Bookish Jen

I had an interview for a temp job this past Monday. I thought I would know if the assignment was mine by yesterday morning, but I haven't hear anything. I left VMs for the two people who helped me get the interview, and even emailed one of them, but I haven't heard back. I don't care if it's yay or nay, but please don't leave me hanging.

You are definitely NOT being an asshole. But sadly, you story is all too common in the workplace, especially retail. I worked with someone who got a raise just because she was expecting a baby, and I was denied a raise even though I helped increase sales and profits, and my staff preferred having me as a manager. I just can't make sense of how hard working, industrious people with a decent attitude and who have talents and skills get screwed over in the workplace.

I saw this movie a little over a week ago at a 3:30pm matinee on a Wednesday afternoon and the theater was packed. I don't have any pink clothing, but I did wear some handmade earrings and a necklace made out of pink beads and some pink/rose colored flats. I was a bit worried that the movie might have been overhyped for me, but I absolutely loved it. I laughed a lot and got misty-eyed at the end. All the performances were splendid and I loved the Barbie Land sets and the costumes, which I hope are remembered come Oscar-time. I am thrilled for this movies success.

I behoove my fellow book lovers not to read "Groupies" by Sara Priscus, one of the worst novels I read about the rock and roll scene and the women who follow their favorite rock bands. It's as if Ms. Priscus just watched the movie "Almost Famous" a few times and thought she learned everything there was to know about rock music, bands, and groupies back in the 1970s, but she should have done more research. And she should have also learned to write characters I could give an actual crap about.

Jackie was played by the very talented writer and comedian Phoebe Robinson. I thought she looked familiar.

I so want to read this book!

Where do you live? I live in Milwaukee, and I think I've seen these commercials.

I'm in the middle of Jeremy Hawkin's "The Last Days of Video" and I really like it. I can totally see it being made into a movie.

I thought Tina would be around forever. She was such a force of nature.

Nancy was a "frenemy" before "Sex and the City" gave it a name. Anyway, I wrote a review of the movie: https://thebookselfblog.wordpress.com/2023/05/18/reading-to-reels-are-you-there-god-its-me-margaret/

My mother gave me this book for Christmas when I was 10. I loaned it to my friends in my 5th grade class and it came back in tatters. This book means so much to me, and I can't wait to see it. Looks like it's getting some good reviews. https://deadline.com/2023/04/are-you-there-god-its-memargaret-review-judy-blumes-classic-book-noq-movie-1235332190/ I can't wait to see this movie.

Cloud9Shopper, I feel for you. Working a survival job because you need the paycheck can be so tough on your state of mind. I've worked call center jobs and they suck. I hope you find something better soon. But I do understand taking a break from the job hunt. Finding a job these days is so damn frustrating. My temp job is going well. The money is decent and I like the people I work with. I don't know if I'll get hired on permanently, but if not, hopefully, I'll get something new.

Being a bit of a people pleaser myself, I could relate to Janine feeling bad about being called selfish even though she's one of the least selfish people around. And though I want Janine and Gregory to be a true blue couple, I understand Janine needed to be by herself for a while. And if and when Janine and Gregory do become a couple I hope the show avoids making them a Ross and Rachel couple. It's okay to show a young couple with a positive and functional relationship. I loved Jacob's reaction when he found out Gregory and Janine kissed. It was golden. I love Jacob and Gregory's bromance. Their friendship has really grown. And Ketanji Brown Jackson PJs? Yes!!! I laughed out loud when Barbara sat up with her CPAP mask on. And I can understand why the children freaked out. I usually like Melissa. She's usually a mix of snarky and sweet. But damn, she was a total bitch to that volunteer. And I really love how Abbott Elementary connects with real life Philly things like the Franklin Institute. I can't wait for next season. I'll be counting the days.

Thanks. I'll look for it.

I didn't think anyone could intimidate Ava out of her stilettos, but Vanetta sure did. Though I appreciated Vanetta's pride in Janine going to Penn it doesn't make up for the fact she's very self-absorbed and probably ignored Janine and Ayesha a great deal while they were growing up. But I'm thrilled Janine didn't blow all of her vacay money of her mother. I was so afraid she would. I think this show a lot of growth on Janine's part. I don't think she would have been so strong and assertive a year ago. I hope "Abbott Elementary" bring Vanetta back. Taraji did an excellent job. And whomever in the costume department did Vanetta's styling deserves a raise. However, I was kind of distracted by Vanetta's nail charms. Of course, there was other bits of business in this episode I appreciated-Jacob's magic tricks and Ava's glee over them, Melissa's face when Jacob bent the spoon, Jacob's friendship with Shanae, and Gregory's difficulty with small talk. I can't believe this Wednesday is the season finale. I love this show!

Damn, I have work next week, but I'd love to see Rep. Katie Porter (I have to read her book) and Questlove.

Only Fans?

I just finished Jenny Mollen's "City of Likes," which is about a young wife and mother getting sucked up in the world of a mommy influencers. I really liked it a lot. And I'm currently reading "Tell Me One Thing" by Keri Schlottman. I just started it and I'm trying to get into it. I hope the book picks up.

I giggled over F.A.R.T. Apparently I have the sense of humor of an eight-year-old boy.

This episode really got to me. When that mother called Janine the worst teacher, I felt it in my gut. What this show portrays are teachers who truly care about their jobs and the children they teach. Janine is a great teacher, and she's learning and growing as an educator. I'm so glad Barbara was there to offer Janine support and guidance. I think we all need a Barbara in our lives. And I loved Melissa's speech regarding Gregory and him winning the award. As snarky as she can be, Melissa does have a mushy inner core and a loving heart. But seeing Ashley gave me a jump scare. Damn, give us some kind of warning. Yikes!

Well, I had my first week at my temp gig, and I think it went well. There is a lot to learn, and I'm trying my best. The woman training me that if I get hired on permanently there are great benefits, but alas, no room for advancement. I'm just taking it day by day.

Thanks for the scoop. I'm going to be really busy in May due to work, and I may be working overtime so I'd miss seeing "Abbott Elementary." It's good that the finale is in April.

I'm hoping Janine and Ayesha's mom is introduced either later this season or sometime next season. I think learning about her and how she raised both her daughters will explain a lot. And is their father still in the picture?

I was so worried when Tariq came back, the final scene would be him and Janine making out in her classroom. But thank goodness that didn't happen. My sister and I were talking about Abbott Elementary and why we love it so much. My niece and nephew went a public grade school and high school in an urban environment. Far too often, public schools, especially in the city, are portrayed in a negative light-dugs, gang violence, teachers just there for a paycheck, students who don't care about their education, and parents who aren't involved in a positive way. But Abbott Elementary defies those stereotypes, and shows how teachers, students, and parents can work together to make a school thrive.

I got the gig. I start on Monday. It should last around two months.