The Way I See It # 554

I guess it is a good thing I'm staying busy. I'm not sure how the boredom would work out here in Richmond.

This morning I'm seeing more apartments, I have to work from 1-5 and then I'm seeing more apartments after that.

I worked only 3 hours yesterday, but it was the worst three hours I have ever worked. I had to do a bunch of transactions that I had never done before, and when I called the cash room for help everyone's tone indicated that they thought I was under qualified. I had a return for over $100 so it wiped my drawer, and when I asked for a loan, it took them half an hour to get it to me as I had to struggle with customers paying with cash.

I really hate working at the bookstore. Everyone talks down to me, I'm constantly being watched on the cameras, my manager always has an exasperated tone when she talks to me, and I feel like all I have done is tried my best.

I hope I find another job soon, because I can't stand the bureaucracy of that place.

(OBVIOUSLY these are not the views of my employer and are solely my own)

The Way I See It # 521

How can I concentrate on homework when Wife Swap is on?


for the next twelve hours my life will be consumed with work.

The Way I See It # 512

I just found out that I am closing next Friday at the book store, only to return the next morning to open at 8:30 on Saturday.



FUCK MY LIFE.

The Way I See It # 500

Giuseppe Zanotti Printemps ete 2009

When I saw the Giuseppe Zanotti Ad Campaign in my Vogue magazine I was strongly reminded of Richmond style. I could easily someone dressed like this on the weekend, perhaps when it gets a lot warmer. Just at a can of PBR, and this chick is set.

I had lunch with Misha and Ana today, it was so nice to catch up! Plus the weather is wonderful, and so tonight's guild should be really enjoyable.
I definitely am going to soak this weather in, I hear it's supposed to sour up tomorrow, which both disappoints me, and pleases me. While I pine for warmer weather, I feel that my boots haven't been given the right amount of attention they're due.

I need to figure out my summer plan. I'm thinking that I'm going to look in to a job at the science or history museums here in Richmond, that might be a way to see if I like Museum studies and the environment. Also, if I get a bike, it won't be that hard.
I think that while that thought is in my head, I'll go research it now.

The Way I See It # 494

Today has been quite the lazy Saturday. I ate with Michele, and that is quite literally all that I have done. I work from 5 to 9:30 tonight, and then I think I have a date with Amelie and some Thai food take out.

I don't understand how some people can just blatantly ignore you. How is someone capable of that?


I bet no one will come into the bookstore tonight.... sigh. I will be folding shirts and sweatshirts all night. I realized that Elephant Thai closes at 10, and I'm "supposed" to get off at 9:30. If I get off and Elephant Thai is closed, I will flip my shit. Thai food sounds so good!

The Way I See It # 493

I'm wondering why it is so difficult to find stylish messenger bags. They all are either ugly or bulky, and they don't have nice prints. I just want something that goes across the body, is comfortable, and looks nice, and it seems that that is too much to ask for.
Oh well, my search continues.

I'm waiting around to eat at Shafer, and I'm currently in the library. It's beautiful outside, but the wind is seriously an issue with hair as long as mine. I have a head band on, but it doesn't seem to make a difference.

I have work at 5:30 tonight, and I realized that I really don't like working at the book store. It's incredibly boring, and all I do is fold shirts. Also, I'm barely authorized to do anything, and this makes me feel useless as an employee. I shouldn't complain because they could have booted me, I could be working ridiculous hours, and I'm not doing any of those things. So I work for..... 3.5 hours tonight? 5:30-9. yeah, 3.5 hours. That sucks! I guess it isn't too bad because the work is mind-numbing, and it's not like I'm there until 10. Tonight is guild, which should be fun, at least I have that to look forward to.

Michele mentioned something about going to DC on Monday to see a presentation about the Peace Core. I'm not sure if I'm going to go with her, as she asked, because I have class. Though I have yet to miss a class in either of my classes on Mondays, and Sarah could take notes for me in one of the classes. Maybe I will, I love DC.

I need to go home soon. I think I mention this every day to at least one person. I think that if Michele goes home next month I'll hit her up for a ride. It would be nice to come home for a bit and get some things taken cared of.

The Way I See It # 483

I had so much fun last night, I'm really glad I went to guild, and that Michele decided to go too. Tonight there's an art show that I'm going to, and that should be fun.

Tomorrow I'm working 1-5:30 so that should be alright.

Today, however, I've been lazy. I wasn't feeling too well so I've been laying in bed since my class ended at 2. It's been nice and relaxing, however I probably should have been doing homework.

List time!
1. Chapter 1 in Ethics, Inaugural Speech essay, Chapter in other ethics book.
2. Start reviewing for World Archaeology.
3. French vocabulary for Chapter 2.


I need to go to dinner soon...

The Way I See It # 467

Work was challenging today. All of the registers were down, and so we had to do all of the transactions on paper! Time consuming and ridiculous, but I got out of there 30 minutes early!

last night I went out with Sarah and Josh to his friend Drew's house. It was a lot of fun, and I actually got to play the drums! I haven't played in so long, but it was a lot of fun. I really miss my set now...

I need to figure out what to do about dinner. Shafer is closed, and I don't feel like cooking pizza. I mean, I guess I could... but I dunno...

Also, Guild is tonight, but I have no way of getting there, and Michele is trying to get me to ride a bike. I know going out more was part of my resolution, but to be completely and embarrassingly honest, I can barely ride a bike! I can't imagine my fear doing it late at night on the streets of Richmond. Goddammit.

maybe I'll just stay in? I don't want to... but I want a dependable way to get around that doesn't involve me crashing a bike, looking retarded, and making a mockery of myself.


or am I being too dramatic?

The Way I See It # 466

I'm watching an onstage performance of Cyrano De Bergerac with Kevin Kline and Jennifer Gardener. I love Kline, I think he is a wonderful actor, and this play is great. I might just pick up the book. PBS, thanks for the awesome programing. Oh wait, thanks to me... viewer like me.

I worked today, and it was nice to just stand at the cash wrap and do nothing else. I learned a lot, and I was productive. Tomorrow I work 4-9, and then on Saturday 12-6.

As for today's weather, it was/still is hideous. I however, may be going out with Sarah Waks again. My New Year's Resolutionis to go out more, so I can't really hold myself back anymore.

I think Gardner over acts a bit in this role.... but Kline is so delightful that I'm hardly noticing. Great set too.
I kind of miss my technical theatre days. I miss designing.... I guess I could do it in my spare time... I don't know why I don't.

I brought my drum sticks and practice pad/books to school! I only just remembered!
I'm off to play!

The Way I See It # 464

I had to sign a blogging agreement with Barnes and Nobel saying that I would put a notice on this blog to say that all of my ideas are my own and not the ideas of my employer. Harrumpf.

Work was good. I'm not scheduled today, ugh, but other than that it's okay. Apparently it's going to be insane next week and I'm going to be answer a lot of questions I don't know.

Thankfully Sarah and Michele were in town last night, so we went to Three Monkeys with some of Michele's friends and it was fun. Then we went to hang out with Michele's boyfriend, Andrew, to play Catch Phrase with his friends. Overall a good night.

Today I might be seeing an apartment. I hope it's nice...

The Way I See It # 461

So I lied!

I'm packing and I hate it. I'm leaving around 1 today, so that's somewhat exciting. Last night Abby and I went to Georgetown which was fun. We physically abused the Urban Outfitters sale rack, and she got offered a job. That girl is ridic (Totes Adorbs Abbrevs). But I am leaving for Richmond and that's that. I'm actually kind of nervous about my job, but I think I can handle it after working at Resto. I'm excited for making money, everyone getting back into town, and getting a kick-start on my New Year's Resolutions.



Also, I'm having Lox and Bagels this morning. You know you're jealous.

The Way I See It # 447

I've been home from work for a couple hours now. I spent most of my day filing papers so the day kind of dragged. Overall, it beats working at a crazy mall on my feet. Right now, however, I am sitting in my living room watching "Bridge To Terabithia". I read this book when I was younger, and I remember really liking the book. However, this movie is nothing like what I imagined. I'm waiting for the ending so I can cry.

Maybe it's that my eyes are tired from filing all day, or that my contacts are drying up, but I have this insane urge to cry. Not sobbing, and not one of those choking/heavy jobs.... but just crying. I don't know. I should be relaxing, but everytime I have a moment to myself I feel like I should be doing something.

Now the boy in this movie is at a museum. I need to get over to the National Gallery.

I'm heading into DC tomorrow to pick Christina up from the metro


oh gosh, it's the end of the movie.
here I go...

The Way I See It # 425

Secret # 1: I never asked anyone for a ride back to VCU (not that anyone offered) because I thought it would be nice for Mom and I to have time in the car together.

Tonight she asked me why I couldn't get a ride back and I fumbled with an answer. I think she was a bit annoyed that she had to drive me back. She wasn't unwilling, but I think driving me back wasn't at the top of her to-do list for tomorrow.
Am I selfish? I know she's tired, and I know she works a lot. She worked all weekend on preparing for Thanksgiving, put up with Dad, dealt with Grandma, and all of us.

I wish things were like they were when Mom wasn't working.
I think I might be bitter about this.

I've decided to not work at Restoration Hardware this winter. I didn't realize that Jackie would be home without a car... and if Christina and Kara get jobs too, it's going to be a nightmare.
So instead, I'll be working for my Dad's company.
I think I might regret this. However, he says there is research he needs done, and also filing, so I'm down for doing secretarial work if it keeps me the hell away from Tysons. I would like to enjoy shopping on my winter break, thank you very much.

The Way I See It # 302: Cubic Zirconium Rattling In Its Insecure Fixing.

Work wasn't so bad. It wasn't that crowded and I was hanging out with coworkers I generally like. I got paid today, which was awesome, and I packed a kick-ass lunch. I also got to see Sid, which was great. The doctor visit was good, except the lab technician was out sick (of course), so I don't know when my results will be in, I guess it's their problem now. My day was pretty much alright. I work 12-9 tomorrow, so that should be another fun filled day. hopefully it will be manageable. I'm excessively tired. Jackie came home a little while ago, and I've been laughing non stop. She's the comedic relief for the family right now, which is refreshing.

I would write more, but I'm so tired I can't!

The Way I See It # 299: Just Keep Rolling along

Today was the day. THE day. I went to Ikea and purchased all (if not most) of the furniture that will go in my studio next year. The total amount for the furniture was a little bit over $700 and that's not including the mattress. I think that's pretty good! The other things I bough added up to just under $200, which was my entire budget for the things I was going to buy myself. Um... I'm definitely going to go over in budget, but I expected that. So I'm glad I got all of that furniture shopping done. Now all I have to worry about is the Mattress. I'm hoping I can go to the neighborhood Mattress Warehouse and have them do a charge send to the Richmond store, that would be just too convenient.

I'm going to the doctor early tomorrow morning (8:30 AM!!!) for a follow up, and then I'm heading straight to Tysons to work 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM! I volunteered for 2 extra hours, but now I think I'm going to regret it. At least the money will be good.

I just took a shower. Don't you love that after shower feeling? I don't know if any of you reading this have that feeling. That feeling of being completely cleansed, clean, and healthy. I don't know. I take great pleasure in showering/bathing in general. When I was younger I used to get upset, and one of the things that calmed me down was washing my hands. The smell of the soap and the hot water really relaxed me. I guess you could call that borderline OCD. But anyway, the smell of soap and the feeling of hot water have always been secret pleasures for me. Is that awkward? Are we not friends anymore? At any rate, the feeling of a good hot shower is probably the best feeling in the world. Or rather one of the best feelings.

Speaking of the best, I think that "Paranoid Android" is one of the best Radiohead songs there is.

I'll probably write later, because late night blogging is also one of my secret pleasures.

or, I guess that's not so secret. At least not anymore...

The Way I See It # 295

Life at Resto is considerably hard to bear nowadays. While I fold the towels you scramble to buy at 20% off I'm thinking of how fast I could force myself to go down Vale road without getting caught or losing control. To see what my limits are in a car are unexpectedly on my mind all the time. This coming from the girl who got into that.... ahem.... car accident. My mind wonders to the Dupont Race Way where my dad learned to drive about a million years ago. Being knowledgeable behind the wheel is very appealing to me. Barreling around a curve at 98 MPH is also very appealing to me.

but I digress.... my mind has wondered off as it does when you ask me what ingredients are in our hand soap.

Meanwhile I'm shrugging my shoulders to the mellow music that has been demographically chosen to ease you into the spending mood. You have no control over your delight that our "White Fig" fragranced items are 50% off. Ask me about the natural origin of a white fig and I will punch you in eye.

Taking in the automatic ethnography that studying Anthropology has taught me to do, the typical shopper at Resto. is middle aged and somehow redecorating every room in the house. What color are your walls? Green? Did you know that green is a soothing color that injects your room with tranquility?
See Also: Silver Sage
See Also: Dark Sage
See Also: Sea Green
I hope you know that the kind of room you are decorating dictates the kind of draperies you'll want to buy. Decorating a bedroom? Don't buy the sheer silk panels unless you want some Peeping Tom (or the secretly lucky bystander) to look in as you and your husband, or lover, or teenage son/girlfriend, do the nasty with no covers thrown over the situation.

I've charted out some sort of Evolutionary grid, following the steps outlined in Archaeology 101. Collecting data, using it's Datum, finding the carbon date of each and every Starbucks coffee cup (my life as a....?) I find nestled in the beds and under the furniture. I'm creating a time line of man's evolution: our devolution, as the mall rat depicts. Not being able to find a suitable place to take care of her young, a novice mother changes a diaper on one of the beds. A young girl drops a Christmas tree ornament and begins to sob uncontrollably as I tell her it's okay, and I don't mention payment to her parents. The evolutionary chart turns to a kind of demographic that floods the store: those who spruce up the facilities.

Redoing the bathroom, you say? Why don't you buy into something that went out of style in the 18th century? We have the vintage faucets, styled old enough to make you feel as though your bathroom will amount to something that you yourself couldn't be: special. Analyze the differences between the framed and frameless mirrors, and take a special minute to think about what finish you want everything in. Pick the right one and you won't have shipping costs. Oil Rubbed Bronze? Sorry Charlie, no go.
See Also: Polished Chrome
See Also: Satin Nickle

Can't tell the finishes apart? need help recognizing Polished Nickle from Polished Chrome? The crucial choice between which silvery finish you want is the most important thing in my life at the moment. As a sales associate I am only concerned with helping you dicipher the different finishes and textures that will help make your bathroom your most admired room. You know... the room you shit in? The room you throw up in after getting wasted at garden parties and poker nights with the neighborhood ladies?

And feel free to make me feel as inadequate as possible! Be my guest to throw things around that I arrange so perfectly. Don't you realize that I am creating the image you desperately want in your own home? You don't buy the mounds of towels because you need them, you buy them because somehow you're certain that by having them your life will be as neat and straight as the store you bought them from. This is the point of merchandising. This is why VCU students in the Mass Comm. major are going to make millions.

Rip the walls down, ruin what I put up every night, be as callous as possible when I tell you that we actually don't carry out furniture in stock.

I won't mind. I will occupy my time after closing, bitching about the way you treated me, and conversing with my coworkers about things that shouldn't be talked about at work.
See Also: Getting wasted
See Also: Ecstasy, Acid, and shrooms
See Also: people having sex on the show floor beds

Don't worry, not that you will.
I'll drive home that night, speeding cautiously to Gwen Stefani and smelling the White Fig lotion I put on my hands before clocking out.

The Way I See It # 293

I have to go to work today from 4-11. I don't want to go. But then again I was so bored yesterday. I had the entire day off after seeing Dark Knight, and I didn't do anything. I asked Mom if she wanted to do anything but she didn't. Sid was at work, and sleeping and such, and Christina and Kara were both working. It was really uneventful. I did call my landlord about getting the key and the apartment and stuff, but other than that I didn't do anything.

Today I spent the morning reading "Choke" by Chuck Pahlanhiuk, and now I need to take a shower to get cleaned up. I feel lazy. Lazy, and I don't want to do anything either. Maybe I'll feel better when I wash my hair, put in contacts, and get ready.


I think that work is going to suck tonight. After all, it is a Saturday. I would really love it if no one came in to Resto tonight. I hate dealing with bad customers. Or rather, I would like it if everyone just bought something off the floor, and didn't fuss about shipping charges or when the packages will arrive at their house. I hope we also aren't understocked or understaffed. I would like a stress-free environment and I would like it if No one wants the 3rd, 8th, or 9th off in August.

I guess I've decided to go back home after moving in and work a week. I guess my last day will be August 13th or 14th.

The Way I See It # 276

I'm getting ready for work now, I better get moving because I have to leave in half an hour to get there at 10. Being 30 minutes from Tysons blows.

I mentioned the Letters video. it's great that you could vent your feelings like that. I guess that's the only thing I liked about the video. I didn't like what you said about me. I guess I can't change that. I've said I was going to put in an effort to be more supportive, but I guess it isn't showing. Sorry. I don't think you're weird, I've never thought that, and I don't know where you're getting that from.

I work 10-2 today, and mom is going to pick me up. When do you get off work?

The Way I See It # 274

It's 11 AM and I'm getting ready to go running again. I've been up since 8AM when my alarm goes off, but I've stayed in bed for three hours. Curiously no one has opened my door to inspect about my lateness. I can't complain, I hate it when my mom wakes me up. However, when I sleep in, it's always the sounds of social interaction and the tinking of breakfast plates that pulls me from my bed and down stairs. I guess I feel lonely when I try to sleep in, however comforting the down is.

Sid and I double dated with Abby and her boyfriend Rich last night, and it was fun. What wasn't fun was getting lost and me freaking out as the driver. The speeds were fast, and I didn't know where I was going. Sid was navigating, but I was having a hard time anyway. He drove home, which made me feel better. I don't know why my driving was so shitty. I didn't like it. Sphinx was nice though, although the DJ was making some awkward moves toward the woman on the big screen TV. After Hookah-ing it up we went back to Abby's house and played Smash Brothers melee. It was fun, but we were all tired, especially Sid who went down to Richmond early yesterday.

Yesterday I went to the mall and bought a dress for the wedding because all of the frocks I own are either black, white, or a mixture of the two. Not really appropriate for a summer wedding. So the dress I bought is from Banana Republic and was on sale, go me! It took literally no time to find it, and it's very pretty.

I have to work at 3 today, but at least I get paid, and I think Russel is working, which will be fun. Maybe Jessica is working too. I hope so, when I'm the only young person in the store I feel very.... alone. I cursed in front of my manager the other day and I cringe to think about it. I apologized, but still.... it's my fucking Hiring Manager. Ugh. I have to get my schedule for next week so that I can figure out if I can go down to the wedding early and stay over night, which would be cool.


I keep thinking about my driving last night. it's kind of humiliating to me. I hate the way I think about driving. I get anal when other people drive, and then my own driving can really suck sometimes..... it's not a good feeling. Abby asked if I was okay at the hookah bar, I guess I looked really rattled. I'm still rattled. I'm wondering if I'll ever be normal again.

Restoration: A Synopsis (#257)

I've been working at "Resto" for a couple weeks now and I've gotten to know my coworkers pretty well. I like them all, and I think that to say that they could all be on a TV show is the way to say it best. They all have interesting characteristics-- the type of diversity one only finds in the retail environment. I've decided to describe them for you.

Johnny: GM
Johnny is an easy guy to talk to, and if you want to know why, don't ask him. You'll never get a straight answer from Johnny, who likes to ask open-ended questions to solve your problems. More likely than not you'll answer the question yourself, so it's best not to ask Johnny where anything is, or how to handle a customer, as he'll often retort "How would you do it?" Johnny hired me on the spot for my sociable nature and my keen interest in human culture and the holistic view of human interaction. In some sense, I believe he thinks the best way to interact with others, is to let them do all the interacting for him.

April: HM
April is spunky, is studying Interior Design, and has a Chinese symbol tattooed in green ink on her right arm. She's always willing to help, and talks extremely eloquently on the telephone. If you have a problem, bring it to her, and instead of talking down to you, she offers clear, concise, help when and where you need it. She sets the schedule, so having her on your side is always a plus. She handles tough situations with ease, and has guided me through my adjustment at Resto.

Jill: M
Jill moved to the place I work at from one in Maryland because she is the best of the best at doing "Floor Set" which is when we set up the store to look exactly like it does in all the others. She taught me how to fold towels correctly, and has the audacity to wear heels to work (You go girl!). She's not too talkative, which is good. She a detail oriented person, who will adjust a crease in a pillow if necessary to make it look not only good, but "Resto. good"

Sunny: M
Sunny is a middle-aged Indian man who has been with the company for years. He's anal about everything, and gets annoyed when people are disruptive. He handles customers with ease, however, and on my first day of work he thought I was a rogue customer trying to break into the back of the store. Silly Sunny.

Deeqa: M (Pronounced Deca)
Deeqa is 4 months pregnant with a baby boy and I often worry that she lifts too much. She's an Indian woman who is glowing with motherhood, but she isn't afraid to get work done when she needs to. She is enjoyable to work with, and I don't know how she manages to work in high-heels all day long. She is the nicest manager and always helps me out even when she's busy.

Harry: Sales Associate
Harry is an elderly man who has worked at Resto for at least 5 years. He hails from the U. of R. "I'm a spider myself," he told me when I said I went to VCU. His son just graduated from college with a degree in msic performance, and hopes to join a group somewhere in Pennsylvania. Harry enjoys tinkering with the toys in the store and annoying Sunny. Harry likes working at Resto. a lot, but keeps quiet most of the time.

Karen: SA
Karen is older than middle aged, and has an accent that I can't place. She wears docker shorts, clogs, and sweaters tied around her shoulders, and her blond hair in thick headbands. She is the epitome of "Preppy" and is one of our best associates. Her face graces the employee of the month wall a total of three times over the last year. She, however, is too loud for her own good, and when she was making fun of a customer, she was overheard..... not that she noticed. It seems Karen only cares about customers who buy things, and not about the customers we lose. I'm not sure if I like Karen.

Russel: SA
Russel is one of the only associates at Resto who is my age. Though only 19, he will be a Junior at NC State next fall. He likes to act goofy (April says it's because He thought I was single) and gets up on all of the other SAs. He likes to talk about all of the crazy things he has done, including drop acid ("...by accident!") and he enjoys vacuuming the store. He's been with Resto for about three years, and he knows everything. He makes work fun, as he's just about the only person I can relate to on the job.

Gretchen: SA
Gretchen is the daughter of my sister's old orchestra teacher (what a small world). She's nice as can be, but I don't know her that well. All I know is that she does a lot of visual work for the store, and sold 4,000 worth of draperies, therefore making her a "High Roller" in our store.

Adam: SA
Adam lives right on capital hill, folds towels a lot, jokes around with me, and talks about his partner all the time. One of the first sentences I heard from him was "Lisa, you're going to see that Deeqa throws around the Pregnancy card a lot, don't let her, she can handle an 70 lb mirror just fine. okay?" He always says hello to me with enthusiasm, and when he cant wait to leave, I'm right there with him.

James: SA
My sister's boyfriend is the identical twin of James. He's tall, curly hair, glasses, the works. He is basically my sister's BF, but not. I've only worked two days with James, but he's nice, well-spoken, and interested in boats, apparently. That's about all I have to say about him...

Massaya: Stock room
Massaya's age is questionable, as he looks to be about 5 years old, and yet says he's done at Langley HS. Massaya's descent is questionable, his name marks lebanese, and his looks appear Asian, but what matters is his smell. Massaya has strong body odor from lifting heavy boxes and running around. he has 7th grade facial hair and sunburnt cheeks. Massaya asked me on a date, and all interaction with him has been awkward since. I count on him for stock checks, but not much else.

Ehsan: SA
Ehsan really taught me how to fold towels and pay attention to detail. Sometimes his english isn't good, but he's the dark handsome type who smiles his way through things. he's a great guy, and takes every effort to make customers laugh and be comfortable. he's a favorite in the stock room, and everyone appears to love him to death.

Joey: Stock room
Joey is probably older than me, but not by much. Off duty he wears a green trucker hat which doesn't balance out with his pinstripe pants and crisp shirts for work. he smokes Marlboro menthols, and has a black Razr just like mine. He does project for management, and provides sales support when it's busy. He's the mast of visualization and he also handles Signage (setting up the sales and organizing them). he's a nice guy, and always remembers my name.