PosterNutbag

every wednesday we have a morning meeting at one of the schools i cover, complete with breakfast goodies. each week a different team member volunteers to do the catering. we're not talking bagels and cream cheese either-- people go all out, providing a well-balanced array of items. it's generally quite a spread. i imagine all sorts of interpersonal competitions play into the morning menu----- and don't get me started on the staff hierarchy.

i rarely partake in the food. this is partially because i dislike quiche (oddly enough, this seems to be the signature item). and partially because i feel guilty for not, myself, contributing to the catering rotation--- not guilty enough, mind you, to start bringing food. mostly i don't want to be "one of THOSE people"-- stacking plate full week after week and never producing any foods to share. occasionally i do find myself nibbling on the doughnut holes or sneaking a few grapes as others converse. notice: i don't leave a food trail. totally purposeful. less conspicuous.

so, one of the team members totally annoys me and, of course, she always sits across from me. she's a nice enough gal, it's just that i hate to watch her eat. she does this strange thing. with each bite, she places her hand under her mouth. what's strange about that, you ask. seems, her crumb catching hand is not palm up, poised to collect any stray bits o'breakfast that crumble off with each bite. instead her hand is palm down such that anything would just roll off into her lap anyhow. i mean, really.

i've always balked at inefficiency.

work blows!

so this guy hosts a death pool each year-- really it's good stuff. despite my poor showing last year, i decided to participate yet again. there is something so satisfying about predicting the upcoming deaths of the famous. below is my list:

dick clark
robert downey jr
oprah winfrey
dick cheny
bob barker
larry flynt
robert redford
mike wallace
jerry lewis
michael j fox
pat o'brien
hugh hefner
nancy reagan
50 cent
clint eastwood
terry hatcher
mick fleetwood
tina turner
jesse jackson
russell crowe

so far i've gotten through this friday the 13th unscathed. it was a rough work day but i shouldn't complain. it's almost always a rough work day-- i am a damn social worker. plus now i am now home and ringing in the 3-day weekend. good stuff. in even better news, my jersey friend is en route to spend friday-sunday entertaining me. sure, now i have to do some light cleaning and wash some sheets, but procrastination always solves those dilemmas. besides she's been in my filth many a-time. my biggest stress: i am completely unprepared for the holiday gift exchange that will no doubt occur first thing. seems i purchased a partial gift for her this christmas-- clearly not enough of a gift to be handing over to what is the best friend. her eta is a mere hour from now, so there is no time for shopping (damn small towns). shhh, don't tell, but it seems i'll be scrounging around the house to find something to supplement... oooh woe is me.

well, you should know that my birthday was a great time. rock-n-roll supplied by the hotties that are the plastic containers made it all worthwhile, as did all the well-wishers. thanks a million boys and girls.

you should also know that i can't stop listening to these local rockers . certainly worth a moment of your time.

tuesday i spent the better part of my work day training the "new girl." turns out i knew the chick. she went to my high school. graduating a mere year before i did, she and i ran in similar circles. luckily she didn't recall what i was like in those years of my life. i realized this quickly because she was actually excited to see me and catch up. i, on the other hand, thought it a complete groaner to spend the day comparing notes on who was where, doing what. what the hell do i care? those people are dead to me now.... i'm not all crabby patty though, and i must admit, she was quite nice. as much as i tried not to, i found myself actually enjoying talking with her as the day progressed. what can i say, i'm a softie.

BRING IT!