Tell me...is there a sign on my forehead or something?

For real...is there?

Sometimes I'm wondering if it says:

Directory Assistance

My office is on a large corner lot and people often stop in for directions or phone numbers. There have been quite a few new businesses opening up recently. I really don't mind helping folks out, but why do they get pissed with ME because I don't know what they're looking for? Gawd, I mean really though! Sometimes they won't even know the name of the place. They'll just come in asking if I know where the place that sells such- and-such is, then when I tell them I'm sorry no, I will hear a repeat of the same question. Next thing you know I'm looking up information in the business park guide in an attempt to help. I try and be nice but sometimes I feel frustrated.

Complaint Department

There's this guy that works in production. He's in his mid-forties and really struggles to keep his life in order. He moves often because of poor choice in roommate or whatever. He's been bitching steady about how he does all this work for his landlord and she won't pay him. Since he's been going over the same stuff for the last couple of months I finally told him exactly what I thought of it all. I said "Listen, do you owe her money? Is she using this as a means of payment? If not, you have no obligation to do this shit for free man. YOU'RE the only one who can fix it. Just tell her no if you don't want to do it. If you aren't going to do anything to work on your own circumstance, then don't talk to me about it please." If that sounds harsh, I'm sorry but it's true. I know everyone needs to talk things through, but if you're talking and not doing...nothing changes.

Am I your bitch?

This must appear most because many people feel they can speak to me however they like and I'll still do exactly what they want me to do. This is work related stuff, of course. Summertime is so busy. I love those days because they fly by and there's always more to do. People are very demanding and impatient though. I find it amazing how many people will refuse to take any responsibility for bad behavior in that regard. Just cause I'm the first voice you hear DOES NOT give you the right.


I'm just sayin...

Landing on my feet with cat like stealth

When difficult situations arise, Mama Bear jumps out. On occasion it's more like a Mama Lion. I have trouble with change.

Change is good right?

Nope. I still don't like it. In this case though, I had to make some choices purely based on the well being and security of my children. I have the car now and my expenses have increased since I moved here while household income has drastically decreased just recently. It's all good...mama worked it out. The problem is not really change itself, it's the process of getting from point A to B. I get myself all worked up but...something was different this time. I actually had a lot of clarity. I worked out the details as best I could and researched my options with focus and determination.

I feel very blessed to have good people in my life. I received an email last week from a friend of mine. It was only a couple of sentences but I couldn't help but cry. She said "why don't you just put your stuff in storage for a bit and stay at my place? I can stay at my guy's place and you can bring the boys' bunk beds and a couple of dressers. That way you'll have your finances worked out and able to get your new place." I already worked out all the details of the new place. The issue is the loss of the damage deposit here (I have to break my lease-damned if I do, damned if I don't kind of thing) and coming up with another deposit (1/2 a month's rent).

How kind and generous. Really and truly I am grateful. Much like pinkpiddypaws (I would link it if I wasn't being lazy) I have trouble accepting help from others but am happy to give it. I had to think about this one for a couple of days but I feel good about my choice to accept her help.

Today is a good day. I spoke with my brother the genius on the phone for the first time in over a year. I always feel such joy when I talk to him. I also saw my guardian mom (who I haven't seen in a couple of years) on Sunday. We went to get the boys from their father's place and enjoyed a lovely afternoon together. Tomorrow is a new day. Each one gets a little more normal. I have to move at the end of the month so I won't post much. Perhaps I need to call on some sweet guest bloggers? Hmmm?

it's bedtime...

kisses

the princess

Feed My Self Esteem

This was the title of a small exercise we did in Human Relations during my year at college. We had to give a piece of paper with this title to 5 people who were students, and 5 who we knew in other capacities. These are the responses I received in 1996:

NonStudents:

You are to me the picture of cheer. Always willing to help someone in need, even if you are in need yourself. You are always filled with love and kindness. You are the best friend a person could ask for.

John Riutta

Cori is the most empathetic person I have ever known. She never trivializes the problems or pain of another person. This is her most admirable quality and what makes me prooud to call her my friend.

Patty Desjardins (my best friend at the time)

You are the most sensitive person I know, with respect and understanding of people and their problems and you try to keep everyone that you deeply care for happy. You are also very loving and caring person. I see this especially in the way you are with my family (daughter). I am glad to know you and very lucky to have you as a friend.

John Desjardins

Cori is very friendly, easy to talk to and down-to-earth. She seems to be always in a good mood and has a contagious laugh. She is very nice and cares about others. She is a hard worker. All around nice girl.

Jaques Simmard (husband of a classmate)

I really enjoy Cori's positive attitude and great smile. Cori also has a good sense of humour and a very inquisitive nature which I appreciate.

Judy Neville (professor at college)

Students:

Cori is a lovely person to know. She is always very pleasant, helpful, and willing to go that extra mile. I find her contributions in class extremely interesting

Pam Holmes

You are a very nice person. You have a lot of good things going for you. You are easy to get along with and you are easy to talk to.

Cathy Comeau

I find you to be a very positive person. Yoiu always look for the good in someone before the bad. You are always cheerful and happy, and if someone is having a bad day you always try to help them out because you are a compassionate person. I am very happy to have you as a friend. I can trust you with anything, personal or not. You are a great person. Don't ever change.

Tracy Sampson

Cori has a great sense of humour. She is sensitive to others' feelings. Beautiful on the inside and out. She is a supportive, a great listener and is friendly. She is always willing to help others, and is also a great dresser.

Brenda Goldie

You are out-going, very friendly, and very unique. I hope someday that I will be able to speak as well as you do. You are a very likable person!

Debbie Hudson

Tidbits About Me

I read my sister Eve's post a few days ago, then my cousin Kelly's (if I knew how to link I would) and they each posted a bit about themselves. I loved reading it and decided to do one about me. Here it goes!

1. I have four siblings. A brother who shares both parents, a half brother who shares our father, and two sisters who are the children of my guardian parents.

2. I am nicer and more forgiving than most people.

3. At Christmas time I donate a turkey dinner (uncooked) to a needy family. I get much enjoyment from this.

4. I do not like to be late for anything--EVER!

5. I love to cook and bake. I cooked for the family quite often starting at the age of 13. I can make anything with a recipe except pie crust. I buy those frozen.

6. I have a stong ability to put others at ease.

7. I have worked as a cashier, a roller skating price checker, a video store clerk, sold tickets for BC lotto corp, a nanny, a bank teller, and an administrative assistant.

8. I was never one to excel in school. I attended college as a mature student and finally realized that I am smarter than I thought. Honors in every course. Yay for me!!!

9. I once climbed Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, BC. Took about 5 hours or so the first time and we got caught in a blizzard near the top.

10. I have several female friends but they don't know one another aside from perhaps meeting once or twice. I met each of them at a different time in my life.

11. Paper clutter doesn't bother me in my home as long as my dishes are done, and my bathrooms are clean.

12. I absolutely HATE ironing. My ex is a military man and he used to do it for me.

13. I wore head gear before my braces for six months--TO SCHOOL AND EVERYTHING! By the way, my teeth are not straight.

14. I did a Madonna "Lucky Star" lip sync in grade 8. I had just moved to a new school and actually found it to be a good ice-breaker for me. I did a repeat performance in grade 12.

15. I attended a morning religion class every school day from grades 9 to 12. It started at 7:00am, so I got up earlier than everyone in the house so I could have the first shower.

16. I have been the victim of sexual assault on more than one occasion.

17. I once saw a man intentionally drop his 2 year old daughter from above his head. I was 10 at the time I believe. Still sends shock waves to think of it.

18. I was the last person in the "family" to speak to a man who overdosed on heroin several hours after we spoke. He was the brother of my boyfriend and had called my place looking to talk to his mother. I sometimes wonder what the outcome would have been if he had seen her or talked to her that day. Very sad.

19. Small things can make me feel tremendously happy, or horribly sad.

20. I cry when experiencing any extreme emotion. Anger, Sadness, Joy...you get the idea.

It's Christmas Eve, Eve

What a great day! I went out this morning and got the remainder of my purchases made. I just had to get a little candy and some things at the grocery store. I chose time and stores wisely, it seems. All went well. I spent my time at home getting the house cleaned and whatnot as I am having Blake's family (mom, dad, and brother) over for dinner tomorrow evening. The boys are here until noon on Chirstmas day, so I am having my dinner on Christmas Eve. It is almost midnight here and I still have some shortbread cookies in the oven, but all is well. I am at peace. Psssst!!!!!! Christmas is the day after tomorrow. I am very excited.

I really love Christmas you know! I enjoy giving a gift that the receiver truly enjoys. It doesn't matter how much it costs, just that I have considered what that person would like and appreciate. Receiving gifts is also very nice, however, I am pretty easy to please in that regard so generally I am genuinely pleased.

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, although I expect I will post after the boys have left. I will have some pictures from tomorrow and Christmas morning. Everything is ready, and I feel fabulous. Life is good.

Everybody Smile!

I was at the airport one evening waiting to pick someone up, and decided to play a little game. I sat down near the arrival monitors, made eye contact, and smiled at each person who looked in my direction. The results were so very interesting. Some people don't quite know what to make of it, so they give a little close-liped smile, and move on. Others find it quite engaging--and I don't mean in a flirty way. I got so many beautiful smiles back that evening. Made it very worthwhile for me.