Reality Check

Welcome to the real world - you might not be there yet, but someday you will be.

When it comes to handling a complaint about someone, especially in a workplace, put on your big boy boxer-briefs and listen up to the following tips otherwise, you may very well land on your ass when you get a real job and have to handle a real complaint...and I'll be there with my Canon to take a picture.

1) Go to the person- Don't go to your manager, supervisor or anyone else unless you realize the situation is dangerous (ex: they throw knives). You will be seen as a whiny sook and that isn't a character trait for promotions. Suck it up and address the situation yourself.

2) Be to the point- Generalizations are for conversation. Want to be taken seriously? Make a point and then give your evidence. You don't need to be rude but don't be whishy-washy or try to make small-talk - it's irritating.

3) Be prepared to defend your statement with alternatives - Expect the person to ask how you would handle a situation better in an attempt to resolve it accordingly. It's called constructive criticism for a reason, folks. The sooner you learn it, the easier life is.

4) Don't swear- It seems meaner than you're trying to be.

5) Don't take crap- There is a difference between resolving a situation and being crapped on. If you feel as though the person isn't listening, isn't trying or doesn't care, walk away and go above them...AFTER trying to talk to them first though.

6) Do not use an overarching umbrella term- Vague statement are not only unproductive, they're annoying. If you have a problem with someone, be specific. You don't like their cologne, don't talk about the scent policy that should be enforced - talk about the cologne that smells like dog poop (leave out the poop part though).

7) Enough drama- If you keep going at the person again (and again, and again and again...etc), they're going to say they don't care. Why? Because they really don't give a flying...monkey. They could care less about you, your dog, your wife, your family, your school work or your grammy. They lost interest in you after they assumed what was coming out of your mouth was yet another complaint about something that was already being resolved.

8) Man (Or woman) up - Cut out the work-place drama. Unless you want to be seen as a gossiping, immature, unprofessional dink, be seen - not heard. That means you go directly to the person and then, you deal with it face to face with them...not the rest of the office then the person who has already heard you're ticked and is angry that you were gossiping. They also now have a lawsuit for defamation of character being worked up and you're going to owe some money for the comment about their erectile issues.

9) Don't lie- Don't over-exaggerate, don't stretch the truth, don't make statements you can't back up. You may be called out on it and then what are you going to do - you're going to be seen as a liar... (*sarcastically) How very professional of you.

10) Don't back down if you're right - There is such a thing as being 'sort of' right - it means you may be right but there are nicer or easier ways of doing something. Your method works - but so does the other persons. Be willing to agree and compromise but that doesn't mean just back down either. It means come to a resolution you can BOTH agree with - that way, neither of you is actually 'wrong'.

distractions

I'm not sure what's up lately apart from being the usual state of stressed but unfortunately, I seem to be getting distracted more and more frequently. I have a midterm tomorrow and Thursday. Thankfully I got through my reading for Wednesday. I have a book to finish either tonight or after my exam tomorrow.

Not sure why movies make university look like so much fun - it's a lot of facebook and face time with books!

The Woman in Black needed Sam and Dean from Supernatural

I love a good ghost story - but 'The Woman in Black' was not what I expected. Yes, I jumped at times but I didn't connect enough with the characters to actually care whether they lived or died. In all honesty, I felt more for the ghosts than I did the living. I finished the movie wishing things had actually concluded - that there was a strong resolution instead of feeling as thought there would be a crappy sequel within a year.

Primarily though, I expected Harry Potter to pull a wand out of his trousers every time he turned around. In my mind, Radcliffe has been typecast as 'the boy who lived.' I know it's not fair and admittedly, he's a decent actor but I'm curious as to whether he was still on the bottle while filming this movie as well.

Oddly enough, I feel as though my review of the movie is rather negative compared to the popular consensus. While I enjoyed the Gothic feel, the anticipation of being scared and the accents, I just felt there should have been a little more...something.

It also didn't help that as a 'Supernatural' fan, I was screaming at Arthur (Radcliffe) to run to the kitchen to get salt and silverware to keep the ghosts away, start praying (Catholics have the right idea with exorcism rituals) and get the fireplace poker for iron - yet another way to keep evil spirits away.

First angry moment at boyfriend

My boyfriend showed up at res yesterday slightly plastered (on a scale of 0 being sober and 10 being drunk - he rated himself a 7). I didn't mind that. I'd rather him be here after a night with the boys just so I can at least make sure he gets some water and is okay.

What I held issue with was that he thought he was okay to drive himself here.

My personal rule (that I don't hold anyone else to) is one drink means no driving for the night. That way, I don't get stupid or careless or try to push my own limits. For other people, follow the law on this one. It really does have a reason.

I got angry at first, calmed down before I left my dorm room to let him in and then realized, I war furious because I was scared. Too many people - and too many Grand Mananer's - are dead because of alcohol and vehicles. I don't want to see him injured or killed...or hurt someone else because of one bad night, one turn of the wheel too quickly.

Thankfully, he understood my position...and I left out the part of 'if this happens again, ever - if we're dating or not - I will personally call the police and tell them where you are.' He also agreed next time he goes out - I get his car keys.

Admittedly, it's harsh - but you know what's harder? Going to the funeral of a person you care about...or standing beside them in court because they accidentally killed someone.

A boys night out

So my boyfriend is out on a bender with the boys tonight. Now, let me put things in perspective here - he's not a heavy drinker, we've had one drinking night since we got together. He, like every other student, is stressed, tired and slightly worn out. He had a chill weekend and was able to relax and go out with the boys.

Now, here's where I come in - anytime I was with my ex, I didn't recognize it but I was terrified he was going to cheat on me when he was out with the guys. I didn't know WHAT he was up to, got no details and didn't trust him worth anything...

New BF...hmm...he needs a nickname and I bet he'd be ticked if I called him Pooky so lets call him...Pooky (after Garfield's teddy bear).

I trust Pooky (oh, I like this nickname). I didn't realize that I haven't really trusted anyone since Justin (I don't care about him so his real name can go on here). I've always expected guys to hurt me so I ran away first...ran may actually be an understatement - I hightailed it faster than a fat kid going after the ice cream cart!

Pooky is out with the boys and I trust him...that's a pretty amazing feeling! And it's 11pm and he's texting that he's done being out with the boys...he misses me and wants to come over.

Gotta say, I'm smiling.