Today's Things That Must Go

Whereas I started a new job last week, I've got some related items that must go

 

1). Office speak--I didn't realize before, but now that I am at a larger corporation, I hear stupid phrases all of the time. Sayings like, "We need to circle the wagons," "There's no I in team," "Synergize," and the most annoying, that I have heard about thirty times in this week "At the end of the day..." I hate them all, but that one in particular irritates me. It's like they're trying to teach a lesson. Let's just speak normally, and not give the motivational talks. C'mon, when people talk like that, I feel like I am being treated like a child, but maybe that's just me.

2). Show-offs in training classes--There was this guy in orientation who would ask questions, knowing the answer he was going to hear, seemingly only to hear himself talk, and to impress the others with his vast knowledge of corporate mumbo-jumbo. This man must go. He's nice enough, but that behavior is un-acceptable.

3). Training videos--They're not interesting. They put you to sleep. Worst of all are the ones about sexual harassment, especially when they try to be overly dramatic. I can't imagine that anyone at a decent-sized corporation, who has made it through the screening process for the job would not have an understanding of what harassment is. And if they didn't, I would imagine that a simple video isn't going to change their behavior. I'm sure it's a CYA move that every company (actually my previous company never did, come to think of it) does to limit their liability, but for me, I don't think that I'll be harassing anyone any time soon. And that has nothing to do with the stupid video I watched, and the un-believable cast of characters who starred in it.

4). Cubicles--I miss my old office. I moved from a 11' x 13' window office (newly renovated) to a 48-square-foot box with ugly fabric on the walls. There's no room for my Van Gogh print on the wall, no bookcase, no potted plant. Instead, I am relacated to a cage, much like a creature at the zoo. However, I won't complain too much, cause now I make more, I have a commute that is half as long and an opportunity to learn things that may lead to a real career. But the cubicle is not a fun stop on that career path.

5). Leaving lunch at home--Yup I packed it all up (breakfast and lunch today) and realized, half way to the office that I had left it on the table at home. Boo!! It wasn't worth my time to turn aroung and get it. It will just mean that I'll have to go out, which I didn't want to do today. Anyway, that's that. 

Today's List of Things That Must Go

I don't know where this will end up, but after a week's worth of pus and bile that was spewed to the good American people from the stage of the republican National Convention, I think this week's "must go" should have theme.
1) Calling McCain a "maverick"--we know this isn't true, and hasn't been for at least the past four years while he's been prepping for his run for president. He's said and done whatever he could to make him look good to the public, while voting against the exact measures, whose virtues he extols. John McCain 2000 may have been a good guy, but McCain 08 definitely is not. Case in point: (don't disregard it because it comes from a comedian)click here if video doesn't work

2) Sarah Palin--Face it, she wasn't picked for any other reason than the fact that he has a uterus, and a well-used one at that. Sure, she delivered her speech well. It's a damn good thing too, because as a Communications and Journalism major, had she failed to deliver, it would have proven that all five of the universities she attended while pursuing her undergrad had failed her. But what has she got? A tenure as mayor of a small town that is proving daily to show controversy and problems that have been left to Wasilla? Or the fact that she's been the governor of one of the least-populated states in America, during which time, she likely misused her power to get revenge at a former brother-in-law. We could maybe have an idea of whether or not she has any idea about the world at large if she would ever allow herself to be questioned by the media. But that doesn't happen. America take note, this hockey mom doesn't have a clue.
3) Sarah Palin's well-used uterus--Not her children per se (even if they have the most ridiculous names I have ever heard), but the fact that this "loving" mother is exploiting them for political gain. In her speech, she throws their life story at us, she has her knocked up teen display her "sex on skates" boyfriend as America's hope for the future, and when anyone tries to question that, they call foul. But I guess the republicans are the kings of the double-standard.
4) Making this election about the little stuff--There are huge issues our country is facing. Most of our problems have been caused by the moronic republican party. Now, when they haven't got anything to offer except more of the same, they want to divert American attention and try to act like the Democrats are to blame. Smoke and mirrors kids. Look at McCain's speech. He hasn't got a plan. He spoke entirely in generalities and offered not one specific. Then compare that to Obama. Side by side, you'll see that there are stark differences. If you, like the 80% of America who thinks we're on the wrong track, want to change the direction of this country, you need to realize that John McCain is the exact same as George W. Bush.
5) Not a thing that must go, but just a note, an observation I had while watching McCain's speech. There were people in the crowd who began to protest--Iraq veterans against the war. Whenever they got up and yelled, the entire crowd of know-nothing republicans began chanting in unison "U S A, U S A..." It just seemed very symbolic of what they really are. They can say and do the most ridiculous things, run amok in the government, doing untold damage to our country, but when someone tells them they're wrong, what do they do but try to argue that they support the "U S A" and that the other person is not patriotic. I AM SICK OF THIS, AMERICA!!! ENOUGH!!! THROW THESE ASSHOLES OUT!!! They have destroyed the image of the country I love. They have vilified dissent, the one true keeper of our freedoms. They pay lip service to the brave men and women who wear this country's uniform and protect this land, but do nothing to protect or help them afterward. They mock reason and logic. They make a joke of the poor and lowly in spirit. They condemn the opposition for the exact same human foibles they have, themselves, on many occasions exhibited. They rail against big government and government swelling, while on their watch, the budget deficit has grown by billions. They are in the pocket of big business and don't give a damn about me and you. They have destroyed the American dream, they daily making the world a worse place for me and my children. GET RID OF THEM, PLEASE!!!

Life's a Beach

Dear Readers:

I have been away for a while, and thus, I haven't posted much in the past couple of weeks--with good reason. I was here for a week of my break.

On the beach with Mel's family in Virginia Beach.

We were right on the beach this is the back fence of the deck.

On the Wednesday, we all went to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. I went on all of the following rides.

And this is the latest addition to Busch Gardens, The Griffon. It was awesome.

The week was great, and relaxing. It involved pool time, the driving range, jig-saw puzzling, great food and, oh yeah, the beach. Here are a couple more photos from the trip. It was awesome. Thanks Mel's family.

A family effort got this done in a couple of hours

Amber and Mel in line for our 4-D leprechaun ride

Mel standing next to the ugliest mullet ever

Mel after escaping from Pompeii

Thank goodness I didn't need to try this on, it's a sad commentary on our society I think though.