This is just to say....
...the label makers on this last bottle of wine were right. It does taste like chocolate with a hint of cherry cream.
Go figure!
It was only $7.99 to boot.
This is just to say....
that getting fired is everything it's cracked up to be. Hence, the wine. AND the whine. You get the second for free, to boot!
This is just to say....
that Lalo and his sexy hat are still mine. Even if Lalo turns out to be a girl.
Wouldn't THAT blow all your minds! Oh, wait. I only want the hat.
This is just to say that you all are so mind-blowingly-lovely, words cannot express what it feels like to meet the sunrise knowing at least two of you are still here, maybe three, to greet me.
This is just to say that this is my last weekend of fucking off because I have a job that's awaiting me, and I will not see it as a job, but as a paycheck.
Ooops.
Wrong.
I will see it as the opportunity it will be, and can be, and must be. Because I am in need and therefore must find my niche, and not just satisfy an itch.
So, if I get an interview next week, don't show this to my prospective boss, unless you truly hate me. And then I will come after you with a vengeance. Because:
This is just to say that we all are in the same boat, whether we have a castle or a moat. This is just to say that whether it's your bathroom or your entire home that's being rebuilt, you can spend your time hanging out with at least one of us, if not all of us. Because we all care.
This is just to say we don't care if you're a rutabaga or in need of roughage. We're all tough enough, and we've got roots too.
This is just to say, we don't care how many recommends are amongst us, nor where they come from. Because we're all near being close enough to being adults here to not care.
This is just to say that we, er, I, do not
care if you're a triangle or a square, or a Ponzi scheme or Reich or the reich
they think is so bad for us.....or, worse yet, US.
We are all one. We are all here. We all love Josh and we all love TPM.
Otherwise, we'd be at Huff Po.
Right?
This is just to say...
That I borrowed (okay, stole), this title from one of my favorite poets, William Carlos Williams, who wrote:
This Is Just To Say
I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold
September 20, 2009 7:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
In vino, veritas, or however it goes! That was funny and nice, lisB! It was entirely woth the $7.99.
Thanks for putting the love out there. (Remembering, that with love also comes Correction at times.)
September 20, 2009 8:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
And with Correction comes the question about your new avatar...as if I'm too drunk to notice you've changed from a yellow bird to a raccoon.
I myself changed back to my orange angelic oompa loompa lady from the sky, mysteriously looking outward from within, so I have every right to inquire, what prompted the change?
And did Lalo or Rooty promise you something in return?
Inquiring minds want to know...but will not pay for the knowledge. We'll just inquire and wait.
It's cheaper that way. ;)
September 20, 2009 8:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
Being mentioned by my nickname in two blogs in two days is unusual, weird even, and I don't know how I feel about it.
But I'm thinking about what Wendy said (I like Wendy, she seems to have wisdom without arrogance, which makes her truly unique at TPM).
So... maybe..., if I find something I can keep for a while.
Meanwhile, good luck to you. I've been there and I know how it is. Someone I was seeing was around when it happened and he helped me pull myself together and see it for what it is: a nuisance, not a game-changer. It takes focus, confidence (the hardest thing of all), perspective and refusal to think of momentary obstacles as a verdict on what I am.
Let us know how it works out. Good luck.
September 20, 2009 9:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
Good morning, lalo. Do ya like my coonie? I really wanted from the get-go to use the Mad Magazine cover with Obama at his desk, madly smoking cigarettes. I loved it; I'm a smoker, and I was begging the country not to take away his goodam ciggies with all the crises he came into office facing. But you have to have a square avatar picture...
Now, I photograph birds as an avocation; i'll lend ya any jpegs ya want. I got lotsa does and fawns and bucks, couple red foxes...now there's a thought for you: A Fox. That could satisfy ya, eh wot?
I like you too, lalo. And I wish I could take away the pain; I think someone must have fucked you over long, long ago. Someone did to lots of us, and healing it is a life-long journey. I have had so many lessons, somedays I wonder how many MORE things I might be forced to learn.
There was a chunk of time I was having such a hard time in life that it sort of burned out a lot of my anger, though I can get pissed when I need to, don't get me wrong.
I wish you peace and healing and good fortune in your searches for your best self. Barth's blog has urged us to look for the best, and not to repeat our mistakes from the past year. It's a tall order, but I'll try. My dreams last night made me see yet, again, still, how far I have to go.
September 20, 2009 10:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Two blogs in two days?
Hmmm. You must be doing something right!
=D
Just sayin'
September 20, 2009 11:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks, Lalo. And, just between us, I really do love your hat.
September 20, 2009 3:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Never underestimate your ability to influence people, and hence destiny.
September 21, 2009 1:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
Dang, i wuz hopin' i could get at least some pin money outta you for the answer!
I told lalo i would switch avatars if he/she would, as a gesture of good faith. We had the nicest discussion (by my lights, anyway) on 1849's blog (I think it was) yesterday. Direct, but not cruel, which is where we need to be. Ta-nehisi's site is getting weirded out, too. He has taken to deleting the worst, getting crap for it, too.
Lalo promised me nothing, but here I am as Gracie the Raccoon, the prettiest one of our Nightly Visitors. The skunks can be pretty, but sometimes the flash on the camera causes them to fart odiferously (smile) in my direction, not that ya can blame them.
I am Sooo glad ya weren't too tipsy ta notice that I'm not a goldfinch this morning; can't catch YOU napping, no sir!
Keep spreadin' the love, girl. And drinkin' that chocolate wine!
September 20, 2009 10:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Lovely thoughts, Lis,really -- but didn't you forget something?
I love chocolate, I love cherries, I can tolerate wine, but that combination? Dynamite! So what's the name of this magical wine? Care to share?
September 20, 2009 9:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
PS, I would say "congratulations" on the new job but I don't hear any "Woo hoos" from you. So good luck on the interview next week.
September 20, 2009 9:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's Syrah, by Glass Mountain.
Damn good, too.
September 20, 2009 3:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
7.99!!!!! In Spain 7.99 is an expensive wine for most, shelves and shelves of very nice wines for 2-3 dollars. Then in the fall " vino del pais" by the gallon distributed freely in exchange for a good conversation. I miss Spain.
As far as Lalo's gender, I've been telling you for months she is a she.
September 20, 2009 10:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Mornin', jonnie. Don't you agree, though, that the wine was good for her sould and ours? Have a great sunday.
September 20, 2009 11:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
Mornin' Wendy, I'm still seeing the goldfinch as your avatar.
September 20, 2009 12:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
How verrry odd. An avatar change usually takes a while to soak through the system; i've changed birrrds a few times. I hope you get to see gracie soon; she's a darlin'.
Are your birds turkeys? I can't quite make them out.
September 20, 2009 12:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
mixed breed chickens
September 20, 2009 12:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sangre de Torro
Oy!
September 20, 2009 11:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes!
September 20, 2009 6:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's not Sangria, is it? I hate Sangria...
September 20, 2009 6:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
No.
September 20, 2009 6:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good. Drink on.
September 20, 2009 6:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's because sangria is a cheap, low quality wine made marginally drinkable by adding sugar. Like the sugared wines at the convenience store. I sometimes wonder if a grape was even passed over the stuff before it was bottled. Sugar, alcohol, red dye and water? With cheap spices?
Sangria is combining two different horrors. Bad wine and processed sugar.
Now Sangre de toro would be a proper name "bulls' blood." Sangre de Torro keeps popping up as "blood of I toast." Weird.
September 23, 2009 8:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Americans would be amazed at how much 10 euros($15) can buy in Europe. And I'm talking French, Spanish, Portuguese and German wines. Nothing like a continental variety when I have to undergo my daily chemo-vino therapy sessions at mealtime.
September 20, 2009 12:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Right!!!!!!!
September 20, 2009 10:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
Well, I can't say I love Josh.
September 20, 2009 11:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
Wot can you say?
September 20, 2009 11:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
I can say I love potato-cheese pierogi with a little salsa and a dab of lebany. (I just put this combination together for myself—yum! Highly recommended.)
I can say I love my neighborhood, even though there's nothing apparently lovable about it.
I can say I love New York more than it loves me.
I can say I love the fall, even though the leaves are sprinkling to the sidewalk, which means that soon they will be gone. I can say I don't love winter.
I can say I love certain people and hate other people. In both cases, neither "love" nor "hate" are accurate; it's just the way I speak.
I can say I love people I don't even know, just because they made me happy for a brief moment and were the unwitting bearers of that gift of happiness.
I can say I come to TPM to see what people are thinking and saying, no matter what it is. But this is more of a need than a love. Not quite an addiction, but a fixture in my life. A familiar place. A favorite hangout where I get to laugh and quarrel and learn and interact. And read, while I drink my morning, afternoon, or evening coffee. :-)
September 20, 2009 1:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm glad I asked
=D
September 20, 2009 3:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
I got four words for ya, LisB....for when you wake up.
Hair of the dog.
(Clink)
September 20, 2009 11:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
(Clink!!)
September 20, 2009 11:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
CLINK!
September 20, 2009 3:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lindemans makes a very nice cab (Bin 45) that retails for about $4 (available at Walmart!)
http://www.lindemans.com/au/
Good luck in your job search. Hopefully you will land a job that pays enough to turn you into a Republican!
September 20, 2009 1:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Heh heh heh.....now that's funny!
September 20, 2009 3:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Are you ignoring the requests that you learn to use the Extended Tab and resulting "Read More" tool?
September 20, 2009 1:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's a lot to remember when you've been partaking.
September 20, 2009 1:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
I remember when you first told us about getting fired, that they gave you a few months severance. I'm guessing they "fired" you to avoid contributing to the six months of unemployment plus NY extensions you would have been entitled to after a layoff. And I'm wondering how common that is in this "recession." I'm also wondering if "fired" workers like you even show up in the Bureau of Labor Statistics since you're not collecting UE benefits.
September 20, 2009 1:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
You may not have a castle yet but you do have a moat.
September 20, 2009 1:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's a wonderful start.
September 20, 2009 3:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
LisB: I have been looking into this commonly held assumption that people who are fired but given some form of severance cannot collect unemployment. And what seems clear so far, at least in the state of NY, is that the primary requirement for receiving the unemployment benefit is the obvious -- one is currently unemployed, period. There is nothing I have read so far that says a severance package has anything to do with ultimately getting a "yes" or "no" response to an application for benefits. Depending on individual circumstances, there is also useful support for a claim by people who resigned, but did so either because: a) they were offered the option to resign, when they were actually fired, as an employer's manipulative attempt to disqualify them for unemployment benefits to which they would have to contribute; or, b) if they resigned because their working circumstance would be reasonably regarded as untenable. In Texas, at least, someone won a challenge on that second basis under the theory of "Constructive Discharge," whatever that actually means.
Someone at my former school is also now looking into this, prior to resigning because she was asked to lie, in writing, about the reason for another colleague's resignation. (The gall of that request to aid and abet a wrongdoing is simply unbelievable to me, or it would be, if I did not know the players.)
In any case, even though you got some severance, you might qualify for benefits while you are looking -- so check it out, eh?
September 20, 2009 2:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
In PA, if they have sufficient documentation of warnings about behavior or performance to back it up, employers can stop you from collecting whether they give you severance or not. But it may be different in NY.
September 20, 2009 2:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's highly state dependent as you imply.
However, there is a general notion that if you are fired "for cause", then you may be toast. "Cause" are violations of company policy, etc. Personality conflicts are not necessarily considered "cause". But if you were caught pilfering office supplies, using fax machine on non-business stuff, etc. that does fall under cause.
If you think you were unfairly terminated, you can contest it to a review board. In California, this consists of going in front of a judge - similar to small claims court. But you need evidence to show that your employer didn't have cause. Your employer's HR person will be invited to attend the hearing as well. However, the good news is that many times (like traffic violations), the HR person doesn't show which seriously weakens their case. You will still have to make a compelling argument, but it's very possible to overturn the "for cause" judgment.
But again, one must review the situation specific to your state. The best one can do is get an hour of time with a labor attorney. It's a good few hundred dollar investment that will really let you understand (a) what your state does and (b) what your real options for your specific are. Sometimes, the attorney will give you 30 minutes of "free time" or a 15 minute phone call. This is not something to figure out on one's own. You need professional advice.
September 20, 2009 3:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Goodness gracious, it's only been a week. Give me time to get my two business suits I ordered, and my resume finished, before y'all send me to the unemployment line, okay?
Thanks for the concern. I realize that by tying one on I sort of asked for it. I promise you, it won't happen again.
From now on, I'm buying expensive wine and sipping it slowly. Okay?
;)
2003 Syrah, btw. Damn good.
September 20, 2009 3:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Watch out for those headaches....
September 20, 2009 4:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's your money. You paid for it out of taxes that were used to depress your wages.
Every week you let pass by without collecting is money you have given away unless you run out the entire benefit package. If you don't need it immediately put it into emergency savings.
Always apply as soon as you think you just might possibly be eligible for unemployment! If you think you might not be eligible, apply anyway. Force them to make the decision and to explain any denial. Don't make the decision not to get what you are owed yourself. You don't know the law or the various possible situations that might apply.
September 23, 2009 8:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
And for crying out loud, stop rec'ing this post! Oy!
September 20, 2009 3:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's you we're rec'ing, hon.
September 20, 2009 3:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is just to say I luvs ya!!! Wine and all.
September 20, 2009 4:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
I love you too, Mum. I hope you had a great weekend. I think I did. ;)
September 20, 2009 4:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
I only love a few people (granted some of them are furry and have pointy ears.)
I like TPM.
Come to think of it, I do not really hate many things either, just dislike them. Like loving everything. I dislike that.
September 20, 2009 4:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's okay, Karl. I only like you too.
September 20, 2009 4:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Awesome! I just started a new job two weeks ago. Life is good. Bless you, Lis!
September 21, 2009 5:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's my experience, over long years, that in order to successfully drink and write, Scotch is a much better vehicle than chocolate flavored wine.
September 21, 2009 6:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes. Chocolate leaves such dark stains on the paper or the keyboard - or the monitor if you have had a lot of the wine.
September 24, 2009 4:25 PM | Reply | Permalink