Thursday, January 19, 2012

snowbound!

Winter in Washington state is generally cold, wet, and gray.  Not to be confused with spring, which is windy, wet, and gray.  In case you've been living under rock, we are at the tail end of a pretty nasty storm.  Lots of snow, ice, power outages, traffic accidents, etc.

School's been closed early or cancelled every day this week.  Good by me, Alaina is sick with her umpteenth snotty nose, so I'd have to find alternate childcare anyway.  But let me tell you, we are on each other's nerves something fierce.

Short of two walking trips to the grocery store, we've been inside since Monday.  We've watched movies, colored, played with yarn, cooked, and enjoyed general silliness.  But you're talking about a couple girls who love to be out and about...we have our homebody moments, but those are made sweeter when they come at the end of a day full of adventure.

According to weather reports, relief from this nastiness is coming.  I can only hope it's soon.  At the moment, my daughter is asleep on the floor, pizza dough is rising, I've got several half-complete crochet projects I'm toying with, and the snow has stopped falling.  It would be idyllic, if I weren't so freakin' stir crazy.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

being a grownup

I apologize, but I'm going to deviate from our regularly scheduled program.  This is a rant.

In the last few months, I have been confronted with the most ridiculously childish behavior.  I get it from work, from friends, and from strangers.

I don't generally make resolutions (I am of the firm belief that if you need to change something in your life, there is no time like the present), but perhaps I'll make an exception this year.  Perhaps I will resolve to call people on their bullshit.

In relationships: if you are not happy, do what you need to be.  Maybe that means ending the relationship.  Maybe that means compromise.  But most of all, QUIT COMPLAINING TO OTHER PEOPLE.  I am not your partner.  Complaining to me (or on Facebook) doesn't fix anything, it just makes me resent you.  Moreover, if the relationship has ended, MOVE ON.  Yes, you can hurt all you want privately.  But put on a happy face.  Moping in public is for children.  And if it ends, don't trash talk your ex.  Makes it very awkward when you have friends in common.  Even more awkward when you get back together a week later.

In a bar: if you are of legal age to drink, then you are of legal age to stop being an asshole in public.  Do not throw a tantrum because I charged you for all your drinks, won't serve you after last call, cut you off due to your visible intoxication, or send you away because you didn't bring your ID.   JUST STOP IT.  It is the law that you must be able to provide proof of age upon request in an establishment that serves alcohol.  It is the law that I can't serve drunk people.  It is the law that purveyors stop selling alcohol after two a.m. More importantly, I've been dealing with you for 8 hours....I'm ready to clean up and go home.  I'm not doing these things to be mean.  I'm not trying to wreck your night.  But remember: I can refuse service to any person, at any time, for any reason.  Just think about that the next time you start being an asshat to your bartender.  And for the last time, please do not vomit in a bar, then wonder why I won't serve you.  YOU SMELL LIKE PUKE.  CLEARLY YOU'VE HAD ENOUGH.  And may God have mercy on your soul if I find out you made a mess.  Seriously.

In general: No one owes anybody anything.  Entitled isn't a good look on anyone.  There is a right way and a wrong way to make your point; the right way involves manners and diplomacy, the wrong way is defensive with a side of name-calling and snide remarks.  If you use coupons at the grocery store, have them ready!  There is someone behind you waiting.  Be polite to your server/barista/dog groomer/cashier/mailman/bank teller/government agent - I'm sick of them being rude to me because that's all they've seen all day.  But rest assured, I'm still being kind.  And on that note, rude people in the service industry: no one is forcing you to keep your job.  If you hate it so much that you are incapable of performing it correctly, and with courtesy, please quit.  It is not my fault that your last customer stiffed you on the tip...but I'm getting some inkling as to why they might have felt it appropriate.

My apologies if you were expecting a light-hearted account of a midget anecdote, or a recipe.  Just needed to get a few things out in the open.