Questions of the Heart

I've always wondered about this since I was a little boy with an abnormally large head:

Growing up, I would ask my Ma how to spell certain words. "Look it up", was always her response. I think this was done to encourage growth and learning, or something.

I've always wondered how I was suppose to look up the word if I didn't know how to spell it. How's that for a logic bomb, ma?

Another favorite of mine:

On any of a number of job applications:

"Providing your Social Security Number is entirely optional. However, we cannot process your application without it."

Yeah, thanks - I can apply for a job and have my identity stolen.

Random UPS Guy

For those who don't know, I currently work in IT Government Contracting. In an effort to expand my career and find more lucrative opportunities on the horizon, I decided to begin studying for the A+ Certification exam. As useless as it is starting to be, I refuse to leave anything I start unfinished. Anyways, on with the story.

Some random UPS guy delivers a package to my cubicle. Yes, I live in a cubicle. He drops off the package, notices the A+ textbook that I have sitting on my desk and asks, "Hey you studying for the A+ exam?" My first thought is to yell at him for staring at my stuff, but I hold back that urge because frankly, he's bigger than me. I respond with a simple yes and he begins to rattle off all the different computer certifications that he has. After he'd listed about five certifications I ask him him why he's not using that in his current profession. I seriously doubt UPS guys provide excellent technical customer service with a smile.

"Because, " he says, "I make 32 dollars an hour." He walked away, shoulders high, confidence bolstered and I sat in my cubicle and cried for a few minutes.

On the agenda for tomorrow: explore the career opportunities at UPS.com.