Today

I got up this morning and wrote two papers, one on Hemingway's "Hills like White Elephants" and Alice Walker's "Everyday Use". I put together a presentation for Gerard Manley Hopkins, as back up for the poem I am presenting "Spring and Fall". Then I got a shower, cooked Tim a steak for lunch, baked potatoes and peas. Then I was out the door to work.

For the first time, I got so angry at a customer that I simply called the manager and asked him 'to take care of this gentleman, please' and walked off. Mark was pretty shocked. He asked me later what happened. I told him. What I did not know was that the assistant manager had been coming in the door and heard most of the exchange. Both managers agreed that the man's behavior was completely uncalled for. Man. I sure do hate narrow minded people who feel that they have the right to shove their political views down your throat. I told him that I'd rather not discuss it, repeatedly, and, of all things he accused me of not having a sense of humor. I said, "Actually, I have a wonderful sense of humor." (unspoken part: '...but you ain't funny, man.') He continued on, and on. He wanted to fight. I finally looked up at him and said, "Do you have any idea who you are speaking to?" He shut up and looked shocked. "I am a seven year Army veteran, and I am entitled to my own opinions just as you are entitled to yours," and once again, I said, "I do not want to discuss this with you." He shut up, for just a moment, but then began to hammer his hateful views once more. That is when I called for the manager, and left my register.

The rest of the day was fine, busy, but fine. When I came home, I walked for two miles, a good brisk walk at top speed.

I am really productive lately. I really think that a large part of it is that I really love this class I'm taking. I really think that just being excited about something makes a big difference in the rest of your life.