Brentology.com

At work yesterday I spoke separately with two different people who are higher up the chain of command than me in my company. This is the first time I have spoken to them in person since I communicated to them I would be leaving their region and going to Pittsburgh. They both heaped on praise about the job I have done while working under them and commented on specific tasks and situations that to them were memorable and deserving of praise. The offers of working again for them anytime were also put forth. This is the first time I have received input from them in any specific form and it got me thinking. Do they realize how much better employee morale would be if employees were recognized more often for the job they do? One does not have to throw a party or shoot off fireworks to let someone know they are doing a good job. Just an occasional thank you for your efforts or even an email that recognizes a task done well would suffice. For an employee, just realizing that others recognize what they contribute can go a long way for morale and productivity. The point being to communicate, in one form or another, to people that you realize they are working hard, especially in a very competitive customer service environment. So as a manager, this lesson was reinforced for me and I will try to remember it as I deal with my staff.

Posted by Brent at 01:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Been full of Nyquil the last few days trying not to fully catch a cold that a coworker has spread through my office. Everytime she sneezes or coughs I want to spray the place and her down with Lysol. I am caught between thinking that people should stay home when they are sick so as not to infect others and being thankfull that she works when she is sick because we are short handed and me being a manager would be the one to pick up the slack by working extra hours for no extra pay. So the last few days have been a bit hazy. I hope to get back to work more seriously on this site in the near future.

Posted by Brent at 10:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Read a story in the Detroit news today about Doctors in Cleveland wanting to do a face transplant, the first in the world. No, not for ugly people, but rather those people who have been horribly disfigured in burns, accidents, attacks, etc. They will be using faces from cadavers whose families have given permission. The article went on to explain that the faces do not hold the same look as the donors; instead it would contour to the bones and muscle tissue of the person receiving the transplant. At first I was a bit uneasy about the idea of a face transplant, but the more I thought about it, it is the next step of organ donation. Much like donating your liver, heart, eyes, or lungs it is still giving of your body to improve the life of deserving people who are still among the living. In time and after being performed successfully, I think it will become more accepted just as organ donation has over the years.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/health/0509/21/E08-321453.htm

Then in the Free Press, there was a story about a woman who scammed a generous community out of housing, money, food, and gifts by claiming to be a victim of Hurricane Katrina. I believe in karma and the importance of doing good things for yourself and others in your life, so I hope that karma catches up to her and people like her.

http://www.freep.com/news/mich/impostor21e_20050921.htm

With all the wireless earpieces people are using for their cell phones, how are we supposed to be able to tell who the insane people are? Although I guess you may be a bit daffy anyway if you walk the grocery aisles appearing to others to be talking to an imaginary friend. At least try to pay attention to the world around you and get out of the way, you are slowing the rest of us down.

Posted by Brent at 03:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lettermen's top ten list of things that sound dirty at the office but really are not:

10. I need to whip it out by 5:00

9. Mind if I use your laptop?

8. Put it in my box before I leave.

7. If I have to lick one more, I'll gag

6. I want it on my desk, NOW!

5. Hmmmmm... I think it's out of fluid

4. My equipment is so old it takes forever to finish!

3. It's an entry level position

2. When do you think you'll be getting off today?

1. It's not fair... I do all the work and he just sits there.

Posted by Brent at 10:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

My meeting with the bosses in Pittsburgh went very well today. It was an early start to the day as I put on my grown up suit then Alison and Grace dropped me off for the 8:30 a.m. meeting in the city and then came back to get me afterwards. I was a little apprehensive because I really did not know what to expect. I was not sure if I should see it as being interviewed like I was applying for a job or just talking to them about a transfer that, as a current employee, would give me some expectation of entitlment of being able to transfer. The conversation had a little of both aspects and was very positive, but the end result was being asked when I would be available and even given specifics about what I would be doing and where I would be needed in the short term. It sounds like since I have experience and many of the people there are newer employees, I will be helping to get a couple new branches opened while waiting for an expected opening in the two branches nearest to the area I will be living. One of the managers even asked when I would be in town next and if I would go with her to prospect for broker business since I have done it and she has not. So at first I will have a commute, but Alison says it is in the right direction against rush hour traffic so it should not be bad. The possibility of working downtown in the main office tower in the future also came up, but that is further down the road. So my mind has been eased big time as my job seems to be one less thing to stress about. If I can whittle the stress list down further, I will be all set. I will have to work on that. The dwelling hunt also continued today, saw a large place at a good price. It is a toss up right now between two places. Both have pros and cons, but I am leaning towards the one with better neighborhood amenities and what I think is better location. But we will see, I’m still thinking, going to sleep on it tonight.

The ride home today went well, no slow downs or tickets. Grace and I got into listening to oldies on XM most of the way home. And somewhere in my car is her lost contact lens. After a hard search, I fear it is gone forever and is doomed to eventually be vacuumed up at the car wash. So if you run into her, she is not winking at you she only has one contact.

Work is a ten hour day tomorrow and since I was off today I am guessing I have about 25 emails waiting for me. Maybe I will go in early to get a jump on the day. HA, yeah right.

Posted by Brent at 10:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Paul and I saw Lord of War starring Nicolas Cage last night. Good flick, go see it.

Posted by Brent at 10:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Hunting for living spaces is a lot of work. Two days of searching by Me, Grace, Alison, and Paul have produced a couple of possibilities and a couple of definite thumbs down. First the good. A nice apartment with hardwood floors in a great historic building, circa 1924. It includes a heated garage, an art deco lobby, and is within walking distance of all kinds of shops and a movie theater. Plus there is a Starbucks across the street and that fact alone makes it very attractive to me. We also checked out a couple duplexes that were ok, but the apartment has beaten them out so far. The bad was an experience with a raging racist who had us meet him several blocks away from the property solely to check us out first. He peppered Alison with questions about me and what I did for a living when she called to inquire. They were not just simple profile questions to see if we were serious. He made some odd comments about people of color during our six block walk from the coffee shop to the house. See, we had to meet far away at a Starbucks to be checked out. It was clear that if we did not appear to be the right kind of people, we would not have proceeded to the house from the coffee shop. It was just a very odd experience and frankly no matter how great the house was (not too great) I would not want this person as a landlord. Tomorrow after my 8:30 meeting, we have another appointment to see a duplex that we have already checked out on the outside. So far it looks good and is a decent size space, so it may just make it to the list of possibilities. After that Grace and I will be heading back to Michigan and it is back to work on Tuesday.

I cannot thank Alison and Paul enough for their help and lodging in this adventure. And also for helping me make my way around Pittsburgh. Alison has been great working the phones and steering me clear of areas that are farther out than I want to live or for whatever reason are not desirable. And thanks to my road trip partner, Grace, for helping in the search. All these eyes and advice in looking out for the good and the bad in housing is a great help.

Posted by Brent at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I am sooooo glad this week is over. I worked four ten hour days in a row and for some reason this past week has been particularly hectic. It will be nice to have a few days off. I am heading to Pittsburgh tomorrow. Grace and I are making the road trip together. I am looking forward to opening her mind to a bit of country music while I have her trapped in the car. Not too much though, unless she gives me a hard time then I will have to set XM Radio to a country station for the whole ride with no commercial interruptions. This scenario is unlikely because while I do like upbeat country, I enjoy all kinds of music and am not able to listen to four or five hours of the same genre. Also on the agenda is some apartment/house hunting. We have an appointment at one possibility Saturday afternoon. Monday before returning home is my meeting with a regional Manager of my company in the hopes they can find a place for me in Pittsburgh.

Posted by Brent at 10:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

** SIGH ** Whatever his excuse for going there, spending an hour while National Guard troops waited for him while others awaited rescue is shameful.

From ABC News http://www.abcnews.go.com/US/HurricaneKatrina/story?id=1123495&page=1

By JAKE TAPPER

Sept. 13, 3005 — Amid the chaos and confusion that engulfed New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina struck, a congressman used National Guard troops to check on his property and rescue his personal belongings — even while New Orleans residents were trying to get rescued from rooftops, ABC News has learned.

On Sept. 2 — five days after Katrina hit the Gulf Coast — Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., who represents New Orleans and is a senior member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, was allowed through the military blockades set up around the city to reach the Superdome, where thousands of evacuees had been taken.

Military sources tells ABC News that Jefferson, an eight-term Democratic congressman, asked the National Guard that night to take him on a tour of the flooded portions of his congressional district. A five-ton military truck and a half dozen military police were dispatched.

Lt. Col. Pete Schneider of the Louisiana National Guard tells ABC News that during the tour, Jefferson asked that the truck take him to his home on Marengo Street, in the affluent uptown neighborhood in his congressional district. According to Schneider, this was not part of Jefferson's initial request.

Jefferson defended the expedition, saying he set out to see how residents were coping at the Superdome and in his neighborhood. He also insisted that he did not ask the National Guard to transport him.

"I did not seek the use of military assets to help me get around my city," Jefferson told ABC News. "There was shooting going on. There was sniping going on. They thought I should be escorted by some military guards, both to the convention center, the Superdome and uptown."

The water reached to the third step of Jefferson's house, a military source familiar with the incident told ABC News, and the vehicle pulled up onto Jefferson's front lawn so he wouldn't have to walk in the water. Jefferson went into the house alone, the source says, while the soldiers waited on the porch for about an hour.

Posted by Brent at 09:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Does it count as getting the finger if someone points it sideways instead of straight up? I was given a sideways bird today simply because, being from this planet, I know how to proceed at a four way stop. But does a sideways finger have the same potency as an upright? Was I totally put in my place or just kind of? Is it a lazy persons flip off? Should I be just a little offened, like screw you but not too much. Wonder if there is any research out there on this important subject?

Posted by Brent at 09:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Spent a long time at Caribou Coffee today while waiting for my car to get serviced. I had a flat tire over the weekend and have been driving on that little spare tire that comes with cars. I figured as long as it was in the shop, I would get tires rotated and an oil change. Much to my surprise I did not get the usual phone call from the garage tying to up sell other services. Usually there is a hard sell for lubing something or filter for something or other. I guess my doohicky, whichamacallit, and flux capacitor were all fine. Maybe they actually listened when I told them just a rotation and oil change or maybe I should check to see if my cell phone is on. Anyhoo, two large coffees, a muffin, some yogurt and granola, and two bottled waters later it was finished and I could get on with my day off from work, even though I have had two calls from the office already and it is only 11:30. Oh well, I like having Caribou as a second office. Next stop Target

Posted by Brent at 02:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From my old files, I think Lil sent this list of what we are really thinking at work. I am sure I have overheard her letting these slip out from time to time. (I know I complain about work a lot, but it is not really all that bad, but customer service makes the sarcasm come out, just keeping it in your head or under your breath is sometimes the tricky part.)

Okay, okay! I take it back. Unscrew you.

You say I'm a bitch like it's a bad thing.

Well, aren't we a damn ray of sunshine?

Do I look like a people person?

This isn't an office. It's hell with fluorescent lighting.

I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it left.

Why don't you try practicing random acts of intelligence and senseless
acts of self-control?

I'm not crazy. I've been in a very bad mood for 30 years.

Sarcasm is just one more service I offer.

Back off!! You're standing in my aura.

Don't worry. I forgot your name too.

I work 45 hours a week to be this poor.

Wait...I'm trying to imagine you with a personality.

Ambivalent? Well, yes and no.

You look like crap. Is that the style now?

Earth is full. Go home.

Aw, did I step on your poor little itty bitty ego?

I'm not tense, just terribly alert.

You are depriving some village of an idiot.

If assholes could fly, this place would be an airport.

www.dilbert.com/comics/dilbert/archive/dilbert-20050908.html

Posted by Brent at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It is really hard to look for housing and jobs in another state. Computer pictures and Google maps just cannot replace being there in person to get the whole picture. When I see something online I think is worth checking out, I just send it to Alison and she tells me yay or nay on the neighborhood. Some areas that seem like good possibilities are actually far away or not in areas I want to live or some other reason I cannot see by just looking online, so Alison gives me the low down. I can then add to list of possibilities or cross them off altogether. She is a lot cheaper than a realtor too. I love family discounts.

On the job front, I am going to try to meet with the head honcho of my company for the Pittsburgh area next week. I am going to see if Gracie wants to join me for a road trip next weekend. IF ONLY SHE WOULD ANSWER HER PHONE !! I assume she is watching UM/Notre Dame game today and not just screening calls :)

Posted by Brent at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Michigan Humane Society is helping rescue animals orphaned and injured by Katrina. They are providing medical attention and even bringing them back to Michigan for adoption to good homes. I donate $$ regularly to the MHS because of all the good they do. From their website, you can donate $$ as well as see wishlists for things they need at various centers. Things like food, batteries, supplies for their cruelty investigators etc. Please consider them as a charitable organization to give to, especially during the upcoming holiday season when we all get in a generous spirit. It can be a long winter for our four legged friends.

http://www.michiganhumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Katrina

Posted by Brent at 11:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (462)

I hate it when acres and acres of trees and green land gets bulldozed and paved over, then the development gets a name like Walden Pond. Yeah, just what Thoreau envisioned.

I am so sick of cranky, pissed off at the world people who get irate over being asked for ID when they need to withdraw something like 4,000 from the bank and have to complain to a manager for the inconvenience. Inconvenience??? Umm hello, earth to butthead. You should be glad that banks ID people so not just anyone can come take your money? I am so sorry that the world almost came to an end because you had to reach all the way in your wallet before you could take a stack of hundreds home. Get a grip and a clue on your way out the door. And put that free sucker back.

On the other hand, I like to think that there are many more nice people in the world than the opposite. The one nice person that truly appreciates your help and says thanks or kind words or brings you the occasional cookies or doughnuts more than make up for the pissy people of the world. In fact that one nice person can make up for twenty idiots.

Posted by Brent at 05:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

I hope no one heard me talk about Team America.
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/38667

Just a neat site to browse.

Posted by Brent at 05:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Our country trips over ourselves after finally reacting to the hurricane catastrophe and now our compassionate legislators hold up assistance from our allies. It is good I read the news at night because I would probably crawl back in bed if I came across this kind of stuff first thing in the morning. I realize that bureaucracy and politics can be a giant maze to follow when trying to get things accomplished in our government and sometimes it is necessary for a thourough process, but shouldn't there just be some times when common sense and courage to do what is right outweighs traditional practices, red tape, egos, and political party lines ?

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050907/ap_on_re_eu/katrina_world_18

Posted by Brent at 08:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Day one of being back to work after 11 days off. My email inbox had 200 emails. My company uses email as primary form of internal communication so reading and responding to emails is a regular part of my workday. It would not have to be such a big part of the day if people would not forward emails that I have already received. It only takes a nano second to look at who it was sent to in the first place but some people cannot grasp that concept. Also, I put my out of office automatic return message on before I started my vacation. And yet there are people who still sent me multiple emails even after they received the message that clearly spelled out when I left and when I would return. I even have someone who emailed me and asked why I did not return their email in a timely manner, so that means they have at least two messages from my auto responder explaining that I am on vacation. I hate it when morons make more money than I do. I would bring it up, but that would cause someone to schedule a mandatory meeting to discuss setting up more educational meetings to train people to look at email addressees. So in the hopes of saving valuable time for real work that needs to be done, I will bang my head against the wall a couple times, drink some more coffee, and get on with catching up with the piles of work on my desk.

http://www.dilbert.com/comics/dilbert/archive/dilbert-20050807.html

I also was able to contact an upper management type person from my company in Pittsburgh. We started the talking process of me transferring. I have to make some time in the coming weeks to visit in person for a face to face conversation. It will be tricky as I have a tight schedule at work since we are short handed, I will squeeze it in somehow. But, she said it would be good to have some experienced people in the new emerging market and was looking forward to further communications. She also told me of new locations planned for opening.

Posted by Brent at 08:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I sold my bicycle today after listing it on craigslist.com for a few days. It was a nice bike, a Trek 1200 road bike, but I figure that come next spring I will buy a more durable bike for riding the hills and off-road trails in Pittsburgh. It also puts a few bucks in my pocket now. I have wanted to give mountain biking a try for awhile and from what I hear there are some good areas in Pittsburgh for it, and Alison showed me one spot in particular. I will need someone to ride with so I will get Paul out there with me. He does not know that yet, but he will obey and come with me.

Posted by Brent at 04:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Its all happening at the big house today!

GO BLUE

Posted by Brent at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Detroit Free Press
http://www.freep.com/voices/cartoons/090305_mt.htm

Posted by Brent at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I have acted on an impulse that I have had for a long time now. I have decided to move from Michigan in the hopes of jump starting my life and hopefully my career. It is a decision that has been put off for quite a while. I have come to the realization that life is too darn short to keep procrastinating hoping the job outlook would get better or that I would stumble upon some kind of path that would lead to fulfillment. Instead I am just going to take a chance for once and try before I wake up one day and realize it is too late and am left with regrets. No firm date as of yet, but in the near future I will be moving to Pittsburgh.

Over the last several years I have always considered places like Chicago, Colorado, and Indianapolis to name a few. Pittsburgh made it to the list in the last couple years. It has the city environment that I like without being overbearing. The opportunities for living quarters and career aspirations are, I think, better than here in Michigan. Also it has something that those other cities do not, it has family.

The last several years have brought many changes in my life, beginning with the loss of my mother and subsequently the loss of any kind of a relationship with my father, closing of my business, moves, and a new job. Through it all I had my family and close friends around for support and encouragement of all kinds. For a long time, my family was the one constant in my life that I could count on. I could not even begin to do justice to, by simply writing, the impact they had on my life. But I think in a family as close as ours, we all show, in many little ways, the closeness and appreciation for one another every time we see or talk to each other. So being only a half hour away from those I care about most was the only big hurdle left for me. But making that leap is easier when I remember that Pittsburgh is only 4-5 hours away and the only bad thing about the drive is watching out for troopers on the Ohio Turnpike. Also knowing that I have family waiting for me at my destination and who will probably take this transplant into there home for a little while makes it easier because I can go to a place where I feel welcome and at home.

Well, before I get all Mike Myers/Linda Richman/coffee talk and become more verklempt, I will end this post for now. More later.

Posted by Brent at 01:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I have not shaved in five days. I can get used to this.

Posted by Brent at 10:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)