I have thousands of fave songs. here are some of them and the corresponding you tube videos that I saw today
MEATLOAF-"Paradise by the Dashboard Light"
CHEAP TRICK-"I want you to want me"
STYX-"Too much time on my hands"
"Come Sail Away"
"Babe"
KANSAS-"Dust in the Wind"
"Carry on my Wayward Son"
(Tried to find some video of another one of my fave groups "Queen" but had no luck with that)
THE ROLLING STONES- "Angie"
"Beast of Burden"
FLEETWOOD MAC-"Rhiannon"
You Tube is amazing, and quite the education for me. Because I might know the words of a song from the radio, but can't always identify who did it. Or I might be able to pull the group name out of my head and not have any idea what they look like. You Tube ends that mystery for me.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
"Favorite Quotes"
"I don't believe in entering into merger negotiations unless there is a lifetime investment." (man's response to why he never married) the show "lipstick jungle"
real ad on the chatline: "umma switch up ma ad cuz I'm gettin' too mini replas from "mall rats"
"Goodby misery I don't ever want to see your ugly face again." ("raisin in the sun" she's moving from an apt. into a house)
"I'm really sad. I just need you to come home, read me a book and tuck me in." (kevin O' Connell's 5 year old son said to him on phone)
"My life was hard with a capital H" (9 year old Dominique, whose mother was murdered)
"I'm a good person stuck in a bad life." (Kristin is trapped in poverty in Atlantic City)
real chatline ad: "I like my women packed and stacked, especially in the back"
real ad on the chatline: "umma switch up ma ad cuz I'm gettin' too mini replas from "mall rats"
"Goodby misery I don't ever want to see your ugly face again." ("raisin in the sun" she's moving from an apt. into a house)
"I'm really sad. I just need you to come home, read me a book and tuck me in." (kevin O' Connell's 5 year old son said to him on phone)
"My life was hard with a capital H" (9 year old Dominique, whose mother was murdered)
"I'm a good person stuck in a bad life." (Kristin is trapped in poverty in Atlantic City)
real chatline ad: "I like my women packed and stacked, especially in the back"
Post Sept. 11 Society/Harder to gain employment/no privacy anymore
I've noticed since Sept. 11, that it is much tougher to gain employment. We are so high security and paranoid as a society that we are expecting too much from applicants. For example, in the 2 years that I was in Indiana, I was not able to so much as get a job interview at the mall. Most companies wanted to do a credit check. (which I can't pass)
Everywhere now, we are warned not to give out our social security numbers indiscriminately, yet, if you don't, the employer will just hire the next guy who comes along who "isn't so difficult."
One day I asked the employer why they were checking my credit. (For god sakes, it's a minimum wage job!) He replied: "Well, if the employee has bad credit then we can't trust him to run the register, he might steal from us."
My thoughts. So the logic is that if you are poor, you are unethical? That's not fair! Even if I hadn't eaten in 3 days I couldn't steal. And I have been put to those kinds of tests already in my life!
I've filled out some awfully intrusive applications in my life, but the one I had to fill out last weekend for a nanny job, took the cake.
1. what does your mother do for a living?
2. your father?
3. do you have a boyfriend?
4. what is your health history?
5. what medications are you on?
6. what has your address been for the last 7 years?
7. are you hiv positive?
8. what is your mother's father's and siblings health history?
Apparently, it is an organization online called nannies plus, who are providing these apps. My friend, a therapist said to me what I always think: Elana, it's not even legal for them to ask you this stuff.
I replied: But if you don't answer it, then they'll just go ahead and hire someone who will!
What are your thoughts on this subject dear reader? Have you noticed how much more difficult it is to get work post September 11th? Or in general?
Everywhere now, we are warned not to give out our social security numbers indiscriminately, yet, if you don't, the employer will just hire the next guy who comes along who "isn't so difficult."
One day I asked the employer why they were checking my credit. (For god sakes, it's a minimum wage job!) He replied: "Well, if the employee has bad credit then we can't trust him to run the register, he might steal from us."
My thoughts. So the logic is that if you are poor, you are unethical? That's not fair! Even if I hadn't eaten in 3 days I couldn't steal. And I have been put to those kinds of tests already in my life!
I've filled out some awfully intrusive applications in my life, but the one I had to fill out last weekend for a nanny job, took the cake.
1. what does your mother do for a living?
2. your father?
3. do you have a boyfriend?
4. what is your health history?
5. what medications are you on?
6. what has your address been for the last 7 years?
7. are you hiv positive?
8. what is your mother's father's and siblings health history?
Apparently, it is an organization online called nannies plus, who are providing these apps. My friend, a therapist said to me what I always think: Elana, it's not even legal for them to ask you this stuff.
I replied: But if you don't answer it, then they'll just go ahead and hire someone who will!
What are your thoughts on this subject dear reader? Have you noticed how much more difficult it is to get work post September 11th? Or in general?
Monday, March 10, 2008
An Historic Fixture Reopened/Sportsman's Hall Roller Rink
I had a rental car on Sunday, and drove to Carroll County for a live in job interview. After taking highway exit to 30 N it didn't take me long to realize where I was. That's always comforting to realize that you aren't on completely new terrain. I immediately had fond memories of "Sportsman's Hall" roller rink. I first went there in '75 for a 7th grade field trip. I was in love with Sammy, but he didn't love me back, so I did not work up the guts to ask him to skate with me for the "ladie's choice" segment. (He ended up marrying his high school sweetheart and I think they are still together.)
When I first got my driver's license, it was one of the first places I drove to. In "Boring" Maryland! Near the Boring Church! You know the boring church! We've all been there! Anyway, Marlin told me about 3 years ago that they were shutting down permanently and it broke my heart.
I think they opened in the 20's but I'm not sure. A boy got kicked out in the 90's so he burned the place down. A year or more later they reopened. Business dropped significantly because of the reduced popularity of roller skating. Business closed. But Oila! They are open!
Yesterday my rental car started acting up about 5 miles from my job interview, just a hop and a skip (and a skate) away from Sportsman's Hall! I was panicked, but thought, "well if a girl has to break down she might as well break down near the roller rink!"
Stunningly, I had just passed it, and the sign was still intact! WHAT! THERE ARE TONS OF KIDS IN THERE! IT'S REOPENED, IT'S REOPENED!
That thrills me! SPORTSMAN'S HALL once won an award for best roller skating light show in the United States..........................
(Hmmm, I'll have to check and see if they have a website!)
Roller skating, anyone? ;)
(p.s. the rental car made a full recovery and I did not have to call for service!)
When I first got my driver's license, it was one of the first places I drove to. In "Boring" Maryland! Near the Boring Church! You know the boring church! We've all been there! Anyway, Marlin told me about 3 years ago that they were shutting down permanently and it broke my heart.
I think they opened in the 20's but I'm not sure. A boy got kicked out in the 90's so he burned the place down. A year or more later they reopened. Business dropped significantly because of the reduced popularity of roller skating. Business closed. But Oila! They are open!
Yesterday my rental car started acting up about 5 miles from my job interview, just a hop and a skip (and a skate) away from Sportsman's Hall! I was panicked, but thought, "well if a girl has to break down she might as well break down near the roller rink!"
Stunningly, I had just passed it, and the sign was still intact! WHAT! THERE ARE TONS OF KIDS IN THERE! IT'S REOPENED, IT'S REOPENED!
That thrills me! SPORTSMAN'S HALL once won an award for best roller skating light show in the United States..........................
(Hmmm, I'll have to check and see if they have a website!)
Roller skating, anyone? ;)
(p.s. the rental car made a full recovery and I did not have to call for service!)
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
"Getting There/Job Interview" 2/08
___The interview for preschool teacher______________
12:50- Sherry picks me up for job interview. The interview is about 11 to 12 miles from my house and off of the bus line. We arrive 35 minutes early. I've filled out the app. which takes 1/2 hour. I'm looking forward to meeting the interviewer as she was lovely over the phone. Another employee, F. says that the interviewer left half hour ago on an emergency! Oh no, I think. She tells me not to worry, as she will interview me.
The waistband of her slacks is down at her pubic bone and a huge naked pot belly is hanging out of her sweater and over her slacks! I've seen men with huge pot bellies hanging out, but NEVER a woman, especially an interviewer.
For the first 5 minutes or so she read my app. This is one of the hardest interviews I've ever had. She leaned into a desk to read the interview questions. I struggled to hear, reading her lips and continuously asking her to repeat the questions. I had long silent delays, really preferring to answer: "I don't know, I don't know."
Here are some of the questions she asked:
1. What would you do if an 18 month old was biting another child in your class. How about a 4 year old? (wait, i thought this was an interview on being a 4 year old teacher, i think)
2. What would you do if you were alone in a classroom with a 2 year old who collapses and his eyes roll back in his head?!" (Oh, that happened just last week! wink wink)
3. Walk me through your class day schedule wise. (I haven't been in a classroom in 6 yrs. so I feel
unprepared for these questions)
4. What kind of science lesson would you create?
5. How would you handle an irate parent?
6. Do you have a reliable means of transportation? (I will if you hire me, I said)
(She kept getting interrupted by the phone. I didn't mind at all given how poorly I was doing. Surprisingly, she has called me back for a second interview)
When the interview was over with @ 2:30 I debated........ should I call L. and see if she can take me home? but she doesn't get off til 3, I think to myself. I can't hitchike with a parent, cuz they'll tattle on me for hitching, then I won't get the job. I'll walk to the front of the building where there is a fitness center and see if any patrons are leaving. No, just people working out.
Should I walk the 1 to 2 miles to the light rail? Better not, I don't see sidewalks, so that's not going to be an option. I start walking through the business park which takes up 1 to 2 blocks, looking for an office worker who might be driving south.
E=elana
E-"Miss, do you happen to be driving south?"
Miss 1-"Yes, but I'm in a huge hurry, so I can't take you. I'm goin to a drs. appt."
E-(I'm thinking, well if you're going my way , why wouldn't you take me?)
E to Miss 2-"Miss, do you happen to be driving South?"
Miss 2-"Actually, I'm not driving anywhere."
(I see some work trucks and work men inside. Wonder if they'll be finishing up soon? Wonder if they'll take hitchikers? Should I call a cab, I wonder? Better not, I'm running low on $. There's a man getting into his car, I run over.
E-"Sir, do you happen to be driving South?"
Sir-"Why?"
E-"Because I'm trying to get as close to my home as possible."
Sir-"Where is that?"
E-"Towson Circle" (that's not my home, but it is my destination)
Sir-"I can only get you to Hunt Valley"
E-"That's fine"
(He's a professor at a local college it turns out, so he's pretty unlikely to kill me. I RARELY ride with men)
E-"Can you get me to light rail?"
Sir-"Sure. Sorry I can't do more."
There's no one at light rail so I do not feel safe. Maybe it would be safer to walk over to the mall and hitch to Towson Circle from there? I think. But it's soo cold. I'l go ahead and buy a ticket just in case. I fiddle with the machine for 5 to 10 minutes, but it is not working. If I get on the train without a ticket I'll get fined. I'm beginning to panic. An elderly woman approaches. She tries the machine for me but also has no luck. She suggests trying the other machine.
E-"I want to go South. Where should I stand?" (it's not clearly marked at all)
She does not give a clear answer.
Finally I ask if she is going South? "Yes" she says.
So, I'll just follow her , I think. It's brutally cold and windy. The bench is too cold for my butt, so I opt to stand. Thank goodness we only wait 10 to 15 minutes. I want to go to Towson Circle but I might as well forget it since light rail doesn't go near there.
on the train and feel isolated, unsafe. Initially, it's just me and one homeless man. I wasn't sure where to get off. Which one of the 3 stops is Bangles Books? Is it the Timonium stop? the timonium business park stop or the Lutherville stop? (For those of you who aren't from baltimore, Timonium and Lutherville kind of melt together with unclear boundaries) Maybe I should get off at Mt. Wash? No, cuz then I'd have to hitch home from Whole Foods and the one controlling employee there isn't going to let me.
E-(Turning to a group of 3, hoping they don't lie just to be mean. I've had that happen on more than one occasion.) Does anyone know which stop is Bangles?
Man 1-I think it's Lutherville, but I'm not sure.
About 1/2 hour later we arrive at the Lutherville stop. The man was right. This turns out to be the right stop. I walk the 5 blocks to Bangles to get a hot cocoa. Then I attempt to hitch to Towson circle with a female bangles customer who might be going my way. I discreetly stand at the exit, asking every female who exits the store if she is going my way. I do this for about 15 minutes. They all say they aren't.
Defeatedly, I walk the 5 blocks to the bus stop, where I normally feel very endangered. This time I don't feel endangered because the two people waiting with me don't give me a "dangerous" vibe.
Normally, the ride south isn't too oppressive 'til we get near the mall. At that point many people board with a boatload of shopping bags that they always hit you with or swing in front of your face. It's not unusual for me to feel like I'm suffocating.
The entire ride home took 1 hour and 50 minutes. That covered 12 miles. Normally a trip like that would take much longer..................................................
(I decided not to accept the position I interviewed for. Trying to go back to work full time is too ambitious for right now, so I'm focusing on 1/2 time positions. And as you know, I have excellent health insurance. Going to work full time might jeopardize my insurance, ironically)
12:50- Sherry picks me up for job interview. The interview is about 11 to 12 miles from my house and off of the bus line. We arrive 35 minutes early. I've filled out the app. which takes 1/2 hour. I'm looking forward to meeting the interviewer as she was lovely over the phone. Another employee, F. says that the interviewer left half hour ago on an emergency! Oh no, I think. She tells me not to worry, as she will interview me.
The waistband of her slacks is down at her pubic bone and a huge naked pot belly is hanging out of her sweater and over her slacks! I've seen men with huge pot bellies hanging out, but NEVER a woman, especially an interviewer.
For the first 5 minutes or so she read my app. This is one of the hardest interviews I've ever had. She leaned into a desk to read the interview questions. I struggled to hear, reading her lips and continuously asking her to repeat the questions. I had long silent delays, really preferring to answer: "I don't know, I don't know."
Here are some of the questions she asked:
1. What would you do if an 18 month old was biting another child in your class. How about a 4 year old? (wait, i thought this was an interview on being a 4 year old teacher, i think)
2. What would you do if you were alone in a classroom with a 2 year old who collapses and his eyes roll back in his head?!" (Oh, that happened just last week! wink wink)
3. Walk me through your class day schedule wise. (I haven't been in a classroom in 6 yrs. so I feel
unprepared for these questions)
4. What kind of science lesson would you create?
5. How would you handle an irate parent?
6. Do you have a reliable means of transportation? (I will if you hire me, I said)
(She kept getting interrupted by the phone. I didn't mind at all given how poorly I was doing. Surprisingly, she has called me back for a second interview)
When the interview was over with @ 2:30 I debated........ should I call L. and see if she can take me home? but she doesn't get off til 3, I think to myself. I can't hitchike with a parent, cuz they'll tattle on me for hitching, then I won't get the job. I'll walk to the front of the building where there is a fitness center and see if any patrons are leaving. No, just people working out.
Should I walk the 1 to 2 miles to the light rail? Better not, I don't see sidewalks, so that's not going to be an option. I start walking through the business park which takes up 1 to 2 blocks, looking for an office worker who might be driving south.
E=elana
E-"Miss, do you happen to be driving south?"
Miss 1-"Yes, but I'm in a huge hurry, so I can't take you. I'm goin to a drs. appt."
E-(I'm thinking, well if you're going my way , why wouldn't you take me?)
E to Miss 2-"Miss, do you happen to be driving South?"
Miss 2-"Actually, I'm not driving anywhere."
(I see some work trucks and work men inside. Wonder if they'll be finishing up soon? Wonder if they'll take hitchikers? Should I call a cab, I wonder? Better not, I'm running low on $. There's a man getting into his car, I run over.
E-"Sir, do you happen to be driving South?"
Sir-"Why?"
E-"Because I'm trying to get as close to my home as possible."
Sir-"Where is that?"
E-"Towson Circle" (that's not my home, but it is my destination)
Sir-"I can only get you to Hunt Valley"
E-"That's fine"
(He's a professor at a local college it turns out, so he's pretty unlikely to kill me. I RARELY ride with men)
E-"Can you get me to light rail?"
Sir-"Sure. Sorry I can't do more."
There's no one at light rail so I do not feel safe. Maybe it would be safer to walk over to the mall and hitch to Towson Circle from there? I think. But it's soo cold. I'l go ahead and buy a ticket just in case. I fiddle with the machine for 5 to 10 minutes, but it is not working. If I get on the train without a ticket I'll get fined. I'm beginning to panic. An elderly woman approaches. She tries the machine for me but also has no luck. She suggests trying the other machine.
E-"I want to go South. Where should I stand?" (it's not clearly marked at all)
She does not give a clear answer.
Finally I ask if she is going South? "Yes" she says.
So, I'll just follow her , I think. It's brutally cold and windy. The bench is too cold for my butt, so I opt to stand. Thank goodness we only wait 10 to 15 minutes. I want to go to Towson Circle but I might as well forget it since light rail doesn't go near there.
on the train and feel isolated, unsafe. Initially, it's just me and one homeless man. I wasn't sure where to get off. Which one of the 3 stops is Bangles Books? Is it the Timonium stop? the timonium business park stop or the Lutherville stop? (For those of you who aren't from baltimore, Timonium and Lutherville kind of melt together with unclear boundaries) Maybe I should get off at Mt. Wash? No, cuz then I'd have to hitch home from Whole Foods and the one controlling employee there isn't going to let me.
E-(Turning to a group of 3, hoping they don't lie just to be mean. I've had that happen on more than one occasion.) Does anyone know which stop is Bangles?
Man 1-I think it's Lutherville, but I'm not sure.
About 1/2 hour later we arrive at the Lutherville stop. The man was right. This turns out to be the right stop. I walk the 5 blocks to Bangles to get a hot cocoa. Then I attempt to hitch to Towson circle with a female bangles customer who might be going my way. I discreetly stand at the exit, asking every female who exits the store if she is going my way. I do this for about 15 minutes. They all say they aren't.
Defeatedly, I walk the 5 blocks to the bus stop, where I normally feel very endangered. This time I don't feel endangered because the two people waiting with me don't give me a "dangerous" vibe.
Normally, the ride south isn't too oppressive 'til we get near the mall. At that point many people board with a boatload of shopping bags that they always hit you with or swing in front of your face. It's not unusual for me to feel like I'm suffocating.
The entire ride home took 1 hour and 50 minutes. That covered 12 miles. Normally a trip like that would take much longer..................................................
(I decided not to accept the position I interviewed for. Trying to go back to work full time is too ambitious for right now, so I'm focusing on 1/2 time positions. And as you know, I have excellent health insurance. Going to work full time might jeopardize my insurance, ironically)
"Please, spare me the small talk"
No, I did not get a new hairstyle. Yes, it is cold outside. How am I doing you ask? If you're going to bother asking, then please don't yell the question at me from across the street, as I don't like to yell.
"A Perfect Heart"
Well, the results of the echo. have come back, and i have a "perfect" heart! Well, they can't tell whether or not your arteries are clogged, they can only tell how the ventricles are working. I'd love to know how my arteries look, wonder what test that is..........cholesterol? My Dr. said that normally the echo. turns up "something" but in my case, the heart looks very healthy. I told him I was surprised given everything my body has been through!
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