Jenny is at work...False!

So, here I am at home...working. Yes, I feel like I'm already moving up in the world, taking work home. Yeah.

I will feel so much better when this Local Author Event is over. It isn't that I haven't enjoyed planning and organizing it, it's just that it will be nice to be able to take a breath and focus on the children's section for Christmas. I really do find the event coordinating fulfilling, and as much as I may complain, I secretly enjoy being pulled in all directions at the store. In some Dwight-like way, it makes me feel important. Don't judge me! I am 30 years old and working retail. I've got to find the power and the validation wherever I can get it.

So, on the note of the Local Author Event, it has been a very enlightening experience. Here are a few things that I have learned:

1. People who write a book, and then publish locally are, shall we say, a little crazy!! Well, at least the ones that I have met. One lady keeps calling me with the same questions, and then comes in the store to ask them again, or at least to stare at me while I try to figure out how to walk away and end the conversation without appearing rude. Oh, we've already stopped talking, she's just standing there...looking into my soul in the manner of RGS. Then there is another author who had to come into the store to see "what the real-live Jenny looks like!" She also told me her life story and gave me a pen which she said just might change my life.

2. Publicists are also a bit crazy. They will call me and try to sell me an event, and when I have already accepted, they are still working me like we're at a cocktail party, circulating and networking. I know, I know. They just want to feel validated as well. At least they're professionals, and get back to me in a timely manner.

3. I am still learning. Managers, authors, children, performers, and even Lethbridge Herald advertisers have been very kind to this very green events coordinator, and I am grateful. However, I haven't made any glaring errors as of yet...I do not count the popcorn machine as an error. We gave the bank the 25 dollar deposit for a reason. Besides, I blame the mental case who put the machine into the car in a dangerous and precarious manner. The guy did not seem overly bright. How can it be our fault? I ask you?

So, the Hallowe'en Carnival. Carnivale! It went unbelievably well entirely because of the amazing staff we have working at our store. Everyone was so willing to help and the whole thing went as smoothly as possible. Anyone who knows me knows my dislike of the delegating...but when you have a host of reliable people to...rely on it is the best tool in the world. Yay!! I think the best parts of the evening were eating the popcorn, pretending to work while chatting with staff, going to O-sho with everyone later, and announcing that every kid there got a 5 dollar gift card!

Anyway, I should really clean the house and possible make some lunch. I am definitely feeling like the lettuce wraps. The noodles will be so easy to make with the aid of my new collander!!! It cost 24 cents. What? Yup! 24 cents. Thanks to the prettiest guy (at least when he wears the coat...) we know for finding the deal of the night...nay, the year. Guess what everyone's getting for Christmas? Just let me now if you want pink, blue, or white.

"If you don't know, honey, honey then you don't."

It is amazing what a difference an early walk, a quiet morning alone , and a good two hours research on the internets can do to lift a girl's spirit. Last night I was in an emotinal funk, because I could only see avenues closing in my life. This morning, several things happened that have brought a little peace into my heart.

1. During my walk I had the realization that maybe something is not worth holding on to if it is sporadic at best, and not moving my life forward. Now, there are a few things in my life right now that fit into this category, and I will not name them all. I know what they are, and I know what I need to do. So.

2. I found out everything I need to know for registering for the LSAT this week, and so I will be doing that on Monday. The test is on December 1st, and I can take it in Calgary. Awesome. November will be studying month, and I am looking forward to finding a favorite corner of the Lethbridge Public Library. Here's to actually studying for something and doing the best that I can.

3. I found 5 law schools to apply to, and any one of them would be fantastic. They are (from west to east) University of Victoria, University of British Columbia, University of Saskatchewan, Mcgill University, and University of New Brunswick. The deadline for these schools is February 1st, next year.

4. I got everything organized for tonight (Halloween Carnival), and things are still in the works for the Local Author Event and so I have things to keep me busy for at least a few weeks.

5. I talked to Jessica about visiting them in a few weeks. It will be so nice to get out of town and have a bit of a holiday. "Can we take a ride? Get out of this place while we still have time?")

Anyway, sorry this post is neither entertaining or ragin', but sometimes you have to put it down to analyze, reflect and plan. Thanks for indulging me.

Contraband blogging

I am going to tell you why I love my job. No, it is not because of the staff discount, although that is wonderful! It is because I took two hour-long "field trips" today..and I was being paid for them. Awesome! We had to go pumpkin and treat-bag candy shopping, so my co-worker and I (I really can't compromise his witness protection alias...) made not one, but two trips to vari0us and sundry points in Lethbridge. Favorite stop? North-side Dairy Queen. What were we doijg there? Wouldn't you like to know? Well, if you were here carving pumpkins at work, then you would. And you would also be reaping the delicious benefits of said trip.

Yes, I am at work...and I need to go back on the floor.

Good luck and...God speed!!!

At least he found someone not so "quietly dignified to talk to...she'll never disappoint there.

O.k., Christina Aguilera's "Still Dirrty" is an absolute guilty pleasure. Oh, yeah. It also gives a completely skewed representation of women and sexuality (listen to the words..) and just may be the dirrtiest song around. And yet...I am listening to it right now. Yeah.

On a more quietly dignified note, I tried said "quiet dignity" this Sunday at church...and it translated to "boring". My friends gave the impression that the experience of talking to "appropriate Jenny" was like unto the extraction of teeth...yup, even the friend who is always saying he should be more "quietly dignified" couldn't get away from me fast enough. Am I discouraged? Nay. It is a lofty goal to be silly but not rude...but like the good Olsen girl I am, I will do my best to persevere.

Work at the Chapters is about as crazy as ever, and has also brought me to a very important revelation:

If I were to die tomorrow, and could impart a few pieces of wisdom, they would be thus:

1. If you are watching Oprah and you see a book being presented, please, please, please (this is absolutely imperative so pay attention) please call your local book store IMMEDIATELY. Not an hour from now, not a day from now and definitely not a week from now. The book will be gone. It will. I am sorry to tell you this, but Oprah's power knows no physical or metaphysical bounds, and the book will be gone if you do not act now. I am tired of dealing with people who are so flabbergasted when they find out a book they saw on Oprah LAST WEEK is sold out. Guess what? You are not the only one watching this show. Shocking.

2. As a lowly "peddler of literary products", I have no control over the prices of books. What? A mere peon does not have financial clout at a multi-million dollar company? Astounding. So, to you...people (I use the term loosely. I am wont to say cretins.) who come in and complain (let your voice get progressively louder as you express your disapproval, throw books at me, slam your money down on the counter or wave it in my face) please let me assure you that the publishers have the complete control of prices, and if Heather Reisman can't change the prices, I certainly can't. And another thing. When I tell you the situation and offer you an address you can write to to complain to the actual perpetrators of this heinous crime, and you say "No, I don't think I will", I get the sneaking suspicion that you are 1. so lazy that you can't actually do something that will actually make a difference, and 2. A jerk who just likes to make him/herself feel better by bullying, belittling and patronizing me.

So. A little rage. I apologize to all of you, gentle readers. I had a rage-induced day in MyBooks where Satan's children came to visit. No, sorry, that is an insult to the Devil. These children would have made even him shocked. The best part of this was when I told a woman her child was intentionally hurting other children and she gave ME a death look. I'm sorry that you are a bad mother and I called you on it.

So, I am going to stop before I kill someone. I have whipped myself into a veritable frenzy of rage, and the only cure is Heroes. Hooray!!

Ciao Bella!!

"I'll SHOW you over-reacting...

So I am at home for thanksgiving and on my Dad's new computer. A beautiful computer it is. And how. Already there have been brothers-in-law aplenty drooling over the machine, and I have a funny feeling that if a certain friend met this mac, he would propose marriage on the spot ( to the computer...not to me). One wonders what his phone would think...

So, I was at work today and thinking about what my legacy would be if I died today (or suddenly left the ward..."wink") Here are some things that I thought that people would remember me for:

1. Inappropriate comments (unintentional and...not so unintentional) My friends can attest to the fact that I do not always conduct myself as a good RS president should when it comes to conversation. Usually these comments are accompanied by late hours, Denny's trips, and the encouragement of others.

2. Over-reacting. What? you may ask... Yes, I do tend to freak out when I think someone is condescending to me, when I am stressed out, or when someone tells me to stop over-reacting. Hmmm. However, this is always followed by

3. Apologizing. Now,while some may find this amusing...I think that I at least have the self-awareness to realize when I am acting like a child.

4. Make-out Challenge 2006-7. Yeah. I know that I am getting a pretty rotten seat in Hell for this one. Unfortunately, many people have enjoyed this game...and I, myself have a deep love of the comparing.

So, to all of you who know me. Please look a little closer sometimes. I think there actually is some depth here.

Well, at least I have great taste in music.