Happy Veterans' Whine

[purchasemonkey]

   First off, a big "thank you" to the veterans out there. I hesitate to start mentioning names, for fear of leaving someone out, but let me tag dancingshaman, ratontheroad, and fornaxus right off the bat. I'll also give the nod to my dad, my stepdad, my uncle, and my grandfather, and his uncle.

Second, thank you to all the folks on my friends list who helped out at Dickens Fair

Comments

[fools_and_irish]

Wow. Resentment? Really? I got shoved into the Assistant Shift Lead role last season for a few weekends at the height of the consumption epidemic, and like you I was happy to do it. But talk about unglamorous effort! I was very happy to relinquish the position, and go back to my "one hour on, one hour off" schedule.

I suspect--my darker nature making its appearance--that anyone wanting the job for the glory of it would soon find working 6 hours a day rather than the usual 4 is much less glorious than they expected. Bone-weary exhaustion may be satisfying--the sense of having worked for the greater good--but it is *not* glorious.

Because I will undoubtedly forget to say it later: Thank you for taking on the job.

[ophymirage]

I think that the perception may be more a case of "why him, and not me?" (and I admit, I suffer from this as well

[fools_and_irish]

Thanks for the thought, and let me say again how much I'm going to miss you. I do know how hard it must be to get the lot of us musical, and as one of the more frequent announcers, I can say quite honestly that I'd not yet have made it through a season without your exercises and help. And I'm also very sorry we haven't done enough to show appreciation for all the effort you've taken for our health and well-being.

Anthony as backstage-manager, I think, deserves the ...status?... of other associate-management positions. What I'm doing takes nowhere near the time, knowledge, or effort. The job is quite simple, and everyone else does most of the work.

I second the notion that Fezziwig Chorale Director be an acknowledged and respected offficial responsibility.

[terpsichoros]

backstage-manager, I think, deserves the ...status?... of other associate-management positions

Not so much. I (normally) help out a lot with setup, but that's not really part of the backstage manager job. Besides, if I was acknowleged as an associate management type, I'd have to go to meetings. No thanks, even if I do live within walking distance of Dave and Cathleen.

[kid_lit_fan]

(and been called a trollop for deserting him for AC :-D ),

Funny, he didn't call me a trollop, and considering...

What did happen is he said "You're leaving? Oh, no, we'll miss you," and then when I said "I'll bring in the Things Bag tomorrow," he started wailing. My Long's-fu was much more valued than my wit and charm. ;)

T., I agree, it's "Why him and not me?" and the answers wouldn't please those who ask, whether it's a simple "Because he was in front of my face when I realized I needed someone" or a harsh "Because he'd be good and you'd SUCK!" (I doubt the person you assist would ever phrase it so, but "He's proven himself" would sound like "...and YOU SUCK!" to many.

I have the World's Easiest Assistant Director job (because the Escort Service is a small group and because it exists to support the gigs of others), and I still occasionally feel bits of "Why her and not me?" But showing up early and leaving late after washing the communal dishes isn't exactly glorious.

[ladykalessia]

If I've grumbled it's not because I want any rank (explicit or implied) - I'm just bored. I keep getting asked to stay with the cast, but I don't feel like I'm in any way useful, and in fact I've managed to piss off more than my fair share of younger ladies. What use am I, seriously? I'm in those awkward middling years, where I'm no longer that bright young thing that everyone wants to dance with, but I also have no say, no function, and no duties to speak of.

I've got a similar issue with PEERS, except perhaps that other way around. The very last thing I want is to be cast as (as I said it to Catheleen) "boob-wallpaper" in a skit. I want to be useful for my talent, and not my "talents".

[ophymirage]

just so you know, "boob-wallpaper" just made me spit-take all over my keyboard. ;-D

[ladykalessia]

I WIN!

I TOTALLY WIN. Even Cathleen seemed to think it was a funny term.

[miss_emelia]

Yep. Me too. But worse - pinto beans. Oh lordy, talk about unglamorous.

[miss_emelia]

I'm sure these grumbles have been made about me as well, but I'm happily wearing my Captain Oblivious hat and haven't noticed. I honestly think one of the defining factors here is the ability to be loud. There are few places in the world where the ability to be very very loud is so highly valued, but in the warehouse, it's a more critical skill than dancing

Oblivious Shields--activate!!

[purchasemonkey]

Just for the record, I've never heard any of these grumbles about you.

[ladykalessia]

If someone you know is looking for more administrivia in their lives, let me know. I've got tasks I'd love to offload.

BING. Please let me know what I can do.

[miss_emelia]

If you'd be willing/interested, I need not be the keeper of the things box. I could make in inventory sheet for it. I've finished stocking for the season. Then I can bring it opening day and you could be its minder from henceforth, taking it home with you on the last day.

Beyond that, Mr. & Mrs. Fezziwig need a hat and cloak and stick minder to collect these things during the Scrooge meets Scrooge bit and hand it to them in the breath between Joy to the World and before We Wish You a Merry Christmas. They can't duck away to do it for themselves and they can't be dressed to go outside any sooner.

Those are two that come to the top of my mind. Want either? You might also ask Frederik if he wants to offload either the t-shirt or mugshots job.

[loupyone]

Thanks for doing the work you do T. You've always taken on more than you've been asked (at least from my perspective) and there are few others who make such a good "pay attention now" voice.