journal

This is going to bug me unless I get it out, so here I am.

Today, while at work, an absolutely beautiful girl and her friend approached me for help finding a CD. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But Chris, you never help customers anymore.” This is true, but I do make exceptions for pretty girls, as cliched as that may sound. She was short and had black hair, I couldn’t resist. So, why the journal entry?

Well, it isn’t a secret that I’m not exactly a Casanova over here. I do ok, but nothing to write home about. However, this started off well. Opened with a joke just for the hell of it and went on with it, but fear and anger held me back. Fear? Well, she’s a beautiful girl. Anger? Her annoying friend make a comment about looking in the computer instead of spending time looking through the shelves (1. The computer doesn’t say where it’d be and 2. I wanted to spend as much time as possible, you ass) and I just lost my focus and could only think about how big of a bitch this girl’s friend was.

Man, I fucked that all up, huh? I’ll keep on trying, though. My anger is manageable, I think, but the fear is something that’s harder to over come. I’m not sure where I started letting it guide me, but it’s there and I need to grow the fuck up and break free of it before it’s too late.

As you may or may not know, I am a part timer at Best Buy. Regardless of the fact that I have pulled quite a few 40 hours weeks, I’m classed as a part timer and get no health benefits. I had joked with a few guys at work, more than once, that our health insurance plan was “don’t get sick”. I was kidding, though. At least, I thought it was a joke.

Today, I received an HR post card in the mail from work, with the title of “Sick of being sick?” on the front. I would scan it, but I’m not sure if that would violate company policy, so let me give you a few wonderful snippets:

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks, eat turkey, sleep, and shop big sales (or, if you work in the stores, get there early on Friday to WOW those customers). If you’re sick, you won’t be able to enjoy any of these activities.

Oh no, heaven forbid I get sick and have to miss the horrible experience of working in retail on Black Friday. What’s funny is that we are told each year, at least in my store, that if we call out on Black Friday, regardless of the reason, we’ll be fired.

Get a flu shot – Prevent being laid up for days! Go to a local convenient care clinic to get it done fast. If you’re enrolled in a Best Buy Health Plan, flu shots are covered 100% at in-network providers.

Except, I’m not covered. Thanks guys. I don’t need the little money I make for anything else. I definitely want to get a flu shot so I don’t miss a day or two of work. Ironically enough, the flu shot would probably cost the same as the money I would make in that day.

You know, I look at a company like Starbucks and bitch a lot about how they over charge for coffee like no tomorrow. However, that said, they know how to take care of their employees. Every employee who works 25 hours or more a week (I would easily fit that) gets health insurance. You mean, they help their employees to not miss work by taking care of them? The horror! The shame!

Thanks for looking out for me, Best Buy.

I have a book. Stephen Colbert’s “I Am America (And So Can You!)” was part of Joe’s gift to me for my birthday. This copy, alas, was a bit more special for, on the inside cover, were scribed the signatures of Stephen Colbert and his thee co-authors. Ok, enough of the fancy speak. The signed book is fucking awesome, but now I have to wait for Joe to get himself an unsigned copy so I can read it without ruining my signed copy. I can’t wait.

I also have a CD, namely, Seether’s “Finding Beauty In Negative Spaces”. The album is a strong release by the band, though it’s getting beat on by the critics for being a bit more main stream. I can agree that, sometimes, the producers added too many effects to Shaun’s voice, though it’s bearable. The real issue someone could take is the roller coaster of music styles. The first half is very heavy and real energetic rock. The second half is more sullen with a ballad or two thrown in. I definitely prefer the first half, that’s for sure.

So what’s the other stuff? I also received a hoodie and a pair of sneakers from my Mom. My dad claimed rights, also, but he didn’t actually have any involvements in the entire process so I give full credit to my Mom lol. Sure, I picked them out and all, it was still cool of her to get me both, especially since they were a little over the usual limit.

Thanks to everyone who gave me gifts and/or well wishes for my birthday. Oh, in brief other news, I’ve been grubbing quite a few extra hours at work, lately. I need the money so I’ll do what I can.

I rarely mention Neowin here. There’s a plethora of reasons why.

I’m going to be contributing some exclusive content to Neowin once again. After skipping a year, we’re bringing back the Neowin Community Game Awards. Blackice912 is working on the scripts as we speak and DirtyLarry is doing some kick ass graphic work. Me? Well, for now, I’m project lead, I guess, though it’ll be my job to do all the writing for the article once the votes are in. You should expect to see nominations starting in a few weeks. Keep your eyes peeled.

The second, and probably more popular project, is the NeowinCAST News Edition. Yes, we’re bringing it back. Recording should start next week and Rob and I plan on doing weekly shows. He’s promised to take on the chore of editing which helps me deal with the load of planning the show out and then hosting it. Hosting is harder than you think and it’s the reason why I refuse to work with anyone but Rob at this point. We just work well together and it makes my job a lot easier.

Well, that’s about it. Both of these tidbits have been heard here first. I just hope the guys at Neowin don’t mind lol.