Disgruntled applicant...

Perhaps you have noticed that I stink at posting lately. I also stink at reading. I am way behind on my reading list...perhaps, because I got stuck with "Slaughterhouse 5." This book is weird and I was having a really hard time following the style of prose. So, I ditched it and moved on to Hoot, which I think is my June book and I still haven't finished it. So far it is good, so I promise to try and do better. I did write a post about a recent work frustration, but delayed posting based on some hesitation I felt, but alas, I have decided to post it. I will warn you that this was written some time ago and I have mellowed a bit since, but still frustrated.

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Ok, so I am about to embark on a different kind of blog...one in which I vent....

So, some time ago (March to be more specific) my then boss left her current position for a great promotion in the agency. Yeah for her! Well, that left her position open. The position was posted on April 1st. After some thinking, I decided to go ahead and apply. The position is substantially more money, more responsibility, and probably a long-shot based on the politics surrounding promotions around here...but, none-the-less rather than question my own credentials, I decide to dive in and apply - let the higher powers make the decision as to how qualified I was. In the interest of disclosure...the position required a Master's degree and 5 years of environmental experience. The issue...I only have 3 years of experience with my current employer and 2 from my graduate assistantship experience. I should note that before doing so, I took the opportunity to speak with my boss's boss's boss whom I had worked closely with in the recent past on a project. Asked her if she felt comfortable with me using her as a reference...explaining that I wasn't sure how it would go over, but that I wanted to go for it. She responded favorable. Indicating she was glad that I had decided to apply and adding that my concern over the level of my experience shouldn't deter me...that she and the rest of management are committed to making the best possible decision - whomever that was and referenced another recent promotion of someone with equal experience. The posting closed on April 7th.

The good news I would later find out, is that no one else from my section (albeit small) chose to apply...slight advantage...I know the section, how it works, and the personalities of its members. Understandably this process would be slow...management would need to review applications, talk amongst themselves, and schedule interviews. I had no idea it would take 4 months (and counting)! No news, no interviews, nothing... So what am I left with...frustration!

Was I stupid to think I had a shot? Is it just not meant to be? If so, I can deal with that. The kicker...every day at least one person asks me the status - I want to SCREAM...how the hell should I know, ask the people making the damn decision. But no, I politely respond with "I don't know." The inevitable next question I get asked is whether I applied. I haven't advertised this around the office, but I am not about to lie. So I respond with yes. For the most part I get a favorable response. Some say good luck, others say I would do well in the position. In fact, I was even asked recently about the position from a member of Management, whom is familiar with my work and knows my level of understanding. She too asked about whether the position had been filled, whether I had applied, then proceeded to ask my all about my credentials and stated she was going to make "a call" on my behalf to the hiring manager and communicate that she felt I would be a good candidate. I found out later from my hiring manager that she did make the call and had very nice things to say about my work in general. Still nothing....

Regardless of whether or not I am qualified, regardless of whether or not I should have applied, or whether I would do a good job - what happened to basic human decency? If you don't like an applicant pool - notify those that applied and repost the position. Simple. I am not going to be heart broken, rather, I will appreciate the honesty. I will never understand these types of hiring practices, and what is up with the politics behind decisions or why these decisions are shrouded in mystery and secrecy - just be honest with people...lay it on the line...tell it like it is. What about a little transparency!

There is so much more I could say and some much more to the story...Now for those of you who know me, you know that patience isn't my strong suit - ok...but, seriously 4 months! In the meantime I continue to train the new members of my section, answer questions, take on additional responsibilities, wait for a performance review (which by the way is also 2 months late)!

Reflecting on past experiences I am reminded of a time in my not so distant future in which I had a particularly difficult manager - a total micro manager. I distinctly remember calling my mom and dad completely frustrated and at my whits end. Of course, they had great advice...even gave me some pointers...most importantly (and most memorable)...was a little piece of advice..."never forget what this feels like." Remember this some day when you find yourself managing others. So, to the world out there listening, I vow never to forget this feeling either.

Michigan or Bust!

Our trip home to Michigan was great! The trip began on Saturday with Kyle and Anneliese's wedding in Holland (which was beautiful).

Aaron was a little under the weather and spend some of the reception in the car, but what he lacked the rest of us made up for in dancing, eating, and drinking. The wedding party stayed in a house at the beach.

Here we are making sand castles in the sand.

We enjoyed the time spent with Grandma Char and Grandpa Jack.

On Sunday we headed to the other side of the state for a graduation party in Novi for cousin Katie. It was also great to see all our Collins family. I especially enjoyed hearing all about Grandpa Wayne's childhood memories.

I thought this was a great shot of the cousins.

Then we spend a couple of days in Coldwater, where we were able to see friends Gary and Becky. The girls beat the boys in Euchre.

From here we headed to see Grandma Alice for lunch in Sturgis and then up to Traverse City to see mom, dad, and Denjas. Mom and I had fun shopping at a neat place called the French Bulldog, where I got a really cool old leather jacket.

Again the girls beat the boys in Euchre!

The Denja's arrived on Friday (after the girls' last day of school). We celebrated Mikey's 2nd Birthday early and just had fun hanging out. The kids loved the new car that they received from Grandma and Grandpa!

Sadly we returned home on Saturday and now it is back to work...well for some of us. But, Aaron is doing a good job so far keeping up with all my lists. We will enjoy a weekend BBQ with friends and then it is back to school for Aaron, only this time he is the student.

Camping

Aaron and I had a blast camping. It was so relaxing...and exactly what the Doctor ordered after Aaron's bad Friday. We headed to Hickory Knob after Aaron was done with work on Friday (Maeve had work off on account of Confederate Memorial Day - no I'm not joking). Saturday we went kayaking in the park.

Aaron unfortunately won the Yahtzee tournament...only by point total as we actually tied 3 game to 3. I did give him a run for his money. As you see here we even had to consult the rules for some guidance.

The rest of the weekend was filled with reading, drinking, sleeping, visiting with new friends camping next door, and smores. The weather during the day couldn't have been better. At night was a different story, with rain, thunder, and lightening nearly all night long both nights. No matter, it was a great way to spend the weekend!

Cinco de Mayo

This May 5th Aaron and I decided to have some fun with friends by hosting a Cinco de Mayo party. A great time was had by all! Our friend Jennie and dog Hildy came from Atlanta to visit on Friday night. Aaron met some friends at the bar on Saturday morning, while Jennie and I shopped and treated ourselves to pedicures. Once everyone arrived for the festivities we grilled and played bocce ball and red neck horse shoes. It was a nice time with lots of our friends and co-workers.

I also took advantage of some time off of work on the weekends to plant the garden. This year I perhaps got a little more brave and decided to plant okra, squash, and beans on top of the old standbys (peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes). As you can see, the garden is doing quite nicely. Now if only the fire ants that have also taken up residence in the raised beds will leave the plants alone, we should be in business.
My niece, Maria also celebrated her 9th birthday on May 1st! Leave it to kids to make you feel old. A "Happy Anniversary" also goes out to mom and dad who are in San Diego visiting Erin and her new house. Next on our agenda is a camping trip to Hickory Knob State Park just outside of McCormick. Looking forward to the kayaking! Then before you know it Aaron will be done with school (thoroughly enjoying his summer vacation) and we will be on our way home for a family wedding and graduation party.

A day in the life...

It's been awhile since my last post and I have begun to receive requests for more...

Today I accompanied Aaron's class on a field trip to the Barrier Island of Capers Island off the southern coast of South Carolina (near Isle of Palms). It was a cold day with lots of wind, but plenty of sun. The tour consisted of a trip to Capers Island on a boat and then a tour around the island looking for sea shells and lessons on erosion and ecosystems. It also provided insight into Aaron's classroom and the 5th grade mentality.

So what did I learn today...that there is a whole new generation of kids in the world...that by 5th grade (in my opinion), it's too late...you can't teach basic fundamentals like respect for oneself/elders, manners, motivation, or just general human decency - regardless of a person's nature ability or the education (private/public) that they receive. Okay, so that might be a bit extreme. The experience was actually not that bad, and neither was the kids behavior as a whole. But, for real...what happened to saying thank you, picking up after yourself, and showing appreciation for others. For the most part, the kids were good - relatively quiet on the 2 plus hour bus ride to the island and relatively attentive during the tour/lessons, but after (upon returning to the school) the bus was a mess, the kids hopped-up on sugar (from the larger than normal-sized pixy sticks), and out of patience. Yeah, it was a taste of what Aaron and every other teacher deals with on an every-day basis - God bless them all! It made me thankful for my desk job...surrounded by adults in my nice quiet office.

Some pictures from the day at the beach. This shot represents the effects of erosion. If you look closely (just above the guide's head) you can see the "old" base of the tree.
A sand dollar...one of the many creatures we saw.

Other things that I learned today...

1) The movie High School Musical seems to me to be an awful lot like Grease - only redefined a bit to fit into today's vernacular.

2) Moes is yummy!

3) The tide is cool.

4) Every once in awhile it is good to get out of your daily routine and experience the world from a different angle/perspective.

5) There is a lot left to see/experience in South Carolina.

Reading List - March 2008

This month I embarked upon a journey to experience some of my Irish heritage by reading Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt.

The book was depressing, but good. In talking with a friend from work, he summed it up well when he said he “ate himself through the book.” The story is a charming tale of what it was like to grow up in Ireland during WWII – without food, basic necessities, and barely the clothes on your back. I appreciated the story for what it expressed about perseverance and determination. I can’t even image what it must have been like…

I thought that his descriptions of his first encounters with love were endearing. I enjoyed that it was told from a child’s perspective. I loved that the narrative wrote openly about what he encountered and what he felt. I appreciated his remarks about family and religion.
It was a good read and I would recommend it.

Happy St Pats!

Happy St. Pats! Mom and dad came into town on Friday night before Saint Patrick's day and it was none stop fun till they left us on Easter Sunday.

We started the visit with some green fun in 5 points at their annual St. Pats festival. We went for a walk, watched the parade, and enjoyed music and friends throughout the day.

Mom and I giving each other jello shots.

Our early morning beverages at Delaney's Irish Pub.

On the way home we stopped to find a few geocaches that Leigh and Mickey and I couldn't find during their visit.

Monday had us visiting Savannah for some history and site-seeing. On the way there we stopped in Beaufort for tradition food at Gullah Grub and a visit to Hunting Island. Mom and dad introduced me to a B&B experience which I enjoyed (especially the happy hour of wine and snacks). It took us nearly all night, but we finally found a bar to make some Irish flags.

Wednesday we headed back to Lexington and sadly I had to go to work. But, mom and dad kept themselves busy at our house, fixing things and cleaning up our yard. The last weekend was met with more outdoor activities and projects on the 'honey-do' list (that my honey doesn't do), including replacing our kitchen sink, refinishing our bedroom furniture, and yard work.

Saturday was met with a early morning trip to drop Aaron off at the airport for his trip home for Spring break. It was a great visit and I was sad to see them go on Sunday. Thank goodness for friends Megan, Scott, Jackson, and Aida, who provided a distraction to keep the tears at bay.

Mom with Aida.

Thanks to mom and dad for everything. It was a great visit.