I know I shouldn't be, but I am constantly amazed that people, rich & poor alike, don't plan for their demise. What is about planning for creating a will that scares people so?
No, I don't have a will. I do, however, have all of my assets up to date and my closest family members are aware of where my documents are located.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
The past week
What a week. So much happened in such a short period of time.
DC Metro Crash.
Ed McMahon.
SC Governor Sanford.
Farah Fawcett
Michael Jackson.
A lot to process.
DC Metro Crash.
Ed McMahon.
SC Governor Sanford.
Farah Fawcett
Michael Jackson.
A lot to process.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tail end of travel
I've been traveling since last Tuesday for work. I was in southeast LA last week, VA over the weekend, and currently in northwest LA. Going home tomorrow with no travel plans until late July. Just found out about that one within the last 2 hours.
Anywho, I'm looking forward to going home and sleeping in my own bed. I'm also looking forward to going back to the gym. I have been doing my best to watch what I eat and the alcohol consumed, but it is just not the same as when I'm at home. I need the structure of preparing my own food.
Anywho, I'm looking forward to going home and sleeping in my own bed. I'm also looking forward to going back to the gym. I have been doing my best to watch what I eat and the alcohol consumed, but it is just not the same as when I'm at home. I need the structure of preparing my own food.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Personal effort
I so wish the individuals that e-mail for information would put forth some effort in finding the information they are seeking. For the most part, those that want to know about the program I administer, how to access the courses, and ultimately finish the program can find everything in one place. Where? The internet. It really isn't that difficult. Just put forth some effort.
Since they don't put forth much effort, I don't either. I have a form message that I send back to them with a link to the website. I place the ball back in their court so that they can find the answers to their questions. I look at it like this, as educators, we want for our students to seek and find information. Why don't we do the same?
Since they don't put forth much effort, I don't either. I have a form message that I send back to them with a link to the website. I place the ball back in their court so that they can find the answers to their questions. I look at it like this, as educators, we want for our students to seek and find information. Why don't we do the same?
Feeling better
I'm feeling much better today, after a good night's sleep, but I know the tiredness will come soon. I'm hoping to get on the road early this afternoon to my first destination. Doing so will allow me to get to the hotel, find some food, and hopefully turn in early for a longer night's sleep than last night.
Monday, June 15, 2009
So very tired
That is how feel this Monday morning, and I don't think it will go away soon. Between work, sorority, and life in general the next 2 weeks will be non-stop this & that. I probably should have written this last week, but here goes (with a bit of back-tracking on the timeline).
6/8- go to work all day
6/9 - attend a conference away from the office; pedicure/manicure in the evening
6/10 - attend a sorority event all day (personal day off from work); go see Star Trek with Z~; dinner at Hooters
6/11 - in the office all day; meet brother at hardware store to pick up generator; take generator to storage
6/12 - work half-day; beauty salon appt.; order balloons for reunion event; home to shower, change clothes, scarf down food; head to mixer for 20 year HS reunion; stay out to the wee hours
6/13 - up too early; create nametags; out to 3 places for decorations; go to facility to decorate; back home to eat, shower, change; back to facility for reunion event; out to wee hours of the morning
6/14 - again up way to early for the late night; church (too long!); home to make cupcakes and order an iPhone (hooray!); to sorority building to prep for Monday's mtg.; go visist friend here for the weekend; home to finish making chicken salad and turkey salad
6/15 - no gym this AM; at work trying to make a list; will have to leave work early to run to the store (need more mayo for the salads); sorority mtg at 6 pm (I need to be there by 5); probably won't get out of there until about 9 pm
6/16 - will work until noon as I have to travel to a city in southeast LA for a workshop (when will I pack!)
6/17 - at a workshop in southeast LA
6/18 - still in southeast LA returning home that afternoon; must pack for next trip
6/19 - early AM flight to DC metro area for a weekend meeting
6/20 - in DC metro area
6/21 - return home about 10 pm
6/22 - at work for the morning to get supplies; leaving that afternoon for a 5 hour drive to northern LA
6/23 - workshop in northern LA
6/24 - workshop continues to that afternoon; retun back home about 8 pm that night.
6/25 - in the office (I think); mtg. at sorority house to prepare for an event on that Sat. (6/17)
6/26 - in office half-day; prepare chicken salad for sorortiy event on 6/27
6/27 - sorority event
Can I just tell you, I'm already tired.
6/8- go to work all day
6/9 - attend a conference away from the office; pedicure/manicure in the evening
6/10 - attend a sorority event all day (personal day off from work); go see Star Trek with Z~; dinner at Hooters
6/11 - in the office all day; meet brother at hardware store to pick up generator; take generator to storage
6/12 - work half-day; beauty salon appt.; order balloons for reunion event; home to shower, change clothes, scarf down food; head to mixer for 20 year HS reunion; stay out to the wee hours
6/13 - up too early; create nametags; out to 3 places for decorations; go to facility to decorate; back home to eat, shower, change; back to facility for reunion event; out to wee hours of the morning
6/14 - again up way to early for the late night; church (too long!); home to make cupcakes and order an iPhone (hooray!); to sorority building to prep for Monday's mtg.; go visist friend here for the weekend; home to finish making chicken salad and turkey salad
6/15 - no gym this AM; at work trying to make a list; will have to leave work early to run to the store (need more mayo for the salads); sorority mtg at 6 pm (I need to be there by 5); probably won't get out of there until about 9 pm
6/16 - will work until noon as I have to travel to a city in southeast LA for a workshop (when will I pack!)
6/17 - at a workshop in southeast LA
6/18 - still in southeast LA returning home that afternoon; must pack for next trip
6/19 - early AM flight to DC metro area for a weekend meeting
6/20 - in DC metro area
6/21 - return home about 10 pm
6/22 - at work for the morning to get supplies; leaving that afternoon for a 5 hour drive to northern LA
6/23 - workshop in northern LA
6/24 - workshop continues to that afternoon; retun back home about 8 pm that night.
6/25 - in the office (I think); mtg. at sorority house to prepare for an event on that Sat. (6/17)
6/26 - in office half-day; prepare chicken salad for sorortiy event on 6/27
6/27 - sorority event
Can I just tell you, I'm already tired.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Make It Last Forever
That was the song chosen by my class 20 years ago to commemorate our taste in music. Can you believer? We chose a Keith Sweat song. Although that time seems so long ago, in some ways in seems like yesterday. I can't believe I've been out of high school for 20 years. 20 YEARS!!!!
This weekend my class will gather to celebrate, reminisce, and re-tell those stories of yesteryear. Tonight we are gathering for a happy hour and then tomorrow we'll meet for a formal dinner & dance. It should be a fun weekend of catching-up.
This weekend my class will gather to celebrate, reminisce, and re-tell those stories of yesteryear. Tonight we are gathering for a happy hour and then tomorrow we'll meet for a formal dinner & dance. It should be a fun weekend of catching-up.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Beginning to calm
Things are beginning to calm down on the job front.
Tomorrow is the last day for those that are being laid off. Most have not been here. They've been taking their leave days.
I don't have to move my office.
I've been given 2 new projects as a result of the layoff.
I have yet to make a decision about the other position that is open.
Tomorrow is the last day for those that are being laid off. Most have not been here. They've been taking their leave days.
I don't have to move my office.
I've been given 2 new projects as a result of the layoff.
I have yet to make a decision about the other position that is open.
A few days...
spend a few days away from this space and you are overrun with unread blog postings. :~)
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Tense
It has been about 2 months since the staff in my office was informed of an impending layoff. During those 2 months it has been quite tense around the office as no one really knew who would be affected. Until yesterday.
Yesterday was not a good day. To say the least. While I don't how many persons were affected, up to 8, I know of one. That person's office space is not too far from mine. It is strange to see the items in that workspace slowly going away.
The layoff was one of the underlying reasons for going out on a limb. Will I still go out on that limb now that I know my job is secure (for now)? I'm still researching. I spent some time reading on the issue of that job yesterday and it is quite interesting. I can definitely see it being a challenging position.
Anywho, the office atmosphere is really strange right now in light of what occurred yesterday. This is my first experience with this and it is not one that I ever hope to be apart of again. It is just too sad to think of folks losing their jobs, in general, and definitely in this economy.
Yesterday was not a good day. To say the least. While I don't how many persons were affected, up to 8, I know of one. That person's office space is not too far from mine. It is strange to see the items in that workspace slowly going away.
The layoff was one of the underlying reasons for going out on a limb. Will I still go out on that limb now that I know my job is secure (for now)? I'm still researching. I spent some time reading on the issue of that job yesterday and it is quite interesting. I can definitely see it being a challenging position.
Anywho, the office atmosphere is really strange right now in light of what occurred yesterday. This is my first experience with this and it is not one that I ever hope to be apart of again. It is just too sad to think of folks losing their jobs, in general, and definitely in this economy.
Clingy
Last night I attended a meeting and the cousin of the guy in this post came to talk to me. She lives across the street from me and we're sorority sisters. He was over at her house one day and that's how we met. So I do see him on occasion when he is at her house. Anywho, she wanted to warn me to steer clear of him. She said he's a nice guy, but not so good at relationships.
Ha! And he was judging my relationship? Hmmmm...
She and I were talking and I told her that I informed him that I'm involved. I also said to her that he seems...and I was having trouble coming up with the right word. She said, "Clingy." Yes! That's the word! She told me that he wants a woman to take care of him, to be like his mama. Huh? Eww. Sorry, but that is not a role that I want with a man. No worries, I told her. I'm steering clear.
Ha! And he was judging my relationship? Hmmmm...
She and I were talking and I told her that I informed him that I'm involved. I also said to her that he seems...and I was having trouble coming up with the right word. She said, "Clingy." Yes! That's the word! She told me that he wants a woman to take care of him, to be like his mama. Huh? Eww. Sorry, but that is not a role that I want with a man. No worries, I told her. I'm steering clear.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Encouragement
When the job posting came out 1 person told me about it. She told me where to find it on the web and end the conversation with, "I think you should apply." Now, I had no idea that is why she made her way to my office to tell me about the job, but it was. Later that afternoon 2 other persons did the same thing. Each of them sent me a link to the job and said "Go for it!" and "This is perfect for you."
Conversely, another colleague said, "I wouldn't apply for that job at all. Look who is on that team. Those people are so negative." Then another said, "Oh, I can't imagine have to supervise insert random name. Now, I didn't mention to either of those persons that I am thinking about applying for the job.
I find it interesting the different perspectives on the job. The first 3 persons focused on the job duties and qualifications. The other 2 people looked at the individuals that would have to be dealt with in the midst of the job. Clearly the priorities of the first 3 are quite different from those of the 2 that looked at the people.
I've not informed any of the 5 of my decision to investigate the job. I know that the first 3 will be ecstatic if I apply and even more so if I'm offered the job. I'm not really sure how to read the other two. I know one will be ambivalent and the other jealous. The jealous one, unfortunately, will see it as something that she could have done, but decided not too. She may also see it as a personal attack on her in that she has been at this job much longer than I have and she may even be a bit vindictive. Yes, she has been here longer, but she doesn't really meet the qualifications. No matter, jealousy will rear its ugly head.
My decision about what to do will be my own. I'm not going to let others influence what may be a great opportunity for me. Should I apply, and not get the job, it informs those above me that I am willing to move up. So no matter what, it will be a plus for me.
Conversely, another colleague said, "I wouldn't apply for that job at all. Look who is on that team. Those people are so negative." Then another said, "Oh, I can't imagine have to supervise insert random name. Now, I didn't mention to either of those persons that I am thinking about applying for the job.
I find it interesting the different perspectives on the job. The first 3 persons focused on the job duties and qualifications. The other 2 people looked at the individuals that would have to be dealt with in the midst of the job. Clearly the priorities of the first 3 are quite different from those of the 2 that looked at the people.
I've not informed any of the 5 of my decision to investigate the job. I know that the first 3 will be ecstatic if I apply and even more so if I'm offered the job. I'm not really sure how to read the other two. I know one will be ambivalent and the other jealous. The jealous one, unfortunately, will see it as something that she could have done, but decided not too. She may also see it as a personal attack on her in that she has been at this job much longer than I have and she may even be a bit vindictive. Yes, she has been here longer, but she doesn't really meet the qualifications. No matter, jealousy will rear its ugly head.
My decision about what to do will be my own. I'm not going to let others influence what may be a great opportunity for me. Should I apply, and not get the job, it informs those above me that I am willing to move up. So no matter what, it will be a plus for me.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Going out on a limb
I've never been one to really take a chance. I fear that is about to change though. There is a job opportunity that has come about, within my same agency, and I may apply for it. The job would be a BIG promotion and one that comes with a lot of responsibility that I've never had in the past.
I can think of one reason that I would be qualified for the position and several that would disqualify me.
I wonder why we always see the negative first.
This week I plan to do some research on the overall mission of the position. I have peripheral knowledge of the topic and a colleague from grad school that did a lot of research in this area. He's kept up a blog on the topic which I occasionally read. I may need to contact him if I have specific questions. I think that is my plus.
My two negatives have to do with supervisory experience and budgeting. My only supervisory experience over others was when I had my own classroom. While that is managing others, it is not the same (then again, it could be) as managing adults. My final concern is working with a large budget and the like. I've not had the opportunity to do that at all. Okay so maybe just a bit in that the program I run now has a budget, which I make sure to stay within, but it is not ultimately my responsibility. Perhaps it could be spun in that way though.
All in all, I need to decide what I'm going to do over the next week. The job doesn't close for a few weeks, but I don't want to wait to apply at the last minute.
I can think of one reason that I would be qualified for the position and several that would disqualify me.
I wonder why we always see the negative first.
This week I plan to do some research on the overall mission of the position. I have peripheral knowledge of the topic and a colleague from grad school that did a lot of research in this area. He's kept up a blog on the topic which I occasionally read. I may need to contact him if I have specific questions. I think that is my plus.
My two negatives have to do with supervisory experience and budgeting. My only supervisory experience over others was when I had my own classroom. While that is managing others, it is not the same (then again, it could be) as managing adults. My final concern is working with a large budget and the like. I've not had the opportunity to do that at all. Okay so maybe just a bit in that the program I run now has a budget, which I make sure to stay within, but it is not ultimately my responsibility. Perhaps it could be spun in that way though.
All in all, I need to decide what I'm going to do over the next week. The job doesn't close for a few weeks, but I don't want to wait to apply at the last minute.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Honor thy Feelings
A conversation:
J: How are you feeling?
Me: Fair.
J: Why fair?
Me: Several things are weighing heavy on me.
J: Don't let them get to you.
Me: They already are.
J: You shouldn't let that happen. I can't believe you are letting that happen.
Me: Well, things are not always good. There are times when one is vulnerable to outer forces.
J: Just believe that all will be okay.
Me: Right now, I can't.
J: Well, don't get an attitude.
Me: I already have one, and you aren't helping.
Must everyone feel happy go lucky each and every day?
Can't an individual feel bad at times?
When that person feels bad, honor those feelings by being supportive - not criticizing.
Realize that sometimes a person must go through a funk and there's nothing you can do about it.
J: How are you feeling?
Me: Fair.
J: Why fair?
Me: Several things are weighing heavy on me.
J: Don't let them get to you.
Me: They already are.
J: You shouldn't let that happen. I can't believe you are letting that happen.
Me: Well, things are not always good. There are times when one is vulnerable to outer forces.
J: Just believe that all will be okay.
Me: Right now, I can't.
J: Well, don't get an attitude.
Me: I already have one, and you aren't helping.
Must everyone feel happy go lucky each and every day?
Can't an individual feel bad at times?
When that person feels bad, honor those feelings by being supportive - not criticizing.
Realize that sometimes a person must go through a funk and there's nothing you can do about it.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Let me be
Don't judge me.
The other day I met a guy, who by every indication, was hitting on me. He kinda went about it in a roundabout way, but he finally did ask if he could take me out. I told him that I was involved in a relationship and that I could not go out with him.
Generally, when this happens the guy begins to question me about the relationship (forming an a negative opinion), not that it is any of their business, but I don't mind obliging.
So, how long have you been together?
3 years.
3 years? Why hasn't he married a pretty girl like you?
We're happy the way things are.
Ya'll don't live together?
No.
That's hard to believe.
No, it's not.
Oh, man, I'm shocked ya'll aren't married. What are you waiting on?
Nothing. We're happy the way things are.
Why is it so hard for people to understand that individuals don't have to adhere to the norm? They guy went on to talk about how he just got out of a bad relationship. During the conversation he indicated that he tends to go all out really quickly. I was thinking, perhaps that is why you had such a bad relationship. The time wasn't taken to really get to know each other. Yet, you are judging the relationship I'm involved in? When we are extremely happy with the way things are and how things are moving?
Let me be.
The other day I met a guy, who by every indication, was hitting on me. He kinda went about it in a roundabout way, but he finally did ask if he could take me out. I told him that I was involved in a relationship and that I could not go out with him.
Generally, when this happens the guy begins to question me about the relationship (forming an a negative opinion), not that it is any of their business, but I don't mind obliging.
So, how long have you been together?
3 years.
3 years? Why hasn't he married a pretty girl like you?
We're happy the way things are.
Ya'll don't live together?
No.
That's hard to believe.
No, it's not.
Oh, man, I'm shocked ya'll aren't married. What are you waiting on?
Nothing. We're happy the way things are.
Why is it so hard for people to understand that individuals don't have to adhere to the norm? They guy went on to talk about how he just got out of a bad relationship. During the conversation he indicated that he tends to go all out really quickly. I was thinking, perhaps that is why you had such a bad relationship. The time wasn't taken to really get to know each other. Yet, you are judging the relationship I'm involved in? When we are extremely happy with the way things are and how things are moving?
Let me be.
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