I've been awake since 3am. It's now 10am. I don't sleep much. How do you think I catch all the Sleep Talking Jay tidbits? I'm one of those people who doesn't have any trouble falling asleep, I can't stay asleep. I can't shut my brain off.
I rethink/over think/pre-think everything and anything on top of worrying about anything & everything. I think about how I should have handled something. I think about things that bother me or have hurt me. I think about how things should be, well how I would like things to be anyway. Needless to say, with being unemployed, I don't get a lot of sleep. That's why I've been up for 7 hours already. Anyway.....
I'm loving the Career Center. I've met a lot of nice people, including Windy. He's grown on me. We all seem to help each other learn. I especially like Dorothy, the teacher, a lot. She's just wonderful. I've noticed a few things about the Career Center though.
There isn't enough of Dorothy to go around. There are some student helpers in the class but it's still not enough. There are a couple of people learning to read, write & speak English. Dorothy is helping others get ready for the GED exam. Then there are people learning computer type "stuff". It's as basic as learning to use a computer because some people don't even know how to do that to people like me who are brushing up on regularly used programs & learning new programs. But I also noticed something else yesterday....
I sat next to a woman who usually sits a couple of computers away from me. We have assigned work stations, because folders are set up for us. I'm not going to mention her name just because it isn't necessary. As we were talking, mostly her, I realized that her self confidence is non-existent. I know how it feels to lose a job. I know what it's like to feel worthless. The difference, and it maybe it has to do with being younger, but I know it will get better. Yes, I have had my "funks" and I still do. But I haven't let it beat me down. In talking, I believe that is what happened to her. I believe that is what has happened & still happening with people who have lost their jobs. So instead of working on my program, I spent the time helping her....and talking.
I showed her how to log on to a website & search for a job. I helped her apply for a job by helping her write a cover letter, explaining that her email doubled as a cover letter. I showed her how to use her flash drive. I showed her how to organize her email better. She asked me to teach her how to text, her kids don't want her to know how, but she feels she should so I helped her with that. All the while we talked. She kept telling me she feels so lost & confused. I know that has to do with her confidence level. I told her that no matter what, she's not going to ruin anything, sometimes mistakes happen, but everything is fixable. She just has to try. To keep trying and to never stop trying.
She was in really good spirits when she left for the day. Pat (Windy) told me it was really nice that I helped her. Ironically, 2 days before that, I was helping him with PowerPoint & he said he learned more in the time with me than he did on his own. When I was done with what I was doing I asked Dorothy if I could talk with her for a few moments.
Possibly a little ballsy on my part, but I wanted to talk with Dorothy about the Career Center and if they had anything in place to help with self confidence & basic skills in preparation of applying/getting jobs. Let me digress for a moment......
I figured out a long time my purpose on this earth is to help people. I just haven't know in what capacity. It's now starting to present itself to me. I knew way back, when I worked in the group home my purpose. As staff, we each were a Primary Mentor to one kid in the group home. The first one I had felt she was entitled to have me buy things for her & she'd be nice to me. Guess what? That didn't work out so well. She eventually ran away & I was assigned a new girl. We did fun things together but we also did important stuff too. I would take her to get applications for jobs & help her fill them out & helped her follow up on them. We would have important talks. She was preparing to go back home to live with her mom, but she didn't get along with her step dad. I told her to have a talk with him about finding some peaceful agreement, that they both loved her mom. They talked and when she went home, everything was working out great.
I've always thought about how well she did. It also occurred to me that there are things not learned in any school. Nothing in place to help confidence and self esteem. So that's what I talked with Dorothy about. I have some ideas and I shared them with her. Do you know what she told me? She told me to write out how things could be presented & discussed in a tactful way!!! Me!!! I'm rather excited! This will be good for me for a lot of reasons.
Now, I'm off to start writing out all of my ideas and suggestions!!! Stay tuned!!!!
:)
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Conversations at Wits End
So in the last week, I had 2 odd conversations. One was with my maintenance guy, who is nice, & one was with the cable guy, who was weird.
Last week I was doing laundry in the laundry room here at Wits End. I actually had my hair down, usually it's pulled into a ponytail because I typically do laundry after I go to the gym. I had actually showered because I was running errands as well. Anyway, he walked into the laundry room & this is how it went down:
MG(Maintenance Guy): Hi, did you do something different to your hair?
Me: I had it colored darker than what it was, it's a bit dark, I'm hoping it will fade.
MG: Oh, yeah, it is dark, I'd ask you if you're going for the Goth look, but your hair isn't straight & hanging in your face.
Me: Uh, no that isn't a look I'm trying to work.
MG: Good.
Nice. Mind you, I saw him 2 days before because he was in my apartment putting new thermostats in & my hair was done then.
Next one!!
I switched to a bundle pack in my cable, so I could save money, so they came to install my new phone. I was at the mercy of the cable company as I had to sit here between 8:30am & 12:30pm. I had tentative plans on seeing a friend, should the cable guy be there first thing, so I showered, got dressed (I put a real bra & jeans on) & I put makeup on.
Another thing you should know. I was paranoid. I watch way too many crime shows: Criminal Minds, CSI, Law & Order, America's Most Wanted, you name it. I just watched an episode of CSI where a pest guy raped a girl. Jay said I don't have to worry, I'm not a small girl & no one would bother me. I begged to differ because should a perpetrator have a firearm, I would be no match to that. Jay reminded me I had a 6lb weight bar I could swing, but I told him it wouldn't go well when I asked if I could go get my weight bar to defend myself.
Anyway, I was worried that my heart was going to be carved out of my chest. The perils of living alone. So here is this random & odd conversation:
CG(Cable Guy): I'm your neighbor, I live on Overlook.
Me: You rent from Carlton Village? (I was also wondering if he lives so close, why wasn't he here first thing.)
CG: Yes. Do you live alone?
Me: Yes.
CG: Do you have a boyfriend?
Me: Yes.
CG: Are you engaged?
Me: No.
CG: Are you going to get married?
Me: No.
CG: Is he going to ask you to marry him?
Me: No.
CG: Why not?
Me: Because he doesn't want to marry anyone.
CG: Oh, that's too bad. Do you have kids?
Me: No.
CG: How old are you?
Me: I'm going to be 35.
CG: For real?? I thought you were only 24!
Me: No, I'm older than I look, thanks.
CG: Is that your real eye color or are those contacts?
Me: It's my real eye color.
CG: Oh, it's nice.
Me: Thank you.
CG: Ok, this is how you set up your new phone.......
He found his professionalism then. Mind you, when this conversation was taking place, my heart was racing & all I could think was "This is it, my heart is going to be cut right out of my chest".
When he left I never ran down my stairs so fast to lock & put the chain on the door. There is an outer door that you can only get in with a key but still.....
And that would conclude some conversations held at Wits End.
:)
Last week I was doing laundry in the laundry room here at Wits End. I actually had my hair down, usually it's pulled into a ponytail because I typically do laundry after I go to the gym. I had actually showered because I was running errands as well. Anyway, he walked into the laundry room & this is how it went down:
MG(Maintenance Guy): Hi, did you do something different to your hair?
Me: I had it colored darker than what it was, it's a bit dark, I'm hoping it will fade.
MG: Oh, yeah, it is dark, I'd ask you if you're going for the Goth look, but your hair isn't straight & hanging in your face.
Me: Uh, no that isn't a look I'm trying to work.
MG: Good.
Nice. Mind you, I saw him 2 days before because he was in my apartment putting new thermostats in & my hair was done then.
Next one!!
I switched to a bundle pack in my cable, so I could save money, so they came to install my new phone. I was at the mercy of the cable company as I had to sit here between 8:30am & 12:30pm. I had tentative plans on seeing a friend, should the cable guy be there first thing, so I showered, got dressed (I put a real bra & jeans on) & I put makeup on.
Another thing you should know. I was paranoid. I watch way too many crime shows: Criminal Minds, CSI, Law & Order, America's Most Wanted, you name it. I just watched an episode of CSI where a pest guy raped a girl. Jay said I don't have to worry, I'm not a small girl & no one would bother me. I begged to differ because should a perpetrator have a firearm, I would be no match to that. Jay reminded me I had a 6lb weight bar I could swing, but I told him it wouldn't go well when I asked if I could go get my weight bar to defend myself.
Anyway, I was worried that my heart was going to be carved out of my chest. The perils of living alone. So here is this random & odd conversation:
CG(Cable Guy): I'm your neighbor, I live on Overlook.
Me: You rent from Carlton Village? (I was also wondering if he lives so close, why wasn't he here first thing.)
CG: Yes. Do you live alone?
Me: Yes.
CG: Do you have a boyfriend?
Me: Yes.
CG: Are you engaged?
Me: No.
CG: Are you going to get married?
Me: No.
CG: Is he going to ask you to marry him?
Me: No.
CG: Why not?
Me: Because he doesn't want to marry anyone.
CG: Oh, that's too bad. Do you have kids?
Me: No.
CG: How old are you?
Me: I'm going to be 35.
CG: For real?? I thought you were only 24!
Me: No, I'm older than I look, thanks.
CG: Is that your real eye color or are those contacts?
Me: It's my real eye color.
CG: Oh, it's nice.
Me: Thank you.
CG: Ok, this is how you set up your new phone.......
He found his professionalism then. Mind you, when this conversation was taking place, my heart was racing & all I could think was "This is it, my heart is going to be cut right out of my chest".
When he left I never ran down my stairs so fast to lock & put the chain on the door. There is an outer door that you can only get in with a key but still.....
And that would conclude some conversations held at Wits End.
:)
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Crisis
No, I'm not in one. Trust me.
There aren't many people who have ever heard the story about my very first adventure into NYC. It was roughly 13 years ago. I went with the ex & his friend to see this band. I was told it was a good band. Apparently we all had different definitions of "good".
We went to see this band called Crisis. The lead singer's name is Karyn Crisis. Here is a picture of Karyn for your viewing pleasure:
Pretty girl. I didn't know how to feel. I'm in my little corner. This next picture it exactly how she looked when she came out:
If you can't really tell, those are some angel wings. Real feathers too. So, at this point, there is some music playing, no vocals yet. People are just in awe (or something) of her. I was fascinated by all of them & her. You just don't see shit like this in Lockport, NY.
I'm about to include a video, so you can get an idea of EXACTLY what I experienced that night. Be prepared. It was as if her "vocals", a term we will use very loosely here, were the command to start this mass of people slamming into one another. Maybe, just maybe, her "vocals" were causing seizures, but I'm not too sure about that. Consider yourself warned:
I honestly was not sure what to think. There was this sea of people slamming off of each other. People were jumping off the stage. I watched a guy stage dive & he landed on some girl & she was punching him to get off of her. When he stood up he pulled his fist back ready to fight. WTF?? I was no where near this swarm & I ended up getting pushed down on top of some guy. It wasn't good for either of us, in case you were wondering.
Needless to say I have never seen Crisis again, nor do I want to. One time was one time too many.
And that, was part of my first trip to NJ, first trip to NYC. Is anyone shocked I am still here or that I even came back???
There aren't many people who have ever heard the story about my very first adventure into NYC. It was roughly 13 years ago. I went with the ex & his friend to see this band. I was told it was a good band. Apparently we all had different definitions of "good".
We went to see this band called Crisis. The lead singer's name is Karyn Crisis. Here is a picture of Karyn for your viewing pleasure:
Pretty girl. I didn't know how to feel. I'm in my little corner. This next picture it exactly how she looked when she came out:
If you can't really tell, those are some angel wings. Real feathers too. So, at this point, there is some music playing, no vocals yet. People are just in awe (or something) of her. I was fascinated by all of them & her. You just don't see shit like this in Lockport, NY.
I'm about to include a video, so you can get an idea of EXACTLY what I experienced that night. Be prepared. It was as if her "vocals", a term we will use very loosely here, were the command to start this mass of people slamming into one another. Maybe, just maybe, her "vocals" were causing seizures, but I'm not too sure about that. Consider yourself warned:
I honestly was not sure what to think. There was this sea of people slamming off of each other. People were jumping off the stage. I watched a guy stage dive & he landed on some girl & she was punching him to get off of her. When he stood up he pulled his fist back ready to fight. WTF?? I was no where near this swarm & I ended up getting pushed down on top of some guy. It wasn't good for either of us, in case you were wondering.
Needless to say I have never seen Crisis again, nor do I want to. One time was one time too many.
And that, was part of my first trip to NJ, first trip to NYC. Is anyone shocked I am still here or that I even came back???
Friday, January 28, 2011
Sleep Talking Jay
Poor Jay. I sure do write about him a lot. I don't write all the things I would like to, because some stuff just stays between Jay & I. It wouldn't be as special plus some of you might be jealous. You do have to know Jay is a good guy AND a good sport since I do write about his sleep talking!!
Last Monday night, I have no idea what Jay was dreaming about. I'm also starting to think I need to set up a video or audio recording device, just so he can hear what he says & does!!! So as I mentioned, I don't know what Jay was dreaming about. I just know he said "mmmm hmmmm" a few times & was giggling up a storm. It was pretty funny!
The next night, yes, sometimes Jay is pretty eventful more than one night in a row. I haven't been a sound sleeper lately, and can usually pin point when "things" are about to happen. Jay does this weird thing where his arm shoots into the air. Don't ask, I don't know why. Next thing I know he yells "yeah, sure it's almost done", puts his arm down & goes back to sleep. I can't explain it, but it is pretty funny.
I'm really glad that he doesn't get mad when I share these funny stories about him.
Here's to another addition of Sleep Talking Jay!!!
Last Monday night, I have no idea what Jay was dreaming about. I'm also starting to think I need to set up a video or audio recording device, just so he can hear what he says & does!!! So as I mentioned, I don't know what Jay was dreaming about. I just know he said "mmmm hmmmm" a few times & was giggling up a storm. It was pretty funny!
The next night, yes, sometimes Jay is pretty eventful more than one night in a row. I haven't been a sound sleeper lately, and can usually pin point when "things" are about to happen. Jay does this weird thing where his arm shoots into the air. Don't ask, I don't know why. Next thing I know he yells "yeah, sure it's almost done", puts his arm down & goes back to sleep. I can't explain it, but it is pretty funny.
I'm really glad that he doesn't get mad when I share these funny stories about him.
Here's to another addition of Sleep Talking Jay!!!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Nun Ship
I'm not sure many people even know this story. It's a pretty old one. I don't know why it popped into my head either. It's pretty funny.
Years ago, when I had my first apartment in NJ, my downstairs neighbor was getting married. We had become friends & had been hanging out. Her maid of honor was planning a girl's night out. I offered to be the designated driver that night.
So we get out to a local place near us & her friend starts chatting it up with some guys. She was looking for some "company". I was there purely to be entertained.
So as we are sitting there chatting, this drunk guy named Bill came up to me & asked why I wasn't drinking. I told him I was the designated driver & not drinking. He asked me what kind of person does that so I told him a person who was going into the Nun Ship doesn't drink & drive & that we were trying something new out. I told him there was a new program with the Nun Ship where we come out in civilian clothes, being designated drivers for women so they get home safe & sound. Before any one corrects me, yes, I know nuns go into convents. That's pretty funny you know. And I did make all this up as it was happening. I'm good like that!!
He told me with how I looked I didn't belong with the nuns. Apparently nuns aren't well endowed. Then he asked me why I had an engagement ring on. I told him that it stood for my impending marriage to God. He was believing every single word I said. So as the night went on he kept asking if I really wanted to commit my life to God, looking the way I did.
The funny part was this guy had a friend who was sober. He was a really nice guy & he totally knew I was bullshitting his friend. He laughed every time I made something up. He & I laughed pretty hard when it was time to go.
THAT my friends is a 100% true & authentic Elizabeth story. Take me with you to a bar one night, I will show you, in person how it's done!!!
:)
Years ago, when I had my first apartment in NJ, my downstairs neighbor was getting married. We had become friends & had been hanging out. Her maid of honor was planning a girl's night out. I offered to be the designated driver that night.
So we get out to a local place near us & her friend starts chatting it up with some guys. She was looking for some "company". I was there purely to be entertained.
So as we are sitting there chatting, this drunk guy named Bill came up to me & asked why I wasn't drinking. I told him I was the designated driver & not drinking. He asked me what kind of person does that so I told him a person who was going into the Nun Ship doesn't drink & drive & that we were trying something new out. I told him there was a new program with the Nun Ship where we come out in civilian clothes, being designated drivers for women so they get home safe & sound. Before any one corrects me, yes, I know nuns go into convents. That's pretty funny you know. And I did make all this up as it was happening. I'm good like that!!
He told me with how I looked I didn't belong with the nuns. Apparently nuns aren't well endowed. Then he asked me why I had an engagement ring on. I told him that it stood for my impending marriage to God. He was believing every single word I said. So as the night went on he kept asking if I really wanted to commit my life to God, looking the way I did.
The funny part was this guy had a friend who was sober. He was a really nice guy & he totally knew I was bullshitting his friend. He laughed every time I made something up. He & I laughed pretty hard when it was time to go.
THAT my friends is a 100% true & authentic Elizabeth story. Take me with you to a bar one night, I will show you, in person how it's done!!!
:)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Tidbits...
I have a some things to share. I do have a Sleep Talking Jay entry. It isn't long enough to dedicate to whole blog post but I still have to share it. The other morning, it was early & the boy (my cat) was running around like a nut because he wanted breakfast. We live in a shoe box & or some reason he revs his engines & comes running from my dining area & streaks across the bed. As he ran over the bed & Jay, Jay sat up, put his hand out & said "Keep 'em coming". Why? I don't know, but it made me laugh out loud!!!!
I may have to start a new section called "Texts From Jay". I got one today, that, well, I just didn't understand. This is what I got: So I was in jail this morning, I had Rallo from The Cleveland Show as my cell mate and my bail was for 2 dozen chicken wings. WTF??? I read it 10 times & had no idea what he was talking about. Jay said this was his dream this morning, that he actually remembered!!! WOW!!! I'm starting to understand why Jay says some of the things he does in his sleep!!! Boy, does he make me laugh!!!
Now I have something sweet to share. My friend Heather & her BFF Carla (who is a friend in my head) have a wonderful website called Besties Photo a Day. It's a lovely way 2 best friends stay in touch through photos. It's more than just photos, you can feel their emotions - happy, sad, excitement, you name it. I'm hoping by my posting about it, it generates more traffic for them. They have monetized their blog with ads so they can save up for a plane ticket so they can visit each other. I'm hoping this helps them just a little bit. Please take the time to see how great these girls and their photos are. It is worth the time. Makes your heart feel warm.
:)
I may have to start a new section called "Texts From Jay". I got one today, that, well, I just didn't understand. This is what I got: So I was in jail this morning, I had Rallo from The Cleveland Show as my cell mate and my bail was for 2 dozen chicken wings. WTF??? I read it 10 times & had no idea what he was talking about. Jay said this was his dream this morning, that he actually remembered!!! WOW!!! I'm starting to understand why Jay says some of the things he does in his sleep!!! Boy, does he make me laugh!!!
Now I have something sweet to share. My friend Heather & her BFF Carla (who is a friend in my head) have a wonderful website called Besties Photo a Day. It's a lovely way 2 best friends stay in touch through photos. It's more than just photos, you can feel their emotions - happy, sad, excitement, you name it. I'm hoping by my posting about it, it generates more traffic for them. They have monetized their blog with ads so they can save up for a plane ticket so they can visit each other. I'm hoping this helps them just a little bit. Please take the time to see how great these girls and their photos are. It is worth the time. Makes your heart feel warm.
:)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Sleep Talking Jay
So we have another installment of Sleep Talking Jay. This is from Sunday night.
I should say that when I met Jay, I was very attracted to his sense of humor & his wit. He's really funny when he's awake & that, apparently, continues when he's sleeping!! Sometimes, I wonder where it all comes from & I'm pretty sure it's not going to end!!
The other night, is the middle of the night, Jay was sleeping on his left side with his back to me. I'm not a very deep sleeper so I do hear sounds, Hailey itching herself or coughing or snoring. Things like that. It's also why I hear Jay. This is what I heard:
"Psssst, here kitty, come on, come here, pssst pssst, come on, come here".
He had his head lifted, he was patting the covers & moving his arm to get the cat to come to him. Now, my cat does sleep in the bed, but he sleeps snuggled up by me, so I'm not sure who Jay was calling.
He's so funny!!!
I should say that when I met Jay, I was very attracted to his sense of humor & his wit. He's really funny when he's awake & that, apparently, continues when he's sleeping!! Sometimes, I wonder where it all comes from & I'm pretty sure it's not going to end!!
The other night, is the middle of the night, Jay was sleeping on his left side with his back to me. I'm not a very deep sleeper so I do hear sounds, Hailey itching herself or coughing or snoring. Things like that. It's also why I hear Jay. This is what I heard:
"Psssst, here kitty, come on, come here, pssst pssst, come on, come here".
He had his head lifted, he was patting the covers & moving his arm to get the cat to come to him. Now, my cat does sleep in the bed, but he sleeps snuggled up by me, so I'm not sure who Jay was calling.
He's so funny!!!
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