"What A Sad, Pathetic Person You Are ..."

(that would be directed at a client who is very grumpy and probably has a condescending streak)

Yes, I talked to Mrs. X today (name changed to protect my ass - only due to habit, not like anyone knows her), and heard another neverending spiel about how she almost killed herself with anxiety over a certified letter from the insurance company, how the old agency was run by arrogant bastards (pot calling the kettle black, much?) and jealous CSRs that didn't handle her business properly.

I could tolerate the berating of her former agency's owners ... but when she talked about a CSR that was fat (about 250 lbs. in her opinion), chain-smoked, looked like a man and was "sassy" to her - and was probably fired for those exact reasons, I had to say something. I told her that I didn't think the CSR was fired due to her looks at all, that if she had a general bad attitude and was rude to everyone, that would be feasible, but looks had nothing to do with it.

Then, I was treated to her diatribe about the certified letter, and how she worried herself so much over it all weekend, that she couldn't get anything done today. (Get a life, lady!!!) When she asked about getting a refund since the policy was re-written through our agency, I explained that she would have to take that up with the old agency. She balked at that, and I told her politely that this is a two-way relationship. That right now, it was necessary to contact them, even if she wanted nothing at all to do with them.

Sherry overheard part of the conversation and figured out who I was on the phone with. She came up to me and said that she needed to see me for an emergency meeting, then winked. I told Mrs. X that I had been called into a meeting, but that her producer would be more than willing to help her. Of course, the producer was telling me, "I don't want to talk to her". I just replied, "Well, I'm sorry, but I have things to be done today." and hung up.

God, it felt so good to tell her in so many words to bugger off. I like this whole assertiveness thing. ;)

It does get better ... It does get better

After work, I thought about Mrs. X, and how sad and pathetic her life must be, if all she can think to do is piss all over people and whine about every damn thing in the world.

If I had a choice between remaining where I am - living comfortably, taking pleasure in little things - and happy, or to be well-off, with considerable material possessions - but miserable, I'd much rather be in the former.

It's more fun to take pleasure in things like a good haircut, friends, family, and taking trips around the country. Sure, a tin of Smith's Rosebud Salve isn't some bauble from Van Cleef & Arpels, GE Reveal Lightbulbs (the best lightbulbs in the world, IMHO) aren't a Cartier watch, and shopping at Target isn't the same as shopping at Tiffany & Co., but it doesn't matter.

Sure, I might have my gripes about things, but I don't go around pissed at the universe, acting as though everyone owes me a living and must kiss my ass at every turn. Behind the occasional grumblings, I am a happy person. :) Just like anyone else, I have my bad moods - I've snapped at people (but felt remorseful afterwards) and pitched temper fits in private. Sometimes, I just want to be left alone. Like one of my favorite pins says, "Cruel, Nasty, Neurotic, Paranoid, Antisocial - But Basically Happy".

Give me my Effexor, a Cinnabon (I *heart* those things ... even if they do have eleventy billion calories), a few hours of down time, and a humour collection (any of Dave Barry, Tony Kornheiser or David Sedaris' books works - even The Onion is appreciated) and I'm a very happy girl. :)


It's gotta suck to be the kind of person that would hear that and probably find ten things to gripe about with that scenario. And it might go a little like this:

"Effexor? What are ya - a nutcase?" (Fuck yeah, daddy. Nuttier than a Christmastime fruitcake, actually.)

"You *actually* think Dave Barry/Tony Kornheiser/David Sedaris is funny? Jeez, you are wierd!" (Really? At least I can laugh. Unlike others.)

"Cinnabon? You're already a fatass - what do you need that shit for?" (Fuck you. I'll eat a Cinnabon if I want to - it's a rare treat, thankyouverymuch.)

"Down time? What do you need down time for? So you can turn into a lazy ass?" (No ... it's to get away from the prattling of whiners like you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have my Effexor, a George Carlin book, and some Frozen Lemonade awaiting me.)

Surprise Surprise ;)

What do other people see you as?
brought to you by Quizilla