Everyday Reasons

Would you use a Neti pot EVERY DAY?

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:59:00 +0000

I have been sick for about 2 months now I think. I have my ups and downs, but mostly I sound like I’m breathing through a snorkel and I feel like my face has been stuffed full of cotton.

I went to the doctor. She gave me a neti pot. At first I was skeptical, then I tried it and it did help a little. Then a coworker told me enthusiastically that it would change my life and that he uses his every day.

What?! Every Day? If you don’t know what a neti pot is, let me explain. Picture a small blue genie lamp, made of plastic (el cheapo version, I think the ones from Whole Foods are porcelain). You fill this container with warm water and a little packet of saline solution. Then you proceed to tilt your head forward and pour the solution into one side of your nose until it drains out the other side. I know it’s graphic, sorry.

Its just as gross as it sounds, and under no circumstances should you do this in front of your significant other. Some things should be kept private, like snotty salt water dripping out of your nose.

You can see why the thought of doing this everyday makes me unhappy. No thank you I’d much rather take some drugs. This is an Every Day Reason to take allergy meds.

Mid Afternoon Slump

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:33:00 +0000

It's the middle of the afternoon, say around 2pm, I look at the clock on my computer screen for about the 23456569th time. I did everything right in order to make this day go by fast. I came in lateish, I waited until after 12:30 to eat lunch, I ate lunch NOT at my desk, I worked on all the projects I haven't had time for in between looking at the time. It's STILL only 2pm.

Usually I have more shit to do than I really know what to do with, and I am all stressy. Today that is not the case. I have hit the mid afternoon slump, and the most exciting thing to happen in the last 2 hours was that I ate the mini yogurt with crunchy granola bits I suddenly remembered I had in the kitchen.

I think adults should get mid afternoon nap time. I could easily set up a mat under the desk in my cubicle and just sleep for 20 minutes or 3 hours. My job usually isn't boring, well the dynamics around the office usually aren't boring, my actual job is quite mind numbing.

We have recently hit the calm before the storm, the storm being tomorrow's greatly anticipated staff meeting. Big thing are happening, and all I can think is that I really should be at home preparing by watching my DVR and wearing really warm, fuzzy socks.

care to wager on your boss' future

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:33:00 +0000

Does it say more about the staff, or more about our boss when we take bets on when he/she will leave?

I'm not sure, but I know it will be both a weight lifted off my shoulders and also a big fat question mark if and when the boss leaves. Will there be a replacement? Will I have to report to someone I have absolutely zero confidence in, not that that would be a change.

At what point does someone become such a loser of a supervisor that you actually bet on the demise of their career? I mean I may be taking it a bit far with that statement, but that's what it feels like. I really hope that if I ever scramble my way up the ladder, that I am not so disconnected from my staff that they loathe me. I almost feel bad for this person, but in a I feel bad for you because you are SO clueless kind of way.

And thus my dilemma over whether to leave or not becomes more complicated. Sometimes a senior management change means a company wide change, and sometimes it's just more of the same bullshit.

I am technologically stunted...

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:21:00 +0000

I really would like to move to WordPress. I want to do more with my blog and really take it seriously as a project instead of piddling around with it. Blogger has been good to me, and I don't want to delete the account but I need a big change!

I know my bff who has has a great blog at www.thelovelypennylayne.com and I have talked about the switch. She is more technologically savvy than I am especially what with the grad program she is in right now. Lovely Penny we should switch to WordPress and also as a side note, we should be online workout buddies! You are doing so well on your 40 day plan.. I'm envious!

WordPress.. that's what I was talking about before. I can't decide if I should go with the free format and a lame preset theme/layout or pay for having a hosted blog that can be customized more. It's a small investment, but I haven't a clue how to design my own layout. If you have any advice on which way to go PLEASE share it with me!

My love affair with dental hygiene

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:53:00 +0000

If you know me at all, you may know that I am religious about brushing my teeth. I take my dental hygiene religion very seriously. I went to Episcopalian school growing up, and this is MUCH more serious and important than all those silly religion classes. I brush my teeth before and after breakfast.

There is nothing scarier than the thought of losing my teeth. I saw a woman on the Metro the other day who didn't have any teeth and I wanted to cry and scream and run away all at the same time. I also sort of wanted to hug her, but she clearly hadn't brushed her teeth in years, let alone showered in the past week so I had to let it go.

I'm not exactly sure when this torrid love affair started, but it has become a problem of sorts. After we moved in together FSU convinced me to try the sonic, claiming it was so much better and so on. At first it just made me giggle and spray toothpaste all over the mirror. I have very ticklish gums. After awhile I got used to it, and soon I converted completely.

Well. Let me tell you something. It is NOT better. I recently visited the dentist, where he politely told me that if coming to the dentist is relaxing for me it's time to get a new job, and then continued to crush my spirits by telling me I had some plaque buildup. This has never happened. I was struck with emotions, first fear of evil cavities and then sadness for the impending loss of all of my teeth, and then anger. Damn sonic toothbrush. Now I realize FSU only loves it because it appeals to his mechanical engineeriness, it can be taken apart, it uses energy, etc. I have since reverted to my old ways. Traditional toothbrush, and I have always been a traditional floss kind of girl. You are crazy if you think I am going to torture myself with those pronged devices pre-strung with a minuscule amount of floss. FSU has taken to asking me if I am "jumping rope" when I floss. In fact, the other day when I got home from the dentists, I snuck away to re-floss my teeth. I got a new dental hygienist and I'm not sure she is going to make the cut.

Why are you apologizing to me Tiger?

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:54:00 +0000

Let me be clear from the beginning, infidelity is an unforgettable if not unforgivable breach of trust in my book. I have had very personal experience with the significant amount of damage this can have on a family.

That being said, why on earth is Tiger apologizing to you, me and anyone else outside of his family.
Tiger Woods does not owe me a thing, nor does he owe his fans or his sponsors anything. While I of course have my opinion about the situation, because let's face it I have an opinion about everything, personal life means personal life. These "transgressions" really should be between him and his wife, and someday his children when they are old enough. Making a public statement only opens him up to more scrutiny and fuels the media fire. Now they are analyzing his apology.

Why does everyone care so much who he sleeps with, and furthermore why are people so shocked that he cheated? We can't put every professional athlete into a box and label them all lying cheaters, but just because someone is a golfer, wears khakis instead of a uniform, and has a pleasant demeanor doesn't mean they are less susceptible to the same temptations and behaviors as pro basketball or football players? Or anyone supremely rich and famous for that matter.

Also, ladies, don't think just because your man is not famous, rich, or extremely attractive ( although I hope you think he is if you are with him) that he is not capable of the same thing.

And so are you. Everyone is capable of cheating, and it is extremely naive to think otherwise. Its just a matter of to what degree you are exposed to willing conquests, and what kind of self control you have. Sexaholic my ass, what man isn't? It's biological. Some are just better at considering the consequences of their actions than others.

John Mayer, and Kell on Earth

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 03:13:00 +0000

First of all I don't care who knows it, I LOVE the show "Kell on Earth". I love Kelly Cutrone, I wish I was her. I love her attitude and just the whole deal. It's fabulously delicious. The "interns" remind me of some of my past interns, the whole dynamic reeks of the atmosphere in my office. Nonprofit has more in common with PR and Fashion that I thought. Actually now that I think about it, what other industry besides fashion cares more about what you wear and what you eat than the environmental nonprofit sector? You're not having soybean patties for lunch? Pigs are friends not food. Did you buy that lettuce from a local sustainably farmed coop...... How about those leather boots, those are animal skin, you killed an animal for those. Yes, and my top is silk so many many worms died for this outfit.

Clearly it's not really the same, but what other industry would intelligent, capable and educated women work ridiculous hours, get paid a laughable salary while facing a barrage of insults and criticism with little to no hope of ever being promoted or getting a raise. Pretty strange.

An an entirely separate topic, you may or may not know about my on again off again love affair with one John Mayer. His music that is. I gave him up a few months ago, then relented and bought the newest album, but honestly haven't listened to it much. It's like I knew this peak of douchebaggery was coming. All of his antics and off color public remarks were just inevitably leading to this point.

Here's what I think. It will blow over, he will apologize a few times, people will realize that he's a great musician, songwriter etc., and while they may not actually think he is a great guy, it won't matter in the long run. I personally think his comments in the Playboy interview are horrendous, but come on people, you all cried for weeks when MJ died and he was an accused child molester. In fact, because of his so called musical genius, thousands if not millions of people were willing to overlook the fact that he had prepubescent boys sleep in his bed. Who is more sick, you or J Mayer?

I for one have never purchased an MJ album. Although I do love his music, I've just never been able to overlook the pedophile thing. He may not have been convicted, but there was evidence enough for me. I don't think someones artistic talent should be used as an excuse for perversion.

Job Searching in a Blizzard

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:47:00 +0000

In the midst of this on again off again blizzard I have begun a serious job search. I was wavering on what to do for some time, I'm miserable at my current job, but it offers me the opportunity to take on responsibilities I may not get elsewhere and I don't know what our plans are for staying in the DC area or for how long... yada yada yada.

The bottom line is that I can no longer sustain this level of job stress. So much so in fact, that I inadvertently told our CEO that I would be looking for a new job. After that little incident I figured I better get on it.

You don't have to tell me that searching for a job in "this economy" is not the greatest timing, or that I should feel lucky to even have a job. I'm kind of tired of hearing that second one. Of course I know I am lucky in a multitude of ways, but I got an education for a reason, so I don't have to be stuck anywhere. Why should we 20somethings always "feel lucky" to have a job. It's not like we aren't working our asses off, doing our incompetent, overpaid bosses jobs and then getting the blame when things don't go well. It is one thing to work hard and work your way up when it is mildly appreciated, but when you are constantly berated for even being a member of the department you work for, or when your bosses inflated ego literally places blame on you for their inability to deliver on promises you never even knew they made.. it's time to go.

So, I've applied to almost 10 jobs in the past two snow days. Some federal, some nonprofit, most I am overqualified for in terms of education, but underqualified in work experience. Most of them could also be easily completed by a child. Every new job I apply for, I imagine what my life would be like as that person, someone who can leave work at work, not cry in the bathroom after my boss promises something to the CEO, doesn't deliver and then the CEO proceeds to yell at me in his office even though I was never told about the project in the first place. Someone who can take a personal day to volunteer without having to call in sick. Someone who doesn't think mean evil things about her boss at least seven times a day. Although, I am pretty sure no one will ever learn to pronounce or spell my name correctly.

Also, when I do move on to a new employer I've got enough crazy story material to write a novel. I just can't afford to get fired for it, which is why I have kept most of it off my blog.

it can be beautiful

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

this is what my backyard looked like yesterday morning....

Pregnancy epidemic ?

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:43:00 +0000

There is an epidemic of pregnancy happening right under our noses.

First it was purse puppies, all the "hot" young "celebs" got tiny little creatures that barely qualified as dogs and carried them around in purses. Gross. Now it's babies. It's happening everywhere, our friends, our coworkers, acquaintances, our favorite celebrities, every woman I've ever seen in a public bathroom, you get the drift. Not nearly as gross as the rat-dog epidemic, in fact it's quite nice for the most part.

However, this morning as I ate my cereal still in a fog of sleep and hoped my large dose of Sudafed would kick in soon, CNN proceeded to tell me that I am right now at this very moment losing viable eggs! Oh MY! Yes, after spending 4 hours in hair and makeup and covering the obligatory Haiti stories of the morning, they described in brief but horrifying detail how once I hit 30 I am basically barren and useless to society, and how the ideal physical age to have children is 13.

Of course I may be leaving out a few key parts of the story, but pretend it's 8am on a Monday morning, you overslept as usual and you just stepped in a puddle of dog drool while carrying your shredded wheat from the kitchen through the doggie danger zone, into the living room. This is what my hazy and exhausted brain gleaned from the 3 minutes of ovaries, 13 years old, after 30, decline in percentage of viable eggs....

I just turned 26. This is just one of the many big glaring flags that have been waved in my face lately telling me that I have accomplished nothing, what in god's name have I been doing the past 10 years of my life! I went to grad school, I have a job related to my field of study, I moved to a new state, I have a great relationship with my boyfriend, we even live together, evident by the dirty socks scattered throughout the house. But that's just not good enough is it CNN ladies. I'm getting pretty sick of it, so sick in fact that I am taking a sick day.

Why is everyone so obsessed with having babies these days? Or is it that I just notice it more because my future in laws demand the appearance of grand children in the nearest possible future? I love those of you who are having children at the moment, well hopefully not at this very moment. But thank god for all my amazing girlfriends who are in the same boat as me, our turn for diaper genies and overpriced strollers will come, and I will go to all of your baby showers I promise, but for now let's enjoy being responsible for the bare minimum, like cleaning up dog drool, or men's socks.

snowed in with the cast of jersey shore

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 02:25:00 +0000

It has been snowing since before we woke up this morning, nonstop all day. The only time I left the house today was to shovel the snow off the front steps out of sheer boredom.

Things have reached an all new level of desperation at this point, we are now on the couch for the 18th time today, watching a rerun of the jersey shore reunion show. I'd like to take this opportunity to say that as a person of Italian American descent... I do not find this show offensive. In fact I think it's almost as funny as the people who get really offended over it.

That being said, do any of them have jobs? College? Life plans? Weird. The "situation" is driving a Range, that doesn't pay for itself. I've found myself genuinely curious. I'd also love to see them try to survive on my college campus, especially in the greek system. I'm not saying they are not attractive people, but things are just different in Florida, especially on college campuses. It's enough to give you a complex really.

Can you imagine these girls at sorority recruitment? That would be a good show.

You know you have a few good coworkers if:

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:13:00 +0000

1. they play "who are your top 5 celebrity freebies" with you in the afternoons when everyone is bored with their jobs and our bosses are out of town.

2. you can use the phrase "hot bitches" and none of them think you are being rude

3. there is always someone who wants to go out to lunch, instead of eating their veggie burger and falafel at their desk

4. at happy our you can play inappropriate games in which you decide which of your worst coworkers you would kill, which you would sleep with once, and which you would marry. I'd write the name out, but I am afraid BlogHer would be mad at me.

5. after each and every awful staff meeting you can huddle in an office with the door closed and vent about how everyone else is an idiot, and wonder aloud if you will have jobs in 6 months.

6. they let you give them ridiculous and unflattering nick names

7. they come to your birthday dinner

8. you don't mind bringing them coffee in the morning

9. you can't look at each other in meetings without laughing

10. they are one of the only reasons you haven't quit yet

I will go to the gym, I will

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:11:00 +0000

1. bikinis, well bathing suits of any kind. Back home you have to be ready to wear one year round...

2. lingerie, whether single or in a relationship there is nothing worse than feeling unattractive in lingerie.

3. my wedding dress. hypothetical at this point, but I don't believe in diets and will not be crash dieting for anything. Therefore I plan on being in "wedding shape" all the time.

4. I refuse to succumb to the hereditary pear shape. It will only get less cute as I get older. You do not have to look exactly like your mother!

5. my little sister, is, so, perfectly toned and in shape. It's no competition but sometimes when I really don't feel like dragging my ass to the gym I remember she will be living here for 3 months, and I don't want to be able to keep up.

6. it makes me happy. physically, emotionally, all the way around happy.

7. once I get there, I actually enjoy working out.

8. time at the gym is time spent with FSU. We work out together, he is like my own personal trainer that I get to make out with. It's pretty awesome.

9. I am turning 26 in a week. It's only going to get harder to stay in shape.

10. I want to have kids, but BEFORE that, I want to be in the best shape of my life.

If you wear your heart on your sleeve...

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:43:00 +0000

A friend posted a link to this on her blog, and this is the one that stuck out to me today. I have had so many friends who think what they wear says everything about who they are, but it certainly does not, and I wish they knew the impression they give off by thinking it does.

#217 Having good taste and being a good person are not the same thing.

It's one thing to care about your appearance, I certainly do. It is another thing entirely to base your entire existence and happiness on what outfits you wear and how much money you have to spend on said clothing. Everyone likes to have nice things, not everyone thinks that it is THE most important thing in the world. It is exhausting to be around. Furthermore if you are so busy judging people based on the labels they wear, apparel or otherwise, do you ever really have the chance to get close to anyone?

Leggings are not pants.

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:39:00 +0000

I feel the need to get something off my chest. It has been bothering me for some time, and I just can't keep quiet any longer.

Leggings are NOT pants. It doesn't matter how skinny you are, or how nice your ass is. If you leave the house without pants on you need a fashion intervention. I know they make "denim leggings" now, but those are also not pants. Pants have, a zipper or buttons and enough material to not be see through when you bend over. Leggings are meant to be worn under some type of sweater or dress long enough to cover your ass.

Yes, when you bend over I can see right through your leggings along with everyone else in Starbucks. Your butt is fully on display; we can see your thong or lack there of. Unless you are in the privacy of your own home, pants are required. Furthermore, when it is 17 degrees outside, it makes not one bit of sense to me that you are wearing a nice warm fluffy coat, Uggs, and NO PANTS.?! Are you an idiot? Did you forget to look in the mirror before you left the house?

Don't even get me started on shiny fake snakeskin leggings, or leopard print/zebra/hot pink/metallic leggings. No. You will look at pictures of your outfit in a few years and cringe at the thought that you went there. Remember goucho pants? They were also not ok. Partly because my ass looked huge in them, but mostly because they are glorified pjs and should also only be worn in the comfort of your own home, unless you live with your boyfriend in which case just throw them away.

Are you patient?

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:10:00 +0000

Over the years, we learn how to cope with rejection, break-ups, fights with best friends, siblings, parents, embarrassment, failure, even death. All these things are survivable, they can make you stronger or wiser or even a better person a better friend.

How do we learn to be patient, to enjoy what we have while we have it, to not want more right now, to not always look forward to the next step while missing out on what is right in front of us? Which lesson is it that teaches us to not push so hard towards the future? Maybe you have the answer but I certainly do not. In everything from my workout results to my career to my relationship I lack patience. I am constantly frustrated with the speed, or lack there of, I can move towards the next goal. I can remember only a handful of times in my entire life I felt completely fulfilled and content just living in the moment. Does this mean I will never be satisfied?

At work I want to be recognized for all my hard work and for someone to realize that I have good ideas and a hard earned education and that I work hard. Why is it that no matter my triumphs at work, no matter the hours I put in or the accomplishments its never enough. People only focus on the negative which is often out of my hands. How do I survive in fundraising when 90% of all nonprofits are struggling and they expect us to up our revenue by millions. In my relationship I want to be unaffected by all the outside pressures to get married and have kids. I want us to be ready but maybe we are not, and why does that have to feel like a failure?

My personal life and work life are under a constant state of pressure. Pressure to raise more money, pressure to be the perfect girlfriend, pressure to make everyone else happy whether it be coworkers, family, friends or boyfriend. At this point I am not even sure what I want. Will my constant need for the next step cease when I make a certain amount of money or reach a higher level in my career. Will it stop nagging at me when I get married or when I have children. I can't imagine so. Either I have to find a way to be patient and enjoy my life the way it is now, or I need to accept the fact that I will forever be a prisoner of everyone else's agenda.

Four friends and wedding

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:18:00 +0000

Ok so maybe more than four friends, but it sounds better that way.
I officially have 5 more hours of work and then I'm (almost) home free for three weeks. I am hopping a plane home to FL to make final preparations for my sisters big day, then its off to Miami for Christmas, Orlando for New Year's and a lot of catching up with friends in between.

I cannot wait to go to Publix.

I will have more time for blogging in the next couple of weeks, so hopefully Every Day Reasons won't be so neglected.

I'll be seeing some of you in FL!

large dog, evil cat; clean house?

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:22:00 +0000

If you know me at all, you have heard about Zeus our 100 lb American Bulldog. He's happy and cute and loyal and loving. He also drools and sheds and likes to roll in the mud immediately after having a bath, and he is white.

We also have a cat, Sookie, part Siamese, white. Therefore everything we own is covered in white fur. She happens to be evil. Although she has warmed up and become much more cuddly and less face attacky she has decidedly long nails and we can never get her to stay still long enough to cut them all without risking the loss of an eyeball. In the past 8 months she has ruined two bath mats, our shower curtain, a few pillows, sections of our comforter, and made two very heartbreaking scratches in my most expensive handbag. She also has a fun habit of sleeping in my closet and rolling around in my clothes. Many of my mornings are filled with furious lint rolling while she cowers under the bed.

We just got a new couch, and I want to cry every time I find a new pull. It is only a few months away from becoming just another forlorn looking frumpy lump of material.

How on earth do people keep their houses clean and their sanity intact when living with two fur festivals? I am tired.

How to run your Nonprofit into the ground

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:17:00 +0000

I have decided that I am going to write a book entitled How NOT to Run a Successful Nonprofit.
In this juicy office memoir I will detail the absurdity of the organization I work for.

First step, get a new job. But here I am stuck, because the future is so unclear. Are we moving back to FL in the next 6 months? Are we staying here? Will we ever be able to afford anything?

Why did I spend thousands of dollars on a masters degree that I am not using to do a job that does not even pay enough to allow me to make my loan payment? I qualify for a "hardship deferment". Some days that sounds ludicrous, I'm not starving or destitute. But it does seem sometimes that we are facing an insurmountable mountain of struggling to get by and not having the time or means to enjoy our 20's the way we should.

My organization is struggling much like a recent college grad who all of a sudden has to support herself and hasn't the faintest idea how. So she spends all her money on a fancy new wardrobe and then realizes she never really had the money in the first place. Now she has to sell all her clothes to Plato's Closet and rent out a room in her apartment. She may or may not have to start laying off her friends to because they cost to much money to hang out with. Friday nights she stays home eats Ramen, but no movies because Netflix costs money.

The most insanely hilarious part of our struggle, organizationally, is that it has very little to do with the economic climate. In fact it is the result of poor management, financial and otherwise and a lack of realistic budgeting. At least half of the people still here (that didn't get fired) are mentally checked out, looking for new jobs. I haven't actually started looking, I did for awhile and then got discouraged because there is nothing out there. Nothing worth applying for.

Now I'm in a holding pattern because I'm not sure if we are staying or going and I am starting to think moving 1000 miles to work here was possibly the worst decision I have ever made.

Mostly I just miss FL.

Psst...

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:11:00 +0000

I returned unscathed from my sorority's leadership training weekend and I even learned a few things, met some great people and reconnected with old friends. I also RE-discovered my love of "ropes courses". We went on a week long trip to Nantahala outdoor center in high school and it was pretty awesome. Partly because I spent half the time making out with the hottest guy in our class, and mostly because when given the right circumstances I LOVE all the team building exercises and ropes challenges.

Now the goal is to somehow implement some of the tools I learned into the organization I work for.
How great would it be if all companies/organizations/schools could take even a 1 day retreat and do all those teamwork, trust building, leadership encouraging activities?

Picture your CEO dangling from a ropes course with one of those ridiculous harnesses on, magical I know. Zip line anyone? More than anything I think an experience like this would lessen the tension between departments at my workplace, and make people a little more considerate of their general tone. Currently the tone is self absorbed, not a team player, possessive, defensive and just plain rude.

Clearly I am dreaming. Budget cuts and a whole lot of cynical unhappy campers mean this will never actually happen. But I can still research the possibilities online to get me through the day.

Psst...

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:11:00 +0000

Dear Ridiculous Coworkers...

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:56:00 +0000

Learn how to use a printer. The paper goes in, the paper comes out with writing on it. Fascinating.

Your PhD does not exempt you from returning emails, and your inflated title/salary does not exempt you from exerting even the smallest modicum of professionalism or politeness.

For Christ's sake, you use the same conference line at least 3 times a week for the past few years and you don't have it memorized?! Here is a hint, write it down and keep it next to your phone. I know, I'm a genius.

Lastly, here is a list of things I will not do for you.
get you lunch
make your coffee
fill out your electronic time sheet for you
keep track of your vacation days
babysit
dog sit
house sit
print out your letters because you can't manage to learn 30 year old technology
clean your office
your entire job.

Sincerely,
frustrated and disgusted Z

Big girls.. don't wear flip flops to work?

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:52:00 +0000

It is really hard to become a fully fledged grown-up when you work for a nonprofit.
Our dress code is lax at the most, and while technically I am supposed to wear "business casual" Monday through Thursday and jeans on Friday, I think as long as I'm not swinging around a stripper pole in my cubicle wearing a fur coat no one will even notice what I am wearing.

I have been known to wear jeans 2 or even three days a week. Especially when I haven't done laundry in 3 weeks. But let me tell you, I have seen people in my office wearing things I would not wear when getting the mail. Those velcro jesus sandals. Crocs .. don't even get me started on how much I loathe crocs, yes even on your toddler. Cargo shorts, at work I know. I think I may have even spotted a pair of sweatpants in the hallway last winter.

I don't usually write about clothes or my wardrobe, mostly because I don't think its all that interesting. BUT, I am having a serious issue now because I so desire to dress like an adult, but so do not have the financial means to do so. I mean, how do women my age afford to be so put together? I refuse to shop at discount stores because 1. it depresses me and 2. the few times I have been I never find anything half way decent.

Currently, 80% of my wardrobe is J Crew, 10% Banana, and the rest a mish mash of jeans, flip flops, and gym clothes. Simply because that's what seems to be available to me at a somewhat decent price that doesn't fall apart. I don't think its responsible to spend thousands of dollars on clothes when you can't really afford it, and at the same time, everyone wants to look good.

What brought this on? I went to a sorority alumni event last night and for the most part all the women my age looked, well, my age! Not as if they were graduate students. I think I look like a perpetual grad student. Frumpville.

Vegetarianism vs. Bacon

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:38:00 +0000

I recently had lunch with a friend who has been working at an animal rights type of organization for the past few weeks. I spent most of the time with my mouth hanging open in sheer awe at the judgment she faces at this new job simply because she is not a vegan or vegetarian.

It seems some people think with one viewing of Food Inc. we would all cross over to the tofurkey side. It seems these people have never tasted Bacon.

Is it legal to require your employees to eat only vegan or vegetarian food items while they are in the office? Please keep in mind this is a cat rescue organization and I am 120% sure that my friend would not sit at her desk eating a roasted cat. Yes, I just used the phrase roasted cat, twice.

Also, if an organization or company requires a specific work place diet, shouldn't they supplement your income based on the cost of said diet adjustments? Actually this is probably the only reason my workplace doesn't declare such a ridiculous rule. Eating vegetarian and staying healthy is expensive, let alone eating organic, locally grown produce which was also a subject of discussion between my friend and her employer. Of all the things you thought you might be criticized at work, eating a salad from a chain store probably not at the top of your list.

Don't mistake me for a cow slaughtering, rifle toting carnivore, I try my best to buy free range, grass fed etc etc.. but it is expensive! Prepackaged, hormonally injected, flavor enhanced crap is much cheaper.

Score one for Bacon.

* ask me about this when I have kids, and I spend exorbitant amounts of money on gluten free, organic baby food or some such nonsense. I draw the line at cloth diapers.

Pros and Cons of Getting out of Bed This Morning:

Everydayreasons@gmail.com (Z) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:35:00 +0000

Pros:
Everyday I get up and go to work, live my life, is another day I feel as though I've accomplished a little piece of something
FSU is chipper in the morning about 85% of the time, that's 50% more than yours truly.
He also never ever leaves without saying goodbye.
My work Blackberry brings me good news, like a list of fabulous people agreeing to be on the host committee for our event, including one of my favorite musicians/singer/songwriters. ( No, its not John Mayer although we all know I love him to)
The tourists on the metro today reminded me of my Fletcher family, the southern twang, the genuine politeness, giving up their seats for other people. Refreshing. I miss them.
A visit from our founder at work, nice to be reminded how we all got our jobs in the first place.
Old picture of Gary and I caught my eye before I left the house, thought of funny Gary moments all day. (particularly one boogie board/roof incident and many many Journey sing-alongs)
Georgetown JCrew now has wedding collection for preview.
Got email about fabulous bride-to-be gift I must send a favorite sorority sister who just got engaged.

Cons:
After hitting the snooze button 12 times, I was frantic, unable to shave legs, had to iron my dress, ate a cheese stick for breakfast on way to the metro, and had exceptionally bad hair day.
Did not have time to change kitty litter, yuck.
30 minutes late to doctor's apt, where I had to pee in cup and have blood taken. (the key to the bathroom is attached to a clipboard, picture balancing abnormally large purse, empty pee cup, clipboard, sunglasses and paperwork while opening stall door)
A fellow metro rider sharing approximately 1 foot of space with me insisted on "reading" her GIANT library book while standing in the aisle, why do people insist on reading while standing?
My boss is a complete basket case and invents extremely ridiculous budgetary scenarios, then proceeds to email everyone about them incessantly.

See the good always outweighs the bad.