Cynical: A Life

Awards and thanks and other stuff

Summer is off to a flying start around here. Relatives have visited from far-flung locales and I have made some short trips, mostly to upstate New York and the Berkshires to visit family and friends. I'm back in the office today after about 10 days of this madness, and it's been a surprisingly peaceful day so far which I hope I haven't jinxed by saying so.

New things happening here at work, too: We've hired a new staff member who will be starting in a couple of weeks. I've gone through formal testing for my deficient attention issues and have been officially dubbed deficient, for which I now plan to pursue accommodations under federal law. Next week Boss #1 will be moving to another office suite in the building and Boss #2 will move into Boss #1's newly-vacated digs, at which point I will officially report to Boss #2, whose strings will be entirely controlled by Boss #1. I've submitted my cover letter and C.V. for another position at Big U, and this time it's something I think I'm uniquely suited for, although I am not at all optimistic that I will seriously be considered for it. And finally, my self-esteem as it pertains to my professional abilities is at an all-time low.

Thank you. Thank you very much. *bowing*

You know, I used to only feel crummy about myself in my non-professional life, so it feels like kind of a big milestone to have been able to carry that over to my work life, too. It wasn't easy, and there are many people to thank for this, but unfortunately there isn't enough time to thank them all, so I'll just say it has been an incredible experience and I appreciate all of you who have stuck by me during this exciting time.

For those of you who have stuck around this long, I'm happy to share the news that I will be seeing an Earth, Wind & Fire concert tomorrow night which will also feature Chicago (the band, not the ... nevermind). Tonight I am having dinner with my buddy whose little boy died in January, and I'm all packed up to stay overnight 'cause her hubby is away on business and, well, I'm ready just in case. I think she's going to force me to watch "Twilight" because she has just finished the books, so I'm hoping I'll like the movie better the second time. Either way, I'm looking forward to a nice girls' night. Oh, and she's cooking, so I pretty much just have to show up -- my favorite kind of night!

What else? Eh, that's about it. Fill me in on your summer adventures, won't you?

It takes so little

It is pathetic how pleased I am about a brand new toilet seat. Also, why didn't anyone tell me (often enough) about all the hot age-appropriate men at Home Despot?

Every silver lining has a sow's ear, or something

So here's my latest dilemma:

Fancy Private University -- FPU for short -- has just created and posted a brand new, very high level position that is potentially* my dream job. However, my immediate and longtime supervisor at FPU is not my biggest fan and isn't likely to strongly (if at all) support my candidacy. This wouldn't be such a big deal if my supervisor weren't viewed as a major rock star within the institution and if her boss, who pretty much knows only what my director tells her about me, weren't (A) very highly placed and influential in the organization and (2) directly reporting to the president, to whom this new position also reports.

Naturally, I intend to apply for the position. I am required, by FPU policy, to inform my supervisor of my application only at such time that an interview is scheduled, but there is nothing to prevent the person or team reviewing applications from mentioning my potential candidacy to my supervisor at any time, whether in passing or specifically to ask about my qualifications. So it seems like it would behoove me to tell my boss up front when I submit my cover letter and resume. Right? But then I'm more afraid that I won't get an interview at all. Although on further thought, I suppose that even if I get the interview, the odds of my ultimately getting the job aren't so great once they ask my boss what she thinks of me anyway. Hell, she could even be on the selection committee.

I am f**ked.

Breaking news

Fascinating.

Susan Boyle Has Talent To Spare

Do not pass 'Go'. Do not collect $200. If you haven't seen the unassuming Susan Boyle sing "I Dreamed A Dream" (from Les Miserables) on Britain's Got Talent, then go find a hankie and click here. Do it now, kidlets; this shouldn't be missed.

Getting catty

I highly recommend those reusable grocery bags. They're exactly as useful and functional for transporting groceries as they're advertised to be, and they offer the additional benefit, at my house, of providing Olivia's favorite new resting spot when empty. I'd provide you with photographic evidence if only she would actually rest on one of the bags when I come close. It seems that she is so sure she's going to be in trouble for lying on them that she bolts when I take a step in her direction. Or maybe she just wants to start a game of "Tag." Anyway, trust me, even in the absence of photos: Reusable grocery bags are the next hot cat toys. You heard it here first.

And if that's not dull exciting enough for you, here's another new development: My neighbor has been calling, pretending to be one of her own cats and asking for mine. Is there etiquette about how to respond to this sort of silliness?

More news of the deceased

Cousin B. Ju's sister, Cousin Bea Ju, passed away yesterday, shortly after entering a hospice facility in Florida. She is survived by her stepson, his wife and their children. She was approximately 92 years old. The funeral will be held tomorrow near her former home in Manchester, NH. She will be missed by many in the extended Ju clan.

There is one surviving sister, Cousin Sylvia Ju of Chestnut Hill, MA. Sylvia was the oldest of the three, and now she is the only one left. A whole era is slipping away.