone else goes behind my back and books something without my knowledge and bypasses the entire Visitor Services team, it becomes a problem. When my staff has to write "do not loose mind" on my "to do" lists and then today break the news to me that I am now officially insane, it shows the serverity of the problem. When I have no other way to deal with the problems that surround than to slam my office door, it becomes everyone's problem (at least the three people that work in the same hallway as me). And when I can turn into a bitch in a blink of an eye to those who continuously disrespect me - intentionally or aware of their actions or not, woe be to that poor bastard. Though this might be considered a woman's natural talent, when it comes to my Museum and its operations, do not cross me. Do not cross my staff and do not disrespect us. I take it personally because I look out for those who work for me. I lead by example in hopes that others might catch on and do things in a similar fashion. I lead by example because it is important to me that those whom I lead can follow confident footsteps and know that their boss cares about both personally and their jobs. This, in turn, should make them care more about their job performance in the long run. I'm still learning, but I'm off to a good start and am building a solid foundation from which I can build my career. I don't have enough time to do my own job, let alone everyone else's job that just so happens to fall through the cracks that land directly on Visitor Services's lap. So anyway, back to that stress list....

With some brief internet research, I found the following categories among the top 40 stressful things in life. I am moderately, yet nearly borderline high-risk for stress-related illness. Hence the title of this blog post. The stress measurement is taken over the last year, which, even without my research is fairly obvious:

1) New job
2) New house
3) Change in job responsibilities
4) Change in work hours
5) I've quit three jobs over the course of a year
6) Major purchase: Car
7) Major change in finances
8) Change in eating habits (hello 25 pound loss)
9) Change in recreation habits
10) Minor violation of the law (Waterford >:- )
11) Revision/change of personal habits
12) Change to different line of work

The first four have occurred in the last three and a half weeks alone. If I seem short-tempered, untalkitive, crazy, or exhausted - do not ask for explainations. Having my personal life (coming home to boxes) and professional life in chaos does not help matters. This will all take time to work itself out and I have two full days to help make a dent in the former. But it all must start with a good night's rest. And because of that, now I must leave you all with well wishes for the day in which this finds you.

Wants and Needs

Sometimes, something you want isn't necessarily something you need. But sometimes, they are one in the same. For instance...

I really want a nice slab of juicy, well-cooked, well-seasoned meat and a couple sides to top it off. I also need that...my body is getting angry at the digusting combination of food I find to stuff in it each day, and, I need the nutriants that come with that meat.

It all balances out. I hate this starving artist gig. Add high stress to it and it's just a horrible thing to wake up too and put up with all day. :-/

Bittersweet Bliss

I'm tired. But I have a right to be. Read my day's schedule:

7:30am - alarm
7:50am - get out of bed and shower
8:00am - do dishes
8:30am - move clothes upstairs on bed to force myself to get them put away before I can go to bed tonight
9:00am - get dressed
9:04am - drop off move-in checklist at rental office
9:30am - arrive at parents
10:00am - have wagon packed and leave for target
11:20am - leave Target, bid it a fond farewell...that store and I have many memories
11:30am - home, unpack first load (yes, I made it across town in 10 mins, how? I don't know)
Noon - back at parents, ready for second trip
1:00pm - leave with full station wagon
1:05pm - arrive Mt. Clemens post office. get change of address forms and mail Stevie's retirement newspapers to Christy. It's only been three months.
1:30pm - home and unload second load
2:00pm - at parents, loading up my baby with the last of my stuff that was in my parents
2:40pm - Dad arrives home from work, I stay and chat. Gave better directions to my house. Leave before rush hour starts
3:00pm - home and unpacking car
3:28pm - online and blogging for the first time at my new place.

Plan for tonight:
find a home for some of this stuff so I can stop living like a bum!
eat with dishes, not just out of a pan
put my clothes away so I can start using my laundry baskets like a normal person
watch Lost
Go to bed kinda early since tomorrow is my Monday :-/

"A friend is someone who knows you well and still likes you". So either deal with it or get over it.

Going Dark

I'm moving this weekend. I don't know when I'll be able to log on again.

Until that time comes, good luck and God speed.

Not Politically Minded, but...

Holy Hell! Today is Christmas in disguise.

Per NYTimes.com, "Rumsfeld Resigns as Defense Secretary After Big Election Gains for Democrats".

This is huge.

The Senate must confirm the nomination of his replacement first, and Gates still sounds like a Bush croony:

Gates is the president of Texas A&M University and a close friend of the Bush family. He served as CIA director for Bush's father from 1991 until 1993.

Gates first joined the CIA in 1966 and served in the intelligence community for more than a quarter century, under six presidents.

It feels good to be a Democrat today.

Post-Election

I believe I am 2-2 in big elections now. I'm relieved that both Granholm (better of two evils) and Stabenow (yay Democratic Congress!) were granted second terms. I have yet to win a presidential election - that will be exciting when that day comes. I only think two of the five proposals I voted for actually turned out the way I wanted them too. I know that the eminent domain issue is for the state, but it is also the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. I have a hard time accepting change like that, especially if it means changing one of the Bill of Rights. If this becomes a national issue, I'm going to worry about the foundation of our country's fundamental policy. I know the government is cheap and doesn't pay the amount they say they would if they have to take your property for growth, but I'd be curious to see how often that actually happens, and how successful the lawsuits are if they seriously try to rip you off. Hm.

That's all I have to say about that.

For some post-election celebration or mourning, read this. It is bound to make you laugh. I was nearly in tears for some of these answers. :)

A first grade teacher had twenty-five students in her class. She presented each child the first half of a well-known proverb, and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb. It's hard to believe these were actually done by first graders. Their insight may surprise you! While reading these, keep in mind that these are 6-year-olds because the last one is classic!
1. Don't change horses.........................until they stop running.
2. Strike while the..................... ...............bug is close.
3. It's always darkest before ..................Daylight Saving Time.
4. Never underestimate the power of ................... termites.
5. You can lead a horse to water but ........................how?
6. Don't bite the hand that..........................looks dirty.
7. No news is...................................impossible.
8. A miss is as good as a .............................Mr.
9. You can't teach an old dog new ......................math.
10. If you lie down with dogs, you'll ...............stink in the morning.
11. Love all. Trust...................................me.
12. The pen is mightier than the ....................pigs.
13. An idle mind is........................the best way to relax.
14. Where there's smoke there's ........................pollution.
15. Happy the bride who......................gets all the presents.
16. A penny saved is ..............................not much.
17. Two's company, three's ........................the Musketeers.
18. Don't put off till tomorrow what.............you put on to go to bed.
19. Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and........... you have to blow your nose.
20. There are none so blind as ..................Stevie Wonder.
21. Children should be seen and not ..................spanked or grounded.
22. If at first you don't succeed ..................get new batteries.
23. You get out of something only what you..........see in the picture on the box.
24. When the blind lead the blind .................get out of the way.
25. Better late than ........................pregnant.

Yes, It Does

Hard work and frustration pay off. Eventually.

And when it does, it is sweet.

Ahhh, Friday

The thought of skipping out of work early this afternoon crossed my mind yesterday, but I have a full day of interviews and meetings, and am afraid that is simply impossible. I think until I get to a Monday - Friday, I'm going to work a long day on Thursday (because there's nothing better to do on a Monday) and have a short day on Monday (because it's technically my Friday). Now that I've confused everybody before 7am, I guess it really doesn't matter, as long as it all works out, right? Right.

My best friend is in town and I saw her last night for the first time since early May. Before I got the museum job, before I got the Pearl, and before I started this final stage in the long uphill battle to get out on my own. I've decided seeing her and her family is probably in my top five favorite things. And even though I could have gone to sleep at 8 last night, I still made time to go spend time with them. Her newest nephew is cute stuff. I walk in the door and Marissa just throws a baby in my arms. Ha. The other kids were happy to see me too. Kelsey is really cute, at one point she asked if I wanted to know "the whole truth" and then went on to tell a story. It's fun.

Tomorrow is election day. I won't make a pitch about political parties or who is better than the other one. I do know this and ask you to consider the implications. If DeVos wins, not only will we all become citizens of China, my dad will be out of a job. Is my dad's job better than your dad's job? No. Is teaching special needs kids better than working in an auto plant? No. DeVos's top priority is not only to shut down all intermediate school districts, but to start with the Macomb ISD. People move from around the country so that their child(ren) can enroll in our special education programing. We have among the top autistic programs in the country and do a huge service to the other special needs students. The age they would be able to stay in school would be dropped to 21 - currently it is 26 and my dad works in a school for 21-26 year olds. Not only by shutting down the MISD would my dad be unemployed, but by dropping the maximum age, his chances of being employed by a local district would be slim. So the point is - not only would the hundreds (maybe thousands) of kids that are currently enrolled in ISD schools be forced to integrate back to their local schools, and not only would some be forced to the work world earlier (my dad's kids need those extra five years of training and conditioning), but all the staff would be layed off and their futures unclear. ISD's have always been a topic of being cut from budgets in nearly every election, but if DeVos gets it, scary things will happen. And it just won't be to our state's measly industry either.

Re-elect the Canadian. If you don't, in five years, we'll all be blown away.

My stomach hurts and I'm exhausted. Now I get to go do what managers do all day. The good news is: I get to promote someone. At least I get to do this before I have to hire or fire someone. Practice all around.

It's the Cry of the Tiger

With my alarm clock right next to my pillow, I still missed my 6:30 wake-up. But because of my cat's bad behaviour, I checked the time to find out it was 6:33. I thanked her, then reset my alarm so I could get ten more minutes of sleep. Waking up to annoying music is one thing, waking up to a cat pawing at your hair and meowing because she knows you're not up when you're supposed to be is something completely different.

I've been meaning to this for awhile and since my title is a spin on an old classic, it's the perfect day. They have more than just their names in common....














The weather says it's 24 degrees but feels like it's 18. Who's ready for some winter?

When Thursdays are Your Mondays

People I know generally dislike Mondays. I know why. What makes my Mondays even worse is that my five day work week starts on Thursday. While the other staff is winding down and exciting about tomorrow being Friday, it's all opposite for me. Ah well. Soon, it will all be different.

I need out of this house now. Too bad people are being assholes about it. Upon my return yesterday I was greeted with how horrible a person I am, how neglectful I was being to my brother's damn cats, and how disappointing I was being to him. Like he's never been disappointing to me before? And wtf, if it was that big of a deal, go do it yourself. I can't stand it when people bitch and complain about something but don't just fucking do it. Be proactive and do something about it, don't just complain about it. I'm not likely to give a shit either way, but especially so if you can't get off my ass about how much of a terrible person and sister I am. Fuck you.

My interview went well today. I scheduled her back to meet with Michelle next week. I have three more tomorrow and a couple more on Monday. I don't feel like an old pro yet, but I feel a little better about it. I'm glad I did my homework yesterday.

I'm still torn in different directions at work, but I think that things are slowly coming together. And soon, not only will I have a regular schedule, but I'll have some sense of control and organization over my workload. I can't stand being this scatterbrained about everything.

Hitting the Big Leagues

Monday, I had a meeting with my VSAs. We talked about things and trained in the gift shop, and I think we're going to be all right. I said since they have seniority once I hire more staff, I'd take care of them. That was probably a bad thing to do, but they needed to hear something to reassure them that with all the changes that have and will happen(ed), things will work out.

Yesterday, I applied for housing in an area that is bound to drive my parents up to wazoo and back, but is in a convenient location. The only thing that really matters is that it is affordable and I like it. Ha, I should record that conversation and find a way to post it online. It's going to be great, especially if we're approved. Which is when I will wait to tell them. hahaha.

Tomorrow, I have my first interview. Not only is this person interviewing for the weekend manager position, they will be my first. Poor bastard.

Stepping up to the plate has never been so - um - nervewracking or intimidating before. Good thing I'm confident enough to handle it all with flying colors.

Captain's Quarters

View from my desk:

Window side of my office:

One corner:

Other corner:

Lost It

As a weekend manager, I have to deal with every problem every weekend by myself, and I can handle it. I'm able to skate through situations other people would crumble in. But this morning, I lost my cool and because I'm so discombobulated with my work load, I felt like I lost complete control of the situation. Add the Free Press Marathon being run a weekend later this year and using roads that are in my operation routes and I go nuts. I took a ten minute regrouping in my office and then went down to let everyone know that I was calm and apologized for losing it earlier in the day. They knew it was out of my character and was glad I was back on track.

Tomorrow, I have a VSA meeting and am hoping to start things afresh with them. As they will be my veteran staff now, I want there feedback and reassurance that everything will be okay as we go through this rather stressful transition. I also have to call and start to set up interviews. I am about to crack with this schedule and juggling everything. My goal is to be the type of boss that they can come to with problems and have an open communication policy when they notice something wrong. And I want us to be able to work together to troubleshoot the problem. Whether that is at all possible or not, I'm not sure, but I'm sure as hell going to try. And with enough effort, it will succeed.

If anyone has a spare air matress, could I borrow it? I think I have to live in my office for the next few days to feel like I have control over everything that is going on. I moved out my cozy cube Sat night to my new office. It's big and bare and needs some decorating. I should take my camera and post them so I can get suggestions.

I'm not rubbing it in, I'm just asking for help. And don't think that word won't come up about 1,000 times tomorrow in the operations meeting. I have a long list of concerns that only I could think of to ask. Darn my work ethic.

Random Nothingness

The only thing I have to post about is work stuff. Who wants to hear about that?

I hate my schedule. Even after I'm Monday - Friday, I'm sure I'll find complaints.

Until then, who the hell knows.

Breakthroughs

It has been the most overwhelming week I've had to endure in quite some time. I've been handeling it all rather well, considering how altering some aspects have been. I've had additional responsibilities given to me with my new title at work, and with that, another person who will likely report to me. I'm being trained on interviewing on Thursday, then I'm afraid it will be madness until I have find up to four VSAs, a Weekend Manager, and train them all on things old and new (like the gift shop, which has most recently fallen into my hands). They know I am capable of the demands of the jobs and are putting their trust in me. I know I will be successful, largely because I don't know how to fail, but until I can dedicate all my time to my new job, juggling all of Visitor Services while continuing the Weekend Manager responsibilities is stretching me thin. Working 35 hours in a inconsistent way doesn't help much with my adjustment. Realizing how much I know about both buildings and what I will have to teach someone else - while training VSA staff - is almost going to be an impossible feat. But if anyone can handle that challenge, it must be me. I love my job. I often complain about it, sometimes blow up about it, but I love it. I run two major urban museums not only in the Detroit area, but in the country. And now I'll be overseeing all of the customer service aspects of it. How cool is that? No need to feel sorry for me working weekends or watching my job responsibilities grow to rival Mt. Everest, my job is important and it's fun and it's challenging. Excitement over my promotion has come and gone, nervousness has come and gone, but my confidence has never waivered. They want me to have this job and they want me to succeed - so much so that they are hiring another staff person to assist me. This will be a good thing.

For the first time since I've become a manager, I had a connection with one of my employees that tells me I am ready for this new position. Tiffany is one of my VSAs that has been a constant challenge. Whether she ever intentionally pushed my buttons or not, she did. There was never a weekend Tiffany worked that I didn't come home with a Tiffany story. All of them were negative. My nurturing was aimed almost entirely on her, and in the past five months, I feel that she has come miles from when I first met her. After Saturday, I have a Tiffany story. It is the ultimate story - though, it's probably just the second best. She asked me if Kathleen was leaving. (I think it's crummy she didn't tell them herself. Hell, she didn't even tell me.) I said yes, that I was moving to the manager of visitor services and soon I'll be on a M-F schedule. I said we'd be getting a new weekend manager, etc., etc. Her reply: "But I don't want to meet anyone new, Amy. I've gotten used to you now and I like you. I don't want another weekend person." I'm glad I was leaning against the stand at the Dossin because I could have fallen over. If I hadn't cried earlier that morning, I probably would have started then. I was stunned. I reached someone. After the week I had, it means the world to me. It still does. It will be the highlight for a long time.

I've been through all the emotions since a week ago Friday. It's an overwhelming and nearly exhausting change, but it's a good change, and it's a change I can handle. It will just take time. Sometimes I don't want to hear that it will work itself out because I want to know it will. Sometimes I don't want a guesstimate because I want to know exactly. Sometimes it takes an extra 200 miles and three hours of thinking time to concretely form an idea that sounds like a better understanding. Sometimes it takes the realization that the allowance of the smartass card has yet to be earned back and overstepping unknown bounds can throw it all off track again. But it's all part of the growing process and I'm pretty sure it all comes with the territory. So now I need to focus my rapidly changing career and be more fair, open, patient, and understanding with those who are my support system. To those who are the unintentional target of high stress and exhaustion, I must offer now my sincerest, deepest, and advanced apologies. It will cease.

Trickery

I get so angry sometimes I can't stand it. But I get angry because I get really jealous. And I get really jealous because even though part of my life is taking off, others are lagging terribly. Then when I get really jealous, which turns to really angry, I just cry because I hate that I feel that way and that those thoughts even cross my through my mind.

And honestly, what part of W-E-E-K-E-N-D MANAGER do people not understand? For Pete's sake. Even if you're just fucking with me, it still stings, especially now, so close to the end.

Changes at the Helm

I have a feeling that for the next few weeks, it's going to be a challenge to keep my blogger up-to-date. For my daily readers, I just ask for your patience. I know it's annoying and boring when you check back and have nothing new to read. Especially when the post says the Tigers could clinch the pennant and they did in fact make it to the World Series, but four days later is the first time I have time to report that back. I'm not sure my reaction is worth anything now, so let's just bid our boys good luck and hope that whichever NL opponent they face, they can take. Nothing would be more exciting than seeing my Tiggies win the Series, this in a time that I can enjoy and remember for the rest of my life.

It's going to take a lot of adjustment to get into a Monday thru Friday mindset, really, for the first time in my life. I had a M-F job about five years ago, but I was in between colleges and didn't really care about my life at the time. Now this is a big step and the start of a career. I'm not in a classroom teaching kids but that doesn't mean that I won't be effective and successful and make meaningful impacts on the road that has been paved for me now. Once I get into the routine and accumulated to my new responsibilities and areas of focus, I will even have the power to change the programs into more efficient, better running areas of the Museum. It will be a lot to take on at first - I'm even kind of nervous about it - but I think I have a good enough support staff that will help me as I take one giant leap toward my future possibilities. I have but one question: What is a weekend?

The salary gives me the foundation I've been seeking to move out of my parents without having to worry about my other bills. I'll remain north of 8 Mile but will likely consider moving toward the Woodward (East Side/West Side) divide, just because it's a shorter commute. The benefits give me some sense of security to both my immediate future (insurance) and distant future (investments and pension). And I'm in a position to consider putting aside a good amount of my paycheck to help with that. Things are coming together nicely.

A year ago I was complaining something fierce about the friends I had that had full time jobs and no college degrees to back them up. I was jealous and angry. Then I found the weekend manager position and was hired and knew it was a great foot in the door. I was still upset because I had to have such a different lifestyle than anyone else I knew and had to work four jobs to keep up with my loan payments. Now I am down to one job and within the new few weeks will be transitioning to a schedule that synchoronizes me with everyone else. And while I'll be paying back my degree for the next eighteen years, it will pay off and now I can see it's worth. And yes, it's just coincidence that it is in history and I am working in a historical museum.

It's an exciting time and somewhat apprehensive. And now I have to go scout a primary care physician. Wish me luck.

Promote from Within

Today is the first day in three years that I won't be able to walk in the 5 mile Breast Cancer walk on Belle Isle. Instead, I get to fight the walkers as I go to open the Dossin later. And because I'm bummed I can't walk it this year, I gave my mom a hefty donation and sponsored her walk.

The Tigers are up three games to nothing and can clinch the ALCS. Holy crap! I'm very jealous of two, I mean 45,000 people who are going to Co Park tonight. I'll be watching in my cubicle when I should be closing the museum and then listening on the radio until I get back and watch the remainder of the game. Go get 'em Tiggies!

My meeting yesterday....yeah, I got promoted. Big time. And I'll have people reporting to me. And it will be a Monday thru Friday job after there is a new weekend manager hired and trained. My degree is worth something now. And I won't have to worry about making the payments anymore. I can relax a little and adjust to a new world. I have a grown up job now with a salary and benefits. I think they talked about the job with me in mind for filling it because I "have really impressed everybody" at the museum. It's exciting. The days will be a little crazy at first, but I start with the full-time hours on Monday. All the hardship I faced after graduation has now finally paid off. And who said Friday the 13th was supposed to be unlucky?

To Blog or Not to Blog

I wonder if I shouldn't wait until this evening to post, but what the hay, I have some to waste right now.

At 2pm, I will have perhaps the most important meeting in my professional life to date. And I'm not nervous about it.

Home is where the snow isn't? Living in populated areas isn't always a bad thing. It's generally ten degrees warmer during the in-between seasons and snow doesn't stick to the ground when it first falls. It probably didn't fall to freezing during the overnight hours either.

An East Lansing radio station can be heard until Warren. It's amazing, especially because it's State's NPR station.

There has to be at least one place that is hiring in the Metro Detroit area. But when one's heart is set on working somewhere else, how can I justify that wish?

Catching Up

It's been awhile, here's what you've missed...

-It's snowing in Michigan today. While others may view this as a horrible and dreadful rite of passage into the long winter months, I am excited. The cold weather will kill the pollen and other allergens in the air leaving me with a clear sinus cavity and feeling better. Soon. I don't like winter more than any other time of year, and in fact I'll feel this same exact way in about four months, but at any rate, a couple of really hard frosts (or snowfalls) and everything will be dead. Yay!

-I was at the game when the Tigs beat the Yanks. I unfortuantely missed most of the action, but was there for the celebration. I've never seen Comerica Park so alive before, the pride I felt was more than just for the team on the field. Though sadness also entered my mind: we had seats that looked to the west and the lights of the old Tiger Stadium stood out like a sore thumb. The last time the Tigers were this excited, they were there - and now the classic ballpark sits empty and echos a bygone era of the city's wonderful sport history. I felt bad for the coaching staff last year, particularly Tram, but Gibby too. They won the Series and couldn't lead the team out, now Leland in his first year is taking them further than they've been in nearly two decades. It's exciting and meaningful and a great thing to be a part of, but something about those 1980s Tigers just tug the heartstrings, even admist such a celebration. But I got over it real quick, Dude, we beat the Yankees, in the Playoffs. How often does that happen? The results of which lead losers to fly planes into buildings. Oops, that was harsh, especially since I didn't follow up on the story yet today. So yeah...

-Hockeytown's leftovers are a bunch of jerks. Despite the fact that I really might only know about nine guys on the Wings roster this season doesn't mean anything. Cujo gets emotional when he has to play against Detroit, more so in Detroit, even more so when he has to face a two-sided bastard on the other end of the ice. The Wings didn't need to beat him up so badly, but the Coyotes looked like they were just attacked by a pack of wolves. Holy crap. Lopsided games are not a lot of fun to watch, especially when it's the team you wanted to lose winning. Blah.

-Entering a former place of employment was interesting. It felt weird, but also made me realize how much I don't actually miss ushering. I was doing well all game - new person on the doors, not my friendly grey coats at the metal detector, no one from guest services I knew. I was able to skate by the ushers because I knew where to go and the seats on the ceiling helped, too. I even avoided making eye contact with one of my favorite beer guys because I didn't want to be bothered. But that's just silly, right? As my brother once said during a game I took him too, "dude, you're like a rock star in that place", I cannot enter the Joe unnoticed. It wasn't until the end that I really wish we just booked out of there and made up our minds outside. Instead, I was spotted by a few ushers who seemed oddly happy to see me. "Amy! Are you ignorning us?" haha. I said, no, that I got a real job, and it just wasn't worth it to come back to usher. They were happy for me, said my job sounded cool (yeah - I'm a manager at the Detroit Historical Museum, haha, they don't need to know my exact title), and that they'll miss me. That was nice. Then a couple door guys stopped me, asked me to take off my jersey (sorry - nothing wrong with Canadian Cujy) and asked if I was coming back. I said no, I got a real job (that was kind of fun to say). Then a couple of the beer guys asked me to get back to work. I said, it probably won't be here anymore. They just laughed and kept going. I watched my section from across the rink. Maybe as much as I watched the game. A couple of my favorite ticket holders were there, I should have gone to say hi and tell them good-bye, but I didn't want to climb back down those stairs and risk being spotted. If I make it back to the Joe this year, then I'll try again. Maybe then I'll be ready. Or at least officially retired.

-Snow, baseball, hockey. Yep, sounds about right. Now I think I'm going to watch a movie and take a nap. Try to bust this stuffy nose crap.

We're All Growed Up Now

After three and a half months, the baby is no longer a baby. Now it will go by it's proper name - the (Maui Blue) Pearl - as we celebrate this momentous turn on the odometer. And pay no attention to my lead foot, which by the way, was only going nine mph over the posted speed anyway.



















Why have I decided to call it the Pearl? Well, little to my readers' surprise, I operate two museums on the weekends, one of which is a maritime history museum. I spent the past eleven weeks guarding the helm of this small gem on the city's Isle and earned the nickname: Captain. It fits. Not long ago I acquired a captain's hat and so named my car the Maui Blue Pearl. I call it the Pearl for short, and no, Jack Sparrow won't mind - he was my first mate in a past lifetime and actually suggested I use the name for my own commandeered ship.

Back to Reality

The fact that I missed the Wings home opener didn't even phase me last night. I was actually quite relieved that I wasn't working because ushering while my allergies are acting up is the worst thing in the world. And it's even better that they lost. That team is going to go through some growing pains with the big names gone and retired, but it's all right, they'll bounce back. In the meantime we have Colorado and Philadelphia to cheer for - and you can add some Phoenix and St. Louis too, but only because I like the goalies there, not because I like the team. Hello, I'm from Detroit, you actually think I'd consider myself a Blues fan? Ha. Hahaha.

I don't like the Yankees. I don't like the Yankees for many of the same reasons hockey fans don't like the Wings. I especially don't like ESPN. In fact, nationally televised games are horrid events. I even hate it more when game times get changed because networks can't realize that sometimes, it should be more about the game than the ratings. The Tigers haven't been in the playoffs in 19 years - and they are playing the powerhouse Yankees. That's good baseball no matter how you look at it. Sometimes, particularly in October, the story should be just as important as the game. The history and the passion of baseball should overrule the capitalism of it all. And most importantly, all weekend games should be played in the evenings, especially when I have a ticket to one of those games. But no, instead I get to miss half of it because the main museum re-opened and now I don't get out of work until after 5:00. I have a great job and am in a great position, but I still get bitter sometimes. You'd think by now I'd have learn to deal with the weekend thing....*sigh*

The bitterness won't end with just the weekends. My pending additional hours will come in the evenings and weeks such as this where I've enjoyed every part of it -despite my lack of feeling well - will cease to exist. Every now and then I get glimpses of what it might be like eventually and how I can't wait for it to happen and wonder how it will work out since there really isn't a happy medium. Then I'm forced back from hopeful dreaming and have to return yander. I know that someday it might work itself out, that we won't have to deal with this anymore, but in the meantime, it just really sucks. And I need to get some Robitussin, stat.

Word to the wise: When in doubt, always buy the name brand Claritin. I think it works above and beyond compared to some store brands. And it's much easier to open.

Michigan, My Michigan

For a few weeks about four times a year, I hate living in this state. This is one of those times and it's all because the weather can't decide whether it wants to be 50 or 80 out. Leaves changing and falling only look pretty, but are a pain in my sinus cavity. When my allergies are haywire, there is little I can do to feel better, I just carry on but on a smaller scale. This week, I haven't had anything to do but lay low and adjust to my Claritin/additional sinus medicine regime and take cat naps all day. Depsite my lack of breathing and itchy throat, it really is the best. Unfortunately tomorrow it's back to the big leagues and Saturday morning will be here before I know it. My first weekend back to managing two museums solo in nearly three months. Think I can handle it? I even think that there is a new VSA to train at the Dossin this weekend. I can't wait.

Okie day, time for more drugs. And a nap. And a hope that the Tigs can pull some kind of miracle in Yankee Stadium.

Short End of the Stick

Sorry readers, for this abbreviated posting today. I just spent a good amount of time writing a very thoughtful and informative post, but who knows what happened and blogger logged me out when I hit publish. So here's what you missed:

• I got talked to about getting more hours at the museum. They are beyond confident that I will be able to handle my obligations as weekend manager and work events that are held in either building. They still have to discuss whether I will be hourly or salaried full-time, but that should be decided upon shortly. Either way works and again, it will take re-adjusting my schedule since these extra ten hours per week will be in the evenings or early mornings.
• I really enjoy babysitting my little cousins. After seven hours of meetings and cubicle work, playing football, baseball and having a four year old fall asleep on you is just what the doctor ordered.
• Per a suggestion on the phone yesterday, I took my car to Buff Whelan for managerial inspection of my windshield. I got there at 7 when service opened, he didn't arrive until 8:30. Good news: I finished the book I was reading in record time and picked up another one (yes, I keep at least two books in my car at any given time). So 8:30 comes and I pull around to the service doors and he comes out and says, nope, it's from a stone. I didn't argue, just pulled out and drove away.
• While in the service bay waiting for the manager to come out, I saw my salesman. Be it my car and color or his salesman memory, he remembered I was going to a concert that night I bought the Pearl and asked how it was. Even he couldn't see the point of impact, but I wasn't expecting them to actually agree it was a stress crack anyway. It was really nice that he remembered me. He first asked if I was there for an oil change, which makes since, seeing as I only bought it three months ago. I think he would have fell over if I told him it had 9700 miles on it already. Ha.
• I spent an hour on the phone trying to figure out how to replace this window. I made a claim through my insurance and am set to have it replaced tomorrow morning. So that's exciting.
• I am putting forth an conscious effort to stop being so impatient, intolerable, short-tempered, and go into swearing tirades whenever something I can't control happens. If it's out of my reach, I shouldn't let it get to me so much - because I realize now that it also gets to those around me, which really just makes me feel guilty and horrible. Getting pissed so rapidly does nothing for the situation nor does it solve anything or make it go away. I'm not sure what made me so wretched in the first place, but I've come a long way in a short amount of time and should only get better from here on out. I'm recovering and I don't want to be seen as the person who only sees badness around her. I'm done being that girl.

That in a nutshell is what I tried to blog earlier but knew I couldn't recreate. The bullets should help make up for lost words. ;)

Monday Report

This weekend was a success. The message got out and people listened, more importantly, people care. The word free brings out the crazies alongside the sincere, but all in all, it was an exciting thing of which to be apart. 9,000 people came through the museum this weekend. 9,000. 7,000 of those were on Saturday and Sunday, leaving me exhausted. I was falling asleep by eight last night, but made myself read a couple chapters, send some text messages, and then I was out by 9:15. When my alarm went off at 6:30, I still wanted to sleep. I don't think I am liking these dark mornings very much. Blah.

I would say that I'm looking most forward to tomorrow morning and a chance to sleep in, but driving home last night I noticed a crack in my windshield. There is no chip or point of impact, and the crack goes from the base to the middle, leading me to believe it is a stress crack. That means I have to call Buff Whelan on my lunch hour and go sit in a GM dealer's service department tomorrow. If it's a stress crack they have to replace it, if it's not, then well, I just really need it to be a stress crack. I don't have time for it to be anything else.

Long day Monday. 7 hours in a cube then a few more babysitting. Those kids are going in their bedrooms at 8, I don't care what Jody says. Ha. Then I'll have a couple hours to try and finish this book. ;)

Now, I have to finish getting ready for work. Byebye.

Got Culture?

You should come to the Detroit Historical Museum's Grand Re-Opening this weekend. Why? We've been closed the past ten weeks upgrading the facility and making it look beautiful. It does - and this weekend is free admission along with free food and fun programs.

You know you don't have anything better to do! Like Sparty tailgates are anything to write home about. ;P And gas is up to twenty cents cheaper per gallon than it is in the Greater Lansing area.

Woodward and Kirby across from the DIA. Make the trip - you won't regret it.

Friday: Noon - 9pm
Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Sunday: Noon - 5pm

Hitting Home

My home is dying, yet at the same time, there are signs of hope. Earlier this week and it seems everyday now, another one of the Big Three announce layoffs, buy-outs, and closings. 105 of 305 years Detroit has survived and succeeded almost solely on the automotive industry, and the jet streams of globalization are blowing in and really truly injuring the city that jumpstarted it all. Call it the invisible hand or my own realization of the global economy, but I don't like it and it scares me. Detroit's my home and my immediate, employable future, and it's dying. What a sad day it will be if that Jap company ousts GM from the number one spot - and it's coming, probably much sooner than I would like to think.

On the other hand, signs of hope springing up around town. The Tigers are in the playoffs for the first time in 19 years. I can't begin to say how excited I am for that team. Talk of the World Series is somewhat bothersome though - partly because there is still a lot of baseball to be played first. I'm not doubting their capabilities and I await the aniticaption of post-season Detroit baseball, but it's a long way away. Don't worry, I say the same thing about hockey playoffs - this isn't me being negative about my Tiggies. Also - the Grand Prix is coming back to Belle Isle. Thanks to Mr. Penske who saw great things when he chaired Detroit's Superbowl committee, he decided to renew the lapsed contract and bring back racing. Yes, it's great. But my museum is on the back side of the island and I don't know what the race track was before. If they race around the whole island, the Dossin might not be able to operate that day. But that's eleven months away and so we will just have to sit tight for awhile on that.

I read the news headlines everyday and I know what is going on in the world. Sometimes I hear a song on the radio that screams patriotism or I see something (a flag at half-staff, a clear blue September day, a low flying airplane, a soldier in uniform, planes practicing maneuvers at Selfridge at all hours of the day) that reminds me of our current state. Images of 9-11 and the war flash through my mind so vividly I am almost distracted from what I am doing. For a little while, that's all I can think about. I often find so much hate within myself for the people that did this to my country that I end up with tears in my eyes. I partly know that we brought this result on ourselves, the big, greedy superpower who needs to spread it's evil way of life on those cultures so completely different than ours it would never stick anyway. I know there are thousands of men and women abroad fighting for American freedom. Until now, it wasn't as personal as it should have been and when that thought actually crossed my mind, I feel like such a horrible person. Thanking God everyday that my brother is out of the Army makes me even more horrible of a person. My tears can't apologize enough for thinking like that. And it doesn't mean I don't care or it doesn't bother me because it does. Now it will bother me more because now it's personal and the war has hit home. It might be awhile before I stop dead in my tracks when I'm reminded of how dangerous a world we live in. I might not pray consciously everyday, but maybe I should make it more of an effort. Until then, all I can do is hope that the election this November drastically turns the table on Iraq and wish it doesn't get worse before it gets better.

A slight pick-me-up of sorts: I've had a rite of passage today. I saw the envelope from "University Advancement" and knew it was U-D bugging for money. The only reason I'm excited about it is because it's my first one. Haha. And no, I'm not giving them any money because every three months for the next seven years, I'll be giving them a rather large repayment. So who knows, in ten or so years when all my loans are paid back, I might consider giving them money because I know it was through other people's donations that I was able to go to that school. Hopefully they don't lose faith in me but I think I have a rather valid excuse - I'm not being some cheapass, I'm just paying back my loans. Pardon my lack of wanting to give more to that school than what I already have too.

Second Best Quote I've Read

"It startled him even more when just after he was awarded the Galatic Institute's Prize for Extreme Cleverness he got lynched by a rampaging mob of respectable physicists who had finally realized that the one thing they really couldn't stand was a smart-ass".


I better be more careful!

Eh, Why Not

I think I got up too early this morning. But nothing wrong with a little extra time to get things going and write another blog about things I've had epiphanies about in the past two hours.

-French Toast Toaster Strudel sounds disgusting and should be, but doesn't taste all that bad. I still think I'll stick my raspberry though in all future events. :)

-I have earrings, a necklace, and make-up on this morning. This means something, since I hardly remember jewlery and rarely use make-up. I hope the Society and this high school appreciate it.

-I blew dry my hair today and I don't know...it looks weird. I'm so used to the curl that I'm not even sure I like it straight anymore. These first few transition weeks always take getting used too.

-I composed an email yesterday about things that have crossed my mind as I'll be running two museums again - and today I found out that it didn't send. And only half of it is in this remote version of Outlook. I'm hoping I have a full draft on the full version at my work computer. But because I worry about things I have no control over too much, I remembered some and email my boss the highlights this morning. Apparently she is back at work today.

-I still have an hour and a half before I have to leave. I think all I can do is read or blog because I'm all dressed up already.

-My friend (a second brother) left me a photo comment on myspace this morning. And bam, insta-tears. Ha. I'm not quite sure why either. It seemed like such a final statement, but we're in a moment between the past and the future (don't say "duh" quite yet) and while that isn't as profound as I wanted it to sound, it just is that. It makes you retrospective really and I'll probably never find the grace with words to begin to describe what I'm thinking. Maybe this will help...

-My cousin and I were talking for a bit after she got home last night and the age thing came up. She said what, you're 22, I said no, 25. Her denial came front and center, and she said no way, you're 25 already? haha. It's funny, I talk about this sometimes with the kids I know. But on my way home I was thinking - I know I look young, although I think this is starting to change too, but that could be about it. I don't act young - I've always acted years older than what I really am. I don't talk young - I use big words sometimes and when I can hold meaningful conversations about things other than what 22 year olds talk about. And I was thinking, there is no way in hell I would want to be that young again. I know it's only three years back, but there is something so satisfying about the knowledge you gain as you get older, and even more so when you can say that you wouldn't want to go back to another time because you're so pleased with the way things are right now. It's another level of maturity or wisdom or inching closer to insanity or the side effects of exhaustion, but it's something - and that picture comment kind of just topped it off.

-Who even would have thought that Myspace would be able to generate such a jumbled thought?

-Is 8:30 yet? I mean seriously, is it?

Safe Travels

I worked eight and a half hours yesterday, excluding an hour for lunch, and still didn't get everything I wanted to done. But I got a lot of it taken care of and so that was a good thing. My supervisor was sick yesterday and so when I was with a larger group of people, they asked, "Well since Kathleen isn't here, does that Amy is going to do it". Ha. Yes, Please! Just give me more hours.

I started off completely shut off from events this week, but that has quickly turned around. A couple weeks ago they decided that I can hang out at the Main in between opening and closing the Dossin. Yesterday, on one of her two phone calls, Kathleen mentioned that Michelle wanted me at the Thursday night event - Thursday night in none other than the VIP opening. I'm excited at where this is leading.

I had an interesting conversation with the marketing guy about what we can do for the Dossin. He says that I know it best and we brainstormed some ideas. I'm excited about that, too. I think they might start to realize that I'm not an idiot and that my ideas are good ones that can benefit the whole organization. Woot!

I left work late and got to my cousin's late, but she said I was fine and told me not worry about it. I hate being late and I felt bad, but I really needed to get those emails sent before I left yesterday. Hanging out with the kids was what I needed, but man, by 8:30 I was starting to feel that 5am wake up and 8.5 hours of hard work. And I slept straight through to my alarm this morning, well, except for a quick few little messages. ;)

Today I have to go solicit young high school students to volunteer at my museum. It's 45 minutes down to Allen Park and the first time I've ever really ventured off the freeways when Downriver. Using my sly city skills, I think I'll be able to survive.

It's finally Tuesday! Yay - super excited for it to be 8:30 tonight so I can leave for Grand Rapids - FINALLY! Geez, it's been ages, dude. This had to have been the longest. five days. ever. (yeah, I'm counting Friday) :P

Byeeee.

Sleepless Nights and Endless Days

I've been up since 5:15 this morning. I tossed and turned until 5:54, when I decided I couldn't stand it anymore, and just got up to start my day. Welcome to the week of the Grand Re-Opening!

I know exactly why I couldn't sleep until my alarm (set for 6:30 this morning)...I have a gripe list about a mile long about things at the Dossin this weekend and questions I need answers to before we re-open. I feel like I'm still way out of the loop with much of the information and I just don't like that feeling. Today will be a long day too - I have a shitload of stuff in my car from this weekend and so I have to unpack that, my normal 10:30 meeting and another one at noon, training on the exhibits, timecards to sort through and calculate (which I think my idiots messed up on again), copies to make for my community outreach in Allen Park tomorrow, First Aid kits to sort through and place in the museum, and the list will go on and on until I go absolutely insane. Just so you know, that is way past crazy and not in a way that can be taken lightly either. And I'm forcing myself to at least get out of the building for a half hour for a lunch break, but this won't be until after my meetings.

I'll probably end up being at work between 7:30 and 8 this morning and staying until about 5 tonight. This might seem normal to some of you office-dwellers, but my office Mondays are only required to be seven hours. It shouldn't be a big deal though, my weekend days are always upwards of eight hours straight. At least today I get a lunch.

Um, I think that's it for now. After work I'm off to babysit my little cousins, which short of a trip to Lansing might be just what I need right now. Especially after what I am only anticipating be a hellish - yet hopefully successful - day in the cubes.

What a weekend

I'm getting hits from San Francisco, so I guess I better make it worth it for those checking in for their dose of trickery. ;)

Managing this weekend was a bit irritating. I had a keen eye after walking into a trashed museum on Saturday morning. Everything was pissing me off everywhere I turned. I don't know what kind of trustee meetings or board meetings were there during the week, but they had no idea how to close up after they were done. And it really bothers me when I walk into my Dossin on the weekend and find it not the way I left it on Sunday. Argh! So anyways, work was work, and next weekend is showtime as the Main re-opens after the makeover. It's exciting, and I'm quite looking forward to captaining two buildings again. I'm getting a bit stir-crazy at the helm of just one.

It was my last Saturday getting off at 4:30 too. I went 'home'. I settled in and after dinner watched some Mythbusters (total shout-out to my travelling boyfriend there) before Sparty/Irish football and Tiggies baseball. It was fun watching the 15-4 game take off in the first four innings. Thank goodness for picture-in-picture. It was fun. All I was missing was Hockey Night in Canada and Brian. If I had those two things, it would have been a night made in heaven. So half of that wasn't all that bad.

Worked late at the Dossin on Sunday. I think it would entail some of the sorts of things I would be doing if I am offered more hours. It wasn't horrible. Got to tell the story of the Gothic Room a little bit and promote the upcoming weekend at the museum downtown. Fun, tiring, and after a 9 hour day, I was ready to check out. I've never had to close that museum by myself before; I always have someone else with me. So that aspect was a little freaky, but it was all good. So that was that.

On the way home I checked my voicemail (most of the Dossin is a dead zone) and it was from my cousin. So because she is the one person I have no problem babysitting for, I'm going to test run Monday nights for awhile. Her divorce has been finalized for a few months now, but her ex is being a jerk to her and while she tries to re-gain control of her situation. She has a class on Monday nights and I'm going to help her out with that. And it's just until December. And it's for family. And it will be great to spend more time with Will and Emma. So, for right now, it's all right.

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day at the museum - lots to do and get organized for. Tuesday is it and the week's activities begin with media day - for most of my Lansing readers that won't mean much, but when I find some stories online, I'll link you to them so you can read what people are saying. Wednesday is members/volunteer opening; Thursday is VIP night, and Friday is showtime. Those coming to ball games this weekend should come a couple hours early and tour the museum. It looks great and it's FREE. That makes everything even better.

Someone found my site through a google search with the following words: "'kirk maltby' edmonton arrest". hahaha. A post from March I wrote after a hockey game popped up. That's interesting.

Think that's all for now. I'm crazy busy this week, might not get another chance to post until Wednesday. Have a good week until then, readers. Bye for now.

Are snakes on your plane?

I drove three-quarters the way across the state of Michigan on a dying cell phone battery. That's not so smart. And I had to get off 96 and take a self-imposed detour (rather than sit in one-lane traffic jam because of construction) through Lansing. It even amazes myself that I was able to pull off such a feat, but I made it back to the freeways and home safely. I got robbed at the Sunaco in Okemos though - damn little town gas stations that can hike up the price of gas. Honestly. Argh. And in the past two days, I've driven about 300 miles. My car turned three months old last Friday without much fanfare, and then only because I was camping in Ludington, but it already has almost 9,000 miles on it. Yay for new cars and long distance driving. It can be scary at times, but it's all very much worth it.

Good news on the job front: there is a slight possibility that I'll be offered more hours that could equate to full-time workload. My boss said by October, and by October it is. But I can't be excited about it because it hasn't been talked through yet or approved, it's just an option that is out there. I'll keep you posted. I'm also official at the museum now. I have business cards. It's exciting, these are my first batch of business cards. And they look so pretty with the logo and everything. :)

This is my last weekend at the Dossin and I'm not even sure I'll be there all day both days, there will probably be work to do that the Main.

I wrote this just for the enjoyment of one traveler stuck on the runway in Grand Rapids since Chicago is closed. You can thank me later. ;)

Byebye.

Fall is Upon Us

I can sleep on my right side again. This makes me happy. My bruise is also turning into deep black and yellows, which is actually really nasty, but is a sign that my internal bleeding is healing itself. It still hurts when I put too much pressure on it sometimes, but not often, and I think the swelling may have started to subside. Driving might not be as painful today as it has been, especially when I turn left. Stop laughing at me, it really did hurt!

It's pre-season hockey and I realized I don't care anything about the Wings. This may have come earlier when Kenny thought it would be a grand idea to bring Dom back. It could have came when Stevie decided to retire and Shanny (though I wasn't a Shanny fan) left town. It might have happened a year ago when Mac was fired. And it all was summed up after I went to that training meeting last week and decided that I just couldn't go through on more seasons of ushering. I don't know the roster and probably won't pay any more attention to them as what I read in the headlines when I read the daily paper. I'm a hockey fan, not a Wings fan...it's time to get back in touch with that side and pay attention to the league more this year. Even though I think I'm shaping up to be more of a Flyers fan, I still have to have a favorite Western Conference team, and to that I say:

SomeThings Worth Writing About

It was a fun weekend camping. I even have a survivor story. It's more fun to illustrate it this way than with extra words in a paragraph form. Enjoy following along. I hope it does it justice.

Narrow bike paths = a bad thing.
Old people that use the whole path with their bikes from 1950 = a bad thing.
Dirt at the end of unevenly finished path = a bad thing.
Not having full control of roller blades = a bad thing.
Going downhill with no control = a bad thing.
Kicking your legs out as you fall down = a good thing.
Not falling on the bike and opting to fall on your own = a thoughtful thing.
Strong boyfriend to pull you back up = a great thing.
Not gushing out blood = a very good thing.
Insta-bruise = eh.
Trying to walk back with your hip joint bruised = a bad thing.
Collapsing in the tent = a good thing.
Thoughtful boyfriend to wash away the dirt and get ice = a grateful thing.
Taking a picture so you can see your leg after ice has been on it = bring on the tears (and headache)!
Finding drugs = a good thing.
Not being able to go tubing since you can't walk = a somewhat guilty thing, since it's an annual adventure.
Succumbing to sleep from pain and drugs = a good thing.
Getting up and starting the rum and coke treatment = a yummmy, feel better thing.
Getting pinched in the exact spot of the injury = insta-tears.
Walking around like Greg House = an empathetic thing.
Planning the ultimate revenge = a bitterness thing.
Not being able to put any pressure on your right leg = a painful thing.
Not being able to sleep on your right side = an irritating thing.
Retaining the limp = an aching reminder thing.
Having the bruise the size of a baseball on your right thigh for the unforeseeable future = the best souvenir for a first ever roller blade crash.
Recounting the story by way of an extended Mastercard commercial = priceless.

For anything else, I have camping pics posted at my webshots.

I'm back

I have a great story to tell - but right now I have to go get my haircut. Yay!

Priorities are a bitch to deal with sometimes. ;) Especially when it involves waiting for fun camping stories. hahahaha.

I really am done

The meeting last night made me realize that I will not be able to survive a whole other hockey season. I don't have the same spirit I did when I first started (I'm not a Wings fan anymore, McCarty is long gone, I'm not driving ten minutes down the Lodge to get to work from school anymore, etc. etc. ) and so instead of working half the season or a measely 18 games like last year, I don't think I'm even going to get started. It's not a bad thing. All the great ones have the foresight to know they won't make it the whole year, and instead of giving a half ass effort just hang them up. It's the right thing to do. It's the only thing to do to save my sanity.

So that was fun while it lasted. I might miss it, but the bad outweighs the good; the aggravating more than the happiness, it's time to go. But I'll be back.

Bring on the January 2nd tickets. I know the best place to stand in the joint.

I QUIT!

I fucking hate working at the Joe. I hate it. If they don't give me a good reason to stay tonight at this retarded training meeting, particularly in the way of a two dollar pay raise, I'm not going back. We're Olympia now, come on, Mr. Illitch, you can afford it. You fucking prick bastard. You and your company.

The happy ending: I get to escape to a Great Lake this weekend and don't have to work. Woot!

That idea alone makes all this fuss over not having any casual clothes whatsoever in my wardrobe seem almost silly to get worked up about. I must be crazy.

Rain, rain go away

I have to go to a baseball game

A time to reflect

It's been five years since the lifestyles of every American has changed. Some changes have been for the better despite slight inconveniences, like airport security. Some changes have been for the worse and leave us torn between the pride of our history, respect of our armed forces, and the shame of our political system, like the war. Some of us still shudder when there is a low-flying airplane or when the jets are flying at odd hours at the local National Guard base. Some can't go in high buildings. Some have forgotten the moments and feelings of uncertainity, thinking that because there are thousands of men and women fighting and dying on foreign soil, that we are safe again. Maybe some never allowed the impact to sink into their souls, because doing so would make that individual a victim - something we, every American, was, on that Tuesday morning five years ago.

I woke up to a beautiful, sunny morning dreadfully awaiting a dentist appointment; I went to bed afraid to close my eyes. I woke up excited because I only had eleven more months before I turned 21; I went to bed praying that I actually see that birthday. I kept the TV on for days, slept for brief periods of time to Peter Jennings' voice. If anything else happened, I thought, I owed it to the people who died to know about it immediately. Every eleventh was a chip off my shoulders, until that last month. August 11 came and went and I turned 21. It took ages until it was September 11. Then it all hit.

I didn't cry much when it happened. I was confused and scared. I didn't know what the impact would be of such a horrific event happening on American soil. I became empathetic to those who lived through events of great surprise and horror: Pearl Harbor, Normandy, the Blitzkrieg, the bombing of London, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, etc. 9-11 was a wake-up call to get my priorities in order. In 2001, I was working at dead-end job I hated. In 2002, I found myself back at school, my second semester on the road to finishing my degree after a 1.5 year hiatus. Columbine took me away from wanting to be a teacher once and 9-11 drove me back to it. (As I got further along in the program, I realized it wasn't for me afterall because I disagree with too many of the politics of it all, but that doesn't really matter.) The morning of the first anniversary, I devotely watched CNN. I cried. I finally let myself feel the agony. The final bricks were lifted off my shoulders. Then I went to school and didn't allow the terrorists to win. Again. I woke up crying and sad. I went to bed with a smile on my face and excited. That night I got a phone call from the Joe and Sept 11 is my hire date and when my career as an usher began. It was a bad day turned good. There is always a happy ending.

I'm smarter than I was then. I'm more empathetic and keen on my surroundings. I don't use the 't' word to describe feelings on that day because then I think they won; they didn't. I still think it will happen again. Sometimes, I think about it when I'm in the Joe - so close to the Ambassador Bridge and with so many people - but the hope and thought Jack Bauer will come save me pulls me through. With a history degree I realize that we cannot yet analyze September 11 in its full extent because we are still too close to it and coping with the aftermath. It will be years until we realize the impact, and one day today won't be so somber and it will be a passing news clip like December 7 is now. Is that when we as a nation will be healed?

It's a day to reflect, to remember. Don't forget and don't take your freedoms for granted. People kill for it.

A time to blog

I might as well get some of my blogging out of the way tonight. Tomorrow's will have a different tone and mood.

I decided very early this morning that I wasn't really going to do much work at the museum today. As I was drinking a spot of tea in the pilothouse this morning because I got there early and had everything under control, I decided I was just going to be a figurehead today. The on-duty manager who is there but doesn't really do anything. And hey, that's okay, because I'm in charge and people work for me. So yay for me having the upper hand and control. It's fun. I got work done, but it was more setting up the building because I won't be there next weekend. While doing this, I realized that: a) I am a very nice person, especially when it matters most, b) no matter how aggravated I get, support is always appreciated, c) I have the ability to tell visitors complete bullshit, but in a way that sounds professional and believable, and d) I am an uber-organized individual and "such a teacher."

Shall we start explaining these in order? Some of these might have more than one part.
a) There was a dad in the museum today with his two sons. They were having a blast in going through everything. The dad was actually explaining to them what some of the things were and they were thoroughly enjoying the entire museum. There is a penny machine in the Dossin and the boys asked what that did and if they could have one. I was nearby making a list (to be explained later) and heard him say no. I took off for the office and got a couple of the smashed pennies (there are tons back there). I went up to the dad and asked if it was okay if I gave them the coins and he agreed. The kids were thrilled to get them. I think I might have convinced them on getting a membership and wished them a fun afternoon as they were going home to watch football (I didn't even turn green with envy!). It was fun and I was really happy to make the kids' day and see such excitement at all parts of the museum.
a) There are volunteers coming this week to clean both the inside and outside of the museum. I left a note to the ones cleaning the outside of the building that warranted me being called "so nice" by my docent. I just had to laugh. This is what my note was about: we have muskrats on Belle Isle. There are a couple borrows on the museum grounds and I left a note indicating where they are and asked them to please not fill the holes or disturb the ground. While this makes me sound like a crazy, enviro-friendly hippy freak, I'm not at all. And I'm sure they could find their way out if their homes were covered up, but I don't know and I don't want them sufficating under the foundation of my building. So really, this "so nice" gesture is out of total greed. Ha.
b) There was a miscommunication whether it be intentional or on purpose in my household yesterday morning. I don't know which or really even care. But my mom said to me this morning that I need to call because I "work on Belle Isle where people are abducted and beaten and murdered and thrown to the side of the road." My verbal reply: "thanks, mom." My thought process: I'm already on high alert when I'm on the island because it is Belle Isle; I'm not a flipping idiot, mom, I know this already; Thanks for making me even more paranoid than what I already could be; I know the inner roads of the island, the location of the police station, and between my smarts - I could either outsmart or outwit most anyone - and Bauer moves, could probably stand a chance; I would so rather be getting talked to by someone else's mom who still thinks I'm too quiet and weirded out by whatever to be comfortable. All this after waking up only five hours of sleep. I wanted to cry. And when I told my dad what my mom told me, I almost did. Then I sped to Tim Horton's and got some damn caffeine in my system.
Later in the day, both parents showed up at the Dossin and looked around. I thought it was just going to be my dad by the sounds of it. I knew my mom wasn't nearly as interested or even wanted to be there, but I took it with a grain of salt and thanked them. It is nice to have that support, especially when I work in a place (or two or three) that I can be so passionate about.
c) People ask why we don't have things. I can give a legitimate and true story as to why. Then I can give out the name and contact information of other staff members who might be able to better answer their questions while pulling this fabricated idea about future exhibits out of my ass and sounding believable about it. Considering I can't lie worth a damn, this shows that when you're the authority figure, you have control and people will believe you. It's an amazing thing.
d) My organization knows no bounds. I made a list of chores the volunteers can do to clean up the museum and organized it by area of the building. Then I organized the cleaning stuff and left a note on the doors and other areas as to what was where. Ha. I'm sure they could have opened it and figured it out themselves, but hey, I'm just trying to make it easier on them. :)
d) My teacher side prevails yet again, only this time, I'm calling myself out on it. I'm not going to be there this weekend and so I wrote my VSAs a note about what they can work on and I even pulled out the proper paperwork and envelopes they'll need, like they've never done it before. Ha. As I was writing all these notes, I totally felt like a teacher leaving notes for a sub. I thought it was kind of funny.

Somewhere, someone is growing impatient and wants to read this. Not bad for a day's work being nothing more than a figurehead, eh?

I'm off to read some books now.

Culture Shock

The more time I spend out and about in Lansing, the more I realize that it's really nothing like Detroit at all. I suppose essentially they are two cities with almost the same work ethic, but I'm not entirely sure. I guess all I really wanted to do was use essentially in a sentence since it took me about five trys to remember how to spell it. And I really don't have any idea how to compare the social class makeup of these two cities. I do, however, know things are very different. How?

People are nice in this mid-Michigan area. It throws me off. Way off. People you don't know say hi to you and almost go out of their way to do so. I try to at least smile back when I'm not thrown completely off guard. Afterward, I crinkle my face and wonder why they did that. It kinda freaks me out. Even though I worked in retail, I never said hi to anyone. In fact, it's only at the Joe that I make it an effort to be nice to others - maybe then it's because I know they are always watching. Or it could just be the magic of the place. Who knows.

I lied - I also say hi to some of the people in my museums. But not all of them and not all the time. So let's just say it really is just the Joe.

Back to the reason why I decided to blog while hiding from harsh world: So I was walking in one of the malls I went today and one of the guys standing in a cell phone booth called me over and tried to get me to convert to his company. I'm happy with what I have, but I think the loyal ties might sever soon if it means saving money. But I'm not sure yet, I have do some number crunching and see if it would all be worth it. But it threw me way off. Even working in a mall, I never saw this done. I'm just way not used to people being nice to one another.

And I'm not used to the way people drive over here either. There is a calm sense about it with no rage or no rush. It really trips me out sometimes. And it's really hard to adjust my unquestionable, jerky city driving while over here. I'm not sure I like that. But I envy the relaxed tone in which these people drive. It's really quite amazing.

The towns are something too. I'm a city girl, born and bred in the big, bad D. My great-grandmother lived in Roscommon, about 3 hours or so up I-75, so when I'm off the freeway and get to drive through some of these little towns, set up so innocently and sweetly, I'm instantly transformed to a simpler time in my life. But then I look up and there is either a four way stop or I'm about to hit a run-a-way cow or baby Sparty. Opps!

I know somewhere beneath the scar tissue of being "downtown way too long, and in retail, and working with little kids, and drunken idiots" that I am still a nice person. Sometimes, it even shows through. And sometimes when it does, I surprise even myself. But when I gallivant among the outskirts of Michigan's capital city, I'm no where near as nice as these people and I realize that I am too damaged to ever be repaired. But maybe I was never this wholesome to begin with.

It's a good thing, not a bad thing. If I weren't so set on my impatient city lifestyle I might even be jealous. But maybe I am anyway.

worthless part-timing attitude

I'm selfish sometimes. I also know that despite any other notions, the world does not always revolve around me. So will you tell me why my feelings get hurt when I read something like this: "you need not be here for any of the events." Yes, I'm part-time. Yes, I'm there only one day a week with them. Yes, I'm a pain in their asses because I ask too many questions because I am not informed about anything. Yes, the week of September 25 is going to be huge and historical. And no, I don't get to be a part of it.

Instead my only duties that week are to go to a high school in Allen Park to talk up the youth volunteer program. This shouldn't be meant as a bad thing, after all it will help constitute my business card titles (weekend manager/youth volunteer coordinator), but still, there is nothing else. I wasn't asking to stumble through the VIP event/opening or even that of the media, but rather just a simple evening for members and volunteers to come check out the new digs. And to my grandest delight and most sound prediction, I am stationed at the big D that weekend, only left to imagine the festivities on Woodward. But that's okay, someone's gotta run the Dossin, it might as well be me. I do it best.

Someday, maybe, my sacrifices will pay off and appreciation shown. But maybe only someday.