Every Little Bit Helps

At least, it better! My brother had surgery yesterday for a very bad shoulder injury (could be a long story, but we'll just say it was injured again and again). He's been in pain from it for a very long time. As far as we can tell, the surgery went well, so we hope and pray things continue to improve. Maybe he will even be able to come kayaking with us!

This is very exciting for me especially. If you know me, you know I have a lot of hobbies and there is always something going on. My brother used to be the most active person I knew. When he got injured, he kept up his schedule as best he could. Then it got worse, injured again, etc and everything just declined. I am so excited and hopeful that he will soon return to the always on the move guy I knew (as much as his wonderful wife will allow, that is! :-)

In totally unrealated news, if there's something you want from my shop, now's the time to get it. It will be closing soon™ since it is not making enough to support itself. Like everything, it's always fun while it lasts! ;-)

Cheers!

The Irony is Not Lost on Me

It was some time in high school. A friend turned to me at lunch and said, "What's wrong with your eye?" I whipped out my trusty mirror and found a broken capillary. This is no cause for concern, really, except I'd never had nor seen that happen to my eye before. Off to the office, a call to my mother, and before I knew it, I'm being examined by our family eye doctor. What amazed both she and my mother was that I could see at all. I left that day with a pair of brand new, headache inducing glasses.

Where is the aforementioned irony, you ask? Why, it's in the four (or more) broken capillaries in my eyes now, that mark the end of my glasses-wearing days (at least for a few years and excluding sunglasses). You see, I subjected myself to someone frying my eyes with a laser this past Monday, otherwise known as LASIK surgery.

Sickly blood-shot eyes aside (it's really not that bad, by the way) and a little more dryness than I'm used to, I feel great. In fact, Wednesday when I went back to work was horrible, because I could think of a thousand things I'd rather be looking at than my work on the computer screen (the snowflakes falling like a blizzard outside but that didn't accumulate on the roads, for one). My surgeon said I'm seeing pretty good now, and it's only going to improve as my eyes heal. I guess, so far, the best improvement is being able to recognize the person on the other end of the room waving frantically at me. It's nice to be able to see the different trees in my backyard instead of the wall of trees it once was, and to sit in front of the TV and not have to wonder about where my glasses are.

The surgery itself is... well... not for you if you're not a risk-taker. They didn't prepare me for when they put a cap over my eye and then I went blind. They didn't prepare me for the funky sounds the laser would make. And they didn't prepare me for the indescribable sensation of having the outermost part of your eye peeled back like skin of a banana (even with lots of numbing). But yeah, it wasn't so bad. And it's so nice to be able to look out over my computer screen and see the old oak that rules over our lot, not just a blur of brown.

Cheers!

Happy Martyred Christian Saint Day

To an un-coupled person like me, the holiday that is for couples is very annoying.

I suppose you might expect single people to loathe Valentine's Day, I think many of us do. This day is, after all, all about doing something romantic with your lover. Sure there are people who say the day of love applies to family and friends, but come on. That's not really what commercialism says it's about. It's about roses (which I love), chocolates (which I don't need), and corny sweet love wishes (bleh). Add a cynic like me and you get two words (if you can call them that):

BAH HUMBUG!

I hope everyone has a disgustingly pink Bah Humbug day. And for those who are coupled and love the sweetness of couple's day, good for you, please stay away from me.

¿Qué tal?

So, who wants to know what's been happening?

I know, I know, it's been quite a while! Anyone who knows me knows that I'm always doing something. And I've just been doing a lot of somethings!

The thing I wish most to tell you: Remember how on New Years Day, I saw several forest creatures along the road? Last Friday morning, 27 Jan, my father and I were driving to work down one of the regular little 2 lane unlit backroads that gets us to the Interstate. Just in the shoulder of the roadway (if you can call it a shoulder, more like a foot or so of extra pavement before the ditch) there was an owl. The squat, feathery, letter-carrying creature was standing on the road looking at us as we drove by. I've never seen an owl in the wild before, and the side of the road (maybe eating something) was the last place I would have expected to see one! However, it was dark, so I'm not sure what kind of owl it was. But it was there, sitting on the road, an owl. I've been noticing lots of owl-ish things lately, come to think of it. I wonder if they have a message for me....

Adolf has been off all week, and will continue to be off until 7 Feb. Can we say WooHOO! On the office front, however, it has been made clear to me that the department managers will say something to the group (like policy or something) but it does not apply to me. For example, they will say what kind of job performance criteria merits a promotion. Other tasks outside of regular stuff will be factored in. Guess what? I rarely do 'regular stuff' at all! The guidelines and quota numbers don't apply to me, because I don't do that work unless there are special circumstances.

They recently got on my case about coming in on time. If I time in at 0703 instead of 0700, I'm late (technically, I can't argue there). However, they told the group that they do take into account traffic and weather that may slow our path to work. However, once again, that doesn't apply to me, who lives 50 miles from the office. I wrote down the days I arrived late and why, and was told "regardless, we believe you can get here on time." If they give me a written warning for being late for traffic, I will quit on the spot. When we first moved to this location, the higher-ups had a meeting with every department and said they would work with those of us who live far away. My managers must have missed that memo.

As far as the overtime projects, I had reason to believe the Boss² never told Adolf about how behind I was, because Adolf called me that Friday and asked what could be deleted from the inbox. If Boss² had told them about the catch-up project, they would have known they could delete them all. For that, I am greatful. Yes, working overtime is very hard on me. I'm exhausted, I got sick, and more and more I want to do other things than work (you know, like updating my blog). I've turning on my home computer all of twice since we started this, I'm just too tired when I get home to do anything else. Needless to say, we are finally in compliance, so I guess I won't have to work overtime for a while.

And another thing! Last week, after a meeting with Adolf and Boss² about my inability to time in before 0705, Adolf decided that I would like to hear how happy they were that their stepson's gerbal had just died. (Happy because Adolf is on a cruse and doesn't have to worry about finding someone to watch the creature.) Have I ever given anyone the impression that I find it amusing or happy when a life dies? I am still beside myself on what could have possibly been going through Adolf's head to make them share that information with me. Also remember we're not really on a social level, so the fact that I got told anything of the sorts is still beyond me. There is something just not right about that person....

Snowboarding and brunch this weekend! Wee!

Much Ado

Well, a lot has been happening! Let's start with work.

We're on a non-mandatory mandatory overtime (that means we have to work overtime, but Boss² is not yet dictating when and for how long). As a team, my department agreed a minimum of 5 hours per week, which I don't think is going to help much. I put in eight this week, I refuse to work overtime on Fridays, and I'll do another eight next week.

For the first three days of this week, Adolf has been off. (I'll pause here for your cheers). However, Boss² (I mean Adolf's boss, by the way: boss's boss) discovered on Tuesday just how behind my work was. I had things that should have been completed in October still waiting to be done. There were more than 400 individual back e-mails sitting in my inbox, that had anywhere from one to twenty items to complete each. Before you start wondering why I haven't been keeping up with my workload, let me explain. The work that I do is an ongoing daily thing. Work comes in each day that needs to be completed in that day (they say within an hour). Yes, there are days when more work comes in than I can do in a day. If I take a day of, Adolf is the one who is supposed to do my work in my absence. The thing is that Adolf seems to think it's not that important, and so will complete only the work that is marked as urgent. Things that do not have a payment that need to be reissued get put aside for me when I get back. Remember all that mess where they have me doing entry level work? I get behind there too, because once again I am told things without payments can be put aside. More vacation days, more entry level work days, and pre-holiday halfdays (where I'm doing only the pressing ones to get other pressing things done) later, I'm looking at four hundered jobs waiting for completion. Did I ask for help before it got so bad? Yes, I did! Twice! Adolf said there was no help and, once again, put asside the things that were not currently attached to payments until I catch up. If I can only complete thirty five to eighty jobs a day, and that much or more comes in new per day, you can see that catching up is near impossible.

So, Boss² discovered this backlog on Tuesday, and had me forward everything to them. By Wednesday, we had a team of eight who was given a crash course in my job so they could help me clear out the work. Of course, I'm not looking forward to this because, once again, working on this project pulls me from keeping up with the regular stuff that comes in daily. However, Boss² did say to take whatever time necessary (over time, lunch time, regular time, whatever) to complete this project. Don't forget, my department is already working overtime for another project, but this one did take presidence. By 1630 on Thursday, we had caught up! My coworkers had no idea how good it felt for me to look at my inbox and see twelve jobs instead of four hundred.

I was really dreading Thursday, because Adolf would be back. I was worried that Boss² would yell at Adolf (Boss² did make it a point to tell my temporary team that it was not my fault we were so behind, but that I was told some misinformation) and then Adolf in turn would yell at me. Thankfully, that didn't happen. But I had a very stressful then happy Wednesday, followed by a stressful then ok Thursday.

Anyone want to know what the problem is today? I told you that I get my daily work through e-mail, right? Yup, the e-mail server is down. ARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!!

It Didn't Work!

Somehow, I thought I was going to go back to daily updates come the first of the year, but that clearly didn't happen! That's ok, how about I just say something when there's something to say?

My parents and our friends spent New Years Eve at First Night Annapolis. For some reason, we tend to only see three showes, but they were good so it's ok. We then went out to eat around 0200 or so, and got to bed around 0400. Doesn't that sound like fun? On the way home, we passed a red fox and a deer, both which stopped what they were doing (eating) to watch us approach. Coming home from my grandmothers that evening, we passed another deer who also watched us pass. Lots of animals out on the first of the year!

We did a little shopping on Monday and then it was back to work. I'm not going to complain about work today, but I will mention that I have a follow-up interview for that other position I applied for at noon today. Wish me luck!

I Done Did it!

That's right, make yourself a hot tasty beverage and sit back. The blog archive is now complete! Ok, with the exception of the two pictures and everything in the secured section (which none of you saw anyway). I'm working on the pictures, but you may need to just go to my website for them! If you want to know, archiving my files meant copy and paste from a previously saved text document, one by one. I worked hard on that archive for you, archiving like a mad fool, so go have a reread! And for those of you who weren't with me for my first blog endeavor, you can read it now.

Yeah, I'll admit, I did most of it when I could have been working. But honestly, who wants to be at work anyway? I'd like to stay in bed one of these mornings.

I hopped on the pilates machine on Monday, that was a mistake! I think I hurt more than I did right after the accident! I'm going to push through, though, and maybe get back to it tomorrow. Every now and then, my muscles let me know they're not happy, but I am doing better. Who needs a doctor anyway.

Bye Bye EQ

Well, that's it. I finally cancelled my EverQuest account. My subscription ran out yesterday. I won't lie, there's still a chance I could pay up and keep everything, but that window doesn't last, and I don't expect to be doing it =)

The saddest part, other than the fact that I really enjoyed playing and working on my characters and such, is that there's no going back to the Guide Program from here. I miss that the most.

Now, some people have said that World of Warcraft can have the joy in newness that EQ once had, but alas, I have way too much to do than to spend every day on the computer. Besides, I still have the Sims!

Thanks, Sony, for letting me in that wonderful world.

PC and Religion Don't Mix

Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and Merry Yule! Did I leave anyone out? I want to be sure I include everyone because Jews are offended by Merry Christmas, and Christians are offended by Happy Holidays.

I'm sure you've all heard this debate. I'm going to take a blog-day to be political, go make a warm cup of tea and have a seat, this doesn't happen very often. I'm going to start by making a few points:
1) I believe in the separation of Church and State.
2) I believe in freedom of religion for everyone.
3) I believe in freedom of personal expression.
4) Political Correctness is an oxymoron. This therefore makes professional politicians morons, but we knew that already.
5) In all places where you is used, it means a generic you. In all places where I or me is used, it is a generic I. Nothing here is directed to, nor should be considered from any individual person unless otherwise noted.
On to the dish.

One religious front says we should all celebrate Christmas, one says we should celebrate what we want, which makes me offended by your celebrating something else. It makes no difference that the birth they are celebrating is believed to have occurred in the spring, or that the actual reason for the season is the Winter Solstice or a lamp that stayed lit for eight days when it should have gone out in one. In fact, by that logic, Christmas is only holiday that doesn't really belong here.

Why is it that Rabbis are offended when someone says Merry Christmas? Why are Christians offended when someone doesn't say Merry Christmas?

For a retailer, the generic terms Happy Holidays and Season's Greetings are the best way to go, they (as in retailers) follow different rules than the rest of us. And these terms include everyone and exclude none. Most people in the United States have some kind of celebration during this time of year, so it is wise to choose a blessing that includes them all. Season's Greetings = "Whatever this season means to you, I hope you are filled with it." Happy Holidays = "Whatever you celebrate this time of year, I hope you have a joyous one." What is in there for anyone to take offence to?

Here's the big one: Merry Christmas = "I hope your celebration of the birth of Christ is happy." No, that does not mean something to everyone. It means something only to those who celebrate the event in question. One thing to keep in mind is that these are the majority of our nation.

I'll put this to you; instead of greeting me or wishing me happiness with something that means something to me, why not wish me happiness with a blessing that means something to you? I want a Jew to wish me a Happy Hanukkah. I want a Christian to wish me a Merry Christmas. I want to hear Happy Kwanzaa from my African-descended friends. And by gum, if a coven wants to run around screaming Happy Yule, I want them to!

The point of this and any holiday blessing, you see, is to take something that is important, loving, meaningful, and everything else that it is to you and share it with me. This is a part of you, something that has meaning in your life. What a wonderful thing it is to take a piece of that and give it to another person, wishing nothing in return but responding in kind. How much of that other person do you learn by one blessing that leaves their lips and is directed towards you? This is the embodiment of perfect love and perfect trust; no matter what words you use, your holiday greeting says "This time of year is important to me, I hope you are enjoying it too." This time of year is not about others accepting what you believe, it is about connecting with people.

And while I'm at it, if someone wishes you a Merry Christmas and you have no idea how important such a blessing is to them: Be gracious! Who cares if it means nothing to you? Why can't you just accept the blessing for what it is and say 'thank you?' Does that hurt? Instead of saying 'I want to be greeted this way' accept that someone thought enough about you to greet you at all, and they thought enough about you to give a part of them to you. Oh, how truly blessed you are to receive such a wonderful thing. Gratitude, friends, is what you give in return, and perhaps a heartfelt wish from you to them.

We enjoy so much freedom in this country. Think of the people who live in a place where Christianity is not the majority. Can they say Merry Christmas without fear? In this place, we say what we want, believe what we will, and live among many differences. Let us celebrate that! Have a Happy Everyday!

Why should one person hide their beliefs just because another may or may not believe the same thing? Freedom of religion applies to everyone. You are free to practice something that is not what the majority follows, and I am free to say Merry Christmas or Happy Yule as I choose.

Forget PC, whatever happened to freedom of expression?

I know this debate has been around for years, but the sheer volume of it this year is painful to me. It is one rare point where my mother and I agree. Say what you mean. If a Jew does not appreciate being wished a Merry Christmas, wish them one anyway if that is what you believe. The love you share with others will be felt by them whether your words have meaning to them or not.

Namaste
The divine within me bows to the divine within you.

This is Why I Have a Blog

My supervisor will now have the same name in each subsequent blogs. I have called this person many a thing, including simply Sup. Sup will now be referred to as Adolf.

A few months ago, a new employee was hired who they put in the cube right behind me. The cubicles are open in that direction, so I could turn around and speak to her whenever I wished. This person and I got along very well, we hit it off right away and I am happy to say she attained the level of friend quite quickly. Adolf, however, has a problem with that.

We have been told that we talk too much and too loudly. Personally, I think who cares? If no one is complaining of us disturbing them, and we're still getting our work done, who cares if we get along? In fact, my productivity improved when she came along. My friend was hired into a new position within the company, and was supposed to be moved to another area at the beginning of next year. In spite, Adolf had her moved today, directly after we were told we were talking too much and too loudly after we took 20 seconds to say good morning and I gave her a gift.

I applied for another position in the department (however under a different supervisor) but I know I won't get it. I wonder if Adolf had a problem with me because I wanted to go to another group, and that's why we were getting picked on. Some of the other people in the department were amazed, they admited to us that they talk as much if not more, and nothing has ever been said to them.

I can't work this way. I don't understand why Adolf feels the need to control me. I am not a servant of anyone, least of all my supervisor. It is so hard to work when you are afraid to say good morning lest you be yelled at for talking too much, or when you are afraid to get up from your seat to get water or go to the bathroom lest you be accused of not getting any work done. I have enough to worry about after the accident (get the car looked at, get a doctor who will follow up) than to worry about Adolf appearing behind me wondering what I'm doing all day.

Clearly, blogging is the answer! See, I'm doing this to prove a point. I believe I do more and better work when someone I get along with is nearby. That someone has been moved, therefore what I produce in a day will diminish. The last thing I want to do is be here right now as it is. If, as I think, I don't get the position I applied for, I'm going to need to get out anyway. I'm not getting any better in this situation.