Cathy Classics by Cathy Guisewite for January 22, 2012
January 21, 2012
January 23, 2012
Transcript:
Cathy: I sent my underwear size into cyberspace. I gave my visa number, expiration date and billing address to nine different now-defunct-and-who-knows-how-desperate dot-coms. I gave my confidential password to complete strangers at 20 online shopping sites, linked to 650 other e-commerce establishments. I joined chat rooms and shared medical problems, dating problems and food problems with millions using my secret screen name......The very same "secret" name that any junior hack could use to access a complete profile of my shopping, spending, video rental, travel and eating habits. Computer: You have 9427 new pieces of mail Caption: The new american dream: Fifteen minutes of anonymity.
Here I am, finally here after a 2 hour meeting. I’ll start out by saying that I am secretary of the board, so I was nervous about documenting what has been happening. But I took the high road and used words that would not cause further conflict while still being accurate. Nothing was said about the minutes, however I will include all email correspondence in the binder so that future boards can read why the decision was made about the gate lock and how each board member reacted.As expected, the big issue at the meeting was the budget and what company we would hire for landscaping. My neighbor John went overboard in stumping for “his” company to the point where I felt like I couldn’t get a word in edgewise although I tried. He even accused me of cutting him off, although I only did because I had no chance to speak. It got to the point where I raised my hand like a schoolgirl waiting my turn. Fortunately, 2 others agreed with me that “my” company was the best choice (the same 2 who voted with me before) and the other one agreed that we could give them a chance and change companies later if they didn’t go a good job. John was not happy.There were several other issues that John did the same with, where he kept pushing his opinion to the point of repeating himself and being rude. The good thing is that it seems that others are seeing his true nature and will stand up to him to a point.So, long story short, it seems that I am sticking with the board for at least a little while longer and I’ll have to stand up to John in a roundabout way. I am not a good speaker (a much better writer) and he is, so he presents himself better than I do. My strategy will have to be to outsmart him, outwork him and let him show his true colors, and others will hopefully vote logically rather than be swayed by his pressure.THANK YOU to everyone who has listened, expressed support and is just there to let me release some stress. I really, truly appreciate your kindness and understanding!!(To everyone else, I’m so sorry for my long posts… all future long posts will be dedicated to Cathy, the mayor of Nutsville ;-))