Goodness. Where has all the time gone. Why it seems like only yesterday when the fall term started, but here I am, working through the final days of the term. Once more, met some really interesting people with some great backstories. Mario continues to be a favorite. Taija the minx. Ibrahim, the Egyption hip-hop dancer (he’s rather good). Sydney the raven haired coder. Not forgetting James, the script writer. Tough to see he’s not taking anymore classes. Good people, one and all.
As the final couple of classes fade off into the sunset, I’m thrilled with the new selection. Taking more Algebra (it continues to get a little franetic now), Photoshop to enhance my skills, introduction to basic coding (looking forward to that), and Javascript. What self-respecting coder doesn’t know how to use Javascript? Next term (January 2009) should be thrilling. No, seriously. I’m looking forward to actually creating some working programs.
That leaves us with the Christmas season in full swing. Man, I just love Christmas. I love the hussle and bussle. I love scrambing for a parking spot, watching people get franetic in the mall, dodging perfume snipers, and being nice to clerks who have been inundated with angry dorks all day. Reminds me of a recent example.
Strolled into Hollywood Video to rent a movie or game. Got to the counter and the clerk informed me I had an oustanding balance around $50. I was a little shocked but I played the outraged customer, demanding a full blown investigation into the fees. I then grinned at the guy, who wasn’t quite sure what to make of me, and I said I was kidding. I’ll pay it all. He seemed shocked and repeated my statement back to me. “Yes,” I said patiently. “I rented ’em so I’ll pay ’em off.” I literally saw a lightbulb go on inside his head and then started furiously typing away on the keyboard. After a moment, he nanchalantly announced he’s wiped off 50% of my fees and I only owed $25. “Uh,” was all I managed initially but he picked up my confused and fill in the blanks with, “I’ve removed half your fees because of your good attitude.” The statement hung there for a second as I processed what had happened. He seemed to catch my pause and restated his magnanamous gesture. Finally catching up, I think him kindly and wished him my first Merry Christmas of the season. Not a bad start to December. Not bad at all.