Office Gift Contribution Reform Bill

Like so many things in life, work and where you work can be a political mine field of personalities, office politics and just plain stupidity. Anyone who has ever worked any where and has been approached for a "sunshine fund" or asked to buy wrapping paper from their co-workers kid knows that saying no and can be almost as painful as saying yes is to your wallet.

Things that were once nice gestures are now demanded by co-workers. Yes, I have been at both the receiving end and giving end of these types of gestures, but I never would expect it. Even DEMAND it. Where I work now we do a "cake" fund. where we put in $10 dollars and for each persons birthday we get a cake for that month. So, in March (I think am remembering this correctly) I will share my Birthday cake with another person. In January, 3 people shared a cake. I don't have a problem with this. I could have opted out.. I didn't. But then there are the million other things we do collections for from time to time. At Christmas when people have the most hardships, we do Secret Santa, we do a collection for our 3 bosses, and I honestly believe we are expected to give cards/gifts to everyone in some way, shape or form. Again I am apart of these actions. I think that putting in for my bosses, who I like working for and make my life a little easier from time to time is a nice way to say thank you. But I'm sorry I don't expect people to give me a photo card of their kids, when they might have to purchase a completely extra set to do it for the whole team. People don't have the money. I don't expect people to purchase a vase and fill it with greens and holly and bows and put it on my desk. It's nice, but I don't need it to happen.

Back in May when I went out because of my appendicitis two of my co-works sent me flowers in the hospital. This gesture was made by two close friends at work, who knew because of Mad Dog's schedule and how far our family are from us, I would be sitting in the hospital alone and might need some cheering up. They were right, and their gesture had the right sentiment. On arriving home, a box of wonderful cookie (AMAZING COOKIES) was waiting for me and the family to enjoy. This thoughtful gift was sent from the rest of my department team and selected by my supervisor. It was the perfect token, to tell me I was missed and to get well (and back!) soon. I did not expect this. I wouldn't have. I shouldn't have. Even with my ailment being a complete "act of God", which I had not honestly per-knowledge of I didn't expect this!

When collections are take in our department for things like this, it is always stated that you give "what you can". There is no set amount in these cases, they don't figure out what they're going to spend and say "Hey, everyone owes me $15.00." No it is what you can give. And people do give generously, and people give what they can and then there are those people who don't give and yes they are still allowed to sign the card. I've been on the collecting side of a few of these and I know that sometimes the balance is completely out of wack. But if people are giving what they can, who is making up the slack if the money isn't enough?

Recently a co-worker went out for elective surgery. A gift was sent. I will tell you, no collection was taken and this gift was sent out of someones pocket. After the gift was received, this person received an email from our ailing co-worker that the gift was being returned. She questioned the monetary value of the gift and was insulted by it. A better gift was expected? EXPECTED?

These are things that make me want to just go to work, and not socialize outside my cube. It's completely understandable. If the person in the cube next to you feels the need to put a little something on your desk for your birthday, should you be expected to do it in return? Should you have to buy a gift for someone who is rude to you, doesn't talk to you for weeks on end because they had one glimmer of kindness towards you?  I don't think so. I don't think it should be expected. If it is the company should dock your pay and that money would be like a contribution to office politics (like contributions of your tax refund to Massachusetts Aids Fund, or Military Family Relief Fund). I don't think so. I don't think anything should be expected. You don't know what anyone else is going through, what their hardships are and what their life demands of them. The only think you should expect is a paycheck and even in these times thats a privilege too.

Falling into Place...I Hope

It is six days until I marry Mad Dog. With us pretty much doing everything from the programs to cooking for our vegetarian friends things are a little crazy. I'm currently printing the programs, since the lovely people at Staples were no help with the paper I purchased from Paper Source. Hopefully the ink holds out.

Also today, poor Mad Dog had to go the the Emergency Room this morning. He has a toothache and looks like it's infected. His right side of his face is all puffy. They managed to get him on his way fast, with some pain-meds and antibiotics. They say the Puffiness will go away in a few days. He's worried about the wedding and looking terrible. I'm going to be optimistic about it and know that it will be okay.

On top of all the worries I have with planning, I have to worry about getting stuff done with Little Man & Miss G in tow. Don't think it would be so bad if Miss G was a little more independent and able to help out. I think I'm just stressed today and that is why things are hitting me harder. Staples couldn't do the programs because the weight of the paper. I stopped at the store to pick-up chicken nuggets, water and coffee mate - I ended up picking up High School Musical 2 the Junior Novel for Miss G too. Problem is...the water which wasn't leaking when I first picked it up, was by the time I paid for it and was about to leave. Meaning I had to get another one, and find a staff member to change it. Then we get out to the car and Miss G asks for her book. I go to look for it in my one bag..and nothing! I asked if she could be a big girl and sit in the car with Little Man, while I ran in, and she freaked out. We all had to get out of the car again and go back in. So frustrating.

I have to be up very early tomorrow to drive out to my new job. It's going to be a long day for me. Hopefully tonight will be quiet. I'm doubting it, but you can always hope.

Harry Who?

Unless you have been in the deepest darkest jungles of the world you know that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was released OFFICIALLY Saturday, July 21, 2007. To celebrate the release of the final book Mad Dog's and my stores held Midnight Magic Parties. Some how we managed to live through the evening, coming out on the other side a little weathered, but in one piece. I'm now fighting a cold and a sore throat from all my yelling Friday night, but I'll be okay.

I wish Little Man was older to have been apart of it. I doubt there will be anything like this every again. Regardless we have the memories.

New Places on the Horizon

It feels like so many things are changing so quickly. Mad Dog says I'm trying to achieve this ultimate stress quad-fecta (Giving Birth, New Job, Marriage and Moving) all at once. Maybe I am without knowing it. With the birth of Little Man I check off the first of the four back in February. Now, I'm I have completed the second with obtaining a new job. I gave my two weeks notice from my current employer today, there was very little reaction to the news (at least from management). I'm going to miss the staff more than anything and even more so with the possibility of future move coming on the heels of me leaving. In about 24 days I'm getting married to Mad Dog - strike number 3. And to put the last nail in my coffin we will be looking to move to Eastern Massachusetts in the next few months.

I feel sorry about moving. I like where we are. It's not the big city, but I like the area and will miss it. Though I'm planning on coming back to visit, because there are friends (and more friends)here I would like to keep. We'll have to find a new Doctor for Little Man, which is really a bummer because I love his Doctor.

Having said that- getting back to the eastern part of the state great too. We'll have Boston no more than 45 minutes away, which means Dim Sum more often, hanging with my friends more, visiting the MFA with Little Man and being near my family.

We're going to take this step by step. Still have to complete # 2 & #3 before even thinking about #4. No matter what we'll do it as a family.

Mom & Dad Storytime

Being a Mom now and working at Barnes & Noble I find myself around Children's book even more than before. So, I am going to try out a new group at the store. It is call Mom & Dad's Storytime Book Group. It will only run every other month or so, and we will discuss new and old books that will inspire future little readers. I hope the group is a success, there are too many parents out there that don't know what how important it is to start them young!

Bring Home the Bacon...

Tomorrow I go back to work. Something I'm not looking forward to, but can't avoid. It strange that I won't see Little Man until I come home in the afternoon. Mad Dog will have a full day of the little bugger, and Friday as well since he has off. I'm hoping the schedule we have worked out holds together and we're both not too burnt out. But at least way Little Man will be home with one of us for the most part and we won't have to worry about daycare for a while.