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...

Let Me Clear My Throat

Ah-Huh, Ah-Huh, Ah...

The Value Of A Woman

(as said in the Hebrew Talmud)

"Be Very Careful if you make a woman cry, because God counts her tears.

The woman came out of a man's rib.

Not from his feet to be walked on.

Not from his head to be superior,

But from the side to be equal.

Under the arm to be protected,

And next to the heart to be loved."

In any relationship I have had with husband/boyfriend--past and present, you know--I have set the same standard, which I later wished I could take back. I am not really a very relaxed person, so I keep busy around the house picking things up, tidying a little area, the usual. Often at the start of the relationship, these tasks are shared between the lovebirds, but slowly the man seems to feel less need to be concerned about chores, as if some little cleaning fairies will take care of everything. Removing oneself from doing these tasks simply piles more onto someone else in the house. As I have gotten older, I have been much more vocal about my feelings in this area. Jobs like that get done so much more quickly with 2 people than just 1. I appreciate it every time I get helped out in that way. Honestly. That's just it, I appreciate it, but don't make it a rule. Have I erred in some irrepairable way? I do realize that there are plenty of men out there who could say the same about their wives/girlfriends. To you, no offense intended.

Lest We Forget

Today is Remembrance Day. In the 11th month, on the 11th day, in the 11th hour we take time to remember all that our soldiers have done for us as a country. It is an important day that gets less recognition as time passes. Old veterans die, and the significance of the day seems somewhat lost to our youth, unless we teach them and show them that it is still important.

All week, I have been listening to people talk about their upcoming long weekend. Why do people get tomorrow off in lieu? This is not a day that can be substituted for another. It falls on a very specific day for observance. I do not have tomorrow off and it is a scramble for me to find childcare, as school and daycare are closed. Why should people have this extra day? Are they planning another observance ceremony? Likely not. It is just another day that workers feel they should be paid for and receive that extra day to do whatever they want with. If it were any other holiday I would feel differently. Are we showing the proper respect in taking an extra day? In my opinion, NOT AT ALL.

My grandfather, and his brother went overseas to fight for our way of life in World War II. My father spent much of my young life away from home serving in the military. My ex-husband and many of my friends and acquaintances over the years have served in the Canadian Forces. I do respect what they do for me and for my family. I will remember.

Most Shocking Behavior

I heard something on a news brief while driving to work this morning that I thought about through the day. Three girls (ages 14,15 and 18) tortured another girl (age 18) and beat her almost to death for giving information to the police. They took a short break at one point and she was finally able to run away...surely saving her life. Appalling...how does this happen to such young women? How does this happen to anyone? What drove them not only to seriously damage and brutally torture another human being, but also risk their own free lives in exchange? I can't understand it.

I have strong opinions about this young offenders act. It's such a mask/ curtain for these offenders who are getting younger and younger it seems. Where is the accountability for action? What are the consequences in the end? A slap on the wrist and an ability to maintain anonymity? I would love to have an e-mail chat with a certain retired cop I know, just to get a feel for how things have moved in this direction from that perspective.