Saturday, August 23, 2008

In Closing

In a day or two or by the end of next week, certainly, this matter will have died down. I can't wait for that. My blog was not about politics before and it won't be now because the small details of my life and the lives of those I love are more important and more interesting to me than anything going on "out there." Expend your energy on things that matter. If Bramble and politics matter to you, keep talking about them. You are welcome to continue commenting on my posts. I will read everything, but I won't respond. Bramble mattered to me for a few days, the way a stubbed toe would matter for a few minutes. But I have a 3-day-old niece to coo over, a new apartment to organize, a "History of Nicolitalia Pizzeria" to edit, a friend to congratulate on her mission call to England, and Boggle to play.

46 comments:

Karen said...

I love you, Anna. And you can vent about anything else you want now. Even me (but who would need to do that!).

Ripvanryan said...

I just received a link to your 8/18 blog entry a few minutes ago. It's only been five days. I don't think the comments are going to die down anytime soon. If you're gonna write something provocative, no matter how limited you think your audience is, you gotta be willing to roll with any unexpectedly vehement reactions. That's the way writing works. Good luck.

Fig said...

You told your story really well. It sucks that you had such a crappy experience, but the way you have handled things shows that you are smart, witty, and gracious. I'm sorry people have been so critical, but I admire you for being strong.

Tom said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lynne said...

You are an entertaining writer, and I have enjoyed following your story over the past few days, partly because I share in your avoidance/anxiety/assertiveness issues. Congratulations on surviving your 15 minutes.

Linda said...

Wow! Hope the dust settles for you soon. I think your story was great- and appropriate.
Love you!
Linda

Pitter said...

Gawd you're a drama queen -- let it rest. No one cares!

Pitter said...

This is sad. I'm not sure who comes out of this little spat looking most ridiculous and pathetic: the blogger or the senator.

Tough call! They deserve each other.

alicia and rick said...

"Pitter said...

This is sad. I'm not sure who comes out of this little spat looking most ridiculous and pathetic: the blogger or the senator."

Or the comment trolls.

8683 said...

Have to disagree with you Pitter. Many of us in Senate District 16 care and are grateful that this incidence was brought to our attention before 11/04/08.

Anonymous said...

Hey there! I found this on ABC 4. After reading everything, I firmly believe you are in the right, especially in the beginning. That's all fine and dandy if he had a bad day at the office, but why take it out on a pizza girl? I mean clearly his family knew he was in the wrong, or why else would they be embarrassed? It's people such as these that make us as Americans or just humans look bad. Look at the bright side....you've overcome some fears, put a man out there that needed to be shown his true colors, and given attention to issues that should be important when others focus more on celebrities. KUDOS TO YOU! I am from Utah. Currently residing in Texas sadly. My husband is in the Army, awaiting medical discharge for a lung condition. So, I have to keep up on news out there since the news out here is BOOORRRRIIINNNGGG! Have a good one and I will certainly keep reading.

B. said...

I think that you are funny, cute, and creative with your words. Don't worry about people who are down on you for writing out your feelings, its what most everyone does on a blog. It was not meant for people like me who are just curious. You are a doll enjoy the limelight while it lasts.

Renees Take said...

There is perhaps another reason your blog has suddenly taken on such prominence...

Millions of bloggers write mediocre stuff all over the world and very few get national attention for their work.

I have been reading you entries and you are a very gifted writer!

Thank you for sharing your story. It was both humorous and blatantly honest and actually a real pleasure to read.

Perhaps you should consider journalism?

Johnnyboy84604 said...

I am sad to see it die down, but really how could it go on without another incident right?. I wish there was a forum or blog for people to tell how the politicians are for "real". Most don't care about the "common" man and seem to be elitist. If more people told of their experiences, maybe just maybe we could be better represented. IT would also be nice to have more transparency in politics.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I am sure there are politicians or other public people that will think twice before they decide to treat someone like dirt.

I had noticed the Nicolitalias sign but never thought much about it. Now I have to try the Pizza!.

Benjamin Loewen said...

Anna, I wish you allowed other commenting methods. Even just OpenID allows Typepad user comments. I don't want a link to this Blogger blog. But I'd love to connect. I am really enjoying your blog so far. I'll give you one guess as to how I found you. ;-) Check me out at www.becomingsomething.typepad.com and maybe we can connect.

I am sympathetic to both you and Bramble. I'm sure I've been huffed before in a consumer setting. Really, my shock is with his indignation that his personal cheque was not accepted!! What business takes personal cheques anymore?! Maybe in Utah because they don't believe that anyone would be -gasp!- dishonest. But where I live, accepting a personal cheque is just stupid. The police don't pursue that kind of fraud because they're busy with more important things. In short: Cheques are NOT the same as cash. DOH. If they were the same, they'd both be called "cash". I've had the same thoughts as him about giving my credit card info away. But really, if someone did use his cc info to make unlawful purchases, he's not liable. It would be a minor pain but it's so rare. Bounced cheques are more common. Also, how was Nick supposed to know that what Bramble was saying was true? How was he supposed to know that this wasn't Bramble's neighbor pretending to be Bramble? If you didn't recognize his face, how was anyone to know for sure? Oh, right. His pompous demeanor gave him away.

I, too, am surprised your blog was found. I guess. Do you use Google Analytics? Would love to know what the search terms were.

Anyway. I'm going to keep reading.

dj4aces said...

Good evening -- or morning, as it would be here on the east coast. I found this blog linked on another site.

I generally keep my ear to the streets, as far as politics are concerned, so it's no surprise to me that Bramble did something like this to you, despite the fact that I'm in Atlanta.

However, I have to say I've read other entries in your blog, and am hooked. Despite the fact that I don't even know you, you've definitely got yourself a new reader in me. Your writing is excellent, and I agree with the poster who said you should look into becoming a journalist.

Stay cool, and keep smiling. The storm will blow over soon, the trolls will go find something better to do, and life will go on.

(Boggle is also one of my favorite board games!)

Jenna and Jeff said...

I heard you on the night show on 1160. I thought you were great. I enjoyed reading your blog entry- the one that started all this. Very entertaining! I don't think you did anything wrong or inappropriate and laugh off anyone who tells you otherwise (unless it's your boss) Keep up the writing and hopefully this will soon be a thing of the past. You have my support.

... said...

You have no idea how much amusement your blog post has brought me over the last few days, seriously, well done!

I just wanted to say I know how bad it sucks to get ridiculed by random anonymous people, I wanted to assure you that every rational human being out there sees them for what they are, keep your head up and I hope you don't mind if I keep crossing my fingers that this gets even more attention.

Your story deserves to be told and Bramble deserves the consequences for his behavior - both that night and his unapologetic responses after the fact. I mean really, is he really that scared to use a credit card with a "high limit" and not scared at all to give out a check with his name, address, bank name, checking account number, and routing number on it? His pedantic arrogance needs to be recognized by his constituents AND his peers at the Utah state senate. Kudos to Ana!

Jake S. Garn (no relation)
www.jakegarnphotography.blogspot.com

smellspretty said...

commenting in support. I do not envy your unexpected fame.

'Pitter': regarding your 'what's more pathetic...' question the answer is the asscracker that trolls the comments on her blog. DIAF.

Unknown said...

Well, I write for KPBS' 'citizen Voices' blog (http://blogs.kpbs.org/index.php/citizenvoices) in San Diego, CA and decided the cover this as it's an amazing story - and a cautionary tale to other bloggers. So, once my editor(s) approve the post, you may get folks from SoCal visiting your blog. It's spreading all over the net.
You also made it onto fark.com's political section, so that'll spread you further and further on the net. I hate to say it, but this isn't going to die down for a few weeks, to be honest.

loserboy said...

Forget all the politics for a minute, as a fellow REM nut, just wanted to pass along kudos for your blog title, and your incessant, non-stop listening to REM. I'm 41, and have listened to Stipe & Co. almost everyday for the last 25 or so years...and yes, they're good for the soul.

Good luck on future deliveries.

Nugentrocks said...

Read you blog address in the paper and had to read some of you stuff becuase of it. You have an incredible gift in your style and ability to disseminate information. I am very impressed.
As for this Bramble business, I am sorry you have had to go through all of this. The so called "important" people of this world all believe they can flaunt the rules of being part of the human race. In short, he was shooting the messenger when told of the rules your employer has. He should know in this day and age there are many companies that do not take checks. He is suppose to be a representative of the people, but he has lost touch with the people (I say this as my take on how he handled this situation, I don't personally know him).
Anyway, hold your head up as you have touched the lives of countless people with your writing ability.

Nugentrocks said...

Just read through my ramblings and realized how many grammatical errors I made. Obvously I don't have your gift. Perhaps that is why I don't blog (oh, the other reason is I don't know how!!)Sorry to all those who read through my sloppy writing.

Kaye said...

Hi - I just read about this in today's SL Trib so I came online to find the details. My husband and I both got a good laugh over it. Sorry you had to get stuck in the middle of something uncomfortable. You are a clever writer though - you should consider journalism as a profession!

And, if everyone who has written on your blogs or read any of the newspaper accounts or heard any details would go eat at (or order pizza from, paying with cash) Nick's Nicolitalia restaurant, a really great pizza place would stay in business! I hope it brings Nick business and that you get great tips on all your deliveries!

White Buffalo said...

Dear Anna,

Life and Providence have a way of revealiing truth.

You have left a mark.

May the joy of your new family member renew your faith in yourself that each day will bring decisions that may change the world.

White Buffalo Speaks

Chris Merrill said...

Well done! I'm glad that bramble is getting some heat for treating us commoners in such a way. I love your style. Keep it going and chin up!

Dan said...

You are a great writer, and as someone else said maybe you should think about journalism or some other form of creative writing.

You have done nothing wrong, a blog is about your views and you came accross fine.

In terms of this all calming down, sorry but it is going to take annother week or so I am afraid, I am in England and have just been sent a link from a friend on the East Coast and a colleague in Australia!

Beth said...

You handled the situation well, and the backlash with much tact. It has been a pleasure reading your skillful, non-pretentious writing.

Enjoy your new niece, your extended readership and the practise you have gained through this most uncomfortable situation!

GoldnI said...

Hi, I found your blog through Daily Kos. I know it's been said before, and I know you don't want this to be about politics, but you've done a very good thing here. In the past, politicians could get away with treating us "commoners" like dirt, but they need to be reminded in this day and age that ordinary citizens have the power to call them out on their behavior. They need to be reminded exactly who they represent.

Good luck to you. And remember that the personal attacks come from people who have nothing better to do with their lives and who are too cowardly to attach their names to their comments.

Nancy Evans said...

This Senator has a reputation for being a difficult person. Just a few months ago he offended the NAACP. So you are in good company. Another really obnoxious politician is Merril Cook, but fortunatly he was snubbed by the Republicans and has not won any race lately, thank goodness. The Utah Republican party should do the same to Bramble as they did to him.

Unknown said...

I just read your story. I haven't read through all the follow-up, but I gather you've had some blowback. I thought the article well-written, funny and nothing to apologize for. The man behaved badly and you handled the situation well. I will now leave you in peace.

Snobahr said...

Boggle and babies! When all is said and done, time marches on (and other inane cliches). Congrats to the baby (and family), and all good luck to you :)

BTW, "qat" is an archaic spelling of Cat, and is listed in the Oxford English Dictionary. Muahahaha!

marmet said...

Speak for yourself, Pitter. I care.

Can I leave just one request, though? Can you please, please, please change your blog's color scheme? The blue type on red is really, really hard to read. Of course, with all the attention you've been getting, maybe that is intentional!

b. said...

I was brought here for the Bramble story, but will stay because I enjoy the way you tell a story and for the way you write.

Keep up the good work! The other stuff will blow over.

Unknown said...

We don’t know each other, but I read your blog via fark.com and shared it with several others I know. The internet creates such interesting tempests in a tea cup, doesn’t it?

My congratulations, your story was well-written and witty.

I encourage you to overlook the unsolicited and unearned personal attacks; some individuals simply lack couth and manners. In most cases, I hope you can ignore their comments based simply on their “mastery” of the English language.

Keep your chin up.

Brent

Calene said...

One of my favorite quotes goes something like this: "Character is defined by what you do when no one is watching."

You were just the little pizza girl and he the big Senator. I'm sure he never thought his rude and demeaning behavior would make it to the Trib, channel 4, or editorials all over the country. His true character really did shine through by the way he treated you and your boss.

I'm sure the constituents in his district find his little tantrum insightful.

Don't quit writing. You are very good at it.

Bonjo said...

Any attacks you've received in the blog comments are probably from the Senator's lackeys or maybe from the Senator himself. Don't put too much stock in it.

If he hadn't blabbed on and on about his title and position, you might have written the same post, only it would have been titled "My encounter with a bonehead customer" or the like. He brought his elected position into this, not you.

And, I am sorry for any pain you've been feeling. Hang in there. In today's society, the public's memory is very fickle.

Magnumto said...

As others have said, thanks for sharing your wit and prose. For me, this is one of those bright spots one sometimes encounters unexpectedly...

Princess Kevin said...

Anna, I think you are a brilliant writer (and I never say that, partly because I think I'm a brilliant writer, and therefore no one else can be.) I quite genuinely enjoy reading your blog (and I hate blogs). Keep up the good work, you're honesty and strength in writing will make me a frequent visitor.

Jason Wright said...

I love that I stumbled across this. You, Anna, are a very gifted word smith. When you're ready to publish that first novel, give me a call :)

**Melissa** said...

Lucky you, your bosses at work are so nice to you! Have you heard about Dooce? She - and a bunch of people probably - lost their jobs because of saying too much in their blogs... I wonder how does the Freedom of Speech applies here??!

Good for you to move on, the senator incident is getting old! I want to read more about your everyday things - although it's good that happened to you otherwise I wouldn't have found your blog :-)

PoppaMonkey said...

Anything that I write will only barely cover the surface of all the random feelings that I'm having. You had no intention of being an example, and you were just living your life, but I've read these last few blogs since the Pizzagate, and find myself reminded of things that I once knew, and have forgotten. How to treat people with dignity, how to handle yourself in the face of adversity, Never letting yourself get so puffed up by pride that you forget what it feels like to be unknown.

You, in your 15 min of fame, have shown more grace and class than most of the people that are in public life.

As I wipe a little tear of shame from my eye, I just wanted to thank you for your example, and quiet dignity.

Michael Terry said...

I vote Republican most of the time, but I hate bullies like Bramble more than life itself. Sorry, but I'm no Mormon, and I don't just turn the other cheek. Bramble was lucky I wasn't the pizza delivery guy that night, cos I'm not so sanguine in the face of rudeness as you are. (And perhaps a little less likely to tolerate nonsense like "checks are the same as cash" whatever TF that means. I don't remember the last time someone asked to see ID when I paid with cash, do you?)

The specious claim that Bramble's personality somehow helps him to fight for his constituency more effectively is just disgusting. The world is legion with powerful, intelligent people who are kind, assertive AND effective.

Dale said...

Well, you've got a bunch of fans now. I'm one of them.

-Dale-

Dr. Worm (Matt) said...

I love your story and your BLOG. I think you are a tremendously entertaining writer and I will come back to take a look at your ramblings. I love the irony in this story. The writer that wants to be invisible turns the tables on the senator who is a little to visible (or so he thinks he is).

Don’t you know who I am!?! Nope, I didn’t know or care who Senator Bramble was, until now. So in a way, this is kind of a win for him, but a bigger win for you.

Thanks for the 15 minutes of joy you brought me. I leave you with this. Hope you get a chance to watch it. http://www.spike.com/video/visa-yo-visa/2459155

Lady said...

There is nothing so precious as new little "niblings" (the offspring of our siblings, that is). Many congratulations to you on becoming an auntie. Wrap yourself up in the wonder of that new little niece of yours and put the rest of this hubbub quietly behind you. You deserve it.

I am on your side as a fellow "anxious avoidant" and I truly admire your fortitude in all of this. Who could have expected a little blog from Provo would garner such attention? No doubt a lot of happy thoughts are being sent your way. I hope to visit your blog in future and see how you are doing.

Blessings.