Communication

Communication is the key to any relationship. In the work place, with significant others, with friends and family.

And contrary to popular belief, I am not a mind reader. So, in the work place, if you need something or would like me to get something done, all you have to do is ask-with ACTUAL WORDS. Coming into my work area and writing a fruit name on a box and walking out of the room, means absolutely nothing to me. Would you some of that fruit, would you like me to order some, want me to send it back or would you like to to chuck some at your head as you give me that stupid look like I should know what you're talking about.

The same goes with significant others. I am not a physic. If you decide that this evenings plans are not going to happen you actually have to tell me. And don't get upset because you made a decision but didn't tell anyone but yourself. Likewise, if you decide that you don't want to see me anymore, you actually have to tell me that too. ACTUAL WORDS seem to get your point across much better than having someone guess.

Being a poor communicator just means you're a coward. Confrontation may not be something that you want; however, if you want something done, you have communicate with others. To run a successful business you can't keep your associates guessing what you want and if they don't do something to your liking then you need to explain to them what it is and how to make it better. If you want to have a successful relationship with someone you have to be able to tell them how you feel without apologizing for feeling that way and if there is a problem, you have to be able to work it out together or move on alone.

Tip for the Day: Use ACTUAL WORDS. Or pictures if that's better, but saying and doing nothing gets nothing done.

Animal Cruelty

This past weekend I went with K Dub to do a house check for a charity for chained up animals. FFF helps pets who are chained up expand their homes and better their relationships with their owners. The house that we went to go check on was apparently a tough case to begin with. FFF went and built the family a new fence, provided them with a dog house and let the little guy run free in his yard.

To start the day off, we got lost trying to find this house and I decided that places off the Yellow Line are not places that I want to live. After about thirty minutes of walking around in circles we finally found the house. It was covered in trash, shoes on the roof, empty beer bottles scattered through the overgrown lawn and did I mention the trash everywhere?

K Dub knocked on the door, with no barking or dog in sight and a elderly Hispanic woman answered the door. After realizing that she did not speak English, I practiced what little I knew. Apparently the dog ran away. There was no fence or dog house in sight. And it had only been a few weeks since they put this all together. And I am willing to give people the benefit of the doubt, but I'm sorry a miniature poodle cannot handle 30 degree weather.

Tip for the Day: Animals are like people, they need care and attention. So putting them outside and thinking they will fend for themselves only works if you don't chain up and let them eat and shit where they live. Would you like to live that way? Then don't do it to your pets. If you can't care for your pet, don't get one, don't be selfish.

Valentine's Day

So, y'all know today is not an actual holiday.

Personally for me, holidays are defined by copious amounts of drinking in celebration and spending time with all your friends and family. New Year's, Super Bowl, St. Patty's, Memorial Day, the 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas...etc- holidays.

I find that this day is mostly for the kids. And way back when, I remember we couldn't wait until you got a box of those candied hearts with ridiculous sayings on them. And we made our parents go out for those awesome Star Wars or Strawberry Shortcake valentines to give out to our classmates. And then you even had those over achieving kids and their parents that would bake each kid their own personal heart shaped cake filled with love to out bake some other parent and their kid. But then you actually have those parents who love spending that time with their kids anyway, to make them happy with those red velvet cupcakes and heart frosted brownies, when you leave them at school-that was Valentine's Day. Man! To be a kid again...

Valentine's Day, according to my survey, is the day for people to celebrate their love and feelings with the people that they care about most in their lives. That day when your man will do anything you ask him to do and take you to a romantic meal or you make him that special dinner and share a night in together. You tell them that you love and appreciate them, because if you can't say it, when can you eh? The day that you tell all your close friends just how much you appreciate, care and love them. Don't get me wrong because it truly is great to see how much everyone does care about the people that they have surrounded themselves with...BUT shouldn't we being doing this already? Seriously, we have to take the day and feel obligated to do this? Who you chose to be your valentine, to show them how much you love them and appreciate all the good things with, shouldn't they always be your valentine...The world has done a great job on capitalizing on people's feelings and beliefs for many, um, holidays. And also on the great doings of past saints. This hits the top of the list.

And I'm sure you're sitting there thinking, "Jesus, she must be single and is jealous of all the other people in lust, er love". Well, I am on my own but far from jealous. I grew up always having a valentine, my mom and dad. And though they often reinforced this day with awesome chocolates and goodies, there was never a day that went by where they didn't tell me they loved me and my siblings. And now, years later and many failed relationships, they'll still always be.

Through all of those relationships, there were many a Valentine's Days celebrated and man, those were the days, I've never felt more unappreciated. Capitalism and society builds up our expectations for days like today and when you don't meet those expectations for that person it's like the world is going to end. Not to mention how many people feel the expectation, ha or obligation for sex. I mean I know this may be the one day of the year for some of you, but maybe try less, you might get more. So no, I'm not jealous of all the other people going to what end to make themselves look all dolled up to head out to an overpriced meal, where there will be a violinist playing and a fake cupid floating around poking people. I'm not jealous of the fact that you just had to go out and buy your girlfriend some fancy, expensive piece of jewelry because you think she expects something nice.

Oh geez, if she doesn't care about this then why is she still bitching about this?! Right, say it! Today at work we took on a plethora amount of food to accommodate all the anticipated lovers coming in for their romantic evening. And seeing those prices, man, I'm just trying to help ya out in this time where many of us are strapped for money. And if I were in grade school, hugging and all to wish me a Happy Valentine's Day would all right, but we're a wee bit older now and in a professional work environment and just because today is barfing out hearts and sparklers and pretty jewelry, this does not give you the excuse to touch me.

Tip for the Day: Fellas remember there are 363 other days (I have left out her birthday because it's a given you should do something nice and ladies that works the other way around) to go out to romantic dinner, spend a weekend away or just to spend time together. Ladies, most of your guys do a lot for you, so take them out every once and a while and don't expect so much, this isn't Christmas. And it never hurts to say I love you to that person or even Thank You on days other than today ;)

So, the next person that wishes me a Happy Valentine's Day and tries for an extra long hug, is going to get slapped.