Ramblings...
My thoughts of late, have been so disorganized I woke up thinking today is Monday. It was a pleasant surprise when I realized it was only Sunday.
Work:
The past week has been interesting, to say the very least. Several years ago, one of our drivers had a worker's comp injury to his left shoulder. He recently started to have shoulder problems and tried to re-open the comp claim. Notice I wrote TRIED. While I was filling out his forms, I picked up on a little discrepency. The problem he is having now is with his RIGHT shoulder and not the previously injured LEFT shoulder.
This driver is also engaged to marry a co-worker that sits in the cubicle next to mine. Recently she tried to get out for a Medical Leave of Absence and was unsuccessful. She also went to HR and upper management and accused my boss of sex discrimination. It was decided her discrimination claim was totally without merit and dismissed. Now that the comp claim is being denied, both are saying the boss is trying to screw them over for the discrimination claim.
While a smile DID come over my bosses face, when I told him about the discrepency, he didn't know until AFTER I verified the records. The driver now is faced with submitting a NEW claim and submit to examinations by the insurance company's doctors. The insurance company doctors must determine this is a work related claim before any money is paid to his current doctors. In the meantime, the driver was told he could not work light duty and sent home friday. Next week should be an interesting week, when the driver submits a new claim and discovers he must submit to the extra examinations.
Shadow:
I've had strange cats in the past but this cat is the strangest! Recently he discoved the dining room walls are wood. He has literally been climbing the walls!!! Off I went to the pet store for a kitty condo/scratching post. Damn!, those things are expensive!!! I was hoping to find something inexpensive for him to climb -- no luck. I did find a nice but smaller scratching post w/perch that he seems to like. I haven't caught him climbing the walls since my purchase.
Shadow has also started to do something I've only known one other cat (Smokey) to do, he is using his paw to eat his food. I do believe Smokey's ghost may be haunting this place. Shadow is still having fun playing with water. The faucet fascinates him and he tries to catch water droplets. Last night, he was having a great time playing with the water, while I filled the tub for a bubble bath, until he fell in! What a sight that was --- soaked kitty covered in bubbles!! Of course that didn't stop him, he did come back later while I was relaxing in the tub.
Personal Happenings:
Not much has been going on in my life outside of work. I did go to the CT Ren Faire and had a great time. If you would like to see pictures, they are posted on my webshots site. Aside from the faire, I really haven't been doing much of anything. My motivation has been dwindling recently and I just don't feel up to being social. If the sun ever comes out today, I may go for a scenic ride and bring along my camera. I love the Autumn scenery but it depresses me knowing the cold winter will soon follow.
It's this time of the year I start thinking about my Holiday Baking list. I've been busy scanning my cookbooks for new recipes to go with my usual baked goodies. It will be an inexpensive Christmas, again this year and that bothers me. There will be a few purchased items but for the most part, gifts will be baked or handmade this year.
Don't bother wondering about a love life, that sucks as usual. Maybe someday, there will be someone in my life. It seems there are only physical attractions and nothing more. While physical isn't bad, it's also nothing great if there is no deeper attraction and it's not what I want for my life. That deeper attraction may never happen, again. At this time, I've given up on finding that person. They will need to find me now. In the meantime, I'll just hang out with friends and try to be content with my life.
Sunday, October 24, 2004
Thursday, September 30, 2004
It's one of THOSE days...
The day started off in it's usual manner - get the coffee going, shower and get ready for work. I should have realized it was going to be a bad day when Shadow stole my new package of nylons and hid them from me. I spent about 15 minutes looking for them and found them under the futon in the den. Bad Shadow! Next it's time for the morning commute and that actually went pretty good. I've been taking I-91 South to I-691 for the last week because of traffic tie-ups and construction on I-84.
The morning flew by, just me keeping busy with my normal duties then lunch time rolls around and that's when IT happened. The person I had the confrontation with, last July, came back to "visit" the office staff. It seems she has been out of work for the last 6 weeks and is looking to get her job back at Watkins. As if we don't have enough BS going on in the office, this one wants to come back. Thankfully my boss was out of the office so she couldn't speak with him. There is no way I will work with this person. I didn't even care to be in the office while she visited so I took my lunch break. When I came back, I immediately grabbed the deposit and went to the bank. All afternoon my co-workers chatted about how nice it will/would be if she came back to work. I just kept my mouth shut.
Finally 4:30 rolls around and I was out the door about 4:45, quick listen to the traffic and "Oh shit" there's a game at Rentschler Field tonight. It doesn't matter which route I go home, I'm going to hit the game traffic. Little did I know, the game traffic was the least of my worries. I-91 North was bumper to bumper from Meriden/Middletown all the way to Wethersfield and probably beyond. I got off the highway in Rocky Hill and took the side streets. It normally takes me about 25 minutes to reach the Charter Oak Bridge. Tonight it took 45 minutes and the quickest part of the ride was when I got off the highway!! Finally I'm home - it only took an hour tonight to go 35 miles. As I came through the doorway, I ended my work day by having the storm door slam on my achilles tendon, scraping it to a point of drawing blood and putting a nice size hole in the new nylons I searched for this morning.
Dinner will consist of PB&J (can't burn it and can't hurt myself making it) and then I'm going to bed. Tomorrow has to be a better day!
The day started off in it's usual manner - get the coffee going, shower and get ready for work. I should have realized it was going to be a bad day when Shadow stole my new package of nylons and hid them from me. I spent about 15 minutes looking for them and found them under the futon in the den. Bad Shadow! Next it's time for the morning commute and that actually went pretty good. I've been taking I-91 South to I-691 for the last week because of traffic tie-ups and construction on I-84.
The morning flew by, just me keeping busy with my normal duties then lunch time rolls around and that's when IT happened. The person I had the confrontation with, last July, came back to "visit" the office staff. It seems she has been out of work for the last 6 weeks and is looking to get her job back at Watkins. As if we don't have enough BS going on in the office, this one wants to come back. Thankfully my boss was out of the office so she couldn't speak with him. There is no way I will work with this person. I didn't even care to be in the office while she visited so I took my lunch break. When I came back, I immediately grabbed the deposit and went to the bank. All afternoon my co-workers chatted about how nice it will/would be if she came back to work. I just kept my mouth shut.
Finally 4:30 rolls around and I was out the door about 4:45, quick listen to the traffic and "Oh shit" there's a game at Rentschler Field tonight. It doesn't matter which route I go home, I'm going to hit the game traffic. Little did I know, the game traffic was the least of my worries. I-91 North was bumper to bumper from Meriden/Middletown all the way to Wethersfield and probably beyond. I got off the highway in Rocky Hill and took the side streets. It normally takes me about 25 minutes to reach the Charter Oak Bridge. Tonight it took 45 minutes and the quickest part of the ride was when I got off the highway!! Finally I'm home - it only took an hour tonight to go 35 miles. As I came through the doorway, I ended my work day by having the storm door slam on my achilles tendon, scraping it to a point of drawing blood and putting a nice size hole in the new nylons I searched for this morning.
Dinner will consist of PB&J (can't burn it and can't hurt myself making it) and then I'm going to bed. Tomorrow has to be a better day!
Sunday, September 26, 2004
"I'm Still Here"
Bad me for not posting more often but I haven't felt much like typing when I get home from work. The work days have been long, even when I leave on time. The 40-minute commute is a bitch when people drive like assholes and cause accidents. Don't even get me started on the rubber-neckers and lane hoppers. I do enjoy it when the person in front of me, lane hops to get 2 cars ahead, and ends up being the car behind me :) That's justice and I laugh at them everytime.
Work has been very busy but less stressful now that I have finally caught up with my work. Apparently, we are expecting an extremely busy weekend. One of the Ops Managers sent me an e-mail, listing the dockworkers sheduled this weekend. He wants to know if any of these people calls out this weekend. This is a "closed" week for vacations and only one person has been allowed time off.
One source of stress at work has been another female co-worker. She has a problem with paranoia and thinks the District Secretary (DS) has been telling my boss not to offer her several office jobs. She has also formally accused my boss of sex discrimination. She really believes she didn't get the HR job because she's a female. I can honestly say my boss is probably the least likely male, I can think of, that would discriminate against ANYONE. Yes, I have bitched about the reviews being discriminitory BUT those were not created by my boss. Those are simply forms that he and others must follow. IMO, she didn't get the job because of her lack of knowledge and her attendance. She was hired in March and taken atleast 10 sick days.
Next week should prove to be interesting. After speaking with the DS friday, she mentioned my boss was going to speak to me. He wants to know what has been said, to me, by the co-worker. Chances are the District HR Manager and District Manager will also want to speak with me. When the co-worker didn't get any satisfaction from the the District HR Manager, she went over all of them, to the Regional VP.
On the home front, the 900 numbers I previously posted about, have been removed from my phone bill. At my request, I now have a 900 block on my phone. I want to speak with my nephews counselor before I confront him with the phone fiasco. My thoughts are to simply ask him HOW is is going to pay for the phone calls. I want to make his counselor aware of the calls and my plans prior to me speaking with him. I called her last week and left a message. She has yet to return my phone call. Yesterday was my nephews 13th birthday and my parents will be visiting him today. I was suppose to go but chose to stay home instead. I don't believe I could face him without confronting him.
My brother, Rick, is having his own difficulties with going for custody of the children. His wife, Jasmine, is adamant about NOT getting custody of the children. Rick has a 2nd DCF/court evaluation in November. Jasmine is also scheduled to be there and is refusing to attend. The outlook for his marriage lasting is not good. He had previously told his wife to not make him chose between her and his kids --- she would lose. Rick will be coming home, in November, but without Jasmine UNLESS she has a change of heart. He refuses to pay the air fare if she is not going to show up for the evaluation.
I visited my parents, at their home, yesterday. My Dad put me to work! They are being processed as a licensed DCF home and need to pass a home inspection. One thing that didn't pass was their above ground swimming pool. DCF insists they have some kind of a pool alarm installed or dismantle the pool. My parents don't use the pool very often and decided the alarm was just too expensive for only a couple of days of pool use. So Dad drained and distmantled the pool yesterday. My ex-sister-in-law called yesterday and Mom told her they HAD to dismantle the pool because of DCF. Lisa knows my parents enjoyed having the pool and Mom wants to let her believe SHE is the reason they will no longer have a pool.
A couple of weeks ago, after 2 very long and stressful years, I finally booked another cruise!!! Marsha and I will be sailing in the Carnival Legend, from NYC, on 5/13/05 (Friday the 13th!) for an 8 day cruise. The cruise is a birthday present to myself and we splurged for a cabin with a balcony. The ports of call are Tortola, St. Thomas and San Juan. and we'll have 4 days at sea!! If I remember correctly, we will be in St. Thomas on my birthday. If anyone would like to join us, let me know and we can have your cabins added to our booking number. I would love to have a birthday party on the beach in St. Thomas or St. John's.
On October 10th, I will be going to the CT Ren Faire in Woodstock, CT. Every Ren Faire I've attended, I have wanted to purchase an outfit. Well, I did that, on-line, this year. The outfit I purchased is a simple peasant outfit. Until now, I didn't realize I purchased the same outfit they have pictured! My parents will be joining me along with friends, Karl, Victoria and the kids. I haven't been to the faire in Woodstock so I can't compare it, in size, to other faires. I know the fair grounds are a good size but I don't know how much space they will take up. We have also chatted about attending King Richard's Faire this year but haven't decided if we'll go or not.
So that's life as it stands right now. Until next time, take care and to my FL friends - keep safe!
Bad me for not posting more often but I haven't felt much like typing when I get home from work. The work days have been long, even when I leave on time. The 40-minute commute is a bitch when people drive like assholes and cause accidents. Don't even get me started on the rubber-neckers and lane hoppers. I do enjoy it when the person in front of me, lane hops to get 2 cars ahead, and ends up being the car behind me :) That's justice and I laugh at them everytime.
Work has been very busy but less stressful now that I have finally caught up with my work. Apparently, we are expecting an extremely busy weekend. One of the Ops Managers sent me an e-mail, listing the dockworkers sheduled this weekend. He wants to know if any of these people calls out this weekend. This is a "closed" week for vacations and only one person has been allowed time off.
One source of stress at work has been another female co-worker. She has a problem with paranoia and thinks the District Secretary (DS) has been telling my boss not to offer her several office jobs. She has also formally accused my boss of sex discrimination. She really believes she didn't get the HR job because she's a female. I can honestly say my boss is probably the least likely male, I can think of, that would discriminate against ANYONE. Yes, I have bitched about the reviews being discriminitory BUT those were not created by my boss. Those are simply forms that he and others must follow. IMO, she didn't get the job because of her lack of knowledge and her attendance. She was hired in March and taken atleast 10 sick days.
Next week should prove to be interesting. After speaking with the DS friday, she mentioned my boss was going to speak to me. He wants to know what has been said, to me, by the co-worker. Chances are the District HR Manager and District Manager will also want to speak with me. When the co-worker didn't get any satisfaction from the the District HR Manager, she went over all of them, to the Regional VP.
On the home front, the 900 numbers I previously posted about, have been removed from my phone bill. At my request, I now have a 900 block on my phone. I want to speak with my nephews counselor before I confront him with the phone fiasco. My thoughts are to simply ask him HOW is is going to pay for the phone calls. I want to make his counselor aware of the calls and my plans prior to me speaking with him. I called her last week and left a message. She has yet to return my phone call. Yesterday was my nephews 13th birthday and my parents will be visiting him today. I was suppose to go but chose to stay home instead. I don't believe I could face him without confronting him.
My brother, Rick, is having his own difficulties with going for custody of the children. His wife, Jasmine, is adamant about NOT getting custody of the children. Rick has a 2nd DCF/court evaluation in November. Jasmine is also scheduled to be there and is refusing to attend. The outlook for his marriage lasting is not good. He had previously told his wife to not make him chose between her and his kids --- she would lose. Rick will be coming home, in November, but without Jasmine UNLESS she has a change of heart. He refuses to pay the air fare if she is not going to show up for the evaluation.
I visited my parents, at their home, yesterday. My Dad put me to work! They are being processed as a licensed DCF home and need to pass a home inspection. One thing that didn't pass was their above ground swimming pool. DCF insists they have some kind of a pool alarm installed or dismantle the pool. My parents don't use the pool very often and decided the alarm was just too expensive for only a couple of days of pool use. So Dad drained and distmantled the pool yesterday. My ex-sister-in-law called yesterday and Mom told her they HAD to dismantle the pool because of DCF. Lisa knows my parents enjoyed having the pool and Mom wants to let her believe SHE is the reason they will no longer have a pool.
A couple of weeks ago, after 2 very long and stressful years, I finally booked another cruise!!! Marsha and I will be sailing in the Carnival Legend, from NYC, on 5/13/05 (Friday the 13th!) for an 8 day cruise. The cruise is a birthday present to myself and we splurged for a cabin with a balcony. The ports of call are Tortola, St. Thomas and San Juan. and we'll have 4 days at sea!! If I remember correctly, we will be in St. Thomas on my birthday. If anyone would like to join us, let me know and we can have your cabins added to our booking number. I would love to have a birthday party on the beach in St. Thomas or St. John's.
On October 10th, I will be going to the CT Ren Faire in Woodstock, CT. Every Ren Faire I've attended, I have wanted to purchase an outfit. Well, I did that, on-line, this year. The outfit I purchased is a simple peasant outfit. Until now, I didn't realize I purchased the same outfit they have pictured! My parents will be joining me along with friends, Karl, Victoria and the kids. I haven't been to the faire in Woodstock so I can't compare it, in size, to other faires. I know the fair grounds are a good size but I don't know how much space they will take up. We have also chatted about attending King Richard's Faire this year but haven't decided if we'll go or not.
So that's life as it stands right now. Until next time, take care and to my FL friends - keep safe!
Sunday, September 12, 2004
"Hell hath no fury......"
I was made into a fool for taking in my nephew and trying to help him. If I were to see him right now, I would need to be restrained. My electronic phone bill came in this morning and it's NOT a good one. Not only did that little bastard sneak in long distance phone calls to friends, he was also calling 900 numbers!!!! Thank GOD they stopped as soon as I got my previous phone bill in, and saw the extra phone call he had been making. At that time, I started keeping the phone, with me at all times. My current phone bill has $270.00 in charges to phone sex numbers and I'm ready to wipe his face from this earth!! Yes, I can call the phone company and say they were not authorized but the fact remains, they came from MY phone and I will probably have to pay the charges. Either way, Ricky needs to learn a very expensive lesson in paying for behavior.
At this time, I want nothing to do with this kid. His birthday is coming up and I was going to visit him. Not now - no way in hell will I go see him. I don't like people that lie to me and use me. My nephew is no exception!
I was made into a fool for taking in my nephew and trying to help him. If I were to see him right now, I would need to be restrained. My electronic phone bill came in this morning and it's NOT a good one. Not only did that little bastard sneak in long distance phone calls to friends, he was also calling 900 numbers!!!! Thank GOD they stopped as soon as I got my previous phone bill in, and saw the extra phone call he had been making. At that time, I started keeping the phone, with me at all times. My current phone bill has $270.00 in charges to phone sex numbers and I'm ready to wipe his face from this earth!! Yes, I can call the phone company and say they were not authorized but the fact remains, they came from MY phone and I will probably have to pay the charges. Either way, Ricky needs to learn a very expensive lesson in paying for behavior.
At this time, I want nothing to do with this kid. His birthday is coming up and I was going to visit him. Not now - no way in hell will I go see him. I don't like people that lie to me and use me. My nephew is no exception!
Sunday, August 22, 2004
Major Influence?
While my nephew is living with me, I'm trying to expose him to another way of life. His mother has used video games, and Disney to be a babysitter. Since, there really isn't much he can do here, I'm getting him to try different things while he is here. He wanted to make a gift for his Dad so I searched on-line for a craft project. Of course my nephew wanted to make a t-shirt but I talked him into a simply decorated cross that would be a gift to his Dad and step-mom. He loved doing the project and it was easy enough to do completely on his own.
Ricky knows all sorts of recent movies (most of which he SHOULD NOT know) but has never heard of Alfred Hitchcock, Jimmy Stewart, Frank Sinatra, Bette Davis, Grace Kelly..... A couple of nights ago, I switched the TV to TCM and we watched Jezebel with Bette Davis. The only movie he had seen, about the Civil War period, was The Patriot. He LOVED the movie and kept asking about the actors/actresses. He had never watched a b&w movie before. Last night we watched Rear Window. The movie captured his attention to a point where he was asking about different camera effects. Maybe tonight I'll introduce him to "classic" horror movies -- Frankenstein, Dracula.... or we could watch African Queen, Gone With The Wind, Singing In The Rain.....
Something else that has captured Ricky's attention is Slam Poetry. Ricky writes Rap songs (ok so he doesn't have the beats down) and I pointed out that it's quite similar to slam poetry. While at the book store last weekend, I picked up the book "Idiots Guide To Slam Poetry". He has read a little of the book but I would like to find an open mic where he can listen to Slam Poetry. I think he would get more out of listening to the performances than reading a book. If anyone knows an open mic venue, in the Manchester area, let me know. The only one I know about is The Buttonwood Tree and they stop during the summer months.
While my nephew is living with me, I'm trying to expose him to another way of life. His mother has used video games, and Disney to be a babysitter. Since, there really isn't much he can do here, I'm getting him to try different things while he is here. He wanted to make a gift for his Dad so I searched on-line for a craft project. Of course my nephew wanted to make a t-shirt but I talked him into a simply decorated cross that would be a gift to his Dad and step-mom. He loved doing the project and it was easy enough to do completely on his own.
Ricky knows all sorts of recent movies (most of which he SHOULD NOT know) but has never heard of Alfred Hitchcock, Jimmy Stewart, Frank Sinatra, Bette Davis, Grace Kelly..... A couple of nights ago, I switched the TV to TCM and we watched Jezebel with Bette Davis. The only movie he had seen, about the Civil War period, was The Patriot. He LOVED the movie and kept asking about the actors/actresses. He had never watched a b&w movie before. Last night we watched Rear Window. The movie captured his attention to a point where he was asking about different camera effects. Maybe tonight I'll introduce him to "classic" horror movies -- Frankenstein, Dracula.... or we could watch African Queen, Gone With The Wind, Singing In The Rain.....
Something else that has captured Ricky's attention is Slam Poetry. Ricky writes Rap songs (ok so he doesn't have the beats down) and I pointed out that it's quite similar to slam poetry. While at the book store last weekend, I picked up the book "Idiots Guide To Slam Poetry". He has read a little of the book but I would like to find an open mic where he can listen to Slam Poetry. I think he would get more out of listening to the performances than reading a book. If anyone knows an open mic venue, in the Manchester area, let me know. The only one I know about is The Buttonwood Tree and they stop during the summer months.
Saturday, August 21, 2004
1. What is your Full Name? Bernadette Marie Cartland
2. What color pants are you wearing right now? Ummm do my jammies count? Blue plaid
3. What are you listening to right now? The rain falling outside and the echoes in my head
4. Missing? Someone to curl up to and listen to the rain fall
5. What was the last thing you ate? PB & J sandwick
6. If you were a crayon what color would you be? Oooh tough choice - grass green
7. Last person you talked to on the phone? Wig
8. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex? Eyes
9. Do you like the person who sent you this? Yep, she's one of my bestest friends
10. How are you today? Tired - very tired!
11. Favorite drink? COFFEE!!
12. Favorite alcoholic drink? Margarita
13. Favorite sport? Sports -- YELCH!!!
14. Hair color? I'm not sure anymore. It could be brown or gray.
15. Eye color? Green
16. Do you wear contacts? No
17. Siblings? Three - 2 brothers and 1 sister
18. Favorite month? May
19. Favorite foods? Pot Roast - anything chocolate that doesn't have
almonds
20. Last movie you watched? Jezebel with Bette Davis and Henry Fonda
21. Favorite day of the year? My birthday, of course, May 17th.
22. Are you too shy to ask someone out? Yes, but you would never know it the way I act.
23. Summer or winter? Summer
24. Hugs or kisses? It depends on who the other person is.
25. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate
26. Do you want your friends to write back? Yes
27. Who is most likely to respond? ???
28. Who is least likely to respond? ???
29. Living arrangements? Rent a duplex, currently living with me is my nephew (temporarily)
and the newest addition, a kitty named Shadow
30. What books are you reading? Harry Potter -- Flight Of The Phoenix
31. Favorite Board Game? Scrabble
32. What are you doing tonight? Probably just watching TV
33. Buttered, plain, or salted popcorn? Buttered -- extra butter please
34. Favorite car? Rolls Royce Phantom II
35. Favorite flower? Lilac
36. How many keys on your key ring? Ummm which key ring? 3 on the one with my car/house
keys, 4 on my desk keys and 3 on my office key ring
37. Can you juggle? Books, workloads - yes. Now if your talking about items like pins, eggs,
knives -- no way
38. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
39. Red or white wine? White
40. What did you do for your last birthday? Went to J&G's?
41. Do you carry a donor card? I don't need to, it's stated on my driver's licenses
42. Lifetime goals? To enjoy life
43. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning? It's morning already?
2. What color pants are you wearing right now? Ummm do my jammies count? Blue plaid
3. What are you listening to right now? The rain falling outside and the echoes in my head
4. Missing? Someone to curl up to and listen to the rain fall
5. What was the last thing you ate? PB & J sandwick
6. If you were a crayon what color would you be? Oooh tough choice - grass green
7. Last person you talked to on the phone? Wig
8. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex? Eyes
9. Do you like the person who sent you this? Yep, she's one of my bestest friends
10. How are you today? Tired - very tired!
11. Favorite drink? COFFEE!!
12. Favorite alcoholic drink? Margarita
13. Favorite sport? Sports -- YELCH!!!
14. Hair color? I'm not sure anymore. It could be brown or gray.
15. Eye color? Green
16. Do you wear contacts? No
17. Siblings? Three - 2 brothers and 1 sister
18. Favorite month? May
19. Favorite foods? Pot Roast - anything chocolate that doesn't have
almonds
20. Last movie you watched? Jezebel with Bette Davis and Henry Fonda
21. Favorite day of the year? My birthday, of course, May 17th.
22. Are you too shy to ask someone out? Yes, but you would never know it the way I act.
23. Summer or winter? Summer
24. Hugs or kisses? It depends on who the other person is.
25. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate
26. Do you want your friends to write back? Yes
27. Who is most likely to respond? ???
28. Who is least likely to respond? ???
29. Living arrangements? Rent a duplex, currently living with me is my nephew (temporarily)
and the newest addition, a kitty named Shadow
30. What books are you reading? Harry Potter -- Flight Of The Phoenix
31. Favorite Board Game? Scrabble
32. What are you doing tonight? Probably just watching TV
33. Buttered, plain, or salted popcorn? Buttered -- extra butter please
34. Favorite car? Rolls Royce Phantom II
35. Favorite flower? Lilac
36. How many keys on your key ring? Ummm which key ring? 3 on the one with my car/house
keys, 4 on my desk keys and 3 on my office key ring
37. Can you juggle? Books, workloads - yes. Now if your talking about items like pins, eggs,
knives -- no way
38. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
39. Red or white wine? White
40. What did you do for your last birthday? Went to J&G's?
41. Do you carry a donor card? I don't need to, it's stated on my driver's licenses
42. Lifetime goals? To enjoy life
43. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning? It's morning already?
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Worth Every Minute
After a busy and stressful day, I arrived home with an armload of work, to find two red roses with the following note attached:
"Hey Aunt Bernie you may not know this but I love you. If you didn't take me, I don't know what I would do. Thanks alot for this Auntie, at lease you care. It's like somebody else at lease my mom don't want me ... I love you. Your nephew Rick"
Of course after reading the note, the tears started to fall. How do I explain to a child, everyone loves and cares about him when he's not allowed to be around these same people?
Kitty
We have a name for the newest addition to the household -- Shadow! It earned the name by following Ricky and I where ever we go in the house. Shadow has been sleeping with Ricky and keeping him company.
After a busy and stressful day, I arrived home with an armload of work, to find two red roses with the following note attached:
"Hey Aunt Bernie you may not know this but I love you. If you didn't take me, I don't know what I would do. Thanks alot for this Auntie, at lease you care. It's like somebody else at lease my mom don't want me ... I love you. Your nephew Rick"
Of course after reading the note, the tears started to fall. How do I explain to a child, everyone loves and cares about him when he's not allowed to be around these same people?
Kitty
We have a name for the newest addition to the household -- Shadow! It earned the name by following Ricky and I where ever we go in the house. Shadow has been sleeping with Ricky and keeping him company.
Sunday, August 08, 2004
Stressful!
That's the only way to describe the last few weeks with my nephew. It's been 14 years since I have shared my home with another person - nevermind a pre-teen. I had become set in my way of doing things and needed to make major adjustments in my life. My laundry pile is more than double. Why do kids think just because you've worn something, for just a few hours, it's dirty? The food bill has more than doubled as well. Staples such as bread, milk and eggs I would buy every other week. I now run to the store twice a week for these items. He drinks a gallon of Kool-aid daily.
Last week Ricky had his first (better be ONLY!) run in with Manchester PD. He and a girl in the neighborhood were fighting. Although she started the fight, Ricky started the punching and left her with a black eye and several welts. The girl's grandmother opted to not press charges because BOTH kids would have been arrested - the girl for disturbing the peace and Ricky for assault. Yes, Ricky has a temper with a short fuse. One of my goals is to get him to understand why he needs to walk away before the fuse is lit. I know, it's a milestone goal for such a short period of time.
The DCF Supervisor was here Thursday evening and informed me of horrific, to say the least, news. I won't go into detail here because it is personal. Sometime within the next two weeks, Ricky will be moved to a juvenile residential facility. He needs help and it's more than any one person can give him. At this facility, he will receive intense therapy and still be able to continue with his schooling.
Work has been getting better. There is still a lot to do and because I can't work OT, I've been working through my lunch breaks. Rumor has it a new HR person will be starting tomorrow. That will take a huge amount of work off my desk and a co-worker. She has been handling the hourly new hires and I do salary new hires. I also process the paperwork for the hourly new hires. My work has become an escape for the stress I have at home and vice-versa. This stress, I believe was also reflected in a recent doctor's visit when they took my blood pressure. I have never had a BP higher than 120/80 until last week. While it's still not high by medical standards, 134/80 is high for me.
Yesterday, I did something I said I wouldn't do again - adopted a kitty. My neighbor, Debbie, came home with a stray that found her. While visiting a friend, a few blocks away, this kitty was next to her car crying away. Her friend stated the cat had been hanging around crying for several days, so Debbie brought the cat home with her. The cat is very thin and has a cold so it will go off to the vet this week for a thorough check up and shots. It would also be nice to find out if the cat is male/female and if it has been neutered/spayed.
I haven't come up with a name yet but the possiblities are: Chloe, Sweet Pea and Smudge. The name will be decided after I get a better feel for the cat's personality. Ricky and I went to Pet Supplies Plus yesterday for kitty necessities and toys. Just to give Ricky something to occupy his time, I will travel to Home Depot for items to build a scratching post and possibly a window perch for the cat. The kitty has taken a major liking to Ricky and followed him all around yesterday. While the cat went to bed with Ricky, it woke up in my bed. It's very affectionate but not very playful. It could be that it is still getting used to us or just not feeling well at this time.
Today we're off to Wig's for a day at the pool. I could use a day of doing nothing and Ricky will enjoy the swimming time. I should do laundry but that will wait for another day. Today will be a day for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful day.
That's the only way to describe the last few weeks with my nephew. It's been 14 years since I have shared my home with another person - nevermind a pre-teen. I had become set in my way of doing things and needed to make major adjustments in my life. My laundry pile is more than double. Why do kids think just because you've worn something, for just a few hours, it's dirty? The food bill has more than doubled as well. Staples such as bread, milk and eggs I would buy every other week. I now run to the store twice a week for these items. He drinks a gallon of Kool-aid daily.
Last week Ricky had his first (better be ONLY!) run in with Manchester PD. He and a girl in the neighborhood were fighting. Although she started the fight, Ricky started the punching and left her with a black eye and several welts. The girl's grandmother opted to not press charges because BOTH kids would have been arrested - the girl for disturbing the peace and Ricky for assault. Yes, Ricky has a temper with a short fuse. One of my goals is to get him to understand why he needs to walk away before the fuse is lit. I know, it's a milestone goal for such a short period of time.
The DCF Supervisor was here Thursday evening and informed me of horrific, to say the least, news. I won't go into detail here because it is personal. Sometime within the next two weeks, Ricky will be moved to a juvenile residential facility. He needs help and it's more than any one person can give him. At this facility, he will receive intense therapy and still be able to continue with his schooling.
Work has been getting better. There is still a lot to do and because I can't work OT, I've been working through my lunch breaks. Rumor has it a new HR person will be starting tomorrow. That will take a huge amount of work off my desk and a co-worker. She has been handling the hourly new hires and I do salary new hires. I also process the paperwork for the hourly new hires. My work has become an escape for the stress I have at home and vice-versa. This stress, I believe was also reflected in a recent doctor's visit when they took my blood pressure. I have never had a BP higher than 120/80 until last week. While it's still not high by medical standards, 134/80 is high for me.
Yesterday, I did something I said I wouldn't do again - adopted a kitty. My neighbor, Debbie, came home with a stray that found her. While visiting a friend, a few blocks away, this kitty was next to her car crying away. Her friend stated the cat had been hanging around crying for several days, so Debbie brought the cat home with her. The cat is very thin and has a cold so it will go off to the vet this week for a thorough check up and shots. It would also be nice to find out if the cat is male/female and if it has been neutered/spayed.
I haven't come up with a name yet but the possiblities are: Chloe, Sweet Pea and Smudge. The name will be decided after I get a better feel for the cat's personality. Ricky and I went to Pet Supplies Plus yesterday for kitty necessities and toys. Just to give Ricky something to occupy his time, I will travel to Home Depot for items to build a scratching post and possibly a window perch for the cat. The kitty has taken a major liking to Ricky and followed him all around yesterday. While the cat went to bed with Ricky, it woke up in my bed. It's very affectionate but not very playful. It could be that it is still getting used to us or just not feeling well at this time.
Today we're off to Wig's for a day at the pool. I could use a day of doing nothing and Ricky will enjoy the swimming time. I should do laundry but that will wait for another day. Today will be a day for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful day.
Saturday, July 24, 2004
Free Time?
It seems I no long have any free time to just veg out. My weeks have been filled with work, housework, laundry, buying food for a growing 12 year old. I finally have a little quiet time this morning, to give an update.
Instanta-family - just add kid
Ricky is doing well here but still bored. He has met a few kids in the neighborhood but is not allowed to go to their homes and visit. The circumstances dictate he have constant adult supervision. I can't control how much supervision he has at their home, so they must come here and there isn't much for them to do here. No knowing how long he will be staying here, I don't know if I should look into enrolling him in the local school system either or if he will be home-schooled by DCF.
Ricky's mom had her first supervised visit with Ricky's siblings. Apparently it went well but was also a little disturbing. The kids have had no contact with their mother since they were taken from their home and split up. The girls, Chelsea and Tatiana, are in separate foster homes and Josh is with my parents. The kids all appear to be adjusting well and are happy being away from home. They were a bit upset when it was time to say good-bye but not as upset as one would expect. Except for weekends spent with my parents the kids have never been away from home, not even spending a night at a friend's house, nevermind with strangers!
Work Update
It's been busy at work (short 3 office workers) and without the ability to work overtime, I'm obviously falling behind in my work. On a good note, my hard work has not gone unnoticed. I had my first review last week and it earned me a 5% raise. While it wasn't as much as I hoped it would be, it was the highest raise I've seen come across my desk. The normal raises are 3-4%. I was told I need to work on my "people skills". Apparently some co-workers don't quite understand my sense of humor when I ask if they are eating all the vacation slips. Nor do they understand the words "just a minute while I finish my train of thought". I am expected to immediately stopped whatever I'm doing and answer the phone; get paper out of the store room; leave my desk to see if my boss is in his office because people don't know how to dial an extention. You know multiple bull shit things that don't need to be done immediately but someone asks me to do.
The Weekend
Today Ricky and I will be shopping for sneakers. I really must get him out of the name-brand mode. Every article of clothing he mentions is by name brand. I refuse to pay big bucks just to have a recognizable name on any article of clothing. After we are done shopping, we're going to go the movie theater to see the latest Harry Potter movie. It's hard to believe it but Ricky has NEVER been to a movie theater. So this will be a big treat for him.
My free time is now up. Ricky is dressed and ready to head out the door but I'm still in my jammies. I guess it's time for me to get ready to leave. Take care my friends and I'll write more whenever I have a free moment.
It seems I no long have any free time to just veg out. My weeks have been filled with work, housework, laundry, buying food for a growing 12 year old. I finally have a little quiet time this morning, to give an update.
Instanta-family - just add kid
Ricky is doing well here but still bored. He has met a few kids in the neighborhood but is not allowed to go to their homes and visit. The circumstances dictate he have constant adult supervision. I can't control how much supervision he has at their home, so they must come here and there isn't much for them to do here. No knowing how long he will be staying here, I don't know if I should look into enrolling him in the local school system either or if he will be home-schooled by DCF.
Ricky's mom had her first supervised visit with Ricky's siblings. Apparently it went well but was also a little disturbing. The kids have had no contact with their mother since they were taken from their home and split up. The girls, Chelsea and Tatiana, are in separate foster homes and Josh is with my parents. The kids all appear to be adjusting well and are happy being away from home. They were a bit upset when it was time to say good-bye but not as upset as one would expect. Except for weekends spent with my parents the kids have never been away from home, not even spending a night at a friend's house, nevermind with strangers!
Work Update
It's been busy at work (short 3 office workers) and without the ability to work overtime, I'm obviously falling behind in my work. On a good note, my hard work has not gone unnoticed. I had my first review last week and it earned me a 5% raise. While it wasn't as much as I hoped it would be, it was the highest raise I've seen come across my desk. The normal raises are 3-4%. I was told I need to work on my "people skills". Apparently some co-workers don't quite understand my sense of humor when I ask if they are eating all the vacation slips. Nor do they understand the words "just a minute while I finish my train of thought". I am expected to immediately stopped whatever I'm doing and answer the phone; get paper out of the store room; leave my desk to see if my boss is in his office because people don't know how to dial an extention. You know multiple bull shit things that don't need to be done immediately but someone asks me to do.
The Weekend
Today Ricky and I will be shopping for sneakers. I really must get him out of the name-brand mode. Every article of clothing he mentions is by name brand. I refuse to pay big bucks just to have a recognizable name on any article of clothing. After we are done shopping, we're going to go the movie theater to see the latest Harry Potter movie. It's hard to believe it but Ricky has NEVER been to a movie theater. So this will be a big treat for him.
My free time is now up. Ricky is dressed and ready to head out the door but I'm still in my jammies. I guess it's time for me to get ready to leave. Take care my friends and I'll write more whenever I have a free moment.
Saturday, July 17, 2004
"Life Update"
These last few weeks have been stressful and very busy. I can't get into the details but my nephew, Ricky, is living with me temporarily. Of course we have no idea how long "temporarily" actually could be.
On the work front, things have gotten MUCH better. We have had a week of quiet since L stopped working at Watkins. It's amazing how quiet the phones have become without all her personal calls coming through. Next week should prove interesting, it's time for my 6 month review. Let's see if my boss shows just how much he appreciates me with a decent raise.
The love life still sucks and won't be getting better anytime soon. While my nephew is here, there won't be any happy hours or social life. Then again, I didn't have much of a social life before his arrival. My time is being spent trying to think of things to keep him occupied. Anyone have suggestions on how to occupy a 12 y/o male? Don't tell with to get him a 12 y/o female! He does enjoy basketball so we may shop for a ball and free-standing hoop this weekend. I don't have any place to hang a hoop so it has to come with it's own stand.
I guess I should get moving along. We need to buy groceries today since Ricky has cleaned out my refrigerator. The kid can eat! I asked him to write a list of things he wants at the grocery store. I need to add things like fruits and veggies since he didn't list any of those things.
These last few weeks have been stressful and very busy. I can't get into the details but my nephew, Ricky, is living with me temporarily. Of course we have no idea how long "temporarily" actually could be.
On the work front, things have gotten MUCH better. We have had a week of quiet since L stopped working at Watkins. It's amazing how quiet the phones have become without all her personal calls coming through. Next week should prove interesting, it's time for my 6 month review. Let's see if my boss shows just how much he appreciates me with a decent raise.
The love life still sucks and won't be getting better anytime soon. While my nephew is here, there won't be any happy hours or social life. Then again, I didn't have much of a social life before his arrival. My time is being spent trying to think of things to keep him occupied. Anyone have suggestions on how to occupy a 12 y/o male? Don't tell with to get him a 12 y/o female! He does enjoy basketball so we may shop for a ball and free-standing hoop this weekend. I don't have any place to hang a hoop so it has to come with it's own stand.
I guess I should get moving along. We need to buy groceries today since Ricky has cleaned out my refrigerator. The kid can eat! I asked him to write a list of things he wants at the grocery store. I need to add things like fruits and veggies since he didn't list any of those things.
Sunday, July 04, 2004
Fireworks Update
Ok Leslie, here's a quick update since I'm getting ready to head out for the day.
When I arrived at work Monday, L wasn't there. Her desk had been cleaned out but no one said if she was coming in or quit what was going on. Later in the morning, I spoke privately with my boss about the verbal exchange that had taken place. I explained how shaken I had been, that I eventually lost my temper and was afraid to go to my car without an escort. He agreed with me completely this kind of behavior would not be tolerated and he would speak to L when she arrived at work. Apparently she had submitted a vacation request for a 1/2 day on Monday.
He did speak to her privately Monday afternoon and I have since learned she gave her two week notice to the Ops Manager after I left friday. I was prepared to give my own notice if she was not terminated or had not given her notice.
Since Monday, I have learned this is NOT the first time L has does this. She had been ordered into Anger Management classes the last time this happened. Somehow I don't think she learned much in those classes. I can only guess at what the outcome would have been if she had not given her notice. Because of it being the 2nd occurrence, I'm pretty certain she would have been terminated.
One good thing that came of this exchange, my boss assured me that he is extremely pleased with my work and very happy that I will be staying on with Watkins.
Ok Leslie, here's a quick update since I'm getting ready to head out for the day.
When I arrived at work Monday, L wasn't there. Her desk had been cleaned out but no one said if she was coming in or quit what was going on. Later in the morning, I spoke privately with my boss about the verbal exchange that had taken place. I explained how shaken I had been, that I eventually lost my temper and was afraid to go to my car without an escort. He agreed with me completely this kind of behavior would not be tolerated and he would speak to L when she arrived at work. Apparently she had submitted a vacation request for a 1/2 day on Monday.
He did speak to her privately Monday afternoon and I have since learned she gave her two week notice to the Ops Manager after I left friday. I was prepared to give my own notice if she was not terminated or had not given her notice.
Since Monday, I have learned this is NOT the first time L has does this. She had been ordered into Anger Management classes the last time this happened. Somehow I don't think she learned much in those classes. I can only guess at what the outcome would have been if she had not given her notice. Because of it being the 2nd occurrence, I'm pretty certain she would have been terminated.
One good thing that came of this exchange, my boss assured me that he is extremely pleased with my work and very happy that I will be staying on with Watkins.
Saturday, June 26, 2004
"Fireworks in Cheshire"
Yesterday was probably the biggest office fireworks display I have ever seen. You see, we have a couple of self-proclaimed "prima donnas" (L&M) in the office. You know the ones, too busy with their work to answer phones and do "customer service" jobs. They do all the work and everyone else sits on their asses all day doing nothing.
The prima donnas were doing some major bitching this week about the temp that was hired to answer the phones. First let me say the temp did a great job this week. She was quick to answer the phones, wrote pick-up slips and routed calls to the proper people. Exactly what she was suppose to be doing! The two prima donnas decided the temp HAD to sit at the front desk so she could tell WHO was on the phone and not send any customer service calls to them. They had too much work to do, to handle customer service calls. Besides "it's not their job". Having the temp at the front desk meant the person that sits there, would need to move the contents of her desk and the computer. This argument lasted for two hours until they called in the OPS Manager to settle it. He saw no reason for anyone change desks and told them so. Well that response didn't go over too well! For the remainder of the afternoon, we got to hear the bitching and repeated "It's not my job" being chanted. Not to mention the "I'm too busy to answer phones right now."
One of the prima donnas (L) has been doing the daily bank deposits, simply because I hated climbing the 3 flights of stairs to the parking lot. She volunteered, so I said "ok". It seems to take anywhere from 60-90 minutes daily to do this errand. Having never done the run, I had no idea how long it should actually take but I suspected it should be under an hour. So, to free up some of her time, yesterday I decided to start doing the deposits. Let's see, I went to the bank, stopped at the store for paper plates (pizza party for lunch yesterday) AND went to the post office. Somehow, I wasn't surprised when I returned in 50 minutes and to a VERY cold office.
L was PISSED and stormed out of the office. She could no longer screw around for 90 minutes everyday then take her 30 minute lunch break. She returned about 3:00 and wanted to know WHY I decided to change "policy" and do the deposit. So I told her why. That's when the "oh isn't that so precious I do the deposit in the snow and rain and shitty weather but now it's nice outside, you'll do the deposits." I was biting my tongue and told her if she had a problem with the way I do my job, then to speak to my boss. At that point she started to insinuate I was receiving preferential treatment from the boss. Screaming how I didn't know the first thing about the trucking industry (I agreed with her on that point) and I NEVER answer the phones. At that point I lost it -- and a line of 4-letter words came out of my mouth and a hush fell over the office AND dispatch. I looked at the clock, it was 3:20 and I announced "I'm going home, I've had enough for this week."
L stormed out of the office and headed towards the parking lot. I finished what I had been working on and started to lock up my desk. I wanted to give her plenty of time to LEAVE the parking lot since she strikes me the type to get physical when no one is around. While I was clearing off my desk she returned and was packing up her belongings when I left. Will she show up for work on Monday? I doubt it. Will she quit? Probably. Would I apologize for what I said? NO WAY, it was time someone said it to her.
Yesterday was probably the biggest office fireworks display I have ever seen. You see, we have a couple of self-proclaimed "prima donnas" (L&M) in the office. You know the ones, too busy with their work to answer phones and do "customer service" jobs. They do all the work and everyone else sits on their asses all day doing nothing.
The prima donnas were doing some major bitching this week about the temp that was hired to answer the phones. First let me say the temp did a great job this week. She was quick to answer the phones, wrote pick-up slips and routed calls to the proper people. Exactly what she was suppose to be doing! The two prima donnas decided the temp HAD to sit at the front desk so she could tell WHO was on the phone and not send any customer service calls to them. They had too much work to do, to handle customer service calls. Besides "it's not their job". Having the temp at the front desk meant the person that sits there, would need to move the contents of her desk and the computer. This argument lasted for two hours until they called in the OPS Manager to settle it. He saw no reason for anyone change desks and told them so. Well that response didn't go over too well! For the remainder of the afternoon, we got to hear the bitching and repeated "It's not my job" being chanted. Not to mention the "I'm too busy to answer phones right now."
One of the prima donnas (L) has been doing the daily bank deposits, simply because I hated climbing the 3 flights of stairs to the parking lot. She volunteered, so I said "ok". It seems to take anywhere from 60-90 minutes daily to do this errand. Having never done the run, I had no idea how long it should actually take but I suspected it should be under an hour. So, to free up some of her time, yesterday I decided to start doing the deposits. Let's see, I went to the bank, stopped at the store for paper plates (pizza party for lunch yesterday) AND went to the post office. Somehow, I wasn't surprised when I returned in 50 minutes and to a VERY cold office.
L was PISSED and stormed out of the office. She could no longer screw around for 90 minutes everyday then take her 30 minute lunch break. She returned about 3:00 and wanted to know WHY I decided to change "policy" and do the deposit. So I told her why. That's when the "oh isn't that so precious I do the deposit in the snow and rain and shitty weather but now it's nice outside, you'll do the deposits." I was biting my tongue and told her if she had a problem with the way I do my job, then to speak to my boss. At that point she started to insinuate I was receiving preferential treatment from the boss. Screaming how I didn't know the first thing about the trucking industry (I agreed with her on that point) and I NEVER answer the phones. At that point I lost it -- and a line of 4-letter words came out of my mouth and a hush fell over the office AND dispatch. I looked at the clock, it was 3:20 and I announced "I'm going home, I've had enough for this week."
L stormed out of the office and headed towards the parking lot. I finished what I had been working on and started to lock up my desk. I wanted to give her plenty of time to LEAVE the parking lot since she strikes me the type to get physical when no one is around. While I was clearing off my desk she returned and was packing up her belongings when I left. Will she show up for work on Monday? I doubt it. Will she quit? Probably. Would I apologize for what I said? NO WAY, it was time someone said it to her.
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
"Interesting Week Ahead"
The work week should prove to be an interesting one this week. Amid all the turmoil of having no HR person and short about 10 FT dock workers, Jeff (my boss) will be at the corporate office in FL for the remainder of the week. He left me with a short "to do" list that includes walking a co-worker through the paperwork associated with new hires. In other words, I just busted my ass learning a process, on my own, so I could teach someone else how to do it.
Jeff also informed me he is bringing in a temp to help with the telephones. The last temp we had was a real ditz! We reminded her daily that Jeff was on vacation and she still put calls through to his phone. Jeff has given me "complete authority", if this person isn't working out, to get someone in that can do the job. With both Operations Managers covering the night shifts and my boss being out of town, does that put me in charge?
On top of the lack of manpower, we are expecting new PC's to be installed this week. For the most part it should be simply a change in equipment. There are a few of us that have access to our hard drives and store confidential documents on the drives. My PC happens to be the biggest concern. I've managed to move the majority of the non-confidential documents to the network. It seems most of my documents are confidential - Injury/Worker's Comp Cases, Job Reviews, Employee DataBase.... they can't be moved until the new PC is ready to go on my desk. At that point I'll copy the docs to the network, set up the new PC and immediately copy the documents back to the hard drive. Then delete what is on the network.
Thankfully, my back is feeling a little better each day. I still have twinges of pain when I stand and walk but nothing close to the major pain I had over the weekend. I don't think I would be of much use at work if I were on Flexeril all week.
The work week should prove to be an interesting one this week. Amid all the turmoil of having no HR person and short about 10 FT dock workers, Jeff (my boss) will be at the corporate office in FL for the remainder of the week. He left me with a short "to do" list that includes walking a co-worker through the paperwork associated with new hires. In other words, I just busted my ass learning a process, on my own, so I could teach someone else how to do it.
Jeff also informed me he is bringing in a temp to help with the telephones. The last temp we had was a real ditz! We reminded her daily that Jeff was on vacation and she still put calls through to his phone. Jeff has given me "complete authority", if this person isn't working out, to get someone in that can do the job. With both Operations Managers covering the night shifts and my boss being out of town, does that put me in charge?
On top of the lack of manpower, we are expecting new PC's to be installed this week. For the most part it should be simply a change in equipment. There are a few of us that have access to our hard drives and store confidential documents on the drives. My PC happens to be the biggest concern. I've managed to move the majority of the non-confidential documents to the network. It seems most of my documents are confidential - Injury/Worker's Comp Cases, Job Reviews, Employee DataBase.... they can't be moved until the new PC is ready to go on my desk. At that point I'll copy the docs to the network, set up the new PC and immediately copy the documents back to the hard drive. Then delete what is on the network.
Thankfully, my back is feeling a little better each day. I still have twinges of pain when I stand and walk but nothing close to the major pain I had over the weekend. I don't think I would be of much use at work if I were on Flexeril all week.
Friday, June 18, 2004
Weekend Plans :(
For last 6-8 weeks, I have been looking forward to the Annual 3-Day Pool Party at Big Bill's and Wig's. Today is the stary of this big bash. It starts on friday afternoon and lasts well into the night on sunday. People bring pitch tents in the backyard, enough food for TWO armies. Last year Bill hired a DJ. This year he was going to roast a pig. Wouldn't you know it, I probably won't be at the party anytime this weekend. Why? I was bending over to tie the trash bag, this morning and my back went out without me! Before leaving the house, I grabbed my bottle of Flexeril and took two as soon as I got to work. Good news, it definately relaxed me - I was ready to take a nap about 10:00 AM. Bad news, after 6 Flexeril, my back is still killing me. My weekend will probably be spent popping Flexeril, soaking in a hot bath, and lying on my back in bed.
I hope everyone reading this has a better weekend than me :(
For last 6-8 weeks, I have been looking forward to the Annual 3-Day Pool Party at Big Bill's and Wig's. Today is the stary of this big bash. It starts on friday afternoon and lasts well into the night on sunday. People bring pitch tents in the backyard, enough food for TWO armies. Last year Bill hired a DJ. This year he was going to roast a pig. Wouldn't you know it, I probably won't be at the party anytime this weekend. Why? I was bending over to tie the trash bag, this morning and my back went out without me! Before leaving the house, I grabbed my bottle of Flexeril and took two as soon as I got to work. Good news, it definately relaxed me - I was ready to take a nap about 10:00 AM. Bad news, after 6 Flexeril, my back is still killing me. My weekend will probably be spent popping Flexeril, soaking in a hot bath, and lying on my back in bed.
I hope everyone reading this has a better weekend than me :(
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Ask and you shall receive.....
Today started like an ordinary day -- busy! While I was working on checking everyone time clock punches from yesterday, one of our sales reps approached me. He asked me to verify that tickets to a concert were in the safe. I couldn't do it at that moment but told him I would check as soon as I had a chance.
Later in the morning, I had a few minutes to look for the concert tickets. Of course I had to see where the concert is and who is playing. Hmmmm Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire at The Meadows -- sounds like a great concert to me. Sure enough, there are 8 tickets and 2 parking passes.
When Doug called, from the road, this afternoon, I relayed the information. I added in that it sounds like a great concert. He then asked if I wanted to go. It seems he had purchased an extra ticket and doesn't have a date for the night. The only stipulation is that I can't tell anyone in the office! Something tells me he realizes just how much gossip takes place in that office!
Just a little run down on the gossip -- DL has a "thing" going on with SO, but don't tell either of their spouses. LN is engaged to MR after only dating for a couple of months. CB's boyfriend is in jail for abuse but she still loves him and is trying to get him out of jail. MP, although a newlywed, has a fling going on with JH..... Does this sound a little like Peyton Place?
Later in the morning, I had a few minutes to look for the concert tickets. Of course I had to see where the concert is and who is playing. Hmmmm Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire at The Meadows -- sounds like a great concert to me. Sure enough, there are 8 tickets and 2 parking passes.
When Doug called, from the road, this afternoon, I relayed the information. I added in that it sounds like a great concert. He then asked if I wanted to go. It seems he had purchased an extra ticket and doesn't have a date for the night. The only stipulation is that I can't tell anyone in the office! Something tells me he realizes just how much gossip takes place in that office!
Just a little run down on the gossip -- DL has a "thing" going on with SO, but don't tell either of their spouses. LN is engaged to MR after only dating for a couple of months. CB's boyfriend is in jail for abuse but she still loves him and is trying to get him out of jail. MP, although a newlywed, has a fling going on with JH..... Does this sound a little like Peyton Place?
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
Monday Madness Meme
1. In your opinion, what is the perfect temperature?
2. If you have a garden, what do you plant in it? If not, what would you plant in it?
3. What is your favorite summertime beverage?
4. How many times a year do you rearrange your living room?
5. How fast do you drive in a '55 mile-an-hour' zone?
6. How many minutes per day do you usually talk on the phone?
7. What is your favorite software program?
8. How many music cd's do you own?
9. How many memes do you participate in on a regular basis?
10. Name 3 blogs that you have on your 'blogroll' list. (any 3.)
1. The perfect temp is 75 with a 2 degree differential. How do I know this? It's called 20 years of working in a temperature controlled computer room.
2. This year, I have a container garden. It's the first time I've ever tried growing veggies so it should be interesting. I have an array of flowers - Impatiens, Marigolds, Miniature Pansies, Petunias and Coleus. Since I'm the only one here, the veggies are limited - String Beans, Tomatoes, Green Peppers. I also planted a few herbs - Chives, Basil, Dill, Oregano.
3. I don't limit a beverage to a season. My favorite non-alcoholic beverage is coffee! For an alcholic beverage, Margarita - on the rocks with salt.
4. At the moment, it's very easy to rearrange my living room. There's no furniture in the room. I used the furniture in a spare room to create a den. Now I'm searching for "reasonably" priced wicker/bamboo living set. Once the living room is set up, the only time I move furniture is to place the Christmas Tree or when I move to a new apartment.
5. 55 MPH? I think I reach that speed on the highway on-ramp. My speed is usually in the 70-75 range and I'm riding along with the traffic.
6. I spend way too much time on the phone, working. After working too many years as IT Help Desk, I hate being on the phone. When my last employer started closing down the office, a "contact list" went around so we could keep in touch with our co-workers. In the "telephone number" column, I wrote "Do you really think I answer my home phone?"
7. I miss having an organizer. The one I've come to like is Lotus Organizer. I've been trying out a "shareware" program called C-Organizer Pro and it's pretty good. Having an organizer at work is easier that having post-its stuck all over my desk. Paper gets lost too easily on my desk.
8. I probably have about 40 CD's. My collection is rather limited since I won't buy a CD unless I've heard most of the songs and like them. The cost is too high to buy a CD and find you only like 1 or 2 songs and can't stand the rest of them.
9. I do believe this is the first time I have answered a Meme. Victoria has them all the time on her blog. While I enjoy reading the questions and her responses. I don't think I've ever responded to one.
10. I don't think I have many more than 3! Let's see, friends Karl, Victoria, Bonnie and Marsha
1. In your opinion, what is the perfect temperature?
2. If you have a garden, what do you plant in it? If not, what would you plant in it?
3. What is your favorite summertime beverage?
4. How many times a year do you rearrange your living room?
5. How fast do you drive in a '55 mile-an-hour' zone?
6. How many minutes per day do you usually talk on the phone?
7. What is your favorite software program?
8. How many music cd's do you own?
9. How many memes do you participate in on a regular basis?
10. Name 3 blogs that you have on your 'blogroll' list. (any 3.)
1. The perfect temp is 75 with a 2 degree differential. How do I know this? It's called 20 years of working in a temperature controlled computer room.
2. This year, I have a container garden. It's the first time I've ever tried growing veggies so it should be interesting. I have an array of flowers - Impatiens, Marigolds, Miniature Pansies, Petunias and Coleus. Since I'm the only one here, the veggies are limited - String Beans, Tomatoes, Green Peppers. I also planted a few herbs - Chives, Basil, Dill, Oregano.
3. I don't limit a beverage to a season. My favorite non-alcoholic beverage is coffee! For an alcholic beverage, Margarita - on the rocks with salt.
4. At the moment, it's very easy to rearrange my living room. There's no furniture in the room. I used the furniture in a spare room to create a den. Now I'm searching for "reasonably" priced wicker/bamboo living set. Once the living room is set up, the only time I move furniture is to place the Christmas Tree or when I move to a new apartment.
5. 55 MPH? I think I reach that speed on the highway on-ramp. My speed is usually in the 70-75 range and I'm riding along with the traffic.
6. I spend way too much time on the phone, working. After working too many years as IT Help Desk, I hate being on the phone. When my last employer started closing down the office, a "contact list" went around so we could keep in touch with our co-workers. In the "telephone number" column, I wrote "Do you really think I answer my home phone?"
7. I miss having an organizer. The one I've come to like is Lotus Organizer. I've been trying out a "shareware" program called C-Organizer Pro and it's pretty good. Having an organizer at work is easier that having post-its stuck all over my desk. Paper gets lost too easily on my desk.
8. I probably have about 40 CD's. My collection is rather limited since I won't buy a CD unless I've heard most of the songs and like them. The cost is too high to buy a CD and find you only like 1 or 2 songs and can't stand the rest of them.
9. I do believe this is the first time I have answered a Meme. Victoria has them all the time on her blog. While I enjoy reading the questions and her responses. I don't think I've ever responded to one.
10. I don't think I have many more than 3! Let's see, friends Karl, Victoria, Bonnie and Marsha
Sunday, May 30, 2004
Welcome to Summer!!!
The official "Summer Kick-off" weekend is here. That calls for a BBQ and the official Caribbean National Anthem -- everybody get your body moving to the beat and sing-a-long. Not sure of the tune and words? Well here are the words and I bet you know the tune!
Ole ole, Ole ole,
Ole ole, Ole ole
Me mind on fire, me soul on fire,
Feeling hot hot hot
Other people, All around me,
Feeling hot hot hot
What to do, on a night like this
Music's sweet, I can't resist
We need a party sound
It's fun, they'll get to jam
So we can um bum bum bum
Yeah we'll um bum bum bum
Feeling hot hot hot
Feeling hot hot hot
Ole ole, Ole ole,
Ole ole, Ole ole
Me mind on fire, me soul on fire,
Feeling hot hot hot
Other people, All around me,
Feeling hot hot hot
What to do, on a night like this
Music's sweet, I can't resist
We need a party sound
It's fun, they'll get to jam
So we can um bum bum bum
Yeah we'll um bum bum bum
Feeling hot hot hot
Feeling hot hot hot
The official "Summer Kick-off" weekend is here. That calls for a BBQ and the official Caribbean National Anthem -- everybody get your body moving to the beat and sing-a-long. Not sure of the tune and words? Well here are the words and I bet you know the tune!
Ole ole, Ole ole,
Ole ole, Ole ole
Me mind on fire, me soul on fire,
Feeling hot hot hot
Other people, All around me,
Feeling hot hot hot
What to do, on a night like this
Music's sweet, I can't resist
We need a party sound
It's fun, they'll get to jam
So we can um bum bum bum
Yeah we'll um bum bum bum
Feeling hot hot hot
Feeling hot hot hot
Ole ole, Ole ole,
Ole ole, Ole ole
Me mind on fire, me soul on fire,
Feeling hot hot hot
Other people, All around me,
Feeling hot hot hot
What to do, on a night like this
Music's sweet, I can't resist
We need a party sound
It's fun, they'll get to jam
So we can um bum bum bum
Yeah we'll um bum bum bum
Feeling hot hot hot
Feeling hot hot hot
Thursday, May 27, 2004
"Bad Day"
I'm having one of "those weeks" where I'm rethinking my employment at Watkins. With the HR Recruiter now living in Hawaii, it seems the majority of his job has landed on my desk. The stress level has more than doubled with the demands that everything be done NOW. Of course, without any proper training either. Things I had specifically asked to be shown, I was told "don't worry, someone else would be handling that process". Well, that process is on my desk and all without the knowledge the "someone else" possesses.
I've put in way too many hours doing other people's work, while my own work goes on the back burner. Yesterday, I was finally seeing the light at the end of the paperwork, when we lost power. Against my better judgement, I chose to go out to lunch with the rest of the office workers. With no outside lighting and only one emergency light in the office, it wasn't like we could do any work. Our discussion at lunch turned to the heirarchy at Watkins and job progressions. That's when I discovered NO ONE is considered for any position in manangement unless they have worked the dock. Even the HR Recruiter would not have been considered for a management position unless he voluntarily accepted a demotion to "Manifest Clerk".
We returned to the office (90 minutes later), the power had returned. Of course I was now 90 minutes behind in my work with fresh "must do now" demands coming from the Operations Manager. More demands from Lakeland because the "managers" in our office wouldn't know how to read and fill out a form properly if their lives depended on it. Quite frankly, they don't care if the form is filled out properly. They completely ignore the requests for more information from Lakeland.
This morning, I updated my resume and will start sending them out, again. With all that I have seen and heard at Watkins, I won't be staying with the company. I'm having a very difficult time holding my tongue with management, that can't be bothered with doing anything for themselves and expect me to do all their paperwork at 1/2 their pay. All this, while they know I will never be considered to work as their equal.
I'm having one of "those weeks" where I'm rethinking my employment at Watkins. With the HR Recruiter now living in Hawaii, it seems the majority of his job has landed on my desk. The stress level has more than doubled with the demands that everything be done NOW. Of course, without any proper training either. Things I had specifically asked to be shown, I was told "don't worry, someone else would be handling that process". Well, that process is on my desk and all without the knowledge the "someone else" possesses.
I've put in way too many hours doing other people's work, while my own work goes on the back burner. Yesterday, I was finally seeing the light at the end of the paperwork, when we lost power. Against my better judgement, I chose to go out to lunch with the rest of the office workers. With no outside lighting and only one emergency light in the office, it wasn't like we could do any work. Our discussion at lunch turned to the heirarchy at Watkins and job progressions. That's when I discovered NO ONE is considered for any position in manangement unless they have worked the dock. Even the HR Recruiter would not have been considered for a management position unless he voluntarily accepted a demotion to "Manifest Clerk".
We returned to the office (90 minutes later), the power had returned. Of course I was now 90 minutes behind in my work with fresh "must do now" demands coming from the Operations Manager. More demands from Lakeland because the "managers" in our office wouldn't know how to read and fill out a form properly if their lives depended on it. Quite frankly, they don't care if the form is filled out properly. They completely ignore the requests for more information from Lakeland.
This morning, I updated my resume and will start sending them out, again. With all that I have seen and heard at Watkins, I won't be staying with the company. I'm having a very difficult time holding my tongue with management, that can't be bothered with doing anything for themselves and expect me to do all their paperwork at 1/2 their pay. All this, while they know I will never be considered to work as their equal.
Saturday, May 22, 2004
What a week!
Again, it was a hectic work week. Our HR Recruiter moved to Maui and I have been assigned several of his duties. Was I wrong to think not much would be happening in HR until a replacement was found. Just yesterday I typed (yes, they still use typewriters!) 4 status change forms, 2 change of address forms, processed 1 new hire and 1 termination. Then I spent about an hour at the copier, making copies of all the paperwork being sent to the corporate office.
Late Thursday afternoon one "rumor" was finally confirmed. The New England District Manager, Mike, was promoted to Vice President of the Southwest Region. His official last day was friday and he flies to Dallas on Monday. My boss, Jeff, is next in line for Mike's job as DM.
If that isn't enough people shuffling for you, how about the District Secretary, Doreen, has applied for the HR Recruiter's job. If she is moved to the HR position, that will leave the District Secretary job open. Chances are very good that job will be offered to me.
On the homefront, I broke down today and purchased an air conditioner. I don't want to find out how miserable I can be this summer with hot flashes. This is not the "normal" place in the window A/C. It's a portable A/C AND dehumidfier. It doesn't go in the window but has a vent hose (like a dryer vent) that is placed in the window. The unit is freestanding and on wheels. This means I can easily move it from room to room and I never have lift it in and out of the window. It also has a 24-hr timer so I can set it to a warmer temp, while I'm at work. The filter is a reusable filter, so that won't need to be replaced. It can be washed and reinserted.
Debbie and I are going to a play tonight in West Hartford. I kept thinking it was a play by Shakespeare but it's not. It's "The Lion In Winter" by James Goldman. Prior to the play we're going to check out a local pub - Duffy's Bar and Grill. Sounds like it should be a fun place and it's a block from the playhouse. If we like the place, we'll probably spend some "Happy Hour" time there.
Again, it was a hectic work week. Our HR Recruiter moved to Maui and I have been assigned several of his duties. Was I wrong to think not much would be happening in HR until a replacement was found. Just yesterday I typed (yes, they still use typewriters!) 4 status change forms, 2 change of address forms, processed 1 new hire and 1 termination. Then I spent about an hour at the copier, making copies of all the paperwork being sent to the corporate office.
Late Thursday afternoon one "rumor" was finally confirmed. The New England District Manager, Mike, was promoted to Vice President of the Southwest Region. His official last day was friday and he flies to Dallas on Monday. My boss, Jeff, is next in line for Mike's job as DM.
If that isn't enough people shuffling for you, how about the District Secretary, Doreen, has applied for the HR Recruiter's job. If she is moved to the HR position, that will leave the District Secretary job open. Chances are very good that job will be offered to me.
On the homefront, I broke down today and purchased an air conditioner. I don't want to find out how miserable I can be this summer with hot flashes. This is not the "normal" place in the window A/C. It's a portable A/C AND dehumidfier. It doesn't go in the window but has a vent hose (like a dryer vent) that is placed in the window. The unit is freestanding and on wheels. This means I can easily move it from room to room and I never have lift it in and out of the window. It also has a 24-hr timer so I can set it to a warmer temp, while I'm at work. The filter is a reusable filter, so that won't need to be replaced. It can be washed and reinserted.
Debbie and I are going to a play tonight in West Hartford. I kept thinking it was a play by Shakespeare but it's not. It's "The Lion In Winter" by James Goldman. Prior to the play we're going to check out a local pub - Duffy's Bar and Grill. Sounds like it should be a fun place and it's a block from the playhouse. If we like the place, we'll probably spend some "Happy Hour" time there.
Sunday, May 16, 2004
Shopping
I finally shopped for garden flowers and veggies today! The back seat of my car was loaded with Impatiens, Coleus, Mini Pansies, Petunias, Sweet Basil, Dill, Chives, Oregano, Bell Peppers, String Beans and Tomatoes. The trunk carried 4 large bags of potting soil.
After shopping I went to Debbie's for a birthday cookout. Dinner was a joint effort. Fred cooked the burgers and dogs, Debbie made the potato and pasta salads and Peter made the tossed salad and garlic dip. Debbie also made the most delicious strawberry shortcake --- Mmmmmmm good ---- and presented it to me with a lit candle. One of Freddy's long time friends stopped by with a dozen fresh bagels and cream cheese.
The first thing I did upon arriving at home, was to unload all the plants. For now they are in the back yard until I have a chance to plant them. Of course the potting soil is still in the car. I looked around and realized I don't have an outside faucet. That means running a hose from my kitchen to water the plants. Oh well, it's easier than using a watering can! Next week will be a busy one, trying to get everything planted.
I finally shopped for garden flowers and veggies today! The back seat of my car was loaded with Impatiens, Coleus, Mini Pansies, Petunias, Sweet Basil, Dill, Chives, Oregano, Bell Peppers, String Beans and Tomatoes. The trunk carried 4 large bags of potting soil.
After shopping I went to Debbie's for a birthday cookout. Dinner was a joint effort. Fred cooked the burgers and dogs, Debbie made the potato and pasta salads and Peter made the tossed salad and garlic dip. Debbie also made the most delicious strawberry shortcake --- Mmmmmmm good ---- and presented it to me with a lit candle. One of Freddy's long time friends stopped by with a dozen fresh bagels and cream cheese.
The first thing I did upon arriving at home, was to unload all the plants. For now they are in the back yard until I have a chance to plant them. Of course the potting soil is still in the car. I looked around and realized I don't have an outside faucet. That means running a hose from my kitchen to water the plants. Oh well, it's easier than using a watering can! Next week will be a busy one, trying to get everything planted.
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