blush

I don't think it's a Southern thing. I think it's a Meetings thing. Unless there is a very strong hand at the wheel and everyone is motivated to stick to an agenda and not take anyone's bullshit they tend to ramble and waste a lot of time.

Agreed.

The only option in a case where a need has been articulated and ignored twice is to take action.

By action, I mean leaving. "Thanks folks, it was great getting through all those forms, and it would have been terrific to finish up that last one, but that isn't happening. I'm on my way, so can we schedule a time to get this last one done?"

It's amazing how a bit of self-direction can inspire focus. And, if focus doesn't occur, you still win with the home-going!

By action, I mean leaving. "Thanks folks, it was great getting through all those forms, and it would have been terrific to finish up that last one, but that isn't happening. I'm on my way, so can we schedule a time to get this last one done?"

Well, this wasn't a work meeting -- it was an area volunteers meeting, so we can't exactly meet again easily. And really, there were a number of ways to stop them, but none of them exactly polite -- yes, I know they were the ones being rude, but (particularly on a first meeting) I'm extra-wary of being bitchy. Well, that, and I kept thinking they'd stop! Really, any minute!

Well, that, and I kept thinking they'd stop! Really, any minute!

hahaha they never will...even if you shoot death rays at them with your eyes. believe me I've tried.

vw, I have one comment on the entry as you linked. The sentence

I think, at this point, it is important for me to note that I believe entirely in white privilege.

could be read as support for white privilege, which you clearly don't. May I suggest something like

I think, at this point, it is important for me to note that I believe entirely that white privilege exists.

I think it makes your point more clearly.

Remember how y'all mocked me over wrestling the girl for an Oreo?

Well, I'm working from home today. With extra pillows. I'm a wuss.

Well, that, and I kept thinking they'd stop! Really, any minute!

I've certainly done that.

I didn't read carefully enough to see that it wasn't a work meeting. Different rules apply, of course...but in a way, the rudeness seems even worse when it's volunteer or community related. Sheesh, respect each other's time people!

But you bring out his chatty side when you're a part of the conversation. At least, that was my experience when we hung out at my brother's restaurant.

Man, that was good times. Let's do that again soon!

Yeah! Or....some time in 2008!

How's packing, Tep? How's the ankle?

The ankle still hurts, but as long as I wear a brace and sneakers, I can get around at a normal walking pace (and a slight limp).

Packing is a monster, but I'm taking tomorrow and Friday off of work, so it'll all get done.

The Boy came over last night with bolt cutters because I lost the key to the padlock on my apartment's storage unit (can you tell I never stored anything of importance down there?) and needed it cut off. (All I kept in there was empty boxes....which I need.)

He spent the night, and as we were falling asleep, he said, "I thought you'd be more stressed about the move, but you seem pretty calm."

I said, "I go through cycles of massive stress, alternating with practicality and got-to-get-this-done-ness. But I was freaking out earlier."

Him: "Oh, good. I was, too."

Me: "Freaking out about the logistics, or about the big scary reality of living together?"

Him: "Both."

Me: "If it makes you feel any better, I am, too. To both. I won't have an apartment to retreat to when I inevitably drive you insane and make you hate me."

Him: "Or when *I* drive *you* insane and make *you* hate *me.*"

Me: "So....we're on the same page, then. Keen."

* * * * * *

This is normal, yes? I've never lived with anyone I loved, so I don't know if this is a sign of imminent doom and that we shouldn't really be doing this and we're going to be miserably unhappy, or if it's just normal jitters.

I mean, my big fear is that he isn't afraid of making *me* hate *him*; he's afraid that *he'll* hate *me,* but he just doesn't want to say it.

normal jitters.

Goes beyond that though...in a really good way. The fact that you can openly express those fears...and don't have a fantasy about how 'differently perfect' living together will be is a very, very good sign.

Fears get a lot smaller when you can actually see them.

I mean, my big fear is that he isn't afraid of making *me* hate *him*; he's afraid that *he'll* hate *me,* but he just doesn't want to say it.

While it seems natural to have that concern, I'll bet you don't have much objective evidence that it's even possible.

But yeah, if you were moving in with NO reservations, that would seem odd.

I'd worry more if you weren't jittery.