January 2012
“Five common traits of good writers:
1. They have something to say.
2. They read widely and have done so since childhood.
3. They possess what Isaac Asimov calls a “capacity for clear thought,” able to go from point to point in an orderly sequence, an A to Z approach.
4. They’re geniuses at putting their emotions into words.
5. They possess an insatiable curiosity, constantly asking Why and How.” —James J. Kilpatrick (via writingadvice)
1. They have something to say.
2. They read widely and have done so since childhood.
3. They possess what Isaac Asimov calls a “capacity for clear thought,” able to go from point to point in an orderly sequence, an A to Z approach.
4. They’re geniuses at putting their emotions into words.
5. They possess an insatiable curiosity, constantly asking Why and How.” —James J. Kilpatrick (via writingadvice)
A man who could make me feel as sore as my bike does would be nice.
I work in customer service
Today I took a call from the absolute worst person I have ever spoken to in my 7+ years working in this industry. This 10 minute phone call conversation is my personal equivalent to the depths of hell. I’m half convinced the woman calling was the devil herself. Basically she was repeatedly demanding that I break protocol and do something I am paid NOT to do. During these 10 eternal minutes she made reference to my age, attesting that I must be only 20 years old and therefore have no idea what I was doing. She then asserted that I have no authority or right to ask her (required) questions, or determine on what could and could not be construed as (dictated) protocol. According to her, all I can do is “answer the phone” and thereby have to yield to any request she make and deal with it. Following all of this up was an unnerving threat against my job and future employment. For the most part, these are things anyone in CS hears on a regular basis. The difference between every other caller and this one was the amount of hate and contempt she conveyed and completely without remorse. I felt coldness run through me just from speaking with her and by the end of those 10 minutes I felt so abused that I was shaking and crying. Once I recovered I felt genuinely sorry for this wicked woman’s husband, her children, and anyone who she had ever made contact with.
As it turns out, if a person were to Google this wretched woman’s first and last name, along with her location, they would find dozens of links to the Habitat for Humanity in her area. The Habitat for Humanity in her area, where she is currently employed as the Executive Director.
College: Day 1
I’m sitting in General Psychology and I cant help but feel like I’m in a modern day version of John Hughes “The Breakfast Club”.
A young guy just walked into class wearing a shirt with the sleeves cut off as to accentuate his well toned arms. He looked the class in their face and made some sort of grunting noise. Like an animal in the wild trying the prove he is the alpha male in the pack. He must have been popular in high school, and I don’t think he’s been out of high school very long. He’s feeling out of sorts in this new environment and is trying extra hard to make the surroundings just as they were before. He’s trying too hard. He didn’t get the reaction that he wanted from the class however. You’re not in high school anymore athlete.
There’s a kid sitting behind me fidgeting with papers and books. When a girl came in and chose the seat next to him he moved as close to the wall beside him as he could. During a group assignment he speaks quickly and somewhat condescendingly. You can tell he’s very smart, but even more nervous. Also, he makes it outwardly known that he’d rather work alone. Sorry brain but you’re being tested and you need to try harder, it wont be easy but it will be worth it.
Across the room a girl sits prim and proper with long golden blond hair. I swear there could be a glare from her shiny lipstick when the light hits it. She’s wearing heels. There’s not much else to notice about this princess. Dressed in the finest and manicured to a T, but she seems abnormally bland. I hope for her sake that there is more than meets the eye.
Dewayne is sitting next to me, heavily tattooed and wearing a rosary and a wedding ring. He’s uncomfortable admitting that he had to take some time off from college and is just coming back for his third semester, he doesn’t say why. In the hallway after class he’s wearing dark tented aviators and is talking up a new girl with almost criminal intent for a married man.
Some might see me as a basket case. Starting college at 25, beginning a completly new path in life. Sitting here with my mental sponge trying to adsorb anything and everything I possible can. In the process observing others ever so closely. All I can say to that is, we make and see things how me want to.
“Does that answer your question?”
“Like a mermaid in sea-weed, she dreams awake, trembling in her soft and chilly nest.”
—John Keats (via thesleepingfawn)
