She then says to me, "You don't have to be a bitch about it". This elicits laughter from me, and in my sweetest southern accent I say, "Well, that's not very nice! Let's see if I do a favor for YOU again!"
How have we collapsed as a culture that help from a stranger causes a surge of misplaced anger? I'm a moody person, but I reserve my bilious anger for those that have earned it.
Just to let you all know, I am not soured by this experience. Like Blanche DuBois, I still believe in the kindness of strangers. We have to hold the quilted fabric of our society together somehow, right?
The convention was really great. Chris got more digital shots than I did, so my shots won't be up until I finish the roll of film on the Action Sampler Flash. I'm really anxious to see how they turn out.
There was one pretty low point, however...and it's name was 'Mother of Tears'. I have a quote from an iMDB review of 2007's 'Halloween' that I will use to illustrate how terrible this was: "When you want the heroine of a film to die, the director has failed". Really, it was just crap.
But we had more than enough fun to make up for the disappointments! :)
The story goes as follows:
There is a cleaning lady that cleans our building every day. She's from an even more rural part of Kentucky than I am, driving an hour to get to Richmond from her home.
She is really talkative and friendly. Typically, she will talk for 5-10 minutes at a time, and her exuberance keeps me in conversation with her. She's a Penecostal christian, republican and though I hate to narrow people down, she's pretty closed-minded and unaware of the world around her. But, we're all really nice to her, of course.
Today she told me that some of the higher ranking bosses were coming for
visit on Thursday and Friday. I told her that I was really lucky to not have
to work on Friday, then! The conversation then went like this:
cl: Where are you gonna be?
me: Pennsylvania!
cl: Why are you going there?
me:(knowing that a HORROR convention would bring lots of
uncomfortableness) Um...family!
cl: Are you from there?
me: No, my um...husband has an...aunt and uncle...they, um...moved
there!
cl:(smiling and waving now) Have fun in Amish country!!!
*sigh* I know what you're thinking, but I had a woman call me 'witchy' for
reading Promethea last week. At this point I will do anything to keep from
reviving the burning times at work.
I took a few photos for reference on what I wanted to wear.
Hello all. Today is the day for a little personal rant about something that's been stewing for quite some time. This rant is about 'takers'.
Now, to be fair and just, 'takers' wouldn't be who they are without people like me. I'm a 'giver'. I really like to give. In the past, I have given money, objects, favors and support to people that I consider a friend. Perhaps I jump too quickly into the friendship canoe, but hey, I like very few people, and when I like you, I give.
And I'm not ranting because I expect THINGS back in return. Oh, no. No money at all do I seek. I think that I really just give to show that I respect and like someone, and I hope to receive friendship and respect in return. Just a little.
But time, after time, after time, my hopes have been dashed upon the pointy rocks of reality. And the reality is that the more that you do for some people, the less that they think of doing anything for you. Your kind words, gestures and proven solidarity are taken for granted and you become...well, wiped on. I have had this happen over the years. It always stings, but sometimes, it really hurts.
So, readers, few but kind, let me know how you honestly feel. I need to gain a different viewpoint, and if you think that I'm to blame, then tell me! It's the only way that I may begin to learn.
After six months of skull-crushing drudgery, the overlords of my workplace have finally relented to working us at a normal 40 hour week. And, as of this post, have had three weekends off in a row. I'm getting spoiled.
It's been rough, but I've had help. Chris has been a trooper, living with me during periods of total beastitude on my part. And my friends and family have been gracious enough to listen to me spazzing on a regular basis. But the best little reward is coming soon...
On June 20th, Chris and I will be heading to Pittsburgh for a three day horror convention presented by HorrorHound magazine. Oh, yes, Bill Mosley and Tom Savini will be there. And oh, YES, there will be a showing of Dario Argento's new film (and last in the Three Mothers trilogy) "Mother of Tears". And they will EVEN be showing the original Dawn of the Dead at it's frightening genesis: The Monroeville Mall.
Giddy and excited!!!
