June 30, 2003
Boy oh boy did I have a horrible day at work.  I don't even know where to start.  Since the interpreter clerk is on holidays I am doing backup, and although I was once quite enthusiastic when I first got trained to do it I hate it now...more specifically I hate some of the interpreters.  To sum it up in one statement I would say "What planet are these people from???"  Seriously.  They have major issues.  Not once, not twice, not even three times I have seen them throw tantrums. Yes TANTRUMS.  Screaming, crying, accusations etc.  These interpreters are on contract and I give them work (Is $35/hour is bad pay?) and yet some of them can't handle me marking down people who show up really late. 

Today I was so viciously assaulted (I couldn't get a hold of one of 2 spanish interpreters so I gave the other his assignment) that I was sobbing my eyes out in the back room(I'm such a baby eh?).  I told him I didn't want any trouble (my voilence prevention training started to kick in), but the teeth of this usually professional and calm  mannered man started baring at me and I could see the veins in his forehead start to throb.  It was like that car commercial on tv with the guy turning into the Incredible Hulk because he wanted his minivan to be GREEN.  This interpreter said to me "The case is MINE!  (finger pointing and waving at me) I'm telling you how to do your job!!!!)  I swear if there wasn't a glass barrier he would've strangled me right there.

My supervisor said it's not my fault and that he has done it in the past, yet I am powerless to do anything!  She also told me that even though I don't like it I'm most likely suffering from his prejudice towards me (A 22 year old telling a 40 year old man what to do??).  She said he should've been embarrassed, but don't people realize that they can't just blow up at people like that and then apologize? (he refused to apologize).  I do find solace, though, in my belief that there is such thing as karma.  What comes around goes around.

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March 30, 2003
Been working on my taxes all freaking day.  It's so frustrating.  Being the money-concious person I am I refuse to go to an accountant even though I have never done a tax return before and this year's not an easy one.  I worked at 4 different places this year and I was self-employed.  With all the deductions and crap this makes for a major headache.  I've been using Quicktax software online and although it's thorough, it's still pretty tough.  Guess the CCRA is gonna be all over me this year because I'm not sure if I did it all right.  It doesn't help when the computer crashes a million times either.  Grrr..taxes.

Saw The Pianist yesterday.  Haven't seen such a good movie lately since Beautiful Mind.

Just finished reading Snow Island.  Very moving read.  I think i'm still 56th in line to borrow Stanley Park from the library.

March 2, 2003
In the last 22 years of my life I have vowed to many a friend how our friendship would be forever, whatever "forever" may mean.  Sometimes I would be forced to; my hesitance often very clear.  Sometimes I would truly believe in my heart that there's no way our friendship would have to end.  For me though, as wonderful as friendships have been, an end was always inevitable.  I can't always explain why this happens.  I do not regret anything; I believe in my heart things always happen for a reason.  I just don't relate to those bubblegummy Clean and Clear "we're bessst friends" commercials.  Life just isn't that simple.

February 16th, 2002
Life has been nuts lately.  I'm trying to survive, that's all I can say.  For those who would like to read more of what I have written, here are some of my old Themestream articles that I have managed to archive.  For those who aren't familiar with Themestream.com, it was a place where one could read articles and/or find their niche as a writer.  I found myself there everyday for a few months, earning my four star status, until the site shut down.  I still get sad sometimes, but life does move on.  I hope you enjoy.
 
 

September 26, 2001
I know I know..how much fun is a webpage if it isn't updated often...well here it is.  So what's going on in my life. I'm graduating this year, and I sorta feel like it's all downhill from here.  The only thing is..I am bombarded with decisions to make.  In May I will have a B.A. in English lit and Psychology-two very broad areas..and NO I'm not going into teaching, nor am I going to be a Poet..nor am I going to be a clinical psychologist(you need more than a B.A for that).  Right now I'm working about 25 hours/week selling clothes..something that I simply don't want to do w/ the rest of my life.  Why? The money, and the fact I didn't get a B.A just so I can sell clothes all day.  I might as well say "do you want fries w/ that?".  I am ambitious, I am realistic, and I am also in need of a "real" job.  Yesterday I was doing my usual selling when I sold this lady a cashmere coat.  Turns out she works at another retail establishment(not clothing), and today she asked me out for coffee.  Turns out she wants me to work for her company.  What am I to do?  The pay is better, PLUS there's commission. This actually means something to me since I am one of the top sellers at my place and I get zilch for it.  I am not easily impressed by a few words such as "good work".  I need to feel valued..something I'm not getting from where I work right now.  My net sales are way above company standard, yet I do not get the REAL recognition I deserve.  Back to my B.A.  Before getting my current job, I've never thought about a retail job before.  I still think it's not what I'm worth.  So I can go into management.  One problem is recognition.  Sometimes life isn't fair, and this is one of those areas.  I KNOW I a capable of more responsibilities but the question is whether others above me are willing to give me it.  And finally what do I love? How can I do something I don't love? I love helping people, I love sales, and I love a past-paced work environment.  I love what I am good what.  Yet...I want more..there's a lot in me..I love writing..I love clothes..I love being a leader..hopefully I'll find my niche..and hopefully it would be within reach..I am willing to work hard, but then like I said before..I know my worth.
 
 

August 5, 2001
For those who don't live where I live, our city has been without public transit for over 4 months now due to a transit strike.  So how have people been getting around? Walking, cycling, and carpooling..but still the strike was dehabilating..leaving the poor, the old, and students like me, stranded.  The buses will be up and running on Tuesday, but then that's just because of very belated legislation.  It seems that the local government here is very apathetic about issues that affect those that they can just ignore too easily.  I was not old enough to vote during the last election, but I will definately be voting for some better leaders the next time around.

On a related note, this bus strike made me feel very..hmmm..dependent.  I don't drive, nor can I ride a bike.  My boyfriend and my dad have been very patient about driving me around to my two jobs and to school. 

I only have one year left at UBC until I get my B.A. if things go as planned.  I took 12 credits this summer(equivalent of 4 classes), and it was not exactly that much fun I must admit.  I have been working on avg 15-20 hours/week too.  I'm starting to feel old although strangers still think I look 16. 
 
 

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