Howdy Everyone!

Hope you've got the turkeys and the cranberry sauce ready. I've been back in the office for about a week and a half now, I was at training for administrative professionals three days. I was so happy to have been selected to attend this training, plus it was nice being in the city (D.C.) for a few days. The instructor was cool and even encouraged us to keep in touch with her (which I just might do). The room was about normal classroom size with administrative professionals from all over the world (literally), one person cam all the way from Beirut! As with most conferences or workshops we spent time getting to know everyone. Through the modules in the training several people shared their experiences at work from issues of bosses not liking them or entering total isolation because of lack of respect. For a minute it seemed like a counseling session as people spent their whole lunch period telling the "counselor" (I mean instructor) their issues at work. It almost became depressing, learning that people (women) faced so many issues in their daily work lives. Sheesh, I thought I had it bad. One lady said her male boss thought she was better than everyone because she dressed professionally each day at work. One lady had a wall built around her desk with glass, to keep people from interrupting her workday. To make matters worse, I sit beside a loud-mouth older lady who was extremely outspoken and made herself look crazy. There's always one in every bunch, I learned that I was happy to have sat beside her because I learned about that type of boisterous, controlling and "challenger" type person (new word from class). I also learned a lot about myself too- that I do like some control, yet I do believe in including everyone. I so know what it is like being left out, I also like attention and collaborating. So, what have you learned about yourself recently?

Have you ever received a letter from Who's Who? There are several variations of Who's Who and they will have difference names attached to them. BEWARE: They are all the same and just a scam to get your money. In May, I got a letter from Cambridge Who's Who. I kind of felt like I knew what this was about, but opened the letter to see what it was about. It was some tastefully designed letter about how I had been chosen to be in the Who's Who Directory for professional women. I was so excited about this opportunity; I could put this on my resume, not to mention tell friends and family. They had gotten my number some how and had left several messages almost everyday. I always forgot to record the number to call them back, so finally I call and speak with some lady. So, we're on the phone and she is conducting my interview. The interview was pretty easy and before you knew it I was in! The excitement of this membership had me grinning from ear to ear, proud of myself and the professionalism I obtained from four years of college and great mentors. To burst my bubble, the lady conducting my interview "presents" two membership options: gold or platinum. The gold package was $500 I believe and the platinum membership was $1,000. Mind you it did include a prestious membership with gold certificates and networking up the butt, but...no. Stuck in my tracks, I pretended to get out my credit card, put her on "hold" and hung up. Thinking why did I do this, she calls back again and again to complete her transaction. I'm completely non-confrontational and will avoid the heck out of something. She calls the office again until she stops. I figure I can't allow this to continue, so I call when I get home and ask her to not call my home or office because I'm not interested in the service. Word of caution: Do not accept any letters or phone calls from Who's Who- it's just a scam. Google them and see for yourself.

From yesterday to today I was thinking how easy the week should be since Thanksgiving is near. I just knew today would be a breeze, not that it wasn't but still. I get a voicemail asking me to cover the front desk answering phone calls and directing them to the appropriate staff person. I was not thrilled, number 1 I had not done this since the earlier part of the year and number 2 I just didn't want to do it. I felt like it was not my job, but as usual I grinned and bared it. I was able to reach the Office Manager who helped me get into the system. After that if was smooth sailing. Don't you ever just feeling saying "no" (on the job)? It seems as though I am the only person available to help with ANYTHING. They say this is making yourself indespinsable and build character. Well, to me it is tiring and makes me feel like I'm always being picked to do the laborious tasks. I also work with a lady who makes most projects taxing and like a chore. What's odd is she does the type of work that I enjoy, but I guess it's her presentation that makes everything such a bumpy ride. I have come to the point I have tried to dodge her in the building or pretend I am working on some other important task.

This has been on my mind for quite sometime now- feels good to have this off my mind and chest.

Oh- did I mention she brings work to be done like the last hour of the workday?

Please pray for me: )