(The following is the much sought-after interivew with the creative genius behind Amanda's Crucible.)
Okay, Amanda. What’s your deal? You aren’t blogging that much anymore. You’re not going to abandon this, are you?
No, no. I have no plans to quit writing. I have six fans I have to think of. I can’t let them down. I mean, they have this page bookmarked! Seriously, though, I just don’t have as much time as I used to with my work schedule becoming more demanding and all. I have to be in the mood to write, too. I don’t want to just post a bunch of boring crap about work that nobody would want to read.
But lately, all you’ve written about is work. Is that all you do? Do you have a social life at all?
Ouch. I wasn’t expecting these Geraldo Rivera-type hard hitting questions. Yes, my job is very time consuming so most of my life is revolving around that. Especially with Bah Humbug season rapidly approaching. However, I do try to spend as much quality time with my husband as possible.
Yeah, your husband? Remember him? What does he think about your new job? Is he mad about all the time you’re spending away from him?
Oh, he’s handling it all quite well, actually. He’s away at work most of the time too, so my hours don’t affect him as much as you might think. He’s very proud of me and already has grandiose plans for my extra income. He gets his jollies from sitting around in front of his amortization guide and a calculator, trying to see how quickly we can pay off the truck. My vote is for granite countertops, but I suppose those will have to wait. Seeing as how it's his money and all (snort).
So how are you liking your new job?
It’s unbelievably challenging, but I think I’m going to do well once I get going and get my relatively new staff trained. The timing of my promotion will make the holiday season difficult, but I’ll survive somehow.
In case you hadn’t noticed, none of your readers are jewelers. Could you give us a brief explanation of what you do? Since you obviously have nothing else to blog about?
Ouch again. Okay. First and foremost, I’m a jeweler. I size rings, set stones, fix whatever is broken, and try not to break what is already fixed. I have five employees working for me, and they do most of the repairs. I maintain communication with all the stores we do work for, make sure all the work gets done correctly and in a timely fashion, and basically just try to keep the system running. I guess you could say I’m a glorified hall monitor. Just without the badge.
Is that it? Geez, you make it sound so difficult when you’re writing. Somebody pays you do to that?
Yeah, well you don’t exist. All six of my fans know that this is all me. So there. Got any real questions mister Figment of my Imagination?
(Awkward silence #1)
Got any secret tattoos no one knows about?
What a lame question. And you know I don’t post personal stuff like that. If I decide to get a tramp stamp one of these days, I’ll just send a mass e-mail accopmanied by a photo.
Favorite color?
Sigh.
Favorite movie?
(rolls eyes, tousles strand of hair) An interesting question por favor or I’m walkin’ outta here. I’ve seen better interviews in the Russellville High School Panther Press. Holly knows what I’m talking about. Remember that Student Profile I wrote senior year? Heh heh heh. Oh, those were the days.
Speaking of high school…
Ah, crap.
I heard you were a big dork. True or false?
As the years have gone by, my bad memories have become much, much worse in my mind. I recall quite a few horrible experiences but I am pretty sure they are skewed by the passage of time. I wasn’t terribly cool, but I survived. I'm super cool now, that's a cold hard fact.
What about that time you wore the same clothes three days in a row?
Where on earth did you hear that from?
What was up with your seventh grade school picture?
I was growing my bangs out. Don’t judge.
And your huge crush on Star Trek: The Next Generation boy genius Wesley Crusher? I heard he was gay.
Okay, now you’ve gone too far. Don’t hate on ole Wesley. I thought he was wonderful and brilliant and had just the prettiest little brown eyes. I will not sit here in this press junket and listen to such slander!!!! Sigh. Could somebody get me some Evian? Or a little drink with an umbrella in it? Thanks.
Mmmmm. Sounds like somebody is still carrying a torch for Ensign Crusher. How does your “number one” feel about this? Hmmmm?
Jonathan understands my abiding love for Wesley and several others. To be fair, I share him with a couple of ladies who will never love him back, so things are fine.
Others? What others?
Well, I do love Jude Law in spite of the fact that he’s pretty much a pretty boy/philanderer. But he’s a great actor with an accent and totally hot, so I’m forgiving. Same goes for Russell Crowe, but I’m not diggin’ the shaggy 70’s hairdo. I liked him best in Gladiator. Also Michael Palin of Monty Python fame and George from Grey’s Anatomy. Just to name a few. Do-gooder Brad Pitt and Scientology nut job Tom Cruise just aren’t interesting enough for me.
Uh, you heard about George from Grey’s Anatomy, right?
Yes, yes. I know George likes McBoys. I just can’t talk about that right now, it’s too soon (blinks back tears). I really could use a break. Stop the cameras. Is anyone bringing my Evian? I’m a bit parched.
This is your imagination, not a press junket for the next Star Trek movie in which you explore the galaxy with Wesley Crusher!! You’re a mediocre jeweler married to a guy you met in band camp. You have to hide all your shoes from your cat because he has a fetish for shoelaces. You send out a public service announcement every time to do anything in the kitchen more challenging than boiling water. Your muffler on your car is practically dragging the ground, you need to get your roots done, and everyone knows you don’t really know your left from right. Nobody is getting you any blasted Evian!!!!
(Awkward silence #2)
I suppose that’s sad but true. To be honest, I’ve never purchased Evian. I’m too cheap. I get the Sam’s Club brand from Wal-Mart.
This interview is so over. Ashley Judd is waiting. You remember her? She played Lt. Robin Lefler, Wesley Crusher's love interest back in Season Four? You're excused.
Stupid figment.
19 November 2006
17 November 2006
large and in charge...sort of
Well, I haven't quit yet.
I have, however, found myself near tears at a couple of instances, tempted to put my fist through a wall in others, and had to bite my tongue at least once an hour. I am still here, nonethelesss.
I'm not so much bothered by the hours I'm working, which have gone from 40 to 44 and now 50 which will be 55+ in a couple of weeks. It's the fact that I have to be aware of an infinite amount of things at any given time. Otherwise the results are either embarassing or disastrous. I thought I was busy when I was the management trainee. Ha. I'm completely exhausted, but all in all, things have gone relatively well.
Unfortunately, this past weekend was a jeweler's nightmare. I was casually going through a repair bag when I noticed the ring it contained was no longer there. And it just-so-happened to be from this store (in Kentucky of all places) that likes me about as much as Kazakhstan loved the new Borat movie. Which was hysterical, by the way. Needless to say I spent that weekend out of my mind with anger at myself for letting this happen and tearing my poor shop apart looking for that sapphire ring. Oh and that conversation with the store's manager? Not pretty. Long story short, one of my employees shipped it out to a vendor and neglected to leave me a note. There are truly no words to describe how I felt at this point, so I'll just leave them to your imagination.
On top of all that? I broke my first diamond. The aquamarine I busted back in September was much less of a big deal since my soon-to-be ex-boss busted the replacement (I found that somewhat comforting) and it retailed for about $300.00. This was somebody's engagement ring and the diamond was worth $2900.00. I felt awful. If my diamond got damaged somehow, it could be replaced, but it wouldn't be that same one that Jonathan gave me that chilly night at the lake. Someone was definitely watching over me that Sunday...the owner was super nice and understanding about it and didn't throw the fit I was expecting. I was picturing myself rotissere-ing over a fire, lightly seasoned with lemon pepper and with an apple in my mouth. Or swinging next to Saddam (duh-doom-doom-ching).
*crickets chirping*
But all that has blown over and things have started to calm down a bit, just in time for Black Friday and the onset of Bah Humbug season. The Christmas season comes to an end right about the time every couple in the tri-state area thinks that getting engaged on Valentine's Day would be just super-dooper.
I apologize to anyone who got engaged or married on V-Day and is currently offended. I'm a jeweler, and reserve the right to be mildly to moderately annoyed by this. Thank you.
That'll do it for now, I think. Perhaps something good will happen today and I can share it with all six of my devoted readers tonight. Or that one crazy lady will come in again and very politely tell me that my work sucks. I'll have an apple ready for her.
I have, however, found myself near tears at a couple of instances, tempted to put my fist through a wall in others, and had to bite my tongue at least once an hour. I am still here, nonethelesss.
I'm not so much bothered by the hours I'm working, which have gone from 40 to 44 and now 50 which will be 55+ in a couple of weeks. It's the fact that I have to be aware of an infinite amount of things at any given time. Otherwise the results are either embarassing or disastrous. I thought I was busy when I was the management trainee. Ha. I'm completely exhausted, but all in all, things have gone relatively well.
Unfortunately, this past weekend was a jeweler's nightmare. I was casually going through a repair bag when I noticed the ring it contained was no longer there. And it just-so-happened to be from this store (in Kentucky of all places) that likes me about as much as Kazakhstan loved the new Borat movie. Which was hysterical, by the way. Needless to say I spent that weekend out of my mind with anger at myself for letting this happen and tearing my poor shop apart looking for that sapphire ring. Oh and that conversation with the store's manager? Not pretty. Long story short, one of my employees shipped it out to a vendor and neglected to leave me a note. There are truly no words to describe how I felt at this point, so I'll just leave them to your imagination.
On top of all that? I broke my first diamond. The aquamarine I busted back in September was much less of a big deal since my soon-to-be ex-boss busted the replacement (I found that somewhat comforting) and it retailed for about $300.00. This was somebody's engagement ring and the diamond was worth $2900.00. I felt awful. If my diamond got damaged somehow, it could be replaced, but it wouldn't be that same one that Jonathan gave me that chilly night at the lake. Someone was definitely watching over me that Sunday...the owner was super nice and understanding about it and didn't throw the fit I was expecting. I was picturing myself rotissere-ing over a fire, lightly seasoned with lemon pepper and with an apple in my mouth. Or swinging next to Saddam (duh-doom-doom-ching).
*crickets chirping*
But all that has blown over and things have started to calm down a bit, just in time for Black Friday and the onset of Bah Humbug season. The Christmas season comes to an end right about the time every couple in the tri-state area thinks that getting engaged on Valentine's Day would be just super-dooper.
I apologize to anyone who got engaged or married on V-Day and is currently offended. I'm a jeweler, and reserve the right to be mildly to moderately annoyed by this. Thank you.
That'll do it for now, I think. Perhaps something good will happen today and I can share it with all six of my devoted readers tonight. Or that one crazy lady will come in again and very politely tell me that my work sucks. I'll have an apple ready for her.
31 October 2006
go ahead...time me
Okay. Right now I'm promising the whole world out there that I'm going to do something other than work for at least ten minutes. I think it would be really super if I could spend the aforementioned ten minutes blogging about something other than work. That's looking sort of doubtful at the moment, but by-golly I'm gonna try.
Oh! Here's something! My parents came into town this past weekend and we had a lovely Saturday going to a museum (sorry Daddy, I know you're not much into ancient Egyptian artifacts, but I'm glad you hung in there) and strolling through the aisles of a nearby Central Market. Central Market RULES, just in case you didn't know. The cheese section alone is enough to make you believe in God, that's how friggin huge and incredible this place is. For those of you unfamiliar with this magical culinary oasis, it's one of those monstrous grocery stores that has unbelievably fresh fruits, veggies, and meats, a professional bakery, and more varities of alcohol than you can imagine. Oh and did I mention how insanely expensive it is? Such is the reason we only go there for coffee and this righteous pasta salad I'm addicted to. Funny how this place was more popular with my folks than the mummy exhibit. Eh...to each his own.
My folks got in Friday evening and left bright and early Sunday morn. The 12-ish hour trip from home to here is not something I am personally willing to make just for a one-day visit, but I was overjoyed to see them nonetheless. It's just a little reminder of how much I really do miss them and the rest of my friends and family. I'm thinking that the pain of being away from home is slowly becoming less and less as I am starting to feel like this is my real home now. Now that's not exactly what my loved ones back in Kentucky want to hear, but it's the truth. We had a wonderful day Saturday and I managed to give them the required hugs and kisses goodbye without a single tear. Such a farewell a couple of years ago would be enough to send me into a mild depression for a couple of days.
Look, Momma! I did something other than work for approximately 14 minutes! It probably helped that I was thinking about you and how much you and my daddy mean to me. Thanks for enduring the long hours in the car with Old Russell and whatever he felt the need to listen to on his XM radio, forgiving the cat for his antisocial behavior with his grandparents, and for my inability to pay full price for anything. Oh yeah...and the purse, too.
Love you both... :)
Oh! Here's something! My parents came into town this past weekend and we had a lovely Saturday going to a museum (sorry Daddy, I know you're not much into ancient Egyptian artifacts, but I'm glad you hung in there) and strolling through the aisles of a nearby Central Market. Central Market RULES, just in case you didn't know. The cheese section alone is enough to make you believe in God, that's how friggin huge and incredible this place is. For those of you unfamiliar with this magical culinary oasis, it's one of those monstrous grocery stores that has unbelievably fresh fruits, veggies, and meats, a professional bakery, and more varities of alcohol than you can imagine. Oh and did I mention how insanely expensive it is? Such is the reason we only go there for coffee and this righteous pasta salad I'm addicted to. Funny how this place was more popular with my folks than the mummy exhibit. Eh...to each his own.
My folks got in Friday evening and left bright and early Sunday morn. The 12-ish hour trip from home to here is not something I am personally willing to make just for a one-day visit, but I was overjoyed to see them nonetheless. It's just a little reminder of how much I really do miss them and the rest of my friends and family. I'm thinking that the pain of being away from home is slowly becoming less and less as I am starting to feel like this is my real home now. Now that's not exactly what my loved ones back in Kentucky want to hear, but it's the truth. We had a wonderful day Saturday and I managed to give them the required hugs and kisses goodbye without a single tear. Such a farewell a couple of years ago would be enough to send me into a mild depression for a couple of days.
Look, Momma! I did something other than work for approximately 14 minutes! It probably helped that I was thinking about you and how much you and my daddy mean to me. Thanks for enduring the long hours in the car with Old Russell and whatever he felt the need to listen to on his XM radio, forgiving the cat for his antisocial behavior with his grandparents, and for my inability to pay full price for anything. Oh yeah...and the purse, too.
Love you both... :)
20 October 2006
baptism by fire
Wow. It has been a really long time since I've sat down to write but honestly, I haven't even had the time or energy or care to even be on the internet at all. Robert made his grand exit on Monday, so the shop has been sort of mine ever since. Needless to say, my thoughts have mostly centered around cleaning up all the messes and tragedies he left and prevent new ones from popping up. Unfortunately, the past three days at work have been hell and I'm hoping that today will be different.
So this is where I apologize (again) for neglecting my blog.
I've managed this shop on many occassions for a week or more and have not endured one-tenth the problems I have since Tuesday. Somebody somewhere is trying to get rid of me, even though I haven't officially been named as the manager. Is there a jeweler's mafia? I suspect somebody wants to see me "sleepin with the fishes" as they say. I haven't given up yet. I know if the big boys at home office give me the job, they will come to see the wisdom in their decision, and soon.
Now I just have to pull out all the stops and say all the right things to convince them to promote me. I'm prety young, a little green, and have quite a bit to learn as a jeweler. Whatever concerns they have about me are valid. But I know all too well that there is much more to being a successful shop manager than simply being an old fart and a master jeweler. It really helps that my my district manager is 100% supportive of me and knows (better than I do) that I will excel in this position. Also, all the managers at the stores my shop does work for have given me their support, too. It is humbling to have so many people, many of whom I have great respect for, encouraging me and sending emails and phone messages on my behalf. It makes me want to work harder for them and do even better than I would have without their support. The downside is all the problems I have dealt with and have to take responsibility for make me feel like I'm letting all these folks down. I really don't want them to regret helping me get this job, if I do indeed become the shop manager.
So that's where my thoughts have been lately. It still may be quite awhile before I know anything for sure. I really hope I get the job. Especially since I already moved by tools and junk to the manager's bench. A bit hasty? Perhaps. But if I want this job, I've gotta act like I've already got it.
So this is where I apologize (again) for neglecting my blog.
I've managed this shop on many occassions for a week or more and have not endured one-tenth the problems I have since Tuesday. Somebody somewhere is trying to get rid of me, even though I haven't officially been named as the manager. Is there a jeweler's mafia? I suspect somebody wants to see me "sleepin with the fishes" as they say. I haven't given up yet. I know if the big boys at home office give me the job, they will come to see the wisdom in their decision, and soon.
Now I just have to pull out all the stops and say all the right things to convince them to promote me. I'm prety young, a little green, and have quite a bit to learn as a jeweler. Whatever concerns they have about me are valid. But I know all too well that there is much more to being a successful shop manager than simply being an old fart and a master jeweler. It really helps that my my district manager is 100% supportive of me and knows (better than I do) that I will excel in this position. Also, all the managers at the stores my shop does work for have given me their support, too. It is humbling to have so many people, many of whom I have great respect for, encouraging me and sending emails and phone messages on my behalf. It makes me want to work harder for them and do even better than I would have without their support. The downside is all the problems I have dealt with and have to take responsibility for make me feel like I'm letting all these folks down. I really don't want them to regret helping me get this job, if I do indeed become the shop manager.
So that's where my thoughts have been lately. It still may be quite awhile before I know anything for sure. I really hope I get the job. Especially since I already moved by tools and junk to the manager's bench. A bit hasty? Perhaps. But if I want this job, I've gotta act like I've already got it.
you broke my heart, fredo
Wow. It has been a really long time since I've sat down to write but honestly, I haven't even had the time or energy or care to even be on the internet at all. Robert made his grand exit on Monday, so the shop has been sort of mine ever since. Needless to say, my thoughts have mostly centered around cleaning up all the messes and tragedies he left and prevent new ones from popping up. Unfortunately, the past three days at work have been hell and I'm hoping that today will be different.
So this is where I apologize (again) for neglecting my blog.
I've managed this shop on many occassions for a week or more and have not endured one-tenth the problems I have since Tuesday. Somebody somewhere is trying to get rid of me, even though I haven't officially been named as the manager. Is there a jeweler's mafia? I suspect somebody wants to see me "sleepin with the fishes" as they say. I haven't given up yet. I know if the big boys at home office give me the job, they will come to see the wisdom in their decision, and soon.
Now I just have to pull out all the stops and say all the right things to convince them to promote me. I'm prety young, a little green, and have quite a bit to learn as a jeweler. Whatever concerns they have about me are valid. But I know all too well that there is much more to being a successful shop manager than simply being an old fart and a master jeweler. It really helps that my my district manager is 100% supportive of me and knows (better than I do) that I will excel in this position. Also, all the managers at the stores my shop does work for have given me their support, too. It is humbling to have so many people, many of whom I have great respect for, encouraging me and sending emails and phone messages on my behalf. It makes me want to work harder for them and do even better than I would have without their support. The downside is all the problems I have dealt with and have to take responsibility for make me feel like I'm letting all these folks down. I really don't want them to regret helping me get this job, if I do indeed become the shop manager.
So that's where my thoughts have been lately. It still may be quite awhile before I know anything for sure. I really hope I get the job. Especially since I already moved by tools and junk to the manager's bench. A bit hasty? Perhaps. But if I want this job, I've gotta act like I've already got it.
So this is where I apologize (again) for neglecting my blog.
I've managed this shop on many occassions for a week or more and have not endured one-tenth the problems I have since Tuesday. Somebody somewhere is trying to get rid of me, even though I haven't officially been named as the manager. Is there a jeweler's mafia? I suspect somebody wants to see me "sleepin with the fishes" as they say. I haven't given up yet. I know if the big boys at home office give me the job, they will come to see the wisdom in their decision, and soon.
Now I just have to pull out all the stops and say all the right things to convince them to promote me. I'm prety young, a little green, and have quite a bit to learn as a jeweler. Whatever concerns they have about me are valid. But I know all too well that there is much more to being a successful shop manager than simply being an old fart and a master jeweler. It really helps that my my district manager is 100% supportive of me and knows (better than I do) that I will excel in this position. Also, all the managers at the stores my shop does work for have given me their support, too. It is humbling to have so many people, many of whom I have great respect for, encouraging me and sending emails and phone messages on my behalf. It makes me want to work harder for them and do even better than I would have without their support. The downside is all the problems I have dealt with and have to take responsibility for make me feel like I'm letting all these folks down. I really don't want them to regret helping me get this job, if I do indeed become the shop manager.
So that's where my thoughts have been lately. It still may be quite awhile before I know anything for sure. I really hope I get the job. Especially since I already moved by tools and junk to the manager's bench. A bit hasty? Perhaps. But if I want this job, I've gotta act like I've already got it.
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