Happy Solstice

Sorry I didn't post last week, but it's the holidays, I've been very busy, blah blah blah. Mostly, I've been putting massive time at Kohl's: going straight there from the library, closing the store, getting up in the morning and doing it again for eight hours. This past weekend wasn't too bad in the human relations department, I only got slapped down twice, and one of them was a line jumper who told me I was mean when I told her she'd have to wait in line. So she went and jumped someone else's line. Anyway, most of this will be over by the time I have to work there again. They did try to schedule me for Christmas Eve, but I made it very clear that wasn't happening. In a nice way, of course. As much as they need me, I still need them until I can find something better.

It is the solstice today, it's all downhill skiing til the 21st of June. I just have to get to the equinox without losing it, and I'm pretty sure I can handle the rest. Actually, I just have to get through Christmas, at the moment. Nancy is the only one who's scheduled, but I'd love to hear from the rest of you. I'm going back late on the 27th, since I have an interview on the 28th. Anyway, it's the solstice today, and I should probably be pouring libations or something, but instead I got my oil changed and fought the crowds for a few more gifts. No one will be slighted this year, I promise. They may not be as spectacular as some years, but everyone gets one and my credit rating is intact. I drive down tomorrow night after my Weight Watchers meeting and will try to contact anyone who's interested on the 23rd. I'm staying at my parents', so call there for best results.

Well, today counts as a day off since I only had to go to the library for work today and just do some grocery shopping afterwards. I probably should have done laundry, but I'll do that tomorrow before I go to the holiday party at the community center where I tutor. Hopefully, I also get Sunday off, so I can go to the Christmas party at work. I didn't get to go last year due to car drama (and what an expensive drama it was-I could have gone to New York and seen something other than my car's insides for for what it ended up costing me). I'm a little nervous about going to either, since I'm not that good in a group. Sure, I can get up there and entertain, but the idea of conversing with more than one person at a time and switching off frequently is a little daunting.

Just a reminder folks: I'll be in Indy from the 23rd to the 28th. If you want to do lunch or something, let me know ASAP, because I might cut my visit short. Why would I flee Indianapolis and not shed more of the glory on it that it so despereately needs? I was just informed by Seth, a friend from high school, that he's going to be in Chicago around that time, and as we have not seen each other in forever, I'd like to catch up with him before he heads back to oh-so-temperate North Carolina. And really, who wouldn't? Besides, vacation days are scarce and I'd like to spend a few days in spring seeing the cherry blossoms in Michigan.

I'd like to pick the collective brain: What are the best books for an 11-month-old? I'm sponsoring a child through a "Letters to Santa" campaign through the local newspaper. I think one toy, one outfit, and one book would just about fit the bill. I'm going to use my Kohl's discount since, as you know, Target is in the doghouse.

Funny thing is, I heard on NPR that they're being boycotted by some right-wing Christians as well because they say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." Where are the lions when you need some? I think it shows how desperate some people are that they're making a fuss over holiday greetings when there are serious human rights violations taking place in their name under the aegis of the guy they put in office. I mean, isn't Christianity the religion of human rights? I mean, the founder was crucified for pity's sake. For saying how great it would be if we just treated each other decently. Human rights violations don't come much more egregious than that. So we're arguing about what to call a co-opted pagan holiday. Part of the reason I got out of Christianity was because of the Christians. Or, at least, the more fervent ones who didn't want me muddying up their pure faith. End of screed.

Ah, well, Christmas cards will be going out soon, filled with Kohl's holiday goodness for those who requested it. I just hope they get there in time. I should have gone to the store tonight to see if they were in yet, but I was cold. It's been what Colin would call "stupid cold," and what I'm willing to call "just plain too f$#*ing cold." The gas company is going to love me, and not just because I've been heating tea by the gallon. It's supposed to get better, or worse in a different way. It's supposed to warm up enough to snow. Hopefully, by the time I have to go to work Friday, it will have stopped and the roads will be relatively clear. Now, I really have to work on my needlepoint if I'm ever going to get my mother a present for the new digs.

Ho! Ho! Ho! There must be some direct correlation between the lack of sunlight and the viciousness that is manifest in some people's personalities. Yesterday, I had a woman throw a tantrum because I could not put her payment on two seperate credit cards, another today sulk and demand a refund because the slippers she wanted were ringing up 81 cents more than advertised, and the topper: a man threatened me with my job because I asked him to wait while I put change in my drawer. There's plenty of other examples of rudeness and general nastiness that I could mention, but those are the ones that really stick out. The holiday spirit apparently does not extend to retail staff. Swift was right: "We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to love one another."

I haven't heard back from the library interview yet, so I'm assuming I didn't get it. That's too bad, 'cuz I think I would have done well there.

I hope I find a car soon, because this is getting ridiculous. This week, the crack in my windshield expanded. Also, it snowed tonight. You can tell where the suburbs end and the city begins, because the city streets are perfectly plowed and salted. Aldermen know that it takes somewhat more than graft and sweetheart deals to stay in office: if voters can't get out of their driveways to go to work, they sure as hell aren't going to get out to vote for you. Anyway, I cant park in front of my building because it's on a snow route, which means other people can't park there either, which means the side streets are incredibly crowded. They are also rather slick. The scariest part of the evening (including the guy who threatened to get a manager to fire me) was trying to find a parking space. It was Chicago Slip-n-Slide on the side streets. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better, in all respects.

Oh, yes, I figured out who Medbh McGuckian is. She's a poet out of Ireland, as I suspected. i also found a few of her poems on line. Her use of syntax and imagery is, well, interesting. I haven't been this baffled since Colin tried to get me interested in Tori Amos. I'm really more of an Ani DiFranco kind of girl: "If you're born a lion, don't bother trying to act tame." I should stop now. I have to get up in the morning and be led by the unknowing and do the impossible for the ungrateful.

Not much to report this week. I went on an interview yesterday and I'm hoping to hear back. It's only part time, but I've got to get out of Kohl's and into something that uses my talents. And pays better.
The new quarter started today at my other job, so I'm going to be busy the next few weeks doing library orientations and modules on Why Plagiarism is Wrong. Reason Number One: you're going to get caught. Your teachers may be old farts, but they're not stupid, and they know how to use the Internet. If they don't, I'll show them. I'm looking forward to seeing Mr. Lombardi, the head of the legal studies department again. He appreciates my appreciation of Glenlivet. One of these days we'll have to sit down for a drink. I understand why he likes his job: the paralegals are the real brainiacs of the school. As I've said before, they're not only smart enough to be lawyers, they're smart enough not to be lawyers. Sorry, Nancy.

One of you piqued my curiosity, and now I have a question for the group: Who is Medbh McGuckian, and why would anyone preemptively punish their child by naming them that?