Things that gripe my ass

So, I got a raise at work, effective July 1. Awesome right?

I also moved to Maryland, so now the state will deduct my taxes right from paycheck and I won't have to go through the song and dance of making estimated payments, etc. Awesome right?


NO.

NOT AWESOME.

I checked my account balance this morning since we got paid and I got paid less this time than I have almost ever.

Those god damn Maryland democrats are taking my money on taxes and spending it to teach kids Eskimo poetry and save the whales.

Wait, I am a Maryland democrat.

Ok well, I guess it's going to go use.

I want my money.

Writing at least 2 times a week

...even if it kills me.

It might kill me.

Thanks Jason, you're always an inspiration.

So I was asked to evaluate the relationships of the 10 people I interact with most.

This was daunting to find 10 people I felt worthy of such an exercise.

And I tried to put this exercise to constructive use, starting with M2 (those of you who don't know who that is, ask and I'll tell you) and he was completely resistant to it. He avoids conflict at all costs, and I've found that to be counterproductive for me.

I tried to explain the balance between picking a fight and flushing out grievances in a timely and respectful manner.

I realized that his top phrases are (in no particular order):
1) it is what it is
2) I don't know what to tell you
3) I don't want to argue
4) you would

These are avoidance phrases if I've ever heard them, and I don't think it's healthy for me to be in a friendship with someone who isn't willing to at least discuss the difficult stuff with me. It makes me realize that my friends who I've had spats with, even full blown fights and year(s) long spells of not speaking to each other, are wonderful and courageous people, because I am not an easy verbal sparring partner.

But I think in my 25 years I've learned when you fold em and when to hold em. And, hopefully after tomorrow, will have a better idea where to proceed with the relationships of the people I interact with most, because some of them, I found out this weekend, are not at all healthy.

On a positive note, I think my sunburn has finally stopped peeling.

You know what that means...

All of you who bought stock in Aloe and other associated Johnson and Johnson products are out of luck. I tried to boost the economy with one bad sunburn, but alas...even my Irishness couldn't get us out of this one.

We have blue bowls

Inside joke from when we were painting pottery at Color Me Mine.

I made a kick arse bowl too, which I can't wait to pick up on Friday. Wee.

The Friday..err...Monday Five?

1. What drink wakes you up best in the morning?
I really enjoy a nice glass of pulp free orange juice. Wakes up the taste buds.

2. During the day, what do you drink to keep going?
Ice cold coca-cola. I know it's bad, but its so good.

3. Do you drink the recommended 8 glasses of water per day? Why/why not?
I don't, but when I used to, I did feel a lot better. Especially during the 9 times a day I had to pee.

4. What are the ingredients of your favorite mixed drink? (Doesn't have to be alcoholic!)
I am addicted to sour mix.

5. Are you a coffee drinker? How do you take your coffee, if so?
Not really a coffee drinker, but when I do, cream and two sugars.