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June 27, 2007
resigned to sweat
Oh, it's that time of year again. When the soft-blue chicory blossoms are blooming in the vacant lots of DC, the weather heats up, or vise-verse. Humidity is a bitch, but somehow I've adapted to it over the years here. I remember it used to really bother me and make me cranky, but these days I just sweat and that's the end of it. I know I'm going to sweat, and I justify it by knowing that sweat is a natural moisturizer and will keep me looking young, if a bit varnished. I do have dry skin and it does feel a lot better this time of year. And I have had a bit of a chest cold lately and it actually feels nicer to breathe outside than in the harsh air-conditioned air.
A shout-out to all my peeps on the Orange Line this week:
Vienna - Ultravox (original version release date 1980)
Vienna - Pop One! UK Remix feat. Scott Bolton
Vienna - video on YouTube
"The feeling has gone only you and I
It means nothing to me
This means nothing to me
Oh, Vienna."
I was at a barbeque last week and some dumb kid didn't know who Queen or Freddy Mercury was. I'm gonna prop his eyelids up with greasy used toothpicks and force him to watch Flash Gordon and listen to the entire Highlander soundtrack 42 times until he wises up. Stoopid ignant kids these days.
Some commenter needed to point out that I've been unusually cranky lately. Duh. I read somewhere once that changing or losing one's home, job or loved ones are the top three stressors in life. Moving sucks, and pretty much sucked up all my weekends this spring. That left little 'jimbo time' for me, as I have also been running around getting shit fixed as well, since everything decided to break at the same time. Oh, and my DSL quit again, Verizon told me to stay home again, and then the next day I find out I didn't need to stay home as they thought because it was a problem on their side - again. One more time and you're out, Verizon. I'd rather starve to death than go through your automated voice mail system ever again, Verizon. I hate Verizon more than I hate Pat Robertson or self-loathing card-carrying closeted gay Republicans. I hate Verizon more than I hate the smell of burnt mac 'n cheese. I hate Verizon more than I hate having hemorrhoids. I hate Verizon more than I hate the screeching sound of a drunk Jennifer at JRs. I hate Verizon more than I hate Crocs, popped collars or capri pants. I could go on and on, Verizon, but you're at the top of the list of things I hate. You suck, and your contempt for customers is blatant and palpable. May the combined hatred of 1,000 jilted customers smite your corporate headquarters with cosmic bile every day.
Anyway, when I'm cranky I have the right to be cranky on this here blog. It's called an outlet, people. Otherwise known as catharsis, or therapy to some. So just deal with it or perhaps read some other blog. Mine. Me. I also have the right to be cranky! So deal with it or go elsewhere.
But I am working to resolve these issues in other ways. You're just not privvy to other aspects of my life, and that's just too bad. Having to move and then be constrained by a limited income makes one think a lot about one's salary, and how I can improve this situation. I perform and produce a lot at work. I'm experienced and smart, gay and innovative. Yet I'm not often allowed to stretch my wings due to the overbearing micromanagement of a Baby Boomer superior. The worst thing you can do with me is direct how I do my work - you'll only get the mustang to buck and nothing good will get done. Let me loose and I will work wonders for you, but you can't and don't need to tell me how to do it. I know this to be true, because I know myself and I know what I'm capable of. I can do great things, and it's important I'm allowed to do these things on my own terms and in my own way. Basically, I need to lead again, manage and direct. All my personality profiles, astrological readings, and history of success point to the same thing, and I'm working to put myself back in that place.
Anyway, I'm looking to move on up and elsewhere, and it's more pay and more responsibility and opportunity for personal accomplishment growth at work. All of these things are important to me, and there have been some promising developments. I don't just bitch in a vacuum, I'm doing something about it, and it looks like there's a good chance it's going to happen. Kind of scary as it's my first real reach towards something I know I want, which is different from the past as I jumped jobs not really knowing what I wanted out of each job. Now that I do, I have a vision and a goal, and I'm on my way there. This is a good feeling that makes the sweaty weather not so uncomfortable.
Posted by jimbo at June 27, 2007 1:18 PM
Comments
Be as cranky as you want. It's your blog and you can rant if you want to.
(And you'll always be incredibly woofy while you're doing it.)
Posted by: Zack at June 27, 2007 2:54 PM
But didn't Charlene wear Capri pants to the race?
and let it all out ... if they don't want to read your thoughts/rants/wishes then they can use the 'X' at the top rigth hand corner of the window and get away from it.
Posted by: rob at June 27, 2007 2:54 PM
I also had to explain to someone recently why the group Queen was important. Those darn kids.
Posted by: homer at June 27, 2007 3:05 PM
I like Capri pants on Charlene, but these days Capri pants are only appropriate for chubby girls from Texas.
Posted by: jimbo at June 27, 2007 3:20 PM
There's nothing worse than being sticky and hot, unless it's being sticky, hot, worn out from moving, and fed up with your job. It's your blog, vent all you want. Not that you need my permission. 'Cuz it's your blog. Good luck with the job prospect!
Posted by: Sean at June 27, 2007 5:49 PM
I love it when you're cranky...it makes me feel better for not being as cranky as you.
Posted by: rodger at June 27, 2007 6:56 PM
you're right about moving being one of the three most stressful things a person can do.
you also, in this post, talk about one of the other things - new job.
the third - buying a new car - you have nothing to worry about though. you often talk about how you peddle your ass around Washington. [oops, did that come out right?]
a therapist told me once that doing all three things in a 12 month period could very well be a disaster. i believe him. i've done it a couple of times. not pretty for a while afterward...
Posted by: mike/ at June 27, 2007 9:59 PM
I was at my nephew's 3rd birthday party in North Carolina a few weeks ago. Every woman there (think Desparate Housewives, NC edition) had Capri pants and big big Marlo Thomas "That Girl" hair. OMG what a hoot
Posted by: Andy at June 27, 2007 11:06 PM
Doncha know Capris are in this year? In fact I bought a pair, but they do constrict your calves.
Posted by: First mom at June 28, 2007 3:42 AM
Sweating is fine if the situation is fine. If I'm going to sweat, I'm going to sweat. Hot sweat is better than cold sweat. I love summer, no really: keeps one looking youthful.
Posted by: copperred at June 28, 2007 10:08 AM
I love Queen. "Get on your bikes and RIDE!"
And the movie Flash Gordon from 1980 is one of my favorite movies of all time and had a great impact on my adolescent years. I mean, mostly naked Sam Jones in leather shorts? Leather Daddy Hawkmen? Timothy Dalton in tight green pants??
Posted by: cb at June 28, 2007 10:56 AM
Cranky yes. Hey aren't you worried about getting "dooced"?
Posted by: Tallulah at June 28, 2007 1:32 PM
Jimbo,
i just sent you some job postings from a friend in DC, conservation work.
John in Arlington
Posted by: John in Arlington at June 29, 2007 9:29 AM
That blue of the vacant-lot chicory is one of the most beautiful colors on earth. And, should there be a sudden embargoing of coffee imports, its roots may be boiled for beverage.
Posted by: Father Tony at July 3, 2007 8:14 PM