Debbie _'s blog

I have a new blog.

http://debouch.wordpress.com

Let's take bets on the lifespan of this one.

Observation

There's something about standing behind a counter that prompts people to stare and wonder about you unself-consciously, without worrying about your discomfort or your reciprocation.

I remember doing a lot of this myself before I got a behind-the-counter job, looking at the check-out lady while she scanned my items and wondering about her human side, when after all my stare was what turned her into an object.

QotD: Dream a little Dream

What's the most recent vivid dream or nightmare that you remember?

I was back in high school, wandering the hallways while I was supposed to be in class. I felt very calm, although in real life I never felt calm in high school and made excuses to leave class--or just got up and left--mostly in an attempt to get rid of nervous energy.

Self-advice about interviews:

Interview Power: Selling Yourself Face-to-Face in the New Millenium recommends that you write a reflection of the interview immediately after it happens, but I forgot to until now.

1. Bring enough change for the parking meter so you don't have to dash out of the office before the interview even starts to move the car somewhere where you can pay with cash. Failing that, at least bring some cash so you don't have to hobble around in grown-up shoes looking for an ATM.

2. Avoid make self-defeating statements such as "I am able to handle myself professionally, I think."

3. Assert yourself. Yes, you will need a parking permit. Yes, you would like more than a day's notice before the job starts.

4. Checklist! So you don't forget your carefully-prepared portfolio.

5. Find out if it's poor etiquette to drink from a waterbottle while your interviewer is talking to you.

I got the job

with my charm and good looks. Now I just need to negotiate a higher salary.