Anti-Phonies

I started writing this blog wanting to state all my highlights and lowlights up to this point. I realized that my lowlights outweighed the highlights and it was depressing. So instead of acting like Holden Caulfield (will explain further down) and being such a "downer" I changed the plot of this blog. 

Free time is plentiful here. Most days- the lobby is full of people drinking at the bar, walking home from dinner, going out to dinner, and chatting about their lives. In order for me to mingle with these strangers I have to build relationships by engaging in conversation. In high school (as some of you may know) I was not a social butterfly. I would rather sit alone than converse with other people. With that being said, I'm somehow good at drawing out the most detailed information and stories from my co-workers. I've been quite impressed with myself. In high school when they make you read "Catcher in the Rye" it was my favorite book. Recently, I read it online in Greenville on my lunch breaks. I was shocked with myself that this was the book I'd considered to be "my favorite." If any of you are like me, and don't remember what it is about, you should re-read it. Its an easy read, but overly pessimistic. Holden Caulfield (the main character who describes 3 days of his life) keeps saying how depressed he gets when things don't go his way. He is anti "phonies", anti conversation, and basically hates people in general. I am not sure if I agreed with Holden in high school when I read this book, or if I was a troubled youth that could relate to Holden's views of life? Either way, I'm moving on from Catcher in the Rye, growing up, and I'm ready to select another favorite. Suggestions are welcome. 

Back to creating relationships with people.  I have to make friends with people who I hardly know because we are all stuck in the same situation and have to make the best of it. 


Here is a list of tid-bits on what I've learned (interesting or not): 

• I've learned that the shuttle I take everyday has 415,000 miles on it. Yeah, and its a FORD! Crazy- apparently its cheaper to fix the transmission 6 times rather than get a new shuttle. 

• One of my fellow schedulers is nicknamed "Sweets" and has owned a laundry mat and paint shop.  

• Another friend owns a brand new SRT Challenger, orange, with a racing stripe! SICK!! 

• According to the shuttle guy, Bricks pizza is the best in town, I have confirmed this. 

• The nearest hiking trails are at a State Park called Paris Mountain. 

• My roommates' son scores half the teams total points on his basketball team. 

• Other employees are struggling for money and are in tough situations. It's sad. 

On a brighter note, I am doing good because I have a visitor still to come. Whooo hoooo!!! Stay tuned for details....