The Burlap Soulmate

I could make a list of positives.. or I could talk about all the stuff I learned today about making commercials and horrible customer service.. or I could write about how the Most Evil Receptionist in the World sent me a Christmas card... or I could write about my twin brother since I just talked to him and how cool it was to grow up with an accomplice... or I could just talk about how much I love my sweetie, because she rocks and stuff... or I could just keep saying that I'm waiting until I have something to write about and then to that I would say, Ha! and tell you unless you stay practised in the art of writing about life, you will have forgotten to write and by the time The Muse comes and bites you in the ass, you will have forgotten how to use words, so why not just write now?

I feel like I've been run over by a truck. I have been running since 7am and it's difficult to believe that the day is over, that there is nothing else that needs to be done this instant. Staz's little video homework required both of to use all of our talents and resources available to make a success. Turns out the camcorder I rented on Saturday is totally incompatible with VHS editing. So that great footage we were so proud of is sitting on a useless little mini DV tape. After going to Rentway and explaining that there camera was a piece of crap because the battery wouldn't hold a charge and I couldn't make VHS tapes, I asked for my money back. They did just to get rid of me, with attitude to spare. I then went to Rent-A-Center across the street and was given an anal exam by the clerk prior to getting another camera rental. They actually called my mom, my landlord, and my work on the spot to verify information. Should I sign the contract in blood? I am never ever going to do business with ANY of those rent-a-wahatsis places in order to get electronics, appliances, or furniture. I just got a general bad vibe all around. My experience with our recent financial disaster has introduced me to a new world of people and businesses designed to prey on the working poor. Cash Advance places, buy here pay here auto lots, rental centers, all of them designed to make sure poor people get poorer. I'm actually thinking of writing a book on the subject. .. But I digress. I did get a better, workable camera. It had none of the gizmos needed to actually copy to VHS, which meant a trip to Best Buy, where I actualy recieved quick and knowledgable help before standing in the checkout cattle corral and waiting for 30 minutes. Once home, after hours or hand-wringing and desperate anguish, I finally figured out how to copy to a VHS tape. Note: the manual was 100% WRONG. It took another three hours of shooting to even get a take that was close to being how we wanted it. Note #2: Working with animals on film is a BITCH. My hats off to anyone who does that for a living. When you yell at them for eating brand X instead of new Ziff, they get kinda confused, and won't eat either one after that. But it is now complete, handed in, and all would seem to be well. I feel like this was as much my project as it was hers, and have the scars to prove it. I feel relief. I feel satisfaction. I feel scared of what tomorrow will be like. My absenteeism is approaching legndary status at work. I'm going to try and be there uber-early to try and placate them. I'm sure I'll be there late as well. Hopefully the place hasn't fallen apart without me. I'm only half kidding. Sometimes being an important part of the team can be a double edged sword. ..

I failed to mention I had a job interview sometime back with a certain automation company. It went REALLY well. I really enjoyed talking to these guys, a man and a woman. They were personable, friendly, and you could tell really cared for their business and employees. They should, there were only 10 of them. It's designing and building custom machines and integrating automation equipment. I would really love to get back into this. It's also closer to home and would probably pay more. So far all I have the knowledge that they were very impressed with me and would like to invite me back...no word as to when. I need to call them back when I get a minute.

Here's all the things I'm worried about: Here's all the things I'm happy about: Here's all the things I'm grateful for: Here's all the plans I have for the holidays: Here's why I'm lucky:

I have a love-hate thing with Wal-Mart. Today it's the latter. Nothing kills holiday spirit faster than a trip to Wal-Mart. The sheer quantity of impatience, rudeness, and attitude encountered, sometimes by the employees, but mostly by the clientele, is enough to make you hibernate for the holidays. Oh yeah, and whats with that damn full size dancing santa beltinig out 'SEASON'S GREETINGS?' It's MERRY CHRISTMAS Damn it. When Santa goes PC, you know we're doomed.

I know I'm overdue for a list of positives. I actually have a few of them rollling around my head. But I'm waiting for one big positive to reeally start it off. Well, i's more of a positive part II. Astute readers of my much more bloggacious significant other will already be aware of the job offer I received last week. It was a good one, with more money, more leadership, more autonomy, and a host of other pluses. But as I got down to salary I couldn't help but be a little disappointed. 'That's it huh?' I expressed this as best I could to those around me and the consensus was that, of course it would be low, it's just the initial offer. Make them a counter-offer and see what happens. The worst they can do is say no. So after two days of agonizing over a proper figure, trying to realize my worth but not scaring them away, I made my counter-offer. Not an exhorbitant sum, but enough to maybe, just maybe, be higher than our expenses. Now I'm waiting for what happens. I've been waiting for what happens for two days now... They haven't said yes
They haven't said no They just leave me to ponder. So today I'm pondering, spending money in my head that I don't have, like some sort of drunken sailor planning the end of his cruise. Any wishes of luck would be appreciated.

So many things to catch up on... So many experiences, good, bad, and utterly fantastic. So many things that I need to unload and put down and flush from my brain. But not tonight. Sorry...Let's just say I brought backa lot of good feelings, and presents, and memories from Christmas(es) with both families, but I also brought back a cold that is seriously kicking my ass tonight. I also worry I may not have enough money to get to work these last two days before 2005. Trust me, more is pending. Very soon..