It’s an age-old story…you’ve heard it before. I’ll share my experience, this being my first of a “big girl” nature.
I walked into the dealership to pick up my car, dressed in a leopard print top, black pants, and black peeptoe pumps. I clearly don’t belong there.
As I opened the door, I noticed a row of desks separated by glass panes, each occupied by a gentleman somewhere between the ages of 30 and 55. Their heads pop up above their computers in unison……..nothing……no “may I help you?”, they’re just staring. Finally, I said, “Excuse me, I’m here to pick up my car”. (I may have snapped my fingers for emphasis, but do you blame me?)
“Did they tell you it was ready?”
No, I just thought I’d drive over for a practice run so I know how to deal with you oogoling perverts when the real time comes to pick up my car.
“Yes, I wouldn’t be here unless they had.”
“Go around the corner to the cashier – she’ll have what you need.”
Cashier? My car is still under warranty – I shouldn’t need a cashier for the money-less transaction I’m about to make. I round the corner to find a girl of about 19 dressed in a hoodie and jeans (it’s 103 degrees today).
“Hello. I’m Jennifer Marshall. I’m here to pick up my car.”
“Last name?”
Didn’t I just give it to you? First name, then last. I had my ID ready, just like the huge sign next to me told me to.
“Marshall”
She looks at the tag on each set of keys.
“Jennifer?” She hasn’t even looked at my ID. Is it this easy to get into someone’s car and drive away? What if Mrs. Jones drove a Porsche? I’d be rollin’ in style! “Here, sign this.” She shoved 2 pieces of paper in front of me – one with a pink highlighted dot and one with a blue highlighted dot.
As I’m scanning the document, making sure it doesn’t say “Transmission fluid leak, did not fix. Evaporating air from gas tank, did not fix”, she slides the window open further than the small crack she was talking to me through.
“It just tells what they did to your car. Will you just sign the thing?”
“I beg your pardon? I’m not signing anything, pink or blue, until I’ve read through what I’m signing”.
She looks at the boy standing next to her, rolls her eyes, and says into the walkie talkie, “500, I need a drive around for Ms…..uh…..Marshall”
Finally, a 13-year-old rounded the corner in my Jeep Commander that shouldn’t have a transmission fluid leak or evaporating air in the gas tank in the first place. Whah…Whah…
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Bad Blogger
I thought I would really enjoy this blogging thing, then I realized I have no pictures to upload...boring, no good stories lately.....double boring, and not really enough time to do it. I'm inspired now. I'll be better, I promise.
Since May 7th, which was the date of my last entry, I've been overloaded at work. I've given 2 of the most important presentations of my career, and gladly, they went famously! I find myself wondering why, whith such rave reviews about my performance circulating around the executive floor, I go home every night thinking I'm the worst buyer in the world....I guess I'm my own worst critic...but who isn't?!
My car is in the shop. I guess when a car dealer tells you "everything seems to be in fine working order, Ms. Marshall. If you need anything or have questions about your warranty, please don't hesitate to call", that means, "watch out, Ms. Marshall, when your dad finds out you've had a transmission fluid leak and haven't taken care of it, you're in for big troubs"! (as if I know what a transmission is and why and from where it would be leaking....please!)
I'm in mourning. My favorite pair of shoes passed away on Tuesday morning. The candy apple red pattent leather ripped off of the bottom of my perfect peeptoe Stuart Weitzman Rollpumps. This may sound like Latin to those of you who give less than stellar performance in the art of dressing, but this will go down in history as one of my saddest days. Luckily, I still have my connections from NM which have allowed me to arrange surgery for my unfortunate, overworn fabulous shoes. I'm sure they'll come back from NY good as new!
Is it Friday yet???
Since May 7th, which was the date of my last entry, I've been overloaded at work. I've given 2 of the most important presentations of my career, and gladly, they went famously! I find myself wondering why, whith such rave reviews about my performance circulating around the executive floor, I go home every night thinking I'm the worst buyer in the world....I guess I'm my own worst critic...but who isn't?!
My car is in the shop. I guess when a car dealer tells you "everything seems to be in fine working order, Ms. Marshall. If you need anything or have questions about your warranty, please don't hesitate to call", that means, "watch out, Ms. Marshall, when your dad finds out you've had a transmission fluid leak and haven't taken care of it, you're in for big troubs"! (as if I know what a transmission is and why and from where it would be leaking....please!)
I'm in mourning. My favorite pair of shoes passed away on Tuesday morning. The candy apple red pattent leather ripped off of the bottom of my perfect peeptoe Stuart Weitzman Rollpumps. This may sound like Latin to those of you who give less than stellar performance in the art of dressing, but this will go down in history as one of my saddest days. Luckily, I still have my connections from NM which have allowed me to arrange surgery for my unfortunate, overworn fabulous shoes. I'm sure they'll come back from NY good as new!
Is it Friday yet???
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Things to Ponder...
These things have actually crossed my mind since the beginning of my work day…it’s only been 3 hours….
Why do people assume you want to hold their child?
Why do people think it’s okay to wear leggings to work with a top that’s too short?
Why do people think we need to hear them scream at their wives in the office?
Why do meetings always get scheduled when I’m alone to speak to a business I know nothing about?
Why does the electric company seem so on top of things when it’s time to disconnect service, but still can’t figure out where the heck to send a statement?
Why do Shih Tzus have such a hard time potty training?
Why do I think it’s necessary to drive a car as big as a school bus when I can’t drive it or afford the gas?
Why am I sitting here like I have nothing to do when I have a year’s worth of planning to get done in about five minutes?
Why are guys I would never even consider the only ones attracted to me?
Why do men in the workplace think there are microphones in women’s breasts?
Why do people only bother me when I’m clearly busy?
Why do I love planning weddings so much?
Why do some people think "Associate Buyer" is synonomous with "Secretary"?
Why is it inappropriate to drink alcohol at work?
Why did I go to the grocery store and buy sandwich stuff, but no bread?
Why does Saturday only come once a week?
Why do I still have to do my own advertising?
Why am I yawning when I’ve had 3 cups of coffee this morning?
Why can’t I lose 20 pounds by only consuming tortillas and wine?
Forget sanity – let’s just focus on staying alive!
Why do people assume you want to hold their child?
Why do people think it’s okay to wear leggings to work with a top that’s too short?
Why do people think we need to hear them scream at their wives in the office?
Why do meetings always get scheduled when I’m alone to speak to a business I know nothing about?
Why does the electric company seem so on top of things when it’s time to disconnect service, but still can’t figure out where the heck to send a statement?
Why do Shih Tzus have such a hard time potty training?
Why do I think it’s necessary to drive a car as big as a school bus when I can’t drive it or afford the gas?
Why am I sitting here like I have nothing to do when I have a year’s worth of planning to get done in about five minutes?
Why are guys I would never even consider the only ones attracted to me?
Why do men in the workplace think there are microphones in women’s breasts?
Why do people only bother me when I’m clearly busy?
Why do I love planning weddings so much?
Why do some people think "Associate Buyer" is synonomous with "Secretary"?
Why is it inappropriate to drink alcohol at work?
Why did I go to the grocery store and buy sandwich stuff, but no bread?
Why does Saturday only come once a week?
Why do I still have to do my own advertising?
Why am I yawning when I’ve had 3 cups of coffee this morning?
Why can’t I lose 20 pounds by only consuming tortillas and wine?
Forget sanity – let’s just focus on staying alive!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Is It Friday Yet?
I’m playing the parts of 3 different buyers today. All parties who are here to support me in my time of learning a new business are out of town. Even on a day like today, I know in my bones I am made to do this. I do not regret, even for a second, the choices and sacrifices I’ve made to be here. There are 3 things that have made me happy today :
1) The vending machine gave me 2 cookies by accident
2) Diet Coke
3) Wearing flip flops around the office because all of my superiors are on vacation and how fabulous my toes look because I had a pedicure last week
1) The vending machine gave me 2 cookies by accident
2) Diet Coke
3) Wearing flip flops around the office because all of my superiors are on vacation and how fabulous my toes look because I had a pedicure last week
Thursday, February 21, 2008
I am so sure....
The same girl who decided to respond to my concern for her well being by going on an hour-long rant about how everyone hates me because I'm so fake and seem to be perfect in every way thought for some reason that it was okay to email me and ask me to go out with her and some friends this weekend.
First of all, I generally decide against hanging out with people who apparently hate me - I wouldn't want to make anyone jealous of my so-called perfect life. Secondly, does it not occur to her that maybe the things she said and the way she said them stung a little and I don't really care to be her bff at the moment? Lastly, maybe I'm hanging out with perfect people this weekend......which obviously means she's not invited.
Just thought it was a little shocking. Some people have some nerve!
First of all, I generally decide against hanging out with people who apparently hate me - I wouldn't want to make anyone jealous of my so-called perfect life. Secondly, does it not occur to her that maybe the things she said and the way she said them stung a little and I don't really care to be her bff at the moment? Lastly, maybe I'm hanging out with perfect people this weekend......which obviously means she's not invited.
Just thought it was a little shocking. Some people have some nerve!
Monday, February 4, 2008
My So-Called Perfect Life
"People who are unhappy hate to see people who are happy. You are happy. Amen."
These sweet words were written on a sticky note that was left in my bag for me to find one day when I came home from my precious Aunt Ruby’s house. I’ve got the note on my refrigerator so I never forget to remind myself of this truth. The people in my life, whether close or distant, have always seen in me a confidence and the ability to be positive and optimistic in any situation. I’ve always enjoyed hearing that I’ve brightened someone’s day or enabled someone to see the good in a situation rather than dwell on the negative.
Recently, it seems that I’ve been surrounded by people who, for whatever reason, can’t seem to be happy for me right now. I understand it’s hard to be genuinely happy for someone else, especially when things aren’t falling into place. For this reason, I do not fault them. That being said, to the people who I’ve offended when I gave a positive (and apparently sometimes over-the-top) answer to “how are things with you”, I am truly sorry. My intent was never to hurt you or “rub it in” by telling you things are going well for me.
I spent most of Saturday upset to the point of tears when my character and personality came under attack by someone I’ve known for quite a while. While I understand there was a point to be made, there was perhaps a less hurtful way to go about it. I make no apologies for the way that I am. My parents make no apologies for raising an independent, strong daughter.
The facts of my life are these : I’m 26 and single; I have a wonderful relationship with my parents and extended family; my family and I are in good health; I have a fabulous job that I love and happen to be good at; I have a new car that I love; and I have a close community of the best friends anyone could ask for.
I don’t need to be pushed into a relationship with someone I’m still figuring out if I have anything in common with. It’s not a bad thing to take things slowly. When I’m asked how my dating life is going, an answer in the ilk of “great, I’m not sure if I’ll see _____ tonight, but things are going well” is not an incorrect one. The fact that I may not have the best dating advice, a result of my poor choices and limited dating experience, does not make me judgmental and insensitive to those who have more invested in their current, maybe unpleasant situations.
No member of my family has never deceived or intentionally hurt me or any other member of our family. My parents and I have a very open relationship that I’m able to appreciate now. There has never been a major, life-changing event in my immediate family except maybe the addition of a new dog. For this, I am so grateful. I could never have fabricated a family with 2 more supportive, trusting parents and 3 siblings with better values and closer relationships. Sure, we all have our quirks……who doesn’t? We love each other and that’s all that matters.
I have been blessed with the strength to take my career into my own hands and, while the people around me could never understand my decision to leave Neiman Marcus, I couldn’t be happier with my decision. With the knowledge that I am better than the job I was able to do and the faith that, with the Lord on my side, I was bigger than the circumstance that made me so miserable, I set out for bigger and better things. I have started in a position with a company that my peers would never have put me in, and frankly, neither would I, but I am able to do what I always knew I could. I know that, at least for the time being, I am meant to be a Buyer. Michaels is providing me with the opportunity to prove that to the world and, most importantly, to myself. I’ve learned that my work does not have to control me and become who I am, but can be an added joy in my life. Furthermore, I enjoy coming to work in the morning….as I should.
Lastly, each of my friends has been put in my life for a very different reason than all others. Each one provides me with encouragement, sisterhood, and support that I’d be lost without. They don’t share my flaws with others, rather they offer me support in working through things that are tough for me. They don’t judge me. They don’t force me into things that I know are wrong for me. They don’t put words in my mouth then use them against me. Lastly, and very importantly, they don’t call me names or attack me for who I am.
“…For of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” This statement is made twice in the Bible – once in Matthew 12:34 and again in Luke 6:45. My heart is so overfilled with joy from the blessings in my life, that there is no room for despair. Even the worst thing I deal with during the day pales in comparison to the trials some are going through. For this reason, I have no right to focus on them, but only to rejoice in the Lord for the blessings He so graciously continues to give me. His mercies are new every morning. Praise Him for His faithfulness.
My attitude does not make me fake. My inability to relate directly with hardship does not make me unable to empathize. My words are not judgmental. I truly am a simple person and, I believe, happier for it. If this is perceived as a façade of perfection and strength, I’ll apologize for your jealousy, but for nothing else. Rather, I’ll invite you to share in my joy as I share in yours.
These sweet words were written on a sticky note that was left in my bag for me to find one day when I came home from my precious Aunt Ruby’s house. I’ve got the note on my refrigerator so I never forget to remind myself of this truth. The people in my life, whether close or distant, have always seen in me a confidence and the ability to be positive and optimistic in any situation. I’ve always enjoyed hearing that I’ve brightened someone’s day or enabled someone to see the good in a situation rather than dwell on the negative.
Recently, it seems that I’ve been surrounded by people who, for whatever reason, can’t seem to be happy for me right now. I understand it’s hard to be genuinely happy for someone else, especially when things aren’t falling into place. For this reason, I do not fault them. That being said, to the people who I’ve offended when I gave a positive (and apparently sometimes over-the-top) answer to “how are things with you”, I am truly sorry. My intent was never to hurt you or “rub it in” by telling you things are going well for me.
I spent most of Saturday upset to the point of tears when my character and personality came under attack by someone I’ve known for quite a while. While I understand there was a point to be made, there was perhaps a less hurtful way to go about it. I make no apologies for the way that I am. My parents make no apologies for raising an independent, strong daughter.
The facts of my life are these : I’m 26 and single; I have a wonderful relationship with my parents and extended family; my family and I are in good health; I have a fabulous job that I love and happen to be good at; I have a new car that I love; and I have a close community of the best friends anyone could ask for.
I don’t need to be pushed into a relationship with someone I’m still figuring out if I have anything in common with. It’s not a bad thing to take things slowly. When I’m asked how my dating life is going, an answer in the ilk of “great, I’m not sure if I’ll see _____ tonight, but things are going well” is not an incorrect one. The fact that I may not have the best dating advice, a result of my poor choices and limited dating experience, does not make me judgmental and insensitive to those who have more invested in their current, maybe unpleasant situations.
No member of my family has never deceived or intentionally hurt me or any other member of our family. My parents and I have a very open relationship that I’m able to appreciate now. There has never been a major, life-changing event in my immediate family except maybe the addition of a new dog. For this, I am so grateful. I could never have fabricated a family with 2 more supportive, trusting parents and 3 siblings with better values and closer relationships. Sure, we all have our quirks……who doesn’t? We love each other and that’s all that matters.
I have been blessed with the strength to take my career into my own hands and, while the people around me could never understand my decision to leave Neiman Marcus, I couldn’t be happier with my decision. With the knowledge that I am better than the job I was able to do and the faith that, with the Lord on my side, I was bigger than the circumstance that made me so miserable, I set out for bigger and better things. I have started in a position with a company that my peers would never have put me in, and frankly, neither would I, but I am able to do what I always knew I could. I know that, at least for the time being, I am meant to be a Buyer. Michaels is providing me with the opportunity to prove that to the world and, most importantly, to myself. I’ve learned that my work does not have to control me and become who I am, but can be an added joy in my life. Furthermore, I enjoy coming to work in the morning….as I should.
Lastly, each of my friends has been put in my life for a very different reason than all others. Each one provides me with encouragement, sisterhood, and support that I’d be lost without. They don’t share my flaws with others, rather they offer me support in working through things that are tough for me. They don’t judge me. They don’t force me into things that I know are wrong for me. They don’t put words in my mouth then use them against me. Lastly, and very importantly, they don’t call me names or attack me for who I am.
“…For of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” This statement is made twice in the Bible – once in Matthew 12:34 and again in Luke 6:45. My heart is so overfilled with joy from the blessings in my life, that there is no room for despair. Even the worst thing I deal with during the day pales in comparison to the trials some are going through. For this reason, I have no right to focus on them, but only to rejoice in the Lord for the blessings He so graciously continues to give me. His mercies are new every morning. Praise Him for His faithfulness.
My attitude does not make me fake. My inability to relate directly with hardship does not make me unable to empathize. My words are not judgmental. I truly am a simple person and, I believe, happier for it. If this is perceived as a façade of perfection and strength, I’ll apologize for your jealousy, but for nothing else. Rather, I’ll invite you to share in my joy as I share in yours.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Corporate America : What Was the Rush?
Tuesday, January 22, 2008 : Things about which I've heard stories in the office today :
Male Chauvinism
Babies
Recipes
Livable Suburbs
Sports
Babies
Paycheck Flubs
Dogs
Business
Babies
Girl Scouts
It’s not a mistake that BABIES is listed more than once. I’m sure every couple thinks their kid is the cutest on the planet, and if they want to spend all day watching the “mommy cam” at the daycare center, that’s their business, but I don’t need to know every single time your child has a bowel movement or spits up on her shirt. Okay?
It’s a wonder anyone gets anything done around here with all the distractions!!
Male Chauvinism
Babies
Recipes
Livable Suburbs
Sports
Babies
Paycheck Flubs
Dogs
Business
Babies
Girl Scouts
It’s not a mistake that BABIES is listed more than once. I’m sure every couple thinks their kid is the cutest on the planet, and if they want to spend all day watching the “mommy cam” at the daycare center, that’s their business, but I don’t need to know every single time your child has a bowel movement or spits up on her shirt. Okay?
It’s a wonder anyone gets anything done around here with all the distractions!!
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