Journal Entries
Anger management
Posted Mar 8, 2004
This was my first real contribution and I'd quite forgotten about it until the notification came through it was completed and online.
I'd written about an experience with a neighbour in the spur of the moment and suddenly, there it was, out there for people to read! Sometimes I hear her yelling and remember our confrontation has been documented and exists in the public arena. It's a weird feeling.
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Latest reply: Mar 8, 2004
Bob Ross
Posted Mar 8, 2004
I'm an art tutor because I haven't been 'discovered' much as an artist... yet.
Two of my students have become possessed by a slick daytime TV artist by the name of Bob Ross.
Whilst I have nothing personal against the (late) Bob Ross, I do now have an explanation as to why, inexplicably, they have demonstrated the desire to paint evergreen trees and lakeside 'shacks' in every art session they have attended for the past year.
After a shack and evergreen tree ban imposed by myself last week, one of them confessed that all he wants to do is paint "like that bloke off the telly". Further probing led him to spill the name 'Ross'. This gentleman is apparently incumbent on Sky TV most mornings, although I haven't had the pleasure, being on modest earnings like many others of my profession.
Internet investigation this morning has revealed the true nature of the beast, leaving me aghast at the sheer volume of wooden shacks, evergreen trees, lakes and other harbingers of cheese at such volume as I have never before encountered, (even though my Nana owned both the 'Dusky Maiden' and the 'Crying Child' - or was it weeing? I can't really recall).
I am trying to reconcile the fact that although this Bob Ross is not what I would personally subscribe to as 'good art', the students who attend my class do so as part of a rehabilitation programme after ill health - and are NOT there to be bullied into being culture vultures, nor to be ridiculed for simple pleasures like painting indescribably kitsch landscapes. (Although I will draw the line at them spending their cash on the somewhat extensive range of specialist paints and brushes this Bob Ross cult seems to insist are the only instruments capable of truly emulating the master...).
My dilemma is simple - tomorrow I should surely go in there and speak calmly, objectively, knowledgeably, convincingly and without bile on this, attempting to steer them away gently, but what I fear what will actually happen is, on the mention of Mr. Ross's name, or the sight of a slickly painted evergreen, my head will spin a full 360 degrees and fire will pour from my eye sockets. My students don't really deserve this.
Advice anyone?
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Latest reply: Mar 8, 2004
Phoned in sick
Posted Aug 19, 2003
Arrrrrggh. That was awful. I got a person. The big boss! Ohhh, that was bad. She was so nice. She didn't mean it. Oh no!
Mind, you - I'm on holiday now for 2 weeks! Hope my dystonia settles down soon. I need consolation for the guilt, stress, and muscle spasms I'm suffering. Hmmm. Wonder what's on telly... wonder what's in the fridge...
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Latest reply: Aug 19, 2003
Phoning in sick
Posted Aug 19, 2003
(8.45 - 15 minutes to go)
I'm genuinely sick today, but I just hate the ritual of ringing up and telling work. Guilt shouldn't be a factor (not this time, anyhoo!), but it is.
Why?
Perhaps it's the personal contact thing. Speaking to another human being who, by their very act of picking up the phone, puts them in a position where they know they're going to be slogging it out in the office whilst you slob around on the sofa watching daytime TV. Bummer.
Perhaps its the feeling you have to 'sound' sick to be believed? Or disclose nasty details that will 'qualify' you to a sick day?
(8.54 - 6 minutes to go)
Today, I don't have those details. I have this odd medical condition (dystonia) that no-one else at work has, it doesn't make me 'sound' sick, and I could spill some details about it, but no-one could relate to them if I did. And to make it worse, I'm on holiday from tomorrow for 2 weeks, so it is SOOOO going to look like I am a total p-taker.
(8.57! Oh my GAWD!)
Catching the answer machine before 9 is the coward's way out. But, perhaps if I'm punctual and ring in at 9 on the nose, it won't be MY fault if they don't pick it up.
Excuse - I was diligent and rang in at 9, but no-one was there. I tried. Sorry.
(9.00... here goes... gonna do it NOW)
Bye!
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Latest reply: Aug 19, 2003
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