I have learned (through painful experience, the way in which the most effective lessons seem to be delivered) that it is fairly important for me to act immediately when a reminder or a new idea occur to me. I'd like to say that's because I receive a lot of spiritual promptings which, when obeyed, save lives and lighten hearts on a regular basis, but the truth is that I have a holey memory. Hole-y. Like Swiss cheese - old, dried-up, crumbling, faintly green, and full-of-holes Swiss cheese into which excellent ideas and motivations rapidly fall, never to be seen again... or at least not until it's too late to get off the bus and take care of them. I've trained myself to pause before leaving my bedroom or going up or down the stairs to see if I have everything I need or if I've forgotten anything - still not foolproof (shut up) but a definite improvement. Also, in addition to remembering things I need to pick up or put away or turn off or whatever, I have lots of good ideas - but those ideas have an extremely limited shelf life on the extremely unstable middle-aged shelf that is my brain. An idea may teeter for a few seconds, but if I don't grab it and do something about it (like nail it down with a mental thumbtack and a mental shoe, otherwise known as 'take care of it regardless of current activity') it falls quickly and silently into the abyss below the top of my spinal column. (I've told y'all how much I hate to exercise, right?)
ANYWAY, if I think "I should turn off the heater before I leave", DO IT NOW. When it occurs to me that I ought to take an umbrella today and should put one in my bag, DO IT NOW. After preparing a potential dissertation topic presentation and then realizing that the 2,000-word proposal for that dissertation is due two weeks later,
look up the requirements from the course
go online and find sample dissertation proposals so that you know how it should look
get the resources together/at least skim the books/find journal articles
AND DO IT TWO WEEKS AGO, NOT TWO DAYS BEFORE IT'S DUE.
Honestly, it's not like you're going to be able to play the "well, now I know what I should do for my next Master's degree" card AGAIN. Figure it out, and do it now.
Sheesh.
Showing posts with label lessons learned. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lessons learned. Show all posts
December 12, 2011
December 04, 2011
Thinking Out Loud
Over the past few weeks I've had a couple of misunderstandings with my roommate (a super-nice girl) and they seem pretty generally to have stemmed from a little bit of miscommunication and a whole mess of assumptions. Basically, I find myself screwing up because I'm operating on the basis of information that I assume to be true... and it's not. So how do I stop? Making assumptions is a pretty ingrained practice, an efficiency strategy/coping mechanism - kind of the 'organic' version of computer cookies. (Mmmm, cookies.) A lot of the time it works just fine; you make decisions and move forward based on things that have happened before, or 'common sense', and save yourself the trouble of checking and double-checking day-to-day details. So how do you change the practice when you're getting the details wrong and making mistakes due to that faulty information?
I have a theory.
I've been writing about this in the journal part of my school notebook, and just today I had another screw-up (at least this time it was only a problem for myself, not anyone else). I decided to write it out here to remind myself to work on applying it a little better - one of my assumptions, I think, is that my memory is as good as it's ever been, when in all honesty it's starting to slip. I need the reminders. (I am my mother's daughter.) ((Sorry, Mom.)) Part of the trick to all of this is that I'm not always aware that I'm making an assumption about something that should actually be questioned. The challenge, then, is to create a new paradigm in which I actively (and routinely) question everything about which an assumption would otherwise be made.
I think: As with most things, communication is key. And more than that, transparency may be key to communication. Yes, my roommate and I need to get into the habit of talking more often if we're going to communicate better (duh, for a start). Once we're talking, transparency may mean adopting a sort of running Twitter feed: if I am very clear about my activities and intentions (whether or not they may affect someone else) I may become very boring and not at all sought after at parties, BUT the people I'm communicating with will be more able and motivated to correct assumptions I may not have recognized in order to question.
For example, if you need something from me and you tell me you're leaving 'around' a certain time; and if I say not only 'I'm going to run out to take care of that errand for you' but also '...and I thought I'd stop at the store for a few groceries while I'm out...' (because I assume that you are taking your car and that your schedule isn't particularly pressing); then you can follow up with 'I'm not sure I can wait that long - my ride will be here in five minutes!' which tells me that you are a) traveling with other people, and b) that your schedule is actually defined. My assumptions are corrected because you were able to give me information I didn't realize I needed, I can run the errand without detours and you head off happy. If I operate under a policy of 'full disclosure' instead of 'minimal effort' I may help to create fewer misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
Note to self: Anyone wishing to stop making assumptions (or, operating as though assumptions are always true) must be prepared to be corrected, sometimes indignantly, as transparent communication disrupts the assumptions of those you're communicating with. If, on the other hand, those corrections are not made, than transparent communication on your part means you're off the hook responsibility-wise if information isn't shared. Also, if you pay more attention, listen more carefully, observe body language, (etc...) you'll become more skillful at figuring out when questions are needed. And, really, it never hurts to ask. Or, at least, it hurts more later if you don't ask.
Ergo: When you think you know something, check on it. (Isn't that the old carpenter's rule? 'Measure twice, cut once'?) Bus schedules, birthdays, study topics, quoting somebody... even if you think you know, check. (That way you won't be standing out in the cold for half an hour, stewing over a bus that hasn't shown up, when all you had to do was walk ten feet to look at the posted schedule and realize you were wrong - there wasn't a bus scheduled to arrive then, doofus - and you'd still have had time to work something else out.)
Also: be transparent, particularly in regards to plans and immediate/future activities. It's far more frustrating to try to fix something you messed up later!
Okay, more later... I think I'd better go check one more thing for my schedule for next week! (And then maybe look at the whole thing again...)
* * * * *
Christmas video reviews starting soon! (Hopefully tomorrow!)
*
I have a theory.
I've been writing about this in the journal part of my school notebook, and just today I had another screw-up (at least this time it was only a problem for myself, not anyone else). I decided to write it out here to remind myself to work on applying it a little better - one of my assumptions, I think, is that my memory is as good as it's ever been, when in all honesty it's starting to slip. I need the reminders. (I am my mother's daughter.) ((Sorry, Mom.)) Part of the trick to all of this is that I'm not always aware that I'm making an assumption about something that should actually be questioned. The challenge, then, is to create a new paradigm in which I actively (and routinely) question everything about which an assumption would otherwise be made.
I think: As with most things, communication is key. And more than that, transparency may be key to communication. Yes, my roommate and I need to get into the habit of talking more often if we're going to communicate better (duh, for a start). Once we're talking, transparency may mean adopting a sort of running Twitter feed: if I am very clear about my activities and intentions (whether or not they may affect someone else) I may become very boring and not at all sought after at parties, BUT the people I'm communicating with will be more able and motivated to correct assumptions I may not have recognized in order to question.
For example, if you need something from me and you tell me you're leaving 'around' a certain time; and if I say not only 'I'm going to run out to take care of that errand for you' but also '...and I thought I'd stop at the store for a few groceries while I'm out...' (because I assume that you are taking your car and that your schedule isn't particularly pressing); then you can follow up with 'I'm not sure I can wait that long - my ride will be here in five minutes!' which tells me that you are a) traveling with other people, and b) that your schedule is actually defined. My assumptions are corrected because you were able to give me information I didn't realize I needed, I can run the errand without detours and you head off happy. If I operate under a policy of 'full disclosure' instead of 'minimal effort' I may help to create fewer misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
Note to self: Anyone wishing to stop making assumptions (or, operating as though assumptions are always true) must be prepared to be corrected, sometimes indignantly, as transparent communication disrupts the assumptions of those you're communicating with. If, on the other hand, those corrections are not made, than transparent communication on your part means you're off the hook responsibility-wise if information isn't shared. Also, if you pay more attention, listen more carefully, observe body language, (etc...) you'll become more skillful at figuring out when questions are needed. And, really, it never hurts to ask. Or, at least, it hurts more later if you don't ask.
Ergo: When you think you know something, check on it. (Isn't that the old carpenter's rule? 'Measure twice, cut once'?) Bus schedules, birthdays, study topics, quoting somebody... even if you think you know, check. (That way you won't be standing out in the cold for half an hour, stewing over a bus that hasn't shown up, when all you had to do was walk ten feet to look at the posted schedule and realize you were wrong - there wasn't a bus scheduled to arrive then, doofus - and you'd still have had time to work something else out.)
Also: be transparent, particularly in regards to plans and immediate/future activities. It's far more frustrating to try to fix something you messed up later!
Okay, more later... I think I'd better go check one more thing for my schedule for next week! (And then maybe look at the whole thing again...)
* * * * *
Christmas video reviews starting soon! (Hopefully tomorrow!)
*
November 24, 2010
How Not to Move Out of the Country
1) Apply to a school in a foreign country (or, England). Accidentally apply to the wrong program, interview anyway. When they accept you for the wrong program, politely turn them down and apply to a different school. When the second school accepts you, ignore as much of the paperwork and email information as you possibly can. Decide not to look for housing until you arrive in the country. Three weeks before you leave, decide to finally read the schedules they have sent, and realize that they have you enrolled in the wrong program. Contact the local bishop and the accomodations office, and discover there is NO AVAILABLE HOUSING IN THE ENTIRE TOWN. Decide not to attend the second school after all (losing your deposit AND your overseas plane ticket) since it wasn't actually exactly the right program anyway. Re-apply for the following year to the original school, since you're fairly sure they have the right program for you. Make sure you have been telling people for months previously that you were leaving the country, so you can spend the next year hearing "Oh, she's moving to England - FOR REAL this time!"
2) Once accepted into your program, procrastinate dealing with all that "student loan" stuff.
3) Put off looking for housing until two months before you leave, since "no one will know when they're moving yet anyway" and "students will be moving out the same time you get there, so it should be easy" and "the senior missionaries told me not to rent anything until I get there".
4) Feel comforted by the fact that someone in England was impressed that you were looking for housing "so early" and go back to procrastinating.
5) Avoid opening any correspondence from your school or carefully reading any email. There will be time for that next week.
6) Hear a rumor that student aid and visa applications will be changing just a few months before you leave, and wait to look into it until "things have settled".
7) Wait until the last minute to book your flight, and then "work the system" by buying two separate, cheaper flights. Those 12 hours sitting on the floor of the JFK airport after the red-eye flight will be totally worth it.
8) Go into a panic a month and a half before your flight leaves, and read all your paperwork and emails. Decide that it is now too late to apply for your student visa and nonchalantly figure that you can take care of it once you arrive.
9) Make some tentative housing enquiries, but be reassured that the right place will fall into your lap once you arrive. You wanted to experience local B&B's for a couple of days, anyway.
10) Find out after you have hauled yourself to the new country that no, you may not apply for a student visa now that you are here NO EXCEPTIONS NO ADJUSTMENTS DO NOT PASS GO (LITERALLY). Schedule a flight back to New York, since it's closer and a shorter flight and you can apply for the visa from there.
11) Don't bother to check the calendar in case of holidays or get specific details of hours and policies from your visa-expediting company.
12) Spend a week in New York after the five-minute appointment for which you crossed the ocean, waiting for your visa to go into processing since you missed the Friday cutoff by two hours and Monday is a national holiday.
13) Change your return flight to London (having now spent probably double what you spent on your original "saver" flights) and pay the very large change fee.
14) Fly back with your visa and spend the next week trying to catch up on all the things you missed in the actual first week of the term.
15) Quickly discover that the school's program(me) is not anything like what you imagined from the course descriptions, interview, and website.
16) Stick it out anyway, and look into starting it all over again with a different school next year.
17) Find yourself a good therapist and financial advisor.
18) Blog.
2) Once accepted into your program, procrastinate dealing with all that "student loan" stuff.
3) Put off looking for housing until two months before you leave, since "no one will know when they're moving yet anyway" and "students will be moving out the same time you get there, so it should be easy" and "the senior missionaries told me not to rent anything until I get there".
4) Feel comforted by the fact that someone in England was impressed that you were looking for housing "so early" and go back to procrastinating.
5) Avoid opening any correspondence from your school or carefully reading any email. There will be time for that next week.
6) Hear a rumor that student aid and visa applications will be changing just a few months before you leave, and wait to look into it until "things have settled".
7) Wait until the last minute to book your flight, and then "work the system" by buying two separate, cheaper flights. Those 12 hours sitting on the floor of the JFK airport after the red-eye flight will be totally worth it.
8) Go into a panic a month and a half before your flight leaves, and read all your paperwork and emails. Decide that it is now too late to apply for your student visa and nonchalantly figure that you can take care of it once you arrive.
9) Make some tentative housing enquiries, but be reassured that the right place will fall into your lap once you arrive. You wanted to experience local B&B's for a couple of days, anyway.
10) Find out after you have hauled yourself to the new country that no, you may not apply for a student visa now that you are here NO EXCEPTIONS NO ADJUSTMENTS DO NOT PASS GO (LITERALLY). Schedule a flight back to New York, since it's closer and a shorter flight and you can apply for the visa from there.
11) Don't bother to check the calendar in case of holidays or get specific details of hours and policies from your visa-expediting company.
12) Spend a week in New York after the five-minute appointment for which you crossed the ocean, waiting for your visa to go into processing since you missed the Friday cutoff by two hours and Monday is a national holiday.
13) Change your return flight to London (having now spent probably double what you spent on your original "saver" flights) and pay the very large change fee.
14) Fly back with your visa and spend the next week trying to catch up on all the things you missed in the actual first week of the term.
15) Quickly discover that the school's program(me) is not anything like what you imagined from the course descriptions, interview, and website.
16) Stick it out anyway, and look into starting it all over again with a different school next year.
17) Find yourself a good therapist and financial advisor.
18) Blog.
March 23, 2009
I Think I Figured It Out
In which we shall see: Quite frankly, some whining. It was a tough weekend, after a couple of tough (though fun) weeks. You don't have to read it.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
(Sunday, March 22)
I've been a full-fledged high school teacher for two weeks. Evidently, I'm good at it. My knee-knocked friend wonders why I don't just get certified and stick with it, and the other day a couple of students remarked that it was a good thing I was there, as they (collectively) would have "killed" any other sub. On the whole, I really like all of "my" students. I enjoy teaching the classes, and I love working with the kids individually and in small groups on their competition pieces.
I just figured out why I am so certain teaching high school is NOT for me.
It's not so much the hours, though being up and at the school by 7 a.m. will never cease to be a pain, and staying late and knowing you're not actually being paid for the time does rankle. It's not the grading or the class prep, though those will never hit my list of favorite things to do. And it's not the the few pain-in-the-patootie students, those 2 or 3 who insist on answering back and will simply not shut up...
It's not them, it's me.
Or rather, it's my tendency to be obsessive. This past weekend I have constantly had songs from the new show we're working on running through my head, and they're not particularly fabulous or catchy. I find myself reviewing my mental to-do list over and over and over and over... I dwell and stew on the kids, their problems and their work. I was so happy to finish the last show - not because I wasn't enjoying it, but with the expectation I would finally stop dreaming about it. I did, but now I'm dreaming about the new show and drama club presidency meetings. (Believe me, meetings with a group of teenagers in your bedroom while you're in bed and in your pajamas seems only marginally less embarrassing in your dreams than it prospectively would in real life. Brrrr.) I can't turn it off, and it's driving me out of my mind!
I just want a job I can walk away from - or at least one that I don't want to walk away from. For all the long hours I put in researching and assembling information when I'm dramaturging a show, I haven't yet dreamed about an actor's packet.
(Aside: I think I'd be OK with dreaming about grad school at this point. I want to go more than ever, and with so much else going on I could really use the reminder to get those applications moving...)
I think this is the same tendency that really makes me hate "crushing" on guys. I dislike being loopy and infatuated anyway (particularly as, nearly without exception, it's one-sided) but the really icky part is moving from "mild crush" to "obsessed maniac" (in the comfort of my own home, anyway). It's just so damn uncomfortable. I'd much rather be occupying my thoughts and time with something more productive, but I just can't help it. At least I haven't yet veered into stalker-hood... not since high school, anyway.
And here it comes around - I suppose the bottom line is that I don't want to teach high school because in some ways it feels like I never left. Teaching high school is certainly better than attending it - but it's past time for me to grow up, get a grip, find some balance, and MOVE ON.
And maybe get some therapy for the OCD, you think?
* * * * *
(REDACTED: drippy, whingey rant, removed since it annoyed even the author. Source: completely ridiculous infatuation. Did I mention I hate that particular state of mind? I'm far too old for this crap. Seriously.)
* * * * *
(Monday, March 23)
In other news, my friend came back to class today, and it was weird. We actually work really well together, but having her back after running "my" classes for two weeks was strange. She's awesome though, and was very complimentary, so I'll get over it.
Watch out for falling turtles - fo shizzle, you could dislocate a knee, and THAT'S no fun...
Cyd
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
(Sunday, March 22)
I've been a full-fledged high school teacher for two weeks. Evidently, I'm good at it. My knee-knocked friend wonders why I don't just get certified and stick with it, and the other day a couple of students remarked that it was a good thing I was there, as they (collectively) would have "killed" any other sub. On the whole, I really like all of "my" students. I enjoy teaching the classes, and I love working with the kids individually and in small groups on their competition pieces.
I just figured out why I am so certain teaching high school is NOT for me.
It's not so much the hours, though being up and at the school by 7 a.m. will never cease to be a pain, and staying late and knowing you're not actually being paid for the time does rankle. It's not the grading or the class prep, though those will never hit my list of favorite things to do. And it's not the the few pain-in-the-patootie students, those 2 or 3 who insist on answering back and will simply not shut up...
It's not them, it's me.
Or rather, it's my tendency to be obsessive. This past weekend I have constantly had songs from the new show we're working on running through my head, and they're not particularly fabulous or catchy. I find myself reviewing my mental to-do list over and over and over and over... I dwell and stew on the kids, their problems and their work. I was so happy to finish the last show - not because I wasn't enjoying it, but with the expectation I would finally stop dreaming about it. I did, but now I'm dreaming about the new show and drama club presidency meetings. (Believe me, meetings with a group of teenagers in your bedroom while you're in bed and in your pajamas seems only marginally less embarrassing in your dreams than it prospectively would in real life. Brrrr.) I can't turn it off, and it's driving me out of my mind!
I just want a job I can walk away from - or at least one that I don't want to walk away from. For all the long hours I put in researching and assembling information when I'm dramaturging a show, I haven't yet dreamed about an actor's packet.
(Aside: I think I'd be OK with dreaming about grad school at this point. I want to go more than ever, and with so much else going on I could really use the reminder to get those applications moving...)
I think this is the same tendency that really makes me hate "crushing" on guys. I dislike being loopy and infatuated anyway (particularly as, nearly without exception, it's one-sided) but the really icky part is moving from "mild crush" to "obsessed maniac" (in the comfort of my own home, anyway). It's just so damn uncomfortable. I'd much rather be occupying my thoughts and time with something more productive, but I just can't help it. At least I haven't yet veered into stalker-hood... not since high school, anyway.
And here it comes around - I suppose the bottom line is that I don't want to teach high school because in some ways it feels like I never left. Teaching high school is certainly better than attending it - but it's past time for me to grow up, get a grip, find some balance, and MOVE ON.
And maybe get some therapy for the OCD, you think?
* * * * *
(REDACTED: drippy, whingey rant, removed since it annoyed even the author. Source: completely ridiculous infatuation. Did I mention I hate that particular state of mind? I'm far too old for this crap. Seriously.)
* * * * *
(Monday, March 23)
In other news, my friend came back to class today, and it was weird. We actually work really well together, but having her back after running "my" classes for two weeks was strange. She's awesome though, and was very complimentary, so I'll get over it.
Watch out for falling turtles - fo shizzle, you could dislocate a knee, and THAT'S no fun...
Cyd
February 14, 2009
En Medias Redux
Today my blog turns one - I was going to get all dramatic and "What a year it's BEEN!"-ish, but I just don't have the energy. Instead:
A year of Sameness: I'm still teaching high school. I'm still teaching Gospel Doctrine. I still have the same roommate, red hair, and two jobs. I'm still not as funny as I like to think I am. I'm still single.
A year of Differences: The two jobs are now two compeletely different jobs. I assistant-directed a show, and am currently working on assistant-directing two more. I don't work with anyone who bugs me. I've been exercising regularly, and have drastically changed my eating habits. I'm actually a little funnier than I thought I was. Flossing is a (probably) permanent habit.
Something important I've learned: I may still have impulse-control problems (and I do, believe me) but it is possible for me to think first, and then NOT act. Really.
Goals for the next year: Grad school (now or never!). Write more, and build on things I've written before. Stop procrastinating. Meet guys I could actually date (and actually be interested in dating). Figure out how to stop being too freaked out to date. Kiss lots. Be kissed more. (Shut up, it's still Valentine's Day.)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Week in Review -
- I choreographed three songs this week. I had no idea I could do that.
- I got a rose from a student, and cookies from Phaidra (Valentines' treats). On Friday I gave out little heart pins to anyone who hugged me.
- Also Friday, I emceed an Improv Exposition show, and evidently did a pretty good job. I think I may have been permanently hired.
- I found my catchphrase for the next four months: "Motivate, dammit!" Hilarity ensued.
- At improv rehearsal I received major kudos for my Irish accent.
- I continued in my quest to tick off the costumers out at Hale by showing them up with the magnificence of the set decor. (I'm a little bit kidding here, but they really have been grumbling. Heh. Heh heh heh.)
- I made quite a bit of progress on my next dummy - it's now lying in the hall at the theatre, frightening the unwary.
- I hosted a successful Valentine's Day gathering that included scones, cupcakes, terrible sugar cookies (no more Pillsbury for me!), chocolate that I did not eat, North and South, and a backrub from an actual boy. (There was a proposal for a couple of holiday-appropriate make-out sessions, but no dice. Curses.)
- I was on time for all meetings this week.
- I made definitive progress in my search for self-discipline and impulse-control.
- I actually ran/jogged on the treadmill every time I went to the the gym, I started Jon Schmidt's lessons for the piano, practiced juggling, and discovered that early morning workouts make me REALLY cranky.
* * * * *
Here's to another year!
Watch out for falling turtles,
Cyd
A year of Sameness: I'm still teaching high school. I'm still teaching Gospel Doctrine. I still have the same roommate, red hair, and two jobs. I'm still not as funny as I like to think I am. I'm still single.
A year of Differences: The two jobs are now two compeletely different jobs. I assistant-directed a show, and am currently working on assistant-directing two more. I don't work with anyone who bugs me. I've been exercising regularly, and have drastically changed my eating habits. I'm actually a little funnier than I thought I was. Flossing is a (probably) permanent habit.
Something important I've learned: I may still have impulse-control problems (and I do, believe me) but it is possible for me to think first, and then NOT act. Really.
Goals for the next year: Grad school (now or never!). Write more, and build on things I've written before. Stop procrastinating. Meet guys I could actually date (and actually be interested in dating). Figure out how to stop being too freaked out to date. Kiss lots. Be kissed more. (Shut up, it's still Valentine's Day.)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Week in Review -
- I choreographed three songs this week. I had no idea I could do that.
- I got a rose from a student, and cookies from Phaidra (Valentines' treats). On Friday I gave out little heart pins to anyone who hugged me.
- Also Friday, I emceed an Improv Exposition show, and evidently did a pretty good job. I think I may have been permanently hired.
- I found my catchphrase for the next four months: "Motivate, dammit!" Hilarity ensued.
- At improv rehearsal I received major kudos for my Irish accent.
- I continued in my quest to tick off the costumers out at Hale by showing them up with the magnificence of the set decor. (I'm a little bit kidding here, but they really have been grumbling. Heh. Heh heh heh.)
- I made quite a bit of progress on my next dummy - it's now lying in the hall at the theatre, frightening the unwary.
- I hosted a successful Valentine's Day gathering that included scones, cupcakes, terrible sugar cookies (no more Pillsbury for me!), chocolate that I did not eat, North and South, and a backrub from an actual boy. (There was a proposal for a couple of holiday-appropriate make-out sessions, but no dice. Curses.)
- I was on time for all meetings this week.
- I made definitive progress in my search for self-discipline and impulse-control.
- I actually ran/jogged on the treadmill every time I went to the the gym, I started Jon Schmidt's lessons for the piano, practiced juggling, and discovered that early morning workouts make me REALLY cranky.
* * * * *
Here's to another year!
Watch out for falling turtles,
Cyd
November 12, 2008
Things I've Learned from Unemployment
* Staring at the vacuum and using the "power of your mind" will NOT actually make it clean the carpet.* Checking your email and Facebook every 15 minutes does not encourage people to respond to you faster.
* Season 1 of JAG was pretty good.
* Season 2 of JAG was a little better.
* Season 3 of JAG should be available for pickup from the library shortly.
* David James Elliott (from JAG) is really, really pretty.
* The downstairs neighbor seems to have a good work ethic - at least when it comes to practicing for his audition for American Idol.
* Gray weather and nowhere to be make it difficult to get up in the morning; early afternoon is only slightly easier.
* Approximately half the state is also looking for a job.
* It's depressing when, even with a college degree, you're not actually qualified to do anything (at least, not anything anyone is willing to pay you for). This must be what history majors feel like.
* I wonder what convenience store clerks make.
* Movie soundtracks are fun and a nice way to buy a good mix of music, but they're not terribly valuable when it comes to re-sale.
* Dried "food storage" beans should not be microwaved - it's not dangerous or anything, it just doesn't do much.
* For the first time, I'm reluctant to donate blood - I'm not worried about the needles, but I am painfully aware that I could be selling the plasma instead.
* I'd rather be unemployed in the Bahamas. That way, I'd be jobless with a tan.
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