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I'm a Minnesota Girl, living in the south. I tell my friends I try not to talk and think like a Yankee, but sometimes I slip up!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Struggling Through December





I have been in transition for the three weeks that have gone by this month...non-blogging! I left one job and started another....managed to get a little XMAS shopping done, but I must admit, I am in a financial headlock until the first paycheck from the new job arrives. I muddle on.

It was hard to leave Macy's at the holidays... most employers play the holiday season politically correctly -- to the chagrin of most employees. Decorations revolve around "snowman" themes, and the phrase "happy holidays" is used. Most big employers make the mistake of outlawing traditional Christmas themes (trees, Santa, carols, etal...) to make sure they don't risk offending non-Christians. Macy's is realistic; probably over 60% of their total profits accrue to the Christmas habits of the Christian world. Thus, while there, I was bastioned with trees, Santa, elves, carolling music tracks, a choir.... all the things you used to get in the workplace. Macy's proudly displayed their "holidays around the world" table, with a ton of information about Kwanzaa, Hannukah and holidays in general. They had a diversity day where people brought their holiday ethnic desserts from home, and small plates of each were sold to raise cash for a charitable organization. There was a can drive for the food pantry and a toy drive for All Children's hospital. All in all, it was like the holiday traditions I experienced in corporate America in the 70's and 80's, when we weren't so damn politically correct.

I have only worked at the hospice for 2 training days and this was my 5th day of "real" work. In that time, I have had a holiday appetizer/cooky reception, a lunch from the VP at the Cheesecake Factory (yes, I confess, I ordered tiramasu cheesecake)gifts, holiday coffee flavors in the breakroom... and not a lot of work to do since so many people are out for vacation. It will start in earnest in January. Until that time, I am trying to figure out what I will do at a company that doesn't, by the workload, demand that I work at least 50 hours a week. Don't get me wrong; I'm not complaining. I'm just not used to the cheer and the lack of driving-us-into-the-ground mentality. I can get used to it.

Tonight, and until I get out at 2 pm tomorrow (early release for the holiday, another perk!) I am nursing a sinus infection and will part with the copayment money tomorrow to insure that I get seen/antibiotics so that I can get rid of this thing. Tom and I are decorating late (tomorrow) and I will have Christmas Eve with friend Allen while Tom goes out with his dad, and Christmas Day together. We're doing Beef Wellington (all groceries bought early and paid for, whew!) and movies at home. I'm thinking a lot of sloth...before we go to friends' for the evening.

I am sending out e-cards to all for whom I have email addresses, but wanted to thank those of you who practice the paper card tradition for helping my place look so festive. And, if I don't have your email address, I wish you, in advance:






A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!


6 comments:

Kelly said...

So glad to get an update!! I know we text often, but that always revolves around what we're watching on TV.

I just know it's gonna be a great year for you, Quid. You've found the right job! ...and how nice you got to enjoy your time at Macy's so much in the interim.

Merry Christmas, my friend!

quid said...

Kell -

Thanks so much. Sorry I "dropped out" on y'all while I sorted through some stuff.

quid

Bob said...

And a very Merry Christmas to you. I have missed you and glad you have started the new job. Look for my post on holiday political correctness. All the best for the New Year!

Marion said...

Merry Christmas to you, my friend. I hope your day is filled with family, love and friends. I've missed you!! xoxoxo

Pam said...

Merry Christmas and a very, very Happy, Happy New Year, my dear Quid!

Yes, you have really struggled this year and I'm so happy that life seems to be back on the right track again!!

I've also been lax the last coupld of years when it comes to friends and online communication. Working most every day and dealing with the boys' and their issues when I get home leaves me pretty exhausted and without much time or energy to post, or often read.

Hope that sinus infecton exists soon!!!

Serena said...

Much love, good cheer, and continued good health in the New Year to you, Quid. Merry Christmas!
xoxo