A Down Coat in Summer

Yesterday was a beautiful 70 degree day in the windy city - and boy was it windy! As I was on my way to and from work in my sexy grandma car, I realized one of the best ways to describe my daily work life and attitude...

Working at my current job makes me feel like I'm wearing a down, hooded coat with a broken zipper in 85 degree weather. I can't get out of it and it is so stiffling I think that I will die if I don't get out of it.

Can I make it through this summer working here? The bigger question is, where do I go from here? I've got six months to figure that one out. Wish me luck!

Don't Count Your Chickens Just Yet Ms. Hag

I apparently have been remiss is not following up on my ADD post where I referenced by world-record procrastination project. Hazeldove called me out on it.

I'd love to give y'all the full low down on my paper and the fate that awaits me, but I'll abbreviate it by just saying that I DID FINISH MY PAPER!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah me!

It was a long week of writing and procrastinating on other projects and I'm not quite 100% satisfied with it, but that doesn't matter. The important part is that it's done. Now I've got to wait for the academic gods to review it and tell me my fate. But I'm cautiously optimistic that all will be right in this world and I can close this god-awfully long and expensive chapter in my life. And then get the hell out of dodge.

Generation Gap

I consider myself to be fairly tech-savy. While I can't program a computer, I am pretty crafty with desktop publishing and photo editing. I know how to do some serious google stalking (as many can attest) and look up shit on wikipedia; I play crosswords online and bank online. However, I still have a love for the paper page and all of its tactile and hidden wonders. For example, there is something fascinating about using the dictionary to look up one word and find a treasure trove of other words that you you've never seen or always wanted to know how to spell. It's kind of like the precursor to websurfing where one page or bit of information takes you through a slalom course of other bits. Right? Or am I the only book nerd out there?

All this is to say how annoying it was when the intern came into my office and saw me using the dictionary (Gasp!) and made fun of me. WTF? This kid can't even use Outlook and Excel without some assistance. Seriously - he didn't know how to type an email address into the "To:" box. Grrrrr.

Wicker Park / Bucktown - Plans are in the Making

I just got this info in an email and thought it'd be good to share. The Wicker Park / Bucktown area has seen a lot of changes over the years - especially in the last 5 to 6. Some have been good; some have been horrible. (See my banking / Jane Jacobs rant.)

The open house is a good opportunity to make your voices heard about the changes in our communities. It's never too late.

Attitude Adjustments

So somehow I found myself on this blog. I've added it to my list on the right because I think it just might help me gain a little insight into some of the jerkbutts I've had (and have) the displeasure of working with. They'll always be there and when you cut the head off of one, another sprouts in its place. In my mind, that begs the question: is it me? Could very well be. Those of you who know me, know that I can be abrasive, blunt and conceited. And that's just when I'm being nice. Seriously - we could always use a little perspective, so maybe this blog will help deal with those power hunger misogynists who make your work miserable.