$200 a month. That's how much moola I can save by riding the bus. So yesterday I began my trek home by riding the good ole Utah Transit Authority. Unfortunately, this isn't my first experience being a bus rider. Many, many hours were spent on the bus during my first two years of college. I just called it the "Whole Poor Student Approach to College."
Being the bus expert that I am, I have compiled a list of rules to abide by when taking advantage of public transportation.
1. Dress appropriately. And I'm not just talking about being warm enough, though that's important. Years ago I decided to make myself a skirt without a pattern. So did my friend Elizabeth (whom you all know by now - she's in all my awesome stories). Her skirt turned out fantastic and she looked great in it. Mine was far too small. But I HATE sewing and refused to fix it. And, since I spent so much time on it, I WAS going to wear it. Period. So I shimmied into that darn skirt, pulling and sucking in and all that good stuff to get it on. Then I went to school, boarding the bus. Big problem. I couldn't walk up the steps of the bus because the skirt wasn't allowing much room for leg movement. I also couldn't walk down the steps once I finally made it on. I was terrified that the skirt would rip at the seams. Rule #1, dress appropriately.
2. Don't get attatched to stray kittys, even if dead. Now, I hate pets, and don't care for cats or anything, but that doesn't mean I want to watch them die. And die it will if it runs in front of a bus. Cats seem to believe that they are in charge of the world, but I've learned that, if in an accident, the bus will always win. Yesterday of my way home, I watched a kitty run in front of the bus. The bus didn't even slow down. Thankfully, the kitty was fast and no harm done, but I've witnessed not so fortunate cats get run over by the bus. The one I saw happened to be a dead bloated cat, but the sound emitted from the bus running it over will forever be etched in my brain. I was not on the bus when it happened, just waiting at the bus stop. It was a sad day. So don't get emotionally attached to any living animal (especially cats) that may inadvertantly come into a bus's path.
3. Never make eye contact. This is by far the most important rule of all. I was slightly offended yesterday when I boarded the bus and saw one of my neighbors. Now, I don't know him very well, but as soon as he saw me, he fake sleeped. So I picked another seat to sit in, and, a few bus stops later, another neighbor that I didn't know well spotted me. I made eye contact. This lets the person know that it's okay for them to sit by you and become your best friend. You know, telling intimate secrets, or, worse, small talk. I spent 2 hours yesterday talking about the weather and the traffic and muskrats with my seat-mate. And he was tame, compared to others I've met on the bus. In college, I was followed, flirted with (by homeless drunks), had to talk endlessly with people that had bad breath, and scared out of my wits by the stories people told me about themselves. I've tried reading, writing, pretending I only spoke French, and a host of other things, but the best way to deter wierdo's is by not making eye contact. Although I haven't tried fake sleeping. Usually I do that for reals.
Those are the main three. You can add any other ideas in the comment section. I could use all the tips I can get!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
GOTCHA!
You all know I'm kidding...I'm not really pregnant. Just a little April Fooling around.
But about my new job:
(I have to be careful what I say, because I'm updating this at work, on my lunch break, of course.)
Day 1: I was shown my desk, told I didn't have access to the computer system yet, just look around and "I'm sure it'll all come back to you."
My job is Freshman Supervisor, which means I'm over 5 people and must keep track of (1) every single person who applies to the U and is a Freshman. We evaluate each person's records and determine if they are admissable or not; (2) All of their transcripts and test scores; (2) an exchange program that involves all of the western states; (3) a Boarder Waiver program I know nothing about; (4) computing all of the statistics for the Admissions Office; (5) lots of other various duties (i.e. non-matriculated students, the help desk, the phone lines, renewal students, High School University Program, athlete files, etc, etc, etc. If you don't know what it means, I probably don't, either.)
Day 2: I attempted to answer the phone.
Day 3 (today): I attempted a staff meeting and helped students at the "window" (the help desk).
So far, so good. I've realized that not only are they not officially training me, but most of my employees were given the same extent of training that I'm getting.
I hate to admit this, but so far it's been kind of fun. I feel like I'm a detective and have to teach myself stuff. Without a training manual. Thankgoodness a lot of stuff has come back to me.
And how's the home front? Darin has been keeping house and I come home to dinner every night (hot dogs, frozen burritos...), get a hot breakfast every morning (waffles, egg sandwich, french toast...), and THE DRAWERS ARE ORGANIZED!!! I can find my socks now, my deoderant, the towels vs. the washcloths. I tell ya, he's a whole lot more ambitious that I was at housework. And get this: THE LAUNDRY IS CAUGHT UP!!! Ironing and everything! Seriously: no April Fooling this time.
And my oldest son is okay, too. He's still very sleepy and has headaches, but he's doing great. He's been going to school for half days the last few days, so he's not too behind at school, either.
Boy am I not funny at work. This is a very boring blog. I guess I'm just acting professional (and it is all an act). I'll try to blog more at home when my brain isn't on work duty.
Thurday Five:
1. Two hours of The Office tonight! This show really applies to my current job. I'm going to learn how to be a better manager by watching Michael (kidding). Does anybody know if it's just reruns? I really hope not.
2. I get to read now. I get one whole hour at work for lunch. Moms usually don't get an hour lunch break. So with all my "free" time I'm reading. My current book: Daddy-Long-Legs. It's an excellent book so far!
3. A picture of my kids at my desk. It reminds me of why I'm doing this whole job thing.
4. April Fools jokes.
5. Caught up laundry (thanks Darin!)
But about my new job:
(I have to be careful what I say, because I'm updating this at work, on my lunch break, of course.)
Day 1: I was shown my desk, told I didn't have access to the computer system yet, just look around and "I'm sure it'll all come back to you."
My job is Freshman Supervisor, which means I'm over 5 people and must keep track of (1) every single person who applies to the U and is a Freshman. We evaluate each person's records and determine if they are admissable or not; (2) All of their transcripts and test scores; (2) an exchange program that involves all of the western states; (3) a Boarder Waiver program I know nothing about; (4) computing all of the statistics for the Admissions Office; (5) lots of other various duties (i.e. non-matriculated students, the help desk, the phone lines, renewal students, High School University Program, athlete files, etc, etc, etc. If you don't know what it means, I probably don't, either.)
Day 2: I attempted to answer the phone.
Day 3 (today): I attempted a staff meeting and helped students at the "window" (the help desk).
So far, so good. I've realized that not only are they not officially training me, but most of my employees were given the same extent of training that I'm getting.
I hate to admit this, but so far it's been kind of fun. I feel like I'm a detective and have to teach myself stuff. Without a training manual. Thankgoodness a lot of stuff has come back to me.
And how's the home front? Darin has been keeping house and I come home to dinner every night (hot dogs, frozen burritos...), get a hot breakfast every morning (waffles, egg sandwich, french toast...), and THE DRAWERS ARE ORGANIZED!!! I can find my socks now, my deoderant, the towels vs. the washcloths. I tell ya, he's a whole lot more ambitious that I was at housework. And get this: THE LAUNDRY IS CAUGHT UP!!! Ironing and everything! Seriously: no April Fooling this time.
And my oldest son is okay, too. He's still very sleepy and has headaches, but he's doing great. He's been going to school for half days the last few days, so he's not too behind at school, either.
Boy am I not funny at work. This is a very boring blog. I guess I'm just acting professional (and it is all an act). I'll try to blog more at home when my brain isn't on work duty.
Thurday Five:
1. Two hours of The Office tonight! This show really applies to my current job. I'm going to learn how to be a better manager by watching Michael (kidding). Does anybody know if it's just reruns? I really hope not.
2. I get to read now. I get one whole hour at work for lunch. Moms usually don't get an hour lunch break. So with all my "free" time I'm reading. My current book: Daddy-Long-Legs. It's an excellent book so far!
3. A picture of my kids at my desk. It reminds me of why I'm doing this whole job thing.
4. April Fools jokes.
5. Caught up laundry (thanks Darin!)
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Oops!
I have to be real quick because my lunch break is up in 3 minutes.
As you all know, I've been feeling very tired and overwhelmed lately, and I should let you know why: I'm pregnant. Yup! Not the best timing, but we're happy nonetheless. My daughter is ecstatic! She's been wanting a sister for a long time!
We're hoping for two or less children this time around...
As you all know, I've been feeling very tired and overwhelmed lately, and I should let you know why: I'm pregnant. Yup! Not the best timing, but we're happy nonetheless. My daughter is ecstatic! She's been wanting a sister for a long time!
We're hoping for two or less children this time around...