"Right now, right now? No, later later" ...the procrastinator!

Music: Madonna / Hollywood
Mood: Lazy

I should be doing my homework, but you have no idea how much I hate accounting. I have to do that and my mid-term, which, I just SO don't want to do! Though, the upside is, I'm halfway through the class. :)

~*~*~*~


So we had an opportunity to adopt a dachshund from one of my coworkers. Actually I didn't know her, but I got the info through another coworker. Anyway, this lady's apartment manager found the dog in the parking lot. He thought the dog belonged to one of his tenants. After trying to find the owner without success, he gave the dog to this lady who said she'd find him a good home, even though, she herself could not afford the pet deposit. I asked Scott if he was interested in the dog, he said yes, so I got her number and tried to set up a "meet and greet" session w/our cat and the dog.

We were under the impression he was a puppy but she called and left me a voicemail saying, "Well, he's old - probably 3 or 4." Then she told me to call her back, gave me her cell, etc. So I thought, a 4 year old dog is "old?" I guess our cat was ancient when we got her - she was 6! I called her back and said I'd like to schedule something at our place for around 6:30 PM on Friday.

When I called to confirm our session, the lady was still at work. Then she's like, "Well I just want to let you know I'm very leery about the home he goes to. He's old and really needy. Do you work?" Excuse me... do I work? You tard. I called you from my WORK phone. So I replied, "Do I work...?" And she's like, "Well, what I'm saying is, he really needs someone to be at home with him all day." Hmm... so I guess that's why you're still at work? Also, why is she "leery" about us? We've NEVER met and I work at the same place you do! Why did she think I wanted to set up a session with him and the cat? So I can torture them both? Or for shits and giggles? What a freak.

Before I could respond to anything else, she goes into how he's not a destructive dog but he just *has* to have someone with him 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and she must have come up with excuse after excuse. Then she says she's already lined up someone else to take him. ??? I kind of got tired of listening to her excuses because not only did they sound pitiful, but she kept stumbling over her words and fake laughing. The impression I got was that she A) didn't trust us and therefore we would make bad pet owners, and B) we worked all day and in no way could provide 24/7 care for this dog. I finally told her I understood what she was saying and said if anything changed to let us know (which, I know it won't.)

The whole thing really pissed me off. I was upset because it took a lot for me to let my guard down and say "ok" to owning a dachshund, mostly because I'm not a fan of small, yappy dogs and I've always thought dachshunds were kind of weird because they had these crazy long backs. But she didn't even give us a chance. I mean, right off the bat she assumed we were horrible pet owners and I found that slightly offensive, since I feel like we take great care of our cat.

I looked her up in our portal and she's this huge, fat woman. AND she's this department's manager. So glad I don't work for her. We'd have problems.

~*~*~*~

Guess I better get to crackin' now. I'm so lazy this session!!

Mid-Year Review at Work - What a Joke

Music: Tori Amos / Cool On Your Island
Mood: Annoyed

I've been reading a bit about performance appraisals, and one thing I've read is that the feedback shouldn't be a "surprise." Well today I got a chance to sit with my new boss, my boss's boss, and have them give me my "Mid-Year Review." It really wasn't a mid-year review or a performance appraisal. It was mostly a session to ask me why I was "disengaged" from my job and, "Here's what you can do to make it easier for me, and here are things you need to work on." I also got my hands slapped for IMing and texting. Ok, IMing... that's something EVERYONE in the company does. It's something we use as a communication tool! Same goes for texting. The only person I sent a text to today during work this morning was my coworker who hadn't made it to work yet.

I was also shown "notes" my previous boss wrote about me and I was caught completely off guard about a few things I read. Apparently, I asked my former boss too many questions and because of that, I was "below average" when it came to understanding the business processes.

What. The. Hell.

I guess that's why at Christmas when I was at home with my family, he called to ask me how to do a few things for both clients I work on. And I suppose that's also why I made myself available by IM AND PHONE to assist my coworker when I was supposed to be out on PTO, which turned into me being on the phone for FOUR HOURS one afternoon. But whatever, I sure will sit on my ass and miss the contractual agreements we have with the client so my boss won't have to answer my questions. No skin off my nose. It's not like I'll get fired. It takes FOREVER to fire someone.

And another thing that came as a surprise, is he thought I couldn't differentiate "personal" problems and "work" problems. I most certainly can differentiate, thank you! What he might have meant was I tend to read *into* things, which, I know is a fault of mine. But saying I mix them is incorrect. Guess that's what I get for getting personal with people. Trust me, that won't happen anymore.

For the record, I HATE performance reviews. It's backwards thinking to me in that it focuses too much on the past and puts no emphasis on the future. It has nothing to do with the business goals or mission, and its completely irrelevant to salary increases. Salary increases are a whole separate process outside of appraisals, but when was the last time anyone saw a poor performer get the big salary increase?

And one of the reasons I hate performance appraisals at my job is because it's a forced ranking, which is the lazy way out for managers. They get to *choose* who's number 1, 2, 3, 4... etc. and don't really have to go through the process of who is good at what; they already have a template for that. Forced rankings are so much like a bell curve, which means there WILL be an "exceptional" rating, all the way down to the "bottom 10%." So it will make me work just hard enough not to be in the bottom 10% and screw the "exceptional."

In my previous job, my one-on-one's and performance reviews were just the manager's monthly rant of things I wasn't doing right. "Here are your monthly numbers... you're ok, but you really need to do more. Here is your quality. You're ok, but I think you should be at ___" and this was something I heard every month. The only "rewards" this company gave me were kiddie attendance awards, like attendance wasn't already expected.

When I lived in Lubbock, my performance appraisals were NEVER this painful. I think it's San Antonio in general. Companies are just stupid here, or maybe it's the higher I climb in Corporate America (which I'm not very high at all), the dumber people get.

Needless to say I'm looking for another job. Internal jobs are a freaking joke. I think I've applied for like 6 or 7 jobs internally and have been qualified for all, even if it wasn't hardcore experience, it was theoretical training I received; however, I have been turned down for all. I'm feverishly looking outside the company, too... but most companies in San Antonio aren't interested in my abilities or schooling; they just want the experience. So I'm pretty screwed. I'm ready to move to Dallas or another business hub.

Well, enough rambling. Good night.

School

So I've decided I enjoy being in school, because it makes me feel smart. Though, it's been incredibly time consuming, especially since I'm on "mini-mesters." Honestly, that is the part that's killing me but I hope I will get used to it soon.

I am taking an Information Systems class and an HR Staffing class this semester. Both had is interesting points, but I think I enjoyed my Staffing class more, just because it's HR and that's my strength. I am more *into* my research paper for HR, anyway, even though I should be typing *it* instead of this blog.

Right now I'm working on 2 papers due tomorrow night by midnight. I'm about 1/4th the way into my staffing paper, and I'm pretty much done w/my info systems paper, even though, I know that one stinks... and I'm not a huge fan of APA formatting. I think my professor for my info system class is WAY too much of a stickler for "proper formatting." He couldn't even tell us what was correct and what wasn't... kind of made me think, "Well if he doesn't know, then it won't matter if I make a mistake." I just hate to waste my time on minuscule things like formal formatting, since I don't plan to *ever* publish a paper. Yes, I want to give credit where credit is due and do it the right way... but geez. It's just so "ugh" I guess.

But I digress. I have 95's in both my classes. I hope that even if I trip up a bit on the papers, I'll make up for them on the final. I have definitely worked hard this semester carrying two clients at work and going through 2 classes; I deserve both the A's I have right now!!

I also hope that when my coworker returns from short term disability, I'll have more time to make it to the gym. I'm thinking of starting up these B12 and Lipotropic shots. One of my coworkers has dropped 10 pounds and a BUNCH of inches. It's come off slow, too... which, makes it seem like it would be more permanent. The bad part is its pricey, $27/per week. So, over $100/mo for weight injections. But you know, I'd be willing to give it a try for two months. Lord knows I could stand to lose some weight and inches.

Well, off to bed for this chicklet. Tomorrow more I'm gonna spank that paper!

Annoying New Boss, Job Starting to Suck

Music: Office Crush Revealed / Jobacle.com (The Working Podcast)
Mood: Tired

So I'm pretty irritated w/the new boss. She's made things so weird. She used to shake everyone's hand every morning until I said something. She's trying way too hard to "get to know us" and I'm just like... freaking back off. I really didn't appreciate when she took me out to lunch only to ask me questions about my family. :P Plus, she gets frustrated SO incredibly easy.

Random: ...I'm having a hard time writing this cuz not only is her behavior hard to put into words, this podcast has me hooked. Hearing about office romances is like... O_O Go here to listen.

Anyway, I started applying internally. I got an email back today saying one of the jobs I applied for was cancelled. Boo! :( It was the one I was interested in the most. I also started applying externally. I don't know if I can manage to stay in my department much longer. I really dislike the "new" boss simply because her style does not mesh with the rest of us.

AND, we are in a fast paced tech-savvy business. She'll leave stickies on our desk like we're supposed to respond to a sticky. Hello, use MS Outlook please and send us an invite..! She'll leave stickies like, "Please attend meeting at 2PM in room B7." What the hell? What if we lunch at 1 and we're still out at 2?? :P She's crazy and SO technologically stupid.

Well, I better get to my homework.

Scratch That...

So, I've had a bit more time to get to know my boss the whole two weeks she's been here. Let me say that she's kind of a freak. Sorry for saying that, but I'm getting tired of her unrelenting persistence to be so damn personal with everyone. And its like she wants *dirt* on everyone in the department. What gave her the idea I'm some sort of gossiper, I have no idea. I guess since I was the most accepting of her at first, she's totally latched on. But what's annoying is she wants to get to know everyone right now, right now, right now. It's like, geez... be patient!!! It's not like relationships are bonded over night. And for me, it takes quite awhile to get to know someone and to let them "in" so to speak. I usually have a pretty high wall I put up before I let anyone in. I have my exceptions, but, not this time.

Tomorrow I have a *one on one* with her. It's an "off site" working lunch, which I'm irritated about. I'm going to suggest Quizno's cuz at least I can get a salad there. But anyway, I'm terrified of the questions she's going to ask me. I've heard through the grapevine of some questions she's previously asked of people, like, "Does so and so have a degree?" My response would be, "Well fuck if I know... why don't you ask them??" I think she thinks we are all like best friends or something and hang out after work. Umm... that's a negative, ghost rider. My coworkers are just that - my coworkers! Some, I would hang out with in a heartbeat, we just haven't. Her on the other hand, I'm not so sure of. I was willing to give her a chance. Now that I have... yipe!

And, school is going to be the death of me. I love the idea of an MBA, but GAW, it's so hard!!! I felt like I turned in the most under-par assignments this weekend. I just didn't have the time or energy. Hopefully I'm over the hump. At least those are out of the way. The *big* projects now are the actual papers! They are due in a month, so I better get crackin'.

This weekend the father-in-law is coming to town. I'm excited cuz he's a LOT of fun. I don't know if many people like their in-law's. My mother-in-law is something else. She has her moments of crazy, but is a genuinely sweet person. And my father-in-law is just awesome. And I love his girlfriend. I hope this one sticks!!! I need to make sure I get my homework done this WEEK so I can actually enjoy my weekend. I want to try to go to the gym this week to. I need a good 2 weeks of straight cardio.....

Well, the final news of the day is my parents adopted the SWEETEST kitten. Supposedly, she's half Siamese. She's only 6 weeks old and has adorable blue eyes, but you can't see it in this photo. I think the jury is still out on her name, but so far, my Mom has a real like for the name"Lexi." :)

Well, I have some laundry and a full glass of red wine to finish. Ciao! :)

New Boss at Work

Music: See You On The Other Side / BT
Mood: Tired

So, we have a new boss at work. She's Hispanic, probably in her late 40s or so, heavy set, and probably around 5'5". She looks (and smells) very manly. Not that I have any problems with that. But I will say that she had a pretty *mean* look on her face one of the first times I saw her, so the scaredy cat me became intimidated. Though, the more I've talked to her, the more cool she seems and I'm beginning to really like her.

Lately though, members of my team are starting to remind me of why I hate the human race at times. They'll ask me my thoughts of her, as if they care, only to turn around and say, "Well, it's just so weird she's so open about being gay. I don't agree with it and it makes me feel strange. I just want to say 'Uhh' when she says anything about it." Well OH MY GOD. It's not like she asked anyone to be gay along with her... Frankly, I think it was smart of her to tell us upfront; it puts an immediate stop to the "gossip" that would undoubtedly occur if she hid that fact. In my mind, it adds a more genuine honest quality to her. I am definitely not gay, but really, whether or not you agree with homosexuality, that is the way she is... take it or leave it. It's so aggravating to see them whisper at each other like a bunch of high school kids. I want to tell them to shut up; she's the boss now so just DEAL! It's so frustrating to me when people are so close-minded. What's so funny is, we of all people should be accepting of diversity - we are a GLOBAL company for God sake!


I grew up in a VERY Conservative household. One thing my parents instilled in me was the ability to always love and accept everyone, no matter their differences. Heck, my parents are an interracial couple and I am a byproduct, as such. I guess it just really hit home after discussing this stuff with my team. It's like, when a person is any kind of different, they are subject to persecution... I don't know why, but it reminded me of being in 6th grade. I was picked on because I was different from the other blonde's and I didn't have cowboy parents. Now I feel like I'm having to defend her and I shouldn't.

Going back to my Conservative household, marriage was always assumed to be between a man and a woman. It was something I never really questioned. But I figure, if people love each other, then, why stop them from being happy? Who are we to stop them from spending their lives with the people that make them the most complete? Anyway, my point wasn't to start a political debate. I'm just annoyed with my coworkers not giving her a chance because she's different from them. Maybe I'll just use this as my opportunity to get to know her well. Maybe she can be the springboard I need to launch myself more fully into my HR career.

Well, better get to bed.

We Came, We Saw, We Conquered.

Alright, well I'm a lazy. I haven't updated my blogger in ages.  I guess that's because I forget about this one sometimes.  I should probably remember this one more often because it's actually a *real* blog, verses MySpace or LJ.  My MySpace one is boring and LJ just puts up my twitter posts anymore.  But.... yeah..... 

So anyway, we did it. We finally got married after being together for freaking 9 years!!!!  Everything turned out great; the weather, the decorations, the food... it was fantastic and fun.  I actually wouldn't have ever imagined myself actually getting married; I was all for the JP, taking the money I knew my parents were going to give me, and having a fabulous honeymoon in the South Pacific!  But the parents never had a wedding, so by God, I was going to have one!  We took our engagement photos kind of late, but better late than never!  This is the one we choose for pretty much everything; the guestbook, to send to family, and for the newspaper announcement.  It's even on my desktop at work.  hehe :)

Anyway, here are a few from the actual day.  My coworker took these pictures.  I have 4 CDs full of photos I haven't really gone through.  I really need to burn those for my family since they asked for them, but I haven't had time!  I'll explain later.

Well, that's about it for now.  But the reason I haven't had time for stuff?  I'm also in school again working on my MBA w/Human Resource Management concentration.  We are working on "mini-mesters" and I feel like I'm going to die because its going so fast.  But, I guess that's the way it goes.  I'm still waiting for my 1st refund check from my financial aid.  I'm seriously considering a laptop.  I think it would be a good investment, anyway!  :)

Adios until the next time I post.