Dear MBTA,
Life is so hard nowadays with an unsettled economic situation, black men being arrested in their own homes, and unemployment being sky high. It's hard to feel on top of life and score wins.
Your agency is ingenious with how you can make an average, everyday working stiff feel like a winner. For example, I bought a 12 ride commuter rail pass for my two weeks of work this month. In theory, I should have gotten 6 days worth of rides out of that pass. I was planning on just paying cash onboard for the remaining days. How did you make me a winner? I have been able to milk 9 days out of this pass thanks to your lovely conductors missing my entire car or punching the wrong hole. So, basically I have saved over $40 by extending this pass.
Every day, it's a game. Plus, I can spot conductors who are notorious non-punchers so I seek out their cars. Morning is usually pretty regular with punching. On my ride home, by the time we reach Highland and there is no sign of a conductor, I put my pass back in my bag feeling like I have won one for the working man. Or I can get a lovely conductor who sees that I have had to stand the entire way home and he just punches an already punched hole. This perks up my day and is very generous of your agency. Granted, this is only fun because I have a 12 ride pass, if I had a monthly, I'd be pissed.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
A Question to Jews Out There
Since I'm a new Jew, I have rarely encountered anti-Semitism. Up until this weekend, I only had to deal with a dumb joke from an uncle and an ignorant comment from a cousin. This weekend I had an aunt tell me to my face that Jews were cheap and dishonest. I didn't say anything simply because I was stunned. Since it was my aunt, I knew she wasn't trying to be hurtful/offensive - she has terminal foot in mouth.
But when do you decide to be outraged? In past experiences, I have spoken up. I actually used it as a teaching opportunity for my cousin. The more time passes, the more my aunt's comment annoys me. So how would you have reacted in my situation?
But when do you decide to be outraged? In past experiences, I have spoken up. I actually used it as a teaching opportunity for my cousin. The more time passes, the more my aunt's comment annoys me. So how would you have reacted in my situation?
Friday, July 24, 2009
Okay, I Seriously Love This Job
I have survived my first week at my new job and I am looking forward to Monday (yes I am a job nerd). My position is a revenue analyst at a Boston hospital. The way I look at it, 5 of my aunts are nurses, I love financial analysis, and enjoyed working at a hospital last year so bing bang boom I landed my perfect job! Working in healthcare without blood and guts. My boss is awesome; supportive, patient, and personable. He kept telling me that it's okay to be overwhelmed. My co-workers are all fellow analysts so there is a left brained vibe that we all get along on. Seriously, analysts training analysts is sheer heaven. Explanations are practical and make sense plus any questions I had came from the same line of thinking. I even got complimented on my questions by one of my trainers. He told me the reason why he liked training me is that I obviously come from corporate and my questions are excellent. Whee!
I also love working in the city. It's so great taking a train in and out. I have time to wake up/decompress from the day. But man… the last time I commuted into the city was in 2000 so a lot has changed! Back then, a monthly zone 2 pass cost $90 and parking was $1. Now, the pass is $151 and parking is $4. I love how the MBTA raised the parking fee but didn't widen the money slots in the payment board contraption. Either you need to use coins, feed in individual dollars or spend a lot of time folding your bills rrreeeaally tight (like me). I appreciate driving a lot less, saving gas money, and keeping my blood pressure down.
The one thing I need to work out/standardize are lunches. We don't have a cafeteria in our building and there aren't a lot of choices in the area. So, I'll have to brown bag it most days. I am surrounded by Dunkin Donuts so my caffeine needs are more than taken care of. I also kinda wish my sleep schedule would get better. I was so amped up for my first week, I was lucky if I got 6 hours of sleep per night. I was in bed but my brain wouldn't calm down.
I also love working in the city. It's so great taking a train in and out. I have time to wake up/decompress from the day. But man… the last time I commuted into the city was in 2000 so a lot has changed! Back then, a monthly zone 2 pass cost $90 and parking was $1. Now, the pass is $151 and parking is $4. I love how the MBTA raised the parking fee but didn't widen the money slots in the payment board contraption. Either you need to use coins, feed in individual dollars or spend a lot of time folding your bills rrreeeaally tight (like me). I appreciate driving a lot less, saving gas money, and keeping my blood pressure down.
The one thing I need to work out/standardize are lunches. We don't have a cafeteria in our building and there aren't a lot of choices in the area. So, I'll have to brown bag it most days. I am surrounded by Dunkin Donuts so my caffeine needs are more than taken care of. I also kinda wish my sleep schedule would get better. I was so amped up for my first week, I was lucky if I got 6 hours of sleep per night. I was in bed but my brain wouldn't calm down.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Too Wired to Sleep
Orientation yesterday went very well. I have a lot of handouts and info swimming around in my head. We had copious breaks and got to leave early so I was a bit spoiled for my first day. I was one of the few non-medical people at Orientation. For some odd reason, I wound up hitting it off with anyone who worked in cardiology. I have some really bad pun up my sleeve but I'll refrain...
On a bizarre note, I spent the entire day 6 floors below where I stayed recovering from my stroke 8 years ago. I was a bit tempted to go up there to see if any of the nurses who I remembered were still there but I decided to focus on the positive future rather than skip through upsetting past. I was already being bombarded by memories as patient care was discussed ad nauseum. People, if you want excellent benefits, work in healthcare! I am astounded by the perks and choices I have with this job.
Today, is my first day working in my department. I'm not nervous but my brain isn't shutting up. Maybe they'll expect an overwhelmed zombie on the first day, right?
On a bizarre note, I spent the entire day 6 floors below where I stayed recovering from my stroke 8 years ago. I was a bit tempted to go up there to see if any of the nurses who I remembered were still there but I decided to focus on the positive future rather than skip through upsetting past. I was already being bombarded by memories as patient care was discussed ad nauseum. People, if you want excellent benefits, work in healthcare! I am astounded by the perks and choices I have with this job.
Today, is my first day working in my department. I'm not nervous but my brain isn't shutting up. Maybe they'll expect an overwhelmed zombie on the first day, right?
Friday, July 17, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Random Surprise Pregnancies
It has come up that a cousin, who has been conspicuously missing from family holiday gatherings, is pregnant. The only way I found out was through Facebook. The whole situation is so bizarre. I have no idea who the father is and the big secret would be spilled at her brother's wedding this summer so what the hell?
It's not like she's the first unwed mother in the family. She isn't even the first cousin to have a baby. I just want an opportunity to ooh and ahh at a shower and give her presents. Is that too much to ask?
Plus, it is really odd to use Facebook as a way to let the family know about a pregnancy... What does Miss Manners have to say about this? Ah ha! So Miss Manners thinks I should back the eff off and be less judgey. Okey doke! It is still weird in my book...
It's not like she's the first unwed mother in the family. She isn't even the first cousin to have a baby. I just want an opportunity to ooh and ahh at a shower and give her presents. Is that too much to ask?
Plus, it is really odd to use Facebook as a way to let the family know about a pregnancy... What does Miss Manners have to say about this? Ah ha! So Miss Manners thinks I should back the eff off and be less judgey. Okey doke! It is still weird in my book...
Saturday, July 11, 2009
The Great Lost Marathon (SPOILERS)
My brother only watches one TV show and that is Lost. Since he has been home for over a month, he decided to try to convert me into a fan. So, weeks ago we started our marathon with season 2 (I had already seen and loved season 1). Season 2 was okay but I did love saying "Meester Eko" whenever I could. Ana Lucia sucked ass. The hatch, the button and, Dharma hoopla wasn't too interesting. But two awesome things happened - Ana Lucia got killed and we got to meet Henry Gale (Ben Linus).
Ben was the best villain ever. Even his bug eyes could exude menace. Season 3 was an improvement with the mystery of Desmond's prophecy power plus the nuking of the Sawyer/Kate/Triangle. Also I hated Charlie so the knowledge of his impending death made me look forward to every episode. Nikki and Paolo were tres stupid so I'm happy they got killed off. Then enter Juliet thus expanding the love triangle to a love rhombus. GROAN!
Suddenly, in season 4 it's like the writers remembered that rescue was the #1 priority for the Losties. Too bad it worked out so poorly for those who made it. Sayid is Jason Bourne. Jack is his father. Kate, the Madonna. Hurley, psychotic. Luckily Desmond is still hot and had the best love story ever. Michael isn't screaming WALT anymore because he's evil. It is also cool to learn more info about Charles Widmore. The science team's introduction was excellent as well. I adore Miles and Daniel.
Dudes, I am a huge Doctor Who/alternate history fan so how excited was I when "moving the island" happened IN TIME?? Season 5 is tops in my book. I knew Jin wasn't dead BTW. I loved how they handled time lines even though sometimes my head hurt a bit after episodes. Also interweaving Egyptian mysticism and the Island's history pleased my inner nerd. I squealed out loud in delight when they revealed the statue of Taweret - good old four toes. Sawyer being in charge working his con man skills was incredibly awesome and sexy. It was nice seeing Jack go from a weepy leader to a man of destiny. I seriously had a game going that I'd drink every time Jack wept in an episode - lots of potty breaks people!
So, here we are waiting for season 6 in 2010. What do we know? Juliet set off the bomb. Ben stabbed Jacob. Locke is not himself but the black shirt guy/God. Widmore is still trying to get to the island. Desmond survived and the island isn't done with him yet. I love how many things are up in the air and how I have no idea who are the white hats/black hats. My prediction is that they'll start season 6 with a complete fakeout, flight 815 landing in LAX, everyone alive and well. Then cut to what really happened. There are a lot of cool theories out on the internet like Juliet was blown way into the past and will be Taweret's inspiration.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Internet Meme
I am a bit uninspired and lethargic today thanks to the many rich foods I had last night at my employment celebration dinner. So, it's internet meme time.
1. What kind of SOAP is in your bathtub right now?
Aveeno
2. Do you have any watermelon in your refrigerator?
Nope But I do have a decadent fruit salad thanks to my mom.
3. What would you change about your living room?
I would get rid of all the newspapers everywhere and replace the sofas.
4. Are the dishes in your dishwasher clean or dirty?
Clean - which reminds me I have to empty it ASAP
5. What is in your fridge?
Enough food for 3 people and I am too lazy to list all of it. I know yogurt, lots of cheeses, and a crisper stuffed with fresh veggies.
6. White or wheat bread?
Wheat
7. What is on top of your refrigerator?
Nothing
8. What color or design is on your shower curtain?
They're clear
9. How many plants are in your home?
1. Rasputin's pet grass.
10. Is your bed made right now?
Yes. And covered with clothes plus Ras.
11. Comet or Soft Scrub?
Comet! Scratches are fine.
12. Is your closet organized?
Yes. You have to have an organized closet if you have recently moved.
13. Can you describe your flashlight?
It is neon orange, large and fits comfortably in my hand.
14. Do you drink out of glass or plastic most of the time at home?
Plastic
15. Do you have iced tea made in a pitcher right now?
Nope but we do have those individual tea packet thingies.
16. If you have a garage, is it cluttered?
Holy hell yes, my entire living room from my old apartment is crammed into it.
17. Curtains or blinds?
Both. Blinds and curtains on all windows.
18. How many pillows do you sleep with?
3. 2 under my head and the 3rd one is just decorative or Rasputin's feather bed depending.
19. Do you sleep with any lights on at night?
Hell no. I need absolute dark and silence to sleep.
20. How often do you vacuum?
Once a month
21. Standard toothbrush or electric?
Electric Sonicare.
22. What color is your toothbrush?
White and Blue.
23. Do you have a welcome mat on your front porch?
No
24. What is in your oven right now?
Nothing
25. Is there anything under your bed?
Yes. Shoes under and a comforter.
26. Chore you hate doing the most?
Doing the dishes (luckily that's my dad's dept)
27. What retro items are in your home?
A turntable, an old iMac, a gas dryer, and basically our entire basement.
28. Do you have a separate room that you use as an office?
Yes. We have a study.
29. How many mirrors are in your home?
4. 2 bathroom and 2 bedroom.
30. Do you have any hidden emergency money around your home?
I don't think so
31. What color are your walls?
Sky blue in my bedroom
32. Do you keep any kind of protection weapons in your home?
Nope
33. What does your home smell like right now?
Pollen. I am congested today
34. Favorite candle scent?
Citrus anything. Also holiday spices like spiced pumpkin, cranberry chutney etc. I LOATHE "clean cotton". It just smells like Tide.
35. What kind of pickles (if any) are in your refrigerator right now?
Dill
36. What color is your favorite Bible?
I'm Jewish. N/A. Plus, they come in colors?
37. Ever been on your roof?
Nope.
38. Do you own a stereo?
Yes.
39. How many TVs do you have?
3 - 1 in my bedroom, 1 in the livingroom, and 1 in my parent's bedroom.
40. How many house phones?
2
41. Do you have a housekeeper?
I wish!
42. What style do you decorate in?
Budget/on sale style.
43. Do you like solid colors in furniture or prints?
Solid colors but I do love me a nice Moroccan print.
44. Is there a smoke detector in your home?
Yes
45. In case of fire, what are the items in your house which you’d grab if you only could make one quick trip?
Rasputin and my red cross emergency pack
1. What kind of SOAP is in your bathtub right now?
Aveeno
2. Do you have any watermelon in your refrigerator?
Nope But I do have a decadent fruit salad thanks to my mom.
3. What would you change about your living room?
I would get rid of all the newspapers everywhere and replace the sofas.
4. Are the dishes in your dishwasher clean or dirty?
Clean - which reminds me I have to empty it ASAP
5. What is in your fridge?
Enough food for 3 people and I am too lazy to list all of it. I know yogurt, lots of cheeses, and a crisper stuffed with fresh veggies.
6. White or wheat bread?
Wheat
7. What is on top of your refrigerator?
Nothing
8. What color or design is on your shower curtain?
They're clear
9. How many plants are in your home?
1. Rasputin's pet grass.
10. Is your bed made right now?
Yes. And covered with clothes plus Ras.
11. Comet or Soft Scrub?
Comet! Scratches are fine.
12. Is your closet organized?
Yes. You have to have an organized closet if you have recently moved.
13. Can you describe your flashlight?
It is neon orange, large and fits comfortably in my hand.
14. Do you drink out of glass or plastic most of the time at home?
Plastic
15. Do you have iced tea made in a pitcher right now?
Nope but we do have those individual tea packet thingies.
16. If you have a garage, is it cluttered?
Holy hell yes, my entire living room from my old apartment is crammed into it.
17. Curtains or blinds?
Both. Blinds and curtains on all windows.
18. How many pillows do you sleep with?
3. 2 under my head and the 3rd one is just decorative or Rasputin's feather bed depending.
19. Do you sleep with any lights on at night?
Hell no. I need absolute dark and silence to sleep.
20. How often do you vacuum?
Once a month
21. Standard toothbrush or electric?
Electric Sonicare.
22. What color is your toothbrush?
White and Blue.
23. Do you have a welcome mat on your front porch?
No
24. What is in your oven right now?
Nothing
25. Is there anything under your bed?
Yes. Shoes under and a comforter.
26. Chore you hate doing the most?
Doing the dishes (luckily that's my dad's dept)
27. What retro items are in your home?
A turntable, an old iMac, a gas dryer, and basically our entire basement.
28. Do you have a separate room that you use as an office?
Yes. We have a study.
29. How many mirrors are in your home?
4. 2 bathroom and 2 bedroom.
30. Do you have any hidden emergency money around your home?
I don't think so
31. What color are your walls?
Sky blue in my bedroom
32. Do you keep any kind of protection weapons in your home?
Nope
33. What does your home smell like right now?
Pollen. I am congested today
34. Favorite candle scent?
Citrus anything. Also holiday spices like spiced pumpkin, cranberry chutney etc. I LOATHE "clean cotton". It just smells like Tide.
35. What kind of pickles (if any) are in your refrigerator right now?
Dill
36. What color is your favorite Bible?
I'm Jewish. N/A. Plus, they come in colors?
37. Ever been on your roof?
Nope.
38. Do you own a stereo?
Yes.
39. How many TVs do you have?
3 - 1 in my bedroom, 1 in the livingroom, and 1 in my parent's bedroom.
40. How many house phones?
2
41. Do you have a housekeeper?
I wish!
42. What style do you decorate in?
Budget/on sale style.
43. Do you like solid colors in furniture or prints?
Solid colors but I do love me a nice Moroccan print.
44. Is there a smoke detector in your home?
Yes
45. In case of fire, what are the items in your house which you’d grab if you only could make one quick trip?
Rasputin and my red cross emergency pack
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Lots Better
Okay, I know I have been sporadic and a big downer lately so I'm trying to focus on a lot of positives now. For example, my car brakes are finally functioning like normal. Granted it took replacing all of them and $500... But I am happy I found a mechanic who didn't feed me the line that "Oh Ford Focus brakes are always like that." Seriously, my car has needed a brake job for YEARS! Now, it's all good thanks to the money I'm saving living with my parents and the time I have available by being unemployed.
Speaking of, this is the week I should be hearing about that job that has had me interview 4 times over 4 months. I'm keeping my fingers crossed but not pinning all my hopes on this job. It is my dream job but if I don't get it, it wasn't meant to be. Right now, I am toying with the idea of moving back to the Pioneer Valley. It's a different vibe out there and I have happy and relaxing memories of the area. Plus, my brother lives in Holyoke so I wouldn't be completely cut off.
My brother has been living with us for the past month working on repainting the house when it isn't raining. Since it has rained A LOT, he has gotten me almost caught up on Lost. I liked the show a lot in season 1 but started getting frustrated with season 2 and by season 3, I completely dropped it. The good part of Lostathons is that all my complaints about the show when it aired are gone. Watching live, I thought there was no overarching plan, Jack was insufferable and ditto for Kate. A big mystery is hinted at in the first couple episodes and only is answered in the finale over 6 months later so you forget a lot of details and interest has waned (of course ABC's scheduling sucked too). But watching an entire season over a couple of days, you can see the overarching storyline and the mystery is way huger and interesting. Plus, Jack and Kate are mere blips in the big picture. I am up to the season 4 three part finale. I love Desmond and Dan Faraday. Plus, time travel could be very cool! Ben is one of the best villains on TV.
Oh yeah, that fight with my mother has resulted in better communication between us. I just wish I knew a better argument method than emotionally vomit and napalm my day. I do argue better with non-family members but having all 4 of us under the same roof in the same house kinda regresses me. It is sometimes tough to remember that I'm 32.
Friday, July 03, 2009
An Awful Morning
Well, I tried having a talk with my mother this morning and it went very badly. She told me that I enjoy being a victim and I told her that she's a robot (button pushing at it's best in my family). I found this list from a social worker in an article on how to stop being a victim. It made me happy and sad.
MY PERSONAL BILL OF RIGHTS
I have the right to make my own choices.
I have the right to follow my own values and standards,
as long as I am not abusive towards others.
I have a right to dignity and respect.
I have a right to all of my feelings.
I have the right to express myself as long as I am not abusive toward others.
I have a right to determine and honour my own priorities.
I have a right to recognize and accept my own value system as appropriate.
I have a right to have my needs and wants respected by others.
I have the right to say no when I feel I am not ready, unsafe,
or if it violates my values
I have the right to make mistakes and not have to be perfect.
I have the right not to be responsible for others behaviour,
actions, feelings or problems.
I have a right to be uniquely me, without feeling I'm not good enough.
I have the right to make decisions based on my
feelings and judgment for any reason.
I have the right to change my mind at any time.
I have the right to my personal space and time needs.
I have the right to be flexible and be comfortable with doing so.
I have the right to be in a safe, non-abusive environment.
I have the right to forgive others and forgive myself.
I have the right to give and receive unconditional love.
I have the right to enjoy being sexual and celebrate my sexuality.
I have the right to my own spiritual beliefs and to celebrate them.
I have the right to grieve when I don't get what I need.
I have the right to grieve when I get something I didn't need or want.
I have the right to joyfully receive without feeling guilty.
I have the right to healthy relationships of my choice.
I have the right to be angry with someone I love.
I have the right to be, and can be, healthier than those around me.
I have the right to trust others who earn my trust.
I have the right to terminate conversations for any reason.
I have a right to expect honesty from others.
I have the right to change and grow.
I have the right to follow my own path.
I have the right to be happy.
MY PERSONAL BILL OF RIGHTS
I have the right to make my own choices.
I have the right to follow my own values and standards,
as long as I am not abusive towards others.
I have a right to dignity and respect.
I have a right to all of my feelings.
I have the right to express myself as long as I am not abusive toward others.
I have a right to determine and honour my own priorities.
I have a right to recognize and accept my own value system as appropriate.
I have a right to have my needs and wants respected by others.
I have the right to say no when I feel I am not ready, unsafe,
or if it violates my values
I have the right to make mistakes and not have to be perfect.
I have the right not to be responsible for others behaviour,
actions, feelings or problems.
I have a right to be uniquely me, without feeling I'm not good enough.
I have the right to make decisions based on my
feelings and judgment for any reason.
I have the right to change my mind at any time.
I have the right to my personal space and time needs.
I have the right to be flexible and be comfortable with doing so.
I have the right to be in a safe, non-abusive environment.
I have the right to forgive others and forgive myself.
I have the right to give and receive unconditional love.
I have the right to enjoy being sexual and celebrate my sexuality.
I have the right to my own spiritual beliefs and to celebrate them.
I have the right to grieve when I don't get what I need.
I have the right to grieve when I get something I didn't need or want.
I have the right to joyfully receive without feeling guilty.
I have the right to healthy relationships of my choice.
I have the right to be angry with someone I love.
I have the right to be, and can be, healthier than those around me.
I have the right to trust others who earn my trust.
I have the right to terminate conversations for any reason.
I have a right to expect honesty from others.
I have the right to change and grow.
I have the right to follow my own path.
I have the right to be happy.
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