Raw
Originally Posted at 08:33 PM on Jan. 20, 2004
It started with the reminiscing of a weekend gone by, it ended with the budding of a new friendship.
I sat down in class, uncharacteristically early, and asked how her weekend went. She told me it was great, she had gone skiing with her friends for the first time this year. I spoke of how I longed to go skiing, but through some quark of fate had managed to choose friends that found no use for it. She spoke of how difficult it was for her to go with them because of work conflicts. The little old man at the front of the class took off his hat, and a hush filled the room. He gave his lecture, everyone took it in with a quiet knowing that it was valuable stuff, information we would all need later on in life. His intensity fed our interest, and our interest fed his intensity - the mark of a great orator. He wrapped the 75 minute lecture up, and everyone quickly packed up their belongings to head off to their next class. I tossed on my jacket, swung my backpack around and she was waiting to say, "have a good day." I responded, "You too, see ya Thursday." And we went our separate ways. I trudged through the ongoing dust of snow that lay on the ground and continued to fall through the air. I reached my next class and pulled out all the materials I thought I would need for the day.
Nora walked in, surveyed the room, and opted to sit down next to me. We had met a few weeks ago, through a mutual friend. She is very outspoken, and opinionated - perfect for this class. The professor walked in, and told us to grab our things, we were moving next door. He took us to a room I can only equate to a conference room, completely perfect in every way for the format of the class he was trying to teach. Nora and I spoke briefly, she recalled the time she first met me, and the witty remark that impacted her whenever she thinks of me. Truly brilliant it was, a perfect mix of wit and sexual innuendo; unforgettable.. for her anyway. I exchanged introductions with my other neighbor, and soon after class began. I was off to a slow start, 2 classes had passed without me saying a single thing other than my name, and a hobby I instantly felt stupid for bringing up (Basketball, in case you were wondering). Finally, I had something to say. I was called on, it was my turn to speak, and I began. My voice was shaky, unsure, it sounded like I was going to break down and cry. Slowly I gained my confidence, and made my point. I brought up a point that would be talked about for the next 30 minutes. Gr-reat! I was instrumental in the exchange, and increased momentum with everything I had to say. By the end of the class, when nobody knew the answer to a question, I had the gaul to raise my hand to present an answer I knew to be wrong, simply so he would tell us the correct one. Classed ended, and we were released back into the powder harmlessly falling to the ground.
I briskly walked to Libby Hall to grab my lunch. As usual there was a small line, but I knew things would move fast, so I patiently waited. I took notice of the three girls in front of me, eavesdropping on their conversation. It became the one closest to the counter's turn to order, as she did, the other two stepped back. I turned to them and asked if they were in line. They said they were not. I made a quip, "Just here for moral support, eh?" We all laughed. I made my order, grabbed my food and drink, and ran off to work. I put down my stuff, and exchanged pleasantries with my boss, who told me my new coworker would be back shortly for training. I dug into my sandwich, managing to eat one third before she returned. I was properly introduced to Kristal, and began about her training. I was not to touch my food again for 90 minutes. Before I knew it, it was time to head off to my next class. I tossed my food in the fridge, and sped off through the near-winter wonderland to my Spanish class.
Upon entering the building I quickly removed my jacket, and jumped up the stairs, two at a time, almost bumping into (literally) one of the counselors from Career Services who happened to be in the stairway at the time. I walked down the hallway, and through the open door to my class, expecting to be late. My professor wasn't there, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I scanned the room for the location at which I wanted to plop down, and what should I see but a girl from my Advertising class last semester, next to an open chair. I walked up, still catching my breath, pointed knowingly and said "Ginger." She smiled, impressed I had remembered her name, considering we'd only spoken twice before. She thought about it for a second, and said "Scully." And I smiled, impressed back. I sat down, and we did a bit of catching up, as I removed my sweatshirt. I wiped my brow, the sprint from work to Spanish had not been a gentle one. She told me she was still on the waitlist for the class, and was hoping to get in. The prof walked in, and we started. We ended up playing a game of Spanish Pictionary, Ginger ended up on my team (with two others), and we ended up winning some minor extra credit. Before anyone knew it, the class was over, and she asked me about a getting some copies of my workbook so she could do the homework - she hadn't acquired one just yet. It was suggested she speak to the professor about it, but just in case, she asked for my number as a back-up. I headed back to work, at a high-paced amble; arriving almost precisely on time.
I sat down, and relaxed. It is truly amazing how easy my job is now. I just about know the answer to every question which could possibly present itself through the course of a day. I consumed my lunch, printed out my English paper, and went about business as usual. I truly enjoy the time I spend at work, it is relaxing, fulfilling, and an excellent change of pace from the rest of my day. An hour had passed, having felt like only five minutes. And she showed up. We had met before when she was applying for the position, and again when she was hammering out her schedule. She had a very exotic name, it happened to escape me at the time, all I could think of was the letters "G" and "I." I said that, and she told me I was very close, reminding me her name is "Nagi," and she had shown up to work. Slowly, coming around the corner, treading softly on the playground, watching for the reaction of the other kids in the sandbox. I invited her to sit down, and chatted with her for a bit, going over the basics of what she would be doing there. She took it all in, despite work-related interruptions including phone calls, mail delivery and of course, me! I am the biggest interruption to my own life. I will sometimes interrupt myself in the middle of a sentence and totally go in a completely different direction, only to finish the new thought then return and finish the one I interrupted originally. She took it all in stride, laughing when appropriate. It was daunting, but she took it well. And just like that, it was time for me to go back to class. The cotton still falling from the sky, I hurriedly passed the brick buildings around campus. I arrived, was torn between two seats, and finally picked one. Sat down, took a deep breath, looked at the time and thought what the hell? I didn't have to rush over here. I had left at 3:22, and got to the class at 3:25. I turned to the nearest person, a red-head, and asked her if the clock was slow. She agreed with my assessment. I inquired as to her name, she said "Shannon." I asked if she knew mine. She responded with both my first and last names. I poked her saying, "Ooooh, I've got a stalker!" She smiled, and told me she remembered it because of the X-Files, of course. She got a small kick out of my telling her about meeting a girl named Befus today (pronounced just about Beavis... and Butthead). Class started, and the professor asked us to take out our name plates. I smiled, knowing mine was still at the side of my bed.. the same place it was last time she asked it of us. She looked at me, called my name, and made a forgettable remark regarding the nameplates. I smirked, and said, "Well, you know my name, do you want me to make a new one." She grinned and said that wouldn't be necessary.
Shortly after, we broke into small groups to read the personal essays we had written. I was grouped with three girls. Lindsay, Lindsie and Courtney. Lindsie went first, followed by Lindsay, and then it was my turn. I was relaxed, and told my story, which got an unexpected response from both Linds-ies. They liked it, and made two suggestions for improving it; I agreed with both. Courtney told hers, and like that it was time for us to go home. We talked a little bit, and I said something about going off to work right now. One of the Linds-ies inquired as to the location of my work. "Career Services," I said a bit sheepishly. Their eyes widened and they asked nearly in unison, "Can you get us jobs?!" And I told them if they came over, I could help them out. I bet I see one of them this week, and the other will come in sometime next week. I exchanged pleasantries with Lindsie (this week) and headed back to work.
Nagi was learning from Jane, and I sat down to teach her some more. Jane went back into her office to handle her business while I was left with Nagi for the final 15 minutes of her first workday. I recapped things, and was manic for most of it. She seemed to enjoy it, and before either of us knew it, it was time to go home. We slowly packed up our things, wished Jane a good night. I said "See ya tomorrow." Nagi said "See ya Thursday." And we walked out together.
I turned to her and said, "Nagi." She looked back and said my name. I asked, "What's the origin of your name?" She smiled, and told me it was totally random, and that it was Indian. I smirked the way I do, and said the most politically correct thing I could think of, "Dots, not feathers, right?" She giggled as we walked, confirming it. I wished her a good evening, and she bid me one as well.
I strolled back to my room, thinking how great a day it had been. It isn't often I have a good day, and today was truly exceptional. I felt "on" in a way I rarely do. It was a simply awesome day.
-------------------------------------------
My first "good" day of the year, and in almost two months. My last good day was December 3rd - Hey, that's Illinois Day!
Originally Posted at 08:33 PM on Jan. 20, 2004
It started with the reminiscing of a weekend gone by, it ended with the budding of a new friendship.
I sat down in class, uncharacteristically early, and asked how her weekend went. She told me it was great, she had gone skiing with her friends for the first time this year. I spoke of how I longed to go skiing, but through some quark of fate had managed to choose friends that found no use for it. She spoke of how difficult it was for her to go with them because of work conflicts. The little old man at the front of the class took off his hat, and a hush filled the room. He gave his lecture, everyone took it in with a quiet knowing that it was valuable stuff, information we would all need later on in life. His intensity fed our interest, and our interest fed his intensity - the mark of a great orator. He wrapped the 75 minute lecture up, and everyone quickly packed up their belongings to head off to their next class. I tossed on my jacket, swung my backpack around and she was waiting to say, "have a good day." I responded, "You too, see ya Thursday." And we went our separate ways. I trudged through the ongoing dust of snow that lay on the ground and continued to fall through the air. I reached my next class and pulled out all the materials I thought I would need for the day.
Nora walked in, surveyed the room, and opted to sit down next to me. We had met a few weeks ago, through a mutual friend. She is very outspoken, and opinionated - perfect for this class. The professor walked in, and told us to grab our things, we were moving next door. He took us to a room I can only equate to a conference room, completely perfect in every way for the format of the class he was trying to teach. Nora and I spoke briefly, she recalled the time she first met me, and the witty remark that impacted her whenever she thinks of me. Truly brilliant it was, a perfect mix of wit and sexual innuendo; unforgettable.. for her anyway. I exchanged introductions with my other neighbor, and soon after class began. I was off to a slow start, 2 classes had passed without me saying a single thing other than my name, and a hobby I instantly felt stupid for bringing up (Basketball, in case you were wondering). Finally, I had something to say. I was called on, it was my turn to speak, and I began. My voice was shaky, unsure, it sounded like I was going to break down and cry. Slowly I gained my confidence, and made my point. I brought up a point that would be talked about for the next 30 minutes. Gr-reat! I was instrumental in the exchange, and increased momentum with everything I had to say. By the end of the class, when nobody knew the answer to a question, I had the gaul to raise my hand to present an answer I knew to be wrong, simply so he would tell us the correct one. Classed ended, and we were released back into the powder harmlessly falling to the ground.
I briskly walked to Libby Hall to grab my lunch. As usual there was a small line, but I knew things would move fast, so I patiently waited. I took notice of the three girls in front of me, eavesdropping on their conversation. It became the one closest to the counter's turn to order, as she did, the other two stepped back. I turned to them and asked if they were in line. They said they were not. I made a quip, "Just here for moral support, eh?" We all laughed. I made my order, grabbed my food and drink, and ran off to work. I put down my stuff, and exchanged pleasantries with my boss, who told me my new coworker would be back shortly for training. I dug into my sandwich, managing to eat one third before she returned. I was properly introduced to Kristal, and began about her training. I was not to touch my food again for 90 minutes. Before I knew it, it was time to head off to my next class. I tossed my food in the fridge, and sped off through the near-winter wonderland to my Spanish class.
Upon entering the building I quickly removed my jacket, and jumped up the stairs, two at a time, almost bumping into (literally) one of the counselors from Career Services who happened to be in the stairway at the time. I walked down the hallway, and through the open door to my class, expecting to be late. My professor wasn't there, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I scanned the room for the location at which I wanted to plop down, and what should I see but a girl from my Advertising class last semester, next to an open chair. I walked up, still catching my breath, pointed knowingly and said "Ginger." She smiled, impressed I had remembered her name, considering we'd only spoken twice before. She thought about it for a second, and said "Scully." And I smiled, impressed back. I sat down, and we did a bit of catching up, as I removed my sweatshirt. I wiped my brow, the sprint from work to Spanish had not been a gentle one. She told me she was still on the waitlist for the class, and was hoping to get in. The prof walked in, and we started. We ended up playing a game of Spanish Pictionary, Ginger ended up on my team (with two others), and we ended up winning some minor extra credit. Before anyone knew it, the class was over, and she asked me about a getting some copies of my workbook so she could do the homework - she hadn't acquired one just yet. It was suggested she speak to the professor about it, but just in case, she asked for my number as a back-up. I headed back to work, at a high-paced amble; arriving almost precisely on time.
I sat down, and relaxed. It is truly amazing how easy my job is now. I just about know the answer to every question which could possibly present itself through the course of a day. I consumed my lunch, printed out my English paper, and went about business as usual. I truly enjoy the time I spend at work, it is relaxing, fulfilling, and an excellent change of pace from the rest of my day. An hour had passed, having felt like only five minutes. And she showed up. We had met before when she was applying for the position, and again when she was hammering out her schedule. She had a very exotic name, it happened to escape me at the time, all I could think of was the letters "G" and "I." I said that, and she told me I was very close, reminding me her name is "Nagi," and she had shown up to work. Slowly, coming around the corner, treading softly on the playground, watching for the reaction of the other kids in the sandbox. I invited her to sit down, and chatted with her for a bit, going over the basics of what she would be doing there. She took it all in, despite work-related interruptions including phone calls, mail delivery and of course, me! I am the biggest interruption to my own life. I will sometimes interrupt myself in the middle of a sentence and totally go in a completely different direction, only to finish the new thought then return and finish the one I interrupted originally. She took it all in stride, laughing when appropriate. It was daunting, but she took it well. And just like that, it was time for me to go back to class. The cotton still falling from the sky, I hurriedly passed the brick buildings around campus. I arrived, was torn between two seats, and finally picked one. Sat down, took a deep breath, looked at the time and thought what the hell? I didn't have to rush over here. I had left at 3:22, and got to the class at 3:25. I turned to the nearest person, a red-head, and asked her if the clock was slow. She agreed with my assessment. I inquired as to her name, she said "Shannon." I asked if she knew mine. She responded with both my first and last names. I poked her saying, "Ooooh, I've got a stalker!" She smiled, and told me she remembered it because of the X-Files, of course. She got a small kick out of my telling her about meeting a girl named Befus today (pronounced just about Beavis... and Butthead). Class started, and the professor asked us to take out our name plates. I smiled, knowing mine was still at the side of my bed.. the same place it was last time she asked it of us. She looked at me, called my name, and made a forgettable remark regarding the nameplates. I smirked, and said, "Well, you know my name, do you want me to make a new one." She grinned and said that wouldn't be necessary.
Shortly after, we broke into small groups to read the personal essays we had written. I was grouped with three girls. Lindsay, Lindsie and Courtney. Lindsie went first, followed by Lindsay, and then it was my turn. I was relaxed, and told my story, which got an unexpected response from both Linds-ies. They liked it, and made two suggestions for improving it; I agreed with both. Courtney told hers, and like that it was time for us to go home. We talked a little bit, and I said something about going off to work right now. One of the Linds-ies inquired as to the location of my work. "Career Services," I said a bit sheepishly. Their eyes widened and they asked nearly in unison, "Can you get us jobs?!" And I told them if they came over, I could help them out. I bet I see one of them this week, and the other will come in sometime next week. I exchanged pleasantries with Lindsie (this week) and headed back to work.
Nagi was learning from Jane, and I sat down to teach her some more. Jane went back into her office to handle her business while I was left with Nagi for the final 15 minutes of her first workday. I recapped things, and was manic for most of it. She seemed to enjoy it, and before either of us knew it, it was time to go home. We slowly packed up our things, wished Jane a good night. I said "See ya tomorrow." Nagi said "See ya Thursday." And we walked out together.
I turned to her and said, "Nagi." She looked back and said my name. I asked, "What's the origin of your name?" She smiled, and told me it was totally random, and that it was Indian. I smirked the way I do, and said the most politically correct thing I could think of, "Dots, not feathers, right?" She giggled as we walked, confirming it. I wished her a good evening, and she bid me one as well.
I strolled back to my room, thinking how great a day it had been. It isn't often I have a good day, and today was truly exceptional. I felt "on" in a way I rarely do. It was a simply awesome day.
-------------------------------------------
My first "good" day of the year, and in almost two months. My last good day was December 3rd - Hey, that's Illinois Day!
posted by The @ 3:03 PM
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