so much anger, or something

I had a rather interesting conversation on Monday with this administrative assistant in my office named Marva. She’s this Jamaican lady with long dreadlocks that hand past her bum, and a heavy accent. She’s one of those spiritualists with strong opinions; the kind where anyone can have their own opinions about things, but if they don’t align with her beliefs then you’re absolutely, appalling wrong. People like her make me so very grateful for the example of President Hinckley who taught us that ““We recognize the good in all people. We recognize the good in all churches, in their efforts to improve mankind and to teach principles that lead to good, stable, productive living. To people everywhere we simply say, ‘You bring with you all the good that you have, and let us add to it. That is the principle on which we work’ ” (interview with Philippines Television, 30 April 1996). This reminder that there is good and there is truth EVERYWHERE is one of the things I like so much about our faith and one of the things I like so much about our Father in Heaven. This reminder that all his children in all ages of time, in all areas of the world have had bits of His light even when he couldn’t send his messengers to bring the whole of it. AMAZING TO ME. So it’s particularly distasteful to me when people are intolerant or ignorant towards people who have a different belief system.

Okay, I’ve digressed. Back to Marvs:

She’d met my parents two previous, so on Monday she flagged me down to tell me how glad she was to have met my parents, which was all well and good, until she added, “They are so vibrant and happy and full of life. What beautiful people! (Long Pause). But you are nothing like them. How come?”

Seriously? I didn’t quite know what to say! In her typical unconscious style she handed a compliment and a put down in practically in the same breath! I think I said, “Wow, well, I think I’m just quiet at work. Pretty busy.” Then I walked away.

I’m not offended because I know she didn’t mean anything by it, but it made me wonder if other people find me serious and listless at work, because I don’t really know if I would be described that way elsewhere. I told my cubemate Ben about this and he agreed that my parents weren’t what he expected and asked where I learned to be so serious all the time! What gives?

That’s my work update for the week; oh and I’m finally working on some papers. Two in a support role, one as a lead. My topics are:
-The effects of the economic downturn on TV viewing – is daytime TV viewing increasing as unemployment does?
-TV viewing by ethnicity - how is the ethnic makeup of various cities reflected in the top shows and genres? This is the one I’m in charge of.
-Live+3 – As more and more people get DVRs, most recorded programs are played back within three days, so should Live+3 be the new industry currency?

So things are picking up at work and I’m happy, even if no one else thinks I am!