Randomness

Randomness

It has been awhile since I have written, mostly because I have been trying to figure out this whole HTML thing. As you will notice, I have changed the appearance of my journal and even added a few of my favorite links down at the bottom of the page. Doug, the person who gave me this whole journal idea in the first place, also showed my how to sort of "cheat" with the HTML. While his method was very helpful, I still found it frustrating trying to figure out what to cut and what not to. In any event, I finally got it looking halfway decent and now I can write again.

Halloween went well. Emily had a party and parade at preschool which was really cute. While there, we found out that Emily was in the same class as her 4th cousin. I had no idea until I saw my fathers 1st cousins walk in and sit across from us. Small world...

Halloween itself was fun. The girls looked adorable in their princess costumes and had a lot of fun running around the neighborhood trick or treating. After we were done, we went to a friends house for a Halloween party for the kids. A good time was had by kids and adults alike. Emily decorated a cookie with frosting that of course, had more frosting than cookie! She is the typical frosting lover who scrapes the frosting of and eats hardly any of whatever is underneath. Oh well...she had fun doing it (and eating it!) and that is all that matters.

In other news, the Topaz did not pass inspection. Not a big surprise, but frustrating just the same. There were many problems, too expensive to fix given all of the other money we have put into that car so, we have decided to buy my parents Ford Taurus wagon. It is a good car, in good condition and will be great for family trips given its size. I will be driving that and Ryun will be driving the Lincoln. It will be nice to again be driving a car with four doors...so much easier to get the kids in and out!

For the next 6 weeks or so, Ryun will be working the night shift at the Christian Science Center in Boston. I guess there is an elevator they want done there stat, so his company, Advanced Elevator has decided to set up two shifts. It will be nice to have him home during the day with the kids and I. Emily is very excited that Daddy will be able to bring her to preschool and dancing lessons, as well as meet her teachers. We are also hoping to get a lot of different things done around here, some of which Ryun has already started. Motivation is little more present during the day before work than at night after a long day and a sometimes crappy commute.

Well, thats all for now. I will be updating this site as frequently as time allows, so be sure to check back often!

America The Beautiful

"It is often during the worst of times that we see the best of humanity-awakening within the ordinary that which is most sublime. I do not believe that it is the circumstance that produces such greatness any more than it is the canvas that makes the artist. Adversity merely presents the surface on which we render our souls' most exacting likeness. It is in the darkest skies that stars are best seen." Richard Paul Evans, The Letter

Like most Americans, I am shocked and saddened by the events of September 11. Although I was not nor did I know anyone who was directly affected by the attacks, as an American I believe everyone was affected in some way. For me, it has made me realize how lucky I am. I have a loving and supportive husband and family and two of the most beautiful children in the whole world. It has made me realize that in an instant, life can change dramatically and we should remember to tell the people we love that we do. It has given me a whole new outlook on firefighters and police officers. I always new that people in those proffesions saved lives without regard to their own...I just never knew to what extent.

The other day, I was on my way out the door with Emily and Katie. When we got outside, there was a firetruck in front of our neighbors house(apparently nothing serious, someone just fell). Emily went right over to the firefigher and said to him, "Your a hero, you save people's lives." The firefighter was so touched that he shook her hand and showed her around his truck. He made her day and she made his. The whole scene brought a tear to my eye. For everyone who knows Emily, you know that she says some of the sweetest things. Still, I was amazed at her understanding of what the firefighter did and how important she thought it was to let him know. Her outlook on this whole situation has been remarkably mature for someone of her age. She is only four. She already has her two year old sister singing "It's a Grand Old Flag." Too funny.

I have always considered myself to be some what patriotic. I can even remember studying the American Revolution in the 5th grade and feeling a great pride when I read the line in the textbook that said, "The Patroits had won the war." Never before however, has my pride been as great as it is now. America has never been this united and never before have I been as proud as I am today to say that I am an American.

"And I hear them saying, you'll never change things, and no matter what you do it's still the same thing, but it's not the world that I am changing, I do this so this world will know, that it will not change me." Garth Brooks, The Change

- 10/26/01

Me and my darn Letters

As most of you already know, I work for Adelphia Communications in Plymouth, MA. I have been there for 5 1/2 years. I do like my job; that is I like the people I work with and I like the work I do. The only real problem I have is that for the past five months, I have been doing the job of a supervisor without any additional pay or even any appreciation. I have taken supervisor calls, forced trouble calls in the system by doing what is referred to as a "must-do", handled dispatch, have inventory codes and training, something that is usually reserved for a supervisor or lead, and have been left "in charge" by various supervisors when they leave. After five months, I decided that I felt taken advantadge of and unappreciated, so I wrote a letter to two of my direct supervisors. I also addressed issues such as overnight staff having just as much right to vacation and sick time as the day people and, how when someone is absent(for whatever reason) from their ovrnight shift, their shift needs to be filled. There was one occasion where someone was on a scheduled vacation day and someone else called in. As a result, I had to work from 4:30PM Saturday until 8:00AM Sunday...a fifteen hour overnight shift. On many other occasions, we have been left short handed. Anyway,the letter was very kind and professional...I presented the problems and offered possible solutions, as well as had a face to face follow-up indicating that I was willing to help in whatever way I could. Not to brag or toot my own horn, but I write a pretty good letter and usually, I see some results. Unfortunately, other than a compliment on my letter writing skills, I saw nothing, not even so much as a thank you for what you do etc. I was shocked to say the least. Aside from doing the job of a supervisor and deserving to be paid like one, I at the very least thought I would get a little appreciation. So, now, I am at somewhat of a crossroads. I am tempted to just stop...stop doing everything that I do and let them see just how much they need me. However, being the helpful and kind person that I am, I feel bad leaving my fellow employees and the customers in a lurch, especially, knowing full well that I am able to help. But really, why should I continue if I am not going to get even the slightest amount of aprreciation (other than from my fellow CSSR's)? In my mind, I deserve the money, but in my heart, I just want a little recognition. Thats all, and I really don't think that is too much to ask. Sometimes I feel that part of this is my fault. For those of you who know me and know me well, you know that I am very easy-going, very willing to help, and very forgiving. Soemtimes, I think that these traits are good ones...at times like this though, I feel like I should be a little more aggressive, or rather assertive. I feel like I am being walked all over, like they just assume that, "Sharon's here so I can leave and feel comfortable knowing things will go well." I guess it is a good thing that they have confidence in me and my abilities but I really feel that I deserve more than that. I am still not sure what to do so I will have to continue to think about it and see which path I feel will lead in the right direction...if there is one.

9:30AM - 10/25/01

Buffy, Friendlys, and another famous letter!

I just finished watching an episode of Buffy with Ryun. It was pretty good. For those of you who may watch, I really like what they are doing with the relationship between Spike and Buffy. For those of you who do not watch and have no idea what I am talking about, you should start! The title, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" is really kind of misleading...there is a lot more to the show than just vampires. I have to admit, when Ryun suggested I watch it with him a few years back, I was not too keen on the idea, but now, well, lets just say I'm hooked. If you are interested, it is on Tuesday nights at 8:00PM on UPN. If you want to catch it from the beginning of the series, they just started playing season one episodes nightly at 7:00Pm on FX.

Anyway, I just came down to my computer to write a letter to Friendlys in Plymouth. On Friday, after running a few errands for my mother, I decided to take my children, Emily and Katie for lunch. The service was horrible and something that should have taken no more than an hour took close to 2! It wasn't even busy and there was really no excuse, at least not one that was obvious. My kids were hungry and yes, probably a little tired, so they were restless and Katie was crying. You would think that the waitress would do all she could to help out...at least bring out the drinks within a reasonable amount of time. Instead, she took about 15 minutes to ask us if we even wanted a drink and then another 15 to bring the drinks out. Anyway I want to make the manager aware of the service, or rather lack of service I received while there. Who knows? Maybe I will get a coupon for a free icecream for the kids ...which I of course will use in the Middleboro restaurant! ;)

Well, it is getting late and I need to go to bed so I can get up in the morning and be somewhat functional for the girls! Until next time...

Life Questions To Ponder

Despite my kick but letter, I did not get my own desk at work. I did however find out that there may be a lead position opening up in the very near future. So, in spite of my threatening to quit, I have decided to stick it out for a little while to see if the position does in fact become a reality. If it does I will apply for it and, given my seniority and experience, I am sure I will get it. I guess sometimes you have to give something up to get something better. That is a philosphy that I could apply to many areas of my life if I could summon the willpower to do so.

Willpower is something I seriously lack. Some days I think, "Ok, this is the day I am going to step up to the plate and change what is wrong with my life. Nothing is going to get in my way." Sometimes, I hold on to that "go get em" attitude for a few days but, inevitably it seems, I eventually slip back in to the same routine, the same old habits. I am truly inspired by those who have made drastic life changes and have stuck by them, inspired by people who have made decsions that have altered their lives in positive an long lasting ways. I wish I knew what was holding me back.

Why can't I be like them? Why do I feel like there is something out there just waiting for me to take hold? Why do I feel like I am cheating my husband and children out of knowing the "real me" because I can't seem to figure out on my own who the "real me" is? Why do I constantly feel like I am putting on an act? Why do I always feel like I have so much more to offer my family, friends, and the world more than I currently am? Why is it so hard for me to understand that unless I straighten out my life and my feelings right now, I will undoubtedly feel this way forever?

These are questions I ponder daily. As with any change, there is a bit of uncertainty and unfamiliar ground. Is that it, am I just afraid of the unknown?

Ranting about Adelphia...AGAIN

Adelphia...a fine example of management at its worst. Arghh. Just when I was starting to somewhat calm down about this, something else happens to yet again bring my blood to a boil. Although this has yet to be substaniated by anyone of real authority, rumors are abound that the customer service department will again be sharing desks. When we moved to our new office close to a year ago, we were all promised that we would have our own desks and, for the most part we all do. Leave it to Adelphia management to go back on their word. One of the apparent reasons behind this idea is that they want us to all be in the same section with a lead cssr in every row. Another reason which is something that makes absolutely no sense to me is that they have set up a new backup phone system that only backs up a certain row of phones should there be a loss of power. Why the hell would they not spend the goddamn money to have all of the phones backed up? If power goes out in the daytime when there are probably 20 or more people answering the phones at a time, there are going to be one hell of a lot of people twiddling their thumbs when only about six phones will be active. To be honest, I really don't care what their reasons are. I deserve and will have my own desk. I swear to God I will find a new job if I don't. I have been a dedicated and well liked employee of that company for almost six years. For the past six months I have been doing the job of a supervisor without any additional pay or recognition. I have worked overtime for them when the phones were out of hand (yes, of course I get paid but I could have said no). I have assisted fellow employees and management numerous times and in countless ways through my knowledge of the cable industry and my willingness and interest in helping others. I deserve my own desk, at the very least. I am not one to rock the boat and to be honest I usually do not stand up for myself in most situations. I have had it though. I have reached my boiling point and this time, come hell or high water, I will stand up to them. None of this is a shock to me. Adelphia does eveything wrong. They screw their own employees (never mind their customers) and they have never given me personally the credit I deserve for being the smart and dedicated person that I am. I will not stand for it anymore. I will have my own desk or I will leave. Simple as that.

7:08 p.m. - 2002-02-26

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Fun in The Sun

Here it is...the long awaited, much anticipated Florida Review. I did this on purpose I will have you know...wating so long to post this. I figured I would let the suspense build up a bit, add a little drama. I said what the hell?

So it sucked. HA! Just kidding of course. We had a great time. Its hard not to have fun when you visit the most magical place in the world.

Weather: 70 degrees, sunny everyday

Plane rides: Boston to Atlanta: smooth ride, very crowded plane

Atlanta to Orlando: Smooth ride, nice plane, about 1/2 full.

Orlando to Boston: SUCKED HARD. Very bumpy...bad enough for the pilot to apologize. Plane was only about 1/4 full but there was still not enough room for me to get on my knees and pray to God that I wasn't going to die. It was that bad, really.

Ok, rather than give you a day by day, blow by blow, I thought I would just point out some of the highlights, as well as tell you the rides that kicked some serious ass.

We started off at the rental car agency which, although I did not find that overly exciting, Ryun did so I thought I would share it anyway. We rented a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. The exciting part? It had a dash board ignition switch...which is apparently something that appeals to Ryun.

Anyway, after he was done drooling, we drove to our hotel and checked in. It was nice, our room was good size. Only complaint? We went back in time a few decades to the 1970's. The room was decorated in brown, yellow and puke green. It was lovely, really.

We spent the night and the following day at Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk, all owned by Universal.

Must sees: Rides: JAWS...scary but well worth it!

Back to the Future: Not for those with a weak stomach but if you are not one of those, go on this ride without a doubt.

Earthquake: very well done and worth the wait there may be.

Twister: IF YOU DO NOTHING ELSE DO THIS. IT WAS UN-FREAKING-BELIEVABLE!

Kongfrontation: King Kong gets loose in the streets of NY. Very cool ride.

Jurassic Park River Adventure: Awesome...you would swear that the dinosaurs still walked the earth. Be prepared to get wet though.

Places to eat: Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville: Its Jimmy Buffet...enough said.

Hard Rock Orlando: same as any Hard Rock but a fun place to go just the same.

On Monday we went to Disney's Animal Kingdom. This is Disney's newest theme park and it was simply amazing. Exotic animals, beautiful waterfalls, wildlife preservation at its best.

Must sees: Kilimanjaro Safari's: There may be a long wait but it is soooo worth it. Get up close and personal with a giraffe, elephant, alligator. The ride brings you right through "Africa". It is just beautiful.

Its Tough to Be a Bug: This was just unbelievable. The best show I think I have ever seen. Great effects and very funny.

Kali River Rapids: Fun fun fun...wet wet wet!

Dinosaur: "The only thing between you and extinction is a seatbelt." Enough said.

When we finished at Animal Kingdom we went over to the Magic Kingdom. I swear you can actually feel the magic in the air. It really is the happiest place on earth.

Must sees: Hall of Presidents: A Disney original and still one of the most popular attractions there.

The Haunted Mansion: same as above.

Thunder Mountain: A rollercoaster. Doesn't go upside down but its fun just the same.

Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin: Long wait time but again, worth it. Fun, interactive ride which I might add, Ryun kicked my butt in. His score? 73,000. Mine: 2300...um yeah.

Splash Mountain...didn't do it but hell, it had a wait time of over a freaking hour. Must be good.

That night we went over to Downtown Disney and ate at Planet Hollywood. Similar idea as hard Rock Cafe but based on TV and movies instead. If you ever play trivial pursuit with my husband, be on his team. He is an overflowing fountain of information on a variety of subjects, but especially anything even remotely related to television, movies and animation. He is amazing, I mean it.

The next day we went to MGM Studios. Ryun (the one with the actual nerve)went on Aerosmiths Rock n Rollercoaster. 0 to 60 in 2.8 seconds...YIKES. He was like a little kid when he got off the ride. Too cute.

Must sees: The Backlot Tour: Very cool special effects and informative too.

Pizza Planet: Just like in Toy Story.

Fantasmic: Disney magic at its absolute best. It's just beautiful...beyond words.

Where to eat: The 50's Prime Time Cafe: a 50's cafe set up with 50's televisions and kitchen tables. Very fun place to eat. Make sure you eat all of your vegetables though, or Mom will be mad.

On the last day there we went over to Epcot. Unfortunately, we were pressed for time so we did not get to see as much there as we would have liked. Here is the list of must sees from the things we were able to do...keep in mind there may be more.

Test Track: GO ON THIS RIDE. It was awesome. I can't tell you how much so. It rocked, it was my favorite ride ever. I CAN NOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH. Go on this ride or you won't be my friend anymore. Point made?!?!?!

Body Wars: Again, not a ride for those with a weak stomach but a ride through the human body at unheard of speeds. Its great.

Universe of Energy: Awesome.

The Spaceship Earth: really cool...much better than the school planetariam trust me.

Italy: Yummy. Eat here in the World Showcase. Good food and for those of you who enjoy Italian men, great waiters!!

The American Adventure: If you have any pride in this great country at all, see this show. Its wonderful and really makes you proud.

I really have to say that one of the best parts of the whole trip was the weather. It was gorgeous. I love the feeling of the hot sun on my face. I love looking up and seeing a blue sky. I love feeling the light breeze as it brushes by my body. It just made me feel so good.

I am looking forward to taking Emily and Katie in a few years. Although it was nice to have a week of peace and quiet, there were many times that I wish I had them with me. I missed them of course but I mean because of how excited they would have been at some things.

So there you have it. Incidentally, the monorail broke the day after we left and they had to rescue people by ladder. Also, on that same day Adam Vinatieri, the Patriots kicker was there. Yeah, so we missed some excitement. You know, because the rest of the trip was pretty boring.