Another milestone among many has come along this week: I returned to work yesterday, after 12 weeks of maternity leave. It has not been an easy task. Yesterday, Juan had the day off and so leaving Logan with him all day wasn't so bad. Of course I still missed him and it was the first time I had been away from him for more than 2 hours. It was also the first time Juan had cared for him all alone for so long -- and his comment after just a couple of hours into it was "I didn't know this was going to be so time consuming! I'm not getting anything done!" Hmmmm... sounds like my broken record.
Anyway, early this morning I had to leave Logan at his new caregiver's home. I held it together pretty well until I got in the car to head on to work. Sigh....
I never used to be much of a crier. I've always kind of hid behind some tough exterior that my whole family seems to have. None of us really show much emotion around each other, like it's a taboo. It's kind of sad really. But anyway, since meeting Juan, I've noticed that I have softened up quite a bit, which is rewarding most of the time. However, I find myself more prone to crying as well. And it tripled in force during my post partum blues - which is a whole other blog entry to write about. Crying at work is also not appealing. Thank goodness it's summer and the office is pretty quiet and empty.
Today's events... well... they do deserve some shedding of tears. Just like how I cried when Logan had his first shots a few weeks back. And I really doubt it will be the last of the tears. I think this childcare/back to work stuff will have me down for a while. And sometimes I just have to cry to actually feel a bit better.
On the positive side of things, I do get to go feed Logan during my lunch hour (which I'm allowed to take whenever I want to fit his schedule). I get to pump for breastmilk throughout the day at work without loss of time (although thats when I seem to tear up the most). And Logan seems to be in good care. I don't think we as moms are ever completely satisfied with someone else's care beyond our own. Or at least that seems to be how I feel. But his caregiver has 4 children of her own and seems to have a good grasp on caring for her small group of children in her home.
After returning to work from feeding Logan today, I said to a co-worker "I'm sure I'll get used to it and it won't be a big deal after a while." And with all of her wisdom and a smile she replied, "You never get used to it."
Showing posts with label WORK. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WORK. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Saturday, August 15, 2009
I Think My Subconscious Ordered This...
From 12/13/2007
I recently got online while at work and set out to purchase some children's books for the classrooms from Amazon.com. I found all of the books quickly and easily and made the purchase. I was quite excited to find some of these great books that I know the teachers will love. They arrived really quickly and as I opened up the first box, I noticed some thicker books. Immediately I was curious, since children's books are always quite thin. So as I stood in my office digging through the box, I pulled out one of thicker books. My first reaction when I saw what it was to quickly glance around the hall to see if anyone was looking! I had accidentally ordered 5 copies of some Women's Erotica!! Who knows how the hell they were ordered, but there they were sitting in this box amongst some very innocent children's stories. LOL I do wonder what the workers at Amazon thought as they packaged these up!
I have since boxed those 5 books back up and returned them. AND I've shared my story with those around the office who can appreciate the blunder. I do wonder however, if my subconsious is trying to tell me something!
1 Comment: Ha Ha! Well, did you really order them or did Amazon mistakenly place them in your order? Maybe it wasn't you at all. See? (Celia)
I recently got online while at work and set out to purchase some children's books for the classrooms from Amazon.com. I found all of the books quickly and easily and made the purchase. I was quite excited to find some of these great books that I know the teachers will love. They arrived really quickly and as I opened up the first box, I noticed some thicker books. Immediately I was curious, since children's books are always quite thin. So as I stood in my office digging through the box, I pulled out one of thicker books. My first reaction when I saw what it was to quickly glance around the hall to see if anyone was looking! I had accidentally ordered 5 copies of some Women's Erotica!! Who knows how the hell they were ordered, but there they were sitting in this box amongst some very innocent children's stories. LOL I do wonder what the workers at Amazon thought as they packaged these up!
I have since boxed those 5 books back up and returned them. AND I've shared my story with those around the office who can appreciate the blunder. I do wonder however, if my subconsious is trying to tell me something!
1 Comment: Ha Ha! Well, did you really order them or did Amazon mistakenly place them in your order? Maybe it wasn't you at all. See? (Celia)
Yet Another Trip to Seattle
From December 2007
I just returned from another work trip to Seattle. We flew in Monday and got home late last night. Thankfully, we were able to avoid all of the flooding brought on by lots of rain in the area by flying. If we had driven, we would have either been unable to get through, or had to have taken a huge detour. One of the major freeways entering the Seattle area was completely flooded and still wasn't open when we left yesterday.
I traveled with 4 colleagues for a Head Start conference entitled I Am Moving, I Am Learning, which was focused on the epidemic of obesity that is plaguing our country, and starting at very young ages these days. And so, since I work for a preschool program for 3-5 year olds, I was able to get some really good ideas and techniques to bring back and teach my teachers about. But even better yet, it was a great conference for also getting me up and moving, as well as making better choices when eating. They kept us moving by dancing, hopping, skipping, jumping, etc. all throughout the seminar. Of course all of these were great activity ideas to use in the classroom. Then they fed us very healthy meals for breakfast and lunch. No soda and no sweets (except on the very last day we got a small portion of brownie ).
I really did feel great all week and I need to keep it up! However, I must admit that as we ate dinner in the airport last night, before catching our flight home, we all headed to Wendys! LOL After a while, ya just have to have some of that good ol' comfort food.
I just returned from another work trip to Seattle. We flew in Monday and got home late last night. Thankfully, we were able to avoid all of the flooding brought on by lots of rain in the area by flying. If we had driven, we would have either been unable to get through, or had to have taken a huge detour. One of the major freeways entering the Seattle area was completely flooded and still wasn't open when we left yesterday.
I traveled with 4 colleagues for a Head Start conference entitled I Am Moving, I Am Learning, which was focused on the epidemic of obesity that is plaguing our country, and starting at very young ages these days. And so, since I work for a preschool program for 3-5 year olds, I was able to get some really good ideas and techniques to bring back and teach my teachers about. But even better yet, it was a great conference for also getting me up and moving, as well as making better choices when eating. They kept us moving by dancing, hopping, skipping, jumping, etc. all throughout the seminar. Of course all of these were great activity ideas to use in the classroom. Then they fed us very healthy meals for breakfast and lunch. No soda and no sweets (except on the very last day we got a small portion of brownie ).
I really did feel great all week and I need to keep it up! However, I must admit that as we ate dinner in the airport last night, before catching our flight home, we all headed to Wendys! LOL After a while, ya just have to have some of that good ol' comfort food.
Surviving "The Feds"
From December 2007
Well, here I sit at the end of the week... the week of a Federal Review of the Head Start program that I work for. These reviews occur every 3 years and are usually quite stressful. However this time I went into it quite confident, and in the end our program did quite well. Most all of the findings were not related to the services we provide for the children (which I'm over). They were focused on duties that upper management and the board neglected to do. It was actually quite a positive experience, and I'm glad I can sit here and say I survived "the Feds!"
Well, here I sit at the end of the week... the week of a Federal Review of the Head Start program that I work for. These reviews occur every 3 years and are usually quite stressful. However this time I went into it quite confident, and in the end our program did quite well. Most all of the findings were not related to the services we provide for the children (which I'm over). They were focused on duties that upper management and the board neglected to do. It was actually quite a positive experience, and I'm glad I can sit here and say I survived "the Feds!"
A Working Weekend and a Migraine Headache
From November 2007
This weekend was our annual Policy Council Retreat, which is when we take newly elected members of one of our governing bodies and train them. We usually take everyone out of town for an overnight stay and spend the day Saturday giving them lots of information on our program. But this particular year, I really felt it was a non-productive and useless event. It's so sad really... there was a lot of waste. Waste in time (we sat around as staff, waiting a lot), and waste of money (food and rooms were reserved, and people didn't show and we had to pay for it anyway). We really do need to change how we do it. Change would definitely be a good thing in this case.
And on top of all of this, I've had a rebounding migraine headache for the past 3 or 4 days (who's counting anymore?). I think it's a stress headache, but I'm also not sure that it might be a bit of a flu bug. So, I'm living on Ibuprofin and Excedrin Migraine pills, and I've got one more week until our big Federal Review. Sigh...
This weekend was our annual Policy Council Retreat, which is when we take newly elected members of one of our governing bodies and train them. We usually take everyone out of town for an overnight stay and spend the day Saturday giving them lots of information on our program. But this particular year, I really felt it was a non-productive and useless event. It's so sad really... there was a lot of waste. Waste in time (we sat around as staff, waiting a lot), and waste of money (food and rooms were reserved, and people didn't show and we had to pay for it anyway). We really do need to change how we do it. Change would definitely be a good thing in this case.
And on top of all of this, I've had a rebounding migraine headache for the past 3 or 4 days (who's counting anymore?). I think it's a stress headache, but I'm also not sure that it might be a bit of a flu bug. So, I'm living on Ibuprofin and Excedrin Migraine pills, and I've got one more week until our big Federal Review. Sigh...
Life Goes On...
From November 2007
As usual, life has been busy. And it just occurred to me that I hadn't blogged in quite a while. I should have lots to write (or vent) about will all my busy-ness, but I think by the time I get home from work and do a few things around the house, I'm brain dead and have shut down mentally.
November is quickly passing, and with it comes a Federal Review at work -- the week after Thanksgiving Break. Federal Review is similar to an audit, except that it extends to all parts of our grant-funded preschool program, not just the fiscal part. We have one every three years, and so in the many years I've worked here, I've gone through about six. They are always stressful and taxing. But having it in November is pretty early in the school year and I'm glad that it will be over soon. However, until then, I feel like I'm on fast-forward and just can't seem to get enough done each day. I think pretty much everyone in my life thinks I've dropped off the face of the earth.
Sigh... life does go on though and soon I'll be back to my still busy, but less stressful pace.
As usual, life has been busy. And it just occurred to me that I hadn't blogged in quite a while. I should have lots to write (or vent) about will all my busy-ness, but I think by the time I get home from work and do a few things around the house, I'm brain dead and have shut down mentally.
November is quickly passing, and with it comes a Federal Review at work -- the week after Thanksgiving Break. Federal Review is similar to an audit, except that it extends to all parts of our grant-funded preschool program, not just the fiscal part. We have one every three years, and so in the many years I've worked here, I've gone through about six. They are always stressful and taxing. But having it in November is pretty early in the school year and I'm glad that it will be over soon. However, until then, I feel like I'm on fast-forward and just can't seem to get enough done each day. I think pretty much everyone in my life thinks I've dropped off the face of the earth.
Sigh... life does go on though and soon I'll be back to my still busy, but less stressful pace.
Understanding Another's Self Esteem
From 11/8/2007
Yesterday, I spent the day observing and then talking with a teacher. I have been spending quite a bit of my work days lately completing my regular fall observations on all of the preschool teachers that I mentor and she was my scheduled visit for the day. This particular teacher has a lot of wonderful abilities and works quite well with children. So I wasn't too worried about how her observation would go. However, she does have a very active and energetic class this year, with a few children exhibiting some difficult behaviors. But she really did handle it well.
Yet, one thing I've noticed about her over the past couple of years, is that she is continually making sarcastic comments about how she'll probably get fired soon, or maybe she should just quit while she's ahead... etc. As yesterday progressed, I heard quite a few of these comments. And even though she is actually quite funny when she's being sarcastic or cynical, it can start to be concerning too. So, when I met with her to review her observation, I decided to talk to her about her strengths and her level of confidence. I asked her to name one thing that she knows she's good at (at work). She took quite a long time and then finally said "Others have told me that I communicate well with the children." I told her that I totally agreed and that I think she's one of the best we have in that respect. However, I wanted to know what she felt about it, not so much what she's heard others say. She couldn't come up with anything. I felt quite sad for her.
I'm really quite confident in most everything I do and so it's a bit hard for me to comprehend not being able to find anything that I truly know I do well. I challenged her to start identifying on a daily basis things that she does well or things that went well that day and to start pushing the negative thoughts away. She said she'd work on it, but that it's the way she's always been. I'm going to start asking her about her strengths more regularly now. This was a good learning experience for me too... I need to focus on people's strengths more too, instead of what they're doing wrong.
Yesterday, I spent the day observing and then talking with a teacher. I have been spending quite a bit of my work days lately completing my regular fall observations on all of the preschool teachers that I mentor and she was my scheduled visit for the day. This particular teacher has a lot of wonderful abilities and works quite well with children. So I wasn't too worried about how her observation would go. However, she does have a very active and energetic class this year, with a few children exhibiting some difficult behaviors. But she really did handle it well.
Yet, one thing I've noticed about her over the past couple of years, is that she is continually making sarcastic comments about how she'll probably get fired soon, or maybe she should just quit while she's ahead... etc. As yesterday progressed, I heard quite a few of these comments. And even though she is actually quite funny when she's being sarcastic or cynical, it can start to be concerning too. So, when I met with her to review her observation, I decided to talk to her about her strengths and her level of confidence. I asked her to name one thing that she knows she's good at (at work). She took quite a long time and then finally said "Others have told me that I communicate well with the children." I told her that I totally agreed and that I think she's one of the best we have in that respect. However, I wanted to know what she felt about it, not so much what she's heard others say. She couldn't come up with anything. I felt quite sad for her.
I'm really quite confident in most everything I do and so it's a bit hard for me to comprehend not being able to find anything that I truly know I do well. I challenged her to start identifying on a daily basis things that she does well or things that went well that day and to start pushing the negative thoughts away. She said she'd work on it, but that it's the way she's always been. I'm going to start asking her about her strengths more regularly now. This was a good learning experience for me too... I need to focus on people's strengths more too, instead of what they're doing wrong.
Another Crazy Work Day!
From October 2007
If the calendar didn't say differently, I'd swear today was Friday the 13th. It was just one thing after another going wrong. Maybe it's a full moon or something. Whatever it was, things were crazy today!! By 4:30 this afternoon, I was completely brain dead and exhausted.
So what caused all of this exhaustion? We had a teacher assistant quit after refusing to do some of the basic duties of her job. Another new hire didn't show up, causing us to worry about her, since the last time she was seen this morning she had told people that she was headed to work (she had become violently ill, unable to call or answer her phone). One of our cooks collapsed or fell in her kitchen due to some back problems she's been having and had to be rushed to the emergency room. We made a decision to let another employee go as well as put an additional one on a performance improvement plan based on performance so far. And to top it off I kept having difficulties with my computer (which wasn't that bad, but annoying on top of everything else.)
For dinner tonight I ate cookies and milk. Do you blame me?!
If the calendar didn't say differently, I'd swear today was Friday the 13th. It was just one thing after another going wrong. Maybe it's a full moon or something. Whatever it was, things were crazy today!! By 4:30 this afternoon, I was completely brain dead and exhausted.
So what caused all of this exhaustion? We had a teacher assistant quit after refusing to do some of the basic duties of her job. Another new hire didn't show up, causing us to worry about her, since the last time she was seen this morning she had told people that she was headed to work (she had become violently ill, unable to call or answer her phone). One of our cooks collapsed or fell in her kitchen due to some back problems she's been having and had to be rushed to the emergency room. We made a decision to let another employee go as well as put an additional one on a performance improvement plan based on performance so far. And to top it off I kept having difficulties with my computer (which wasn't that bad, but annoying on top of everything else.)
For dinner tonight I ate cookies and milk. Do you blame me?!
A Venting Session
From 10/9/2007
Holy Crap! It's been a whole month since I added something to this blog. I have been trying to differentiate this blog from my other one on Yahoo. This one being saved more for some of my thoughts on how I could make life better, experiences that affect the way I interact with others, "a-ha" moments, belief systems I have, or different philosophies I'm adopting in life. I guess I just haven't had any significant thoughts or events to spark a blog entry. (I need to start reading The Secret again -- could use some positive thoughts.)
But today, I think it might feel good to just spend some time venting about my hectic, crazy work life. It's pretty typical to feel crazed and overwhelmed this time of year. It's just the nature of my job. But geez, I'm a bit fed up lately! I think it's because my two bosses are pretty much incompetent. And since I'm third in command, guess what I get to do? A lot of their jobs plus my own. It's nuts!! We have a federal review on our program in December (these reviews come around every three years--based on our grant funding). I think our management system is at it's worst right now. I so badly just want all of it to be "found out". I'm tired of working so hard to make up the difference... I'm ready to let "the chips fall where they may" and it be made known to our federal monitors that our director and her second in command can't do their jobs! Sigh... I'll just have to wait and see I guess. I do have the philosophy that "everything comes out in the wash eventually." You just have to have the patience to wait it out. Dishonesty on the level that they exhibit it can't be hidden forever.
Holy Crap! It's been a whole month since I added something to this blog. I have been trying to differentiate this blog from my other one on Yahoo. This one being saved more for some of my thoughts on how I could make life better, experiences that affect the way I interact with others, "a-ha" moments, belief systems I have, or different philosophies I'm adopting in life. I guess I just haven't had any significant thoughts or events to spark a blog entry. (I need to start reading The Secret again -- could use some positive thoughts.)
But today, I think it might feel good to just spend some time venting about my hectic, crazy work life. It's pretty typical to feel crazed and overwhelmed this time of year. It's just the nature of my job. But geez, I'm a bit fed up lately! I think it's because my two bosses are pretty much incompetent. And since I'm third in command, guess what I get to do? A lot of their jobs plus my own. It's nuts!! We have a federal review on our program in December (these reviews come around every three years--based on our grant funding). I think our management system is at it's worst right now. I so badly just want all of it to be "found out". I'm tired of working so hard to make up the difference... I'm ready to let "the chips fall where they may" and it be made known to our federal monitors that our director and her second in command can't do their jobs! Sigh... I'll just have to wait and see I guess. I do have the philosophy that "everything comes out in the wash eventually." You just have to have the patience to wait it out. Dishonesty on the level that they exhibit it can't be hidden forever.
A Trip to Charleston, South Carolina
From September 2007
I just returned late last Thursday night from a work trip to Charleston. A co-worker/friend and I left last Sunday morning very early. We arranged to go a day earlier than needed so that we could spend the day Monday site-seeing. It was great! Although it was quite HOT there -- and extremely humid! When we left Sunday morning it was rainy and about 50 degrees here. When we arrived in South Carolina, it was in the mid 80's with about 70% humidity. So it was quite a change and since I hate humidity (having been raised in the dry west), it was not fun to get used to.
Charleston is a very historic city. I knew that before going, but it was great to see all the historic homes and places. We took about a 3-hour walking tour that pretty much covered all of the downtown area. The tour focused on the historic homes and mansions, which were beautiful. I took lots of pictures that I will soon get posted onto the site.
We didn't get the chance to tour Ft Sumter, although it could be seen from the shoreline. However, we did get a chance to ride a small boat taxi across one of the rivers, just to experience the water and get to see a better view of Charleston from a distance. While on the water, we got a quick glimpse of a dolphin... too bad I wasn't a bit quicker with my camera!
As much as I loved my get-a-way, I'm also happy to be back to enjoy beautiful autumn! I absolutely love this time of year, including the cool, cool, weather!!
The two-day conference we attended was great also... I was able to gain a lot of information to bring back to our program that will hopefully prepare us for our upcoming Federal Program Review this year. (More to stress about!)
I just returned late last Thursday night from a work trip to Charleston. A co-worker/friend and I left last Sunday morning very early. We arranged to go a day earlier than needed so that we could spend the day Monday site-seeing. It was great! Although it was quite HOT there -- and extremely humid! When we left Sunday morning it was rainy and about 50 degrees here. When we arrived in South Carolina, it was in the mid 80's with about 70% humidity. So it was quite a change and since I hate humidity (having been raised in the dry west), it was not fun to get used to.
Charleston is a very historic city. I knew that before going, but it was great to see all the historic homes and places. We took about a 3-hour walking tour that pretty much covered all of the downtown area. The tour focused on the historic homes and mansions, which were beautiful. I took lots of pictures that I will soon get posted onto the site.
We didn't get the chance to tour Ft Sumter, although it could be seen from the shoreline. However, we did get a chance to ride a small boat taxi across one of the rivers, just to experience the water and get to see a better view of Charleston from a distance. While on the water, we got a quick glimpse of a dolphin... too bad I wasn't a bit quicker with my camera!
As much as I loved my get-a-way, I'm also happy to be back to enjoy beautiful autumn! I absolutely love this time of year, including the cool, cool, weather!!
The two-day conference we attended was great also... I was able to gain a lot of information to bring back to our program that will hopefully prepare us for our upcoming Federal Program Review this year. (More to stress about!)
I Survived!
From September 2007
The month has almost passed and I SURVIVED another year of startup and pre-service training at the preschool program that I work at. As usual this year's training schedule was hectic and crazy. All the new employees (as well as returning staff) sat through several days of mass amounts of information being flung at them and as usual they ended the day each day with a sort of "deer in the headlights" expression on their face. Poor poor people. I felt that way and I've worked there for over 15 years. I also gave a good portion of the training... so what does that say for my skills? LOL
Anyway, I'm glad it's over. The children start next Tuesday and then we will really be running in full swing. Fortunately, this year I get to miss the first day of school because I will be at a seminar in Charleston SC! I'm so excited!! It will make for a great get-a-way as well as give me a refresher on how to monitor the classrooms and teaching staff. I'll write all about it when I return.
The month has almost passed and I SURVIVED another year of startup and pre-service training at the preschool program that I work at. As usual this year's training schedule was hectic and crazy. All the new employees (as well as returning staff) sat through several days of mass amounts of information being flung at them and as usual they ended the day each day with a sort of "deer in the headlights" expression on their face. Poor poor people. I felt that way and I've worked there for over 15 years. I also gave a good portion of the training... so what does that say for my skills? LOL
Anyway, I'm glad it's over. The children start next Tuesday and then we will really be running in full swing. Fortunately, this year I get to miss the first day of school because I will be at a seminar in Charleston SC! I'm so excited!! It will make for a great get-a-way as well as give me a refresher on how to monitor the classrooms and teaching staff. I'll write all about it when I return.
It's That Time...
From September 2007
With September comes stress and I am certainly feeling it today as I sit on my sofa trying to relax from the day's events.
On Monday we start our pre-service training for all staff before children start classes. During the 5 days of training that are spread out over the next two weeks, I am the trainer of the teachers for a large amount of it. I don't mind training at all, however I haven't done much prep for it yet. Yikes!
Plus today, one of our teachers gave her notice that she was quitting. We've already struggled to fill several teaching positions for this school year, and FINALLY hired them all two weeks ago. Why did she have to wait till September to tell us?!
I'm also responsible for the purchasing of classroom supplies, toys, equipment, etc. So right now I'm knee deep in purchasing and receiving of boxes and boxes of supplies. Tomorrow I have a mound of them to open and put away. Sigh...
So... there is all of my whining for the day. And I'll end my entry now before I start up again.
With September comes stress and I am certainly feeling it today as I sit on my sofa trying to relax from the day's events.
On Monday we start our pre-service training for all staff before children start classes. During the 5 days of training that are spread out over the next two weeks, I am the trainer of the teachers for a large amount of it. I don't mind training at all, however I haven't done much prep for it yet. Yikes!
Plus today, one of our teachers gave her notice that she was quitting. We've already struggled to fill several teaching positions for this school year, and FINALLY hired them all two weeks ago. Why did she have to wait till September to tell us?!
I'm also responsible for the purchasing of classroom supplies, toys, equipment, etc. So right now I'm knee deep in purchasing and receiving of boxes and boxes of supplies. Tomorrow I have a mound of them to open and put away. Sigh...
So... there is all of my whining for the day. And I'll end my entry now before I start up again.
Friday, July 31, 2009
New Guy at the Office
From May 2007
I'm sure this really isn't all that exciting of a topic for any of you readers (like there are lots of you out there!), but for me, this was a really exciting part of my day, month, and even this year! We hired a new technology guy and he started today!! You must understand, we have been without anyone of quality in this position for quite a long time. And of course I'm assuming that this guy will be better than any of the others we've hired in the past two years. But really, I can't wait to see what he'll be able to do to build upon the data system we have.
The other positive about it all, is that HE is a GUY! Since I work in the early childhood field, most of our employees are female. So when we actually hire a man, I think it's great!! Sometimes, I get a bit tired of all the estrogen floating around the office. No, I don't intend to hit on him, although he is cute and funny (and married); I'm just happy for the change of gender.
1 Comment: Hopefully he won't touch your butt like our "new guy" did! :o) (Celia)
I'm sure this really isn't all that exciting of a topic for any of you readers (like there are lots of you out there!), but for me, this was a really exciting part of my day, month, and even this year! We hired a new technology guy and he started today!! You must understand, we have been without anyone of quality in this position for quite a long time. And of course I'm assuming that this guy will be better than any of the others we've hired in the past two years. But really, I can't wait to see what he'll be able to do to build upon the data system we have.
The other positive about it all, is that HE is a GUY! Since I work in the early childhood field, most of our employees are female. So when we actually hire a man, I think it's great!! Sometimes, I get a bit tired of all the estrogen floating around the office. No, I don't intend to hit on him, although he is cute and funny (and married); I'm just happy for the change of gender.
1 Comment: Hopefully he won't touch your butt like our "new guy" did! :o) (Celia)
Office Parties
From May 2007
I'm often amuzed at work by the things that the organization does to try and build morale or mental health. Not that I'm against parties and celebrations, in fact, I love them. But I like celebrations to hold meaning to them, so that I actually can get into the celebrating.
Last week, during Monday's lunch hour, our office had it's annual Birthday party. No this is not a party to celebrate the anniversary of the organizations existence. It was a mass-celebration of everyone's birthday for the year. We've had these parties for a few years now and it originally came about when some members of the office continually had their feelings hurt when no one remembered their birthdays, yet others around them had co-workers showering them with gifts or cake. So they decided to start having one big party to ensure everyone would feel included. (The funny thing is that there are still little celebrations throughout the year as birthdays come and go.)
This year's party was pretty lame. Since the program wouldn't put any money towards the party,we were asked to pitch in $6.00 a week earlier. We had pizza, played a couple of simple party games, got some cheap prizes and a cupcake, and that was it. There was one member of our office group that told the organizers a couple of weeks ago that he didn't want to participate this year. I don't blame him really. But those in charge were upset -- they took it personally. Why?! And then during the party one of the participants seemed upset all of a sudden. She was pretty quiet about it, but I could tell something had made her mad. (She was one of the one's to complain year's ago when no one remembered her birthday.) I think she was upset that her giftbag of candy was sugar-free (she's diabetic, but cheats regularly). The whole thing really is amuzing to me. The things we do to make sure everyone feels included and not isolated; in this case, as I mentioned earlier, it just ended up forcing everyone to celebrate something that didn't have much meaning behind it.
I bet 90% of those present would have preferred to spend their lunch hour doing their own thing.
1 Comment: I agree with you. The people that were making a "big deal" out of other co-workers birthdays was just rude. You don't do that for some and not others. Especially if the company is paying for it. If individuals are paying for it themselves, and if you are that good of friends that you want to celebrate their birthday, then you should do it after hours so noone is left out. As far as the people who are feeling left out, who cares!!!! We are adults!!!! Celebrate your own damn birthday!!! (Celia)
I'm often amuzed at work by the things that the organization does to try and build morale or mental health. Not that I'm against parties and celebrations, in fact, I love them. But I like celebrations to hold meaning to them, so that I actually can get into the celebrating.
Last week, during Monday's lunch hour, our office had it's annual Birthday party. No this is not a party to celebrate the anniversary of the organizations existence. It was a mass-celebration of everyone's birthday for the year. We've had these parties for a few years now and it originally came about when some members of the office continually had their feelings hurt when no one remembered their birthdays, yet others around them had co-workers showering them with gifts or cake. So they decided to start having one big party to ensure everyone would feel included. (The funny thing is that there are still little celebrations throughout the year as birthdays come and go.)
This year's party was pretty lame. Since the program wouldn't put any money towards the party,we were asked to pitch in $6.00 a week earlier. We had pizza, played a couple of simple party games, got some cheap prizes and a cupcake, and that was it. There was one member of our office group that told the organizers a couple of weeks ago that he didn't want to participate this year. I don't blame him really. But those in charge were upset -- they took it personally. Why?! And then during the party one of the participants seemed upset all of a sudden. She was pretty quiet about it, but I could tell something had made her mad. (She was one of the one's to complain year's ago when no one remembered her birthday.) I think she was upset that her giftbag of candy was sugar-free (she's diabetic, but cheats regularly). The whole thing really is amuzing to me. The things we do to make sure everyone feels included and not isolated; in this case, as I mentioned earlier, it just ended up forcing everyone to celebrate something that didn't have much meaning behind it.
I bet 90% of those present would have preferred to spend their lunch hour doing their own thing.
1 Comment: I agree with you. The people that were making a "big deal" out of other co-workers birthdays was just rude. You don't do that for some and not others. Especially if the company is paying for it. If individuals are paying for it themselves, and if you are that good of friends that you want to celebrate their birthday, then you should do it after hours so noone is left out. As far as the people who are feeling left out, who cares!!!! We are adults!!!! Celebrate your own damn birthday!!! (Celia)
To Mentor or Monitor? That Is The Question...
From 5/2007
I'm a bit reflective of my work this week as part of the preschool program I work for is shutting down for the summer. My thoughts have mainly been on the following:
In my daily work, I play the role of mentor and trainer as I work with the preschool teachers, helping them to become better teachers. But a huge part of my job also includes my monitoring of their work in the classroom as well as their paperwork. From time to time, even though I'm not their regular supervisor that signs their timesheets and fills out their evaluations, I have to play the bad guy and get tough when performance isn't what it needs to be.
Over this past year, I've noticed that I've had to do that a lot! I'm not sure it's really all that productive to be so critical and judgemental (even though sometimes I'm so frustrated, that it comes very natural to me to just get blunt and tell them how it is). I'd much rather spend my time mentoring and building up the teaching staff than to constantly monitor them and point out what they are doing wrong. Yet, this is what is expected of me by MY supervisors. I've had comments made that most staff are scared of me. Often it's stated in a joking manner and I do usually chuckle and say "good!" And even though I feel a good healthy respect from them is needed, I really don't want it to evolve into them not wanting to come to me for advice or help when they need it.
I'd really like to overhaul the whole atmosphere and attitude in our management team's style of managing. We should be spending more of our efforts MENTORING and less time MONITORING. Right? How to do this, when I'm not the ultimate authority, is daunting and almost impossible. But I can certainly set as a goal for myself to work more on bringing out the 'mentor' in me.
I'm a bit reflective of my work this week as part of the preschool program I work for is shutting down for the summer. My thoughts have mainly been on the following:
In my daily work, I play the role of mentor and trainer as I work with the preschool teachers, helping them to become better teachers. But a huge part of my job also includes my monitoring of their work in the classroom as well as their paperwork. From time to time, even though I'm not their regular supervisor that signs their timesheets and fills out their evaluations, I have to play the bad guy and get tough when performance isn't what it needs to be.
Over this past year, I've noticed that I've had to do that a lot! I'm not sure it's really all that productive to be so critical and judgemental (even though sometimes I'm so frustrated, that it comes very natural to me to just get blunt and tell them how it is). I'd much rather spend my time mentoring and building up the teaching staff than to constantly monitor them and point out what they are doing wrong. Yet, this is what is expected of me by MY supervisors. I've had comments made that most staff are scared of me. Often it's stated in a joking manner and I do usually chuckle and say "good!" And even though I feel a good healthy respect from them is needed, I really don't want it to evolve into them not wanting to come to me for advice or help when they need it.
I'd really like to overhaul the whole atmosphere and attitude in our management team's style of managing. We should be spending more of our efforts MENTORING and less time MONITORING. Right? How to do this, when I'm not the ultimate authority, is daunting and almost impossible. But I can certainly set as a goal for myself to work more on bringing out the 'mentor' in me.
A Day to Play!
From May 2007
Last Monday, I got up and did the usual things in my routine to get ready for work. But I was fighting and dreading it the whole way. When I arrived to work, my blah-zay attitude had not improved. So, what did I do? I pulled out my calendar and looked for the first possible day that I could take some vacation time. And guess what?! That's this weekend (yesterday actually)!!
I really don't have any special plans for my now 3-day weekend, just puttering and being lazy. I'd love to go shopping, but the funds are a bit tight, especially after just paying the bills yesterday. I'll just have some extra time at home -- really all I care is that I didn't have to go to work! Yay!!
Last Monday, I got up and did the usual things in my routine to get ready for work. But I was fighting and dreading it the whole way. When I arrived to work, my blah-zay attitude had not improved. So, what did I do? I pulled out my calendar and looked for the first possible day that I could take some vacation time. And guess what?! That's this weekend (yesterday actually)!!
I really don't have any special plans for my now 3-day weekend, just puttering and being lazy. I'd love to go shopping, but the funds are a bit tight, especially after just paying the bills yesterday. I'll just have some extra time at home -- really all I care is that I didn't have to go to work! Yay!!
It's Back to Work I Go...
From May 2007
I had a nice da
y off yesterday, just to recuperate from my trip, but now I'm back to work this morning. BUMMER. I enjoy not working way too much! I think I need to win the lottery or something so I can be a bum and do whatever I want. Although, I think I really would become a bum with no purpose. So as much as I complain about it, work is good for me.
I have posted all my pictures from my trip to San Antonio in the photo section of my 360 page. As you can tell I loved the River Walk and I love trees.
1 Comment: Loved the pics!!! (Celia)
I had a nice da
y off yesterday, just to recuperate from my trip, but now I'm back to work this morning. BUMMER. I enjoy not working way too much! I think I need to win the lottery or something so I can be a bum and do whatever I want. Although, I think I really would become a bum with no purpose. So as much as I complain about it, work is good for me.I have posted all my pictures from my trip to San Antonio in the photo section of my 360 page. As you can tell I loved the River Walk and I love trees.
1 Comment: Loved the pics!!! (Celia)
Honey, I'm Home!
From April 2007
I got home from San Antonio last night. What a great trip and
what a great city!! I want to go back there and visit "for real" and not for work. Although I really can't complain, we really did get quite a bit of free time to go site-see. And the weather was beautiful. It was 80 degrees and above the whole time. I even got a slight sunburn which will turn into a great start to my summer tan. (Too bad it wasn't on my legs )
Some of the places we visited were:
I hope to have all my photos posted in my photo section very soon.
1 Comment: I'm glad you had a great time. Can't wait to see the pics!!! :o) (Celia)
I got home from San Antonio last night. What a great trip and
what a great city!! I want to go back there and visit "for real" and not for work. Although I really can't complain, we really did get quite a bit of free time to go site-see. And the weather was beautiful. It was 80 degrees and above the whole time. I even got a slight sunburn which will turn into a great start to my summer tan. (Too bad it wasn't on my legs )Some of the places we visited were:
The River Walk and a river boat tour - my favorite and most beautiful, I could walk or sit along the River Walk all day long.
Market Square - a great Mexican and Farmer's Market. We didn't get out to the Market until Friday -the first day of San Antonio's annual Fiesta. The place was packed and very festive. Great fun!! (I would have liked to have stayed a bit longer and gotten into the festivities a bit more.)
La Villita-another type of market, but more about art and hand made crafts. I love to look at art, however we didn't spend much time here due to our desire to get out to Market Square. (Our time walking and standing was always a bit limited due to my co-worker's health difficulties - and we had to kind of prioritize which things we wanted to spend this limited time on.)
The Alamo- I didn't get to spend much time there since it closed at 5:30 every day. But one evening I made it through the door at 5 minutes before closing. So I quickly snapped a few photos, skimmed through the gift shop, and was out the gate. Sadly, I really didn't get to read any of the actual historical placards.
multiple gift shops - of course there were quite a few of these around The Alamo and throughout town.
River Center Mall - your average mall, except that the river and River Walk ran right around it. So I sat and listened to a live band play while enjoying the cool breeze from the river. (I also bought my first pair of Croc's shoes, which I now wear constantly!)
the Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center - this was where our conference was held, which probably doesn't sound like such a big deal, except it had a great park, some cool sculptures and statues, and again, the river ran right under it.
Hard Rock Cafe - I always like to buy a Hard Rock t-shirt when visiting a new city. I rarely eat in the cafe -- I just buy souvenirs. :)
A couple of great restaurants - We actually had quite a bit of food provided for us during our conference. But we did eat at a great Texan steak place and also a nice hometown Mexican Cafe. Both were YUMMY!!
Every evening, once my co-worker had taken a cab back to the hotel, I had some time alone to walk and see more of the sites of San Antonio. I usually didn't stay out past dark, since that's not really a safe idea. But I did get to spend more time on the River Walk and do a bit of shopping. I kept thinking over and over about how San Antonio would be a great romantic get-away. If I ever get the chance, it would be a place I'd visit again for exactly that purpose.I hope to have all my photos posted in my photo section very soon.
1 Comment: I'm glad you had a great time. Can't wait to see the pics!!! :o) (Celia)
I'm Off to San Antonio!
From April 2007
One of the great perks of where I work is that every so often I get to take a trip. And so much like this, sometimes
I get to go to new places! I've never really spent much time in Texas at all, so I'm excited to have a bit warmer weather and to see some new sites. I'm traveling with one other co-worker. She has a few health problems that makes it hard for her to walk long distances, so I'm not sure how willing she'll be to get out there and play the role of tourist. If the moment presents itself, I'll actually go it alone!
Of course I'm not getting an all expense paid trip just to site-see. I will actually attend some conference/training sessions during the day. I'm not really even sure exactly what I'm going to walk away having learned. So I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
One of the great perks of where I work is that every so often I get to take a trip. And so much like this, sometimes
I get to go to new places! I've never really spent much time in Texas at all, so I'm excited to have a bit warmer weather and to see some new sites. I'm traveling with one other co-worker. She has a few health problems that makes it hard for her to walk long distances, so I'm not sure how willing she'll be to get out there and play the role of tourist. If the moment presents itself, I'll actually go it alone!Of course I'm not getting an all expense paid trip just to site-see. I will actually attend some conference/training sessions during the day. I'm not really even sure exactly what I'm going to walk away having learned. So I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
SEATTLE BOUND!!
FROM OCTOBER 2006
I'm off to Seattle for a couple of days! Seattle is one of my favorite cities to visit. I love the food, the weather, the atmosphere, and most of all I LOVE Pike's Market! I'm headed there for work with a co-worker, but I've made sure to schedule some site-seeing into our spare time. I'm also excited to be getting out of town as well.
I'm off to Seattle for a couple of days! Seattle is one of my favorite cities to visit. I love the food, the weather, the atmosphere, and most of all I LOVE Pike's Market! I'm headed there for work with a co-worker, but I've made sure to schedule some site-seeing into our spare time. I'm also excited to be getting out of town as well.
I do love to travel, especially on work's dollar. I've been lucky over the years to travel to some pretty cool places for work... Washington DC, Chicago, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Seattle (a few times) and of course all over Oregon for various trainings, seminars, conferences, mtgs, etc. The conference I'm going to this time is on those living in poverty and is based on a book "Bridges to Poverty" that I have found very interesting. The author of the book is presenting the training and I'm kind of excited to hear what he has to say. I've been working with the low-income for many years now and hope that this will improve my skills, knowledge, and awareness.
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