First Class ...

>> Sunday, September 28, 2008

This weekend flew by in a flash. During the week, the daily routine definitely appears to be on automatic pilot until Friday afternoon suddenly looms up. At a much younger age (early to mid 20's), I thoroughly enjoyed going out on the weekends; however, in my 40's, even when the economy was on an even keel, I never found shopping that appealing. Anytime I go with dh to the store, I hurry with the list in hand. From time to time, he will ask me if I'd like to go with him and I'll relent, shamefully realizing that I don't spend a lot of time with him outside of the house. The majority of the time I'm traveling back and forth to work during the week. As soon as I arrive home, shoes and clothes are flying as I quickly don the comfy lounge pants and one of dh's old frayed t-shirts, with no intent of leaving the cozy retreat for the evening. While I'm settling in, dh already has dinner on the stove (or about to begin). Yep, he definitely needs a grand Christmas gift for all he does. LoL!

Dh doesn't seem to blink an eye in terms of helping in the kitchen. He's a rock when it comes to responsibility. If I was still single, jeez, there would be no "square" meal. Well, there would be one in a manner of speaking - a sandwich. LoL! The majority of the time I'd prepare microwaveable meals or sandwiches, unlike dh, who always fixes meat and vegetables. He's actually making chili for the first time tonight. After asking me how I've prepared it before, I heard him bustling about in the kitchen. Yes, I can cook. There are certain meals I'll prepare from time to time on the weekends that dh may not feel comfortable fixing. I admit that it's nice to be spoiled for a change. LoL! As much as dh helps out, he definitely deserves to be spoiled rotten. Looking at the clock, I suppose it's about that time, so I'm off like a dirty shirt.

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Vidmeow :oP ...

Too funny!


Red Light, Green Light Cat
Red Light, Green Light Cat

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You Finally Get It ...

>> Saturday, September 27, 2008

A time comes in your life when you finally get it. When in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on. Like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears and through a mantle of wet lashes, you begin to look at the world through new eyes. This is your awakening.

You realize that it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that he is not Prince Charming, you are not Cinderella, that in the real world there aren't always fairy tale endings (or beginnings for that matter) and any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you. In the process, a sense of serenity is born of acceptance. You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are. That's OK (they are entitled to their own views and opinions). You learn the importance of loving and championing yourself. A sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval. You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you). You learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected.

You learn that people don't always say what they mean, mean what they say, not everyone will always be there for you and that it's not always about you. In turn, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself. A sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance. You stop judging and pointing fingers. You begin to accept people as they are, and, overlook their shortcomings and human frailties. A sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness. You realize that much of the way you view yourself, and the world around you, is a culmination of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche. You begin to sift through all the crap you've been fed about how you should look, how much you should weigh, what you should wear, where you should shop, what vehicle you should drive, how and where you should live, what you should do for a living, who you should sleep with, who you should marry, what you should expect of a marriage, the importance of having and raising children or what you owe your parents.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. You begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for. You learn the difference between wanting and needing. You begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into in the first place. You learn to go with your instincts. You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive, and, there is power and glory in creating and contributing. You stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix.

You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life. You learn that you don't know everything. It's not your job to save the world and that you can't reach a pig to sing.

You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility, and, the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

Then you learn about love - romantic love, family love, how to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving and when to walk away. You learn not to project your needs or your feelings onto a relationship. You learn that you will not be more beautiful, more intelligent, more lovable or important because of the man (or woman) on your arm or the child that bears your name. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn that just as people grow and change, so it is with love. You learn that you don't have the right to demand love on your terms just to make you happy. You also learn that alone does not mean lonely. You look in the mirror and come to terms with the fact that you will never be a size 5 or have a 32 waist, or be a perfect 10. You stop trying to compete with the image inside your head and agonizing over how you "stack up". You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK, it is your right to want things and to ask for the things that you want, and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands. You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect and you won't settle for less. You allow only the hands of a lover who cherishes you to glorify you with his/her touch. In the process you internalize the meaning of self-respect.

You learn that your body really is your temple, so you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin eating a balanced diet, drinking more water and taking more time to exercise. You learn that fatigue diminishes the spirit and can create doubt and fear, so you take more time to rest. Just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul, so you take more time to laugh and to play. You learn, that for the most part, in life you get what you believe you deserve and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different from working toward making it happen. Most importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone and that it's OK to risk asking for help. You learn that the only thing you must truly fear is the great robber baron of all time - FEAR itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your terms. You learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom. You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions you learn not to personalize things. It's just life happening. You learn to deal with evil in its most primal state - the ego.

You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls. You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about - a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, and, a long hot shower. Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself so you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never ever settle for less than your heart's desire. You hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind. You make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting and to stay open to every wonderful possibility. Finally, with courage in your heart, you take a stand and a deep breath while you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can. I hope this helps in all you think about and all you do.


--Submitted by Pat Vincent as Food for Thought


**An inspiring clipping from an old newspaper which my mother passed onto me.

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Slumber Lumber Land ...

>> Monday, September 22, 2008

Seldom does it occur but every now and then, I have difficulty nodding off at a decent hour. I have to admit that I'm slightly envious of my dh for that matter. He clearly possesses the ability to nod off quicker than you can say 'insomnia'. There is one drawback for the both of us. We snore. LoL! I admit that I'd try to convince myself the guttaral cacophony was due to an ailment or being overworked. In actuality, I definitely snore more frequently now as opposed to my young adult years.

I think I inherited a trait from my mom as well. Settling into her cozy spot on the couch, she'd clearly be excited about watching a good movie. Engrossed in the plot, it never failed that approximately fifteen minutes into the viewing, I'd hear her snort. Glancing over, she would bolt upright and her eyes would widen as she asked, "What was that?" LoL! She was simply quite comfortable that sleep overtook her. Up until about a couple of years ago, I've caught myself relenting to watching the backs of my eyelids, only to be woken up with a light snore resonating through my nose. I know what's going on, so won't even venture to ask my dh. LoL! We have a couch which has a recliner at both ends. Lifting the footrest is second nature. I dare to say that snoring is becoming part of that exercise. Due to the rapid decline in temperature, autumn has clearly begun in the Northwest. Blankets have been brought out of storage and washed, ready for use on the couch - another cozy comfort for the cooler months ahead. LoL!

At this point, I think I'm relaxed enough to retire for the night. Off to snuggle and place my cool feet on dh's legs a.k.a. The Heaters. ;o)

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Just joking ...

There are never enough good jokes to go around. Here are a couple of my favorites which always evoke a chuckle and a smile. ;o)


~~~~~


Three female cats were bragging about their kittens. The first cat said, "My kittens are part Persian. Their father was a pure Persian cat." The third cat said nothing. The second cat said, "Well, that is nothing. My kittens are part Siamese. Their father was a pure bred Siamese." The third cat still said nothing. Then the first two cats asked her, "What are your kittens?" She replied, "Oh, I don't know. I had my head stuck in the tuna can at the time."


~~~~~


A bus carrying only ugly people crashed into an oncoming truck, and everyone inside died.

They went to meet their maker. Due to the grief they have experienced, he decided to grant each one of them one wish before they entered Paradise.

After they were all lined up, God proceeded to ask the first person about their wish. "I want to be gorgeous." God snapped his fingers, and it was done.

The second one in line heard this and said, "I want to be gorgeous, too." Another snap of his fingers and the wish was granted.

This went on for a while but when God was halfway down the line, the last guy in line started laughing.

When there were only ten people left, this guy was rolling on the floor laughing.

Finally, God reached this guy and asked him what his wish will be.

The guy calmed down and said, "Make 'em all ugly again."

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My umbrella ...

>> Sunday, September 21, 2008

I woke to see water glistening on the street this morning. I love the smell of the air after a rainfall and how the plantlife appears to be so vibrantly green. Weather like this is good for curling up with a book, taking a leisurely walk, or catnapping. :o)





What Your Green Umbrella Says About You



When faced with adversity, you try to calm down first and act second.

You can approach things from a fresh perspective, but you have to relax first.

You are a very insightful and perceptive person. You offer up interesting critiques.

You have amazing levels of concentration. You can focus completely on any problem until it is solved.

On a rainy day you take time to nap, daydream, and relax.

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Virtual Job Connection

>> Thursday, September 18, 2008

Sincerely hoping I don't embarrass Sandie by giving a big grateful "thank you" for sharing her insight/comments. She has quite an impressive site going on, by the way.

Virtual Job Connection

**She also blogs at:
Women Have Pet Peeves

My Virtual Home Office

I have to say she's giving me some ideas in terms of working from home. Makes more sense than to commute, burning fuel five days a week.

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Uno más, por favor? ...

Just thought I'd share a recipe for the night. I tried this dish about a couple of weeks ago and it turned out quite well. For the taco seasoning, I used the Taco Bell brand.


-------------


Chicken and Cheddar Quesadillas

Ingredients:

1 chicken breast, sliced
1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
1/2 medium sweet onion, sliced
1/4 teaspoon salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon taco seasoning
1 Roma tomato, diced
2/3 cup grated cheddar cheese
vegetable oil


Directions:
1. Sauté the chicken. Part way through, add the bell pepper and onion and continue cooking until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Add the salt and pepper. Add the taco seasoning.


2. Spoon the chicken mixture onto half of a tortilla(s). Sprinkle with cheddar and diced tomato. Fold the tortilla over. Brush both sides with oil.

3. Cook in a heavy frying pan over medium hot heat. Turn after several minutes. Continue cooking just until the cheese melts. Serve hot.

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Initiation "rights" ...

>> Sunday, September 14, 2008

The past four days have been rather busy. I'm confident that everything will even out over the next week or so, allowing me to adjust to the new schedule. Be that as it may, last week's training was definitely trying. For the majority of the week, two other women trained right along with me, one of whom I'd work with during the last spring season in the data entry department. I'll call her "H". Based upon past observation and interaction, I felt I had a pretty good idea about her personality - arrogant, loves to hear herself speak, and always right about every topic under the sun.

Keeping her personality traits in mind, "H" basically completed packing procedures as she saw fit, disregarding the trainee's umpteen years of experience. The other woman, "C", was rather quiet and seemed polite. I took an instant liking to her. LoL! By Friday morning, "C" was moved to her own packaging section, leaving me with "H" and another new woman, "S", to be trained. Well, "S" wasn't really "new". "S", like "H", was hired to work in data entry for the past spring season.

Once we'd completed the packaging for a job, the trainer gave me a sheet containing the specifics for the next job and asked me to give a copy to "S" in order for her to follow along. While "S" was asking about the different components of the sheet, the trainer left the area to take care of another task. Naturally, "H" began talking over me, so I clammed up. I wasn't going to compete with that whatsoever to be heard. I chose to push the cart (to hold ordered components of the job) and allow them to walk in front of me.

We were just going out on the floor when "S" and "H" suddenly stopped. "H" was explaining what could be possibly picked up in the first section. It was clear she wasn't going to take a breath anytime soon, so I simply stood there with the appearance of relaxation on my face (trying to do so anyway possible - LoL!). I happened to glance to my right, noticing the supervisor and our trainer standing close. I looked the supervisor in the eye, noting her expression with a slight tilt of my head, then grinned at her and our trainer. The supervisor's initial expression appeared to be one of irritation and/or frustration. She made a comment which cemented my perception for she stated, "Something tells me you're a very patient person." I simply grinned, winked, and asked, "Who me?" The trainer then added, "She sure seems to be. And she's quiet, too." All the while, she was chuckling and smiling. Those two ladies had no idea what they did for me at that moment. I've always been hesitant to divulge personal perceptions of different people, primarily due to the fact that it would come back in my face when I acted upon it in the past. To no avail, others would still get hurt by the shady character I'd forewarned them about. The connection I felt with the supervisor and trainer was reassuring/validating that I wasn't "off track" in terms of perception.

When "H" finally came up for air and moved enough that I could maneuver the cart around, I shot ahead to get what was next on the list. LoL! After standing still for so long, my feet began to ache, so it felt good to sprint a bit - well, maybe more like a spring than a sprint. I could hear "H" behind me, once again she was telling "S" about where other items were located. To me, she sounded like a tour guide. I simply kept going, moving on to the next section. After about a total of four stops, I waited at the end of the aisle with the cart and talked with a lady I knew from data entry as "S" and "H" walked down a narrow section to gather the next job component. Since "S" was going through training as such, I felt all that I could do was just allow "H" to knock herself out. I simply stood back and minded my business, only stepping up if it was asked of me.

Once we returned to our training area, it felt as if gathering the components of the job had taken an hour to complete. Our trainer left early for the day due to a family matter, so we were left to complete the packaging on our own.

After sorting the components, packaging began. Everything was fine, settling into my spot to complete my task. For the longest, it was quiet and I was comfortable. Yep, there's an "until" coming up. LoL! I had completed 95% of my task when "H" came over to my section, asking, "How we doing?" Before I could even respond, she moved nearly everything in my area around. She began doing my task. I'm standing there, thinking "what the @#$%". Keeping my composure, I simply moved the rest of the task near her and sat down. If she wanted to do the job, so be it. She had "S" come over where we were. Once again, "H" began lecturing. I kept thinking, "This is training, so you won't be working in the same packaging area with "H" after this week." That thought definitely kept me calm. LoL! I doubt she would have pulled that stunt if the trainer hadn't left early.

As "H" was finishing up my task, she began to cough. As a former smoker, I don't have room to talk, so I sure won't open my mouth when the topic concerns smoking. I know "H" smokes. She smoked during the spring season while she was pregnant. The first time I saw her as such, my chin dropped. Other people in the data entry department saw her smoking at that time as well. She didn't make a favorable impression from what I observed. She might as well be placing a gun to her abdomen and pulling the trigger. That baby didn't have a choice in the matter. Knowing that is upsetting. It's hard to fathom how a parent could do that to an unborn child. She'll be lucky if the baby doesn't have a disability.

Anyway, "S" asked her if she was a smoker. "H" replied with, "Everyone always asks me that and that's not why I'm coughing. Yes, I smoke and have done so since I was 9 years old." Despite her argument that she came down with a cold within the past month, she clearly has a smoker's cough. "H" went on to say she had written a thesis about smoking during her senior year of college and how the impact of her statement upset a few students. She was attempting to make the point to us that if a person is predisposed to have an illness and they quit smoking, the illness will worsen. I kept my mouth shut for two reasons. The first reason is due to knowing she couldn't have written a thesis. That's doctoral level material and she clearly doesn't have it. She's in her early 20's and it does take awhile to work on a doctoral degree, so it's simply not possible. I can't see someone with a Ph.D. working in a packaging department either. The second reason is that, like many others who have quit, I, too, can breathe much better and don't suffer from chronic coughing fits anymore. Clearly, this woman is nothing but a pathological liar.



Source: WikiAnswers - How can you tell if someone is a pathological liar -
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_can_you_tell_if_someone_is_a_pathological_liar

Pathological liars, or "mythomaniacs," may be suffering from histrionic personality disorder or narcissistic personality disorder. The following comments basically reflect a pathological liar who has the characteristics of histrionic personality disorder.


Some characteristics:
1. Exaggerates things that are ridiculous.
2. One-upping. Whatever you do, this person can do it better. You will never top them in their own mind, because they have a concerted need to be better than everyone else. This also applies to being right. If you try to confront an individual like this, no matter how lovingly and well-intentioned you might be - this will probably not be effective. It's threatening their fantasy of themselves, so they would rather argue with you and bring out the sharp knives than admit that there's anything wrong with them.
3. They "construct" a reality around themselves. They don't value the truth, especially if they don't see it as hurting anyone. If you call them on a lie and they are backed into a corner, they will act very defensively and say ugly things (most likely but depends on personality), but they may eventually start to act like, "Well, what's the difference? You're making a big deal out of nothing!" (again, to refocus the conversation to your wrongdoing instead of theirs).
4. Because these people don't value honesty, a lot of times they will not value loyalty. So watch what you tell them. They will not only tell others, but they will embellish to make you look worse. Their loyalty is fleeting, and because they are insecure people, they will find solace in confiding to whomever is in their favor at the moment.
5. They may be somewhat of a hypochondriac. This can come in especially useful when caught in a lie, for example, they can claim that they have been sick, or that there's some mysteriously "illness" that has them all stressed out. It's another excuse tool for their behavior.
6. Obviously, they will contradict what they say. This will become very clear over time. They usually aren't smart enough to keep track of so many lies (who would be?).

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That man ...

>> Wednesday, September 10, 2008

I know some people would roll their eyes at the statement, "my dh treats me like a queen." Their eyes can orbit until Mars becomes a supernova, I say.

When I arrived home, my dh was found fixing dinner. All I know is that he's immensely appreciated for helping out like he does - especially now. As he stood at the stove, I took one look at him and jokingly stated, "you can shorten me at the ankles." I know the job will become easier in time (typing that as my toes cramp - LoL!). He's very reassuring in terms of looking out for my best interests and well-being. There has been a time or two in which I've been ill and he was certain to meet my needs in whatever way possible. If everything else in my life was awry before, bringing him into my life and heart certainly turned it all around. He gives me love, peace, laughter, and happiness.

O.k., with that mushy thought, I bid adieu 'til tomorrow.

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Blessed ...

>> Tuesday, September 9, 2008

A Good Thought for the Day


If you woke up this morning with more health than illness...you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation...you are ahead of 500 milion people in the world.

If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death...you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace...you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If your parents are still alive and still married...you are very rare, even in the United States.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful...you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder...you are blessed because you can offer healing touch.

If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.

Have a good day & count your blessings.


-- In memory of my mother who gave me this clipping from an unknown author many years ago. Red was her favorite color.

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Hobbling in ...

Today, I used muscles which I nearly forgot about. With the exception of a 10-minute break, a 30-minute lunchbreak, and gathering components of items to be mailed, I stood in one spot for the majority of the day. Despite the aches, the activity actually does a world of good. Well, it would have helped if there had been rubber mats to stand on while packaging items - nothing but concrete flooring.

Overall, the training is going smoothly. So far, it's a matter of looking at the order carefully, gathering the items produced for a particular work order, and sorting them into individual bags.

The last half hour of the day had me thinking, "Push through it, Sheila. You can do it." LoL! One of the other women going through training noticed I had looked at the clock and stated to me, "Only half an hour to go. We're almost there." The job will become easier on the muscles in time. I'm too stubborn to allow the job to wear me down (although I did feel as if I was walking on my ankles on the way to the car - LoL!).

I feel as if I should already be in bed since 4 a.m. comes early, so I'm off like a dirty shirt.

~~~

"Accept that all of us can be hurt, that all of us can--and surely will at times--fail. I think we should follow a simple rule: if we can take the worst, take the risk." -- Unknown

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Celtic Horoscope ... interesting

>> Monday, September 8, 2008




You Are A Fig Tree



You are very independent and strong minded.

A hard worker when you want to be, you play hard too.

You are honest and loyal. You hate contradiction or arguments.

You love life, and you live for your friends, children, and animals.

A great sense of humor, artistic talent, and intelligence are all gifts you possess.

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Deja Moo ...

>> Sunday, September 7, 2008

If I was a superstitious person, I would venture to think that a cloud of bad luck hovers over me.

On Friday morning, wondering what my work schedule would be, I called to inquire. I had no response from the imaging supervisor. Instead, I received a call from the packaging supervisor, reminding me of my schedule in her department for the upcoming week. Since the HR director knew of what occurred the day before, it was my mistake to assume she had given her the details of the transfer. Needless to say, the supervisor wasn't very pleased, commenting that she wished everyone would fill her in when such things happened. I apologized profusely, feeling like a heel for placing her in such a predicament to find a replacement on such short notice; however, in the back of my mind, the question of the HR supervisor's role in the matter kept surfacing. As usual, I felt the issue was resolved.

During the early afternoon, my MiL(mother-in-law) stopped by to visit and drop off travel gifts for us. As we chatted about their trip, the shrill ring of the phone cut sharply through our conversation, thinking it would be one of those annoying telemarketers. Much to my surprise, it was the HR director. Out of nowhere, the question of confirmation to the packaging department was given, being sure to let me know that I wasn't hired as an imaging technician and the day before was to see how I would perform. At that point, I was in the other room, not wanting anyone to see the disappointment on my face as I kept my voice steady. I found myself telling the HR director I'd be ready to begin in the other department. With that final statement, I thanked her for calling, squared my shoulders, and went back to the other room.

After my MiL left, I told my dh about the phone call. I'm not sure who was more disappointed. Playing the initial conversation over in my mind had me slightly bewildered. I knew what I had been told. "Giving you a chance" did not sound like a trial run, on the contrary, given the conversation, it implied an idea of permanence, personally.

Obviously, I could only conclude the packaging supervisor had contacted the HR director. At this point, I'm hesitant to attach any sort of hunch to the situation; however, the initial thought is the possibility the supervisor may have demanded to have as many hands in her department as necessary. I do know for a fact that when production is in full swing, a lot of people are requested from other departments to work in packaging. She may have overridden my request for the transfer. I'll never actually know what occurred. I can only roll with it and be thankful to have a job, even if it is seasonal. Considering how the matter was handled, I'm quite anxious to remove myself from the self-inflicted punishment while attempting to find something more positive, consistent, and stable. Yes, the majority of the people there are really nice but that trait doesn't provide enough glue to keep the sanity and confidence together.

Keeping my fingers crossed. :oÞ

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Shake that load off ...

>> Thursday, September 4, 2008

In regards to an earlier post about my upcoming temp/seasonal job, it appears as if I won't be working in the packaging department afterall. I noticed a posting of an imaging position at that very company in the local paper last week, so talked to the HR director. Since it was so close to Labor Day weekend, I can only guess that she forgot to tell the imaging supervisor of my interest to transfer to his department. I called this morning and she promptly attended to the matter. She called back to tell me that he'd like to give me a chance and asked me if I could come in this afternoon to try it out. I didn't hesitate. LoL!

I had sooooo much fun playing around with Adobe Photoshop. One of the other women, "S", guided me at first then let me loose with a couple of photos, incorporating the use of the "pen" tool. Basically, I was cutting out an image of a person then allowing that image to be pasted onto other predetermined backgrounds. Initially, I was placing too many straight points and attempting to curve, producing a thin bar which will adjust the line. After watching my mentor, I realized I could place the points strategically. Following with points in between the outlying set points within a section and adjusting by clicking on the point and dragging while holding down the ctrl key worked beautifully.

The first attempt was fine with the exception of getting the head slightly pointy and cutting in just a bit too close in places. "S" said I was doing quite well for my first time and wanted to see how I'd do with a more challenging image. The second picture required me to cut away the background in the crook of the arm and the bend of the other as well. Apparently, I surprised "S" because she complimented me on my ability to do a really good job on the second image. I don't think she realized that she made my day with her kind words of encouragement.

While I was working on the images, others were walking by, going about their jobs as usual. Someone walked around the corner from where I was sitting and backed up. I was pleasantly surprised to see it was one of the guys I worked with during the past seasons. He welcomed me back, expressing that he was glad to see me again - very sweet man. We talked for a few minutes (not enough to get in trouble) and went back to our tasks. I think the word was out that I was there, for my former supervisor and one of the female coworkers came back to visit on different occasions. I didn't realize just how much I missed them or the environment. I know my former supervisor had their "moments" raising the voice. I learned rather quickly not to let that get to me and found myself laughing quite often at the cheekiness (just the way they wanted it).

Things are definitely looking up. Dh and his buddy worked on the deck today, so it's partially finished. It's not a big deck whatsoever, so thinking it'll be easily completed in one more day (knock on wood). Quite a relief to see things finally coming together, mentally and physically.

Listening to: Outkast - Liberation

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Kindness ...

>> Wednesday, September 3, 2008

"This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness." -- The Dalai Lama

Simply a quote I wanted to share for the day. It's simple and speaks volumes. Kindness is underrated.

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Coming around to starboard ...

>> Tuesday, September 2, 2008


It has been one of those days. One of dh's generous good friends volunteered to build two decks for us. Basically, there was a misunderstanding regarding the dimensions of the side deck and it seemed as if they could never get in touch with one another to clarify anything. In turn, I became the liaison. As grace would have seen fit, dh arrived home early enough that they were able to discuss the projects and work on the first deck together. Talk about a sigh of relief! It has been nerve wracking up until today.


I know there are statements regarding how men and women miscommunicate, but for those who like to advocate that theory, forget it. LoL! Amongst themselves, men may share that lack of understanding they're attempting to convey to the other. Despite my insistence to both of them, neither one would call or e-mail the other to clarify the deck projects. I admit that I'll tease my dh from time to time, telling him he's worse than a woman when it comes to certain issues. He truly is my rock. There is no doubt about that fact. I simply find it ironic that I can be straightforward on my approach, whereas he may hedge on the same issue. My guess is that it appears to depend on the topic and the level of confidence, for he and I flip-flop on our approach to whatever the issue may be.


We've been together for about three years and I'm positive there is so much more that I'll learn about him in the years to come. I know any relationship has its ups and downs, so I'm prepared to adjust my sails as the wind blows.




"Pessimists curse the wind, optimists hope the wind will change, and realists adjust their sails." -- Unknown

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No Clue, Left Brainless (NCLB) ...

>> Monday, September 1, 2008

Recess or Ritalin?

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/adhd/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100213117&page=1


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I couldn't help but shake my head at this article regarding playground time. In my nine years of teaching special education, I didn't even have to get to the second page of the article to know what the real message entailed - No Child Left Behind. Anymore, kids are forced to endure a multitude of assessments as a result of the barrage of homework. The bureaucratic bull is sickening. Special education and NCLB are a hellish pair.

Case in point: If a special education teacher has a developmentally challenged student who is unable to hold a pencil nor able to move about without the use of a paraprofessional, the objective to have the child draw a geometric shape is far fetched. The lack of a pincer grasp may be addressed in the alternative assessment portfolio but still, lessons must reveal some sort of task tied to the objective. The realization and accountability for the act is apparent. Regardless, the objective is nothing but a load of poppycock.

We were a lot better off without this federal law. In the special education setting, the severity of the hurdle speaks volumes about what a child actually needs. The greater the severity, the greater the chance the child will need life skills education. As it is, ALL teachers are required to teach towards the NCLB crap and any other annual assessments they may be required to administer. The kids definitely need playtime to cope with the stress they've been dealt.

As they stand upon their high and mighty NCLB soapboxes, some "officials" may play it up, attempting to blow sunshine you-know-where while they tell everyone that it really is about student success to do away with recess, pile on the homework, and administer benchmark exams out of the wazoo. I'll never buy into that notion, ever. It upsets me even more so when a child is dealing with a learning challenge and attempting to keep an even balance of sorts. Not only are they facing personal demons but also the ones hiding behind the public masks of nonsensical policies and social nonacceptance. What boggles my mind is the audacity political officials or persons who have never stepped in a classroom actually have. They are clueless and actually don't seem to care. I'd even venture to say these type of people are the epitome of the phrase, "Ignorance is bliss. " So much for being educated.

Basically, they don't really care about the students. They only care about money and status. For that fact, I don't blame any parent who would rather homeschool their child or place them in an alternative educational system.

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