I'm Listening.
First of all, I just want to say its good to have you back!! I love your column. Although I’m not the type to ask for advice, I thought you might be able to help.
So, I’m 56 years old and run a seafood restaurant with my wife in the CBD. Our establishment is successful, I have a great crew, and my wife is a godsend. On the outside everything is wonderful. But I can’t help being plagued by self-doubt and impending doom. How’s that for dramatic? I just can’t shake it for some reason. I suppose its equal parts post Katrina, rising crime, and the recession. I want to enjoy my life and success but it’s somehow eluding me. Any words of wisdom?
Thanks!
Downtown Depressed
Dear Downtown Depressed,
So let me get this straight, you are a successful restauranteur in beautiful downtown New Orleans. You’ve got a lovely wife, dedicated employees, crustacean craving guests, and a business you care deeply about. On the outset you are handling business. But, there is an inner struggle that must be attended to.
Brother, you need to move like the Sun and “rise and shine.” Easier said than done? Maybe. But I’ve just begun.
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I'm Listening. Dear Special Man,
I got myself conned by one a dem Bourbon Street husslers on “I knows where you got dem shoes.” The bet was $20.00. When he gave me the answer - I was at a total loss.
Being I actually got my shoe at Pay Less, the shoes were worth less than the bet. So I took your advise and “let em have it”, the shoes that is. He was mad and I had to walk back into the bar in my socks.
But despite having drunk 4 hurricanes, I could still remember your motto. And I did get back one shoe - the one he threw at my head as I went back into to bar.
Was I right or what?
–Willie
Willie,
I woke up this morning with my bones creaking, head aching, and my fedora bent. Essentially not feeling so “special.” So I drank a cup of Sanka, sat at my computer, and opened my intra-net email box.
I gotta tell you: I was struck by why I got into this game in the first place. It’s nice to be reminded by characters such as yourself that my help is valued and utilized in a wise and timely manner.
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I'm Listening. Dear Special Man,
My mom told me you helped her years ago. Something about you helping her to obtain the $50.00. How she accrued this, I don’t want to know, LOL. But she did say that you are excellent with advice and that’s why I’m writing to you today.
I am a 16-year-old sophomore attending Archbishop Chapelle High School. My dream since middle school has been to be a cheerleader. The problem I’m encountering is that I’m getting zero support from my family and the Chapellettes themselves. WTF!
I just think that no one believes that I have what it takes to be a Chapellette. Do you have any advice for me?
Thanks!!
Mystified in Metarie
Dear Mystified,
Girl, you sound like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. You got a dream: Cheerleader. And now the “powers that be” (family and Chapellettes) seem to be working against you, on a level.
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The Creole-Tomato is proud to welcome our newest columnist, The Special Man. A successful businessman and multimedia personality, The Special Man will write a regular advice column. If you’d like the advice of The Special Man, write to: DearSpecialMan@gmail.com
I'm listening.Dear Special Man,
I’ve been working at the same insurance agency for the past 7 years. I love it. I’ve been top in sales since the beginning and never had a complaint. Until now.
We just got a new general manager who will not give me a break to save my life. He’s totally got this Napoleon complex. He’s always on my case, either nagging me about numbers or embarrassing me in front of my co-workers. He’s pushing me over the edge. I don’t know what to do. I want to step up to him, but am afraid that he’ll fire me on the spot. I need advice!
Thanks,
Humiliated in Harahan
Dear Humiliated,
You appear to be in a detrimental situation. You obviously love your job, and it sounds as if you’re successful. A dream situation, if you will. But now you have a small-statured man (I say this due to your Napoleonic reference) on your tail humiliating you in front of your coworkers. This sounds as if a nightmare has now entered your very being.
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