Wow. What a day outside. You probably aren't expecting small-talk about the weather on blogs...I wouldn't either, but it really is a glorious day outside.
Guess where I am?
Yeah. Not outside. Working. Inside. In a place I don't like.
Man, that sounds depressing doesn't it? I don't mean to get all hippie on you here...but isn't it ridiculous that I have to sit inside the stale, corporate walls on a day like today? Is capitalism really that important, so much that it is valued over any human enjoyment? Well, I value the big picture over my unrewarding job so I used excuses galore to get outside today.
I guess I think about all this in a very post-modern way. I've been doing a lot of reading on post-modernism and modernism since I am reading a book about the Christian side of it. Interesting stuff. The modern way is thinking that we NEED to work, because that is what will make you happy. The outcome of work is not a mental, philshophical, or human reward...it is a material reward. This sounds really communist. Communism doesn't work. I know that. We know that. Apparently Cuba doesn't know that.
I think we value freedom over any other of our rights in America. We should, because everybody deserves to be free. However, we are slaves to our own ritualistic routine. There will always be those to break the molds, but why do we all go to school, then work until we can no longer physically do so? I'm sure none of us would ever choose to do it this way. This is just the way it is done. We try to find what and who we love, but most are unable to do so because of the crushing reality of just trying to maintain life. Doesn't that suck?
Now that you are good and depressed/vulnerable I propose we stop letting 'The Man' run our life. We need to be more rebellious. Age shouldn't play a part. For some reason or another people lose their spark for change. Perhaps someone can explain that to me someday. If you don't want to do something...don't do it anymore. I've decided that I'm going to leave my current job at the end of the year. I have NO idea what I am going to do after I do leave. Something. Anything. Well not anything...but I haven't decided. In fact, I have no idea. I don't like where I am right now and need to change.
I used to hate change. Now, I think I have to embrace it.
={+}=
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Friday, March 9, 2007
Just call me LEGO.
Last night I was working the sales floor of the LEGO Imagination Center in the middle of the consumer capital of the world, the Mall of America, when a wave of content washed over me.
I had one of those useless, angering days at the "Day Job" and was not in a good mood when I drove down 494 West get to the mall. I was stressed, tired and was not in the mood for the tact of the general populace. For whatever reason, I got there and forgot about all those things and had a great time. I only go in to LEGO about 3-5 times a month, so I don't ever get frustrated...because I know I won't have to be there again for a while. I've really enjoyed my time there lately. I think it has a lot to do with familiarity.
No matter what is going on in this turbulent, quarter-life crisis I can always rely on things being remotely the same there. I know what I do there. I know what everyone else does there. I know I am good at what I do there. Everything is right. It is a very peaceful feeling to have and I don't know how many can claim something similar. I celebrate my 8th anniversary this year with LEGO. LEGO has been a huge part of my life. It was my only source of income for years. I got to have the opportunity to travel and get excellent experience when I became a national trainer. I interned with the company doing marketing and got to fulfill a childhood dream of sorts by just being employed by LEGO. Heck, even some of my friends call me Lego...on a regular basis.
Now, for the most part, LEGO is no longer a huge part of my life. I don't need the job for income. For the most part, the training is done. My internship is just a paragraph on my resume. I'm still called Lego or Duplo by a lot of friends, but at least they don't introduce me that way anymore. In a way, LEGO is just an afterthought these days...something I discuss briefly with my friends who do work there or something I mention in passing. People I meet now might not even know about my work there until I know them better. Essentially, it is something I do on the side now.
I think it took a day like yesterday for me to know why I still do this on the side...draining my precious free time with a job I don't really need. I had just gotten talking to an 8 year old kid who was just crazy enthusiastic about a certain LEGO Star Wars set. He was just a joy to talk to. I joked about something with my co-worker (who is also technically my boss) and laughed and looked up at the dirty models above me. It used to bug me looking up there, knowing I would have to clean them soon and how much work that is. I don't care about that anymore, it sounded like it could be fun. I then looked at the store. Sure, a lot has changed about it since 1999 but it still has the same feel and it made me forget about the stupid things that happened earlier in the day. I mean, I've been through just about everything in my adult life while working at this place, and the petty things that happened earlier in the day would be worked out too. I smiled and went over to a kid looking at one of the displays to say 'hi' and ask him if he liked castle stuff. I was positive it would be a good thing.
Because I know how to do it...and right now anything I know for certain makes me happy, because it one less thing I need to figure out.
I had one of those useless, angering days at the "Day Job" and was not in a good mood when I drove down 494 West get to the mall. I was stressed, tired and was not in the mood for the tact of the general populace. For whatever reason, I got there and forgot about all those things and had a great time. I only go in to LEGO about 3-5 times a month, so I don't ever get frustrated...because I know I won't have to be there again for a while. I've really enjoyed my time there lately. I think it has a lot to do with familiarity.
No matter what is going on in this turbulent, quarter-life crisis I can always rely on things being remotely the same there. I know what I do there. I know what everyone else does there. I know I am good at what I do there. Everything is right. It is a very peaceful feeling to have and I don't know how many can claim something similar. I celebrate my 8th anniversary this year with LEGO. LEGO has been a huge part of my life. It was my only source of income for years. I got to have the opportunity to travel and get excellent experience when I became a national trainer. I interned with the company doing marketing and got to fulfill a childhood dream of sorts by just being employed by LEGO. Heck, even some of my friends call me Lego...on a regular basis.
Now, for the most part, LEGO is no longer a huge part of my life. I don't need the job for income. For the most part, the training is done. My internship is just a paragraph on my resume. I'm still called Lego or Duplo by a lot of friends, but at least they don't introduce me that way anymore. In a way, LEGO is just an afterthought these days...something I discuss briefly with my friends who do work there or something I mention in passing. People I meet now might not even know about my work there until I know them better. Essentially, it is something I do on the side now.
I think it took a day like yesterday for me to know why I still do this on the side...draining my precious free time with a job I don't really need. I had just gotten talking to an 8 year old kid who was just crazy enthusiastic about a certain LEGO Star Wars set. He was just a joy to talk to. I joked about something with my co-worker (who is also technically my boss) and laughed and looked up at the dirty models above me. It used to bug me looking up there, knowing I would have to clean them soon and how much work that is. I don't care about that anymore, it sounded like it could be fun. I then looked at the store. Sure, a lot has changed about it since 1999 but it still has the same feel and it made me forget about the stupid things that happened earlier in the day. I mean, I've been through just about everything in my adult life while working at this place, and the petty things that happened earlier in the day would be worked out too. I smiled and went over to a kid looking at one of the displays to say 'hi' and ask him if he liked castle stuff. I was positive it would be a good thing.
Because I know how to do it...and right now anything I know for certain makes me happy, because it one less thing I need to figure out.
Monday, March 5, 2007
"Houston, we have a problem."
Did you know that Jim Lovell never actually said that? He said something similar, but not the exact line. Just thought I'd throw that out there.
Okay, in case you came into this hoping this entry would be about space, NASA, space travel, quantum theory or Tom Hanks...well you are out of luck. Quick tangent: Did you know that people freak out when you tell them that you hate Tom Hanks? Try it sometime. It is a lot of fun and the best part is you don't have to hate Tom Hanks...I do it all the time!
Wow. Enough tangents for now. I have a problem and it involves my faith. I'm a baptised and confirmed Catholic. I've gone to the same Catholic church since I was a year old. This isn't a Church I am loosely affiliated with or anything...I am bonded to this place, and I like it. I've played percussion at mass and events for the last TEN years. I've been highly involved with the youth of the church, going to camps, helping to create new programs and creating really great friends. I know tons and tons of people there. Some might think this is a travesty, but some of the younger kids look up to me. I love all that. It is great. However, there is a small problem.
I don't think I am Catholic anymore.
This might not come to any sort of surprise to a select few of you, as it is something I have been dealing with for a while, but this really is the first public shout of it.
This might not seem like a huge deal to some, but it is a big part of my life and who I am. It probably would be a bigger deal if I was leaving Christianity, but I am not. Not even close. However, this calls into question belief in a bigger way. I think the people with the most faith HAVE to struggle with their faith, otherwise it isn't really important to them . I struggle all the time but I feel it has made a stronger Christian. It has called into debate some of my Catholic beliefs though. The biggest part of what I have been having a hard time with is the notion of the Catholic church, dogmatic practices and Canon Law. I've always struggled with how it was possible to have Catholic by-laws (Canon Law) that were completely made up my man. No meat on Fridays during lent because of a dry middle ages fish market? Why? Why can't I fast in remembrance of Jesus's sacrifice in my own way? Why does there have to be a middle man in my reconciliation to Christ? These are big-time issues.
However, I also carry a lot the Catholic church in my current faith. The history and service of Catholicism is terrific. Transubstantiation is also an issue with me, but I do feel something - something - happens when I take the host and pray.
A lot of this comes down to the holiness of Catholic Popes, Bishops and Priests and the power of the institution of a church.
I don't know what to do, but I feel like I'm not putting in the value that I once did. I don't want to be fake about this...just going through the motions. I love what I contribute to the community. I like just about everything about my Catholic church.
I don't know what to do. Help me. Until then...you can see me at mass most Saturdays, playing percussion, trying to do what I can.
={+}=
Okay, in case you came into this hoping this entry would be about space, NASA, space travel, quantum theory or Tom Hanks...well you are out of luck. Quick tangent: Did you know that people freak out when you tell them that you hate Tom Hanks? Try it sometime. It is a lot of fun and the best part is you don't have to hate Tom Hanks...I do it all the time!
Wow. Enough tangents for now. I have a problem and it involves my faith. I'm a baptised and confirmed Catholic. I've gone to the same Catholic church since I was a year old. This isn't a Church I am loosely affiliated with or anything...I am bonded to this place, and I like it. I've played percussion at mass and events for the last TEN years. I've been highly involved with the youth of the church, going to camps, helping to create new programs and creating really great friends. I know tons and tons of people there. Some might think this is a travesty, but some of the younger kids look up to me. I love all that. It is great. However, there is a small problem.
I don't think I am Catholic anymore.
This might not come to any sort of surprise to a select few of you, as it is something I have been dealing with for a while, but this really is the first public shout of it.
This might not seem like a huge deal to some, but it is a big part of my life and who I am. It probably would be a bigger deal if I was leaving Christianity, but I am not. Not even close. However, this calls into question belief in a bigger way. I think the people with the most faith HAVE to struggle with their faith, otherwise it isn't really important to them . I struggle all the time but I feel it has made a stronger Christian. It has called into debate some of my Catholic beliefs though. The biggest part of what I have been having a hard time with is the notion of the Catholic church, dogmatic practices and Canon Law. I've always struggled with how it was possible to have Catholic by-laws (Canon Law) that were completely made up my man. No meat on Fridays during lent because of a dry middle ages fish market? Why? Why can't I fast in remembrance of Jesus's sacrifice in my own way? Why does there have to be a middle man in my reconciliation to Christ? These are big-time issues.
However, I also carry a lot the Catholic church in my current faith. The history and service of Catholicism is terrific. Transubstantiation is also an issue with me, but I do feel something - something - happens when I take the host and pray.
A lot of this comes down to the holiness of Catholic Popes, Bishops and Priests and the power of the institution of a church.
I don't know what to do, but I feel like I'm not putting in the value that I once did. I don't want to be fake about this...just going through the motions. I love what I contribute to the community. I like just about everything about my Catholic church.
I don't know what to do. Help me. Until then...you can see me at mass most Saturdays, playing percussion, trying to do what I can.
={+}=
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Whats Next?
I turn 25 in less then a month.
Most people laugh when I tell them that I am afraid of turning 25...especially anyone who is older. I understand... it IS laughable. This isn't as big of a deal as turning 30, 40 or 50...to most people. Maybe afraid isn't the right word. I don't actually fear birthdays like they are a pathological killer, I think I fear what they represent to me. Age often dictates social norms. Based on how old you are, you should be doing certain things. This is a ridiculous concept, and I don't usually care about social norms to begin with. However, it made me think. I've never wanted a serious relationship until very recently. I never knew what it meant to hate your job, but be forced to go to it, because you NEED to. I didn't know how precarious any kind of relationship, whether it is friendship, romance, or family, could be until recently. DO you know what all this means?
I'm an adult.
As scary as the proposition is, I'm having a tough time with all that coming at once...basically around my 25th birthday. Is this some sort of weird trick? These issues have always been flirting with me, but they all seemed to do it at once this year, like a twisted Axe Body Spray commercial, only except women hounding me, it is adult issues. Not nearly as marketable, right?
Honestly, I'd like to do something different. I feel like I've been doing a lot of the same stuff lately in a lot of ways and I want to break free of that. After being spontaneous and EXPECTING change because of my diverse surroundings for a number of years, I finally have to figure out a change and plan it myself, with no real, compound reason for doing it...except that I want to. So, this will be different from changes that come from college and friends, or even interning in another state and living with people I don't know. Maybe not much different once I do them, but how I go about making that change.
So, I guess the question is...what is next? I've decided that I need to not be at current job by the end of the year. I'm pretty sure I don't just want to go to another job that is similar by any stretch of the imagination. Maybe my comic strip will work out, but I can't count on that happening on my first attempt, so I don't like to think that is a solution. Honestly, ideas are welcome. Teaching in another country could be an answer, but I'm not sure I want to be that far away, for THAT long of a time. Maybe 3 months, but I would miss my family and friends too much.
I know a lot of people are dealing with issues like this, especially at this age. The idea of a "Quarter Life Crisis" is a new one, and the most comforting thing about it is just knowing others are going through issues like this. Finding your place, if you will.
Suggestions on what to do would be appreciated.
Also, I plan on continuing the Twins Season Preview in sections throughout Spring Training. Part II should be here soon. I know at least one of you asked about it. That is probably the extent of people who care!
={+}=
Most people laugh when I tell them that I am afraid of turning 25...especially anyone who is older. I understand... it IS laughable. This isn't as big of a deal as turning 30, 40 or 50...to most people. Maybe afraid isn't the right word. I don't actually fear birthdays like they are a pathological killer, I think I fear what they represent to me. Age often dictates social norms. Based on how old you are, you should be doing certain things. This is a ridiculous concept, and I don't usually care about social norms to begin with. However, it made me think. I've never wanted a serious relationship until very recently. I never knew what it meant to hate your job, but be forced to go to it, because you NEED to. I didn't know how precarious any kind of relationship, whether it is friendship, romance, or family, could be until recently. DO you know what all this means?
I'm an adult.
As scary as the proposition is, I'm having a tough time with all that coming at once...basically around my 25th birthday. Is this some sort of weird trick? These issues have always been flirting with me, but they all seemed to do it at once this year, like a twisted Axe Body Spray commercial, only except women hounding me, it is adult issues. Not nearly as marketable, right?
Honestly, I'd like to do something different. I feel like I've been doing a lot of the same stuff lately in a lot of ways and I want to break free of that. After being spontaneous and EXPECTING change because of my diverse surroundings for a number of years, I finally have to figure out a change and plan it myself, with no real, compound reason for doing it...except that I want to. So, this will be different from changes that come from college and friends, or even interning in another state and living with people I don't know. Maybe not much different once I do them, but how I go about making that change.
So, I guess the question is...what is next? I've decided that I need to not be at current job by the end of the year. I'm pretty sure I don't just want to go to another job that is similar by any stretch of the imagination. Maybe my comic strip will work out, but I can't count on that happening on my first attempt, so I don't like to think that is a solution. Honestly, ideas are welcome. Teaching in another country could be an answer, but I'm not sure I want to be that far away, for THAT long of a time. Maybe 3 months, but I would miss my family and friends too much.
I know a lot of people are dealing with issues like this, especially at this age. The idea of a "Quarter Life Crisis" is a new one, and the most comforting thing about it is just knowing others are going through issues like this. Finding your place, if you will.
Suggestions on what to do would be appreciated.
Also, I plan on continuing the Twins Season Preview in sections throughout Spring Training. Part II should be here soon. I know at least one of you asked about it. That is probably the extent of people who care!
={+}=
Friday, February 23, 2007
Target is a Foul Temptress
I have a long, strange history with the behemoth known as the Target Corporation.
It seems like Target is going out of its way to single me out and make my life as annoying as possible...whenever it can.
It started when I had just turned 16 years old. My parents (bless them) were encouraging me to get a job. I didn't want one. I thought it would ruin my carefree adolescent days. In a way...I was right. I haven't spent one day out of employment since then. However, they were right. I needed to get a job.
I distinctly remember making a list of places I wouldn't mind working at during Mr. Shonka's dreadful history class. I knew the fast food industry was a definite no. I recall wanting to work at Blockbuster, Target or the YMCA in Burnsville. Mom was enthusiastic about working at Target...after all, she had worked there when she was in high school. I thought it was a good idea, so I applied. Got a call to interview. Interviewed. At the end of the interview they told me I was hired and was told to come in a few days for training.
The next day, Target called and told me they had decided not to hire me...something to do with hours or something else that could have been easily worked out. Essentially they hired me, then laid me off, without ever working. Awesome.
After that regrettable experience, I was slightly shaken. It was a weird way to start of the working life. I ended up at Cub Foods and had a pretty good experience with that. However, it took me sometime to not be upset with Target.
My struggle with Target subsided, almost completely during the start of college. My sister had started working at the Target in Eagan, and was at that point enjoying it. I enjoyed the good shopping at reasonable prices. All was right with the world.
That is until I decided to step into the HR boundaries of Target once again. During the middle of college I decided I wanted to work somewhere in Mankato to make some extra money, besides just the LEGO income. So, I found out that if I started at a Target close to my parent's home during the summer, I could transfer to the Mankato store. There was an opening in Security and that sounded interesting, and my sister's boyfriend (Matt) worked in security at the store already. Once again...got to the interview. At this point I was a pretty big deal at LEGO, being a trainer and all, and I thought I was kind of 'lowering' myself to also working security at Target as a second job. The lady I interviewed with was a crab. She didn't understand what I was trying to do by getting the second job and insisted I stay with LEGO. I tried explaining that I wasn't leaving LEGO, and for some reason that made her more mad. She apparently took her job really seriously and didn't want some kid thinking it could be a second job. So, she didn't let me do it, unless I quit LEGO, which she didn't want me to do. Whatever. Matt told me latter that the interviewer is weird like that. Strike 2 Target. Strike 2.
Between that time and now Kyle started working at Target in Eagan as well (for those keeping track at home, that leaves me and Dad as the only non-Target employees ever) and Danielle started becoming very disenfranchised with working for Target, to the point of loathing. After college I started applying to jobs at the Target headquarters in Minneapolis, mainly because they are so massive that you almost have to. It was my mistake in thinking that corporate was different then the retail operations, as they lead me on more then a few times.
I didn't let it faze me. I found a full-time job last year doing Marketing and gave up on caring about Target. I figured I could just shop there and be content, like everyone else. No way...apparently. Target keeps finding me.I started the new job, finding out, of course, that Target is a client. Quickly I learned that I would interact with some of our consultants placed at Target on a regular basis. That meant going to the Target headquarters on a monthly basis. Fine, sounds good, right? Except that I need to drive there and the dress code is very NOT business casual. Augh.
The last straw came when I was driving back last night and it took me almost an hour and a half to get back to home. I didn't even need to go. *sigh*
Oh, and I'm not done yet. Every time I go to Target (...I do love shopping at Target stores though...) I end up spending way too much money. This should be my own American-consumer fault, but this rarely happens anywhere else. My new idea: Target brainwashes you into thinking you need this DVD, those new razors,all the cheap but good looking clothing and a new art-decor lamp. I can never escape it! It's madness.
Now for Target's latest gasp at taking what it can from me. Last night my friend Alex called to tell me that he accepted a management internship with Target that will keep him in Iowa ALL summer. Bah. That sucks. He doesn't want to stay in Iowa, but this is a good opportunity. I understand, but Alex...watch out....Target will ruin your life. Just like it has mine!
*Footnote: This all taken with good jest. Target has in NO way 'ruined my life'. I don't really have any animosity towards Target in anyway, but I thought it was funny at how one corporation has affected my life. It is just strange the number of instances where Target has influenced my life.
={+}=
It seems like Target is going out of its way to single me out and make my life as annoying as possible...whenever it can.
It started when I had just turned 16 years old. My parents (bless them) were encouraging me to get a job. I didn't want one. I thought it would ruin my carefree adolescent days. In a way...I was right. I haven't spent one day out of employment since then. However, they were right. I needed to get a job.
I distinctly remember making a list of places I wouldn't mind working at during Mr. Shonka's dreadful history class. I knew the fast food industry was a definite no. I recall wanting to work at Blockbuster, Target or the YMCA in Burnsville. Mom was enthusiastic about working at Target...after all, she had worked there when she was in high school. I thought it was a good idea, so I applied. Got a call to interview. Interviewed. At the end of the interview they told me I was hired and was told to come in a few days for training.
The next day, Target called and told me they had decided not to hire me...something to do with hours or something else that could have been easily worked out. Essentially they hired me, then laid me off, without ever working. Awesome.
After that regrettable experience, I was slightly shaken. It was a weird way to start of the working life. I ended up at Cub Foods and had a pretty good experience with that. However, it took me sometime to not be upset with Target.
My struggle with Target subsided, almost completely during the start of college. My sister had started working at the Target in Eagan, and was at that point enjoying it. I enjoyed the good shopping at reasonable prices. All was right with the world.
That is until I decided to step into the HR boundaries of Target once again. During the middle of college I decided I wanted to work somewhere in Mankato to make some extra money, besides just the LEGO income. So, I found out that if I started at a Target close to my parent's home during the summer, I could transfer to the Mankato store. There was an opening in Security and that sounded interesting, and my sister's boyfriend (Matt) worked in security at the store already. Once again...got to the interview. At this point I was a pretty big deal at LEGO, being a trainer and all, and I thought I was kind of 'lowering' myself to also working security at Target as a second job. The lady I interviewed with was a crab. She didn't understand what I was trying to do by getting the second job and insisted I stay with LEGO. I tried explaining that I wasn't leaving LEGO, and for some reason that made her more mad. She apparently took her job really seriously and didn't want some kid thinking it could be a second job. So, she didn't let me do it, unless I quit LEGO, which she didn't want me to do. Whatever. Matt told me latter that the interviewer is weird like that. Strike 2 Target. Strike 2.
Between that time and now Kyle started working at Target in Eagan as well (for those keeping track at home, that leaves me and Dad as the only non-Target employees ever) and Danielle started becoming very disenfranchised with working for Target, to the point of loathing. After college I started applying to jobs at the Target headquarters in Minneapolis, mainly because they are so massive that you almost have to. It was my mistake in thinking that corporate was different then the retail operations, as they lead me on more then a few times.
I didn't let it faze me. I found a full-time job last year doing Marketing and gave up on caring about Target. I figured I could just shop there and be content, like everyone else. No way...apparently. Target keeps finding me.I started the new job, finding out, of course, that Target is a client. Quickly I learned that I would interact with some of our consultants placed at Target on a regular basis. That meant going to the Target headquarters on a monthly basis. Fine, sounds good, right? Except that I need to drive there and the dress code is very NOT business casual. Augh.
The last straw came when I was driving back last night and it took me almost an hour and a half to get back to home. I didn't even need to go. *sigh*
Oh, and I'm not done yet. Every time I go to Target (...I do love shopping at Target stores though...) I end up spending way too much money. This should be my own American-consumer fault, but this rarely happens anywhere else. My new idea: Target brainwashes you into thinking you need this DVD, those new razors,all the cheap but good looking clothing and a new art-decor lamp. I can never escape it! It's madness.
Now for Target's latest gasp at taking what it can from me. Last night my friend Alex called to tell me that he accepted a management internship with Target that will keep him in Iowa ALL summer. Bah. That sucks. He doesn't want to stay in Iowa, but this is a good opportunity. I understand, but Alex...watch out....Target will ruin your life. Just like it has mine!
*Footnote: This all taken with good jest. Target has in NO way 'ruined my life'. I don't really have any animosity towards Target in anyway, but I thought it was funny at how one corporation has affected my life. It is just strange the number of instances where Target has influenced my life.
={+}=
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Why Working is Stealing My Soul (Part 1 of 2,348)
Just about everyday I leave the office to walk about an 1/8 mile to the Super America that is near work. Especially on days like today...a beautiful February day. I rarely actually buy anything at Super America...maybe a water a pop or something, but that isn't the point. I just need to get outside and move.
It is always a blissful ten minutes. As soon as I got back and sat at my desk I was immediately bombarded by a coworker. In the matter of seconds he used so much business jargon that my head was about to unhinge. As he was walking away, he said: "Just shoot me an e-mail about this."
He had just dumped work on me. It was something he didn't want to do, so he thought of a creative way to make it sound like a marketing job and dumped it. This guy isn't even a manager or anything...he is the sales coordinator, and usually a fairly cool guy.
I'm not going to do it. It is his responsibility and the fall would be on him.
This ruined my bliss.
After I sat there, in my now bliss-less state. Another dull coworker stopped by and in a Lumburgh-esque tone asked me how it was going. I glared. He then brought up Britney Spears and the fact that she shaved her head.
I was speechless. How do I accurately convey my level of malaise towards STUPID celeb-culture crap like this? I mumbled something about how dumb it was. He smiled at me and left.
Thankfully, writing this made me less numb. I'm excited for the rest of this week. It is my sister's and my friend Mike's birthdays this week. I get together with friends tonight. Left On Farwell plays on Friday (7:30 at Club 3 degrees!) and Gaustof's on Saturday.
It makes me forget how dumb my job is sometimes.
How can someone ever become a workaholic? I'm an anti-workaholic!
Happy Tuesday.
={+}=
It is always a blissful ten minutes. As soon as I got back and sat at my desk I was immediately bombarded by a coworker. In the matter of seconds he used so much business jargon that my head was about to unhinge. As he was walking away, he said: "Just shoot me an e-mail about this."
He had just dumped work on me. It was something he didn't want to do, so he thought of a creative way to make it sound like a marketing job and dumped it. This guy isn't even a manager or anything...he is the sales coordinator, and usually a fairly cool guy.
I'm not going to do it. It is his responsibility and the fall would be on him.
This ruined my bliss.
After I sat there, in my now bliss-less state. Another dull coworker stopped by and in a Lumburgh-esque tone asked me how it was going. I glared. He then brought up Britney Spears and the fact that she shaved her head.
I was speechless. How do I accurately convey my level of malaise towards STUPID celeb-culture crap like this? I mumbled something about how dumb it was. He smiled at me and left.
Thankfully, writing this made me less numb. I'm excited for the rest of this week. It is my sister's and my friend Mike's birthdays this week. I get together with friends tonight. Left On Farwell plays on Friday (7:30 at Club 3 degrees!) and Gaustof's on Saturday.
It makes me forget how dumb my job is sometimes.
How can someone ever become a workaholic? I'm an anti-workaholic!
Happy Tuesday.
={+}=
Monday, February 19, 2007
Workin' Retail...
It was my favorite part of the workday: lunch. I always try to do something productive or fun over lunch. Either meet up with some friends, run errands, catch up on some reading, or go home and sometimes work out or during the summer, watch part of the Twins day game.
Regardless, I don't understnad people who want to stay in the office over lunch. Weirdos. That is for another blog on another day though.
Today I decided I needed to do some reading. I went to my local Quizno's to get a tasty sub. It was a little busy and I had to wait in line for a few minutes. No big deal. I ordered my Beef Brisket sub and started to watch the dude make my sandwich. All of the sudden there was YELLING from further down the line, near the cash register. There was a 40 something women, red in the cheeks and a bit on the heavy side, just lashing into the nice looking Aisan man operating the register. I had talked to this guy in past trips to Quizno's and he has been nothing short of a great, friendly guy. I learn throught the shouts that woman was upset because they would not take her EXPIRED coupon. There was nothing he could do and this women was determined to yell until something was done. It was just errible to watch. The employee then just told her the meal was free, I think just to get her out of there. At that point, that seemingly enraged this woman even more to the point she rattleted out an ehtnic slur put her tray down and just stormed out.
Talk about awkward. There was only one person inbetween me and the crazy-yeller-I'm better then you-lady and he said nothing to the guy as he paid and quickly left, obviously recognizing the awkward situation. I decided I was going to say something. I apologized on the behalf of customers and told him that was rediculious. He seemed to not be too fazed by what had just happened anymore and said thanks and smiled a little bit. Prety much what I expected, but I felt it needed to be said.
It brought me to thinking while I sat and ate. Just about everyone I know has worked in some sort of retail/service job in the past. Do people just forget what it was like? Do certain types of people just go around and hypocritical to that extreme? Most retail/service employees can't do much about your problem except try and help you. I just don't get what being an ass gains you.
I think it might stem from the general reputation of these types of being lazy, young, clueless and generally not caring. This has been spread by stereotypes and mass media. However, I usually feel that it isn't quite that way. While there is a good chunck of people working this industry who do fall into the stereotype, I don't feel there malaise dictates consumers yelling at the top of their lungs. Why can't things just be worked out. You can't always get your way. Whether you like it or not, the customer is NOT always right.
I say this as somone who has seen some UNREAL stuff as a retail employee. I worked at the Service Center at Cub Foods in high school and witnessed people trying to return eaten fruit, try to get items for free because they paid LESS then they were supposed to and lastly someone stealing other employees paychecks. I moved on to working at LEGO my senior year of high school and thought that my days of dealing with pepperoni ladies, angry moms, lying scumbag cheaters and thiefs was over. Boy was I wrong. I've been screamed at in different languages, almost kicked in the face by a crazed man who jumped up on a playarea table, cursed at in front of children, had various objects thrown at me from the upper floors of the mall and was the target of a drunken punch of a man who been saying innappropriate things to children drunkingly. After all that, one of the worst came just a month ago or so. I still work at LEGO every so often, mainly for special events and to helpout on Thursday nights. I was out on a Thursday night helping cleaning the albatross known as the playarea. This is where kids can build stuff out of provided LEGO bricks and run around and whatnot. Various unspeakable acts happen out there all the time. Anyways, cleaning the place usually sucks for the person who gets stuck doing it and I remember how that sucks, so I typically lend a hand. As I was picking up some bricks off the ground I noticed an odd stare from a very well-dressed, older woman sitting on one of the benchs. Her look turned to a little bit of disgust and she actually said this:
"Does it take a college degree to become a LEGO janitor?" She had the snidest look on her face. I didn't know what to say. I walked back in the store and told my co-worker (the manager) what she had said. He looked weird. "Thats one of the worst things I have ever heard". We both have degrees from universities. He does very well. I work at LEGO for the fun of it and have the other job (even though I generally hate it) that pays well. The other person working that night is a retired teacher, who also works at LEGO because she enjoys it. She has a masters degree.
Apparently it DOES take a college degree to be a "LEGO janitor".
Lets be nice to our employees who serve us kids. Step in there shoes for a minute before ripping them a new one.
={+}=
Regardless, I don't understnad people who want to stay in the office over lunch. Weirdos. That is for another blog on another day though.
Today I decided I needed to do some reading. I went to my local Quizno's to get a tasty sub. It was a little busy and I had to wait in line for a few minutes. No big deal. I ordered my Beef Brisket sub and started to watch the dude make my sandwich. All of the sudden there was YELLING from further down the line, near the cash register. There was a 40 something women, red in the cheeks and a bit on the heavy side, just lashing into the nice looking Aisan man operating the register. I had talked to this guy in past trips to Quizno's and he has been nothing short of a great, friendly guy. I learn throught the shouts that woman was upset because they would not take her EXPIRED coupon. There was nothing he could do and this women was determined to yell until something was done. It was just errible to watch. The employee then just told her the meal was free, I think just to get her out of there. At that point, that seemingly enraged this woman even more to the point she rattleted out an ehtnic slur put her tray down and just stormed out.
Talk about awkward. There was only one person inbetween me and the crazy-yeller-I'm better then you-lady and he said nothing to the guy as he paid and quickly left, obviously recognizing the awkward situation. I decided I was going to say something. I apologized on the behalf of customers and told him that was rediculious. He seemed to not be too fazed by what had just happened anymore and said thanks and smiled a little bit. Prety much what I expected, but I felt it needed to be said.
It brought me to thinking while I sat and ate. Just about everyone I know has worked in some sort of retail/service job in the past. Do people just forget what it was like? Do certain types of people just go around and hypocritical to that extreme? Most retail/service employees can't do much about your problem except try and help you. I just don't get what being an ass gains you.
I think it might stem from the general reputation of these types of being lazy, young, clueless and generally not caring. This has been spread by stereotypes and mass media. However, I usually feel that it isn't quite that way. While there is a good chunck of people working this industry who do fall into the stereotype, I don't feel there malaise dictates consumers yelling at the top of their lungs. Why can't things just be worked out. You can't always get your way. Whether you like it or not, the customer is NOT always right.
I say this as somone who has seen some UNREAL stuff as a retail employee. I worked at the Service Center at Cub Foods in high school and witnessed people trying to return eaten fruit, try to get items for free because they paid LESS then they were supposed to and lastly someone stealing other employees paychecks. I moved on to working at LEGO my senior year of high school and thought that my days of dealing with pepperoni ladies, angry moms, lying scumbag cheaters and thiefs was over. Boy was I wrong. I've been screamed at in different languages, almost kicked in the face by a crazed man who jumped up on a playarea table, cursed at in front of children, had various objects thrown at me from the upper floors of the mall and was the target of a drunken punch of a man who been saying innappropriate things to children drunkingly. After all that, one of the worst came just a month ago or so. I still work at LEGO every so often, mainly for special events and to helpout on Thursday nights. I was out on a Thursday night helping cleaning the albatross known as the playarea. This is where kids can build stuff out of provided LEGO bricks and run around and whatnot. Various unspeakable acts happen out there all the time. Anyways, cleaning the place usually sucks for the person who gets stuck doing it and I remember how that sucks, so I typically lend a hand. As I was picking up some bricks off the ground I noticed an odd stare from a very well-dressed, older woman sitting on one of the benchs. Her look turned to a little bit of disgust and she actually said this:
"Does it take a college degree to become a LEGO janitor?" She had the snidest look on her face. I didn't know what to say. I walked back in the store and told my co-worker (the manager) what she had said. He looked weird. "Thats one of the worst things I have ever heard". We both have degrees from universities. He does very well. I work at LEGO for the fun of it and have the other job (even though I generally hate it) that pays well. The other person working that night is a retired teacher, who also works at LEGO because she enjoys it. She has a masters degree.
Apparently it DOES take a college degree to be a "LEGO janitor".
Lets be nice to our employees who serve us kids. Step in there shoes for a minute before ripping them a new one.
={+}=
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