CHRISTMAS STORIES

 I found two older essays I wrote that I will reproduce here relating to Christmas. As we grow older it is the memories that spark the candle around the holidays. The presence (not presents) or lack thereof that bring sadness and joy. Those who are with us, those who are gone. The empty chair and the new high chair. Life goes on....

Mother and Christmas --She died on September 30 and we buried her on October 4. The heart of our family was gone. We went on, lived our lives, worked our jobs, took care of our families. So we thought.That call that I used to enjoy in November on the anniversary of my birth was missing (note: my daughter did pick up the slack). I'm okay. We gathered that Christmas Eve laughing and feasting as we always did. Then the four sisters drew together compelled by some force that we could not explain. We talked, we laughed and then we cried. Cried for the one who was missing, cried when we realized that it was up to us to carry on the traditions, to bring the joy that she used to bring. She was weaker in the last few years, but the festivities still revolved around her wheelchair; her laughter, her strong opinions and her love for her family ringing out over the noise of the children. Our children grew close, worried and disturbed by our universal grief.  We knew she would not have wanted this. The eldest sister now became the heart and she suffered so much. So our children went out and adorned her car with the silliness of a Rudolph nose and antlers. We brought her out to see the Christmas lights and the spectacle of her car which now featured a face and a mood. The laughter rang out, the joy returned, and we all knew she was there orchestrating the celebration as she always did.

December Story -- as empty nesters after our daughter left for college and subsequently married, Christmas has settled into a warm, loving but toyless event with no Santa-infused surprises. With the birth of our first grandchild however, things changed. We now had permission to overindulge and the moon and stars were not out of the realm of possibility. Our 2 1/2 year old grandson Joseph had already discovered that Nana/Grandpa's house provided many happy surprises. Christmas 2014 was no exception as we watched his tentative explorations of wrapped packages. He remained unimpressed until we brought out the rocking horse. Now this was no ordinary horse. It was pint-sized so the fit was perfect. Joe quickly discovered the horse snorted, neighed and its tail flew out the harder you galloped so top speed became his only giggling mode threatening life and furniture. Afterwards the adults debated where the new horse would reside; Joe's house or Nana/Grandpa's. Eventually looking around we realized boy and horse were missing. Then we heard a noise in the kitchen. While we were otherwise engaged Joe had dragged that horse across the living room, through the kitchen and right up to the back door and was struggling to get the door open. In Joe's mind there was no debate; that horse was going home with him!

Those two would have thoroughly enjoyed each other....

          

          

 

DOING THE RIGHT THING

 

Considering my congressional representative's (I never voted for him) eagerness to sign on to the Texas lawsuit against our own State, at first I thought well he's been a do-nothing drone for his party for years. Nothing new here. But then again maybe just once he could have considered doing the right thing rather than following along in his beloved "cool kids" path. I would have even accepted "no comment"; not admitting his hero lost but not adding to the fantasy. Cowardly but understandable. No. He had to sign on to what he had to know was a totally bogus and dare I say, seditious action against his own State! This election re-elected himself. Maybe the genius did not realize that by disenfranchising millions of Michigan voters he made his own win a fraud as well. Laughable if not so dangerous. But that would have taken courage which is sorely lacking in many.

Though I have had an interesting career I have often been challenged to do the "easy" thing rather than the "right" one. (Why is the right road always harder?) Perhaps that is the bane of following a career in safety and health. Though we work on the side of angels, much of what we advocate for is unpopular, hard to sell and even harder to implement. We have to stay committed to what is right or we all lose has been my mindset as I tilted at my personal windmills (credit to Senor Cervantes). It always seemed so obvious to me, not so much to those in charge or even the employees I was trying to protect. 

Explains why I often was called on the carpet for decisions made, prohibitions inflicted and budget increases:

-- "One does not question an influential supporter's company on work practices;" just hire a top overseer to monitor the work.

-- "One does not tell another department how to perform their oversight work;" just line up the company attorney to sell your case.

-- "One does not withhold an award from a major corporation;" just stretch out the timeframe and perform multiple inspections. 

-- "One does not shut down an operation;" well actually that particular trump card is held as a final solution when there is no other way.

Of course being popular or admired for holding the line is definitely not in the cards. Also I will not be so arrogant as to say I always won or did not have to fold my tent in defeat more than once. For example in one position my direct supervisor was older with health issues. I took on more and more of the work, apparently unbeknownst to management. After a major inspection with a couple hundred citations to be addressed, I literally took all the paperwork, solutions, actions, responses to my supervisor in the hospital to review and sign. This strategy successfully brought the project in on time and avoided further sanctions. Not to mention the inspector was a total nightmare who found explanation and cooperation to be four-letter words.

When my supervisor was disabled for a long period of time, I took over the entire Safety and Health activity. A lot of meetings, a lot training and willingness to make decisions got me through. Then when the position was officially posted I of course was rewarded by receiving the promotion. Nope! Instead it went to the union counterpart with whom I worked and explained standards to on a regular basis. The reason? I was too "passionate" about everything. Read: you don't "go along and hey you're a woman". 

However none of my duties changed. With no change in pay or status a few extras were added such as coordinating the company suggestion program, organizing the first employee recognition event, conducting labor relations research and supervising another employee. After that wonderful vote of confidence I believed I was free to pursue other interests. It led directly to my being named a Safety Director at another entity. Upon informing management I was leaving I was labeled "disloyal". Perhaps they thought I would be shamed into staying. Ummm no.

Note:  Have to admit however, that all the new duties made me a great candidate for the Deputy Personnel Director position to which I was promoted from Safety Director at the next company. Everything happens for a reason and extra education is usually a good thing.

The Union held a heck of a party for me when I left and some of the top management sneaked over to say goodby so I was glad to know that I made some difference anyway. To be fair many of the issues I highlighted were put into practice by managment with minimal yet expected pushback. I remained on their "Do Call" list for issues which proved beneficial for both sides.

Digress: As a firm believer that things occur as they are supposed to, after I lost out on the promotion I ended up becaming pregnant with my wonderful daughter a few months later. Funny story. Well they all are. I was about 8 months pregnant and forgot a notebook a couple of floors up in the plant that I really needed. I, of course, ran up the several flights of metal stairs and arrived gasping for air and bent over. When I explained this scary episode to my doctor he wryly noted "most 8 months'pregnant women aren't racing up and down stairs". Oh. 

Revenge is sweet. Though I wished no ill will on those who did not realize my contributions it was rather humorous to hear from my replacement after I left.  She told me she quit after three months because of all they expected her to do. She said  I really spoiled them. They now have an entire department. But to be truthful it was necessary even in my day. One or two people could not handle all the health, safety and environmental issues for a multi-department, 1,000 employee entity. The more I learned, the more I realized how much was required; not only to maintain compliance but also safely perform tasks unique to our workplace. I was doomed to fail to be honest.  

In case anyone asks, I tend to choose the harder road-go figure....

STORIES FROM THE FRONT: CHAPTER 3

 Another local store had to close down for two weeks due to a covid outbreak. At the height of the Christmas rush. I was quick to blame the maskless wanderers who persist in their quest to infect the world, but to be fair I have never seen any protection on the clerk besides a pexiglass window that she reaches around to hand the customer the checkout pad. So six of one, half a dozen of another. The point is, risk can be mitigated. 

So another couple of entries for the grandson of Nana's adventures in trying to understand and mitigate risk.

As stated before I believe it only fair to "experience" the job task before I presume to pass judgement on safety and health mandates. Besides it's often fun, especially if one does not have to perform the task every day. Which meant I rode in ambulances and on fire trucks observing injury pick-ups and fire scenes. 

Ambulance runs in a City are often in less privileged areas, so a lookout is essential. I believe I mentioned before the fire personnel asking me to intervene on uniform colors that were too close to the police hue. In a dark alley, they look pretty much the same. I remember one run on the second floor (always when you have to transport) of a little girl who had fallen and hurt her neck. We gathered around the patient to lift her onto the stretcher but were hampered by this dude WORKING ON HIS MOTORCYCLE in the room. I still do not know how he got it up there. I was the only one bold enough to say "jeez man could you move over so we can lift the kid onto the stretcher?" He was kind of tough looking but sometimes the female voice soothes the savage beast so to speak. 

I was able to advocate for equipment but sometimes you had to say no. Like when they wanted this cool filtration system installed on the top of their new ambulance. Oh the days when we only worried about TB infections and good old HIV and Hep C. I gently pointed out all the local hospitals emergency areas had these tight entryways and immovable overhead signs that would snap the filter off on the first run. Mask up folks and mask the patient too for good measure. Now it is the norm. These were the same people who didn't want to wear gloves when handling patients afraid it would be misinterpreted that someone's Mother was "unclean". Blame me but we all got over it. 

"Attending" a fire situation was interesting. I actually garbed up in turnout gear and helmet to review the scene AFTER the fire was out. Two things-cardboard backing will protect the wall behind it; and second, leaving your toaster plugged in all the time may be problematic. I remarked about how hot it was, and this was after the fire was out. They laughed and laughed. I also rode in the back of the fire apparatus where the rule was helmets on when riding the rig. Of course it did not fit and one is not terribly secure in the open part of the truck. Again they laughed and laughed. 

One other interesting anecdote. There was a worker comp case where the "victim" claimed multiple chemical sensitivity sydrome after the fire station's regular treatment for ants. Now these folks are subject to a lot of nasty chemicals that are consumed in a fire. Turnout gear is not impermeable. They had mentioned to me the "cooked ham" smell that arises upon taking a shower after a fire. I understood after my own sojourn into the smoky aftermath of a house fire and found that they were exactly correct. Eerie. Normally one does not question a fire-related cancer or respiratory illness for worker comp.

However this victim claimed he could not go anywhere that had odors or fragrances after the episode with the ant juice. Such as Hudson's perfume counter (that was the example). Ok. In discussing the issue with his doctor I was informed that only the patient knows to what he/she is sensitive and to what extent. Remember when I said Industrial Hygiene is the science of assuming everyone is sensitive to something in unknown quantities. After reviewing the safety data sheets and in an effort to stave off further issues with the rest of the group, the Fire Chief and I sat in the Station the next time they sprayed and had lunch to prove the substances used were harmless. Like the Princess and the pea, managment would succomb sooner to bad air was the thinking; flawed but effective. Things straightened out though when the employee in question was seen drinking in a smoky bar with friends. As he put it, well it's not all the time.... 

On a ride-along with the police I followed the officer as she decided to confront a known drug dealer who had recently been "cut loose" just to let him know, we knew, he was back out there. It was while I was drifting in and out of shadows following the officer (I was dressed in all black) that it dawned on me that "oh this could be dangerous and here I am drifting along invisible in the line of fire so to speak." Unlike the Rambo movies I decided the two officers could handle things and I retreated to a safe distance. Like I said Fun! I guess I shouldn't have been surprised that the OH said he never could get back to sleep when I got one of my middle of the night emergency calls or scheduled job observations. So I learned not to be too specific on my adventures. 

Happy Wednesday...

THIS AND THAT

 Well we  have finally come to the most blatant and transparent epitome of power grabs. An entire politcal party believes it has the right to go to Court if they don't like the outcome of an election. Whooee wowee. Not to mention intimidation, threats and actual violence they are urging on their supporters. Banana Republic we have arrived. Or would have if this latest lawsuit wasn't so blatently ridiculous. 

One State challenging another State on its own rules and laws? I believe we fought a war on that issue many years ago when the southern States insisted on their right to enslave people to maintain their lifestyle. According to history there were actual fisticuffs and duels occurring in the hallowed halls of Congress before things broke down entirely. Now they do it by proxy. Well the South is going "down" again.  I also love that it is Texas, the poster child of individualism and forging their own path, that is now challenging another State's rights. Ironic. 

UPDATE: Paxton the Texas AG who brought the lawsuit against the States is currently under investigation by the FBI due to whistle blower complaints from his own staff citing his increasingly erratic and illogical behavior and actions, and some funny money issues.... Just saying be careful who you go to bed with....

I say we sue Texas over the monopoly of their cattle industry. I just know they are not treating "them cows" humanely.  I am sure others can raise beef cattle lovingly and organically. Also wine tasting rooms in Texas? Really--they have to import the grapes. So we need another lawsuit of impersonating Napa Valley. And of course they never got over losing their status as the largest State when we admitted Alaska to the Union (probably sued over that too). Alaska just laughed and said "Careful cowboy, we can split in half and still be bigger than you!" And oh yeah, who is going to tell the "big hat, no cattle" folk that negating the election also destroys any other hapless republicans elected in the same big fraud.  

Yep (texas style) when the nation's attorney general, the head of cyber security, dozens of conservative judges and 1000's of election workers of both parties call no fraud it really does bring paranoia to a whole new level. Perpetrated by one "proven" liar who told us he would win at all costs. Cheating and lying are just a means to an end. That base of supporters may be big, but is it worth your gonads, conscience and very soul?  (Psst  the orange one has collected over 200 million in funds for a defense fund of which he has only spent 8 million; leaving the rest to use however he wants) Do I detect a whiff of a con here? Who wants to bet Giuliani doesn't get paid?

On a happier note. If anyone has ventured out and "shopped local" the gratitude of the employees is overwhelming. Smiles (you can tell with the mask), happy voices, offers to bag, transport and wrap any gifts you want. One even volunteered to ride in the trunk and carry packages to a safe place to "air out" before we had to soil our hands. (just  kidding). No one playing with their phones, hair, or other emps while you are in need of assistance and have your happy credit card hanging out. 

On a flower order I literally engaged the designer for fifteen minutes accepting and rejecting different flowers and arrangements until it was just right. I cheerfully exposed my lack of knowledge when she offered that  "comboodie flowers surrounded by orky dorkys would look great together". Huh? So she trotted out different fleurs and put fake bouquets together until I was happy. Never a sigh or complaint, though the place was buzzing like the proverbial beehive of floral extravaganzas. I hate ordering off an FTD website as they send the order to local florists who, nine out of ten times, do not have the flowers shown. Plus I thought it was cheaper to go right to the source.  Apparently I was wrong on that last point but as I was designing it, I can't really complain.

Just finished washing sheets. Has anyone actually figured out how to fold fitted sheets??? After wrapping myself up and cussing at the inanimate offending material I tend to put them away in a jumbled mess in the linen closet. I used to hear sly chuckling as I closed the door on the devil sheets. However, as one gets older, and wiser, I have decided to avoid the middleman so to speak, and return the same sheets to the bed after washing. No folding required. Some might say, but they'll wear out quicker. Who cares? I am willing to bet we all have more sheet sets than we can ever use so to the rag bag they go....And they know it.

Happy Thursday...

STORIES FROM THE FRONT: CHAPTER 2

 

On a recent trip to the local grocery store I was literally accosted by a little old lady trying to take "cuts". Now that I am a litte old lady it is embarrassing when one of my own thinks they are invisible, entitled or charmingly precocious. Not a good look if one is older than 3 or 4. It was extremely busy with check-out lines extending back  into the miscellaneous clothing, hardware, shoe and jewelry counters. Actually if you are looking for said products, you have plenty of time to peruse the merchandise while cobwebs grow between customer and cart.

At any rate ignoring the looming conga line behind me she slyly sidled into the side of my cart and started chatting about how busy the store was, bla bla bla.  She was "booming" this observation practically into my carefully masked face. I had to physically move backward while my pushing my cart into a defensive position. Meanwhile I could feel the animosity vapors rising from other customers. She pleasantly told the group right behind me "you go ahead and I'll just pop in after you", blithely ignoring the entire entourage who were starting to make growling noises. The way forward opened up and I bogeyed. I dared not look back, but at some point noticed she was no where to be found. I did overhear her tell someone she had been waiting quite awhile. Fake news.  At any rate I am not sure if the mob terminated her or she just wandered off to test her "I'm just a poor little old lady" bit on some other unsuspecting body.

Rather a long intro to another one of my industrial hygiene challenges. Perhaps my point is that people are careful or safe when it suits them, but rather selfish when inconvenienced citing "fake news", "faulty science", "never happened before" mentalities. Or maybe there is no relationship at all. 

Reality vs. perception creates many misunderstandings as we all have witnessed recently. One episode I experienced was when there a was rennovation occurring in the lobby of the building where many customer service reps were stationed. Normally a wide-open area; pleasant and interesting, it was also open to the public. Always something to see or some drama unfolding to get one through the workday. Medical emergencies and children unleashed were common as well as minor altercations over bills or utility shut-offs. 

One fine winter day paint and/or varnish was being applied to walls on the other side of an enclosure near the lobby. One lady with health issues smelled the offending aroma and immediately went down sick. This was quickly followed, in a perfect domino effect, several other female employees going down. They were all sent home for the day and I had to figure out what happens next, "by tommorow morning please" Okayyy

Although this is the unscientific opinion part of the story, I suspect a general hysteria ensued when the first lady with a sensitivity to strong odors reacted. Not to point fingers, but not one gentleman complained. In our defense women do seem to have a heightened sensitivity to odor. No doubt that is why we know the baby filled the diaper way before the guys do. Which may be a defense mechanism for them actually honed over centuries of "who changes the baby".

Though not to leave the gents out, I once had a distress call from men working in a park putting in a new play area complete with sandbox. Upon arrival they pointed out the bag, which merrily followed the "Right to Know" laws by listing its ingredients - Silica (a known carcinogen). Sigh. Since beaches are pretty much full of it I said don't snort it ok? Using sarcasm does bite back at times. I was performing hazard training on chemicals used for swimming pool sanitation. I explained the product they were using was no more dangerous than bleach. Use the gloves and face mask provided and soak your whites in it for a cleaner wash. They gleefully pointed out where I had spilled some of the product on my jeans which now sported some interesting greenish/white spots where the "bleach" had landed. Nothing like an unplanned accident to get the point across.  

Back to the odor problem. After a scramble to obtain air monitoring equipment, as of course we did not own any, because what do we need that stuff for? One should remember I came into the employee safety world during the Stone Age obviously. Oddly enough I received all the training I could eat but never the instrumentation to actually "apply" what I learned.

 As I suspected, the tests were negative for dangerous levels of pretty much anything. It was just, to use the technical term, "a stinky smell". I was not believed. One lady had gone to the doctor and refused to return until she knew it was safe (in her mind), my results not withstanding. My solution was to visqueen (plastic) the offending walls and place giant fans into the suspect area to blew all the nasty smell out into the alley. Problem solved and we finished the reno over the weekend. 

As I said perception is everything...More tales from the crypt to follow.