E-recruiting -- It's Everywhere You Want To Be

Is there anything more time consuming or draining than job hunting?

I’d forgotten just how much “fun” the experience is until I recently had the privilege.

Things changed!

Seven years ago the local newspaper’s classified section was THE PLACE to look. It took fifteen minutes to scan and circle prospects. Today, posting sites are limitless thanks to the World Wide Web. Rather than fifteen minutes, the process lasts hours.

My daily searches, all online of course, included The Eagle Classifieds, journalismjobs.com, Craigslist, Blinn College, City of Bryan, City of College Station, St. Joseph’s Hospital, The Med, Physician’s Center, Land That Job, Jobs.net, Employment Guide.com, KBTX Job Search, and any other potentially informative site my internet search turned up.

It was nothing for me to plant myself in front of the computer at 7:30 a.m. and find myself still seated there well after noon, viewing postings and applying.

Such is the technique of e-recruiting.

There’s no lack of employment opportunity information. It’s just housed in a variety of places. It’s up to you to search every internet nook and cranny, decipher the application process and comply with those specificities.

Application
Hand-completing an application in person is virtually unheard of. Instructions now range from faxing or emailing your resume to downloading an app, then faxing or emailing it – a procedure that can take twenty minutes or six hours (as I discovered with Blinn’s employment process) depending on the complexity of the application.

Cover Letter
Then there’s the omnipotent cover letter, which becomes even more critical to electronic transmission. At my last job, I paid as much attention to this as I did the resume! It is your ONLY chance to personalize the submission and make yourself standout. You cannot/should not have a blanket cover letter. It must be specifically tailored to each company, job posting and qualifications.

Concern

I have Microsoft Office 2007 and understand older versions of Word won’t open the newest word processing program. I was never sure whether the company actually received what I sent. How am I supposed to get hired if the company doesn’t know I applied?

Pros and cons of electronic transmission:

• A stack of resumes provides a quick view of the prospective applicant pool. It’s not necessary for every single candidate to complete a company app.
• There’s no visual. Choices are based on information alone, so negative first impressions can’t render pre-mature or inaccurate judgments.
• It’s immediate and cost effective. However, without a return receipt, the applicant can’t be 100% certain their paperwork transmitted successfully.
• A hand-written application says much about a potential employee — legibility, neatness, thoroughness, accuracy all demonstrates attention to detail and quality of work.
• It’s highly impersonal. There’s no opportunity to formulate an initial positive connection, except via cover letter.
• It’s exclusive. Even if this day and age, not everyone has access to a computer or fax machine.
  

While beneficial, e-recruitment and e-transmission shouldn’t be the only HR tool. The wise recognize the advantage of a traditional methods/e-resource combination. That way, you, the awesome prospective applicant, may decide which method best allows you to shine.

Embrace that we live in the Information Era where data is instantly accessible and relayed. Get on board before you get left behind.

Don’t limit your search to one source. Explore all options.

Don’t be intimidated by e-overload. Search multiple sights and bookmark all with potential.

The ideal job may be waiting in the most obscure location. All you have to do is find it.

Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days Gone By

Thanks to the digital age and programs like Facebook, MySpace and classmates.com reconnection with childhood friends triggers memories of another place and time. My musings lie in the one-horse west Texas town of Kermit.

The frog, you ask? NO!!!!!!!!

If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard that over the years……...although Kermit the frog did celebrate his 50th birthday in MY HOME TOWN on November 8, 2005.

I was not in attendance for the commemorative festivities.

Local town “elite” replaced the mighty fightin’ Yellow Jacket on the infamous water tower with the graven image of the birthday frog. Not a popular decision in my humble, yet obviously feeble, opinion. Downright sacrilegious some would say. Although I'm sure it was ideal to the Disney crowd.

Despite notoriety as MY birthplace and where I spent MY formative years, Winkler County seat, Kermit, has several additional claims to fame:

• It was named for Teddy Roosevelt’s son after a visit from the President to the county in 1910.
• Roy Orbison hails from 7-mile-away neighboring community, Wink.
• Two-time PRCA World Champion Bull Rider Jim Sharp is a Kermit High School graduate.
• NBC Heroes deceased character Meredith Gordon (Claire/Hayden Panettiere’s birth mother) resided in K-Town.
• Actor Jay Thomas, better known as Eddie LeBec, Carla Tortelli’s love on Cheers, was born at Kermit Memorial Hospital in 1948.
• Miss Jane Hathaway of Beverly Hillbillies prominence, Nancy Culp, was a frequent visitor as the guest of long-time resident Thelma Carr. Many a Kermit citizen, me included, thrilled over catching a glimpse of Miss Jane in Skaggs Grocery from time to time.
  

Not so one-horse after all, you muse.

Oh, I can assure you it was/still is.

Everyone knew everybody’s business. I couldn’t make a move Saturday night without hearing about it Sunday morning at church.

My gate keeper, Mr. Hale, fellow church board member of my dad’s, had a scanner. “Why was your car parked at Phil Campbell’s warehouse last night?” Yes, indeed…….why? At seventeen, that was for me to know and my parents NOT to find out.

My best friend, Victoria, and I rode our bikes all the way to East Primary everyday it wasn’t too cold or raining in 2nd grade – no locks required for those bicycles to return us home again after school. I broke my right arm in two places when I fell off the top rung of the high slide at the park. I walked the cinder block fence enclosing my home on a regular basis. I ate persimmons from Walter and Joyce Anderson’s tree. Our circular driveway was ideal for roller skating with metal skates requiring a key. I worshipped Donny Osmond and the Osmond Brothers from the poster-clad shrine in my bedroom with a 33 long play record player.

1960 Downtown Kermit -- the year I was born

Friday night football held an aura of reverence for me from the age of 3. Since I couldn’t play the sport, I settled for dreams of leading the band and being in the homecoming court when I grew up. To a little girl, smiling, parade-waving homecoming nominees with their dazzling LIVE gold and white mums seated regally atop Mustang convertibles riding in parades and around the football field track were the most exquisite creatures ever.

Alas, I was never to become one of those goddesses. To be nominated you had to be (1) popular and (2) have a football player boyfriend. I had neither. Funny thing, though, when you actually KNOW the nominees their allure falls short.

Yet, I had two close friends who made homecoming court my senior year. I was quite proud of and for them both. They each represented with the pomp and circumstance of my childhood reverie.

I did fulfill my other goal, however. I was a 3-year drum major. No one loved a position more. Nothing rivaled my exhilaration for “kelping” (an older military-style tradition) onto the field with all eyes focused on me performing a short salute before tweeting the band to follow. Yes, you could say I was a “ham” or a professional photographer’s daughter accustomed to the spotlight. Either way, it’s about the same.

Senior year, twirling my stave one Friday morning practice, I hurled it to the ground in disgust as the band director stopped to re-start us for the umpteenth time. It retaliated in a major way. The tip of that spinning staff bounced off the ground impacting the corner of my eyebrow. Blood spurted everywhere to the tune of “ewwwww” and “gross.” A trip to the doctor yielded a butterfly bandage, no stitches thankfully, and a massive black eye with a walloping powerful headache. I performed that night as a “true professional” would. I looked like hell, I’m sure.

We “made the drag,” a large square route around town. You drove one direction for awhile, then turned around in the high school parking lot to go the other way to see who’d you’d missed. This was a HUGE deal. Undoubtedly the most important duty of the Kermit teenager.

My experiences include a most embarrassing pre-driving drag blunder. My homecoming nominee friend, Laurie, and I were with my mom and her best friend, Jean Adams. Since Mrs. Adams was chauffeuring, Laurie and I convinced her to drive through the high school parking lot so we could look at boys. Windows down, discretion was mandatory. Who could chance being seen with two old women? Jean, the red-haired character she was, dutifully obeyed our wishes, quietly and inconspicuously navigating the prestigious parking lot. However, things changed when she reached the end. “Oh my goodness, this is SO MUCH FUN, let’s do it again,” she squealed. To our horror, Jean threw the car in REVERSE and backed-up all the way! Laurie and I hit the floorboard, but I’m sure it was too little too late. We were quite the spectacle.

Kay Crawford's mother was more hip than that. She agreed to remain "invisible" while taking four unlicensed slumber-party girls to the drive-in theater. A light-weight blanket her cloaking device, Katherine read a book by flashlight underneath that blanket for the duration of the movie! She only re-emerged after most other cars had driven away, bless her heart.

A wonderful K-Town tradition was painting the street in front of the high school. It’s literally like it sounds. We painted such iconic statements as “Seniors ‘78” and “Beat the Mustangs” or “Patti –n- Mickey 4-ever” and “Sting ‘Em Yellow Jackets.” I wonder if that’s still allowed or if changing times reversed a right of passage into vandalism and destruction?

With this stroll down memory lane, it appears I've been enrolled in the “good ole days” school. I’m not sure what age qualifies you for this group, or when I arrived at it. I still remember thinking age 30 ancient and it seems not that long ago!

Here I am, nonetheless, stuck between new memories I’m making and appreciating the old ones.

Maroon and gold roots run deep. Memories live forever. Kermit was a wonderful place to grow up. I couldn’t wait to leave when I graduated, nor can I think of a better place to call my hometown.

00:00 Again?!

It was not my intent to twice address the subject of hoops, but I can't let the opportunity go by to mention that little 6th overtime win!

Talk about stress, I had a most difficult time riding the sofa. I can only imagine the intensity of being at the game. Move over Boeheim. Move out of the way Calhoun. I GOTTA HAVE A LANE TO PACE.

As far as I'm concerned, Syracuse won the Big East tourney and the NCAA championship right there, that moment. To beat UConn and Thabeet was victory enough in itself. To play an extra hour and a half to do it was extraordinary.

Did I mention 6 overtimes?

I found myself holding my breath. How will it end? WHEN will it end?

Did I mention immeasurable exhaustion?

Players muscles and tendons functioned by memory recall alone.

No one can fathom how mentally and physically depleted EVERY player was when the score finally ended not in a tie. I, myself, spectator-drained, too wound for immediate slumber, was forced to unwind with Forensic Files until my eyes eventually gave way to gravity. It was reported Jonny Flynn couldn't sleep at all that night. Go figure? An athlete who's already played two-in-a-row games, one going until 1:23 a.m., managing to perform at TOP level, AGAIN, in overtime the following night with no sleep. Now that, my friends, is breathtaking commitment, not to mention extreme physical conditioning. I want that kind of dedication in the workplace!

The fact Flynn was required to play almost every minute of every game last year, due to Rautins and Devendorf's season-ending injuries, surely paid off this season, this tournament.

Remarkable athletes, inconceivable endurance, mind-blowing quarterfinals.

The look on Devendorf's face just about sums it up. These hoop giants had the honor to play in the most incredible display of stamina and will in college basketball history.

Where will it take them? Most won't see the NBA. Doesn't much matter because they will forever cherish the memory of that moment in time when the game clock at Madison Square Garden struck 00:00 seven times.

March Madness Memories

Flynn brings it down. He jukes Hazell and passes behind his back to Rick Jackson. Jackson performs his own form of razzle dazzle getting the ball to Onuaku who pops an easy two. Harris steals and drives the lane finding Rautins in the right corner. Whoosh! It’s good for three. BABYYYYYY!

That can only mean one thing. It’s Big East tournament time. Dick Vitale warm up your vocals. Here comes the ‘Cuse.

I love March when Syracuse is playing well.

They clobbered St. John’s, trashed Cincinnati, annihilated Rutgers, and then edged out then No. 13-ranked Marquette. How sweet it was, and about time. I actually felt good coming in. Last year, Syracuse sucked, but this year the Orange secured a sixth seed by peaking here at the end of the regular season. How ‘bout them apples!

Riding their four-win comet, they mightily defeated Seton Hall last night despite nasty attitudes and intentional fouls. Since Garcia couldn’t fend off Onuaku, I guess he thought he’d out-mouth him—more than once! At one point almost everyone on the court tried to mix it up. I’ve never seen the Orange behave like T.O.—ever! That’s not their style; they’re typically poised and all about playing the game. Although, I must admit it was mildly entertaining. Devendorf bared his teeth one minute, then performed the I-put-3-in-yo-face dance the next. Lucky that display didn’t land him a technical coming off the recent near-melee, though. Boeheim would have been chewing some “glut,” BIGTIME.

Just one time, one game I’d like to commentate. If I must listen to their…uh ummm…opinions, it’s only fair they should have to listen to mine. Don’t you agree?

I’m taken back to a memorable basketball era.

The year – 2006.

The star – Gerry McNamara, who was in the Garden supporting his former teammates last night, still looking very “Gerry-ish” I might add.

Me – I had no hair, but did have a fantastic wig. Hurricane Rita only recently wiped out my favorite gambling hall, Harrah’s in Lake Charles. Didn’t matter, though, because we weren’t traveling at that time anyway. I couldn’t be around public germs. My mom was still alive, playing with Little Blackie and lighting up our lives. My co-workers teased me for falling asleep at my desk, head on a blanket with a thin line of drool adorning my chin. Radiation just completed, I was dedicated to walking myself back to health. The Rosemary Street neighborhood was alive with buds, greenery, chirping birds, and a loose dog or two, just to help restore my mental alertness. At first, I could barely put one foot in front of the other. Just making it out the back door at work and down the alley was a cumbersome effort. By the start of the tournament, however, I was strolling the stretch at a fairly quick clip. I was never so alive as when walking that route, experiencing the rebirth of that spring. It was a glorious time to be alive.

After their whomping Big East tournament victory, ‘Cuse had to play A&M in their first round!

It was major, too, because TAMU was making their first appearance in the NCAA tournament since 1987. Furthermore, the Aggies, who hadn’t won an NCAA game since 1980, were intent on breaking that agony-of-defeat streak. What’s a fan to do?

Mike was beside himself. He walked around for days saying, “I don’t care who wins. It’s all good.” I’m afraid his loyalty to both teams was only marginally skewed toward the old home-town team, but I remained “Syracuseeeee Ball” all the way.

On game day, Mike was true to his stance. He settled on the edge of the recliner, celebratory Corona in hand, dressed in his Syracuse Orange t-shirt, maroon Aggie tee draped ceremoniously across right shoulder. Win or lose, he was having a victory.

12th-ranked A&M edged out my 5th-ranked Orangemen 66 – 58 that year. Dominique Kirk shut Gerry down, holding him to a measly two points in his final game at Syracuse. Ahhhh, that was quite an NCAA tourney, quite a Big East championship, and quite a year.

Tonight, Syracuse must face #3-UConn, or should I say #1-Thabeet, again! I hope their momentum yields a better outcome than the previous meeting where Thabeet creamed our netters. He’s such a giant, he seems to get away with blocks most would consider a foul. Madison Square Garden better have good Refs. I don’t care how important you are or what titles you’ve won, you can’t smash players to the floor or go over the top.

Go Orange! Long-live maroon & white.

Bluebonnet Time, Ya'll

Spring is in the air. Even though Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow in Pennsylvania, I caught my first glimpse of this year's bluebonnet crop today. Just a small patch on Hwy. 6, but gleaming regally nonetheless.

The bluebonnets need rain to produce that amazing blanket of blue we so vividly yearn for as we make our annual trek through the Navasota, Brenham, Bellville, Independence, Chappell Hill, Roundtop corridor. So come on clouds and storms forcast this week. Thousands are counting on you!

It’s difficult to explain to non-Texans, until they experience it for themselves, the exhilaration of topping a hill to be greeted by a vast sea of bluebonnets waving gently in the breeze, dotted with swirls of yellow coreopsis, pastel pink primrose and crimson phlox. If ever there was a “Kodak Moment,” this is it.

Bluebonnet History
Because of the not-so-famous 70-year Bluebonnet War, Texas officially has five state flowers, maybe more. On March 7, 1901, the Texas Legislature adopted the Lupinus subcarnosus as the official state flower. Beautiful enough, though daintier, a faction of bluebonnet enthusiasts felt this species was the least attractive of Texas’ bluebonnet population. They argued in favor of the Lupinus texensis, the showier, bolder bloom which covers the majority of the state and provides inspiration for many an artist. In the way of true “political correctness,” the Legislature eventually reached a solution to appease these sparring groups. In 1971, it added the texensis, plus "any other variety of bluebonnet not heretofore recorded," making both the state flower. What politicians didn’t realize was that three other species of Lupines are native to Texas, so the umbrella clause makes all five, officially, our state flower. And, if any new species are discovered, they will assume the exalted title as well.

Bluebonnet Facts
Each year the TXDOT sows 5000+ different species of 30,000 pounds of wildflower seeds, including the brilliant Lupinus texensis, along our highways.

Their website discourages “picture-taking that damages the wildflowers” because too much trampling will kill them preventing them from seeding. If you know anything about annuals, they must go to seed to come back next year, so TXDOT further discourages “picking the flowers for the same reason.”

As you can see, we follow instruction well

Illegal to Pick?
Contrary to what you’ve been told since birth, there is no law on Texas' books against picking the state flower. You will not receive a fine, be hauled off to jail, or incur the evil wrath of the bluebonnet gods if you do. According to the TXDOT press release on the subject, you may legally pick a bluebonnet or two as long as you don’t break any other laws in the process.

Your Very Own Bluebonnet Garden
The more adventurous devotee may desire their own bluebonnet patch, but it’s too late for the 2009 season. Bluebonnets must be planted in the fall. The Texas Cooperative Extension Service recommends planting scarified seeds — seeds chemically treated to encourage germination. The process of scarification occurs naturally in the wild meaning only a small percentage of the seed germinates during the first season after planting. “This delayed germination ensures species survival during periods of adverse growing conditions such as prolonged drought.”

It appears the bluebonnet seed understood our south central Texas climate quite well.


The ideal location is an area of full sun with a minimum daily requirement of 8-10 direct hours. The soil must be well drained as opposed to sticky, thick clay. Should you need to build a planting bed, you’ll want at least 6 inches of depth topped with 3-4 inches of organic matter. When planted, the seed must be raked into the soil or lightly covered over. If merely scattered, birds will have a field day. Optimal fall planting occurs in September or October but definitely no later than mid-November.

For a truly spectacular patch, don’t overwater during winter months, but do water occasionally during dry spells.

Texas Bluebonnet Seed Company in Bedias sells a one-pound bag for $20.00. For a complete price list, visit their website at www.texasbluebonnetseeds.com.

Updates
To enjoy this year’s season, TXDOT will keep you updated with WEB postings and its highway hotline at 1-800-452-9292. They also provide listings of numerous wildflower festivals and events.

Pick up a Wildflowers Trails map at the Washington County Visitors Center, from numerous businesses around Washington County or request one online at www.brenhamtexas.com.


Historian Jack Maguire wrote, "The bluebonnet is to Texas what the shamrock is to Ireland, the cherry blossom to Japan, the lily to France, the rose to England and the tulip to Holland." He further affirmed, "It's not only the state flower but also a kind of floral trademark almost as well known to outsiders as cowboy boots and the Stetson hat."

Jack of Many Courses, Master of Few If Any

Yesterday at Brendan’s gymnastics meet I participated in a “round bleacher” discussion about schools in general, with particular reference to Bryan, offering such a variety of choices, the fundamentals of reading, writing, and arithmetic are left sorely lacking. This came from the revelation that next year Bryan High will no longer have a gymnastics team. All but two graduate in May, so the program will be housed only at Rudder going forward. The coach was relieved because he’s had a difficult time juggling between the two schools and two teams. Hmmm, one head coach responsible for outcomes, two teams, two schools.

The discussion obviously opened with emphasis on athletics. Back when we parents were kids, there was football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, track, tennis and golf. Those are still around today, but added to are swimming, wrestling, lacrosse, bowling, soccer, softball, and gymnastics. What’s amazing is that more kids don’t participate than actually do. Sports coupled with band, choir, drill team, flag corps, drum line, drama, orchestra, cheerleading, ROTC, speech and improv offer something that ought to appeal to everyone.

Bryan ISD offers Bryan HS, Bryan Collegiate HS, Lamar Alternative HS, Hammond Oliver HS for Human Sciences, and the new-this-year Rudder HS. Bryan and Rudder are the only ones considered “traditional” campuses with district attendance zones. The others are elective, supposedly offering targeted students unique educational opportunities. Lamar is for at-risk students, while Hammond Oliver resides on the opposite end offering a challenging curriculum to those with an interest in health care. Funny, quite a few of my kids’ friends went to Hammond Oliver with zero interest in the health care profession simply because their parents perceived it to be a “better campus environment.” Here’s a unique thought….I kept my kids at BHS because they weren’t interested in pursuing health-related professions. New on the academic scene is Bryan Collegiate, created through a partnership with Blinn and A&M with the focus being college preparation. Alas, when we checked into Collegiate for Shay, we quickly discovered because we’ve been preparing him for college all along, he isn’t in the “target group” for this particular campus. He’ll have to rely strictly on dual credit courses for his assistance. To me, it’s a matter of Bryan not having one facility large enough to accommodate the number of students residing in the district.

While true, all felt this is a poor “excuse” for waning academic performance. By offering so many choices, teachers and funds are spread desperately thin. Some classrooms are too large, while others have relatively few students. Fear of lawsuits affords more disruption than is publicly acknowledged. In Rudder, students and teachers report having to observe a lesbian sophomore couple “groping and tonguing” each other outside a first period English class on a daily basis. English and remedial mathematic through advanced mathematic courses are offered, but are offered in multiple locations, multiple times daily. Get the picture?

While I agree, the basics are crucial, I remain a staunch supporter of athletics. Team sports promote self-confidence, cooperation and teach youth how to lose gracefully, as well as supply that critical life-skill you have to work hard to make the A-Team. Oh, that’s right; that was when we parents went to school. Due to the touchy/feely, children-should-be-pampered-so-their-fragile-egos-won’t-be-damaged, everyone-is-considered-equal, can’t discipline, we-have-no-standards era, it doesn’t matter how skilled or fat or dysfunctional you are, YOU can excel at EVERYTHING in the public school system, except maybe Friday night football! It’s still king in Texas.

One suggestion was the ever-growing, popular trend of private club sports. Mike and I recently attended a club volleyball tournament for high school students. I was amazed at the volume of participants from all over the state. They played hard and fast, developing the team sport initiative which formerly inspired our generation. What a wholesome environment. It can further assit with college tuition in the form of scholarhip potential. But it’s not a perfect solution. Competitive teams not only require a considerable outlay of cash, but also time and travel. A college friend of mine is committed every weekend—mom going one way with one daughter and dad often heading a different direction with second daughter. Expense alone is a huge limitation. If teams don’t offer “scholarships,” many youth are automatically disqualified from participation. There’s where the public school system picks up. Through school athletics, everyone is eligible to try-out. That’s the thing, though. Emphasis must remain on “try-out.” Not every student should make the team. In the real world, it’s all about winners and losers, perseverance and dedication. Today’s school activities don’t provide a realistic view of adulthood, thereby missing the mark for life skills preparation.

Equality of education is important, but there is a finite budget. A school can only do so much before something begins to suffer. Judging from US student performance compared to other countries’ performance, it’s academics that are suffering. According to one school of thought, US instruction is based on procedural rather than conceptual learning. We teach many things at once not focusing on specific areas or their practical application, i.e., students are taught to add fractions, but little emphasis is placed on the actual concept of fractions, while other countries focus more on how fractions relate to life/work. Translation, they teach fewer topics, but focus in more depth. The outcome is longer time spent on each subject makes it easier for the student to encode knowledge into long-term memory, and students have a more practical understanding of why the subject material matters.

What’s the answer? Public and professional opinion is as varied as our diverse cultural population. I believe a more back-to-basics approach to education is required. More emphasis on the three “R’s” and greater incentive to excel academically over the draw of the not-too-realistic $15 million dollar pro athlete salary is a start. Solid performance-based athletic and extra-curricular programs would provide the necessary integration/comprehension between performance and outcome vital to future employment success. The realization that teachers serve a most valuable function in our country and deserve compensation worthy of their entrusted task would appeal to those dedicated to making a difference. There must also be policy to weed out those who only draw a paycheck. Corrective action discipline must return. The teaching of values and respect have become a lost art form, and sadly, left only to the family unit, many will fail.

It’s obvious change is warranted. I don’t have all the answers, but we have to begin somewhere. I’m of the opinion my generation didn’t turn out too badly, even without exposure to the countless choices available today.

Blogger's Delight

I said a hip hop a hippa to the hippety hip hop hop and you don’t stop a rockin’…..

Oops! That’s Rapper’s Delight. This is Blogger’s Delight.

I know--LAME, but WHO CARES? This is a blog.

MY blog.

Which means I can write about any topic, issue, thought, idea, or concern as long as I don’t harm anyone.

I certainly would never intentionally hurt another. My purpose is to entertain or inform, not incite.

That brings me to the next thing. If we have any connection at all and I remotely care about you, you will probably find your way into this prose at some point. It’s not my intent to embarrass you, piss you off, or hurt your feelings. If I should do so, I apologize in advance because it will be purely an unintended consequence.

If you should find disfavor with something I write, please speak up, PRIVATELY! Don’t get mad and let it fester until you explode. It’s been my experience from years of office management, I mean something one way (not offensively, either) and there is at least one person who elects to take it another way, making the proverbial mountain out of molehill. It’s all about perspective, definition, and interpretation. Boy, don’t I know that from BetaMED!

You might think something is directed toward you or about you, but chances are it's not. If something I say strikes a chord of familiarity, it's probably coincidental. I choose to speak privately TO YOU rather than ABOUT YOU in a public forum. If you should land a starring role in my literary productions, you'll see your actual name, unless I mention that names have been changed to protect the guilty.

That said, I leave you with a preview of the next attraction. My thoughts on our hard earned tax dollars at work in the public school system.

My First Blog Ever

Today I took one more step in joining the electronic digital age. My kids will be amazed. Who thought I'd ever blog. How many times have I written, "I'm not much on blogs," and it's true. I don't have time to read them. Ergo, I'm not much on them. Time will reveal whether or not I have time to write them.

It's almost scary. Over the last four months I've begun to acclimate to this high tech age. We got a flat screen plasma, DVR and HD, upping our cable package to include one more series of movies. Ouch! It's as if I know what I'm doing. I vividly remember getting my first CD player back in 1992 or '93. We bought the new stereo system from Montgomery Ward just in time for a party. My husband manned the buttons. I had no clue how to use it or what direction the little disc went in the player, but I didn't mind. I was cool. I had a CD machine! My friend, Beverly, contributed her Janet Jackson CD (we'd seen her in concert in 1990) to the event's music line-up. Isn't that a hoot, our guests had to bring CD's so we'd have enough variety to last all evening. Just recently Mike and I sold a stack of them, along with an equally huge stack of DVDs, in our garage sale. They multiply like stuffed animals.

I also remember being embarrased because I didn't know how to use the CD player. We'd owned it for months, but I guess I'd had no cause to play music on my own during that time frame. I was a huge Garth Brooks fan and just purchased his new red and black checkerboard CD, In Pieces. Naturally, I wanted to listen. I thought it was stupid I had this great CD player, but didn't know how to use it. No time like the present to learn. As was common back then, my husband was TDY, so I called our neighbor, Dooder, for over-the-phone instructions. The main thing I needed was to know whether to place the CD face-up or face-down. Wasn't I the whiz?

My son, Chad, and I talk high tech. He's very saavy, a digital guru one could say. About six months ago, we were discussing the many amenities of DVR, which of course, I didn't have at the time. He informed me I was ok for now, but if we didn't upgrade once we got a flat screen, we would be a little unprogressive and lagging. Well, don't label me as clinging to the obsolete. Our first order of business after bringing the plasma god home was to upgrade cable service.

Chad was also the one to mention blogging or my own website. As a writer, he wondered if an electronic outlet other than Word would be beneficial. He wasn't the only one to bring it up. Blogging is everywhere. So, here I sit trying my hand at this new genre.

Pretty cool, huh? I've mastered the color tv, record player, 8-track, CD, DVD and DVR players (even if I'm still a wee bit rusty on the gazillion remotes,) upgraded to HD television, been computer literate for years, love my digital camera, upload photos and videos, successfully utilize an 8 GB thumb drive knowing to stick it in the USB port. I have little doubt I'll be a verteran blogger in record time, too.