Stuff n Things

Things I’ve Said Recently That Abe Made Me Promise I’d Post on My Blog

“What if someone syphillised on the sidewalk and I stepped on it?”

“Our plant seems to be having a manic reaction to death.”

Assertiveness Training

OK. Big news. I had a wild moment of assertiveness. Just now. My heart is still feeling acidic. I don’t know if that means I shouldn’t have been assertive or if I just am not used to being assertive or if my psyche is wired to think that being assertive is bad. But anyway. It’s not even all that big, but I’m kind of proud of myself. I let myself be pushed around a lot. But not today, Batman. Not today.

So this is My Big Moment of Assertiveness:

I’m at work.
Punk Boy enters office.
Punk Boy: I bought this book and it only had one CD and now they’re saying they’ll only buy it back if I have two CDs.
Me: Yes, I’m sorry. We can only use books that have both CDs.
Punk Boy: Yeah, but I bought this book here. It’s not fair that I should suffer for your mistake.
Me: I know it stinks, but…
Punk Boy: There’s no but.
Me (rush of wild adrenaline): Yes, actually, there is a but. Sellback is not a privilege. It’s not a promise. It’s something we do to help students and because we like used books. I’m sorry that it’s not working out for you, but we can’t use a book that only has one CD.
(and yes, if you couldn’t tell, that was my Moment-o-Assertiveness)
And then I directed him to the manager.
And then I had heart acid.