Oy Already

.

I have been trying for two days to post a couple of photographs and Blogger refuses to co-operate. It just hangs, then times out. It seems I had this problem once before and either can't remember how I "fixed it" or worked around it - or maybe it just finally worked. Oy.

* * *

I am one of three people in our company asked to be a "pioneer" of our new company portal. I met with the programmers today for a preview. It's very cool and I can't wait to get my hands on it. Each employee can customize their page to their heart's content. Each will have a private page and a public page. It will make our work day absolutely more productive, by having so many links, pages, forms and tools accessible in one spot. I just eat this stuff up with a spoon and while I don't expect all employees to embrace it as fully as I know I will, I hope I can "lead by example", showing them what a terrific tool this is for us. For a computer (reseller) company, it doesn't always feel like we're as on the cutting edge as we should be. This new portal is a very good thing.

* * *

I'm writing this entry on my lunch hour, which is why it is so work-centric.

Having some additional help for this past week has made a big difference in my stress level. She's doing a terrific job and I'm very much enjoying working with her.

Our ESOP Communications Group decided last month to lead by example (heard that phrase recently??), in an effort to increase participation in the office-wide Monday Morning Meetings that we initiated for every other week. It's just a 15-20 minute update where anyone can speak, updating us on that week's upcoming events, sales successes, seminars, etc.

We ESOP committee members decided to each take a week on a rotating basis, to speak about our department - updates on projects, methods, work loads, whatever. I volunteered to go first. I think I used to do this in the 3rd grade too - offer to give my book report first, to get it over with! So my head has been buzzing for a few days, trying to plan my piece. It's very informal and I'm not really nervous - I just want to make sure I have enough substance.

* * *

I read something very interesting on Buzzoodle the other day.

What is a Real Workplace Diva:

Irreplaceable
High Profile, face of company
Creativity drives product development
Pays for themselves many times over with the value they add

What are the traits of an Ordinary Diva:

Strong sense of entitlement
Belief they cannot be replaced even though they can
Complain to their friends because they are not appreciated at work
Point out organizational flaws but do not step up to be part of the solution
Always think they should be paid more despite ROI saying otherwise
Causes moral problems with the teams they are on

All I can say (on the Internet!) is that, don't we all know of people who perfectly fit these profiles? I've shared this with two people within our company - sure wish I could post it on the mail room bulletin board or something!

* * *

I didn't upload this until I got home and I'm sitting in my studio now and can hear lots of Canada Geese flying overhead. I bet not 10 minutes goes by until I hear more - they are out in droves today. Or gaggles, as the case may be. (Oh! Miriam-Webster says a gaggle only applies when they are not in flight. I didn't know that.)

As I drove down our road on my way home tonight, I scanned the sky and I bet there were at least 15-20 Vs of geese all over the place. I now regret not pulling over and counting and watching them. When I walked down the driveway to get the mail, it was darn loud out there. When they fly low and close to the house, their honking almost hurts my ears, it's so loud. Canada Geese have long been one of my favorites. They are big beautiful birds and they mate for life. Gotta love that.

Honkers!