I was rude to someone today.
Now, I might seethe with an undying contempt and hatred for all of humanity (sorry), but I don’t let that out. I keep that contempt locked up nice and tight with only the occasional glare or growl slipping out.
But, today, I was rude.
I was at work having a full on Monday (note, today is actually Tuesday), when my cell phone rang. I didn’t recognize the number, but answered it anyway.
The caller asked for “Becky” and I sighed and told him it was the wrong number. It was actually with a bit of relief – “Yea! Not a robot calling me about my student loans!”
His reply was, “Oh, sorry, maybe you can help me…” and went on with a spiel about donating money to something.
I honestly don’t know what I was supposed to donate to – I was way too angry. When he finally paused, I replied:
“You start off with a bait and switch and then expect me to help you? Are you kidding? There’s no way,”
I pulled the phone away from my ear and just as I hit the button to hang up the call I heard him say, “Have a nice day,”
And then I felt bad. He was just some guy trying to do a job. A shitty job, but a job nonetheless. I could have been a lot more rude – didn’t even swear – but, still…
Now, there’s no earthly way I’m going to support whatever he was asking me to support. I mean, if it starts off with a ploy, it’s going to go downhill into some really shady territory. But, I’m kinda hoping he calls back so I can apologize. And then get taken off the damn list.
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It’s getting close to Maker Faire time and I’ve been on the fence about participating again. As in, I’ve known about the sign-up deadline for months and I’m less than a week away. Not normally how I roll, but it’s been a tough call.
I like demonstrating origami and teaching people – and I like talking about and sharing my craft. But the Maker Faire last year was rough. It was about 8 hours of folding with kid after kid at my table – usually 3 deep – and no breaks.
I was exhausted when I was done. My hands ached and my back was sore from leaning over the table. And even though my friends and family stopped by, I didn’t really have much time to interact with them. So, even with the crowds, it was a little lonely – especially when it was time to take down my display and load up my car.
There’s a little magic when a crane’s wings flap the first time or a cube comes together – but…yeah… it was rough.
So, making the actual decision to slog through that enormous registration form – seriously, my Humanities in the Western Tradition final wasn’t as rough – was not something I’d do lightly. If I was going to do this, I was going to do it well and go all in.
In the end, it came down to two things.
- I have a tendency to “not” – as in, just not do things. I don’t know you could call me an introvert – see: polar bear jump, AANR member, silly hats, kilts, etc. – but if given a choice about participating in things I’d usually just rather not. And I’m trying to work on that.
- I could just sit in my living room and fold paper while watching a DVD. And then post a picture on my website. And that could be the limit of my interaction. Or I could get out there and share this with… scores…of easily distracted kids who really just want to walk away with something free. Sigh.
So, last night, I signed up. If I don’t get selected, well, I’ll be okay with that. If I do, well, I’ll be ready. I’ve got stacks of paper and plenty of models to demo. I’ll insist on a break for lunch or the bathroom as needed.
And I’ll teach a whole bunch of people something really cool and watch them light up.
I’ll be exhausted, but it’s the right thing to do.