The Economy Sucks

There is all this talk lately with the recent big Wall Street crashes of what our presidential nominees will do. Yes, yes, all is well with us looking at the future. I do want to know Obama's plan in better detail, and I do want to find out if McCain even knew the economy was bad. However, election day is a little over a month, and the new president is coming on in about 3-4 months. So what I'm getting at here- is WHAT THE HELL IS THE CURRENT PRESIDENT OF THE US DOING???

Bush- I get you're leaving the office soon. I get you've accomplished your master plan of ruining this country, and have managed to do so in less than 8 years. But you are still the president of the US- you still need to respond to crisis when it effects the country. If someone attacked us tomorrow- would you say "let the next guy handle it"???

This article outlines in brief what Bush mentioned in response to the economy, which was a bit of nothing and the recently usual way of answering any tough questions for a Republican- answer vaguely and hope they are stupid enough to not question. The sad part is, people in this country are stupid enough to not follow up on Mr. President- what the fuck you gonna do?

Why is no one asking this question? Why is Congress not pushing the president to address these matters? Why is it that no one is saying anything about AIG being bailed out by "the government" with US tax dollars?

Have we become a country of lame ducks? We can talk (and I can write) all we want about plans, and economies, but if we do not put heat to the people in power to make the right decisions about things that will effect our lives- I guess that says a lot about a country prided in being one of the best.

A city girl in Texas

I flew into Texas today for work, and it felt ... weird. I've traveled for work quite a bit, but never alone. It felt freeing and lonely at the same time. The drivers here are not as aggressive- even during rush hour. I made it a point to try some texas bbq- and it was pretty decent despite the non-five star looking place. Ok- decent is a bad word here. It was actually good. During landing I was half expecting to see like a huge cow boy hat or something that would marker that it was texas (the only marker were the endless steakhouses and the George Bush Highway). I expected dirty looks from southerners who'd never seen a "colored" girl before (I'm not white- er caucasian)- either mistaking me for a mexican or... something else. I did get looks (mainly because of my T-shirt that said "NY Attitude" on it) but everyone was pretty friendly. So far Texas ain't so bad- just kind of hot and sort of boring. But this is a city girl talkin- it takes a LOT to impress me.

My first (of many) rant on stupidity

I figured out a long time ago when I was much younger that people are stupid. But it seems that time and time again I can't help but get irked by their continuous helpless need to be so stupid and lack complete and utter common sense. Who am I to judge? You ask. Well, for one, my IQ is higher than the average joe (I'm 132 the last time I checked), I've always done a little better than others in my life (a little is an understatement, I was always at the top schools within the top 10%, got a full ride scholarship), I learn fast, work hard, and understand things quicker than the person next to me... most of the time. I correct grammar and work of co-workers twice my age, I've managed to be promoted twice within one year- at my first (real) job, I've only been working for the Feds for 1 year and already they're talking about a manager spot for me. I'm not the smartest person I know by any means, but I'm smarter than the average Jane and Joe. Now that I've convinced you of absolutely nothing, lets move on.

Why do people do stupid things? Why is it that people do not think out their actions, or think before they perform an action? For an example, a co-worker of mine sends me an email. About 5 minutes later, she walks over to tell me she sent me an email (yup, thanks, saw it in my box) and then goes on to explain what she wrote in the email (yea... I read it as well, but I guess you just rather repeat yourself). Why do people INSIST on wasting their time doing double the work? Isn't that what email is for? Isn't the purpose of email to leave you a message. If I needed further clarification- wouldn't I approach and ask you?

Another instance of stupidity. This girl I know has been having problems with her roommate, so she bombards me in the middle of the day requesting "my opinion" on this very annoying situation that's got her "anxious." She had payed the utility bills of the new apartment she moved into for the months she did not occupy it, thinking she'd be reimbursed. When the old tenant submitted the check, one of her roommates took it and deposited it into her own account and claimed the money would go towards the cable bill. This girl, well knowing this money belonged to her, emailed her roommate and said she "wasn't sure" but she "feels" like the money belongs to her because of the situation. The roommate, who she's been having problems with, went off on her in the email, saying she made no sense. So I tell this girl what my logical no nonsense self would do- get your numbers straight, present her the numbers, no need to be dramatic, just state the facts. I told her not to use words like "unsure" and "I feel"... and of course while I am giving her this advice that she asked for- she proceeds to cut me off and tell me "I don't think I need to pull the bill. I think that's going to far, I don't need to handle it like that."

So wait- let me get this straight. First you want my advice. Then you want to get your money back. Then you want to set your roommate straight. But when I tell you stop using words like "feel" and "unsure"- which completely discredits you - you tell me I am wrong. Um, ok. How about I walk away from the 30 minutes I just spent trying to give you "advice" that you don't really want. The 30 minutes constituted her going on and on about not knowing what to do, and how to approach the situation, etc etc.

Why is it that people are willing to complain about the wrong- but do not do anything to rectify the situation when they can? I mean- she's SCARED of her roommate, and therefore she won't do anything. But why waste my time telling me you need an opinion when all you needed was a ear? If that's what you wanted, heck I wouldn't have said a word. (In fact, in retrospect I don't think I would of wasted another minute on this girl). Why don't people say what they really mean and do what they need to to assuage a situation?

Sometimes individuals want to be pitied and be in "dramatic" situations. Some people know exactly what needs to be done to fix a situation but still beat around the bush so they can whine about it. My sister has this great line she uses when she whines that irks me up the wazoo, "Can you not give me advice right now? I just need you to listen." Great, cuz I was supposed to read your mind. She's gotten better at least in that she gives me a disclaimer before our conversations now so I know to keep my mouth shut or answer away.

I guess I just can't help myself- I am a problem solver. I see a problem, I immediately look for solutions. I dislike how others sit on their problems (not the unsolvable ones) and let them be (and continue to complain and ask for pity) when there are clear solutions to them.

Last point: a recently turned intern to full time employee at work has just received a grade in scale promotion and an office. So he goes around showing everyone he's worthy of this by- coming it at 8:30am and leaving for lunch at 11am. Returning from lunch at 1pm. Answering every question asked to him by "I don't know about that, I didn't handle that part of it, I just (fill in the blank with a menial admin task)". Some people (ok most, besides his boss whose c*ck he's sucking) know he's not worthy of real work so they drab him with admin work, which he cannot even do without interrupting you about 5 times in an hour- your door is closed and you're having lunch btw- to ask you again what was it that you asked him to do. Today I had to work with this genius, and our meeting is at 1pm, and the one document I asked he prepare for the meeting is being printed at 1:05... and it's the wrong document. He was so useless I actually had to shoo him away. But his useless self finds his way back to my meeting, and as we are finishing up- he says "Well WOW, I've still got 40 minutes to blow here!"

Ok- dumbass- keep declaring the world how useless you are. Most of us sneak our long lunches, late mornings, and lack of work. But you... YOU love to show how important you are by declaring it. Where's my director when you need him???

Yes, I work with a bunch of idiots. Apparently I live in a world full of them too.

"There's a hole in the world like a great black pit, And it's filled with people who are filled with shit." ~Sweeny Todd

(Disclaimer: I wrote this on a Monday, and I am particularly harsh on Monday. So please don't be offended by my post, I hope I made you laugh a little and I hope overall you see (via my other posts maybe... wait, maybe not) that I'm not an egotistical no nonsense millennial at all...)

Thank you Doctor, for taking my money

When did doctor's offices become such assholes? I mean, aren't we paying them for a service? Why is it that I feel that I am at the mercy of someone who gets paid atleast double my salary and takes most of my salary...?

I called the dentist's office today telling them I need to speak to Mr. Dentist about the root canal he started last week. If you don't know what a root canal is- wikipedia it. It hurts. Maybe not during the process because I'm numbed up quite nicely, but afterwards it's painful. This is my second one as of recent, and my forth in my life. So I pretty much spent the holiday weekend curled up in the corner wincing in pain, waiting for the 1000mg of ibprofin to kick in. God forbid I fell asleep and surpassed more than 4 hours of no pain meds, I would wake up in unbearable pain in the middle of the morning and the medicine would take yet another hour to kick in. I'm running low on meds, and that advil crap ain't workin.

So I call up the dentist's office to ask that he see me or prescribe me something strong or SOMETHING because my stash is running low and it isn't working. I have codine in line if the pain gets bad (leftovers from wisdom tooth extractions... yes I've been through a lot of pain this year) but I don't particularly enjoy taking pain meds like that. The receptionist says he will call me back. Four hours later- no call back. No nothing. I call again and she says she will speak to Mr. Dentist and he might phone in a prescription to my pharmacy. That was an hour ago, and as I write this- their office closes in about 4 mintues.

So someone tell me when the hell people in the service industry with expertise got to be so damn snooty??? I mean, am I not PAYING for this service? Why am I the one taking the day off of work so Mr. Dentist can not work weekends, Fridays, and after 4pm? I mean... wtf?

This dentist's office is not the only office that I've delt with like this. I once had an appointment with a doctor who I was trying to obtain as a primary care physician. She gives me an appointment at 5pm. I rush there after work, seeing that I am stuck in traffic at 4:55pm- I give her a courtesy call to let her know that I am almost there. She says, in her broken Indian accent, "NO no no you can't come now the secretary is gone!" WHAT? Lady- why did you give me the appointment then? Then she goes, "What's your problem?" I explained it was like carpel tunnelish pain that disturbed my work and life (duh- desk job) and she said "oh" like it just wasn't important enough for her to handle this right now. WTF? Are you kidding me?

Doctors in the US have so much money that they do not work for- it's ridiculous. I'm not spot on on exactly how it all works (and feel free to educate me) but something as simple as an X-ray costs a lot- and though the money may not be directly coming out of our pockets, the insurance influx is boat loads. For weekend golfing trips, being home every Friday, and getting home before the rush hour even starts... can't you just frikkin call me back and give me a damn prescription??

I'm too good for expectations

I had an interesting conversation with my sister today that brought up a lot of interesting topics about getting married and expectations. She, my sister, who is 6 years older than me, is getting married in the summer. She's been with the guy for maybe 3 or so years, but has known him longer. He's real nice and stuff. I just realized that has nothing to do with anything I'm about to write... Anyways it was not about her and her marriage, it was about me and mine (future).

I've been with the same person for 8 years. We were high school sweethearts, college sweethearts- yes roll your eyes cuz your jealous but he is the love of my life. But... and there is always a but... sometimes I get a bit freaked that I'm expected to be a housewife. I know HE does not expect this from me, he knows me- I'm known for my brain, I have a guy like humor, I don't do dishes, I'm lazy, I'm one of the most low maintenance girls I know, I cook on occasion, I plan to make more money than him... he knows- and more importantly gets- this package. However, convincing his parents that this package is acceptable is a completely different story.

We were born in another country, with customs much more stricter than what is the american culture. We both grew up here, so mind you we are americanized. But our parents lived their life elsewhere, and they think with those types of ideologies. So I think to myself- in my country, women are wives first, get married starting at 16, are prized for their beauty and obedience... you get the drift. Not all women are like that. My mom is the boss in my house, and all the women in my family are educated. But I feel like it's a bit different with me...

See in my culture, men feed the family. Boys are prized for their genitals (ok- not exactly, what I meant was biology) and somehow they are superhuman and their careers are important enough for them to slack in other things like fairness to wife and stuff. Again, not in my family. My father is pretty liberal, he's raised 3 girls and empowered us to become all we can be. Hence the reason why my education is really important to me. I worked hard for it, and paid for it, and in one way or another, have always been a nerd. I'm the brain in my family, have a pretty high profile job, and among most people have accomplished a lot for someone in my age.

My BF is one of these steller people too. He's successful, on the right path, smart as hell (smarter than me, can you believe it?), and has an awesome personality. However, he's the oldest and only son, and everytime I've been near his parents, I can't help but think they expect that once we get married, that I will be at home while he works and cookin' dinner by the time he gets home... This ain't gonna happen, see. I live alone now and don't even make dinner for myself. I don't clean unless I want to. I'm the boss of me and that's that. Put someone else's expectations in there and who knows what will happen.

My BF loves his family, and eventually wants to live with them. I wonder, what will they think of me when they find out I'm not the stay at home and be quiet kinda girl? Will they think less of me? Or think that I'm a bad wife or daughter-in-law because to me career is just as important for progression as his is? Sometimes I wonder if they know what they're getting into...

Does anyone actually like their job?

Back in the day when life was simpler and I was in college (ok, life wasn't that much simpler, but simpler none the less), my best friend would tell me he hated his job. My response, which is always somewhat satirical, logical, and concise, was "So quit". A year or so later, I got my first (career worthy) job and I realize that I hate my job as well.

Now don't get me wrong, it's a good job. It pays decent, great benefits, good first job, making some great connections, and I'll have no problems staying nor leaving, but the truth is, I rather be somewhere else. And by somewhere else I mean home, in bed, sleeping.

This was not the job I wanted, and though by no means is it a bad job, it isn't my dream job. My dream job was to write- and here I am blogging in the evening... so it goes to show you that went nowhere. I just don't think I've found a person who LOVES their job. How many people go after their real dream jobs? Isn't there always something standing in the way? How many people even know what they want as a dream job? Seems like everyone is on a "stepping stone" to get to the next level- some are just stupid enough to settle for their stepping stone. Or am I completely wrong? Is there some brilliant way of achieving that dream job through hard work and dedication and I'm just young and stupid and don't see this. I know it's possible for me, sometime in my future, but how many of these hateful jobs must I go through to actually like what I do?

Do you like your job?

Name That Blog!

First off, naming this blog was a bitch. Why are all the good names taken by idiots who choose not to blog, but just take up webspace? Shouldn't there be an agreement where your blog gets cancelled, and your name revoked and put back into the "Name your blog" bin where others can bask in the success of your blog when it was popular? Like AIMs screen name policy, blog names unused for some time should be recycled after 6-12 months, which AIM figures that was enough for people to forget who that bastard was since they haven't IMed anyone recently. I came upon naming my blog, stumbling upon blogs with the names that I wanted, and went ahead to check out their sites to make sure my concept wasn't already out there. I found a bunch of public diaries, and people who took some damn good blog names and have posted nothing in about 2 years. Thanks losers.

That ain't me. I won't be writing about my life, friends or how I broke my ankle or how lonely I am. I'll be writing about my observations and my somewhat half serious half comedic view on the daily grind of life. Yes, it's been done before. But the question is, can I do it? And with success?

I want to make others think, there is no way I am the only one who thinks this way. No darn way. I want conversations about what I write. I want to be read. I want to be googled. I will be candid, because the truth is you can't be in real life. The internet is the only place to (somewhat) safely express your real thoughts. I need to make sense of the things I see everyday, and if I gain one fan- one person who says "hmmm..." after reading my words, I'll be just fine.