Another new position....

Since arriving at my job here Feb 21, I have held two different departments, and am about ready to move to another one. And maybe I'm the only one who finds that surprising. In 6+ years with the company prior to this, I held only three positions, total. (I was very much at home in Fabrics & Crafts!!) I was interviewed Friday afternoon for this new position, and the Store Manager congratulated me first thing this morning. It was nice to hear "no matter how many times we looked at the list of names, we kept coming back to yours". Guess I'm doing a few things right, huh ? It's a lateral move, different responsibilities. More paperwork (which I'm good at) and a need to be organized, on top of things, and able to jump into several different hoops, if it's called for. (None of that has ever been a problem for me in the past ... but I'm not in my 20's any longer!! haha) I'm supposed to begin training right away, as the gal I'm replacing leaves in 3 weeks, I believe. Ought to be interesting, considering I have a full plate as it is with my pharmacy department. (Maybe that's why it works well for me... I'm the kind who takes ownership?)

Most of my day was spent answering questions about a new computerized back room program we've just begun (I went gung-ho and started a week earlier than the rest of the departments! lol) , so I've been helping my peers with a lot of that. And, spent a half hour training a co-manager from another store on some of the working details of this new system, as well. It was nice to be singled out for that :)

Which brings me to the second half, the reason for this post: Why is it that when we do good things, we don't hear about it as often as we'd like to ? For example: When my kids were growing up, my ex and I would take the kids places .... a train trip into SF, an outing to a park, a zoo, a museum, things like that. But because we were there, the kids didn't have to expound every detail joyfully (like kids do!) to us, but would talk about how wonderful it was to their grandparents. We adults got to hear second hand how excited the kids were after such a trip. And I'm thinking its kind of that way with our jobs, as well. We're busy doing what we do. And continually wonder: "Am I doing a good job? Is this the way I'm supposed to do something?" Why do we assume the worst case scenario? and not the best? Is it possible to live by the adage "No news is good news" ??? I say YES! While it's always nice to hear good things about ourselves, in reality, if we're doing a good job ... isn't that what we're paid to do ?? If you were doing a bad job, don't you think they'd tell you by now? So, the next time you get to wondering about your job performance... keep that in mind: No news is good news!

HUGS to everyone!

Trojans, Friends, and Heroes

Dealing with someone else's computer always leaves me very frustrated. There's no way to know exactly what was done. And sometimes files aren't where they're supposed to be. Sometimes the user has deleted important files! *grrrrrrr* I give up. I gave up. I quit. This time, it was my son's computer. Now, my son will just have to find $$ to take it to a repair shop, or get another. Anyone wanna buy a HP Pavilion circa 2002?? Complete with a full set of Trojans ( No! Not those kind!!!!! *snicker* )

On another note, a person I regarded as a good friend seems to have disappeared. I know that real life sometimes kicks in, or something else happens (like computer issues!) but ... a note saying "I'm alive, be back soon" or "thanks, I had a good time, but it isn't working out" or "get lost b*tch" would be nice (ok, that last one wouldn't be so NICE, but at least I'd know, eh?) Maybe it was just time to move on; or a hint that I ought to.

And lastly, I interviewed for a different position within the store; nice to know I'm being considered. Its an internal "claims" position. Sadly, all in all, its just a lateral move for me. But who knows, it could lead to bigger and better things! That's what I'm hoping for.

That's all in this tiny corner of the world. Oh, I started watching Season One of Heroes... and liking it so far!

HUGS to everyone!

Tekkie Troubles

As so many of us are ... when it comes to computers ... we can be very inept in the tekkie part of keeping our system(s) up to date. Until there's a problem. Maybe I'm just being 'girly' about the whole thing, but why do tekkies have to make the questions they ask, the things they say they need to know, so complicated? Or ... is it just that when we get our computers, and plug them in, they work. .... so we don't bother to learn anything else about it??

I've gotten an error message twice from my virus scan (McAfee) about a unwanted file in the System Volume .... file. Then, I got a screen that says my BIOS needs to be updated. OK. Given the fact that I've done very little to keep upgraded in nearly two years, its not a big deal. Right? Well.

First, you have to know your "motherboard" model .... (nothing like a mothership, I bet!)

Which leads to a "socket" number ..... ( is that where I plug in my hair dryer?)

I have no idea what my "chipset" is ..... (Poker, anyone?)

Then, somewhere in between screens ....
Which leads you to a totally different web page .....
AHHA! Lookie here ...

"New users should click here" ....

I have reached NIRVANA! a web page for those of us less tekkie inclined (at least I hope so!) ..... but... alas, it leads to a web page that no longer exists. (sob sob sob)
What? and Why????

Now, the other part of the difficulty is being on dial up (*GASP* ?!?!?!?! people still use that?) and the answer is YES! So, I need to be very certain I have the correct item to download, not only for the viability of my system, but because I hate wasting D/L time on something useless!

I got one of the most important drivers downloaded, and installed. And it seems to be working just fine. If you're like me, you wonder if after one of these crazy updates, will the computer work at all??? After several unsuccessful searches through various websites, I resorted to digging out the manual for the motherboard that came with everything else, and Yippee! There's a Cd in there, with instructions as well! to get updates from the internet. ~~score~~ So, that has been done as well. My BIOS is not outdated any longer. And.. I'm blogging one last time, in case something goes awry before I do the reboot for this update....... *crosses my fingers*

For all you tekkie sorts out there ... more power to you! Wish it were as easy for me! To the rest of you, who, like me, stumble through this kind of stuff , hang in there! (I'd say it gets better, but it doesn't seem to!!!)

And to SomeOne very special, who makes things like this possible for me.... Thank You!!
Big Hugs, N!!!

HUGS to everyone!!

Skipping....

Have you ever wondered what effects things that happened in your childhood have on you as an adult?? Today, as I was leaving for the library, I couldn't find my sunglasses. I teased my son, asking him if it was OK to wear a pair I use for out at the pool.... (they're yellow, and quite large. He calls them my bug glasses.) And... as any teen's standard answer... "Sure, as long as you don't walk with me!"

That reminded me of a time when I was living in California, and it was my daughter's first year at the junior high school. It was a warm Indian Summer evening, and we walked from the car in to the school, and me being the Wonderful Mom that I am, grabbed her hand, and started skipping toward school. Mind you , there weren't a whole lot of her peers close by, but a few could see us, I'm sure! And all I got was

"MMMMMoooooooooooooMMMMMMMmmmm!"

as she jerked her hand away from mine, and looked at me like I was from outer space! I chuckle even now at the memory, a precious time in my life. (I've always told my kids that a parent's job is to embarrass their kid every now and again! and I did a fine job of it!! hahaha)
So my question is: Do the little things like this hinder us as adults? Did she learn an aversion to skipping? Or ... will she follow the tradition and be just as silly with her own daughter?? Hmm the things that ponder through my mind.....
HUGS to everyone!

Computers, $$, wmt, and EM! - September 24, 2008

Does it sometimes seem things are too good to be true?? When things roll along smoothly for a period of time, it seems it can't last forever, and something happens. Over the weekend, I had a computer problem, and thought it was just a glitch, a one time thing. Seems that maybe it isn't, as I had another one today. I have some really great friends who attempt to help me out with the little things. I'm sure it's not always easy for a computer-savvy person to try and get this blonde to look things up and tell them what's happening. Especially when I think I can remember what the screen said, and then *poof* can't remember much more than a few words. lol. I hate it when that happens! But ... as with everything, its a process. Appreciate your help Andy and Chris !! I'll give it a couple days and see what's what. *crosses my fingers*

In other news.... well, there just isn't much other news! I have been attempting to follow the money "crunch" , altho, crisis is a better word for it, I'm sure. So many blogs and contradicting news blurbs, never knowing what will happen from one day to the next. Some days, I think I have a good handle on things, and other days, its like I don't have a clue. But I'm hopeful and keeping the faith, that things will change; it won't be an overnight change. Those times are long gone. But good things can come from changes. Even when those of us "old timers" want to hang on to the old ways; we need to let go, make room for new things.

Looks like things are going to finally start cooling below triple digits in the next week or so. I'm very ready for that!! Although, a quick drop in temps, and I'd be wanting a winter coat! And .. they must wear them here, we're selling them in the store. Speaking of the store... we're working on a new program for the back room, which is supposed to help control our inventory better. Mostly, it seems like a tool that makes extra work for those who run an efficient department, and helps out the ones who are ... not quite as with it in getting things from the back, to the floor. (I'd continue, cuz I could rant about it for quite a while, but its all walmartian speak, so I won't bore with that stuff!)

The last tidbit ... when I started in the Eaton store in Feb 2005, (wow has it been that long already?) one of the gals who worked with me was Em. (We both have the same anniversary date!) We worked together for about a year, then she stepped up and became a supervisor, and worked her way up further in the ranks within our store. It was a pleasure working with her, and awesome to watch her grow even further. And now, it's finally official: on Monday, she'll be stepping into Assistant Manager shoes!!! I'm so proud of her, and I know she will do great things !!! CONGRATS EM!!!! i love you, and boy do i miss you!! (no tears, tho!!) xoxox

HUGS to everyone!!!

Silly-ness

Friday felt like a long day; in fact, it felt like a darned long WEEK, and after coming home and chatting for a bit, I felt like I needed a walk. So I tied on my tennies and headed out, phone in hand, but no keys, no purse. The sun was just going down, very pretty. So out the gate I head, and start walking up the street to the corner and turned onto a quiet side street. Chattering away on the phone to my girlfriend in Calif, I get to the end of the street and turn around. It's nearly dark now (there's very little twilight here), so I turn the corner, back to the main gate of my complex. Which is a really nice one, complete with a set of security .... gates... UH OH! It must be after 8pm, the GATES are closed, and I don't have my gate card!!! I moan "uh oh" into the phone, and she's going "what's wrong?? " And I told her about the gates, then said "Hang ON! I gotta RUN!!" because I can see from my half block away that a van has just pulled up and the gates are starting to open. OK, this chica doesn't run often. It just doesn't work for me, ya know? But, I scurried my way to the gates and slipped in just as they're starting to close. By then, I'm laughing, out and out big time laughing out loud!!! Some days... I'm kinda blonde. LOL

HUGS to everyone!

Matters of the Heart - September 21, 2008

This morning, I watched the movie 1984. Why? Because it's there!! Seriously, I watched it as an assignment from Prof, because I couldn't seem to get through the book. But don't worry, I won't do my report on the movie here. I'm just going to address matters of the heart. In part of the movie, the main character, Winston, meets up with Julia. Right from the start of their relationship, she says "I love you". Three little words that can change a world, if you let it. Part of the poignancy of those words in context of the movie is that thoughts are "controlled". But Julia tells Winston that "they can't get to your heart". But maybe that isn't the case, movie or no movie. How often are our feelings dashed? How often do we feel the hurts? the pain? of loving someone, who doesn't love us back?

I believe that somewhere along the line, we've been told, or taught, some wrong things about love. Love isn't something you give, because you require it to be given back. Love isn't about another person making us feel good about ourselves. Love isn't an exchange of ~stuff~. Funny, its easier to come up with things that love isn't, than what love IS. I remember an old cartoon, where each caption started with "Love is..... " and then there was something cute, or funny, about love being this, or that. Maybe its truly as simple as this: Love just IS. We can love someone, and not have to do anything about it; or to expect it to be returned. It's just there. Sometimes its joyful, sometimes there's sadness in it. But it's still there.

About a year ago, this was one of the daily quotes on our Walmart intranet:

Never apologize for showing feeling.
When you do so, you apologize for the truth.
~Benjamin Disraeli

And.. I took it to heart. And have been much more open and honest when I have feelings for someone. Life is too short not to love. But, if you feel something and never share it, is it really love? There are so many people I love, so many people to care about, and for the longest time, I didn't share my feelings very often. I'm getting better at it. So if I tell you "I love you" , take it for what it's worth. And don't feel obligated to share it back. Unless you feel the same. I like hearing it, too.

HUGS to everyone!

Be who you are and say what you feel,
because those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind.
~Dr. Seuss

Career Preference

Here's another new and interesting twist in the "career preference" category. Since I started working as a walmartian , I worked for six+ years and held three positions. And now, since my transfer to Arizona in February, I've already held two, and am considering another.

Today, I was asked by the store manager if I had an interest in the Claims Supervisor position, as Jessie is leaving, after nineteen years with the company. Frankly, since I've only been in my pharmacy dept since May, I honestly wasn't considering a change. But, if management is asking... I should be considering. So, I said "of course" and went and filled out my Career Preference options on the in house computer system.

This would be a position that deals with defective items returned, recalled items, stolen goods. There is a modicum of responsibility, quite different from that on the sales floor. More interaction with management and office associates. Other than that, I need to read up on and get more info for this position. But... an exciting turn of events, all in all. Knowledge is power, maybe some day I'll run my own store ... *ponders* ... Nope, that isn't gonna happen. lol Retail is good, but not THAT good. At my age.

And KUDOS to my sisters in Eaton Ohio. They got hit with part of Ike, and were without power for a long time. The store shut down for 24 hours, thereabouts, and they lost all the frozen/deli/cold goods ... to the tune of $223,000. They've worked long hard hours taking care of the problem, and getting the store restocked all over again. Sometimes I feel like I'm missing out on all the fun ... but I think they can have this one all to themselves!!! Miss you guys!!! xoxox

HUGS to everyone!!

Animal-Speak, Part I

Do you ever get the feeling that you're not of this time? this place? this reality? I've had that notion off and on over the years .. without ever figuring out where it came from, or why I've felt that way. But... in trying to learn, I've read lots of interesting things over the years. And now that I'm in a land of Native Americans (well, ok, I was back in Ohio as well) I started delving into some of the local flavor, and a lot of the history. There were cliff-dwellers here back in the 1200's, and before that. They are referred to as the Anasazi. (whole 'nother topic!!)

But the book I just read is about finding your animal totem. And frankly, its not an easy thing to think about if you've been a 'city dweller' for any length of time. "Which animal has always fascinated you? When you visit a zoo, which animal do you wish to visit most or first?" Anyways, you get the idea of how to begin ... and start pondering. But as I thought about it, my mind opened up to see possibilities.

Have you ever played silly mind games with yourself??? No, no, not *those* kind of mind games. OK, try this: for the next five days, look for loose change on the ground. As you tune in your focus, you will find more in one week than you had in the previous month. It's all just a matter of what we focus on. (and let's face it, sometimes we don't focus on much! so the world goes by without us actually seeing it! .... like when we drive home from work? and don't remember the details of the drive??? shame on us!)

As I was reading, studying and pondering the "which animal" question, I remembered this: In deciding to move from Ohio to Arizona, what seemed like an easy decision turned into quite a long process to begin with. And there were moments that I had serious doubts about this coming to fruition; second guessing my decision, and the time frame I had put upon myself.

During a walk in the park with my "sisters", a butterfly danced along with us. Being early fall in Ohio, you don't see them often. But this one stuck with us, and then landed on the ground in front of me. (And being the avid photographer that I am, I took its picture of course!) It was black with blue trimmings. And when my mind finally grasped this as an animal, I looked it up. The butterfly represents the process of transformation. The book says to make note of important issues, what stage of change are you at? And also mentions that colors have a lot to do with things as well. Colors have Positive and Negative qualities. So, taking this butterfly, black is protection, birth, magic but also secretiveness, sacrifice. Blue is happiness, calm, truth but also depression, loneliness. It's easy to see that each of those things could be seen in the moment of decision that I was in.

And now that I'm on the other side of the 'transformation' , I'm glad it all worked out. Had I been paying attention back then to Animal Speak, perhaps I wouldn't have worried as much.
Or, maybe I would have ... I'm a female, isn't that what we do ??

HUGS to everyone!

To Cyber? or Not to Cyber?

This question came to mind recently. And mostly relates to folks who chat a lot (yep, that's me, I can usually be found on DALnet) What makes people do it? What kind of people do it? And ... do they get anything from it?

It's not uncommon for me to chat with many people in one evening. And I usually have a very good sense of the person I'm chatting with. Let's see if I can classify them. There's the HNGs , who (IMHO) are there for themselves. They're just looking for someone who might be willing to send a photo, accept one of their "naughty" photos, and talk dirty to them -- which leads to the selfish reason they are there in the first place. But,,, gotta give credit where credit is due: At least they know their mind, what they want, and go after it. (If that were a businessman, or a politician, folks would be saying he's successful, no?) Then there are the posers, the players, ones who will say anything, even *gasp* tell lies!! to get what they're after. (which eludes me, by the way). In that same mix there are others who congregate together because they have a ~strange~ fetish; or they're shy. Either one of these types is usually hard to keep a chat going, unless you have a list of questions to ask them. Even then, some of their answers tend to be monosyllabic. Which can get tiring. There are your Dom types, the bossy types. Toss in a few cross dressers, the bi parties, and you've got yourself a chat room!

So now that we know the players, back to my original question: To Cyber, or Not to Cyber? Personally, it is not something I usually choose to participate in. But that's because I ended up deciding on a few 'rules of engagement' first. It might sound crazy to want something more than just naughty words on a screen. But, why do something if you're going to be bored, and play solitaire while its going on? First, spelling counts. I don't mean typos, I mean words that ought to be spelled correctly. And txt talk doesn't cut it either. (UR pretty means nothing!) Whole sentences help a whole lot. Along with punctuation. Sorry, I know it's not an English class, but if it's tiresome to read, what's to keep me engaged in the action? I wonder how many of you would agree that it can be quite erotic, sort of like being a main character in the middle of a hot steamy romance novel? That is, if done with the right person, one who has a way with words, and can be more descriptive than "oh yeah baby". Then there's the anticipation of never knowing where the next sentence will take you.

Ohh... why did that question come up, you ask?? Well, let me say this. Sometimes you start chatting with someone, and there's a sense, an indefinable something, that just seems right. Add to it the 'rules of engagement' checklist with full marks, and ding ding ding! we have a winner! *winks* When it comes down to it, its really a personal choice. All it takes is one person who bridges the gap for you, and you tumble right on in to it. Happily :)

HUGS to everyone!

Would You? Could You?

One of the reasons I moved to Arizona was to be closer to my granddaughter. However, it seems my daughter and I have differing opinions as to how that closeness is going to work. I've been here six months now, and it's Bree's sixth birthday. So my daughter, who is a social butterfly, decides to throw a party {complete with the Wizard of Oz theme!} With that, I knew there would be a party in the park (since that's where my directions were to). 

 In my mind, I envision the whole thing: kids and adults; food and cake; pictures and gifts. And plenty of ex-relatives to go around. Since I'd driven two hours to attend, we were planning on spending the night. So my assumption is that I can survive a two hour party with my ex husband, his wife, the ex mother in law, et al. 

 I'll paint you a picture: A very warm Arizona afternoon, trying to be civil, with a smile pasted on my face, camera at the ready for a few chosen Kodak moments, and small talk with the ex's. Yes, I wandered off on my own several times because ... there is a REASON I divorced him, and the family. And just maybe my daughter feels a need to have us all together, but dang, ya know??? Said party ends about 1:30, and with a huge sigh of relief, she says "follow me back to the apt and we'll go swimming". 

My Vision: a relaxing afternoon of swimming and frolicking with Bree. But... that is not to be. 

The Reality: Turns out that later, "the whole gang" is coming back for dinner, etc. They arrived at 4 and didn't leave til after 9. My ex mother-in-law has always been 'outspoken'. I endured cracks about Walmart, "sand in the schlitz" {good grief you don't REALLY need that explained do you?}, and small talk all day about things and people and whatnot that I am not familiar with. It was a very very very long (did I mention long?) day. 

So... I ask... Would You? Could You? Endure a day from hell with the Ex's in order to make your granddaughter happy?? And I also ask.... when there's a next time... What would you say? or do? [I know I'll be giving a "Divorce happens for a reason" speech to my daughter! lol]

HUGS to everyone!