The Ramblings of a Disgruntled Secretary

News...

2012-01-04T09:50:00.000-08:00

Cheers!

I'll be blogging again soon-ish . . .

I don't know if I'll be staying here . . . or moving to WordPress . . .

In any event . . . If you're still interested in reading the adventures of Me . . .

Let me know . . .

I'll forward the new URL as soon as it is up.

Thanks to Amber for helping me with this!

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Tuesday Tidbits: 7.5.2011

2011-07-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

It's Tuesday . . . It's tidbits . . . It's Tuesday Tidbits . . .

An opportunity for me to share a few nonsensical items . . .

#1
Fifth of July . . . The day after the Fourth of July . . . The day that the streets of our great nation are littered with strewn about firecracker remains . . . Driving out of the neighborhood this morning was like driving through a desert laced with landmines. No one wants to do it, but you have to to get to the other side. In other words . . . Get your hung over butts up, get your brooms, and clean up in front of your house. We do.

Which brings me to . . .

#2
I understand why we get the Fourth of July off . . . But does anyone else agree that the Fifth of July should also be a national holiday along the lines of a recovery day of sorts?

#3
In other news . . . Owen Wilson wants a lifetime pass to Disneyland. You know who else wants one? Me. You know who can probably afford a lifetime pass to Disneyland? Owen Wilson. You know who can't? Me. So you made a couple of Disney movies . . . Congrats. Now get over yourself and buy an annual pass like the rest of us. Moving on . . .

#4
Pizza Hut's Big Italy pizza . . . Get it . . . with extra sauce . . . It was absolutely heaven on Earth.

#5
Does anyone know how hot it can get in a work environment before it's officially considered illegal? I can't find anything anywhere . . . Although it may just be the heat . . . This is what I've been dealing with lately . . .

#6
I also want to know who this dirty ass person is . . . There's literally a trash can 10 feet away . . .

Hope you're having a phenomenal Tuesday! :)

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Mrs., Ms., Miss... I Don't Really Care

2011-05-03T17:48:00.000-07:00

I just got home from an unusually hectic day at the office . . .

And felt the need to vent . . . and be all around bitchy for a minute . . .

And really had a thought on my way home that I should probably change the name of this blog to The Confessions of a Disgruntled Secretary because it went along with my mood today . . .

So . . . I'm at a meeting today taking minutes . . . Remind me again why it is necessary for me to take minutes? Yea, yea, something about having a record about what went on at the last meeting or something or the other like that, but let's be honest . . . No one ever (and I mean EVER) goes back and reads the damn things.

That being said . . .

I was approached today after the meeting ended by one of the ladies that attends the meeting and she asks me if she can have a word. (Like I have a choice, right?) So she begins to tell me how we need to come into the 21st century, how I really don't need to use Mrs. in the minutes because that's her mom, how no one is all that interested in her marital status, but made sure to add after she stated her peace that it's not really a big deal.

Ok . . . So . . . First and foremost . . . About coming into the 21st century? Lady . . . I'm a male secretary . . . 'nuff said.

Second, I've been berated and gotten earfuls in the past for using Ms., Mrs. Miss, so honestly, there's no effing way I'm going to get away with typing these minutes without offending someone. And to be completely honest, I don't like being called Mr. Fabulous either, I'd rather go by Meeko . . . BUT formalities of minutes and all that jazz stipulate I need to use some kind of prefix to everyone's damn names . . . So unless you have a doctorate . . . You're left to deal with whichever I'm in the mood too type that day . . . because honestly . . . I don't have the time to go to every single lady that sits in this meeting and ask them how they would like to be referred to in the meeting minutes. Hell, I'm willing to bet money that half of them don't even give a damn.

Furthermore . . . You know who else doesn't give rat's anal orifice about your marital status? Me. Lady, I'm battling a freakin' cold while working without air conditioning, clean air, underground, with no windows to the outside world. You being a Mrs., Ms, Miss is the furthest thing from my mind at the moment.

And finally . . . I call bullshit on your "it's not really that big of a deal" statement because it it weren't really a "big deal" . . . You wouldn't have gone out of your way to stop me and let me know all this.

And while I'm at it . . . I'll confess that I had the most evil thought while she was going through her spiel . . . "And this is why you're a Ms. and not a Mrs.".

SO . . .

With all that said . . .

I hope you're all in excellent health and enjoying your Tuesday. :)

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Giveaway!!!

2011-05-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

My Friend Amber is having a Grand Re-opening for her design blog Zany Dezines. Because of her big move to wordpress, she’s revamped her site and is having a giveaway and debuting her new pre-made layouts throughout the week. She’s also announcing a new business partner, who does ad cards for your blogs, Jenn!

So what does that mean for you? It means that you can win 50% off a Blogger or a {self hosted} Wordpress design!

Mandatory Entry
Subscribe to ZD via RSS & follow via GFC {if you followed ZD before the old feeds don’t work}

Additional Entries
Follow Me Via GFC — 2 entries
Follow Me on Twitter {@meekofabulous} — 2 entries
Follow ZD on Twitter {@zanydezines} — 2 entries
Tweet about the Giveaway { 50% off a wordpress blog design #Giveaway w/ @meekofabulous & @zanydezines http://bit.ly/igZ4YX Pls RT } — 2 entries
Like ZD on Facebook { http://www.facebook.com/zanydezines } — 2 entries
Blog about this giveaway — 5 entries

Giveaway Ends Friday May 6th at noon CST

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Cruisin'

2011-04-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

Hi all! :)

Puffin and I just got back from a week long vacation down the Mexican Riviera on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Star. What an amazing vacation!

I highly recommend you take a cruise vacation if you haven't yet done so. We're already planning our next cruise!

Each day brought a new adventure and I can hardly wait to share with all of you!

I still need to organize pictures and add tags and all and what not . . . But keep an eye out . . . Because . . .

I'm going to be posting pics from the vacation here for your viewing pleasure . . . Enjoy!

I'll start with this picture because it's one of my favorite ones!

(Please click to enlarge.)

I took this shot from a very small boat that took us on a tour around Land's End in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. I was so thankful this shot came out as well as it did! It's hard to keep your balance in those little boats.

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Reminder: Cookie Swap

2011-03-04T09:33:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all . . .

Just a friendly reminder that today is the last day to sign up for the cookie swap!

To sign up . . . Go HERE.

Hope we get a few more people to sign up! :)

Happy Friday!

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For my Nana

2011-03-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

I had this tattoo done as a tribute to my Nana who passed away three years ago today. I got it a little less than a month ago, but wanted to wait until today to post about it.

(Please pardon the flash.)

My Nana was a seamstress. That's how she raised her nine kids all on her own. So I thought the seamstress shears and the spool of thread were a fitting tribute. The thread is green because that was her favorite color. The thread makes the shape of an 'S' because her name was Sara. The rose wasn't part of the original design I had in mind when I explained what I wanted to the tattoo artist, but once he showed it to me, I thought it was just perfect and that it only added to the tattoo. So I got the rose in pink because it's my favorite color of roses. I thought it was a nice way of putting a little of myself into the tattoo as well.

Although today is a sad day, I choose to remember the happy memories I had with my Nana. So instead of being sad that she's gone (although I may be a little sad, I'm not gonna lie), I will celebrate and be thankful for the time that we did have with her.

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P.I.N.T.: Cookie Swap!

2011-03-01T08:49:00.000-08:00

Wow . . . It's been a while . . . But here goes nothing . . .

Today's post is part of . . .

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RECIPE: Soft Choco-Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

2011-02-25T10:35:00.000-08:00

I did something last night that I don't do to often . . .

But I decided I wasn't just going to plop my @$$ on the couch all night long, and so . . . I was determined to bake cookies.

If you know me . . . I don't bake. I can cook you up a storm (unless it's breakfast--I just can't figure it out for some odd reason), but I don't bake. Anywho . . .

I whipped up a batch of these last night and everyone in the office is going gaga for them today!

So without further adieu . . .

Preheat your oven to 375F . . .

Soft Choco-Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
Makes 2-3 dozen cookies.

Ingredients

2-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup margarine
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cups brown sugar, packed
1 tsp vanilla extract (I use pure vanilla extract, tastes way better than the imitation stuff!) - Gotta give credit to Puffin on that one. ;)
5-1/4 oz package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 eggs, beaten
11 oz package Nestle Toll House peanut butter & chocolate chips

I like to measure out everything ahead of time (otherwise it's a disaster zone).

Directions

In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, margarine, sugars, vanilla, and dry pudding mix; beat until smooth and creamy.
Beat in eggs.
Stir in chocolate chips.

Yea . . . I cheat and use the mixer.

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.

I use parchment paper because it's guaranteed they won't stick (and clean up is a breeze!)

Bake at 375F for 8-10 minutes or until golden.

This may be why I don't like to bake . . . Waiting for these to come out was killer!

Let cool on wire racks.

AND I had to wait for them to cool too?! Too much waiting!

Enjoy!

The cookies flew off the tray this morning!

Meeko's Notes: For added "umph", place a cookie (or three) in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for that "fresh out of the oven" taste.

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It's the Simple Things...

2011-02-22T10:33:00.000-08:00

It's truly the simple things that can just make your day sometimes.

Maria drove into the office today with the back of her truck full of snow! :)

I hadn't seen snow since I was five or six years old!

Martha and I played with the snow for a little while and made snowballs and threw snow all over the section of the parking lot where Maria had parked.

It was a really cool way to start the morning.

And like I said . . . Sometimes it's the simple things that just make your day.

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Update on 2011 Goals

2011-02-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

Well . . . Here we are on the 47th day of this year . . .

How are you all doing on the goals you set for yourself in 2011?

As for me . . .

Goal #1 - Negativity
It's been a long last couple of days in the Fabulous Family . . . Sibling drama . . . But after a few conversations, a few tears, and a couple of hugs, everything seems to be right on track. Additionally, in my quest to free my life of negativity, I posted a response (an honest, non-sugar coated response) to a friend's status on Facebook and was promptly deleted as a "Friend". But I'll tell you one thing . . . It felt awesome to have gotten that off my chest.

#2 - Lose Weight
I can't believe I'm about to post this for the entire world to see . . .
Starting Weight: 193 pounds
Current Weight: 181 pounds
Goal Weight: 165-170 pounds
And honestly y'all . . . I'm honestly eating whatever I want. The key is portion control. As well as exercise and increased water consumption.

#3 - Quit Smoking
I'm not gonna lie and tell y'all that I haven't cheated and that I haven't had one here and there . . . Because I have . . . Hell . . . I'll be in Vegas this coming weekend to celebrate my sister's 21st birthday and I would be a liar if I said I wasn't going to have a couple while I was there. So . . . This one is still a work in progress.

And . . .

Announcing . . .

The debut of a new blog!

Through Meeko's Eyes: Life as seen through my camera over at http://meekofabulousphotography.blogspot.com/.

I hope you'll all come over and visit me there too. :)

Wishing you all an amazing rest of your hump day!

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My Little Girl is All Grown Up

2011-02-06T12:41:00.000-08:00

I remember it like it was yesterday . . .

My parents brought home this little creature (dressed in pink) that I was sure was going to turn my world upside down . . .

And good Lord was I right . . .

But I can't say it hasn't been fun (and a bit frustrating at times . . .)

21 years ago at 4:25 in the morning (which is why this post was set to auto-publish at 4:25 a.m.) . . . In a universe far, far away . . .

Cause you know if she's my sister . . . She'd have to be out of this world . . .

My sister was born.

I still can't believe I'm old enough to have a 21 year old sister . . .

So I guess I can't say I'm 21 anymore because there's no way I can pull off being her twin . . . So I'll be 25 from now on . . . Until she turns 25 . . . And then I'll have to say I'm 30 . . . I suppose . . .

Anywho . . .

Happy birthday Putz!

I love you! :)

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Goals for 2011

2011-01-11T12:16:00.000-08:00

It's a new year . . . Time for me to make a bunch of resolutions I'm going to break! That's why I don't make resolutions. I do set goals though. Last year, I failed miserably at accomplishing any of the goals I had set last year.

This year's goals are off to a good start so far . . .

#1 - Negativity
I can't deal with negativity anymore. If your life is that miserable and unhappy that you're constantly negative to the point where you're bringing those around you down (regardless of whether you see it or not), then maybe it's time for some changes. As for me, I will no longer contribute (read: enable) or try to cheer you up. I exhausted myself doing that in 2010. Not this year. You can go ahead and be miserable all on your own.

#2 - Lose Weight
Yea, yea . . . I say this every year. Every year is the year. This year, has been drastically different. I've been counting calories and watching what I eat (for the most part). I'm drinking a minimum of 50 oz of water per day. I've joined the gym. I've already lost two pounds (maybe three) . . . :) And yes, perhaps there is an underlying reason for it . . . Since I'll be going on a cruise in April and my in-laws gave me $200 to Express to shop for trip clothes . . . but if that's not a good reason . . . I dunno what is . . . it certainly motivated me this year. :)

#3 - Quit smoking
Here we are on Day 11 of 2011 . . . and I've been smoke free for 11 days. :)

What are your goals this year?

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RECIPE: Momma Carol's Mulled Cider

2010-12-16T12:55:00.000-08:00

One thing that I look forward to having every year at Christmas is Momma Carol's Mulled Cider. Every year at Christmas, she would bring a big crock pot of her Mulled Cider along with a few baked goodies. (She would prepare the cider at home and heat it in the crock pot in the office.) The cider would fill the office with the smell of apples and cinnamon with a hint of spice and lemon.

Well . . . Momma Carol retired last June . . . And it didn't strike me until last week that I wasn't going to get any of her mulled cider this year! (Because . . . It's all about me, you know . . .)

So I shot her a quick e-mail to beg for the recipe . . . and when she sent it to me, it just made my day! I made it for my office's holiday social (along with some peppermint meringues, but that's a recipe for another day). And then I got to thinking . . . Why not share it with all of you?!

So I shot her a quick e-mail to ask if it was ok to share it with you all and she said yes!

So . . . Without further adieu . . .

Momma Carol's Mulled Cider
Makes 16 servings

Ingredients:

2 quarts sweet apple cider
1 tsp whole cloves
1 tsp whole allspice
2 to 4 three inch cinnamon sticks
1/2 a lemon (thinly sliced)
1/4 to 1/2 cup of sugar

Directions:

Put all ingredients in a covered pan and bring to a rolling boil for ten minutes.
Strain
Serve hot.

Momma Carol's Notes:
I always double this. I add a couple of cinnamon sticks, thinly sliced lemon AND oranges to the crock pot just to make it look pretty. Try to change the fruit slices a couple of times during the day because they get pretty funky looking. Remember to wash the outside of the fruit before slicing.

And there you have it! Momma Carol's Mulled Cider.

I hope you all have a chance to make this cider this holiday season so you can enjoy it as much as I do! :)

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Time to Get Together!

2010-12-14T17:05:00.000-08:00

This is of course the busiest time of the year but it's also the giving season, the time where we make sure to think of others before ourselves. A family is grieving the loss of their son in a horrific accident. Read more here and here. Most of us can't even imagine the pain this family is experiencing not to mention the financial strain. It's my Christmas wish to be able to help this family, who are also friends of mine, to help take away something on their minds at a time that's focused on famil and love and happiness.

Steph is still trying hard to get some products donated as incentive to donate. I know that a childs death is sad and isn't like a baby with a disease or curing something but it's still just as important. If you son or daughter was killed in an accident what would you do? Every dollar you donate will be one entry into the drawing for prizes. Steph will get an email with your info and the amount you've donated and will email you back to confirm and give you your drawing numbers. When the auction ends tentatively on the 15th of January, possibly the 31st she will go through and random.org each item with them numbers to pick a winner (the two of you that have donated will be getting emails soon). Hope to have more details on the auction in the next few days as more sponors get back in touch, between the weekend and weather people are taking longer to get back in touch. Decide to give up your morning coffee to Riley for a day and you give $5 to a deserving family and get five entries to win some cool stuff!

The donations we have to auction off right now are:
$10 Gift Card to Bath & Body Works
$25 Gift Code to Steph's Rockin Bakery$50 Gift Code to PinkCherry.com
and Jules Out Loud is donating a crocheted teddy bear
Project Mommyhood is donating a lovey from Noahs Baby Boutique
A Dust Bunny in the Wind is donating a $15 Gift Code to her store Nitebyrd's Nest (she must have known what I liked)
Eden Fantasys is donating $100 Gift Code thanks to Jenn (blogger relations guru)
Jaded Vixen has offered two of her racy e books (you know us ladies love racy) on her blog under either pen name

You can also help by SPREADING THE WORD! I have been surprised that not many people have taken an interest but I'm hoping that it's just because the weekend was busy and you've been busy shopping. I know my readers would do anything they could to help!

The rest of her firsts with Riley are gone now and as a mother and a friend of Sandra I want to do everything I can to help and I know that you will too. Our blog family can help this family with this burden so that they have one less thing to worry about in the recovery from the death of Riley. Feel free to email me any questions that you may have!.

If you write a post for The Riley Memorial please link it up at this link so that when Sandra is feeling low she can see all the love that we are sending her and her family!

Starving Children . . .

2010-12-13T15:03:00.000-08:00

I remember while growing up that my mom used to tell us to eat all the food on our plates because "there are kids in Africa that don't have anything to eat".

And growing up, I felt bad for the kids in Africa because they didn't have food. And you'd see them on TV and you'd change the channel because you felt guilty that you had more than they did.

Well . . . Now I'm a grown up . . . And you know what?

There's starving children in Mexico . . . Central America . . . Russia . . . Africa . . . There are starving children everywhere. Wanna know where else there are starving children? Here in the good ol' US of A. That's right. Just because we're not a third world country, doesn't mean that we're not stricken by poverty.

So while the Angelina's, Oprah's, and Madonna's of the world are out and about in foreign countries donating all sorts of cash (which I'm not putting them down for), there's a lot of need here too. (I'm not saying they should stop helping those countries, but they should help too.) (Not that I know if they do or don't, but I hope you're getting my drift here.)

Anywho . . .

Now I know money is a little tight this time of year and due to the economy as well . . .

But why not do a little something to bring some holiday cheer to someone? It doesn't have to be that much.

Check with your local school, perhaps they know of a family that could use a donation of a new toy or a gift card to a local grocery store.

Why not drop a few cans and non-perishable items off at your local food bank or homeless shelter?

Perhaps a local church is sponsoring a food or toy drive for parish members in need?

This year, our office opted to forgo the Secret Santa gift exchange and adopted a local family. My boss bought all the kids toys, each of us shopped for clothes for one of the kids (my kid got two polos, a hoodie, a long sleeve tee, and a really nice sweater), and the family is also getting a gift card to a local grocery store.

I'm just saying . . .

It's the holidays.

We're blessed.

Why not bless someone else?

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Happy Birthday Mom!

2010-12-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

Today is my Mom's 61st birthday.

I called her on the way to work this morning and after hanging up I debated on whether I wanted to write this post or not. It sounded kind of nuts in my head, but then again . . . I wouldn't be me if it didn't sound slightly illogical.

I am SO thankful for my Mom.

My parents split up when I was 10 years old so as far back as I can remember, the only family I've ever had has been my Mom and my sister. Just us three. (I do have an older brother, but that's a story for a whole different post.)

My Mom raised us on her own and we made it through thick and thin. And even though we didn't have much growing up, she always made sure we never went without and that we always had food in our bellies. She can still stretch a dollar better than anyone I know.

I am so thankful that my Mom is such a "tough old broad" and that she wasn't one of those mom's that didn't see any other way out than to drive their car into a lake or off a cliff. (SEE?! I told you it was gonna sound nuts.) (Yes, my mind is a scary place.)

She always kept her cool in the face of adversity and was terrifying when she needed to be. Believe me . . . I know all about that terrifying side . . . Remember that one time I came home at 4:25 a.m.?

In any event, I don't know where I would be today if not for my mom. She never gave up on us and for that, I'm thankful. Not that we didn't try to drive her insane . . . We just never really succeeded. She was a firm disciplinarian and we knew when to stop pushing our luck. All it took was "the look". (I hope I can master that "look" by the time I have kids.)

I remember growing up and wondering why she was so strict and so tough on us. I remember resenting her for not letting me do certain things or going certain places or staying out till odd hours of the night with my friends. Now, years later, I can appreciate and understand why she did what she did and why she was as strict as she was and for that I'm thankful.

So . . . With all that said . . .

Happy birthday Mom. I love you. Here's to you and many more years to come.

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RECIPE: Maria's Marinara

2010-12-09T08:50:00.000-08:00

It's time for a recipe!

I made this one for dinner last night and it was absolutely delicious and healthy to boot!

Since I got this recipe from my co-worker Maria . . . I named it . . .

Maria's Marinara

Ingredients:

3 cups diced celery
2 cups diced onion
2 cloves garlic (I used about 4)
3 Italian sausages out of casings (I used 4)
2 big cans whole tomato
1 small can Italian style diced tomato
Salt and Pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes to taste

Directions:

Sautee celery, onion, and garlic (until celery and onion are translucent).
Add Italian sausage and brown (I added it in chunks).
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Add cans of whole tomato and Italian style diced tomato.
Add red pepper flakes to taste (I used approx. 1 tbsp).
Bring to a boil.
Simmer for at least one hour. (I do at least two.)
Use a masher to break up the last of the whole tomato.
Enjoy!

Meeko's Notes: I served it over cheese & garlic stuffed Buitoni agnolotti pasta and garlic bread (and parmesan cheese of course). I ended up adding a can of tomato paste because I like my marinara a little thicker than it turned out.

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Dealing With Difficult People

2010-12-07T14:55:00.000-08:00

So I get this brochure in the mail advertising an upcoming conference in my area that teaches you how to deal with difficult people. It's a delightfully illustrated little pamphlet that includes the types of people that are difficult to deal with. It also informs you that it is geared towards managers, administrative assistants, and others in supervisory roles.

Doesn't this sound like the perfect professional development opportunity?

If only my employer could afford to send us all to this educational seminar!

(Are you sensing my sarcasm here?)

Seriously? I could teach this course in ten minutes flat. All it takes is a little back bone and a desire to guide/lead/teach.

Let's review the type of difficult people shall we?

1. The Know-It-Alls: They're arrogant and usually have an opinion on every issue. When they're wrong, they get defensive.

My Solution: How do you deal with this difficult type of person? Simple. Know-It-Alls rarely wait to dispense their advice/opinions. Graciously thank them for helping you out (read: feed their ego) and go on your merry way and do what you were going to do anyway. Just because they gave you their opinion, doesn't mean you have to do what they said. Opinions are like belly buttons, everyone has them and some of them stink!

2. The Passives: These people never offer ideas or let you know where they stand.

My Solution: Don't put these people on the spot, per se, but do ask guiding questions. Every member of the team is important and should be made to feel included.

3. The Dictators: They bully and intimidate. They're constantly demanding and brutally critical.

My Solution: This one is so simple it's not even funny. Befriend them. Bullies don't pick on their friends. If that doesn't work, ignore them. Literally. They only bully and berate because they have an audience. No audience = No performance . . . Unless they're you're boss . . . In which case, you'll need to start looking for a new one. A new job, that is. There's always the HR course of action too.

4. The "Yes" People: They agree to any commitment, yet rarely deliver. You can't trust them to follow through.

My Solution: As a manager, it's your job to follow through with your employees to make sure they're on track (or that you're at least all on the same page). I don't mean be overbearing and micromanaging, but ask questions to get a sense of where your employees are with a certain project/task. It'll help keep them on task (and on time) and they'll probably appreciate the reminder.

5. The "No" People: They are quick to point out why something won't work. What's worse, they're inflexible.

My Solution: Since they're so quick to point out why something won't work, give them the entire project and let them handle it. Soon enough they'll learn to shut their traps.

And last, but certainly not least . . .

6. The Gripers: Is anything ever right with them? They prefer complaining to finding solutions.

My Solution: "Gripers" are an interesting mix. They walk a fine line between lazy and brilliant. But it's up to you to find that. The best way to get results out of your gripers is to give them assignments/projects/tasks with clearly delineated expectations. The less they have to think, the less they have to complain about.

See?

I just saved our company (and possibly yours!) the $149 per person fee.

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A Decision

2010-11-30T15:06:00.000-08:00

I miss the blogging world. I post ever so intermittently now.

And I've been doing a lot of thinking and I think I know why I've taken such a hiatus from blogging lately . . .

I want to post about more things than just work. I want to share my point of view on issues here. I want to share the occasional funny thing that happened this week/end. I want to share a recipe or two with y'all. I want to discuss more than my 9-5. I mean, sure it's fun to bitch and moan about everything going on in the office and it can really be therapeutic and all, but I am not my job. If that makes any kind of sense. I mean, sure there will be the occasional post about work, but I guess what I'm saying is that there's more to me than just being a disgruntled ass secretary who sounds like he's going through a total identity crisis at the moment . . . LoL

Anyway . . .

You'll be seeing more of me from now on. Maybe not every day . . . But definitely more often than once every two or three weeks.

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Handle Your Shit

2010-11-23T14:37:00.000-08:00

That's right . . .

I said it . . .

Handle. Your. Shit.

A situation came up today in which a request for transportation to ship some items had been left on someone's desk while they were on vacation. Someone who shall remain nameless.

I come from the school of "if you're going on vacation . . . handle your shit". That way no one else gets stuck doing MY work. Who's work? My work. Case in point . . . I came in two days during what was supposed to have been my vacation to finish a project. Why? Cause it's my work and no one else should get stuck doing it. (The fact that I don't trust anyone else to do my work has nothing to do with it . . . honest . . . ::rolls eyes::). Maybe that's just my work ethic though.

Anywho . . . This person went on vacation. Left these time sensitive transportation requests just sitting on their desk. Didn't tell anyone about them. Nothing. Just went on their merry little way.

Who got slammed with it today? If you said "Meeko" . . . You'd be right.

Here's the thing. I don't mind handling it because it's so ridiculously simple. So ridiculously simple, in fact, that I don't understand why it was left sitting for a week and may mean that I may have to have a sit down with said employee to find out what's going on. (I absolutely hate pulling the status card, but will when needed.)

You're probably asking, "But Meeko, if it's so simple, then why the Hell am I bitching about it?"

It's the principle of the matter. (And an excuse to write a post!)

Had I been told that there was stuff left over that needed to be handled I would be totally ok with it. I don't mind making sure that everything is handled and that nothing is left pending. It's when I'm caught completely off guard that I don't appreciate it. I don't appreciate it at all.

So . . . With all that said . . .

Do you want your fellow colleagues to like you?

Then follow this simple rule . . .

If you're going on vacation . . .

HANDLE YOUR SHIT.

That is all.

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An Open Letter to Southern California Drivers

2010-11-08T14:16:00.000-08:00

Dear ~~Assholes~~ Fellow Southern California Drivers,

The first thing I want to get off my chest . . . It's just effing rain! Seriously . . . It's just rain. Just because the roads are a little wet and there's little droplets of water landing on your windshield is no excuse to lose your minds. Granted, it doesn't rain here too often, but it rains enough to where you all should have some sort of experience behind the wheel. Get a f@#$ing grip.

Second, to the stupid ass in the gigantic raised black SUV with the big ass Raider's sticker (used solely for identification purposes, I could give two shits about the Raiders either way) on your back window . . . You, Sir or Madame (I couldn't tell what you were with your dark ass limo tinted windows) are an asshole. It's raining. Slow the f@#$ down. Cutting other cars off in such a ridiculous fashion (especially when it is wet) is only going to result in two things: 1) You'll get pulled over and get a ticket ~~for being an asshole~~ speeding and hopefully topped off with a reckless endangerment charge or 2) the worst option: You'll wreck and get yourself killed, not to mention you might hurt or kill someone else.

Third, to the lady in the Highlander that was four car lengths away when I turned my blinker on so I could merge over . . . You're a b@#$%. Thanks for speeding way up when I was merging over so that you could get in the way to make sure I couldn't move over. Why the Hell for? I have no idea . . . Do you know how close you came to hitting my car? You're so lucky you missed . . . You're lucky all you got to see was me flipping you off (because I know you saw me) because you probably would have died if you had heard the stream of expletives that had fallen out of my mouth.

Thankfully the sun is out so all you rat bastards can drive home at break neck speeds again.

Most Respectfully Up Yours,
Me

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Shakira Saturday & Sunday Fun

2010-10-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

Oh. My. God.

What an awesome weekend!

Saturday, I got my early birthday present from Puffin . . .

He took me to the Shakira concert!

Here's my concert t-shirt!

And here's the bag Puffin bought me!

I had such an amazing time! I danced the entire time. I sang the entire time. I think you could literally feel the happiness oozing off of me.

Here's the set list:
(Yes, I did sit there and type these all out on my phone during the concert.) (Yes I am that kind of fan.)

Pienso En Ti (from the Pies Descalzos album)
Why Wait (from the She Wolf album)
Te Dejo Madrid (from the Laundry Service album)
Si Te Vas (from the ¿Donde Estan Los Ladrones? album)
Whenever, Wherever (from the Laundry Service album)
Inevitable (from the ¿Donde Estan Los Ladrones? album)
Nothing Else Matters (She usually covers a song, I think that's what this one was called)
Gypsy (from the She Wolf album)
La Tortura (from the Fijacion Oral, Vol. 1 album)
Ciega, Sordomuda (from the ¿Donde Estan Los Ladrones? album)
Underneath Your Clothes (from the Laundry Service album)
Gordita (from the Sale El Sol album)
Sale El Sol (from the Sale El Sol album)
Las de la Intuicion (from the Fijacion Oral, Vol. 1 album)
Loca (from the Sale El Sol album)
She Wolf (from the She Wolf album)
Ojos Asi (from the ¿Donde Estan Los Ladrones? album) (My favorite Shakira song.)
Antes de las Seis (from the Sale El Sol album)
Hips Don't Lie (from the Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 album)
Waka Waka (from the Sale El Sol album)

What I love about Shakira's concerts is that she plays a mix of everything over the years, not just the stuff from her latest album. That makes for an awesome show because there's a little something for all her fans, long-time ones (like me) and new ones alike.

Even though she started WAY later than the time on the tickets . . . She played for a good hour and a half.

Sunday . . .

I'm always learning something new . . . I learned two things yesterday . . .

Thanks to my friends Amber and Amanda . . . I learned how to Skype and I also learned how to crochet via Skype! How awesome is that? How far has technology come?! My friends from Wisconsin and Ohio taught me how to crochet . . . online!

This is as far as I got last night . . .

Yea, yea . . . I know the right side is a little messed up . . . but give me a break . . . Not bad for a first timer, right? :)

Also, please keep Amanda in your thoughts today . . . She's having exploratory surgery to see if they can diagnose her pain from the RSD more.

Wishing you all an awesome rest of your Monday! :)

Meeting Chief & Supah in Las Vegas

2010-10-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

Well after a few months of waiting ~~and a whole new round of immunization and booster shots later~~ . . .
I finally met those two ~~elusive creatures~~ world re-known fabulous bloggers known as Chief and Supahmommy!

We met up at Ceasar's Palace. It was totally one of those slow motion moments when we saw each other walking towards each other! When it dawned on us who exactly we were seeing. Supah and I ran ~~in for the kill like a cheetah tracking her prey~~ and we hugged and despite ~~how much she says she says she hates hugs she really doesn't and is totally a hugger~~ what Chief says . . . She got a hug too! :) It was so amazing to meet these two ladies I have gotten to know and love and be friends with through our blogs in real life. It was like we had been friends all along.

And for those of you looking for proof of our infamous Vegas meet up . . .

DISCLAIMER: I made Chief hold that yard-long cup of yummy.

I call this one our Charlie's Angels pose! :)

It's SO neat when you get a chance to meet some of your bloggy buddies in real life! I've met Jo from The End of the Rainbow and we've become great friends! I hope to meet more of my bloggy buds in the future!

Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend.

Have a great rest of your Monday! :)

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Office Battles

2010-10-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh . . . Where do I even start . . . It's been forever since I've written a post!

Thanks to all those that have sent me messages on Facebook and e-mails asking me if I'm ok. I really appreciate it!

It's just that in my line of business these last two months are the craziest!

Anyway . . . Office Battles . . .

When I was first assigned to this office . . . I knew it was going to be a whole different ball game . . . but I didn't quite know to what extent . . . And I can't move in somewhere and start making changes right away . . . You know? I am, but a lowly secretary . . .

First some background . . . The other admin secretary in here has always kind of just done it all on her own . . . Never really trusted anyone else to do stuff and would simply say "I'll handle it" when it was someone else's job entirely. The way I see it . . . It's a disservice to the lower secretaries on the totem pole because then they don't learn how to do stuff on their own. I did it for a while too because the other one would come up with a sweet little "hey hun, would you mind . . ." Why? Because she didn't know how to do it because someone else has always done it for her!

Well no more . . . The straw finally broke the camel's back . . . The icing on the cake . . . And all those other sayings that mean I've had just enough of this bullshit . . . Happened about the last week of September . . .

At that really big meeting I was prepping for I wrote about last time. There's only so much Meeko to go around so I can't attend two meetings at the same time to take minutes . . . so the superiors make a decision and I am to go with one of them while one of the other secretaries is to go with the other. So I proceed to go to said secretary to inform her of said decision and she looks at me and says, "Oh . . . I don't take minutes . . . and besides . . . I'm barely going to lunch."

That was all it took. I looked at her and said, "I haven't gone to lunch either. I'm not done setting up for the other meeting yet. You will take minutes so make sure you're back here by 1:00 p.m. sharp with a laptop in hand." I turned on the spot and walked away.

Case in point . . . I don't like pulling the rank card . . . but if I have to . . . I will. I like to treat all members on my team as equals. I expect everyone to do their fair share. But when you tell me that you don't do something that first off, your boss said for you to do, and second, is in your job description? Homie don't play that . . . Shit will hit the fan.

Since then . . . We've had a few more struggles . . . Why? Because I'm not doing/facilitating her job anymore.

I have a new boss and there are new responsibilities that were assigned to our department as well as new things that have been assigned to my desk, which I don't have a problem with. I've been super busy at work and that's how I like it. Therefore, I don't have time to babysit or do someone else's job.

So after two or three more tiffs . . . I sat her down and had a little talk with her. I told her that she's been applying for all these other jobs which I don't have a problem with. I'm all for professional advancement. However, when she asked me if I thought she was ready for a promotion . . . I had to answer the question honestly. No, I didn't. I told her that the other admin secretary has done her a huge disservice by doing everything for her. I told her that I wasn't going to have her go to a new location and then have people wonder what in the Hell I taught her while she was here. Nope. No way. Not going to happen. So I told her that I would be more than happy to walk her through things and let her know how they were supposed to be done, but there was no way I was going to be doing it for her anymore. I'm here to "build capacity" as we say in the business. I told her I was going to make her a self-sufficient secretary if it killed me.

And it just might . . . But I'm determined! :) No more Mr. Nice Meeko.

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