Second day on the new job was not too bad. There is so much to learn! The people still seem nice...but it is early. I am becoming a skeptical cynic. Oh well.
Bill is doing well, and mom is doing better than I expected. Tomorrow morning is the procedure...scary stuff.
I am having a bit of trouble figuring out where I want to go next with the story that I am working on. Reality just seems like whining...but...creative non-fiction...hmmm...! It has all been reality so far...I am now considering taking a turn toward what we always wanted to do, to resolve our childhood situation. A light hearted look at the vengeful mind of a child...we'll see.
Be Well!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Lost weekend...
This has been a lost weekend. I got off early on Friday, in order to go get finger printed for my new job. Marvin, Chas and I went to supper (Chinese), then on to the hospital to meet mom and my niece. From there...it has been a mess. Mom is the absolute slowest person on the face of the earth...bless her heart. It was after noon Saturday before we could get her to the hospital to be with my step-dad, then today, almost 1:00. I am terrified of how tomorrow morning will go...it is the second day on my new job...I cannot be late. Holy cow. On top of that, there is chaos and ugliness going on at their house...prompting a 2 a.m. call from my niece (who insisted on going home...60 miles away on Saturday afternoon). I feel terrible that she is irritating me at every turn...I don't understand her. I am not showing my irritation...but 'not showing' it, is making my jaws ache and my stomach in a knot.
On the flip side...my step mom is doing very well. The hospital got her up and made her walk to the door last night, and sit in a chair for a while. She has two screws in the hip that she broke, and my dad fears that this will weaken her enough that the decision about whether to have the horrible procedure that they have suggested to her (chemo through a port in her brain) may not be an option any more. Her appointment for that should have been next Wednesday.
I just finished reading some 'homework' for my new job...none of which I understand. I did, however, find a website that has shed a bit of light on the subject. Hopefully...it will fall into place.
I'd say I'm looking forward to a better week...but at this point...who knows?
Be Well!
On the flip side...my step mom is doing very well. The hospital got her up and made her walk to the door last night, and sit in a chair for a while. She has two screws in the hip that she broke, and my dad fears that this will weaken her enough that the decision about whether to have the horrible procedure that they have suggested to her (chemo through a port in her brain) may not be an option any more. Her appointment for that should have been next Wednesday.
I just finished reading some 'homework' for my new job...none of which I understand. I did, however, find a website that has shed a bit of light on the subject. Hopefully...it will fall into place.
I'd say I'm looking forward to a better week...but at this point...who knows?
Be Well!
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Pit bull strikes again...
It seems that the pit bull was bored today. My former co-worker (who quit the week before I did) sent an email to her regarding information about rolling her 401K to her new employers plan. You would think that a simple response, with the necessary facts would have been forthcoming. What she received was, a response to her query...and a personal note, which began "Tell your friend (my name here)...blah, blah, blah..." The "blah, blah, blah", consisted of a snotty, sarcastic message to me. To say that my former co-worker and I were both surprised, would be an understatement. What a juvenile, and totally unprofessional thing to do. I'm sure that her peers would be proud to call her a member of their profession. It only confirms what we already supposed...she is a spoiled little girl...playing 'office'. What a mess.
Be Well!
Be Well!
Please listen...
This story has been in the news for a few days now. It has been particularly poignant for me. Children left in the care of a selfish, brutal, heartless, monster…while the only hope they had (their father) looked the other way. Dear Lord.
I don’t know the particulars in this case…but I can guess. My guess would be that the kids told their father…more than once…what was happening. My guess is that he didn’t believe them…or didn’t want to be bothered, so he ‘turned a blind eye’. I shudder to think of the things that the children endured…my heart breaks for them.
Children don’t ask to be born…they are precious gifts entrusted to us for a very short time. If a child tells you that someone is mistreating him/her…please listen…please take action. Adults like this woman, count on the fact that other adults won’t believe the things that a child says….particularly when they are as heinous as this. They count on the gullibility of their peers, and on their own prowess at concealing the things that they do.
These children will most likely survive…we did. But how damaged will they be? Their lives have been forever altered. Hopefully, they will never, ever live under the same roof as their step-mother or their father again. Nonetheless…there will be nightmares, seemingly irrational fears and things that they absolutely despise, without knowing why. They will cringe when they see a child spanked, and feel the need to overfeed every living, breathing thing they see. They will feel absolute rage when they read about things like this…and to some degree…they will never be able to completely shake the feeling of apprehension and vulnerability.
Pray for these kids…and for this world…which somehow continues to foster this kind of behavior…on an increasing and alarming basis.
Be Well!
Father Arrested In Possible Child Neglect Case
KAKE News
Father Arrested In Possible Child Neglect CaseJuly 25
A local father joins his wife, both facing charges of child endangerment.
"He knew, or should have known, the condition of his daughters," said Captain Randy Landen with Wichita police.
It was obvious to the social worker who got a tip to check on the six and seven year old girls last Friday. The mere sight of the children enraged some officers at the scene.
For police, there is no explanation a father could give as to why his children had been deprived of food and water for at least several days. The children were dehydrated and in dire straits.
The children were admitted to the hospital. Their father, Alex Wood, was arrested on two counts of aggravated child endangerment.
Just hours before his arrest, the children's stepmother, Jennifer Wood, was released from jail. Police claim her two biological children were in great shape, but her two stepchildren were a different story.
In addition to being deprived food, Wood is also accused of aggravated battery. Ligature marks were found on one of the girls' throats.
While all of this was unfolding, the family of the father of Jennifer Wood's children, were in a panic. They didn't want to be identified, but say Wood brought all four children to their home for a picnic about a year ago. They say she wouldn't let the step children have anything but water, claiming they had food allergies.
Authorities say they are still investigating exactly what happened inside the home, and how long it had been going on. One question they might never understand the answer to is, why.
I don’t know the particulars in this case…but I can guess. My guess would be that the kids told their father…more than once…what was happening. My guess is that he didn’t believe them…or didn’t want to be bothered, so he ‘turned a blind eye’. I shudder to think of the things that the children endured…my heart breaks for them.
Children don’t ask to be born…they are precious gifts entrusted to us for a very short time. If a child tells you that someone is mistreating him/her…please listen…please take action. Adults like this woman, count on the fact that other adults won’t believe the things that a child says….particularly when they are as heinous as this. They count on the gullibility of their peers, and on their own prowess at concealing the things that they do.
These children will most likely survive…we did. But how damaged will they be? Their lives have been forever altered. Hopefully, they will never, ever live under the same roof as their step-mother or their father again. Nonetheless…there will be nightmares, seemingly irrational fears and things that they absolutely despise, without knowing why. They will cringe when they see a child spanked, and feel the need to overfeed every living, breathing thing they see. They will feel absolute rage when they read about things like this…and to some degree…they will never be able to completely shake the feeling of apprehension and vulnerability.
Pray for these kids…and for this world…which somehow continues to foster this kind of behavior…on an increasing and alarming basis.
Be Well!
Father Arrested In Possible Child Neglect Case
KAKE News
Father Arrested In Possible Child Neglect CaseJuly 25
A local father joins his wife, both facing charges of child endangerment.
"He knew, or should have known, the condition of his daughters," said Captain Randy Landen with Wichita police.
It was obvious to the social worker who got a tip to check on the six and seven year old girls last Friday. The mere sight of the children enraged some officers at the scene.
For police, there is no explanation a father could give as to why his children had been deprived of food and water for at least several days. The children were dehydrated and in dire straits.
The children were admitted to the hospital. Their father, Alex Wood, was arrested on two counts of aggravated child endangerment.
Just hours before his arrest, the children's stepmother, Jennifer Wood, was released from jail. Police claim her two biological children were in great shape, but her two stepchildren were a different story.
In addition to being deprived food, Wood is also accused of aggravated battery. Ligature marks were found on one of the girls' throats.
While all of this was unfolding, the family of the father of Jennifer Wood's children, were in a panic. They didn't want to be identified, but say Wood brought all four children to their home for a picnic about a year ago. They say she wouldn't let the step children have anything but water, claiming they had food allergies.
Authorities say they are still investigating exactly what happened inside the home, and how long it had been going on. One question they might never understand the answer to is, why.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Brain doodles...
Summer dreams, lazy days,
Nights without end...
Imagination...fascination...
Blowing like the wind.
Knowing...ever knowing,
Tomorrow can't remain...
Fear, and worry...apprehension,
Fresh within my brain.
Comin round the bend...
Change...
Disguised...again,
...as my old friend.
Looming, lurking, hiding there...
Waiting for the moment,
To catch me unaware...
Copyright©2006 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.
Nights without end...
Imagination...fascination...
Blowing like the wind.
Knowing...ever knowing,
Tomorrow can't remain...
Fear, and worry...apprehension,
Fresh within my brain.
Comin round the bend...
Change...
Disguised...again,
...as my old friend.
Looming, lurking, hiding there...
Waiting for the moment,
To catch me unaware...
Copyright©2006 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Monday...
An eventful, and productive day! I accomplished everything from changing the sheets to shopping for picture frames!
Early this evening, I heard from my mom...my step dad's heart procedure will take place on next Tuesday (August 1st). It is very frightening to think of him undergoing this kind of thing...as fragile as he is. If he doesn't have it, he probably won't be here much longer, if he does have it...he may not survive it though...so...it is a rock and a hard spot. Please pray for them. He says that he accepted Christ a few years ago...it is my fervent prayer that he did. It is not for us to judge...I know that...yet...I don't feel easy about it. Only he and God know for sure.
I don't know what my step mom's decision will be concerning the new treatment that they want to do on her, for the brain tumors. It sounds horrible...and she is so fragile. It scares me to think of her going through all of that...and it scares me for her not to. Please pray for them also.
I know in my head...that God is in control...yet...my heart struggles to remember.
Be Well!
Early this evening, I heard from my mom...my step dad's heart procedure will take place on next Tuesday (August 1st). It is very frightening to think of him undergoing this kind of thing...as fragile as he is. If he doesn't have it, he probably won't be here much longer, if he does have it...he may not survive it though...so...it is a rock and a hard spot. Please pray for them. He says that he accepted Christ a few years ago...it is my fervent prayer that he did. It is not for us to judge...I know that...yet...I don't feel easy about it. Only he and God know for sure.
I don't know what my step mom's decision will be concerning the new treatment that they want to do on her, for the brain tumors. It sounds horrible...and she is so fragile. It scares me to think of her going through all of that...and it scares me for her not to. Please pray for them also.
I know in my head...that God is in control...yet...my heart struggles to remember.
Be Well!
Friday, July 21, 2006
Fired...quit...gone...
Well...here I sit, unemployed. I gave notice over a week ago...next Tuesday should have been my last day. After a heated discussion with the pit bull...I was dismissed...without my vacation pay. I am so angry that I can hardly see straight. I am hurt that I tried to go the extra mile, because I have some stupid sense of loyalty, and an idiotic, naive idea that if I treat people the way that I want them to treat me...they will respond in kind. My boss simply sat there after the pit bull said "That was MY decision!", and agreed with her. Even though she was so blatantly wrong. They accused me of things that I did not, and would not do...and refused to look at proof that I offered that I had not done them! In retrospect...things happened in such a way, that I believe the decision had already been made to let me go...and to cheat me out of my vacation pay. What a world we live in. The longer I occupy my inconsequential space...the more I realize that it doesn't matter whether we are decent, or fair, or play by the rules...in the end...we are screwed anyway. No one cares what we have, or haven't done. I was a fool to believe that my boss would be fair to me in the long run...simply because I was fair to him.
Now I am concerned that there could be repercussions at the other end of this deal. The man who hired me is my old boss's best friend. One of the conditions of my employment was that I make it absolutely clear to my old boss that the new one did not solicit me...that I answered an ad and came to them. He was deeply concerned that their friendship not suffer, due to my employment with the new firm. I will spend Monday checking ads and looking for an alternative plan...just in case.
I have consulted the labor relations board, and intend to file a claim next week, if this isn't resolved by Monday afternoon. I am determined to shove out the old, naive, moron inside me...to stop taking crap from people and begin standing up and being heard from. If I hadn't been so stupid...I would have been out of there long ago...and I would have taken my vacation first!
Be Well!
Now I am concerned that there could be repercussions at the other end of this deal. The man who hired me is my old boss's best friend. One of the conditions of my employment was that I make it absolutely clear to my old boss that the new one did not solicit me...that I answered an ad and came to them. He was deeply concerned that their friendship not suffer, due to my employment with the new firm. I will spend Monday checking ads and looking for an alternative plan...just in case.
I have consulted the labor relations board, and intend to file a claim next week, if this isn't resolved by Monday afternoon. I am determined to shove out the old, naive, moron inside me...to stop taking crap from people and begin standing up and being heard from. If I hadn't been so stupid...I would have been out of there long ago...and I would have taken my vacation first!
Be Well!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
WALK ON THE RIGHT PLEASE...
Well...in answer to my own question...no...the fun never ends. I am home today with an inner ear infection. I guess there is a down side to all of that fun-in-the-sun pool time. I am dizzy enough that turning my head is quite unwise. Meanwhile, the job service that I registered with 6 weeks ago...finally called this morning. I told them that I have tentatively accepted a position, but that if they find me something better in the next week...I am certainly open to possibilities. We'll see what happens...my bet is...nothing.
While I was trying to navigate my way through the clinic this morning (the world was spinning crazily) I experienced a phenomena that seems to be on the rise lately! For some reason...the entire universe has abandoned the heretofore assumed rule of "walking on the right". What is that about? As I made my way down the aisle, ON THE RIGHT, hoards of people were coming directly towards me...meanwhile, the lefthand side of the corridor was empty. I began to move towards the left, in an effort to go around the erroneous walkers, and danged if they didn't step over in front of me. It was infuriating! In my befuddled state, I was in no position to start any sort of fracas...however badly I wanted to! I am however, considering a letter to my congressman. Legislation may be needed, in order that our right...to walk on the RIGHT...be insured! Perhaps a swift tasering of all 'wrong walkers' is what we need!
I shall now retire for a bit...my meds are kicking in!
Be Well!
While I was trying to navigate my way through the clinic this morning (the world was spinning crazily) I experienced a phenomena that seems to be on the rise lately! For some reason...the entire universe has abandoned the heretofore assumed rule of "walking on the right". What is that about? As I made my way down the aisle, ON THE RIGHT, hoards of people were coming directly towards me...meanwhile, the lefthand side of the corridor was empty. I began to move towards the left, in an effort to go around the erroneous walkers, and danged if they didn't step over in front of me. It was infuriating! In my befuddled state, I was in no position to start any sort of fracas...however badly I wanted to! I am however, considering a letter to my congressman. Legislation may be needed, in order that our right...to walk on the RIGHT...be insured! Perhaps a swift tasering of all 'wrong walkers' is what we need!
I shall now retire for a bit...my meds are kicking in!
Be Well!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
P.S.
The trip to the dentist was a total bust. After an hour of trying...and failing miserably...to deaden my tooth...he told me it is cracked all the way through. Bottom line is, it is not savable (not a word, I know). So...I have to find an oral surgeon who will use general anesthesia...and extract it. It is impossible to deaden, because of the condition it is in. Will the fun never end?!
Be Well!
Be Well!
Terrified Tuesday...
Tuesday morning dawned tired, sluggish…and terrified. My Endodontic appointment is today, and I am scared to the bone. The past three times that I went to my regular dentist, he began by giving me a shot…drilling until I was in pain…another shot…more drilling…another shot…more drilling. Each time, he made three attempts to deaden my tooth, and drill, and then sent me home for a week or so to wait. If I just knew that this dentist would deaden it completely, and finish the job…in the first attempt…my fear would be reduced by at least 99%! I have been praying about it, and I know that I need to relax before I get there, in order to work with the anesthesia.
Apparently, there was a huge mix up with Shane’s arrival time last night. I had decided a couple of days ago, to go and meet his plane, then yesterday, Candy sent an email and really wanted to surprise him by picking him up. I was fairly certain that he would be much more thrilled to see Candy, than mom and dad, so we waited at home to hear from him when he landed. In the meantime he realized, just as he got to the airport to come home, that he had told everyone the wrong arrival time… As far as he knew…his truck would be sitting in short term parking waiting for him…and we would all be at home awaiting his phone call, telling us that he had landed safe and sound, so he didn’t see any need to call and correct the time that he had told us, especially since the right time was actually much earlier. I’m sure that you can see where this is going! Poor Candy had decided to go to the airport a bit early (thank goodness) in case he got in a few minutes early. Apparently, he sent her a text as he was landing, telling her that he was landing…and she didn’t respond. The reason that she didn’t respond, was that she was still in route, and driving like crazy, trying to get there, park, and get inside to meet him! As he got off the plane, he called his sister to find out exactly where she had parked his truck, so that he could go get it. As he walked down the ramp talking to her, she was doing everything she could not to give Candy’s surprise away, when he spotted Candy…out of breath…and still hurrying! Meanwhile, I was at home, checking on arrival times, confirming that the plane from Dallas was ‘on time’ which it was (little did I know that there was more than one flight from Dallas last night). Shane finally called us at 10:30 or so, to tell us that he had actually landed at 8:50…! The best laid plans…J
Today looks like another day of sitting here, searching for something to do. I am leaving at 2:00 for the dentist though…so that will help a bit! My appointment is at 3:00…but, it is on the west side…I have no idea where, and I need to be a bit early (first time patient info and all).
Marvin picked me up for lunch, which was wonderful! We went to Hog Wild, and ate a baked potato! I am now sitting here…my filing is finished, and I am watching the clock for time to leave!!
Be Well!
Apparently, there was a huge mix up with Shane’s arrival time last night. I had decided a couple of days ago, to go and meet his plane, then yesterday, Candy sent an email and really wanted to surprise him by picking him up. I was fairly certain that he would be much more thrilled to see Candy, than mom and dad, so we waited at home to hear from him when he landed. In the meantime he realized, just as he got to the airport to come home, that he had told everyone the wrong arrival time… As far as he knew…his truck would be sitting in short term parking waiting for him…and we would all be at home awaiting his phone call, telling us that he had landed safe and sound, so he didn’t see any need to call and correct the time that he had told us, especially since the right time was actually much earlier. I’m sure that you can see where this is going! Poor Candy had decided to go to the airport a bit early (thank goodness) in case he got in a few minutes early. Apparently, he sent her a text as he was landing, telling her that he was landing…and she didn’t respond. The reason that she didn’t respond, was that she was still in route, and driving like crazy, trying to get there, park, and get inside to meet him! As he got off the plane, he called his sister to find out exactly where she had parked his truck, so that he could go get it. As he walked down the ramp talking to her, she was doing everything she could not to give Candy’s surprise away, when he spotted Candy…out of breath…and still hurrying! Meanwhile, I was at home, checking on arrival times, confirming that the plane from Dallas was ‘on time’ which it was (little did I know that there was more than one flight from Dallas last night). Shane finally called us at 10:30 or so, to tell us that he had actually landed at 8:50…! The best laid plans…J
Today looks like another day of sitting here, searching for something to do. I am leaving at 2:00 for the dentist though…so that will help a bit! My appointment is at 3:00…but, it is on the west side…I have no idea where, and I need to be a bit early (first time patient info and all).
Marvin picked me up for lunch, which was wonderful! We went to Hog Wild, and ate a baked potato! I am now sitting here…my filing is finished, and I am watching the clock for time to leave!!
Be Well!
Monday, July 17, 2006
Weird day...
This day is starting out very oddly.
8:00 – I arrived to find the new girl sitting at her desk…alone. The pit bull wasn’t here yet. So, I started showing her around…unlocking things…what needs to be done to begin the day etc..
8:10 – The pit bull arrived and took over. She doesn’t want me to train at all…she told the new girl that she will be learning as she teaches her…that’s scary. There are too many things that the pit bull doesn’t know.
9:09 – So far, I have addressed an envelope to go out and answered the phone. It’s gonna be a long day. I feel sorry for the other new girl…and I’m glad that I won’t be staying….I just heard a long list of the duties that Erin has decided the person at my desk will be assuming…it consists of ALL of the grunt work. Unlocking in the morning, locking up at night, emptying the shredder, cleaning the kitchen, making the coffee, watering the multitude of plants, etc…and she will be required to know all of the things that the other girl does as well…in order to back her up. Previously, the grunt work was shared by both parties…as were all duties. My position here would be changing drastically…for the worse! If I had any doubts about whether I did the right thing in leaving…they are gone now.
9:30 – Well…two peas in a pod. The pit bull and the new girl, are making snide remarks about the girl who quit on Thursday…interestingly…the new girl never even met the girl who quit. They seem particularly amused about the fact that the girl who quit felt overwhelmed. It won’t be long before the new girl will rue those remarks. This is like watching a train wreck…it’s hideous…but I can’t look away.
10:00 – My post office run is being taken over by my boss today. I’m not sure why I am here.
11:14 – A task that should have been completed in about an hour…has taken the trainer/trainee team over 3 hours…and they aren’t finished yet. However, the pit bull just got a call that she has to go to court at 1:00. Since they have not even finished the morning stuff yet…she asked if I would mind the new girl sitting with me this afternoon instead of her going home. Halleluiah! I won’t have to while away the afternoon too!
1:16 – So…I went to lunch, and a couple of odd things happened…
1) While I was out…my boss called me to ask if I had my keys with me…I replied that I did not. It seems that he forgot to stop and pick up the mail while he was out…picking up the mail…so I just got back from getting it.
2) For my lunch, I decided to grab a Heavenly Snow. I pulled up to the drive thru, and the woman inside took my order, I noticed that she was acting a bit odd. I watched as she made my drink…she was pale, moving very slowly, and having some coordination issues. As she brought it to the window to hand it out, her speech was slurred. I handed her the money, and she seemed to not recognize it. She looked at me in a dazed…confused way, and said, “I don’t have any air-conditioning here today…” The temperature is already 103 degrees, and there she was, in a small metal trailer…with no air. In soft, slow, slurred speech…she told me my order was free today, and disappeared back inside. I pulled forward and called 911. Bless her heart!!
2:00 – Well, it seems that there is some difference between the things that the pit bull is teaching the new girl…and the way they should be done. I tried tactfully, to rectify them…to no avail. I feel sorry for the new girl…stuck in the middle. So…I will back off, time will be their best teacher.
3:54 – Only a little more than 30 minutes left in this day. The new girl says she ‘isn’t comfortable with the phone’, so Erin hasn’t required her to do it… so I have answered every call today…many times…reaching across the new girl, at her own desk, because she sat there like a lump looking at it, while it rang. I am counting the days again.
Be Well!
8:00 – I arrived to find the new girl sitting at her desk…alone. The pit bull wasn’t here yet. So, I started showing her around…unlocking things…what needs to be done to begin the day etc..
8:10 – The pit bull arrived and took over. She doesn’t want me to train at all…she told the new girl that she will be learning as she teaches her…that’s scary. There are too many things that the pit bull doesn’t know.
9:09 – So far, I have addressed an envelope to go out and answered the phone. It’s gonna be a long day. I feel sorry for the other new girl…and I’m glad that I won’t be staying….I just heard a long list of the duties that Erin has decided the person at my desk will be assuming…it consists of ALL of the grunt work. Unlocking in the morning, locking up at night, emptying the shredder, cleaning the kitchen, making the coffee, watering the multitude of plants, etc…and she will be required to know all of the things that the other girl does as well…in order to back her up. Previously, the grunt work was shared by both parties…as were all duties. My position here would be changing drastically…for the worse! If I had any doubts about whether I did the right thing in leaving…they are gone now.
9:30 – Well…two peas in a pod. The pit bull and the new girl, are making snide remarks about the girl who quit on Thursday…interestingly…the new girl never even met the girl who quit. They seem particularly amused about the fact that the girl who quit felt overwhelmed. It won’t be long before the new girl will rue those remarks. This is like watching a train wreck…it’s hideous…but I can’t look away.
10:00 – My post office run is being taken over by my boss today. I’m not sure why I am here.
11:14 – A task that should have been completed in about an hour…has taken the trainer/trainee team over 3 hours…and they aren’t finished yet. However, the pit bull just got a call that she has to go to court at 1:00. Since they have not even finished the morning stuff yet…she asked if I would mind the new girl sitting with me this afternoon instead of her going home. Halleluiah! I won’t have to while away the afternoon too!
1:16 – So…I went to lunch, and a couple of odd things happened…
1) While I was out…my boss called me to ask if I had my keys with me…I replied that I did not. It seems that he forgot to stop and pick up the mail while he was out…picking up the mail…so I just got back from getting it.
2) For my lunch, I decided to grab a Heavenly Snow. I pulled up to the drive thru, and the woman inside took my order, I noticed that she was acting a bit odd. I watched as she made my drink…she was pale, moving very slowly, and having some coordination issues. As she brought it to the window to hand it out, her speech was slurred. I handed her the money, and she seemed to not recognize it. She looked at me in a dazed…confused way, and said, “I don’t have any air-conditioning here today…” The temperature is already 103 degrees, and there she was, in a small metal trailer…with no air. In soft, slow, slurred speech…she told me my order was free today, and disappeared back inside. I pulled forward and called 911. Bless her heart!!
2:00 – Well, it seems that there is some difference between the things that the pit bull is teaching the new girl…and the way they should be done. I tried tactfully, to rectify them…to no avail. I feel sorry for the new girl…stuck in the middle. So…I will back off, time will be their best teacher.
3:54 – Only a little more than 30 minutes left in this day. The new girl says she ‘isn’t comfortable with the phone’, so Erin hasn’t required her to do it… so I have answered every call today…many times…reaching across the new girl, at her own desk, because she sat there like a lump looking at it, while it rang. I am counting the days again.
Be Well!
Friday, July 14, 2006
Fabulous Friday!
It's Friday!!! You can't see me....but I'm doing the dance of JOY!!!!!!!!!!!!! This has been a long, hard, emotional, nasty week!! I am so glad to see it end!! I'm hoping for brighter days ahead!!
Work has been slow, and for some reason, the pit bull has not bared her teeth this day! I was so angry when I left yesterday that I was ready to scream. I had already decided that if today was a replay of yesterday, I would hit the door. It wasn't...and I didn't...! And that is better for all concerned!
With Shane and Candy out of town for the weekend...our group will be small tonight! Marvin, Chas and I are meeting at Freddie's for a burger, then on to see Pirates of the Caribbean! I hope I don't fall asleep in the theater! I slept really well ONE nght this week, so I am beat.
One of our outside brokers came in a bit ago. He said "I hear you are leaving us...?" I said I was, and he shook his head and replied, "THAT is a shame! You made it nice to come in here! I will miss you!" It made my day! I doubt that anyone else will miss me at all...they are pretty busy sucking up to the pit bull. I don't blame them...if I had half as many brains as vinegar...I would learn to suck up too...it just isn't in me. He advised me to get my license and keep moving forward. I will consider that.
Here's to a weekend full of hope and sunshine!
Be Well!
Work has been slow, and for some reason, the pit bull has not bared her teeth this day! I was so angry when I left yesterday that I was ready to scream. I had already decided that if today was a replay of yesterday, I would hit the door. It wasn't...and I didn't...! And that is better for all concerned!
With Shane and Candy out of town for the weekend...our group will be small tonight! Marvin, Chas and I are meeting at Freddie's for a burger, then on to see Pirates of the Caribbean! I hope I don't fall asleep in the theater! I slept really well ONE nght this week, so I am beat.
One of our outside brokers came in a bit ago. He said "I hear you are leaving us...?" I said I was, and he shook his head and replied, "THAT is a shame! You made it nice to come in here! I will miss you!" It made my day! I doubt that anyone else will miss me at all...they are pretty busy sucking up to the pit bull. I don't blame them...if I had half as many brains as vinegar...I would learn to suck up too...it just isn't in me. He advised me to get my license and keep moving forward. I will consider that.
Here's to a weekend full of hope and sunshine!
Be Well!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Holy cow...
It is unbelievable what a difference a day can make! I handed in my resignation letter yesterday, had a very nice chat with my boss…we are parting friends. For the first time in a week, my stomach felt almost normal. I actually slept last night too.
I came to work this morning, a bit early, in order to get things started…lots of training to do with the new girl. At 8:05 I asked if anyone had heard from the new girl…she has been getting here around 7:45 all week, and she wasn’t here yet. No one had. At 8:10, she called and asked me to tell our boss that she quit. She said that the position is just too overwhelming…there is too much to do and learn…! She had been up since 5:00 this morning with a nervous stomach…which is actually a part of this job description. So…I got the morning reports out…the Pit Bull took her daughter to have her teeth cleaned and to see her grandmother. She arrived around 11:00. Talk about a nasty mood! Whew! The only times she has spoken to me were to inform me that she will be taking over this and that and the other thing…and when I asked if she had a list of reports…she snapped “I know how to do them!” So…fine.
The afternoon was atrocious…however, they do have someone starting Monday to fill the position vacated this morning…and someone starting on August 8th , to fill mine. I’m sure that I will clean up more messes tomorrow…she says she will do all confirms, tickets, and reports in the morning…she seems to have some sort of adversity to asking me for any help…so…good luck! She insisted on posting deposits this afternoon…and when she couldn’t…she literally tossed them on my desk as she walked off, saying “I don’t have a password yet…you do these!” Then I heard her calling tech support…for access to areas required to do daily work…and telling them that ‘she is new’…!
What a week it has been. I'm considering selling all of our earthly possessions, and becoming a beach bum! I'm tired of working for people who are jerks...and smiling when I want to lash out irrationally...and pretending to be what I'm not, in order to fit into some idiot's idea of an employee.
I'd say life was certainly simpler when we were kids...but...it was actually worse. So...there it is...the bright spot....I'm not 12 anymore and I never have to be again!
Okay...I'm clutching at straws...
Be Well!
I came to work this morning, a bit early, in order to get things started…lots of training to do with the new girl. At 8:05 I asked if anyone had heard from the new girl…she has been getting here around 7:45 all week, and she wasn’t here yet. No one had. At 8:10, she called and asked me to tell our boss that she quit. She said that the position is just too overwhelming…there is too much to do and learn…! She had been up since 5:00 this morning with a nervous stomach…which is actually a part of this job description. So…I got the morning reports out…the Pit Bull took her daughter to have her teeth cleaned and to see her grandmother. She arrived around 11:00. Talk about a nasty mood! Whew! The only times she has spoken to me were to inform me that she will be taking over this and that and the other thing…and when I asked if she had a list of reports…she snapped “I know how to do them!” So…fine.
The afternoon was atrocious…however, they do have someone starting Monday to fill the position vacated this morning…and someone starting on August 8th , to fill mine. I’m sure that I will clean up more messes tomorrow…she says she will do all confirms, tickets, and reports in the morning…she seems to have some sort of adversity to asking me for any help…so…good luck! She insisted on posting deposits this afternoon…and when she couldn’t…she literally tossed them on my desk as she walked off, saying “I don’t have a password yet…you do these!” Then I heard her calling tech support…for access to areas required to do daily work…and telling them that ‘she is new’…!
What a week it has been. I'm considering selling all of our earthly possessions, and becoming a beach bum! I'm tired of working for people who are jerks...and smiling when I want to lash out irrationally...and pretending to be what I'm not, in order to fit into some idiot's idea of an employee.
I'd say life was certainly simpler when we were kids...but...it was actually worse. So...there it is...the bright spot....I'm not 12 anymore and I never have to be again!
Okay...I'm clutching at straws...
Be Well!
Holy cow...
It is unbelievable what a difference a day can make! I handed in my resignation letter yesterday, had a very nice chat with my boss…we are parting friends. For the first time in a week, my stomach felt almost normal. I actually slept last night too.
I came to work this morning, a bit early, in order to get things started…lots of training to do with the new girl. At 8:05 I asked if anyone had heard from the new girl…she has been getting here around 7:45 all week, and she wasn’t here yet. No one had. At 8:10, she called and asked me to tell our boss that she quit. She said that the position is just too overwhelming…there is too much to do and learn…! She had been up since 5:00 this morning with a nervous stomach…which is actually a part of this job description. So…I got the morning reports out…the Pit Bull took her daughter to have her teeth cleaned and to see her grandmother. She arrived around 11:00. Talk about a nasty mood! Whew! The only times she has spoken to me were to inform me that she will be taking over this and that and the other thing…and when I asked if she had a list of reports…she snapped “I know how to do them!” So…fine.
The afternoon was atrocious…however, they do have someone starting Monday to fill the position vacated this morning…and someone starting on August 8th , to fill mine. I’m sure that I will clean up more messes tomorrow…she says she will do all confirms, tickets, and reports in the morning…she seems to have some sort of adversity to asking me for any help…so…good luck! She insisted on posting deposits this afternoon…and when she couldn’t…she literally tossed them on my desk as she walked off, saying “I don’t have a password yet…you do these!” Then I heard her calling tech support…for access to areas required to do daily work…and telling them that ‘she is new’…!
What a week it has been. I'm considering selling all of our earthly possessions, and becoming a beach bum! I'm tired of working for people who are jerks...and smiling when I want to lash out irrationally...and pretending to be what I'm not, in order to fit into some idiot's idea of an employee.
I'd say life was certainly simpler when we were kids...but...it was actually worse. So...there it is...the bright spot....I'm not 12 anymore and I never have to be again!
Okay...I'm clutching at straws...
Be Well!
I came to work this morning, a bit early, in order to get things started…lots of training to do with the new girl. At 8:05 I asked if anyone had heard from the new girl…she has been getting here around 7:45 all week, and she wasn’t here yet. No one had. At 8:10, she called and asked me to tell our boss that she quit. She said that the position is just too overwhelming…there is too much to do and learn…! She had been up since 5:00 this morning with a nervous stomach…which is actually a part of this job description. So…I got the morning reports out…the Pit Bull took her daughter to have her teeth cleaned and to see her grandmother. She arrived around 11:00. Talk about a nasty mood! Whew! The only times she has spoken to me were to inform me that she will be taking over this and that and the other thing…and when I asked if she had a list of reports…she snapped “I know how to do them!” So…fine.
The afternoon was atrocious…however, they do have someone starting Monday to fill the position vacated this morning…and someone starting on August 8th , to fill mine. I’m sure that I will clean up more messes tomorrow…she says she will do all confirms, tickets, and reports in the morning…she seems to have some sort of adversity to asking me for any help…so…good luck! She insisted on posting deposits this afternoon…and when she couldn’t…she literally tossed them on my desk as she walked off, saying “I don’t have a password yet…you do these!” Then I heard her calling tech support…for access to areas required to do daily work…and telling them that ‘she is new’…!
What a week it has been. I'm considering selling all of our earthly possessions, and becoming a beach bum! I'm tired of working for people who are jerks...and smiling when I want to lash out irrationally...and pretending to be what I'm not, in order to fit into some idiot's idea of an employee.
I'd say life was certainly simpler when we were kids...but...it was actually worse. So...there it is...the bright spot....I'm not 12 anymore and I never have to be again!
Okay...I'm clutching at straws...
Be Well!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Disaster master...
I can't even believe this day. After much thought, consideration, deliberation, prayer, discussion, and a sleepless night last night...I decided to take the new job. I called, accepted it, then went back to the office. As I sat at my desk, typing my resignation letter...I am called to the kitchen. EVERYONE was in there, with a big chocolate brownie (with a candle on it), and a carrot cake...to wish me congratulations on my one year anniversary with the company. :( My boss says, "We've had a hard year, with a LOT of turmoil...and you've hung right in there!" I felt like pond scum. This impromptu party was completely unexpected and totally uncharacteristic. I couldn't give them the letter today...after all of that. I will deliver it first thing tomorrow morning. I can't help but wonder...what is happening to my twin...in the parallel universe...that surely exists.
I almost decided to delete the letter. Then I remembered the past few months...and the fact that my co-worker was questioned about whether or not I was looking for a job...when she handed in her own resignation (a week and a half ago). Is this genuine change...or simply a last ditch effort to avoid having NO ONE there who knows how to do the necessary things? I don't know. I am tired from thinking about it...I wish people came with labels...I could turn theirs over and see if it reads "Desperate, lying, two-faced, sack of stuff" or "Turning over a new leaf, sorry we were jerks".
Be Well!
I almost decided to delete the letter. Then I remembered the past few months...and the fact that my co-worker was questioned about whether or not I was looking for a job...when she handed in her own resignation (a week and a half ago). Is this genuine change...or simply a last ditch effort to avoid having NO ONE there who knows how to do the necessary things? I don't know. I am tired from thinking about it...I wish people came with labels...I could turn theirs over and see if it reads "Desperate, lying, two-faced, sack of stuff" or "Turning over a new leaf, sorry we were jerks".
Be Well!
Friday, July 07, 2006
Finally...Friday...
I woke up this morning, only slightly comforted by the fact that it is Friday. The thought of getting through the day was getting me down before I opened my eyes. I stopped at the store on the way to work, and bought a big, frosted cookie, and had them write “Good Luck _ _ _ _ _” on it, and bought a couple boxes of Loft House cookies to go with it. I’m fairly certain that no one else here will do anything nice for her…which is sad. When the pit bull passed her test (after flunking it the first time), they had food catered in and threw her a party…but for someone who came in during a time of crisis, and spent almost a year working hard for them…nothing.
9:00 - It looks like they have hired a replacement. I will reserve comment until I see “which way the wind blows”. The pit bull is so excited about her, and they have been laughing uproariously…in her office for the past hour and a half…that I wonder if she is an acquaintance.
9:30 – I just received a ‘heads up’…apparently it was stated that ‘whatever the pit bull didn’t want to do…she would just have me take over. (Groan….)
10:45 - The pit bull just noticed the cookie in the kitchen. After cutting herself a big hunk, she came out and said to my co-worker “Uh…do you have lunch plans today? I guess I should have planned something for you…uh…why don’t I take you to lunch…” After much protest…from my co-worker…she insisted. What a load.
11:41 – Most of the rest of the office has gone to lunch. It is finally calm and almost quiet. I am continually amazed at the way that working in public changes us. In order to survive…we smile when we don’t feel even remotely happy, we nod and agree with things that appall us, we cow down and act as though we don’t mind being walked on…humiliated…and degraded. I have always been a person who spoke my mind…often to my own detriment. All of these ‘games’ don’t set will with me, and I have a hard time playing them.
1:53 – The new girl is being initiated. It takes months (literally) to learn all we need to know in this kind of business…she is getting a brief overview…and it is overwhelming. I’m sure she will go home tonight and worry about what in the world she has gotten into. Wait until the pit bull begins to dump on her…I hope she’s had her shots.
2:07 – Well…in the middle of training…the new girl informed us that she was told she could leave at 2:30 (she didn’t get here until 12:30). This is unbelievable. There aren’t enough expletives to describe my feelings at this moment.
The rest of the day is going to be spent in a much happier way! We are heading to Ark City for dinner at Green Door, and to deliver a TV to Marvin’s mom. We always have a great time together, and I am looking forward to an evening of talking, laughing, joking, fun, and forgetting about work!
Be Well!
9:00 - It looks like they have hired a replacement. I will reserve comment until I see “which way the wind blows”. The pit bull is so excited about her, and they have been laughing uproariously…in her office for the past hour and a half…that I wonder if she is an acquaintance.
9:30 – I just received a ‘heads up’…apparently it was stated that ‘whatever the pit bull didn’t want to do…she would just have me take over. (Groan….)
10:45 - The pit bull just noticed the cookie in the kitchen. After cutting herself a big hunk, she came out and said to my co-worker “Uh…do you have lunch plans today? I guess I should have planned something for you…uh…why don’t I take you to lunch…” After much protest…from my co-worker…she insisted. What a load.
11:41 – Most of the rest of the office has gone to lunch. It is finally calm and almost quiet. I am continually amazed at the way that working in public changes us. In order to survive…we smile when we don’t feel even remotely happy, we nod and agree with things that appall us, we cow down and act as though we don’t mind being walked on…humiliated…and degraded. I have always been a person who spoke my mind…often to my own detriment. All of these ‘games’ don’t set will with me, and I have a hard time playing them.
1:53 – The new girl is being initiated. It takes months (literally) to learn all we need to know in this kind of business…she is getting a brief overview…and it is overwhelming. I’m sure she will go home tonight and worry about what in the world she has gotten into. Wait until the pit bull begins to dump on her…I hope she’s had her shots.
2:07 – Well…in the middle of training…the new girl informed us that she was told she could leave at 2:30 (she didn’t get here until 12:30). This is unbelievable. There aren’t enough expletives to describe my feelings at this moment.
The rest of the day is going to be spent in a much happier way! We are heading to Ark City for dinner at Green Door, and to deliver a TV to Marvin’s mom. We always have a great time together, and I am looking forward to an evening of talking, laughing, joking, fun, and forgetting about work!
Be Well!
Thursday...
8:12 - Here we sit…waiting for the pit bull…again. She was supposed to be here at 7:30 to run reports and do morning confirmations…it is now 8:12 and she hasn’t shown up yet. So, we get to start another day…behind.
8:13 – Some people have more nerve than brains…she just came in the door…smiling ear-to-ear, then announced “Morning…you like my 7:30?”…flounced right on through…no apology…nothing. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…….
9:56 – Well…big shock…she did half of the reports/confirms…then told us to finish, because “It’s all written down…if I can read, I can do it…” I’m remembering the conversation that I had with the vacuum cleaner….
10:33 – Have you ever seen a pit bull dance? This one is almost walking on air…to the point of being rude at how excited she is that one of the front office peons is leaving tomorrow. I would give a lot to be able to turn at 4:30 Friday and say “By the way…you will need someone to sit in my chair on Monday too.”
11:18 – Apparently, we need to send in stuff for a rebate on some equipment that was purchased this week…or should I say…I need to. I think that should be a task for the controller, who has all of the receipts etc…but…she is busy being important.
4:10 – Well…apparently the bank run (which was supposed to be done by someone else today) has fallen back to me. So…catch ya on the flip side!
Be Well!
8:13 – Some people have more nerve than brains…she just came in the door…smiling ear-to-ear, then announced “Morning…you like my 7:30?”…flounced right on through…no apology…nothing. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…….
9:56 – Well…big shock…she did half of the reports/confirms…then told us to finish, because “It’s all written down…if I can read, I can do it…” I’m remembering the conversation that I had with the vacuum cleaner….
10:33 – Have you ever seen a pit bull dance? This one is almost walking on air…to the point of being rude at how excited she is that one of the front office peons is leaving tomorrow. I would give a lot to be able to turn at 4:30 Friday and say “By the way…you will need someone to sit in my chair on Monday too.”
11:18 – Apparently, we need to send in stuff for a rebate on some equipment that was purchased this week…or should I say…I need to. I think that should be a task for the controller, who has all of the receipts etc…but…she is busy being important.
4:10 – Well…apparently the bank run (which was supposed to be done by someone else today) has fallen back to me. So…catch ya on the flip side!
Be Well!
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Wednesday/Monday...
It feels like Monday today…because I was off Monday and Tuesday! This has been one of THOSE days. It looks like I will be stuck with 99% of the work, beginning Monday. The pit bull keeps promising to come up here and learn what we do so that she can help out whenever necessary…but…she always comes up with an excuse at the last minute, not to. This morning was no different. After leaving a phone message telling us NOT to start our morning reports and routine until she arrived, so that she could do it while we directed her…she came in late…as usual…then said she just didn’t have time to “mess with it” and directed us to do it. What a load of crap.
On the upside…we had a really nice holiday weekend! Especially the 4th! We spent the afternoon in the pool and on the deck visiting, then cooked dinner on the grill. After eating, we spent an hour or so just talking and resting, then played a new card game called Blitz. About 9:15, we headed to Wild West World to watch the Park City fireworks…which were beautiful!
By the time we got to bed (11:15), I was exhausted. I hated to sleep…because I knew sleeping would hasten the morning…which I was not looking forward to. Now…more than ever…I am counting the hours until the weekend.
Be Well!
On the upside…we had a really nice holiday weekend! Especially the 4th! We spent the afternoon in the pool and on the deck visiting, then cooked dinner on the grill. After eating, we spent an hour or so just talking and resting, then played a new card game called Blitz. About 9:15, we headed to Wild West World to watch the Park City fireworks…which were beautiful!
By the time we got to bed (11:15), I was exhausted. I hated to sleep…because I knew sleeping would hasten the morning…which I was not looking forward to. Now…more than ever…I am counting the hours until the weekend.
Be Well!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)