But the yarn is pretty?
Quote of the Day September 23, 2008
Quote from my training material at work:
“The military is regarded as an organization that serves to protect human rights and societal values.”
A cookie to the reader who can tell me why we here at Fomenting a Rebellion are amused by this statement. Proceed.
Meet Dibley! September 21, 2008
I’ve been hesitant in writing this post for multiple reasons, but I’m finally ready to introduce my loyal readers to Dibley! He’s a miniature schnauzer, born on July 28th (the day I started my job, incidentally), and I just got him on Monday.
Dibley!
I’m trying to be a good dog mom, but it’s definitely hard sometimes. The main thing that’s getting me down is my allergies. They have increased tenfold since I got Dibley, and I’m just hoping it’s something to do with the crazy-ass Waco weather and not actually Dibley. I’m giving it a couple more weeks, but it looks like I’m in this for the long haul!
Also, having a puppy is a great contraceptive. I was already wary of having kids, but after getting this little guy, I’m pretty much anti-children (of my own). You can’t give them back under any circumstances! Scary.
I’m sure I’ll have more stories and pictures of Dibs here soon. Hopefully it won’t get too obnoxious. But if it does, who cares? It’s my blog. Ciao.
Another Addition to the Yes List September 6, 2008
I am obsessed with this song right now. Yes, it’s called Sex on Fire, and yes, I am putting the lead singer at the top of the yes list for the vocals in this song alone. I’m getting easy in my old age …
Props to this lady for posting it first.
And the Winner Is … September 3, 2008
Baltimore! However, I realized after putting my options out there for my loyal four readers to choose from, that before I start talking about Baltimore, I’m going to have to give you a little background on my new job first. So two posts in one. Yay!
On July 28th I started my job at the Waco Regional Office of Veterans Affairs as a Rating Veterans Service Representative. Yes, I realize that’s a mouthful. Yes, I realize you’re probably beyond confused at all the terminology I just threw at you. But that’s why I’m writing this blog post, isn’t it?
Basically, I’m the person behind the scenes who is determining the amount of compensation a veteran receives for disabilities incurred or aggravated while in service. It sounds pretty simple, but I’m realizing more and more how much responsibility I have to the people I’m working for … veterans’ livelihoods are in my hands. It’s pretty scary, actually.
Those of you who know me well are probably reading through this right now, scratching your head, wondering why in the hell your liberal, pacifist, wanna be ex-patriot friend Lindsay is working for the government. For the VA of all places! I’d be lying to you if I said I wasn’t surprised myself. Still. Every day.
It wasn’t an easy decision to make, working for the U.S. government. For months before and after I graduated with my master’s degree in May, I applied to over 50 jobs in the nonprofit sector all over the world. I didn’t get any of them. In fact, I only ever heard back from two of those jobs. And that was for them to tell me that I wasn’t quite the person they were looking for. I just appreciated the fact that they even contacted me at all.
Then, all of a sudden, this job with the VA comes to my attention. It paid well, had great benefits, and I would ultimately be helping people, which was the goal all along. So I applied. And got the job. And started less than two weeks later.
But it was the VA. And it was in Waco. And I’m a pretty hardcore pacifist. It didn’t seem to add up.
After some soul-searching and consulting with very wise friends, I decided I could begin my job as an RVSR at the VA without (too much) inner conflict. I’m viewing this job as my own personal protest against the war in Iraq (and all war in general) by doing what I can to deflect/negate the shitty stuff that comes home with the veterans. I’m helping veterans get the benefits they need and deserve. I think I’m going to like my job, after all.
Now that I’ve rambled on for multiple paragraphs, I think I’m going to put off my post about Baltimore and job training for now. But believe me, there were some good times to be had!
So goodnight, babies. Thanks for sticking with me =).
