So, I about got hit by a bus the other day.
I'm on my third box of Kleenex.
I'm working two jobs.
I'm taking a blogging break.
And I'm not thankful right now (except for I am thankful I saw the bus so I could walk back to the curb, and I'm glad for carmel popcorn, and I'm glad it's The-Office-slash-Halloween-Friday, AND I'm glad for my husband who has fed me well this week and kept a steady supply of Diet Coke on hand).
Bye everybody....
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Need a New Career?
I spend a good half hour downtown everyday waiting for the bus. That's why I consider myself an expert on panhandling. For those of you looking for a career change, here's an introduction on the different types of panhandling and the skills needed.
There are basically three types of beggars: those that are physically challenged, those that are in hard times, and those that give you something in return.
To be a physically challenged beggar, you don't actually need to have a disability. But it helps. Club arms, half a leg, blindness - these are all helpful, but if you can't claim that, at least paint your face so it looks like you have some skin disease. The benefit of this particular kind of begging is that you can pick a corner and stay there. No need to roam. In fact, changing locations is bad, because you're not able to walk, remember? Here's a tip though: if you have dyed hair, I'm bound to think that you're faking it.
Those that fall upon hard times are in the second category. This post was inspired by the local beggar who's mother just died. Every few weeks the same man wanders around my bus stop, studies the people there, picks a nice old lady or a man in a business suit and explains that his mother died, he flew out here for her funeral, and doesn't have enough money to fly back. He's been doing this the whole six months I've been taking the bus. The benefit of this type of begging is that it can be a part time gig. The drawback: people start to recognize you. Then your credibility is shot.
Finally, the kind that give you something in return. We've all seen them: the guy on the streetcorner strumming his guitar, playing the harmonica or accordian for money. This again can be more of a part time gig. All I know is that it's helpful if you know a well-known church hymn for this job. But you only need to know the chorus, and be sure to play it horribly. You don't want to come across as an accomplished musician or anything.
I hope this information is helpful for those of you in these hard times. Let me know if you have any questions.
There are basically three types of beggars: those that are physically challenged, those that are in hard times, and those that give you something in return.
To be a physically challenged beggar, you don't actually need to have a disability. But it helps. Club arms, half a leg, blindness - these are all helpful, but if you can't claim that, at least paint your face so it looks like you have some skin disease. The benefit of this particular kind of begging is that you can pick a corner and stay there. No need to roam. In fact, changing locations is bad, because you're not able to walk, remember? Here's a tip though: if you have dyed hair, I'm bound to think that you're faking it.
Those that fall upon hard times are in the second category. This post was inspired by the local beggar who's mother just died. Every few weeks the same man wanders around my bus stop, studies the people there, picks a nice old lady or a man in a business suit and explains that his mother died, he flew out here for her funeral, and doesn't have enough money to fly back. He's been doing this the whole six months I've been taking the bus. The benefit of this type of begging is that it can be a part time gig. The drawback: people start to recognize you. Then your credibility is shot.
Finally, the kind that give you something in return. We've all seen them: the guy on the streetcorner strumming his guitar, playing the harmonica or accordian for money. This again can be more of a part time gig. All I know is that it's helpful if you know a well-known church hymn for this job. But you only need to know the chorus, and be sure to play it horribly. You don't want to come across as an accomplished musician or anything.
I hope this information is helpful for those of you in these hard times. Let me know if you have any questions.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Brothers
Let me start off by saying: "I wish I had a picture."
Some of my favorite times working in the Admissions Office was when my sisters worked there with me. We would go on breaks together, vent to each other, and laugh at inside jokes. We'd give each other rides, bring each other treats, and share our dreams. (We still do that, by the way, we just don't work with each other.)
Anyway, one of my favorite Halloweens was when my sister Jeanette and I dressed up as brothers. Everyone knew we were sisters, so that made it extra fun. Since I was the married, older, more conservative sister, I had the gray wig, mustache, suit coat and tennis shoes. Because Jeanette was single, is and always has been more stylish, and more outgoing, she was the black-haired, sunglass wearin', orange leather jacket, hittin' on all the girls guy. We not only dressed up, but acted our parts the whole day.
That was one of my favorite memories of Halloween.
What is your favorite Halloween memory?
My Five:
1. No more fever! I'm feeling better.
2. Going on a walk in the dark last night with my boys. They brought flashlights but still, midway through, said, "Mom - hold me!"
3. One more week of doing two jobs! My replacement starts next week.
4. I'm finally catching on to my new job. I wrote a report today that actually worked!
5. Warm apple crisp with ice cream.
Some of my favorite times working in the Admissions Office was when my sisters worked there with me. We would go on breaks together, vent to each other, and laugh at inside jokes. We'd give each other rides, bring each other treats, and share our dreams. (We still do that, by the way, we just don't work with each other.)
Anyway, one of my favorite Halloweens was when my sister Jeanette and I dressed up as brothers. Everyone knew we were sisters, so that made it extra fun. Since I was the married, older, more conservative sister, I had the gray wig, mustache, suit coat and tennis shoes. Because Jeanette was single, is and always has been more stylish, and more outgoing, she was the black-haired, sunglass wearin', orange leather jacket, hittin' on all the girls guy. We not only dressed up, but acted our parts the whole day.
That was one of my favorite memories of Halloween.
What is your favorite Halloween memory?
My Five:
1. No more fever! I'm feeling better.
2. Going on a walk in the dark last night with my boys. They brought flashlights but still, midway through, said, "Mom - hold me!"
3. One more week of doing two jobs! My replacement starts next week.
4. I'm finally catching on to my new job. I wrote a report today that actually worked!
5. Warm apple crisp with ice cream.