25 REASONS I OWE MY MOTHER


1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
'If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.'

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
'You better pray that will come out of the carpet.'

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
'If you don't wise up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!'

4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
'Because I said so, that's why.'

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
'If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going shopping with me.'

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT .
'Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident.'

7. My mother taught me IRONY
'Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about.'

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
'Shut your mouth and eat your dinner.'

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
'Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!'

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
'You'll sit there until those vegetables are gone.'

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
'This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.'

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
'If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!'

13 My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
'I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.'

14.My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
'Stop acting like your father!'

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
'There are millions of less fortunate children in this world
who don't have wonderful parents like you do.'

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
'Just wait until we get home.'

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
'You are going to get it when you get home!'

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
'If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to stick that way.'

19. My mother taught me ESP.
'Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?'

20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
'When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me.'

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
'If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.'

22.My mother taught me GENETICS.
'You're just like your father.'

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
'Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a stable?'

24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
'When you get to be my age, you'll understand.'

25. And my favourite:

My mother taught me about JUSTICE
'One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you

Dear Gee -   That is the very best!  You made my morning.  Good day to all!

I was a victim ( as well as many others, both male and female) of harrassment and sexual harrassment by my boss who was a top-ranking military official and VP of a defense company.  I chose not to stay a victim.  I re-iterated many times to the "gentleman" what was appropriate workplace behavior and what was not in regard to myself and others.   After a year and getting no where with our CEO, I went to headquarters in another city and spoke with their lawyers.  They were appalled and asked what my CEO was doing - which was nothing but listening to me and rubbing his forehead saying, "Oh my God, we can't have this".  It is a long and involved story but to shorten it greatly, it had to be done.  I couldn't live with myself if I didn't fight this battle - it had to stop.  I have a friend who is a states attorney and she helped me with a corporate lawyer.  I did not seek monetary compensation - it was a moral issue for me.  It was wrong and we all deserved to work in a non-hostile environment.  Long story short - he was fired.  I soon left the company for greener pastures but saw a few people at a party about a year later - they thanked me for making their life a bit easier for their last year prior to retirement.  

It still happens in the workplace and I believe we have a responsibility to:
1.  Let the offender know their actions, words are not acceptable.  

2. Document, document, document everything!

3.  If that doesn't stop - go to HR, to Headquarters, and if they won't help, go to EEOC and file a complaint.  That will start the ball rolling.  It won't be fixed overnight - there is a complex and involved investigation process.

It's going to be scary but if you think you can handle it - go for it.  Because this was a defense company, I was screened and interviewed by government defense agencies. So, it was a big deal to them also.  

I've never regretted my decision.  

Hmmm, only 1 boss beats all the rest.  Wonderful guy, very bright and very busy.  Among the personal things I've done for him:

1.  Run home and get the extra car keys from his wife because he left the Mercedes running in the company garage with the doors locked.

2.  Go to his home at lunch and let the doggies out so they they "do their thing".

3.  Be contact for him while he and his wife are on vacation, business trip, etc.  His mom is in a nursing home in another state and I would screen the calls and relay the message to him..in all fairness, most calls didn't need to be passed along.  His mom had Alzheimer's and didn't remember that he had recently visited.

4.  Daughter was in college near my home and sick with the flu.  He asked if I would go to the pharmacy and get a prescription and deliver it to her.

There are many more but those are a few of the best!

Current boss keeps personal and professional separate.  

Once in a while the situation is such that they really do need a hand - stuff happens, and I am truly glad to be of help.

Excellent advice Andrea!  Agree with Marie - couldn't add a thing.

Good for you Donna!  Good luck, we are all pulling for you!

Kathy

May I have one also?  Please send to: lilykeifer@cs.com at your convenience.

Thanks!

That was sooo funny!  I can imagine myself answering too.

One red-faced moment for me happened many years ago when I was dating a guy who was a clothes-horse.  It all had to be just so.  I know how to dress well and my clothes aren't the most expensive but I think (and so did he) that I make a nice appearance.  

The scenario: We are at the funeral parlor (his Mom died) and it is a bitterly cold January day (-15 degrees outside).  I have just been to the ladies room.  I have on long black boots and a long black dress.  I am kneeling at the coffin and he is to the left side of me with his hand on my shoulder.  To the right of me his aunt is weeping for she has lost her dear sister.  All of the sudden she starts laughing and I'm thinking that she is becoming hysterical.  Then she tells me that my dress is tucked inside my pantyhose!  She said I always made her sister laugh and that I gave her the last laugh here on earth.
My guy friend was totally appalled!  Now it wasn't as bad as it sounds - my hiny was covered and my dress was ballooned and draped just below it but.... what a hoot!!  That cured me of ever being embarrassed again - I just laughed at myself with everyone else.  

WhiteSatin - I too send you my good wishes and hope all went well on the interview.  

I can't imagine such a long commute to work - I'd rather be using that time to read a book, taking a walk or almost anything other than driving such a long distance.  

I have been laid off for a couple of months and am still looking.  It's only me here so the finances are getting pretty scary.  Lots of activity and 3 interviews but each company decided to hire within.  I've been selective but not too selective in terms of what part of town I'd like to work and have dropped considerably in salary requirement.  I have another interview on the 3rd of January with a company that has been in business for 61 years and they have never laid anyone off!  Isn't that unbelievable!  Also, to be on the safe side, I am available for any temp positions the first week of January.  I don't know about you, but I am seeing lots and lots of temp positions in our town.  

It's been hard not to worry during the holidays but I am giving it my best shot.  I have a wonderful family and a few good friends that have offered to help me out financially if needed.  It certainly is a humbling experience!  Of course, if I need the money I'll not be foolish and will ask for the help.  It's a bit hard because I've always taken care of things myself for me and my daughter.  The good news is that it's only me now.  My brother, who is a really neat guy, called yesterday and asked if I was going to be home in the afternoon.  Said he had something to give me but couldn't stay because he had some customers to visit.  So, he stops by and gives me some cash to use as I see fit and tells me he doesn't want it back - it's a gift!  Then quickly gives me a hug and gets out the door before I can change my mind.  As I said, he's a really neat guy.  

I will take the advice given here and be a bit kinder and gentler with myself during this time.  I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Copyboy007 - thanks for the heads up.  I have been vigilant on the internet leads.  I don't think the employers have had the chance to get their hands off the mouse before I'm there!  The first week I was laid off I was a bit like a "deer caught in the headlights" because it was such a surprise.  But, I did have a brain cell or two fired up enough to send out a few resumes.  The second week, I was "wired" and I only drink decaf (don't ask - I don't know why either).  This week I'm a bit calmer.  Now this is good news because I have an interview tomorrow and it's best that I am "normal".......well.    

Thank you all for your suggestions and tips, as well as good wishes, etc.  Your support has been heartwarming and truly appreciated.  I'll let you know what develops.

Kathy

The resumes are flyin' out the door and through the internet!!  I have 2 potential leads but they are $25K LESS than what I was making.  I am very willing to accept less but that is a really big drop in pay and not sure I can handle it.  I am trying to get into non-profit - hence the low salary.  Really don't want to do the "corporate" thing but will smile and do it gracefully if necessary.  Since I am an "old broad" I've been around - know what I mean?  ....and didn't burn any bridges so, I have many contacts with which to network.  My recruiter would like me to come with her which is in itself a wonderful affirmation since she has won awards EVERY year but the pay is low with 50% commission.  Not sure I am THAT persuasive for this type of job.  

So, I'm a bit scared - severance is running out in 3 weeks but, I am collecting all your good vibes, hugs and prayers.  Guess this is what "faith" means and believe it will work out - my challenge is letting it go after I've done my very best.   I am grateful for your support and friendship - thank you!  Will let you know what develops.

Kathy

OUCH!!  Hi all!  Well, as of last week, I too have joined the ranks of the unemployed.  It was really a shock but am doing okay.  Not the best time of the year for this but, am looking for the gift in the situation.  Please send me your prayers and good thoughts as I continue to search.  

My prayers go out to all of those that won't hear their loved one's voice again.  May God wrap His arms around those people in their sorrow.



I am so very touched by the outpouring of feelings and support from everyone here.  Know that each one of you will be remembered in my prayers.  Even though I don't post here very often, I do check in frequently and feel as if I know you and want you to know that I am,



Humbly,

Kathy Marley from Baltimore, Maryland  

Geesh!  I still can't believe I did this but.....here goes.  Quite a few years ago, I was an admin for a Roman Catholic Church which also happened to be my parish.  Just as I was walking out the door on Friday of my first week, one of the priests ran after me (he looked like Wimpy) and said he'd forgotten to tell me that one of my duties was to type the petitions for Sunday Mass.  In this particular part of the Mass, you ask the congregation to pray for the sick, dying, deceased, etc.  The priest and I both were running late and as he fed me the information, I typed.  Finally, almost an hour later, I was headed out the door once again.  It had been a very long week.  



On Sunday, my daughter (5 yrs. old at that time) and I are sitting in church and they begin to read the petitions.  I was thinking I was pretty cool beans that I had a part in this service.  My daughter thought so too.  Then came the bomb!  As they read the prayers for the deceased, I had typed in the widow's name instead of the deceased!  She was sitting 3 pews in front of me and very much alive!  I scooted down in my pew and was sooooooo embarrassed.  I think the hair on the back of her head stood straight up!  



Took me awhile to live that one down!