A Short Vent

My in-laws, God bless 'em, bought a car seat to put into their car for Nathan. The Targo and I put Nathan in it and adjusted the straps to him. We didn't, however, think to put his coat on first. We had the seat installed ... and well, it just doesn't work. Nathan is seated STRAIGHT UP, the backseat of the car is like inches from his face, the buckle (the one between his legs) is set too far back ... No. It's just not right.

So, my mother-in-law called their local police department to make an appointment to re-install the car seat to forward facing (because of the way their backseat sits). The department said "We don't do that! We'll inspect it, but we don't do that!" So, I went to their website and they'll inspect the car seat, and if it's wrong, they'll reinstall it --- every other Thursday, by appointment only. Even if they're worried about liability, this doesn't make sense. C'mon.

I'm just going to use my local law enforcement hook up again. It's inconvenient for my in-laws, but the service is awesome. It's a free service, available Monday-Friday (by appointment), but they'll educate the parents/guardians in the process. This is just another new parent lesson: Know your local resources. And just because one agency/company doesn't do something, doesn't mean another won't.

/vent

Can I Tell You About My Day?

I got to work bright and early, which was no easy task with a (STILL) sick baby. Man, is he crabby. Poor thing. Anyway, I got to work early-ish to get work done. Our entire network was down. Awesome. Essentially, I fielded phone calls for about an hour. Then I got in my company car (which had 1/4 tank of gas) to drive to this monthly meeting I go to. Because Chicago has rush hour 24-7, a 25 mile drive took me an hour and fifteen minutes. Rock. Upon my arrival, I discovered that the meeting was not going on, but it is in fact, scheduled for next Thursday. My car, which has a gigantor engine, decided that it wasn't quite sure if a 1/4 of a tank was enough to drive 50 miles. The low fuel light came on and I freaked. I prayed for the next 14 miles until I pulled into the parking lot at work.

I got back to my desk and finished a task - just one. Suddenly, it was time for lunch. When I got back to my desk with my tacos, I had an email waiting for me saying that some dude had my phone. I guess I dropped it on the three block walk from my office to the taco place. Fortunately, the guy was honest and just gave me my phone back. But really, it looks like it got run over by a car.

What sucks is that I still have 2+ hours of the work day. I'm sure it's just gonna get better.

Firsts

(With a title like that, you'd think I'd be talking about my baby... But, no.)

While driving home from work yesterday, I saw two things I'd never seen before. And quite frankly, they're both bad, but I'm not sure which is worse.

For about seven miles of my 11 mile trip, I was next to this woman in a burgundy Corolla. The entire time we were next to each other, she was reading a book! While driving! In traffic!

During this same drive, our lanes of incredibly slow traffic came to a stop. A taxicab driver decided that things were moving (or not moving) way too slow, so he drove up on the sidewalk to get around all of suckers who were waiting in line.

I'm so glad you folks don't give a damn about the other people with whom you're sharing the road. You get my "So Awesome" award of the day.

The Suck

It's nearly 90 degrees and our air conditioner has been broken for three days. Hot-hot-hot! And our windows, for security reasons, are the kind that open from the top ... which is SEVEN FEET off the ground. A repairman was supposed to come by yesterday, but didn't ... because it was raining.

(I know I'm complaining a lot ... it's hot and I'm crabby.)

Pet Peeve Thursday #1

So, I had a happy-go-lucky, sunshine and rainbows post (in my head) ready to go. But then, I went to work. Now, this isn't inherently bad as my job is super fun and sometimes, on occasion, I get to use a portion of my brain - that part that hasn't been killed by sleep deprivation. But today, so much stuff is getting on my left nerve, I can't even tell you. Sometimes you just have to rant.

• Reliving Dan Uggla's THREE errors in the All Star Game. Why-oh-why does the National League insist on giving the game away every year? C'mon, I even rooted for Cub players.
• The copy machine insists on eating everything I give to it. Maybe it's really hungry, or related to me?
• Magic's absolute need to chase Mystic around at both 2:00 am and 10:00. These times are "Shhhh!! Baby is actually sleeping!" times.
• Meetings that could be over in 30 minutes that take two hours. Yeah, [this afternoon's meeting], I'm talking about you!
• Summer weather when the words "Heat Index" are thrown around.
• Reading articles, particularly those showcased on MSN, that have comments sections. Despite the ignorance of many of the comments, I can't stop reading them.

If you feel the need to rant, please feel free to join me.

Not Giving Up

Despite being fat, completely out of shape, and eating like crap - I am not giving up. I'm not going to be a crabby, dowdy, doesn't leave the house mom. I'm not.

I'm completely overwhelmed right now. Nathan, blessedly, is the easy part. Working from home is just stressing me out. Every time I go into the office, there are snide comments, prying questions, and a general attitude that I'm getting away with something. It's quite frustrating. Especially since I'm more productive at home.

The Targo, in his infinite wisdom and all around awesomeness, sent me to the hair salon last night. I don't have any pictures today ... tomorrow. Really. It's amazing what highlights, lowlights, and a cute cut will do for ya. Oh ... and there's coming home to this:

It's Monday Again

Last week was a little bit of hell. The poor baby. Working from home. The cougar. The earthquake. Visiting my mom and dad. Having to see my SUCKY brother. And suddenly, it's all Monday again, and I'm crabby.

My first week back to work was a bit of a struggle. Nathan actually slept quite a bit because he was sick. And I was thinking, had I not been working from home, I would have had to take a few days off because the little guy had a fever. What was hard was going into work on Wednesday for a meeting. Unfortunately, I work in a culture where telecommuting is UNHEARD OF. It's not just rare ... I'm the first person to do it. So, there are people who are supportive, people who are confused, and people who are pissed. I'm sure the third group is going to make this hard for my boss to let my "trailblazing" continue. Be that as it may, I'm going to ride this good fortune out. I love being home with Nathan.

The Targo and I went to my hometown to visit my mom and dad, as well as catch some of my family who had yet to meet Nathan. Pretty much everyone gushed over him. (I'm the baby of the family, and they probably thought my old arse would never have children.) My oldest (erm, sucky) brother stopped by and was indifferent about him. Of course, Nathan's existence had nothing to do with my brother, so why would he be interested? This is the same sibling that 1) didn't get me a wedding gift, or send me a card, or even say congratulations, 2) never acknowledged my pregnancy news, and 3) is married to my EVIL sister-in-law. Did I mention I'm crabby?

I am hoping that this week is better. Monday was a little rough with a baby who would JUST. NOT. SLEEP. but screamed instead. But, I'm sure tomorrow will be better. I'm rarely crabby two days in a row.

Spring!

Spring finally hit Chicago. I was excited to wake up to sunshine, temperatures above 40, and the glacier that is our alley finally melted. Another great thing? My friend, Colleen, and I took our babies out for the day. Colleen's little girl is almost exactly 9 months older than Nathan ... and adorable. We had lunch at a neighborhood sammich place and then walked by all of the super cute baby boutiques. Spring! How I love thee ... especially after being cooped up all of February and much of March with a newborn.

And then today ... I woke up to this:



Did I mention that I'm TOTALLY SICK OF WINTER? Yeah, I thought I had.

Moving On...

Goodness, it's been a long and frustrating week already. And I so can't wait for it to be over. Family drama. Work drama. Fighting kitty cats. Pregnancy pains. GAH! Please! I can't wait until this weekend.

Why? Amy will be in town on Friday! I can't wait to see her! I keep telling The Targo that she's my soul mate. Somehow, he's not offended by this. Perhaps it's because we're both straight and married. Sweet reassurances.

Most of the time, being optimistic comes quite easily to me (see above). Lately, it's been difficult (see my grumpy self at the end of most days). Relaxing during the holidays may be just what the doctor ordered.

Slightly Dramatic

Okay, okay... It doesn't look so bad today. It's a lot darker than it was. My hair had just gotten SO BLONDE on top during the summer and while we were in Italy. But, still not so pretty. I'm trying to figure out how to wear it for the wedding today.

Funny story: I stopped into a hair salon (please note the word hair, it's important) this morning. I asked them how much an up-do would cost. After the women - who I assumed was a stylist - blinked at me ten or eleven times, she said "we don't do that."

What? How does a salon not style hair? Maybe because I'm neither young nor hip I don't understand. But, whaaa? Yeah, I don't know either.

Whistler's Mother

At my old job, one of the mean old ladies (MOL) who worked in my unit was a chronic whistler. Fortunately, she could carry a tune. But the whistling. All. The. Time. It was so painful. It made us all miserable. Sadly, it was an office full of people who weren't boat rockers. So we just let it go for months on end. Finally, someone had a breakdown and screamed at her. Rather than of any of us having the cajones to say "Could you please stop whistling?" the situation got out of hand. And the MOL, all along, had not realized she was doing it. Naturally, her feelings were hurt that no one had said anything before.

Now *sigh* I have a similar situation. Except in this case, the whistler is not so talented. And the mind-grating nature of the whistling is only compounded by the slew of additional bad office mate habits she possesses.

I'm still a wuss. I hate hurting people's feelings or pointing out stupid things like this. And honestly, it makes me feel like "oh, I'm so superior that I can point out your issues." Also, isn't this my issue? This is why I vent, rather than one day exploding.

On Traffic ... Again...

I confess, I have - a couple times, no more - talked on my cell phone while driving. It's something I try so hard not to do. Alas, sometimes a conversation lasts so long that I just can't stand sitting in the parking lot without air conditioning one.more.second. But really, it's a terrible habit for someone who has occasion to drive in a big city with other loons on the road. Shame on me.

While heading to work this morning, I probably saw 30 people on their cell phones. Now, traffic starts to build around 6:30, making the ride awful enough. But, I'm not here to complain. Not really. What I want to know is who are you talking to at 6:30 in the morning?

*EDIT* As Kristabella commented, it's illegal in Chicago to drive and talk on your phone without using one of those hands-free do-hickeys (Heh). Personally, I don't think it's as bad to talk and drive in the afternoon or evening as it is in the morning. You know, when you and everyone else on the road are barely conscious. Oh and... it's still dark at 6:00-6:30 am: Please turn on your lights.

I'm not militant, but I think the bumper sticker is just so funny.

Road Rage

The Scene: A busy thoroughfare in the city of Chicago at 6:00 in the morning. Our heroine was driving a small Honda Civic 5 mph above speed limit in the right lane, trying to avoid being run over by the people driving 20 mph above the speed limit. It should be told that our heroine is a reformed speeder who needs to never-ever-ever get another ticket.

*HONK HONK HONK HONK*

Our heroine freaked out and glanced in her rear view and passenger side mirrors, only to see a red pickup truck driving aggressively in the parking lane (the parking lane!). The driver of the red truck swerved in and out the right lane. Our heroine swerved to the left to avoid getting hit. Meanwhile the crazy man in the red truck cut in front of her.

Heroine: What that ...?

Crazy guy in truck: F--- you, lady! F--- you! *obscene finger gesture*

Our heroine changed lanes and slowed down, because dude, that guy be nuts!

Just moments later, a silver SUV pulled in front of our heroine, sans turn signal, naturally. The SUV sped up to meet the red truck. The crazy guy in the red truck leaned out of the window and started screaming at the woman in the SUV. And then he spit at her car.

I have no idea what happened ... but seriously, y'all.

Not Smart

I want to apologize for being a bit of a drama queen lately. It hit me last night when I a) drove downtown to pick The Targo up from work and nearly committed cabbie-cide, and b) I bit The Targo's head off when he reminded me to write him a rent check. I was evil, I tell you. But the dude woke me up to remind me. So, I'm going to blame my subconscious.

I'm so sorry, Targo. But Cabbie? NOT SORRY AT ALL. You almost ran me into the viaduct, so my obscene finger gesture was totally appropriate.

Anyhoo... My crabby pants and I are very sorry, Internets.

With that said, I feel like I should perform a public service and inform you of all of the stupid things I have done in the past twelve months that you should NEVER EVER cumulatively do in twelve months. It may make you a crazy as I am. And your "Targo" - he will no longer have a head.

1. Get a new job
2. Get new noisy pet
3. Get married
4. Spouse gets new job
5. Get pregnant
6. *edit* Denied Harry Potter
7. Move

Above Stuff + Family Drama = CRAZY!

Two Wrath-Filled Letters Later

Dear Amazon,

What about my Harry Potter book?

In HATE,
Marianne

Dear Good Client, Whom We Refuse Adequate Customer Service,

Greetings from Amazon.com.We thought you'd like to know that we shipped
your items, and that this completes your order.

Patronizingly yours,
Amazon.com

I admit my tolerance level has stepped down a notch, but COME ON! Just now shipping it? Eight days later?

Amazon, I Bite My Thumb at Thee

Why will you not ship my damned book? WHY? If you're not going to ship it, why won't you let me cancel the order?

*Edit* I ordered the new Harry Potter book from Amazon over a week ago. Since the day I placed the order, the status has been "preparing for shipping." Unfortunately, as soon as it hits that status, you're not able to cancel the order. So, in a style very unlike my own, I sent in a complaint. While writing it, I remembered the last time I ordered something directly from Amazon, it was "preparing for shipping" for over three weeks. I can't remember what items they were, but they were said to be in stock. I wrote a complaint then too and my stuff finally got to me about five weeks after I ordered it.

My whole beef is that if my order is not going to be shipped within two or three days of being placed, how can they charge me for two day shipping? So, I politely asked them to either refund my two day shipping or to cancel my order. Pretty much they were all "Meh... You order is preparing for shipping... blah blah...you'll get your order after it ships... dancing around request... We're not trying to frustrate you, but blah blah blah... We appreciate having you as a customer" So now, I just want to cancel the darned thing and buy it at Target.

On Hiatus: The Bullet Point Version

• Work has been a bear. Not a cute fuzzy one either.
• The Targo and I are trying to find a place to live. Homelessness holds no intrigue for me.
• Baseball season is so disappointing me.
• I'll be travelling to DC on Friday to visit Amy (my BFF). She's awesome. I'll be celebrating a birthday (a birthday with a 3 and a 2 in the wrong order) there.
• I have no Mystic picture for today. I was going to post one where she was sitting in the papasan with the TiVo remote, but I forgot to write this post at home. Maybe I'll do that later.
• Drama abounds... and I likes it not.
• Chicago this weekend: The biggest event is the Gay Pride Parade. Lincoln Park is also having a music festival (I haven't heard of any of the acts, but it's $5!). There's also the Switchyard Festival: music, food, and cocktails. This is a new one to me, but it sounds fun. And also, the benefits go to one of the local YMCAs. As always, go here for more information.

Take care, kids. We'll chat more next week.

Frustration Is...

Photo from http://brattononline.com/photos.php

Waiting 20 minutes for the Red line train and praying you don't miss your transfer. Seeing the Purple line train outside your window and watching it blow by. Then knowing you're going to have to wait another half hour for the next one.

Bottom line? Frustration is Chicago Transit Authority construction and how it makes getting anywhere three times as long.

On Charity

Yesterday, I contributed to society. At least I think I did. My department at work volunteered to solicit for the Salvation Army. So, from 9:00-10:00 am and from 3:00-4:00 pm, I stood outside of a Barnes & Noble and asked strangers for money.

O-MY-GOD! This was one of the hardest jobs I've ever had. The place I stood was in Bobo Central: Anthropologie, coffee shops, and yoga studios galore! Yet, people who claim to be so pro-charity, in general, could not muster a smile, or a "no thank you." Most people walked as far away as possible, instantly got on their cell phones, avoided eye-contact at all cost, and one woman almost ran out into traffic. I asked one man if he'd like to help the S.A. and he replied kindly "F*ck no!" Those who gave, did so without reservation. And they made up for the rest. Almost.

This probably sounds stupid to all of you. But those two hours showed me how difficult it is for some people to muster courtesy, let alone generosity.