Friday Wrap-Up

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I really do like three-day weekends, but not-so-much when the following four-day work week just happens to be the last week of the month and I have to close the books for four branches - rather than my usual three - because one of my co-workers decides she needs two three-day weekends in a row! It will be a busy one today!

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Speaking of work, last week we got the news of a reorganization. I think there was an audible *GASP* in the room when it was announced. During rough economic times, we all know that reorg usually means "We don't want to have to call these layoffs, so we'll call it a reorg and eliminate your position instead."

Now, the powers that be have pinky sweared assured us that this isn't the case - that we are fortunate enough that standard attrition rates will take care of the need to cut positions, however they won't be replacing anyone who leaves ... which means we'll all need to "pitch in" to cover the redistribution of the work load. Oh, and by the way, since we are asking you to do more work (my work load has almost doubled in the past year), we are also letting you know that the cost of your benefits is going up AND we will be by-passing performance reviews and raises this year because you all should just be grateful you still have a job.

Guess what I'm going to do next week? I am going to ask for a raise anyway! This will be the first time in my life I have ever asked for a raise, but I cannot let all of the power shift to my employer. In addition to just a general increase in work load, they have also made me the branch accountant who will be implementing the first phase of the reorg - a HUGE increase in responsibility.

Am I crazy to thumb my nose at their "NO RAISES" policy this year and demand ask for one anyway?

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I want to thank all of you for the discussion on my When Will We Learn post. I know some of you who commented tend to stay away from the more controversial posts, yet you still dipped your toes into this one. I think it was a great discussion - one that, for the most part, stayed on track and on topic. Whether you agree that society plays a role in this type of tragedy or not, I hope the post got you thinking "What can I do now?"

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And...here we go!

1. It's cold and fall-like in the southern hemisphere.

2. Husband claims he is allergic to tomatoes. I think I'll plant a secret crop of them in the backyard!

3. My favorite health and beauty product is Vermont's Original Bag Balm. It's the best moisturizer for dry skin in the winter and pampers my feet in the summer!

4. I still haven't managed to get on my bike and take a nice long ride.

5. Well, first of all I hate starting a sentence with "Well, first of all" because if it's the first thing I am writing, everyone already knows it's first!.

6. Jay and Matt-Man; those were the cast of characters in a recent dream and it was quite disturbing thought provoking to see Matt-Man, in his layered underwear fashion statement, drinking beer with Jay, wearing his viking helmet - and nothing else.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to exhaling, tomorrow my plans include weeding the flower garden, moving a shrub and organizing the garage, and Sunday, I want to "ride my bicycle ... I want to ride my bike ..." sing along with me!

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