Complaint

In my next job, I don't want to talk to people on the phone.  I just don't.

In my current job, it seems like that's all I do and it's not like I get to talk to intelligent, useful people.  There's always a problem and the whole interaction is designed to make that problem mine.

That's my job.  Could be digging ditches, fixing planes, driving a bus, chopping up brocolli, but I'm answering phones and solving problems.

Random Encounters WIth Strangers

Two times in the same week, I was approached by strange men with mental issues who seemed to recognize me as one of their own. 

Last weekend I was at an army surplus store looking for some boots.  Didn't find any, but while I was perusing the hats, a man came up to me and asked if I knew what they were doing with the Muslims.  The Muslims?  Oh yeah, he says, the Mexicans are bringing them up from the border, teaching them a little Spanish.  I fought the urge the laugh.  The guy telling me this was Hispanic.  Oh yeah, he says, I saw a documentary about it.  Glenn Beck was talking about it, and that guy in Congress, what's his name, West. 

Alan West from Florida? I asked.  As in, I know my shit, dude.

I could have been rude or challenged him on it, but I just told him I'd check it out.  The documentary.  I mean, sounds persuasive...

Then this weekend, I was in a restaurant and a man, let's just say of undiagnosed handicap, came up to me and said I reminded him of this guy he used to work with named...I forget now.  Eric somebody or other.  I liked Eric somebody or other, he says.  He was a good man.  You look like a good man.  I'd probably like you too.

We shook hands and were polite, but I wandered off at the first opportunity.  I mean, I may look like a friendly person....