Employee of the Month

I'm drawing another blank this week. It seems odd, since I've accomplished a lot in the past week. It's starting to make me think that being busy keeps the creative juices stifled, since those same forces are being used for actual work. There are a lot of exciting things going on. I actually got Employee of the Month for May! It was a little weird how it was kind of nonchalantly brought up. No ceremony or plaque. Barely even a mention. Kind of like “Oh yeah, by the way, you got employee of the month.” The end. It's kind of a joke anyway. I've been there a year so far, and I've only known who the Employee of the Month was once. And, I thought that was a huge joke. The guy who got it was a terrible worker. The month he got EOM, he had two no-call/no-shows in the same week. I had only been there a few months when that happened. But, I had been there long enough to know that the employee who got EOM was the last person who deserved it. Ever since that happened, I had this little thought that if I ever did get EOM, I would decline it, since it apparently doesn't mean anything anyway. However, since that employee has been terminated, and since there really isn't anything to decline, I've decided to accept this honor. Even though, as far as I know, it could just be my turn. None the less, it feels nice to be noticed. Even if just barely. But, I have noticed I'm getting more hours. Plus, it feels as though I have the respect of my peers, and my superiors. I must be doing good.

It felt weird to write the word “superiors.” They are the more esteemed in the company, but I don't consider them superior to me as a human being, so it feels funny. Plus, as I re-read that line, I noticed that the “per” sound in “superior,” sounds like “peer.” I find that interesting. Especially since most superiors don't really feel like peers at all. However, the #2 in the company called me personally for a special assignment. It's not bad to know that out of 30 available bodies, the #2 is thinking about you. Extra work is good, extra money is good, but being trusted, and people feeling that they can count on me, is what I appreciate the most. I want the higher ups to know that I'm accountable. I want them to know that I'm an asset. I want them thinking about me. I'm not sure if that's vain or not. I just know I want to do a good job, and I want to be known as one who does a good job. I don't think pride in one's work should be considered vain. As long as it's kept in check. After all, pride is one of those slippery slopes. Some people even consider pride a sin. I think it's good to be proud of yourself. But I can also see how too much pride, and not giving credit where credit is do, can be destructive. That's why I always try to keep myself in check by reminding myself, constantly, that the only reason good things ever even happen to me, is because of my openness to the Universal Forces that surround, and permeate, all of us. I figure that's not a bad attitude to have. And since it's working for me, I'll keep it.

Another part of the recent news, which goes right along with what I was just mentioning, is that Susan has been offered a new job. She'll be working in a more stable environment, with saner people, in an up and coming company, for twice the pay, and full benefits! It is as if our prayers are being answered. We're going to have to make a few life changes to deal with the new situation, but it is as if we're being given a whole new start. We couldn't be happier. Everything is working out beautifully. And, I have to tell you, I attribute all of it to this idea that I keep mentioning here and there. I cannot be convinced otherwise. Good things are happening! Plus, and I'm not sure if this is “good” or “bad,” I've been noticing that, being in retail for so long now, that I'm also starting to think differently on another level. Last night we were at a restaurant near closing. A group of 14 people wanted to get a table. It was about 9:15 pm. The manager on duty went and checked with the kitchen, but they had already turned everything off, and “iced” the grill. I was surprised how quickly I started doing the math, to estimate how much money they were willing to loose. I know people want to go home. I know it gets irritating when people show up at the last minute. There has to be a cut off. But, it kind of startled me a little bit, to notice that I went straight to the monetary value, as if my business senses are awakening. I'm not sure how that's going to fall into alignment with the mindset I'm already trying to assimilate.

Daughn