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Work - the pursuit of one good day job
Jan. 26th, 2010 10:55 pmI don't know if I've ever asked it, but I'm curious about work - well, other people's work!
1. When you were a kid, what did you want to do when you grew up?
2. What was the best job you ever had? What was the worst job?
3. What do you do now? Did you plan on doing it, or just "fall into it"?
4. If you had to change occupations, what would you want to do?
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a radiologist by day (well, X-ray tech - but I didn't know what that was when I was 5 years old!) and astronomer by night. Also, I was going to drive an orange Corvette between those two jobs.
My best job - good question. I think several different jobs had their good points, honestly. But, I'd say that being an insurance agent is a pretty damn good job.
My worst job - it's between my first job, working at a hardware store (long story there) and the summer that I worked as a temp in an industrial paint/dye/lubricant factory.
What I do now - well, that's a great big Duh. I'm an insurance agent, been in the industry going on 8 years now (jeez - that's a long time) and it was something that I kind of "fell into". No one ever says "I want to be an insurance agent when I grow up!" All I knew about insurance was that I'd need to get renters insurance when I moved out on my own - thanks to the brainwashing via State Farm ads in "SPIN" magazine.
Besides that, I just got into the business because I was frustrated with my job at the time as a receptionist. I was seriously considering going into Nursing, or getting a Business degree, when a department manager at my prior agency suggested that I should become an agent. So, I talked to the muckety-mucks at the agency and somehow convinced them to let me try my hand at being an agent. That worked out pretty well, as I was there for almost 7 years - 2 of it as a Personal Lines agent.
If I had to change occupations - I would become a nurse, even though needles squick me out! One of the best compliments that I got from a client was being told that I had the TLC that makes for a great nurse, and that I probably would've been a good nurse because of it.
1. When you were a kid, what did you want to do when you grew up?
2. What was the best job you ever had? What was the worst job?
3. What do you do now? Did you plan on doing it, or just "fall into it"?
4. If you had to change occupations, what would you want to do?
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a radiologist by day (well, X-ray tech - but I didn't know what that was when I was 5 years old!) and astronomer by night. Also, I was going to drive an orange Corvette between those two jobs.
My best job - good question. I think several different jobs had their good points, honestly. But, I'd say that being an insurance agent is a pretty damn good job.
My worst job - it's between my first job, working at a hardware store (long story there) and the summer that I worked as a temp in an industrial paint/dye/lubricant factory.
What I do now - well, that's a great big Duh. I'm an insurance agent, been in the industry going on 8 years now (jeez - that's a long time) and it was something that I kind of "fell into". No one ever says "I want to be an insurance agent when I grow up!" All I knew about insurance was that I'd need to get renters insurance when I moved out on my own - thanks to the brainwashing via State Farm ads in "SPIN" magazine.
Besides that, I just got into the business because I was frustrated with my job at the time as a receptionist. I was seriously considering going into Nursing, or getting a Business degree, when a department manager at my prior agency suggested that I should become an agent. So, I talked to the muckety-mucks at the agency and somehow convinced them to let me try my hand at being an agent. That worked out pretty well, as I was there for almost 7 years - 2 of it as a Personal Lines agent.
If I had to change occupations - I would become a nurse, even though needles squick me out! One of the best compliments that I got from a client was being told that I had the TLC that makes for a great nurse, and that I probably would've been a good nurse because of it.
I like food, food tastes good
Jan. 17th, 2010 09:16 pmToday I was thinking about cooking - when I learned to cook, what I'd learned to cook, etc.
The first thing I'd learned was cinnamon toast, in first grade. I think it had something to do with Christopher Columbus, since I remember that we'd made the toast and stuck sails (construction paper and toothpicks) into them. I'd also learned from my dad how to make scrambled eggs - so I could put together a fairly decent breakfast with parental supervision.
As I got older, I learned how to make things like boiled eggs, cookies and cakes (not just the stuff I made with my EasyBake Oven!), sloppy joes and bacon. In other words, I could make pretty basic foods - a lot of dump and boil or bake stuff. Occasionally I'd make some pretty fresh stuff, but a lot of it was something from a box, like Hamburger Helper.
The past few years, I've been learning how to cook much more non-packaged food. I can make a pizza crust (yeast smells so good when rising), pancakes (okay, so that's from a mix), pork chops, steaks, fish - still gotta work on salmon preparation, and a couple of vegetarian dishes. So, I'm pretty proud of myself there.
I'm curious, my lovelies - what was the first thing you learned how to cook? And what do you like to cook now?
The first thing I'd learned was cinnamon toast, in first grade. I think it had something to do with Christopher Columbus, since I remember that we'd made the toast and stuck sails (construction paper and toothpicks) into them. I'd also learned from my dad how to make scrambled eggs - so I could put together a fairly decent breakfast with parental supervision.
As I got older, I learned how to make things like boiled eggs, cookies and cakes (not just the stuff I made with my EasyBake Oven!), sloppy joes and bacon. In other words, I could make pretty basic foods - a lot of dump and boil or bake stuff. Occasionally I'd make some pretty fresh stuff, but a lot of it was something from a box, like Hamburger Helper.
The past few years, I've been learning how to cook much more non-packaged food. I can make a pizza crust (yeast smells so good when rising), pancakes (okay, so that's from a mix), pork chops, steaks, fish - still gotta work on salmon preparation, and a couple of vegetarian dishes. So, I'm pretty proud of myself there.
I'm curious, my lovelies - what was the first thing you learned how to cook? And what do you like to cook now?
(no subject)
Jan. 13th, 2010 09:40 pmThere's a meme on Facebook where people are posting old pictures of themselves as profile photos. So, here are some of the pictures I posted on Facebook - once upon a time, I was a cute girl. Wickedly curly hair and all.
( once upon a time... )
( once upon a time... )
I've been listening to Henry Rollins' spoken word performances (the Talk Is Cheap series is especially fun), and somehow came to the realization that I want to fuck Henry Rollins.
Yeah, I know. Kind of took me by surprise, too. I want to talk with him about being curmudgeon-y and telling those goddamn kids to get off the lawn. Looking forward to being 50 and badass (okay, so he's got about 12 years on me with that one ... heh), and telling Ann Coulter to just Shut The Fuck Up. And perhaps at the end of the night - well, you can probably guess what would happen there.
So yes, here I am, kind of surprised at the fact that I want to do nasty, naughty things with a man - and Henry Rollins at that!
Yeah, I know. Kind of took me by surprise, too. I want to talk with him about being curmudgeon-y and telling those goddamn kids to get off the lawn. Looking forward to being 50 and badass (okay, so he's got about 12 years on me with that one ... heh), and telling Ann Coulter to just Shut The Fuck Up. And perhaps at the end of the night - well, you can probably guess what would happen there.
So yes, here I am, kind of surprised at the fact that I want to do nasty, naughty things with a man - and Henry Rollins at that!
New baby news!
Dec. 29th, 2009 09:00 pmKellie and I are aunties for a second time!
On December 26th, Andrew Jonathan Phelps was born to (and adopted by) my brother and sister-in-law . He came in at 8 lbs., 4 oz. and 20 inches long - my brother calls him the "Kwanzaa Miracle".
Of course there are pictures - I think we've been getting them every several hours ... lol! And they are behind the cut.
( Baby Drew )
On December 26th, Andrew Jonathan Phelps was born to (and adopted by) my brother and sister-in-law . He came in at 8 lbs., 4 oz. and 20 inches long - my brother calls him the "Kwanzaa Miracle".
Of course there are pictures - I think we've been getting them every several hours ... lol! And they are behind the cut.
( Baby Drew )
(no subject)
Dec. 24th, 2009 06:31 pmMerry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of my lovelies and sexy bitches!
I hope you all have a wonderful enjoyable time with your families, friends and loved ones! :-)
Cute little strawberry babyhead! Rylee had the hat put on her noggin, and hasn't taken it off - usually she takes hats off right after they're put on her head!
I hope you all have a wonderful enjoyable time with your families, friends and loved ones! :-)
Cute little strawberry babyhead! Rylee had the hat put on her noggin, and hasn't taken it off - usually she takes hats off right after they're put on her head!
(no subject)
Dec. 23rd, 2009 09:55 amHere are photos of the bedroom and bathroom - please excuse the crap lighting in the room!
( Porn Shack, Baby! )
Yep, that's what Kellie are sleeping in until next Sunday night! If nothing else, the animal print is the only animal allowed. Kind of nice to sleep in a cat-free room. :-D
( Porn Shack, Baby! )
Yep, that's what Kellie are sleeping in until next Sunday night! If nothing else, the animal print is the only animal allowed. Kind of nice to sleep in a cat-free room. :-D
(no subject)
Dec. 20th, 2009 10:14 pmI'm in Alabama for the week, visiting the in-laws (it's okay, they like me and I like them).
Yeah, it's weird being in a small town in Alabama, where the nearest grocery store or pharmacy or about a half-hour to 45 minutes away, coming from San Francisco where a grocery store and pharmacy are a few blocks a way (in different directions)! Still, it is nice to be away from the office and the "big city" for a short time. And I always come away feeling so happy to be home again.
Anyways, Kellie and I are staying a guest room that we call "The Porn Shack" -- lots of leopard print (on the sheets and pillow cases), wicker-ish nightstands and headboard, and lace-trim on the curtains. And don't get me started on the bathroom, it's just more of the same. I wish I were kidding, and I'll take pictures to show the glory of this room.
We don't have too much planned for the week - there's going to be some shopping, as well as "desperate-people shopping" - where we go to the mall and watch people in a rush to find a last-minute gift for friends and/or loved ones, and in the past there has apparently been an unofficial competition to see who can find the most desperate person/people.
That's about all that's going for now. How about you all? Anything exciting planned for your Christmas/Holiday week?
Yeah, it's weird being in a small town in Alabama, where the nearest grocery store or pharmacy or about a half-hour to 45 minutes away, coming from San Francisco where a grocery store and pharmacy are a few blocks a way (in different directions)! Still, it is nice to be away from the office and the "big city" for a short time. And I always come away feeling so happy to be home again.
Anyways, Kellie and I are staying a guest room that we call "The Porn Shack" -- lots of leopard print (on the sheets and pillow cases), wicker-ish nightstands and headboard, and lace-trim on the curtains. And don't get me started on the bathroom, it's just more of the same. I wish I were kidding, and I'll take pictures to show the glory of this room.
We don't have too much planned for the week - there's going to be some shopping, as well as "desperate-people shopping" - where we go to the mall and watch people in a rush to find a last-minute gift for friends and/or loved ones, and in the past there has apparently been an unofficial competition to see who can find the most desperate person/people.
That's about all that's going for now. How about you all? Anything exciting planned for your Christmas/Holiday week?
(no subject)
Dec. 8th, 2009 08:09 pmA photo of Kellie: Black cashmere/wool cat hat
I thought it was too cute to not share - she's got a great smile, and I think her cat hat is awesome. (This hat was made by the same woman that did Rylee's strawberry hat.)
I thought it was too cute to not share - she's got a great smile, and I think her cat hat is awesome. (This hat was made by the same woman that did Rylee's strawberry hat.)
Rylee's strawberry hat
Dec. 6th, 2009 06:57 pm
Kellie and I got this hat yesterday from a street vendor, who was knitting the hats herself. As you can see, it is being modeled by Buddha, who was the most easygoing, friendly model in our household. Also, his head was the right size, and he wouldn't shed fur all over it. :-)
Special Place in Hell
Nov. 24th, 2009 08:10 pmThere is totally a special place in Hell for me on this one. I watched Adam Lambert's performance at the AMAs, and felt like I needed a cigarette afterwards. And I don't even smoke!!
Writer's Block: Just another manic Monday
Nov. 8th, 2009 08:03 pm[Error: unknown template qotd]
Some weeks, I look forward to going back to work - I know, I'm a freak. But a lot of weeks, I don't feel like dragging my ass to work!
What I enjoy most about the weekend is just being able to sit around the house watching movies; going to the farmer's market; sleeping in late (and napping), and sometimes going out shopping.
What I dread most about going back to work is when I'm overwhelmed, as I am currently. I'd love to just do some kind of Harry Potter-esque magic and make it all do itself or just disappear!
Some weeks, I look forward to going back to work - I know, I'm a freak. But a lot of weeks, I don't feel like dragging my ass to work!
What I enjoy most about the weekend is just being able to sit around the house watching movies; going to the farmer's market; sleeping in late (and napping), and sometimes going out shopping.
What I dread most about going back to work is when I'm overwhelmed, as I am currently. I'd love to just do some kind of Harry Potter-esque magic and make it all do itself or just disappear!
(no subject)
Nov. 7th, 2009 09:29 pmThis past month has been a rollercoaster - or so it feels!
The Good:
** Visited New York with Kellie last month - she was going for business, and since I'd never been to NY I went along with her. We spent a few days after the business aspect for sightseeing and hanging out. Visited the U.N., MOMA and The American Museum of Natural History, as well as Rockefeller Center. I did some shopping and got to eat some New York-exclusive goodies: Mister Softee, Carnegie Deli, a New York bagel and Junior's Cheesecake. Of course, Kellie and I went to a show - Avenue Q, which is frackin' hilarious and highly recommended.
** My niece, Rylee (Little Miss, Ryebread) is 6 months old, and cute as ever. Photos will be posted soon!
The Bad:
** 2009 hasn't been the best year for me health-wise. The hand injury, and now a couple of cracked/broken teeth - one that was crowned a few months ago, and the other (a molar) was extracted a few days ago. Apparently turning 36 hasn't been all that good to me. :-/
** I found out a few weeks ago that my dad has cancer. At first, it was thought to just be in his stomach/ intestines, only to find out that it's in his stomach, intestines, liver and lymph nodes. Obviously they can't operate to remove the cancer, so he is going through chemo. I'm hoping for the best, and preparing for the worst.
The Indifferent:
** Still liking my work, just feeling stressed out due to random days off and other disturbances that have kept me away from the office. The overwhelming feeling sucks and it's had me all teary and emo. It does get better, right?
The Good:
** Visited New York with Kellie last month - she was going for business, and since I'd never been to NY I went along with her. We spent a few days after the business aspect for sightseeing and hanging out. Visited the U.N., MOMA and The American Museum of Natural History, as well as Rockefeller Center. I did some shopping and got to eat some New York-exclusive goodies: Mister Softee, Carnegie Deli, a New York bagel and Junior's Cheesecake. Of course, Kellie and I went to a show - Avenue Q, which is frackin' hilarious and highly recommended.
** My niece, Rylee (Little Miss, Ryebread) is 6 months old, and cute as ever. Photos will be posted soon!
The Bad:
** 2009 hasn't been the best year for me health-wise. The hand injury, and now a couple of cracked/broken teeth - one that was crowned a few months ago, and the other (a molar) was extracted a few days ago. Apparently turning 36 hasn't been all that good to me. :-/
** I found out a few weeks ago that my dad has cancer. At first, it was thought to just be in his stomach/ intestines, only to find out that it's in his stomach, intestines, liver and lymph nodes. Obviously they can't operate to remove the cancer, so he is going through chemo. I'm hoping for the best, and preparing for the worst.
The Indifferent:
** Still liking my work, just feeling stressed out due to random days off and other disturbances that have kept me away from the office. The overwhelming feeling sucks and it's had me all teary and emo. It does get better, right?
Right-hand (wo)man
Sep. 9th, 2009 08:28 pmAs I'd written in late June, I injured my thumb pretty badly - went to the ER, got X-rays and everything.
No fracture (thank Gord), but I did have a complete ligament tear. So, in mid-July, I had surgery to get the ligament re-attached ... which involved what Kellie called "the world's smallest staple gun". The splint came off in early August, which was such a relief!
Since then, I've had trouble with grasping small objects (like picking up a pen from a desk) as well as re-acclimating myself to handling things as I did pre-injury. Things like using a mouse and writing with a pen. I did some things left handed, usually eating or carrying a bag.
It will get better - it can only go up from here. Or so they say.
No fracture (thank Gord), but I did have a complete ligament tear. So, in mid-July, I had surgery to get the ligament re-attached ... which involved what Kellie called "the world's smallest staple gun". The splint came off in early August, which was such a relief!
Since then, I've had trouble with grasping small objects (like picking up a pen from a desk) as well as re-acclimating myself to handling things as I did pre-injury. Things like using a mouse and writing with a pen. I did some things left handed, usually eating or carrying a bag.
It will get better - it can only go up from here. Or so they say.
