He was standing by my desk and asked for the phone number of a client whose file I had out. I pointed to the phone number, which happened to have our number printed next to it.
He dialed and waited a second when our line started to ring. We both looked at the ID to see who it was. Guess who was calling? Us. We both burst out laughing.
If my boss can dial a number without realizing it is his own, maybe I'm not so bad.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
Visual Art
I don't appreciate visual art very much. I prefer music. But I found my way to an artist's blog a while ago and really liked a lot of his stuff. And his descriptions of how he works and what inspires him are interesting. These are a couple of my favorites: "Cherry Pop-Tart" (above) and "Cloud Study, New Mexico" (below).
Pre-K Joys
Most know me as Emily. But to some, I am Miss Emily...
Sometimes I help out in a Pre-K Sunday School class. All the kids have their own ways of being cute. Some have ways of trying to be in charge.
One of the kids has recently found the need to refuse washing his hands after using the boys' room. As I stand guard in the doorway, he starts exiting. I ask, "Did you wash your hands?" and position myself to block him from exiting the premises. He replies with "Yes!" I quickly respond with the grown up "I didn't hear any water. Let's wash your hands." I attempt to guide him to the sink at which point the boy insists I am trying to hurt him and exclaims, "I'm going to tell my mom!" I quickly proclaim, "Go ahead. Tell your mom I'm trying to get you to wash your hands." The joys of being a grown up.
We have a little singing segment during the morning, too. Without fail, every time the teacher asks them what song they want to sing, many of them insist on The B-I-B-L-E. We'll sing it a few times. Then we'll ask them what other song they want to sing. Guess what they all agree on? The B-I-B-L-E! This happens almost every Sunday.
I guess I'm not much better. At work I'll listen to the same cd or song multiple times in a row. But they last longer than just 20 seconds.
Sometimes I help out in a Pre-K Sunday School class. All the kids have their own ways of being cute. Some have ways of trying to be in charge.
One of the kids has recently found the need to refuse washing his hands after using the boys' room. As I stand guard in the doorway, he starts exiting. I ask, "Did you wash your hands?" and position myself to block him from exiting the premises. He replies with "Yes!" I quickly respond with the grown up "I didn't hear any water. Let's wash your hands." I attempt to guide him to the sink at which point the boy insists I am trying to hurt him and exclaims, "I'm going to tell my mom!" I quickly proclaim, "Go ahead. Tell your mom I'm trying to get you to wash your hands." The joys of being a grown up.
We have a little singing segment during the morning, too. Without fail, every time the teacher asks them what song they want to sing, many of them insist on The B-I-B-L-E. We'll sing it a few times. Then we'll ask them what other song they want to sing. Guess what they all agree on? The B-I-B-L-E! This happens almost every Sunday.
I guess I'm not much better. At work I'll listen to the same cd or song multiple times in a row. But they last longer than just 20 seconds.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Etiquette Question #1
Is it okay to ask an acquaintance or a friend at a restaurant for a taste of something they ordered?
Earlier this month I was with a group of friends at a restaurant. One ordered a drink I had never tried. Throughout the meal I kept eying the drink, toying with the idea of asking him if I could take a sip. I ended up deciding against it. But could I have asked? Does the fact that something is a beverage make a difference?
Earlier this month I was with a group of friends at a restaurant. One ordered a drink I had never tried. Throughout the meal I kept eying the drink, toying with the idea of asking him if I could take a sip. I ended up deciding against it. But could I have asked? Does the fact that something is a beverage make a difference?
Friday, October 19, 2007
Hot Objects = Bad
The hair straightener is for what? My hair. That's right. Don't get it near my actual face. Can I do that?
I look like I have a permanent pillow wrinkle on the side of my face. From my past experience, it will probably stay with me for at least a few days, possibly a week.
Put another tally mark under "Emily messups" for the week.
I look like I have a permanent pillow wrinkle on the side of my face. From my past experience, it will probably stay with me for at least a few days, possibly a week.
Put another tally mark under "Emily messups" for the week.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Alter Ego
I've been thinking recently. (gasp) I should have an alter ego. Maybe something of a superhero, but not necessarily. Whoever or whatever it is, it has to be at least a little more interesting/cool/whatever than I currently am. So while I let ideas bounce around in my head, does anyone already have an alter ego that you wouldn't mind sharing?
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Emily-Speak
I think my mind and my mouth operate on separate levels. There's probably a snag in the connection somewhere, because I keep creating new words. Maybe I'm a character in a sci-fi in which my programming has malfunctioned... Or was I programmed this way?
In elementary school I started to notice this "gift." It would show in switching what already exists. Like dipasear instead of disappear. Or deepin' breathly instead of breathing deeply. (Doing math at this time was tricky. 56 would become 65, etc.)
Now it's more of combining words or thoughts. Today, instead of saying inanimate object, I said inadjimate. And instead of pitiful or little, I said plitiful. I guess such vocabulary could be a time-saver while increasing the description. But doesn't it taint words and their meanings?
I dare anyone to converse with me and walk away understanding everything I've said (or what I meant to say). Maybe I need to compile an Emily-speak dictionary for anyone who comes upon me...
Me: Gobble-de-gook de blah blah!
Person: Huh?
(I point to dictionary tied to my neck. Person looks up above Emily-speak.)
Person: Ah! I never thought of it that way!
In elementary school I started to notice this "gift." It would show in switching what already exists. Like dipasear instead of disappear. Or deepin' breathly instead of breathing deeply. (Doing math at this time was tricky. 56 would become 65, etc.)
Now it's more of combining words or thoughts. Today, instead of saying inanimate object, I said inadjimate. And instead of pitiful or little, I said plitiful. I guess such vocabulary could be a time-saver while increasing the description. But doesn't it taint words and their meanings?
I dare anyone to converse with me and walk away understanding everything I've said (or what I meant to say). Maybe I need to compile an Emily-speak dictionary for anyone who comes upon me...
Me: Gobble-de-gook de blah blah!
Person: Huh?
(I point to dictionary tied to my neck. Person looks up above Emily-speak.)
Person: Ah! I never thought of it that way!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Lessons in Speaking
I could benefit from thinking before speaking. This doesn't negatively affect me all the time, but on occasion I feel less than tactful.
I was talking with someone this week who is old enough to be my mom, but not much older than that general age range. So she's really not old. But she was telling me how she received the oldest female participant award for a walk/run type event. She acted as if it wasn't anything, but me, trying to be nice, started to say, "No! That means you're still..." I was cut short by her laughter and me biting my tongue.
And sometimes, when trying to be tactful/nice/say anything at all, I end up saying words that when strung together make no sense or cancel out each other's meanings.
Or even better... I'll be talking with someone, taking a certain viewpoint, but by the end of the conversation, I might be making statements that are in conflict with my previous viewpoint, without realizing that I've done anything strange.
Is anyone offering free lessons in everyday speech for the tactfully- and rationally-impaired?
I was talking with someone this week who is old enough to be my mom, but not much older than that general age range. So she's really not old. But she was telling me how she received the oldest female participant award for a walk/run type event. She acted as if it wasn't anything, but me, trying to be nice, started to say, "No! That means you're still..." I was cut short by her laughter and me biting my tongue.
And sometimes, when trying to be tactful/nice/say anything at all, I end up saying words that when strung together make no sense or cancel out each other's meanings.
Or even better... I'll be talking with someone, taking a certain viewpoint, but by the end of the conversation, I might be making statements that are in conflict with my previous viewpoint, without realizing that I've done anything strange.
Is anyone offering free lessons in everyday speech for the tactfully- and rationally-impaired?
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Marriage: Is It Worth It?
I'm not asking if specific people should get married, but if marriage in general is worth it. Someone close to me thinks that people would be happier if they never got married, never had to deal with reconciling their own habits and viewpoints with those of someone else.In general, I can see where he's coming from. The people who are closest to you can be the ones that get under your skin the most. And by marrying someone, you become very, very close to another human being with flaws.
But at the same time, most of us do want companionship. Yes, friends and family are nice. They can be very nice. But they don't fill a specific void that many of us have.
And then there's the whole issue of if no one is marrying (while keeping their hands to themselves), then we'll all die off! Obviously this outcome is not truly possible. But it would be the result if everyone followed this advice.
The Answer: Actress
Congratulations! Two of you know me well enough to guess that I never would have wanted to be an actress. That would mean being watched by like... a lot of people. Not good. The closest I've gotten to being an actress was playing Emily Cratchit in the fifth-grade play "A Christmas Carol."
When I was in pre-school I remember wanting to play the violin professionally (took violin lessons throughout elementary school). When I was around first grade, I wanted to be a backup singer for James Taylor (sang along to the radio all the time). Throughout high school and college I liked the idea of editing books (I've edited a few things here and there). And in college I also liked the idea of being a cost accountant (got a degree in accounting/finance).
When I was in pre-school I remember wanting to play the violin professionally (took violin lessons throughout elementary school). When I was around first grade, I wanted to be a backup singer for James Taylor (sang along to the radio all the time). Throughout high school and college I liked the idea of editing books (I've edited a few things here and there). And in college I also liked the idea of being a cost accountant (got a degree in accounting/finance).
Monday, October 8, 2007
Add Spice to Your Day!
I never cease to amaze myself. I am brilliant! Let me expound...
Most people (ordinary people) think that a good day involves the usual: get up, go to work, come home, do a few other activities (maybe go to class), and go to bed. That's okay. That's ordinary. But that's not good enough for me. I need to add a little spice to my day. I need to lock my keys in my car. Yes, you read me right: lock your keys in your car to add spice to your day. It completely changes the feel.
Instead of exiting your evening class at 9:40 p.m. and going straight home, you need to dig around your bag for a full three minutes to realize that your keys are not buried underneath your auditing book or umbrella. Then you need to go to your car, hoping against hope that for some reason the car is unlocked (even though you vividly remember locking it--someone could steal something!) You need to unsuccessfully open your car door and then look longingly at the keys sitting on your seat. Proceed back inside, find a nice janitor who is willing to let you borrow his cell phone, call your parents (like a lost little girl--see a theme?)...
So here I am at a computer at IUSB while I'm waiting for my parents (not one, but both of them) to get here for the sole purpose of unlocking my car door. Then they get to go back home. With all of this, it will take up 2.5 hrs of my parents' time. 5.0 hrs if you add up each of their 2.5 hrs. That makes me feel... Not good. I apologized a few times on the phone to my parents, but somehow, that doesn't seem to cancel out my absentmindedness. Alzheimers, here I come!
But the plus side is, I get to add a new adventure to my IUSB experience!
Most people (ordinary people) think that a good day involves the usual: get up, go to work, come home, do a few other activities (maybe go to class), and go to bed. That's okay. That's ordinary. But that's not good enough for me. I need to add a little spice to my day. I need to lock my keys in my car. Yes, you read me right: lock your keys in your car to add spice to your day. It completely changes the feel.
Instead of exiting your evening class at 9:40 p.m. and going straight home, you need to dig around your bag for a full three minutes to realize that your keys are not buried underneath your auditing book or umbrella. Then you need to go to your car, hoping against hope that for some reason the car is unlocked (even though you vividly remember locking it--someone could steal something!) You need to unsuccessfully open your car door and then look longingly at the keys sitting on your seat. Proceed back inside, find a nice janitor who is willing to let you borrow his cell phone, call your parents (like a lost little girl--see a theme?)...
So here I am at a computer at IUSB while I'm waiting for my parents (not one, but both of them) to get here for the sole purpose of unlocking my car door. Then they get to go back home. With all of this, it will take up 2.5 hrs of my parents' time. 5.0 hrs if you add up each of their 2.5 hrs. That makes me feel... Not good. I apologized a few times on the phone to my parents, but somehow, that doesn't seem to cancel out my absentmindedness. Alzheimers, here I come!
But the plus side is, I get to add a new adventure to my IUSB experience!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Passing
My dad just finished talking to me again about my family, my ancestors, my blood. Today's topic was "passing as white."
Apparently, it is pure luck that as I walk down the street you cannot tell that I am Miami Indian. Nevermind that I am only 1/64th. In my mind, of course I'm going to look white! I'm 63/64 white!
You don't see me scavenging for berries or hunting squirrels with bow and arrow. Instead, I get in a car and drive to the supermarket. And if I get mad at someone, I stew about it or confront them. I don't take out my axe and holler like a banshee. (I'm sure my ancestors didn't do this all the time. Just some of the time.) :)
Also, if you happen to see my father, don't get him started on what the government owes us. He is very much a believer in small government, but he also thinks the government should keep their word (even if it is unlikely.) If I am correct, years ago, the government bought "our" land from "us." In return, we were supposed to receive a certain number of animals on our doorstep every so often. (I believe they were to be pigs.) Either the government never made good or they stopped not long after starting. So we've been scammed!
Apparently, it is pure luck that as I walk down the street you cannot tell that I am Miami Indian. Nevermind that I am only 1/64th. In my mind, of course I'm going to look white! I'm 63/64 white!
You don't see me scavenging for berries or hunting squirrels with bow and arrow. Instead, I get in a car and drive to the supermarket. And if I get mad at someone, I stew about it or confront them. I don't take out my axe and holler like a banshee. (I'm sure my ancestors didn't do this all the time. Just some of the time.) :)
Also, if you happen to see my father, don't get him started on what the government owes us. He is very much a believer in small government, but he also thinks the government should keep their word (even if it is unlikely.) If I am correct, years ago, the government bought "our" land from "us." In return, we were supposed to receive a certain number of animals on our doorstep every so often. (I believe they were to be pigs.) Either the government never made good or they stopped not long after starting. So we've been scammed!
Friday, October 5, 2007
I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
Do you remember that 1980's Scottish song about walking 1,000 miles? I've been listening to it a bunch, along w/ the other songs there. I love their accent!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Pushing Daisies
I had no intention of watching the new show "Pushing Daisies" last night. But it was on, and I wanted background noise while I printed off a million pages of reading material for a class.
It was adorable! I have a new favorite show! Well, maybe it ties or comes in a close second to "The Office."
The premise is interesting... A guy (Ned) has the power to bring back to life whomever he touches, however, he has to touch him/her again within one minute or someone else will die in the person's place. (You can't cheat death.) BUT if he touches that person ever again, he/she will die for good. You can imagine Ned's life has its quirks with such a power.
In the first episode, he brings to life a female childhood friend (Chuck) to try to find out about her murderer. But he can't bring himself to touch her before the minute is over, so she lives (causing someone else to die). But if they ever touch again, Chuck will die. (Sniff.) And it turns out they kind of have a thing for each other, so it is painfully cute to watch. I'm hoping Ned finds a way around his curse in a future episode.
Did anyone else watch it? Thoughts?
It was adorable! I have a new favorite show! Well, maybe it ties or comes in a close second to "The Office."
The premise is interesting... A guy (Ned) has the power to bring back to life whomever he touches, however, he has to touch him/her again within one minute or someone else will die in the person's place. (You can't cheat death.) BUT if he touches that person ever again, he/she will die for good. You can imagine Ned's life has its quirks with such a power.
In the first episode, he brings to life a female childhood friend (Chuck) to try to find out about her murderer. But he can't bring himself to touch her before the minute is over, so she lives (causing someone else to die). But if they ever touch again, Chuck will die. (Sniff.) And it turns out they kind of have a thing for each other, so it is painfully cute to watch. I'm hoping Ned finds a way around his curse in a future episode.
Did anyone else watch it? Thoughts?
Sweet Monkey Sundae!
Apologies to all. I do not know how to make this any bigger. Actually, I planned it to be this small. If you can't squint enough to see it, then you need a stronger prescription!There's a few comics I look at online daily, and Get Fuzzy is one of them. I enjoy the banter of Bucky the cat, Satchel the dog, and Rob their owner. Unfortunately, I probably identify most with Satchel. (Read a few and you'll see...)
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Arby's
Yesterday on my way to class I broke down... I got fast food. As I was approaching the Arby's at an intersection, my steering wheel mysteriously turned. Instead of going straight, I pulled into the parking lot and walked inside. Immediately I felt out-of-place. The clientele at the particular Arby's/gas station/truck stop were all male and had at least one of the following: stubble/a scruffy beard, a tattoo(s), and roughed-up clothing. I think most had all three. Everyone stared at me like I was a lost little girl. But they all had pleasant looks on their faces, so I wasn't freaked out. (After all, no one was winking at me.) ;)
While scarfing down an Arby's roast beef sandwich with 2/3 of a packet of Arby's sauce in my car before continuing on my journey, I felt like a pig. Scarf, scarf! I don't do this all the time, I told myself. And so it begins...
Monday, October 1, 2007
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