Show Me Yours!

I was thinking how you have your computer desktop set up shows a lot about you. So, I thought I would share mine. Will you share yours? What I did was go to my basic desktop, hit "Print Screen," then opened Paint>New and saved as a jpg... where you see it now:

This is my wallpaper for Valentine's Day. Isn't it cute? I am hoping my friend, Gary, sees how cute the whales are and find a way to make one into a mug. I can dream, can't I?

Oh, the Colonel didn't come in today. His power went out last night and he can't secure his house.

I don't know about you, but I would try turning the key in the lock.

Okay... if you share your desktop, leave me a comment so I can "see" you!

Goodness!

Well, what do you know? I got big, ole raise yesterday. It wasn't time for a review or after a year or anything - it was a "just because you're doing a great job" raise!

Nice, isn't it?

And, even nicer... I got my best friend, Kaye, hired. She starts a week from today.

Yesterday, I received my order from our favorite potter, Gary. A beautiful heart-shaped mug (that's for ME) and a lovely heart-shaped candle holder that I have given to my coworker and friend, Wendy (she loved it), and Gary included a really amazing "mystery gift." I can't tell you what it is because I don't want other Gary afficionados to be jealous. It's possible they could come after my collection and things could get ugly.

The Colonel? No calls yet... he's been here over an hour. He has that "staring at the computer screen" down pat, though.

I don't think he got a raise.

It's Only Tuesday

Don't worry... the Colonel is still here. He's made 3 calls this morning. That's almost a record.

Life, overall, is good right now. I love when you get in one of those smooth spells where things are right.

Today, on my way to work, I passed an office building... nothing remarkable about that... I go past this building everday, but today there were approximately 18 fire engines and 12 ambulances in front of the place. No smoke. So, I am thinking someone went postal and God only knows what's going on in there. I flipped onto the news channel. Nothing.

So, here I am in my office and still don't know.

Right this moment, it's really quiet and uneventful in the office. It's been crazy-busy the last couple of weeks but, for now, it's calm. Better to monitor every move of the Colonel.

Yesterday, he went on six cigarette breaks within four hours. Of course, we're not sure what he needs a break from, but I guess that's irrelevant in his world.

I have some contract workers that are trying to circumvent the system and manipulate work from our clients. They still want to do the work through us, but are trying to obtain on their own. I am really TICKED OFF at these people. You can bet they will be getting less jobs than anyone else. Sheesh - respect the system you chose to work within or take your exit.

Oh, and just for the fun of gossip... one of my workers packed up and moved across the country to live with her online love interest. It was all great at first until he turned into a clingy, needy dude. He became one of those smothering, all-encompassing guys you see on America's Most Wanted (without the violence). So, she broke up with him Saturday at which point he proceeded to have a heart attack. She drove him to the hospital and he refused to go in. Needless to say, she was not happy! Faking a heart attack to make her stay??

This morning she called to let me know he had a REAL heart attack last night and is in the hospital (he should be fine).

She and her rat terrier are now living in a hotel.

How Many Today?

The Colonel isn't here yet. Yesterday, he made ZERO calls!

Not what I would think is a good plan if the Big Cheese just told me I had to make 25 a day.

Don't forget you can have your chance to win my favorite print - I'll be drawing a name tonight. Just scroll down - you'll find a link. God knows I posted it enough.

Well, guess who arrived while I typing this? MmmmHmmmmmm

I ordered a beautiful mug and candle holder from my friend, Gary, potter extrordinaire! Why not check them out. You'll want one, too, I am sure.

There is a blog I just can't miss every day, Stretch Marks. Why not pop in and find out why?

Of course, all the blogs in my "Reads" and "Follows" lists are musts for me.

Never fear... we will be monitoring the Colonel and posting regularly on his progress (or lack of). After all, we have 90 days before the Cheese returns.

Oh! And I might get to hire another person (yea!) and I know her. That's good news!

For all that have asked, my darling child, Miss Priss, seems to be thriving in her new school. This may be the best thing we've ever done for the kid.

Of course, we haven't seen grades yet, but, Lord willing, and some effort on her part, it might just be okay.

It Just Doesn't End

The Colonel came in at 8:15am. He's been out for two smoke breaks... when he came back in he told Wendy he had to "do some work" and shut his door. Other than yesterday, his door has NEVER been shut.

So far, not ONE call has been made.

This is a trip.

Strain

There's a definite strain in the air here at my office. Quite frankly, I thought the Colonel got the heave-ho on the phone yesterday, but evidently not!

The Big Cheese arrival is within a matter of hours now.

It might be time for me to slink out for lunch.

Will keep you posted!

Tell Me Something Good!

The Colonel is out sick again. My new coworker, Wendy, doesn't work Fridays (she's part time).

That means I am here alone.

I like it.

So many of you are in the midst of some really cold weather right now, aren't you? I hate to tell you this, but it is absolutely gorgeous here today. It's 43 degrees, which isn't warm, but it's very sunny and clear. Sweatshirt weather. That's a good thing :-)

It looks like Miss Priss ran into something with her (read: MY) car. She's not talking. We, however, will be talking to her tonight! She doesn't know it yet, but she'll be clear when the talk is done.

Does this stress ever stop?? Holy cow, she's wearing us out! Thank God it's Friday. I need a nice, long nap.

Tell me something good. I want to hear YOUR good news, please!

Thin Ice

The Colonel is on thin ice and doesn't know it.

As many of you may remember, the Colonel is our senior sales rep. He is probably the absolutely worst salesperson on the face of the earth. It's about 10am here right now and he's made 2 calls. Yesterday, he made several. One person called back and he pranced around the office talking about how he got "a live one."

He sent the "live one" his "little package." I know. Don't get me started on the package.

So, why is he on thin ice? Our Big Cheese called me today and wanted to know if the Colonel had been on the phone today. At that point, I said he hadn't (the 2 calls were after this).

Big Cheese said we might just see him at the end of the month.

Yikes!

Colonel Returns

Well, friends, the Colonel came back today.

Not much to say except he's really not "right" yet and somebody should've made sure he wasn't driving a car. Hopefully he'll get home before school lets out.

My daughter is still in love. They only see each other about an hour or so a day. I like that part of the relationship. So far, no school-skipping or other drama going on.

Miss Priss wants a Touch iPod and a new bed for Christmas. Of course, she picked out a bed from Pottery Barn Teens. She won't be getting $1200.00 double bed. She IS getting the iPod and, due to a short comment she made the other night, a guitar and all the "fixins" that come with it - pick, tuner, gig bag (what the heck is that?), a strap and a stand.

She mentioned she's always wanted to take guitar or piano lessons. We went for the guitar. I hope it's a surprise.

Her uncle (my sister's husband) is going to make her that Pottery Barn bed she wanted, but she'll get it for her birthday in March.

Now, I just have to figure out what to get Jerry. I'm stumped.

Over The Hill

Yep, I went right over the hill on Saturday and didn't feel a thing.

My "surprise" party was so nice - friends from high school came along with our current-day friends. My parents were both there (I am so fortunate to still have them both!) and my siblings, nieces, nephews, and a host of cousins.

I didn't get a bunch of joke gifts and teasing about turning 50, so that was nice, too. I could've taken it - even expected it - but it didn't happen and I am good with that!

The Colonel called in to work this morning to let us know he drove for the first time since his stroke today. He had to take his wife for cataract surgery. For those of you who know about the Colonel, you might recall that his mission in life has been to smoke cigarettes and drink coffee. Seems those days are over. Doctor's orders. Being a colonel and all, he has to obey.

He wants to come back to work this week because he's bored. I think he should stay out for the rest of the month.

I'm not in charge of that.

Colonel Update and More

The Colonel's wife called yesterday and said he had been released and was at home. Seems he is obsessed with work, but I can assure you, according to the phone in his office, there hasn't been even one message left in his absence. This will probably tear him up when he gets back, so I hope someone calls over the weekend.

And other sad news... my sister-in-law, Jana, lost her dad yesterday. This is the sis-in-law who is throwing my surprise party next Saturday. Jana's dad was a real character - he had his Masters in music and was once a really good jazz pianist. Arthritis set in and he gave up that gig and became a teacher. He was, however, kind of crochety, but funny. And could the man cuss! Always, of course, choosing a most unopportune time to do so.

Jana and my brother are 43. They have been a couple since the 7th grade. So, Jana's family has been our family for a long, long time.

We'll miss you, Joe Walker.

Uh Oh

The Colonel had a stroke.

Really.

He's in intensive care today, but seems to be improving.

Um...I'm feeling pretty bad for making fun of the man. Of course, it was all true, but right now I'll pray for him and his wife.

He needs to get back or it will be pretty boring around here.

The Final

Greetings, all!

The Colonel is taking his sales "final" today. Yep, as you may recall, he went to a coaching seminar back in September and has had weekly conference call follow-ups since that date. It seems there was various forms of "homework" as well.

Today, he is to make a small presentation via conference call with our BIG boss listening in to the whole thing. Needless to say, he's a nervous wreck. He's not saying he is, but you can tell.

Unfortunately for the Colonel, he got snappy with our Executive VP on the phone yesterday. Subsequently, the Big Cheese (owner & president of our company) informed him that he might not be able to attend the conference call final and the Exec VP might do it in his stead.

The Colonel is fit to be tied!

If he doesn't shut his office door, I plan on making my own personal evaluation.

Updates to follow.

I think he might be missing the bathroom water coffee. The spring water is missing something.

Hmmmm......

Rearranged, Old Friends, and Dog Parks

I rearranged my office. Oh, I already told you guys that, didn't I? Sheesh. Well, I am back to work (which is when I have time to post - lol) and the Colonel hasn't arrived yet.

Good news! I am going to have another coworker and she starts on Monday, November 3rd. This is SO good because it will let there be another personality other than mine and the Colonel's in here. Plus, we worked together in the past. For about 10 years or more.

This will interesting, though. She was always my boss. Now I am hers. It's not too freaky, though, because we always just worked as a team, but when push came to shove, I deferred to her "rank." I guess it's my turn now.

Jerry and I took our dogs to the dog park yesterday and they had big, big fun! It was rather warm, but they loved it. Georgi took off swimming in the pond. Gordy just drank out of it. There were lots of people there and even more dogs of every sort. It's a very nice park - about 900+ acres and divided into a section for large dogs and small dogs. Each has a pond and agility equipment. Our little Georgi loves agility and is amazingly good at it.

Oh, oh, the Colonel just arrived - he overslept. Crazy, huh? Not.

Guess I better actually DO something.

Thanks, Peace, and Clean Water

You know, I never intended my blog to be more than a place for me to record my days and thought, etc... but, as I am sure happened to you, too, it changed.

Oh, I still do that. Post what I am thinking about, what's going on in my life and the such, but now I feel like I have so many connections to people that truly matter to me. Even though we haven't met formally, I value the opinions of you. You know who you are.**

And to new people who happen by... I've met most of you this way - by following a link on someone else's blog or you following one to mine.

What I am getting to is... Thank You! Your opinions, suggestions, and comments help change my perspective, let me look at my own situation through a different filter, and I can't tell you how helpful it really is.

Sometimes, you're just plain hilarious. Hilarious works really well for me, too.

For now, there is peace in our house and Jerry & I have begun a plan for our family and Nicole. We think it has a good chance of working and I'll tell you more about that later. For today, she's being an angel and we're enjoying life.

Okay. I have a change of subject midstream. I know that is a big shock to you! I talked to the VP of my company Friday and asked if we could get a small microwave for our office. He said we could AND to order a water service. Do you realize the ramifications of this??? This means no more bathroom water coffee!

I can't tell you how much I love knowing I won't have to buy coffee every morning and that we will be drinking clean spring water coffee?? Life is good.

So, Jerry and I went and bought a microwave today and took it to my office. We then took a gazillion motivational framed posters OFF the walls and left one tastefully framed photo of the city of Houston over the main reception area and one (only ONE) motivational print hanging in the main area.

There are no motivational posters in my office, but the Colonel?? Oh the Colonel has about eight, plus two ship paintings. Don't get me wrong, I love, love, love nautical things. Really, I do. But these painting...well, they leave much to be desired.

I am wondering if the Colonel is going to freak out Monday? I'll let you know then.

**just in case you don't know who you are, let me share some names: gary, kris, melissa, wep, katie, kerrie, and so many more (sorry, I got tired of linking).

Cosmic Truckin' Child Of The Universe

It's been a while since we had a Colonel update. It's only 8:30am while I am typing this and he's been here a grand total of 12 minutes, but it's begun.

What?? Well, he has turned on his computer and radio. Whined about how it rained last night. And crept down the hall to get some bathroom water for coffee.

Today is another sales on-the-phone conference with his trainer and fellow students. As I mentioned before, he was a week to 2 weeks behind everyone. Yesterday he said he had caught up in the materials (reading, writing, etc...) but that he was just SO FAR behind everyone else. Two weeks??

This is all rehash. Sorry. I still just can't believe he has this job and has had it for so long.

Then, I feel bad for posting all this here. After all, he's ...

"...a child of the universe

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should."

Wow! Now, if you're in my age range, does that quote ring a bell?? I remember when Desiderata by Max Ehrman was on a poster in every bedroom. And they were sooooooooooooo cool, groovy, hipster, and far out.

And, this little gem was frequently seen:

This Peter Max was on my notebook...

Holy cow, the Colonel has sent me into the nether regions of memory. For the love of Pete! Or maybe that's the love of Peter Max. He's still cool in my book.

And here we come full circle...back to our Kentucky Colonel (bestowed honorarily) who is about to begin another seminar. I'll do some eavesdropping and see what kind of excuse-making ensues today.

Keep on truckin' people!

I'm It!

Well, what do you know? Wep tagged me! Seven random or weird facts about me (yikes!). I will probably go with random - you can decide if they're weird or not:

1. I lived with an Amish family for 2 weeks.

2. I worked in a haunted house as a witch.

3. My friends and I had a private meeting with Dr. Phil.

4. I like tacky retro-kitsch - things like dashboard hula dancers.

5. I worked (and got paid) to be a chatroom moderator (The Reflecting Pool, spirituality room) on TalkCity "back in the day."

6. I'm going bowling with my best friends from high school tomorrow (we graduated in 1977).

7. I got married on Grand Cayman Island in a church my great-great-grandfather founded.

You read the rules above...I am required by law and all that is holy in the land of blogs to tag seven others. Yes, that's right, it must be done. So it is written, so it shall be done:

Gary Rith Pottery Blog

Eat Your Veggies!

The Scholastic Scribe

A Shelter From The Storm

Life At Number 14

Decisionally Challenged

Ritch In Love

Now, if you don't choose to do this, I fully understand... or if I didn't list you and you WANT to get after it, feel free!

I may post again later. The colonel just arrived and there's always good material there.

Happy, happy Friday!

Jerry, George, Elaine, or Kramer?

So, I figured if I just started typing something would come to me.

I'm discovering I might just be a "Seinfeld Blogger," if you know what I mean - a blog about nothing. In fact, I have no doubt I could go on and on without having said one substantial thing. Never, ever did I have a problem meeting the word requirements on any writing assignment.

Oh! Guess what I just remembered? We might hire a part-time worker in my office. Do you have any idea what the ramifications of that might be??? I would NOT be alone with the colonel all day. I would have someone else who could commiserate with me and, (I know the next part of this sentence is really mean) could make fun of him with me. Behind his back, of course.

Here's the best part, though....this potential employee is an old supervisor of mine and I love her! She might be one of the most knowledgeable people (in this field) I have ever met. She retired from our former company and I have missed her so much! I can't tell you how I hope this deal goes through.

We need new phones in this office. I think the ones we have now were manufactured sometime in the late 70s or early 80s. No caller ID. If you dial too fast, the number doesn't "catch" and you have to do it all over again. Quite frankly, I can't believe I can dial that fast. It makes me feel like a teenager. I can't, however, text 3 paragraphs using only my thumbs in 20 seconds or less like my child can.

So, my goal today is verify the new phone order is processed.

I think the colonel is geared up to give us lots of humor before the day is out - all of which I will share with you. He went to a sales seminar/training class about a month ago and it has required homework. He has materials to read and things to practice. On Thursdays, there is a two hour conference call with his instructor and the other students. As he was a week behind everyone else, this continues to be his refrain, "I just haven't caught up with the rest of you yet," and "I am still in the 'recognition phase' of the process."

Dude, you can't sell. Quit making excuses and play the game with your classmates and teacher.

See? Seinfeld.

The Last Resort

Today, I am rearranging my office to become a bit better organized.

The colonel called in sick. Can you imagine? On a Friday of all things. I am truly shocked.

Do you ever have one of those days when you want to post something brilliant or funny or insightful and all you can think of is maybe someone has some new meme you can try? That's me today.

Hey! There's an idea... let's create a new meme together. I will give you one question, leave a comment with your answer and a question you would like to see on a meme, and at the end of the day, I will post them all as one meme. If you want, come back and get it and use it for that day when you can't think of a darn thing either. No linking required. It's too much effort (can you tell I am being lazy?).

The Last Resort Meme

1. What word do you wish would disappear forever?

(my answer to THAT question is "frickin")

Okay... off to actually do some work.

The Colonel Sells

I know I shouldn't post so much about my kookie coworker, the "colonel," but he gives me so much material, I can't help myself.

Now, the colonel is our sales supervisor. He is basically our only sales person, designated to drum up business. Other personnel in corporate are also sales-driven, but have various other duties while the colonel's only job is sales. So, you get the picture.

You're probably thinking, given his position, he should be very apt in the sales arena. Oh, my friends, let me assure you that cannot possibly be more false. Here is his sales plan:

1. Go to conferences and conventions of potential (and existing) customers.
2. Gather business cards and email addresses at venues listed above.
3. Spend the next 3 months (or so) before the next venue calling all the people listed on the business cards collected.
4. Using this spiel: "John Doe, this is the Colonel, with ABC123, I had the great pleasure of meeting you at the YouNameIt conference in September. How are you? blah blah blah I was calling you regarding our __________ service. Oh, you do? Are you happy with the service you are receiving? I see. I was wondering if you received the little package I sent you regarding our services? May I send you another? Sir/Ma'am, would you mind if I made a follow-up call to you in about a month? Most assuredly. Thank you.

Now, I am not a sales person, but I do know this....If I was THE sales person, I would be getting out of my chair and hitting the streets to make personal contacts with some of these people.

Once a potential customer told me they were satisfied with someone else's work, I would use that opportunity to jump in and ask to compare rates, quality, service, etc.... I would offer one free time, etc... something to open that door and get my foot in it.

And lastly, if I were "the" salesman, I would never, ever call my package little.