Today was all kinds of suck. It's been cold and pouring rain all day. This morning I had a stupid orientation meeting. This afternoon after I worked out at the gym during my lunch hour I found out I won't have the alternative work schedule that everyone else is getting because of really stupid bureaucratic crap. It all has to do with pay scales, job classifications, federal laws, and ridiculousness. I swear to god, for all the benefits you get for working for the government you have to put up with a LOT of STRICT bullshit. The most strict, unflexable, uncaring bunch of shit ever. So now I may be working a regular 8 hour a day 40 hour week and then work 4 days for 10 hours and have that Friday off. I guess something is better than nothing, but the other schedule would have been way better (8 days of 9 hours, 1 day of 8 hours, one day off every two weeks).
SO THEN after all that stupid drama at work and all the rain and misery outside, I finally settle into my evening commute. I'm reading Christmas on Ice by David Sedaris, which is hysterical, and I was so glad to go home. I had just gotten on the train and read about a page when I heard a weird sound and looked up only to see a guy across from me PUKING A SHITTON OF APPLE JUICE AND WEIRD WHITE THINGS ALL OVER THE TRAIN CAR. Seriously, I was about three inches from getting splatter on my shoes. Now I feel sick from having seen that / smelled that / sat on the train with that for another two stops. What the fuck? Seriously? That is the sickest thing ever!!! I have the worst metro luck sometimes!! When that happened everyone on the car was SILENT. Ususally there are some conversations going on in the evening. When I got off I went to the train driver and said "Um.. someone just threw up on that car." and the guy kind of smiled and shook his head and said "thanks for letting me know." I think when that happens they have to clean it up immediately and the trains all get backed up (bad news at rush hour).
Oh man. What a stupid ass day. Thank god my favorite MTV True Life is on (True Life: I'm a Cheerleader). I can't believe they still play this stuff, these episodes are from when I was in high school.
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Thursday, October 9, 2008
my new city, my new friend
DC is still magical, I'm still excited all the time. I figured out where some of the city pigeons sleep: in Union Station! Those lazy bastards are still sleeping when I go to work. I also keep tabs on the gray squirrels that live/work/play near my office.
Yesterday I found a cheap last minute flight to go home for the long weekend. I was never a believer in the whole "last minute" deals but they are REAL. I'm really excited to see my mom and bring things back to the apartment. Also, the South Carolina State Fair is going on now and I GET TO GO! It's like I get fall break just like I did in college!
I have lots of things I want to write about concerning the Pentagon, since that is where I get off of the metro and get on a bus to get to/from work. My internet paranoia has truly reached new heights so I am not going to tell Pentagon stories other than the Monday morning protesters that quietly hold signs right where you get off of the escalator from the metro. I see them at 7:30AM, who knows what time they get there. One week they protested the war in Iraq, this week it was Afrocon. It's really interesting because probably 80-85% of the people who get off at the Pentagon metro on Monday morning at 7:30 work in the Pentagon, and they orchestrate wars and things, so it's a really significant place to protest something. And everyone is always brooding in the morning.
Riding to and from the Pentagon stop so much has made me realize how exciting and scary and hot it is to see all the men and women in their various uniforms going to and from work. I've seen Navy, Army, Airforce, all kinds of uniforms. It's so attractive! I don't know why!
So I guess I have to go pick out my "party shirt" for the last day of customer service week tomorrow. Good grief. At least I don't have to pack a lunch!
Yesterday I found a cheap last minute flight to go home for the long weekend. I was never a believer in the whole "last minute" deals but they are REAL. I'm really excited to see my mom and bring things back to the apartment. Also, the South Carolina State Fair is going on now and I GET TO GO! It's like I get fall break just like I did in college!
I have lots of things I want to write about concerning the Pentagon, since that is where I get off of the metro and get on a bus to get to/from work. My internet paranoia has truly reached new heights so I am not going to tell Pentagon stories other than the Monday morning protesters that quietly hold signs right where you get off of the escalator from the metro. I see them at 7:30AM, who knows what time they get there. One week they protested the war in Iraq, this week it was Afrocon. It's really interesting because probably 80-85% of the people who get off at the Pentagon metro on Monday morning at 7:30 work in the Pentagon, and they orchestrate wars and things, so it's a really significant place to protest something. And everyone is always brooding in the morning.
Riding to and from the Pentagon stop so much has made me realize how exciting and scary and hot it is to see all the men and women in their various uniforms going to and from work. I've seen Navy, Army, Airforce, all kinds of uniforms. It's so attractive! I don't know why!
So I guess I have to go pick out my "party shirt" for the last day of customer service week tomorrow. Good grief. At least I don't have to pack a lunch!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Customer Service Week (makes me sick)
Everyone seemed to blog about the Palin / Biden debate- all I have to say is
1. Who the hell is "Joe Sixpack?"
2. Why isn't anyone talking about women's issues? I'm a woman damnit, and I want to talk about it.
3. Seriously, Palin?
I gotta plug the Good Stuff Eatery. I went there with my roommate E and her brother and her brother's roommate and it is AWESOME. The guy who created it was a contestant on top chef! It's cheap, fast, and one of the best burgers I've ever eaten. If you're ever in DC, I highly recommend it. Don't skip on the fries, either.
Also, my friend R introduced me to Secondi, a great consignment store for women in Dupont Circle. Great prices and really nice stuff. Worth it to visit every now and then to see their ever-changing inventory.
This past weekend I spent mostly just chilling out. On Sunday E and I went to Ikea and I got some stuff for my room. I got a really great desk, a bookshelf, and a lamp. Ikea is cheap and awesome but now I understand why. Putting together Ikea stuff is nothing to laugh at. I didn't really have any problems except for with the bookshelf. I can't wait to go back.
So, I caught a cold. I think this means that I'm becoming comfortable in this new life and the stress is ebbing because my body usually holds off all sickness until the really important stuff is over. For example, fighting off a cold through exams only to get sick over Christmas break.
I went to work this morning anyway, even though I felt like trash. Turns out that in my 2 weeks of work I have earned exactly 2 hours of sick leave. 2 hours isn't 8 hours, so I worked. It sucked. I'm not exactly clear on how this kind of policy is beneficial for anyone because I couldn't do anything productive and I'm pretty sure everyone else in the office will get sick now, creating even more reduced productivity. (slam head on desk now) AND this week is customer service week (bet you didn't know THAT!) So we are "celebrating" by starting work at 7AM tomorrow for some kind of customer service training. We are also supposed to wear themed shirts each day this week. Today was "wear your favorite color" shirt day, tomorrow is sports team shirt day, and Friday is the best. Friday is "happy hour" from 2:15-4 except no alcohol is allowed at work so happy hour is chicken wings, dips(?) and soda. AND you're supposed to wear a "party" shirt. I work in The Office.
Also, since I have cable again for the first time in 4 years+ I have to say that TLC is my favorite channel, besides Bravo of course.
I also need to post that I did end up buying the bed I saw in a craigslist posting and when I went to pick it up the couple gave me basically everything else in their apartment because they were moving. I got a sweet ass deal on a bed, a box spring, a frame, a set of dishes, silverware, a mirror, pots, pans, baking pans, a laundry basket, drawers for underwear/socks and basically everything. Craigslist is my new lifeblood.
1. Who the hell is "Joe Sixpack?"
2. Why isn't anyone talking about women's issues? I'm a woman damnit, and I want to talk about it.
3. Seriously, Palin?
I gotta plug the Good Stuff Eatery. I went there with my roommate E and her brother and her brother's roommate and it is AWESOME. The guy who created it was a contestant on top chef! It's cheap, fast, and one of the best burgers I've ever eaten. If you're ever in DC, I highly recommend it. Don't skip on the fries, either.
Also, my friend R introduced me to Secondi, a great consignment store for women in Dupont Circle. Great prices and really nice stuff. Worth it to visit every now and then to see their ever-changing inventory.
This past weekend I spent mostly just chilling out. On Sunday E and I went to Ikea and I got some stuff for my room. I got a really great desk, a bookshelf, and a lamp. Ikea is cheap and awesome but now I understand why. Putting together Ikea stuff is nothing to laugh at. I didn't really have any problems except for with the bookshelf. I can't wait to go back.
So, I caught a cold. I think this means that I'm becoming comfortable in this new life and the stress is ebbing because my body usually holds off all sickness until the really important stuff is over. For example, fighting off a cold through exams only to get sick over Christmas break.
I went to work this morning anyway, even though I felt like trash. Turns out that in my 2 weeks of work I have earned exactly 2 hours of sick leave. 2 hours isn't 8 hours, so I worked. It sucked. I'm not exactly clear on how this kind of policy is beneficial for anyone because I couldn't do anything productive and I'm pretty sure everyone else in the office will get sick now, creating even more reduced productivity. (slam head on desk now) AND this week is customer service week (bet you didn't know THAT!) So we are "celebrating" by starting work at 7AM tomorrow for some kind of customer service training. We are also supposed to wear themed shirts each day this week. Today was "wear your favorite color" shirt day, tomorrow is sports team shirt day, and Friday is the best. Friday is "happy hour" from 2:15-4 except no alcohol is allowed at work so happy hour is chicken wings, dips(?) and soda. AND you're supposed to wear a "party" shirt. I work in The Office.
Also, since I have cable again for the first time in 4 years+ I have to say that TLC is my favorite channel, besides Bravo of course.
I also need to post that I did end up buying the bed I saw in a craigslist posting and when I went to pick it up the couple gave me basically everything else in their apartment because they were moving. I got a sweet ass deal on a bed, a box spring, a frame, a set of dishes, silverware, a mirror, pots, pans, baking pans, a laundry basket, drawers for underwear/socks and basically everything. Craigslist is my new lifeblood.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
New New New New
Wow, things have changed a lot since my last post. I will try to catch everyone up quickly.
I flew up to Baltimore early on Friday 9/19 and, with all my stuff that I could manage to bring on the plane without paying an extra fee, took bus and train from Baltimore to Alexandria to stay with my friend J and her roommates. I couchsurfed her house and spent every waking moment looking on craigslist for apartments. I was too stressed out and crazed to go to parties and be social, which was frustrating because J and her roommates and friends are really cool. I got really homesick and scared the first night but I've been mostly ok since then.
I took the metro a lot to meet with my roommate, E, who was my childhood best friend from home. We went to school together for 14 years! Back together again! It's so amazing how things come full circle sometimes.
The first apartment we looked at we really liked. We let the landlord know that we wanted to sign the lease and he said he'd get back to us in a day about it. He didn't get back to us! So we sadly gave it up for lost and looked at another mediocre place... I thought I was doomed to couchdom for ever (this feeling occurred day 2 of couch time). But the next day the landlord emailed E and said we got it! We signed a lease on Tuesday and I moved in on Wednesday. I'm still on a couch, but at least it's my couch (the apartment even came with a really nice couch, matching chair, and coffee table!)
So I started my new job on Monday and it has been an adventure. I am a low level bureaucrat in a county government. I am a Commercial Recycling Inspector. I go around and inspect businesses and multi-family homes to make sure they are recycling the way that they are required to to comply with the county RECYCLING LAW. That's right, RECYCLING LAW!!!!!!!!! I am really happy, and EXTREMELY lucky that I got this job. Basically I will be teaching people about recycling all day. I won't be stuck in an office all the time! One main hilarious part is that I do have an office, a cubicle, in a short row of cubicles. It's so hideous! I'm going to spiff it up soon, though. So basically recycling <3 <3 <3 dreams can come true. I get to talk trash all the time with people who know more about recycling than I do!!!
Today I woke up early to go yard-sailing. The apartment doesn't have anything in it and E and I both are living out of suitcases only, so we don't have house crap, or a car to get it. I picked up some nice hangers, a pot, a hairdryer, hair straightener, picture hanging kit, peeler, etc at a church yard sale for $10 so that was very fruitful. E and I went to Target and got a lot of things we needed. I'm so used to doing that kind of thing at thrift stores but we really needed the stuff ASAP.
I just got back from going to check out a bed I found for sale on craigslist. It is AMAZING how expensive brand-new beds are, and yeah Ikea beds are cheap but they are crappy. The apartment I went to was a guy and his girlfriend, they had really nice stuff. I wish I weren't so broke (the security deposit and the rent really broke the bank and I don't get my first paycheck till next week!) But I am springing for this bed because it is really nice and almost brand new for a fraction of the new price. I got an iron, too. I haven't ironed a damn thing since I graduated from high school.
It's so weird having to wear work clothes, it's the same crap I had to wear in high school (we had a strict dress code) and I forgot how uncomfortable it is / the ironing part. yeesh.
So I am going to update the blog so it's not "recent college grad looking for work" to "happy college grad starting out new in WASHINGTON DC!!!!!!!!!!!" I'll keep you posted on the happenings of DC, there is always something insane, every day!
OH YEAH: NEW COMPUTER= FULL POSTING CAPABILITIES! I'll get on that!
I flew up to Baltimore early on Friday 9/19 and, with all my stuff that I could manage to bring on the plane without paying an extra fee, took bus and train from Baltimore to Alexandria to stay with my friend J and her roommates. I couchsurfed her house and spent every waking moment looking on craigslist for apartments. I was too stressed out and crazed to go to parties and be social, which was frustrating because J and her roommates and friends are really cool. I got really homesick and scared the first night but I've been mostly ok since then.
I took the metro a lot to meet with my roommate, E, who was my childhood best friend from home. We went to school together for 14 years! Back together again! It's so amazing how things come full circle sometimes.
The first apartment we looked at we really liked. We let the landlord know that we wanted to sign the lease and he said he'd get back to us in a day about it. He didn't get back to us! So we sadly gave it up for lost and looked at another mediocre place... I thought I was doomed to couchdom for ever (this feeling occurred day 2 of couch time). But the next day the landlord emailed E and said we got it! We signed a lease on Tuesday and I moved in on Wednesday. I'm still on a couch, but at least it's my couch (the apartment even came with a really nice couch, matching chair, and coffee table!)
So I started my new job on Monday and it has been an adventure. I am a low level bureaucrat in a county government. I am a Commercial Recycling Inspector. I go around and inspect businesses and multi-family homes to make sure they are recycling the way that they are required to to comply with the county RECYCLING LAW. That's right, RECYCLING LAW!!!!!!!!! I am really happy, and EXTREMELY lucky that I got this job. Basically I will be teaching people about recycling all day. I won't be stuck in an office all the time! One main hilarious part is that I do have an office, a cubicle, in a short row of cubicles. It's so hideous! I'm going to spiff it up soon, though. So basically recycling <3 <3 <3 dreams can come true. I get to talk trash all the time with people who know more about recycling than I do!!!
Today I woke up early to go yard-sailing. The apartment doesn't have anything in it and E and I both are living out of suitcases only, so we don't have house crap, or a car to get it. I picked up some nice hangers, a pot, a hairdryer, hair straightener, picture hanging kit, peeler, etc at a church yard sale for $10 so that was very fruitful. E and I went to Target and got a lot of things we needed. I'm so used to doing that kind of thing at thrift stores but we really needed the stuff ASAP.
I just got back from going to check out a bed I found for sale on craigslist. It is AMAZING how expensive brand-new beds are, and yeah Ikea beds are cheap but they are crappy. The apartment I went to was a guy and his girlfriend, they had really nice stuff. I wish I weren't so broke (the security deposit and the rent really broke the bank and I don't get my first paycheck till next week!) But I am springing for this bed because it is really nice and almost brand new for a fraction of the new price. I got an iron, too. I haven't ironed a damn thing since I graduated from high school.
It's so weird having to wear work clothes, it's the same crap I had to wear in high school (we had a strict dress code) and I forgot how uncomfortable it is / the ironing part. yeesh.
So I am going to update the blog so it's not "recent college grad looking for work" to "happy college grad starting out new in WASHINGTON DC!!!!!!!!!!!" I'll keep you posted on the happenings of DC, there is always something insane, every day!
OH YEAH: NEW COMPUTER= FULL POSTING CAPABILITIES! I'll get on that!
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