back from a hiatus of over a year - feels like it's been longer...

let me introduce you (in the singular form) to my brother: http://liang74.blogspot.com/. he's 2 out of 3 in my family. i'm 3 out of 3. 1 doesn't blog, as far as i know.

so much has happened in the last year? let's start with something light, an appetizer.

i work with this guy who's a salesperson. much of his work is calling on clients, and often it's a cold call. he's the nicest person and very earnest and polite. but he's got one really career-limiting issue! when he calls a company and talks to the receptionist, he typically asks to speak with "the analyst who covers a particular company" - this is because he doesn't know the person's name. most receptionists are helpful and put him through to the appropriate person. but, some - probably sensing he's a salesperson - tell him that they can't put him through unless he has a name. now, this really ticks him off. it makes him literally upset and angry. he'll be facetious, snarky, and even sometimes hang up the phone! he'll say things like "geez, calling the whitehouse and asking to speak to condi rice isn't this hard..." or "is this the CIA?" which is kinda funny, but really it just pisses off the receptionist on the other hand.... the best part of this is that he is actually dating a woman who's an admin. of all people, shouldn't he know how to charm admins and receptionists?

fortunately, this story has a happy ending and he's now been able to control his emotions more and i haven't heard him be rude to anyone is about a week....