Tag Archives: Work

Out of Oblivion: Breaking Blogging Rules

Posted on by
5

Since we all enjoy laughing at me (or the 22yo version of me), here’s another couple of posts from my Xanga days.  It’s amazing to me how much it reads just like a journal, and an un-interesting one at that. And clearly I didn’t know that it’s a big blogging no-no to write about your company on a blog.

Sunday, April 17, 2005
Today has been totally awesome…everytime I turn around I see another blessing from God!

This morning Dana and I went shopping and I bought an outfit for the Spring Banquet. It’s so cute! Then we went to lunch at Ted’s…it was delicious and complete with a Dr. Pepper to go.

At work I got trained on the Service Desk. It was a great change from regular cashiering and chances are I’ll be doing SD not too unfrequently now. It’s sad to see what people try to get away with. And not just your “average” criminal either. Anyone, from someone who looks like your grandma to someone who looks like your minister try to mess with Wal-mart and get money for free.

Being at the Service Desk is nice because the customers come and go, and I have a chance to walk around a lot as well as talk to people. I haven’t really had anyone get mad at me…yet. Though I’m sure that will happen soon.

Sorry to ramble on about Wal-mart. It’s just been cool to see how God’s been placing opportunities for me to develop relationships with my co-workers right in my lap!

Thursday, May 26, 2005

As most of you know, I work at Wal-mart. It’s a pretty decent job, and it’s a company that really looks out for the little people. However, over the past few months, one thing has became more and more obvious to me…

Wal-mart is obsessed with Sam Walton. Not just a little obsessed…majorly obsessed. The other day I took the time to look at how many mentions of him there are in the breakroom alone (it’s not just a closet, it’s 2x as big as the normal classroom at OU). There were 6 portraits of him, of only two different poses, and 12 quotes of things he said. This is in the breakroom alone, not counting the many quotes and pictures there are of him throughout the store. Every month in the employee’s magazine, there generally is an article that is republished from a speech he said back when he was still alive. Oh yeah, if you didn’t know, he died some time ago, in the early 90s I believe. That just makes everything more creepy. It makes me feel like he’s Big Brother or something.

Enough of that; I just had to get it off of my chest. It’s been bugging me. In less than a month, I’ll no longer work there.

Why I’m Wearing Heels during Tax Season

Posted on by
15

What are there only 435 of in this whole country? (answer after the break)

I love wearing heels. Tax season, however, doesn’t love heels.  While I do spend a significant portion of my day behind a desk, slumped over a keyboard, I also get up frequently to give a new client paperwork to fill out, answer a question, check a volunteer’s work, shred something, file something else, get an envelope…you get the picture.

During tax season (especially February and April), I’m always doing 3 things at once.  Or more.  With only three days left of tax season, you know things are crazy.

But today, I’m wearing heels.  The reason lies in the answer to that first question (bonus points to anyone who figured out the riddle before reading on).

So, what are there only 435 of in this whole country?

Representatives.

As in The House of Representatives.

And one of those Representatives is visiting our small little site (need I remind you that it’s my site…as in I run it?) on this very day (and no, he doesn’t even happen to be my Representative, thanks to the screwy district lines).

So, on top of my usual busy tax day at our outlying site, I am spending the first few hours of my day in my office schmoozing up Congressmen Bob Etheridge, anyone he happens to bring with him (do they have an entourage? maybe not…but if he was a Senator?), several members of the IRS, some other colleagues, whatever media we can attract, as well as a handful of tax clients (which could be a handful in themselves).

That’s a lot of people to have in our little 4-room office.

I don’t really know what to expect.  I’m not to be the main act, but I’m definitely supposed to be the puppet-master.  Not sure how I’m going to pull all those strings.  If you think about it, pray for me between 9:30 and 10:30 Eastern!  I’ll update you all once I get some down time (ha ha!).

Updated:

Congressman here and gone.  Media here and gone.  IRS here and gone.  It went well…only briefly talked to Congressman Etheridge, but enjoyed chatting it up with volunteers, tax clients, and IRS higher ups.  Was told that I have a very welcoming and reassuring personality…that’s a first.  The important thing is that it’s over…3 more days!

From the Belly of Tax Season

Posted on by
5

What, a new post on the Ignorant Historian? I must admit, I never thought that the tax season would swallow me whole as it has.  I had those three days of much-needed relaxation, and then I’ve had three crazy days of taxes…and it’s just the beginning.  Until April 15th, I’ll have little free computer time.   Not that it’s a BAD thing…I love what I’m doing and I still have time for other priorities, but unfortunately blogging seems far down that list.

I don’t WANT to quit this blog, but at this moment, I can’t think of what to say.  I prefer to hold to a if-you-don’t-have-anything-to-say-don’t-blog philosophy, but clearly this post goes against that idea.

I do have a couple ideas for meaningful posts rolling around in my head.  Hopefully, I’ll be able to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard, really) to share those posts with you in the next week(s).

Perhaps you could help me out, though…what would YOU want me to blog about?  I need some help to get back into a blogging mindset!

Thanks each and every one of you for taking the time to read this here blog.  Your comments have been encouraging even when I haven’t had the time to let you know that.

Snow Day

Posted on by
11

Oh my, this weekend was exactly what I needed after a crazy 3 months of travel, emotional highs and lows, sickness, and more work than I felt like I could handle at the time.

Start of the weekend: Friday was a good-busy day at work with an encouraging visit from a big boss and full of “snow day” excitement. That really doesn’t go away when you grow up, does it? Oh yeah, and did I mention, I got a raise? After work the day got better as I got to go HOME. As much as I love the people in my small group, I was craving time away from people.

Saturday we woke up to a blanket of snow, and the cold stuff still falling (actually, a lot of sleet later in the day). I do love snow…as long as it stays outside and I stay in. Still haven’t touched the stuff (though I’m going to have to make a run out to my car to get another can of Diet Dr Pepper this morning). Spent the day doing a little laundry and a lot of reading. Started The Help…so good!

Sunday church was cancelled and the city was just starting to wake up from the snow.  Five inches of snow may seem like nothing to others, but that’s a lot here in the South when we don’t have the capabilities to do much with it.  Another day of reading The Help, with a short break to watch Hairspray with the roommate.

And then today, the party continues.  Of course, I can’t quite neglect work like I have the last two days, but I really just need to make a few calls to cancel our appointments and handle any new emails/voice mails that come in.  All which can be handled here without leaving my comfy reading chair.

I will be going back to work tomorrow, possibly.  Though honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if they cancel school again (I don’t work in a school, but that’s how we determine if we’re open or closed for taxes).  Even if I have to go in to work, it’ll be at noon at our yet non-busy site.  Not bad!  When this is all over, I’ll be ready to be around people again.

Volunteerism

Posted on by
6

helping_handToday’s a big day for our organization, as I’ll have over 20 volunteers under my oversight.  They’ll be stuffing packets for our tax clients county-wide, and a few long-term volunteers will start the new season of tax preparation.  We’re a non-profit, and much of what we do would not be possible without volunteers.  Their time is invaluable to us, because if they didn’t volunteer, it would cost us thousands of dollars more to run our programs, thousands we do not have.  Simply put: without volunteers, we wouldn’t offer the free services we do.

If you don’t regular volunteer, I encourage you to do so.  Though there are seasons of life where volunteering isn’t as practical, I think there is almost always something that you can do.  If you have kids, there are many ways you can get them involved as well.

As the volunteer organizer as our organization, I see both sides of the picture.  I know the value of the volunteer.  As a volunteer for other programs/events, I feel the joy that comes from helping others.  While I don’t think that joy should be the primary reason why we volunteer, I think that it is a wonderful bonus.

So thanks to those who give their time in the service of others.  Though you may not always feel appreciated, you are doing a good thing.

Photo by Eduardo Deboni

Tis the Season

Posted on by
2

Sorry to so abruptly drop off the blogosphere.  I rely on downtime to blog, but didn’t have ANY of that Wednesday or Thursday.  I’m actually looking forward to the tax season (starts Monday) so that things get LESS harried…or at least everything on my end will be set up, so it’ll just be keeping the wheels (volunteers) greased (feed with gratitude).

I’m actually really excited, but like last year, there isn’t a lot I can share on the blog.  We see some interesting characters for sure…but I’m afraid I’ll have to leave it at that.  I’m sure you can use your imagination!

So that’s enough ramblings for a Friday.  I do hope to keep up with blogging…know that I’m not planning on quitting, even if I’m not as bloggy as before!

Wedding Weekend Numero Uno

Posted on by
9

I can’t believe how quickly the week went.  I was about to say my first full-week back went quickly, but I forgot that I’m off tomorrow (again).  Even after realizing that it was only 4 days, it still seems fast.

Tax season begins a week from tomorrow.  Eek.  Even though I’ve been preparing for it for months, there still is a lot that I have to do in the next week to get ready.  I’ve been working hard to find every (free! we’re a non-profit) way I can to promote this free service.  Sometimes I think it would be easier to sell if it was in fact something we were selling and not just giving away.

Once someone has come in and realized that there is no catch, they will come back and often bring several friends in, too.  Word of mouth was the primary reason we were able to double the amount of returns we did last year!  If you’re local (Wake County), and make less than $49,000 or know someone that does, please spread the word!  You can find all the information about the various sites throughout the county on our website.

Enough tax talk.  On the more immediate horizon, my good friend April is getting married Saturday.  I tried my dress on on Monday…I was having scary thoughts about it not fitting, and not realizing it until Saturday morning!  I think I’m all set to brave the snow as we drive down to Georgia…very thankful that the trace to 1 inch we’re expecting  is coming overnight (if at all) and not while I’m driving.  It’s also all interstate (from about 2 minutes from our door) and my roommate will be with me, so don’t worry (Mom, G. Zoe…I’m talking to you).

This is my first time as a bridesmaid, so that’s something new.  I just hope I don’t trip over my slightly-too-long dress in my high heels!

Much to be Thankful For

Posted on by
4

thanksgiving_food

I thank God He’s given me food on my table in abundance.

hug

I thank God that He’s given me family and friends who love me and show me more grace than I deserve.

plane_wing

I thank God for giving us quick travel that I may visit my family who’s over 1,000 miles away on this day.

my_desk

I thank God for giving me not only a well-paying job in these times, but a job that I like.

Bible

I thank God for allowing me to be part of a church who, though not perfect, is seeking to grow together towards christlikeness.

stone_cross

Most of all, I thank God for giving His Son to save a wretch like me.

So happy Thanksgiving, and remember to thank God for the many blessings he’s given you…no matter how many or how few, they’re more than we deserve.

Photos by CarbonNYC, Julie McLeod,  aka Kath, me, Phillie Casablanca, and DrGBB

Take a Deep Breath

Posted on by
9

Really, that post title is for me.  Today’s another big day at work, part 2 of 3 of a big project, and the only one that I’ve dislike (like REALLY disliked).  I need to remind myself to take a deep breath, and no matter what happens, I get to walk away at the end of the day.  I’m thankful for a job that I can leave at the door.

For those of you who are the praying kind, I could use some prayer, primarily for my patience and perseverance.  When I don’t like something, I tend to shut down too fast rather than sticking it out.

Hope to talk to you again tomorrow, but I’ll be deep in work all day today!