I know, I know. I'm not gonna waste time with apologies. Allow me to jump right in.
Have I told you about my friend Luis? Let me tell you now.
L is fantastic. He carries things out to my car, which is always appreciated as I generally have more junk than one person can carry alone. He opens doors. He does dishes, even when he's not the one who messed them in the first place.
That is all. I mean, there's a lot more to Luis, but that is all I have to say today.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
I'll Be Kind Tomorrow
1) Grrr to the general contractor from yesterday's post. If you're thinking of building a house, I know lots of really nice GCs who are professional, experienced, and fair. I'd be happy to make a recommendation or two, and perhaps steer you away from the crooked ones.
2) It's getting easier to feel more positive Man 2 and Man 3. Not so positive that I'm as emotionally invested, but I'm feeling less grumpy today.
3) A call for help-- anybody know how I can get rid of these weird links that are now embedded in my text? Obviously, I'm not putting them there, and I find them obnoxious.
2) It's getting easier to feel more positive Man 2 and Man 3. Not so positive that I'm as emotionally invested, but I'm feeling less grumpy today.
3) A call for help-- anybody know how I can get rid of these weird links that are now embedded in my text? Obviously, I'm not putting them there, and I find them obnoxious.
Monday, February 6, 2012
How I Know I Need to Be Kinder
Gentle Readers,
I'm back. Life has been generally beautiful, a tad frustrating, and mostly busy. Oh, how I'd like to tell you all of it, but that would be boring, unprofessional, and a bit whiny. Here are the bullet points, starting with the happy:
* First, I'm still riding a wave of creativity. Mom just got back from a buying trip to Canton, and came home with all sorts of materials and inspiration. Hobby Lobby and Michaels aren't disappointing either. Even though some of my projects fall short from the mark (for example, a toille skirt I made for church and some of the pinterest postings I've tried for myself), there are plenty of other things to inspire. I'm finding it everywhere-- a pair of jeans in my favorite store, browsing at the local bookshop, even food from a dinner party. Love!
* I'm getting back to my entertaining roots. Mum and I are planning an Alice-in-Wonderland-themed fete for some of her friends, and the only problem is there isn't enough time to get everything done we'd like to include. It's been too long since I've held a legitimate party.
* My nieces remain the most darling people in my life. Z has been working on a special Valentine for me, and I'm honored. P came shopping with me on Saturday, and I'm pleased to see her turning into a little Bohemian. We're gearing up for Baby H in just a couple of months, and I can't wait to meet her and see what kind of joy she brings to the Sego clan.
As for the not-so-happy, here are the grumplies, which can mostly be summed up with the statement: People are RUDE! Evidence includes, but is not limited to, the following:
* I've been dealing with the most churlish customer. First he was angry that we didn't get him a bid the same day he sent over the plans. Brother called for some clarification, but this man doesn't answer his phone. I suppose he prefers aggressive emails (nothing passive here). He has continued to insult me via email, and I'd really like to tell him to shove it, or to at least point out it's bad life policy to be rude to the information gate-keepers. He may think I'm simply a glorified secretary, employed mostly because of my last name, but 1) he's selling me short, and 2) someone needs to tell him that one should always be kind to secretaries and assistants, because we take care of the people we like first. Also, I'm rather disappointed in him because there's a part of me that holds certain members of society (that is, members of my church) to a higher standard, because we're taught to be kind. He really ought to know better.
* Another person in my life is leaving my feelings chafed and my heart bruised for treating me like a convenience. No one likes to be taken for granted. Do you ever feel like you're punished for being nice to someone? Oh, I'm not going to pretend there wasn't an ulterior motive-- I was looking for a friend. I'm selfish, I suppose. I thought if I were kind some of that might come back to me. And it is, but not from the focus of my friendshipping campaign. This chap (yes, of course it would be a boy) doesn't seem bothered in the least that I'm unhappy. I told him he was on my list. He said he knew, but hasn't done a thing to understand where I'm coming from. I guess he figured he ought to get out while the getting was good (otherwise known as right after I did something nice, pre-reciprocation).
* Sometimes I get put out because I deal with so many people with an over-developed sense of entitlement. See the contractor above. Also, see a young man I know who was huffy because he was asked to do something, but the request came via text rather than face-to-face appeal. It wasn't me doing the asking, by the way, but someone I care about. Said young man spends a lot of time texting, so I'd guess he's not morally opposed to it (for example, he loves to text other girls when he's hanging out with me), but I guess he wanted it to be a big to-do. Ugh. Pride.
Anyway, enough complaining. When I think about these men, my skin feels tight and my lips tend to snarl. But this will not do. And I know, I should probably just toughen up and be as helpful to my customer as possible, because "he's always right." Likewise, I shouldn't give with any expectation of reciprocation, even if it's friendliness. And as the third situation doesn't really involve me, I shouldn't get bent out of shape. But just not letting things bother me isn't really enough, I think.
The world can be so discouraging-- I know there are really good people out there trying to make it better, and I'm recommitting to being one of those kind. When people are rude, I don't just want to not have it get to me, I want to be nice in return. When someone makes it clear they don't want my kindness, I'll just go spread it elsewhere. Instead of being mad at someone for wanting more attention, I'm going to try to be more understanding. If I can't give enough attention to sate their appetite, then I'll renew my energy by offering attention to another lost soul.
I don't expect my personal quest to change the world in a big way, but I wouldn't mind adding the blessings of being a kind person-- that intrinsic, inescapable feel-good-ness-- to the joy I've been experiencing creatively.
I'm back. Life has been generally beautiful, a tad frustrating, and mostly busy. Oh, how I'd like to tell you all of it, but that would be boring, unprofessional, and a bit whiny. Here are the bullet points, starting with the happy:
* First, I'm still riding a wave of creativity. Mom just got back from a buying trip to Canton, and came home with all sorts of materials and inspiration. Hobby Lobby and Michaels aren't disappointing either. Even though some of my projects fall short from the mark (for example, a toille skirt I made for church and some of the pinterest postings I've tried for myself), there are plenty of other things to inspire. I'm finding it everywhere-- a pair of jeans in my favorite store, browsing at the local bookshop, even food from a dinner party. Love!
* I'm getting back to my entertaining roots. Mum and I are planning an Alice-in-Wonderland-themed fete for some of her friends, and the only problem is there isn't enough time to get everything done we'd like to include. It's been too long since I've held a legitimate party.
* My nieces remain the most darling people in my life. Z has been working on a special Valentine for me, and I'm honored. P came shopping with me on Saturday, and I'm pleased to see her turning into a little Bohemian. We're gearing up for Baby H in just a couple of months, and I can't wait to meet her and see what kind of joy she brings to the Sego clan.
As for the not-so-happy, here are the grumplies, which can mostly be summed up with the statement: People are RUDE! Evidence includes, but is not limited to, the following:
* I've been dealing with the most churlish customer. First he was angry that we didn't get him a bid the same day he sent over the plans. Brother called for some clarification, but this man doesn't answer his phone. I suppose he prefers aggressive emails (nothing passive here). He has continued to insult me via email, and I'd really like to tell him to shove it, or to at least point out it's bad life policy to be rude to the information gate-keepers. He may think I'm simply a glorified secretary, employed mostly because of my last name, but 1) he's selling me short, and 2) someone needs to tell him that one should always be kind to secretaries and assistants, because we take care of the people we like first. Also, I'm rather disappointed in him because there's a part of me that holds certain members of society (that is, members of my church) to a higher standard, because we're taught to be kind. He really ought to know better.
* Another person in my life is leaving my feelings chafed and my heart bruised for treating me like a convenience. No one likes to be taken for granted. Do you ever feel like you're punished for being nice to someone? Oh, I'm not going to pretend there wasn't an ulterior motive-- I was looking for a friend. I'm selfish, I suppose. I thought if I were kind some of that might come back to me. And it is, but not from the focus of my friendshipping campaign. This chap (yes, of course it would be a boy) doesn't seem bothered in the least that I'm unhappy. I told him he was on my list. He said he knew, but hasn't done a thing to understand where I'm coming from. I guess he figured he ought to get out while the getting was good (otherwise known as right after I did something nice, pre-reciprocation).
* Sometimes I get put out because I deal with so many people with an over-developed sense of entitlement. See the contractor above. Also, see a young man I know who was huffy because he was asked to do something, but the request came via text rather than face-to-face appeal. It wasn't me doing the asking, by the way, but someone I care about. Said young man spends a lot of time texting, so I'd guess he's not morally opposed to it (for example, he loves to text other girls when he's hanging out with me), but I guess he wanted it to be a big to-do. Ugh. Pride.
Anyway, enough complaining. When I think about these men, my skin feels tight and my lips tend to snarl. But this will not do. And I know, I should probably just toughen up and be as helpful to my customer as possible, because "he's always right." Likewise, I shouldn't give with any expectation of reciprocation, even if it's friendliness. And as the third situation doesn't really involve me, I shouldn't get bent out of shape. But just not letting things bother me isn't really enough, I think.
The world can be so discouraging-- I know there are really good people out there trying to make it better, and I'm recommitting to being one of those kind. When people are rude, I don't just want to not have it get to me, I want to be nice in return. When someone makes it clear they don't want my kindness, I'll just go spread it elsewhere. Instead of being mad at someone for wanting more attention, I'm going to try to be more understanding. If I can't give enough attention to sate their appetite, then I'll renew my energy by offering attention to another lost soul.
I don't expect my personal quest to change the world in a big way, but I wouldn't mind adding the blessings of being a kind person-- that intrinsic, inescapable feel-good-ness-- to the joy I've been experiencing creatively.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Life Looks Like
This morning, the office was deliciously quiet. Not too many phone calls, everyone out but me. There's always more to do, of course, but I had a moment or two to think about my romantic life and appreciate what is proving to be a new year of Bohemian abandon.
New addiction: Pinterest. I'm happy to say I'm limiting myself to a few minutes a day, but since joining last Monday, I've made two trips to Hobby Lobby.
In Celebration:
My favorite local band, Le Chat Lunatique, released a new music video on Friday, and I gathered some friends to join me at Low Spirits for the show. May I suggest downloading their cover of Paula Abdul's "Straight Up?"
The Kitty Kat Club is delicious, but share it with a friend, because like all the sandwiches here, it's immense.
New way of going back to my roots: The Holga. I've been a little distressed thinking I've lost my ability to shoot on film. I'd love a nice digital SLR sometime, but with other things competing for my small, small discretionary income (e.g., plane tickets to South Carolina and Seattle, a bike, a freezer, tuition to an online bridal consultant course, a gorgeous drafting table from Cost Plus World Market), I'm going small and trying my hand at film again. I'll let you know how it goes.
New place to hang out:
(My friend Michael loves power tools. I love light bulbs and spray paint. I think I have a partner in crime.)
New Year with Old Friends:
We've been going to Szechwan for as long as I remember. Much love to Ai and her family. Last night's food was phenomenal!
Happy Year of the Dragon, everyone!
New addiction: Pinterest. I'm happy to say I'm limiting myself to a few minutes a day, but since joining last Monday, I've made two trips to Hobby Lobby.
In Celebration:
My favorite local band, Le Chat Lunatique, released a new music video on Friday, and I gathered some friends to join me at Low Spirits for the show. May I suggest downloading their cover of Paula Abdul's "Straight Up?"New Favorite Sandwich Joint: Prime.
The Kitty Kat Club is delicious, but share it with a friend, because like all the sandwiches here, it's immense.
New way of going back to my roots: The Holga. I've been a little distressed thinking I've lost my ability to shoot on film. I'd love a nice digital SLR sometime, but with other things competing for my small, small discretionary income (e.g., plane tickets to South Carolina and Seattle, a bike, a freezer, tuition to an online bridal consultant course, a gorgeous drafting table from Cost Plus World Market), I'm going small and trying my hand at film again. I'll let you know how it goes.
New place to hang out:
(My friend Michael loves power tools. I love light bulbs and spray paint. I think I have a partner in crime.)
New Year with Old Friends:
We've been going to Szechwan for as long as I remember. Much love to Ai and her family. Last night's food was phenomenal!Happy Year of the Dragon, everyone!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Volume 2012, Ed. 2
Today's Likes/Loves:
1) Boys who do dishes. Hint.
2) The name Elodie. This is evidence of my further identification as a francophile in my old age. I held off for a long time, but the thing is, the French REALLY are cooler than most. At least aesthetically. Poor Germans with their big, heavy furniture and big, heavy names. (eg., Brumhilda. Sad.) Anyway, I like this name so much that it may have cracked my top three for girls list. Not that Elodie is that much less cumbersome than Jemima, Daphne or Elaine (which isn't so bad, but I insist on pairing it with the middle name "Fairchild").
3) Mustaches, real or fake.
1) Boys who do dishes. Hint.
2) The name Elodie. This is evidence of my further identification as a francophile in my old age. I held off for a long time, but the thing is, the French REALLY are cooler than most. At least aesthetically. Poor Germans with their big, heavy furniture and big, heavy names. (eg., Brumhilda. Sad.) Anyway, I like this name so much that it may have cracked my top three for girls list. Not that Elodie is that much less cumbersome than Jemima, Daphne or Elaine (which isn't so bad, but I insist on pairing it with the middle name "Fairchild").
3) Mustaches, real or fake.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Some Things I Love-- Volume 2012, Ed. 1
A few things I really like/love today:
* A mix tape my old friend Hunter made me for my 26th birthday. Today I'm particularly grateful I still have a tape deck in my car and on my stereo at home, because this thing is a treasure. H, with the help of several other friends (you know who you are!) threw me an amazing surprise birthday party that year, and the capstone gift was a tape where he'd interviewed many of my friends about our friendship. It still makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
*Memories of other true kindnesses paid to me over the years-- like the time Kathy and her family took care of us after my grandmother died, and how her husband Mike gave us all money to use at the gift shop at the Rio Grande Zoo (can there be a better gift to a child?!?!!). Or Skye bringing me flowers and leaving them on my car after the world's most terrible night. I think of Dr. Whipple and my friend Nathan giving me a blessing when I was sick, and a group of nuns praying the rosary for me. And then there was the time my friend Stephen took me to BYU Homecoming just because he knew (thanks to another friend, Hilary) that I'd never been asked. I think of my friend Justin coming to all my birthday parties over the years, and the way he and Brecken invited me over for Thanksgiving the year I had no where to go. I'm grateful for the three times I received Valentine flowers-- Tommy, Scott, and the Erics, you are wonderful!
* I love times with my friends-- those random adventures that bring a smile to my face-- like supporting my friend Scotty in the Park City Marathon. I'll never forget my long day with Shawn, Mike and Chad and the horrible Italian food we had after Scott's race. This year is going to be filled with adventures.
There's a little gratitude for today. Seems like a good way to start off the year.
* A mix tape my old friend Hunter made me for my 26th birthday. Today I'm particularly grateful I still have a tape deck in my car and on my stereo at home, because this thing is a treasure. H, with the help of several other friends (you know who you are!) threw me an amazing surprise birthday party that year, and the capstone gift was a tape where he'd interviewed many of my friends about our friendship. It still makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
*Memories of other true kindnesses paid to me over the years-- like the time Kathy and her family took care of us after my grandmother died, and how her husband Mike gave us all money to use at the gift shop at the Rio Grande Zoo (can there be a better gift to a child?!?!!). Or Skye bringing me flowers and leaving them on my car after the world's most terrible night. I think of Dr. Whipple and my friend Nathan giving me a blessing when I was sick, and a group of nuns praying the rosary for me. And then there was the time my friend Stephen took me to BYU Homecoming just because he knew (thanks to another friend, Hilary) that I'd never been asked. I think of my friend Justin coming to all my birthday parties over the years, and the way he and Brecken invited me over for Thanksgiving the year I had no where to go. I'm grateful for the three times I received Valentine flowers-- Tommy, Scott, and the Erics, you are wonderful!
* I love times with my friends-- those random adventures that bring a smile to my face-- like supporting my friend Scotty in the Park City Marathon. I'll never forget my long day with Shawn, Mike and Chad and the horrible Italian food we had after Scott's race. This year is going to be filled with adventures.
There's a little gratitude for today. Seems like a good way to start off the year.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
December Baby (Comma) You are My
And now, an update on how I've been spending my time:
Since the holiday extravaganza, mostly I've been curled up on my couch, in front of the fire and the Christmas tree I FINALLY put up, enjoying the lights and the electric throw Michael inspired me to get. I don't know how I've lived without one all these years, but Sam's Club has a good deal on 'em if you're in cold and and in need.
Hmm. Christmas was good. Too good, as usual, in the gift department. Amongst the favorites (and believe me, it's hard to cull out favorites amongst favorites)-- the ukulele (my fingers are sore, but I'm working on developing some calluses, because this instrument is wicked!), a hot-water bottle outfitted in a sweater, and a copy of Anthology Magazine. Don't know how I've lived without the latter thus far. I'm ready to subscribe after my wallet recuperates.
On the whole, I'm rather happy Christmas is over. I know that sounds Grinchy, but it's like I can finally breathe again and just enjoy the last week of the year. I have nice plans. For example, on Saturday I'll be helping out with Zoey's Birthday Party. What kind of party does a 4-year-old have? Fancy Nancy, of course. So I'm in charge of Charm School for about 8 little girls. Fun, right?
Of course, there will also be the Singles' Extravaganza Saturday night. I'm tired just thinking about it, truthfully. Don't expect a kissing report this year, because the candidate list isn't just bleak, it's dismal. Best kissing opportunity went belly-up a week ago Sunday when said chump made me cry and got bumped off my list and out of my phone (read: life). Que sera, sera.
Still, NYE remains one of my favorite holidays-- drinking sparkling cider with Pam, dancing like a dancing fool, staying out too late. Yes, this sounds like a typical weekend, but there's something magical and renewing about it. I've already started my list of resolutions. More on that and upcoming creative projects in the next few days. Right now I'm off to do a little end-of-an-era partying. Cheers, chumlies.
Since the holiday extravaganza, mostly I've been curled up on my couch, in front of the fire and the Christmas tree I FINALLY put up, enjoying the lights and the electric throw Michael inspired me to get. I don't know how I've lived without one all these years, but Sam's Club has a good deal on 'em if you're in cold and and in need.
Hmm. Christmas was good. Too good, as usual, in the gift department. Amongst the favorites (and believe me, it's hard to cull out favorites amongst favorites)-- the ukulele (my fingers are sore, but I'm working on developing some calluses, because this instrument is wicked!), a hot-water bottle outfitted in a sweater, and a copy of Anthology Magazine. Don't know how I've lived without the latter thus far. I'm ready to subscribe after my wallet recuperates.
On the whole, I'm rather happy Christmas is over. I know that sounds Grinchy, but it's like I can finally breathe again and just enjoy the last week of the year. I have nice plans. For example, on Saturday I'll be helping out with Zoey's Birthday Party. What kind of party does a 4-year-old have? Fancy Nancy, of course. So I'm in charge of Charm School for about 8 little girls. Fun, right?
Of course, there will also be the Singles' Extravaganza Saturday night. I'm tired just thinking about it, truthfully. Don't expect a kissing report this year, because the candidate list isn't just bleak, it's dismal. Best kissing opportunity went belly-up a week ago Sunday when said chump made me cry and got bumped off my list and out of my phone (read: life). Que sera, sera.
Still, NYE remains one of my favorite holidays-- drinking sparkling cider with Pam, dancing like a dancing fool, staying out too late. Yes, this sounds like a typical weekend, but there's something magical and renewing about it. I've already started my list of resolutions. More on that and upcoming creative projects in the next few days. Right now I'm off to do a little end-of-an-era partying. Cheers, chumlies.
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