The To-Don't List
I often think about what I would like to do. But I also have a list of things I intend to never do. A check-mark on this list indicates failure... I did what I intended to not do. It hasn't happened many times. Sometimes, it is just unavoidable.
To Don't
Be a Secretary (because my dad thought I should be)
Work in an Office (I'd rather be outside) a
Be a Waitress (This job's a no-brainer. I have a brain.)
Work at McDonald's
Work in any other restaurant a
Be a House Cleaner (I just don't like cleaning) a
Wear uncomfortable shoes
Wear Make-up (feels yucky) a
Discourage my kids' career dreams (like my parents did)
Own a Car (I'm a truck person) a
Own an Automatic (I know how to drive.) a
Live without a dog a
Why I did it
Work in an Office
I always thought this would be sooooo boring. I've been doing it for 9 years now. I am currently Office Manager. I enjoy talking to my clients, I enjoy training personel, I enjoy setting my own hours. The work is interesting; it changes seasonally; there are always new things to learn; some clients' projects are simple to do, while others require research. Enough different things happen each year that this job has held my interest. I use my brain on a daily basis, and I still get to do some manual labour -- building storage cabinets, painting walls, constructing window displays. Turns out I was wrong about this one... I love my job!
Work in a Restaurant
Again, I thought it would be soooooo boring. Not to mention greasy. The thought of handling other people's used plates, covered with half-eaten food, turns me right off. So, why did I do it? Well, I didn't have to deal with customers. I worked in the kitchen. Plus, I was a full-time student in need of a summer job. I had to take what was available. I survived. And I haven't done it since.
Be a House Cleaner
Any job that does not require the ability to think creatively is a Don't-do. I only ever cleaned 2 houses. I was part of the Odd Job Squad one summer when I was in college. When I needed pocket money, I stopped by the employment office and got a job. I was fairly regular, so they knew me and I got quite a few jobs. Cleaning was definitely the most tedious of the jobs I did. It was far more interesting spending 3 hours putting flyers on car windshields. That was the only summer that I ever cleaned someone's house for pay.
Wear Make-up
I have sensitive skin, and oily, perfumed cosmetics are irritating. I never went looking for a brand that I didn't react to because I didn't want to waste my time or money. I saw too many of my friends spending all their money on lipsticks and eye shadows. They were always broke and couldn't afford to go to a movie with me, or go to McDonald's for lunch. I didn't like the way it felt on my skin anyway. So why did I do it? the first time, my Mom was chasing me around the house with a lipstick in her hand. I was all dressed up for a school dance, and she wanted me to wear her make-up. Yuck. The second time, I was a model in a fashion show at my school to raise money to pay for Graduation. I've managed to stay away from the war paint since then.
Own a Car
I always intended to own a truck. But trucks cost more to buy, and cost more to operate. So, I own a car. When people ask how I like my car, I respond "it gets me where I'm going". I can still go camping, but I have to be cautious about old dirt roads.
Own an Automatic
I learned to drive on a standard. My first three cars were standard. It just blows me away that there are people who don't know how to drive standard. I have more control over acceleration; It's much easier to get unstuck from the snow, ice or mud; it will slow down even if the brakes fail; it can be roll-started if the battery is low. It makes me an active participant in the driving process -- I don't just steer. Why did I buy one? I was expecting my first child, and needed a car to hold the baby seat. It needed to be reasonably priced. What I found was a great deal on a 1 year old automatic. I will never compromise on this feature again.
Live Without a Dog
My parents weren't pet people. It took a long time to convince them to let me have a dog. I finally succeeded when I was 13. I loved that dog. I took her everywhere with me. Until I got married and went away to college. An apartment is no place for a country dog. I was without her for 4 years. Then I moved to a house and got my dog back. When she passed away, I was devastated. It was months before I could even touch another dog. I didn't have another dog in my life for 3 years. Once I finally got a new dog, I felt so much better. I need to have a dog. I must get one ASAP after mine dies. Maybe even before. Whatever it takes to make sure I am never without a dog in my life.
To Don't
Be a Secretary (because my dad thought I should be)
Work in an Office (I'd rather be outside) a
Be a Waitress (This job's a no-brainer. I have a brain.)
Work at McDonald's
Work in any other restaurant a
Be a House Cleaner (I just don't like cleaning) a
Wear uncomfortable shoes
Wear Make-up (feels yucky) a
Discourage my kids' career dreams (like my parents did)
Own a Car (I'm a truck person) a
Own an Automatic (I know how to drive.) a
Live without a dog a
Why I did it
Work in an Office
I always thought this would be sooooo boring. I've been doing it for 9 years now. I am currently Office Manager. I enjoy talking to my clients, I enjoy training personel, I enjoy setting my own hours. The work is interesting; it changes seasonally; there are always new things to learn; some clients' projects are simple to do, while others require research. Enough different things happen each year that this job has held my interest. I use my brain on a daily basis, and I still get to do some manual labour -- building storage cabinets, painting walls, constructing window displays. Turns out I was wrong about this one... I love my job!
Work in a Restaurant
Again, I thought it would be soooooo boring. Not to mention greasy. The thought of handling other people's used plates, covered with half-eaten food, turns me right off. So, why did I do it? Well, I didn't have to deal with customers. I worked in the kitchen. Plus, I was a full-time student in need of a summer job. I had to take what was available. I survived. And I haven't done it since.
Be a House Cleaner
Any job that does not require the ability to think creatively is a Don't-do. I only ever cleaned 2 houses. I was part of the Odd Job Squad one summer when I was in college. When I needed pocket money, I stopped by the employment office and got a job. I was fairly regular, so they knew me and I got quite a few jobs. Cleaning was definitely the most tedious of the jobs I did. It was far more interesting spending 3 hours putting flyers on car windshields. That was the only summer that I ever cleaned someone's house for pay.
Wear Make-up
I have sensitive skin, and oily, perfumed cosmetics are irritating. I never went looking for a brand that I didn't react to because I didn't want to waste my time or money. I saw too many of my friends spending all their money on lipsticks and eye shadows. They were always broke and couldn't afford to go to a movie with me, or go to McDonald's for lunch. I didn't like the way it felt on my skin anyway. So why did I do it? the first time, my Mom was chasing me around the house with a lipstick in her hand. I was all dressed up for a school dance, and she wanted me to wear her make-up. Yuck. The second time, I was a model in a fashion show at my school to raise money to pay for Graduation. I've managed to stay away from the war paint since then.
Own a Car
I always intended to own a truck. But trucks cost more to buy, and cost more to operate. So, I own a car. When people ask how I like my car, I respond "it gets me where I'm going". I can still go camping, but I have to be cautious about old dirt roads.
Own an Automatic
I learned to drive on a standard. My first three cars were standard. It just blows me away that there are people who don't know how to drive standard. I have more control over acceleration; It's much easier to get unstuck from the snow, ice or mud; it will slow down even if the brakes fail; it can be roll-started if the battery is low. It makes me an active participant in the driving process -- I don't just steer. Why did I buy one? I was expecting my first child, and needed a car to hold the baby seat. It needed to be reasonably priced. What I found was a great deal on a 1 year old automatic. I will never compromise on this feature again.
Live Without a Dog
My parents weren't pet people. It took a long time to convince them to let me have a dog. I finally succeeded when I was 13. I loved that dog. I took her everywhere with me. Until I got married and went away to college. An apartment is no place for a country dog. I was without her for 4 years. Then I moved to a house and got my dog back. When she passed away, I was devastated. It was months before I could even touch another dog. I didn't have another dog in my life for 3 years. Once I finally got a new dog, I felt so much better. I need to have a dog. I must get one ASAP after mine dies. Maybe even before. Whatever it takes to make sure I am never without a dog in my life.
posted by Tempeste at 10:11 p.m.
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