Can't Argue With That... Now Can I?

Awhile back I wrote a piece on some meaningful phrases that I've invented or adopted to use for getting me through this year. But only one I find I use more than any other, proclaiming, "I ain't arguing this year!" This one is a life changer for me. It appears the more I embrace this phrase, the more I'm put to the test to exercise it. Not to mention, tests come in varieties, multiple directions and unsuspecting sources. Nevertheless I find myself returning to my favorite rule of thumb....not arguing.

It's obvious when you're tired of the same recurring problem to shut down or ignore, this will cause you to not bother. But recently I've realized it could be used for other dilemmas such as perception. I recently went on an interview with a panel of 4 and I was told by The Insider, and I quote, "Word on the street is that I was cold and defensive in the interview." My reply was, "OK. Thank you." Here's where I pulled out my handy dandy favorite phrase, "Can't argue with that, now can I?" The Insider pushed to know how I thought I presented myself. Professionally. That's how.

Let me give a little background. My last interview was almost 6 mos. ago and the one before that was over 10 years ago! I had another interview after this one and was a little bit more relaxed. I didn't interview for the job I'm in now so I'm a little rusty...well a lot rusty. I lost lots of sleep preparing for this gig and they thought I was defensive and cold. I guess they wondered if I could "play well with others", who knows? And I really couldn't argue because the shit is true! I can be cold and defensive. Obviously it was perceived in the interview and The Insider warned that this could be a problem.

My Supervisor made me aware she was contacted by the dept I interviewed with and she answered questions honestly regarding my work ethics and disposition which may explain why I can be perceived as being cold and defensive. She said that I am by the book and departments have a hard time being told they can't do something against regulations.

Here's my take. I will be me. I will do what I am supposed to do....most of the time. Sometimes the chips just needs to fall where they may, people need to think what they must (right or wrong) and we need to just pick and choose our battles carefully. You can't argue all the time. Can you argue with that? Nope!

Bell Hoppers Don't Hop for Us

This is not the first time this has happened. Actually it happens quite often. Usually I feel compelled to tip the person who provides a service to me, even if the service isn't all that great, I know it's a hard tiresome job to wait on people everyday. I used to do it. However in this particular case I didn't feel so compelled. As I waited for M.O.M to collect his things off the shuttle I stood next to the outside check-in station. I was close enough but out of the way to observe and wait. I was waiting for confirmation and guess what? I got one.

I was paying attention to the lady in the parked van that arrived after our shuttle who was getting her bags to checkout. Immediately after the lady opened the door to the van the skycap started the show. He was so happy to see her and he let her know as she was still in the van collecting her belongings. By now, M.O.M and I were fully positioned at the skycap station ready to do business and waiting. And waiting. And waiting. When his attention on the ill prepared lady faded, he then stated, with his head down and eyes diverted, "I.D. or Boarding Pass". We were still and did not respond. His voice carried a little louder this time as he repeated, "I.D. or Boarding Pass". By now, I was certain he was talking to us. The skycap performed his show earlier for the lady in the van but little did he know, he was about to get a back stage pass to a performance he didn't know he had a ticket to.

Ordinarily I would be embarrassed, this time, I was proud.  M.O.M asked him who was he talking to just to make sure he wasn't mistaken and he had a witness to what's about to occur. The skycap said that he was talking to him. M.O.M replied by letting him know he was unaware that he was speaking to him at all by his body language. The skycap had to mention that he has been doing this job for 16 years and he knows what he was doing. After he checked our bags in and issued the boarding passes, I was disappointed because I didn't get the drama I was expecting from M.O.M..... understandably so... but I was proud because I didn't get the drama.

I asked how much did you tip him, he said don't worry about it, it wasn't much. But why do our people feel as though they have to be laxed or even kind of mean when serving us and they put on dancing shoes for 'the others'? Granted not all of us are like that, but the last two skycaps were proof. I guess M.O.M felt sorry for the bastard. I, on the other hand, told him he should have tipped him 16 pennies. I'm wrong, I know. Dance Mutha....! DANCE!