People from California suck

Well, that's what I hear. Just like all New Yorkers are bad drivers, people from Oklahoma are "Okies" and countrified, people from Miami are drug dealers and have loose morals, people from Alaska are all Oil lovers/drunk Indians and people from the South are all friendly with good manners.

WRONG. I hear things from other bloggers, forums, on the web and it makes me mad to be honest... because...

I am from California, born and bred... 3rd generation. I am proud of where I come from, The unique and crazy people, the liberals (LOL) and the natural beauty of my state. We have it all. Desert, Beaches, Valleys, Mountains with snow. We grow the most luscious fruits and veggies. Yes, many of us are "tree huggers" but many are not. We are diverse, unique and we have good and bad people. Just like every other state.

I hear things like "California people are rude"
Sure, some are. But many are not. I am not. We all have different levels and ways of expressing ourselves. Maybe I don't smile at you on the street... but ask me to help find something in the store and I will do it. I will try to make your crying baby laugh, I will hold the door for you.

"California people are all flakes, hippies and Liberal Hollywood types"
Yes, a quite a bit of us are. Perhaps we care too much about things. We think too much. Maybe we want equality for all. We know its not possible, but we try. At least we have our passion.
I, however live in a very conservative, religious town. In California. Honestly, I dont fit in here... but I still like it here. Perhaps I like to shake things up.... LOL Thats the Hollywood liberal in me!

What I am trying to say is this: Dont judge us all by what you hear. Dont put us all into a box until you've met us all. We are all different, all unique. Just like everyone else in this great nation. I promise if you do this for me, I will do the same for you.

Why are people such jerks?

UGH... I work for a financial planner... Yes, I know full well that the market is down. I am not sure what my boss or I can personally do about that. I am sure you will be happy to tell me how and what. However, I have put my crystal ball back in storage or I would consult it, along with my spirit guide "Chief Dancing Bear" And as far as I remember I am not in Congress, Wall Street, nor am I the President of the United States of America. This guy is:

Why not ask him? Last time I heard he was trying very hard to stabilize the market and boost the economy. Its not a 7 day project...so stop treating me like I am personally responsible and start practicing kindness and good manners. That will get you a lot farther in life... and maybe some rich, yet lonely old lady will leave you her multi-million dollar estate and I wont have to get these annoying and rude calls from people like you.

Thanks, and when I find that crystal ball, I will call you back ASAP, honest.

Telephone etiquette and manners...not necessary?

First of all, I think it is necessary, and should be mandatory, especially if you are a professional, calling another professional. I could have 10 sets of fingers AND toes and not have enough to count on them how many times I am interrupted when I am answering the phone and announcing my business. I do not go on and on and on... I simply say "Good Morning (fake name) Smith and associates, this is Michelle, how may I help you?" Siriusly, how long does that take? 5 seconds? But people feel the need to interrupt me and not even with an excuse me, just "John please" Maybe I am too strict about things like this, but it annoys me to no end and it makes me want to not do business with your company. I see this in some of the sales people who work with my boss (Certified Financial Planner) they are extremely nice, polite, and helpful to him...but its how they treat the peons (me...LOL) that shows me what type of a person they are and if their business is worth investing in. Good thing for me is my boss listens to his peons and will take rudeness to staff as a consideration on doing business with that person/company.
Sorry any loyal readers I may have to bore you with this...its a pet peeve of mine and I feel better getting it off my chest... now back to work for me!