Scandal of the week - secret service engages in sexual romps while on guard duty. Bet that's never happened before. Have to love that women are not considered strong enough or tough enough for some of these jobs, but when is the last time you heard of a bunch of professional women caught in a sex mess? Ha. The other odd thing is politicians are equating this personal failing with whatever party's representatives gets caught with their proverbial pants down (pun intended). Last I knew these personal failings are prevalent on both sides of the aisle or Board Room or Religious Organization.
Why does it become a judgment call on everyone else even remotely affected? Govt out of control I think is the label. Like people have not been cheating on expense accounts or using perks in a less than ethical manner.
It is wrong no matter who is doing it. But to try to take the high road that it's a "d" or "r" issue is naive at best. But the media keeps pounding the drum and making us think it is relevant or means more than a bunch of idiots who can't keep their personal issues out of the workplace.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
LIFE IS MESSY
As we get closer to the countdown for JP's arrival one might be inclined to ponder the whole issue of child bearing. It's uncomfortable,you have to follow dietary and medical protocol, your clothes fit funny, you deal with issues of not feeling well or feeling things you never felt before - some good, some bad, some surprising. It takes nine long months where you have to maintain a certain level of calmness to the outside world, worry about things that never occurred to you before, take a crash course in being a mom (which none of us are ever prepared for), realizing that it is no longer me but we.
Then the birth itself is somewhat noisy, chaotic, painful,exciting, scary and yes, messy. Usually the calmest one in the room is the Mother-as we have no choice. The child is making their arrival ready or not. Seems like there should be a better system after 3,000 odd years of bearing children (sorry folks evolution did happen).
But it works. In nine (actually short) months an entire human being is formed with everything, for the most part, they will ever need to survive in this world. Bones and brain; organs and senses; personality and predispositions. Remarkable that inside a woman grows this wondrous being that starts as a microscopic egg and a sperm and emerges as a fully formed child. Seems like the process should take years and in a stronger container. But women are strong and the system is well-designed so it works. Messy but miraculous.
Then the birth itself is somewhat noisy, chaotic, painful,exciting, scary and yes, messy. Usually the calmest one in the room is the Mother-as we have no choice. The child is making their arrival ready or not. Seems like there should be a better system after 3,000 odd years of bearing children (sorry folks evolution did happen).
But it works. In nine (actually short) months an entire human being is formed with everything, for the most part, they will ever need to survive in this world. Bones and brain; organs and senses; personality and predispositions. Remarkable that inside a woman grows this wondrous being that starts as a microscopic egg and a sperm and emerges as a fully formed child. Seems like the process should take years and in a stronger container. But women are strong and the system is well-designed so it works. Messy but miraculous.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
BOTTOM IS TOP WHEN YOU'RE LOOKING UP
In response to our newspaper question this week about whether we thought the economy had bottomed out I said.
"I guess belief in the economy bottoming out depends on whether you have a job or your house has not been foreclosed upon. However my own personal indicators show things on an upswing. Folks in my profession were being laid off and calls for consultative services were down. Recently requests have picked up tremendously. Second, in a second advertisement of a position I was not able to fill last year, a new group of candidates has emerged who actually meet the requirements instead of desperately, and obviously, applying to anything"."
I believe that the question was meant to have contributors describe a "feeling" they have. I was surprised that the majority basically quoted what they have read about or observed-not how they "felt". One pointed to the "r's" war on the have-nots as the reason things have picked up calling it a good thing. The point to me is there is no one factor that determines recovery or further economic nightmare; there is no one factor that describes a magic bullet of success; there is not always an explanation for success or failure or even life or death.
My argument is that it really does come down to how we are "feeling" about all of these. When we get knocked down do we get back up? Do we blame the world and throw a pity party that lasts the rest of our lives? Do we take the negative influences and let them rule our future hope and optimism. Oh I admit it's hard sometimes when you're hurting to remember it does get better. I have compared that feeling in previous articles to being in a dark room where you see a little sliver of light under the door and when you get the courage, you pull that door slowly open until you can bathe in that light.
As long as people continue to feel empowered and follow their instincts for success, hold those in charge accountable, protect the helpless and provide hope for the hopeless, recovery, joy, success and the good life are all possible.
"I guess belief in the economy bottoming out depends on whether you have a job or your house has not been foreclosed upon. However my own personal indicators show things on an upswing. Folks in my profession were being laid off and calls for consultative services were down. Recently requests have picked up tremendously. Second, in a second advertisement of a position I was not able to fill last year, a new group of candidates has emerged who actually meet the requirements instead of desperately, and obviously, applying to anything"."
I believe that the question was meant to have contributors describe a "feeling" they have. I was surprised that the majority basically quoted what they have read about or observed-not how they "felt". One pointed to the "r's" war on the have-nots as the reason things have picked up calling it a good thing. The point to me is there is no one factor that determines recovery or further economic nightmare; there is no one factor that describes a magic bullet of success; there is not always an explanation for success or failure or even life or death.
My argument is that it really does come down to how we are "feeling" about all of these. When we get knocked down do we get back up? Do we blame the world and throw a pity party that lasts the rest of our lives? Do we take the negative influences and let them rule our future hope and optimism. Oh I admit it's hard sometimes when you're hurting to remember it does get better. I have compared that feeling in previous articles to being in a dark room where you see a little sliver of light under the door and when you get the courage, you pull that door slowly open until you can bathe in that light.
As long as people continue to feel empowered and follow their instincts for success, hold those in charge accountable, protect the helpless and provide hope for the hopeless, recovery, joy, success and the good life are all possible.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
OF BUNNYS & MIRACLES
Watching a news story on Lourdes where 1,000's go every year in hope of a cure, relief, answers or maybe just a reason to believe in something larger than themselves. Fitting on this day in celebration of resurrection and rebirth. A couple of thoughts. Are these truly miracles attributed to the Virgin Mary and the hope it represents? Or another demonstration of the ability of the mind to cure the body? If you believe you will see change, you will make it happen. Maybe it's a little of both.
The arrogant act as if they have all the answers (preachers, politicians, talking heads, CEOs)and have no problem passing on their opinions as fact. The humble are looking for answers from a higher power. Or some, the brave and the confident perhaps, may realize that the answers lie within ourselves. I ascribe to the thought that we create our own heaven or hell right here and right now. We have the power to heal ourselves and others. We can look for the sun or flee to the darkness. It lies within our power. Scary to realize you may be the ultimate answer, but in between those cliff-hanger moments is the knowledge that you matter and your choices make a difference.
As for the bunnys, they seem particularly active this morning. No doubt they are bearing and placing their babies in reckless and exposed spots where only luck assure their survival. Mind or miracle?
Sunday, February 19, 2012
ONLY IN AMERICA
Does anyone else find it odd that the group deciding on whether employers must provide contraception coverage (universal health care) is composed entirely of men? This is a female issue. I'm sure it is the same group that unanimously agreed to the viagra/cialis lobby. I have no problem with that, but if you guys are all ready, able and willing, the least you could do is provide women with the means to counteract the results of those randy actions.
The President has already compromised on the religious issue and put the burden on insurance companies. I remember a time when womens' contraception was not covered, however they would insure any "issue thereof". WTF? Do you see families of 8 or 10 or 15 children (outside of the media sucking groups like the Duggars). No and that includes the catholics. Prevent conception then the whole abortion issue goes away-hello! The emporer has no clothes again and I guess that's what the ultra-conservative (translation-afraid of everything) white male population is in favor of. No responsibility for indiscriminate sex on their part(see viagra note), but the ladies are not allowed any means to protect themselve. Ok folks are we ready to go back to "frolicking" only for procreation? Hmmm didn't think so.
The President has already compromised on the religious issue and put the burden on insurance companies. I remember a time when womens' contraception was not covered, however they would insure any "issue thereof". WTF? Do you see families of 8 or 10 or 15 children (outside of the media sucking groups like the Duggars). No and that includes the catholics. Prevent conception then the whole abortion issue goes away-hello! The emporer has no clothes again and I guess that's what the ultra-conservative (translation-afraid of everything) white male population is in favor of. No responsibility for indiscriminate sex on their part(see viagra note), but the ladies are not allowed any means to protect themselve. Ok folks are we ready to go back to "frolicking" only for procreation? Hmmm didn't think so.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
ONLY IN MICHIGAN
You know you're from Michigan if:
1) You wear tennis shoes in a foot of snow
2) You drive a white car
3) You use your hands as a map (don't forget the UP'rs!)
4) A 33 degree day is a heat wave.
1) You wear tennis shoes in a foot of snow
2) You drive a white car
3) You use your hands as a map (don't forget the UP'rs!)
4) A 33 degree day is a heat wave.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
OF GROUNDHOGS & POLITICIANS
Why can't we limit our annual exposure to the ludicrous clowns much like we enjoy the spectacle of Punxsutawney Phil's pompous prognosticators preoccupation with Spring. Why don't we limit politicians to one day, or even one week, to their equally ridiculous antics, lies and slander? One week where they can say or do anything they want and then we are done with it for the year. Let's start a movement as it sure beats the traveling "nasty" show that has been the political scene for the past several months with more to come. Expensive, nauseating and unnecessary.
Though I dread the system we use at work for interviewing prospective employees due to its interminable, heart-wrenching and sometimes, boring, interpretations by the interviewee who missed the point about 5 minutes ago; it does have its strengths in determining a "fit" with the competencies for the position. Wouldn't debates be much more interesting and MEANINGFUL if the political wannabes were actually asked questions that forced them to give examples of how they personally resolved real-life situations that are pertinent to the high office for which (in their own mind) they believe they are so qualified for? Are they able to think under stress, during a crisis? Do they know how to motivate and bring consensus? Do they know how to learn and change their minds when they have all the facts? Are they strong enough to do "the right thing" when the selfish are screaming their own agendas? Are they open to new and innovative ideas or slaves to their "handlers".
In my humble opinion, after many decades of life, my experience as a manager and based on the many interviews I have conducted, adults do not stray too far from their own "normal" under any circumstances. They revert to the character and coping mechanisms they have learned and found successful based on their life experiences,education, employment. To expect them to react differently takes massive internal mental changes. Basically, people do not change all that much after they are adults. Surface maybe, but not core beliefs, how they address right and wrong, their feelings towards others, etc.
Forget the sound bites and attacks on others-which really makes the mud-slinger look worse if you ask me. Look at their past because it definitely predicts their future.
Though I dread the system we use at work for interviewing prospective employees due to its interminable, heart-wrenching and sometimes, boring, interpretations by the interviewee who missed the point about 5 minutes ago; it does have its strengths in determining a "fit" with the competencies for the position. Wouldn't debates be much more interesting and MEANINGFUL if the political wannabes were actually asked questions that forced them to give examples of how they personally resolved real-life situations that are pertinent to the high office for which (in their own mind) they believe they are so qualified for? Are they able to think under stress, during a crisis? Do they know how to motivate and bring consensus? Do they know how to learn and change their minds when they have all the facts? Are they strong enough to do "the right thing" when the selfish are screaming their own agendas? Are they open to new and innovative ideas or slaves to their "handlers".
In my humble opinion, after many decades of life, my experience as a manager and based on the many interviews I have conducted, adults do not stray too far from their own "normal" under any circumstances. They revert to the character and coping mechanisms they have learned and found successful based on their life experiences,education, employment. To expect them to react differently takes massive internal mental changes. Basically, people do not change all that much after they are adults. Surface maybe, but not core beliefs, how they address right and wrong, their feelings towards others, etc.
Forget the sound bites and attacks on others-which really makes the mud-slinger look worse if you ask me. Look at their past because it definitely predicts their future.
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