The Year that Was

I can hardly believe that I even remember how to log into my blogger account since posting has taken a backseat these last four months. As I entered all of the important dates in the digital calendar I'll be using instead of the handy planner, I decided that I'd share some of the finer moments of 2007:

-Giving Ohio a chance - especially the route to Akron which lead us to Kevin Smith and the Mythbusters

-Designed, built and successfully relaunched retail space at the Dossin

-Airshows, fish frys, festivals, fairs, family days, ball games and hockey games

-Back to the Future at the Redford

-Colorado

-The Lake

-Roger Clyne

-Turning the house into our home AND into the Wilsonian Museum of Art

-Time spent with family and friends, bonding with the in-laws, strengthening relationships with loved ones and coming to the realization that we can survive the darkest of days, grimmest of circumstances and every other kind of twist in the road

-Patrick returning safely

Beating Him to the Punch

Our house smells like new electronics. Which almost beats the new car smell. Why? Check out our latest and greatest:




Even homemade brownies can't overpower the new TV smell. Since I'm rather proud of my creative side, here's a pic of a graveyard dirt cake I made that I must show off:

It has Returned

Two years into my retirement I might dare say that my hockey fandom has returned. If that's not enough, I might even venture the thought of my Wingsdom being back, but let's take it one step at a time, eh?

This is such an Earth shattering announcement that I came back to blogger for it.

It's good to be back. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a lot of catching up to do.

Trumped

There are no words to describe just how very much I love my boyfriend.

Only a day away...

Advance thanks to my awesome brother, wonderful boyfriend and great parents - and of course, the impeccable timing of my current phone's slow and painful death. By this time tomorrow, I'll be the proud owner of this badass new phone. Check it out:

Passed me by

Looking for a new job while in a relatively secure position is a scary thing. Yet in the middle of chaos and underappreciation, I took a chance to move to greener pasture, to an institutional icon. I fear that I waited too long. The position is filled. I guess it tells me what my path should be for the immediate future: stay where I am and whip it into shape. If I get my way with the things I'm working on right now, I'm going to revolutionize the place and have wonderful and impressive new bullet points on my resume. And the credit will come back to me. I'm building great things for the future.

It also makes me wonder that if I am going to continue to this field, if I'll ever be able to move out of middle management without advanced degrees. But I'm between a rock and a hard place on this decision - it's always been in my plans to go to grad school, but there is no way that I am going to take out more loans to do so. Maybe I should just stick it out and let my years of experience - and pension - pile up. Then we shall see where the road will lead.

Mega millions is up to 89 mil - it only takes a buck, right?

The Adventure Continues

So many good things about living in Detroit. The pleasure of dealing with the 36th District Court has to top the list.

About six weeks ago I had a court date and was found "not responsible". That officially means that my officer didn't have all of the paperwork and that he could not rewrite or reissue the ticket. It probably also means I got off because I was nice to the cop, had no record and he just pulled me over because he was under his quota the month before. Case closed, right?

Not in the D.

Today in the mail I got a postcard saying "notice of failing to comply with judgement".

My first thought: But my judgement was not respsonsible. Am I not going to comply with that?

My second thought: Actually I had no second thought, I just started laughing out loud. That sums it all up.

And how excited am I that I get to spend my life next week trying to reach a human being at the 36th? I am beyond words right now - but only because I'm still laughing.

It's been good

So my plan is working. On Monday I went to work with a carefree attitude and was able to talk several coworkers out of anger-driven attacks with my fresh perspective. It's Wednesday and I haven't gotten angry once this week. Not only is it because I'm making every effort not too, but because I do not ever want to relive the events, feelings and emotional nightmares of last week. Never, ever again. And I feel great being in control of my emotions at work and not letting them get the best of me. It's almost like I have the upper hand on all of them, especially since I let my frustrations be seen by so many people. Since only I have the power to affect change for myself and those around me, I'm up to the plate and ready to take the fast balls.

It's been said that the reason I probably get so upset is because I take it too personally or I care too much. But I think my work matters and I want to take it personally. To me, it is personal. And I want to care because I think what I do matters to a lot of people and I have a responsibility to care. On the other hand, if some of my coworkers won't care or listen to my ideas, then I'm not going to care AS much. I haven't cared AS much all week and it's been treating me pretty good. I'm actually really proud of my plan and seeing it carried through. It's help me become myself again - and I think I'm helping other people who are fed up at work not to care either. I feel like I'm leading a revolution or something. Ha.

Speaking of leading - I'm getting really close to firing at least one of my staff members, if not more. It should be a learning experience for all of us. And it's not because I'm angry, it's because they might as well be holding my shoulders, shaking me and screaming that they no longer want to be employed. All of my coaching and nurturing as their supervisor won't help them come back from the dark side.

I guess you can start to call me Luke now. I won't mind. :)

Perspective

Stuck in a rut at work largely due to the management above me, I've been stressed. My days have been nearly unbearable for far too long. I've come to the conclusion that I wasn't going to let them win and that I wouldn't go to work angry anymore. I shouldn't even care as much as I do while I'm there to get angry between 8-4. That is not always the case when supervising ten individuals, nine of whom require an extreme amount of guiding and coaching. But admist chaos, good things do happen, sometimes with kind words, sometimes with not-so-kind words:
* the executive director came to thank me personally for saving the museum - yet again - from floating down the Detroit River and said he truly appreciates my efforts in cleaning up, because not many other people step up and do that right away.
* when explaining the day's events at home and instead of hearing supporting words that I desire, I hear "why are you so angry all the time?" the velocity of that bitch slap snapped me right out of it. Starting Monday, I have a whole new perspective on the way I interpret things at work. And if they continue to stall the process, I am speeding up my search for a new job.
Sometimes I really wonder what my life would like if I actually did become a teacher, but then I am saddened by the possibility that I will never really get to do what I've always wanted to do. I can twist my job responsibilities in a way that will justify the idea that I am teaching with what I do, but I don't know if I always want to make it that difficult. Come fall, I think I am going to make it a priority to give the best tour I can - then sign up to give as many as my schedule allows.

With the house to myself this weekend I thought it would be a good time to spend time with my Goddaughter. I picked her up and went to see the Rat movie. I think it's bothersome that in every Pixar movie there is some element of getting separated from your family but how the family is always reunited and stronger than ever. After that we walked around the mall. Then we came home and ordered pizza and have been watching movies again. I think it's good that we're spending time together and that she's getting to the spend the night. And it's fun. It's taking my mind off the stressors of adulthood and reminding me of the simple things in life. I needed this. And while part of me is still torn and guilty and wanting to be supportive somewhere else this weekend, I think it's still important to remember my priorities and my family and that I can't be everyone to everybody about everything all the time. I have to learn to accept that that is okay sometimes.

No wonder I'm so exhausted all the time. That and we're turning more into Ray and Debra with every passing day.

Goin with the Flow

I haven't blogged in almost a month and I'm not really sure I missed anything, or was missed. Guess I've just been focusing on the day-to-day and finding other things to take care of instead of my blogger. But here's a low down on the off chance anyone actually reads this page anymore:

I've been both frustrated and overwhelmed at work since I've been training subordinates AND my new boss. The questions I started asking two months ago about things I knew would happen after our reorganization have only now started to come up, leaving me pissed off and unwilling to help find a solution since I've been nothing short of ignored in that same time frame. Heaven forbid anyone pay attention to the person with the foresight. I keep telling myself that this will pass and things will get better, but it's hard to care when things are always so negative around you. When I hear stories of team-buildinng and team-boosting activities from others, it just pisses me off even more. But then when I think about it, I probably have the most optimistic team at the Society and I have a lot of plans to make it even more so. Even if I get no recognition for it, at least I'll know that I'm making a difference for those that report to me. In some way, that is going to have to come back to me somwhere down the road.

I've watched the resilience of some yellowjackets whose home was destroyed and taken away yet they have the tenacity to rebuild in the same location. I often find that productivity increases when pissed off about something, but add being homeless to that mix and watch the nest come back.

I've spent some good times with good people and have had a lot of fun. I've tried to keep up with some kind of physical activity during the humid days. I've logged on to blog but couldn't find anything worthy of note, so I logged off and went on with my day - usually right to the kitchen to make dinner. I've gotten irritated when reading other websites and largely because the last time I checked, one could commute in two directions on I-96, but I kept quiet and forgot about it. I got a little sad that big news was transmitted via myspace instead of a phone call. Accepting as I am of technology and all the technological advances, maybe in this regard I still have an old-fashioned mindset. But maybe that's how people keep in touch nowadays and maybe the only reason I find that inappropriate is because my closest friends don't have myspace, forcing us to verbally communicate with each other instead of relying on the interweb and the other handful of my closest friends I see on a regular basis making big news easier to announce.

Time to get off of this thing and go back to enjoying the beautiful day.
See ya in another month or so, give or take a few days.

What I Learned this Weekend

• I don't have acute pancreatitis
• I don't have gall stones
• Morphine doesn't kill the pain, it just dulls it
• Beaumont has a really nice ER
• Not eating or drinking for a few days really sucks - and takes a long time to recover from
• Listen to your body when its pissed off - only good things can come from it
• I am a pretty lucky girl

2 Sides of Comfort

1) Today was my first adventure at the 36th District. I was found not responsible, meaning my officer didn't have the proper paperwork and cannot re-issue the ticket. I don't owe anything. It pays to be nice and to hold your composure in front of officers. The other person who was also found not responsible was pulled over in the same location for the same offense by the same officer.

To those who drive in or thru the New Center - beware of the corner of Woodward and Baltimore. He's watching.

2) Encouraging news from the medical front. It should be no surprise that I have a tendency to freak out about things I really don't need to worry about. But scary news is scary news and I had to get it checked out. Health insurance is taken out of my checks, might as well use it. This is good information to have in mind though and all I have to do is continue to take care of myself. Check back in a few years, I'll let you know how I'm doing.

Right up my alley

This is a real conversation that happened earlier today that I couldn't add in my last post because I was still too upset to really see the humor in it:

Dr: Do you exercise?

Me: Yes, I do actually.

Dr: You need to exercise.

Me: um, what? But I do exercise.

That left me even more dumbfounded than I already am about being in this whole situation. Hey, at least some of its funny. And actually, when I processed what she had just said I just imagined House and didn't even worry about trying to be a smartass back. Sad I know, but anything helped getting me through the moment.

Doctors

I strongly dislike them. Or at least mine. But amid crisis I figured it'd be best to stay with one that has my records. That was my own stupid mistake. Why do they think they can just leave you more confused than you were when you walked in? I thought these jerks were supposed to care about their patients. Health care really is all about the money. Bastards. Times like this I wish I knew a doctor who I know would and could trust to give me an honest, straight-up answers and solutions - not just pawn me off on someone else I won't be able to understand.

What the hell is wrong with this world anyway?

It's No Fun

I've been a depressed wreck since finding out some rather devestating news about five hours ago. And while this is only the first answer, it still leaves me in a whirl of questions and concerns about myself, those around me and my future. And to make it even better, I've come home to an empty house. Part of me doesn't care what tomorrow is, where anyone is in the world, I just want to collapse and cry in his arms. I justify that bit of selfishness with the other part of me knowing that this very well could be self-inflicted and that it is great that he is recognizing the significance of tomorrow now that part of his family is half a world away. It's just overwhelming to deal with alone at the moment of discovery. So - good luck to me on this one.

Worth the Visit

I've been using up some vacation the past few days and all of a sudden we turned cool. Go check this out NOW!

It will be worth it - I promise. If for no other reason than because Verlander is the man. And my Tiger. So there. Go spend your money in my museum. It's my job to take care of you.

Happy Birthday!

The Pearl turned one today. Only 20,992 miles young. I remember the silly grin I had on my face as soon as I got it - today, that grin is back. Such a proud parent. :P

Seminars that actually provide information that can be used in the workplace are brillant. I'm excited to start shaping up both the way I do things and the way my employees do things. Yay organization!

Tigers games on days off are the absolute best time. And by the way, sunscreen doesn't work as well as it's supposed too.

I've thoroughly enjoyed these past few days off. Totally rejunivated my spirit. I'm excited to go back to work and kick some ass. I refuse to let the daily grind discourage me anymore - I'm damn to lucky to be in the position I am in.

I just looked at my calendar and realized that the weekend of the Lundington camp-out is the same weekend my museum re-opens with new exhibits after being closed for two weeks. :( Ruh-roh. Better get those days in and make a case for skipping the festivites that weekend.

A bit of cheer

In a world where everyday brings more bad news, why not share some good things going on?

Verlander pitched a no-hitter last night. I wish I could have seen more of the game, but hey, soccer is pretty kick ass too. First time since 1984 -- Bless you, Boys!

Emails from brothers in Iraq are reassuring to say the least.

Three days away from the office couldn't have come at a better time. I love being home in the middle of day.

I had half a mind just to leave my last blog post as my last blog ever, just for fun, but turns out that I couldn't do it without giving credit where credit is due. So needless to say, I have just about the coolest brother in the world.

Phone conversations with friends who don't talk often enough are great things, but makes me kind of sad that we don't get to see eachother more, despite living on opposite ends of the country.

Oh yeah, and Deloreans are awesome. Even more awesome is seeing one at the place where my whole life changed. And while I know that makes me a dork, it makes such a cool dork.

I have the memory...

...of a retarded duck

Noticed

Everyday I have to stop at the light at 10 Mile and Woodward without fail. I plan it in my morning commute.

Everyday I have to stop at the light at Woodward and Palmer without fail. I dread that as the clock nears 4:00 or whenever I can make it out of the office. And you better believe that the first day I make it through that light it will be a blog.

Everyday I wonder who people talk to so animated and intensely at 7:30 in the morning. It boggles my mind.

Everyday I pray that I don't get in another accident because of these intense phone conversations - or because the drivers I encounter during my commute are some of the rudest and most impatient drivers. Note: this is not me anymore!

Everyday I strategize my 911 call - all to make a cop actually show up on the scene.

And everyday I wonder how difficult it really is to cross the street at a crosswalk. Really, really wonder.

Confirmation

While complaining about a company that has been nothing short of a nightmare since last November to the HR/Finance lady, she suggested I do nothing short of threaten them. Then she offered to call them and tell them that, because I'm "too nice". That echoed through my mind..."you're too nice, Amy". My first thought: Wow, I haven't been called nice in ages. My second thought: me? nice? really? I think I laughed out loud and then said something like, "yeah, maybe".

Upon telling this story to my boyfriend, laughing he said, "has she even met you"?

Ha. Guess that sums it all up...and attempts to confirm the theory that I have tinkered in trying to explain on my blogger from time to time.

And although I know I'm not nice all that often, I do suppose that the nice person that once I was and that I am capable of being shines through on occasion - and that alone gives me hope that I'm not a lost cause after all.

It Just Dawned on Me

I didn't celebrate the magic because my reason was out to lunch. Don't you bloody hate when that happens?

No Doubt in my Mind

The man still makes good music, check it out:

On to the Dark Side

I was told about a restructuring plan at work to help us become more efficient so that when it was announced in the staff meeting, it wouldn't be a surprise. What they failed to mention is that two major parts of my current responsibilities no longer belong to me. I'm trying to figure out what everything means and still keep a positive outlook. My rage goes back and forth between going Bauer on someone's ass and crying my eyes out. And I've been flooding my boss' email box with questions and demanding an updated job description so that I am clear on my position as we move forward. In the meantime, I'm just going with the flow and trying to convince myself that it can only get better from here.

I had a planned half day vacation today to start the long weekend early. Let me tell you that it could not have come at a better time.

Not only is it towel day, it's Captain Jack's day. And the History Channel is having a Star Wars special on Monday night. Really, how cool is that?

*Que Imperial March*

Picking up the Pieces

It's amazing what jogging 10.7 miles can do for a person.

The cloudy storm that was taunting my mind the past few days has cleared up into a beautiful, sunny outlook. All I need to do now is keep the focus. If I always feel this great afterward, I know that it won't be a problem.

Keep those miles coming!

Western What?

I am almost convinced that I don't even care who wins the Western Conference because I know who I want to win Lord Stanley. It hasn't been won by a Canadian team in 14 years. How sweet would that be?

I do like Ryan Miller and for my Sparty readers, look at it this way: in just four years in the pros, he brought his team to the conference finals. That in itself is no small feat and is something that some goalies never accomplish.

But dudes, a Canadian team is the finals! How awesome is that?

Go Sens. At least for now. Check back in 24 hours and I might be singing a different tune.

I Got Nothin

The collective credit card debt in the United States is 250 billion dollars. That is absolutely disgusting. Today, Senator Levin started legislature to do something about the interest rates tactics that these credit card companies use. At least it's a step in the right direction.

Yesterday was supposed to be a gas-out. Why? For what reason? It was the most unsuccessful thing I've heard of in the past month. Gas prices did not drop yesterday nor did they drop today. Boycotting something that is in such great demand will not result in a lower price. It is inevitable that we are paying over $3.00 a gallon for the stuff that our life revolves around. We are the country with the most cars and highest demand, yet we pay some of the lowest prices for fuel. It all evens out in the grand scheme of things - some people just have to pull their head of their own ass and see things in a global way. We are not the only people out there.

Being a boss is hard work but it's work I enjoy. Sometimes more than others. But I am not there to be their friend and I am not out to get them. I am simply there to enforce the rules and challenge them to meet the expectations that come working in a public institution. There are several factors that cause this to be harder for some than for others and it's quite the educational experience.

Surprise - it's a new post!

I saw a bumper sticker on my way home from work today. It said: "Bush lied/People died". I thought it was catchy. I also thought the person driving that car was an idiot. Every president lies to the American people to protect us and people die in order to defend our freedoms. For another second I thought about what it would have been like if a democrat held office when 9-11 happened - but we still would have gone to war, at least attacked someone. That person would have lied and yes, people would have died. It is not the result of any one president or any one event, but at least it was a catchy bumper sticker.

I am a very thin, but slighty out of shape individual. Running is awesome. So is breathing. After I learn how to balance the two, I will be thin and in shape. It feels good taking care of myself. And so do burning muscles.

I haven't watched 24 since March. Seeing commercials for the season finale while watching House kind of ruins any glimpse of memory I have from the time I left off. Sometime I will sit down to it and clear my DVR, but it probably won't be until after the Stanley Cup is won. Despite hearing mixed reviews about how this season is might not be as spectacular as seasons past, Jack Bauer remains great. I hope I'm not disappointed when we finally sit down to the remainder of the sixth day.

Speaking of the Stanley Cup, I miss Kiefer Sutherland doing the voice-overs on NHL commercials. I don't know who VS has doing them now, but it makes me miss the good old days. And I want Ottawa to win the Eastern Conference. I'm surrounded by Spartys cheering for Buffalo, and I don't disagree that the Sabres would be cool in the finals too, but I'm all for Canadian teams. Especially for the chance to win Stanley. Once the West is determined, I might be singing a different tune. But we'll have to wait and see.

And happy anniversary to me. I've been at the Society for a year. And with change on the horizon, I might soon be going for my third promotion...

That is frowned upon

I heard that was a blog title waiting to happen, so I'm using it. It has no relevance to this blog, so don't look for a connection.

I remembered how to have fun Saturday night. For at least a little while, I didn't have a care in the world. It was great. And the hockey game only had about 25% to do with it.

Speaking of hockey, had I been in the blogger world in my die-hard Wings days, I would probably spend at least part of every blog analyzing something about the game. Or the players. Probably both. But I'm a die-hard fan anymore and I watch games because the game interests me and I want to follow in hopes of finding the passion that flowed so thickly through my veins. I won't deny that working at the Joe burned me out of Red Wings hockey. It opened my eyes to the whole sport and gave me the chance to interact with players I idolized for so many years. They are real people. They have real feelings. I'm not saying that I became best friends with any or all of the team (only with Al), but I saw and talked to them every game. I learned behaviours that are easily recognizable and that reflect who you are as a person. It didn't take long before I knew what the media says or writes about these people is usually horseshit. And it made me sad when I saw a fan so animate in defending a player as nothing but goodness and greatness when they were actually the biggest dick in the locker room. Belief in him or not, trophies on his shelf or not, Hall of Fame bound or not, if the guy is a fool, there is little to make that up. While there is no denying that perhaps at one time he was untouchable and perhaps a pretty darn good goalie, it's my opinion that what he is in real life destroys that. Much like the ass clowns that the Hulls are in real life ruin chances for fans, their talent cannot be denied to them. Do you not like the 1995-98 Colorado Avalanche team? It is only because they were so much like the 1995-98 Detroit Red Wings you could barely stand them. It is not an unknown fact that Wings fans are among the most snobby and horrid group of people in the sports world, so it is hard to draw comparisons. It is hard to accept those comparisons. I used to be one of them, so I know the type of fan that once I was, but I've moved on. My point in all of this: I have my opinons; you have your opinions and sometimes we just won't see eye-to-eye, it doesn't make either of us wrong or right. It just is what it is.

Sometimes I wonder if there is ever a definite moment when something passes from young to old. Is there one specific milestone that upon reaching it, you pass through to the next stage? Today, my Maui Blue Pearl did just that. And while 10,000 miles in four months is far more impressive than 20,000 in eleven, it's still noteworthy.

May Day

There are lots of things that have crossed my mind lately that I could have blogged about, but whenever I logged in they all seemed to vanish. So there's that. Then there's this:

Whenever I break the law, there is always a cop watching. And I always get pulled over. I didn't get let off the hook, but I got something almost as good. The officer said that if I make a court date and tell him before I talk to the judge that I was nice, he would sit there and be quiet. Having manners matter, using them in the right situation is priceless. And I can't help that I'm charming. Ha.

This and That

The Wings are one step closer to proving that the reason they sucked in recent years was because I was working at the Joe. Despite horrific offense, absent defense and only one player to actually show up to the playoffs (you go, Manny), I will take full responsibility. Bring on them Sharks.

What just happened? I sounded like a Wings fan. Better watch out...

Toyota beat GM in car sales in the first quarter. The news was inevitable, but it still stings. Just another hit to Detroit. But this one will leave a lasting mark.

My bank is being bought by another, larger banking institution. This will be the fourth change in eight years. Ugh, corporate America.

My Goddaughter called me on Sunday asking me to do something with her at my mom's church. I found out later that she told my mom if I didn't do that with her, she was going to divorce me. Isn't she cute?

Next week is May. Really, where did April go?

The sun is shining again. It feels good. My allergies, however, do not. But no need to complain about that. It is beautiful outside.

The Good Stuff

Sunburns in April - something about them are as good a feeling as the first really nice spring day and the first trip to the old ballpark.

Facing the facts - Even though I think I'll be always be connected to the great Tigers of yesteryear, they aren't on the current team. Who's my Tiger? Casey. Why? Because I like to say Casey's at the Bat. Yeah, I said it. Yeah, I'm a dork. I don't know anything about him or his playing style, but his name is cool. And that's all I care about.

Hockey fights, er I mean games, in April - suddenly the spark that once glowed so brightly within me was lit again...and I am living for playoff hockey again. By the time next season comes along, maybe I'll give a shit again and pay attention.

Don't worry

How much of an idiot do I feel like?

I always get bad springtime allergies

But my head has never hurt like this before

Too bad I got all freaked out for some Claritin-D

Like I wouldn't have come to that conclusion on my own

And now I'm out twenty bucks

So how much of an idiot do I feel like?

Pretty damn huge.

I'm climbing under a rock until June 21st.

This is NOT okay

Something is wrong

And it scares me

Go Ahead, Blame Me

I take full responsibility for the performance of the Wings in the playoffs the past few years. I understand that it is my fault that they sucked for so long. Blame me. I will agree with you.

The reason they won last night is because I'm no longer working there. If they go further than one round in the playoffs, I will be right. If we bring Stanley back, it will be a proven fact.

I have at least three very fond memories of that job though:
1) I am friends with Al. I show off his business card to make people jealous.
2) I met this one huge dork and his best friends during one of the games. Turns out he is the love of my life. I am one lucky usher.
3) I got to meet the whole team during practice. That's back when I was still a fan.

Now that I realize that my place is as a fan instead of as a worker in the stands, does that mean I have to turn into a Wings fan again?

Back to Reality

Going back to work yesterday was tough. Even tougher was listening to the news during my commutes. I was so familiar with the bad news that surrounds me that I didn't even realize how horrible a world we live in - and just how scary that world is. Being away from the world for five days certainly leaves room for a rude awakening when the only news involves three different stories involving gun shots and death. I suppose the silver lining could be that the suspects for two of those three stories were in police custody. Is there such a thing as justice after all?

My reliable co-worker is going to be leaving me. And it is probably going to be happening sooner rather than later. I know her time with the DHS is short and that she was a ticking bomb since she attained her degree in January - but with her being out ill this week I realized how much I counted on her to help deal with the daily chaos. And to prepare for the inevitable, I started a list in hopes that I can write a detailed, accurate and fair job description. Keep your eyes posted on comnet. I am really dreading that interview process. Those poor, poor applicants.

I think that starting next week, I am going to make a new goal each week. This will help make up for my Lenten failings and hopefully improve my outlook on life. And if I can stop being such a jerk all the time, that would probably benefit the world as well. But I think I'll start slow and then progress to greener pastures.

Vacation Day

I decided to put this on my blogger just to prove that I'm not that much of a horrible person.
These are things that really matter:

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

It's MY Time

Projecting attendance numbers for twelve months - Projecting group tour numbers for twelve months - Projecting gift shop sales for twelve months - Projecting earned revenue for twelve months - Projecting expenses for twelve months - Coding inventory - Arranging displays - Setting up displays with coded inventory - Working 14 hours for re-launch events - Ensuring my staff know the new system - Ensuring my bosses know the new system - Organizing an unorganizable area - Spending my life at the other Museum trying to make it perfect - Greeting nearly 3,000 people on opening weekend - Dealing with hindsight and the woulda, coulda, shoulda's after a successful event - Bringing home work to do because 7 hours isn't enough time for it (plus one hour since I didn't take a lunch break those two weeks either) - Ignorning myself, my house and those around me trying to live up to and exceed the higher up's expectations of me and my department - And in the meantime, coaching ten people who report to me with their daily responsibilities and ensure museum operations continue without any glitches...

Can you begin to imagine how burned-out, exhausted and how completely stressful budgets and Museum re-openings can be? Maybe I didn't do it justice, but at least I tried to paint a picture. And I'm no artist.

Today is a company holiday (thank you for the crucifying, Jesus) and I capitalized on the long weekend to make it a longer weekend...to take some time for R&R and to attempt to recuperate from the madness I've endured the last two weeks.

Therefore, I am off to visit my best friend who moved to Chicago four and a half years ago and I only get to see a half dozen times a year at best. This wasn't as easy a decision as it should have been since another festivity arose during this same time frame. I considered (and exhausted) all of my options and the outcomes of me staying or going. I'm going because I could stand some time out of the house and by myself and with my friend who just gets me, who I don't have to worry about talking in front of, who understands everything I am going through and who gives me the support and comforting words I need to hear. And this is my long weekend and my recuperation and time for me to decide how to spend it and enjoy it. I chose not to spend time with people who refuse to give me a chance, who don't go to great lengths to make me feel welcome, or like they want there, or that they even pretend to like me. I am so confident in who I am and what I do and am such a strong person that I shouldn't even care what they think of me. Why should I care? People at work say I'm dating him, not his friends. But I don't like or want to be thought of as the bitch who stole him away or as stuck up or that I am too good to participate. I know that I can be a jerk of person but I also am a firm believer in reciprocating actions and behaviours that are shown onto me. And I honestly believe that the ball is in their court. They might ask where I am and when he tells them, I can imagine the sigh of relief going through some of their minds. I know they won't miss me and I'm glad he'll have a chance to catch up without me being there. But I won't miss them either - I won't miss trying to find a person who will want to try to talk to me or to include me and I won't miss worrying about what tone of voice I use and how if I do speak it will just bring silence. I'm going to a place and to spend time with people where I don't have to worry about any of that. That is my goal with this vacation time. And it doesn't even bother me that some of the people I am talking about might read this. It's my blogger and my outlet and I have absolutely no other reason to think differently.

So it's off with me to the Windy City to try to reprioritize my life, remember what's important, how to implement that in my daily routines and attempt to learn how to smile and laugh again. And since I failed miserably at what my goal for Lent, I shall try to work on that upon my return.

Shalom

Busting the Buckeyes?

Myth: Ohio is a waste of a state.

Confirmed: Buckeyes are by far the worst and most impatient drivers on the road. This coming from an already impatient city driver should speak volumes about their behavior. Ugh.

Confirmed: Ohio is boring. It's not even a pretty state until you get into the eastern part of the state and the foothills of the mountains.

Confirmed: They talk like chipmunks. Can you understand a Ohioan when they speak? I didn't think so.

Busted: Despite all of my hatred toward Michigan's southern neighbor state, Akron is a pretty neat little town. Clean, comforting, busy downtown. And they have a cool Irish place that is smokefree.

Busted: Did I mention that Ohio is smoke free in public places. Michigan is a lame.

Busted: A small, mid-state college can bring him:

and them:

and live in a state that has pretty lighthouses like this:

On an entirely different note, I want the Buckeyes to win tonight so I can win my bracket. I won't win any money, but that doesn't really matter now does it?

Caught in the Act

Despite very obvious character flaws and quantities of impatience and rudeness in the amounts to rival the aresonal at Fort Knox, I would like to believe that I am still a nice person and look brightly toward the future and have a relatively positive outlook. I know I'm not that person though, and tell everyone that I'm not a nice person, but I am holding out a sliver of hope that one day, the sweet Amy that once existed will emerge again. But today I realized I might be too late for that.

Today I was caught being rather pessimistic - and said it outloud:
"This box is half-empty, I'm going to send it over to the Dossin".

And I immediately was horrified by the way it sounded and with the type of person that made me sound like. As if I'm not already in the middle of a personal revolution, that definitely was a battle wound I will remember.

Successes and Failures

Success:
The Dossin greeted 4,141 people this weekend. Awesome. And we pulled in more donations than the Main's re-opening which saw twice that amount of people. Awesome.

Failure:
For Lent this year I decided not to give anything up but rather set a goal for myself. Last night, it ended in misery, heartache, fear and tears.

Result:
A migraine headache and 7 hours on the clock doing almost absolutely nothing.

Damn right.

Today

I went from being called a genious today to feeling like a complete idiot who can't do anything right. There is nothing like bringing work home to complete and not being able to do it because I can't load the freakin price gun the right way. UGH.

High tide is in. I have tomorrow to get my area at the Dossin set up and looking presentable. And I don't even have a full day to do that. It's really pitiful.

Hopefully, it will pay off this weekend. By the way, metro Detroit readers should go.
This might help convince you: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070320/BLOG07/70320040/1118/rss

Protest

Today is St. Patrick's Day. Whoop-di-do. I'm not celebrating. I feel today is for those who only wish they were Irish. Me...I am Irish everyday. My raging temper, alcoholism and belief in Leprechauns (okay the third one is a lie) is celebrated daily, not annually. To say I just don't get it is to sum it up in the least.

So instead of getting pissed off at the drunken idiots in a smokey bar that will give me a headache, I'm watching Hockey Night in Canada and finally getting around to baking those cookies that I have so many orders for. All of this with a little rum on the side. Ha.

Nothing, absolutely nothing, beats Don Cherry in a Shamrock and green beer tie with a green plaid suit. Nothing. God Bless the happy Canadians. AND the Leafs/Habs game is full of fights. Go Hockey!

Seeeeeeee, I told ya!!!!!

Yep, this is me

I - inspiring courage
R - radiant spirit
I - infinite wisdom
S - soulful joy
H - heart of gold

couldn't sum me up better!

Crunch Time

I am 95% done with the budget for next year. Considering I found out on Monday that I had to project revenue numbers per month for my entire department as well as expenses, I don't think I did a half bad job. I just have to finish writing a narrative on why I projected the expenses and I'll be ready to hand it in. And since I have the biggest and most important department (think about it, is anything more important to a museum than its visitors?), I think I've done a pretty good job. But we'll see what the big bosses say about it.

I am about to kick the shit out of the marketing guy. Don't ever say anything negative about my potential visitors. It will not be pretty.

I have awesome things for the gift shop at the Dossin! I am super excited. Thanks to my awesome boyfriend , I'll be carrying Higdon lighthouse prints there. The order arrived yesterday and I have a personalized thank you note from "Randy." It's all very cool. I'm excited about taking over this gift shop because the inventory is related to maritime history and the exhibits. I have ideas to track it better and to display it. I can't wait until next week when I can put it all together. Woot! Now that the budget is done, it's time to have fun with the Dossin. It's just a shame that I am probably the only person on staff who actually gives a shit about that Museum. Ah well.

That's it for now. Probably won't blog until the Re-Opening festivities are completed. Later.

Nothin Quite Like It

Opening windows in your office to let the fresh air in is great.

Coming home and opening windows in your house to let the fresh air in is even better.

Knowing that snow is in the forecase for this weekend is just priceless.

Gotta love Michigan weather, eh?

Daily Grind

I passed a car on Woodward this morning and recognized it as one that I've passed before, probably several times. It was kind of strange. And little did I know it was a sign to the way the rest of my day was going to go...

I had to turn on the exhibits this morning because we had an early tour and I wanted to make sure everything was on before they got there. I discovered how rusty I am now at a routine that took me about 10 minutes tops to do when I was in charge on the weekends. It didn't surprise me though, I can barely cash the drawers out without asking my VSAs what to do next. I kind of miss that aspect of the job and if I had to put up today's course of actions, I would go back to it in a heartbeat. Well, maybe...

I'm a big manager now and have to mediate the actions, reactions and consequences when tempers flare and frustrations ignite. I'm protective of my staff and will defend them if I know they are right. Lucky for me, they are wise enough to take responsibility for wrong decisions and unwise moves. Unlucky for me, not everyone whose job interacts with visitor services reports to me. Miscommunication happens and messages don't get relayed. Today, policy wasn't followed and I had two grown adults talking to me in tears because they were completely frustrated with each other and the new policy that has obvious flaws in it. It was a learning experience for all parties involved, especially for me. I was reminded that just because my staff thinks the same way and has the same goal, not everyone in the Museum does. While it is something they strive to achieve (excellent service to our visitor base), they are so far removed from it on a daily basis that they have no idea what it is like to serve that visitor every minute they are in our facility. Everyone is going to have a different opinion on how to accomplish that which is more than fine by me, but not everyone is going to have to implement that idea. Drafted policy that fails horribly should not cause a complete disruption in the work day and result in tears. But it happens sometimes. Everyone's frustration is going to build up and eventually be taken wrongly by the receiving party. And who gets to handle it all and still stay on top of things, me. Days like today will happen from time to time and I'll come home feeling exhausted, but I'm not upset about it. Time to revise, problem solve and move on. And if the world blows up again, I'll repeat the steps and use this experience as a problem solving tool. Isn't it fun being the boss?

I had 15 minutes to take a break and eat my lunch in between meetings and mediating. That bottle of Jack never looked so good. But first, I have to finish cooking dinner. Adios.

Ain't No Rock 'N' Roll to Me

As I ventured into the depths of Ohio - further than what Cedar Point and the Turnpike can provide - I am convinced that my digusting prejudice regarding that state is blatantly obvious. As well it should be - everything about the state sucks. Except one thing, they can bring Kevin Smith to a rickety college town, and that is pretty cool. But that's it. They can't even get rock and roll right. Hardly a "hall of fame" from any standard definition of the word, it is more like a generic museum with very cool subject matter. Expecting the impact to be far greater than almost a disappointment, I can say I've been and won't go out of my way to go back. I won't even make it a point to suggest it to anyone. I learned more about rock and roll history in my own backyard than I did in that building in Cleveland. I'm disappointed that the Mather is only a seasonal museum, seeing a sister site of the Dossin would have been far more cool and probably the highlight of the mini-vacation to the dreaded Buckeye state.

Now it's time to shift my focus to the Dossin. It opens March 24 and it's a really exciting time. I got the gift shop displays I wanted and Higdon prints to sell - I'm going to be proud of it. Hopefully we have an outstanding opening weekend similar to what the Main museum experienced back in September. And the only thing cooler than 305 years of Detroit history is Maritime history.

Now I return to my domestic duties to tap my Irish roots and make shamrock cookies. Yummy...

Rites of Spring

The snow is melting, the weather reports include freezing rain and ice (which can only mean its getting warmer), ball players have reported for Spring Training, hockey teams are making a push for life after the regular season, and another trade deadline has left the small portion of my hockey fandom contemplating the results. This is never in a good way.

Big names first:

• I absolutely cannot fathom why the Oilers traded Ryan Smyth. Nice treatment of their all star. I can only imagine the reaction in Edmonton that hit the news wires. But maybe I was missing something. I used to follow the Oilers pretty closely and have not even paid an extra shred of attention to the NHL this season. So who knows.
• It breaks my heart that Mattias Norstrom was dealt away from the Kings.
• It would have made me a Wings fan again if they landed Peter Forsberg, but they didn't. Now I want to pay attention to Nashville, which something I never thought I would say.
• Jason Williams was probably my third favorite Wing at any given moment and now he is a Blackhawk. I understand why he had to leave, but Kenny has no taste. Ugh. And while Bertuzzi is a fantastic player and has a style the Wings desperately need and haven't had in at least a decade, it's Bertuzzi. He has talent and skill that, if healthy, can be one of two things the Wings need in order to succeed in the post season (goal tending being the other one, but let's not get started with that). But...a cheap shot is a cheap shot. Do you think that Avalanche fans not cringe when they hear his name the same way Wing fans cringe when they hear Claude Lemieux? And it's closer to home than just Denver, Steve Miller is from Windsor. Bad wrap or not, he still has that cloud that will always hang over his reputation. It's not fair, but it is what comes with Bertuzzi.

I have a different perspective about this year's deadline: I'm a manager now.
I understand things have to happen to make a business successful. Sometimes, that includes trading away a hometown favorite for the future goals and objectives of the organization. A lot more goes on behind the scenes than the media can convey in words or that the ice and bright lights glamorize during the game. I'm sad about Jason being traded away, but he was always vulnerable because he was not a prominent player in the super star lineup. The bright side: he is still in the Central Division. It's not unbearable.

Working at the Joe, I learned to appreciate the game and be a fan of the game - that means all 30 teams, not just one. Despite giving others a hard time because they don't have this ability, my heart still lies with Detroit. I made it a point to watch the pre-game of the Wings/Blackhawks game last night. I watched the first period like I actually liked watching hockey on TV. I uttered the words, "yeah, I'm still a Wings fan." But that was when Drapes was on TV, so I think it was a biased opinion.

The next time I talk about hockey, officials in Toronto will be starting to polish the Stanley Cup...

Back with a Vengeance

I survived another trip to Colorado in February. This one was full of nice weather and sunshine. And fun memories. Pictures posted when I have time to catch up with everything.

I was welcomed back to work by three people today - all for different reasons, but all sincere. They missed me. And I always get complimented when I wear that necklace. They pay such close attention to some things.

I got my car back. Being pissed off is the quickest way to make a difference. I feel like I did that. Heartfelt apologizes make me feel better about the whole thing. Once I get a check in the mail, I can put this behind me. Since I have transportation again, maybe I can start sooner. We'll have to see.

Updated Wish List

I want a museum job in a city with public transit...
I want to pay salaries in a city for emergency personnel that actually respond to 911 calls, not in one that doesn't dispatch officers when requested...
I want to send that last sentence to the Detroit Police Department, and demand all of my city tax back - if they can't protect and serve me, I shouldn't pay for their job position...
I want people to pay more attention when they drive...
I want to escape from the idiotic behavior of Lodge Dodgers invading my daily commute up and down Woodward...
I want to thank Chevy for making cars with reliable bumpers, even in their smallest vehicles...
I want to laugh at Pontiacs for being piece of shit cars - and having styrofoam in their bumpers... I want you to know that despite getting stuck in two snow drifts this week, I am still very happy with my baby, proud of it even, because it stood firm against this rear-impact accident...
I want headache relief...For the first time in my life, I can say that I actually felt a headache start. It's actually quite amazing.
I want a nap, but I'm sacrificing it because I want to spend time with my best friend more...
I want to know that tomorrow when I wake up that I won't be sore, but I can't predict the future any better than the next guy...
I want to go on a vacation-esque type trip and not worry the whole time about today's events...
I want the reassurance I keep hearing to sink in...
I want everything to be okay....
And I want my heart to start beating normally again.

Does anyone know how to reverse arrhythmia?

Breakfunch

Surprising people who answer the phone with an unfamiliar number on the caller id is great. Especially when it takes them about thirty seconds to realize who is on the other end. Ha. Thanks for the laugh for the rest of the afternoon.

I was told today from my interview this afternoon that it was the most pleasant interview she had been on. After having one of my employees do nothing short of promise me a two week notice on her next shift yesterday, that makes me feel pretty good about that. People only get defensive because they know they are guilty, and that's fine, it's a lesson they will have to learn. If I am here to help teach them the importance of being better workers, then maybe I am a teacher after all. Who needs four walls and a chalkboard?

Preparing to go on vacation is exciting enough, but leaving work each day after completing major items on the never-ending to-do list feels pretty kick ass too. My work load never waivers, but sometimes my projects are so ongoing that I go weeks without feeling like I accomplish anything when I walk out the door at 4:00. Getting things done while still working on that big picture stuff is pretty rewarding. My job is too cool most of the time.

New jobs are exciting too, despite whatever level they are start in. The promise of advance and growth make up for it. And anything is better than working for a devilish, corrupted, ill-practiced business that is a sad excuse of a company. Don't ask me what I really think.

And yeah, I beat you to the blog title.
I got sick of looking it on your list.
Better answer it with part two so you can check it off.

p.s. To those of you who worry about things and to get this off my chest:
Defending of the boy will now only occur on my blogger or myspace (which I recently privatized...hahaha) and no longer on his comment boards. I'm sick of watching my tone of voice and being misinterpreted. My blog, my words, my worries. Don't like it? Don't read it.

Chow

Gone with the Wind

I had a really good post, but I lost it. Ah well, I'll just post some pics of the fishes cool, newly-decorated bedroom.

Hesitant Resident

So I guess a new voter's registration card and change of address sticker makes me an official resident of Oakland County. There's no pretending anymore. And so with that comes the West-sider title. Gross. I don't think I'll be able to identify with it for quite some time. Or ever.

I've lived in apartments or townhouses for slightly over half my life and have never experienced the rudeness of the idiots that just moved in next door to us. Really, is it necessary to have the volume up that loud at ALL hours of the day? My goal by November is to have them kicked out. And I dread what they will be like during the summer - which is really sad, because that's my favorite time of year. I don't even have a place to go outside and peacefully read a book. I don't like that feeling. I can't say I remember what it feels like to live in a house, but I miss it terribly. I think the privacy and quiet is something I would appreciate more than anything at this time in my life. And the parking. Mr. Noise has no idea how to park his damn car. Ugh - there are fewer things as annoying as that nonsense.

Time for more chores. Bye.

Joys of Interviewing

House is right: People are Idiots.

It makes me laugh how dumb people can be sometimes.
Especially in interviews.

Word to the wise:
If you are lucky enough to get past my resume screen - don't fuck up the interview by being rude and stupid.
You will not succeed.

Eat it Up, Darwin

I was born without any of my wisdom teeth. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it's because of evolution.

I'm a "step-up" from the rest of you.

I always thought my wisdom teeth never came in because I wasn't wise. Little did I know that it's because I'm stronger and fitter than most.

Maybe that's why everyone annoys the shit out of me. Hmmm....food for thought.

I Threw a Rock

The amount of bigotry in this country stupifies - but never, ever surprises - me. Sometimes, you just have to accept the double-edged sword and deal with it. Don't make yourself sound more dumb by stating the obvious. I saw a t-shirt today in a cataloge I was flipping through:
"If ignorance is bliss, why aren't more people happy?"
It was perfect.

Dead bodies are cool. This is worth the trip and expense: http://www.detroitsciencecenter.org/events/OurBody_exhibit.htm
And stop smoking. Lung cancer is scary.

I just experienced the best year of my life. Everything changed for me this year - and I can't wait to see what the future holds. :) And so it continues....

All right, low five

The Fun of Politics

I just saw a senator spell hogwash on the news.

H-O-G-W-A-S-H

Maybe it was only funny because he was an older man telling Georgie to go eat with the pigs - and to take his Iraq strategy with him for dessert.

In two years at this time, we will have a new spelling list for a new president. Amen to that!

Drivin the Dirty D

The Maui Blue Pearl has turned to a dirt and salt Pearl as my daily trek down Woodward Avenue is perhaps one of the most disgusting things that car will ever have to endure.

I have come to the conclusion that I need to brush up on my developmental psychology - or any psychology for that matter - in order to be a better manager. Children misbehave to seek attention. Apparently this holds true for employees as well. Especially when you have six idiots working for you. Ah, the joys of management.

But really, I can't complain.

It is time to prepare for the Bauer.
Until next time...

The Good Old Hockey Fan

Yes, I'm blogging about how much I like the new all star uniforms.
Yes, I have no idea what is going on in hockey right now.
Yes, that is really sad, considering I was once such a huge fan.
I have one answer to why I lost so much touch with my favorite pastime: I used to work at the Joe.
Now that is really sad.

On the other hand, how much do I miss seeing Shanny in red and white? Or at all? I wasn't even a Shanny fan, but it was nice seeing a familiar face in familiar colors.


And apparently my blogging about this makes me "such a woman".
Go figure, eh?

Breaking My Silence

Dr. Ramano being Jack's brother is sooooooooooo not cool.
Seeing Jack kick the shit out of him immediately was wicked sweet.
It helped make up for some of the trauma of the first five hours.

I'm on Vacation

I have to take a hiatus from my blogger. It doesn't matter anyway, I know maybe two of my regular readers personally - the rest of read regularly because you think you know me, or want to find out more about me, or want to snoop around to find out things about me. It's fine. I don't know what you get out of it, but I really could care less.

Until I get a handle on how to balance everything new in my life, I can't run to blogger anymore with my problems or complaints.

'Til next time

Fourth Time Charmed

Why are so many little things bothering me lately? Could it be that I'm up to my eyeballs with my current workload? Nah, with my managing a major aspect of two museums, that isn't unusual. Why am I envious of those people who have things I do not? I have so many great things going on in my life right now that I am so incredibly thankful for and blessed to have that I feel like a spoiled bitch finding room to feel envy. When is it going to be my turn?

Sidenote: I was complimented today by how nice I look in all black. At least I had something to smile about for a brief moment today.

Pass It Forward

Nothing interesting today, doing inventory at work and cleaning out 20+ years of plain garbage while trying to consolidate merchandise just kicked my ass. Best part is, I get to do it again tomorrow. Woot!

Anyway, I pass along to you this forward, found in my myspace bulletins, just because I like what it says and it leaves a happy thought in your mind after you read it.

WORDS TO LIVE BY
Accept that some days you're the pigeon,
and some days you're the statue.

Always keep your words soft and sweet,
just in case you have to eat them.

Always read stuff that will make you look
good if you die in the middle of it.

Drive carefully.
It's not only cars thatcan be recalled by their maker.

If you can't be kind, at least have the
decency to be vague.

If you lend someone $20, and never see
that person again, it was probably worth it.

It may be that your sole purpose in life
is simply to serve as a warning to others.

Never buy a car you can't push.

Never put both feet in your mouth at the
same time, because then you don't
have a leg to stand on.

Nobody cares if you can't dance well.
Just get up and dance.

The early worm gets eaten by the bird,
so sleep late.

When everything's coming your way,
you're in the wrong lane.

Birthdays are good for you;
the moreyou have, the longer you live.

You may be only one person in the world,
but you may also be the world to one person.

Some mistakes are too much fun
to only make once.

Don't cry because it's over;
smile because it happened.

We could learn a lot from crayons:
some are sharp, some are pretty,
some are dull, some have weird names, and
all are different colors but they all
have to learn to live in the same box.

A truly happy person is one who can
enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Happiness comes through doors you
didn't even know you left open.

Stupified

Everyday, at least one thing never ceases to amaze me. This story might be considered moot by some, because they will say, well, you are talking about Detroit. And I will say, yeah, but still, the law still applies to them as well. I grew up within city limits, attended grade school and graduated college in the City, and have worked downtown for the past five years - now on a much more steady and regular basis. I don't only say I'm from Detroit because I'm a native Detroiter but because I'm proud of it, too - and I love seeing the nasty reaction from those who don't know any better. I am all to familiar with the faults of the City, but even with all those shortcomings, I still say, Yes, Virginia, the law still does apply to those who drive in Detroit.

The drive to work this morning was nothing but the usual. Dreading going back to work (but also ready) after a funky holiday schedule and five day weekend, I was minding my own business and listening to WWJ as per usual. I notice on the Northbound side (I drive South) a school bus with its yellow lights flashing. These yellow lights soon turn to red. I stop. I lost count of the cars who passed me on either side - including some in the turn lane - and on the other side of the street. The really sad part is, the drivers didn't even slow down. The other really sad part is, they probably won't even get tickets because I don't think the driver was paying attention. Why are people always in such a rush these days? Why don't they know that they are supposed to stop when a school bus flashes its red lights? Why do they change lanes in the middle of an intersection? Why, when pulling over for an emergency vehichle, do they block streets and driveways? How do they know that the emergency isn't in the exact spot they are blocking? I know the last two are a common courtesy, and maybe some people don't believe in karma, but why do so many not follow simple driving laws anymore? Just slow down, people! If you can't allow an extra 45 seconds to your commute to stop and yield for a school bus, then make extra time in the morning. If you're already that late and are going to get in trouble at work, you don't deserve the job anyway. Trust me, I know someone who could and would be very happy to fill it. And think of it the other way, just because you are driving in a city that is not one you call home, do you think it is okay to speed by a school bus with its red lights on? How would you feel if your child had to board a bus on a busy street and then not have drivers stop for their safety?

Exactly. You'd be pissed too. Some aren't as fortunate as those who live on quiet, tree-lined neighborhood streets. If you do live on one of those streets, try looking at it from the other side.

I know this is a daily occurence, and I know too many people just don't give a shit anymore, but I was so outraged this morning by what I witnessed that my jaw remained dropped until I was just a few short blocks from the Museum - so completely stupified and saddened and awestruck that I couldn't muster enough swear words to curse the people that passed me.

p.s. just for wondering minds, only one time during the ceremony last night for Stevie did I really wish I was still working there - but then I took a look at my environment and knew there was no better place to be watching it.

Retrospective

I don't know what it is, but watching Presidential funerals gives me the chills.

Maybe it's the brute strength of the soldiers who have to carry the casket evenly down the 45 stairs of the U.S. Capitol building. Maybe it's hearing "Hail to the Chief" without seeing a President marching to the tune. Maybe it's seeing the Flag waving in that January Washington wind. Maybe it's watching dignitaries and politicians hobnob peacefully together in such a cut-throat environment. Maybe it's hearing the history of these men, of their administrations, and of the time they took office narrated in so many different ways. Maybe it's hearing the stories of these men, even though as Presidents they are placed on such high pedestals, that they are regular people, family guys and golfers and victims to those rather unique 70s fashion faux pas. Maybe it's realizing that in only thirty years, with all of the advancements and how far we've come as an American people, there are still so many similiarities politicially, economically, and socially. Maybe it's putting aside partisanship for one day, watching President Bush be a decent person. Whatever it is, whatever the reason, it's really an amazing thing - the outpouring of grief, support, and respect for our accidental President.

"If I am history, I hope at least it's history that is good."

On another end note, Steve Yzerman's number is going to the rafters tonight. To think I could have been there, being a part of history, watching one of the ending caps of a career of a hockey great. I haven't ushered all season and I don't regret it - not only did ushering ruin the Wings fan within me (hello burnout) but I'm also just past that stage in my life - and going from manager to usher is something I know I would have a hard time doing. Do I regret passing up the chance to be there in the Joe tonight? No. Will I be watching what is perhaps the only Red Wings game I will watch all regular season? You betcha. Make room on the DVR!