Not Putting Up With It

I got a phone call last week from an HR rep at my office. I was surprised, but then remembered that I had made a complaint about a girl I work with who is very unprofessional. She frequently talks about sex, or makes sexual references or even asks people sexual questions. I had complained about her once before a few months ago, and assumed they talked to her about it. She seemed a little better for a while and then she moved teams and we didn't sit on the same row anymore. I was so relieved.

Two weeks ago she suddenly sat on my row again and in the first 10 minutes I heard her ask a newly married kid how the sex was on his honeymoon. He responded quickly and then rushed away embarrassed. There were a few other things she mentioned in those few minutes that made me really uncomfortable, so I reported it.

Come to find out, when I should have had privacy and been protected by my company, she guessed it was me and the HR rep said that whoever talked to her didn't deny or confirm it was me. What does that mean? I think it means they didn't protect me! She is now saying that I am targeting her and that I sat by her on purpose to get her in trouble.

The HR rep asked why, if I had a problem with her, didn't I move desks so I wouldn't have to sit by her. I work once a week, and other than those encounters with her, never thought about her at all. I complained, assumed they would talk to her about it,hoping she would engage in more professional behavior. As far as continuing to sit where I did, it's because that is where I am comfortable! It honestly never occurred to me to move and anyway I shouldn't have to move where I sit once a week because some girl can't be professional and keep her thoughts to herself! She created this hostile environment, I didn't.

This experience has been mortifying. The HR rep mentioned they have to check into my background to see if this a regular problem I have....complaining about people. I realize this is just HR protocol, but I feel stupid and embarrassed. I have worked for my company for 15 years. I have had a great experience there and they have treated me well. I don't have any serious issues to my knowledge and I try really hard to be a good employee. But this girl is more powerful than me. I have a voice, but she has a stronger one and I am not good at fighting against that. I doubted myself the morning I got that call, wondering if I did the right thing. But, the more I think about it, I know I did the right thing. What she does is offensive and I don't want to listen to it. I think others might feel the same way, but are afraid to say so.

It is going to be awkward going to work for awhile. I actually called in sick Monday because I was afraid. I should have been protected with anonymity, but since I don't think I was, I guess I will deal with it the best I can. All I know is, I get enough negative influence from the rest of the world, I don't need it at work too. I AM NOT PUTTING UP WITH IT!!!

Missing

Whoever thought I would miss these darn cats? I had a love/hate relationship with them, but now that they are gone, I do miss them! I sincerely hope they are happy with their new home. Now maybe we will get a dog....

You know you're a parent when......

*You use the words "excited" & "coupons" in the same sentence.

*You are driving down the street and see a black mini van you covet and have to have the next time you buy a car.

*Your child throws up, you don't get grossed out and you think the chunks aren't so bad.

*You can have a perfectly normal conversation with someone despite all the screaming and running around in the background.

*You have been talking to little kids all day and when someone calls your house you can't stop talking to them.

*Your kid has called you fat for the millionth time and you don't cry anymore.

Reflection

I just found out that a friend of mine lost his brother yesterday and it took me back to almost 2 years ago when Erin died. It was one of the hardest times of my life and I see how deeply it has affected me today. I still struggle with bad habits, like over eating when I feel sad or feeling extreme guilt for not doing things better.

But now that it is close to 2 years since I lost Erin, I can see the progress I have made. I feel peaceful and I know that Erin is in the right place. I don't worry about her anymore and I know she is helping me get through my struggles on earth. I often think how fortunate I am to have Erin on the other side to guide me along. I am trying to live a better life and follow her example of compassion and service.

Erin's roommate Jennifer told me that she loved her cooking so much and asked her once how she made it so good. Erin told her that she took a little love from the air and threw it into everything she made. I have tried that a few times and it sure does something! Oh, it makes me miss her!

I hope my friend will be able to get through this difficult time. We all handle death differently. Some of us haven't experienced it yet. It is not easy, but thank goodness for a loving Heavenly Father who helps us through it and who understands our sorrow.

"The Office" and the Copy Challenge

Every once in a while at work, I get the chance to take a break from design and write copy. This time, I needed to come up with something to help promote the "$1.2 Million Challenge," a weekly goal we want our sales guys to reach this month. My copy needed to accompany a picture of Dwight from "The Office" on several large posters to be placed around the building. Needless to say, I applied myself devoutly. I've rarely had that much fun doing research at work, giggling to myself time and again as I pulled up quotes and clips from around the web. The following is some ideas I generated.

Please note: You Office aficionados will probably appreciate these more than others. Oh, one more quick note: For those of you who don't know, an "eyebrow" is small text that appears right above the header.

- The $1.2 Million Schrute Bucks Challenge
- The only thing better than Battlestar Galactica? The $1.2 Million Challenge idiot!
- A challenge worthy of Assistants to the Regional Manager: $1.2 million.
- How would I describe myself? Three words: Hard working, alpha-male, $1.2 Million Challenge.
- I now have the strength of a grown man, a little baby, and the $1.2 Million Challenge.
- You cannot best me in the $1.2 Million Challenge (I have the strength of a grown man and a little baby)
- Accepted: $1.2 Million Challenge. Can you see now that I will dominate you?
- Fact: Bears beat Battlestar Galactica. Fact: I accept the $1.2 Million Challenge.
- Fact: The $1.2 Million Challenge beats Battlestar Galactica.
- (eyebrow) Salesmen of Prosper, I ask you once more to rise and be worthy of this historical hour. (headline) WE ARE WARRIORS! (subhead) The $1.2 Million Challenge.
- (Header) Join the Dwight Army of Champions. (Subhead) The $1.2 Million Challenge.
- Vanquish fear! Join the Dwight Army of Champions in the $1.2 Million Challenge.
- (eyebrow) Fact: I am older. I am wiser. Do not mess with me. (header) Can you best Dwight in the $1.2 Million Challenge?
- Accept the $1.2 Million Challenge before Jim puts your stapler in Jello.
- **Unshun** Accept the $1.2 Million Challenge **Reshun**
- Rule #1: Don't turn your back on bears, the dominant turkey during mating season, and the $1.2 Million Challenge.
- I never let anyone walk behind me. 7 out of 10 attacks on the $1.2 Million Challenge are from the rear.

Happy 4th Birthday Olivia

I am lucky to be the Mother of a strong willed, vibrant, funny and beautiful child. Olivia brings joy and lots of drama to our family. I love her to pieces and hope she never changes! Happy Birthday Livigale!!




goofy girl



best friends



cute kitty



becoming beautiful



making faces

Children's Books That Didn't Make It

My friend Janet posted this on her blog and I just had to copy/share:

1. You Are Different and That's Bad

2. The Boy Who Died From Eating All His Vegetables

3. Dad's New Wife Robert

4. Fun Four-Letter Words to Know and Share

5. Hammers, Screwdrivers and Scissors: An I-Can-Do-It Book

6. The Kids' Guide to Hitchhiking

7. Kathy Was So Bad Her Mom Stopped Loving Her

8. Curious George and the High-Voltage Fence

9. All Cats Go to Hell

10. The Little Sissy Who Snitched

11. Some Kittens Can Fly.

12. That's It; I'm Putting You Up for Adoption

13. Grandpa Gets a Casket

14. The Magic World Inside the Abandoned Refrigerator

15. Garfield Gets Feline Leukemia

16. The Pop-Up Book of Human Anatomy

17. Strangers Have the Best Candy

18. Whining, Kicking and Crying to Get Your Way

19. You Were an Accident

20. Things Rich Kids Have, But You Never Will

21. Pop Goes The Hamster & Other Microwave Games

22. The Man in the Moon Is Actually Satan

23. Your Nightmares Are Real

24. Where Would You Like to Be Buried?

25. Eggs, Toilet Paper, and Your School

26. Why Can't Mr. Fork and Ms. Electrical Outlet Be Friends?

27. Places Where Mommy and Daddy Hide Neat Things

28. Daddy Drinks Because You Cry