There's very divergent views about the holidays that occur at the end of 1 year and the dawn of the next year. Many people, perhaps most love the holidays and the time when families from far flung areas all come back inside one house to celebrate. Many think it's the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the amazing, positive, far-reaching impact he has had through 2 milleniums.
Others are upset about the holidays. The holidays are a reminder of how dysfunctional their families are. Or they're reminded of how rough, traumatic and screwed up their lives are. XMAS brings no pleasure or solace and the new year is a reminder of a bleak future.
Many others fall between these 2 poles.
What do you think?
I've been very fortunate to have a lot of intelligent, interesting people write and share their views on a wide variety of topics. I would dare say that I've made some friends. I'm surprised, even moved, with the depth of concern a few have shown me.
The year isn't over, but it's a year of progress for me. There's some worrisome challenges that I must face, but they seem more manageable than the ones I faced back in Jan. of 2005. More will be discussed about my opinions of the year later.
I'm just listening to NPR. They're discussing the fact that the region/people most affected by Hurricane Katrina don't even have a sense that the holidays are coming up. So much devastation........
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Profiles of co-workers, Part 2
JEAN
At the hospital, I am called a telemetry monitor technician (hereinafter "tele tech"). Among the tele techs, there has been turnover and sick call ins and 1 tele tech is sometimes missing from the shift when it definitely takes 2 people. 2 teletechs to watch between 70-100 patients. Many times, we've had an excellent nurse named Jean fill in as tele tech when the 2nd tele tech is gone.
It's always a sweet pleasure to work with Jean. She looks like a thinner version of Halle Berry with straight, short hair. She's one of those awesome people (they are usually female, it seems) who illuminate a positive, happy glow to others they come into contact. They smile a lot, they are not rude, negative or backstabbing. They appeal to their counterparts' better instincts. They seem to literally glow and feeling that glow, you feel happy just being around them and even more lucky that you work with them! Jean is so sweet she would never complain about the room being too cold (guys, in general seem to like a room considerably cooler than women do). But since, I admire her so much I would never subject her to the room getting too cold so I make sure it's 75 or warmer. I worked with her tonight and no matter how much work there was or how serious the patients problems are, it was a wonderful shift because of the sweet co-worker I was with.
Jean is happily married w/ 2 daughters which is obviously no surprise because someone that sweet couldn't stay single!
At the hospital, I am called a telemetry monitor technician (hereinafter "tele tech"). Among the tele techs, there has been turnover and sick call ins and 1 tele tech is sometimes missing from the shift when it definitely takes 2 people. 2 teletechs to watch between 70-100 patients. Many times, we've had an excellent nurse named Jean fill in as tele tech when the 2nd tele tech is gone.
It's always a sweet pleasure to work with Jean. She looks like a thinner version of Halle Berry with straight, short hair. She's one of those awesome people (they are usually female, it seems) who illuminate a positive, happy glow to others they come into contact. They smile a lot, they are not rude, negative or backstabbing. They appeal to their counterparts' better instincts. They seem to literally glow and feeling that glow, you feel happy just being around them and even more lucky that you work with them! Jean is so sweet she would never complain about the room being too cold (guys, in general seem to like a room considerably cooler than women do). But since, I admire her so much I would never subject her to the room getting too cold so I make sure it's 75 or warmer. I worked with her tonight and no matter how much work there was or how serious the patients problems are, it was a wonderful shift because of the sweet co-worker I was with.
Jean is happily married w/ 2 daughters which is obviously no surprise because someone that sweet couldn't stay single!
Positive Profiles, Part One
Ok, I was pretty negative about my co-worker Mary. I stand by what I said about her but I want to be positive, because it's more in my nature to sit up and cheer for someone rather than "throwing rocks" at them. So I am going to profile some of the people I work with. The hospital reminds me of the very small town, Ithaca, I grew up where my high school graduating class was 29 people and the town had a population of about 60 and consisted of a church, tavern, farm, and about 28 houses. Ingalls has the same small town ways where a lot of people care about you and will say hi or wave to you when you pass them by. If you wave to someone on the streets of Chicago, they think your a little "off". Of course, Ithaca had its share of pettiness, small mindedness and gossip just like any small town and just like Ingalls as well. But I like working there and the people there are pretty nice to be around.
TRUDY
Trudy is one of the most intelligent persons I know. Ever since I was separated, then divorced, I have been drawn to calm, cool, collected woman (because that's the antithesis of my ex who has a great knack for "flying off the handle" and a true talent for starting fights) . If a dictionary had a definition of "calm, cool, collected person" Trudy's picture would be there. Trudy was derided by snap-judgment, superficial Mary as having "no personality". How wrong Mary was! Trudy has a great sense of humor, with funny perceptive observations. Some guys would probably not think of Trudy as being a "hottie". She has bookish glasses, highlighted breezy hair and her body suggests someone who isn't obsessed with being at the gym each & every day. But those are the very traits that humanize her make me fond of her more. She has another feature that I can't stop thinking about. Before our co-worker, Hani was murdered (see post of 8/21/05 "Where to Begin...?") he took us to an Arabic bar where there was great music, belly dancing, and at other times everyone could get up and dance. Trudy, Hani, Evan and our other friends danced. At one point, during the dancing I held Trudy's hand. My God, hers was the softest hand I ever held. I felt incredibly lucky to hold it. Every now and then, I'll look at her hands and instantly flashback to that sublime moment back in May.
It's very, very unlikely that I'll be more than a casual friend in Trudy's view. She wisely stated that co-workers should not get serious, but should be just friends. I can't seem to make her like me anymore than she does now, can't seem to get through her calm, placid exterior, & have given up trying. I only saw her lose her "coolness" once which was during the time after Hani's death. The day after his murder, Trudy called me. She didn't know if I knew about his death. We spoke about what should be done after his death. We talked about reaching out to Hani's Muslim family. "They need to know how much he was loved!!" Trudy exclaimed. Her compelling suggestion is something I'll remember because it was a dramatic departure from the cool, collected demeanor she shows 99% of the time. Of course, it was after her friend's death so naturally she's not going to be aloof about that! She even went to the ghetto where the nightclub is where he died. She got some criticism for taking that risk. My friends didn't want to lose Trudy too!
Another reason I am impressed with her is that she is the only person I know who subscribes to the Wilson Quarterly and the only one I can talk to about NPR. When her & I are interested about some topic, it's been awesome because we've had some fascinating conversations.
There's also another reason why I don't think I would ever get serious with Trudy. She's an agnostic. I asked her once if she believed in heaven & hell. She replied,"Well, I definitely don't believe in hell. There may be a heaven because you hear about those people who have a near-death experience and the supernatural presence is something they witness. But they could just be hallucinating." I can't agree with her viewpoint.
I want to make her a believer, but that is beyond my capability as well. But she really is an unforgettable person. She is not only a nurse but she was also honorably discharged from the Air Force as a MAJOR years ago. I've resolved to merely be a casual friend to this attractive, intelligent woman with the soft hands. There's nothing else I can do, not even if I tried.
TRUDY
Trudy is one of the most intelligent persons I know. Ever since I was separated, then divorced, I have been drawn to calm, cool, collected woman (because that's the antithesis of my ex who has a great knack for "flying off the handle" and a true talent for starting fights) . If a dictionary had a definition of "calm, cool, collected person" Trudy's picture would be there. Trudy was derided by snap-judgment, superficial Mary as having "no personality". How wrong Mary was! Trudy has a great sense of humor, with funny perceptive observations. Some guys would probably not think of Trudy as being a "hottie". She has bookish glasses, highlighted breezy hair and her body suggests someone who isn't obsessed with being at the gym each & every day. But those are the very traits that humanize her make me fond of her more. She has another feature that I can't stop thinking about. Before our co-worker, Hani was murdered (see post of 8/21/05 "Where to Begin...?") he took us to an Arabic bar where there was great music, belly dancing, and at other times everyone could get up and dance. Trudy, Hani, Evan and our other friends danced. At one point, during the dancing I held Trudy's hand. My God, hers was the softest hand I ever held. I felt incredibly lucky to hold it. Every now and then, I'll look at her hands and instantly flashback to that sublime moment back in May.
It's very, very unlikely that I'll be more than a casual friend in Trudy's view. She wisely stated that co-workers should not get serious, but should be just friends. I can't seem to make her like me anymore than she does now, can't seem to get through her calm, placid exterior, & have given up trying. I only saw her lose her "coolness" once which was during the time after Hani's death. The day after his murder, Trudy called me. She didn't know if I knew about his death. We spoke about what should be done after his death. We talked about reaching out to Hani's Muslim family. "They need to know how much he was loved!!" Trudy exclaimed. Her compelling suggestion is something I'll remember because it was a dramatic departure from the cool, collected demeanor she shows 99% of the time. Of course, it was after her friend's death so naturally she's not going to be aloof about that! She even went to the ghetto where the nightclub is where he died. She got some criticism for taking that risk. My friends didn't want to lose Trudy too!
Another reason I am impressed with her is that she is the only person I know who subscribes to the Wilson Quarterly and the only one I can talk to about NPR. When her & I are interested about some topic, it's been awesome because we've had some fascinating conversations.
There's also another reason why I don't think I would ever get serious with Trudy. She's an agnostic. I asked her once if she believed in heaven & hell. She replied,"Well, I definitely don't believe in hell. There may be a heaven because you hear about those people who have a near-death experience and the supernatural presence is something they witness. But they could just be hallucinating." I can't agree with her viewpoint.
I want to make her a believer, but that is beyond my capability as well. But she really is an unforgettable person. She is not only a nurse but she was also honorably discharged from the Air Force as a MAJOR years ago. I've resolved to merely be a casual friend to this attractive, intelligent woman with the soft hands. There's nothing else I can do, not even if I tried.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Murphy's Law on Sex,.... fulfilled! HELP
You all are familiar w/ Murphy's Laws like "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong." Well he had many sayings like in Murphy's Laws on Work he wrote, "A pat on the back is only a few inches away from a kick in the pants." or "If you carry a legal pad around and look concerned, you can go anywhere in the office."
Then there's Murphy's Laws on Sex like, "Love is a matter of Chemistry, sex is a matter of physics."
The one I've been thinking about ever since Wednesday is "Love discriminates AGAINST the shy and the ugly!" Ok, so what does it discriminate against more: shyness or ugliness? We could debate that for a decade.
Anyway, it's discriminating against me because I'm shy. Let me tell you what happened on the train.
A week or so ago we had a delay at the train station where the train taking us all home ( & by us I mean a popular 6:15 pm train that carries well over 300 people). I saw this tall, statuesque lady. Now most guys wouldn't be that attracted to her but I most definitely was. She was in her late 40s, early 50s, she is 6 ft, 2", weighs over 200 lbs, but definitely not more than 250. ( I have a knack for doing a good job of guessing weight) so I came up to her (who we shall call Madame Statuesque) and asked her how long we would have to wait for the train and she told me. Then, a little later, she talked to her friend who was at least 50, but also nice looking. I looked hard for Madame Statuesque's left hand. Alas, no ring on the finger next to her pinkie. I couldn't talk to her much because she was talking to her friend. & who wants to deal with an annoying, chatty stranger?
Then Wed. evening, there she was again, all by herself. She looked a little concerned. I looked again for her left hand and still no ring. I told her it was nice the train wasn't as late as it was the other night, and she politely agreed. When the crowd entered the train to sit down, it wasn't my intention to sit down next to her. I wasn't ready, I felt uncertain, I felt shy! But there were no seats so that you could sit by my lonesome so I decided to sit in the empty seat by her.
Well, I was feeling very shy and not wanting to say a damn thing.
One thing I wanted to find out was where she lived (approximately). I learned she doesn't live to far from me. They make you pay for your train ride depending on how far you are from Chicago (if your ride starts in Chicago) A region inside Chicago will be in Zones "A", "B" or "C". The ride for people in A, B or C will be pretty cheap. I am in Zone D and my ride is more expensive. Well I learned (when we both showed our tickets to the conductor) that Madame Stautuesque is in Zone E; obviously adjacent to Zone D so I don't live that far from her even though I still don't know what town she lives in.
Well, I couldn't go the whole ride without saying something to her. She might think I'm a creep or something. Plus, if I could somehow make her feel like she likes being around me or at least comfortable around me. Well, she didn't have a problem sitting next to me as she enjoyed reading her Chicago Sun Times as I was reading the Chicago Tribune.
But I was supposed to introduce myself, I was supposed to ask her out for a cup of coffee, I was supposed to do something nice and not too intimate, but I was worried. I didn't want to find out she was one of those sneaky type of women who are married but don't have the gumption or the resolve to wear their wedding ring. I didn't want to find out she has a boyfriend who she's been with for 25 yrs. I didn't want to find out that she had no interest in me!
It's not like I just want to get into her pants. That's pretty facile; I want to get to know her, I want to date her, but I don't want to hear "NO". I don't want to "go out on a limb" so there's the dilemma.
I knew I had to say something, but I was too shy to follow the above script. So I acted "safe" and we compared the Sun Times to the Tribune. We also talked about the new craze Soduku puzzles. That was it then I got off the train and went home. I didn't feel crushed, I didn't feel giddy at my new date (b/c there isn't one), I just felt like I carried a little hope away, but is there any???????
So what do I say to her the next time I see her standing by the train?? I have to "go out on the limb" but what do I say?
Then there's Murphy's Laws on Sex like, "Love is a matter of Chemistry, sex is a matter of physics."
The one I've been thinking about ever since Wednesday is "Love discriminates AGAINST the shy and the ugly!" Ok, so what does it discriminate against more: shyness or ugliness? We could debate that for a decade.
Anyway, it's discriminating against me because I'm shy. Let me tell you what happened on the train.
A week or so ago we had a delay at the train station where the train taking us all home ( & by us I mean a popular 6:15 pm train that carries well over 300 people). I saw this tall, statuesque lady. Now most guys wouldn't be that attracted to her but I most definitely was. She was in her late 40s, early 50s, she is 6 ft, 2", weighs over 200 lbs, but definitely not more than 250. ( I have a knack for doing a good job of guessing weight) so I came up to her (who we shall call Madame Statuesque) and asked her how long we would have to wait for the train and she told me. Then, a little later, she talked to her friend who was at least 50, but also nice looking. I looked hard for Madame Statuesque's left hand. Alas, no ring on the finger next to her pinkie. I couldn't talk to her much because she was talking to her friend. & who wants to deal with an annoying, chatty stranger?
Then Wed. evening, there she was again, all by herself. She looked a little concerned. I looked again for her left hand and still no ring. I told her it was nice the train wasn't as late as it was the other night, and she politely agreed. When the crowd entered the train to sit down, it wasn't my intention to sit down next to her. I wasn't ready, I felt uncertain, I felt shy! But there were no seats so that you could sit by my lonesome so I decided to sit in the empty seat by her.
Well, I was feeling very shy and not wanting to say a damn thing.
One thing I wanted to find out was where she lived (approximately). I learned she doesn't live to far from me. They make you pay for your train ride depending on how far you are from Chicago (if your ride starts in Chicago) A region inside Chicago will be in Zones "A", "B" or "C". The ride for people in A, B or C will be pretty cheap. I am in Zone D and my ride is more expensive. Well I learned (when we both showed our tickets to the conductor) that Madame Stautuesque is in Zone E; obviously adjacent to Zone D so I don't live that far from her even though I still don't know what town she lives in.
Well, I couldn't go the whole ride without saying something to her. She might think I'm a creep or something. Plus, if I could somehow make her feel like she likes being around me or at least comfortable around me. Well, she didn't have a problem sitting next to me as she enjoyed reading her Chicago Sun Times as I was reading the Chicago Tribune.
But I was supposed to introduce myself, I was supposed to ask her out for a cup of coffee, I was supposed to do something nice and not too intimate, but I was worried. I didn't want to find out she was one of those sneaky type of women who are married but don't have the gumption or the resolve to wear their wedding ring. I didn't want to find out she has a boyfriend who she's been with for 25 yrs. I didn't want to find out that she had no interest in me!
It's not like I just want to get into her pants. That's pretty facile; I want to get to know her, I want to date her, but I don't want to hear "NO". I don't want to "go out on a limb" so there's the dilemma.
I knew I had to say something, but I was too shy to follow the above script. So I acted "safe" and we compared the Sun Times to the Tribune. We also talked about the new craze Soduku puzzles. That was it then I got off the train and went home. I didn't feel crushed, I didn't feel giddy at my new date (b/c there isn't one), I just felt like I carried a little hope away, but is there any???????
So what do I say to her the next time I see her standing by the train?? I have to "go out on the limb" but what do I say?
Friday, November 11, 2005
Concern, nosiness or rumors??????
So yesterday, I didn't get much sleep the night before, and I was told by the ex to get my kids ready for school and on the bus. Of course, with my son's problem (I wrote about that, didn't I?), it took a long time to get him to eat. But I helped him get ready and I walked him over to the bus. I hadn't showered that morning yet. So, I put on a hat and trudged to the stop with my son. Once I did that, I got my younger son and daughter ready, picked up his girlfriend, and they went to the bus stop a little later. Bear in mind, all this was taking place at the condo complex where I am president.
Then, several hours later, when I was taking my daughter to the stop (she's in pre-K so she only goes to school in the PM). She got on uneventfully, and when the bus pulled away, the Treasurer of the Board who is also the office manager of our condo complex ran pell mell out to me. "Vince! Are you ok???? I heard you were sick, your neighbor said you looked terrible."
"No, I'm just tired that's all"
Then, when I brought the kids home later in the afternoon, our Vice President knocked on my door. "Do you know anything about these keys laying next to your complex,"
"No, those are the keys I told your brother (who lives w/ V P.) about"
"Oh, so are you ok, Vince??"
"Yes, Helen"
"Yeah, Norma said you looked bad & were very sick. You look pretty tired."
"Yeah, I need some sleep, but I'm not dying".
So what about Norma, the neighbor in the same bldg. as I? Is she gossipy or just concerned? You make the call.
Then, several hours later, when I was taking my daughter to the stop (she's in pre-K so she only goes to school in the PM). She got on uneventfully, and when the bus pulled away, the Treasurer of the Board who is also the office manager of our condo complex ran pell mell out to me. "Vince! Are you ok???? I heard you were sick, your neighbor said you looked terrible."
"No, I'm just tired that's all"
Then, when I brought the kids home later in the afternoon, our Vice President knocked on my door. "Do you know anything about these keys laying next to your complex,"
"No, those are the keys I told your brother (who lives w/ V P.) about"
"Oh, so are you ok, Vince??"
"Yes, Helen"
"Yeah, Norma said you looked bad & were very sick. You look pretty tired."
"Yeah, I need some sleep, but I'm not dying".
So what about Norma, the neighbor in the same bldg. as I? Is she gossipy or just concerned? You make the call.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Breezy youth
I like the whole vibe of youth. It is one of the reasons I love rock n roll and subscribe to Rolling Stone and follow sports. My 20s weren't the best time of my life, but I certainly learned a lot including but not limited to learning how to be an adult. Of course, I still have a lot to learn about life. Everyone should dispense good advice when we can, but all should be "students of life" and learn a lesson whenver it comes along. 1 of my 2 closest friends is 23. We have what I call a "finite relationship" insofar as there is a limit to it. We will always be platonic, and it's extremely unlikely it will ever be romantic.
Anyway, at my new job I work in a crowded room with 6 20somethings. They are all goin' to law school and are in the 2nd of 3 years of school. 4 of them are quiet and hard working. But there are 2 of them who we will call Mac & Kate. Kate was given a project and asked for my help. I ended up doin' the rest of it which wasn't what she said. Oh well, no big deal. AFter lunch one day, she sweetly and impressively came in singing the "Scotch Song" as she had 3 of them during lunch . I was rather impressed with her creativity (she made the song up) especially in her "altered state". She proceeded to sit at her work station, tell us she didn't feel like workin' and surfed the 'Net for an hour. Mac is a little different insofar as he has learned a lot more at the firm and helps me every now and then. Couple weeks ago, while everyone (but Kate) was workin' he was callin' his travel agent & cancelling plans to go to Montego Bay because he was fighting with his girlfriend.
THen I learned that Kate & Mac went on a double date. Kate loves to talk about how much she loves her live-in (that's good). So when Kate & Mac went to the restaurant with their significant others, they excused themselves to go to the bathroom went to the alley by the backdoor of the restaurant and got "quickies" while their significant others sat there at the table totally unaware, drinkin' water and makin' polite conversation.
Sometimes, when they're bored at work, they'll instant message each other because their conversation is too embarassing to say out loud. So you hear them sittin there and snicker and laugh.
Must be nice to have so much fun @ work! If you think I am upset with them, I'm not, maybe a little jealous with all their fun and bright future.
But the breezy attitudes sometimes gets to me because I have a strong sense of fun too, and I get easily distracted. In order to get work done, rather than enjoyin the Mac & Kate show, I brought in my Walkman (too poor, old school and analogue to buy an I Pod) and drowned out hearing them. That's helped.
There's so damn much work to do! I can't help but be impressed w/ Mac. He works fast and is on very good terms with the lawyers; in fact, he partied with one of them at Montego Bay. I thought when he told me about that, he was B.S'ing me, but learned later he wasn't.
When I was in my 20s I remember drinkin' a lot but not havin' as "breezy" an attitude as Kate. I wonder how she'll do fare during the rest of law school? I wonder what kind of lawyer she'll be. Many of the lawyers I know, work 10-11 hr days. I just don't see her doin' that. Wonder if she will even graduate law school seein' as she regularly misses classes.
Wonder if I should even give a damn, probably not. BUt it's nice that they make things intersting in the Clerk's room.
by the way, I had to use an apostrophe and Ctrl +V for the "g" key as it was broke. thank you for your patience!
Sunday, November 06, 2005
the joys of being BACK IN BLACK!!!
I've been pretty happy for about 2 weeks. Here's why. On Oct. 21, I was received my paycheck from the hospital. I wrote my pay in my checkbook register. Then I wrote all the bills I had to pay. What happened the 21st happened also for the last 2 months: my paycheck could not pay all the bills, damnit! For the last 2 months, I have been borrowing money or just not paying the bill amount. I borrowed money from people richer than I but it still feels terrible to do! I'm not supposed to do this and it kills me to ask for money! The humiliating aspect of "not making ends meet" and doing all sorts of fiscal gymnastics is overwhelming!
In a heartbeat, I would choose abusing my body with all kinds of stimulants so that I can work 6 12-hour night shifts in a row rathern than asking Mom & Dad for money. (Now it doesn't come to that because the hospital hates paying overtime and would never let their employees work that many days in a row. I have asked parents for money, however). So it sucked that I once again on Oct. 21 was short on money. BUT WAIT!!! I was getting my 1st paycheck from the law firm on Oct 25. Then I find out that I'm getting a higher hourly wage than what I was promised. I HAD $$$$ LEFT OVER. HOLY SHIT, I'VE HAD ORGASMS THAT DIDN'T FEEL AS GOOD AS I FELT OCT. 25!! (& we may have had lots of fights, but when I was married, the ex & I had a very good sex life with few complaints). I felt like the cavalry had arrived in an oldtime Western!!
When I realized my checking account was back in black, I felt like giving one big kiss to God's blue Earth. It's so nice to feel I have some semblance of control over my life.
Not to get on my soapbox, but I want to put another wrinkle in this as well. For weeks, almost from the time I left asshole law firm back in Aug., I stopped putting money in the collection basket because I had a tough time even paying groceries. It felt really good to be able to put a modest amount of $ in the basket during Offertory. & it makes me feel good to do it every Sunday now. I don't say that to give a "holier than thou" spin to any reader. You are free to choose to follow what others say about following God. The fact is I go to church because I sin and need that reminder TO DO BETTER every week; and pray everyday. I don't pray because I'm better than others. I pray as a person trying to do better (as it says in Profile).
In a heartbeat, I would choose abusing my body with all kinds of stimulants so that I can work 6 12-hour night shifts in a row rathern than asking Mom & Dad for money. (Now it doesn't come to that because the hospital hates paying overtime and would never let their employees work that many days in a row. I have asked parents for money, however). So it sucked that I once again on Oct. 21 was short on money. BUT WAIT!!! I was getting my 1st paycheck from the law firm on Oct 25. Then I find out that I'm getting a higher hourly wage than what I was promised. I HAD $$$$ LEFT OVER. HOLY SHIT, I'VE HAD ORGASMS THAT DIDN'T FEEL AS GOOD AS I FELT OCT. 25!! (& we may have had lots of fights, but when I was married, the ex & I had a very good sex life with few complaints). I felt like the cavalry had arrived in an oldtime Western!!
When I realized my checking account was back in black, I felt like giving one big kiss to God's blue Earth. It's so nice to feel I have some semblance of control over my life.
Not to get on my soapbox, but I want to put another wrinkle in this as well. For weeks, almost from the time I left asshole law firm back in Aug., I stopped putting money in the collection basket because I had a tough time even paying groceries. It felt really good to be able to put a modest amount of $ in the basket during Offertory. & it makes me feel good to do it every Sunday now. I don't say that to give a "holier than thou" spin to any reader. You are free to choose to follow what others say about following God. The fact is I go to church because I sin and need that reminder TO DO BETTER every week; and pray everyday. I don't pray because I'm better than others. I pray as a person trying to do better (as it says in Profile).
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
I threw 7lbs of paper +300 feet!
Friday, the Chicago White Sox parade went down (among other streets) LaSalle St. in the LOOP area of Downtown. All the players were rode trolleys and waved to the adoring crowds; alas, the 1st ticker tape parade I ever saw or participated in. So we tore up the Chicago TRibune, the Chicago Reader legal documents with mistakes on them & were null & void. 2 secretaries helped me out even my boss, one of the PARTNERS of the firm through some of my confetti out the window. I estimate that we ripped up over 5 pounds of paper. Since we were on the 26th Floor, we were at least 300 ft. above the parade. So it was fun; you know it's really sweet to see so many people so happy all at once!
Of course, not all Chicagoans were happy. 2nd City is also the home of the Chicago Cubs, the team for the Northsiders of Chicago. Later in the afternoon. I had to run out of the law firm and get some important evidence for a car accident related arbitration. While I was waiting, this lawyer told me that he had some Northsiders who were clients. He said that his clients with the patented, Chicago gallows humor were encouraging them to throw furniture and sharp objects 300 ft onto the parade. The lawyer or staff member causing the most injuries and death would be given a fiscal bonus over and above the legal fees to "take out" the most giddy Chicago Southsiders.
I'm telling you, when I walked through the LOOP streets after the parade it was like walking in a dry snowstorm. The streets, sidewalks were covered with at least 3 inches of shredded paper. At least, the paper I threw out had a chance to hit Ozzie Guillen, Jermaine Dye or Paul Konerko. There were streets not even on the parade route like Adams St. with as much paper on it then the LaSalle St. Parade route.
The Dept. of Streets & Sanitation, no later than 5 minutes after the parade, set to work cleaning up the confetti. By the next day, 98% of the confetti was cleaned up.
It was a nice way to end World Series fever. There is a 600 pound granite lion that overlooks the world-renowned Chicago Art Institute. THey had a Chicago W. Sox hat on him. The Chicago Board of Trade has 2 statutes by its entrance, Madame Commerce and Lady Agriculture. They are 14 ft. tall; they were wearing 3x Chicago W. Sox WORLD CHAMPIONS shirts; it was all pretty festive.
A pleasant time was had by all (well, maybe not the Cub fans!)
Of course, not all Chicagoans were happy. 2nd City is also the home of the Chicago Cubs, the team for the Northsiders of Chicago. Later in the afternoon. I had to run out of the law firm and get some important evidence for a car accident related arbitration. While I was waiting, this lawyer told me that he had some Northsiders who were clients. He said that his clients with the patented, Chicago gallows humor were encouraging them to throw furniture and sharp objects 300 ft onto the parade. The lawyer or staff member causing the most injuries and death would be given a fiscal bonus over and above the legal fees to "take out" the most giddy Chicago Southsiders.
I'm telling you, when I walked through the LOOP streets after the parade it was like walking in a dry snowstorm. The streets, sidewalks were covered with at least 3 inches of shredded paper. At least, the paper I threw out had a chance to hit Ozzie Guillen, Jermaine Dye or Paul Konerko. There were streets not even on the parade route like Adams St. with as much paper on it then the LaSalle St. Parade route.
The Dept. of Streets & Sanitation, no later than 5 minutes after the parade, set to work cleaning up the confetti. By the next day, 98% of the confetti was cleaned up.
It was a nice way to end World Series fever. There is a 600 pound granite lion that overlooks the world-renowned Chicago Art Institute. THey had a Chicago W. Sox hat on him. The Chicago Board of Trade has 2 statutes by its entrance, Madame Commerce and Lady Agriculture. They are 14 ft. tall; they were wearing 3x Chicago W. Sox WORLD CHAMPIONS shirts; it was all pretty festive.
A pleasant time was had by all (well, maybe not the Cub fans!)
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