OK, today is the first day of school - please to enjoy:
Given that the summer started like this, it's been an entire summer of me mostly looking forward to the return of fall. Of course, this was also one of he coldest summers I can remember, and yesterday it decided to get hot - 101 to be exact. I knew this was going to be the year that Halloween is over 100, and of course The Boys will want to be something heavily clothed and furry - a Wookie maybe? In the years where it is 50 degrees on Halloween, they want to be Michael Phelps...
Two days ago, in an apparent olive branch gesture, and a complete 180 from the 2nd day of summer break, The Boys got themselves up, and made themselves breakfast, cleared their dishes, brushed their teeth and got dressed. I was so stunned at the thoughtfulness of this simple act, that I thought I'd woken up in a parallel universe.
On to the random thoughts in my brain. A blog I follow had the most famous image of the effects of Minamata disease, and not knowing what that even was I looked it up here. One of the paragraphs that struck me was:
"When the first cases were reported and subsequently suppressed, the rights of the victims were not recognised, and they were given no compensation. Instead, the afflicted were ostracised from their community due to ignorance about the disease, as people were afraid that it was contagious."
If you keep this in mind for the next generations of the Gulf Coast of he U.S. you would do well. For although we do now know the effect of petrochemicals on humans and other living things, the company responsible is denying that there will be lasting impact, and has minimized the damage all along.
I was also reading Esquire this morning and contemplating the 11 people who lost their lives, and the article chronicling their lives so that we do not forget the first 11 to die from this disaster.
All this to say that you should celebrate your family while you can and not believe people who will only make more money by lying to your face.
Happy Tuesday all!
Showing posts with label corporations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label corporations. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Take This Job and SHOVE IT
So, I'd debated on whether to weigh in on the Steven Slater story that has been making the news cycle, and then I decided that I can't let this slip by. This is mostly because I am constantly assaulted by the story every where I turn. On second thought, maybe I should re-examine where I'm turning. That's a post for another day.
If you are under a rock and this is your only outlet to the world, get a life, and search the story yourself. Too lazy to do that? You can see the essentials on this:
This version made me laugh. Yes, Out Loud.
So he is being heralded as a hero by every service worker everywhere, while the bougie elite can't understand what his problem is. I'm sure the right wing nuts will spin it into a bitchy queen story, and some b.s. about how this is what we face if we allow gays to marry. nice. try.
For me, this just verifies my theory that a sense of entitlement is dividing this country. I see it all the time. The person who thinks that whatever is going on in his/her life is far more important than you, your safety, your happiness, even your life. Compassion is thrown out the emergency exit, sans slide. I teach The Boys empathy and compassion, and people chastise me, telling me I'm turning them into doormats / future victims for a competitive world. I think these people have lost their moral compass (or it's going in circles).
If there is anything this world needs, it's compassion for our fellow inhabitants, not derision. I often find myself repeating that the people who do inconsiderate things must not have the presence of mind to do otherwise. Maybe they are going through a tough time of life, and I don't take it personally. But it really makes me wonder if there is a larger force at work when I encounter SO much of this.
Examples:
I am THE only person to wait for people exiting an elevator, while people who are BEHIND me are pushing past me, and running into the people exiting.
I am at a store and the person in front of me abandons her cart, while it is still between me and the register. I move it aside, and start unloading my cart. After she has been rung up, she pulls it back to where it was BLOCKING my route to the register, and then walks out.
I am walking in a cross walk, WITH the light, and a person drives in front of me by about a foot, across the cross walk to turn into a parking lot.
I am in line at the theater and a person walks up and stands right in front of me. After I point out where the end of the line is, the person just looks at me like I've grown another head, and STAYS in line. Did I mention talking on the phone the whole time?
I am assigning work to a TEMP at the office, and she tells me that she will not put together these binders because that's BELOW her.
I am working in a nature / science store and a small child knocks over a delicate glass piece shattering it. She goes to pick it up, and as I am telling her not to do so (because I don't want her to cut herself on the glass), her mother says, "Don't you touch that glass. That's what she's here for." in reference to me, and said with such disgust it was frightening.
I cannot possibly blame Steven for doing what he did - completely understandable. It could have perhaps been handled a bit better, but certainly not with more style.
For the 70's version of this story:
If you are under a rock and this is your only outlet to the world, get a life, and search the story yourself. Too lazy to do that? You can see the essentials on this:
This version made me laugh. Yes, Out Loud.
So he is being heralded as a hero by every service worker everywhere, while the bougie elite can't understand what his problem is. I'm sure the right wing nuts will spin it into a bitchy queen story, and some b.s. about how this is what we face if we allow gays to marry. nice. try.
For me, this just verifies my theory that a sense of entitlement is dividing this country. I see it all the time. The person who thinks that whatever is going on in his/her life is far more important than you, your safety, your happiness, even your life. Compassion is thrown out the emergency exit, sans slide. I teach The Boys empathy and compassion, and people chastise me, telling me I'm turning them into doormats / future victims for a competitive world. I think these people have lost their moral compass (or it's going in circles).
If there is anything this world needs, it's compassion for our fellow inhabitants, not derision. I often find myself repeating that the people who do inconsiderate things must not have the presence of mind to do otherwise. Maybe they are going through a tough time of life, and I don't take it personally. But it really makes me wonder if there is a larger force at work when I encounter SO much of this.
Examples:
I am THE only person to wait for people exiting an elevator, while people who are BEHIND me are pushing past me, and running into the people exiting.
I am at a store and the person in front of me abandons her cart, while it is still between me and the register. I move it aside, and start unloading my cart. After she has been rung up, she pulls it back to where it was BLOCKING my route to the register, and then walks out.
I am walking in a cross walk, WITH the light, and a person drives in front of me by about a foot, across the cross walk to turn into a parking lot.
I am in line at the theater and a person walks up and stands right in front of me. After I point out where the end of the line is, the person just looks at me like I've grown another head, and STAYS in line. Did I mention talking on the phone the whole time?
I am assigning work to a TEMP at the office, and she tells me that she will not put together these binders because that's BELOW her.
I am working in a nature / science store and a small child knocks over a delicate glass piece shattering it. She goes to pick it up, and as I am telling her not to do so (because I don't want her to cut herself on the glass), her mother says, "Don't you touch that glass. That's what she's here for." in reference to me, and said with such disgust it was frightening.
I cannot possibly blame Steven for doing what he did - completely understandable. It could have perhaps been handled a bit better, but certainly not with more style.
For the 70's version of this story:
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
I believe in angels
Woke up with this song going through my head - has been all day, especially the lyric above.
ABBA - I Have A Dream
Uploaded by djoik
Got a call from another cohort at work. Evidently my name is on a list of folks that have been surplussed. He wanted to know if I was taking the money and running, or looking to stay. When I told him I was looking to stay, he asked for my resume, and said he will advocate for me and my team for positions in his organization - YAY! Now I know why the song was in my head all morning.
This popped on in the car on my way to a photo walk:
I listened to this ENDLESSLY in High School. This clip actually had me laughing - remember the Solid Gold Dancers? Marilyn McCoo?
Later in the afternoon, this came across. Normally I wouldn't link to that website, and I wouldn't have if I could have found this version elsewhere, but I didn't. Ru Paul looks AWESOME! I admit to having an obsession with drag queens, and have written about it before.
During my walk I was able to see a couple of streets downtown that I normally do not get to walk. It was eye opening, and nice to slow down the pace and listen to the sounds of the area. I'll have some of the photos in my Friday post, and for Sunday Stills.
I was blown away last night after stumbling across this blog. Nick is only 20, but some of his thoughts are right on the money and I will be using some here. Yesterday's thought that completely hit it on the head for me: "Never let someone become so much of yourself that you lose yourself if you lose them. Love is a chance, not a guarantee…embrace what comes but never fight for what leaves." Nick gets it, and I look forward to reading how his philosophy evolves as he goes along.
My thought of the day, that was brought back to light recently is a quote from the movie Unbreakable, "The villain is the hero of his own story." Too true, and when you are too close to a situation to see the bigger picture, it is even more difficult to see this fact. It's true for normal people too. Many people are just going through their lives with blinders on, thinking that they are doing the right thing, the just thing, and not accepting the reality that their actions and words affect those around them, sometimes very profoundly, and sometimes for the worse. There is a sad lack of self reflection and evaluation. If you knew how badly things were going to turn out, would you have made the same decisions? Why, or why not? I've found that even major cluster fucks of life can provide the opportunity to learn about life, about yourself, about the worth of family and friends. In the immediate aftermath, I think we'd all say that we would do things differently, but after sometimes years of reflection, we find the lesson we were supposed to learn all along. It is then that we change to knowing why things happen, and why we wouldn't change a single thing.
And now some light hearted fair for your enjoyment:
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Just stuff
So the past two days have been difficult at work. Yesterday, I met with 4 of my team to tell them that they no longer have jobs. I also met with my boss so that he could tell me the same thing. We all knew it was coming, but it was still emotionally draining. I feel horrible for my people, and have no clue what I am going to do either.
I found the cartoon here. there are a couple I laughed at as well, worth checking out. Oh, and my company only recently came out with a social networking/blog code of conduct that all employees have to follow, and all of our stuff has to be compliant by 3/31. If I don't find an internal job, my last day will be 4/3. Somehow, not terribly motivated at this point in time.
On a better note, I had an interview this morning and it went pretty well. I'll know tomorrow if I got it or not.
Frugality update: Sis sent me some cool and cheap recipes, which I will try, and share here as I go along. We all had left overs for dinner tonight, and I packed my lunch today. Didn't spend any money at all except on paying bills (which was plenty).
I've been sucked into facebook, and understand why people call it crackbook, it can be addicting! I'm trying to join more photography groups and competitions, and see if I can get my name out there more, and maybe sell some stuff.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Words of encouragement
Today, I was sent the following:
Economic conditions are more affected by human beliefs and expectations than by oil prices or political concerns. This is true for you personally, as well as for everyone globally. Your personal finances are greatly influenced by your expectations and emotions, so it’s doubly important to keep your thoughts and feelings at as high a level as possible.
* Avoid any thoughts or discussions about blaming politicians, countries, or anyone else for your personal or the global economy. Placing blame upon others puts you in a victim role, energetically. This lowers your energies and causes you to attract more experiences of victimization.
* If you are around someone (including media reporters) who is making negative statements about money or the economy, silently (or aloud if the person is open-minded) say: “Cancel, Clear, Delete” or “In spiritual truth, we are all perfectly and abundantly supported. I now open my arms to receive and share plentifully.”
* Engage in activities that make you happy! Please don’t scrimp on hobbies or trips, but instead look at them as investments in your happiness, which is the most important influence in your personal economic conditions. When you are happy, you automatically attract and create new opportunities. Your happiness also lifts up the energies of those around you.
* Affirm frequently: “God is omnipresent love, wisdom, and creativity. I am forever one with God’s grace and love. I am completely supported in all ways by the love of God. I follow my Divine guidance along pathways of giving of selfless service, and receiving the support that God offers to everyone.”
* Keep your thoughts about other people’s finances at a very high level. Frequently affirm that we are all richly abundant in all ways. Avoid any pity thoughts about anyone, but do give donations and support as you are guided.
* Don’t worry about HOW your finances will be supported or resolved. Remember that God’s creativity, wisdom, and love is boundless. Your prayers will be answered in surprising, miraculous, and unexpected ways.
* Whenever you get a strong intuitive lead to do something positive, follow it without delay! Remember that God frequently answers your prayers by giving you strong and repetitive messages to take action. These messages may come to you as an emotional or physical feeling; an idea or inspiration; a vision or dream; or words that you hear. As you follow this guidance, you co-create the answer to your prayers.
Today I needed it!
I also worked "Wash and Set" into a conversation! Of course it was with my new hairdresser. This is my first cut in about 9 months, and I'll have to give it at least a day before reaching a verdict. She was a very good listener, and had some good suggestions - not just for my hair, but also for my interview hair style. I think she's pretty cool, so we'll see.
It's always a trauma for me to change people who care for me, be it doctor, dentist, massage therapist, chiropractor, you name it. Once I find someone I like and can work with, I stick with that person. It took me SEVEN years to find my last hair person, who I had for 10 years. The person before that, I had for 7 years and was my first "real" hair dresser. I've only had 2 dentists my entire life. You get the point.
We were also discussing what one thing you would have as a daily indulgence, if money were no object. Mine is a daily shampoo, thus the was & set conversation. I find it very relaxing.
Here's to new hair!
Economic conditions are more affected by human beliefs and expectations than by oil prices or political concerns. This is true for you personally, as well as for everyone globally. Your personal finances are greatly influenced by your expectations and emotions, so it’s doubly important to keep your thoughts and feelings at as high a level as possible.
* Avoid any thoughts or discussions about blaming politicians, countries, or anyone else for your personal or the global economy. Placing blame upon others puts you in a victim role, energetically. This lowers your energies and causes you to attract more experiences of victimization.
* If you are around someone (including media reporters) who is making negative statements about money or the economy, silently (or aloud if the person is open-minded) say: “Cancel, Clear, Delete” or “In spiritual truth, we are all perfectly and abundantly supported. I now open my arms to receive and share plentifully.”
* Engage in activities that make you happy! Please don’t scrimp on hobbies or trips, but instead look at them as investments in your happiness, which is the most important influence in your personal economic conditions. When you are happy, you automatically attract and create new opportunities. Your happiness also lifts up the energies of those around you.
* Affirm frequently: “God is omnipresent love, wisdom, and creativity. I am forever one with God’s grace and love. I am completely supported in all ways by the love of God. I follow my Divine guidance along pathways of giving of selfless service, and receiving the support that God offers to everyone.”
* Keep your thoughts about other people’s finances at a very high level. Frequently affirm that we are all richly abundant in all ways. Avoid any pity thoughts about anyone, but do give donations and support as you are guided.
* Don’t worry about HOW your finances will be supported or resolved. Remember that God’s creativity, wisdom, and love is boundless. Your prayers will be answered in surprising, miraculous, and unexpected ways.
* Whenever you get a strong intuitive lead to do something positive, follow it without delay! Remember that God frequently answers your prayers by giving you strong and repetitive messages to take action. These messages may come to you as an emotional or physical feeling; an idea or inspiration; a vision or dream; or words that you hear. As you follow this guidance, you co-create the answer to your prayers.
Today I needed it!
I also worked "Wash and Set" into a conversation! Of course it was with my new hairdresser. This is my first cut in about 9 months, and I'll have to give it at least a day before reaching a verdict. She was a very good listener, and had some good suggestions - not just for my hair, but also for my interview hair style. I think she's pretty cool, so we'll see.
It's always a trauma for me to change people who care for me, be it doctor, dentist, massage therapist, chiropractor, you name it. Once I find someone I like and can work with, I stick with that person. It took me SEVEN years to find my last hair person, who I had for 10 years. The person before that, I had for 7 years and was my first "real" hair dresser. I've only had 2 dentists my entire life. You get the point.
We were also discussing what one thing you would have as a daily indulgence, if money were no object. Mine is a daily shampoo, thus the was & set conversation. I find it very relaxing.
Here's to new hair!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Ha, I survived!
Well, I did it, I survived pole climbing class. Three Motrin that night, and 3 more the next morning, and I'm still a bit sore, but not bad. It was more fun than I thought it would be and one teacher said I'd be a good tech. I suppose I could go in that direction, should I still be searching for an IT job in a couple of months. At least I have the training!
I did miss spending time with the boys, as I didn't really see them for a few days, and I've been tired from the 14 hour work days. Add to that the fact that annual appraisals are due at work, and I'm being shoved out the door, so my folks are suffering because I have no voice whatsoever to leadership, and it's made for a rather crummy day.
The pluses for today? I got to walk the boys home from school. And I had a Vice President of the company offer to be a referral, and help me in any way he could. That made me feel better about myself!
Frugality update? None. I've been eating junk again. I've got to break out of this cycle!
I said I'd put the post it car photos in on Friday, but I actually wasn't that pleased with them, so I'm adding them today. I think I'll send them to Art Car too, see if they make it up.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
I need something to make me smile
I found this:
It did make me smile, which is difficult today. Yesterday, I found out that I and 5 of the 9 members of my team are potentially unemployed as of 4/2/09. I fell horribly for all of us. I have been wondering what I did wrong as a supervisor. Did I not get my team enough visibility? Did I not show the value of what we do? They (the ubiquitous "they" of corporate America) do not see the point in keeping the team, or perhaps even the functions we perform. Yesterday was full of tearful conference calls, and many offers of sympathy. However, the company isn't concerned too deeply, and I have to wonder how the hell some of these folks sleep at night knowing that 2 weeks before Christmas, in this economy, they have likely placed people in harm's way.
I am sick to my stomach thinking of the people who will be out of work, and I am trying to be as positive as possible. I know negative thinking will only provide negative results, but honestly this is difficult.
Today I am updating my resume, and looking for jobs for myself and my employees. I will quote what I noted during the meetings yesterday because I honestly think the people running this circus have NO CLUE what they are doing, and how it affects not only the people working around them, but how it affects their customer base.
Directly from my notes:
blah blah blah
Restructure
blah blah blah
Strategic Sourcing
blah blah blah
Financial Commitment
blah blah blah
175 people will be affected
45% will be offered other positions
From the next meeting where I asked a question I already knew the answer to, in order to determine if anyone in leadership had the balls to tell the truth (which they did not):
blah blah blah
Cycle of Change
blah blah blah
We understand
blah blah blah
There was one nugget of information that did prove to be useful, yet painful. The decision on who were chosen to stay was based on how the supervisors rated and ranked them. Later in the day, during a tearful call, I apologized to my team and told them this fact. Everyone knew where they ranked when that was done, ad that made sense to them all, yet none were happy, including me.
Monday, November 3, 2008
I want to retire
Originally posted 8/19, and relevant still today.
I'm tired of corporate America. I'm over performance evaluations. I'm sick to death of acronyms and buzzwords. Seriosly. Terms like velocity, and fungibility make my skin crawl. Seems like some sleezy marketing type comes up with these watered down terms to try and whip people (now called resources) into a frenzy and become enthusiastic (now called buying in) about corporate domination (now called market saturation). The worst of it is Corporate right sizing - this term is used to mask lay-offs, off-shoring, and out sourcing. It is earily similar to spin doctoring in politics. Where genocide becomes ethnic cleansing, war becomes conflict, and Drilling for Oil becomes Exploring for Energy. This is lulling us into complacancy - I mean really - a conflict is something you have with a neighbor over leaves being blown into your yard. Makes an actual war look tame. Honey, I wasn't fired, I was right sized out of my company. This is ridiculous.
I'm tired of corporate America. I'm over performance evaluations. I'm sick to death of acronyms and buzzwords. Seriosly. Terms like velocity, and fungibility make my skin crawl. Seems like some sleezy marketing type comes up with these watered down terms to try and whip people (now called resources) into a frenzy and become enthusiastic (now called buying in) about corporate domination (now called market saturation). The worst of it is Corporate right sizing - this term is used to mask lay-offs, off-shoring, and out sourcing. It is earily similar to spin doctoring in politics. Where genocide becomes ethnic cleansing, war becomes conflict, and Drilling for Oil becomes Exploring for Energy. This is lulling us into complacancy - I mean really - a conflict is something you have with a neighbor over leaves being blown into your yard. Makes an actual war look tame. Honey, I wasn't fired, I was right sized out of my company. This is ridiculous.
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