Do you remember when this happened? Ah, I remember like it was yesterday...
See, I did it AGAIN!
I must be a gesticulating fool, because I nailed a lady's chocolate cream pie with my hand as she was walking by.
Some of it ended up on the floor, some on my hand, but the mangled remains were still on the plate. Of course, I disposed of the pie and helped clean the floor.
The victim, a housekeeper, just laughed when I expressed my hope of finding another slice of pie for her. She said, "I guess I wasn't meant to have it!"
Talk about a silver-lining-lover!
I'm just thankful she didn't shove the rest of the pie in my face...it would have been my just desserts!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Monday, June 09, 2008
Highs and Lows of the Massage Bizness...
Lows first, 'cause that's how I roll:
-Douchebags who take "Feedback appreciated" to a whole 'nother level.
For example:
"The pressure's great, but could you do more on the calf, less on the hamstrings and more on the glute?"
"Can you please massage my C-1?" Gladly, if you'll tell me how you'd like me to get inside your skull...
"Could you use your fingertips more, and your forearm less?"
"I think you need to use more massage oil now."
I've barely touched the client, the massage started 30 seconds ago
"Oh, you can do harder!"
I'm working on the client's neck and scalp, he winces when I massage the base of his skull..."Tender at the hairline!"...I move on to the scalp..."harder - Harder - HARDER!!!" I'm now drilling my fingertips into his skull and wishing I could use my elbows (or maybe a hammer) instead...that'd be HARDER!
-Inconsiderate people.
For example:
-The woman who was unable to disconnect from her busy life for one freakin' hour, and kept her incessantly ringing cell-phone in the pocket of her robe during the entire massage.
-The women who are apparently freaked out by being nude during the massage and keep their WET bikini bottoms on, thereby soaking every bit of linen on the table and necessitating us therapists to completely strip the entire table after the massage, including the fleece heating pad cover.
-Generally loud and obnoxious clients, who don't care that they are disrupting the OTHER clients' services.
Clients who are incapable of paying attention to instructions.
For example:
-I enter the room and the client's face-up. Or naked on top of the covers, instead of between them.
-Instead of waiting for me to collect them in the lounge area, as they were instructed to, the gentlemen are often wandering the hall in their robes, asking anyone in uniform when their massage is going to start.
-The lady yesterday who was IN MY ROOM while I was on break and had all my stuff spread everywhere, who asked me innocently, after I had stopped suddenly on coming in the room and said "Oh!",
"Aren't I supposed to be in here?"
Well, NO, Lady. Actually you're supposed to be in the lounge in ten minutes, when my break is over and your massage starts!
At least it taught me that even when I get the client's ticket early...always turn them to face the wall, so that no client can read the name on it! (She also stayed in the room far too long AFTER the massage, which made me late for my next one.)
Now the highs:
Clients with senses of humor.
For example:
-The lady who thought it was amusing that the toilets make a sound like a dying cow when flushed...Grooooooooooooooonk!
-The client who busted out laughing WITH me when a muzak version of Brahms' lullaby started playing during the massage. Which I've never heard before or since, thank goodness!
-And generally all the folks who realize that it's not necessarily the therapist's fault when things go wrong.
Here's my biggest high of last week...
I gave a young (very hungover) man a 90-minute deep-tissue massage early Tuesday morning. He paid by credit card, and for many hours after the massage, as I was coming up to drop off and get tickets, his ticket and credit card receipts were still at the front desk. I kept asking K., the (ditzy) front desk coordinator, if he was sure that the guest was still back in the men's spa, and K. kept assuring me that, yes, the client was still in the back and hadn't checked out yet. Of course, I was right. At some point after the massage the client had left and the front desk had totally missed it, which K. finally admitted to me after lunch. Oh, well, I thought, there's one tip I've missed. (I've learned to be rather philosophical about people stiffing me, otherwise I'd be nuts right now.)
That evening when I left, T. (the UN-ditzy) front desk coordinator was practically beside himself with excitement..."Hey, Christina, you know the guy you massaged this morning? He just came back because he remembered he didn't tip you. He felt really bad about it."
I opened the tip envelope T. had set aside for me and found THREE crisp, fresh out of the ATM twenty dollar bills! Sixty bucks, the biggest tip I've gotten so far!
What a great way to start my weekend.
That's my spa roundup of the past few weeks! I'd blog more often about the happenings, but my new schedule has been kicking my ass, and I'm often too beat at the end of the day to blog anything semi-meaningful.
We'll see what happens tomorrow...
-Douchebags who take "Feedback appreciated" to a whole 'nother level.
For example:
"The pressure's great, but could you do more on the calf, less on the hamstrings and more on the glute?"
"Can you please massage my C-1?" Gladly, if you'll tell me how you'd like me to get inside your skull...
"Could you use your fingertips more, and your forearm less?"
"I think you need to use more massage oil now."
I've barely touched the client, the massage started 30 seconds ago
"Oh, you can do harder!"
I'm working on the client's neck and scalp, he winces when I massage the base of his skull..."Tender at the hairline!"...I move on to the scalp..."harder - Harder - HARDER!!!" I'm now drilling my fingertips into his skull and wishing I could use my elbows (or maybe a hammer) instead...that'd be HARDER!
-Inconsiderate people.
For example:
-The woman who was unable to disconnect from her busy life for one freakin' hour, and kept her incessantly ringing cell-phone in the pocket of her robe during the entire massage.
-The women who are apparently freaked out by being nude during the massage and keep their WET bikini bottoms on, thereby soaking every bit of linen on the table and necessitating us therapists to completely strip the entire table after the massage, including the fleece heating pad cover.
-Generally loud and obnoxious clients, who don't care that they are disrupting the OTHER clients' services.
Clients who are incapable of paying attention to instructions.
For example:
-I enter the room and the client's face-up. Or naked on top of the covers, instead of between them.
-Instead of waiting for me to collect them in the lounge area, as they were instructed to, the gentlemen are often wandering the hall in their robes, asking anyone in uniform when their massage is going to start.
-The lady yesterday who was IN MY ROOM while I was on break and had all my stuff spread everywhere, who asked me innocently, after I had stopped suddenly on coming in the room and said "Oh!",
"Aren't I supposed to be in here?"
Well, NO, Lady. Actually you're supposed to be in the lounge in ten minutes, when my break is over and your massage starts!
At least it taught me that even when I get the client's ticket early...always turn them to face the wall, so that no client can read the name on it! (She also stayed in the room far too long AFTER the massage, which made me late for my next one.)
Now the highs:
Clients with senses of humor.
For example:
-The lady who thought it was amusing that the toilets make a sound like a dying cow when flushed...Grooooooooooooooonk!
-The client who busted out laughing WITH me when a muzak version of Brahms' lullaby started playing during the massage. Which I've never heard before or since, thank goodness!
-And generally all the folks who realize that it's not necessarily the therapist's fault when things go wrong.
Here's my biggest high of last week...
I gave a young (very hungover) man a 90-minute deep-tissue massage early Tuesday morning. He paid by credit card, and for many hours after the massage, as I was coming up to drop off and get tickets, his ticket and credit card receipts were still at the front desk. I kept asking K., the (ditzy) front desk coordinator, if he was sure that the guest was still back in the men's spa, and K. kept assuring me that, yes, the client was still in the back and hadn't checked out yet. Of course, I was right. At some point after the massage the client had left and the front desk had totally missed it, which K. finally admitted to me after lunch. Oh, well, I thought, there's one tip I've missed. (I've learned to be rather philosophical about people stiffing me, otherwise I'd be nuts right now.)
That evening when I left, T. (the UN-ditzy) front desk coordinator was practically beside himself with excitement..."Hey, Christina, you know the guy you massaged this morning? He just came back because he remembered he didn't tip you. He felt really bad about it."
I opened the tip envelope T. had set aside for me and found THREE crisp, fresh out of the ATM twenty dollar bills! Sixty bucks, the biggest tip I've gotten so far!
What a great way to start my weekend.
That's my spa roundup of the past few weeks! I'd blog more often about the happenings, but my new schedule has been kicking my ass, and I'm often too beat at the end of the day to blog anything semi-meaningful.
We'll see what happens tomorrow...
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Just too much FAIL
I have to post this, I'm sorry!
It made Silver and me laugh and laugh and laugh...
more funny fail pictures at FAIL Blog
That website offers hours of failin' fun.
It made Silver and me laugh and laugh and laugh...
more funny fail pictures at FAIL Blog
That website offers hours of failin' fun.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Woo-HOOOO!
I just saved a crap-load of money, not to mention two years of my time, by taking a German CLEP test.
Scored an 80, and I only needed 63 to get the 12 credits. Thus fulfilling my foreign language requirement in about an hour, instead of four semesters.
The whole thing only cost me $95.00
Yes! I kick ASS!
Scored an 80, and I only needed 63 to get the 12 credits. Thus fulfilling my foreign language requirement in about an hour, instead of four semesters.
The whole thing only cost me $95.00
Yes! I kick ASS!
Monday, June 02, 2008
No Apologies
I was going to regale you with a tale of massaging assholes who masquerade as human beings, but I'll save that one for another time, because I was pissed off today by something a client said to me.
She was a very, very large lady, getting a sports/deep-tissue massage. We were about twenty-five minutes in, I'd already massaged her back, and had just draped her leg, when she said to me, "I'm sorry, I have huge legs."
I was taken aback.
I replied to her, "Never apologize for being who you are! Do your legs work, do they do what they're supposed to do?" She said yes, and I told her, "I've never had a client with bad acne apologize for his pimples, or one with crooked teeth say, 'Oh, I'm getting braces.', so why is being overweight any different? I'm a stranger you've paid to provide a service, you'll most likely never see me again, so why apologize?"
As I'm a rather large lady myself, we got to talking about fat stereotypes, you know, the ones where skinny people think we sit around all day, stuffing our faces with candy and ice cream, when usually, we don't eat more than anyone else. Or the fact that total strangers feel entitled to come up to us in the grocery store and chide us on our food choices. Or my favorite, when people say, "You'd be so beautiful, IF YOU LOST WEIGHT." Well, fuck 'em, I say.
Thanks to Holly, I've recently read a marvelous book on this subject called "The Forbidden Body: Why Being Fat is Not a Sin", by Shelley Bovey. I told my client about the book, about how much it had affected me and caused me to think. After the massage was over, I gave her my business card, with the book info written on the back of it. I hope she gets it, and reads it.
No more apologies.
She was a very, very large lady, getting a sports/deep-tissue massage. We were about twenty-five minutes in, I'd already massaged her back, and had just draped her leg, when she said to me, "I'm sorry, I have huge legs."
I was taken aback.
I replied to her, "Never apologize for being who you are! Do your legs work, do they do what they're supposed to do?" She said yes, and I told her, "I've never had a client with bad acne apologize for his pimples, or one with crooked teeth say, 'Oh, I'm getting braces.', so why is being overweight any different? I'm a stranger you've paid to provide a service, you'll most likely never see me again, so why apologize?"
As I'm a rather large lady myself, we got to talking about fat stereotypes, you know, the ones where skinny people think we sit around all day, stuffing our faces with candy and ice cream, when usually, we don't eat more than anyone else. Or the fact that total strangers feel entitled to come up to us in the grocery store and chide us on our food choices. Or my favorite, when people say, "You'd be so beautiful, IF YOU LOST WEIGHT." Well, fuck 'em, I say.
Thanks to Holly, I've recently read a marvelous book on this subject called "The Forbidden Body: Why Being Fat is Not a Sin", by Shelley Bovey. I told my client about the book, about how much it had affected me and caused me to think. After the massage was over, I gave her my business card, with the book info written on the back of it. I hope she gets it, and reads it.
No more apologies.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Am I welcome?
As I was leaving the college campus yesterday, after straightening out a financial aid mess and scheduling a German CLEP test, I noticed a sign for "Latino's Beauty Salon"
That got me to thinking. Would I be welcome there? Would I have to whip out a picture of my half-Portuguese Dad to be granted service?
What if I opened up a beauty salon right next door to them called "Caucasian's Beauty Salon?" Would I be run out of town on a rail after being tarred and feathered?
Probably.
That got me to thinking. Would I be welcome there? Would I have to whip out a picture of my half-Portuguese Dad to be granted service?
What if I opened up a beauty salon right next door to them called "Caucasian's Beauty Salon?" Would I be run out of town on a rail after being tarred and feathered?
Probably.
*Minor Spoiler Alert* Prince Caspian
I loved this movie from start to finish, which surprised me, since I had rather low expectations considering the drubbing it's received from many critics.
My daughter, however, had a few choice words to say about the ending. Hmmm, let's see...
Lewis and Aslan are big, fat, flaming assholes!
That ending blew acidic chunks of flaming lava!
I can't believe Susan had to leave the hottest character in the entire series to go back to her drab, dreary, boring life, and SHE'LL NEVER SEE HIM AGAIN!!!
All this while wiping tears from her eyes...*sigh*.
My little girl is growing up. And Prince Caspian has now supplanted Zac Efron in the Hottie-Hierarchy in her mind. I think she said something about his eyes, his hair, and the ACCENT.
Like mother, like daughter, I guess...but at least I'm just decent enough to limit my fantasies to males who are old enough to have to shave regularly.
EDIT:
I just found out via IMDB that Ben Barnes, the actor who plays Prince Caspian, is 27 years old. Yum, yum. Now it's totally okay for me to lust after him. Thank goodness, I was starting to worry...
My daughter, however, had a few choice words to say about the ending. Hmmm, let's see...
Lewis and Aslan are big, fat, flaming assholes!
That ending blew acidic chunks of flaming lava!
I can't believe Susan had to leave the hottest character in the entire series to go back to her drab, dreary, boring life, and SHE'LL NEVER SEE HIM AGAIN!!!
All this while wiping tears from her eyes...*sigh*.
My little girl is growing up. And Prince Caspian has now supplanted Zac Efron in the Hottie-Hierarchy in her mind. I think she said something about his eyes, his hair, and the ACCENT.
Like mother, like daughter, I guess...but at least I'm just decent enough to limit my fantasies to males who are old enough to have to shave regularly.
EDIT:
I just found out via IMDB that Ben Barnes, the actor who plays Prince Caspian, is 27 years old. Yum, yum. Now it's totally okay for me to lust after him. Thank goodness, I was starting to worry...
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Luau!
The powers-that-be at the casino decided we needed a morale booster, so they set up the entire spa with tickets to a pool-side luau. Since it was my Friday yesterday, I decided to actually *gasp* have some alcohol.
I depended on the kindness of the bartender at the casino bar we hung out in before the luau. I asked him to mix me a drink where you couldn't actually taste the alcohol, 'cause I don't like it. He totally came through for me with rum punch! Rum, orange and pineapple juices, and grenadine. Mmmmm-mmmmm, good. I've actually found something I can drink and enjoy! Plus, I had two mai-tais at the luau itself, but I think they were watered down, because I didn't get smashed.
We were sitting in the cheap seats this time, last year they let us go in as VIPs, talk about a let-down! But it all worked out, since most of us had seen the show before, so it gave us a lot of time just to socialize, which is fun, fun, fun!
Here's a pic of me at the bar, I'd already finished my rum punch, but it hadn't kicked in yet:
and after the alcohol started taking effect...
notice how I didn't care anymore that you can see my braces when I smile...:)
Here's M., who coined the now-infamous phrase "taking the girls out for a walk".
B., the lead therapist (my supervisor) on the left, with her sister.
D., one of our two aestheticians, on the left, with HER sister. Now we're outside at the luau.
M. again, this time with K. Both of our lovely female spa attendants, together. It's a beautiful thing.
This one has to be my favorite, simply because of the potential for blackmail...the guy is my BOSS, R.!
About that raise...?
You can definitely tell in this picture that I've been drinking. I mean, look at my eyes! Too, too funny.
Anyhoo, thank you, oh mighty Powers-That-Be, for giving us this opportunity to eat, drink, and be merry...even in the cheap seats!
I depended on the kindness of the bartender at the casino bar we hung out in before the luau. I asked him to mix me a drink where you couldn't actually taste the alcohol, 'cause I don't like it. He totally came through for me with rum punch! Rum, orange and pineapple juices, and grenadine. Mmmmm-mmmmm, good. I've actually found something I can drink and enjoy! Plus, I had two mai-tais at the luau itself, but I think they were watered down, because I didn't get smashed.
We were sitting in the cheap seats this time, last year they let us go in as VIPs, talk about a let-down! But it all worked out, since most of us had seen the show before, so it gave us a lot of time just to socialize, which is fun, fun, fun!
Here's a pic of me at the bar, I'd already finished my rum punch, but it hadn't kicked in yet:
and after the alcohol started taking effect...
notice how I didn't care anymore that you can see my braces when I smile...:)
Here's M., who coined the now-infamous phrase "taking the girls out for a walk".
B., the lead therapist (my supervisor) on the left, with her sister.
D., one of our two aestheticians, on the left, with HER sister. Now we're outside at the luau.
M. again, this time with K. Both of our lovely female spa attendants, together. It's a beautiful thing.
This one has to be my favorite, simply because of the potential for blackmail...the guy is my BOSS, R.!
About that raise...?
You can definitely tell in this picture that I've been drinking. I mean, look at my eyes! Too, too funny.
Anyhoo, thank you, oh mighty Powers-That-Be, for giving us this opportunity to eat, drink, and be merry...even in the cheap seats!
Well, I warned you!
But it's not as bad as you think. Silver's nickname at school is "Speed Racer", because she always runs to every class, pulling her wheeled backpack behind her, so full-out is pretty much her only speed. Which means getting pictures of her accepting her certificate of membership in the National Honor Society was impossible...blur, blur, blur!
So I'm only inflicting a few pics on you, lucky things!
Here she is, after accepting the certificate:
And here she is, indulging in her favorite pastime, EATING! (Oh, she's gonna get me for posting this one!):
And finally, relief that it's all over!
Thanks for letting me indulge myself!
So I'm only inflicting a few pics on you, lucky things!
Here she is, after accepting the certificate:
And here she is, indulging in her favorite pastime, EATING! (Oh, she's gonna get me for posting this one!):
And finally, relief that it's all over!
Thanks for letting me indulge myself!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Recommendations?
Silver was walking along Tropicana on Saturday, on her way to her SAT tutoring session at the local take-shitloads-of-my-tip-money-for-tutoring place, when some yahoo in a passing car threw a rock (at her? I'm not sure) out the window and nailed her on her ankle.
After the wailing was over, she limped on bravely, put an ice pack on it, and didn't even tell me about it until I got home that night. It's a lovely shade of purple right now.
My question is: Should I report this (or should I have reported it) to any authorities? Silver doesn't remember what the car looked like, or the people inside the car, and she certainly didn't get a license plate number while writhing on the ground in pain. Plus she's not seriously injured.
Of course, she could have been hit in the face or head, or in the eye, so she's definitely lucky. And, hey, there are daily drive-by shootings in other parts of Vegas, so we're lucky on that score, as well.
Any advice or suggestions?
After the wailing was over, she limped on bravely, put an ice pack on it, and didn't even tell me about it until I got home that night. It's a lovely shade of purple right now.
My question is: Should I report this (or should I have reported it) to any authorities? Silver doesn't remember what the car looked like, or the people inside the car, and she certainly didn't get a license plate number while writhing on the ground in pain. Plus she's not seriously injured.
Of course, she could have been hit in the face or head, or in the eye, so she's definitely lucky. And, hey, there are daily drive-by shootings in other parts of Vegas, so we're lucky on that score, as well.
Any advice or suggestions?
Monday, May 26, 2008
Attention all Lesbian and/or Bi Women:
Just because we ask you to stop playing tonsil hockey in the jacuzzi does NOT mean we have anything against homosexuals in general, or you in particular. And we don't care that you're "not doing anything wrong". All we're trying to tell you is...GET A ROOM!
And nice pink-haired gal? Having you tell me that my massage is "fuckin' awesome!" really made my day! Thank you.
And nice pink-haired gal? Having you tell me that my massage is "fuckin' awesome!" really made my day! Thank you.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Firing off a quick one...
just to warn you of the onslaught of pics from Silver's Induction ceremony! Aside from the fact that they misspelled/mispronounced her last name, the ceremony was fabulous. I was very impressed.
Afterwards, to celebrate, we went home and changed, then headed over to the Red Rock Casino (our favorite) and saw the new Indiana Jones movie. What can I say? It totally rocked. Was quite over the top on occasion (but it's Indy!), but still extremely entertaining.
And Harrison Ford is still hot and could eat crackers in my bed anytime!
Afterwards, to celebrate, we went home and changed, then headed over to the Red Rock Casino (our favorite) and saw the new Indiana Jones movie. What can I say? It totally rocked. Was quite over the top on occasion (but it's Indy!), but still extremely entertaining.
And Harrison Ford is still hot and could eat crackers in my bed anytime!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Randomness of fortune cookies
My fortune, according to my cookie from the Golden Dragon:
I think and that is all that I am.
WTF?
I choose to see this as positive. I'll think positive thoughts, and therefore I will BE positive.
Silver's fortune:
It is better to have beans and bacon in peace than cakes and ale in fear.
I have to admit, these are the weirdest fortunes I've ever seen. Even adding "in bed" doesn't seem to help.
Oh, well.
I think and that is all that I am.
WTF?
I choose to see this as positive. I'll think positive thoughts, and therefore I will BE positive.
Silver's fortune:
It is better to have beans and bacon in peace than cakes and ale in fear.
I have to admit, these are the weirdest fortunes I've ever seen. Even adding "in bed" doesn't seem to help.
Oh, well.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
More Silver-isms
I'm very aware that the stuff my daughter says that so amuses me is most likely of no interest to anyone else, but, since this is MY blog, I'll do whatever I damn well please!
*at the Chevron, pumping gas into my car that's costing me $3.76 per gallon*
"Wow, Mom. This gas station is raping your debit card!"
*at the Smith's, grocery shopping, while pulling a bottle of white wine vinegar off the shelf*
"Also useful as a blunt weapon!"
*while on the road, discussing men*
"There are NO intelligent men in high school!"
That's 'cause they're still boys, Sweetie...
*at the Chevron, pumping gas into my car that's costing me $3.76 per gallon*
"Wow, Mom. This gas station is raping your debit card!"
*at the Smith's, grocery shopping, while pulling a bottle of white wine vinegar off the shelf*
"Also useful as a blunt weapon!"
*while on the road, discussing men*
"There are NO intelligent men in high school!"
That's 'cause they're still boys, Sweetie...
Monday, May 19, 2008
Lest you think all is sweetness and light...
I have very curly hair. The lack of humidity here in Vegas keeps it mostly under control, and product does the rest. If I go to sleep with it wet, like last night, however, the next morning it will be rather...wild.
I stumbled into the kitchen to turn on the coffee-maker, and Silver was there getting breakfast.
I mumbled, "Mornin'."
She took one look at me, and with an expressionless face replied, "Mom, Medusa is on line two, she wants her hair back."
BRAT!
I stumbled into the kitchen to turn on the coffee-maker, and Silver was there getting breakfast.
I mumbled, "Mornin'."
She took one look at me, and with an expressionless face replied, "Mom, Medusa is on line two, she wants her hair back."
BRAT!
Since it's been too long...
since I bragged about my older daughter, Silver, I feel it's appropriate at this time to mention HOW FRICKIN' PROUD I AM OF HER!!!!
She's been working very, very hard, and the other day, she brought this home to me from school:
Her induction ceremony is next Friday, and rest assured, I'll be taking plenty of pictures for you to peruse later.
So be warned! ;)
She's been working very, very hard, and the other day, she brought this home to me from school:
Her induction ceremony is next Friday, and rest assured, I'll be taking plenty of pictures for you to peruse later.
So be warned! ;)
I'm scared.
I was talking to my twin daughters today on my drive home from work (not very safe, I know, but with the time difference I was afraid I'd get home too late to call them.)
We always talk on speaker-phone, so they can't argue over who got more time with me, and they were discussing the latest hunky actors to grace the pages of 17 and People. They kept saying, "Mmmmmm, delicious!" with the same relish and enthusiasm their almost-seventeen-year-old sister would greet a pint of Ben and Jerry's Phish Food.
They're fourteen.
God help me!
We always talk on speaker-phone, so they can't argue over who got more time with me, and they were discussing the latest hunky actors to grace the pages of 17 and People. They kept saying, "Mmmmmm, delicious!" with the same relish and enthusiasm their almost-seventeen-year-old sister would greet a pint of Ben and Jerry's Phish Food.
They're fourteen.
God help me!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Fated.
You know you're off to a bad start when it's going to be in the triple digits, and as you're driving to work, you realize you forgot to use deodorant.
You know it can only get worse when you get to work and discover that the air conditioning is broken, AGAIN.
And the rotten cherry on top of your shit sundae of a day is the maintenance department not managing to fix the damn a/c until 5:00 PM, when you're getting ready to go home.
One bright spot: the complimentary spray deodorant we have for the guests...works just as well for employees in a pinch.
You know it can only get worse when you get to work and discover that the air conditioning is broken, AGAIN.
And the rotten cherry on top of your shit sundae of a day is the maintenance department not managing to fix the damn a/c until 5:00 PM, when you're getting ready to go home.
One bright spot: the complimentary spray deodorant we have for the guests...works just as well for employees in a pinch.
Miss Attitude
Men are not allowed to enter the women's spa, for obvious reasons, so when a male therapist is going to massage a female client, he either goes to the entrance off the gym, knocks on the door (which opens onto the lounge area) and calls the lady's name, or asks M., the ladies' spa attendant, to escort the guest to the back entrance of the spa, which is closer to the cross-gender treatment rooms.
E. did exactly that this afternoon, and as M. handed off the guest to him, E. thanked her. What did the guest do? She struck an "attitude pose", if you know what I mean, and said, "Don't worry about HER, you should be worrying about ME!"
Holy shit! What is wrong with some people? How did thanking a colleague for providing a service take anything away from this guest?
Who knows, I'm baffled.
E. did exactly that this afternoon, and as M. handed off the guest to him, E. thanked her. What did the guest do? She struck an "attitude pose", if you know what I mean, and said, "Don't worry about HER, you should be worrying about ME!"
Holy shit! What is wrong with some people? How did thanking a colleague for providing a service take anything away from this guest?
Who knows, I'm baffled.
Sometimes, I wish I were different.
Take tonight, for example.
My friend Liz celebrated her graduation from UNLV this evening. Due to work, I wasn't able to attend the commencement this morning, but I was able to make it to the open house/party at her sister's house this evening.
I'm not a party person. One-on-one, I have the gift of gab, I can talk to anyone and be sincere, because I'm honestly interested in people. But put me in a social situation where I'm surrounded by strangers, and I'm extremely uncomfortable.
Tonight, I walked into the house, greeted my hosts, and was set adrift. Why, why, why can't I LIKE this sort of thing?! I made a real effort, and talked to a bunch of people, but I fear I was babbling. Until my friend Dr. B. showed up and rescued me, THANK GOD! He also went above and beyond by being cool enough to call in a prescription for antibiotics for me, since I'm afraid I'm getting bronchitis (I know the signs).
The food was delicious and homemade, the music was soothing, the night soft and lit by the moon. And (almost) the whole time I was wishing I was home with my dogs.
If Silver had been with me, it might have been different, though I hate to think I might use my daughter as a crutch. But she was marching with her school band at the Helldorado Parade, and was unable to be there.
Oh, well. I guess I just have to accept myself for who and how I am, instead of wishing for the moon. I'm a homebody and a borderline hermit, and dammit, I like it!
My friend Liz celebrated her graduation from UNLV this evening. Due to work, I wasn't able to attend the commencement this morning, but I was able to make it to the open house/party at her sister's house this evening.
I'm not a party person. One-on-one, I have the gift of gab, I can talk to anyone and be sincere, because I'm honestly interested in people. But put me in a social situation where I'm surrounded by strangers, and I'm extremely uncomfortable.
Tonight, I walked into the house, greeted my hosts, and was set adrift. Why, why, why can't I LIKE this sort of thing?! I made a real effort, and talked to a bunch of people, but I fear I was babbling. Until my friend Dr. B. showed up and rescued me, THANK GOD! He also went above and beyond by being cool enough to call in a prescription for antibiotics for me, since I'm afraid I'm getting bronchitis (I know the signs).
The food was delicious and homemade, the music was soothing, the night soft and lit by the moon. And (almost) the whole time I was wishing I was home with my dogs.
If Silver had been with me, it might have been different, though I hate to think I might use my daughter as a crutch. But she was marching with her school band at the Helldorado Parade, and was unable to be there.
Oh, well. I guess I just have to accept myself for who and how I am, instead of wishing for the moon. I'm a homebody and a borderline hermit, and dammit, I like it!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Ah hab a code...
my first one in a year, so please excuse the light blogging.
Two amusing bumper stickers I noticed over the past two days:
If you don't like my driving, get off the sidewalk!
And:
And on the eighth day, God created Marines
I had to have some blood work drawn early this morning, and as I was driving through the parking lot toward the exit, I noticed a man slumped on his side in the grass that divided the parking area from the sidewalk. I was all prepared to call 911 and administer whatever first aid or CPR was necessary, but he told me he was okay! I guess he was just sleeping off the night before...
Two amusing bumper stickers I noticed over the past two days:
If you don't like my driving, get off the sidewalk!
And:
And on the eighth day, God created Marines
I had to have some blood work drawn early this morning, and as I was driving through the parking lot toward the exit, I noticed a man slumped on his side in the grass that divided the parking area from the sidewalk. I was all prepared to call 911 and administer whatever first aid or CPR was necessary, but he told me he was okay! I guess he was just sleeping off the night before...
Monday, May 12, 2008
My future...is bleak.
Granted, it was slow today at the spa, but lately it's been like that far too often.
All totalled, my two-and-a-half hours of massage earned me, before taxes, $143.28. Plus a whopping $5.00 tip.
Two weeks from now, a day identical to today will get me $80.60. Before taxes. That's a 43.75% loss in income.
I'm fucked.
I'll try to ride it out, see if business picks up any, but I can only give it so much time before I have to move on.
Big girl panties, where are you?
All totalled, my two-and-a-half hours of massage earned me, before taxes, $143.28. Plus a whopping $5.00 tip.
Two weeks from now, a day identical to today will get me $80.60. Before taxes. That's a 43.75% loss in income.
I'm fucked.
I'll try to ride it out, see if business picks up any, but I can only give it so much time before I have to move on.
Big girl panties, where are you?
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Men<--------->Dogs
Don't worry, this isn't a man-bashing post.
I LOVE men.
There's just one little thing that I noticed today...
You know how sometimes, when a dog farts, it whips its head around in surprise and stares at its ass, as if to say, "Was that...me? Did that come from ME?!"
Well, men who get erections when I massage them react exactly the same!
If a client is lying on his back, and I'm massaging his foot and working my way up his leg, and out of the corner of my eye I see his head shoot up off the table as he looks down his body, I don't even have to look at his crotch to know what I'll see...
I LOVE men.
There's just one little thing that I noticed today...
You know how sometimes, when a dog farts, it whips its head around in surprise and stares at its ass, as if to say, "Was that...me? Did that come from ME?!"
Well, men who get erections when I massage them react exactly the same!
If a client is lying on his back, and I'm massaging his foot and working my way up his leg, and out of the corner of my eye I see his head shoot up off the table as he looks down his body, I don't even have to look at his crotch to know what I'll see...
Smart Puppies!
My dogs are very, very smart. They figured out within a day or two what it means when I put on my beat-up, velcro sneakers...dog park!
I love my pups.
Speaking of the dog park, the other evening, while Harley and Tucker were play-fighting and their hackles were raised all along their spines, a man came up to me and actually asked whether they were Rhodesian ridgebacks...lol!
Sunny Lucas would be appalled!
She could eat my Italian Greyhounds as a snack, then look around for some pork treats.
I set the guy straight pretty darn quickly. Amateur.
I love my pups.
Speaking of the dog park, the other evening, while Harley and Tucker were play-fighting and their hackles were raised all along their spines, a man came up to me and actually asked whether they were Rhodesian ridgebacks...lol!
Sunny Lucas would be appalled!
She could eat my Italian Greyhounds as a snack, then look around for some pork treats.
I set the guy straight pretty darn quickly. Amateur.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Boobies!
Made you look!
Actually, the title refers to a conversation I had with a gal at work today, concerning push-up bras. I contended it's false advertising, you know, you go in a room together and get naked, the bra comes off...*fwoooosh*, good-bye perky boobies!
Disappointment ensues.
She completely disagreed with me, saying that since you're not padding your bra with anything, it's NOT false advertising...her exact words were, "You're just taking the girls out for a walk!"
LOL!
What do you think?
Actually, the title refers to a conversation I had with a gal at work today, concerning push-up bras. I contended it's false advertising, you know, you go in a room together and get naked, the bra comes off...*fwoooosh*, good-bye perky boobies!
Disappointment ensues.
She completely disagreed with me, saying that since you're not padding your bra with anything, it's NOT false advertising...her exact words were, "You're just taking the girls out for a walk!"
LOL!
What do you think?
Friday, May 09, 2008
Good news/Bad news
The good news first, 'cause I'm just like that.
I had my last algebra class today before our final next week, we got our tests back from Tuesday, I got a 101 out of a possible 109 points, I made a couple of bone-headed mistakes, oh well. HOWEVER...I calculated that I could get a 30 on my final and still get an "A" as my final grade!
Woo-hoo! Of course, being me, I can't NOT try my absolute best to get an A on the final, anyway. Even though I don't need it.
Now the bad news.
The following memo was waiting for my in my distro-box at work (today was my Monday):
(NO salutation!)
Effective May 30, 2008 there will no longer be an hourly wage for all service providers. We are moving forward with the 30 percent commission. You will receive one extra percent per year you have been with the company up to 35 percent. You will continue to receive your health benefits and paid time off as long as you are on property for 32 hours per week. Providers will continue to clock in and out and will be responsible for maintaining your hourly count. We are working diligently to make sure this is a profitable transition for you and the company. If you have any questions please feel free to see me or ________. Sincerely, ___________
Basically I'll be losing a boat-load of money every paycheck. Yes, the commission has increased...from 25%! That doesn't make up for what we're losing. Not to mention that I'll only be making money when we're busy. If I don't get any services, I don't get paid. I'm really, really glad we keep our benefits, believe me! I'm in the middle of orthodontia, and it would suck if everything came out-of-pocket all of a sudden. Not to mention I have some surgery planned as well.
If only people tipped better, that would make a big difference!
Well, I had my schedule changed so I have three days off per week. Time to find a part-time job.
*sigh*
I had my last algebra class today before our final next week, we got our tests back from Tuesday, I got a 101 out of a possible 109 points, I made a couple of bone-headed mistakes, oh well. HOWEVER...I calculated that I could get a 30 on my final and still get an "A" as my final grade!
Woo-hoo! Of course, being me, I can't NOT try my absolute best to get an A on the final, anyway. Even though I don't need it.
Now the bad news.
The following memo was waiting for my in my distro-box at work (today was my Monday):
(NO salutation!)
Effective May 30, 2008 there will no longer be an hourly wage for all service providers. We are moving forward with the 30 percent commission. You will receive one extra percent per year you have been with the company up to 35 percent. You will continue to receive your health benefits and paid time off as long as you are on property for 32 hours per week. Providers will continue to clock in and out and will be responsible for maintaining your hourly count. We are working diligently to make sure this is a profitable transition for you and the company. If you have any questions please feel free to see me or ________. Sincerely, ___________
Basically I'll be losing a boat-load of money every paycheck. Yes, the commission has increased...from 25%! That doesn't make up for what we're losing. Not to mention that I'll only be making money when we're busy. If I don't get any services, I don't get paid. I'm really, really glad we keep our benefits, believe me! I'm in the middle of orthodontia, and it would suck if everything came out-of-pocket all of a sudden. Not to mention I have some surgery planned as well.
If only people tipped better, that would make a big difference!
Well, I had my schedule changed so I have three days off per week. Time to find a part-time job.
*sigh*
Thursday, May 08, 2008
I'm sorry, I have failed you...
I've fallen off the "no caffeine"-wagon....*sob*...forgive me?
Over the past week, I've had the occasional cup of coffee. I just can't seem to give it up completely, dammit!
Oh, well. Having at least one vice keeps me from being utterly boring, I guess.
Over the past week, I've had the occasional cup of coffee. I just can't seem to give it up completely, dammit!
Oh, well. Having at least one vice keeps me from being utterly boring, I guess.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Teh Awesome!
Silver and I went to a matinee viewing of "Iron Man" today.
It totally kicked ASS!!!
That's my review.
It totally kicked ASS!!!
That's my review.
Dilemma
So, can anyone tell me a good way to let someone behind you know that their headlights are off?
I think I scared a poor woman while leaving school this evening, and she drove off on her merry way, with no lights.
*sigh*
I think I scared a poor woman while leaving school this evening, and she drove off on her merry way, with no lights.
*sigh*
Monday, May 05, 2008
Dear Ms. B.L.,
I don't care that you're a lawyer. Nor do I care that you're wearing a rock the size of a jaw breaker on your finger, and several more around your neck.
You, my dear, are uncouth. It's bad enough that you didn't wash your hands after you used the toilet, but then to touch ME on the neck to show me where your problem areas are, with your disgusting, germy hands...*shudder*.
I'll have you know that only the fact that I'm a professional kept me from shrieking in horror when your fingers touched my neck, and that my flesh was crawling during the entire massage.
I couldn't wait for the massage to be over, because immediately afterwards I ran to our utility sink and scrubbed my neck and shoulders with a soapy wash-cloth. I hated giving you my business card, even though you asked for one, because I hope I never have to massage you again.
And a two-dollar tip, on top of that? Adding insult to injury, really. (BTW, I split your oh-so-generous tip between the two front desk people, because I didn't want those two dollar bills in my purse, bad tip-karma, dontcha know!)
And the young lady who was in the spa at the same time as you? You know, the gal with the tattoos, facial piercings and black-painted toe nails? SHE washed her hands after going to the bathroom, and I'd rather massage her than you ANY day.
Thank you, that is all.
You, my dear, are uncouth. It's bad enough that you didn't wash your hands after you used the toilet, but then to touch ME on the neck to show me where your problem areas are, with your disgusting, germy hands...*shudder*.
I'll have you know that only the fact that I'm a professional kept me from shrieking in horror when your fingers touched my neck, and that my flesh was crawling during the entire massage.
I couldn't wait for the massage to be over, because immediately afterwards I ran to our utility sink and scrubbed my neck and shoulders with a soapy wash-cloth. I hated giving you my business card, even though you asked for one, because I hope I never have to massage you again.
And a two-dollar tip, on top of that? Adding insult to injury, really. (BTW, I split your oh-so-generous tip between the two front desk people, because I didn't want those two dollar bills in my purse, bad tip-karma, dontcha know!)
And the young lady who was in the spa at the same time as you? You know, the gal with the tattoos, facial piercings and black-painted toe nails? SHE washed her hands after going to the bathroom, and I'd rather massage her than you ANY day.
Thank you, that is all.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Freudian slip...?
I have a little routine speech at the beginning of every massage, you know, instructions to the client, etc. It usually goes something like this:
"I'd like you to start face-down on the table, between the sheets, with your face in the face rest...blah, blah, blah."
What I instead said to a client today, who, physically at least, was pretty much my ideal man:
"I'd like you between the sheets..."
D'OH!
I just kept on babbling, hoping he hadn't noticed (and praying his WIFE, who was getting a massage in the same room, hadn't noticed), then escaped to wait outside of the room while both of them got situated.
As I stood outside in the hallway, one thought was running through my mind while I waited for my blush to fade: Blog-fodder!
"I'd like you to start face-down on the table, between the sheets, with your face in the face rest...blah, blah, blah."
What I instead said to a client today, who, physically at least, was pretty much my ideal man:
"I'd like you between the sheets..."
D'OH!
I just kept on babbling, hoping he hadn't noticed (and praying his WIFE, who was getting a massage in the same room, hadn't noticed), then escaped to wait outside of the room while both of them got situated.
As I stood outside in the hallway, one thought was running through my mind while I waited for my blush to fade: Blog-fodder!
Friday, May 02, 2008
Clients!
I had a busy day today (yay, money!), but only two clients stand out in my memory.
The first was a lady who'd never had a massage before (yay, massage newbies!), and she had booked a package that included a 25-minute shoulder, neck, and back massage.
I believe I've mentioned the nifty rolling stools we therapists have in each treatment room; we use them at the end of the massage, when we're doing the neck, face, and scalp. When not in use, the stools are usually shoved as far under the table as they'll go, at the head of the table, underneath the face rest the clients use...
Yup, my client left a puddle of drool on my stool (ha! A rhyme...I'm a poet and didn't know it!). I laughed my ass off when I saw it, luckily before I sat down. Thankfully this was after the session had ended, otherwise, had I needed to use the stool during the massage, I probably wouldn't have seen the drool in the dark and would have sat on it.
The other client was only remarkable in her toes. I don't think I've mentioned it HERE, but I really, really am disturbed by French pedicures. They creep me out for some reason. Not only did this lady have one, but her toes were freakishly long and thin. Maybe it's just that I'm used to seeing the typical, stubby toes that sorta have a ball at the end, but to me, her toes looked very weird.
Well, that's today's client wrap-up! Otherwise a lucrative yet uneventful day.
The first was a lady who'd never had a massage before (yay, massage newbies!), and she had booked a package that included a 25-minute shoulder, neck, and back massage.
I believe I've mentioned the nifty rolling stools we therapists have in each treatment room; we use them at the end of the massage, when we're doing the neck, face, and scalp. When not in use, the stools are usually shoved as far under the table as they'll go, at the head of the table, underneath the face rest the clients use...
Yup, my client left a puddle of drool on my stool (ha! A rhyme...I'm a poet and didn't know it!). I laughed my ass off when I saw it, luckily before I sat down. Thankfully this was after the session had ended, otherwise, had I needed to use the stool during the massage, I probably wouldn't have seen the drool in the dark and would have sat on it.
The other client was only remarkable in her toes. I don't think I've mentioned it HERE, but I really, really am disturbed by French pedicures. They creep me out for some reason. Not only did this lady have one, but her toes were freakishly long and thin. Maybe it's just that I'm used to seeing the typical, stubby toes that sorta have a ball at the end, but to me, her toes looked very weird.
Well, that's today's client wrap-up! Otherwise a lucrative yet uneventful day.
Nuthin'
I got pretty much nuthin' to blog about. It's all been the same-old, same-old. I have my last chapter test in algebra next Tuesday, then my final (gulp!) the following Tuesday. I'm not too worried, I just need to study a bit, should be fine.
Oh, and my schedule at work is changing as of the 16th. I'll be working four tens (Sat-Tue), and have W-Th-F off! Hopefully I can handle the ten-hour-shifts...
Other than these extremely fascinating and informative items for your delectation, I have nothing to report.
Nighty-night!
Oh, and my schedule at work is changing as of the 16th. I'll be working four tens (Sat-Tue), and have W-Th-F off! Hopefully I can handle the ten-hour-shifts...
Other than these extremely fascinating and informative items for your delectation, I have nothing to report.
Nighty-night!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Breaking the habit
So, as you all know, I quit drinking soda on February 27th (woo-hoo, two months!). This past Wednesday, I decided to also quit all caffeine consumption. It's been four full days, and I don't think I'm going to die.
Yay, me.
Time for bed, g'night!
Yay, me.
Time for bed, g'night!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
"We'll have a gay, old time!"
No, not the Flintstones, unfortunately.
There's been some kind of gay event going on in town, I don't have a clue what it is because, really, I don't care.
HOWEVER, it's lead to some activity at the spa I thought I'd share with you, my precious readers.
Three gay guys walked into the spa (sounds like a bad joke, I know), two of them were a couple and the third a friend of theirs. J., the attendant, is from Peru, and his English is some ways from being perfect, but I'll try to recreate verbatim what he told me at lunch yesterday...
J.: The one man, he says, "You so handsome, when you off work?", then he try to touch my face!
Me: Oh my GOD! What did you do?
J.: *swinging his left hand in a short arc*
I do "Miyagi-san BLOCK"! Then I say, "You can see, but you can't touch!"
Me: *laughing* Wax on, wax off!
J.: *nodding* Yes! Then later, they having sex in the jacuzzi!
Me: WHAT?!
J.: *smacking his fist into his palm* Like this!
Me: Did you call security?!
J.: No, they were almost finish.
Me:!?!?!
J.: I don't like when I have to stop, so I no stop them.
Me: Arrgggh!
After lunch, this led to a conversation with our lead therapist, who had only heard that the gentlemen had been "touching" each other, not about the full-on sex. Considering how truly awful it would be for our spa to get a reputation in certain circles, I'm afraid we're going to have to be hard-asses about this sort of thing in the future, pun not intended. Not to mention that we could have ugly fights on our hands, should some straight guy get propositioned or witness the sex acts.
I'd like to know why these men feel it's in any way appropriate to have sex in a public place, not to mention the one guy repeatedly sexually harassing the staff (J. said that the single dude grabbed his thigh, but he did his "Miyagi-san BLOCK!" again.)
Oh, well. The potential of being caught in the act probably added to the thrill.
There's been some kind of gay event going on in town, I don't have a clue what it is because, really, I don't care.
HOWEVER, it's lead to some activity at the spa I thought I'd share with you, my precious readers.
Three gay guys walked into the spa (sounds like a bad joke, I know), two of them were a couple and the third a friend of theirs. J., the attendant, is from Peru, and his English is some ways from being perfect, but I'll try to recreate verbatim what he told me at lunch yesterday...
J.: The one man, he says, "You so handsome, when you off work?", then he try to touch my face!
Me: Oh my GOD! What did you do?
J.: *swinging his left hand in a short arc*
I do "Miyagi-san BLOCK"! Then I say, "You can see, but you can't touch!"
Me: *laughing* Wax on, wax off!
J.: *nodding* Yes! Then later, they having sex in the jacuzzi!
Me: WHAT?!
J.: *smacking his fist into his palm* Like this!
Me: Did you call security?!
J.: No, they were almost finish.
Me:!?!?!
J.: I don't like when I have to stop, so I no stop them.
Me: Arrgggh!
After lunch, this led to a conversation with our lead therapist, who had only heard that the gentlemen had been "touching" each other, not about the full-on sex. Considering how truly awful it would be for our spa to get a reputation in certain circles, I'm afraid we're going to have to be hard-asses about this sort of thing in the future, pun not intended. Not to mention that we could have ugly fights on our hands, should some straight guy get propositioned or witness the sex acts.
I'd like to know why these men feel it's in any way appropriate to have sex in a public place, not to mention the one guy repeatedly sexually harassing the staff (J. said that the single dude grabbed his thigh, but he did his "Miyagi-san BLOCK!" again.)
Oh, well. The potential of being caught in the act probably added to the thrill.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Memed again!
Blondefabulous tagged me with this interesting meme, I need to mention six unspectacular quirks of mine...hmmmmm.
Must think about this. Things I think are perfectly normal might seem quirky to others!
1) My daughter just pointed out how I literally "squeeeee" when I've finished a book I really, really enjoyed. Except I guess it's more of an "Eeeeeeeeee" sound. If you want to get technical. Whatever!
2) I have conversations with my dogs. In weird, weird voices, often in baby-talk, too. They haven't answered me back yet, but you never know...
3) I ALWAYS unplug the toaster when the bread's finished toasting, and it remains unplugged until the next time it's used. Ditto for the coffee maker. I think this is because I read somewhere when I was a kid about house fires being started by plugged-in toasters, or something. My kids have been trained to do this as well.
4) I can sleep anywhere, under almost any circumstances, if I'm tired enough. Also, I can sleep perfectly fine on my bed without any covers whatsoever, and most people consider this very, very strange.
5) I always have at least one book with me, wherever I go...JUST IN CASE.
6) I am obsessed with sudoku, and sometimes I'm super good at it, and sometimes you'd think I was a moron.
Okay, I think that about wraps it up. I'm up past my bed-time!
I won't tag anyone, since I've been doing that very often lately. If you feel inspired to do it, feel free.
Must think about this. Things I think are perfectly normal might seem quirky to others!
1) My daughter just pointed out how I literally "squeeeee" when I've finished a book I really, really enjoyed. Except I guess it's more of an "Eeeeeeeeee" sound. If you want to get technical. Whatever!
2) I have conversations with my dogs. In weird, weird voices, often in baby-talk, too. They haven't answered me back yet, but you never know...
3) I ALWAYS unplug the toaster when the bread's finished toasting, and it remains unplugged until the next time it's used. Ditto for the coffee maker. I think this is because I read somewhere when I was a kid about house fires being started by plugged-in toasters, or something. My kids have been trained to do this as well.
4) I can sleep anywhere, under almost any circumstances, if I'm tired enough. Also, I can sleep perfectly fine on my bed without any covers whatsoever, and most people consider this very, very strange.
5) I always have at least one book with me, wherever I go...JUST IN CASE.
6) I am obsessed with sudoku, and sometimes I'm super good at it, and sometimes you'd think I was a moron.
Okay, I think that about wraps it up. I'm up past my bed-time!
I won't tag anyone, since I've been doing that very often lately. If you feel inspired to do it, feel free.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
What the...?!
I massaged a lady today who, among many other tattoos, had "Adolf" tattooed in cursive at the base of her neck.
Who the hell names their child "Adolf" nowadays?!
I also had a client who had an 80-minute deep tissue session scheduled, and requested that I only massage his shoulders, neck, and back. Now that's what I call a challenge!
I almost exhausted my repertoire of "tricks", and had to reach back far in my memories, all the way back to school, to come up with things to do. Also, making shit up totally works!
Other than that nothing exciting to report. Have had no wardrobe malfunctions, nor have I locked my keys in my car. That's what I call a successful day!
Who the hell names their child "Adolf" nowadays?!
I also had a client who had an 80-minute deep tissue session scheduled, and requested that I only massage his shoulders, neck, and back. Now that's what I call a challenge!
I almost exhausted my repertoire of "tricks", and had to reach back far in my memories, all the way back to school, to come up with things to do. Also, making shit up totally works!
Other than that nothing exciting to report. Have had no wardrobe malfunctions, nor have I locked my keys in my car. That's what I call a successful day!
Friday, April 18, 2008
That poor woman.
My first client of the day, bright and early at 8:00 AM, was a very glum, non-communicative lady.
Didn't smile when I greeted her, half-grunted in reply to my question of, "How is everything?" during the massage, just had a little rain-cloud hovering over her head.
After our session, she seemed a little better, managed a slight smile, said she felt more relaxed, but when I told her she had use of the spa for the entire day, that she could come and go as many times as she liked before 6:00 PM, her face fell again, and she said, "I'll be spending the whole day with my husband and his ex-wife."
While my brain froze in horror, not even wanting to contemplate such a fate, my mouth came up with this: "Well, no wonder you needed a massage...you'll probably need one later today, too!"
She just replied, "Wouldn't surprise me..," and went to her locker to get dressed, the first step on her journey to hell.
Didn't smile when I greeted her, half-grunted in reply to my question of, "How is everything?" during the massage, just had a little rain-cloud hovering over her head.
After our session, she seemed a little better, managed a slight smile, said she felt more relaxed, but when I told her she had use of the spa for the entire day, that she could come and go as many times as she liked before 6:00 PM, her face fell again, and she said, "I'll be spending the whole day with my husband and his ex-wife."
While my brain froze in horror, not even wanting to contemplate such a fate, my mouth came up with this: "Well, no wonder you needed a massage...you'll probably need one later today, too!"
She just replied, "Wouldn't surprise me..," and went to her locker to get dressed, the first step on her journey to hell.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Oooops II
So, yesterday I survived walking around wearing rent garments in public (I've ALWAYS wanted to say "rent garments"!)
This morning started off just fine. One of my pups, Tucker, was scheduled to get his rabies shot at 10:00 AM, so figuring he wouldn't want to run around a lot afterwards, I decided to sacrifice my "sleeping-in" and take Silver to school (with the dogs, at 6:45 AM (!)), then head over to the dog park to get a romp in before his appointment.
We arrived at the park at around 7:15 or so, and it was freezing! I don't get this weather. On Monday we almost hit 90, today the high was only 67, with winds topping 25mph. So trust me when I say, it was cold. I guess I was discombobulated by the wind, because normally I put the car keys in my pocket as I open the door, AFTER leaning over to unlock the passenger-side door (where I let the pups out, I have a two-door car). Well, this morning I tossed the keys into the bag on the passenger seat, got out of the car while locking the door, and the wind immediately slammed it shut while it slowly dawned on me that I had for once neglected to unlock the other door. Yup, keys and dogs inside, me outside.
*sigh*
Thank goodness I had automatically followed my normal, dog-park precaution of stuffing my cell phone in my jeans pocket before even leaving home, because I'd have been toast without it.
I called the non-emergency police number, 311 for those of you NOT in the know, and the lovely Metro dispatcher transferred me to "Pop-a-Lock", the 24/7 locksmith folks.
Even though I was rapidly turning into an icicle I was thankful for the cold, since my dogs were comfy in their fleece-lined crate. They just curled up and went to sleep while we waited, especially since I was leaning against the car where they could see me. If this had happened a few months from now, I definitely would have been frantic, because of the lethally high temperatures inside vehicles. As it was, Sir Pop-a-Lock, my knight in greasy armor, arrived promptly, and $49.95 later, within 45 minutes of my original call, the pups and I were happily doing our dog-park thing.
I have to mention I was seriously alarmed at how quickly and easily he popped open the car door. Scary! Of course, under the circumstance I was relieved, but still it was disturbing. Not like the movies at all, though. He used an inflatable cushion, which he slid between the door and the frame of the car, and which he pumped up using a bulb like that of a manual blood-pressure cuff, to create a space big enough to slide in the long tool for, well, popping the lock! 30 seconds, max.
Anyway, I just figured the day could only get better from there, and I was right!
The strangely amusing thing about all this is, I'm one of those anal-retentive people about my keys. I'm very paranoid about just this subject. I've never, even when I had three kids in car seats to wrangle, misplaced my car keys or locked them inside the car or trunk. NEVER. I even occasionally mock myself about it. Guess I'm not laughing now!
Oh, well. Lesson learned.
This morning started off just fine. One of my pups, Tucker, was scheduled to get his rabies shot at 10:00 AM, so figuring he wouldn't want to run around a lot afterwards, I decided to sacrifice my "sleeping-in" and take Silver to school (with the dogs, at 6:45 AM (!)), then head over to the dog park to get a romp in before his appointment.
We arrived at the park at around 7:15 or so, and it was freezing! I don't get this weather. On Monday we almost hit 90, today the high was only 67, with winds topping 25mph. So trust me when I say, it was cold. I guess I was discombobulated by the wind, because normally I put the car keys in my pocket as I open the door, AFTER leaning over to unlock the passenger-side door (where I let the pups out, I have a two-door car). Well, this morning I tossed the keys into the bag on the passenger seat, got out of the car while locking the door, and the wind immediately slammed it shut while it slowly dawned on me that I had for once neglected to unlock the other door. Yup, keys and dogs inside, me outside.
*sigh*
Thank goodness I had automatically followed my normal, dog-park precaution of stuffing my cell phone in my jeans pocket before even leaving home, because I'd have been toast without it.
I called the non-emergency police number, 311 for those of you NOT in the know, and the lovely Metro dispatcher transferred me to "Pop-a-Lock", the 24/7 locksmith folks.
Even though I was rapidly turning into an icicle I was thankful for the cold, since my dogs were comfy in their fleece-lined crate. They just curled up and went to sleep while we waited, especially since I was leaning against the car where they could see me. If this had happened a few months from now, I definitely would have been frantic, because of the lethally high temperatures inside vehicles. As it was, Sir Pop-a-Lock, my knight in greasy armor, arrived promptly, and $49.95 later, within 45 minutes of my original call, the pups and I were happily doing our dog-park thing.
I have to mention I was seriously alarmed at how quickly and easily he popped open the car door. Scary! Of course, under the circumstance I was relieved, but still it was disturbing. Not like the movies at all, though. He used an inflatable cushion, which he slid between the door and the frame of the car, and which he pumped up using a bulb like that of a manual blood-pressure cuff, to create a space big enough to slide in the long tool for, well, popping the lock! 30 seconds, max.
Anyway, I just figured the day could only get better from there, and I was right!
The strangely amusing thing about all this is, I'm one of those anal-retentive people about my keys. I'm very paranoid about just this subject. I've never, even when I had three kids in car seats to wrangle, misplaced my car keys or locked them inside the car or trunk. NEVER. I even occasionally mock myself about it. Guess I'm not laughing now!
Oh, well. Lesson learned.
Christina=Ooooops!
I have these denim capris I haven't worn since last summer, and it's been so warm here the past few days, I broke them out and decided to wear them. They're very comfy and fit well...or so I thought!
Today was my typical Tuesday: Hit the chiropractor first, then went back home, collected the pups, and took them to the dog park. We hung out there for quite a while, despite the very strong wind that was trying to blow us all the way to Utah. Dogs tired out, we headed back since it was time to pick Silver up from school.
That little task accomplished, I was preceding her up the stairs when she hesitantly said, "Uh, Mom? I think you need to change your pants...those are ripped right up the back and I can see your underwear!"
Gaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
Was I walking around all day like that?! I mean, I used the restroom several times, wouldn't I have noticed a gaping seam?! I'd like to think so, otherwise I just have to accept the fact that I was flashing my underoos all morning.
*sigh*
Just another typical Tuesday...
Today was my typical Tuesday: Hit the chiropractor first, then went back home, collected the pups, and took them to the dog park. We hung out there for quite a while, despite the very strong wind that was trying to blow us all the way to Utah. Dogs tired out, we headed back since it was time to pick Silver up from school.
That little task accomplished, I was preceding her up the stairs when she hesitantly said, "Uh, Mom? I think you need to change your pants...those are ripped right up the back and I can see your underwear!"
Gaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
Was I walking around all day like that?! I mean, I used the restroom several times, wouldn't I have noticed a gaping seam?! I'd like to think so, otherwise I just have to accept the fact that I was flashing my underoos all morning.
*sigh*
Just another typical Tuesday...
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Excuse me?!
I had just walked into my local Smith's grocery store, still in my uniform of beige polo shirt and black scrubs pants. I had my purse over one shoulder and had picked up a shopping basket with the other hand, when a gentleman came up to me and asked, "Hey, where's your beer?"
I looked at him totally befuddled for a second, then blurted, "I don't know! I don't work here!"
He just said, "Okay," and walked away.
WTF?
Smith's employees wear bright red shirts. RED. Not beige. And they don't normally wander around carrying purses, either.
A cashier saw the whole thing and laughed her ass off. Maybe I should change careers?
Must ponder...
I looked at him totally befuddled for a second, then blurted, "I don't know! I don't work here!"
He just said, "Okay," and walked away.
WTF?
Smith's employees wear bright red shirts. RED. Not beige. And they don't normally wander around carrying purses, either.
A cashier saw the whole thing and laughed her ass off. Maybe I should change careers?
Must ponder...
Friday Potpourri
Let's see...
I massaged a lovely lady from Aubrey, Texas today. Every new person from Texas I meet just makes me want to live there more.
I did an 80 minute deep tissue massage on a young man who literally took all the pressure I could provide. Not only was he NOT wincing or twitching, he instead "treated" me to his entire repertoire of sex-noises. I'm not kidding. The moans, half-choked gasps, little relishing sounds, "Oh, yeah's!", and "Wow's!" never stopped. It made me very uncomfortable at first, until it was time for him to turn over onto his back and I realized he wasn't aroused in the slightest (thank GOD!)
I guess he was just showing his appreciation...? At any rate, I knew for sure he was enjoying himself! He tipped me $50.00 (!), and told me he'd be back on Monday for another massage!
And a word to the wise, for all you extremely bashful folks out there who absolutely insist on wearing your underwear during a massage: At least make sure it's nice underwear! Please, no tatty, ragged, faded, worn, or stained underwear. Your therapist will thank you. (Mentally, at least!)
I massaged a lovely lady from Aubrey, Texas today. Every new person from Texas I meet just makes me want to live there more.
I did an 80 minute deep tissue massage on a young man who literally took all the pressure I could provide. Not only was he NOT wincing or twitching, he instead "treated" me to his entire repertoire of sex-noises. I'm not kidding. The moans, half-choked gasps, little relishing sounds, "Oh, yeah's!", and "Wow's!" never stopped. It made me very uncomfortable at first, until it was time for him to turn over onto his back and I realized he wasn't aroused in the slightest (thank GOD!)
I guess he was just showing his appreciation...? At any rate, I knew for sure he was enjoying himself! He tipped me $50.00 (!), and told me he'd be back on Monday for another massage!
And a word to the wise, for all you extremely bashful folks out there who absolutely insist on wearing your underwear during a massage: At least make sure it's nice underwear! Please, no tatty, ragged, faded, worn, or stained underwear. Your therapist will thank you. (Mentally, at least!)
Friday, April 11, 2008
Seen on my drive home today...
A license plate frame proclaiming the following:
Girls will be Girls...And Boys will be our Toys
Insert Beavis and Butthead laughter here...
Girls will be Girls...And Boys will be our Toys
Insert Beavis and Butthead laughter here...
I wonder...
Did the college administration actually heed my words?
There has been a change...tonight there were TWO empty campus police cars parked in front of the classroom building.
Hmmmm. I am taking a math class after all...what's two times ZERO?!
There has been a change...tonight there were TWO empty campus police cars parked in front of the classroom building.
Hmmmm. I am taking a math class after all...what's two times ZERO?!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Memeishness
Considering how I've been tagging people left and right lately, I guess it's only fair that I should get tagged in turn. Bread upon the water, right?
Anyhoo, Phlegm Fatale has honored me, and I must fulfill my memeish duty.
Link meme rules:
1. Must be clean, no R rated material.
2. Tell 5 people.
3. Only 5 links allowed.
4. Link back to person who tagged you.
You can link to business, favorite, affiliate sites, etc.
1. Okay, don't think that'll be TOO difficult.
2. Who to pick, who to pick? Hmmmm. Trashman, Zelda, BO Snagley, Ambulance Driver, and Jethro
3. Albino Blacksheep, Glumbert, Amazon.com, of COURSE!!, Baen's free library, and the webcam at storchennest.de, which shows the entire mating/brood cycle of a pair of storks. Don't forget about the time difference, the 'cam's in Germany! I almost forgot Think Geek! *gasp* How dare I?! I know the rule says only five links, but I'm a rebel like that.
4. Already done above.
Anyhoo, Phlegm Fatale has honored me, and I must fulfill my memeish duty.
Link meme rules:
1. Must be clean, no R rated material.
2. Tell 5 people.
3. Only 5 links allowed.
4. Link back to person who tagged you.
You can link to business, favorite, affiliate sites, etc.
1. Okay, don't think that'll be TOO difficult.
2. Who to pick, who to pick? Hmmmm. Trashman, Zelda, BO Snagley, Ambulance Driver, and Jethro
3. Albino Blacksheep, Glumbert, Amazon.com, of COURSE!!, Baen's free library, and the webcam at storchennest.de, which shows the entire mating/brood cycle of a pair of storks. Don't forget about the time difference, the 'cam's in Germany! I almost forgot Think Geek! *gasp* How dare I?! I know the rule says only five links, but I'm a rebel like that.
4. Already done above.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Furry little bastards!
It seems my pups consider 6:20 AM a DANDY time to get up, even on my day off...
*grumble mutter stupid grrrr wanna sleep grumble*
*grumble mutter stupid grrrr wanna sleep grumble*
Monday, April 07, 2008
Can't say bird-watching is exactly an interest of mine...
BUT, I saw what I think was a yellow-headed blackbird in the employee parking lot today as I was walking toward the casino. As accustomed as I am to seeing sparrows and rats-with-wings pigeons every day, this was a first for me. A very striking and beautiful bird, one which I believe is migrating right now. Cool.
Less cool was getting a mild case of food poisoning from eating breakfast at the EDR (employee dining room). I wasn't the only spa employee who suffered, either. We've narrowed it down to the scrambled eggs or the oatmeal, and I vote EGGS.
Ugh. Thank God someone had pepto-bismol, or it would have gotten ugly, fast.
Anyway, it's my Friday, so I wanted to say "wheeeeee!" Thanks, I needed that.
Less cool was getting a mild case of food poisoning from eating breakfast at the EDR (employee dining room). I wasn't the only spa employee who suffered, either. We've narrowed it down to the scrambled eggs or the oatmeal, and I vote EGGS.
Ugh. Thank God someone had pepto-bismol, or it would have gotten ugly, fast.
Anyway, it's my Friday, so I wanted to say "wheeeeee!" Thanks, I needed that.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
hot-hot-hot
The a/c at work crapped out today. In a spa with a hot tub, sauna, and steam room. With hot-rock roasters, hot-towel cabbies, and showers running constantly.
It was hell.
I only had three massages today, but I was sweating so much, I worried that I was walking around trailing a fragrance reminiscent of the sweaty gym socks you find buried at the back of your locker at the end of the school year.
I availed myself of the complimentary deodorant we have for the guests quite often.
My last massage of the day was a hot-stone massage. I took a cold gel-pack from the freezer, wrapped it in a washcloth, and stuck it down the back of my shirt.
Necessity is the mother of invention!
Hopefully the a/c unit will be un-frozen by tomorrow! I need to invest in a small, quiet fan...
It was hell.
I only had three massages today, but I was sweating so much, I worried that I was walking around trailing a fragrance reminiscent of the sweaty gym socks you find buried at the back of your locker at the end of the school year.
I availed myself of the complimentary deodorant we have for the guests quite often.
My last massage of the day was a hot-stone massage. I took a cold gel-pack from the freezer, wrapped it in a washcloth, and stuck it down the back of my shirt.
Necessity is the mother of invention!
Hopefully the a/c unit will be un-frozen by tomorrow! I need to invest in a small, quiet fan...
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Newsweek
I saw the cover of Newsweek as I was waiting in the checkout line at my local Smith's.
I did a double take as I read the caption, and immediately snagged an issue and added it to my groceries.
Here's a link to the article.
I really enjoyed reading the article, and have to say I totally identify with some of the ladies interviewed. I felt no bond or attachment to the twins I carried, and had no depression whatsoever. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, if they'd let me. Unfortunately, gestational diabetes put the kibosh on that. Here's my version of the cover photo:
I wonder why I wasn't interviewed?
Not that I'd have been able to talk!
I did a double take as I read the caption, and immediately snagged an issue and added it to my groceries.
Here's a link to the article.
I really enjoyed reading the article, and have to say I totally identify with some of the ladies interviewed. I felt no bond or attachment to the twins I carried, and had no depression whatsoever. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, if they'd let me. Unfortunately, gestational diabetes put the kibosh on that. Here's my version of the cover photo:
I wonder why I wasn't interviewed?
Not that I'd have been able to talk!
Friday, April 04, 2008
Again with the drool...
So, I saw this guy again yesterday morning, but at least I kept control of my vehicle.
Sadly, he was wearing more clothes, a t-shirt and baggy cargo shorts this time, so I didn't get to admire his physique as much. Also, he frustratingly kept his back turned toward me, and his head down, since he was polishing away at his boots.
Oh, well. It's not like anything could come of it, anyway, since security staff is expressly forbidden to date any other employees. But a girl can dream, right...?
Sadly, he was wearing more clothes, a t-shirt and baggy cargo shorts this time, so I didn't get to admire his physique as much. Also, he frustratingly kept his back turned toward me, and his head down, since he was polishing away at his boots.
Oh, well. It's not like anything could come of it, anyway, since security staff is expressly forbidden to date any other employees. But a girl can dream, right...?
I'm sorry, I can't help myself...
I have to post more stuff my 16-year-old daughter told me. I don't want to forget it, and if I can share it here, so much the better! You can skip this post if you want...
The other night at dinner, we were talking about dating, specifically why she doesn't want to date high school boys (stupid and immature), and what she'd be looking for in a guy at college and beyond.
She said, "I'd have to go with a nerd."
"Why's that?" I asked.
"A nerd would be sure to understand at least HALF of what I say!"
Hmmmmm. She's on to something there.
Last night at dinner we were talking about death and any possible afterlife.
Silver said, "If there IS a heaven and hell, I think I'd rather go to hell."
"WHAT?! WHY?!"
"Well, if heaven and hell exist, can you imagine the zealots that are up there? I'd rather be in hell with all my gay friends, 'cause according to a lot of people, that's where they're headed."
"..." I had nothing to say to that!
The other night at dinner, we were talking about dating, specifically why she doesn't want to date high school boys (stupid and immature), and what she'd be looking for in a guy at college and beyond.
She said, "I'd have to go with a nerd."
"Why's that?" I asked.
"A nerd would be sure to understand at least HALF of what I say!"
Hmmmmm. She's on to something there.
Last night at dinner we were talking about death and any possible afterlife.
Silver said, "If there IS a heaven and hell, I think I'd rather go to hell."
"WHAT?! WHY?!"
"Well, if heaven and hell exist, can you imagine the zealots that are up there? I'd rather be in hell with all my gay friends, 'cause according to a lot of people, that's where they're headed."
"..." I had nothing to say to that!
Overheard in a classroom this evening...
Professor at the white-board, explaining two ways to solve a problem...
Christina raises hand and is called upon by prof: Can you also solve it this way...*blah, blah, blah*?
Prof: Absolutely, very good, Christina!
Snot-nosed kid sitting next to Christina: Is that how you learned to do it in school?
Christina: Honestly, I think this is the first time I've ever done this stuff...it's been over twenty years since I had algebra.
SNKSNTC: Seriously?! You don't LOOK that old!
Christina: Gee. Thanks.
And College Administration?
Parking a completely empty campus police car in front of the classroom building night after night is absolutely no deterrent to crime.
Neither is putting a reflective vest on a weenie and having him toodle around the campus in an electric golf-cart outfitted with a flashing yellow light and a decal that says "Public Safety Officer".
Your "campus security" is teh suxxor.
Christina raises hand and is called upon by prof: Can you also solve it this way...*blah, blah, blah*?
Prof: Absolutely, very good, Christina!
Snot-nosed kid sitting next to Christina: Is that how you learned to do it in school?
Christina: Honestly, I think this is the first time I've ever done this stuff...it's been over twenty years since I had algebra.
SNKSNTC: Seriously?! You don't LOOK that old!
Christina: Gee. Thanks.
And College Administration?
Parking a completely empty campus police car in front of the classroom building night after night is absolutely no deterrent to crime.
Neither is putting a reflective vest on a weenie and having him toodle around the campus in an electric golf-cart outfitted with a flashing yellow light and a decal that says "Public Safety Officer".
Your "campus security" is teh suxxor.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
I've found my soulmate!
I was just driving home from class, and I got stuck behind a big old Ford pick-up truck. The license plate read: TRUTEXN
I think I'm in love!
Of course, if the driver is a woman, I'm screwed.
Speaking of class, got the test I took last Tuesday back...112 out of 114!
I made a stupid, basic mistake, um...when dividing two negative numbers, the answer is POSITIVE...DUH!
Once, just once, I'd like to get every blessed problem on a test right. Oh, well, perfection is highly overrated. I'll just keep telling myself that.
I think I'm in love!
Of course, if the driver is a woman, I'm screwed.
Speaking of class, got the test I took last Tuesday back...112 out of 114!
I made a stupid, basic mistake, um...when dividing two negative numbers, the answer is POSITIVE...DUH!
Once, just once, I'd like to get every blessed problem on a test right. Oh, well, perfection is highly overrated. I'll just keep telling myself that.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Bank of America, you suck!
Bank of America is made of fail.
I rarely use checks, but I make an exception for the rent. I finally got to my second-to-last book of checks, and it had that little notice on it, you know: "It's time to reorder your checks!" So I did. I made absolutely no changes to my order, everything should have been no problem, only when I got my new checks and did the "careful examination" they recommend, I noticed they'd misspelled my last name.
This is a common occurrence, since my last name has two capital letters (don't blame me, it's my married name!). I wouldn't make a fuss about it, but all my account info has the name spelled with both capitals, and that's how I sign my name, too.
So I called the phone number given to use in cases of errors, spent 15 minutes on hold, and then about five more explaining what the problem was. By the way, the same thing happened last time I ordered checks...
So, I was assured it was no problem, they'd make the correction and (gasp) wouldn't charge me for the new checks (they'd better not, I'd be seriously pissed if I had to pay twice for their fuck-up). The new checks came today. Of course, you've guessed it already...they made the same damn mistake!
How incompetent do you have to be to do that?
Screw dealing with the phone, I'm going to my bank branch tomorrow, and talking to the folks there face-to-face. They've always been very kind and helpful. And this time, THEY get to shred the messed-up checks.
On a completely different note...what's with the lack of comments lately? I'm aware that unlike moi, the rest of you actually have lives, but come on! Am I being shunned? Am I persona non grata? Don't you lurve me any more *sniff sniff*?
I rarely use checks, but I make an exception for the rent. I finally got to my second-to-last book of checks, and it had that little notice on it, you know: "It's time to reorder your checks!" So I did. I made absolutely no changes to my order, everything should have been no problem, only when I got my new checks and did the "careful examination" they recommend, I noticed they'd misspelled my last name.
This is a common occurrence, since my last name has two capital letters (don't blame me, it's my married name!). I wouldn't make a fuss about it, but all my account info has the name spelled with both capitals, and that's how I sign my name, too.
So I called the phone number given to use in cases of errors, spent 15 minutes on hold, and then about five more explaining what the problem was. By the way, the same thing happened last time I ordered checks...
So, I was assured it was no problem, they'd make the correction and (gasp) wouldn't charge me for the new checks (they'd better not, I'd be seriously pissed if I had to pay twice for their fuck-up). The new checks came today. Of course, you've guessed it already...they made the same damn mistake!
How incompetent do you have to be to do that?
Screw dealing with the phone, I'm going to my bank branch tomorrow, and talking to the folks there face-to-face. They've always been very kind and helpful. And this time, THEY get to shred the messed-up checks.
On a completely different note...what's with the lack of comments lately? I'm aware that unlike moi, the rest of you actually have lives, but come on! Am I being shunned? Am I persona non grata? Don't you lurve me any more *sniff sniff*?
Ow x 2
First "ow" was at the dog park. I'd just arrived with my dogs, and was bent over hooking them up to their leash. Harley, the excitable, bounced with joy and smashed his rock-hard skull into the bottom of my chin. Unfortunately, I had the tip of my tongue between my teeth...OW!
Second "ow" was a good one. I can finally cross off "go see a chiropractor" from my to-do list, where it had been languishing for months. I work 40 hours a week as a massage therapist, and I get tired and lazy with my body mechanics...so my body is pretty fucked-up. I'm always in some level of pain, but by the end of the week my right shoulder especially will barely move when I wake up. So off to the chiropractor I went, for the first time ever. It was AWESOME! I'm going to give them a plug right here:
Tropicana West Chiropractic
6819 W. Tropicana Ave. Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89103
I was seen by both Dr. Leavitt and Dr. Senecal (who are brothers-in-law, btw), but Dr. Leavitt did the actual adjustments.
Oh my God! My back sounded like somebody was breaking uncooked spaghetti! I feel so, so much better now. He also worked on my neck, right shoulder (which has full range of motion now, thankyouverymuch), and both SI joints.
My body feels so light now, like I could float away.
I will be going back on Thursday, after that we'll see...
I also should really get a massage. Maybe if it's slow on Thursday, I can get a massage in while at work. That would be a great way to start my work-week.
Second "ow" was a good one. I can finally cross off "go see a chiropractor" from my to-do list, where it had been languishing for months. I work 40 hours a week as a massage therapist, and I get tired and lazy with my body mechanics...so my body is pretty fucked-up. I'm always in some level of pain, but by the end of the week my right shoulder especially will barely move when I wake up. So off to the chiropractor I went, for the first time ever. It was AWESOME! I'm going to give them a plug right here:
Tropicana West Chiropractic
6819 W. Tropicana Ave. Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89103
I was seen by both Dr. Leavitt and Dr. Senecal (who are brothers-in-law, btw), but Dr. Leavitt did the actual adjustments.
Oh my God! My back sounded like somebody was breaking uncooked spaghetti! I feel so, so much better now. He also worked on my neck, right shoulder (which has full range of motion now, thankyouverymuch), and both SI joints.
My body feels so light now, like I could float away.
I will be going back on Thursday, after that we'll see...
I also should really get a massage. Maybe if it's slow on Thursday, I can get a massage in while at work. That would be a great way to start my work-week.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Monday's Mini Memoir (he's lucky I wasn't sleeping yet)
Trashman caught me, I just wanted to check my blog for comments one more time before napping...
Here are the rules according to Trashman:
1. Write your own six word memoir.
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you want.
3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to the original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere.
4. Tag at least five more blogs with links.
5. Leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play....
1.I love chocolate, and it shows.
2. See my avatar...it's not a cow for nothing!
3. Done, see above.
4. Mauser*Girl, Breda, Phlegm Fatale, of course, Holly, and last but not least, BO Snagley, since he seems to be in a memeish mood anyway
5. Done.
Can I go to sleep now, please?
Here are the rules according to Trashman:
1. Write your own six word memoir.
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you want.
3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to the original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere.
4. Tag at least five more blogs with links.
5. Leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play....
1.I love chocolate, and it shows.
2. See my avatar...it's not a cow for nothing!
3. Done, see above.
4. Mauser*Girl, Breda, Phlegm Fatale, of course, Holly, and last but not least, BO Snagley, since he seems to be in a memeish mood anyway
5. Done.
Can I go to sleep now, please?
"Friday" Quickie...
Seeing as it's MY Friday (yay!), I'll just leave you with something quick.
I totally forgot about this, probably the kiss discombobulated me, but I massaged a tough-looking, muscle-bound man yesterday, and when I undraped his back, I saw he had a Calvin&Hobbes tattoo on his left shoulder! I thought that was so funny, I about gave myself a hernia trying not to laugh.
And as I was leaving today, I had to briefly cut through the casino to get to the time-clock, and I noticed a lady playing video poker wearing a black t-shirt with the following phrase in pink on the back:
Friends don't let friends take home ugly men.
*snort*
It's off to bed for me now, must take a nap, since I feel like I'm about to keel over. Later, I promised Silver I'd let her (TRY to) teach me how to play Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Pray for me.
I totally forgot about this, probably the kiss discombobulated me, but I massaged a tough-looking, muscle-bound man yesterday, and when I undraped his back, I saw he had a Calvin&Hobbes tattoo on his left shoulder! I thought that was so funny, I about gave myself a hernia trying not to laugh.
And as I was leaving today, I had to briefly cut through the casino to get to the time-clock, and I noticed a lady playing video poker wearing a black t-shirt with the following phrase in pink on the back:
Friends don't let friends take home ugly men.
*snort*
It's off to bed for me now, must take a nap, since I feel like I'm about to keel over. Later, I promised Silver I'd let her (TRY to) teach me how to play Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Pray for me.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Contrasts
I was kissed today. By a CLIENT. A man, with his wife standing right there. M., the attendant for the women's spa, was holding the door open for the missus and saw the whole thing. She said my face looked "frozen". I'm sure it did! To say I was surprised would be an understatement. I had held out my hand to shake my client's, and he did the one-armed hug thing and leaned in and kissed me right behind my ear. I'm glad I wash behind my ears. Just sayin'.
His wife's sang-froid showed her complete confidence in their relationship. They've been married for almost 26 years, and from what I saw during the massage session (they had a couple's massage), their marriage is going strong.
Her reaction was a marked contrast to that of a client I massaged yesterday. A beautiful, 25-year-old airman from Arizona, she asked for my opinion on a situation she found herself embroiled in. She asked me if I'd be pissed off if my boyfriend received a lap-dance from a stripper at a strip-joint. I told her honestly that, no, it really wouldn't bother me. This is Vegas, if he's at a strip club with a bunch of his buddies, that sort of thing happens. Plus, I'm lacking the jealousy gene. I just can't get my panties in a bunch about stuff like that. Life's too short!
She explained what had happened. Her boyfriend and a bunch of his friends got to Vegas a day before she could get away from work. He told her they were going to a strip club, and she told him it was okay with her. Then, according to the bf, one of his friends bought him the dance, so he felt obligated to go through with it, but felt horrible afterward (yeah, right!). He told her over the phone what had happened, full of remorse and babbling apologies, and she flipped out. Basically she broke up with him and was contemplating flying home early.
*sigh*
People (women) are weird. I don't get this; he apologized, what's the problem? It's not like he let the (potentially skanky and disease-ridden) stripper take him into a private room and give him a *ahem* more intimate pole dance.
I told her, "You know, why don't YOU do a little strip for him and give him a lap-dance?"
She replied, "Oh, no! I'm much too self-conscious. He's never even seen me naked."
There you go...WEIRD. You have a beautiful woman with a fantastic body (trust me, I know), and she's too modest or lacking in self confidence to even let her boyfriend see her naked.
All I can tell you is if I were 25 and had her body...I'd probably BE one of the dancers at the strip-club. And I'd be raking in the dough.
His wife's sang-froid showed her complete confidence in their relationship. They've been married for almost 26 years, and from what I saw during the massage session (they had a couple's massage), their marriage is going strong.
Her reaction was a marked contrast to that of a client I massaged yesterday. A beautiful, 25-year-old airman from Arizona, she asked for my opinion on a situation she found herself embroiled in. She asked me if I'd be pissed off if my boyfriend received a lap-dance from a stripper at a strip-joint. I told her honestly that, no, it really wouldn't bother me. This is Vegas, if he's at a strip club with a bunch of his buddies, that sort of thing happens. Plus, I'm lacking the jealousy gene. I just can't get my panties in a bunch about stuff like that. Life's too short!
She explained what had happened. Her boyfriend and a bunch of his friends got to Vegas a day before she could get away from work. He told her they were going to a strip club, and she told him it was okay with her. Then, according to the bf, one of his friends bought him the dance, so he felt obligated to go through with it, but felt horrible afterward (yeah, right!). He told her over the phone what had happened, full of remorse and babbling apologies, and she flipped out. Basically she broke up with him and was contemplating flying home early.
*sigh*
People (women) are weird. I don't get this; he apologized, what's the problem? It's not like he let the (potentially skanky and disease-ridden) stripper take him into a private room and give him a *ahem* more intimate pole dance.
I told her, "You know, why don't YOU do a little strip for him and give him a lap-dance?"
She replied, "Oh, no! I'm much too self-conscious. He's never even seen me naked."
There you go...WEIRD. You have a beautiful woman with a fantastic body (trust me, I know), and she's too modest or lacking in self confidence to even let her boyfriend see her naked.
All I can tell you is if I were 25 and had her body...I'd probably BE one of the dancers at the strip-club. And I'd be raking in the dough.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
*drool*
I almost plowed into a row of parked vehicles yesterday, but it wasn't my fault! /whining
I have to drop my daughter off at school every morning, and since she has to be there before 7 AM, and I don't have to be at work until 8, I get to work super early. I usually pull into the employee parking lot around quarter after 7, right around shift-change for the security staff.
I don't know what's going on, but for some reason, a LOT of the security folk have been changing in the parking lot lately. I know they have a locker room, so what's the deal?
Anyhoo, yesterday morning, I was doing my typical "stalking-the-good-parking-space" thing, when I encountered a security guard standing by the open trunk of his car. He was wearing shorts and a wife beater, and was polishing his shoes.
Oh. My. God.
He was built. And how. I have no idea if I know him, since I wasn't exactly looking at his face, but as I was craning my neck to keep him in view, I almost ran into a bunch of parked cars. Luckily, I avoided the collision without the guy noticing. That would have been too, too embarrassing.
Didn't see him today. *sigh*
I have to drop my daughter off at school every morning, and since she has to be there before 7 AM, and I don't have to be at work until 8, I get to work super early. I usually pull into the employee parking lot around quarter after 7, right around shift-change for the security staff.
I don't know what's going on, but for some reason, a LOT of the security folk have been changing in the parking lot lately. I know they have a locker room, so what's the deal?
Anyhoo, yesterday morning, I was doing my typical "stalking-the-good-parking-space" thing, when I encountered a security guard standing by the open trunk of his car. He was wearing shorts and a wife beater, and was polishing his shoes.
Oh. My. God.
He was built. And how. I have no idea if I know him, since I wasn't exactly looking at his face, but as I was craning my neck to keep him in view, I almost ran into a bunch of parked cars. Luckily, I avoided the collision without the guy noticing. That would have been too, too embarrassing.
Didn't see him today. *sigh*
Friday, March 28, 2008
Two more reasons why I love my daughter.
First, she uses "mischievous" in everyday conversation...and pronounces it correctly!
And second, when 8-year-old neighborhood boys knock on our door and ask for the "Pokemon-Lady", she'll go outside with them and trade Pokemon cards.
I got lucky, I know.
And second, when 8-year-old neighborhood boys knock on our door and ask for the "Pokemon-Lady", she'll go outside with them and trade Pokemon cards.
I got lucky, I know.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Speaking of weird names...
Phlegm Fatale had an interesting post earlier this week about weird names.
I massaged a lady today who was named after one of the books of the Bible. And as if that wasn't strange enough, when I undraped her back, I noticed she had a tattoo in the prime "tramp stamp" location.
It said "Las Vegas".
Now, I don't know her story. Maybe she's hoped and dreamed all her life of coming to Vegas, maybe coming to Las Vegas is the pinnacle of her ambitions. But, come on! A TATTOO?!
I dream of moving to Denton, Texas in a few years, and you don't see me running out to Absolute Ink and getting it tattooed on my lower back, do ya? Now, a tasteful Lone Star flag on some portion of my anatomy...that's possible, I suppose. Or maybe the phrase "Don't Mess with Texas!".
Speaking of dreams, my daughter shared this gem with me yesterday. Apparently, nominations for Prom King and Queen are in the works. Her school's "tv station" ran the following ad: "Vote for Prom King and Queen, make someone's dream come true!"
Silver told me, "If becoming Prom King or Queen is your dream, you have serious priority issues!"
I gotta love that kid!
I massaged a lady today who was named after one of the books of the Bible. And as if that wasn't strange enough, when I undraped her back, I noticed she had a tattoo in the prime "tramp stamp" location.
It said "Las Vegas".
Now, I don't know her story. Maybe she's hoped and dreamed all her life of coming to Vegas, maybe coming to Las Vegas is the pinnacle of her ambitions. But, come on! A TATTOO?!
I dream of moving to Denton, Texas in a few years, and you don't see me running out to Absolute Ink and getting it tattooed on my lower back, do ya? Now, a tasteful Lone Star flag on some portion of my anatomy...that's possible, I suppose. Or maybe the phrase "Don't Mess with Texas!".
Speaking of dreams, my daughter shared this gem with me yesterday. Apparently, nominations for Prom King and Queen are in the works. Her school's "tv station" ran the following ad: "Vote for Prom King and Queen, make someone's dream come true!"
Silver told me, "If becoming Prom King or Queen is your dream, you have serious priority issues!"
I gotta love that kid!
Four weeks.
Marko inspired me, and four weeks ago today, I quit drinking Diet Coke cold turkey.
Not only did I stop drinking Diet Coke, I also stopped eating fast food and going to 7-11. I did this for my health, to help me lose weight, and, of high importance, to save money. I never realized how much of my tip money I squandered on fast food and getting "breakfast" at the 7-ll on the way to work, until I saw it start piling up when I stopped patronizing those establishments.
So, thanks Marko, I really owe you one.
Not only did I stop drinking Diet Coke, I also stopped eating fast food and going to 7-11. I did this for my health, to help me lose weight, and, of high importance, to save money. I never realized how much of my tip money I squandered on fast food and getting "breakfast" at the 7-ll on the way to work, until I saw it start piling up when I stopped patronizing those establishments.
So, thanks Marko, I really owe you one.
Oh, great.
I just got home and discovered I did all my grocery shopping while still wearing my name tag from work. I might as well have pinned a sign that said "DORK!" to my chest.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Take me away!
I've had many offers lately, from clients who wistfully ask if I'd come home with them.
I could go to Scotland (tempting, but brrrrrrrr!), Michigan, New Hampshire, various parts of Canada, or FLORIDA! Florida would also be very tempting, if it weren't for the humidity, bugs, and the occasional hurricane.
I wonder what would happen if I took a client up on his or her offer?
Maybe I'll play along next time, just to see my client back-pedal and try to explain he was only paying a compliment, not making a serious offer. I could have fun!
Hmmmmm.
I could go to Scotland (tempting, but brrrrrrrr!), Michigan, New Hampshire, various parts of Canada, or FLORIDA! Florida would also be very tempting, if it weren't for the humidity, bugs, and the occasional hurricane.
I wonder what would happen if I took a client up on his or her offer?
Maybe I'll play along next time, just to see my client back-pedal and try to explain he was only paying a compliment, not making a serious offer. I could have fun!
Hmmmmm.
Whew!
Spring break was over for me today, and of course we had to start class back up with a test. Thank goodness it's over! I was less prepared (I felt) going in to this one than the last, but I still think I did well.
I guess I'll see next Tuesday...
I guess I'll see next Tuesday...
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
W00T!
Zomg!
I've actually reached 5000 visits since I hooked up to sitemeter!
Of course, I can subtract about 2500 of those as being moi, desperately checking to see if anyone has left a comment. You do know I'm a comment-whore, right?
I believe I might have mentioned it a time or two...
Anyway, thanks to all of you folks out there who stop by for a minute or two, just to see what I'm up to, and thanks to all you other folks out there googling "milky mamas", and "bjork sucks". You guys rock!
I've actually reached 5000 visits since I hooked up to sitemeter!
Of course, I can subtract about 2500 of those as being moi, desperately checking to see if anyone has left a comment. You do know I'm a comment-whore, right?
I believe I might have mentioned it a time or two...
Anyway, thanks to all of you folks out there who stop by for a minute or two, just to see what I'm up to, and thanks to all you other folks out there googling "milky mamas", and "bjork sucks". You guys rock!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Overheard at work today...
What did the egg in the pot of boiling water say to the impatient Easter Bunny?
"You're gonna have to wait! It's gonna take me a while to get hard, I just got laid by a chick."
Happy Easter, everyone!
"You're gonna have to wait! It's gonna take me a while to get hard, I just got laid by a chick."
Happy Easter, everyone!
You. Must. Obey.
They are sending their mind-beams into my brain...compelling me to come to bed...must obey...zzzzzzzz...
Friday, March 21, 2008
Duhr!
I had a moment of utter humiliation today, and of course I have nothing better to do than share it with all of you.
The floor the spa is located on is also the location of a host of meeting and conference rooms, most of which are in use daily by various and sundry companies and organizations, all of whom think scheduling a conference in Las Vegas is a great idea.
Wish more of the attendees would get a massage, but I digress...
In order to provide food for these conferences, and also for the wedding chapel also located on our floor, the banquet and catering kitchens are up here, too.
One way for employees to leave the building without having to brave the smoky, too-heavily-populated casino, is to walk through the catering department and take the elevator down to the lower level, where one can exit by the loading docks and never see a slot machine.
Last Monday, I did just that, and stopped just through the door and looked around in shock. The whole place was totally empty. No shelves with pots and pans, no dishes or coffee urns, no people! (I later found out it was empty due to a routine visit from the exterminator.)
Tuesday and Wednesday were my days off, and today, as I was again making my way to the employee elevator, I ran into an employee I'd seen around before, who works for the banquets department. I said, "Hi!" Then I launched into an animated monologue about how creepy it had been a few days ago, like a Twilight Zone episode, with everyone gone and the whole place cleaned out...I babbled on and on, the poor guy a captive audience as we waited for the elevator. Finally, as I stopped to take a breath, he looked me in the eye and said/mouthed, "I can't hear you, I'm deaf."
Duhr.
I'm sorry, but something like this can only happen to me. I can feel myself blushing now as I type this. That's how embarrassed I was. And I had to ride down five floors in the elevator with him, too! At least he was nice about it, and I didn't even get a hint of a "YOU IDIOT!" tacked on to his sentence to me.
I think I've probably already reached my lifetime quota of embarrassing incidents. There's really nowhere to go from here but up! Maybe if I learn to keep my mouth shut...?
The floor the spa is located on is also the location of a host of meeting and conference rooms, most of which are in use daily by various and sundry companies and organizations, all of whom think scheduling a conference in Las Vegas is a great idea.
Wish more of the attendees would get a massage, but I digress...
In order to provide food for these conferences, and also for the wedding chapel also located on our floor, the banquet and catering kitchens are up here, too.
One way for employees to leave the building without having to brave the smoky, too-heavily-populated casino, is to walk through the catering department and take the elevator down to the lower level, where one can exit by the loading docks and never see a slot machine.
Last Monday, I did just that, and stopped just through the door and looked around in shock. The whole place was totally empty. No shelves with pots and pans, no dishes or coffee urns, no people! (I later found out it was empty due to a routine visit from the exterminator.)
Tuesday and Wednesday were my days off, and today, as I was again making my way to the employee elevator, I ran into an employee I'd seen around before, who works for the banquets department. I said, "Hi!" Then I launched into an animated monologue about how creepy it had been a few days ago, like a Twilight Zone episode, with everyone gone and the whole place cleaned out...I babbled on and on, the poor guy a captive audience as we waited for the elevator. Finally, as I stopped to take a breath, he looked me in the eye and said/mouthed, "I can't hear you, I'm deaf."
Duhr.
I'm sorry, but something like this can only happen to me. I can feel myself blushing now as I type this. That's how embarrassed I was. And I had to ride down five floors in the elevator with him, too! At least he was nice about it, and I didn't even get a hint of a "YOU IDIOT!" tacked on to his sentence to me.
I think I've probably already reached my lifetime quota of embarrassing incidents. There's really nowhere to go from here but up! Maybe if I learn to keep my mouth shut...?
Oh, nose!
Why am I cursed?
Twice in the past two days I've been stuck in the left turn lane, in front of disgusting people. I don't go out of my way to stare at them, but they had me mesmerized, simply by their lack of couth.
Yesterday on my way home from work, I was waiting at a light and glanced in my rear-view mirror; to my horror, the man in the car behind me was picking his nose with his pinky, and flicking the boogers onto his dashboard. Gross!
Then, on my way to work this morning, again I was waiting to turn, and the gal behind me had to honk her horn when the light changed because I was too busy watching her pick her nose and EAT HER BOOGERS to pay attention to the signal.
Don't get me wrong, everyone picks his or her nose; yes, even I have been known to delve gently in my nostrils, but there is a time and a place, and such things as tissues and handkerchiefs, for God's sake!
Hopefully my commute will be booger-free tomorrow.
Twice in the past two days I've been stuck in the left turn lane, in front of disgusting people. I don't go out of my way to stare at them, but they had me mesmerized, simply by their lack of couth.
Yesterday on my way home from work, I was waiting at a light and glanced in my rear-view mirror; to my horror, the man in the car behind me was picking his nose with his pinky, and flicking the boogers onto his dashboard. Gross!
Then, on my way to work this morning, again I was waiting to turn, and the gal behind me had to honk her horn when the light changed because I was too busy watching her pick her nose and EAT HER BOOGERS to pay attention to the signal.
Don't get me wrong, everyone picks his or her nose; yes, even I have been known to delve gently in my nostrils, but there is a time and a place, and such things as tissues and handkerchiefs, for God's sake!
Hopefully my commute will be booger-free tomorrow.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Spring Cleaning
I just had two glorious days off. My weekend, which should have been relaxing and restoring, enabling me to go back to work rested and energized.
NOT!
Instead, I spent most of yesterday shoveling out my daughter's room. No, I didn't take any pictures, it would have been too embarrassing. She's a total slob, a small failing I've been trying to combat since she's been mobile; considering how remarkable and wonderful she is in general, I think I'll take her slobbishness!
That took up all of Tuesday afternoon and evening. Today I spent six hours clearing out my walk-in closet. You see, my puppies are enamored of paper. They love shredding it and playing with it and eating it. Since I pay all of my bills on-line, I tend to be lazy when it comes to opening my mail. I obviously can't leave it sitting out, or the dogs would get it, so, since the infernal hounds haven't yet figured out how to turn door-knobs, I've been chucking the mail into my closet, along with anything else I didn't want them to destroy (which was quite a lot). Out of sight, out of mind...until now.
Almost all of the above, plus a lot of half-chewed decorative pillows, ended up below.
I think I must have emptied my shredder six times.
All that was left was this:
Which has now been filed away in the appropriate file-folders in the fire safe.
Whew.
Then Silver and I tackled her walk-in closet, which is much bigger than mine, but which thankfully wasn't as overflowing with stuff.
Our next project will be folding the huge Mount Everest of clean laundry that has been patiently waiting. We have no dressers, so...we NEED our closets!
But that's for tomorrow, I'm beat.
NOT!
Instead, I spent most of yesterday shoveling out my daughter's room. No, I didn't take any pictures, it would have been too embarrassing. She's a total slob, a small failing I've been trying to combat since she's been mobile; considering how remarkable and wonderful she is in general, I think I'll take her slobbishness!
That took up all of Tuesday afternoon and evening. Today I spent six hours clearing out my walk-in closet. You see, my puppies are enamored of paper. They love shredding it and playing with it and eating it. Since I pay all of my bills on-line, I tend to be lazy when it comes to opening my mail. I obviously can't leave it sitting out, or the dogs would get it, so, since the infernal hounds haven't yet figured out how to turn door-knobs, I've been chucking the mail into my closet, along with anything else I didn't want them to destroy (which was quite a lot). Out of sight, out of mind...until now.
Almost all of the above, plus a lot of half-chewed decorative pillows, ended up below.
I think I must have emptied my shredder six times.
All that was left was this:
Which has now been filed away in the appropriate file-folders in the fire safe.
Whew.
Then Silver and I tackled her walk-in closet, which is much bigger than mine, but which thankfully wasn't as overflowing with stuff.
Our next project will be folding the huge Mount Everest of clean laundry that has been patiently waiting. We have no dressers, so...we NEED our closets!
But that's for tomorrow, I'm beat.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Fascinating.
My first client yesterday was a 45-year-old widow from London, England. Her much older Greek husband passed away 10 years ago, leaving her their "fancy dress" (i.e. costume) shop/business.
What was so interesting is that she's a Turkish immigrant to England, having lived there for the past 21 years.
I knew many Turkish people growing up, considering I lived in "Little Istanbul", the borough of Kreuzberg in Berlin, Germany.
We had a fascinating conversation ranging in topic from women's rights, sharia law, religion, socialized medicine, to how to relax, de-stress, and the necessity of drinking plenty of water.
The lady is a socialist and an atheist. In her words religion, especially Islam, is "stupid crap". I liked her. :)
Too bad she's working herself to death. She hasn't taken a day off in 10 years, has no hobbies, only spends the evenings watching tv and drinking with her sister. Her entire body was very tense, and she talked during the whole massage, incapable of relaxing, though she did appear a little less stressed by the end of the session. She also needs to lay off the coffee, seeing as how she drinks it morning to night.
*sigh*
She's probably going to be back tomorrow for another massage, and I look forward to seeing her again.
I also had a new experience yesterday: I massaged a father and a son. The son was my last client, and he was a talker...I told him up front, "You don't have to tell me anything about you, your Dad took care of that earlier!"
His reply, "Oh, great!"
Both of them were very nice and interesting conversationalists, but neither of them tipped me...hmmmm...wonder if tightfistedness is genetic?
My second to last client was my tallest yet, 6'7"! His feet dangled off the edge of the table...
He was from Sweden, so we chatted about my (brief) time in Sweden, back in the day (1987). I didn't tell him that I lost my virginity on that trip...a girl's got to keep some secrets, after all!
What I'm reading now: "Where the Heart Leads", by Stephanie Laurens...yes, Phlegmmy, it IS a romance novel (a historical one, with a mystery to boot, set in London in 1835). Hey, I like happy endings, so sue me! Next in my TBR* stack: "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman. Should be good.
Hope you folks are having a great weekend, I still have mine to look forward to (Tuesday/Wednesday).
*TBR=To Be Read
What was so interesting is that she's a Turkish immigrant to England, having lived there for the past 21 years.
I knew many Turkish people growing up, considering I lived in "Little Istanbul", the borough of Kreuzberg in Berlin, Germany.
We had a fascinating conversation ranging in topic from women's rights, sharia law, religion, socialized medicine, to how to relax, de-stress, and the necessity of drinking plenty of water.
The lady is a socialist and an atheist. In her words religion, especially Islam, is "stupid crap". I liked her. :)
Too bad she's working herself to death. She hasn't taken a day off in 10 years, has no hobbies, only spends the evenings watching tv and drinking with her sister. Her entire body was very tense, and she talked during the whole massage, incapable of relaxing, though she did appear a little less stressed by the end of the session. She also needs to lay off the coffee, seeing as how she drinks it morning to night.
*sigh*
She's probably going to be back tomorrow for another massage, and I look forward to seeing her again.
I also had a new experience yesterday: I massaged a father and a son. The son was my last client, and he was a talker...I told him up front, "You don't have to tell me anything about you, your Dad took care of that earlier!"
His reply, "Oh, great!"
Both of them were very nice and interesting conversationalists, but neither of them tipped me...hmmmm...wonder if tightfistedness is genetic?
My second to last client was my tallest yet, 6'7"! His feet dangled off the edge of the table...
He was from Sweden, so we chatted about my (brief) time in Sweden, back in the day (1987). I didn't tell him that I lost my virginity on that trip...a girl's got to keep some secrets, after all!
What I'm reading now: "Where the Heart Leads", by Stephanie Laurens...yes, Phlegmmy, it IS a romance novel (a historical one, with a mystery to boot, set in London in 1835). Hey, I like happy endings, so sue me! Next in my TBR* stack: "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman. Should be good.
Hope you folks are having a great weekend, I still have mine to look forward to (Tuesday/Wednesday).
*TBR=To Be Read
Thursday, March 13, 2008
'Nother "Back Home"
I massaged a lady from Michigan today, and she regaled me with stories of her friend back home, who massages her monthly.
Not only is this friend a massage therapist, she's also an acupuncturist and physical therapist.
That upped the intimidation factor quite a bit.
Screw it, it was a Swedish massage, and she enjoyed it, dammit.
Not only is this friend a massage therapist, she's also an acupuncturist and physical therapist.
That upped the intimidation factor quite a bit.
Screw it, it was a Swedish massage, and she enjoyed it, dammit.
That'll teach me!
I got off work early today since we were slow this afternoon, which suits me fine, seeing as I have homework (that I really should be doing NOW, as opposed to blogging!) I found my car on the employee parking lot, hopped in and removed and folded up the sunshade (a true necessity in Vegas). Then, as I turned back toward the wind shield after stashing the shade, I yelped in surprise and horror: There was the biggest, most disgusting pile of bird poop on my windshield I've ever seen in my life. I said "pile" and I meant it. The sucker was as big as my hand, and I have big frickin' hands! My door was still open, and another employee was headed for his car and I shouted out to him, "What the hell kind of bird leaves a poop this big?" He laughed and replied, while looking up at the sky, "I don't know, but I sure hope it's gone!"
That'll teach me to never park under the light. Stupid bird.
That'll teach me to never park under the light. Stupid bird.
Focus
While I walk clients to the treatment room, I quiz them about their health history, how they're doing today, any surgeries or injuries, etc. Then I ask them the question that makes me cringe inwardly in anticipation:
"Any areas you'd like me to focus on today?"
So far, not a single client has gone to the gutter to find an answer to this question, luckily.
The other day however, the following conversation took place (the client was scheduled for a 50-minute deep tissue massage):
Me: Any areas you'd like me to focus on today?
Him: Well, I always need more work on my back, and my neck and shoulders hurt from the flight here and the crappy bed they gave me. And my feet and legs are sore from walking the convention so much. Oh, and please focus also on my forearms, I went golfing yesterday and I think I overdid it!
Me: *blink blink* So, basically your entire body?
Him: (sheepishly) Yeah, pretty much!
Me: Well, we've only got 50 minutes, but I'll do my best!
And I did.
"Any areas you'd like me to focus on today?"
So far, not a single client has gone to the gutter to find an answer to this question, luckily.
The other day however, the following conversation took place (the client was scheduled for a 50-minute deep tissue massage):
Me: Any areas you'd like me to focus on today?
Him: Well, I always need more work on my back, and my neck and shoulders hurt from the flight here and the crappy bed they gave me. And my feet and legs are sore from walking the convention so much. Oh, and please focus also on my forearms, I went golfing yesterday and I think I overdid it!
Me: *blink blink* So, basically your entire body?
Him: (sheepishly) Yeah, pretty much!
Me: Well, we've only got 50 minutes, but I'll do my best!
And I did.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Okay, now somebody tell me what it means, 'cause I don't have a clue!
I know nothing about guns (yet!). I qualified on the M16 in Basic Training back in 1989, that's it.
Harder!
It never ceases to amaze me how much punishment the smallest, skinniest people can take.
If I can feel your ribs creak when I'm doing a deep forearm or elbow stroke up your back, you don't need deeper pressure!
Also, hot stone massage is for relaxation, just the fact that they're radiating heat is therapeutic, the heat penetrates deep into the tissues.
You don't need me to apply deep pressure with the rocks, they can actually chip bone.
Go visit a swami and learn how to walk on coals or lie on a bed of nails, and stop bothering me.
But thanks for the tip, I appreciate it.
If I can feel your ribs creak when I'm doing a deep forearm or elbow stroke up your back, you don't need deeper pressure!
Also, hot stone massage is for relaxation, just the fact that they're radiating heat is therapeutic, the heat penetrates deep into the tissues.
You don't need me to apply deep pressure with the rocks, they can actually chip bone.
Go visit a swami and learn how to walk on coals or lie on a bed of nails, and stop bothering me.
But thanks for the tip, I appreciate it.
Skin assessment
One aspect of massage therapy I don't believe I've touched on (hah! Pun unintended.) is skin assessment. It's the job of the therapist to assess the skin of our clients, and notify them of anything suspicious. Also, it protects US, since we have the right to say, sorry, this rash looks suspicious, I'm going to have to break the massage off (or get gloves, whichever seems best in the situation).
I had a client for a sports massage a few days ago who had a fairly large lesion on his back that he wasn't even aware of. It had an irregular border and sort of a crusty scab-like thing on top. It didn't cause him pain when I touched it, probably the reason he was unaware of it. What made me wonder is that he mentioned he was in Vegas with his wife. Why the heck hadn't she said something to him about it? Anyway, I recommended he see a doctor about it, and reminded him again at the end of the session. Pretty much all I can do.
This actually happens pretty regularly. A lot of my clients are older, and most have some kind of sun damage to their skin. Thankfully awareness is high. Almost every time I point out a suspicious mole, the client is already aware of it, or say they've had it checked out. In one case recently, the client already had a date for removal scheduled. Whew, that's really a relief to me!
If I had a private practice, it would be a little different. I'd keep charts/files on all my clients, and document, document, document (a.k.a. CYA). It would also be a lot easier to keep track of things like changes in moles, etc. if I had regular clients. With the client's permission, I could periodically take photos with a ruler or other measure, then I'd have something to pass on to the client's physician, if necessary.
All part of the job.
I had a client for a sports massage a few days ago who had a fairly large lesion on his back that he wasn't even aware of. It had an irregular border and sort of a crusty scab-like thing on top. It didn't cause him pain when I touched it, probably the reason he was unaware of it. What made me wonder is that he mentioned he was in Vegas with his wife. Why the heck hadn't she said something to him about it? Anyway, I recommended he see a doctor about it, and reminded him again at the end of the session. Pretty much all I can do.
This actually happens pretty regularly. A lot of my clients are older, and most have some kind of sun damage to their skin. Thankfully awareness is high. Almost every time I point out a suspicious mole, the client is already aware of it, or say they've had it checked out. In one case recently, the client already had a date for removal scheduled. Whew, that's really a relief to me!
If I had a private practice, it would be a little different. I'd keep charts/files on all my clients, and document, document, document (a.k.a. CYA). It would also be a lot easier to keep track of things like changes in moles, etc. if I had regular clients. With the client's permission, I could periodically take photos with a ruler or other measure, then I'd have something to pass on to the client's physician, if necessary.
All part of the job.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Never
I will never have a man in my life. I might find one, but never keep one.
Once he hears me talking to my dogs, the dorkiness of which makes ME cringe in horror, he'll hightail it to the hills before I can finish saying, "Ohhhhh, my precious puppehs! Hi, my sweet puppehs!"
*sigh*
Once he hears me talking to my dogs, the dorkiness of which makes ME cringe in horror, he'll hightail it to the hills before I can finish saying, "Ohhhhh, my precious puppehs! Hi, my sweet puppehs!"
*sigh*
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Comment card
Here's the comment card from the dude I massaged yesterday...so, he loses a point for the "Christine"...though I get it all the time.
This one's for Breda
I brazenly took this photo this evening, as I stopped by our library on my way home from work:
I wonder if this applies to old ladies who wear much too much perfume...?
I wonder if this applies to old ladies who wear much too much perfume...?
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Clients
Yesterday, I massaged a very, very large lady who laughed uncontrollably during most of the massage. Thankfully, she warned me about it, or I might have been even more unnerved than I was. It was very infectious laughter to boot!
She told me afterwards that she'd be coming back in two months with a friend; then she took my card. I love repeat clients!
My last client today was a very handsome young man who had booked a 90 minute deep tissue massage. He told me upfront he liked a lot of pressure, that he was a bodybuilder and received massage regularly.
I really gave it my all during this massage, I used all my tools (elbows, loose fists, knuckles, etc.) to make sure he got his money's worth. I told him at the beginning not to be macho, to tell me if it was ever too much pressure, but still monitored him closely for any signs I was going too deep. I was working on his lower back and noticed his fingers were twitching. I at first assumed I needed to ease up a little, then I heard a noise...he was SNORING!!
Here I was working my ass off, and he was sleeping.
When we were finished and I handed him his water outside of the treatment room, he shook my hand and said, "Christina, you're obviously a professional. I've had many massages, but that was by far the best deep tissue massage I've ever had."
Inside my head I was squeeing, but also thinking, "How do you KNOW, you were sleeping most of the time!" Then again, maybe that's his measure.
He took several business cards (He's visiting with NINE friends), and he also filled out a comment card at the front desk. AND he tipped me $40.00.
The trifecta of awesome.
Apropos of nothing, I'm making progress in NOT cussing people out when on the road, yay, me!
She told me afterwards that she'd be coming back in two months with a friend; then she took my card. I love repeat clients!
My last client today was a very handsome young man who had booked a 90 minute deep tissue massage. He told me upfront he liked a lot of pressure, that he was a bodybuilder and received massage regularly.
I really gave it my all during this massage, I used all my tools (elbows, loose fists, knuckles, etc.) to make sure he got his money's worth. I told him at the beginning not to be macho, to tell me if it was ever too much pressure, but still monitored him closely for any signs I was going too deep. I was working on his lower back and noticed his fingers were twitching. I at first assumed I needed to ease up a little, then I heard a noise...he was SNORING!!
Here I was working my ass off, and he was sleeping.
When we were finished and I handed him his water outside of the treatment room, he shook my hand and said, "Christina, you're obviously a professional. I've had many massages, but that was by far the best deep tissue massage I've ever had."
Inside my head I was squeeing, but also thinking, "How do you KNOW, you were sleeping most of the time!" Then again, maybe that's his measure.
He took several business cards (He's visiting with NINE friends), and he also filled out a comment card at the front desk. AND he tipped me $40.00.
The trifecta of awesome.
Apropos of nothing, I'm making progress in NOT cussing people out when on the road, yay, me!
Almost forgot...
On Monday when I clocked in at work, the TIME CLOCK wished me a happy birthday, how bizarre and cool is that?!
Well, maybe only to me...
Well, maybe only to me...
Back Home
There's no phrase I dread hearing more from a client.
As in: "Back home, my therapist does x-y-z."
"Back home, my gal (yes, he said GAL) puts eucalyptus oil on a tissue and lays it over the bridge of my nose, clears my sinuses right up."
"Back home, my masseuse digs right in with her elbows."
"Back home, my massage only costs half what I paid here!"
Okay, enough already!
I understand that you are used to a certain kind of massage, that you are used to a specific therapist, and a (usually) much lower price. BUT, you're NOT BACK HOME, are you?! This is the Las Vegas Strip, where everything is more expensive, and just because you paid more doesn't mean I'm going to do a fan dance with a bunch of feathers, or escort you to the treatment room walking on my hands.
And it would be really nice if you gave me the courtesy of a chance, at least, to show you what I can do. Without being hampered by your expectations.
Thank you, that is all.
As in: "Back home, my therapist does x-y-z."
"Back home, my gal (yes, he said GAL) puts eucalyptus oil on a tissue and lays it over the bridge of my nose, clears my sinuses right up."
"Back home, my masseuse digs right in with her elbows."
"Back home, my massage only costs half what I paid here!"
Okay, enough already!
I understand that you are used to a certain kind of massage, that you are used to a specific therapist, and a (usually) much lower price. BUT, you're NOT BACK HOME, are you?! This is the Las Vegas Strip, where everything is more expensive, and just because you paid more doesn't mean I'm going to do a fan dance with a bunch of feathers, or escort you to the treatment room walking on my hands.
And it would be really nice if you gave me the courtesy of a chance, at least, to show you what I can do. Without being hampered by your expectations.
Thank you, that is all.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Have any "Man" questions?
Well, you've (definitely) come to the wrong spot.
These two gentlemen, however, can answer all your many, manLy questions.
Go. E-mail. Read the answers. Be amused.
These two gentlemen, however, can answer all your many, manLy questions.
Go. E-mail. Read the answers. Be amused.
Happy Birthday, Harley!
It's my little puppeh's turn today! He's exactly three weeks younger than Tucker, but much, much feistier. Here are some (slightly blurry) pics of him gnawing on his birthday apple.
After a few minutes of this, I took pity on him and cut the apple up. I split it between both dogs, just like I split up Tucker's hamburger on his birthday.
Share and share alike in the motto in my house!
After a few minutes of this, I took pity on him and cut the apple up. I split it between both dogs, just like I split up Tucker's hamburger on his birthday.
Share and share alike in the motto in my house!
Disconnect
I realized something as I drove to school this evening. I don't have road rage per se, because I'm not really aware of what I'm saying. There's a disconnect between what's going on in my brain and what comes out of my mouth. It's like my mouth is on auto-pilot.
I was stuck behind two cars at a light that had just turned green, and I guess they were too slow for me (I was running a little late).
They finally moved, and as I started forward, I heard the echo of the words I had just said:
"C'mon motherfuckers...I mean...Jesus Christ!"
No wonder my daughter can swear like a sailor denied shore leave.
She learned it (inadvertently) from me!
How do I change this behavior, when most of the time I'm not even aware of it? I shudder to think of giving someone a ride in my car, they'll have a whole new (most likely unfavorable) impression of me.
Any suggestions?
I was stuck behind two cars at a light that had just turned green, and I guess they were too slow for me (I was running a little late).
They finally moved, and as I started forward, I heard the echo of the words I had just said:
"C'mon motherfuckers...I mean...Jesus Christ!"
No wonder my daughter can swear like a sailor denied shore leave.
She learned it (inadvertently) from me!
How do I change this behavior, when most of the time I'm not even aware of it? I shudder to think of giving someone a ride in my car, they'll have a whole new (most likely unfavorable) impression of me.
Any suggestions?
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
*sigh*
I really, really admire all this man has accomplished in his career(s). All the medals and accolades are certainly impressive. He served his country with honor and distinction, and thousands of soldiers looked up to him and were inspired.
But as a father and grandfather, well, let's just say there's definitely room for improvement. And that's putting it very diplomatically.
Thanks for forgetting my birthday AGAIN, Dad.
*UPDATE*
My Dad e-mailed me this morning to wish me a Happy Birthday. He thinks my birthday is March 5th. 03/03/70. You'd think THREE-THREE would be easy to remember. Oh, well, I guess it's the thought that counts.
But as a father and grandfather, well, let's just say there's definitely room for improvement. And that's putting it very diplomatically.
Thanks for forgetting my birthday AGAIN, Dad.
*UPDATE*
My Dad e-mailed me this morning to wish me a Happy Birthday. He thinks my birthday is March 5th. 03/03/70. You'd think THREE-THREE would be easy to remember. Oh, well, I guess it's the thought that counts.
Woo-hoo!
I got my algebra test back, you know, the one I took last Tuesday...
I got 109 out of a possible score of 110! My prof wrote "very good" at the top of my test, squeeeeeeee!
The only point I got taken off was because on one problem I didn't simplify "2x divided by 6" into "1/3x".
Oh, well. Who cares? I GOT AN A.
Here's to hoping I can continue in this fashion.
I got 109 out of a possible score of 110! My prof wrote "very good" at the top of my test, squeeeeeeee!
The only point I got taken off was because on one problem I didn't simplify "2x divided by 6" into "1/3x".
Oh, well. Who cares? I GOT AN A.
Here's to hoping I can continue in this fashion.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Job Satisfaction
I know I bitch about stingy tips, complain when business is slow, etc., etc.
However, the reason I went into massage therapy still guides me: I want to help people and make them feel better.
Whenever I can alleviate a client's pain, when a client exits the treatment room beaming, saying he feels fantastic, like a million bucks, outstanding, any monetary considerations are immaterial.
I massaged an elderly lady last week who'd had rotator cuff surgery a few months ago. She was in a lot of pain, and still didn't have full range of motion of that arm. Even though she was booked for a Swedish massage, NOT a deep tissue, I still went ahead and did deep/injury work on her arm and shoulder. She told me, "You don't know how good this feels. Bless your hands! You better take care of those hands, they're gonna help a lot of people!"
I felt such a burst of joy when she said that, it was like an explosion of sunshine in my chest. I had to hold back tears.
She went on to have a facial after our session, and I ran into her later while I was between other services as she was getting dressed to leave; she smiled at me and told me again how good I'd made her feel.
That evening, as I collected my tips from the tip-box, I saw she'd left myself and the aesthetician who had done her facial $2.00 each. As my colleague groused, I just smiled and walked away.
However, the reason I went into massage therapy still guides me: I want to help people and make them feel better.
Whenever I can alleviate a client's pain, when a client exits the treatment room beaming, saying he feels fantastic, like a million bucks, outstanding, any monetary considerations are immaterial.
I massaged an elderly lady last week who'd had rotator cuff surgery a few months ago. She was in a lot of pain, and still didn't have full range of motion of that arm. Even though she was booked for a Swedish massage, NOT a deep tissue, I still went ahead and did deep/injury work on her arm and shoulder. She told me, "You don't know how good this feels. Bless your hands! You better take care of those hands, they're gonna help a lot of people!"
I felt such a burst of joy when she said that, it was like an explosion of sunshine in my chest. I had to hold back tears.
She went on to have a facial after our session, and I ran into her later while I was between other services as she was getting dressed to leave; she smiled at me and told me again how good I'd made her feel.
That evening, as I collected my tips from the tip-box, I saw she'd left myself and the aesthetician who had done her facial $2.00 each. As my colleague groused, I just smiled and walked away.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Cool Tattoos
I massaged a client a few days ago who had tattoos that made me laugh out loud. Which, by the way, is completely unprofessional, but the client was very understanding.
He had a tattoo of HIMSELF on each shoulder, one as an angel in a contemplative pose, and one as a devil looking angry with a fist raised. He pointed out to me that the devil was slightly smaller than the angel, indicating that his conscience was stronger than his "evil" side.
Clever.
Honestly, unless the client mentions them, I make no comments during the massage about any tattoos or other body art, this just took me by surprise!
He had a tattoo of HIMSELF on each shoulder, one as an angel in a contemplative pose, and one as a devil looking angry with a fist raised. He pointed out to me that the devil was slightly smaller than the angel, indicating that his conscience was stronger than his "evil" side.
Clever.
Honestly, unless the client mentions them, I make no comments during the massage about any tattoos or other body art, this just took me by surprise!
Another year older...
but any wiser? Don't know.
So today I'm officially two years away from the big 4-0.
But I'm only getting better.
FIVE years ago I had an amusing birthday. Why? Because I was born on 3/3/70; it means that on 3/3/03, a.k.a. the third day of the third month of the third year of the third millennium I turned thirty three!
Everyone I worked with at that time told me to head over to California and buy some lottery tickets, or to go to a local casino and play the big slots. I said no.
'Cause it doesn't really mean anything, seeing as our calendar is pretty arbitrary.
So today I'm officially two years away from the big 4-0.
But I'm only getting better.
FIVE years ago I had an amusing birthday. Why? Because I was born on 3/3/70; it means that on 3/3/03, a.k.a. the third day of the third month of the third year of the third millennium I turned thirty three!
Everyone I worked with at that time told me to head over to California and buy some lottery tickets, or to go to a local casino and play the big slots. I said no.
'Cause it doesn't really mean anything, seeing as our calendar is pretty arbitrary.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Shake up
I haven't posted about this, since I almost felt I'd jinx myself if I mentioned it.
For the past two weeks or so, I've had the sword of Damocles dangling above my head, ready to slice and dice at any time without warning. There had been (confirmed) rumors going around about layoffs, company-wide. As the therapist with the least seniority, I thought I'd better get my resume ready, I was going to be out of a job. Anytime my boss called me into the office, I braced myself, ready to hear the unwelcome news, telling myself to get through it with dignity, and without tears.
Yesterday the layoffs happened, but I dodged the bullet. Apparently HR went by performance reports, evaluations, and disciplinary actions (or rather, the lack thereof), instead of relying merely on seniority. As a result, J.A., the therapist who'd been there the longest (13 years!), and my friend K. were let go.
I was very upset on K.'s behalf, but on the other hand, I'm human. I definitely am not getting any enjoyment from her pain, as a matter of fact, the only time I've ever felt Schadenfreude that in any way was appropriate was when I found out my ex-husband's new wife had gone from a size 2 to a size 12 since they married...but I digress.
Of COURSE I am relieved that I didn't get the axe. I'm the sole provider for my little family, and I struggle enough on what I make to get by. Even though I didn't know for sure it was going to be me who got tossed out, I've still been obsessing about it constantly, worrying and fretting non-stop.
Thankfully, that's over with now. However, my schedule at work has changed and I'm working Thursdays-Mondays now, so Silver will have to get used to not seeing me on the weekends very much. I'm just happy to still have a job to go to, so I'm certainly not complaining about my new hours!
I'm so glad I have this blog, it forces me to clarify my thoughts and emotions; any readers out there...I'm very thankful for you, too.
For the past two weeks or so, I've had the sword of Damocles dangling above my head, ready to slice and dice at any time without warning. There had been (confirmed) rumors going around about layoffs, company-wide. As the therapist with the least seniority, I thought I'd better get my resume ready, I was going to be out of a job. Anytime my boss called me into the office, I braced myself, ready to hear the unwelcome news, telling myself to get through it with dignity, and without tears.
Yesterday the layoffs happened, but I dodged the bullet. Apparently HR went by performance reports, evaluations, and disciplinary actions (or rather, the lack thereof), instead of relying merely on seniority. As a result, J.A., the therapist who'd been there the longest (13 years!), and my friend K. were let go.
I was very upset on K.'s behalf, but on the other hand, I'm human. I definitely am not getting any enjoyment from her pain, as a matter of fact, the only time I've ever felt Schadenfreude that in any way was appropriate was when I found out my ex-husband's new wife had gone from a size 2 to a size 12 since they married...but I digress.
Of COURSE I am relieved that I didn't get the axe. I'm the sole provider for my little family, and I struggle enough on what I make to get by. Even though I didn't know for sure it was going to be me who got tossed out, I've still been obsessing about it constantly, worrying and fretting non-stop.
Thankfully, that's over with now. However, my schedule at work has changed and I'm working Thursdays-Mondays now, so Silver will have to get used to not seeing me on the weekends very much. I'm just happy to still have a job to go to, so I'm certainly not complaining about my new hours!
I'm so glad I have this blog, it forces me to clarify my thoughts and emotions; any readers out there...I'm very thankful for you, too.
Friday, February 29, 2008
noteworthy plates II
Seen on my drive home this evening:
YUPYUP
and
QTEEPIE
Also seen on the road to school yesterday, an SUV in the middle of the street, surrounded by SIX police cars with lights flashing.
Wonder what was up?
YUPYUP
and
QTEEPIE
Also seen on the road to school yesterday, an SUV in the middle of the street, surrounded by SIX police cars with lights flashing.
Wonder what was up?
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