SOMEONE HAS TO BUY THE CANDLES (Feb 20)

 Watching Turkish nurses feverishly clinging to infant isolettes when the shaking starts to protect the vulnerable little creatures inside. Maybe that's why we're here to do the small "right" things and "save" another...and then...On the other spectrum our world torn apart again by a senseless act by an evil "slighted" disgruntled individual. 

To lose your child who you tremblingly agreed to send away to school taken from you in such a horrific manner. How do you take your hand from the face you kissed and comforted for so long? How do you bury your child under a blanket of cold dark earth? How does one live with a broken heart?

 It's here, right in our backyard and none of us are safe from this heartache; it seems to be a matter of "when" not "if" anymore. Yet those who can impact this insanity go merrily on blaming the person not the proliferation of, and our country's fascination with, guns, the fire power of automatic weapons and massive ammunition clips. The same group who say it's a mental health issue also veto or cut funding for facilities, training and insurance for mental issues. 

A friend's daughter I have known since her birth, was called in to the University that night as part of the Emergency Services Operations. Not knowing if the attack was organized, others were involved, what other operations or IT services could be compromised. I wonder how many realize that when the incident happens somebody has to buy the candles. 

Someone has to restore the power when a transformer falls off the pole and impales the worker. Someone has to go back and find the tools and clothing discarded during the electrocution. Someone has to dig out the records before the authorites arrive when all  you want to do is sit in the hospital and pray they live after collapsing in a manhole. Someone has to find the severed digit when the machine zigs instead of zags. Someone has to stay stoic and non-committal as the wife and "friend" in separate rooms are torn between begging for help and accusations of not protecting their loved ones.  Someone has to open the road when all you want to do is lay flowers at what has now become a concrete grave. Somebody has to buy the candles. 

Someone has to call the new widow and not tell her what you think accepting that anger and recriminations will follow. Someone has to remove the tragedy and clean up the mess. Someone has to finish the job that now has a cost in blood Someone has to seek the truth and hold others accountable on what could be the worst day of their life. 

Someone has to render aid as tears blind the onlooker and hands clasped across one's heart does not stop the bleeding. Someone has to write the press release, create the sermon, cue the band and somebody has to buy the candles.  Blessed are those who do when others cannot, though they will be misunderstood. 

Life goes on and people keep dying. We don't take enough time to mourn but some don't have the luxury of stopping the machine of life for even a moment because there is no peace when we accept a body count as business as usual, but somebody has to.....💚💔

                                                 

BACK TO THE BEGINNING (Feb 13)

TRASH TALK  Recycle is a "Dad" chore on Saturdays apparently.  Being under the weather this week my major outing was a trip to the Recycle center.  I am always a little embarrassed when the majority of my glass dump is usually in the colored glass section (wine bottles).  It's not like I go every week...but I digress.

Though fairly busy, it was generally the male contingency tooling up in their monster trucks and sports vehicles transporting their carefully separated plastics/papers/glass. As I carry small paper bags of goodies they heft sizable tubs of second-chance refuse. As 90% of what we recycle does not even get reused, seems pointless but getting into the habit is a virtue I suppose. Ahh the early days when the busy bods would tsk tsk when we would trash instead of treasure or screech if our ketchup bottle splotched into the wrong bin.  

Cleaning out someone's house certainly taught me that sorting becomes futile due to the sheer mass; there are not a lot of options for recyle in a small northern town; and basically at a certain point one does not give a crap, so useable/non-useable items ended in a place that will never see the light of day. I will probably have to take to the grave where some of it ended up.  (no I did not dump stuff in the lake) It was all legit, just wasteful...and costly. Think those guys with the bags and no questions asked- pay by the truckload. Who knows what happened after that, but I did feel bad as perfectly good personal items floated past me before ending up in their final resting place. Declutter people-you never know who will be pawing through your life at the end. Though you obviously won't care spare your friends and family having to separate your unmentionables, dubious photos and your general overall taste for ceramic clowns and other chachkies.

WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE Then there was the whole worlds colliding thingee this week. Perusing my quarterly BWL newsletter this week I saw a picture showing a group of emps who graduated from a MIOSHA Training Institute (MTI) boot camp. I had enough years to become a retiree (small pension) from the BWL and I am a founding author of the MIOSHA MTI.

 I remember our coordination of the first boot camp when it occurred to us if we could get the proper co-sponsor support and corral enough instructors we could create a quick-path to providing a certificate in  a week or two. We were nervous that we could attract enough students to cover the costs, but the idea took off as there were those who wanted to get their certificates in a shorter period of time. I am especially proud that the MTI certificate of achievement started appearing in Michigan EHS job postings as a preferred document of education within the first year of operation. 

I started my safety career at the BWL. It was normally just two of us and a big reliance on educating and trusting committee members when I was flying solo. Now they have several layers of emps devoted to safety and health with a commitment to the programs which is the way it should be.  Nice to know I continued to be part of that effort with the MTI program.

Now time to clear the decks and get ready to watch the commercials er, er the Super Bowl .

Peace Out💚 💙💛

HAPPY NEW YEAR (CHINESE) (Feb 6)

SCHOOL DAZE Starting off with a Joe-ism. When dropping him off at school I waited a bit as they don't open the doors until 8:55 and it was COLD. But prior to that time a group of kids were lining up, kind of, near the door.  Joe immediately announced "those are my people" and bounced out of the car.  Sounds like a baptist preacher eager to spread the good news. 

That evening he told us the principal sat down with the 4th grade boys to have a talk about sexual harassment. These are 9 and 10 year olds! Apparently some unwanted comments and touching was happening.  At that age they don't even know why they want to-I blame social media with children being exposed to sophisticated ideas way before they are ready. Joe's take was it's disrespectful and he would not treat a girl like that.  Thank you Mama for paying attention and raising a decent young man.

BUT WHAT ABOUT...The OH gave me some welcome news about not having to clean the church this month and I responded-shoot, February is a short month (we volunteer every other month)! Unfortunately I tend to put a negative spin or find the cloud in the silver lining more often than not.  I blame being a "safety skate" for so many years.  Most of my conversations consisted of problems to be solved, incidents to explain or hazards to be recognized and mitigated. Hard to recognize the sunshine sometimes. 

 A few illustrations:  my insistence on performing required testing of the vehicle hoist and blowing the damn thing up; holding people accountable when they set fire to the propane tank trailer (calling the fire department & then leaving for the day); getting "bitched out" by the Manager when I pulled a worker off a 15 foot tall turbine with no fall protection; trying to figure out how to eliminate fresh varnish smells in a building that were causing the women to drop like flies not to mention the 911 operators who swore they had asthma attacks every time we cleaned, painted or moved furniture; reassuring Police Officers that they were not going to die of lead poisoning outside at the gun range on practice days (except for the guys who staffed it every day who actually did have higher levels-smoking is always helpful of course); the same folks who fought wearing flourescent vests when doing traffic duty, in the dark, in dark uniforms;  smoothing Parks folks' fears about a chlorine-like subject used to clean the pools or pointing out that even though the package says silica hazard, it is beach sand and I did not expect them to flop face-down in it and inhale. Just a few examples of my working life for 40 years. 

 Not to mention all the workers comp claims, unemployment and discipline cases I defended that made me look like an absolute uncaring beast as, I don't know, I did not think people should rip off the system. In my defense I approved 99% of claims, but when it was bogus, well that's when I got involved. One tends to get a certain rep with a certain group of people that way. 

Or I'm just a negative nellie and need to own it. 

IT'S RAINING FANG FANG The chinese balloon incident was pretty interesting this week.  I am guessing just a left-over party prop from the Chinese New Year celebrations...or not.  Love the repugs having conniptions over a) non-action; b) action taken; c) notice to the people, etc.  Rubio got schooled in a network interview after whining about secrecy when it was pointed out that at least three balloons danced across our skies under trumpersfield years. Anyone hear about those? Like the classified docs, not the same field, rules or game.

IN OTHER NEWS Went to see the "80s for Brady" film - hilarious and there were actually people in the theater!  I pick my seats ahead of time online so I can get the 1st row in the 2nd tier next to the railing where I plant my feet for the duration. I'm not sure how young people can afford to date these days: over $40 for tickets, popcorn and two drinks. I'll be sure to palm a fifty to Joe when he starts to entertain so he is not reduced to finding other activities that are not so costly, except they are lol. So now I understand why teenage babysitters are looking for $20 an hour to watch the sprouts. 

New poddie recording this week and after rehearsal, I am a little concerned. A person whose professional life is coaching and customized training should not be that hard to interview. Gushing I'm used to. Short succinct answers not so much. As it is a soft topic (leadership) elaboration is required. She is a lot of fun to talk to otherwise so I'll just have to push a few buttons... Peace Out  💛💙

 

LIFE WITH JOE January 30)

 

JOE TIME While the younger folk were indulging in couples time in North Carolina, we were enjoying several days of Joe-time.  Dropping and picking up from school brought back memories.  His air of nonchalence with just the hood of his winter coat hanging off his head, no hat or gloves with me bundled up for, I don't know, winter was disconcerting but he claimed he was fine Nana. That's some hot blood and considering they have to endure recess three times a day, I guess he can handle a few minutes before getting in the car. 

Joe-ism. Having dinner with his folks a couple days before they left I told him our menu for his time with us was "Take it or leave it". He said "oh, is that a new restaurant?" I didn't know if he was kidding or not (UPDATE:  I asked him. He literally thought it was a restaurant, but it is also his sense of humor as he is now calling all our meals take it or leave it). 

In an attempt to please, I made Joe's favorite cookies for his visit which immediately got a hug of gratitude. Though I may have to turn in my "Nana badge" as their appearance was a bit bizarre. He's cool though.  What Grandmother can't make round cookies? Joe has a lasting effect on people. He and Grandpa were trading insults at the bowling alley when one of the pros stops to fist bump with Joe. They exchange stupid jokes and then the guy gives him a dollar "to take his sister out" (me). He makes a point to slap hands with the  security guard on his way into school and the movie usher jumps to carry his "GIANT" pop into the movie theater for him. I should get such service. 

PROGRAM NOTE:  Do not order the medium drink as it is essentially a six-pack. But eight bucks a pop and they do provide refills....as if.

We chose Puss'n Boots for our movie although he wanted Avatar. I'll leave that 2+ hour potty break for his parents to deal with.  Though the "GIANT" pop did do him in after an hour and a half. I had to nervously let him make his way to the restroom alone as he insisted I fill him in on what he missed. I think the kindly usher was nearby. He's just the right age to get the subtleties between the sight gags. At one point we both turned to each other and said "he's not a bounty hunter" (you had to be there). He also explained why Puss could defeat the 20 foot tree monster but not El Lobo. The wolf was faster- oh yeah-plus he was "death".  Pretty heavy for a cartoon which led to a discussion on the ride home of why death was a person (or a wolf). 

ON ANOTHER TOPIC Recently something I read reminded me of the constant battle finding appropriate work clothes for women in "non-traditional" jobs -- namely pockets!  Actually more and bigger pockets would be much appreciated by all of us.  Don't give me these dainty, hankie-sized pockets as I have a cell phone, work tools and possibly a pistol.  We demand equal ability to transport "stuff". Just wear men's clothes is not an answer unless you've never noticed the way your pancakes are stacked; fems and mens are shaped differently. Fact of life.  Steel-toed boots were basically men's shoes in smaller sizes and did those suckers ever hurt. Try climbing up the side of a building or tank, up on a deck or in and out of a trench on one of those alternating tread "boat-ladders or conventional ladder for that matter. One develops strong arms and wrists in a desperate attempt to stall the fall so to speak. Hard hats were worn with bandannas wrapped around our heads to provide more girth for the suspension system to cling to. And hanging pens off the neckline of one's shirt or the breast pocket (oops no pockets) was not an option so often I did not have a free hand.  

Well we have a vocabulary review and a spelling list to prepare for school tomorrow. Oh I really do not miss those days - lol.  He needs to explain the difference between  between debris and rubble and use them in a sentence as he describes the aftermath of an earthqake. How weird and relevant is that?           Peace out 💛💙

CONSTERNATION IN VARIOUS CHICKEN COOPS (January 23)

TEACH ME SOMETHING Sometimes it takes the perspective of youth to realize accomplishments and recognize the miracles. Joseph mentioned, while perusing a graphic novel, that when he was "little" he did not know how to read and then all of a sudden he could! The amazement in his eyes as he reached that conclusion was joyful to behold. I certainly do not remember at what point those black squiggles suddenly formed words, sentences and paragraphs.  Course the trick is to also understand what you read. I used to devour these little 100-page blue books in grammar school that were biographies of famous people which has given me a weird trove of trivial knowledge to this day. Joe is a visual learner as well. Just ask him to describe a favorite movie, story or dream to you. His memory of details is extraordinary.

Back when school was a place to learn new things and broaden one's horizons (I'm talking to all you haters of things woke/truth) I do remember in 2nd grade demonstrating for parents at an open house a "new" projector that helped children read and perform math. I was also part of an experimental group that were taught french to confirm the theory that the younger the student, the easier it was to learn a different language.  

PROGRAM NOTE: It appears there is a small window when a ton of learning can take place when students are young and spongelike. Eager to learn and retain new things. When do we lose that?

Though I took two years of french in high school, I still believe my early introduction to the language was what stuck as it focused on thinking and speaking the language not reading and writing it. Upon traveling to France with my daughter in 2000 I was able to dredge up those early lessons and at least understandably order a ham and cheese sandwich, ask for water and a bathroom. Useful indeed (BTW- hotels have the best bathrooms; the ones on the street not so much) However in traveling the British Isles, I struggled with English spoken by the British, Gaelic Scot and Irish folk. Don't even get me started on the slang when bangers and mash can mean money or sausages. Obviously, misunderstandings can occur. I also maintain that swearing in a foreign language can be extremely satisfying and oddly elegant. "Allez a l'enfer" is much more polite than it's english equivalency and it did get "un mec" from bothering me in a store.

TWO STEPS BACK/NO FORWARD Well I see DeSanctimonious is outlawing intelligence again. Pretty soon Florida will be a total wasteland of the biased and clueless. After ten years of development, the pilot AP class on African-American history has been cancelled due to historical inaccuracies. No doubt the parts about kidnapping africans from their country, reducing them to less than human status by using them as slaves and then fighting a war to keep them in that odious position.  Not to mention the incredible prejudices that have continued to this day for black Americans. The things that were not said out loud are now common vernacular with "some". Odd the "party" that wants personal freedom is all about restricting everyone elses' by re-writing history and tamping down knowledge. As DeSe pushes his white male supremacy agenda I don't imagine there will be too many takers for professorships at Fla's colleges.  But that is probably a-ok with people who had the privilege and education of knowing better. 

The difference between today's R's and D's is very apparent. We are appalled at the President's apparent mishandling of doucments and say so and he accepts responsibility. When the ex Pres does it, even more egregiously, they find excuses and cover it up or say nothing.  Where are the moderates in the party? Oh yes, they capitulated to the tea party-money talks.

PODCAST WORLD Well got my latest podie "in the can".  There is a pretty incredible HazMat training center over by the Michigan State Police post that I got to discuss with the manager last week. If you ever want to tip over a rail car, blow holes in a tanker truck or "fake" spread dangerous chemicals all over the ground and clean it up this is the playground for you. Plus you get credit and certificates for playing! My new laptop (cheap) froze partway through but I left enough room to edit that part out. My internet keeps dropping and since I pay the bill on time, I'm not sure what the issue is. But it does add a certain level of anxiety to the discussion.

DIGRESS:  Speaking of protection; were we?  Remember when that nasty covid spread its arms across the world and the pexiglass manufacturers made a lot of money providing little shields, basically, anywhere anybody breathes? I was way ahead of the game at the City. You know how excited you are when you get your first or 22nd parking ticket and you have to go the parking office to pay it or go directly to jail, do not pass GO. Exactly. Most people are not in the best of moods when doing their duty. Amazing the amount of spit generated and the distances it can travel when someone is really nerved up. Not to mention reaching across the desk to throttle the poor parking cashier.  So we got less than friendly by installing the magic plastic walls under my regime. Though it was pointed out it probably would not stop a bullet, we figured it would at least slow it down. 

 Being a safety skate is not an occupation where "book learning" answers all the questions or provides a blueprint for the challenges that come on a daily basis. Constant state of consternation in the chicken coop I like to say. Though the hardest part for me was determining when action was required and when just "letting them vent" is the proper response. Explaining this and more in our student podcast is the next challenge. I am working with the student committee of the MSC to create a meaningful program for them to:  1) get interested in the occupation; 2) help them get started in the field; 3) explain what to expect as a shiny new EHS professional.  (It ain't a whole lot of atta boy/girls and gratitude). (Pods for Safety Spectrum are on the Michsafetyconference.org  website and a few other places)

AND THEN Interesting that the country who rained war down on another country for existing apparently (and is losing) is threatening to destroy the multitude of countries arming the country who did not start this war. If you can't defeat one country with your advanced weaponry, war crimes against civilians and cowardly drone attacks (which you keep losing) what makes you think you can sword rattle the rest of the world? This dude needs a reality check or a short drop off a tall cliff.....                      Peace out....💛💙

POWER TO THE PEOPLE & OTHER CLICHES (JANUARY 9)

CHRISTMAS LEFT-OVERS Hosting parties two weeks in a row means my usual flurry and consternation on the state of the house was not at its normal acute level.  Just discovered today that a bouncy balloon that Joe likes to bat around the house has been lying on the floor in the living room all this time. It's not in a super noticeable place, but you can see it as soon as you walk in from the front door. Boy have I mellowed! Now if I was a Southern housefrau my "lady" friends would have noted that household faux pas in an instant. After initial vapors they would compliment me on my more "bohemian" approach to proper housekeeping. My sisters don't give a flying ---- thank goodness.  They're just happy to sip their mimosas and catch up.

I need to rename the white elephant game as the gifts are becoming increasingly nicer.  Instead of "gifting" useless items that need to move out of the giver's house, new food, books and alcohol seem to be the items of choice; along with at least one hardware-type item.(No fair directing your son to the mini-toolset when it was your turn to choose which just happened to be the right size for a ten year old.) As I say, pleasant choices with the exception of one brother-in-law who thought some items from a sex shop would be most appropriate. Unfortunately my oldest sister was the giftee and I have a feeling her appreciation was a tad forced.  Two donors were struck by the same inspiration angel. Chooser #1 picked the SnoopDog/Martha Stewart wine set which Chooser #2 immediately snagged. Meanwhile Chooser #1 goes back to the pile and YES, chooses the second SnoopDog/Martha Stewart ensemble, Hilarious.

WHO'S MINDING THE STORE? Can't let the weekly circus acts pass. George Santos who, if his lies keep escalating, will no doubt claim to be creator of the earth and seas. Make sure he votes for the speaker, then maybe a couple of voices say "ahh, maybe we should censor him and get him to resign" One more example of the corruption of a once proud party. One newspaper published his BS before the election and his campaign office suggested maybe he should withdraw.  People - pay attention! When someone shows you who they are,, believe them.

 

And of course, all the hue and cry over classified materials that Biden "discovered". Now it's an issue? "Oh the humanity! Oh the hypocrisy!" When the past prez took 15 boxes, lied about it, then declassified them with his mind not a word. But OMG the democrats!  Biden's lapse is serious-seems like there should be a "system" for checking out materials and keeping track of them-libraries have been doing it for years. The irony is be careful how far you go or you hang your guy with the same rope.  Though they are not in the same catergory of serioiusness, based on the facts that trumpie can't keep his mouth shut about and the sheer volume of documents "stolen", it does put a damper on punishment

PROGRAM NOTE: And would the media quit harping on everything ad nauseum. Unless you have something new to report stifle yourselves! That goes for both sides. Geez. I blame the 24/7 new cycle.

Based on a comment made at a small gathering I called out a lady when she said people are lazy and want the government to provide. I find it interesting that people parrot the billionaire's lament and hatred of "woke" people claiming workers are just too lazy to work and just live off handouts. Check that crap at the door and ask someone on assistance how high on the proverbial hog they're living. May I suggest the billionaires offer better wages and sick leave etc., (I am still at a loss of why Biden did not push the railroad owners to offer these 70 hour a week workers some damn sick leave when he had the chance) and get an education on the cost of living? We have an aging workforce, less younger and first time workers and a long bull market that encouraged many early retirements (should I go on?). Time to finally realize you have been ripping off workers for years while garnering, and hiding, obscene profits. Slave labor is not in the cards boys and girls-the younger generation is better educated than you are apparently. Makes you wonder why those with the money also oppose higher education and tuition relief...btw the lady's husband said "Hell I didn't want to work either when I was young"  LOL.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT The OH's church has a small congregation and we are some of the younger ones-lol. So low on money and dependent on volunteers, of which there are few. We pull housecleaning duties every other month but we also help out sometimes on the every other Tuesday free community dinners.  Last month a third party started renting the conference room for their weekly meetings, also on Tuesday evenings. The aromas of our hotdogs, sloppy joes, beans, cookies etc. waft across the building to the conference room during the meeting and all the folks must pass directly past the free fixings.  Why is this a problem you may ask as we offer food to these visitors as well which they never accept.  Unfortunately......it's Weight Watchers!  I have never seen such sad faces - rather hilarious actually.  I know I'm a bitch...

Also according to the scientifically approved info on Facebook, a statement was made that the song that was Number 1 on your 23rd birthday is how your 2023 will go.  Yeah, yeah the unscrupulous trying to mine information. Anyway for me it was "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet" God I hope not. Peace out 💛💙

FEVERED DREAMS (December 25- Jan 7)

 

Decided to "rinse and repeat" the Christmas family soiree on New Year's day. As usual over-estimated the numbers and have been dining on left-overs for the past week; which is a good thing as both of us are fighting colds (with varying degrees of success).  Hopefully we did not pass it on to Joe as we had the pleasure of his company for a couple of days. So between company and hacking/sneezing/sleeping I took a break from thinking (blog). Did go to the lake for a day so Joe could help Grandpa with some chores and talk him into letting him sink a couple of dead worms in the canal.  But darned if he didn't hook a fish!  They were joshing each other at lunch about doing CPR on the worms, but apparently the fish do not know the difference.

Did enjoy the sh--- show that went on in the House this week.  No expert, but if you let a minority basically hold you hostage on a lot of bad decisions to gain something you want so badly you miss the point that they now own you Boz. Do you really think you will accomplish anything worthwhile in the foreseeable future without their okie-doke and a constant threat to oust you if you don't please your handlers? Kevin traded his honor, morals and integrity for his crappy legacy. Though not surprising, we've seen this craven performance before. After January 6 when he stated DT was responsble and then went crawling to kiss his ring a couple weeks later. Karma's a bitch so it should be a very productive couple of years.  

Apparently the Dems had an enjoyable time. One Repub rep noted they were entertaining themselves with their popcorn, blankets and alcohol through the interminable votes (she did smile when she said it).  AOC tweeted "if we had a shot for every time McCarthy lost they would all be unconscious." See they can reach consensus. As a couple of the Repubs almost came to blows I think the Dems had the better time.

I must still be on a coricidin and nyquil afterglow as I am finding it hard to focus and engage in cerebral exercise. Need to pull it together as I'm meeting with the student chapter tomorrow to determine how to create a podcast to entice young people into EHS occupations. How do we explain what we do? How do we make it sexy? How do we explain that credibility is number one regardless of your education? How do they  aquire experience? Oh yeah, and show me the money. 

 Then I'm hoping to record the Director of the State Police HazMat Center and make it interesting. I need drama; body counts; happily ever after stories of how the training helped! A scary fact is that a majority of fire departments are volunteer which really makes ongoing  training a challenge. In a recent discussion with a DOT rep who is a volunteer firefighter we agreed that it is a continuing dilemma. Though 100's of candidates would show up for agility testing for an opening at the City (a full-time gig), many departments have to rely upon a full time chief and a whole lot of on-call personnel. Ever wonder why so many local departments are called in to assist on emergencies?  But they love what they do and they are dedicated people. 

Michigan State beat the dudes from Ann Arbor so all is good. Peace out....💚💚 (💛💙-Ukraine)