Before I was hired at my present employer, I worked for four months at Wal-Mart in Marquette, Michigan. I actually applied work there just before the busy Christmas months as something do during semester break from college. I never got a call work there during my break, so I ended up having the entire break off. A few months later, however, I would get the call for work at Wal-Mart. At first I was a little hesitant seeing that I was going graduate from college in less than a couple of months. But then I thought I could always work at Wal-Mart while I did my search for a more permanent job. Working at Wal-Mart most certainly was not a long-term thing, yet, I was getting myself prepared work there as long as I needed find myself the right job. Thankfully four months was all I needed.
My first day there was more or less an orientation session get familiarized with the Wal-Mart standards. Luckily I wasn't the only individual there for orientation, as there were three of us altogether. We watched a couple of different videos, including one on the "Sam Walton vision" of the company and how we all should live up his beliefs. We also had remember this acronym, and remember what each letter of the acronym stood for (I had forgotten it a long time ago - something about smiling faces, anyways). We literally could be stopped by a member of Wal-Mart managment and be asked recite this acronym. We wouldn't get in trouble if we didn't know it, but I'm sure we could've gotten a tongue lashing from them (heck, I don't even think I ever remembered it completely). We also got a tour of the store and filled out a bunch of forms. Finally, and with headache, my first day at Wal-Mart was complete.
The next three days at Wal-Mart I considered be rather torturous. All three of us that were in the orientation session now needed have three days of cashier training. Seeing that I already knew how use a cash register (after a couple of years of working at a grocery store), I thought three days was down-right excessive. But, I complied. I caught on much quicker than my two other co-workers. Even though I knew a lot, I still didn't know everything the Wal-Mart cashiering system and there were some new procedures I needed pick up. But it was something I didn't pay particularlly close attention considering I was be a sales associate and not a cashier. We started our days early in the morning, even on a Sunday morning when it was completely dead in the store and worked until about 3:00 or so in the afternoon. My very first transaction as a cashier at Wal-Mart was by a man who purchased a DVD. He used a $50 bill pay for his purchase, and with him being my first customer of the day, I didn't have the appropriate change. So I had get the correct change over at the little "podium," come back and give it him. He leaves, but then the buzzer at the front entrance goes off. Darn, I forgot swipe it over the little magnetic scale. Lesson learned. Hey, I never had do that at the grocery store. So, by the time my three days were up and dealing with hundreds of customers (because Wal-Mart is such a tremendously busy store), I was finally done with cashier training. Man, I was relieved.
So that meant I was now ready ascend over my new department, which was Lawn and Garden. The one place I absolutely would've loved working in was Lawn and Garden and I got my wish. My first day back there was spent helping errect the sales area out in the parking lot around the greenhouse. It was early April, so we were still setting up for the summer season. I definitely got a good workout! But it was only four or five hours that I worked on that day, so I didn't get completly worn out. The next few days back there were pretty uneventful. The weather turned cold outside, almost wintery, so we were stuck inside stocking shelves and helping customers. Finally the weather turned warm again, and during my first morning shift, I got meet the department manager, named Russ. He was a very pleasant guy work with but the more I talked with him, the more I heard his very clear New England accent. Yes, he was from Massachusetts and I was very curious hear how he arrived in Marquette, of all places. It turns out he held a couple of different positions out east before being hired with Wal-Mart and was eventually transferred the U.P., first working at the Houghton Wal-Mart. He was a store manager at Wal-Mart in Marquette for awhile before the stress caught up with him and settled back being a department manager. I helped put up sales signs in the corral (we called that the sales area outside) with him on that first day and it was always an enjoyable experience when I worked with him.
For the most part, I got along with everyone back in that department. But there was this one girl named Sarah that I got extremely bad vibes off of. She always had this stern look on her face and I always felt uncomfortable talking with her. There were a few times I had work with her and I basically avoided her because she just seemed too moody and complained an awful lot. Definitely not the kind of person I enjoy being around, that's for sure. Cassidy was one of the people in my orientation session and someone I enjoyed working with. But sadly she abruptly quit and I never saw her again. I would've liked getting know her a little better, as she was a Writing major herself, just like me. But, some things just aren't meant be. Patricia was a sweet girl as well and a well-qualified lawn and garden associate. She knew the greenhouse area well and I learned a lot from her. She was pregnant at the time and in June of that year, gave birth her baby. She didn't know if she'd ever return Wal-Mart after her maternity leave and I don't think she did return. She graduated with a master's degree in teaching when I graduated college, so I assume she's transitioned a much better position as well. Some people there I miss and others I have just forgotten about. Some names I have forgotten, too. The further beyond you go, the quicker you forget names.
On my last day at Wal-Mart, the people back in Lawn and Garden threw me a little party. , I was humbled by that display of affection for me, especially considering I had only worked there for four months. They even gave me a small book, each of my co-workers writing a quote of "inspiration," as they all knew my major in college was writing. That small book, as Department Manager Russ so eloquently titled it, was "One Hot Summer." It truly was a hot summer with many days of 80's and 90's. During that summer, I spent a lot of time in the greenhouse and I kind of let it slip out that I had grown tired of working in there (it was nearing the end of the summer season anyways). I regret saying that because my co-workers never let me hear the end of it until I left that day. But, they were still nice about it. Only a small fraction of my co-workers are still there, as many have moved on. Unfortunatley, I just don't make it inside the Lawn and Garden area during the day anymore (as Wal-Mart is just too busy for my tastes), but I still have quite a few lasting memories of the people that made that department so special for me that "One Hot Summer."
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Reliving High School Memories
It had been awhile since I looked at them. I was trying to search for people on myspace that I hadn't heard from in awhile and I had run out of names (or mainly, forgotten them). So I went over to the bookshelf and grabbed the 1999 yearbook from my high school. I hesitated to look inside and started from the back end of the book. I looked for a bit but almost closed the book back up. Just too painful. But I kept it opened and skimmed through most of it. Interesting. Don't understand why they printed my name as "Lucas" when all through grade school I was known as "Luke." I digress. I put it back and grabbed my 2000 yearbook - my senior year. This time I was able to skim through it much more comfortably. As I went through both books, a flood of memories started rushing back. "Oh wow, I remember that, and that, and that!" I even laughed a few times and began remembering the old days. Things were so much simpiler back then and I was quick to remember a lot of great memories.
And then I reached to the faculty section of the yearbook. My, how things have changed since 2000. Many of the great teachers that graced the classrooms of my high school have now retired or moved on. At least six or seven teachers that taught me were no longer there. I smiled at several of their pictures as I recalled certain memories or instances about them. Good times, good times.
I saw several pictures of people that used to be friends with each other. But unfortunate circumstances took place once they graduated from high school and they are more or less enemies of each other now. It's sad, because they were all my friends, too. It's not something I want to discuss and really a situation I do not want to get myself in the middle of. Yes, things were much simplier back in high school. Now those days are gone.
I really can't explain my discomfort in reliving high school memories again, especially visual reminders in books or on tape. I think it more or less lies in being embarassed about where I fit in during that time. I was mainly an outsider; an individual that stood in the background and never stood up for anything. I wouldn't consider myself ever being very popular - although I was able to be with the in-crowd if I wanted to. I was just a quiet kid content with what I had and what I made myself into. Yes, some regrets about high school may exist, but I certainly cannot turn back the clock and change things. The years continue to go by and those years are beginning to fade out more and more. I also believe I was stereotyped for being a quiet kid by everyone in high school; and rightly so. I believe that if I ever enountered a group of my former classmates that it would be difficult for me to show them that I am much different now - just because I am stereotyped. A lot of times, I may see a certain individual or person from my past and walk right by and not confront them. I kind of figure there's really no point in talking to them. Last year I was invited to a Christmas party by a group of my former classmates. I did not attend because I had a great deal of discomfort in seeing many of them - a majority of them being good friends from my high school days. I don't know what it is - an inferiority complex or something. But I guess I'd rather let things from my past, particularly high school, remain there. Even though it's over three years away, I can bet you right now I will not be attending my ten year class reunion, either. That is unless I am made to attend.
Life can be full of surprises and a lot of times, they are things you must deal with on the spur of a moment. It's not often I am in contact with people from my past, and although I see many profiles of people I once knew on myspace, that's mainly all they are now - just profiles. A few of them I still e-mail and find out what they are up to, but I can't see them in person anymore, either. The reason being is they are so far away from where I am. So until I am ready to deal with my past head-on, a lot of old memories from my high school days will remain burried in the past.
And then I reached to the faculty section of the yearbook. My, how things have changed since 2000. Many of the great teachers that graced the classrooms of my high school have now retired or moved on. At least six or seven teachers that taught me were no longer there. I smiled at several of their pictures as I recalled certain memories or instances about them. Good times, good times.
I saw several pictures of people that used to be friends with each other. But unfortunate circumstances took place once they graduated from high school and they are more or less enemies of each other now. It's sad, because they were all my friends, too. It's not something I want to discuss and really a situation I do not want to get myself in the middle of. Yes, things were much simplier back in high school. Now those days are gone.
I really can't explain my discomfort in reliving high school memories again, especially visual reminders in books or on tape. I think it more or less lies in being embarassed about where I fit in during that time. I was mainly an outsider; an individual that stood in the background and never stood up for anything. I wouldn't consider myself ever being very popular - although I was able to be with the in-crowd if I wanted to. I was just a quiet kid content with what I had and what I made myself into. Yes, some regrets about high school may exist, but I certainly cannot turn back the clock and change things. The years continue to go by and those years are beginning to fade out more and more. I also believe I was stereotyped for being a quiet kid by everyone in high school; and rightly so. I believe that if I ever enountered a group of my former classmates that it would be difficult for me to show them that I am much different now - just because I am stereotyped. A lot of times, I may see a certain individual or person from my past and walk right by and not confront them. I kind of figure there's really no point in talking to them. Last year I was invited to a Christmas party by a group of my former classmates. I did not attend because I had a great deal of discomfort in seeing many of them - a majority of them being good friends from my high school days. I don't know what it is - an inferiority complex or something. But I guess I'd rather let things from my past, particularly high school, remain there. Even though it's over three years away, I can bet you right now I will not be attending my ten year class reunion, either. That is unless I am made to attend.
Life can be full of surprises and a lot of times, they are things you must deal with on the spur of a moment. It's not often I am in contact with people from my past, and although I see many profiles of people I once knew on myspace, that's mainly all they are now - just profiles. A few of them I still e-mail and find out what they are up to, but I can't see them in person anymore, either. The reason being is they are so far away from where I am. So until I am ready to deal with my past head-on, a lot of old memories from my high school days will remain burried in the past.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
It's Not Christmas Until...
I thought about doing this a few days ago, and seeing that I'm in the holiday spirit and more importantly, the writing spirit - here is a listing of what Christmas means to me. Not only what it means, but a listing of things that make it seem like Christmas to me. If none of these things exist, then it's just not Christmas to me. So here we go with the list!
It's not Christmas until...
1.) I hear the holiday music CD commericals air right after Halloween
2.) I watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
3.) Listen to my Chicago Christmas CD
4.) See the Folgers Christmas commercial
5.) Hear Bing Crosby's "White Christmas"
6.) Eat Christmas cookies and other assorted goodies that my mom makes
7.) Hear Christmas music over all of the stores' speaker systems
8.) There's a white blanket of snow on the ground (absent this year)
9.) Watch and hear the wonderful Hershey kisses Christmas commerical on TV (the new classic)
10.) Listen to the Chipmunks sing the variety of Christmas tunes they cover
11.) Watch the Grinch Who Stole Christmas (animated special)
12.) I put up the Christmas lights and my small tree
13.) Drive around looking at the Christmas lights everyone else puts up
14.) Hear the local radio station's Christmas jingle
15.) Listen to Dr. Elmo's "Grandma Got Ran over By a Reindeer"
16.) I see Garfield's Christmas Special
17.) See the "Seasons Greetings" sign up at the entrance of downtown [which hasn't been up in a few years :-( ]
18.) I walk through the Christmas decoration isles at all the stores
19.) I watch Charlie Brown's Christmas special
20.) Celebrate my mom's birthday (which is December 16th)
21.) Help put up the Christmas tree at my parents (which is usually around my mom's b-day)
22.) Receive Christmas cards in the mail
23.) Hear Burl Ives' "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas"
24.) Turn the Christmas lights on around the bulletin board at home
25.) Watch family videos of previous Christmases
26.) Listen to Bob Seger's "Little Drummer Boy" (a new favorite!)
Well...I can't think of anymore. If there are more, they are either old memories that no longer happen in current times, or they are such tiny moments that I can't remember them right now. Those are the memories that I find enjoyable and put me in the Christmas spirit. You may have your own and many are probably different. But these are especially special to me.
Merry Christmas! :-)
It's not Christmas until...
1.) I hear the holiday music CD commericals air right after Halloween
2.) I watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
3.) Listen to my Chicago Christmas CD
4.) See the Folgers Christmas commercial
5.) Hear Bing Crosby's "White Christmas"
6.) Eat Christmas cookies and other assorted goodies that my mom makes
7.) Hear Christmas music over all of the stores' speaker systems
8.) There's a white blanket of snow on the ground (absent this year)
9.) Watch and hear the wonderful Hershey kisses Christmas commerical on TV (the new classic)
10.) Listen to the Chipmunks sing the variety of Christmas tunes they cover
11.) Watch the Grinch Who Stole Christmas (animated special)
12.) I put up the Christmas lights and my small tree
13.) Drive around looking at the Christmas lights everyone else puts up
14.) Hear the local radio station's Christmas jingle
15.) Listen to Dr. Elmo's "Grandma Got Ran over By a Reindeer"
16.) I see Garfield's Christmas Special
17.) See the "Seasons Greetings" sign up at the entrance of downtown [which hasn't been up in a few years :-( ]
18.) I walk through the Christmas decoration isles at all the stores
19.) I watch Charlie Brown's Christmas special
20.) Celebrate my mom's birthday (which is December 16th)
21.) Help put up the Christmas tree at my parents (which is usually around my mom's b-day)
22.) Receive Christmas cards in the mail
23.) Hear Burl Ives' "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas"
24.) Turn the Christmas lights on around the bulletin board at home
25.) Watch family videos of previous Christmases
26.) Listen to Bob Seger's "Little Drummer Boy" (a new favorite!)
Well...I can't think of anymore. If there are more, they are either old memories that no longer happen in current times, or they are such tiny moments that I can't remember them right now. Those are the memories that I find enjoyable and put me in the Christmas spirit. You may have your own and many are probably different. But these are especially special to me.
Merry Christmas! :-)
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Green Christmas
You all know the song "White Christmas." The first couple of lyrics go something like this: "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know." Living where I live, a white Christmas always seems to be a guarentee with the amount of snow we get. I can only rememeber one instance where we had green grass on Christmas day, and that was in 1994 (I even took video of that Christmas with the lack of snow). With only a couple of days left until Christmas day, it is beginning to look more and more likely that 2006 will also be another year without snow on Christmas day. Yes, Christmas isn't the same without any snow, but seeing that green Christmases are so rare around here, it's kind of a neat thing to experience which is why I'm not dreaming of a white Christmas this year.
I must admit, I have been annoyed by many of the local people, particularly those in the media, who are hoping for a white Christmas. Give me a break, people. There have been many winters where we've seen snow on the ground for five or six months, and this year, where we have green grass showing well into December and people are hoping that it snows for Christmas. Yes, I realize that tourism is suffering because of the lack of snow and Christmas doesn't have the same feeling without snow. But all it takes is one good snow storm to change things in a hurry. We still have a good three months left of winter where we could get pounded and have an above normal snowfall for the year. Believe me, I've seen it. Winter certainly isn't over yet. It's just off to a much slower start, and I'm enjoying it. Please, I'm much rather be driving on wet, clear roads than sloppy, slick, and slushy roads. At least I'm safe going to and from work. And with the slow start to winter, that means spring is that much closer. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. :-)
I am not sure if I will be able to write a blog between now and Christmas day. So I just want to wish all of my friends, family, and all blog readers out there a very Merry Christmas. Christmas is definitely the most wonderful time of the year and it often times is left in the commericalized dust. But don't forget to remember those that count in your life this time of year, including your loved ones. Sure, the gifts maybe nice but what really should matters is being together and enjoying the laughs, the conversation, and being together. I know there is family that I just don't get to see very often any more and it's sad. That's why I try to relish those opportunities to be with them as much as I can. You just don't know how much time we have left to be all together. And even though I'll end up working Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I still won't forget those that matter to me.
Christmas sure is different from when I was little to what it is now. It seems like Christmas lasted much longer than compared to now. We enjoyed the holidays in school and held Christmas parties, gatherings, bazaars, Christmas programs, plays, etc. As soon as you graduate from school, you don't have those same experiences anymore, and I think it makes Christmas go by so much quicker. And when you work a steady schedule, you just don't have as much time off to celebrate the holidays. Yes, I do have three days off after Christmas, but it's pretty much after the fact. Christmas starts right after Halloween, but that whole time in between sure seems like a blur once it's all over. And in just a couple of days, it will be over for another year.
So once again, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight! :-P
I must admit, I have been annoyed by many of the local people, particularly those in the media, who are hoping for a white Christmas. Give me a break, people. There have been many winters where we've seen snow on the ground for five or six months, and this year, where we have green grass showing well into December and people are hoping that it snows for Christmas. Yes, I realize that tourism is suffering because of the lack of snow and Christmas doesn't have the same feeling without snow. But all it takes is one good snow storm to change things in a hurry. We still have a good three months left of winter where we could get pounded and have an above normal snowfall for the year. Believe me, I've seen it. Winter certainly isn't over yet. It's just off to a much slower start, and I'm enjoying it. Please, I'm much rather be driving on wet, clear roads than sloppy, slick, and slushy roads. At least I'm safe going to and from work. And with the slow start to winter, that means spring is that much closer. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. :-)
I am not sure if I will be able to write a blog between now and Christmas day. So I just want to wish all of my friends, family, and all blog readers out there a very Merry Christmas. Christmas is definitely the most wonderful time of the year and it often times is left in the commericalized dust. But don't forget to remember those that count in your life this time of year, including your loved ones. Sure, the gifts maybe nice but what really should matters is being together and enjoying the laughs, the conversation, and being together. I know there is family that I just don't get to see very often any more and it's sad. That's why I try to relish those opportunities to be with them as much as I can. You just don't know how much time we have left to be all together. And even though I'll end up working Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I still won't forget those that matter to me.
Christmas sure is different from when I was little to what it is now. It seems like Christmas lasted much longer than compared to now. We enjoyed the holidays in school and held Christmas parties, gatherings, bazaars, Christmas programs, plays, etc. As soon as you graduate from school, you don't have those same experiences anymore, and I think it makes Christmas go by so much quicker. And when you work a steady schedule, you just don't have as much time off to celebrate the holidays. Yes, I do have three days off after Christmas, but it's pretty much after the fact. Christmas starts right after Halloween, but that whole time in between sure seems like a blur once it's all over. And in just a couple of days, it will be over for another year.
So once again, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight! :-P
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Christmas is Almost Here!
Hard to believe that Christmas Day is less than four days away. I don't know where the time goes - in fact, I think the entire year went by in a blur. You know what they say, the older you get, the faster time flies and I really think everything about that saying is true! It boggles my mind that we are almost into 2007, seven years into the new millenium. Do you remember how crazy things were just before the year flipped to 2000? I should know; I was a senior in high school then. There were many "dooms-day" scenarios floating around out there, saying that if certain equipment were not compatible to make the conversion to the year 2000, then we would be in a world of hurt. But it was clearly all hype as very few situations arose when we officially entered the new millenium. Now we are closing in on the year 2010. Scary how quickly time flies, isn't it?
Overall, the year 2006 was a good one for me. I can't really say nothing extremely bad happened to me this year and that I continued to enjoy life and live it to its fullest. Work has gone extremely well for me, including a new job promotion in April that required me to switch crews. Yes, I was extremely fond of the people on my old crew and I'll admit, I was hesitant as to whether I should leave them. But looking back upon it now, I am really glad I made the decision to switch. The people on my crew now have made the transition so wonderfully easy and they are such supportive people; I am truly blessed. And now as I train in to become a fill-in boss, they are just as helpful and cooperative as I transition into that role, too.
I also moved into a new apartment building in 2006, something I had greatly wanted to do for much of the spring and summer this year. My new apartment is much more modern and spacious with just as much storage room as the old place. And the rent really is pretty decent, too, considering how much it is throughout the rest of the city. I have great landlords that will fix anything, whatever goes wrong. I think I can be rather comfortable in that place for a long time, depending on a couple of different situations, should those come up in the new year or beyond. Time will tell.
My family welcomed in a new addition to the household as my niece was born into the world in May. Her name is Alanah Morgan Mattson and she is the sweetest little girl that you could imagine. She's already growing up quick and wanting to learn how to talk! And here I thought her brother was fast! Gotta enjoy them when they're this little because they grow up way too fast!
My favorite baseball team, the Detroit Tigers, finally had their first winning season in 13 years! They even made it all the way to the World Series before losing it to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Tigers made so many fantastic moments in 2006 that it's one baseball season I will never forget. So many memorable game-winning moments and spectacular plays; it's just so hard to remember them all. Here's hoping that 2007 will bring home their first World Series title since 1984.
Other than that, I can't think of anything else of major importance that happened in 2006. It was a peaceful, quiet, and enjoyable year with no regrets as to whether I should've done things differently. 2007 might throw in some challenges, including some health issues that I might have to deal with soon as well as a budding relationship that is just now in its infancy. As to anything else, we will see as they happen in the new year! I hope 2007 is just as great as 2006 was.
Hope everyone else had a wonderful 2006 and here's wishing everyone else a peaceful and prosperous new year! :-)
Overall, the year 2006 was a good one for me. I can't really say nothing extremely bad happened to me this year and that I continued to enjoy life and live it to its fullest. Work has gone extremely well for me, including a new job promotion in April that required me to switch crews. Yes, I was extremely fond of the people on my old crew and I'll admit, I was hesitant as to whether I should leave them. But looking back upon it now, I am really glad I made the decision to switch. The people on my crew now have made the transition so wonderfully easy and they are such supportive people; I am truly blessed. And now as I train in to become a fill-in boss, they are just as helpful and cooperative as I transition into that role, too.
I also moved into a new apartment building in 2006, something I had greatly wanted to do for much of the spring and summer this year. My new apartment is much more modern and spacious with just as much storage room as the old place. And the rent really is pretty decent, too, considering how much it is throughout the rest of the city. I have great landlords that will fix anything, whatever goes wrong. I think I can be rather comfortable in that place for a long time, depending on a couple of different situations, should those come up in the new year or beyond. Time will tell.
My family welcomed in a new addition to the household as my niece was born into the world in May. Her name is Alanah Morgan Mattson and she is the sweetest little girl that you could imagine. She's already growing up quick and wanting to learn how to talk! And here I thought her brother was fast! Gotta enjoy them when they're this little because they grow up way too fast!
My favorite baseball team, the Detroit Tigers, finally had their first winning season in 13 years! They even made it all the way to the World Series before losing it to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Tigers made so many fantastic moments in 2006 that it's one baseball season I will never forget. So many memorable game-winning moments and spectacular plays; it's just so hard to remember them all. Here's hoping that 2007 will bring home their first World Series title since 1984.
Other than that, I can't think of anything else of major importance that happened in 2006. It was a peaceful, quiet, and enjoyable year with no regrets as to whether I should've done things differently. 2007 might throw in some challenges, including some health issues that I might have to deal with soon as well as a budding relationship that is just now in its infancy. As to anything else, we will see as they happen in the new year! I hope 2007 is just as great as 2006 was.
Hope everyone else had a wonderful 2006 and here's wishing everyone else a peaceful and prosperous new year! :-)
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
A New Show I Like
Yikes...I haven't blogged in over a week. Seems like I am getting in the same pattern like I had at the old blog location. During the next few weeks I am going to try to change that. I'll sneak in a quick one tonight and hopefully you'll get some good old fashioned blogs very soon.
I have recently become very obsessed about a show that I never really gave much of a chance in the beginning when it first came out. In fact, I've enjoyed the most recent new episodes of this show so much, that I went and bought the entire first season DVD disc set. The show I am referring to is "Avatar: The Last Airbender" on Nickelodeon. I remember when it first came out, I didn't give it much of a chance because it "looked" like anime. I heard so many people giving this show rave reviews, but I just couldn't get myself to sit and watch an episode. Overall, I am not a big fan of anime shows, particularly those in which the characters on the show do not properly mouth the words of their English voice actors. Naturally they are made in Asia and I really should not base my criticism just because of that. But it's one of my pet peeves in regards to anime, which is why I tend to stay away from it. However, "Avatar" is not like that.
Yes, this show is animated in Asia, North Korea in fact. Yet, the voices match the characters perfectly. This show was originally made for an American audience instead of first being aired in Asia, which it probably why the characters mouths move with the English language. And yes, overall this show is anime, yet, it's doesn't scream complete anime. A lot of the facial expressions of the characters, especially when they are excited, have an anime style to them. But overall, the animation is crisp, clean, and superb. Sometimes it doesn't even seem like I am watching an animated show. This really could be a live-action drama. I do remember "trying" to watch this before when it first came out and thinking how "confusing" this show seemed, particularly the main character and him mastering the four elements of earth (water, fire, earth, and air). Funny how much can change in a year, when everything COMPLETELY makes sense. Goes to show you I should've tried harder watching this show in the first place.
The setting for this show takes place on a fictional planet (very much like earth, except the continents are shaped completely different), which is divided into four nations - those being the same as the four elements of earth (the fire nation, the water tribes, the air nomads, and the earth kingdom). The main character's name is Aang, and he has been born as the Avatar. An Avatar is a bender that can master all four elements. There is only one Avatar at a time, and when he/she dies, a new Avatar is reincarnated. Aang at first would rather not be the Avatar, but he really has no other choice and finally accepts his role. He plays an especially important role considering that a war is ongoing in the world and he's basically the only true warrior with tremendous power that can defeat the fire nation in taking over the world (the fire nation is the most industrialized nation and most powerful). The war has been ongoing for over 100 years and during that time, Aang was frozen in an iceberg. A lot has taken place during that time and many believed that the Avatar died and was never reincarnated. Aang develops new frienships with Katara and Sokka, teenage siblings from the Southern water tribe, who released him from the iceberg. They follow him in his adventures as he learns to master all four elements and defeat the fire nation. One of his arch enemies, Price Zuko, is always after Aang but can never seem to capture him (no real surprise considering how powerful the Avatar is). Although this show has many powerful and dramatic moments, there are times of great humor as well.
"Avatar" is not your typical cartoon, that is for sure. It's an animated show unlike I've ever seen before and one that is thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Season two ended over a week ago but season three is expected to air early next year. If you haven't given this show a chance like I did for a long time, consider doing so. And yes, it is an animated show, but you certainly shouldn't be ashamed to watch this one, because it is great TV.
I have recently become very obsessed about a show that I never really gave much of a chance in the beginning when it first came out. In fact, I've enjoyed the most recent new episodes of this show so much, that I went and bought the entire first season DVD disc set. The show I am referring to is "Avatar: The Last Airbender" on Nickelodeon. I remember when it first came out, I didn't give it much of a chance because it "looked" like anime. I heard so many people giving this show rave reviews, but I just couldn't get myself to sit and watch an episode. Overall, I am not a big fan of anime shows, particularly those in which the characters on the show do not properly mouth the words of their English voice actors. Naturally they are made in Asia and I really should not base my criticism just because of that. But it's one of my pet peeves in regards to anime, which is why I tend to stay away from it. However, "Avatar" is not like that.
Yes, this show is animated in Asia, North Korea in fact. Yet, the voices match the characters perfectly. This show was originally made for an American audience instead of first being aired in Asia, which it probably why the characters mouths move with the English language. And yes, overall this show is anime, yet, it's doesn't scream complete anime. A lot of the facial expressions of the characters, especially when they are excited, have an anime style to them. But overall, the animation is crisp, clean, and superb. Sometimes it doesn't even seem like I am watching an animated show. This really could be a live-action drama. I do remember "trying" to watch this before when it first came out and thinking how "confusing" this show seemed, particularly the main character and him mastering the four elements of earth (water, fire, earth, and air). Funny how much can change in a year, when everything COMPLETELY makes sense. Goes to show you I should've tried harder watching this show in the first place.
The setting for this show takes place on a fictional planet (very much like earth, except the continents are shaped completely different), which is divided into four nations - those being the same as the four elements of earth (the fire nation, the water tribes, the air nomads, and the earth kingdom). The main character's name is Aang, and he has been born as the Avatar. An Avatar is a bender that can master all four elements. There is only one Avatar at a time, and when he/she dies, a new Avatar is reincarnated. Aang at first would rather not be the Avatar, but he really has no other choice and finally accepts his role. He plays an especially important role considering that a war is ongoing in the world and he's basically the only true warrior with tremendous power that can defeat the fire nation in taking over the world (the fire nation is the most industrialized nation and most powerful). The war has been ongoing for over 100 years and during that time, Aang was frozen in an iceberg. A lot has taken place during that time and many believed that the Avatar died and was never reincarnated. Aang develops new frienships with Katara and Sokka, teenage siblings from the Southern water tribe, who released him from the iceberg. They follow him in his adventures as he learns to master all four elements and defeat the fire nation. One of his arch enemies, Price Zuko, is always after Aang but can never seem to capture him (no real surprise considering how powerful the Avatar is). Although this show has many powerful and dramatic moments, there are times of great humor as well.
"Avatar" is not your typical cartoon, that is for sure. It's an animated show unlike I've ever seen before and one that is thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Season two ended over a week ago but season three is expected to air early next year. If you haven't given this show a chance like I did for a long time, consider doing so. And yes, it is an animated show, but you certainly shouldn't be ashamed to watch this one, because it is great TV.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Attitude Change
I don't think I've ever been more frustrated at work than I am right now. One of my co-workers is mad at me and another co-worker for no apparent reason. In fact, he's giving us the silent treatment. It's a rather awkward situation and I don't quite know how to deal with it. I've decided the best medicine is to give him the same treatment right back. I've got to imagine that in time, he will come around. But he sure isn't giving up without a fight.
It all started over a week ago. My boss was looking for a fill-in to take over for him when has to take days off. Nobody else really wants to do it and I have a bit of interest in doing it. Plus, I did feel bad for my boss that nobody on the crew wanted to be the fill-in. If he wanted to take a day off, he couldn't. We basically didn't have a fill-in until I joined this crew in April. Well, Brad (the one that's upset with me) and I are considered to be the most "qualified" since we're assistant plant operators and have experience with operating the mill. Although I do have some interest in being a fill-in boss, I wasn't sure that I would like having to make the difficult decisions when something major could happen. I was offered the position, and almost everyone on my crew looked at me to do it, even giving me confidence. I didn't say yes or no, but I guess I had the look of interest. For some reason, Brad has taken great offense to that and has since said nothing to me or the operator of the plant.
Yesterday our boss gave us an assignment to work together on. Well, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to "break the ice" so to speak. Well, that fell faster than a lead balloon. Whenever I talked to him, he didn't respond. I made a casual comment and he shrugged. He never smiled and was serious the entire time. He didn't even walk with me, instead, staying several feet behind and never really stood next to me, either. I've never seen anyone act so childish in my life, especially when I did absolutely nothing to him. He's a hell of a worker, but he gets in these very moody swings. Right now, he's in one of the moodiest.
Brad used to joke around quite often with us and he used to be enjoyable to work with. Well, not anymore. I've tried being civil with him, tried talking to him, and been nice to him but to no avail. I've made the effort. But I don't feel I should be the one trying to break the ice when I don't feel I'm in the wrong. I mean, if he would just come forth and tell me and my co-worker why he's mad at us, then we could get over it. But he's letting it linger and basically, letting things get worse and worse. I don't know what else there is to do. I guess the next step might be getting really pissed off at him and start cursing him out. But who knows if that'll even make things better. I'll be releasing some of my pent up frustration, but he may decide to avoid me even more. I guess time will tell.
It all started over a week ago. My boss was looking for a fill-in to take over for him when has to take days off. Nobody else really wants to do it and I have a bit of interest in doing it. Plus, I did feel bad for my boss that nobody on the crew wanted to be the fill-in. If he wanted to take a day off, he couldn't. We basically didn't have a fill-in until I joined this crew in April. Well, Brad (the one that's upset with me) and I are considered to be the most "qualified" since we're assistant plant operators and have experience with operating the mill. Although I do have some interest in being a fill-in boss, I wasn't sure that I would like having to make the difficult decisions when something major could happen. I was offered the position, and almost everyone on my crew looked at me to do it, even giving me confidence. I didn't say yes or no, but I guess I had the look of interest. For some reason, Brad has taken great offense to that and has since said nothing to me or the operator of the plant.
Yesterday our boss gave us an assignment to work together on. Well, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to "break the ice" so to speak. Well, that fell faster than a lead balloon. Whenever I talked to him, he didn't respond. I made a casual comment and he shrugged. He never smiled and was serious the entire time. He didn't even walk with me, instead, staying several feet behind and never really stood next to me, either. I've never seen anyone act so childish in my life, especially when I did absolutely nothing to him. He's a hell of a worker, but he gets in these very moody swings. Right now, he's in one of the moodiest.
Brad used to joke around quite often with us and he used to be enjoyable to work with. Well, not anymore. I've tried being civil with him, tried talking to him, and been nice to him but to no avail. I've made the effort. But I don't feel I should be the one trying to break the ice when I don't feel I'm in the wrong. I mean, if he would just come forth and tell me and my co-worker why he's mad at us, then we could get over it. But he's letting it linger and basically, letting things get worse and worse. I don't know what else there is to do. I guess the next step might be getting really pissed off at him and start cursing him out. But who knows if that'll even make things better. I'll be releasing some of my pent up frustration, but he may decide to avoid me even more. I guess time will tell.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)