So, while washing my face this morning I noticed something... I have gotten so old since I moved to Houston in Dec. '05. And I don't just mean that I've added a couple of candles to my birthday cake. No, I'm truly older now. I don't want the same things that I used to want.
One thing I know that's changed for me is the fact that I no longer want to spend every single weekend going out. Now granted... I haven't really had the opportunity to do this as much as I used to, but even then... I don't even want to. I also have noticed that lately, I want to just settle down. Now, don't take that the wrong way. I don't want to run off and get married and start a family or anything. Not right now, anyway. Rather, I just want to make my house a home - not just some place I sleep at night and store my stuff.
Another thing I've learned about myself is that I hate living in a city that suffers from urban sprawl. I like my cities vertical (i.e. San Francisco or Chicago), not spread out like Houston. And if I can't live in a vertical city? Well, then I'd rather live in a city like Albuquerque, Denver, Phoenix. Something where I have my city if I want it, but I can just as easily escape to the mountains if I want to. In cities like Houston (and Dallas, and Los Angeles, etc...), you really feel like you can't escape. Traffic is horrific to say the least, and the surround cities sort of melt altogether, making the city feel like it goes on forever. Did you know it takes me 2 hours to get out of town here? Seriously! Unless I go south to Galveston, but that's only because the ocean stops me from going further.
The last thing I've learned about myself is that I absolutely HATE being this far away from my family. If this whole work thing doesn't work out like I'd hope here in Houston (or better yet, in New Orleans next year)... I think I've made my mind up. I think I'll just have to move on. I like my job, but it isn't exactly my life's passion. And the costs of staying here so far from my friends and family back home... well, let's just say that I don't think I can afford them much longer. We'll have to see how this saga plays out.
Anyway, it's getting late and I think I'll go hit the hay. I hope y'all are doing well out there. Keep blogging... I miss hearing about your lives too!
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Holy crap!
My, my, my... time really does fly when you're having fun! Ok, so it flies when you aren't having fun too. Life's just like that sometimes.
Quick Update: I've been home 3 times in the last 3 months, which is pretty incredible. 2 of the 3 trips were absolutely fantastic... let's just say the 1 trip that wasn't was good except for one day. And while I'm over it now, that one trip took almost a month to get over. *sigh*
In other news, my bosses have moved my impending move to New Orleans back to April instead of January. On one hand, this is great... I've moved during the holidays before, and it totally sucks, so I'm glad I won't be repeating that performance this year. On the other hand, it pushes my entire life back again until April. Can't buy a house. Can't plan vacations. I'm kinda stuck. And boy does it suck. Again, sigh.
Another update? Well, my sister remarried her ex-husband, and they're expecting their 2nd baby in January. Sounds like a soap opera, huh? Ha ha. I'm glad they've reconciled, though, and am excited to meet my new niece or nephew this winter.
Anyway, I'm gonna hit the hay. I promise to write more soon... fighting allergies from my last trip to NM (can you believe it was for work, so I actually got paid for it this time? Sweet!). Anyway, I'm gonna grab my Puffs and go to bed. Good night to y'all and I'll write again soon!
About an hour north of my parent's house near Durango, CO
Quick Update: I've been home 3 times in the last 3 months, which is pretty incredible. 2 of the 3 trips were absolutely fantastic... let's just say the 1 trip that wasn't was good except for one day. And while I'm over it now, that one trip took almost a month to get over. *sigh*
In other news, my bosses have moved my impending move to New Orleans back to April instead of January. On one hand, this is great... I've moved during the holidays before, and it totally sucks, so I'm glad I won't be repeating that performance this year. On the other hand, it pushes my entire life back again until April. Can't buy a house. Can't plan vacations. I'm kinda stuck. And boy does it suck. Again, sigh.
Another update? Well, my sister remarried her ex-husband, and they're expecting their 2nd baby in January. Sounds like a soap opera, huh? Ha ha. I'm glad they've reconciled, though, and am excited to meet my new niece or nephew this winter.
Anyway, I'm gonna hit the hay. I promise to write more soon... fighting allergies from my last trip to NM (can you believe it was for work, so I actually got paid for it this time? Sweet!). Anyway, I'm gonna grab my Puffs and go to bed. Good night to y'all and I'll write again soon!
Oh, and this is just a couple of pics from my trips home... enjoy!
Just outside Santa Fe, NM
About an hour north of my parent's house near Durango, CO
Near Angel Peak Park in Bloomfield, NM
Awww.... my alma mater, UNM! Go Lobos!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
give me a geek over a freak any day!
Recently, a friend of mine went on a string of dates that went badly. (It really is a friend, folks… thankfully, I have not had luck like this yet.)
Now, my friend is g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s!!! She’s the kind of girl that can grab attention just by walking through a room in sweats and a t-shirt. She’s a smart girl, too, and sweet as pie. Why she can’t find a better guy is beyond me…
Anyway, this friend of mine has now identified for me several male species that I was not aware existed:
Loaner: This man will try to impress you with material things. He may be an ex-athlete, struggling actor/musician/dancer, etc. Needless to say, he doesn’t have a job but wants you to think he’s a baller.
My friend met this man a while back, but just recently started to talk to him again. He treated her like gold. Wined her, dined her, said all the right things. So when this man started talking seriously, and got a new job… she was excited. Finally a real man, she thought.
About a week later, the man told her that he wanted to buy a new luxury car. He was very excited, and asked my friend a lot of questions about financing. (This was not surprising – she used to approve loans at a bank.) After a few days, he called her at work and asked if she would mind talking to the guy working the financing out for him. She said sure, assuming he wanted her to negotiate terms for him. The financing guy called, and asked for her full name. Then he verified her address (what???). THEN, he asked for her social security number! She quickly asked him why. He said that he was told to contact her regarding the financing of a loan for a new car. AAAAHHH!!! And the man she was seeing didn’t even ASK her!
I see two problems with this: 1 – They had been dating for about a month. Who in their right mind would sign a loan or co-sign on a loan for someone they just started dating??? 2 – If you actually had the Texas-sized balls to ask for such a favor, shouldn’t you actually ask her before the loan guy calls? Geez.
Secret Lover: This man will insist he’s single and ready to mingle. He’ll sweet talk you, and buy you a café au lait. He’ll seem like a really good guy, but…
My friend met this guy while getting coffee one day. He was in line behind her – she teased and said he should buy hers too. He did. They exchanged numbers and, well, that’s about as far as that relationship went. Why, you ask? Well, this man would only call her after 2 am. Yep, they haven’t even gone on a date yet and met for the first time during the day. No spit-swapping, not even a hug… but he would only call her during booty calling hours. She’d call him the next day, and he’d never answer. She finally tried calling him back from a landline rather than her cell – he answered, sounded weird, and “had to let her go.” But, that night…. You guessed it! He called her back, asking to take her out. She answered, only to tell him to never call again.
English Version 3.2: This man speaks with a language all is own. Part Spanglish, part Ebonics, and part Cajun – it’s really hard to figure out just what it is that this guy is saying.
After meeting him the first time, this man sent a text message to my friend. “Hey Amiga. I need to roll on down to your crib and show you my new mayonnaise colored whip. It’s bonita. Then, do you wanna hang and get a Po ‘Boy fully dressed?” Now, between the two of us, we were finally able to decipher his language after about a min or so. What he was actually saying was, “Hey girlfriend. I need to come over to your house and show you my new white car. It’s beautiful. Then, do you want to go out for dinner for Po Boy Sandwiches with everything on them?” Can you imagine having to decode every single message this way? Ridiculous, I tell ya! Needless to say, she stopped talking to him shortly after that.
Man with a Plan: This man sees dating as his full-time job – literally.
Recently, my friend was set up on a lunchtime blind double-date by a colleague. Lunch went well enough, but she wasn’t too interested. Back at the office, the colleague told her that the feeling was mutual. Interestingly, the following week he asked for a follow-up date. Not one to be so quick to judge, my friend agreed and they went on lunch date #2. After the lunch date, she came back to her desk to find an email from this man. The email said nothing, but had an attachment - - - his resume! Confused, she IM’d the man on the spot to ask him why sent that to her. He asked her if she could help him out and forward it on. What the heck? She politely said no. Later, she got a phone call from him asking her what her plans were for her day off. (It gets interesting here…) Their dialogue from that point went something like this:
Friend – I think I’m going to work on my day off. I have a lot to catch up on.
Man with a Plan – Hmm. I was going to ask you to give me a ride to an interview I have on Friday.
Friend – Oh. Don’t you have a car?
Man with a Plan – No. I take the bus during the week and rent a car to go out on the weekends.
Friend – Oh.
Man with a Plan – Well, can I just meet you at work and borrow your car? You’ll be at work anyway…
(Realize, they haven’t really gone on a one-on-one date yet, and she doesn’t even know anything about him.)
Friend - . . .
Man with a Plan – Well, what was the name of those girls that met us last week.
Friend – At lunch? (Insert 3 names here)
Man with a Plan – Last names?
Friend – Why?
Man with a Plan – Want to send them my resume.
Friend – Goodbye.
What the heck is wrong with this boy? Ugh… and I thought my blind dates were bad. Needless to say, she now thinks the colleague that set her up with him hates her and is swearing off of men.
I hate to say it, but these stories make great blog material, don’t they? My poor friend. I seriously hope a real man finds her soon… because I have a feeling she’s going to stop looking for him.
Now, my friend is g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s!!! She’s the kind of girl that can grab attention just by walking through a room in sweats and a t-shirt. She’s a smart girl, too, and sweet as pie. Why she can’t find a better guy is beyond me…
Anyway, this friend of mine has now identified for me several male species that I was not aware existed:
Loaner: This man will try to impress you with material things. He may be an ex-athlete, struggling actor/musician/dancer, etc. Needless to say, he doesn’t have a job but wants you to think he’s a baller.
My friend met this man a while back, but just recently started to talk to him again. He treated her like gold. Wined her, dined her, said all the right things. So when this man started talking seriously, and got a new job… she was excited. Finally a real man, she thought.
About a week later, the man told her that he wanted to buy a new luxury car. He was very excited, and asked my friend a lot of questions about financing. (This was not surprising – she used to approve loans at a bank.) After a few days, he called her at work and asked if she would mind talking to the guy working the financing out for him. She said sure, assuming he wanted her to negotiate terms for him. The financing guy called, and asked for her full name. Then he verified her address (what???). THEN, he asked for her social security number! She quickly asked him why. He said that he was told to contact her regarding the financing of a loan for a new car. AAAAHHH!!! And the man she was seeing didn’t even ASK her!
I see two problems with this: 1 – They had been dating for about a month. Who in their right mind would sign a loan or co-sign on a loan for someone they just started dating??? 2 – If you actually had the Texas-sized balls to ask for such a favor, shouldn’t you actually ask her before the loan guy calls? Geez.
Secret Lover: This man will insist he’s single and ready to mingle. He’ll sweet talk you, and buy you a café au lait. He’ll seem like a really good guy, but…
My friend met this guy while getting coffee one day. He was in line behind her – she teased and said he should buy hers too. He did. They exchanged numbers and, well, that’s about as far as that relationship went. Why, you ask? Well, this man would only call her after 2 am. Yep, they haven’t even gone on a date yet and met for the first time during the day. No spit-swapping, not even a hug… but he would only call her during booty calling hours. She’d call him the next day, and he’d never answer. She finally tried calling him back from a landline rather than her cell – he answered, sounded weird, and “had to let her go.” But, that night…. You guessed it! He called her back, asking to take her out. She answered, only to tell him to never call again.
English Version 3.2: This man speaks with a language all is own. Part Spanglish, part Ebonics, and part Cajun – it’s really hard to figure out just what it is that this guy is saying.
After meeting him the first time, this man sent a text message to my friend. “Hey Amiga. I need to roll on down to your crib and show you my new mayonnaise colored whip. It’s bonita. Then, do you wanna hang and get a Po ‘Boy fully dressed?” Now, between the two of us, we were finally able to decipher his language after about a min or so. What he was actually saying was, “Hey girlfriend. I need to come over to your house and show you my new white car. It’s beautiful. Then, do you want to go out for dinner for Po Boy Sandwiches with everything on them?” Can you imagine having to decode every single message this way? Ridiculous, I tell ya! Needless to say, she stopped talking to him shortly after that.
Man with a Plan: This man sees dating as his full-time job – literally.
Recently, my friend was set up on a lunchtime blind double-date by a colleague. Lunch went well enough, but she wasn’t too interested. Back at the office, the colleague told her that the feeling was mutual. Interestingly, the following week he asked for a follow-up date. Not one to be so quick to judge, my friend agreed and they went on lunch date #2. After the lunch date, she came back to her desk to find an email from this man. The email said nothing, but had an attachment - - - his resume! Confused, she IM’d the man on the spot to ask him why sent that to her. He asked her if she could help him out and forward it on. What the heck? She politely said no. Later, she got a phone call from him asking her what her plans were for her day off. (It gets interesting here…) Their dialogue from that point went something like this:
Friend – I think I’m going to work on my day off. I have a lot to catch up on.
Man with a Plan – Hmm. I was going to ask you to give me a ride to an interview I have on Friday.
Friend – Oh. Don’t you have a car?
Man with a Plan – No. I take the bus during the week and rent a car to go out on the weekends.
Friend – Oh.
Man with a Plan – Well, can I just meet you at work and borrow your car? You’ll be at work anyway…
(Realize, they haven’t really gone on a one-on-one date yet, and she doesn’t even know anything about him.)
Friend - . . .
Man with a Plan – Well, what was the name of those girls that met us last week.
Friend – At lunch? (Insert 3 names here)
Man with a Plan – Last names?
Friend – Why?
Man with a Plan – Want to send them my resume.
Friend – Goodbye.
What the heck is wrong with this boy? Ugh… and I thought my blind dates were bad. Needless to say, she now thinks the colleague that set her up with him hates her and is swearing off of men.
I hate to say it, but these stories make great blog material, don’t they? My poor friend. I seriously hope a real man finds her soon… because I have a feeling she’s going to stop looking for him.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Found
Well, after a year and a half of griping, moaning, complaining, eating, and crying... I'm finally at peace with my "new life" in Houston. Gosh, that sucks to type "out loud." But at least I'm finally admitting to it. I never in my life thought moving here would have been so hard (both emotionally and physically). I have battled just about every single inner demon I could have possibly had over the last couple of years, and I'm finally getting back on track. I already had the career... now my life is finally coming together.
Oh, did I tell ya I finally stopped my soda addiction? YES, it's true! I finally kicked that nasty 6-pop a day habit! And damn, was it hard. Haha... stop laughing at me. It really was hard to do! I started about 3 weeks ago after my family left. I cut down the first week from 6 down to 2 a day. The week after that, I cut down to one a day. Finally, last week, I drank my last soda for good! I'm so proud of myself. And my health is already improving. I lost 3 lbs last week, and my complexion has completely cleared. I haven't felt this good since sophomore year of college! It's fantastic!
And yes, I'm finally getting back to the gym. My goal is 3 times a week (which is a HUGE improvement, but far from where I was a few years ago). However, I've been going about 4 times a week, so I'm doing even better than expected. Yay me! I promised myself that if I can get to my 6 month goal weight, I'll let myself go to Maui! Woohoo! (BTW... my friend Dawn and I already have this trip planned. She won it a few weeks ago, and invited me to go with her. BUT if I don't make my goal, I can't go. Motivation, eh?).
So, in other news... I'm still supposed to go to New Orleans in January. I'm finally getting used to (and excited about) this idea. I'll be damned if I let my fear and my loneliness get the better of me if and when I go too. I HAVE CHANGED! Crazy, ain't it? Haha. Can you tell how freakin' happy I am right now? Still the most single person in the world, but shoot... no one can love you until you love yourself, right? And I'm finally able to just put the past dude behind me. I don't hate him, but appreciate him for what he taught me. I now know what I want isn't what I need, and I now actually know what that need is. Hurray!
Well, I thought I'd blog really quick before I head to bed. This blog may not mean much in the morning, but c'est la vie! Hope all is well out there for y'all too! God Bless!
Oh, did I tell ya I finally stopped my soda addiction? YES, it's true! I finally kicked that nasty 6-pop a day habit! And damn, was it hard. Haha... stop laughing at me. It really was hard to do! I started about 3 weeks ago after my family left. I cut down the first week from 6 down to 2 a day. The week after that, I cut down to one a day. Finally, last week, I drank my last soda for good! I'm so proud of myself. And my health is already improving. I lost 3 lbs last week, and my complexion has completely cleared. I haven't felt this good since sophomore year of college! It's fantastic!
And yes, I'm finally getting back to the gym. My goal is 3 times a week (which is a HUGE improvement, but far from where I was a few years ago). However, I've been going about 4 times a week, so I'm doing even better than expected. Yay me! I promised myself that if I can get to my 6 month goal weight, I'll let myself go to Maui! Woohoo! (BTW... my friend Dawn and I already have this trip planned. She won it a few weeks ago, and invited me to go with her. BUT if I don't make my goal, I can't go. Motivation, eh?).
So, in other news... I'm still supposed to go to New Orleans in January. I'm finally getting used to (and excited about) this idea. I'll be damned if I let my fear and my loneliness get the better of me if and when I go too. I HAVE CHANGED! Crazy, ain't it? Haha. Can you tell how freakin' happy I am right now? Still the most single person in the world, but shoot... no one can love you until you love yourself, right? And I'm finally able to just put the past dude behind me. I don't hate him, but appreciate him for what he taught me. I now know what I want isn't what I need, and I now actually know what that need is. Hurray!
Well, I thought I'd blog really quick before I head to bed. This blog may not mean much in the morning, but c'est la vie! Hope all is well out there for y'all too! God Bless!
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Roses
I've decided I'm not a people person. I thought I was, and my friends might think I am too... but I'm not. There are very few people in this world that I can stand to hang out with every single day. And my neighbors are not among these few.
I've been in Houston almost a year and a half, and I'm finally finding my groove. I've made a few friends, I finally have a social life (much to the despair of my checking account)... things are good. Life is getting to a point where I'm enjoying it again. Hurray, hurray. And I really must say that my apartment has contributed to my happiness in a BIG way.
That being said... sometimes when you come home from working an eleven or twelve hour day, you really just don't want to talk to anyone. You don't want to call home. You don't want to go meet people for dinner. You just want to go home, put on some sweats, sit on the couch, and watch bad TV. But since becoming friends with my neighbors, they have decided that the moment my light turns on, they should immediately come over and ask me to hang out. Usually, this occurs less than 10 minutes after I have walked through the door. UGH. Give me some breathing room people! I mean, it's nice to have company when you're eating dinner and all but after a year of doing dinner solo, this sudden change is just a bit much for me.
And there's no escaping it. My apartment is setup very "Melrose Place"-ish, in a horseshoe shape with a pool in the middle. Because of the warm climate, my neighbors are frequently outside at the pool (and have been there for a while) by the time I come home. No sneaking in for me! And on the weekends its even worse. No sleeping in for this young lady, no sirree. My neighbors like to come knockin' as early as 9am to see if I want to do brunch. I feel like opening the door in my Pj's and scream, let me be! If I wanna stay in Pj's one Saturday, let me!
I feel like a total jerk... the majority of my neighbors are lovely people albeit a tad overwhelming at times. But I don't have much in common with this eclectic set. And while I do enjoy their company, I don't have an overwhelming desire to hang out with them all the time. Sometimes a person just "vants to ve alone," you know?
This week I'm just gonna lie low. No going out for dinner for me this week. Anyway, I need to save up for my mom's visit down here next week - - after all, I'm paying for 100% of that trip which includes expenses for a week for her, my two sisters, and my niece. I'm gonna be so broke in June! Ha! Well peeps, I'm out. Have a great night!
I've been in Houston almost a year and a half, and I'm finally finding my groove. I've made a few friends, I finally have a social life (much to the despair of my checking account)... things are good. Life is getting to a point where I'm enjoying it again. Hurray, hurray. And I really must say that my apartment has contributed to my happiness in a BIG way.
That being said... sometimes when you come home from working an eleven or twelve hour day, you really just don't want to talk to anyone. You don't want to call home. You don't want to go meet people for dinner. You just want to go home, put on some sweats, sit on the couch, and watch bad TV. But since becoming friends with my neighbors, they have decided that the moment my light turns on, they should immediately come over and ask me to hang out. Usually, this occurs less than 10 minutes after I have walked through the door. UGH. Give me some breathing room people! I mean, it's nice to have company when you're eating dinner and all but after a year of doing dinner solo, this sudden change is just a bit much for me.
And there's no escaping it. My apartment is setup very "Melrose Place"-ish, in a horseshoe shape with a pool in the middle. Because of the warm climate, my neighbors are frequently outside at the pool (and have been there for a while) by the time I come home. No sneaking in for me! And on the weekends its even worse. No sleeping in for this young lady, no sirree. My neighbors like to come knockin' as early as 9am to see if I want to do brunch. I feel like opening the door in my Pj's and scream, let me be! If I wanna stay in Pj's one Saturday, let me!
I feel like a total jerk... the majority of my neighbors are lovely people albeit a tad overwhelming at times. But I don't have much in common with this eclectic set. And while I do enjoy their company, I don't have an overwhelming desire to hang out with them all the time. Sometimes a person just "vants to ve alone," you know?
This week I'm just gonna lie low. No going out for dinner for me this week. Anyway, I need to save up for my mom's visit down here next week - - after all, I'm paying for 100% of that trip which includes expenses for a week for her, my two sisters, and my niece. I'm gonna be so broke in June! Ha! Well peeps, I'm out. Have a great night!
Sunday, May 06, 2007
I'm in som' "nia" right now....
"So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable." - Christopher Reeve
I don't dream anymore. I mean, I have goals and dreams for the future, but that's not what I'm talking about. I mean I don't dream anymore. I don't know when they stopped. I don't know why they won't come back. And I'm suprised to find myself really, really missing them. My dreams are usually extremely vivid, and usually answer questions that I have been pondering. Call it unconscious decision making if you will, but it always ends up working for me for some reason. Some of my dreams scare me, some of my dreams inspire me, and all of my dreams have either the answer to a question or a meaning of some sort.
I think my last dream was just before my trip to California, but I am not 100% sure. If it was, that fact in itself answers a few questions. For one... it proves how much I really do wish I could be there and how much I miss it. I don't know how someone who has never lived there before can miss that place, but I do. It's like a deep down "homesick" feeling, and it really, really sucks. My new short term goal is to get myself relocated to southern California. I don't think it will change my life, but my quality of life will improve even if my cost of living ridiculously increases. I so much "heart" California!Since leaving California, my sleeping patterns have gone to crap. Before my vacation, I would get an average of 5 hours of sleep a night (no, I don't sleep enough and yes, I do suffer from insomnia). Since vacation? I get about 3-4. During my vacation, I was getting a minimum of eight hours a night. Coincidence, hmmm???? I think not.
Maybe I'm just not as happy in Houston as I wish I really was. And I know I wonder if I ever will be. But I will say that my life in Houston has been 100 times better so far this year than it was last year. And who's to say it won't get better from here? Either way, I'll try to stick it out at least a little bit longer. And as for my dreams? Well, I'll just leave those to fate and if they come back, sweet. If not? Well.... I hope I just don't let myself think too much into that. They are just dreams.............right?
I don't dream anymore. I mean, I have goals and dreams for the future, but that's not what I'm talking about. I mean I don't dream anymore. I don't know when they stopped. I don't know why they won't come back. And I'm suprised to find myself really, really missing them. My dreams are usually extremely vivid, and usually answer questions that I have been pondering. Call it unconscious decision making if you will, but it always ends up working for me for some reason. Some of my dreams scare me, some of my dreams inspire me, and all of my dreams have either the answer to a question or a meaning of some sort.
I think my last dream was just before my trip to California, but I am not 100% sure. If it was, that fact in itself answers a few questions. For one... it proves how much I really do wish I could be there and how much I miss it. I don't know how someone who has never lived there before can miss that place, but I do. It's like a deep down "homesick" feeling, and it really, really sucks. My new short term goal is to get myself relocated to southern California. I don't think it will change my life, but my quality of life will improve even if my cost of living ridiculously increases. I so much "heart" California!Since leaving California, my sleeping patterns have gone to crap. Before my vacation, I would get an average of 5 hours of sleep a night (no, I don't sleep enough and yes, I do suffer from insomnia). Since vacation? I get about 3-4. During my vacation, I was getting a minimum of eight hours a night. Coincidence, hmmm???? I think not.
Maybe I'm just not as happy in Houston as I wish I really was. And I know I wonder if I ever will be. But I will say that my life in Houston has been 100 times better so far this year than it was last year. And who's to say it won't get better from here? Either way, I'll try to stick it out at least a little bit longer. And as for my dreams? Well, I'll just leave those to fate and if they come back, sweet. If not? Well.... I hope I just don't let myself think too much into that. They are just dreams.............right?
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Oh, the whore-or!
I'm not a hot chick. I'm not saying I'm totally unfortunate looking, because I would say I'm cute. I just don't think the word "hot" and me go together at all. For Christ's sake, I shop at Ann Taylor and the Gap! Now, those clothes are cute but not hot. It's just not me.
So, what about me exactly is it that screams out whore to some guys? Seriously? Yeah, I giggle a lot, and when the mood strikes me, I may even curl my hair and put some makeup on. But I'm not in full-on "come hither" gear. Nor am I wearing tight little skirts or low cut blouses that would possibly catch a pervert's eye. So why is it, then, that every single time I go out with "the girls" that some creepy dude tells me things that would make Jenna Jameson blush?
Last Saturday night, my two friends and I were having drinks in Santa Monica while we were on vacation. One of my friends has a guy friend that lives in nearby L.A., so she invited him and his friends to meet us. I was at the bar when they finally showed up, and the only seat left was next to this guy's short little friend.
So, I sit down next to this guy, introduce myself to both men, and continue to talk to my friends and drink my margarita. This guy (whom I'll call Bobbo for now) starts to talking to me, and right away was asking me "relationship" questions - Are you married? Do you ever want to be? Do you have kids? Do you want kids? What kind of guy are you looking for? Are you a jealous girlfriend? Etc, etc, etc. OMG! First of all, I'm on vacation; I am not looking for "the one" when I am on vacation. Not that I don't think it could happen... I'm just definitely not looking for it. Secondly, why would you just randomly start asking some girl in a bar these sorts of questions less than 5 minutes after you met her? Are you trying to scare her away? Well, I'll let my future suitors in on a little secret... this will definitely turn me off and scare me away. It's just weird. At least let us go on a date before you start asking those kinds of questions. Geez...
Anyway, after I successfully avoided these questions and tried to talk to the rest of the table, the guy grabs me by my waist, and whispers in my ear, "Is she craving?" Um, is who craving what? "You know... (pointing to my lap) her." OMG! Is this dude freaking joking? I laughed and told him to mind his manners, and scooted to the end of the booth. Of course, Bobbo doesn't get the hint and continues with his inappropriate conversation, asking such staples as how long has it been, how many have I had, do I mess with girls, etc, etc, etc. Seriously, I have never been so offended or disgusted with such a pig in my life.
I finally excused myself from the table and Bobbo the pervert, and went to the bar. Fortunately for me, it was soon time for last call. Unfortunately for me, Bobbo felt the need to ask me if he could "go with me to my hotel room so he could help me scratch that itch." Again, ewwww. Who the hell does this bozo think he is? And why does he think it's ok or appropriate to talk to me like that? One of my friends said it was sort of flattering... I couldn't disagree more.
My friend was interested in the other guy, and wanted him to come back to our hotel room to drink and hang out some more. And I'm not trying to block her game, but the thought of having to spend one more minute with Bobbo was making me sick. So I told her that would not be ok with me and I wanted to go to bed. Bobbo, of course, felt the need to come and tell my goodbye personally by hugging me and putting one of his legs up on my hip. I quickly pulled away and left.
I've seriously never been so offended in my life. And I know I'm not the biggest dating expert ever, but this couldn't be what I have to look forward to, is it? Because if it is, I think I'm better off alone. Again, ewww. I don't even know what else to say... but ewww.
So, what about me exactly is it that screams out whore to some guys? Seriously? Yeah, I giggle a lot, and when the mood strikes me, I may even curl my hair and put some makeup on. But I'm not in full-on "come hither" gear. Nor am I wearing tight little skirts or low cut blouses that would possibly catch a pervert's eye. So why is it, then, that every single time I go out with "the girls" that some creepy dude tells me things that would make Jenna Jameson blush?
Last Saturday night, my two friends and I were having drinks in Santa Monica while we were on vacation. One of my friends has a guy friend that lives in nearby L.A., so she invited him and his friends to meet us. I was at the bar when they finally showed up, and the only seat left was next to this guy's short little friend.
So, I sit down next to this guy, introduce myself to both men, and continue to talk to my friends and drink my margarita. This guy (whom I'll call Bobbo for now) starts to talking to me, and right away was asking me "relationship" questions - Are you married? Do you ever want to be? Do you have kids? Do you want kids? What kind of guy are you looking for? Are you a jealous girlfriend? Etc, etc, etc. OMG! First of all, I'm on vacation; I am not looking for "the one" when I am on vacation. Not that I don't think it could happen... I'm just definitely not looking for it. Secondly, why would you just randomly start asking some girl in a bar these sorts of questions less than 5 minutes after you met her? Are you trying to scare her away? Well, I'll let my future suitors in on a little secret... this will definitely turn me off and scare me away. It's just weird. At least let us go on a date before you start asking those kinds of questions. Geez...
Anyway, after I successfully avoided these questions and tried to talk to the rest of the table, the guy grabs me by my waist, and whispers in my ear, "Is she craving?" Um, is who craving what? "You know... (pointing to my lap) her." OMG! Is this dude freaking joking? I laughed and told him to mind his manners, and scooted to the end of the booth. Of course, Bobbo doesn't get the hint and continues with his inappropriate conversation, asking such staples as how long has it been, how many have I had, do I mess with girls, etc, etc, etc. Seriously, I have never been so offended or disgusted with such a pig in my life.
I finally excused myself from the table and Bobbo the pervert, and went to the bar. Fortunately for me, it was soon time for last call. Unfortunately for me, Bobbo felt the need to ask me if he could "go with me to my hotel room so he could help me scratch that itch." Again, ewwww. Who the hell does this bozo think he is? And why does he think it's ok or appropriate to talk to me like that? One of my friends said it was sort of flattering... I couldn't disagree more.
My friend was interested in the other guy, and wanted him to come back to our hotel room to drink and hang out some more. And I'm not trying to block her game, but the thought of having to spend one more minute with Bobbo was making me sick. So I told her that would not be ok with me and I wanted to go to bed. Bobbo, of course, felt the need to come and tell my goodbye personally by hugging me and putting one of his legs up on my hip. I quickly pulled away and left.
I've seriously never been so offended in my life. And I know I'm not the biggest dating expert ever, but this couldn't be what I have to look forward to, is it? Because if it is, I think I'm better off alone. Again, ewww. I don't even know what else to say... but ewww.
California Dreamin'
There is no place I love more in America than southern California. I know it's terribly cliche, but I've just always loved it. The climate is as close to perfect as it gets. The water in the Pacific Ocean is perfect in my book (no, not as warm as the Atlantic or the Gulf, but I actually kinda like it cold). I am always ridiculously happy whenever I'm in California, and I am close to tears every single time I have to leave it.
Recently, I told you (yes, all one of you that actually reads this thing) that I got offered a rotational assignment in Louisiana. And you know my reluctance to go. But after my recent trip to California, I really really don't want to go. Seriously. It seems like every single move I make is another step farther from my favorite place on earth. And does that make sense to anyone?
Now, I've already somewhat accepted my rotation, so don't think I'm going to be flighty and take off with only the shirt on my back and head out west. However, I think that once this rotation is over, I'm going to make a concentrated effort to move out there. I just don't think "the south" is really for me. It's nice enough, but I'm more of a west coast kind of gal. Always have been... always will be. So much for my college NYC dreams. Ha!
I just don't want to wake up one day when I'm in my thirties and wonder what the hell I did with my life. Nor do I want to always wonder "what if" or regret that I hadn't at least tried it. There are some huge downfalls to California over TX or LA. Namely, there is a huge change that I will never own a home if I move to CA. Also, some of the little luxuries I've come to love in my life will definitely have to go away. But you know? It's really worth it to me if it means I'll be a happier person overall. At least my list of "what ifs" will be a little shorter, right? :)
Well, this all may just be talk. But, this idea has been playing in my head non-stop since my plane landed back at Bush airport on Monday so I figured I'd better write it out and get it over with. I'll keep you in the loop as to my California aspirations. Ha ha. But if you really know me, you know I'm more dreaming than anything. We'll see.
Recently, I told you (yes, all one of you that actually reads this thing) that I got offered a rotational assignment in Louisiana. And you know my reluctance to go. But after my recent trip to California, I really really don't want to go. Seriously. It seems like every single move I make is another step farther from my favorite place on earth. And does that make sense to anyone?
Now, I've already somewhat accepted my rotation, so don't think I'm going to be flighty and take off with only the shirt on my back and head out west. However, I think that once this rotation is over, I'm going to make a concentrated effort to move out there. I just don't think "the south" is really for me. It's nice enough, but I'm more of a west coast kind of gal. Always have been... always will be. So much for my college NYC dreams. Ha!
I just don't want to wake up one day when I'm in my thirties and wonder what the hell I did with my life. Nor do I want to always wonder "what if" or regret that I hadn't at least tried it. There are some huge downfalls to California over TX or LA. Namely, there is a huge change that I will never own a home if I move to CA. Also, some of the little luxuries I've come to love in my life will definitely have to go away. But you know? It's really worth it to me if it means I'll be a happier person overall. At least my list of "what ifs" will be a little shorter, right? :)
Well, this all may just be talk. But, this idea has been playing in my head non-stop since my plane landed back at Bush airport on Monday so I figured I'd better write it out and get it over with. I'll keep you in the loop as to my California aspirations. Ha ha. But if you really know me, you know I'm more dreaming than anything. We'll see.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
catch 22
No decision you ever have will be easy. No, not even the decision to buy Honey Nut Cheerios over Cocoa Pebbles. Every decision, whether we like it or not, is a little bit hard. Some decisions are harder than others.
My boss advised me today that I may be invited to partake in a "career development rotational assignment." Now, with my career ladder, I knew I was expected to accept a 6-month rotation at some point in my career. Typically, this rotation takes place in an office building across town, so while it's definitely a new experience, it really isn't asking a whole lot for us to go.
As my boss continued explaining, however, a "career development rotational assignment" is different from the traditional rotation expected for my job. This would have me going to work in a different city for these 6-months, all the while keeping my home in the town I currently live in. My housing, groceries, laundry, automobile, and travel expenses would all be included, and I would get a free flight to my "home" city every other week for 3 days. Sounds pretty sweet, eh? Plus, I'll be the first rep that this opportunity has been offered to, which greatly increases my chances for promotion and choice of future projects. Yay!
Well, I dunno. I was hugely EXCITED when this was first proposed to me today... I mean, what do I have to lose? Right now, I don't have anything keeping me in town. I don't have a boyfriend, husband, kids, or family here. I have only a few friends here, but no one that I would feel a need to stay for. So this is all sounding good, right? Then she told me that this assignment would not begin until January of next year, but I would need to commit by the end of this coming May. BUT.... a lot can happen between now and then! Who's to say I don't meet the love of my life in the next month or two?
Either way, it's only 6 short months in my little life. I'll turn 28 in October, and I'll still be 28 by the end of my assignment so I'm still really young. But I guess I'm scared. I've done the whole "moving across the country" thing by myself three times in my twenties. Do I really want to do this again? Decisions, decisions! I guess I have until May to work this all out in my head. I really wish those stupid magic 8 balls could help me with this....
My boss advised me today that I may be invited to partake in a "career development rotational assignment." Now, with my career ladder, I knew I was expected to accept a 6-month rotation at some point in my career. Typically, this rotation takes place in an office building across town, so while it's definitely a new experience, it really isn't asking a whole lot for us to go.
As my boss continued explaining, however, a "career development rotational assignment" is different from the traditional rotation expected for my job. This would have me going to work in a different city for these 6-months, all the while keeping my home in the town I currently live in. My housing, groceries, laundry, automobile, and travel expenses would all be included, and I would get a free flight to my "home" city every other week for 3 days. Sounds pretty sweet, eh? Plus, I'll be the first rep that this opportunity has been offered to, which greatly increases my chances for promotion and choice of future projects. Yay!
Well, I dunno. I was hugely EXCITED when this was first proposed to me today... I mean, what do I have to lose? Right now, I don't have anything keeping me in town. I don't have a boyfriend, husband, kids, or family here. I have only a few friends here, but no one that I would feel a need to stay for. So this is all sounding good, right? Then she told me that this assignment would not begin until January of next year, but I would need to commit by the end of this coming May. BUT.... a lot can happen between now and then! Who's to say I don't meet the love of my life in the next month or two?
Either way, it's only 6 short months in my little life. I'll turn 28 in October, and I'll still be 28 by the end of my assignment so I'm still really young. But I guess I'm scared. I've done the whole "moving across the country" thing by myself three times in my twenties. Do I really want to do this again? Decisions, decisions! I guess I have until May to work this all out in my head. I really wish those stupid magic 8 balls could help me with this....
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Impressed
"A painting in a museum hears more ridiculous opinions than anything else in the world." - Edmond de Goncourt (French artist & novelist (1822 - 1896))
If you've never been to Houston, you might be under the impression that it is a far cry from the dreary, rainy city of Seattle. And you would be wrong. Contrary to popular belief, Houston is indeed a very dreary, foggy, and rainy city. I've lived here for just over a year now (a year and a half if you include my internships), and I can probably tell you the date of every sunny day I've experienced since I've been here. And by sunny day I mean just that... a sunny lunch or cloudless sunset hardly qualify as an all-out sun-shiny day. I'm from the desert, remember? We got over 300 sunny days per year back home. I'm not use to this crap.
Anyway, I digress... the last couple of days have actually been really nice. Cold, but nice. I so missed the sun! It was nice to be able to go walk around in the Village, take a stroll in Memorial, or even just to finally open the sunroof on my car. It definitely helped lift my spirits too.
Ironically, this sunny weather inspired me to go visit the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. I know, great way to spend a sunny day, right? Well, it was actually! I decided to wait and go at 5 in the evening, mostly hoping that I'd miss some of the crowds. Now, I'll admit I almost walked back out of the door when they told me the price was double the normal admission because of a special exhibit. However, when I learned that the exhibit was a tour of French Impressionist works from the Met, I decided to stick around and check it out. The Met doesn't usually let such works leave their halls, so this was a rare opportunity.
I spent two hours touring the exhibit, stopping and listening along with the audio tour when noted. Now, I love art but I don't know much about it. However, I will say there is nothing more emotional than seeing a master work less than a foot away from your eyes. Van Gogh, Monet, Matisse, Renior, Picasso... you definitely don't see stuff like this back home. It was wonderful. Spectacular even. And definitely impressive.
I left the MFAH and took my sweet time leaving the museum and returning to my car. The night air was crisp and cool... and for once I didn't get the reality check of some "lady of the night" walking in her stilettos back to Montrose. (The museum district borders one of Houston's more colorful areas of town). It was just a nice evening, and I didn't so much mind that I spent it alone. I guess you could say that this night with the French Impressionists that impressed me was a happy little Valentine to myself. And I'm glad I chose to keep it that way...
If you've never been to Houston, you might be under the impression that it is a far cry from the dreary, rainy city of Seattle. And you would be wrong. Contrary to popular belief, Houston is indeed a very dreary, foggy, and rainy city. I've lived here for just over a year now (a year and a half if you include my internships), and I can probably tell you the date of every sunny day I've experienced since I've been here. And by sunny day I mean just that... a sunny lunch or cloudless sunset hardly qualify as an all-out sun-shiny day. I'm from the desert, remember? We got over 300 sunny days per year back home. I'm not use to this crap.
Anyway, I digress... the last couple of days have actually been really nice. Cold, but nice. I so missed the sun! It was nice to be able to go walk around in the Village, take a stroll in Memorial, or even just to finally open the sunroof on my car. It definitely helped lift my spirits too.
Ironically, this sunny weather inspired me to go visit the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. I know, great way to spend a sunny day, right? Well, it was actually! I decided to wait and go at 5 in the evening, mostly hoping that I'd miss some of the crowds. Now, I'll admit I almost walked back out of the door when they told me the price was double the normal admission because of a special exhibit. However, when I learned that the exhibit was a tour of French Impressionist works from the Met, I decided to stick around and check it out. The Met doesn't usually let such works leave their halls, so this was a rare opportunity.
I spent two hours touring the exhibit, stopping and listening along with the audio tour when noted. Now, I love art but I don't know much about it. However, I will say there is nothing more emotional than seeing a master work less than a foot away from your eyes. Van Gogh, Monet, Matisse, Renior, Picasso... you definitely don't see stuff like this back home. It was wonderful. Spectacular even. And definitely impressive.
I left the MFAH and took my sweet time leaving the museum and returning to my car. The night air was crisp and cool... and for once I didn't get the reality check of some "lady of the night" walking in her stilettos back to Montrose. (The museum district borders one of Houston's more colorful areas of town). It was just a nice evening, and I didn't so much mind that I spent it alone. I guess you could say that this night with the French Impressionists that impressed me was a happy little Valentine to myself. And I'm glad I chose to keep it that way...
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
is going back in my future?
"No matter how long we exist, we have our memories. Points in time which time itself cannot erase. Suffering may distort my backward glances, but even to suffering, some memories will yield nothing of ther beauty or their splendor. Rather they remain as hard as gems. " - Anne Rice
The best times of my adult life occurred between 19 - 21 years of age. I can honestly say the majority of all the high points in my life occurred during those 3 short years, and I only wish I could go back and relive them. Not that my life totally sucked after that, I just had to totally grow up ridiculously fast.
For those that met me after high school (or that have never met me at all), you probably wonder what I was like as a kid. Ok, so maybe you don't care... but I'm going to tell you anyway. Haha! I was a very serious kid, actually. My parents moved us around a lot (for no particular reason, I should add), so I was forced to learn how to make friends fast and catch up even faster in school. Being the oldest of four, I was also "second mommy" to my younger siblings... I started babysitting them at about 8 yrs old! And while I know my parents did what they had to do... that was really hard on me as a kid. I couldn't go out and play with other kids, because I wanted to be mother hen to them instead. Long story short, I started working really young and haven't stopped working since. And you know what they say about all work and no play....
Well, going to college finally changed all that. With no family obligations, I felt a weird sense of freedom that I hadn't felt before. I actually felt my age, which was a first. And it was fun! And I didn't even have to compromise my job or college grades for it! I fell in love during that time (and I still think it was worth the heartache), among other wonderful firsts!
Of course, all things have to come to an end, and it's my own fault that they came to an end as quickly as they did. Being the constant worrier that I am, I forced myself to finish college in not 4 but 3 years, which consequently forced me to stop my wild partying ways. I took a huge risk after graduation and moved to Colorado... and with my tail between my legs, returned home a short time after. Failing like that put me in a really bad place, and I feel like I've been just trying to keep afloat ever since.
Now that I'm finally back on my feet and getting back to my old self again a whopping 6 years later (I'm 27 now), I find myself trying to reclaim that wonderful period in my life. I tried to do my old workout routine, but with the J-O-B being what it is, it makes it extraordinarily difficult to get to the gym once a day, let alone twice. I'm trying to go out more, but like I've said before... Houston is a weird place. Everyone I've met is either married and act like they are 40, they really are 40, or they're single and young... but just don't need new friends. Trust me, I've tried to make friends here. And anywhere else I've ever lived, I was able to make friends really easy. But in Houston? I dunno. Easier said than done, I guess.
I know it seems sad to want to go back to how my life was when I was 20, but honestly, I don't know of many that wouldn't go back if they could. Granted, I don't really want to be that young again - there is experience that comes with getting older that I totally could have used back then! But what's so wrong with wanting to be that happy again? I guess I'm just trying to swim as far away as I can from the island of bitter, but is looking back to that time in my life the right answer? I guess time will tell. I just know that no matter what happens in the time ahead... I know it will get better from here.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Attack of the Parents
Lately, I feel like I'm being attacked by all sides. On the one hand, I have old friends who are now parents that are bugging me. Then, I have the people I work with that think they are my parents. Then, of course, I have my parents who are a lovely thorn in my side. So my question then is... is it national "Parents hating on the childless" month or something? Geez...
My first "attack" came when I went home last for Christmas. I so love going home, and I always look forward to it. Houston, as you may have noticed, has not become "home" yet so it's always feels so good to be back in good ol' New Mexico after a long absence. What I never look forward to, though, is the loving discussion that always seems to be at the forefront of my parents' mind: marriage. Why haven't I settled down yet? Am I gay? Am I bitter? Do I still love my ex? Never, EVER as a future parent will I ask my children any of these questions. But my parents, especially my dad, always find a way to sneak it in somehow.
Mom is a little more reserved about it, but only because she thinks it's somehow her fault that I'm still single. Dad, a traditional Hispanic in every sense of the word, is a little more outspoken about it. It's just wrong, in his opinion, for a woman of a certain age to be independent. She should be married, and making a house a home for a family. But what's so wrong with just wanting to prove to myself I can do it on my own first? Can't I prove my ability to do things on my own, and to be successful in my career, before I marry? And why should I marry just any Tom, Dick, or Harry that comes along? Just to be married?
I recently added my new year's goal to my other blog... basically, I'm going to concentrate my efforts in 2007 to taking care of myself. Pretty selfish, I know, but after years of caring for everyone else around me, I just figured this was as good a time as any to make an effort to take care of me. No one else is gonna do it, right? Well, I was all proud of my little blog until someone left me a comment on it. While I'm sure this married (and motherly) friend of mine didn't mean to come off as snide, she did. I won't reprint her comment here, but it boiled down to how it must be nice to have the luxury of taking care of myself first since I am not married and do not have children. Um, yeah... I guess it is.
But you know what? I think that even if you are married and you do have children, you should still make it a point to take care of you first. Why? Well, like I said before... only you are going to take care of you. And if you don't take good care of yourself, you won't be any use to those you want to take care of. I mean, you can be the best wife on earth, but if you killed over tomorrow because you had a heart attack, you wouldn't be a whole lot of good to your husband anymore, would you? I know that sounds harsh, but that's how I feel. I'm not saying that you shouldn't take care of anyone else (Lord knows I'll still be mother hen to those close to me); I'm just saying make sure you take care of YOU too.
Finally, there are my colleagues. Granted, the average age in my department hovers at 48, which means the majority of these people really could be my mom or dad, but does that mean they have to treat me like their child? Now, some of these folks I don't mind so much... you know, the ones who send you birthday cards on your birthday or call you to check on you when you are sick. That's nice. But the ones who want to lecture you when you attend the occasional happy hour? Or how about the ones that like to order you around to do their busy work? Ooh, or the ones who tell you that you can't do something, just because "it's not safe for a single gal like you?"
Let me tell ya... I have a pretty terrific set of parents. They did a bang-up job of raising me, if I do say so myself. And I've lived in this big, bad city by myself with no family and few friends for over a year now... I think I can handle myself, thank you. And as for ordering me around just because you're older? I may just do it once or twice, just to be nice and accomodating. But don't abuse it. I may be young but I'm not naive, and I'll be damned if I let you walk all over me. I removed that doormat from my back a LONG time ago, and I have no intention on letting anyone put it back on me anytime in the near future.
I guess my request is simple: treat me like you would anyone else. I just hope that someday people can accept that I'm just like they are... granted, I may have successfully avoided the ball and chain, and have no fruit of my loins... and yes, I may be under 30 (shocking, I know), but I'm no less capable, no less worldly, and no less responsible than they are. And if people can't accept that? Well, they can just kiss my grits cuz I ain't changin'.
My first "attack" came when I went home last for Christmas. I so love going home, and I always look forward to it. Houston, as you may have noticed, has not become "home" yet so it's always feels so good to be back in good ol' New Mexico after a long absence. What I never look forward to, though, is the loving discussion that always seems to be at the forefront of my parents' mind: marriage. Why haven't I settled down yet? Am I gay? Am I bitter? Do I still love my ex? Never, EVER as a future parent will I ask my children any of these questions. But my parents, especially my dad, always find a way to sneak it in somehow.
Mom is a little more reserved about it, but only because she thinks it's somehow her fault that I'm still single. Dad, a traditional Hispanic in every sense of the word, is a little more outspoken about it. It's just wrong, in his opinion, for a woman of a certain age to be independent. She should be married, and making a house a home for a family. But what's so wrong with just wanting to prove to myself I can do it on my own first? Can't I prove my ability to do things on my own, and to be successful in my career, before I marry? And why should I marry just any Tom, Dick, or Harry that comes along? Just to be married?
I recently added my new year's goal to my other blog... basically, I'm going to concentrate my efforts in 2007 to taking care of myself. Pretty selfish, I know, but after years of caring for everyone else around me, I just figured this was as good a time as any to make an effort to take care of me. No one else is gonna do it, right? Well, I was all proud of my little blog until someone left me a comment on it. While I'm sure this married (and motherly) friend of mine didn't mean to come off as snide, she did. I won't reprint her comment here, but it boiled down to how it must be nice to have the luxury of taking care of myself first since I am not married and do not have children. Um, yeah... I guess it is.
But you know what? I think that even if you are married and you do have children, you should still make it a point to take care of you first. Why? Well, like I said before... only you are going to take care of you. And if you don't take good care of yourself, you won't be any use to those you want to take care of. I mean, you can be the best wife on earth, but if you killed over tomorrow because you had a heart attack, you wouldn't be a whole lot of good to your husband anymore, would you? I know that sounds harsh, but that's how I feel. I'm not saying that you shouldn't take care of anyone else (Lord knows I'll still be mother hen to those close to me); I'm just saying make sure you take care of YOU too.
Finally, there are my colleagues. Granted, the average age in my department hovers at 48, which means the majority of these people really could be my mom or dad, but does that mean they have to treat me like their child? Now, some of these folks I don't mind so much... you know, the ones who send you birthday cards on your birthday or call you to check on you when you are sick. That's nice. But the ones who want to lecture you when you attend the occasional happy hour? Or how about the ones that like to order you around to do their busy work? Ooh, or the ones who tell you that you can't do something, just because "it's not safe for a single gal like you?"
Let me tell ya... I have a pretty terrific set of parents. They did a bang-up job of raising me, if I do say so myself. And I've lived in this big, bad city by myself with no family and few friends for over a year now... I think I can handle myself, thank you. And as for ordering me around just because you're older? I may just do it once or twice, just to be nice and accomodating. But don't abuse it. I may be young but I'm not naive, and I'll be damned if I let you walk all over me. I removed that doormat from my back a LONG time ago, and I have no intention on letting anyone put it back on me anytime in the near future.
I guess my request is simple: treat me like you would anyone else. I just hope that someday people can accept that I'm just like they are... granted, I may have successfully avoided the ball and chain, and have no fruit of my loins... and yes, I may be under 30 (shocking, I know), but I'm no less capable, no less worldly, and no less responsible than they are. And if people can't accept that? Well, they can just kiss my grits cuz I ain't changin'.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
