Kicked in the gut

Beau went to work this morning, like he does every Monday. After he had been there for a couple of hours, he recieved an IM from his supervisor.

They closed his office.

Once again, he is without employment.

I need a vacation

For those of you that do not know what it is I do for a living. I am a Staffing Consultant for Express Personnel Services. One of 500+ branches worldwide. My job description has many components. One of them being, I put people to work. I try to find jobs for people that come to us for assistance. Most of the time, I really love what I do. But lately it seems as though no one wants to work. I mean, they say they want a job, so I get them a job. How do some of these asshats repay me? I'll tell you. By calling me at noon to say they had a flat tire on the way to work this morning. "Your shift started at 8 a.m. right? Then why are you calling me at noon?"

This wouldn't be so bad, except this is not the first time something similar has happened. Last time she did this, she asked "What should I do?" I said "Go to work, I don't care if your shift is over in 3 hours, GO TO WORK" Well, she didn't go to work. So this time, I just simply told her to not return to her assignment.

Everyday I wake up wondering, "What asshat is going to fuck up today. Which one of these irresponsible jerkwads is going to try to ruin my day today.?" And then they have the nerve to turn around and somehow blame it on me? Workers as well as Employers. Ass Q. Hat didn't go to work today, and it is somehow MY fault. I can't make them go to work! I can't drag their lazy asses out of bed and tug them by the ear to get to work.

I've always been a cynic, but this place is really beginning to magnify it.

I need a good strong drink and a vacation. Preferably not in that order.

I seriously want to organize a weekend trip to Vegas in the next few months. Just 3 or 4 days of forgetting about reality.

It would be fun if we all went together! Lets do it!!!!

OK, Seriously...

Yesterday was an interesting day for me. I had made an appointment to see a podiatrist for my weird ass toenails. I have been suffering from ingrown toenails on my big toes for several years. The left one had gotten so bad that I decided it was time to have some medical intervention. The appointment wasn't until 1:45, so I went to work as usual. Nothing remarkable about the work day really. I was nervous about the appointment, as I was fairly certain the doctor would opt to remove the offending nail, and possibly both of them.

Sometime around 10:00 a.m. or so, a lady walks into my office with a vase of flowers and a purple teddy bear. In my head I'm thinking "Huh? It's not Valentines day, and besides, Beau wouldn't do something like that." (Although I wish he would, if you are reading this honey, hint hint... ;) )

Anyway, she hands me the gifts and I read the card. "Good luck. You will be fine. We love you. Signed Your Duck family"

Awww, how sweet. They are from my co-workers. The duck thing is an inside joke. Long story, I may tell you later. Anyway, it was such a sweet gesture and I am touched.

Lashell, Megan and I order a big order of fried rice and eggrolls from a local Chinese restaurant (man, that was good), and soon after it is time to leave for the appointment. Lashell follows me home to drop off my car, and we go to the Doc.

After filling out all the friggin paper work, I am led into the exam room. Doc comes in and chats with me a bit, poking at my toes with a metal, pointy sharp weird.

"Does this hurt?"
"Uhhh, YEAH!"
"Is this tender?"
"Meh, not so much."
"I would stick this under your nail, but you probably wouldn't like me if I did."
My response: "Doc, I'm not sure I like you yet anyway."

The nurses roar with laughter. I was proud. Hehehe. The exam is complete. Not ingrown toenails after all, but some nasty syndrome called Subungual Exostosis. Apparently this happens to people in their 60s most commonly. Leave it to me to be before my time. I've always been a trend setter. *sigh*

Treatment? Yes, both toenails must be removed. I won't go into the procedure too much, as I kinda wanna puke when I think about it, but I will tell you that getting several shots of Lidocaine in your toes, is THE MOST PAINFUL THING I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED!!

After the first shot, the nurses looked at my face and one of them asked. "Do you want your bear?" Choking back tears and in a feeble whiny voice I hear myself say "Yeah, I think I do." The nurse hands me the bear, and I proceed to choke the hell outta this poor little thing. Silly as it may seem, I was so glad to have that bear. I closed my eyes and squeezed my little buddy and tried not to start bawling like a baby.

OK, OK, OK. Breathe, breathe breathe. Shots are done. Right toe is not going as numb as I would like, so one more shot. It's ok though, because it's mostly numb already and I hardly feel the needle.

After the nails are removed, the doc makes a small incision at the tip of my toes, to get to the spur underneath. This is where I almost puked. No pain or anything, but the sound of him scraping at the bone to get it reduced in size was almost enough to send me over the top. Once again the purple bear gets what's coming to him. Anyway. I'm bandaged up and sent on my merry way.

After this extremely stressful past hour, I'm dying for a cigarette, so I called work to let them know I was done and Megan could come get me, then I slipped outside to light up a smoke. Nothing remarkable about that. I watch as Megan turns into the parking lot where I am waiting. As she sees me I see her head go back in a fit of laughter. I catch a glimpse of myself in the windows of the clinic. Long black velvet peasant skirt, bright red shirt, tan medical sox, blue surgical booties and holding a purple teddy bear. I busted up laughing too. I seriously looked like a retard. And then I start walking, well shuffling, towards the car. Megan busts up again. I must have been a site. It still makes me laugh.

Megan took me to the drug store to fill my scripts and then she took me home, settled me on the couch and left me to my TV and healing process.

So I am stuck at home today, too. Suckiest part, I can't even do housework or anything. Just stuck with the tube, the computer, and maybe read a good book. Not too bad really, but I am not a sedentary person. I like doing "stuff".

Anyway, that was my interesting day. I'm hobbling back to the couch now. Hendrix, the purple teddy sits beside me.

Update and my apologies

I am so sorry I have been so lax on my blog. Since I have started on at the employment agency, I have been very busy. I love my job. No REALLY, I love my job. I get to meet new people every single day, and I have the opportunity to change lives. When one thinks of occupations that make an impact on people, most of us immediately think of nurses, doctors, policemen, firemen.... you get the drift. It never occurred to me to think of a staffing consultant. It may not be glamorous. It may not be too terribly exciting. But I have the responsibility of placing the right person in the right job. I get to be the person who helps put the food on others tables. It's what I have always wanted to do. Make a difference. I have had jobs that I have loved, but those jobs were, well, jobs. This "job" is probably going to be my career. Unless something drastic happens, I can see myself doing this for a very long time. This is how I am going to make a difference. I get to give people second chances. I get to go to work everyday knowing that someone just like me, will have a job tomorrow.

I have to give you a great example. I interviewed a guy yesterday. We will call him "TJ". He had gotten himself into some trouble and was just released from prison. You all know the story. 25 years old, black male, busted for drugs. Seems like an obvious "red flag", but I got to talking with this kid. I mean really talk to him. He is so committed to cleaning up his life. He is really committed to cleaning up his life. All he wants is for someone to give him another shot. I get to be the person that does that. I signed him on and put him to work. General labor, but he has a job. I can sleep at night, knowing that I was able to help this person take care of his family. Anyway, I don't want to make this all about my job, but that has been my focus for so long that I almost don't know what else to say.

Oh but I will.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, my parents will be here around the 10th of August. I can't wait. I went home to Cali last summer, but it's been more than a decade since mom and dad have come to see me. I am very excited. I will let you know if, and when. Meantime, I will try to be more communicative here.

Whoohoo!

First off, let me apologize for being so quiet. That job I had cleaning really wiped me out. Then Monday I came down with a bad case of backache. I don't know if it the arthritis in my spine, the humidity that rolled through, tired muscles due to the cleaning job, or a combination of one or more. So, I came home at noon on Monday and didn't go back. I am still in pain, but it seems to be subsiding.

In the mean time, the employment agency got me an interview for what they would only refer to as "something like inside sales". Hmmm, ok. It was an in-house interview, meaning I would be speaking with the manager of the agency itself. I went at 8:30 this morning, truly not knowing what to expect. About 20 minutes into the interview, he dropped the bomb that the job was in house. In other words, he wanted to know if I wanted to work for THEM. LOL!!! Seems that my agents (Seth and Kathy) were so impressed with me, that when the position came up, they recommended me right away. How cool is that??? Of course I was thrilled.

After the interview, it became obvious that I had the job before I walked in the door, he just wanted to know if I wanted it. Of course I said yes. Dream job for me. I get to work in an office environment, AND deal with the public. I am so excited and proud of myself. I should say here, that I never did hear about the eye doc job. So his loss, I guess.

I am really looking forward to this job though. The pay is good too. Especially in this town. The best part, its not a "temp" job. I can finally count on a steady paycheck. I'm going to steal a snippet from The Incurable Insomniac and say, File this under: "Whew"

"Vision" of my future

So sorry for the expanse of time between entries. I have still been working at that fire restoration place. But today I have an interview for a real full-time job. I came home to change and still had a bit of time to sit here and blog about it. It is for a front desk receptionist for an Opthamologist's office. With my eyes I would love to work for an eye doctor. There are 2 other people in the running for this, so I have me widdle fingers crossed. Starts between 8 and 9 bucks an hour, depending on experience. Psssshhhhh... I should think I would be closer to the $9.00 range, but 8 would be okay too. Actually a good deal of money for this town. Well, I'm off. Wish me luck!!!

Another day, another dollar

Well, I'm off to clean up the fire some more today. Not really looking forward to it, but blah blah blah... I don't get it though. These people have more cleaning supplies than Procter and Gamble, but they live like pigs. Thick layers of dust everywhere (not soot, DUST), cobwebs so thick, it looks as though they are getting ready for Halloween. Don't even get me started on the toilet. *shudder* Thank god we aren't cleaning that. Well, frankly, I would just say "Hell, no!" LOL.

I just don't understand how people can live like this. I was in that house for only one day and my allergies and asthma were almost out of control. Sneezing and wheezing. Beau went to the drug store and got me some allergy medicine and I am keeping my inhaler in my pocket. Hope it works, because I need the flippin paycheck.

OK... enough about that shit. On a lighter note, here is a picture of my kitty, Figaro. How cute! I may have to puke!! LOL

Holy crap, am I tired

OK.... I made it through the first day of this. I am sssoooooooooooooooooo tired. I don't think I have ever worked this hard, except when I was doing community service. Three more days. Lord, I hope I can make it. Jebuz crast. I realized that I only peed once this whole day. I mean aside from the morning business. This is how dehydrated I became. BUT, I will see this job through to the end. Damn my loyalty. More later when I have come to my senses.

Eh...it's a paycheck

Well, the temp agency got me another gig. Cleaning up fire damage. Sheesh. Let's talk about over-qualified again, shall we?? But, like the title says, it's a paycheck. It is only for the rest of this week though, but at least I will get money 2 weeks in a row. Hopefully they can keep this up. Even if it is just a week at a time, we need the $$. FUCK, I hate this shit. Money is such bullshit. Housing, health care and food should be free, or at least far less expensive than it is. *sigh* Oklahoma is slated to get a lottery this fall, maybe I will get lucky! Oh well. Off to work. A little something to amuse you.

What are the two dirtiest words in the English language??

OVER QUALIFIED!!!!!!

What the fuck does that REALLY mean anyway????? Well, I found out today that I am not going back to work on Monday. The temp agency told me that they called and told them "She is really great, and we are impressed, but it just isn't a good fit. We can't give her enough work to keep her busy..." Blah blah blahdee fuckin blah. I'm over-qualified. Jebuz Crast, I just want a job. I don't care that I am just a grunt working, phone answering, do all the crap that no one else wants to do girl. I just need a fucking job. Either that or I need to be in some rich person's will. LOL (no offense whatsoever to anyone who is), and you know who you are. LOLOL. Well, back the the pavement I guess. Cripes, now I really may have to flip burgers somewhere. I love Stillwater. I love the atmosphere, and the surroundings, and of course I am positively thrilled that I live near my friends again, but right now, this fucking town can bite me.

Back to the grind

First day at the new job is officially over. BORING!!! LOL. The office manger (Connie) assures me I will have more to do as time goes by. Today I only answered the phones and stamped the bills. The rest of the time I was playing online games. The worst part, is that I cannot smoke ther. Not on breaks, at lunch, nada. Not such a bad thing really, as it will force me to at least cut back, if not quit altogether. BUT, it was really rough at first.

I went to Berg's at lunch time and breezed some time away chatting and watching him play Zelda: A Link to the Past. After I got back to work the smoking thing really wasn't so bad. I only thought about it 2 or 3 times but quickly diverted my thinking with a glass of water or a licorice vine. LOL. Whatever works. I hope I do get more to do there. If I do, I think I will like it there. Everyone I met seems really nice. Quiet bunch though, except for Connie. But her office is as far away from my station as possible. I sit up front. Truly, it just feels good to be working again.

A desk and a lamp

Well, I got a call this morning from the employment agency. I got the job!!!!!!! Whoo hoo. 8-5 Monday through Friday. Weekends off!!! Not too shabby. Whew, that's a load off of our minds here in the Moore household. I start Monday. Anyway....... Here is another picture for you amusement.

Can you spell "ouch"

Fingers crossed

Supposed to be hearing from an employment agency today, regarding a receptionist position. Wish me luck!

The Axe Falleth

Well, I went into work yesterday after having been gone Monday and Tuesday due to what I can only describe to you as a severe cold (still sick as a dog I might add), and much to my surprise, The LongBob fired me. I cannot express to you my shock!! I couldn't even say a word. I just stared at him blankly for a few seconds and then proceeded to pack up my stuff. I never in a million saw this coming. I know he did this because I had already told him I was quitting. My 2 day absence was just his perfect excuse.

He said "When you aren't here, Nicole has to pick up your slack." He said more but to be honest with you, I don't remember what he said as I was locked into some strange surreal world at the time. I am still in shock I think, but it is beginning to wear off.

Beau pointed out yesterday, "How stupid, if Nicole has to work harder because you aren't there, how much harder will she have to work now?" Good point. I can assure you though, that Nicole had nothing to do with this. Its his M.O. He wants me to think that Nicole complained. He won't come right out and say that, because it isn't true, but he wanted to insinuate this nonetheless. Makes it easier on him to think it was someone else's problem, not that he is just a 2 faced invertebrate.

Here are the real reasons he fired me:

1. I'm quitting anyway and he thinks people that quit are somehow betraying him. (I have known him long enough to know this to be true)
2. Even if I wasn't leaving, he know I am planning on getting pregnant. Something he sees as a bother.
3. Quarterly bonuses are due, and why give a bonus to someone who is leaving.

Those are the big 3. I don't want any of you thinking I am making any of this up. I will be the first one to 'fess up when I fuck up. I am not saying I was perfect, we all make mistakes. But I never gave him good reason to let me go. I have been there for almost 4 years. I have seen what he does to his employees when he percieves them as a threat or a traitor. I have heard the things he says behind the backs of others. He will tell outright lies to co-workers in an attempt to make some poor unsuspecting person look like a common idiot, or to insinuate laziness, or even attempt to convince another person that they have been "wronged" in some way. Its craziness!!

You have all probably known someone like this in your life. As easy going and nice as can be when you are in the room, and then slams you to others as soon as you turn your back. All I have ever asked of him is that he come to ME if he has a problem with something I am doing. But he refuses. He tells others in the office, hoping they will say something to me. He has done the same to me, telling me about how so and so needs to shape up, or whatever. But never telling so and so anything. How are we supposed to know how to better ourselves if we don't know we are making mistakes???? Its sooooooo fucking stupid!!! He knows I have house payments, bills etc... But no compassion. How does he sleep at night?

So, I'm freaking out a little bit. My pendulum swinging sharply between relief and anxiety. It's no secret I wanted out of there. But I wanted that decision to be on my terms. I guess he couldn't handle that either. I have applied for unemployment. I did that first thing, but that takes like 4 weeks to kick in. But, as I am going through my bills and shit, it will be tight, but we will be ok. My final check from ACME goes through tomorrow, as well as Beaus check. We still have a little bit in savings, and I just got off the phone with Beau who informed me that he got Senior Agent of the Month for February, and that comes with a bonus.

We are quitting smoking soon, which will save us quite a bit per month, and I am not driving 66 miles a day, which will save in gas ($1.72 per gallon here now!). By the end of four weeks I will either be drawing unemployment, or I will once again have a paycheck. Right now I have to get over this bad nasty head cold. So I am planning on getting as much rest as I can and doing some stuff around the house that I have not had time for. So don't worry, we will be fine. I just wanted to let y'all know what was happening.

Relief

Well, I did it. I wrote my letter of resignation today. It's a 4 month notice, which may seem a little extreme, but it is still like a huge weight has been lifted, just knowing its temporary. There are a couple of reasons for the wait though. Besides wanting to stay through my anniversary date, this should also be plenty of time to train whoever will be replacing me.

Normally I wouldn't be so concerned, but our company is going through a software change, and the new person will have to go to our Ft. Worth offices for training. There are a lot of little details that are associated with this new system, and as much as I have grown to dislike my job, I still don't want to leave the next person with the kind of rats nest that I was left with. I had no training to speak of when I took this desk, so I see no reason to do the same to the next guy.

The letter is sitting on Bob's desk. I was trying to get my guts up to go hand it to him this morning and tell him what I was planning. But, sometimes I can be a real chicken shit. It's not that I am afraid to quit, it's just that, regardless of how it has been around here for the past few months, there was a time when I really looked up to him. The good outweighs the bad as far as history goes. So anyway, it's almost like telling your parents you are moving out. You are not sure if they will be relieved or disappointed, or both. So I took the wussie road and left it on his desk. We will see if he even says anything after he reads it.

Anywhoo, I just wanted to post an update.

The mites on fleas on rats...

Well, I have made a decision regarding my present job. I am going to TRY and suck it up till June. My anniversary date is June 14. So my plan is to put in my 2 weeks on June 1st. This way I will get a full 2 weeks pay for my vacation time. This way I will also have more time to truly dedicate myself to looking for other employment. Right now I travel more than 30 miles one way to work. As I want to find something within a 10 mile radius from my home, so as to save on gas consumption.It is very difficult to actively look while I am still working here. Also, it will be warmer. So I have decided that it would be in my best interest to not give a rats ass. But that would be to good for this place. Now I don't give a fart from a mite on a flea on a rat's ass. Hopefully I can make it till June. As usual I will keep you updated.

Terrorism and my own backyard

For most of us, I imagine, we don't really think about terrorist threats in relation to our own personal lives. As for myself I watch the news and hear about threats against senators and post offices. While these are causes for slight concern, I usually never think twice about them. I bring this up because when I came into work this morning, I was informed that our office received a "suspicious" piece of mail. (I was not in the office due to heavy snow.)

Anyway, the boss got this envelope, which was addressed only to ACME Brick, at this address. No return address on the envelope. Which isn't that unusual, but Bob (thats the boss) just happened to hold it up to the light, just to see if it was something worth opening, or whatever. Through the envelope the only word he could see, in bold letters was ANTHRAX. Apparently he could also make out "Nation of Islam" through the back of the envelope. He immediately called the police, who in turn contacted hazmat. Before long the place was swarming with cops, firemen and various other forms of hazmat crew. The envelope was placed into a plastic bag and taken to a testing facility.

As far as I know, we do not have any results back confirming or denying the presence of any Anthrax. The FBI are supposed to come in today and question all of us to find out if we know of anyone that could possibly want to do us harm. I cannot think of a soul. We do have a few Middle Eastern customers, so of course these are the names that are flying around the office. This in itself really pisses me off. So I reminded a few of them about all the innocent Japanese families that were put into concentration camps during WW2, only for the simple fact that they were Japanese.

Don't get me wrong, I of course take this very seriously, but we are in the middle of a war with a country that was attacked by a president that made the same reactionary assumption. If they are Middle Eastern, they are terrorists. We have terrorism right here in this country that he ignores every day. In the form of street gangs and so called legal organizations like the KKK.

Anyway I am off the subject. What really kinda scares me, is that if I had been here, I would have gotten the mail (like I always do ) and I probably would have just ripped it open. I can tell you that from now on I will be a bit more cautious about that.

Working stiffly

For the most part I really like my job, but recently it has come to light what a 2 faced, spineless, underhanded (did I mention 2-faced) liar my boss is. One of those that will smile and joke with you to your face, and then make snide back biting comments to others about you. He simply doesn't want to take responsibility for the things he knows he has f'd up. So instead he finds some way to blame it on me. Stupid thing is, he is making these remarks to Nicole, who is my best work buddy. I won't go into the details, but suffice it to say that she and I are both fed up with this childish high school behavior, and I have a feeling this will come to a showdown.

Of course, he will deny he ever said the things he has said. Its ridiculous!! He is 56 friggin years old and he is acting like a 16 year old school girl. The hardest part about this is that I have been here for almost 4 years and I never saw it before. Maybe he is going through andropause, or maybe I just didn't want to see it before. Either way, it is intolerable and I find it increasingly difficult to work for him. I used to have a great deal of respect for this man. But lately, I lose a little more respect for him every day. That's the worst part I think. That and the fact that he will not face me directly with these accusations of his. He will tell Nicole about all these things that he thinks I am doing wrong, or not doing, or whatever, yet when faced with me directly he doesn't say a word about them. It's positively insufferable. Besides the fact that the things he is "accusing" me of, are not rue and he is only trying to cover his ass.

Like this for example: I have been in charge of our collections for the most part, which means there are certain legal actions I can take to collect money. Like filing property liens. There are a few accounts with big money on them that are way out there in the past due mark. Accounts that months ago he specifically told me that he would take care of and NOT file liens on.

Suddenly now, HIS BOSS wants to know why these are not taken care of, and why there were no liens filed. Rather than own up to the fact that he told me not to, he has decided rather to talk shit about how I should have filed these liens and its MY fault he is getting his ass chewed. He has a very selective memory. I have brought these accounts to his attention on more than one occasion only to hear, "I'll take care of this one" or some other bullshit. Just last week I brought one up to him again, guess what he said?? "Oh well, I have spoken to so and so, and then to so and so, and then you know, I just forget to follow up. I'll take care of it." OH!!! So you FORGOT!!?? How the hell is that my fault you fucking 2-faced spineless prick! I think I know what the real crux of the problem is though.

I think he is intimidated by me. He knows I have a stronger personality, he knows I am more intelligent, and he knows I won't take any shit. So he would rather try to make me look bad than own up to the fact that I ( who was born without a penis) could possibly have a more Alpha personality than he does. Fucking good old boy's club.

Now that Beau is at his own office and seems to be doing really well, maybe I can really seriously look for another job. Something closer to home.I will keep you posted on that.For now, I have to get back to work for the prick head.