How Valuable Am I?

Tomorrow is a turning point for me.  I have to admit I’m alittle nervous about the decision I’ve made, but I feel this decision is the right thing to do. After spending many days of the last two months being sick, I’ve finally decided to ask to be classified as a part-time employee. I think working less hours will not only give me a chance to slow down and not feel like I’m always pushing myself past my limits, but it’ll also give me more time to care for my elderly parents whose health is steadily declining.  So first thing tomorrow morning when I go into work, I’m requesting a meeting with the office administrator to discuss what options I have available to me. My decision might mean I’ll have to seek employment elsewhere, but I’m hoping I’m considered a valuable asset to the company for which I work and they won’t want to lose me altogether.

Got Milk?

 

In the UK, they not only know that milk does the body good, but they know great commercials equal big bucks! This is just alittle something I stole from bones777 while visiting his blog. I thought this commercial might bring a smile to your face this beautiful Sunday morning and make you want to give your bones a boost with a quick shot of milk!

I’ll drink to that!

       

POW Is No Longer MIA

Who says blogging doesn’t get results? My last entry was partially about MIA bloggers who I miss and then lo and behold who arises from the ashes, but Jnuts himself? I’d highly recommend that all my readers go harass this man into blogging again. Don’t buy into that "I don’t have anything to write about" BS because he always has something to say.  He even put his archive back up so now people can browse around and take a peek at how life used to be in the blogosphere back when the dinosaurs first started blogging. So if you’re in need of reading someone who isn’t afraid of telling the truth about anything, go read Passing Open Windows. Needless to say, I feel alittle giddy from letting myself believe I have so much influence over people. And if you believe that, I’ll either sell you some very nice swampland in Florida or I’ll run for public office….notice I didn’t say, I’d run for president because I wouldn’t want to have to debate Obama on the merits of climbing up the ladder towards success one mistake at a time. I think he has me beat on the ladder part, but I know I can beat him hands down on the past mistakes issue!

The Art Of Catfishing

Recently, I’ve been innocently challenged to think about my current relationship status. The million-dollar question seemed to be: How could Red Kitten spend Valentine’s Day flowerless or "uncandied"? Was it just a rude oversight on someone’s part or perhaps a harmless stroke of bad luck that the deliveries were never made? Or could the rumor be true? Is Red Kitten really just a cave-dwelling feline who only comes out periodically to hunt, to feed and to occasionally mate?

 

Over the years (ten to be exact) that I have been single, many people have inquired why I am alone.  Often times, the question almost seemed like the person was implying that being alone meant that I must be defective in some way. Yes, I have 10 toes, 1 head and 2 arms!  I hold down a full time job and am self-sufficient in every way. Okay, I have to confess it’s hard to get to my age without having some baggage or defects, but I do try to keep my defects to a minimum and compact enough to fit in an overnight size bag inside of in one of those bulky steamer size captain’s trunks or huge cargo crate. 

 

I must admit I am abnormally normal so that binds me to living a life filled with doing my own thing whatever that thing may be. I am proud to say that there is no one I pine away for or look at as "the one that got away".  In fact, the truth is simple and fairly obvious as I examine my past. If any of my potential love interest slipped away empty-handed, they must have done so because they were oblivious to the fact of what a great catch they tossed back into the pond. [LOL] Because my heart is void of any emotional entanglements at this time, that might lead a person to wonder if free spirits ever miss being in love and what type of expectations they have for the future.

 

First, I would like to say that I learned long ago that being alone is MUCH better than being with the wrong person.  I would also like to say that I see no point in dating just for the sake of dating.  Quite frankly, it’s been a long time since I’ve met anyone who I’d like to get to know better, but I suppose if I did meet someone who piqued my interest I would allow my curiosity to be more than superficially satisfied. I’m not opposed to emotional entanglements, I simply am not actively seeking one right now. Perhaps, what needs to happen is "it" needs to find me and convince me that life is too short to put things on hold for long periods of time. Afterall, when is the right time for love? It isn’t something that can be planned for or done in an orderly way.  Nothing about falling in love is logical…at best, it’s chaotic and quite overwhelmingly intense.

 

I suppose some people might consider me a picky person because I haven’t met anyone who has tickled my fancy lately or because I do have certain preferences when it comes to which lures actually attract me.  When one goes fishing, it’s crucial to use the proper bait if you expect to catch a fish.  To attract a Red Kitten fish, a skilled fisherman would use the following things as bait:

 

1.Wit/Intelligence

2.Creativity/Originality

3.Honesty/Openness

 

The mystery of my solo status is one that can be easily solved.  What really keeps me from throwing myself into the relationship arena? At this time in my life, I am the caregiver to my two elderly parents. My mother suffers from dementia, which has stripped away her desire to participate in the everyday activities of life.  She no longer sees the need to do anything, but sit in a chair all day and stare at the floor. My stepfather is a dialysis patient with several other serious health problems.  Neither can drive anymore and are completely dependent upon me for most of their basic needs. After working all day, it seems there is little time for anything else and my lovelife is at the bottom of the list. So if being single and not dating means I’m defective in some way then I must confess that yes, I am defective and will continue to stay defective until I feel I have the time and energy to devote myself to another human being besides my family.  

 

 

What Did The Dormouse Say?

Happy Valentines Day to one and all…

I’ve always lived by the philosophy of not knocking something until I’ve tried it at least once or twice, but I think I’ve finally found something that will make me say "I’ll pass!"  Not too long ago, I noticed this article published on the front page of a newspaper I was reading. We’ve all kissed a few toads in our lifetimes hoping to find a prince or princess, but this article brings intimacy with toads to a whole new level. Needless to say, my whole office had a laughfest over the various scenarios that each of us imagined could or would happen with the right toad. The bad news for all those thrill seekers and hopeless romantics in search of their soulmate or ultimate nirvana, a "trip" to the mile high state may be required. Unfortunately, this species of toad is only indigenous to Colorado.  

 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Law enforcement authorities have discovered that people are willing to go to great lengths to get high, including a troubling new method that features a frightened toad.

 

"Toad smoking," which is a substitute for "toad licking," is done by extracting venom from the Sonoran Desert toad of the Colorado River. The toad’s venom – which is secreted when the toad gets angry or scared – contains a hallucinogen called bufotenine that can be dried and smoked to produce a buzz.

 

In October, a Kansas City man was charged with possessing a controlled substance after Clay County authorities determined he possessed a toad with the intent to use its venom to get high.

 

Clay County Prosecutor Daniel White said possessing the toad is not illegal, but using it to get high off its venom is.

 

It is easier to get it, and law enforcement might not immediately know you use it to get high," White said. "It’s sort of a New Age way to get high. You convince yourself it is OK because it is something you get naturally from our environment.

 

"There are a lot of things that are created naturally but they are still not legal," he said.

 

White said that for years people experimented with "toad licking," and now toad smoking is considered a substitute. To do so, a person heats up the frog’s venom to break down its toxins and preserve the hallucinogen, which is dried.

 

He said some Internet sites feature an instructional video on how to extract the toad’s venom.

 

Police found the toad when they went to a northern Kansas City home to investigate a suspected meth lab. They later arrested David S. Theiss, 21, and charged him with three counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possessing drug paraphernalia – the toad.

 

Theiss also is accused of possessing mescaline, a controlled substance extracted from a cactus.

 

 

The Great American Bake-Off

What does it take to win? Are there certain ingredients for making victory? Is it like baking a flawless dessert? We see people or teams come from behind all the time and win.  Their moment of glory is long remembered in some people’s minds and even inspires others to pursue their own dreams. Just look at some recent events. The Giants were the underdogs, yet they won the Superbowl. John McCain came from behind when his campaign was all, but lifeless and broke. Now he is his party’s frontrunner and most likely be who they will nominate as their candidate in the 2008 Presidential Election if all things remain constant. 

 

Being a winner takes the right combination of talent, timing and tenacity, but without being supported by a great team sometimes victory is elusive and also illusive.  A great team always is willing to make sacrifices for the good of the many and each team member adopts the same vision and purpose. Then single-mindedly and fearlessly, they steamroll that vision to make it a reality.

 

Often times a winner is surrounded by controversy because they stand for change.  Let’s face it, change means exploring the unknown and what greater fear is there, but the fear of the unknown? Many times, we are asked to believe…to dare to dream that the world can be a better place for all of us and that we can make a difference.  Sometimes those ideals seem too radical making people scurry towards the status quo to feel safe and secure. From those safe places, we are asked to step forth in order to make the world a better place.  We are asked to come forth and be a part of a great team. 

 

Today, I briefly watched the ending of a race in which Dale Earnhardt Jr. won his first race since May 2006. I thought what a difference it makes to be on the right team because no matter how much talent or tenacity a person has, it means nothing if they stand alone with no one backing their efforts. No one listens. No one believes and no one follows. Their dream remains empty and their voice remains unheard.  Without a great team, it’s like trying to bake an apple pie without apples.  You might be able to find a suitable substitute, but you can be certain no one will come back for seconds or ever ask you to bake a pie again.

 

 

Super Tuesday – The Superbowl Of Politics

Before I go meet the sandman, I want to write just a few words of encouragement to all the people who live in the states voting in the primaries tomorrow…

First and foremost, GET OUT AND VOTE…bring a friend, bring a neighbor, bring a relative, but get out there rain or shine and make your voice heard.  We are Americans and our votes do matter. Second, examine the issues and listen to the candidates. Somehow get past all the distracting campaign rhetoric and really listen to their platforms. Last, whatever candidate seems to best represent how you feel and what you see as key issues, vote for that person, but make that person keep working for your vote everyday thereafter.  

 

Don’t look at this election as just another selection in the lesser of two evils because apathy and cynicism breeds comtempt. We definitely don’t need any more contempt after all this country has been through in the past several years. What we need now is unity. Change can happen one vote at a time and only we can be the catalyst to make that change possible. Yes, in order for change to happen, we, the people have to make it happen.  It’s our patriotic duty! 

 

Then as we usher that change in, we must hold the people we elect accountable for their actions. We have to demand that they represent us, the people who elected them. Afterall, we are the collective force that seated them in their positions of power. We deserve to be represented accurately and fairly. Being apathetic about the voting process or about the whole political system in general makes us more guilty then the elected officials who abuse and misuse their power while in office. Our silence damages this country because with each vote that isn’t cast our great country is brought slowly to its knees and weakened by our apathy. 

Congratulations Giants!

Great game!

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Controversy raises its ugly head…the sleeping demon awakes. 

 

I have remained without opinion this year during football season on my blog, but here we are on Superbowl Sunday only a couple hours away from  kick-off and I have yet to give it more than a nod.  For those of you who have been long time readers to my blog, you know where my loyalty lies. As a kid growing up in the great Northeast, my allegience was learned early and with that allegience I learned how to cheer on teams who were horrible for years and years. In fact, in my lifetime I never expected to see the Red Sox win a World Series, yet the impossible has happened twice. I cheered The Patriots on when for years they were the worst team in their division.  That’s what makes a loyal fan and not one who jumps on the bandwagon when a team is winning or popular. Many people hate The Patriots or Tom Brady and I understand why. I’ve read all the stories and heard all the rumors and yet I’m still a fan. I’ll be a fan when this dynasty falls and someone new takes their place.

 

Now, I’m ready for some football. I predict this game will be a bonecrusher.  Eli Manning and The Giants have something to prove.  This is Eli’s chance to step out from the shadow of his brother and that shadow is a large one because Peyton Manning is one of the greatest QB’s that will ever play the game. But will Eli step up and get the job done? My opinion is this isn’t Eli’s year for greatness, but just another step towards it.  The Giants will give a valiant fight, but in the end they will not be victorious. The crown will be worn by The Patriots yet again as they become not only world champs, but have the coveted bragging rights of being the second team to go undefeated.  

Proper Conference Call Protocol

I’ll never look at conference calls quite the same after viewing this.  I think the next one I have, I’ll try doing something like this and see what kind of reaction I get from my co-workers.

The blog entry and video clip below was borrowed from The Bis Key Chronicles titled  Microsoft Conference Call

Microsoft has a love affair with the corporate conference call. Part of that ubiquitous event involves listening to the hold music while we wait for the call to start. Here’s what can and does happen on occasion behind the closed doors.