The Adventures of Being Me

Here is the Christmas letter I typed for my family and friends this year. Seasons Greetings to all my dear family and friends: I have been busy this year working and playing. I drove through winter storms in the dark to get home. Once I turned back and went home after skidding a few times driving to work. Now I live in Des Moines, 5 minutes north of the airport, so I will make it to work every day. The car rental closes for no blizzard. Someone has to rent cars one way when airline passengers are stranded and answer phones. If my car is too hard to dig out, a coworker will to pick me up in a suv. Sure having a day off sounds nice, but I need the money. Spring saw my baby niece get baptized and I tried out my new digital camera. Mom was disappointed in the picture outcomes, but then it was my 1st time printing pictures on my computer. My printer is not specialized in printing photos because I did not expect to be printing any when I bought it. Each time I do get better at it...

Here is the Christmas letter I typed for my family and friends this year. Seasons Greetings to all my dear family and friends: I have been busy this year working and playing. I drove through winter storms in the dark to get home. Once I turned back and went home after skidding a few times driving to work. Now I live in Des Moines, 5 minutes north of the airport, so I will make it to work every day. The car rental closes for no blizzard. Someone has to rent cars one way when airline passengers are stranded and answer phones. If my car is too hard to dig out, a coworker will to pick me up in a suv. Sure having a day off sounds nice, but I need the money. Spring saw my baby niece get baptized and I tried out my new digital camera. Mom was disappointed in the picture outcomes, but then it was my 1st time printing pictures on my computer. My printer is not specialized in printing photos because I did not expect to be printing any when I bought it. Each time I do get better at it...

Here is the Christmas letter I typed for my family and friends this year. Seasons Greetings to all my dear family and friends: I have been busy this year working and playing. I drove through winter storms in the dark to get home. Once I turned back and went home after skidding a few times driving to work. Now I live in Des Moines, 5 minutes north of the airport, so I will make it to work every day. The car rental closes for no blizzard. Someone has to rent cars one way when airline passengers are stranded and answer phones. If my car is too hard to dig out, a coworker will to pick me up in a suv. Sure having a day off sounds nice, but I need the money. Spring saw my baby niece get baptized and I tried out my new digital camera. Mom was disappointed in the picture outcomes, but then it was my 1st time printing pictures on my computer. My printer is not specialized in printing photos because I did not expect to be printing any when I bought it. Each time I do get better at it...

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow. We finally got our first snowfall. Winter is here. Last night, I had the pleasure of scraping ice of my windows. I also am tired of lisening to Christmas music, especially when my coworker starts singing along. It is amazing that when I sing with the airport music, no one tells me to stop. I think I am over my cold. I am acting normal again. This afternoon before I sat in my pajamas and robe listening to my music boxes and gazing at my fiber optic tree. It was nice. Tomorrow I'll put up lights on my wall and work on my Christmas letter. I get things done early on so I can sit back and enjoy the holiday season while everyone else is scrambling to get things done. Someone asked if I was having a family gathering at my apartment this year. Heck no. I have a couch that seats 2, a rocking chair with foot rest, and a lawn chair to sit on. I also have a folding table without chairs (I sit on a step stool). My apartment would be an uncomfor...

Baby it's cold outside. Burlington, IA got snow on Thanksgiving. Today may be our turn. I wished I put on tights under my pants today. It was windy coming from the parking lot. Last night I rushed to put up plastic over my patio door. I'm not sure it all melted from the wrinkles, but my arms got tired and the blow dryer was burning my fingers enough to say it was good enough. This morning I did not desire to rise from my warm bed to face the world. Christmas music has taken over a few radio stations here. The airport plays both regular and Christmas. At least it is not as bad as listening to it for 8 hours at retail stores I worked at. One store had a toy store across from it and we had to listen to the singing fish all day. My manager used to say, Oh no, she's (me) singing with the fish. After a while I couldn't help it, it gets into my system. Another reason I like working here is because I don't have to worry about shoplifting season. Christmas,...

Hello again. I had a good Thanksgiving yesterday. My cold must affecting my brain since I barely recall my days off this week. I know I went grocery shopping to realize I forgot more cold medicine. Next day I went out to get more and found a spot close to the door. I work on my fairytale for niece #2, she's 12. I am still working on the plotline. I thought up much of the 1st half, but lack inspiration for the 2nd half. Maybe lightning will strike soon. On Wednesday, my internet access got irritably slow and would not connect. I call them up and was told the system crashed. If I still have trouble after it comes back up, call again. It took a day, but it is fine now. Yesterday, I drove to my parents' house. Grandma was napping so we talked in the kitchen with my brother. Mom said that her aunt in Tennessee that I write to a lot has cancer and will not live long enough to see my Christmas package, even if I mailed it today. Now what do I do with my package for her? My sis...

I stayed in bed most of the day. I got up to answer the phone. I think Mom feels the need to call every Monday. She wanted to tell me that I could hitch a ride with my sister when I come down for Thanksgiving. Then she thought that I might need an oil change. I said I would have to check the mileage. I never seen anyone so hyper over my oil changes. I desired to bring down my Halloween decorations to exchange for my Christmas decorations. My sister might not want all my boxes in her car. I asked about Grandma. Mom says she is normal some days (normal for Grandma) and other days she is out of it sleeping all day. Mom said her blood pressure drops suddenly, and unfortunately, Dad is not concerned. He carries on as usual, then again my parents grew in that ancient time period where emotions were never shown. I try to tell Mom that just because Dad does not constantly show his emotions does not mean he does not feel them. He copes differently from Mom. Mom also said Grandma desperately nee...

Another day working with a cold. I must have a friendly face with no make-up and a bright red nose. People keep coming to rent and return cars to pick me. One lady zeroed in on me with my head laying on the back of my chair and my coworker had to ask her twice if he could help her. She kept looking at me as she handed the keys to him. Thank you, Ryan. I had my head down because I felt dizzy. It comes and goes. At worse, I just grip the edge of the counter til the feeling subsides. I am not use to people coming to me. Most of the time they don't see me even when I'm yelling, May I help you, at them. I hear my coworkers say that I can help them after I give up. No impossible customers today. The full moon must have passed. Yesterday, a janitor stopped by and talked my ears off. I just nodded til I got dizzy. His wife is sick too. He recommended Vitamin C from oranges and a nice hot bath. I drink fruit juice fortified with Vitamin C, apparently it did not stop it. I...

Sometimes I hate working Saturdays. My coworker is not much an enforcer when it comes to convincing the car washers to do things they do not want to do. She often entrusts requests and information to a man who can not hold a thought. Anything she asks this man to do is never done, which perhaps explains why he only works 2 days out of the week. I learned to ask more responsible people if I want something done. At worst, I only once threatened to call the bossman sitting at home if I ran out of cars to rent out. After that, I got enough cars. I have been told he has a nasty temper when he is angry. I prefer not to see that side of his personality. I did hear him once yelling in the backroom with the door closed. I stuck my nose in a book and asked no questions. Once on a a Saturday did I call the bossman's brother to bring a car I did not have for a reservation that just popped up on screen, then another one that cancelled before he got there. I wonder if the car washers...

For some strange reason I attract weirdos to me, even with phone calls I get more weirdos. People tell me they get freaks too, so it is not just me. Today I dealt with someone wanting directions to the return lot, and misunderstood every word I said. Then someone could not find her rental car. Sometimes our car jockeys error in their jobs, so I give another car. She does not understand the direction 4th row, when she leaves it is the 4th row over. Then asks about row D the signs say D1, D2, D3, hers is the 12th car down the row. She wants someone to go with because this is too difficult for her. At the moment, there is no one to leave. She will just have to walk alone. The guys outside wrote the correct location for the car. Then a couple was here forever because their credit card won't go through. Sorry, if you can't pay for the rental we are not giving you a car. They tried different cards and called the credit card company. No help from them. Next, the man tries to gain symp...

Today the news reported 2 hit and run accidents occurring last night. One car killed a little boy and another seriously injured an university employee. Someone left red flowers where the boy died. There was debate over whether the boy was inside or outside the crosswalk lines. The employee was sadly under a street light that was not turned on. Nearly half the street lights in this city are turned off to save money. What is wrong with people? Do people who kill somebody with their car have their stereos so loud that they do not hear the thunk. I have been on highways and recently a street in Des Moines with several deer sticking their noses out on the side of the road. I hit the brakes and stopped. Another time there were 2 dogs in the middle of a highway on my way to work. I stopped and the car coming towards me stopped. The dogs could not decide which way to turn, so I drove into the gravel on the shoulder to go around them. So to anyone reading this: Please stop your car when so...

Today the news reported 2 hit and run accidents occurring last night. One car killed a little boy and another seriously injured an university employee. Someone left red flowers where the boy died. There was debate over whether the boy was inside or outside the crosswalk lines. The employee was sadly under a street light that was not turned on. Nearly half the street lights in this city are turned off to save money. What is wrong with people? Do people who kill somebody with their car have their stereos so loud that they do not hear the thunk. I have been on highways and recently a street in Des Moines with several deer sticking their noses out on the side of the road. I hit the brakes and stopped. Another time there were 2 dogs in the middle of a highway on my way to work. I stopped and the car coming towards me stopped. The dogs could not decide which way to turn, so I drove into the gravel on the shoulder to go around them. So to anyone reading this: Please stop your car when so...

Yesterday, I sealed up another window for winter to realize it was warmer outside, but very humid. I opened my patio door and turned on my ceiling fans to circulate the air. I slept in my summer pajamas under my flannel sheets last night. I did laundry at my sister's house and babysat while my sister went grocery shopping. We had a blast. She loved her bath toys I got for her birthday. We practiced standing and had tummy time where she pushes up on her arms real high. Everybody is shocked at work she is not walking and crawling yet, or use a sippy cup. Apparently, she wailed when given a sippy cup to drink from. They also give her minced fruits and vegetables instead of babyfood. Every bite she makes a yucky face. When I got back home I played solataire on my computer until I was sleepy. Today was raining. I think it still is. Much cooler now, but I put on my short sleeve uniform just in case. I would like to know where fall is. It is spring here. I heard bad news abo...

Today I went browsing through Christmas things in a mall and a Target. I did most of my Christmas shopping on a trip last August, but couldn't resist of few more items. I use to impulse shop after a fight with my Mom or a stressful day at work, but not anymore. It was something on the Oprah show during her Change Your Life series people critized. Someone said when shopping you should ask, Do I need this, Can I afford it, and Will it get used or sit in a closet to gather dust. Therefore, I pledged to myself to not let Mom get to me. I often told her that since my paycheck is in my name, I make the decisions how to spend it. When I spoke to Mom after that, I did not answer questions that were none of her business. I am not deep in debt so why should she care how many shoes I have. Another good way to browse and not buy was to leave my wallet at the shoe store I used to work at and tell myself through the mall that I can buy things tomorrow if I really want them. Today I wa...

My ego has been stroked. A customer told me that I just gave him the best customer service he ever had. I said Thank You, You have a good day. Customers rarely give compliments. Even worse is when they say they will fill out out a customer service feedback card many businesses have and never do. You are sure to hear from aggravated customers. Sometimes people get concerned after a heated altercation with a customer and I look frazzled. I have to assure these people that I am fine. One time a manager actually came over to the store after my phone call about a tiffed customer. I was stressed, but fine. I have been called a bitch before and will be again. The thing about customers threatening to speak to my manager on my rude behavior is that I can contact my manager before they can. Usually I hear they don't talk to the manager. I still notify (with my current manager by email) of incidents so they are not in the dark of the complaint. Managers often like being emotionally...

Last night ended very strange. First the printer broke and I had to turn on and log onto another computer hooked to another printer. Next, the new guy who asked me to go out for drinks in a prior entry stuck around a half hour after he was clocked out, just to walk me to my car. Then he threw in my face a comment I made once on how it is nice to walk to the parking lot with someone to talk to on the way. It took 30 seconds to recall that conversation. I just answered that I run out the door when my shift is over (everyone else does too). What a freak. Trust me, I do not need a babysitter to walk me to my car. Then I worked on my crossword puzzles with him looking over my arm. He is amazed I know so many answers. After you do a dozen puzzles, you start to recognize the same clues and answers. Many puzzle books are created by the same person so that makes it even easier. I like easy puzzles at work, I do not need more frustration. So time to leave comes and we walk out the doo...

A husband of a coworker called a while ago about a woman being kidnapped in a parking garage captured on video. The husband was mortified that there was 7 bystanders watching the whole event and did nothing. I would like to know where the security watching the cameras were. Do they not carry mace and handcuffs for a reason? It must a Midwest thing to help one another. Holding doors open for people behind you, stopping your car to let an ambulence pass by, and helping a stranded motorist is considered normal here. As is calling 911 for somebody. Customers comment often how friendly we are. Last winter when I skidded into a snowy ditch, 4 men in pick up trucks stopped to offer help. About 10 regular cars passed without stopping. I already called my Dad on my cell phone so I was fine. One of the men recognized me. Before I had a cell phone and went into a ditch, 2 cars drove by and a pick up truck stopped by to offered a ride. I was only 15 minutes late to work. Rarely am I lat...

Oh my God. The airport is putting up Christmas decorations, wreaths, trees, lights, everything. What happened to Thanksgiving? It is weird shopping in the Fall. The stores have Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas things all together. I may sound old, but I remember a time when Christmas stuff stayed in the closet until the day after Thanksgiving. And no, I never shop the day after Thanksgiving. In actuality, customers are not saving that much and I'm not the type to knock people over to save a dollar or two. I remember one year when the ugliest toy that recorded like a parrot was popular. I thought they looked like Gremlins (I think Furbies). Then Tickle Me Elmo was the thing. My nieces wanted Barbie so no one in the family bought Elmo for them. Had to get that off my chest. Post later. Good-bye.

Hello again. This week I cleaned up my sister's house for her baby's birthday Saturday. She was appreciative and forgave my debt for wrapping paper I ordered from her fund raiser (she is a school librarian) and 2 6-packs of pop she bought on sale for me. And gave me the 20 bucks I requested. She said I cleaned for 3 hours, so I deserved it. It is an interesting experience cleaning with 2 cats following you around. We talked and tickled the baby. I told her about the new guy at a car rental who asked me to go out for drinks after work. I do not know his name yet. I distictly recall a prior consversation where he mentioned a wife and showed a photo of his daughter to me. I said, No thank you (hey I was polite). If he wishes to get to know me, he can at work. What is with married men? I had a customer once who was 2 years older than my father show me his military ID picture when he was 17. Then asked if he was a handsome man back then. Yeah, sure, my Dad was handsome too at 17 but...

Our rental counter briefly had a pet mouse in the cupboard. It came from the baggage area and fled the pesticides over there. I saw it twice by my coworker's feet before it decided it did not like us anymore. It scurried over to the car rental next door to be smashed with a chair. We think now it was a small cute gray mole instead of a mouse. The animal killer proudly showed off the dead mole in the waste basket. I held back my curiosity, I do not handle blood well. Then someone came over asking why the woman was carrying a waste basket. She grabbed a tissue and held up the mole up by its tail. No blood. No free newspaper today. I guess I have to entertain myself today. We actually have a guy here who complains about nothing to read here. We have catalogs and magazines to look at. He says too many women work here because there is only female reading material laying around. We just inform him that he can bring his own reading material. I have noticed the guys I...

Today I have had enough drama to last the weekend. Today I jump in the shower to clear my sinuses. Amazingly, that did not work and required my asthma inhaler to breathe through my nose again. And I forgot to mention on my last post that my coworkers were correct saying secret service guys are hotties. Then I come to work to hear the lanes in front of the airport have become a new parking lot. After 9/11 police got touchy about people leaving their cars untended in front of the entrance doors. I should explain our airport is so small the security (police officiers) and janitors are employed by the city. Then to halt people further they raised the ticket fine from $5 to $20 (it was on the news). Well some airport customers complained about the tickets and the cops yelling at people to move their cars before they give a ticket. For shame cops actually embarrassing customers for their own safety. So now the cops are forced to allow people to park their cars untended...

I finally finished editing my fairytale for my niece. Now I am nervous if she will lke it. I started a second book for her younger sister. I printed a title page dedicating the story to all 4 of my nieces. I added "You are in my heart and my head" at the bottom. I plan on my coworkers, brother-in-law, and anyone else wishing to read it before going to a print shop to order a bound copy of my tale. I want my niece to have a good story. All the pages took out 3/4 of an ink cartridge. Will not repeating that often. I know how to use a xerox machine. I was so ecstatic at near ending my editing that I barely paid attention to the election coverage. I guess we get 4 more years of Bush. I don't want to know what else is going to go wrong. I think Bush needs to include a thank you for the terrorists cementing his power right before scared stiff people vote for president. Others say it was the poor out of conservatives voting that turned the election around. Anyhow, I ...