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shadowkat1. Going back to work has mixed results. While I'm getting along well with Breaking Bad (my boss) and the lawyer (who is adorable as ever), I appear to be getting along less well with peripheral co-workers - such as the A's, Mel (who left for another position), and KH. Although it probably doesn't matter - since we're in different departments now, and have relatively little reason to interact. And, I've nothing to talk to them about and honestly, prefer to be left to my own ends.
We could all be working remotely and be fine. But I work for a public agency and I'm in a union, and they refuse to provide remote work to union members.
The commute is tough - and problematic. Mainly because it is the human being obstacle course. This morning, for example, I started down the stair case to catch my train to Jamaica - at 7:10, it leaves at 7:19. The stair case was empty when I started down it - then the train arrived and the passengers (Long Islanders) raced up it, with little to no mind of anyone who might be going down it. I decided to stick close to one side and use the railing in the hopes that I could get around them. When alas, I ran into a woman who refused to go around. She came to my chest, so my head was above hers. Her dog gently nudged my knee. I looked at the dog.
"You're going to have to around me since I can't -" I began, seeing the wave of people fill the staircase to the left of us.
Then looked into her unseeing eyes. She had a wild fit of black gray hair, was elderly, and clearly completely blind and couldn't see a thing. I waved a hand in front of her, and looked at the dog again, seeing the special holder - and sighed.
"Alright, you're clearly blind. I'm sorry. I'll just have to go around you." I step to the side, and look at the folks who were climbing out around her. We exchange a quick look, they back up and split off to one side, letting me through. They clearly heard me. I remember thinking on the way down the steps to get to my train, two things: 1) there are elevators, if you have a disability, you really should use them, and 2) stupid trains should provide more time to get to them when they arrive. Nine minutes is not enough time.
I have the same issues getting to the subway - I miss my train because of the flood of human beings coming up the subway steps refusing to let me get by them or even the flood exiting through the turnstile that refuses to let me get in. And I have less than a minute to get to that train.
The kids, basically 14-25, are the worst offenders. So much so, I occasionally daydream about going back in time and neutering half my generation or my generation's kids.
It's exhausting. And also why I get up at 5:45 am in the morning, and leave for work by 6:35, so I can catch either the 7:10 or 7:19 commuter trains at Atlantic Avenue, if I hit the 7:36, I'll only be two-five minutes late to work. On the way back, I try to get off the train soon enough so I can catch the subway. But I miss it - always - and end up having to wait 10-15 minutes for the next one. The longer the wait, the more people on it, and the more aggressive I've got to be to snag a seat.
Public transportation poses its challenges.
2. I'm frustrated with my apartment complex and Amazon. They've installed new Amazon Lockers - which is wonderful, except, there's a limited number of lockers - and when one isn't available - the package won't be delivered. And the tenants in my building are notoriously slow at picking up their packages. I know this - because I see packages sitting in the mail room that haven't been picked up in two weeks. Amazon is supposed to retrieve and remove them, if they haven't been picked up within 48 hours, or the super is supposed to clear the lockers making room for additional packages. I have a feeling the super wasn't aware of that second bit.
So I told them.
I also contacted Amazon - to ask about the delayed packaged. They told me if I don't get it by Thursday, to contact them for next steps. So I'll wait. It's just a computer charger.
But it's making me uneasy about ordering from Amazon. I switched my delivery option to front door from locker for now. This a great idea, but only if people are mindful and considerate of others, and don't use it as their own repository to pick up stuff whenever they want. Honestly, Amazon needs to retrieve within 48 hours. Some people need to be metaphorically spanked, until they figure out that they have to share with others and be considerate.
3. I'm cranky due to lack of sleep (been sleeping poorly) and digestive issues causing sciatica to go down the right leg.
Here's an article about how lack of sleep can make us cranky and less generous to others.
An unexpected side effect of daylight savings time - a study finds that after a bad night's sleep, we're less kind to others - I don't know, I could have told them that without the study.
The incessant election ads, emails, texts, and coverage which has been going on for over a year now - has it's own toxic effect. I'm terrified of this election. And both sides are doing their utmost to keep me scared and terrified. I get scary texts and emails constantly - all wanting me to donate money to somebody. (They are all Democrats - the Republican's know I won't vote for their skanky stinky asses, so gave a while back. Also, I live in a liberal area, in a liberal state.) Or to volunteer. (I've neither the energy nor the time to do so. I have a difficult full time job with an hour commute daily. It's not happening.) As a result? I'm cranky and keep thinking - now if I could just wave a magic wand and magically remove all the fascist Republicans from existence...life would be a lot less stressful. I truly hate the Republican Party, you couldn't pay me enough to support those greedy assholes.
Debating about seeing my brother. I've already agreed to come up on November 1-3, but I could always cancel. I'm procrastinating asking for the time off and purchasing Amtrak tickets. It's not really my brother - it's the travel. I just finished the whole packing, stressing over packing, lugging my bag on and off public transportation, and sleeping/eating/showering, etc in someone else's space, also depending on them for transport. I find the prospect of doing it again right now exhausting. I'd rather wait a bit. But that may not work - either for me, time wise, or for him.
There's so many things I need to do - and it's hard to do them, because got to work them around my work schedule. (I have a 10 hour work day - 8 hours work, about 1 hour and 10 minutes commute both ways. I'm up at 5:45 am, out the door by 6:30 am, and I get there at 7:36 or 7:40 depending, and I'm out at 3:50 pm, and home usually by 5-5:15 pm. So by the time I get home? I've time to call mother, run errands, make dinner/lunch, relax in front of telly, and maybe write a post - also take meds, set out clothes for tomorrow - getting to bed between 10-11 pm, when I should be doing 9pm, but my body steadfastly refuses. I'm not a morning person and never will be. Work be damned.)
So somehow, I have to fit laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning, hair appointments, doctor's appointments, and socializing (such as it is) in there. And I'm doing it with mixed success. The hair appointment can wait.
Plus the COVID and Shingles vaccines.
I don't know if this would be easier if I drove or not? Not in NYC. Only crazy people and professional drivers drive (aka cab and uber/lyft drivers) in NYC. It's expensive and takes longer, plus highly dangerous to drive in NYC. There's been 129 accidents on the street that I live on - alone.
I also prefer walking and the subways - I have more control and its a lot safer. Not to mention faster. And I can read, write, and listen to music on subways. Plus no anxiety attacks.
4. This is just sad and painful. Although I already read about it, elsewhere. Romeo and Juliet was a Tragedy - years later Olivia Hussy and Leonard Whiting sue Paramount over their abuse at the hands of the director and producer of the film
I don't know about anyone else? But I'm tired of privileged artists abusing people to get their own way, and worse getting away with it. I was discussing with my mother the various writers/directors/film stars etc that I can no longer watch or read, because I struggle separating their art from their nasty behavior. I know people are more than one thing - but once known, it's hard to well...not have it impact their work.
A friend tried to equate it with finding out that a hunk in a rom-com is actually gay in real life. But I told her no, that's an entirely different scenario. For one thing - I don't care if they are gay, homosexual, queer, etc. That's between them and their partner. It's like telling me they wear purple on their days off. (I love purple). And it hurts no one. Any more than I care if a straight guy or gal is playing a homosexual or lesbian. It's acting.
But being a nasty abusive nitwit in reality, and getting away with it - does have an effect on how I'm going to view that person's artwork. Particularly if their brand is the exact opposite of their behavior. If their brand is asshole - then well, I know what I'm buying into, right? (Sid Vicious for example was an asshole - if you listen to his music, you kind of knew that going in, no surprises there.) But if their brand is kind, charming, adorable and liberal, possibly progressive - and their actions behind the scenes or are revealed to be the exact opposite? I'm going to have troubles reading, listening to or watching their art. (I don't think I need to provide any examples?)
5. I don't know - I'm skeptical about some of the things listed here, but feel free to let me know what you all think?
From the Penny Hoarder - If you have more than 1,000 in your checking account, here are your money moves
We could all be working remotely and be fine. But I work for a public agency and I'm in a union, and they refuse to provide remote work to union members.
The commute is tough - and problematic. Mainly because it is the human being obstacle course. This morning, for example, I started down the stair case to catch my train to Jamaica - at 7:10, it leaves at 7:19. The stair case was empty when I started down it - then the train arrived and the passengers (Long Islanders) raced up it, with little to no mind of anyone who might be going down it. I decided to stick close to one side and use the railing in the hopes that I could get around them. When alas, I ran into a woman who refused to go around. She came to my chest, so my head was above hers. Her dog gently nudged my knee. I looked at the dog.
"You're going to have to around me since I can't -" I began, seeing the wave of people fill the staircase to the left of us.
Then looked into her unseeing eyes. She had a wild fit of black gray hair, was elderly, and clearly completely blind and couldn't see a thing. I waved a hand in front of her, and looked at the dog again, seeing the special holder - and sighed.
"Alright, you're clearly blind. I'm sorry. I'll just have to go around you." I step to the side, and look at the folks who were climbing out around her. We exchange a quick look, they back up and split off to one side, letting me through. They clearly heard me. I remember thinking on the way down the steps to get to my train, two things: 1) there are elevators, if you have a disability, you really should use them, and 2) stupid trains should provide more time to get to them when they arrive. Nine minutes is not enough time.
I have the same issues getting to the subway - I miss my train because of the flood of human beings coming up the subway steps refusing to let me get by them or even the flood exiting through the turnstile that refuses to let me get in. And I have less than a minute to get to that train.
The kids, basically 14-25, are the worst offenders. So much so, I occasionally daydream about going back in time and neutering half my generation or my generation's kids.
It's exhausting. And also why I get up at 5:45 am in the morning, and leave for work by 6:35, so I can catch either the 7:10 or 7:19 commuter trains at Atlantic Avenue, if I hit the 7:36, I'll only be two-five minutes late to work. On the way back, I try to get off the train soon enough so I can catch the subway. But I miss it - always - and end up having to wait 10-15 minutes for the next one. The longer the wait, the more people on it, and the more aggressive I've got to be to snag a seat.
Public transportation poses its challenges.
2. I'm frustrated with my apartment complex and Amazon. They've installed new Amazon Lockers - which is wonderful, except, there's a limited number of lockers - and when one isn't available - the package won't be delivered. And the tenants in my building are notoriously slow at picking up their packages. I know this - because I see packages sitting in the mail room that haven't been picked up in two weeks. Amazon is supposed to retrieve and remove them, if they haven't been picked up within 48 hours, or the super is supposed to clear the lockers making room for additional packages. I have a feeling the super wasn't aware of that second bit.
So I told them.
I also contacted Amazon - to ask about the delayed packaged. They told me if I don't get it by Thursday, to contact them for next steps. So I'll wait. It's just a computer charger.
But it's making me uneasy about ordering from Amazon. I switched my delivery option to front door from locker for now. This a great idea, but only if people are mindful and considerate of others, and don't use it as their own repository to pick up stuff whenever they want. Honestly, Amazon needs to retrieve within 48 hours. Some people need to be metaphorically spanked, until they figure out that they have to share with others and be considerate.
3. I'm cranky due to lack of sleep (been sleeping poorly) and digestive issues causing sciatica to go down the right leg.
Here's an article about how lack of sleep can make us cranky and less generous to others.
An unexpected side effect of daylight savings time - a study finds that after a bad night's sleep, we're less kind to others - I don't know, I could have told them that without the study.
The incessant election ads, emails, texts, and coverage which has been going on for over a year now - has it's own toxic effect. I'm terrified of this election. And both sides are doing their utmost to keep me scared and terrified. I get scary texts and emails constantly - all wanting me to donate money to somebody. (They are all Democrats - the Republican's know I won't vote for their skanky stinky asses, so gave a while back. Also, I live in a liberal area, in a liberal state.) Or to volunteer. (I've neither the energy nor the time to do so. I have a difficult full time job with an hour commute daily. It's not happening.) As a result? I'm cranky and keep thinking - now if I could just wave a magic wand and magically remove all the fascist Republicans from existence...life would be a lot less stressful. I truly hate the Republican Party, you couldn't pay me enough to support those greedy assholes.
Debating about seeing my brother. I've already agreed to come up on November 1-3, but I could always cancel. I'm procrastinating asking for the time off and purchasing Amtrak tickets. It's not really my brother - it's the travel. I just finished the whole packing, stressing over packing, lugging my bag on and off public transportation, and sleeping/eating/showering, etc in someone else's space, also depending on them for transport. I find the prospect of doing it again right now exhausting. I'd rather wait a bit. But that may not work - either for me, time wise, or for him.
There's so many things I need to do - and it's hard to do them, because got to work them around my work schedule. (I have a 10 hour work day - 8 hours work, about 1 hour and 10 minutes commute both ways. I'm up at 5:45 am, out the door by 6:30 am, and I get there at 7:36 or 7:40 depending, and I'm out at 3:50 pm, and home usually by 5-5:15 pm. So by the time I get home? I've time to call mother, run errands, make dinner/lunch, relax in front of telly, and maybe write a post - also take meds, set out clothes for tomorrow - getting to bed between 10-11 pm, when I should be doing 9pm, but my body steadfastly refuses. I'm not a morning person and never will be. Work be damned.)
So somehow, I have to fit laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning, hair appointments, doctor's appointments, and socializing (such as it is) in there. And I'm doing it with mixed success. The hair appointment can wait.
Plus the COVID and Shingles vaccines.
I don't know if this would be easier if I drove or not? Not in NYC. Only crazy people and professional drivers drive (aka cab and uber/lyft drivers) in NYC. It's expensive and takes longer, plus highly dangerous to drive in NYC. There's been 129 accidents on the street that I live on - alone.
I also prefer walking and the subways - I have more control and its a lot safer. Not to mention faster. And I can read, write, and listen to music on subways. Plus no anxiety attacks.
4. This is just sad and painful. Although I already read about it, elsewhere. Romeo and Juliet was a Tragedy - years later Olivia Hussy and Leonard Whiting sue Paramount over their abuse at the hands of the director and producer of the film
I don't know about anyone else? But I'm tired of privileged artists abusing people to get their own way, and worse getting away with it. I was discussing with my mother the various writers/directors/film stars etc that I can no longer watch or read, because I struggle separating their art from their nasty behavior. I know people are more than one thing - but once known, it's hard to well...not have it impact their work.
A friend tried to equate it with finding out that a hunk in a rom-com is actually gay in real life. But I told her no, that's an entirely different scenario. For one thing - I don't care if they are gay, homosexual, queer, etc. That's between them and their partner. It's like telling me they wear purple on their days off. (I love purple). And it hurts no one. Any more than I care if a straight guy or gal is playing a homosexual or lesbian. It's acting.
But being a nasty abusive nitwit in reality, and getting away with it - does have an effect on how I'm going to view that person's artwork. Particularly if their brand is the exact opposite of their behavior. If their brand is asshole - then well, I know what I'm buying into, right? (Sid Vicious for example was an asshole - if you listen to his music, you kind of knew that going in, no surprises there.) But if their brand is kind, charming, adorable and liberal, possibly progressive - and their actions behind the scenes or are revealed to be the exact opposite? I'm going to have troubles reading, listening to or watching their art. (I don't think I need to provide any examples?)
5. I don't know - I'm skeptical about some of the things listed here, but feel free to let me know what you all think?
From the Penny Hoarder - If you have more than 1,000 in your checking account, here are your money moves
no subject
Date: 2024-10-24 12:19 pm (UTC)I wish we could make a lot of politicians disappear but yes including the US Republicans for sure.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-24 02:24 pm (UTC)The nude scenes aren't the problem so much as how Zeferelli went about it. He was right to do a closed set, but he should have had an intimacy consultant around (they require it now) and chaperone or guardian on set. Also, the actors should have been fairly compensated.
Would they allow it now? Hard to know. Skins - a television series from the UK - went a lot further, as have a lot of other films in the US. There are quite a few controversial films out there that kind of make this seem tame by comparison. It's why this hasn't gotten that much coverage, because there's far worse out there.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-24 05:22 pm (UTC)I see that the real estate investment fund is a paid promotion. There are various ways to invest in real estate -- personally I prefer a REIT which can be traded publicly and whose daily price is available. Also cash back on credit cards is an easy way to save money -- I don't know as I've seen any offers for debit cards before as I don't use one, but the credit card ones do also give me hundreds back a year because I charge anything I can and don't carry a balance.
The overpaying on Amazon, I don't know what they're promoting as I didn't want to click the link but there are sites like Honey which will track prices across sites and will also let you create droplists where you can get alerts if the price on something you want goes down.
Regarding car insurance, it is always a good idea to check on insurance costs every year or few years to ensure you can't get a better deal. But it's a nuisance to do it because you don't usually get specifics without submitting a lot of info to each company. If that site really does let you get that info directly with one application it could be useful -- though I'd personally double check with whatever the lowest cost result is directly with that company rather than buying through the Insurify site.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-25 01:46 am (UTC)I may try the surveys, and the cash back - I had it once with one credit card, but they discontinued, the other one does mileage - which works for me, and rewards. So I get enough points? I can redeem certain purchases.
My credit card has a tracking device that checks what I'm purchasing, looks into any available deals, any ability to save, and any cheaper options. So I already have it embedded in my browser.
I don't own a car - so I ignored it. But good to know, it seemed a bit odd.
What's REIT? I've not heard of it.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-25 03:26 pm (UTC)They are also much less complicated in terms of tax payments, as capital gains tax would apply for profits and you could deduct losses. I am personally wary of any investment with a private company that is not publicly traded because it can be hard to sell off when you want to and it's possible for the company to declare its own value for shares.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-26 01:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-10-27 10:30 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-10-27 02:50 pm (UTC)They want to monitor what we are doing when we work remotely. Exactly when we are working, when we are on the computer, and what work we've completed. And have transparency. (It's a highly public organization, with politicians making a lot of the major decisions - the Governor is the final say on the budget of the organization. We're partly funded with tax payer dollars.)
They also want people to complete performance evaluation goals quarterly.
And when you work remotely - you don't necessarily have a shift, and they can contact you at all hours, and not pay you for overtime. The union is insisting on a shift and overtime.
Also people are weirdly self-centered, they don't want the people working for the public agency that transfers them to work daily and are in a union to work remotely if they aren't working remotely.
Add to all of that...they want us to leave the union and take a non-union job, because they do want to do away with the union.
Yes, the union has addressed this to the degree that they can. But currently they have bigger things to fix with other groups under the union. My group is relatively small in comparison to the others, so I don't really matter in the scheme of things.
It's okay, I don't care that much about remote work - and certainly not enough to be monitored to that degree and fill out all these forms. It can be stressful in other ways - I worry more about having enough work when I'm remote. At work, I can pretty much do whatever I want as long as I look busy on the computer. Hopefully by the time they figure out how to completely monitor what I'm doing - I'll be retired.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-27 03:14 pm (UTC)