I found about my pay raise in the most unlikely way. First, I was greeted with unbalanced pay, which led me to believe that I was just handed down massive 33% pay cut (figure according to the direct deposit). When I marched into the office, demanding an explanation, they provided that their input was correct, only to find out that the central payroll office inputted wrong amount of hours I have worked (for the second time, no less). When I received the paycheck with hours that were missing, I found out that I have indeed received a pay raise (for the first time in two years). My contract pretty much forfeits any room for pay negotiation, and it also clearly states the basis on my pay raise, so I never complained about it, even if it seemed unfair. After all, I signed it. Looks as if my PDM came to conclusion that he couldn't afford to lose two paid interns in one single summer over pay raise issue, even if he lost the one who would've made an immediate impact.
Summer is almost over, and my wallet will be shrinking soon. Sigh...
School:
In four days.
Well-being:
Losing sleep to watch the Olympic Game.
Job:
Summer customers are leaving, which makes my job bit more manageable.
Reading:
Book: Better (by Atul Gawande)
Manga: Koi Neko (by Mashima Etsuya)
Watching:
The 29th Olympiad (Gymnastic scores are RIGGGED!)
Zero no Tsukaima: Princess no Rondo
Playing:
Soul Caliber IV (Taki & Darth Vader)
JS3
Two Cents (The very same amount I dropped into my parents' penny bank last night):
Intestinal Worm season is almost over (Vermox), and it is now time for some Lice hunting (Ovide). It is hard to fight the temptation to grab the script with rubber glove when you know what it is (and not so sanitary).
Things I've learned from working this summer:
1. Summer people loves to negotiate over everything. Let it be wait time, their insurance copay, etc... Sadly, they won't take the cue that it is not for negotiation when I try to be subtle as possible. Full frontal insult and agitated tone works, but I much rather not use those as it really sours my day after words. Then they complain that every race hates them. There must be a "Taking the cue for dummies" book somewhere.
2. They love sex as much as people next to them. Personal lubricants sells out at record pace during the summer. Most are very discrete as they will come to the section, grab one, then ask if they can pay here instead of the front register. I have been asked by a particularly appalling old grease ball regarding which one feels most like spit, though (Spit???). Which brings...
3. Their choice of contraception is strange as their dress. Yes, yes... most people cannot believe that they are actually using contraceptive. Or that they can even use it in first place. I mean, everyone outside of their belief were told that their idea of sex is purely for procreation, and all act of consumation is holy, etc, etc... I suppose I should be relieved that they are doing their part to curb their population growth (which is nothing short of explosive, as they often end up with 8-14 offsprings, most of whom will be under welfare).
They use contraceptive foam, sponge, and ovule that sits inside like a suppository, except in the other orifice. Supposedly that is how they get away with using contraceptive as it is "passive" form, and not the "active" form like condom. Just plain weird, if you ask me.
4. They stare at people. Have you ever seen a deer staring at you when you flash your headlight at them? It's just like that with those summer people. After their business is done (dropping the script, answering all the essential questions, etc.), they will stand still and keep staring at you. Only after I tell them kindly that there is waiting area to sit down (instead of standing up and staring at me), they will reluctantly move over. I was once told by my old boss that they believe theirs will get done sooner if they stare at the person who's working on it. Um... I guess most people would tell them "what's your ****ing problem?", if they weren't working.
5. They love talking on the phone. They always seem to be stuck to their cellphone, and won't let go of it even if the situation necessiates them to part away from their cellphone. Worse, they will use hand gesture to catch my attention while they jabber away on their cellphone about the most mundane things in their life. I tell them that I cannot serve them until they are done with cellphone due to HIPAA reguation. Then they get irritated (few things that irritate them, one is not bending over to accomodate them), demanding to know why I will not do as they tell me. Some places posted (No cellphone in this area) notice. I think I will have to make one for next summer.
6. Hygienes, hygienes, and hygienes. Some practice of basic personal hygienes (like using soap, very often, very throughly) might prevent many cases of infection and will reduce them from frequently visiting the medical office and taking more antibiotics, and antifungal, etc... Sometimes, I can see clearly that they are in need of personal hygiene training (almost like pigpen, except you can't smell the comic strip). If some religious doctrine prevents from taking their of they body (I don't understand that... even in old testament, people cleaned themselves up after the consummation), then either the person who created the doctrine is out of his mind, or they are dying in the name of religion (kinda like many wars in this world, isn't it?).
That is it for this summer. I can't wait to see what the fall will bring.
