February 11th, 2009 Kidd Complains - Creative Letters of Complaint and Grievance
I’ve decided, if I ultimately fail in life; that is I fail at becoming a teacher, a politician, a mechanic or an I.T technician, then I can start a new business.
I realised today, whilst making use of over three and a half hours of absolutely no lessons, and then writing a letter of complaint on the behalf of another was amazingly relieving. Not only did it allow be to do (and I really do hate to say), one of my favourite activities - complaining - but also writing, and feeling like I was helping someone else, and accomplishing something.
Above all, it allowed me to let-off some of my own steam, and highlight downfalls in a system that is beyond redemption.
So I’ve decided, I could pursue a career in writing letters of complaints. I decided to up-date the world on this brilliant plan via the power of text, and Twitter (@MaManfie). I found only when I came home, that one of my “followers” (without being a Tweeter yourself, you’ll presume I’m being obnoxious, but it’s just the term applied to those who “watch” you on Twitter), sent a reply, with a brilliant title to head this new business; “Kidd Complains - Creative Letters of Complaint and Grievance”.
Personally, I think it’s quite catchy; even just the “Kidd Complains” part of it…
And with more thought behind this plan, I’ve decided that this business can only ever succeed. There are numerous people in the world at any given time who are complaining; and even more so there are a number of other people in the world who want to complain, but don’t know how to go about it, or do it in a manner that will gain answers! That is where my letters of complaint come in to play, and where my customers benefit out of refunds and offers from raising issue and concern with companies and people; and I can make money!
The best part?
I get to endlessly complain, write letters (which I love doing), and know that my actions are helping people who require it!
If only every job had that level of gratification.
Talking of gratification, I feel happy! I don’t know why, I mean today hasn’t exactly been anything special, but I think that’s probably part of what makes those days where you feel good, good. Just the normal, and simple things which can be uplifiting and gratifiying, and make a “typical day”, just that bit better.
I started with History, and Russia. I have to say, and I know I’ve probably told everyone I know already, but Russia, and the area in History we’re studying is pretty damn amazing. I’ve never before held any interest in the country, from my own naive perspective, it just seemed to be a wasteland of peasantry, and failed communism. Dictatorship and terror seem to be the only things I can really associate with the country; other than abuse of natural resources, the Tetris theme-tune, and t.A.T.u (the female duet that literally had suited businessmen rushing to Woolworths to buy their single, whilst trying to hide “Mr. Friendly” - if you know what I mean!).
Even better is that I finished the Communist Manifesto without turning into a Communist myself - which I’m quite proud of. I know I have a tendency to easily won over by brilliant words, and knowing how Philosophers, and Theorists like to write, I was sure in myself that I would at least turn into a bit of a socialist. Fear ye not though! Although, it is certainly nice to finally know and properly understand what is meant by Communism; the actual ideals of Communism are far from what has ever been attempted (not achieved mind you, no one has ever achieved it), and from at least my old previous connotations of the word, and Political Movement.
So after History, which was a lesson on the Right Wing Communists and their ultimate destruction by Stalin, I was meant to have Biology; only Biology teacher wasn’t in. So instead I had a free lesson, which was spent finishing notes on History (I’m pretty sure my History teacher must have worked out by now that saying “You only need twelve bullet points to summarise these three pages” really has no hold on me), and instead I ended up doing a page and a half! Oh well, one can never be too prepared!
I then found myself for the majority of that free lesson, break and the next two hours of nothing, not doing anything productive. I attempted to do the Biology cover work set, but to be honest, it was boring. I mean, I know about fungi on food, and my interest on microorganisms comes to a dwindling hault when I come to find they serve no real purpose other than to make overtly expensive food such as Qourn (fake meat to me and you), and someone a lot of money!
Instead I took a trip to Tesco, and bought myself something a little more edible than the sandwhiches served in the Canteen everyday. I mean, talk about lack of variety?
Following my trip, I aided in letter writing, then had a Peer Mentoring meeting.
Following that, I had Paired Reading; where despite my previous concerns of complete lack of progress being made, I’m sure that I or something or someone is making a difference. Plus, my reader did their homework for the first time, and I was happily able to help them with it! - Why I ever thought I would be a Forensic Scientist I’m starting to wonder!
My last lesson of the day was Psychology! Once again I’m starting to feel agitated and extremely sorry for my teacher. I don’t know exactly what it is that some people think they are in School for, but whatever their reasoning, I wish it would include learning, and allowing others to learn. It just seems to be an endless cycle and battle of bad behaviour, which then expects to be constantly rewarded. For example “Miss, can we watch the video?” “Miss, can we do those personality tests now?”, “Miss can we do this?” etc… I mean, where the logic or chain of thought comes from that these people are in any position for such rewards is actually beyond me.
I think it may have something to do with this instant gratification culture we live in. I’m currently reading Barack Obama - The Audacity of Hope, and he speaks very much about this in the “Values” section. Our values as he points out seem to be focused more heavily on short term gratification, happiness, and greed, than long term success, and sustained happiness and acheivement. And it’s true, and I know I’m one who often falls into this horrible cycle; I do like gratification, and generally I like to seek something with instant gratification; but then again I also know that I recognise and at least appreciate the need to achieve for the long term, not necessarily for the “now”.
It’s a shame really, because in the long term it’ll only have adverse effects on the lives of people, and on society, progression and development as a whole. Even in Politics we can see this horrible cycle; the numerous financial plans are not long term plans, but ideas and actions to make short term and instant changes to Stock Market shares and to consumer expenditure. This happens because the Government want to be seen to be making at least some headway with the recession, and because we all demand to see a result, a clear cut statistic or statement that is indisputable that for at least a day, a week, an hour or month overall there was say 0.001% growth in the spending; we want assurance now.
It’s sad, and fickle. Long term planning is something I love and find far more comfort in than short terms whims, and I’m pretty sure if more people thought about that, and considered long term rewards, renumeration and achievement, it would be a plan of action that more of us would adopt and pursue; but until then, until that time we’ll remain to allow things to go on the balance.
Back to today, I kind of dithered away from my original point there. So I had Psychology which was good!
Then after School I hoped to have Debating Society, which sadly didn’t occur, but instead I spent two and half hours in a room in the Sixth Form Centre talking, laughing and chilling. It was nice, you know one of those rare occasions where everyone just feels good and chatty. No one else listening in or being a pain, and nothing majorly disturbing us. I think that is probably the highlight of today. Just being with people, in a small group, and conversing.
However, our two hour long chat meant that we were in School way gone five, and I then had to walk home in the dark!
Then to add to pleasure of the day, and I know this is only ever going to sound “Neeky”, but I had to finish a History essay on Charles 1st (no, I’m not a member of his Appreication Society), and I cannot remember the last time I felt so happy writing an essay! Seriously! And then I finished, and felt proud of my effort, which despite being a tad longer than actual time constraints would ever allow for, and that I do not doubt I’ll be told it’s “too narrative”, I think it’s good.
Hmm, I feel really relaxed, and happy. It’s lovely feeling like this, like nothing can bring you down, or cause worry or offence. Plus, I like just being able to smile without having to have a reason too, just knowing that I’ve had a “normal” day, made better by really simple things such a good complaint, a really good chat, good lessons, and then feeling positive about my essay.
Smiles all round!
Anyways, this mid-week-ramble is long enough. Expect something on Friday or Saturday for sure… My least favourite day of the year is arising!
Enjoy,
Samantha.
(http://www.thesamantha.co.nr)
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