MEMORIES Ran into an old work friend at Joe's soccer game this weekend. We hugged and chatted; I knew the name but...I had no clue. As I will see her at subsequent games, I did a little sleuthing. Thank goodness for Linkedin. She and I put together the EAP (Employee Assistance Program) many moons ago and she is still employed in Marketing at one of the local hospitals. We worked very closely together back in the day. Makes you wonder what else one may have forgotten. I get it when someone from my previous safety jobs says hello as there was only one of me and 1,000s of them, so not coming up with a name is not a deal. But someone I worked with intensely, albeit many years ago, and could not remember where was disconcerting. Proves the old adage "out of sight, out of mind". However she would be a good candidate for a podcast..
It would have been considered "woke" many years ago, but we were on the forefront of creating discreet mental health assistance for our employees. Confidential and camouflage were of paramount importance as any hint of someone needing to treat emotional and stress issues in the workplace marked one with a scarlet letter of being "broken". An attitude that has not changed a whole lot today, though it is a little less stigmatized. Gosh just look at all the pills being pushed to treat depression-it's both mainstream and chic. In my position I unfortunately learned more than I wanted on employee personal problems that impacted the workplace so I could determine if the EAP offered a better solution than discipline. Hair-raising when one realizes what people are loaded up with before they hit the shop.
People have always had problems and been angry, but it seems to be escalated these days. Easy access to guns, the lack of empathy, the removal of guardrails on formerly unbreachable standards (opening fire on school children, church bible groups, pedestrians, cursing and throwing things on players, etc) because one is upset. Also marginalized people finally fighting back should not be unexpected when those in power are never held accountable for publicly thumbing their nose at their grievances and encouraging class warfare. Their example has been studied, understood and applied.
SOUTHERN CHARM Had to love Rep Taylor-Greene's lack of memory when put on the stand to recount her actions regarding January 6. "I don't recall" "I don't remember". "I was a victim". I think she was most offended when she had to swear to tell the truth which in her view of the world would inhibit her freedom of speech (LOL). Being so controversial means the media was constantly recording her tirades while she was merrily tweeting insurrection; both of which leave no doubt she was involved up to her eyeballs. Busy week, as she also condemned the Catholic church of being run by satan (does she mean DeSatan?) because caring for and feeding the displaced and immigrants goes against her Christian values. What version of the Bible is she mainlining? I could be wrong but I believe it specifically promotes taking care of the poor without asking them if they are worthy.
Similar thinking in Tennessee which is working on legislation that charges homeless people with a misdemeanor or $50 fine if they are found sleeping on public lands. Ok, the shelters are full and they have no money. Again Jesus must have said something about "kick 'em while they're down" in their bible. Though a year ago, they were trying to pass legislation to make the Bible the state book. Again what version do they have? Obviously the commercially-inspired one.
GAMES Speaking of hysteria, we attended Joe's first soccer game for the season. OMG - you would have thought we were at the World Cup. The dynamic duo of Joe and his best friend got 3 1/2 goals between them. He gets it! Playing defense Joe actually had to keep moving to cover a larger area as his team mate basically just stood still and watched the game instead of blocking. Hilarious. Then there were two injuries on the field (unfortunately to the same kid) so he finally gave up and hobbled off. At Joe's age it's a much bigger field and the kids are more in tune with the strategy-hence we were wildly yelling for points and cheering blocks as the score actually counted. Saturday mornings will be fun, especially if we go out to breakfast first.
My garden of blue and yellow. May Ukraine start to see a better world. Peace..💛💙💙
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