I have a pen pal that I just adore. She's from Wrexam, UK. I had to look for that place on the map! Never even heard of it.
The other day she had written me and was just talking about her life, current renovations at her house, her family, etc. Just normal stuff which I love. But she asked me a question about invitations. She had received a Christmas dinner invitation...and this was a couple of weeks ago...is it too early?
Really? Do I even have to think about this one?! YES. It's too early for a Christmas invitation. YES, it's too early for the Christmas trees to be out at Costco. YES, I think that Christmas stuff should not be out until after Rememberance Day.
Seriously, I will go bonkers if Christmas becomes a year round event.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Decisions
Sometimes, I can only shake my head at the decisions that managers make. However, I also understand that some decisions are made because of reasons that are unknown to peons such as myself. I accept that. These folks get paid the "big" money to determine certain things, to stick by their decision and live with the consequences.
However, there are times that even peons like me need to say something. One of my co-workers basically was denied some training. The reasons, well, there didn't seem to be any. And the option provided did not make sense. And even the director was somewhat confused.
Today was not a good day for management to be confused or to make a crazy deciion about denying someone's training for no reason or a mediocre reason.
As the learning coordinator in the office, I have a responsibility to ensure that certain training happens. If training is denied, it better be for a good reason.
I marched into the director's office, talked about the act that governs this type of training, talked about the reasons why this person should not be denied, gave him the history, etc. I laid it on pretty thick because it just didn't make sense she was denied. Now, even though I laid it on thick, I know I was respectful. This was about standing up for a fellow employee.
And who knows? Best case scenario is that this decision is reversed. But I don't know unless I try. I'm hoping for some good news for my fellow co-worker.
However, there are times that even peons like me need to say something. One of my co-workers basically was denied some training. The reasons, well, there didn't seem to be any. And the option provided did not make sense. And even the director was somewhat confused.
Today was not a good day for management to be confused or to make a crazy deciion about denying someone's training for no reason or a mediocre reason.
As the learning coordinator in the office, I have a responsibility to ensure that certain training happens. If training is denied, it better be for a good reason.
I marched into the director's office, talked about the act that governs this type of training, talked about the reasons why this person should not be denied, gave him the history, etc. I laid it on pretty thick because it just didn't make sense she was denied. Now, even though I laid it on thick, I know I was respectful. This was about standing up for a fellow employee.
And who knows? Best case scenario is that this decision is reversed. But I don't know unless I try. I'm hoping for some good news for my fellow co-worker.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Connections
I like connecting with friends and family. But I also love making new connections, you never know where they may lead!
As many of you know, I had made a connection with an author that I absolutely love and adore. I actually got an opportunity to have drinks with her in Vegas. And then when she stopped in town while writing one of her books, she actually gave me a shout and we had dinner together. It was fantastic! And all of this took place because of 1 e-mail.
I recently made a connection with another author again through e-mail. This author had written her first book and I thought it was just such an amazing read! Oh, I can't gush enough about it. So I wrote her and told her about it. And I also started reading her blog and it's amazing. She lives in Paris and since I've been there, I can picture what she's explaining and I've been to some places she's blogging about.
Honestly, I don't expect responses from authors because they get a ton of fan mail. But I was so delighted that I received a personalized e-mail from her. I know for most folks, this is on the "stupid" end of things to do. But I just love this kind of stuff! And really, what if I got to meet her too?! I would love to go to Paris to meet her! And so up my alley of things to do.
So, another item to add to the bucket list rather than tick off. Can't wait to finally tick it off!
As many of you know, I had made a connection with an author that I absolutely love and adore. I actually got an opportunity to have drinks with her in Vegas. And then when she stopped in town while writing one of her books, she actually gave me a shout and we had dinner together. It was fantastic! And all of this took place because of 1 e-mail.
I recently made a connection with another author again through e-mail. This author had written her first book and I thought it was just such an amazing read! Oh, I can't gush enough about it. So I wrote her and told her about it. And I also started reading her blog and it's amazing. She lives in Paris and since I've been there, I can picture what she's explaining and I've been to some places she's blogging about.
Honestly, I don't expect responses from authors because they get a ton of fan mail. But I was so delighted that I received a personalized e-mail from her. I know for most folks, this is on the "stupid" end of things to do. But I just love this kind of stuff! And really, what if I got to meet her too?! I would love to go to Paris to meet her! And so up my alley of things to do.
So, another item to add to the bucket list rather than tick off. Can't wait to finally tick it off!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Productive Weekend
Saturday wasn't that productive. But I got the girls to swimming, finished up a movie with my husband and just chillaxed a bit. I needed it.
But Sunday, for whatever reason was a very productive one. This included taking the kids to the aquarium, taking them to a birthday party, deleting over 8,000 emails (updates, junk, etc), uploaded 700 photos and categorized them, packed up clothes that are going back to a friend, moved all my scrapbooking stuff to a different area that's hidden to give me back 3 feet of my bedroom, and all the other chores to get ready for the week. So even though Saturday was a complete write off, I think I made up for it on Sunday.
And now I'm pooped!!!
But Sunday, for whatever reason was a very productive one. This included taking the kids to the aquarium, taking them to a birthday party, deleting over 8,000 emails (updates, junk, etc), uploaded 700 photos and categorized them, packed up clothes that are going back to a friend, moved all my scrapbooking stuff to a different area that's hidden to give me back 3 feet of my bedroom, and all the other chores to get ready for the week. So even though Saturday was a complete write off, I think I made up for it on Sunday.
And now I'm pooped!!!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Bashing
I have 2 people on my Facebook page that I would consider acquaintances. I used to work with them a number of years ago. They seemed like neat peeople however, I must say, I was somewhat suprised when they said they were getting married!
But off to the wedding I went wishing them the very best. And years later, I went to the baby shower as they introduced their newborn to everybody.
Fast forward a couple more years and things are not so good. In fact, they announced their separation on Facebook with a status change. Well, that's a good way to get news out fast. And things seemed amicable between them.
But now, one side has decided to air out every piece of dirty laundry in the marriage and constantly bashing the other person. We're not talking about light bashing, we are talking about full on stuff. The other person has not eeked out one word about the other ex spouse and has kept their Facebook statuses about their life only.
I'll be the first to admit that I don't know what happened between the two to bring about this situation. All I know is that there is a time and place for news...and I don't think Facebook statuses for stuff like this is appropriate. But that's social media for you...anything and everything goes. I find that the more I read from the basher, the more upset I get at this person because it's just juvenile and utterly disrespectful to those that are still friends with the other spouse. And really, puts the basher in a terrible light. I'm not saying they have nothing to complain about. And what if the kids are reading all of this crap? Ugh.
It might be time to do another deletion of folks of my Facebook.
But off to the wedding I went wishing them the very best. And years later, I went to the baby shower as they introduced their newborn to everybody.
Fast forward a couple more years and things are not so good. In fact, they announced their separation on Facebook with a status change. Well, that's a good way to get news out fast. And things seemed amicable between them.
But now, one side has decided to air out every piece of dirty laundry in the marriage and constantly bashing the other person. We're not talking about light bashing, we are talking about full on stuff. The other person has not eeked out one word about the other ex spouse and has kept their Facebook statuses about their life only.
I'll be the first to admit that I don't know what happened between the two to bring about this situation. All I know is that there is a time and place for news...and I don't think Facebook statuses for stuff like this is appropriate. But that's social media for you...anything and everything goes. I find that the more I read from the basher, the more upset I get at this person because it's just juvenile and utterly disrespectful to those that are still friends with the other spouse. And really, puts the basher in a terrible light. I'm not saying they have nothing to complain about. And what if the kids are reading all of this crap? Ugh.
It might be time to do another deletion of folks of my Facebook.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Block Party 2010
Oh, another year, another block party. This year was a little earlier than usual. And I love going these block parties...but it also lets me know the passage of time. i.e. the summer is coming to an end real fast!
These parties are always a nice reminder that we do have some great neighbours. I get to catch up with people, the kids play on the street and there is always good food and conversation.
Honestly, people's lives are just so uniquely fascinating. I just find my neighbours to lead interesting lives and they have interesting jobs. There is one couple that are performers and they travel around the world. One neighour used to be a spy. One is a cop. One is a stay at home dad. One is a scientist. Totally neat jobs and great stories to go with it.
This year, my husband outlasted me and he stayed out way later than I did. And good...he seems to rarely see our neighbours.
So, to another great block party. Time to enjoy the rest of the summer before it's back to school for the kids.
These parties are always a nice reminder that we do have some great neighbours. I get to catch up with people, the kids play on the street and there is always good food and conversation.
Honestly, people's lives are just so uniquely fascinating. I just find my neighbours to lead interesting lives and they have interesting jobs. There is one couple that are performers and they travel around the world. One neighour used to be a spy. One is a cop. One is a stay at home dad. One is a scientist. Totally neat jobs and great stories to go with it.
This year, my husband outlasted me and he stayed out way later than I did. And good...he seems to rarely see our neighbours.
So, to another great block party. Time to enjoy the rest of the summer before it's back to school for the kids.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Trip Planning
Seems like I've been helping all my co-workers plan their trips this summer! I should be upset that I'm not going anywhere. But I'm suprisingly not. I'm having fun telling them all the places I visited, happy to talk about my adventures while there, the food, the culture...all of it.
And I'm extra happy as they are starting to get excited about their own trips! You can just see that they can't wait to get going. It'll be great when they come back and I get to see how the cities have changed.
Travelling and seeing the world is an amazing experience. In hindsight, I wish I did more and lived more in the moment while younger. Can you believe it, I was busy trying to save money?! I can't wait for these folks to have amazing adventures!!!
And I'm extra happy as they are starting to get excited about their own trips! You can just see that they can't wait to get going. It'll be great when they come back and I get to see how the cities have changed.
Travelling and seeing the world is an amazing experience. In hindsight, I wish I did more and lived more in the moment while younger. Can you believe it, I was busy trying to save money?! I can't wait for these folks to have amazing adventures!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)