I grew up in a very small mining town called Snow Lake, Manitoba. I think the population sits now at less than 1,000 (though that fluctuates with the activities at the mines). Not a lot happens here, but when it does, it hits everyone.
A few years ago, a teenage boy, aged 15 I believe, died in a snowmobile accident. The details are horrific, so I will not share what I heard. But how he died was not as a result of snowmobiling alone. Keeping in mind that the information I received is all 2nd or 3rd hand, what I heard is that he was out partying on the lake. Alcohol was involved. It was dark outside, and he decided he needed to head back into town. He drove his sled straight into a rock cliff. It's a very, very tragic story, and though I did not know this young man personally, his family is well known in the town, and my thoughts are with his family.
There are a few details here that may make some of you shake your heads. For one, he was young, and not of legal age to be drinking. I'm not going to get preachy here; I also drank sometimes as a youth. Most anyone who is familiar with sledding, will understand that drinking and sledding do not mix. The whiteness of the snow on the lake can make dips and grooves hard to see and navigate. Generally, you're not fastened onto the sled, so if you hit a rut the wrong way, you can easily fly off. Anyways. take into consideration that it was dark. And he wasn't the only one out there. This could have happened to any one of them.
Here's where my personal conflict lies - it seems that very few kids have taken this experience to heart and learned from it. Kids are still acting invincible, testing their limits. What's worse, is that many parents in the town aren't putting tougher restrictions on their kids. That bothers me. Someone lost their child; do they not fear that this could happen to them, too?
I hear stories about parents letting their kids party in their homes, even providing the alcohol, and worse, leaving them alone, totally unsupervised. Not sticking around to make sure that these kids don't drive home intoxicated. Or worse, trying to navigate their way home in -30 degree celsius temperatures, in the dark.
One time, I went out to a party, got drunk and stayed out very late. My parents didn't know where I was. My mom called the cops to go find me. At first, I thought they were being a nuisance. But in that confrontation, my brother told me he and a friend were out looking for me, thinking I might be dead in a ditch somewhere. That really hit home for me. My mom and I found a meeting ground here - she lightened up on her strictness, and I considered her feelings. No more disappearing for a party; I would make sure she knew where I was. And I actually cut down on my partying. My friends didn't give me a hard time at all; if memory serves, they were all pretty cool with it. I found peace at home, and peace of mind.
I want to know why these parents aren't being honest with their kids, with themselves.
This young man isn't the only one to lose his life. A couple years earlier, a girl was killed in a snowmobile accident (not alcohol related). A few years ago, two young men were killed in a car accident driving home from work. And a young girl took her life recently. All of these losses are a lot for their families to deal with, and it's truly heartbreaking.
I was a lucky teenager. No one was killed. I did lose a friend to suicide a year after I left home; that affected me enough to be conscious of difficulties and struggles in life.
Parents of Snow Lake, if you are letting your kids get away with what could potentially end up ending someone's life, you need to smarten up, fast. The town police need to get involved, fast.
In retrospect, I am very thankful to have had a mother who was tough, who made it very clear to me that she was the parent, and I was the child. Her controls and reasons behind them very possibly saved my life, and those of my friends. I am also thankful to have grown up with a wide range of people, some of whom were involved in TADD (Teens Against Drinking and Driving) - knowing that there are peers who don't drink, but they're still "normal", possibly lessens the pressure all teens feel to party to excess.
Wake up, Snow Lake, before another life is lost.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Whiny Workers (part 3)
Hi, I'm back. Almost forgot about this. Oops.
3. Their Work Area.
I've been at my current job for 3.5 years. In that time, I've had 6 different work spaces. So many, because my company's previous offices had basically run out of room for growth by the time I got there. My first work space was an office, something that people in my position don't get. The only reason I was put in an office, was because there was no where else to put me. I understood this from day one - I was not getting an office because I was above anyone on the chain of command. Second was another office. Numbers 3 and 4 were temporary work stations. Numbers 5 and 6 were cubicles, finally working in the area of my fellow admin workers. Did I ever complain about the space, losing an office, being downgraded to a cubicle, etc? Well, kinda. Never complained about losing the offices. When I was in the offices, I was away from the group. Felt like I missed a lot of the daily goings-on. What I complained about was in the cubicle area, when certain co-workers also seated in that area, would forget that they had neighbours, and would disrupt my work with constant noise and chatter. BUT... if I complained, I would always say "One day, I'll stop complaining because I'll be so used to it." And that day came. And I laughed at myself over my past issues.
My issue here is greater. It's people who complain about their work area, and expect the company to do something about it. This may include (1) replacing a neighbouring employee (which I NEVER requested, nor got), or (2) finding them a new work area. People who expect the company to rebuild according to their needs. It blows me away. You're given a space, so take some time and learn to work with it.
Your work space is loaned to you, as long as you're an employee. Keep that in mind.
You might think that I had troubles adjusting from having the space of an office, downgrading to a measly cubicle. Actually, I had no trouble at all. My first office, about half of it was empty, because I kept everything I needed right around me. I always knew I'd have to reduce one day.... so why get used to the extra space?
We recently moved into new offices. I love my new work space. I feel very comfortable. Rumour has it, not everyone feels the same as I do. But I don't know why. Mostly because I won't listen to the whiners. Our company has put a lot of time and money into building our offices. All along the way, they were open to thoughts from the employees. Many of these whiners didn't say anything constructive, just "I want, I want, I want", with no suggestions on how to make their wants happen.
My boss is almost finished putting his office together. Turns out he has an extra filing cabinet that he doesn't need. So he asked me if I needed it. In my old place, I had room for a small filing cabinet; here, I don't. But when we learned of our new work spaces, we were told we probably wouldn't have this room. Some people complained. Me, well, I just said "whatever", and slowly worked away from using that cabinet, so that now, I don't need it. In fact, I still have room at my desk for more stuff. And so does my manager. We actually have an entire 4 drawer cabinet waiting for us to put something in it. We're funny that way.
The moral of this subject is: Learn to work with what you've got. And if you can't, then form your request for more in a constructive way. It's the same with any problem solving - people are more likely to listen if you provide an idea for a solution. And that doesn't include relocating you (unless your company allows for that, and even then, you better be prepared with a justification.). Don't expect your company to tear down and rebuild just to make you happy. Because in their minds, they're thinking "no matter what we give this person, they will not be happy." The only 2 valid complaints I can come up with are lighting and air quality. And most companies will listen to this. But they may not be able to do much about it.
(I laugh at people who, when they get a new job, will tell you the best thing about their job is "I have an office!" Really? That's the best? What does that have to do with the job itself? I think of it as a sign that that person will quickly be complaining about something else....)
3. Their Work Area.
I've been at my current job for 3.5 years. In that time, I've had 6 different work spaces. So many, because my company's previous offices had basically run out of room for growth by the time I got there. My first work space was an office, something that people in my position don't get. The only reason I was put in an office, was because there was no where else to put me. I understood this from day one - I was not getting an office because I was above anyone on the chain of command. Second was another office. Numbers 3 and 4 were temporary work stations. Numbers 5 and 6 were cubicles, finally working in the area of my fellow admin workers. Did I ever complain about the space, losing an office, being downgraded to a cubicle, etc? Well, kinda. Never complained about losing the offices. When I was in the offices, I was away from the group. Felt like I missed a lot of the daily goings-on. What I complained about was in the cubicle area, when certain co-workers also seated in that area, would forget that they had neighbours, and would disrupt my work with constant noise and chatter. BUT... if I complained, I would always say "One day, I'll stop complaining because I'll be so used to it." And that day came. And I laughed at myself over my past issues.
My issue here is greater. It's people who complain about their work area, and expect the company to do something about it. This may include (1) replacing a neighbouring employee (which I NEVER requested, nor got), or (2) finding them a new work area. People who expect the company to rebuild according to their needs. It blows me away. You're given a space, so take some time and learn to work with it.
Your work space is loaned to you, as long as you're an employee. Keep that in mind.
You might think that I had troubles adjusting from having the space of an office, downgrading to a measly cubicle. Actually, I had no trouble at all. My first office, about half of it was empty, because I kept everything I needed right around me. I always knew I'd have to reduce one day.... so why get used to the extra space?
We recently moved into new offices. I love my new work space. I feel very comfortable. Rumour has it, not everyone feels the same as I do. But I don't know why. Mostly because I won't listen to the whiners. Our company has put a lot of time and money into building our offices. All along the way, they were open to thoughts from the employees. Many of these whiners didn't say anything constructive, just "I want, I want, I want", with no suggestions on how to make their wants happen.
My boss is almost finished putting his office together. Turns out he has an extra filing cabinet that he doesn't need. So he asked me if I needed it. In my old place, I had room for a small filing cabinet; here, I don't. But when we learned of our new work spaces, we were told we probably wouldn't have this room. Some people complained. Me, well, I just said "whatever", and slowly worked away from using that cabinet, so that now, I don't need it. In fact, I still have room at my desk for more stuff. And so does my manager. We actually have an entire 4 drawer cabinet waiting for us to put something in it. We're funny that way.
The moral of this subject is: Learn to work with what you've got. And if you can't, then form your request for more in a constructive way. It's the same with any problem solving - people are more likely to listen if you provide an idea for a solution. And that doesn't include relocating you (unless your company allows for that, and even then, you better be prepared with a justification.). Don't expect your company to tear down and rebuild just to make you happy. Because in their minds, they're thinking "no matter what we give this person, they will not be happy." The only 2 valid complaints I can come up with are lighting and air quality. And most companies will listen to this. But they may not be able to do much about it.
(I laugh at people who, when they get a new job, will tell you the best thing about their job is "I have an office!" Really? That's the best? What does that have to do with the job itself? I think of it as a sign that that person will quickly be complaining about something else....)
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Whiny Workers (pt. 2)
A continuation of my previous post....
Tasks Assigned to Them.
Anyone who has worked in any sort of group environment, has likely encountered that co-worker who has no problem using the following phrase: "That's Not My Job."
This post obviously does not apply to unionized workers. Their job descriptions are carved in stone, and when a questionnable task arises, the union must gather to break that stone and re-carve their list. Which is why union negotiations may take months, if not years. And why I am truly opposed to unions for anyone NOT in a specialized field (medicine, and by medicine, I mean doctors and nurses, not the WRHA), anyone NOT a trade worker, or anyone NOT in a position that poses some physical danger (miners). And NOT city or provincial employees who sit behind desks all day long with nothing more than a bachelor's degree or race/religion/sex that made them qualified for their position. Unions, in my opinion, have lost their original meaning, which was to protect the employees physically, and to ensure wages are fair and accurate. Another subject for another day.
My job description is really vague. I assist my manager with a portfolio of properties. There are a couple specifics on that description, but if my job was limited to those tasks, I would work a total of 6 hours a month. So, it's left open with "other tasks as required."
There are certain things I will not do in my job. One of those things is handling after-hours emergencies. You see, in my company, the managers are provided with company-paid cell phones, for the purpose of taking calls at all hours. And the managers are paid in accordance with these extra hours. So, any calls I would take, would be on my own phone. That I pay for. That I am not reimbursed for. One of our maintenance guys, a couple years back, phoned me a couple times on a couple weekends, to ask me work related questions. He got my home phone number from a company listing that is given to everybody. After the second time he did this, I told my manager that if I take one more call, I expect to be paid a minimum of $50. I haven't received a call since. However, my own manager has called me a few times, to ask me quick questions. He's always apologetic, and it only ever takes a couple minutes. I've told him, sometimes if he's looking for something, it's probably quicker just to call & ask me where to find it. If it helps him end his work day 15 minutes earlier (and he's already working late), I'm happy to help. This isn't a job requirement. This is respect for my manager, and understanding the hours he puts in. Over the past few years, appreciation for this has been reflected time and again.
My job description says I work with my manager. So, if I were one of those TNMJ'ers, does that mean I can refuse a request from a vice president? Hardly. One time, the VP from another division contacted me (it was a time when my boss was on holidays) about a property we manage; he was doing an appraisal of a similar property, and we can provide details for comparison (these appraisals are worth big bucks). Having been down this road before (one of those "other tasks" I mentioned earlier), I know easily what information I can share without breaching privacy guidelines. So, I told this VP, no prob, I'd send him what I could by email. 20 mins later, he got it. Within a day, he sent an email to my division's VP and my manager, expressing his appreciation of me, my manager for how he's taught me, and our division for teaching me an understanding of the workings between our multiple divisions. (don't worry, he'd already emailed me his own heartfelt appreciation) At my review this year, I was told that I was not only getting positive feedback from my own superiors, but from other divisions and higher up. All I could say was "Cool."
Now, there are other people who do pretty much the job I do, on varying levels of course. I watch some of these people, and listen to their issues. Some of the managers, for example, are doing tasks that I do on a daily basis, instead of giving them to their assistants. I've spoken with my manager on occasion, on what I should be doing or not. Number one on the list is capability: I've proven that I can be trusted to use good judgment, and take a moment & ask when I'm not sure. I've shown a willingness to learn, so that my manager and I can make a stronger team.
It's funny, in a way.... there are regular things that go to all other managers only, except mine: those things are brought to me instead of my boss. Sure, sometimes I can complain about being overworked. But my manager is very busy, as well. I see some of the other 2 person teams, and it makes me cringe, how the manager is running ragged, doing 10 things at once, working 10 hours a day... while their assistant is surfing the net or gossiping a good portion of every day. It's wrong. Whenever the subject comes up, I bring up the subject of team work. Each manager and their assistant is a team.
So, what's my point? People who say That's Not My Job will miss out on a lot of potential. If I had to guess, I'd say my salary is higher than those around me (but I will never know for sure.... I don't discuss that). My manager and I work independently of each other, I think in part because he trusts me at a level to be envied by others. And I learn so much.
Right now, we're nearing the end of Budget Season. Some assistants, their budget jobs are simply data entry and computer formatting. Mine is catching inconsistencies in the numbers the boss is providing, helping calculate amortizations, catching expenses that were left out previously, and most recently, calculating leasing commissions (this is something I learned this year). These aren't overly complicated, once you learn them. And it's not like they take a lot of time for either of us.
Think of it this way: If you're my age, you're going to work another 30 years. Might as well make the time worth while, right? If you only do what is in your job description, you're going to get bored - and redundant - very quickly. Redundant meaning replaceable. If I can make it look like I can do my job AND yours at the same time, and the day comes for cutbacks (which I've suffered through a couple times).... well, I'd prefer to secure my position over yours, that's for sure.
Tasks Assigned to Them.
Anyone who has worked in any sort of group environment, has likely encountered that co-worker who has no problem using the following phrase: "That's Not My Job."
This post obviously does not apply to unionized workers. Their job descriptions are carved in stone, and when a questionnable task arises, the union must gather to break that stone and re-carve their list. Which is why union negotiations may take months, if not years. And why I am truly opposed to unions for anyone NOT in a specialized field (medicine, and by medicine, I mean doctors and nurses, not the WRHA), anyone NOT a trade worker, or anyone NOT in a position that poses some physical danger (miners). And NOT city or provincial employees who sit behind desks all day long with nothing more than a bachelor's degree or race/religion/sex that made them qualified for their position. Unions, in my opinion, have lost their original meaning, which was to protect the employees physically, and to ensure wages are fair and accurate. Another subject for another day.
My job description is really vague. I assist my manager with a portfolio of properties. There are a couple specifics on that description, but if my job was limited to those tasks, I would work a total of 6 hours a month. So, it's left open with "other tasks as required."
There are certain things I will not do in my job. One of those things is handling after-hours emergencies. You see, in my company, the managers are provided with company-paid cell phones, for the purpose of taking calls at all hours. And the managers are paid in accordance with these extra hours. So, any calls I would take, would be on my own phone. That I pay for. That I am not reimbursed for. One of our maintenance guys, a couple years back, phoned me a couple times on a couple weekends, to ask me work related questions. He got my home phone number from a company listing that is given to everybody. After the second time he did this, I told my manager that if I take one more call, I expect to be paid a minimum of $50. I haven't received a call since. However, my own manager has called me a few times, to ask me quick questions. He's always apologetic, and it only ever takes a couple minutes. I've told him, sometimes if he's looking for something, it's probably quicker just to call & ask me where to find it. If it helps him end his work day 15 minutes earlier (and he's already working late), I'm happy to help. This isn't a job requirement. This is respect for my manager, and understanding the hours he puts in. Over the past few years, appreciation for this has been reflected time and again.
My job description says I work with my manager. So, if I were one of those TNMJ'ers, does that mean I can refuse a request from a vice president? Hardly. One time, the VP from another division contacted me (it was a time when my boss was on holidays) about a property we manage; he was doing an appraisal of a similar property, and we can provide details for comparison (these appraisals are worth big bucks). Having been down this road before (one of those "other tasks" I mentioned earlier), I know easily what information I can share without breaching privacy guidelines. So, I told this VP, no prob, I'd send him what I could by email. 20 mins later, he got it. Within a day, he sent an email to my division's VP and my manager, expressing his appreciation of me, my manager for how he's taught me, and our division for teaching me an understanding of the workings between our multiple divisions. (don't worry, he'd already emailed me his own heartfelt appreciation) At my review this year, I was told that I was not only getting positive feedback from my own superiors, but from other divisions and higher up. All I could say was "Cool."
Now, there are other people who do pretty much the job I do, on varying levels of course. I watch some of these people, and listen to their issues. Some of the managers, for example, are doing tasks that I do on a daily basis, instead of giving them to their assistants. I've spoken with my manager on occasion, on what I should be doing or not. Number one on the list is capability: I've proven that I can be trusted to use good judgment, and take a moment & ask when I'm not sure. I've shown a willingness to learn, so that my manager and I can make a stronger team.
It's funny, in a way.... there are regular things that go to all other managers only, except mine: those things are brought to me instead of my boss. Sure, sometimes I can complain about being overworked. But my manager is very busy, as well. I see some of the other 2 person teams, and it makes me cringe, how the manager is running ragged, doing 10 things at once, working 10 hours a day... while their assistant is surfing the net or gossiping a good portion of every day. It's wrong. Whenever the subject comes up, I bring up the subject of team work. Each manager and their assistant is a team.
So, what's my point? People who say That's Not My Job will miss out on a lot of potential. If I had to guess, I'd say my salary is higher than those around me (but I will never know for sure.... I don't discuss that). My manager and I work independently of each other, I think in part because he trusts me at a level to be envied by others. And I learn so much.
Right now, we're nearing the end of Budget Season. Some assistants, their budget jobs are simply data entry and computer formatting. Mine is catching inconsistencies in the numbers the boss is providing, helping calculate amortizations, catching expenses that were left out previously, and most recently, calculating leasing commissions (this is something I learned this year). These aren't overly complicated, once you learn them. And it's not like they take a lot of time for either of us.
Think of it this way: If you're my age, you're going to work another 30 years. Might as well make the time worth while, right? If you only do what is in your job description, you're going to get bored - and redundant - very quickly. Redundant meaning replaceable. If I can make it look like I can do my job AND yours at the same time, and the day comes for cutbacks (which I've suffered through a couple times).... well, I'd prefer to secure my position over yours, that's for sure.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Whiny Workers
Anyone who's held a job, has likely encountered a co-worker who complains incessantly, about one or more of the following subjects:
(a) salary;
(b) the tasks assigned to them;
(c) their work area;
(d) the company they work for.
Or maybe you're that complainer. If you are, maybe you should read this. Give you some food for thought.
Salary.
This is a major pet peeve of mine, people complaining about not getting paid enough, or deserving more. Chances are, when you were being offered your job, you discussed salary. This is the best time for you to ask for more, if there was more to be offered. You never know. But once you accept it, that's it.
Seven years ago, I lost a job due to downsizing. It was a rough summer; my mother passed away, and I was jobless. It was a terrible time to look for a job, because it seemed a lot of other people were also unemployed, and I just wasn't in the mood to interview. After a couple months, my severance was running out, and it was time for me to just make money. And it was at that time that I was finally successful in my job hunt. So I took an offer. But that company was cheap. When I tell the story to friends or coworkers, they are shocked at the salary I was earning. After 9 months, I was digging myself into such debt, I simply couldn't work there anymore. They told me they valued me a lot, but just weren't willing to loosen those strings. So, I moved on. My next job, I was earning $5,000 more a year right off the hop.
Then, almost 4 years ago, I was offered my current job. When discussing salary over the phone, I gave them my bottom line. The guy said "Really? Cuz we were gonna give you ($1000 more), but hey, we can go with what you want...." "NO! I'll take it!" And I took it. And never once complained about my salary. Because I would remember that first job, in the same industry, My starting salary at my current job was $9000 more than that first one. I did the math, and knew I could survive decently on my salary.
My company has been very generous to me. I've never asked for a raise. Whatever raises I've gotten, were offered, never asked for. And I accepted graciously. (I'll give you a tip: Employers love it when you are truly thankful for what they offer, and you don't complain about it, or them. They remember this, and will remember it for the next time salary review comes up. I've been told this once a year since I started.)
A few years back, a couple of coworkers started discussing their salaries. I work in an industry where there's really no scale, so not everyone earns the same amount. It's all based on experience, education, and work ethic and ability. I've never told anyone I work with, or have worked with, what I earn. The closest I came to talking, was when that first employer called me up and told me they were reconsidering the salary they were offering for my position. I gave her an honest range for what I was earning, and what it was based on. Anyways, back to these yappy yahoos.... My employers were pissed. And they told us, keep talking, and you may lose your job. I absolutely would not say what I was earning, because I suspected I was at the high end, simply because I saw the work I was doing, and what they were doing, and I knew I deserved higher than them.
Bottom line is: If you feel you should be getting more, you need to sit down and think of why. And one of those "why's" can't be "because my coworkers earn that much." If you can't come up with any reasons beyond that, then you need to find ways to improve your own bottom line. Don't expect your employers to do that for you. Take on more responsibility. Improve your education. Show up for work on time, and don't leave early.
Stay tuned for part 2: "That's not my job."
(a) salary;
(b) the tasks assigned to them;
(c) their work area;
(d) the company they work for.
Or maybe you're that complainer. If you are, maybe you should read this. Give you some food for thought.
Salary.
This is a major pet peeve of mine, people complaining about not getting paid enough, or deserving more. Chances are, when you were being offered your job, you discussed salary. This is the best time for you to ask for more, if there was more to be offered. You never know. But once you accept it, that's it.
Seven years ago, I lost a job due to downsizing. It was a rough summer; my mother passed away, and I was jobless. It was a terrible time to look for a job, because it seemed a lot of other people were also unemployed, and I just wasn't in the mood to interview. After a couple months, my severance was running out, and it was time for me to just make money. And it was at that time that I was finally successful in my job hunt. So I took an offer. But that company was cheap. When I tell the story to friends or coworkers, they are shocked at the salary I was earning. After 9 months, I was digging myself into such debt, I simply couldn't work there anymore. They told me they valued me a lot, but just weren't willing to loosen those strings. So, I moved on. My next job, I was earning $5,000 more a year right off the hop.
Then, almost 4 years ago, I was offered my current job. When discussing salary over the phone, I gave them my bottom line. The guy said "Really? Cuz we were gonna give you ($1000 more), but hey, we can go with what you want...." "NO! I'll take it!" And I took it. And never once complained about my salary. Because I would remember that first job, in the same industry, My starting salary at my current job was $9000 more than that first one. I did the math, and knew I could survive decently on my salary.
My company has been very generous to me. I've never asked for a raise. Whatever raises I've gotten, were offered, never asked for. And I accepted graciously. (I'll give you a tip: Employers love it when you are truly thankful for what they offer, and you don't complain about it, or them. They remember this, and will remember it for the next time salary review comes up. I've been told this once a year since I started.)
A few years back, a couple of coworkers started discussing their salaries. I work in an industry where there's really no scale, so not everyone earns the same amount. It's all based on experience, education, and work ethic and ability. I've never told anyone I work with, or have worked with, what I earn. The closest I came to talking, was when that first employer called me up and told me they were reconsidering the salary they were offering for my position. I gave her an honest range for what I was earning, and what it was based on. Anyways, back to these yappy yahoos.... My employers were pissed. And they told us, keep talking, and you may lose your job. I absolutely would not say what I was earning, because I suspected I was at the high end, simply because I saw the work I was doing, and what they were doing, and I knew I deserved higher than them.
Bottom line is: If you feel you should be getting more, you need to sit down and think of why. And one of those "why's" can't be "because my coworkers earn that much." If you can't come up with any reasons beyond that, then you need to find ways to improve your own bottom line. Don't expect your employers to do that for you. Take on more responsibility. Improve your education. Show up for work on time, and don't leave early.
Stay tuned for part 2: "That's not my job."
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Keep your kids safe, okay?
Someone I know on a social networking site, keeps posting pictures of other people's kids on their profile. This is fine, as long as the parents of those children are okay with it. But I wonder if these same parents know that this person has also posted pics of their kids on other SN'ing sites? Like those free dating websites.
Another person I know has posted nudie pics of their own baby. Sure, the nether regions are covered up, but they're still nudie.
I've read a lot about SN sites, about their safety & privacy limitations. Something that people lose sight of, is the ability to access and share your own information. While your own privacy settings may be sky high, chances are, not all your friends' settings are just as high. Think of this: You post pics of your kids, to share with your friends. Your friends include the kids' grandparents. The grandparents love the pics, and want to share them with their own (non-mutual) friends. So, they copy a few and create their own album. But they haven't figured out how to adjust their security status, so it's still the original, everyone-can-see setting. Ack. Suddenly, your babies are out there for the world to see.
Let's face it: there are some real sickos out there. The most disgusting bottom feeders in the universe, the child predators. Until the laws are changed to allow for legal genital mutilation of these SOB's, please be overly protective of what you put out there for the world to see. When you think about it, if your kids aren't old enough to protect themselves on these sites, then you need to be their protector, plain and simple.
You hear about these parents who take extra care with monitoring their kids' use of the computer, and they watch closely what websites they are accessing. Awesome for you, keep up the good work. BUT - what if it's you who's sharing too much? Is your child old enough to say "Hey, Mom, take down that bath pic of me, would ya?" If not, then you definitely need to be thinking from more than one point of view here.
If you need a refresher on the disgusting predators out there, then follow the Graham James case for a bit. He was a hockey coach. And he sexually abused boys. The guy won awards as a coach, was held in very high regard, and trusted by these boys' parents. My true hope is that these predators are few and far between, but we'll never know the exact stats, thanks to the internet. Play it safe, and don't assume everyone on your friends list is as careful as you (but please, don't drive yourself crazy wondering if any of your friends is a sadist....but if there's anyone you're unsure of, just play it safe.).
I don't have kids, but I'm more than happy and willing to play a role in keeping kids safe. It's the least we can do.
Another person I know has posted nudie pics of their own baby. Sure, the nether regions are covered up, but they're still nudie.
I've read a lot about SN sites, about their safety & privacy limitations. Something that people lose sight of, is the ability to access and share your own information. While your own privacy settings may be sky high, chances are, not all your friends' settings are just as high. Think of this: You post pics of your kids, to share with your friends. Your friends include the kids' grandparents. The grandparents love the pics, and want to share them with their own (non-mutual) friends. So, they copy a few and create their own album. But they haven't figured out how to adjust their security status, so it's still the original, everyone-can-see setting. Ack. Suddenly, your babies are out there for the world to see.
Let's face it: there are some real sickos out there. The most disgusting bottom feeders in the universe, the child predators. Until the laws are changed to allow for legal genital mutilation of these SOB's, please be overly protective of what you put out there for the world to see. When you think about it, if your kids aren't old enough to protect themselves on these sites, then you need to be their protector, plain and simple.
You hear about these parents who take extra care with monitoring their kids' use of the computer, and they watch closely what websites they are accessing. Awesome for you, keep up the good work. BUT - what if it's you who's sharing too much? Is your child old enough to say "Hey, Mom, take down that bath pic of me, would ya?" If not, then you definitely need to be thinking from more than one point of view here.
If you need a refresher on the disgusting predators out there, then follow the Graham James case for a bit. He was a hockey coach. And he sexually abused boys. The guy won awards as a coach, was held in very high regard, and trusted by these boys' parents. My true hope is that these predators are few and far between, but we'll never know the exact stats, thanks to the internet. Play it safe, and don't assume everyone on your friends list is as careful as you (but please, don't drive yourself crazy wondering if any of your friends is a sadist....but if there's anyone you're unsure of, just play it safe.).
I don't have kids, but I'm more than happy and willing to play a role in keeping kids safe. It's the least we can do.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Let's Get Physical
I took the day off work yesterday. Being single, not having as much disposable income as I would like to travel away from this place, every year I end up having holidays left to take into the fall/winter. Unlike most of my coworkers, who use theirs up around their kids' schedules (and have a mate's income to contribute to travel expenses). I had 2 days left to take, and Friday was one of those days. You should have heard the jealousy in my coworkers' tones as they wished me a good day - "I wish I could take another day off...." "Why don't you?" "I don't have any holidays left." Awwwwww.
Back in the summer, my company scored a deal with a gym in our city, a corporate membership deal. My company has, I would estimate, about 70 people throughout our 5 divisions. Not the biggest, but not small, either. (Can you believe it's a family business? I still can't. I've worked for family businesses. And they suck. This company is the true exception, and I tell everyone who asks as much.) So, part of the deal was, 10 people had to sign up. Ten. And the deal includes family members. We get a discount, and the company is contributing a portion. In the end, I pay $25 a month, which is deducted from my pay cheque. This is cheaper than a membership to the YMCA.
So, I signed up, once I found out where it was located (I work and live downtown, and I don't own a car. Easy accessibility is a requirement.). After the mad signup rush, there was a total of 8 people. EIGHT. Out of 70. Oh wait, one of those 8 was a spouse, not an employee. Pa.The.Tic. I shook my head A LOT that day.
I am someone who needs to lose weight. I'm not obese. But I can definitely stand to lose 25 to 30 pounds. Age is catching up to me, and is affecting my metabolism.
So, I figured it was about time I visited The Gym. See what I signed up for. And that was what I did on Friday.
Once I found it (which wasn't too hard), I went in and was greeted with a big smile, but not an overwhelming personality. I walked up and handed her the form I'd been told to take with me (that has been tucked in my purse for 3 months). She asked if I'd like a tour. Sure, why not? So, she calls Ryan to come show me around. She was sure to tell him I'm a "corporate" member. Ahhhh, that's what that form was for.
Do you have ANY idea what corporate membership means? I found out. Yowza. The Gym offers all these classes, that I can take at no additional charge. Every day, there's something. I need variety, or I get bored quickly. And most importantly, these classes are offered at times that I can actually attend. When I've looked into classes elsewhere, they always started at 5:00 or so; my work day ends at 5:00.
There's tanning beds, a spa, a place to iron my clothes... all included. What's not included is the massage therapist (which they made sure to note, is included in my work's medical benefits.). And they offer personal trainers (not included, natch).
I have 3 appointments next week, for various training in programs. Included in the corporate membership (turns out the stretching course is offered to everyone, so I signed up for that one as well.).
My luck with quitting smoking didn't pan out. This time. Let's see how this Gym one goes. Once again, I'll ask you to wish me luck. Don't ask me to post "before" pictures. I'll take a couple for my own use & enjoyment. If all goes on a good track, I may share with you.......
Back in the summer, my company scored a deal with a gym in our city, a corporate membership deal. My company has, I would estimate, about 70 people throughout our 5 divisions. Not the biggest, but not small, either. (Can you believe it's a family business? I still can't. I've worked for family businesses. And they suck. This company is the true exception, and I tell everyone who asks as much.) So, part of the deal was, 10 people had to sign up. Ten. And the deal includes family members. We get a discount, and the company is contributing a portion. In the end, I pay $25 a month, which is deducted from my pay cheque. This is cheaper than a membership to the YMCA.
So, I signed up, once I found out where it was located (I work and live downtown, and I don't own a car. Easy accessibility is a requirement.). After the mad signup rush, there was a total of 8 people. EIGHT. Out of 70. Oh wait, one of those 8 was a spouse, not an employee. Pa.The.Tic. I shook my head A LOT that day.
I am someone who needs to lose weight. I'm not obese. But I can definitely stand to lose 25 to 30 pounds. Age is catching up to me, and is affecting my metabolism.
So, I figured it was about time I visited The Gym. See what I signed up for. And that was what I did on Friday.
Once I found it (which wasn't too hard), I went in and was greeted with a big smile, but not an overwhelming personality. I walked up and handed her the form I'd been told to take with me (that has been tucked in my purse for 3 months). She asked if I'd like a tour. Sure, why not? So, she calls Ryan to come show me around. She was sure to tell him I'm a "corporate" member. Ahhhh, that's what that form was for.
Do you have ANY idea what corporate membership means? I found out. Yowza. The Gym offers all these classes, that I can take at no additional charge. Every day, there's something. I need variety, or I get bored quickly. And most importantly, these classes are offered at times that I can actually attend. When I've looked into classes elsewhere, they always started at 5:00 or so; my work day ends at 5:00.
There's tanning beds, a spa, a place to iron my clothes... all included. What's not included is the massage therapist (which they made sure to note, is included in my work's medical benefits.). And they offer personal trainers (not included, natch).
I have 3 appointments next week, for various training in programs. Included in the corporate membership (turns out the stretching course is offered to everyone, so I signed up for that one as well.).
My luck with quitting smoking didn't pan out. This time. Let's see how this Gym one goes. Once again, I'll ask you to wish me luck. Don't ask me to post "before" pictures. I'll take a couple for my own use & enjoyment. If all goes on a good track, I may share with you.......
The True Story of....
I love to read. I have a decent collection of books, but am trying to curb the book-spending, so have started visiting the library again. I've been stuck on autobiographies for a couple years now, and just can't stop indulging in the true stories of famous people, as told by themselves. Not biographies, those books written by people about other people. Those are always missing something. And I especially detest "unauthorized" biographies. Those writers are nothing more than glamourized gossip columnists. Instead of reading an unauthorized biography, I'd rather wait years for that person to finally choose to tell their own story.
Right now, I'm working on 3 books (yes, three.). 1. I, Tina - Tina Turner; 2. Wonderful Tonight - Pattie Boyd (mostly talks about her marriages to George Harrison and Eric Clapton), and 3. How I Lost 5 Pounds in 6 Years - Tom Arnold. I borrowed #2 and 3 from the library at the same time, and am reading Pattie's book first. Tom will wait a little bit. But then, I got a call from the library last week, saying that Tina's book had arrived, and was waiting for me to sign out. So I'm reading #1 and 2 at the same time.
Last week, I read To Hell and Back - Meat Loaf, in less than 3 days. Great book. I highly recommend it.
My personal collection is varied. Here's my Top 5 favourites of those I own:
1. The Dirt - Motley Crue (and most everyone who had read this will agree it deserves top spot. Read it. But if you do read it, keep it away from minors. It should come with a parental warning on the cover.)
2. Heroin Diaries - Nikki Sixx (Best to read this after The Dirt, when you gain an appreciation for Nikki Sixx's story telling abilities. It's deep and very dark, but ends on a positive note - he's alive. I love Nikki Sixx. Number one on my list of things to do before I die is to meet Nikki Sixx. Number 2 on that list is to french kiss him. And I know I'm not the only one with this wish.)
3. Hitman - David Foster (An amazing music man, Canadian, nonetheless. The man responsible for bringing many big music stars to the spotlight, including Michael Buble. He's arrogant, but is totally allowed to be.)
4. Hitman - Bret Hart (Yes, two books by the same name, by two Canadians, telling very different stories.)
5. Slash by Slash (I love rock star autobiographies. This story was surprising. Behind the big black hair and top hat is a very talented man who is also lucky to be alive.)
Close but not quite:
6. The Chris Farley Show (not an autobiography, because he died before this was written. It's in the same format as The Dirt, with many people adding their personal experiences to the mix.)
7. The Hardest (Working) Man in Show Business - Ron Jeremy (the porn star. A little too much name dropping for my liking. But considering what he does, and how he looks, he's got a lot of friends in high places.)
Keith Richards' book comes out next week. I can't wait. That will be a goooood one.
Right now, I'm working on 3 books (yes, three.). 1. I, Tina - Tina Turner; 2. Wonderful Tonight - Pattie Boyd (mostly talks about her marriages to George Harrison and Eric Clapton), and 3. How I Lost 5 Pounds in 6 Years - Tom Arnold. I borrowed #2 and 3 from the library at the same time, and am reading Pattie's book first. Tom will wait a little bit. But then, I got a call from the library last week, saying that Tina's book had arrived, and was waiting for me to sign out. So I'm reading #1 and 2 at the same time.
Last week, I read To Hell and Back - Meat Loaf, in less than 3 days. Great book. I highly recommend it.
My personal collection is varied. Here's my Top 5 favourites of those I own:
1. The Dirt - Motley Crue (and most everyone who had read this will agree it deserves top spot. Read it. But if you do read it, keep it away from minors. It should come with a parental warning on the cover.)
2. Heroin Diaries - Nikki Sixx (Best to read this after The Dirt, when you gain an appreciation for Nikki Sixx's story telling abilities. It's deep and very dark, but ends on a positive note - he's alive. I love Nikki Sixx. Number one on my list of things to do before I die is to meet Nikki Sixx. Number 2 on that list is to french kiss him. And I know I'm not the only one with this wish.)
3. Hitman - David Foster (An amazing music man, Canadian, nonetheless. The man responsible for bringing many big music stars to the spotlight, including Michael Buble. He's arrogant, but is totally allowed to be.)
4. Hitman - Bret Hart (Yes, two books by the same name, by two Canadians, telling very different stories.)
5. Slash by Slash (I love rock star autobiographies. This story was surprising. Behind the big black hair and top hat is a very talented man who is also lucky to be alive.)
Close but not quite:
6. The Chris Farley Show (not an autobiography, because he died before this was written. It's in the same format as The Dirt, with many people adding their personal experiences to the mix.)
7. The Hardest (Working) Man in Show Business - Ron Jeremy (the porn star. A little too much name dropping for my liking. But considering what he does, and how he looks, he's got a lot of friends in high places.)
Keith Richards' book comes out next week. I can't wait. That will be a goooood one.
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