Windy Sydney

I have mentioned before that I ordered this ring from the internet (click here to order yours!):


It's a CTL ring, and I love it. I wear it every single day to work just because I can. The way I see it, if people want to wear CTR rings expressing their love of the Mormon Church, I can wear a CTL ring expressing my willingness to leave the church.

Many ask what CTL stands for. To be honest, I am not sure. Here are my takes on it..

Choose the Left (political)
Choose to Leave (hell yeah)
Choose to Live
Choose to Love (love anyone you want)

There are probably millions of other sayings you could connect with the initials on the silver band, but those are my favorites.

One of the things I enjoy about this little trinket, is that the symbol clearly mimics the classic "Choose the Right" logo the church uses. Most people that get a glimpse of the ring immediately assume it's a CTR ring and jump right in with testimonies and news of how wonderful the church is. It makes me an instant friend.

I never correct people when they assume it's a CTR ring. For one, it's not the time or the place (since this happens at work most of the time). Getting into the fact that I am a big fat apostate at my work location isn't exactly model employee behavior. Also, I am representing my company while I am on the clock, and they might just think I am evil, and therefore the company I work for is evil. Sad, but true.

Also, people in Utah are very militant about Mormonism. Any voice that is against the church is immediately insulting. I don't hate Mormons, I just don't like the way the church is run... not to mention the amount of information kept from active members. Insulting people at work isn't model behavior either.

It kills me how friendly people are to me when they glance at my ring. They look me in the eye, smile, and start chit-chatting about anything under the sun. If they really took a harder look at the ring, they would have a completely different opinion of me, wouldn't they?

Isn't this slight proof that Utah Mormons judge people by religion? Isn't it telling that a simple piece of jewelry makes believing members want to be kind to me? How kind would they be if I had no ring at all?

Today an older gentleman saw the ring and assumed it was a CTR ring. He said, "You must be a member of the church..." Technically, I am. So I responded with, "Yes, I am a member."

He then asked me if I was active, and I told him no.

"Why not?"

None of your business, dude!

Lets also mention that explaining the thousands of problems I have with the LDS church would take all day, and I have a job to do.

Things that make you go "hmmmmmmm...."

Andee

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I ran across this list on Cracked.com that made me laugh out loud.

I have worked with the general public for all of my adult life. I have had so many experiences with the customers listed on this page, that it brought back memories from Disney and Universal in Orlando. I decided to take the list and share some personal stories that go along with it. Some stories are funny, some are sad, and some still piss me off. My explanations for these people are not the same as Cracked.com's, so to see what they had to say be sure to check out the article!

I think it's important to point out that I didn't take the photos and I borrowed them from the Cracked.com article.

So... here we have it:

8 Customers Everyone Hates

#8 The Stoner


Ahh, yes... I have had my experiences with stoners at work. You name it, I have seen it. Not just weed, but nearly every single substance out there that can change a person's personality and actions.

I was working at Universal Studios at a children's show when a group of intoxicated young teens decided to show up. I knew something was up with them because EVERYTHING anyone said or did was hilarious. They laughed and laughed... I had to even ask them to keep it down a couple times because they were ruining the show for families sitting close to them.

I don't really care if you get high or drunk, but don't impose your habits on the people around you. It's not safe, it's rude and it makes you look like a horse's ass. What you do in your own home is your business, but don't force people to babysit you because you want to have a little "fun."

#7 The Soapbox


This is the guy/gal who doesn't have anything better to do than to tell you their life story. Do I care if you hate the cop who pulled you over for going 30 miles over the speed limit? Nope.

The soapbox puts workers in a strange place. We can't be rude to the person spouting off their beliefs at the drop of a hat, because we would be fired instantly. Instead, we have to pretend to give a damn because the soapbox would jump at the chance to report us to our supervisors. They like to talk, and they looooove to complain.

I swear to God, there are only so many ways I can say, "Uh-huh" and "Oh, really?" before I want to start banging my head against my computer screen.

Right after the election I had a customer come into the store all pissed off because Obama won. He went on and on and on about how it was the "sign of the times" and that it was proof we were close to the 2nd coming of Christ. He even called Obama "Osama" which really pisses me off.

Soapbox people honestly believe that everyone in the world agrees with them, and that they are offering wisdom and logic to the rest of the world. It's ridiculous.

#6 The Anchor


This weirdo has to tell you about how they would run things if they were in charge of your work location. They say things like, "See... what you have here is an ineffective floorplan!"

Shut up.

If we have an ineffective floor plan I apologize, but what exactly do you want me to do about it? Do you want me to go into the back and hire an architect to re-design the entire place?

There are people in line behind this dweeb who have things to do and places to be. Instead of moving along we sit back and listen to a commentary of whats wrong with the world.

#7 The Micro manager


This person is an asshole.

They love to come into your work location and tell you what you are doing wrong, and how to fix it. They don't think twice about telling you how much they prefer going to your competition because they are so much better at your job than you are.

They are not shy about telling you that you are incompetent and stupid. They are condescending and arrogant.

They are the root of all evil.

I had one of these asshats at work the other day... He was using a self-checkout machine and he couldn't get his debit card to read on the machine. He started huffing and puffing and swearing... I didn't want to walk over and help him, but I had to. It's my job.

I explain that I could manually enter his card number in the system for him since the machine wasn't reading it. He looked right at me and said, "(Insert store name here)'s system is fucking ridiculous!" When I finally convinced him that I would need to assist him or he would be stuck there for the rest of the day, he literally tossed his card at me as if I was scum. When I looked on the back of his card to enter the three digit security code, I got my first glance of the magnetic strip on the back of the card. Well, I should say that I got a glimpse of the area that SHOULD have had the magnetic strip... it was so worn and old that it was rubbed off the card completely. It didn't end there... there was actually a crack in the card as if someone was trying to snap it in half.

Oh yes, Mr. Arrogant Bastard, it's *my* fault that you haven't found the time to get a replacement debit card.

Another time our computers had all crashed. That was a nightmare in and of itself because we had to hand-write all purchases and do all the math ourselves. It was time-consuming and a pain in the ass, but there was nothing I could do about it.

A lady came up to me to complain that she had been waiting too long to get any service. I apologized and explained the situation to her, and empathizing that I would be annoyed if I were in her shoes. She then told me she had to make a payment on her in-store credit card. There was no way for me to do that, and I again apologized.

I then came up with a solution. I would take her check and process the payment as soon as the system went back to normal, but I would need a couple witnesses to verify that I wasn't stealing her check. I also needed a manager to okay the plan because I didn't want to get into trouble. I made a quick phone call, got permission and went ahead with the plan.

She looked at me, rolled her eyes and said, "There you go... I am very proud of you" as if I were an infant trying to handle an adult situation.

Bitch!

#4 Cell Phone Shit-heads


When someone walks up to me at a check-out station while they are talking on their cell phone, I find it incredibly rude. What if I have to ask you some questions about your purchase? What if I need to explain something? I can't! Why? Because talking to your girlfriend about how Billy-Bob's new truck is much more important.

Oh sure, maybe you are on an important phone call. Maybe it's a life or death situation... but 99% of the time I overhear a part of the conversation that goes something like: "Hahahaha! Oh, My god! Hahahaha! How funny! Hahahah!"

*puke*

I am here to help you. Help me help you. Don't make my job a living Hell by ignoring me completely! I am a human being trying to do my job for Christ's sake!

Oh, and while I am on the subject, when someone politely asks you how you are doing, or tells you to have a good day, you should respond. We are not beneath you. Ugh.

#3 The Ticking-Time-Bomb

This person has some major issues.

This person will take out their daily frustrations on you in a heartbeat and not think twice about it. Something happened during their day that clearly ruined it, and they will take it out on you.

Anything... ANYTHING... will set the ticking-time-bomb off.

Regardless of what happened, the ticking-time-bomb is mad as Hell and isn't going to take it anymore.

When a person like this freaks out in front of employees and other customers, those people are honestly afraid of this time-bomb. They are too scared to jump in and stick up for the employee who is getting a verbal beating.

These people can be scary.

#2 The Procrastinator

This is the person who waits in a very long line and once they get to the front of the line they haven't made a decision on what they are going to order. This happens to me constantly when I am visiting fast food restaurants.

The other day roomie and I went to McDonald's for some breakfast. The line was a mile long, and everyone was starving. By the time the person in front of me reached the cash register, they could have easily studied the menu and had their order and payment ready to go. Did that happen? Of course not!

This chick gets up there and takes a long sigh and says, "Well... hmm... let's see here..." She then went on to ask the person behind the counter a million questions about what was on each breakfast sandwich, and if ordering something without cheese would be a problem.

Are you kidding me?

It's McDonald's for crying out loud. Has the breakfast menu changed since you have seen it last? You don't know what is on the McDonald's menu? It's not only impolite to the people waiting behind you, it makes you look like a moron.

Please don't be this person...

#1 The Dinosaur


I am not being mean.

Honest.

I have tons of respect for people who are older than me. I go out of my way to be polite to everyone, not because it's part of my job but because it's the right thing to do. That being said, I would love to bring up the subject of grumpy old people.

Grumpy old men are a pain in the ass.

Again, at self-checkout (my home at work lately) an older man walked up to me with a handful of items he needed to purchase. I am monitoring 4 different transactions on my screen making sure things are scanning correctly and being bagged so the machines don't freak out every 10 seconds. The section is clearly marked "Self Checkout."

This guy stared at me and said, "Well????" with a look of utter disgust on his face. I politely told him that the section we were in was pretty much self-service and he went into a mild freak out zone. Wait... not mild. It was worse than that.

So, when the other people were done with their purchases, I took his items and walked over to a self-checkout machine to do the work for him. That really pissed him off. What did he expect me to do? Close all the other machines, walk over to an empty terminal and cater to his ever whim? I *can't* do that. It's my job to watch self-checkout. Should I drop everything and forget about the people who want to use the machines? How fair is that?

He then gave me a huge monologue about how self-checkouts steal jobs from people, and that they were just for the kids. He even said that old people (he used that term) can't use 'em. He went on and on about customer service that existed back in the day, and how impersonal and rude self-checkouts were.

Let me get up on a soap-box for a moment (right after I complained about people getting on soapboxes... hahaha). Self-checkout machines don't take away jobs. They are simply a way for you to quickly check out if you have a few items so you don't have to wait in line behind people with giant piles of merchandise.

No one forces you to come to self-checkout. If you don't like them, and you refuse to use them, then why in the world would you choose that area of the store to make your purchase? WHY? Just get in line somewhere else.

It's an easy concept.

Andee

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This is a 100% true story. I wasn't there when it happened, but the story comes from a fantastic source and I trust him. He is a fellow apostate/sinner/tool of the devil at work, and we swap stories every once in a while. He walked up to me today with a smirk on his face and he told me he couldn't wait to show me something that he had picked up during the day.

He was assisting a customer in the store, and the customer was a complete bitch. He used these words to describe her:

• Rude
• Arrogant
• Annoying
• Bitch
• Evil (evil is my favorite)

My friend explained that the customer needed something mapped out for her, and he needed to draw her a picture. The woman complained and moaned that he wasn't being super-duper helpful (he was trying!) as she searched for a scrap piece of paper from her wallet/purse. She handed the scrap paper to my friend and huffed impatiently.

He finished assisting her, and she went on her merry bitchy way. It wasn't until she left that my friend noticed what was on the other side of the scrap paper she had given him. I would love nothing more than to scan and copy the image on the blog, but that might not be wise... there are tons of phone numbers and names on the thing that could cause a bunch of hell for the both of us, so I will just type the important parts for you all... plus, my scanner is having issues. Here are a few choice gems from the copy of the note he gave me (yes, he gave me my own personal copy because he knew how much I would enjoy it!):

• "My faith did not come to be because of science and I will not let science destroy my faith."
• "Stick to your task till it sticks to you."
• "Work will win when wishy washy wishing won't." -Monson

At the bottom of the paper there is a small reminder that the customer from Hell needs to give a talk soon for the young single adults.

What is wrong with people?

First of all, this lady was a complete pain in the ass from the moment she walked into the store until the moment she left. She was ugly. I am not talking about physical appearance when I use the word ugly, I am talking about personality and the way she treats others.

The fact that she was asked to give a talk in church, and carrying around notes from church kills the both of us. Does she even know what Christ-like means? Nope. She is a part of the one true church, so she gets a free fucking pass to be a bitch to everyone she comes into contact with!

The second thing that gets to me is the quotes themselves. Especially the first one...

"My faith did not come to be because of science and I will not let science destroy my faith."

That is what I like to call a "thought-stopping" phrase. It doesn't mean much. It just makes the person discount the FACTS and EVIDENCE that might just prove their belief system wrong. Science=bad. Church=Good. It's not a cult. It's not a cult. It's not a cult.

Science doesn't need to destroy your faith. There are plenty of people who believe in science and still have a belief system of some kind in the afterlife and God. I don't know how they do it, but they do. Personally, I can't seem to decide whats out there... and thats okay.

I would love to know how these people would feel about science if science came to save their lives or the lives of their children...

I would love to know how these people would feel about science if they were attacked (God forbid, I don't wish that on anyone) or someone in their family was killed. Would they discount the DNA or other scientific evidence if it would put the guilty person behind bars?

Science doesn't lie.

The church does.

Andee

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Don't worry, it looks worse than it is.

Of all the things I could get hurt doing... all the things in the world...

I was SWEEPING.

I was SWEEPING and my hand was caught under a shelf. Without grossing anyone out, I will just say that there was lots of blood.

All is well now, have no fear. My cuts have been cleaned and bandaged (weirdly) and I will move on with my life... hahaha...

How does someone get hurt sweeping?

Andee

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I have found myself running the Self-Checkout machines at my work location often. Not many of the people who work there like that spot, some get frustrated with the computer aspect of it and some can't keep up with watching and monitoring 4 transactions at one time. I think it's kind of fun, and I don't mind it at all. So, I volunteer to go over there...

Over the past couple of weeks I have dealt with some of the most rude, mean and angry people I have ever come across in my lifetime. I have dealt with rude people before, believe me. Working in Orlando theme parks you run across people who think they own you and you do what they tell you to do. They loved to tell me my job and how to do it. Arrogant Morons.

Well, lately it's been insane at work! This is what I think...

Times are tough. We are in a recession and people are losing their jobs left and right. My Mom and my roommate still haven't found work, and I know tons of people who are in the same boat! It's depressing and people are very worried.

People are stressed out. How are they going to pay their bills? How can they keep up with house payments, car payments, utilities, put food on the table if times are so tough? I am stressed out, and I HAVE a job. I can only imagine what some of these people are going through... especially if they have a family to take care of.

The weather sucks. If you live in the state of Utah, you know how cold and snowy it has been lately. When I was dropped off at work the other day the temperature was seven degrees. Brr. No one enjoys being so cold and wet all the time. I don't.

Okay, here is where all this fits in...

When people get angry about life, they take it out on people who don't deserve it! I understand that they might be going through a lot, but that doesn't give them the right to talk to me as if I am an idiot who can't handle a different job (just because I work behind a register they assume I am stupid and can't take on a more difficult task).

Here is a list of the things that have happened to me this past week:

• A lady didn't know how to use self check out, and didn't bag the items she was purchasing after she scanned them. She started huffing and puffing when the machine wouldn't let her scan more items. I explained to her that she needed to hit the "skip bagging" button if she didn't want to bag the items. Her comment? "You guys have the stupidest system!" Um... yeah... all self-checkouts do that. Not our fault you don't know what the hell your are doing.

• One guy had a credit card that wouldn't read. The card was very worn, cracked, and there is no wonder the machine couldn't read it. The magnetic strip was next to nothing! Of course, it was *my* fault that the card wouldn't read, and the stores fault for buying such "crappy" machines. The guy was a moron.

• I was helping a gentleman (I use that term loosely) with a rather large purchase and I asked for ID after getting his credit card. This is for *his* protection. Would he like it if someone stole his credit card and spent next to $900 for a bunch of stuff? Probably not. Instead of just showing me his drivers license he went into a rant telling me that I was being racist (he is white, I am white... didn't get that) and that I wasn't trusting him. I explained that all credit card purchases require proper identification, and he told me I was stupid. Yeah.

• Old guy walks up in a nice suit, white shirt pressed and perfect, shoes shined, and says to me, "Here... this is your job." Actually sir, this is the self-checkout lane. It's YOUR job. If you don't want to use self-checkout, go to a different lane. Is it that hard to understand?

• Yesterday a young woman walked up to the machine with an already present attitude problem. When she didn't bag her items she looked at me as if she wanted me dead and buried. Her mother was with her, and her mother didn't say a word. I couldn't believe the the attitude they both had. They were both dressed pretty well, and they were buying expensive stuff, so I got the impression that they felt they were "above" doing any work for themselves. Again, if you don't like self-checkout... don't use it. She sucked.

Here is a little reminder of how to operate self-checkouts... I wrote this a long time ago, but I think it's important to help me release all this pent-up anger with these horrible people... I wrote it after a busy Saturday at self-checkout...

Today I worked at a Self-Checkout aisle on a really busy Saturday. I have figured out a few things people should know about these handy little computers that save time... they only save time if you know what you are doing and pay attention.

Let me give everyone a quick little lesson in Self-Checkouts...

If you have a ton of items, and are frustrated quickly, Self-checkout is *not* for you. Self-checkout is fantastic if the store is super-busy. If you have just a few items and you don't want to stand in line behind people who have a million things in their shopping carts.

Press the "English" key for English. Press the "Spanish" key for Spanish. You might laugh as you read that, but you would be surprised at how hard it seems for people to grasp.

Scan your items. Seems simple, huh? Well, sometimes it's not. If the barcode on your item is small, covered with a sticker, or the label is missing you are not going to be able to scan the item. You are going to have to wait for someone to help you. Most self-checkouts have 1 attendant to 4 self-checkout machines... so be patient. Best thing to do is make sure your items have the barcodes on them when you place them in your cart. That way, there are no surprises.


After scanning the item, put the item in the bagging area. There is a reason for this. It's not "Stupid." The bagging area in the self-checkout has a scale in it. If you scan something really heavy, the scale will expect something really heavy. That little computerized scale knows how heavy everything is in the store. It will tell you to stop scanning if the item weight is wrong, or if the item was taken out of the bagging area.

I can't tell you how many times people start getting mad because they don't put the item in the bagging area. The scan it, then hold it. Then they reach for something else, and try to scan it... the computer won't let them because the computer is waiting for the 1st item's weight to register. It's not that hard, and it prevents theft... that is why the scales are there. The stores would lose too much money if the scales were turned off. Just deal with bagging the items, it's how it is.

Now, if you are shopping in a store that has HUGE items, the attendant can access a scan gun and scan the item for you so you don't have to lift it. When the attendant does this, he/she takes control over the checkout station. You will not have to put any items the attendant scans into the bagging area.

If you have a coupon, let the attendant know!!! Some self-checkouts allow the customer to put in the coupon, others require the attendant to get involved. If you scan your debit or credit card, it will be TOO LATE to enter your coupon. There is nothing the attendant or the store can do if you have already started the payment. Be aware of the coupons you have, and use them at the right time.

When you are done scanning items, click on "Finish & Pay." Many people stand there and scan their credit/debit cards over and over again getting angry that the machine isn't working... when in reality they are not telling the machine they are done. It's a very easy mistake to make, so don't get angry or frustrated if that happens.


If you are paying with cash, keep the bills face up... just like a soda machine. Here is a small tip for you. If you are using coins, put them in first. That way the machine will give you your change in bills instead of coin if possible. Trust me, it works.

Since self-checkouts are used so often, you might have to scan your credit or debit card a couple times for it to go through. Don't panic. The machine will not charge you twice if this is the case. If you are concerned, call the attendant over. If the credit card scanner isn't reading your card, they can enter it manually... if they do enter it manually, it will be processed as a credit card even if you have a debit card. Don't panic about that either. You won't even notice a difference in your bank statement.

Don't forget to take your change!!! This happens a lot, especially if people are busy/in a hurry and don't look for the bills that come out of the bill slot, which is sometimes under the scanner (a really bad place in my humble opinion). Double check that you got your money! Don't forget the receipt! If you have to return something without it, you might get stuck with a merchandise credit instead of cash!

Now, here is the deal. Shit happens, I am aware of that... I really am... happens to me all the time. Thing is, don't take your bad day out on the person trying to help you. If your coupon is expired, it's not the cashier's fault, is it? No. If the line was long and you were waiting and waiting... it's not the cashier's fault. They were the ones who showed up to work! They are the ones doing their best to help you out. Getting mad and huffy with them isn't going to make anything better... as a matter of fact, how helpful would you be to someone being rude to you for something that wasn't your fault?

People take out their daily frustrations on innocent people all the freaking time. I have seen it over and over again.

Today this guy pulled up to a self-checkout register and started pushing buttons, he didn't read the buttons, or listen to the voice prompting him to bag his items. He started getting frustrated when the machine would tell him to press the "Skip Bagging" button if he wasn't going to put the item in the bagging area. Then I, the attendant, had to press the security button over and over again because he didn't bag anything. He started getting angry, and I tried to explain to him what was going on. He wasn't listening to a word I said.

Other customers in the area were staring at him in horror and amusement as he started throwing his items back in his shopping cart and swearing that a "real person" needed to help him right now! He started pushing the void buttons, and I had to clear the security for the voided items... on my way over to assist him, he walked right into me... when I say walked right into me... I mean, WALKED RIGHT INTO ME. He saw me coming, he didn't move. He was angry and he wanted me to know it. He was a big guy, and I now have a small bruise on my shoulder to prove it.

Unfortunately for me we were insanely busy, and I didn't have the time to stop what I was doing to call my supervisor on his sorry ass. If I ever have this guy get nasty in my face again, and touch my body in any way, I will press charges. I will. Asshole. It's not my fault you don't know what you are doing... it's not my fault you can't read or listen. Ugh!!!

How can people get so angry over things that are so controllable? Just calm the hell down and pay attention.

Thanks guys... I needed to rant. I feel much better.

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You know, I really need to win the lottery. I need to win the lottery, pay off my Mom's mortgage, buy myself a nice home, go back to school and live in peace. That would be fantastic. I would live in the middle of nowhere, and not bother a soul. Promise.

It's days like today that make me hate people.

I was assisting a gentleman with his purchase today and he actually snapped his fingers at me.

He. Snapped. His. Fingers.

I mean... are you kidding me? Who the Hell does this A-hole think he is??? I couldn't believe it.

I stood in shock for a full minute at least. The woman in line behind him had a look of absolute horror on her face, and I was really hoping she would chime in and tell the guy off for me. I certainly can't open my mouth... I would be fired, and who can afford to lose their job right now? No one.

What an arrogant, self-centered, Mormon jackass....

Yes, he was Mormon. Saw the recommend in his wallet as he pulled out his credit card.

God would be proud.

Feel bad for his wife... poor soul.

Andee

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Sorry for the lack of updates over the past few days. Luckily for me, I have a week and a half off from work for my birthday (using my vacation time so I don't loose it!) and I will have tons of time to update the blog and fix all my links that are still floating around in cyber-space!

I am also working on a small You-Tube-ish movie about my exit from the church and the reasons behind it. This is just a small example of the finished product. Sorry it's so small, but I am still learning the software :)

There is no music either... but that will change!

Love you guys!
Andee

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Okay, so today I walked into the break room to enjoy an hour of vegetable thins crackers and a really good novel for my lunch break...

Unfortunately for me, I overheard something that made me have to bite my tongue for the rest of the day. I don't want to start crap at work, so I just keep my mouth shut. It's hard to do, believe me. I am not one to keep my opinions to myself... I just want to stay as professional as possible.

The TBM gentleman (I use that term loosely, he is known for being a know-it-all who thinks he has the right to tell everyone in the world what they should be doing in their lives. He is also the same jackass who told me that he wouldn't "let" his daughters marry a man he didn't approve of.) was seated at the table with a couple of his buddies (who I assume are LDS) and they were laughing and carrying on. I assumed it was Christmas jokes, or stories related to the holiday.

I was wrong.

TBM says, "Yeah, my wife had never done the dishes, done the laundry, or cleaned a bathroom until she married me!"

At this point in their conversation I knew I wasn't going to have a good reaction. I grabbed my crackers (ever had those? They are damn good!) and tried to drown out their conversation as much as possible. Unfortunately for me I could still hear every word.

Buddy #1: Yeah, I bet she had no idea what she was getting into!
Buddy#2: Hahahahah!
TBM: Yeah, her first week of marriage was like cooking/cleaning boot camp!
Everyone: HAHAHAHAHA!

How many things are wrong with this situation? Many.

First of all, where does it state that the woman has to do all the cooking and cleaning? Oh, thats right, it's her job because she is a Mormon wife and mother. Forgive me.

The thing that pissed me off the most was the fact that she had a hard time in the beginning of the marriage (at least I assume this from her husband's narrative) and he thought it was funny. Not only funny, but funny enough to talk about it with his buddies and laugh behind her back.

What an asshole.

Seriously.

Andee

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Today was a day I have been dreading all year long.

*Cue the Jaws theme music*
*Dramatic Theater lighting*
*Soundtrack of random screams of terror*



Black Friday.

Yes, my friends, today is the day that all normal people turn into greedy, materialistic, sale-hounds. They wake up at 2 am, put on their combat clothes, and line up at the store of their choice to fight, kick, scream and yell in order to get the "best deal."

These people don't care who they hurt, or who they trample on, as long as little Susie gets her High School Musical crap under the tree.


We all remember the Cabbage Patch Doll craze that turned into the Furby craze... lets not forget the people who shelled out hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars for Tickle-Me-Elmo dolls. There were fist fights, stabbings, and threats made over a vibrating red doll. Stupidity.



Black friday is an all-out tradition for some families. I have see it. After the turkey is digested, the dishes are done, the football games watched, there are women who gather at the dining room table with their sisters and mothers and plan their attack. These women make lists, determine the order of importance, and they map out their entire day... on maps... that make homemade maps with arrows and red X's.


Don't let their appearance mislead you. They might look like the kind relief society woman you sit next to in church, but she has morphed into a different version of herself... a more sinister, cutthroat, driven and insane woman who wouldn't think twice about tripping or knocking your lights out if you have what she wants. These people use cell phones like walkie-talkies. They use code words.



Every year I stand back in amazement and watch the circus. Each year I am shocked and I believe I have seen it all, only to find myself shaking my head an hour later.

It's just material things, people! It's just "stuff!"

As you can imagine, I have had an eventful day.

When the doors opening at the store this morning (nope, not telling you where I work in case some crazy-nutcase with a temple garment complex wants to rid the earth of me) there was a mad dash for certain areas of the store... as if we would run out of merchandise in the first few hours of business.

Come on now.

Chill the Hell out.

They love the frenzy, the chase, the hunt. It's like a game to some of them... to see how much they can get the girl behind the customer service desk (yours truly) to lower the price.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. That item is already discounted."
"Sir, that isn't a scratch... I can wipe that mark off with my finger... see?"
"I will be happy to contact my supervisor for you, but that item is not on sale. Sorry."

Today I have been called lazy (because I can't leave the customer service desk to take some old fart across the store and show him he read the wrong damn price), stupid (because they didn't get what they wanted) and rude.

Tonight, I take a deep breath and have some leftover pie in celebration that I will not have to deal with this stupidity again for another year!

Andee

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Well, another American election has come and gone. Soon, the signs that litter homes and businesses will end up in recycling (hopefully not the landfill), negative campaign ads will stop trying to convince us that so-and-so is bestest friends with a terrorist or that same sex marriage would force schools to teach sex in kindergarten, and maybe... just maybe... Elizabeth Hasslebeck might just slow down on the religious conservative crap that comes out of her mouth on The View. Although, it is quite amusing when Barbara Walters looks at her and says, "Do you believe everything the republicans tell you?" It makes for good television.

Obama wins! I am glad Obama won. I want our troops home, and I want to stop wondering if the economy will be better. I want change, and we should get it. It wont happen right away, but it will happen.

Today was interesting at work. All the republican co-workers were pouting and making jokes like, "They won't call it the white house any more... they will call it the first crib!" I went out of my way to make sure they knew I was not smiling. I am sick of the constant comments about how democrats are ruining the country and how "Obama is Satan in disguise!" One of these days I am going to lose my temper, and it ain't gonna be pretty.

Proposition 8 passed in California and I am broken hearted. When I checked the internet and read that, I could have cried... and I almost did. It saddens me that those ads the church put out with tons of lies got them the results they wished for.

My heart hurts.

Andee

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Oh, I have told the tales of the conversations that take place in the break room, but today's conversation just might take the cake.

I was sitting down to a nice warm bowl of maple and brown sugar oatmeal (with extra brown sugar!) and trying peacefully to read my novel. No luck.

Everyone was pumped from voting, and they all took turns making sure the other people voted for McCain. I really don't care to know who everyone voted for... I think it's one of those things that should just kind of be quiet... especially at work. But thats just me, I guess.

Anyway, everyone was sitting around the break room table wearing their individual "I voted" stickers and talking about their candidate of choice. Then they started in on Obama. Here are some of the quotes I overheard:

"I am just so worried if he wins!"

"I know, I have started praying for the strength to get through things if he wins the election."

"If he wins, he will take away our guns!"

I kept my mouth shut the entire time, not wanting to get into a situation where they would gang up on the only democrat in the state of Utah... but I couldn't stop myself after I heard this quote:

"You know, Obama already has his cabinet picked out. You can't even pronounce one of the people's name, and the others... well... lets just say it will be 'colorful.'"

I looked right at this a-hole and said, "SO WHAT?"

I could not believe that this guy had a problem with skin color. It's two-thousand-fucking-eight for Christ's sake!

It's times like these when I wish I had my own car, I could go out for lunch instead of losing all respect for the people I work with.

Andee

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The other day at work a believing Mormon co-worker asked me why I didn't believe in the church anymore. I told her at least three times that I didn't want to be the possible cause of her loss of testimony, and that she should really be sure she wants to hear what I have to say. She did.

Since we were in front of other co-workers and customers, I couldn't say much. I quietly mentioned that Joseph Smith married two 14-year-old girls, and there is no way in Hell I could think of one good reason God would want him to do that. I asked her if she could think of a reason. The look on her face was shock. I honestly though she was going to cry.

"What else?"

"Joseph Smith hid many of his marriages from his wife, Emma. She didn't know he was marrying people behind her back... is that something a man of God would do?"

I had the same look of confusion and shock.

I dropped it because customers were starting to ask us questions.

Should I have kept my mouth shut?

This person keeps bringing up the church, and there are lots of things I don't feel right about talking at work. Should I write her a list of problems? I think I will...

Hey... She asked... right?

Andee

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I get frustrated when I talk politics with people in Utah.  Everyone is usually in the same mindset:

Vote Republican, Vote Mitt Romney, Obama = bad, McCain = hero.

The other day I was talking with a co-worker in the break room about politics.  I didn't start the conversation... the other girl did.  She was sitting across the table with a copy of the Ensign in front of her and she started asking me questions.  She knows I don't "care" for the church, and she was one of the first to notice the CTL ring on my left hand.  I don't think she was trying to pick a fight, but I do think she was eager to debate with me.

She asked me who I was going to vote for.

I told her I was voting for Obama.

She asked why I was voting for "Osama."

I HATE THAT!

Why in the world can't you just get his last name right.  He isn't Osama Bin Laden, terrorist in need of kidney transplant... he is Barak Obama, presidential candidate.  

After correcting her on the name, I told her that I agree more with Obama's policy than McCain, and the fact that Sarah Palin made rape victims pay for their own rape kits at the hospitals (this is a rumor I heard, and I have no evidence of it... when I had a couple days off I plan on researching it further) really pissed me off.  I am a femminist, and she isn't.  I don't care for the woman.  At all.

I want the troops home, and she wants them guarding the safety of Iraq.  I get that Iraq needs help, and we should have never been there to begin with.  When I mentioned that, she looked at me like I had grown a third eye or something.  She couldn't believe that I said it.

"We are there to help those poor people!"

"We went there because there were supposedly weapons of mass destruction... they were never found... this was about weapons.  There were no weapons."

"They destroyed the evidence!"

"Yeah, sure they did."

"How do you know there were no weapons?"

"How do you know there were weapons?"

"I listen to the radio! Where do you get your information."

"I watch CNN, Headline news, MSNBC and others constantly when I am home.  I am constantly on my computer..."

"You can't trust the news! They hate republicans! You need to listen to AM Radio! Why don't you like Bush?"

"Why would I like him?  He shouldn't even be president in the first place!  He didn't win the popular vote, and it just so happened that his little brother was governor of the state he needed help from?  Shady much?  Oh, and don't even get me started on the economy..."

"The economy isn't Bush's fault.  It's that black guy!"

I walked out.

Here is the thing.  I hate talking religion and politics at work unless I know it's with someone who can handle it.  There are only a couple people that I can have meaningful conversations with, and I treasure those moments... trust me.  I can't believe that most of the people I come into contact with have no problem calling Obama "Osama."  They think nothing of it.  Not just at work, either... I heard an older couple at Wal-Mart (Gawd, I hate Wal-Mart) talking about Obama being a terrorist in disguise.

This story was 100% true, not made up, and I have the ulcer to prove it.

Andee

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About a month ago I ordered this CTL ring off the Internet. It's pretty cool, and I love the conversations it starts. I have actually had the opportunity to point out some of the hypocrisies of my believing Mormon co-workers, and meet other people who feel the way I do.

The other day I was typing something up on the computer, and a co-worker saw the ring. The first thing he said was, "What language is your CTR ring in?" I smirked and told him it was in English. It took him a couple seconds, but then he said, "CTL? Choose... the left? Why would anyone want to choose the left?"

Just because I can.

He then made the comment that "we would all see who was right one day."

I couldn't agree more.

Another of my co-workers had a tizzy-fit about the ring. She thought I was making fun of her religion and threatened to go to Human Relations about it. I simply pointed out that if she asked that I take off my ring, she would also have to take off her CTR ring. After a couple minutes she chilled out and apologized for freaking out.

Fun times.

Andee

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In a post I wrote late last night I told of how I didn't like pretending to be an active believing Mormon because I would consider that lying. Lying = bad.

Well, today I had an opportunity to be open about my feelings about the church and I chickened out. Now, I am mad at myself for not speaking my mind, and for not being the perfectly honest young woman I claimed to be less than 24 hours ago.

Today on one of my breaks I was chatting with a co-worker in the break room. I have been reading "Stolen Innocence" by Elissa Wall, the young woman who helped put Warren Jeffs in prison for accessory to rape. Jeffs forced Elissa to marry her first cousin, and told her cousin to eventually force sex on her because she was too scared to agree to it.

My co-worker saw the book and became interested. She asked me what I was reading, and I gave her the brief intro into the biography. I opened the book to the center where a list of photos were, and showed her the photos. She shook her head in disgust and said, "I can't believe these people think they are Mormon. The only reason the early church practiced polygamy is because there were more Women than men, and then as soon as they found out it was illegal they stopped!"

I had to physically bite my tongue, and I am sure the expression on my face showed anguish. Everything she said was exactly what I was taught in the church, and it was all whitewashed and a lie. There were never, ever, more women than men... that had nothing to do with it. Joseph Smith supposedly started the practice of polygamy when and angel came from heaven with a flaming sword and told him to practice it, or he would die. Polygamy was never, ever, legal. Ever. There were also many Mormons who continued to practice polygamy even after the church officially stopped.

I suppose the only reason I didn't say anything is because I didn't want to create waves at work. I am still the "new girl" and I don't want people to assume the worst of me simply because I didn't take the church's word for it. I did my homework, I studied for months and months. I just don't like the position it puts me in. If I am labeled at work, I lose friends... I lose people who would switch shifts with me if I need it. I lose common ground.

How sad is it that I have to worry about what people think about my feelings on religion? Why is it that it matters so much? Does it make me any less of a friend or co-worker? I know the answer is no, but sadly, I don't know if they would see it the same way.

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I now work for a very large company. I am in customer service, and I love to help people... I like getting to know a little about them, and make their day a little better. Maybe solve a problem, or even just make them smile or giggle a little. It's nice.

Since I now get to take my breaks in a break room that is a little smaller than I am used to (lets be frank, I worked at huge theme parks in Orlando, and their break rooms had tiny snack bars and televisions with internet access) I get to speak with my co-workers and get to know them a little more. I like them all. I really mean that, I like some more than others, but they are all good people.

People get to talking about politics and religion in the break room often. Many of these people support the war, and are quick to point out that we need another republican in office when Bushie leaves. I don't want to argue with my new friends, so when politics come up, I bury my head in my novel and keep my mouth shut. Who knows how long that will last... you know me. I like to share my opinion.

I have been asked many times to church events by my new co-workers, and most of them wonder why in the world I am not married with kids by now. Young men are quick to tell me they served a mission, and where. There is much conversation of BYU and it's athletics, as well as temple work and upcoming weddings. I have no plans on explaining my situation to any of them, because it might stop advancement in the company. I think it's sad to say that, but I believe it.

Unfortunately, when people in Utah find out I am in the process of leaving the Mormon Church, they judge me. I am going to put that off as long as possible. I want them to know me for me first. Hopefully it works out. I will keep you all posted.

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