Fed-Ex Follies

I spend some time at a Fed-Ex/Kinko's four blocks away from my office, using only the Kinko's counter as we can Fed-Ex directly from our office. But there are certain things that Kinko's can produce that requires me to visit the purple walled space. I have learned, after repeat visits in one day, to come prepared with all tabs marked and very strict instructions as to what needs to be done, getting everything down to a smooth science so I can walk out twenty minutes later with my final products in arm. They always greet me with smiles and somehow remember my name (although they call me my boss's name because that is the name in their system and I just have never corrected them...I sometimes forget though and look at them blankly before remembering). Since I began going there months ago, I have often been amused by the lack of inefficiency of having employees who are not entirely trained to ship packages work for Fed-Ex and employees of Fed-Ex trying to work a printer. To make the experience even more comical is the customers inability to work within the confines of the system, often ending in a tantrum because they need their 1200 page prospectus bound immediately or their cats photograph laminated within five minutes or else! Lines form, six employees stand in the back trying to stare anywhere but into the restless eyes of those who wait and no one knows where anyone is to help with Fed-Ex. I laugh only because there is really nothing else to do and I can't help but wonder what is going on behind the counter. The aproned employees look frenzied but are not actually doing anything. When I finally do get to the counter, my friend who knows exactly what needs to be done, disappears on her lunch break and I am face to face with the "new" guy. Needless to say we had a lot to go over. 

Hours later, two mix-ups and many smiles to try and rush the process along, I left to return to my office relieved that I had time to package the proposals up and hand them off to Fed-Ex. I double checked to make sure all of the books were perfect and then noticed the last one had tabs in all of the wrong places. HOW. DID. THIS. HAPPEN? I laughed. It was just not my day. Back to Kinko's I went and they knew right when I walked through the doors that they had messed up. I had a choice right then - to huff and puff and make a scene saying how incompetent they were or I could just politely say that there must have been an honest mistake while they had been rushing to get the order finished for me. While I stood waiting and the line grew shorter and shorter, I found myself smiling once again. The "new" guy let out a relieved sigh when I approached and he saw that I was giggling. I left with a perfectly tabbed proposal five minutes later. Today was one of those days that the stars were not aligned and instead of fighting that, I had to be amused. While tomorrow I may burst with irritation for the same thing, I felt happy walking home today. Life is to short not to see the folly in the imperfections and to love even the days where you step in a puddle.

Please remind me of this the next time I am in a panic of frustration...until then, I remain always and ever, thankful.

Bear 

Umbrella to go

As a shorter New Yorker, when the rain comes, so too comes the anxiety of having to navigate with an umbrella. One would think that the shorter you are, the easier it is to dodge in and out of the sea of nylon coverings above. The truth is however, if you are taller, your umbrella hangs above everyone else and you can at least lift your arm up to further the height of the looming contraption. Short equals umbrella being level with normal height pedestrians heads - even lifting my arm only helps poke them in the eye. I carry a small and compact umbrella that takes up only what is supposed to be my "personal" space. But living in New York, there is no invisible bubble protecting anyone from anything. I do giggle as I open my umbrella and notice that next to me, two men are struggling to open their space-ship size golf umbrellas. Maybe I should just ask where they are going and tag along underneath their movable awning. That would save me from getting a lot of snide remarks and evil looks as I politely try to maneuver along the sidewalk. I could also enjoy my Starbucks with my free hand along the way.

Happy puddles.

Kiss me I'm Irish...

Well, part Irish, part Scottish to be exact. On this St. Patrick's Day, I am not one to hit the pubs, dress in green and frolic in the streets while the parade passes. Seems to me to be just another Americanized holiday to throw down beers and act ridiculous. Not to be a negative Nancy, but its just not my thing. But for those of you who do love the day, I hope you have the best one yet. Whether you are a fan or not, who can pass up a rainbow with a pot o' gold and good luck?

Cheers from this Bear.

Sunshine

Even the word makes me smile. Thank goodness the sun has finally come out today. Those rainy day blues were hampering my excitement for Spring. Now if only there was a beach to sit on...

Happy sunshine wherever you may be!

Wedding wonder

The bride was breathtaking from beginning to end, her groom dapper from head to foot and their love for one another felt by every eye. The bouquet was caught, the dress worn and lovingly wrinkled, and the veil returned to its box. The rose petals were thrown, the band well enjoyed and exhaustion felt. Toasts are words remembered and tissues are still needed. During the magic created by the most talented I know, all was perfection, with some fun filled hiccups along the way keeping the moment from getting to staged. The time together with family and friends remains the most precious, hanging grass skirts and looking across my mothers shoulder as she delicately pondered seating being some of my most favorite memories.

Happy honeymoon!

Something borrowed, something blue

I am off to my oldest sister's wedding and I can hardly believe that what has been planned on paper and in minds for months is here. The bride and groom will soon say "I do" surrounded by people who adore them  and who relish in the happiness that exudes from the two of them. Everything will be beautiful, every detail thought of from begin to end. And I can't wait to share in the joy. This little sister could not be more excited!