Even as I mentally drafted this post, I was worried about how it would come across. I'm even going to have a minority friend read this and tell me if it is bad or not (Pause: I've received a "go" on the posting from my minority editor. Play). After I write and publish this post, I probably can never run for political office. (Which is ok, because I'm way too pretty to be a politician and don't want to deal with all of your crap anyway) And, actually, my future husband can probably never run for office either. And I'm sure the children I don't want won't be able to run for office because this will surface and people will misquote me... but, let me just say, before we go any further: I LOVE MINORITIES! All kinds. I mean - there is no minority that I don't wish I knew more about. Or just knew more of them in general. Especially Native Americans - we forget about them so much. I mean - casinos? Hello! My favorite werewolf is a Native American (Team Jacob, duh). I also lip kissed a Native American once. Those were the days.
Anyway, yesterday, at work... I called someone by the wrong name. She happened to be black. And the name I called her was the name of another black person. And even though there are just too many people in this office to remember all their names, and there are only so many times a day I can say "Hey, you...". Well, now I'm worried that people (them) will think I confused them because they are black. And not because I just haven't learned their names yet. They also sit right next to each other. Has this happened to you!? Do other people worry about this?!
My aunt thinks I shouldn't call "Indians" "browns". She apparently thinks that can be misconstrued as... well... bad. But I told her, I KNOW A LOT OF BROWNS! And, besides, I'm a white person. Why can't they be brown persons? If this is offensive - someone needs to tell me. And not encourage me.
I also worry a lot about death. And, it's not that I worry about it, it's just that I'm always aware of it. And teeth. One of my biggest fears is that me, or someone near me, or someone I know, will go up or down the stairs (cement) with their hands in their pockets and trip and just CRACK ALL OF THEIR TEETH OUT. Right there. In front of me. With their hands in their pockets. Can you imagine anything worse??? I can't. And before you say "Megan, you have a wild imagination and that is very far fetched" or think it's funny to go up and down the stairs near me with your hands in your pockets, let me tell you this: I met someone that this happened to. She had the good fortune of being drunk so I don't know how much of the pain she remembers, but imagine waking up with no front teeth. Being a grown up and missing your FRONT TEETH. Oh my gosh. I can't think about it anymore.
By the way, have you all listened to my favorite Gaga song: Teeth?
And, where can I get a new follower? I mean... I really want one. Really bad.
12/14/2010
12/12/2010
salsaa!
Last week was total crap at work. Seriously. Everything that could go wrong did. I don't know if I was just too close to all the chaos, but I was pretty hectic and TO-ed. By the time Thursday rolled around - pretty much everyone knew. And I was pretty much not hiding it. When asked, I said - yes, this is the worst week since March. And I cannot wait until FRIDAY! I'm not usually a huge TGIF person. I mean, yes, obviously I enjoy the weekends - but I know I need to go through 5 work days before that happens. Anyway. Work was crappy.
And even though I say work was crappy, I still work with nice people. And some characters. At least I didn't want to kill anyone. On Wednesday? Thursday? Something. One of the people came up to me and said "Uh, Megan, what would I do if... if I found something?". My face was not amused. I mean - is this really a question? And I'm pretty sure my face said that. I used my words to say "I need you to be a little more specific." She thought and thought and then said "Like, what if I was in the breakroom and saw something... just, saw something somewhere?"
It's like having children. Even though I am a project manager, many people think I'm also the office manager. So I get questions like "Do you have any badge clips?" (which, yes I do) or statements like "I have a doctor's appointment at 2pm and want to take my lunch then" (I'm not your manager so I don't care where you are or aren't) and I sometimes do things like learn how to install printer ink so the department can continue to function. Jack of all trades, master of none. What will they do without me when the time comes for me to rotate?
Anyway, back to my story -- I get questions like "Like, what if I was in the breakroom and saw something... just, saw something somewhere?" and it doesn't shock me that they think I'm the one that will fix the problem, just the types of problems they manage to find. I, nicely, say "I'm going to need you to be more specific or I cannot help you." Now there is a group of them and I know everyone knows what is going on BUT me and it worries me. She finally says "There is a mouse in the break room, behind the ice machine." To which I respond "WhhhAATT!!!! WhAT IS IT DOING THERE!!!???" Panic. Obviously. Probably why she tried to be so vague from the get go. And she goes "I know you aren't a country girl, but, it's fine. It's just a mouse. And it's petrified."
Not a country girl? Correct. Petrified: past tense of pet·ri·fy (Verb) 1. To make (someone) so frightened that they are unable to move or think.
I then say "Oh my gosh! Poor thing! It must be so scared! I'll call facilities"
To which she responds "No, not scared. Petrified. It's been dead since October." Petrified: past tense of pet·ri·fy (Verb) 2. Change (organic matter) into a stony concretion by encrusting or replacing its original substance with a calcareous, siliceous, or other mineral deposit.
Seriously? After I think this through and they all laugh at me being sad for a scared mouse which is really a REALLY DEAD mouse I say -- "It's been dead since OCTOBER? AND YOU ARE JUST TELLING ME NOW? YUK!"
There is now commotion in the break room because everyone wants to see the mouse. I do NOT want to see the mouse, so I call facilities. And then I gather everyone around and say - If you find a DEAD RODENT CALL FACILITIES IMMEDIATELY. Who REALLY needs to say that out loud? The woman that brought this to my attention says she will "next time", but she just "forgot". Since October. Forgot. About a dead mouse. Disgusting.
Let's see - what else happened?? Friend Jill from DE office was in town and we caught a drink together. A friend of hers from Syracuse now lives in Austin and drove all the way to Dallas to see her for dinner! That's pretty much a good friend. We enjoyed mambo taxis and chat chat chatting! Jill and friend Ryan were RAs and wrote up freshman. The only thing I'm confused on is that I thought she was bringing me a friend from Dallas - not a friend from 3.5 hours away. But he did pay for our mambo taxis, which was really nice - so I'll consider it a wash.
When Friday rolled around I went Salsa dancing! I went with this group for Dallas transplants that are young professionals. I've gone to one other meetup and I met two girls there that were really nice and pretty (I'm not just going to pick up ugly friends just to have friends). And they were going to this salsa meetup and then I decided to also go. I have not salsa-ed before. I have Zumba-ed though. I get there at 9:30 and there is some awkward chatting with some of the new people, but all in all everyone is normal and having a good time. And then the salsa band starts and it's like nothing I've ever seen before! So much dancing. People are hardcore about this. BUT! It's the most non-threatening environment ever. Everyone is there to dance! So, when short Mexicans asked us if we knew how to salsa (no) and could they teach us (sure thing!) we all were out "salsa-ing" and having a really great time. I did not expect to enjoy the times so much, but before I knew it- it was 1:45 am and I had gotten a serious salsa cardio workout. I still don't know what I'm doing.
The two girls I new from before are Kelly and Carissa. Kelly works as a designer for my most favorite store ever: JCP. And she brought her friend Erin who she said I would really like -- and, I did. I tried not to totally full court press her for friendship, but we did coat check together and exchange numbers at the end of the night. I'm going to try to do a happy hour with them this week to try to secure the friendship. She's really pretty. Maybe too pretty. But a really great time. And she lives in the same area as me. And is considering moving the same month I am.... to the same part of town I'm looking at. Could this be too good to be true? Probably. But - we shall see. I slept until 1pm yesterday. Part salsa dancing exhaustion, mostly work exhaustion. It was glorious.
Girlfriend Sarah -- you have not been replaced (never!). But, you should really try to be better friends before 2011! Is it because I visited for 20 hours? Did Brian tell you to dump me? I can't take it.
Last night I went out with friend Jessica and her friend Hannah for their birthdays. We had a great Taco Diner dinner and went to a bar for a little bit. Both Jessica and friend Hannah are Korean. And so cute and tiny. And then their friend David came who is also Asian (I don't know what kind) and also so tiny! I loved being a minority and saying things like "God, white people....". Hannah lives in St Angelo which they tell me is in Texas and I think me and Jessica will make a summer trip to visit. It will probably be so hot since it's south of DFW.
Now I'm down tot he wire with baking. I've only made 2 batches of cookies. I started the cake balls today and I'm going to do buckeyes also. I have to wait to make the chocolate chip cookies and sugar cookies because I think people would prefer them fresh. I'll just watch the Steelers for now though... and stress over baking later.
And even though I say work was crappy, I still work with nice people. And some characters. At least I didn't want to kill anyone. On Wednesday? Thursday? Something. One of the people came up to me and said "Uh, Megan, what would I do if... if I found something?". My face was not amused. I mean - is this really a question? And I'm pretty sure my face said that. I used my words to say "I need you to be a little more specific." She thought and thought and then said "Like, what if I was in the breakroom and saw something... just, saw something somewhere?"
It's like having children. Even though I am a project manager, many people think I'm also the office manager. So I get questions like "Do you have any badge clips?" (which, yes I do) or statements like "I have a doctor's appointment at 2pm and want to take my lunch then" (I'm not your manager so I don't care where you are or aren't) and I sometimes do things like learn how to install printer ink so the department can continue to function. Jack of all trades, master of none. What will they do without me when the time comes for me to rotate?
Anyway, back to my story -- I get questions like "Like, what if I was in the breakroom and saw something... just, saw something somewhere?" and it doesn't shock me that they think I'm the one that will fix the problem, just the types of problems they manage to find. I, nicely, say "I'm going to need you to be more specific or I cannot help you." Now there is a group of them and I know everyone knows what is going on BUT me and it worries me. She finally says "There is a mouse in the break room, behind the ice machine." To which I respond "WhhhAATT!!!! WhAT IS IT DOING THERE!!!???" Panic. Obviously. Probably why she tried to be so vague from the get go. And she goes "I know you aren't a country girl, but, it's fine. It's just a mouse. And it's petrified."
Not a country girl? Correct. Petrified: past tense of pet·ri·fy (Verb) 1. To make (someone) so frightened that they are unable to move or think.
I then say "Oh my gosh! Poor thing! It must be so scared! I'll call facilities"
To which she responds "No, not scared. Petrified. It's been dead since October." Petrified: past tense of pet·ri·fy (Verb) 2. Change (organic matter) into a stony concretion by encrusting or replacing its original substance with a calcareous, siliceous, or other mineral deposit.
Seriously? After I think this through and they all laugh at me being sad for a scared mouse which is really a REALLY DEAD mouse I say -- "It's been dead since OCTOBER? AND YOU ARE JUST TELLING ME NOW? YUK!"
There is now commotion in the break room because everyone wants to see the mouse. I do NOT want to see the mouse, so I call facilities. And then I gather everyone around and say - If you find a DEAD RODENT CALL FACILITIES IMMEDIATELY. Who REALLY needs to say that out loud? The woman that brought this to my attention says she will "next time", but she just "forgot". Since October. Forgot. About a dead mouse. Disgusting.
Let's see - what else happened?? Friend Jill from DE office was in town and we caught a drink together. A friend of hers from Syracuse now lives in Austin and drove all the way to Dallas to see her for dinner! That's pretty much a good friend. We enjoyed mambo taxis and chat chat chatting! Jill and friend Ryan were RAs and wrote up freshman. The only thing I'm confused on is that I thought she was bringing me a friend from Dallas - not a friend from 3.5 hours away. But he did pay for our mambo taxis, which was really nice - so I'll consider it a wash.
When Friday rolled around I went Salsa dancing! I went with this group for Dallas transplants that are young professionals. I've gone to one other meetup and I met two girls there that were really nice and pretty (I'm not just going to pick up ugly friends just to have friends). And they were going to this salsa meetup and then I decided to also go. I have not salsa-ed before. I have Zumba-ed though. I get there at 9:30 and there is some awkward chatting with some of the new people, but all in all everyone is normal and having a good time. And then the salsa band starts and it's like nothing I've ever seen before! So much dancing. People are hardcore about this. BUT! It's the most non-threatening environment ever. Everyone is there to dance! So, when short Mexicans asked us if we knew how to salsa (no) and could they teach us (sure thing!) we all were out "salsa-ing" and having a really great time. I did not expect to enjoy the times so much, but before I knew it- it was 1:45 am and I had gotten a serious salsa cardio workout. I still don't know what I'm doing.
The two girls I new from before are Kelly and Carissa. Kelly works as a designer for my most favorite store ever: JCP. And she brought her friend Erin who she said I would really like -- and, I did. I tried not to totally full court press her for friendship, but we did coat check together and exchange numbers at the end of the night. I'm going to try to do a happy hour with them this week to try to secure the friendship. She's really pretty. Maybe too pretty. But a really great time. And she lives in the same area as me. And is considering moving the same month I am.... to the same part of town I'm looking at. Could this be too good to be true? Probably. But - we shall see. I slept until 1pm yesterday. Part salsa dancing exhaustion, mostly work exhaustion. It was glorious.
Girlfriend Sarah -- you have not been replaced (never!). But, you should really try to be better friends before 2011! Is it because I visited for 20 hours? Did Brian tell you to dump me? I can't take it.
Last night I went out with friend Jessica and her friend Hannah for their birthdays. We had a great Taco Diner dinner and went to a bar for a little bit. Both Jessica and friend Hannah are Korean. And so cute and tiny. And then their friend David came who is also Asian (I don't know what kind) and also so tiny! I loved being a minority and saying things like "God, white people....". Hannah lives in St Angelo which they tell me is in Texas and I think me and Jessica will make a summer trip to visit. It will probably be so hot since it's south of DFW.
Now I'm down tot he wire with baking. I've only made 2 batches of cookies. I started the cake balls today and I'm going to do buckeyes also. I have to wait to make the chocolate chip cookies and sugar cookies because I think people would prefer them fresh. I'll just watch the Steelers for now though... and stress over baking later.
12/06/2010
i work with children!!!
This is going to be quick... but I just had to tell SOMEONE!
For work, our staff has to have biographies, and if they sign the release, well, I take their picture and put it in the biography. Today I was taking the bio pictures of some of them and when I went to put them on my computer I realized I didn't bring my cord to connect my camera - fail, because NOW I have to do it at home which I would have rather just not done it at home. I am sitting on my couch, flipping through the pictures and cropping and red eye reducing and putting them in their bios and I get to the last one... and this guy, HE CUT HIS GOATEE INTO A FU MAN CHU MUSTACHE! I clearly don't pay attention to them at work, but SERIOUSLY! He's been in the industry for over fifteen years and he is taking an embarrassing photo that we give to clients!
Children. I work with children.
Oh, I also just ate six Hershey's Mini Goodbars - they are my favorite.
For work, our staff has to have biographies, and if they sign the release, well, I take their picture and put it in the biography. Today I was taking the bio pictures of some of them and when I went to put them on my computer I realized I didn't bring my cord to connect my camera - fail, because NOW I have to do it at home which I would have rather just not done it at home. I am sitting on my couch, flipping through the pictures and cropping and red eye reducing and putting them in their bios and I get to the last one... and this guy, HE CUT HIS GOATEE INTO A FU MAN CHU MUSTACHE! I clearly don't pay attention to them at work, but SERIOUSLY! He's been in the industry for over fifteen years and he is taking an embarrassing photo that we give to clients!
Children. I work with children.
Oh, I also just ate six Hershey's Mini Goodbars - they are my favorite.
12/05/2010
tis the season!
Everyone has phrases that they say -- I have many. Obviously, "rage" is a favorite. But I have some phrases I use at work. They are: "Honest to God!" "Bummer." and "Tis the Season". I say "tis the season" pretty much all year long - because it's always some type of "season" in my mind - whatever I'm gearing up for - is a season. Except, NOW it really IS the season and I can say "tis the season" pretty much everywhere I go! Like the mall. Or the grocery store. Especially when talking to the checkout person. Checkout people love tis the season.
Macy's shoe department was not ready for the season as evidenced by their total lack of associates in the store and the billions of "football widows" at the mall today. Service was AWFUL. I mean, the department was a mess. People were in the longest line ever. No one was happy. Of the two workers, 1 walked around with a boot she was "putting back" but really she looked like a homeless beggar avoiding work. And the second one was always going to be "right back" but was never right back and never came back with the shoes people were asking for. I was so patient... until... All I wanted to do was exchange my shoes for half a size bigger. I went to one store. None. They sent me to another store who said they had them but didn't have them. Then they said another store had them - and I said NU UH not doing that again - You call them before I drive down there. They called. NO SHOES. So I told slowest woman in the world "Well, I don't understand what is wrong with your system or the stockroom that the computer says you have them and then no one can find them - but that is ridiculous and poor service. Don't bother looking at another store, just return these ones - I don't want them anymore". And she returned them. And apologized. Which I did not accept her apology.I just left. Sans boot. All I want is a flat black not a biker boot. I had to throw away my best boots from Target -- I REALLY wore them out. They were so good to me. If I would have known, I would have bought two pairs last year. But - I didn't. And now I'm sans flat black boot. It's the pits. (Also a favorite phrase of mine.)
I'm not going to say anything about work other than I think they are trying to drive me crazy. Sure, they were so excited to have me back (who wouldn't be) but, seriously, I got used to not answering their terribly obvious questions or requests. This week I had a mentoring call with my mentor. Typically I'm very capable, and usually, multi-tasking. But, I do not multitask on 1:1 calls for obvious reasons - the other person always knows! And it's rude. So I don't do it. Anyway. one of the managers comes up to my desk and is just standing there, looking at me making this "I have a question" face. And I make the "I'm on the phone, can't you see my headset?" face and point. So then she starts writing me a note which I think, ok, I'll check the note in 25 minutes when my call is over. But no, she doesn't leave and makes this "Check the note" face. I am so annoyed at this point. I have 30 minutes a month that are about my development and they can't just leave me the hell alone. SO I have to put my mentor on hold (which is terribly rude of me) and I say "What do you need?". It's like having children. I remember when we were little we'd make notes for my mom when she was on the phone "Can I go to Jessies? Check Yes or No". Well, turns out she wanted this damn booklet that SHE HAD THE WEEK BEFORE SO WHY WOULD I HAVE IT. But, presentation Megan doesn't say that. She says, "I'm sorry, I don't have that. You may want to check with the manager who owns that account." Duh. God.
Now, on top of all the other stuff that I have going on this week, I also have to go to all day training, all week. So - pretty much the longest week ever. Looking forward to it? Not particularly...
Except, follower Jillian is coming to Plano for business and I'm possibly catching a happy hour with her and a friend she has here... who I'm obviously going to try to steal! The friend is a he and she said he's husband material except he isn't tall enough which means he is not husband material. But that's ok - a fun, single friend takes priority over husbands.
After I blogged about not liking my little Christmas tree, I chatted with Ashley for a bit and then had this surge of energy to rearrange my furniture. I don't have so many square feet so there really isn't much to rearrange - but I flipped my love seat and chair and I'm totally loving it! i even put my tree in a new spot that makes it look so cute! Except, then I didn't like my wall art (In June Jarrod told me I have only pictures of flowers and wine and I think it was judgmental and I haven't forgotten it...) So, I went out to get a throw and couch pillows to spice things up and looked at art work and then there was this funky vase think and I needed some Christmas cards and then $202 later... I'm leaving the Home Goods store heavier than I went in there. And then I had to do Christmas shopping - and I think I'm all done!!! Now I just need to get it all up to Pittsburgh.
I'm starting to bake for the office this week to deliver a big cookie tray for everyone. Last year I baked for my team which was about 40 people? This year I don't have a team - technically I am in the same department as a team of about 45, but the rest of the floor is open and they were so nice to me when I got there so I'm adding them in there and then I've been really relying on facilities and security for some things so I can't forget them.... and, well, I think I need to bake for 130 people! So, a cookie a night this week (I'll freeze them in the mean time!) should get me just whee I need to be to deliver an impressive cookie display next Tuesday or Wednesday! Tonight I made peanut butter blossoms - I made them first because they are my favorite and I think I want to eat one (or two) for breakfast tomorrow :) Don't they look so yummy!!
Oh! I got a new friend request! Shane - family friend. He was helping my mom Christmas shop today. She needs all the help she can get when I'm not there bossing things around and crossing things off the list. I don't know if Shane reads my blog, or if me telling my mom we should all shop together spurred it, but it definitely helped my self-esteem (you know how low it gets) to get a new friend request. Still waiting for a follower, so how about one of you secret followers/readers publicly follow me. K thanks!
Macy's shoe department was not ready for the season as evidenced by their total lack of associates in the store and the billions of "football widows" at the mall today. Service was AWFUL. I mean, the department was a mess. People were in the longest line ever. No one was happy. Of the two workers, 1 walked around with a boot she was "putting back" but really she looked like a homeless beggar avoiding work. And the second one was always going to be "right back" but was never right back and never came back with the shoes people were asking for. I was so patient... until... All I wanted to do was exchange my shoes for half a size bigger. I went to one store. None. They sent me to another store who said they had them but didn't have them. Then they said another store had them - and I said NU UH not doing that again - You call them before I drive down there. They called. NO SHOES. So I told slowest woman in the world "Well, I don't understand what is wrong with your system or the stockroom that the computer says you have them and then no one can find them - but that is ridiculous and poor service. Don't bother looking at another store, just return these ones - I don't want them anymore". And she returned them. And apologized. Which I did not accept her apology.I just left. Sans boot. All I want is a flat black not a biker boot. I had to throw away my best boots from Target -- I REALLY wore them out. They were so good to me. If I would have known, I would have bought two pairs last year. But - I didn't. And now I'm sans flat black boot. It's the pits. (Also a favorite phrase of mine.)
I'm not going to say anything about work other than I think they are trying to drive me crazy. Sure, they were so excited to have me back (who wouldn't be) but, seriously, I got used to not answering their terribly obvious questions or requests. This week I had a mentoring call with my mentor. Typically I'm very capable, and usually, multi-tasking. But, I do not multitask on 1:1 calls for obvious reasons - the other person always knows! And it's rude. So I don't do it. Anyway. one of the managers comes up to my desk and is just standing there, looking at me making this "I have a question" face. And I make the "I'm on the phone, can't you see my headset?" face and point. So then she starts writing me a note which I think, ok, I'll check the note in 25 minutes when my call is over. But no, she doesn't leave and makes this "Check the note" face. I am so annoyed at this point. I have 30 minutes a month that are about my development and they can't just leave me the hell alone. SO I have to put my mentor on hold (which is terribly rude of me) and I say "What do you need?". It's like having children. I remember when we were little we'd make notes for my mom when she was on the phone "Can I go to Jessies? Check Yes or No". Well, turns out she wanted this damn booklet that SHE HAD THE WEEK BEFORE SO WHY WOULD I HAVE IT. But, presentation Megan doesn't say that. She says, "I'm sorry, I don't have that. You may want to check with the manager who owns that account." Duh. God.
Now, on top of all the other stuff that I have going on this week, I also have to go to all day training, all week. So - pretty much the longest week ever. Looking forward to it? Not particularly...
Except, follower Jillian is coming to Plano for business and I'm possibly catching a happy hour with her and a friend she has here... who I'm obviously going to try to steal! The friend is a he and she said he's husband material except he isn't tall enough which means he is not husband material. But that's ok - a fun, single friend takes priority over husbands.
After I blogged about not liking my little Christmas tree, I chatted with Ashley for a bit and then had this surge of energy to rearrange my furniture. I don't have so many square feet so there really isn't much to rearrange - but I flipped my love seat and chair and I'm totally loving it! i even put my tree in a new spot that makes it look so cute! Except, then I didn't like my wall art (In June Jarrod told me I have only pictures of flowers and wine and I think it was judgmental and I haven't forgotten it...) So, I went out to get a throw and couch pillows to spice things up and looked at art work and then there was this funky vase think and I needed some Christmas cards and then $202 later... I'm leaving the Home Goods store heavier than I went in there. And then I had to do Christmas shopping - and I think I'm all done!!! Now I just need to get it all up to Pittsburgh.
I'm starting to bake for the office this week to deliver a big cookie tray for everyone. Last year I baked for my team which was about 40 people? This year I don't have a team - technically I am in the same department as a team of about 45, but the rest of the floor is open and they were so nice to me when I got there so I'm adding them in there and then I've been really relying on facilities and security for some things so I can't forget them.... and, well, I think I need to bake for 130 people! So, a cookie a night this week (I'll freeze them in the mean time!) should get me just whee I need to be to deliver an impressive cookie display next Tuesday or Wednesday! Tonight I made peanut butter blossoms - I made them first because they are my favorite and I think I want to eat one (or two) for breakfast tomorrow :) Don't they look so yummy!!
Oh! I got a new friend request! Shane - family friend. He was helping my mom Christmas shop today. She needs all the help she can get when I'm not there bossing things around and crossing things off the list. I don't know if Shane reads my blog, or if me telling my mom we should all shop together spurred it, but it definitely helped my self-esteem (you know how low it gets) to get a new friend request. Still waiting for a follower, so how about one of you secret followers/readers publicly follow me. K thanks!
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