Ahhh...March 31st. D-day. Well, at least for most government departments. It's the last day of the current fiscal year. Tomorrow is a new day, new money (well, we assume and only if the budget ever comes in on time) and new challenges.
And as part of this new fiscal cycle, that also means a new learning plan for me and a closing out of my old plan. This plan is really my goals and objectives for the year in terms of work, career progression and learning needs. I must say that our department is quite amazing at following through on these plans and they really do measure us to these plans. I'm really happy with the outcomes and my boss was gracious in her praise, provided extremely supportive comments to help me get out of my box and to be better than I can be, and basically, extremely pleased with my work. So good, I'm not fired...at least not for another year. That's always a plus.
But on the flip side of good news like this, there is always drama at the workplace, personalities to deal with and just crap jobs that I don't want to do. But work really is just work. And I was suddenly given another reminder that even though we should take work seriously, it really is not the end all be all.
Recently, my ex co-worker and friend had a stroke and sustained head injuries when she fell while having the stroke. She's currently on life support and I'm not really sure what's going to happen. However, the updates do not look good and I'm cautiously optimistic. I'm glad that the family has come together to be by her side, to assist with getting her back to Vancouver (as she was down in Palm Springs when this happened), and they are truly pulling together as a family to be strong for one another.
There honestly isn't much I can do to help her get better except to send good vibes, hope for the best and visit...even though she won't know I'm there. But if this isn't a reality check and reminder for me to just leave work at work, I don't know what is. I've been good at doing it in the past, I just have to keep on remembering. Life can change in an instant and you can lose all that is important to you in your life.
Thinking of you Helen.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Online sales
I've been an active Ebayer lately. And that's because I'm selling a whole bunch of Coke items. Some have done better than others. But either way, it's money in the bank. I told some of my co-workers about this and they started to cut deals with me...i.e. I'll give you 10% of whatever this sells if you set this online to sell. Seriously, it's easy money. If you can't take a picture and describe an item, then it's free money to me.
However, to sell textbooks online for somebody? That's going to take some talent and I probably won't even do it. I find it a little more difficult and if it requires shipping and handling too...then it ends up costing too much. But maybe I'm the one doing something wrong and not selling this stuff right to make a profit.
Who knows? But I think it's just best that I stick to what I know....
However, to sell textbooks online for somebody? That's going to take some talent and I probably won't even do it. I find it a little more difficult and if it requires shipping and handling too...then it ends up costing too much. But maybe I'm the one doing something wrong and not selling this stuff right to make a profit.
Who knows? But I think it's just best that I stick to what I know....
Alarms
My office is just about finished their renovation. It's been weeks. And I can't even keep track of all the renos. However, it's taken much too long...but I am thankful that our kitchen finally has a sink...that works...and I don't have to read another update about it.
But the one thing that they goofed up on, at least for a day was to keep the alarm chime on. OMG. Do you know how many times the doors open in the office. And it would just keep chiming.
I guess I muttered under my breath about this chiming and my co-worker next to me mentioned that this chiming was nothing. I thought she was on crack. She said that the way her system is set up at home, when you have the chime on, that means everytime you open the door, you hear the alarm chiming as if you were setting it on and there's a male voice that blurts out "FRONT DOOR OPEN." And apparently it's not quiet. She says she sticks with her system because it's a heck of a lot cheaper than other home security systems around. Hmmmm. I don't think hearing all that noise is worth it!
But the one thing that they goofed up on, at least for a day was to keep the alarm chime on. OMG. Do you know how many times the doors open in the office. And it would just keep chiming.
I guess I muttered under my breath about this chiming and my co-worker next to me mentioned that this chiming was nothing. I thought she was on crack. She said that the way her system is set up at home, when you have the chime on, that means everytime you open the door, you hear the alarm chiming as if you were setting it on and there's a male voice that blurts out "FRONT DOOR OPEN." And apparently it's not quiet. She says she sticks with her system because it's a heck of a lot cheaper than other home security systems around. Hmmmm. I don't think hearing all that noise is worth it!
Monday, March 29, 2010
School
I recently went to my daughter's parent-teacher conference. Or should I say, student led conference. Basically my daughter walked me through everything that I would want to know about her life and her work at school. The teacher provided a checklist for her so she could ensure that everything was covered. Interesting way of doing things. And I suppose what they call empowering.
It was kind of neat to see all the different activities, how they learn math, and what level my daugher could truly read at. But what was most amazing to me was how much she's learned in terms of reading and writing. I was actually stunned. At the beginning of the year, everything was sounded out and it was painful to read.
"I red a buk." Ouch.
But by the last entry, she had written full sentences, fully articulated how she felt about something, described something in detail and had no spelling mistakes. It was really incredible!
Nice job to my kid for grasping all of it...but thank you to this teacher and all the other teachers that help our children learn such amazing things!
It was kind of neat to see all the different activities, how they learn math, and what level my daugher could truly read at. But what was most amazing to me was how much she's learned in terms of reading and writing. I was actually stunned. At the beginning of the year, everything was sounded out and it was painful to read.
"I red a buk." Ouch.
But by the last entry, she had written full sentences, fully articulated how she felt about something, described something in detail and had no spelling mistakes. It was really incredible!
Nice job to my kid for grasping all of it...but thank you to this teacher and all the other teachers that help our children learn such amazing things!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Work
I was having lunch with someone today and they were telling me their current daycare nightmare. Basically, they can't find anything for their little one. And the husband basically isn't working but is looking for employment.
Wow. That's a tough one. Because with one person out of work, basically the other person's paycheque is paying for everything else...and the cost of daycare these days, well, that's a whole cheque, if not more.
I'm not quite sure how she is going to find daycare either. I put one of my kids on a number of wait lists...and I had 2 centres that called me back...just to find out if I'm still interested.
Since my time of looking for daycare, apparently many of the daycares now are asking people to pay an annual fee to just to keep their name on a waitlist. OMG. That is insane. It's only been a small number of years since I've had to look and secure daycare. Let's just say, I feel terrible for this co-worker and I hope she finds something soon. Talk about a STRESS inducing situation!
Ugh. No drama for me please.
Wow. That's a tough one. Because with one person out of work, basically the other person's paycheque is paying for everything else...and the cost of daycare these days, well, that's a whole cheque, if not more.
I'm not quite sure how she is going to find daycare either. I put one of my kids on a number of wait lists...and I had 2 centres that called me back...just to find out if I'm still interested.
Since my time of looking for daycare, apparently many of the daycares now are asking people to pay an annual fee to just to keep their name on a waitlist. OMG. That is insane. It's only been a small number of years since I've had to look and secure daycare. Let's just say, I feel terrible for this co-worker and I hope she finds something soon. Talk about a STRESS inducing situation!
Ugh. No drama for me please.
Celebrities
How many celebrities do adult acne ads? Ummm...more than I can think of. Anytime I see this one product that deals with this issue, it seems like it's a different person each time. Seriously? These ads must pay these celebrities good money or the celebrities are not selling the product quick enough.
But wow. It's like a revolving door!!! Well, if they ever want to use me as a spokesperson, I'd be happy to oblige.
But wow. It's like a revolving door!!! Well, if they ever want to use me as a spokesperson, I'd be happy to oblige.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Back to Work
Well, it's obvious not much has changed at work. I know I've been gone a month and hoped for a miracle. But so much for wishful thinking.
Some folks are still crazy. Some demands are just stupid. Some are just as negative. And some rules, just don't make sense.
And now that my eyes have been opened to the "other" side, the other side does seem appealing. Don't get me wrong, I'm not giving up my government job because let's be honest, it's not financially sound in the long run and security is not something you can buy these days.
But the thought of getting things done because of rules that make sense, the thought of being able to think outside the box and being rewarded for it is very appealing. I hope to bring some of that experience back into my office. But already, there seems to be resistance to that. And it's a shame. I don't feel bad because they're not accepting my own personal ideas, but it's the fact that sometimes new ideas are just thrown aside because it's easy to and rules allow us to.
Ideas from me may not generate the answer to anything. But it can be the spark that leads someone to think of a great idea. And isn't that worth exploring?
I just think I'm extra sensitive to the negativity at the workplace and to the things I dislike about my environment. Don't get me wrong, it's really not that bad compared to some places I've worked. But gosh, being positive most of the time and being shot down almost all the time seems like a lot of wasted energy some days.
Some folks are still crazy. Some demands are just stupid. Some are just as negative. And some rules, just don't make sense.
And now that my eyes have been opened to the "other" side, the other side does seem appealing. Don't get me wrong, I'm not giving up my government job because let's be honest, it's not financially sound in the long run and security is not something you can buy these days.
But the thought of getting things done because of rules that make sense, the thought of being able to think outside the box and being rewarded for it is very appealing. I hope to bring some of that experience back into my office. But already, there seems to be resistance to that. And it's a shame. I don't feel bad because they're not accepting my own personal ideas, but it's the fact that sometimes new ideas are just thrown aside because it's easy to and rules allow us to.
Ideas from me may not generate the answer to anything. But it can be the spark that leads someone to think of a great idea. And isn't that worth exploring?
I just think I'm extra sensitive to the negativity at the workplace and to the things I dislike about my environment. Don't get me wrong, it's really not that bad compared to some places I've worked. But gosh, being positive most of the time and being shot down almost all the time seems like a lot of wasted energy some days.
Cleanses
One time I tried this cleanse...let's just say it didn't go too well. I couldn't stand the drops that went into the water. GAG. So let's just say I didn't get through the cleanse. Yet everybody that I know that goes through it just has the most amazing experience!
I've read some other reviews, such as the colonix reviews, to see what it can do. Maybe because it's in pill form, it would be easier to deal with?
But the other interesting thing is that my husband has gone through a couple of colonoscopies. They drink this nasty liquid and basically makes you a volcano on the wrong end while you sit on the toilet and expel everything out of your system before they stick a camera inside of you. He likes to stay awake and see what the camera is seeing...and basically, his insides are clear. So he thinks cleanses are a bit of a lie.
So I'm not sure. I feel pretty good...so I don't think I really need it.
I've read some other reviews, such as the colonix reviews, to see what it can do. Maybe because it's in pill form, it would be easier to deal with?
But the other interesting thing is that my husband has gone through a couple of colonoscopies. They drink this nasty liquid and basically makes you a volcano on the wrong end while you sit on the toilet and expel everything out of your system before they stick a camera inside of you. He likes to stay awake and see what the camera is seeing...and basically, his insides are clear. So he thinks cleanses are a bit of a lie.
So I'm not sure. I feel pretty good...so I don't think I really need it.
Wrinkles
Getting older isn't always fun. It's true...I'm seeing the big crow's feet by my eyes. And some smaller wrinkles around my face. I always mocked products that have Q13 or whatever enzyme in the cream to decrease the look of wrinkles. Ummm...suddenly, they're looking a little more appealing.
Someone mentioned strivectin sd. Seems like an interesting product. But it seems a bit on the expensive side. Hmmm...does the cost of the item make up for the fact that I don't want as many wrinkles?
Well, I don't know how much I'd actually fork up. I'm hoping that good genes and good skin will be in my favour.
Someone mentioned strivectin sd. Seems like an interesting product. But it seems a bit on the expensive side. Hmmm...does the cost of the item make up for the fact that I don't want as many wrinkles?
Well, I don't know how much I'd actually fork up. I'm hoping that good genes and good skin will be in my favour.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Post Olympics
Well, my time with Coca-Cola and the Olympics has come and gone. I'm in withdrawal. I started my journey with Coca-Cola during the summer of 2009. From that period on until February, I had communication from the company...but it didn't feel real. When I started my training on February 6th, only then did the journey really start for me.
And even though I knew it would be an interesting aspect of my life, I never thought it could be so amazing. For a 3 week gig, it has been the best job of my life with so many incredible experiences.
First of all, Coca-Cola really is an amazing employer. I'm sure if I stuck with them long enough, maybe I'd start seeing the "not so great stuff" that is in every workplace. But during my time with them, I was struck with how they treat their employees well so that their employees will work extra hard for them. For example, 2 buffet meals were provided to me each day while on a 10 hour shift. Ummm...we are talking about AMAZING buffets. I got free massages. Every time it was time for the next wave of guests to come through, we got great gifts to thank us on doing an amazing job with our guests in the previous wave. I had the most supportive and wonderful manager. She trusted us to do our job and never hovered. She was so amazingly supportive. And more importantly, everybody was part of a team there. No matter who I called, they graciously helped me with my questions until I got what I needed. No attitude. No painful questioning. Just pure support with a smile on their face. And I'm not kidding when EVERYBODY lived the mantra of "there is no problem here, only solutions." I even heard someone say that with a smile and then proceeded to actually find a solution to something that was difficult.
Having an amazing employer at any time in your career is rare. So I really cherish this and knowing what an incredible workplace could be like.
Secondly, I loved all the innovation that Coca-Cola has! Besides amazing products that were available, they also had amazing machines! Oh, I'm such a geek. My favourite was the FreeStyle machine. Basically, over 100+ flavours...and you can pick and choose. So my favourite to date is the Strawberry Fanta and Grape Sprite. Yeah, you get the idea. But in terms of innovation, they really are out of the box thinkers. I was at a hotel downtown, and because they wanted a unique hospitality lounge, they drained the swimming pool and built the hospitality tent OVER the pool. Functioning kitchen, bar, electricity, etc. And it was STUNNING.
Thirdly, I was in awe of the people I met. Yes, the staff were amazing...all of them with very unique stories. Many having worked previous Olympics which made them even more interesting. And the guests that I met? Well, if I were not on this program, I would never meet them in real life. Here's a small sample of folks:
* founder of Fox Productions, communications mogul for Expedia, Paramount
* famous artist
* co-founder of Black-Berry
* billionaires (yes, more than 1)
* CEOs of major corporations and magazines
* paralympians and olympic athletes that have won previous medals
* worked with a descendent of Benjamin Franklin
I could go on and on. And honestly, 99.8% were all amazing people, gracious and sweet. To hear some of their stories and just to chat with them on a regular basis was so wild for me. I know that in my regular life, I would never have a chance to meet these people.
Fourthly, I got to go to some amazing events. My favourite being the Closing Ceremonies. I was so happy to go...but I have to admit, I was incredibly sad at the same time. If there was ever a time that I wanted all my family and friends to be with me, that was definitely one of those times. It was such an incredible event that I only wanted to share with everybody I knew.
And last but not least, Coka-Cola has the biggest and most incredible parties EVER. Yes, an acrobat. Yes, a whole bar made out of ice with a special coke ice sculpture that you pour your drink into to make extra cold. Yes, amazing food. Yes, amazing entertainers.
To truly summarize my experience with Coca-Cola would be extremely difficult. As my manager said to me at training, "you will experience something that nobody else can understand except for those that have been on the program. You will be left with only amazing memories that will change your life and your outlook on life forever." I didn't quite believe her...but it's obvious she knows what she's talking about.
So, I look forward with the hopes of doing the summer olympics at London 2012 with Coca-Cola again. But if it doesn't pan out, then I am left with the bestest memories and for that, I am so grateful.
And even though I knew it would be an interesting aspect of my life, I never thought it could be so amazing. For a 3 week gig, it has been the best job of my life with so many incredible experiences.
First of all, Coca-Cola really is an amazing employer. I'm sure if I stuck with them long enough, maybe I'd start seeing the "not so great stuff" that is in every workplace. But during my time with them, I was struck with how they treat their employees well so that their employees will work extra hard for them. For example, 2 buffet meals were provided to me each day while on a 10 hour shift. Ummm...we are talking about AMAZING buffets. I got free massages. Every time it was time for the next wave of guests to come through, we got great gifts to thank us on doing an amazing job with our guests in the previous wave. I had the most supportive and wonderful manager. She trusted us to do our job and never hovered. She was so amazingly supportive. And more importantly, everybody was part of a team there. No matter who I called, they graciously helped me with my questions until I got what I needed. No attitude. No painful questioning. Just pure support with a smile on their face. And I'm not kidding when EVERYBODY lived the mantra of "there is no problem here, only solutions." I even heard someone say that with a smile and then proceeded to actually find a solution to something that was difficult.
Having an amazing employer at any time in your career is rare. So I really cherish this and knowing what an incredible workplace could be like.
Secondly, I loved all the innovation that Coca-Cola has! Besides amazing products that were available, they also had amazing machines! Oh, I'm such a geek. My favourite was the FreeStyle machine. Basically, over 100+ flavours...and you can pick and choose. So my favourite to date is the Strawberry Fanta and Grape Sprite. Yeah, you get the idea. But in terms of innovation, they really are out of the box thinkers. I was at a hotel downtown, and because they wanted a unique hospitality lounge, they drained the swimming pool and built the hospitality tent OVER the pool. Functioning kitchen, bar, electricity, etc. And it was STUNNING.
Thirdly, I was in awe of the people I met. Yes, the staff were amazing...all of them with very unique stories. Many having worked previous Olympics which made them even more interesting. And the guests that I met? Well, if I were not on this program, I would never meet them in real life. Here's a small sample of folks:
* founder of Fox Productions, communications mogul for Expedia, Paramount
* famous artist
* co-founder of Black-Berry
* billionaires (yes, more than 1)
* CEOs of major corporations and magazines
* paralympians and olympic athletes that have won previous medals
* worked with a descendent of Benjamin Franklin
I could go on and on. And honestly, 99.8% were all amazing people, gracious and sweet. To hear some of their stories and just to chat with them on a regular basis was so wild for me. I know that in my regular life, I would never have a chance to meet these people.
Fourthly, I got to go to some amazing events. My favourite being the Closing Ceremonies. I was so happy to go...but I have to admit, I was incredibly sad at the same time. If there was ever a time that I wanted all my family and friends to be with me, that was definitely one of those times. It was such an incredible event that I only wanted to share with everybody I knew.
And last but not least, Coka-Cola has the biggest and most incredible parties EVER. Yes, an acrobat. Yes, a whole bar made out of ice with a special coke ice sculpture that you pour your drink into to make extra cold. Yes, amazing food. Yes, amazing entertainers.
To truly summarize my experience with Coca-Cola would be extremely difficult. As my manager said to me at training, "you will experience something that nobody else can understand except for those that have been on the program. You will be left with only amazing memories that will change your life and your outlook on life forever." I didn't quite believe her...but it's obvious she knows what she's talking about.
So, I look forward with the hopes of doing the summer olympics at London 2012 with Coca-Cola again. But if it doesn't pan out, then I am left with the bestest memories and for that, I am so grateful.
Camera
My dad recently bought a new camera which meant I got to have his other camera. And I'm so stoked as it's a Nikon camera that I think is really nice! And timing was perfect because my little idiot proof one just broke. Guess it wasn't so idiot proof.
But I had to buy some small accessories, i.e. a USB cord and the memory card. Small price to pay for a camera! Tried Best Buy and they answered my questions well enough. I just wanted to get my purchases quickly so I could try out the camera!
Oh, I don't know why I didn't shovel money out for a nicer camera before?! It really does make all the difference in the world. I feel like a whole new world has also opened to me. I don't think I have a real clue, but I guess if I read enough and experiment, that should be good enough for now.
The best part is that my kids are willing to help me with my experiment. Good...because I've got a lot of experimenting to do.
But I had to buy some small accessories, i.e. a USB cord and the memory card. Small price to pay for a camera! Tried Best Buy and they answered my questions well enough. I just wanted to get my purchases quickly so I could try out the camera!
Oh, I don't know why I didn't shovel money out for a nicer camera before?! It really does make all the difference in the world. I feel like a whole new world has also opened to me. I don't think I have a real clue, but I guess if I read enough and experiment, that should be good enough for now.
The best part is that my kids are willing to help me with my experiment. Good...because I've got a lot of experimenting to do.
E-bay
I love e-bay. I used to go on there everyday looking for my damn Disney antenna balls. But after a while, I gave that up. I can't believe I spent THAT much on stupid balls. However, I love them and wouldn't trade them.
Lately, I've been on E-bay again as I'm looking for certain 2010 Olympic stuff. It really is amazing how much and what kinds of stuff people can buy on there. Books, jewellery, anything for your hobbies. But honestly, there is some stuff I wouldn't want to buy just because of shipping and handling. All the tv stands, lamps and other big item stuff? Ummm...I think I'll just buy it new here. Thanks.
Anyways, let's see what gems I find today....
Lately, I've been on E-bay again as I'm looking for certain 2010 Olympic stuff. It really is amazing how much and what kinds of stuff people can buy on there. Books, jewellery, anything for your hobbies. But honestly, there is some stuff I wouldn't want to buy just because of shipping and handling. All the tv stands, lamps and other big item stuff? Ummm...I think I'll just buy it new here. Thanks.
Anyways, let's see what gems I find today....
Pictures
Oh, it's almost that time of year again. Pictures for grad. As my kids go to Chinese school on the weekend at a high school, I see all the grafitti, club notices and photo graduation announcements that go along with it.
EVERY time I step into the high school, I hate it. My high school life wasn't that bad, but it's not a period of my life that I wish to redo over again. Though there are some folks in my life that would pretty much sell their soul to go back to high school. Ummmm...no thanks. I'd redo university again, but that's about it.
I'm quite digging the 30s and I plan to stick with that age for a while.
EVERY time I step into the high school, I hate it. My high school life wasn't that bad, but it's not a period of my life that I wish to redo over again. Though there are some folks in my life that would pretty much sell their soul to go back to high school. Ummmm...no thanks. I'd redo university again, but that's about it.
I'm quite digging the 30s and I plan to stick with that age for a while.
Responsibilities
With kids, a whole new batch of responsibilities come into your life. Some I was ready for. And some, you just have to make yourself ready for. I never thought much of life insurance...it seemed like I was betting on my own life.
But now with kids, in the event that anything happened to me, I want to make sure that I have something in place for them so that they are taken care of. Not only did I go out and get term life insurance, but I also have a life insurance policy that is for a very long duration. Pros and cons to each, but I had my reasons for getting both.
It's not that I want to die anytime soon...but my family deserves to be ok in the event that I go. If you haven't thought about it, think about it. That's my PSA for today.
But now with kids, in the event that anything happened to me, I want to make sure that I have something in place for them so that they are taken care of. Not only did I go out and get term life insurance, but I also have a life insurance policy that is for a very long duration. Pros and cons to each, but I had my reasons for getting both.
It's not that I want to die anytime soon...but my family deserves to be ok in the event that I go. If you haven't thought about it, think about it. That's my PSA for today.
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