I have been told all my life that there is no such thing as a stupid question. And I fully intend to relay this principle to my students someday when I am a real life teacher, (which, FYI, is totally going to happen), because asking questions is an essential part of the learning process.
That being said, I also think there becomes a point when a question becomes stupid. I know this may seem contradictory, but really it is not. Let me illustrate with the following scenario:
A fellow Team Member (TM) calls me up to ask me a question. The question: what does the “CP:0” mean on SVT? (SVT is a system this particular TM uses daily). SVT is the one system I do not have access to and therefore I have no clue. So, I escalate the question. My superior also is clueless as to what “CP:0” means and suggests that the TM call our technology department for an explanation. I go back to the TM, who is waiting ever so impatiently on hold, and advise her to call technology. She then proceeds to inform me that she has already spoken with technology. They couldn’t give her an answer and referred her to my department. She then gets pushy and asks (demands) if I could find an answer and get back to her. Uh…okay. I put her back on hold so that I can escalate the question for the second time (because I don’t’ have anything better to do). I explain the situation to a different superior who explains that opening a ticket to research the meaning of “CP:0” would be a waste of everyone’s time, especially since the desired information is not crucial to know, nor does it impact the work process. So, I go back to the TM and inform her that unfortunately I am not going to be able to open a ticket. She then gets RUDE. She hotly tells me that she finds it funny that no one can tell her what “CP:0” means and then proceeds to call me worthless. My response: YOU ARE THE WORTHLESS ONE WITH THE WORTHLESS QUESTION. WHY DON’T YOU STOP WASTING EVERYONE’S TIME AND GET BACK TO WORK YOU ARROGANT TEXAN.
Okay, so I didn’t actually respond with such hostility. But boy did I want to. Thank you Holy Spirit for that extra dose of self-control.
So you see, I don't believe the TM asked a stupid question. It was perfectly fine for her to be curious. But her insistence in finding the answer to a question that really had no significance to the performance of her job, AND the way she treated me when I could not give her an answer was flat out STUPID. I mean seriously, get a life.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Xmas Questionnaire
I've been tagged by Katie!
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? I'll have to go with the Hot Chocolate on this one...with a candy cane please!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? He always wraps his gifts in Santa paper, of course.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I LOVE all colors!!
4. Do you hang mistletoe? I've never hung mistletoe, but there is always some at my parent's house. They are PDA experts.
5. When do you put your decorations up? As SOON as possible! Which is usually the day after Thanksgiving.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Uh...I'll go with the mashed potatoes and rolls.
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child: A consistent favorite memory is waking up early and looking at all the treasures Santa left in my stocking! A specific favorite would be the year my sister woke me up at 1 a.m. to let me know we got a Sega. It turned out to be a Nintendo. Silly Sister.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I recognized the handwriting on the tags. It looked strangely the same as my dad's!
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We always open one gift on Christmas Eve.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Lights, ornaments, bows, tinsel...the WORKS!
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Absolutely LOVE it.
12. Can you ice skate? I'm no pro, but I sure do love going round and round the rink, especially when the rink is outside!
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I look forward to my matching sister sweater every year!
14. What is the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Spending time with my family.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? My mom's homemade caramels and candy cane cookies!
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Christmas Eve shopping and lunch with my dad!
17. What tops your tree? An angel
18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Giving
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? YUM! But only the peppermint kind.
21. What do you want for Christmas? Long Johns
22. Do you attend an annual Christmas Party? Not a particular annual party, but I usually attend at least one White Elephant Party.
23. Do you dress up on Christmas or wear PJs? Pajamas always and forever!
24. Do you own a Santa hat? Nope
25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with? My familia
**Now, I am to tag some others who will answer the questions and pass the tag along !!
Kari
Kassi
Amy
Leslie
You're IT!
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? I'll have to go with the Hot Chocolate on this one...with a candy cane please!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? He always wraps his gifts in Santa paper, of course.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I LOVE all colors!!
4. Do you hang mistletoe? I've never hung mistletoe, but there is always some at my parent's house. They are PDA experts.
5. When do you put your decorations up? As SOON as possible! Which is usually the day after Thanksgiving.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Uh...I'll go with the mashed potatoes and rolls.
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child: A consistent favorite memory is waking up early and looking at all the treasures Santa left in my stocking! A specific favorite would be the year my sister woke me up at 1 a.m. to let me know we got a Sega. It turned out to be a Nintendo. Silly Sister.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I recognized the handwriting on the tags. It looked strangely the same as my dad's!
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We always open one gift on Christmas Eve.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Lights, ornaments, bows, tinsel...the WORKS!
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Absolutely LOVE it.
12. Can you ice skate? I'm no pro, but I sure do love going round and round the rink, especially when the rink is outside!
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I look forward to my matching sister sweater every year!
14. What is the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Spending time with my family.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? My mom's homemade caramels and candy cane cookies!
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Christmas Eve shopping and lunch with my dad!
17. What tops your tree? An angel
18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Giving
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? YUM! But only the peppermint kind.
21. What do you want for Christmas? Long Johns
22. Do you attend an annual Christmas Party? Not a particular annual party, but I usually attend at least one White Elephant Party.
23. Do you dress up on Christmas or wear PJs? Pajamas always and forever!
24. Do you own a Santa hat? Nope
25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with? My familia
**Now, I am to tag some others who will answer the questions and pass the tag along !!
Kari
Kassi
Amy
Leslie
You're IT!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Celebrating Twenty-Six Years of Life
Twenty-six cool /unique things that I have experienced thus far in life that I hope to share with my grandchildren someday:
1. I was born in Chicago, grew up in Montana, and went to college in Oklahoma!
2. My dad cut my hair until I was in high school. I often had sideburns and/or a mullet.
3. I wore saddle shoes in elementary school. The pink ones were my favorite.
4. I was selected to represent my school in a district-wide honor choir from 4th to 6th grade. I was also a member of two different church singing groups: “Sunbeams” and “Ring it Out.” Funny thing is, I don’t sing well at all.
5. Summer before 6th grade I flew to Chicago by myself to visit my grandparents. While staying with one of my grandparents, I got very scared (they live in a bad part of town and I heard yelling and what I thought was gunshots) and so I wrote out my will just in case I didn’t make it home alive. If I remember correctly, I chose Michelle to inherit the boombox.
6. I can play the clarinet. I cannot, however, tune my clarinet without an electronic tuner. I was always first chair which meant I tuned my instrument with the electronic tuner and then the rest of the band tuned their instruments to my C. Thus, I never trained my ear.
7. I won the geography bee in 8th grade. The winning question: What is the longest country? Chile, duh!
8. I played on the school volleyball team 7th – 10th grade. I was the setter.
9. I am the oldest of seven children. My youngest brother was born when I was a freshman in high school.
10. I pole-vaulted in high school. I wasn’t very good, but it was an exhilarating experience!
11. In 11th grade I went on a music trip to Seattle. We saw the Seattle Symphony, went on a dinner cruise, saw Phantom of the Opera, and shopped downtown.
12. I’ve been to Disney World. Typhoon Lagoon was my favorite!
13. I worked at Fuddruckers my senior year of high school and NEVER got sick of the food.
14. I was a queen candidate for the Sweetheart dance and thus had to parade around the gym at an assembly. I didn’t win.
15. I received my diploma 6th out of 411 students.
16. I attended Oklahoma Christian University from 2001-2005 and then 2006-2007…five years total. I earned two bachelor’s degrees.
17. I ate sushi for the first time in Japan. It was disgusting. The cook (chef?) watched me gag and then proceeded to fry me up some chicken. I was embarassed.
18. I’ve jumped out of a plane. Solo. It was A+mazing.
19. I received Presidential honors the first two semesters I was in college. It was my very first time to earn straight A’s. Thank you Montana for preparing me so well for college! Note: the classes did become much more challenging as the years went on, but I still managed to graduated with honors.
20. I hung out in the land down under for four weeks one summer.
21. I fell in love my senior year of college. I learned how to love someone unconditionally as well as how to mend a broken heart.
22. I was a bridesmaid in three different weddings in less than a year’s time.
23. I played indoor soccer at Hat Trick for 2 ½ years.
24. After I graduated from college, I moved 5 times in one year's time. The last move I made was into the Appleway house. I lived there almost two years (forever long!), with FIVE other girls no less (not recommended).
25. I saw the Broadway show “Wicked.”
26. I got a pedicure at V-Nails every month for 8 months straight with my BFF. Say that 5 times fast.
27. I’ve been to Alaska. It is breathtaking.
28. I’ve backpacked a section of the Appalachian Trail. (Ask me what my trail name is.) 8 days without chocolate and 14 days without a shower!
29. I visited the great state of Michigan and had a FANTASTIC tour guide who took me to all the must-see attractions – Herron Household, Sand Dunes, Mackinac Island, Cedar Point, Lavonia DQ, Tigers game.
30. I’ve been whitewater rafting on the Yellowstone River.
Okay, okay. I realize there are more than 26 cool/unique things listed. But, I just couldn’t narrow it down. I guess you could say that I’m beyond my years in the cool/unique factor! Or that's what I like to tell myself anyway. :)
1. I was born in Chicago, grew up in Montana, and went to college in Oklahoma!
2. My dad cut my hair until I was in high school. I often had sideburns and/or a mullet.
3. I wore saddle shoes in elementary school. The pink ones were my favorite.
4. I was selected to represent my school in a district-wide honor choir from 4th to 6th grade. I was also a member of two different church singing groups: “Sunbeams” and “Ring it Out.” Funny thing is, I don’t sing well at all.
5. Summer before 6th grade I flew to Chicago by myself to visit my grandparents. While staying with one of my grandparents, I got very scared (they live in a bad part of town and I heard yelling and what I thought was gunshots) and so I wrote out my will just in case I didn’t make it home alive. If I remember correctly, I chose Michelle to inherit the boombox.
6. I can play the clarinet. I cannot, however, tune my clarinet without an electronic tuner. I was always first chair which meant I tuned my instrument with the electronic tuner and then the rest of the band tuned their instruments to my C. Thus, I never trained my ear.
7. I won the geography bee in 8th grade. The winning question: What is the longest country? Chile, duh!
8. I played on the school volleyball team 7th – 10th grade. I was the setter.
9. I am the oldest of seven children. My youngest brother was born when I was a freshman in high school.
10. I pole-vaulted in high school. I wasn’t very good, but it was an exhilarating experience!
11. In 11th grade I went on a music trip to Seattle. We saw the Seattle Symphony, went on a dinner cruise, saw Phantom of the Opera, and shopped downtown.
12. I’ve been to Disney World. Typhoon Lagoon was my favorite!
13. I worked at Fuddruckers my senior year of high school and NEVER got sick of the food.
14. I was a queen candidate for the Sweetheart dance and thus had to parade around the gym at an assembly. I didn’t win.
15. I received my diploma 6th out of 411 students.
16. I attended Oklahoma Christian University from 2001-2005 and then 2006-2007…five years total. I earned two bachelor’s degrees.
17. I ate sushi for the first time in Japan. It was disgusting. The cook (chef?) watched me gag and then proceeded to fry me up some chicken. I was embarassed.
18. I’ve jumped out of a plane. Solo. It was A+mazing.
19. I received Presidential honors the first two semesters I was in college. It was my very first time to earn straight A’s. Thank you Montana for preparing me so well for college! Note: the classes did become much more challenging as the years went on, but I still managed to graduated with honors.
20. I hung out in the land down under for four weeks one summer.
21. I fell in love my senior year of college. I learned how to love someone unconditionally as well as how to mend a broken heart.
22. I was a bridesmaid in three different weddings in less than a year’s time.
23. I played indoor soccer at Hat Trick for 2 ½ years.
24. After I graduated from college, I moved 5 times in one year's time. The last move I made was into the Appleway house. I lived there almost two years (forever long!), with FIVE other girls no less (not recommended).
25. I saw the Broadway show “Wicked.”
26. I got a pedicure at V-Nails every month for 8 months straight with my BFF. Say that 5 times fast.
27. I’ve been to Alaska. It is breathtaking.
28. I’ve backpacked a section of the Appalachian Trail. (Ask me what my trail name is.) 8 days without chocolate and 14 days without a shower!
29. I visited the great state of Michigan and had a FANTASTIC tour guide who took me to all the must-see attractions – Herron Household, Sand Dunes, Mackinac Island, Cedar Point, Lavonia DQ, Tigers game.
30. I’ve been whitewater rafting on the Yellowstone River.
Okay, okay. I realize there are more than 26 cool/unique things listed. But, I just couldn’t narrow it down. I guess you could say that I’m beyond my years in the cool/unique factor! Or that's what I like to tell myself anyway. :)
Monday, November 24, 2008
Cauterization
I get nosebleeds. I get nosebleeds a LOT, especially in the winter. I mean, I’m talking at LEAST once a day. And it is always in the left nostril.
I’m not sure when exactly the blood vessel was damaged. I’m thinking it might date back to 1985-86, when I was 3-ish. It was a stormy night. I remember being on my parents’ bed with a box of Alaphabets. My mom was in the bathroom doctoring up a wound my sister had just received. And maybe I was happy to have a bit of freedom from mom, or it is quite possible that I was trying to provide some comic relief (storms are scary, sister was bleeding, etc..). I don’t really know, but whatever the reason, I stuck two of the “bets” up my nose. And I stuck them up far, which naturally caused my nose to bleed profusely. And my nose hasn't been the same since. (Well, if this is indeed when the damage occurred.)
So, as you can see, I’ve been living with this condition for quite some time. And I was happy to “deal,” until recently. The nosebleeds have just become a lot more frequent and inconvenient. I mean, I get them when I’m up in front of a class teaching, when I’m riding my bicycle home from work, when I’m running on the treadmill, when the heat kicks on, when I wash my face, when I’m nervous, and the list goes on and on! So, I finally had enough! And I made an appointment with an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist.
And today was the BIG day. Yep, that’s right, today was the big nose procedure day. And let me tell you, I was not looking forward to it. My dad got his nose cauterized many moons ago and, of course, gave me all the gory details. He said the numbing of the nose was the worst part. And he also mentioned having to wear a metal bracelet to “ground” him so he wouldn’t get electrocuted. Yikes!
Thankfully, the technique has changed quite a bit over the years. I did not have to wear a metal bracelet and there was no deadening of the nerves via a 6-inch needle. Rather, the doctor used a long wooden stick that looked like a match. Basically, the blood vessel was burned with chemicals as opposed to a blow torch or electric shock. It was still a very uncomfortable procedure and I certainly hope I never have to do it again. But my nose should be as good as new in 3-4 weeks! Fantastic!
Oh, and I guess I should also mention that I got a bit lightheaded while he was packing my nose. It was a little embarrassing but he assured me it is normal. :)
I’m not sure when exactly the blood vessel was damaged. I’m thinking it might date back to 1985-86, when I was 3-ish. It was a stormy night. I remember being on my parents’ bed with a box of Alaphabets. My mom was in the bathroom doctoring up a wound my sister had just received. And maybe I was happy to have a bit of freedom from mom, or it is quite possible that I was trying to provide some comic relief (storms are scary, sister was bleeding, etc..). I don’t really know, but whatever the reason, I stuck two of the “bets” up my nose. And I stuck them up far, which naturally caused my nose to bleed profusely. And my nose hasn't been the same since. (Well, if this is indeed when the damage occurred.)
So, as you can see, I’ve been living with this condition for quite some time. And I was happy to “deal,” until recently. The nosebleeds have just become a lot more frequent and inconvenient. I mean, I get them when I’m up in front of a class teaching, when I’m riding my bicycle home from work, when I’m running on the treadmill, when the heat kicks on, when I wash my face, when I’m nervous, and the list goes on and on! So, I finally had enough! And I made an appointment with an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist.
And today was the BIG day. Yep, that’s right, today was the big nose procedure day. And let me tell you, I was not looking forward to it. My dad got his nose cauterized many moons ago and, of course, gave me all the gory details. He said the numbing of the nose was the worst part. And he also mentioned having to wear a metal bracelet to “ground” him so he wouldn’t get electrocuted. Yikes!
Thankfully, the technique has changed quite a bit over the years. I did not have to wear a metal bracelet and there was no deadening of the nerves via a 6-inch needle. Rather, the doctor used a long wooden stick that looked like a match. Basically, the blood vessel was burned with chemicals as opposed to a blow torch or electric shock. It was still a very uncomfortable procedure and I certainly hope I never have to do it again. But my nose should be as good as new in 3-4 weeks! Fantastic!
Oh, and I guess I should also mention that I got a bit lightheaded while he was packing my nose. It was a little embarrassing but he assured me it is normal. :)
Monday, November 17, 2008
I Can See Clearly Now the Rain is Gone
You know you are blind as a bat when…
Your optometrist tells you that he couldn’t order a certain brand of contacts because they don’t make them in your prescription.
Or when…
Your optometrist tells you that he is happy with your new prescription, and reminds you that with your old prescription the farthest down you could read down on the chart was line 4. (Sadly, I'm not joking).
It's great to be able to see again!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Appointment Abuse
November 6 - Eye Appointment with Dr. Felstet
November 13 - Hair Appointment
November 17 - Eye Appointment (follow-up) with Dr. Felstet
November 23 - Pedicure Appointment
November 24 - Nose Appointment with Dr. Pelczar
November 25 - Dentist Appointment with Dr. Wood
The reason for the abuse: I am a "real" person again. This basically means that I have a full time job with health benefits, two luxuries I haven't enjoyed for quite some time now. And the body is especially thankful for the MUCH needed tune up.
November 13 - Hair Appointment
November 17 - Eye Appointment (follow-up) with Dr. Felstet
November 23 - Pedicure Appointment
November 24 - Nose Appointment with Dr. Pelczar
November 25 - Dentist Appointment with Dr. Wood
The reason for the abuse: I am a "real" person again. This basically means that I have a full time job with health benefits, two luxuries I haven't enjoyed for quite some time now. And the body is especially thankful for the MUCH needed tune up.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
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