Thursday, December 15, 2005
We had our departmental holiday party today at work. They served soft drinks and desserts from 3 until 4. There were some door prizes given away, but only about 6, in a department of over 100 people. It was a nice enough event, but last year we got to go home afterwards, and this year we had to return to work. This year we also got no bonus for Christmas – just a lousy 20% off coupon. The managers all got a bonus, but not us. It infuriates me.
My cube neighbor [and fellow paralegal] Shalida – who has been at the company 12 years - said they are getting ready to make the paralegals hourly, too. I cannot abide the idea of punching a time clock. It’s insulting. It will make it much harder for me to take off and go to the doctor, or do anything personal. I will probably look for another job. If I’m going to be treated like that I might as well go back to a firm and make decent money, at least.
Alesia tried to wear her suede shoes today in the pouring rain, and I had to scream at her twice to get her to change shoes. It made me so mad, I couldn’t kiss her goodbye this morning. I know it was petty of me and I felt bad later but I just couldn’t do it. Every day she acts like she only tolerates me giving her a little kiss on the forehead. Today when I didn’t kiss her she just shot me an angry lock and flung herself out of the car. Set the stage for a bad day for us both.
She was told by two of her teachers, in front of other students, that she has pink eye, and she shouldn’t be at school, and would give it to all the other kids. It embarrassed her. They should’ve sent her to the nurse, or spoken to her in private. I have to take her to the doctor first thing in the morning and get her cleared to go back. Her chest cold is about the same, and maybe it is pink eye [I doubt it] but they shouldn’t have embarrassed her. I was surprised to hear that Miss Kerivan was one of the teachers saying that to her.
At least the day ended on a happy note. We watched Hello Dolly on DVD. Brought back lots of nice memories for me, of when I was in the chorus of Dolly at the Westside Dinner Theater in 1980, my senior year in high school. Mother saw it on Broadway in the 60’s, and it was one of Dad’s favorite musicals. It’s sort of our family film favorite. Alesia enjoyed the dancing and seemed enthralled.
I made an apricot brandy pound cake to take to work tomorrow.
