Let’s recap 2008 - keep up, we're going to go fast:
January: Set out to love my job...that didn't work so I interviewed some places, didn’t fall in love with anything, made the most out of my job, Happy Birthday Casey!
February: A few terrible dating experiences, work got better, traveled for work, life is good, Happy Birthday mom!
March: St. Patty’s Day Mess (good times!), enrolled in Blue Printing Your Novel class, ready to take on the publishing industry.
April: Dad has a heart attack and quadruple bypass, life begins to spin around me but I’m not keeping up, life is put in perspective.
May: Moved in with Alison, love my apartment, dating again, work is so busy I think I answer e-mails in my sleep, serious about the job search and answering the question – is there life outside of Fossil?
June: One of my best friends came out of the closet (good for him!), Florida trip for cousin’s wedding/family reunion
July: Vegas for Stephanie's b-day, made a boy cry (again), dating someone new, I started my new job at Freeman!, my sister and Lawson come for an extended visit…
August: Lawson is walking, Knight family life in slow motion
September: Happy 1st Birthday Lawson!, Chicago visit for work, catch up with old friends in Chicago
October: Happy Birthday to me and dad!, I realize for once and for all that I can’t hang with the party/club scene, Casey and Lawson move back to VA
November: Happy Thanksgiving!, I voted
December: Casey and Lawson officially move back to Texas, Christmas with loved ones, Happy 37th Anniversay mom and dad!
Phew, that was fast but 2008 was a good year!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Merry Christmas!
We are truly blessed as we go into the Christmas holiday. This has certainly been a challenging year for my family as we've experienced some of life's hiccups. But at the end of the day we're family, we have our health, we are blessed with my nephew Lawson, we have a roof over our heads with food on the table, and my dad and I still have our jobs. There is much to be thankful for this year.
We are even able to exchange modest gifts this year and I'm so excited to see Lawson's face! Last year he was too young to really know what was going on.
Merry Christmas everyone!
We are even able to exchange modest gifts this year and I'm so excited to see Lawson's face! Last year he was too young to really know what was going on.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Excuse me? I don’t have kids, but I’d like to contribute to the conversation…
I’m discovering that most people my age have kids, are pregnant/trying to get pregnant, or want kids but lack a partner. I know very few people (besides Stephanie) that just don’t want kids right now, period.
Good for them! I hope I can have kids some day so I can regale coworkers and friends with their latest antics. Until then, I try my best to interject knowingly into conversations using examples of my nephew, “Oh yeah, when they’re teething they run fever and drool a lot.”
But what bothered me the most this week was a conversation with a few of my “married with children” friends. They were making their usual Oh-it’s-different-when-you’re-a-mom comments. Then someone must have noticed the glazed look I had over my eyes (or perhaps it was the heavy sigh of annoyance) and asked me how many kids I wanted.
All eyes turned to me. This was my moment. I was actually invited to the conversation!
I confidently answered, “If God blesses me with one, I’ll be happy. But I’d really like a big family so at least 2, maybe even 4 kids.” The table erupted with laughter.
Each mom between fits of laughter answered, “Oh, wait until you have your first.” “Yeah, I wanted 2 until I had (insert kid’s name here).” “That’s cute. Just wait. ONE is a lot of work.”
I had had enough. Crazy eyes and arms flailing, the real big ball of crazy MB came out. “REALLY? Really? Kids are work? Oh, God, thanks! I had no idea! I thought you just got to wear cute maternity clothes and then the nanny fairies came out to take care of the baby’s sleepless nights, dirty diapers, teething, temper tantrums, bad days at school, wrecking the car, and rebellious stages. I’m just in it for someone to take care of me when I get old. Thank God you warned me.”
(Ahem. Whoops. Reel it in MB….reel it in….)
But seriously, I’m sick of the exclusive conversations that I’m subjected to listen to but not allowed take part. Don’t invite me to lunch, strike up a conversation with me, or ask for my thoughts if you’re just going to judge me for my life choices.
No one said having kids was easy. It’s hard work. It’s why I don’t have any yet. I don’t judge you for wearing your kids like a big cross that you had to bear. So don’t judge me for not having any yet, but don’t judge me for wanting them someday.
Good for them! I hope I can have kids some day so I can regale coworkers and friends with their latest antics. Until then, I try my best to interject knowingly into conversations using examples of my nephew, “Oh yeah, when they’re teething they run fever and drool a lot.”
But what bothered me the most this week was a conversation with a few of my “married with children” friends. They were making their usual Oh-it’s-different-when-you’re-a-mom comments. Then someone must have noticed the glazed look I had over my eyes (or perhaps it was the heavy sigh of annoyance) and asked me how many kids I wanted.
All eyes turned to me. This was my moment. I was actually invited to the conversation!
I confidently answered, “If God blesses me with one, I’ll be happy. But I’d really like a big family so at least 2, maybe even 4 kids.” The table erupted with laughter.
Each mom between fits of laughter answered, “Oh, wait until you have your first.” “Yeah, I wanted 2 until I had (insert kid’s name here).” “That’s cute. Just wait. ONE is a lot of work.”
I had had enough. Crazy eyes and arms flailing, the real big ball of crazy MB came out. “REALLY? Really? Kids are work? Oh, God, thanks! I had no idea! I thought you just got to wear cute maternity clothes and then the nanny fairies came out to take care of the baby’s sleepless nights, dirty diapers, teething, temper tantrums, bad days at school, wrecking the car, and rebellious stages. I’m just in it for someone to take care of me when I get old. Thank God you warned me.”
(Ahem. Whoops. Reel it in MB….reel it in….)
But seriously, I’m sick of the exclusive conversations that I’m subjected to listen to but not allowed take part. Don’t invite me to lunch, strike up a conversation with me, or ask for my thoughts if you’re just going to judge me for my life choices.
No one said having kids was easy. It’s hard work. It’s why I don’t have any yet. I don’t judge you for wearing your kids like a big cross that you had to bear. So don’t judge me for not having any yet, but don’t judge me for wanting them someday.
Monday, November 24, 2008
I'm an adult...but forever a kid in my hometown
I’m adult, I have a grown up job, a grown up apartment, and “big girl” bills to prove it.
Everyone once in a while I have to remind myself of that because of run-ins like the one I had this weekend.
I was visiting my parents in the town I grew up in on Sunday. I had planned to run some local errands, get my nails done, and make dinner for the folks. All very grown up stuff.
Ahem…anyway.
I walked in to the nail salon and saw one of my 6th grade teachers. Ms. McLaughlin. I immediately became 11 years old. I smoothed down my unruly hair, took my hands out of my pockets, stood up straight, and timidly asked one of the workers for a manicure.
I took my seat, every once in a while sneaking a glance at Mc. McLaughlin. Did she see me? Wait, she smiled?, oh, eyes front.
I pretended to act like a “big girl” and made a conscious effort to not swing my legs in the chair.
(gasp) Here’s my chance! She was getting up to leave and had to walk by me.
Apparently I was just creepy enough throughout the last half hour by looking over at her, waiting for her to recognize me, that she stopped by my chair.
In a tiny voice I said, “Ms. McLaughlin?” (You never know, she could be divorced by now) “I was your student at Story Elementary.”
“Hi,” she said in a teacher sweet voice. “Remind me of your name?”
“M-M-Mary Beth Knight.”
She swore she remembered, asked how old I was now, made a comment about her own age, asked what college I went to and where I was living/working. I think I managed to stutter something about working close to downtown in Human Resources. She told me to pass along her greeting to my folks.
“Yes ma’am,” I nodded as if I were sent home with a note from the teacher.
Seriously? Ugh.
I wanted to chase after her and tell her, “I’m an adult! I have a grown up job! A grown up apartment!”
But instead I sat in the nail salon chair, feet swinging, smiling big because she remembered me.
Everyone once in a while I have to remind myself of that because of run-ins like the one I had this weekend.
I was visiting my parents in the town I grew up in on Sunday. I had planned to run some local errands, get my nails done, and make dinner for the folks. All very grown up stuff.
Ahem…anyway.
I walked in to the nail salon and saw one of my 6th grade teachers. Ms. McLaughlin. I immediately became 11 years old. I smoothed down my unruly hair, took my hands out of my pockets, stood up straight, and timidly asked one of the workers for a manicure.
I took my seat, every once in a while sneaking a glance at Mc. McLaughlin. Did she see me? Wait, she smiled?, oh, eyes front.
I pretended to act like a “big girl” and made a conscious effort to not swing my legs in the chair.
(gasp) Here’s my chance! She was getting up to leave and had to walk by me.
Apparently I was just creepy enough throughout the last half hour by looking over at her, waiting for her to recognize me, that she stopped by my chair.
In a tiny voice I said, “Ms. McLaughlin?” (You never know, she could be divorced by now) “I was your student at Story Elementary.”
“Hi,” she said in a teacher sweet voice. “Remind me of your name?”
“M-M-Mary Beth Knight.”
She swore she remembered, asked how old I was now, made a comment about her own age, asked what college I went to and where I was living/working. I think I managed to stutter something about working close to downtown in Human Resources. She told me to pass along her greeting to my folks.
“Yes ma’am,” I nodded as if I were sent home with a note from the teacher.
Seriously? Ugh.
I wanted to chase after her and tell her, “I’m an adult! I have a grown up job! A grown up apartment!”
But instead I sat in the nail salon chair, feet swinging, smiling big because she remembered me.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Open letter to a young HR professional
Get out. Get out now.
Get out of the HR world for a while. Go run a function, manage a line, balance a P&L.
Got your degree in HR? Then you really need to go.
Getting an HR degree? Think about changing your major. Non-HR degrees enter HR all the time. Very few HR degrees go elsewhere. And take some statistics classes while you’re at it. They are more important for the future of HR than you might think.
Don’t be a career HR drone. Go see the world. Deal with the issues first hand. Understand business, leadership, employee problems, and what happens when people don’t play nicely with each other.
Then come back. We’ll need you.
_______________________________________________________________________
I wish I could take credit, but a networking buddy posted this and I really like it. For those of you who know me, this absolutely describes my career path.
Get out of the HR world for a while. Go run a function, manage a line, balance a P&L.
Got your degree in HR? Then you really need to go.
Getting an HR degree? Think about changing your major. Non-HR degrees enter HR all the time. Very few HR degrees go elsewhere. And take some statistics classes while you’re at it. They are more important for the future of HR than you might think.
Don’t be a career HR drone. Go see the world. Deal with the issues first hand. Understand business, leadership, employee problems, and what happens when people don’t play nicely with each other.
Then come back. We’ll need you.
_______________________________________________________________________
I wish I could take credit, but a networking buddy posted this and I really like it. For those of you who know me, this absolutely describes my career path.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Today I voted...and I have the sticker to prove it
I'm one of the voters the news warns about. I didn't know for certain who I wanted to vote for until the night before. I was sick of the whole mess. Media coverage, campaigning for funds, scandals, name calling, etc.
How to choose? Flip a coin? Throw a piece of red gum and blue gum against a wall and see which one sticks?
No, like a good American, I did my research on the issues that were important to me. I'd say the War in Iraq is an issue for me, but was surprisingly not something that tipped the scales. I focused on the issues that I could wrap my head around - immigration, gun control, taxes, economic stimulus, the environment, etc.
Polling opens at 7am (and I'm insane) so I decided to get there at 6:30 to beat the crowds. Boy was I ever glad I did! As I walked up to the line of about 12 that had already formed, I had 5-10 people on my heels. By 7am, the line was wrapped around the building. Yet once inside, they were so organized it took 15 minutes. Amazing! Just 45 minutes total to cast my vote in this big mess.
So all in all, I feel good about my choice. I feel even better that I exercised my right to vote...
...and got a sticker on the way out. That's really what it's all about.
How to choose? Flip a coin? Throw a piece of red gum and blue gum against a wall and see which one sticks?
No, like a good American, I did my research on the issues that were important to me. I'd say the War in Iraq is an issue for me, but was surprisingly not something that tipped the scales. I focused on the issues that I could wrap my head around - immigration, gun control, taxes, economic stimulus, the environment, etc.
Polling opens at 7am (and I'm insane) so I decided to get there at 6:30 to beat the crowds. Boy was I ever glad I did! As I walked up to the line of about 12 that had already formed, I had 5-10 people on my heels. By 7am, the line was wrapped around the building. Yet once inside, they were so organized it took 15 minutes. Amazing! Just 45 minutes total to cast my vote in this big mess.
So all in all, I feel good about my choice. I feel even better that I exercised my right to vote...
...and got a sticker on the way out. That's really what it's all about.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Pam Prank 2008
I am coming up on my first 90 days with my new company, Freeman. Since I joined the team I have met some incredible people and one of those people is my coworker Tommy. See below.
Tommy and I share a sick and childish sense of humor. The image above is a mug I gave him that references one of our favorite TV shows, The Office. If you are familiar with The Office you know the characters Jim and Dwight. Jim likes to play pranks on Dwight. Putting his stapler in a Jell-o mold, moving his desk to the bathroom, convincing him the CIA is recruiting him, etc.
Well, Tommy and I were a little bored on a Friday afternoon. Our boss, Pam, was out of the office until the following Thursday so we decided to play a prank on her. After going through all the possible scenarios and copy cat pranks from The Office, he decided to do this:
Oh sure to the naked eye it’s just a keyboard. But look closely. He rearranged the keys to spell out “You Stink” and we left for the weekend.
Cut to the following week. I’m out of the office all week for an HR conference so Tommy sends me an update:
OK, thought you might like an update on the “Pam prank of 2008”. Remember how I rearranged the keys on her keyboard? Well, she came back yesterday to the office but didn’t get in until after 9 am. I had back-to-back meetings from 9 to 2 pm so I didn’t even see her come in. Evidently she docked her computer and tried to log into her computer using the keyboard, she was looking at the keys and thought she was typing it correctly but (of course) due to my GENIUS it kept registering “wrong password”. Well, she did it three times and got locked out of the system.
She called helpdesk and had them work on her “problem”. Was on the phone with them for over an hour, finally got them to get her into her computer and she tried to send an email to create a ticket on the problem and as she typed it was all garbled. She was still on the phone with helpdesk and neither helpdesk or Pam could understand what the problem was. They finally just said gave up and placed an order for a new keyboard. She went to borrow a keyboard and when she brought it in she noticed that the keys didn’t match. Then all of a sudden she realized she realized hers were messed up – then she screamed, “Tommy did this!!”
When I got back from my meeting she told me the story and I was crying I was laughing so hard. And best of all, this happened on Bosses Day!!!!
Changing the keys on your bosses keyboard – $0
Confusing helpdesk technicians - $0
Making a VP think she’s going insane - $0
Having it all happen on Bosses Day – Priceless…
Tommy and I share a sick and childish sense of humor. The image above is a mug I gave him that references one of our favorite TV shows, The Office. If you are familiar with The Office you know the characters Jim and Dwight. Jim likes to play pranks on Dwight. Putting his stapler in a Jell-o mold, moving his desk to the bathroom, convincing him the CIA is recruiting him, etc.
Well, Tommy and I were a little bored on a Friday afternoon. Our boss, Pam, was out of the office until the following Thursday so we decided to play a prank on her. After going through all the possible scenarios and copy cat pranks from The Office, he decided to do this:
Oh sure to the naked eye it’s just a keyboard. But look closely. He rearranged the keys to spell out “You Stink” and we left for the weekend.
Cut to the following week. I’m out of the office all week for an HR conference so Tommy sends me an update:
OK, thought you might like an update on the “Pam prank of 2008”. Remember how I rearranged the keys on her keyboard? Well, she came back yesterday to the office but didn’t get in until after 9 am. I had back-to-back meetings from 9 to 2 pm so I didn’t even see her come in. Evidently she docked her computer and tried to log into her computer using the keyboard, she was looking at the keys and thought she was typing it correctly but (of course) due to my GENIUS it kept registering “wrong password”. Well, she did it three times and got locked out of the system.
She called helpdesk and had them work on her “problem”. Was on the phone with them for over an hour, finally got them to get her into her computer and she tried to send an email to create a ticket on the problem and as she typed it was all garbled. She was still on the phone with helpdesk and neither helpdesk or Pam could understand what the problem was. They finally just said gave up and placed an order for a new keyboard. She went to borrow a keyboard and when she brought it in she noticed that the keys didn’t match. Then all of a sudden she realized she realized hers were messed up – then she screamed, “Tommy did this!!”
When I got back from my meeting she told me the story and I was crying I was laughing so hard. And best of all, this happened on Bosses Day!!!!
Changing the keys on your bosses keyboard – $0
Confusing helpdesk technicians - $0
Making a VP think she’s going insane - $0
Having it all happen on Bosses Day – Priceless…
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