Random Observations

A few things I saw on my commute to the office today:

1. A woman wearing white pants with flowered underwear. BIG flowers. BIG mistake.
2. A woman with her iPod nano tucked into her bra. Not only did it seem a little wierd, but isn't that uncomfortable?

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today my dad is 70.

Me, hubby J and our five kids, my sis, brother-in-law & their three kids, my brother and his wife, and my other brother are heading to our hometown to spend tomorrow with Dad to celebrate this milestone. Golf will be played, the lake will be swum in, the jet ski will be ridden, and food and drink will be consumed. I am bringing some of those cool sky lanterns to light tomorrow night (seven of them - one for each decade) and hopefully the weather will cooperate. I will post pictures!

And of course, we are bringing gifts. I got my dad the John Adams dvds from the HBO special and also a new golf shirt. Along with the golf shirt is a "coupon" for 18 holes of golf at our club. Hope he takes us up on it!

I'm looking forward to this grand celebration!

Bringing home the Bacon

Things I like about my job:

1. I get to work with one of my best friends. I met her twenty years ago when I started my first job. She was my boss' boss. As time passed, I got promoted a few times, worked directly for her for a while and ultimately became her peer. She is my boss at at this job which I actually prefer. She looks out for me and gives me a lot of flexibility with my schedule. In return, I do whatever I can to cover for her when she's out of the office and I keep my ear to the ground and let her know what's going on with her staff. Dont' get me wrong, I am not a snitch but I help keep her in tune with everyone. She's great.


2. I generally like everyone I work with. They are all nice, highly competent people (exceptions: see below)


3. It's a part-time gig which is hard to find. I still get to spend time with the kids and help out at their schools.


4. I get paid well. This is great as it pays the kiddies school and camp tuition.


5. Free beverages every day - water, diet coke and coffee, all staples in my diet. It's great not to have to haul bottles and cans on the train and subsequent walk to my office.


6. Free lunches several times a week. Although this could also be a negative as I eat too much and my ass is already spreading from sitting in my office 30 hours a week.

Things I dislike about my job:

1. I am working on some major projects and if I had more technical knowledge, I'd be way better at it. I hate feeling incompetent.


2. I am currently supervising a temp that is a total dork. And it's my fault cuz I hired him. What was I thinking???


3. With respect to items 1. and 2. above, I am currently supervising a problem employee at the request of my friend, my boss. I would do just about anything she asked of me, but I better get a HUGE bonus for this one. Now this person I am keeping tabs on is extremely annoying because: a) he goes way over the top with his thanks (e.g. "thank you SO much, I appreciate that SO MUCH, this going to be SO helpful, so THANK YOU SO MUCH, I really DO appreciate it" and on and on) b) he appears completely disinterested in meetings, slouching in his chair and responding to discussion and resolution with "Thas coooooool" c) he claims to have 17 years in the business but appears clueless when actually working; no substance when he opens his mouth, none d) he wears his iPod while working - seriously? e) he burps, sometimes loudly, at his desk, quieter when he's in someone's office or in a meeting f) he talks with food in his mouth - disgusting

Need I say more?

Now I feel quilty for writing that. I will try to help him improve, but I think his days are numbered.

So, the "likes" outnumber the "dislikes", so I guess I'll stay. Oh yeah, and the economy sucks and those pesky tuition bills keep coming in the mail.

Back from Canada, eh?

Here she is, leading the pack down the camp road after her return from Canada. While she said she had had a shower at this point, she confesses she was quite hairy. :)

She and A come home Saturday! Can't wait!

15, Fifteen, 15, Fifteen - Happy Bday E!

I can't believe it - she's fifteen today. E is our oldest daughter, the firstborn, the one that broke us in as parents, and she's fifteen today. And I can't even wish her a happy birthday because she is wrapping up an 8 day canoe trip to Canada today.

So that she knows I am thinking about her today, Happy Birthday to my sweet little girl that isn't so little anymore. I love you, Mom