Well, well, well.
Another member of my family has joined the blogosphere. Scoot on over and meet Younger Son, if you’ve a mind to do so!
He is quite vocal, and loves to write, so I’m sure that he will be an enjoyable read. He is absolutely one of the funniest people I know . He has a wicked wit, is quick on the draw, and possesses an open architecture that is quite refreshing. At the same time, he is a deep well. He loves music, and has quickly developed into quite the guitarist, without a lesson one. He's studying aviation, and still doesn't know what he wants to be when he grows up. He's getting there, though.
Can you tell I think he’s pretty awesome?
Yup. Go see for yourself.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Doofus Me
I was supposed to meet one of my superstar salesmen, Rocky, at the Dallas Love Field airport this morning at 7:40am.
That was pretty impossible, seeing that I left the house at 6:30 a.m. for a supposed 7:40 a.m. flight.
I think I'm traveling waaaaayyyy too much. I should have left the house at 5:30 a.m. for a 6:40 a.m. flight.
Rocky was very gracious when I called him. I already know he's got a great sense of humor.
Rocky: Hey, morning, Janie! I'm heading to the airport to pick you up. Y'all 'bout to leave?
Janie: Ummm. No. Not even. Rockstar, I made a huge mistake.
Rocky: Yeah? What happened?
Janie: Well, as I was driving to the airport, a reminder came up on my Blackberry. It said 5:30/6:30 airport. As I'm driving, I get a funny feeling - like, why would I put that reminder on my calendar like that? And I pulled out my boarding pass and realize I should have already been on the plane. I won't get in now until 10:15 a.m.
Rocky: (laughing) Don't worry, girl, we'll move some appointments, I'll pick you up at 10:15 a.m.
Well, at least he now knows his boss lady is not above making mistakes! Gotta go, heading to...the airport. And I'm going to be EARLY.
That was pretty impossible, seeing that I left the house at 6:30 a.m. for a supposed 7:40 a.m. flight.
I think I'm traveling waaaaayyyy too much. I should have left the house at 5:30 a.m. for a 6:40 a.m. flight.
Rocky was very gracious when I called him. I already know he's got a great sense of humor.
Rocky: Hey, morning, Janie! I'm heading to the airport to pick you up. Y'all 'bout to leave?
Janie: Ummm. No. Not even. Rockstar, I made a huge mistake.
Rocky: Yeah? What happened?
Janie: Well, as I was driving to the airport, a reminder came up on my Blackberry. It said 5:30/6:30 airport. As I'm driving, I get a funny feeling - like, why would I put that reminder on my calendar like that? And I pulled out my boarding pass and realize I should have already been on the plane. I won't get in now until 10:15 a.m.
Rocky: (laughing) Don't worry, girl, we'll move some appointments, I'll pick you up at 10:15 a.m.
Well, at least he now knows his boss lady is not above making mistakes! Gotta go, heading to...the airport. And I'm going to be EARLY.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Lost German Shorthair Pointers and Sherlockian Ladies
Interesting things happen when you’re a blogger.
As you know, I started a new job. Early yesterday morning, I received a message. (Okay, it took me a while to retrieve it, but I did receive it early.) Seems two of my readers (i.e., lurkers) named Suzanne and Bev learned via lurking that I had German Shorthair Pointers.
Suzanne was heading to work yesterday morning, and saw a GSP loose on the highway. He was heading west. She watched the dog, as a man stopped to try to help capture the dog. No amount of cajoling or wheedling could get that dog into that man’s truck.
So….Suzanne whipped her SUV around, opened up the back hatch, and said to the dog, “Load!”. The dog did!
And, guess where Suzanne learned that? Well, of course, right here on this blog! And innovative chickies that they are, they went to Little Brother's blog, figured out who he was, called him, and got my number. The Lady Sherlockians then called me, and left a message, which I dutifully, but later, returned.
They were so funny on the phone! I can’t wait to meet them! Here’s a Big Ol’ West Texas Shout Out to them….”Hi, Y’all!!!”
Their main reason for calling was to ask me to spread the word about this beautiful German Shorthair Pointer. So I did, via e-mail, to all my bird dog field trialers and fellow gun dog owners.
Guys and lady…
I just got a call from Suzanne, who found a male GSP running this morning. He was in the Hwy 80 area, close to Midland Power Sports. He was running west. A gentleman was stopped, trying to coax the dog into his truck, but the dog wouldn’t load. Suzanne stopped, opened up the rear door of her suburban, and said, “Load up”. The dog loaded into her truck. She took him to work, and says he’s a gentleman of a dog; has a pink camo collar on, with no tags. He will sit and lay on command, and acts like he might be an inside dog. She said he’s very well mannered.
He is ticked, more solidly in the front than in the back. Suzanne said the dog looks very healthy. They called all the vets, and found no reports of missing GSP’s.
This afternoon, the Midland Pound came and picked him up, and will keep him 3 days.
Will you please circulate to all your friends and see if someone’s lost a GSP, or if this dog sounds familiar to anyone?
And here is the reply I found this morning from one of my guys…
If he’s wearing a pink camo collar, he probably ran away from home…
And I replied, copying another friend…
Man. I was sure, because of that collar, that he probably belonged to you or S******…
And he replied…
No. She said it was a ‘gentleman of a dog’; couldn’t belong to S******…
To which S******* replied...
My dogs are gentlemen, its me that ain't!
I've not been able to check on the GSP, so Suzanne, go ahead, log in and comment and update us!! Anyway, I hope someone claims him, he needs a good home. At least he's safe for another couple of days, thanks to Suzanne!
As you know, I started a new job. Early yesterday morning, I received a message. (Okay, it took me a while to retrieve it, but I did receive it early.) Seems two of my readers (i.e., lurkers) named Suzanne and Bev learned via lurking that I had German Shorthair Pointers.
Suzanne was heading to work yesterday morning, and saw a GSP loose on the highway. He was heading west. She watched the dog, as a man stopped to try to help capture the dog. No amount of cajoling or wheedling could get that dog into that man’s truck.
So….Suzanne whipped her SUV around, opened up the back hatch, and said to the dog, “Load!”. The dog did!
And, guess where Suzanne learned that? Well, of course, right here on this blog! And innovative chickies that they are, they went to Little Brother's blog, figured out who he was, called him, and got my number. The Lady Sherlockians then called me, and left a message, which I dutifully, but later, returned.
They were so funny on the phone! I can’t wait to meet them! Here’s a Big Ol’ West Texas Shout Out to them….”Hi, Y’all!!!”
Their main reason for calling was to ask me to spread the word about this beautiful German Shorthair Pointer. So I did, via e-mail, to all my bird dog field trialers and fellow gun dog owners.
Guys and lady…
I just got a call from Suzanne, who found a male GSP running this morning. He was in the Hwy 80 area, close to Midland Power Sports. He was running west. A gentleman was stopped, trying to coax the dog into his truck, but the dog wouldn’t load. Suzanne stopped, opened up the rear door of her suburban, and said, “Load up”. The dog loaded into her truck. She took him to work, and says he’s a gentleman of a dog; has a pink camo collar on, with no tags. He will sit and lay on command, and acts like he might be an inside dog. She said he’s very well mannered.
He is ticked, more solidly in the front than in the back. Suzanne said the dog looks very healthy. They called all the vets, and found no reports of missing GSP’s.
This afternoon, the Midland Pound came and picked him up, and will keep him 3 days.
Will you please circulate to all your friends and see if someone’s lost a GSP, or if this dog sounds familiar to anyone?
And here is the reply I found this morning from one of my guys…
If he’s wearing a pink camo collar, he probably ran away from home…
And I replied, copying another friend…
Man. I was sure, because of that collar, that he probably belonged to you or S******…
And he replied…
No. She said it was a ‘gentleman of a dog’; couldn’t belong to S******…
To which S******* replied...
My dogs are gentlemen, its me that ain't!
I've not been able to check on the GSP, so Suzanne, go ahead, log in and comment and update us!! Anyway, I hope someone claims him, he needs a good home. At least he's safe for another couple of days, thanks to Suzanne!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Random Weekendness
This is kind of random, but what the hey…
Just to let you know, I flew Continental on Friday. And I actually got home on the same day that was printed on my little Continental boarding pass. And…only 30 minutes late! Hallelujah! Yes, Virginia, there are such things as miracles !
MLH still had to stay out in the sticks, working on a well, and he came in Saturday. Saturday morning, I did a little shopping, had a meeting, then came home in time to greet MLH. Then, it was time to get ready for a supper date with friends. Our date started at 7pm, and I think we got home a little after 11. So, yeah…I’m tired – but we had such a good time, and we totally laughed all night. It was a blast.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Woke up this morning, MLH did the awesome breakfast thing, and I checked out some blogs. There's a new Midland blogger about, and I laughed until I cried at the story of Snooty Primadona's New Exercise Machine. Go check it out, you might cry, too!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today we went with Younger Son to see the movie “Charlie Bartlett.” It was good, and funny. I needed that! And then, we went to supper with friends. Fun!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I don’t know if it’s spring, or the sunshine, or what, but I seem to be laughing lots lately! I was on the plane, reading a “Stephanie Plum” mystery – oh, yeah, baby, I read the deep stuff – and I laughed until I cried. Imagine – Janie, laughing, on a flippin’ Continental Embrier jet. Y’all know my lack of love for that airline. Janet Evanovich is so funny, I almost thought I was on Southwest or something.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The other day, we drove to Big Spring, to see Elder Son. He’s been working with his dad. (Before we go any further, I want to say that Elder Son’s dad and I share an excellent relationship. We both have worked hard to maintain a friendship for our son’s sake. ) ES had left some clothes at my house, and they were all laundered and starched. He asked me to bring them to him, since I was going to be in town anyway. So, MLH and I drive up to ES’ dad’s house, and they’re all working at the steer barn. I get out of my truck, clothes in hand. They’re working on one of their baby calves, all hands are busy, several people around.
ES: Hi, Mom! If you want, you can just lay those clothes right there in that trailer bed, it’s clean. I’ll be done in a minute and give you a hug.
ES’ dad, smiling: Wow. Must be nice to get freshly laundered, starched up clothes hand delivered to you, son. (He looks at me, then.) Where are mine?
Janie: Dude, you haven't left your clothes at my house in a long, long time.
I couldn’t believe I said it – it just came tumbling out of my mouth! After a moment of shock, everybody cracks up, even ES’ dad.
ES’ Dad: That was a good one.
ES: Oh, God, Mom, that’s awesome! She’s quick, Dad, don’t you remember?
ES’ Dad: Yup, she always has been!
Man. I’m so glad we all have a good relationship, thank God for that. I know other divorced families that don’t, and times like this that could be uncomfortable are pleasant and fun.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Had to take a break, go play best out of 5 Wii tennis with hubby. I beat him soundly. Now, he’s playing Wii Tiger Woods Golf. He better hurry, we have an early morning tomorrow – the oilpatch is calling. Oh, my gosh, I just heard a little crash, I bet he threw his controller off his wrist. Gotta go check.
Yep, he did. Nothing was hurt, thank God. Mike and Pam will testify that MLH gets a little too close to the ol’ TV when he’s Wii-ing…
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I’m randomed out - y’all have a blessed week!!
Just to let you know, I flew Continental on Friday. And I actually got home on the same day that was printed on my little Continental boarding pass. And…only 30 minutes late! Hallelujah! Yes, Virginia, there are such things as miracles !
MLH still had to stay out in the sticks, working on a well, and he came in Saturday. Saturday morning, I did a little shopping, had a meeting, then came home in time to greet MLH. Then, it was time to get ready for a supper date with friends. Our date started at 7pm, and I think we got home a little after 11. So, yeah…I’m tired – but we had such a good time, and we totally laughed all night. It was a blast.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Woke up this morning, MLH did the awesome breakfast thing, and I checked out some blogs. There's a new Midland blogger about, and I laughed until I cried at the story of Snooty Primadona's New Exercise Machine. Go check it out, you might cry, too!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today we went with Younger Son to see the movie “Charlie Bartlett.” It was good, and funny. I needed that! And then, we went to supper with friends. Fun!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I don’t know if it’s spring, or the sunshine, or what, but I seem to be laughing lots lately! I was on the plane, reading a “Stephanie Plum” mystery – oh, yeah, baby, I read the deep stuff – and I laughed until I cried. Imagine – Janie, laughing, on a flippin’ Continental Embrier jet. Y’all know my lack of love for that airline. Janet Evanovich is so funny, I almost thought I was on Southwest or something.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The other day, we drove to Big Spring, to see Elder Son. He’s been working with his dad. (Before we go any further, I want to say that Elder Son’s dad and I share an excellent relationship. We both have worked hard to maintain a friendship for our son’s sake. ) ES had left some clothes at my house, and they were all laundered and starched. He asked me to bring them to him, since I was going to be in town anyway. So, MLH and I drive up to ES’ dad’s house, and they’re all working at the steer barn. I get out of my truck, clothes in hand. They’re working on one of their baby calves, all hands are busy, several people around.
ES: Hi, Mom! If you want, you can just lay those clothes right there in that trailer bed, it’s clean. I’ll be done in a minute and give you a hug.
ES’ dad, smiling: Wow. Must be nice to get freshly laundered, starched up clothes hand delivered to you, son. (He looks at me, then.) Where are mine?
Janie: Dude, you haven't left your clothes at my house in a long, long time.
I couldn’t believe I said it – it just came tumbling out of my mouth! After a moment of shock, everybody cracks up, even ES’ dad.
ES’ Dad: That was a good one.
ES: Oh, God, Mom, that’s awesome! She’s quick, Dad, don’t you remember?
ES’ Dad: Yup, she always has been!
Man. I’m so glad we all have a good relationship, thank God for that. I know other divorced families that don’t, and times like this that could be uncomfortable are pleasant and fun.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Had to take a break, go play best out of 5 Wii tennis with hubby. I beat him soundly. Now, he’s playing Wii Tiger Woods Golf. He better hurry, we have an early morning tomorrow – the oilpatch is calling. Oh, my gosh, I just heard a little crash, I bet he threw his controller off his wrist. Gotta go check.
Yep, he did. Nothing was hurt, thank God. Mike and Pam will testify that MLH gets a little too close to the ol’ TV when he’s Wii-ing…
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I’m randomed out - y’all have a blessed week!!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Take A Little Break, You Deserve It!
Check out Hillary Is Mom Jeans. Tip o’ the blogcap to EmmaSometimes, the one who loves coffee all the time...
My favorite one? Just ' cause the minute I saw it, I began reading it just like the commercial...
HILLARY HAS NAUSEA HEARTBURN INDIGESTION UPSET STOMACH DIARRHEA
Disclaimer: Lest I offend you, I need to say that I'm not highly political; therefore, this posting is not a statement of my political beliefs, or that I don't like Hillary, or Obama, or John McCain, or Mike Huckabee. Or that I like them, either, for that matter. I merely thought that this site was funny, and getting funnier, since it's interactive. (Go ahead! Add your own!) And me, I look at the abstract, and I like how people's minds work...and they are working overtime on this site. So, don't shoot the freakin' messenger, just go have fun! Janie, hereby dutifully disclaimed and...over and out!!
My favorite one? Just ' cause the minute I saw it, I began reading it just like the commercial...
HILLARY HAS NAUSEA HEARTBURN INDIGESTION UPSET STOMACH DIARRHEA
Disclaimer: Lest I offend you, I need to say that I'm not highly political; therefore, this posting is not a statement of my political beliefs, or that I don't like Hillary, or Obama, or John McCain, or Mike Huckabee. Or that I like them, either, for that matter. I merely thought that this site was funny, and getting funnier, since it's interactive. (Go ahead! Add your own!) And me, I look at the abstract, and I like how people's minds work...and they are working overtime on this site. So, don't shoot the freakin' messenger, just go have fun! Janie, hereby dutifully disclaimed and...over and out!!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Florida Orange? Are You Kidding Me??
Houston has been…fun! I’ve been training with some of the guys and gals, who are off the walls smart, by the way. I’m excited about the excellence I see in this company, not to mention its potential.
And, I’ve encountered some new experiences. I’m kind of a “land rig” type oilpatch girl. I’ve met some consultants this week who do offshore platform type drilling and completion work, even some who “decommission” platforms. They talk a whole new ball game, and it’s very interesting. I’m being the supersponge, soaking it all up. Neat stuff, this other side of the oilpatch!
I’ve seen some really good friends, as well as some customers that are developing into friends, and that is always fun. My boss came in yesterday, and we discussed schedules, so I can plan the next couple of months. I’m excited about that, as well. New frontiers, new mountains to climb, it will be an adventure.
And today, I received an e-mail from my boss, right before lunch. I read it, and a couple other managers were copied, and I read it again.
In two weeks, he wants us to go to Orlando, Florida, to a meeting, which also equates to a big industry social event. And…they want us to take our spouses. Slap me ‘side the haid…be I dreaming???
Jumpin’ Jillies!! I think I can get used to this kind of stuff.
Hello, Southwest Airlines? I need to make some reservations….
And, I’ve encountered some new experiences. I’m kind of a “land rig” type oilpatch girl. I’ve met some consultants this week who do offshore platform type drilling and completion work, even some who “decommission” platforms. They talk a whole new ball game, and it’s very interesting. I’m being the supersponge, soaking it all up. Neat stuff, this other side of the oilpatch!
I’ve seen some really good friends, as well as some customers that are developing into friends, and that is always fun. My boss came in yesterday, and we discussed schedules, so I can plan the next couple of months. I’m excited about that, as well. New frontiers, new mountains to climb, it will be an adventure.
And today, I received an e-mail from my boss, right before lunch. I read it, and a couple other managers were copied, and I read it again.
In two weeks, he wants us to go to Orlando, Florida, to a meeting, which also equates to a big industry social event. And…they want us to take our spouses. Slap me ‘side the haid…be I dreaming???
Jumpin’ Jillies!! I think I can get used to this kind of stuff.
Hello, Southwest Airlines? I need to make some reservations….
Monday, February 18, 2008
Tragedy at Big Spring
I received a call early this morning from my brother Scott, who lives in Big Spring. He told me there had been numerous explosions at the refinery. My heart stopped cold. Since 9/11, whenever the terrorist alert escalates, the oilfield cringes – and in West Texas, the Alon Refinery, along with the Midland Tank Farm, is always “a possible terrorist target”. This morning, though, that wasn’t where my mind went - I didn't even think about how, or why – instead, my mind went reeling way back, to my early youth. You see, our Mom retired from that same refinery, after 25 years of service. Back then, it was called the Cosden Refinery. You can go look at images of the Big Spring, Texas Alon Refinery explosion at Eric's Fireant Gazette.
My mind immediately catapulted back to another explosion - one that happened when I was maybe 11 or 12, I can’t remember. One of our family friends , Jerry Callahan, was burned badly in that explosion, and I believe others died. My most poignant memories are of things like the cloud of grief that settled over our house – and the immense pain our friend suffered, for the long months of his healing. I remember seeing the abject sorrow on the face of Jerry’s wife, Jo Dell, who happened to be one of my Mom’s coworkers, as well as her best friend.
And then, my mind went from that event to the present explosion…I immediately started praying for those possibly injured, their families, and the people of Alon and Big Spring.
Please keep these people in your prayers. The oilpatch is a dangerous place – but oil and gas, contrary to those media types who will tell you otherwise, is something America would be hard pressed to do without. And before you try to trash me on my stance, do yourself a favor.
Do your homework.
My mind immediately catapulted back to another explosion - one that happened when I was maybe 11 or 12, I can’t remember. One of our family friends , Jerry Callahan, was burned badly in that explosion, and I believe others died. My most poignant memories are of things like the cloud of grief that settled over our house – and the immense pain our friend suffered, for the long months of his healing. I remember seeing the abject sorrow on the face of Jerry’s wife, Jo Dell, who happened to be one of my Mom’s coworkers, as well as her best friend.
And then, my mind went from that event to the present explosion…I immediately started praying for those possibly injured, their families, and the people of Alon and Big Spring.
Please keep these people in your prayers. The oilpatch is a dangerous place – but oil and gas, contrary to those media types who will tell you otherwise, is something America would be hard pressed to do without. And before you try to trash me on my stance, do yourself a favor.
Do your homework.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Got It Faded...Yeah, Right.
Recap, week one of Janie’s new job…
Monday, I spent all day on conference calls, and setting up my new computer – an act I repeated on Friday when my “real” computer came in…which has freakin’ Windows VISTA on it.
***silent scream of disgust and frustration***
In five short days, I’ve crossed all sorts of invisible boundaries, paved some new roads, and cut cross-country to some old ones – and all that's happened within the new company. And all I did was show up! I've decided this week I'm going to walk quietly and just be an observer...you know - watch, learn and listen. It’s been quite an adventure…but I’ll tell you, not once has my phone sounded off in the middle of the night! Phones ringing all night long happened often at my old job – when you’re working in an industry that never goes to sleep, stuff like that happens. Who knows, I might recover my life!
MLH and I were treated to supper one night, and I, yet another (MLH was out of town). We had lots of fun. Pretty heady stuff, that, being entertained. Usually it’s us treating customers…now, “we is one”! There will still be plenty of instances where we entertain clients, but still, it’s a refreshing change.
Tomorrow, I leave for Houston…and I’ll be gone a week. I’ll keep you posted, Houston always generates lots of blog fodder for me. It would probably help if I could figure out how to travel the crazy Beltway. (Karen - are we going to hook up?)
Happy trails!
Monday, I spent all day on conference calls, and setting up my new computer – an act I repeated on Friday when my “real” computer came in…which has freakin’ Windows VISTA on it.
***silent scream of disgust and frustration***
In five short days, I’ve crossed all sorts of invisible boundaries, paved some new roads, and cut cross-country to some old ones – and all that's happened within the new company. And all I did was show up! I've decided this week I'm going to walk quietly and just be an observer...you know - watch, learn and listen. It’s been quite an adventure…but I’ll tell you, not once has my phone sounded off in the middle of the night! Phones ringing all night long happened often at my old job – when you’re working in an industry that never goes to sleep, stuff like that happens. Who knows, I might recover my life!
MLH and I were treated to supper one night, and I, yet another (MLH was out of town). We had lots of fun. Pretty heady stuff, that, being entertained. Usually it’s us treating customers…now, “we is one”! There will still be plenty of instances where we entertain clients, but still, it’s a refreshing change.
Tomorrow, I leave for Houston…and I’ll be gone a week. I’ll keep you posted, Houston always generates lots of blog fodder for me. It would probably help if I could figure out how to travel the crazy Beltway. (Karen - are we going to hook up?)
Happy trails!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day
This is to all you guys, who think that us gals don't appreciate you...and to all the kiddos who light up their parents' worlds.
My former coworker Mel is the author of this little blog-post about her husband and kiddos - go, check it out...it will be worth the read, I promise.
My former coworker Mel is the author of this little blog-post about her husband and kiddos - go, check it out...it will be worth the read, I promise.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
I'm alive....
I've started the new job. Spent all day yesterday on conference calls (I feel like my old boss!). Today, did all sorts of stuff.
Just wanted to let y'all know I'm alive! And when it settles down, I'll blog again.
Seriously!
Just wanted to let y'all know I'm alive! And when it settles down, I'll blog again.
Seriously!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Encouragement from a fellow blogger...
My blogger pal In_spired over at For Love of Home left a comment on one of my prior posts about my job change, and it so encouraged me, I thought I'd post it so all could see. I believe all of us are going through a season of change, of one type or another.
Here's what my friend sent...
"Loved this post! I've heard so many of your comments before, through the accountant daughter, starting out in a 'man's world'.If you haven't read it in a while, read Isaiah 43:18-19, God admonishing Israel for dragging their feet (my words) to change. I always go back to that scripture when an issue of change arises.Go gettum, Girl!!"
And here's the scripture:
Isaiah 43:18-19
18 "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
Enjoy! And go visit In_spired - because she is!
Here's what my friend sent...
"Loved this post! I've heard so many of your comments before, through the accountant daughter, starting out in a 'man's world'.If you haven't read it in a while, read Isaiah 43:18-19, God admonishing Israel for dragging their feet (my words) to change. I always go back to that scripture when an issue of change arises.Go gettum, Girl!!"
And here's the scripture:
Isaiah 43:18-19
18 "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
Enjoy! And go visit In_spired - because she is!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Janie Has Left The Building...
Janie has left the building.
Today, I finished all the menial things that happen when you leave a job. It was a great day, and everybody was so awesome – at both the old job, and the new one. I finally left, about 4:45 p.m., and went with MLH to the new office to start arranging it.
Yesterday, at my old job, we had a meeting, trying to further finalize a project I’ve been working on with customers. The customer meeting lasted way longer than we expected (a good sign), and I had promised to meet one of my bosses to do my exit interview at 3 p.m. He called me once, and I told him we were still in a meeting, but that as soon as we finished, I’d be there.
I arrived back at my office, grabbed water, and went into my boss’ office. He wasn’t feeling well, so I was grateful that he had waited on me. Here’s how it went…
Boss: Are you hot? Is it hot in here?
Janie: No. Not at all…you’re just feeling funky. I’m good.
Boss: I gotta get out of here. Let’s go to another room where the sun’s not beating through the windows.
Janie: Okay.
We trek to the east side of the office, and he makes like he’s going into the big conference room.
Janie: Hey, we can’t go in there – someone’s having a meeting!
Boss: Oh, no, let’s just see who it is.
Janie: That will be rude.
Boss opens door…and all my coworkers are there, patiently waiting…on me. We had a huge party, and they made me tell stories. It was a blast.
And once again, I was highly honored, and blessed.
I’ll miss each and every one of them.
Today, I finished all the menial things that happen when you leave a job. It was a great day, and everybody was so awesome – at both the old job, and the new one. I finally left, about 4:45 p.m., and went with MLH to the new office to start arranging it.
Yesterday, at my old job, we had a meeting, trying to further finalize a project I’ve been working on with customers. The customer meeting lasted way longer than we expected (a good sign), and I had promised to meet one of my bosses to do my exit interview at 3 p.m. He called me once, and I told him we were still in a meeting, but that as soon as we finished, I’d be there.
I arrived back at my office, grabbed water, and went into my boss’ office. He wasn’t feeling well, so I was grateful that he had waited on me. Here’s how it went…
Boss: Are you hot? Is it hot in here?
Janie: No. Not at all…you’re just feeling funky. I’m good.
Boss: I gotta get out of here. Let’s go to another room where the sun’s not beating through the windows.
Janie: Okay.
We trek to the east side of the office, and he makes like he’s going into the big conference room.
Janie: Hey, we can’t go in there – someone’s having a meeting!
Boss: Oh, no, let’s just see who it is.
Janie: That will be rude.
Boss opens door…and all my coworkers are there, patiently waiting…on me. We had a huge party, and they made me tell stories. It was a blast.
And once again, I was highly honored, and blessed.
I’ll miss each and every one of them.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Ch-ch-ch-changes!
It’s been a poignant yet happy week, this last week of work on my old job. When you work around people for ten years, they become a family of sorts, and their personalities range the gamut. You have friends you can count on – those that will chase sleep for you – and you have those step-siblings that might be ( you never can be sure!) craving your inheritance. And then, there are those that fall somewhere in between. And sick as it might be, I pretty much love all of them. We make up a pretty twisted family, we do. It’s been hard to think about leaving all of them and starting anew.
One of my coworkers came alongside me yesterday, put his arm around me, and told me how much he appreciated what I had done for our company, and told me how much he would miss me. I very nearly broke down in tears. This man happens to be one of the few stars in my world -- the humble, elegant man who achieves much. He’s a man of integrity and character, and he is inherently funny. He speaks his mind, and almost 100% of the time, he’s right on the money. When customers would ask me if I knew him, I would say, “Oh, man, he’s my hero! I want to be him when I grow up – but I want to keep my hair!” And I was serious, about wanting to be him! He’s amazing. He has more knowledge in his little fingernail than most of us will ever have about this old oilpatch and the people who work and live here.
I heard today that in yesterday’s sales meeting that this same man stood up, and said, “Before she leaves, each of you need to go by and thank Janie for her contributions to this company.” And my boss seconded his statements with some of his own. I couldn’t believe it…I was blown away. I was one of the first relationship-based saleswomen to be hired by this major service company. And most of my coworkers didn’t think I should be there, and gave me solid hell. It was never easy. I stayed the course, and slowly won them over. (Amazing what bringing in some major work will do to change people’s perception of you!)
Tonight, my boss took MLH and I to the Garlic Press, along with another coworker and his wife, to bid me farewell and good luck on my next post. We had a blast, telling stories about our work pasts and all our escapades. It was a very sweet thing for him to do – but he’s that kind of guy – excellent, of great character and integrity. He has an awesome sense of humor, which should be a requirement for bosses! (Life's too short to be too serious!) There was even a toast to my future. Amazing!! We all told stories, and laughed a lot. It was a great way to end the last 10 years. I’ll miss these guys, and hopefully I’ll still be able to see them on a regular basis.
My heart is breaking, yet exultant. And in all that, I’m exhausted. Who knew changing jobs would be this freakin’ traumatic? And I’m still two days from leaving.
Y’all pray for me – please???!!
One of my coworkers came alongside me yesterday, put his arm around me, and told me how much he appreciated what I had done for our company, and told me how much he would miss me. I very nearly broke down in tears. This man happens to be one of the few stars in my world -- the humble, elegant man who achieves much. He’s a man of integrity and character, and he is inherently funny. He speaks his mind, and almost 100% of the time, he’s right on the money. When customers would ask me if I knew him, I would say, “Oh, man, he’s my hero! I want to be him when I grow up – but I want to keep my hair!” And I was serious, about wanting to be him! He’s amazing. He has more knowledge in his little fingernail than most of us will ever have about this old oilpatch and the people who work and live here.
I heard today that in yesterday’s sales meeting that this same man stood up, and said, “Before she leaves, each of you need to go by and thank Janie for her contributions to this company.” And my boss seconded his statements with some of his own. I couldn’t believe it…I was blown away. I was one of the first relationship-based saleswomen to be hired by this major service company. And most of my coworkers didn’t think I should be there, and gave me solid hell. It was never easy. I stayed the course, and slowly won them over. (Amazing what bringing in some major work will do to change people’s perception of you!)
Tonight, my boss took MLH and I to the Garlic Press, along with another coworker and his wife, to bid me farewell and good luck on my next post. We had a blast, telling stories about our work pasts and all our escapades. It was a very sweet thing for him to do – but he’s that kind of guy – excellent, of great character and integrity. He has an awesome sense of humor, which should be a requirement for bosses! (Life's too short to be too serious!) There was even a toast to my future. Amazing!! We all told stories, and laughed a lot. It was a great way to end the last 10 years. I’ll miss these guys, and hopefully I’ll still be able to see them on a regular basis.
My heart is breaking, yet exultant. And in all that, I’m exhausted. Who knew changing jobs would be this freakin’ traumatic? And I’m still two days from leaving.
Y’all pray for me – please???!!
Monday, February 4, 2008
ZZ Strikes Again!
Zack the Wonder Dog and Zoie the Wonder Pup Looking InnocentThis morning, MLH left for work earlier than I. As I was drying my hair, Zack the Wonder Dog wandered into our bedroom. He was licking his chops (Clue #1). I finished getting ready, and then put the dogs outside for the day.
I headed towards the front of the house, towards the front door. As I hit the entryway, I saw the sun glinting from something in the kitchen. I looked right, and realized that there was tin foil – shredded – all over the kitchen rug. (Clue #2)
I rotated back towards the stovetop…sure enough, the foil MLH had placed over the brownies I made last night was gone. I walked towards the brownie pan…yup. Zack the Wonder Dog had stretched up to the counter and done snagged him some Betty Crocker. Where once were cleanly cut lines of perfectly square brownies now resided a mound of partially eaten brownies.
The only thing that stopped Zack from finishing the entire pan? Geometry, pure and simple. The more he dug his snout into the pan, the more the pan pushed back on the stovetop. And little Miss Zoie the Wonder Pup? She made do with the satisfaction of shredding tin foil. She's grown a lot, but she's not quite tall enough to get into the pan...yet.
Tonight, I picked up Outback Takeaway…and both of the little darlins’ tried to sneak up on the table. This is a big no-no in our house. This time, I had the camera ready.
They’re really trying the old suck-up routine on MLH…and guess what?
It worked.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Weird Week #1
Weird week. One week of resignation notice down, one to go. These are some of the things I’ve been experiencing…
CUSTOMER MANAGEMENT
I’ve been taking designated salespeople around to all of my customers’ offices, lunches, breakfasts, etc., trying to make the transition seamless from one salesperson to another. It feels weird, to say the least – relationships I’ve nurtured and grown…trying to get them immediately comfortable with another salesperson. Fortunately, the guy who’s taking over my accounts is an awesome guy, a good friend, a powerhouse, and all that is going to show to our customers. That will ease the transition.
TRANSFERRING OFFICES
I shredded stuff from 1998 forward. (I said I had a gift for organizing!) It was all organized, but I. Didn’t. Need. To. Keep. All. That. Stuff. I now have everything in file boxes, greatly reduced. I trashed absolutely tons of stuff. I hesitated on my Franklin Planners…but why would I need 10 years of those? (Even though the binders look good!) I still have one more pass to make through my office, the final countdown as it were…
EVENT MANAGEMENT
We’ve been transferring files to other competent employees, who will now go on to put on big events I’ve been known for headlining. I don’t want them to miss a thing, so we’re trying to get everything transferred, every detail discussed, a timeline hammered down for each event. Thank God I kept good records. Still, it’s hard to transfer every detail out of my cluttered brain and put it into play. I have a natural gift for planning, organizing and executing…therefore, I did lots in my brain, with no timeline on paper, and just put on the event! So, I was doing a lot of things on autopilot, just due to time constraints and my regular job. Who ever thought I would leave? Not me! (There’s a good side to this – I won’t be bogged down with event details now! I’ll get to go participate with my customers and have a good time, instead of being the good time provider!)
Anyway…it’s kind of sad, but exciting, too. My emotions have run the gamut from sad to scared to exultant this week – but only on the inside. I’ll miss all my coworkers, but some, I’ll still get to see – because they’ll be calling on my office now!
CUSTOMER MANAGEMENT
I’ve been taking designated salespeople around to all of my customers’ offices, lunches, breakfasts, etc., trying to make the transition seamless from one salesperson to another. It feels weird, to say the least – relationships I’ve nurtured and grown…trying to get them immediately comfortable with another salesperson. Fortunately, the guy who’s taking over my accounts is an awesome guy, a good friend, a powerhouse, and all that is going to show to our customers. That will ease the transition.
TRANSFERRING OFFICES
I shredded stuff from 1998 forward. (I said I had a gift for organizing!) It was all organized, but I. Didn’t. Need. To. Keep. All. That. Stuff. I now have everything in file boxes, greatly reduced. I trashed absolutely tons of stuff. I hesitated on my Franklin Planners…but why would I need 10 years of those? (Even though the binders look good!) I still have one more pass to make through my office, the final countdown as it were…
EVENT MANAGEMENT
We’ve been transferring files to other competent employees, who will now go on to put on big events I’ve been known for headlining. I don’t want them to miss a thing, so we’re trying to get everything transferred, every detail discussed, a timeline hammered down for each event. Thank God I kept good records. Still, it’s hard to transfer every detail out of my cluttered brain and put it into play. I have a natural gift for planning, organizing and executing…therefore, I did lots in my brain, with no timeline on paper, and just put on the event! So, I was doing a lot of things on autopilot, just due to time constraints and my regular job. Who ever thought I would leave? Not me! (There’s a good side to this – I won’t be bogged down with event details now! I’ll get to go participate with my customers and have a good time, instead of being the good time provider!)
Anyway…it’s kind of sad, but exciting, too. My emotions have run the gamut from sad to scared to exultant this week – but only on the inside. I’ll miss all my coworkers, but some, I’ll still get to see – because they’ll be calling on my office now!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
