I just don’t get it. I’m sure you know one of those people that can do just about anything and get away with it. Of course, you think to yourself, “If that were me, I would have already fill in the blank.” You try to rationalize to yourself how things can come so easily to them and you just hurt your brain by trying to wrap yourself around the whole ordeal.
It’s the same way with GIT. Once again, GIT called in the day after a weekend. She again had a “doctor appointment.” She showed up around 10. I’m trying to take a very hands off approach with her because she’s only got just over 40 days to be able to handle my job while I’m gone (mainly) and because I can’t really stand to be around her (secondly).
Well, I gave her detailed instructions on how to prepare a report (that should have taken 40 minutes max and yes it really is that easy). It took her 3 hours to complete it yesterday. I was here until 6, and then I basically ended up doing the report for her. All she had to do was change a two numbers and the date range to cover the current reporting period.
Well this morning she is generating another report and it turns out she doesn’t know how to do charts (or she isn’t very familiar with them). She is supposed to be able to cover a somewhat senior level position. She isn't going to be able to do so.
I just don’t get it. If I repeatedly didn’t show up or called in or couldn’t do this stuff, I would have been let go by now.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Sunday, September 04, 2005
The best sound in the world
Parents of the world would agree--the best sound in the world is a child's laughter.
I was going through the clutter in our kitchen and living room and M brought his Elmo into the room and climbed into B's lap. M wanted some attention, and B, of course, complied, but by tickling him and rough housing with him. M's laughter and squeals put a smile on my face. I went in and told M, "You know, your laughter is the best sound in the whole world." M just smiled.
M's laughter can make you forget you aren't feeling well (or 8 months pregnant in my case). It just cheers you up. It was definitely what I needed at that moment in time. So, parents, drag a little laughter out of your kid today and revel in it. I promise you, it will ease your ails.
I was going through the clutter in our kitchen and living room and M brought his Elmo into the room and climbed into B's lap. M wanted some attention, and B, of course, complied, but by tickling him and rough housing with him. M's laughter and squeals put a smile on my face. I went in and told M, "You know, your laughter is the best sound in the whole world." M just smiled.
M's laughter can make you forget you aren't feeling well (or 8 months pregnant in my case). It just cheers you up. It was definitely what I needed at that moment in time. So, parents, drag a little laughter out of your kid today and revel in it. I promise you, it will ease your ails.
Saturday, September 03, 2005
My new vice
OMG, I have found a new vice. I assure you this isn't just because I am pregnant either. I am a Tex-Mex freak under normal circumstances. Well, now Mission has these guacamole tortilla chips. They are to die for. The really just taste a lot like lime flavored tortilla chips They are good just by themselves, however, pair it up with the new Tostitos Monterey Jack Queso and YUMMY!
It took everything I had to stop myself so I would still eat dinner.
It took everything I had to stop myself so I would still eat dinner.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Friday ramble and TGIF
As my profile states, I am an oil & gas accountant. More specifically, my background is in crude oil supply and refining. So, I understand the logistics, and I am not surprised by the gasoline prices. As a matter of fact, it might be my understanding that makes me shake my head at the gravity of the Katrina situation as the refineries continue to stay offline.
However, as with other Americans, that doesn't mean that I don't wince when I have to fill up my gas tank. You see, I have a 45 mile one-way commute into the the city to work. My husband works out in the field and has to use his personal vehicle to go on calls. I have a car with a 15 gallon tank that gets approximately 24 mpg on regular. B's vehicle has a 37.5 gallon tank that gets about 18 mpg hwy on regular. So you can just imagine our gasoline bill right now. Granted, B does get reimbursed for his driving, but mind you, this is at the $0.40/mile rate set by the IRS at last year's gas prices.
So, B & I have been discussing the effect of the prices (as I am sure every couple is). If prices get much higher, I might approach my supervisor when she gets back into the office next week about work four 10 hour days as opposed to five 8 hour days. I would check into commuting in with someone from my town, but I also have M with me in the mornings and I drop him off at my mom's for the day. So, commuting is out of the question unless someone is open to his being with us. B & I also discussed how it would be interesting to see whether the tax code is adjusted for the huge spike in prices and just how much more the reimbursement rate will be for mileage for him. Quite frankly, $0.40/mile isn't cutting it.
Also, am I the only one that has felt like this is longest week I've had in a long time? It just seems like it will never end. The feeling really has nothing to do with the crisis blasted on the TV (although seeing the devestation and chaos does contribute). It's just been one of those weeks. Between closing, reports, auditors, training (which GIT has actually been here all week and trained surprisingly well (well better than I had hoped for)), I'm just so glad it's Friday.
It will be nice to just sit at home this weekend and not have to worry about working and auditors and closing and gasoline and all the other stuff. B & I talked about taking M to the Kiddie Park possibly this weekend, as it is the last weekend of the season. Other than that, we also talked about renting a movie or two and just vegging. I'll probably study a little bit this weekend as well.
Yes, you read that right, I will probably be studying a little bit this weekend as well. I know I finally finished with schooling, but I've been seriously thinking about going back and getting my CPA to allow for more working arenas. However, since I have been out of "accounting" school for over 5 years now (there is a difference between going to school in your major and getting an MBA), I thought I would ease back into things. So, I signed up for a tax class through H&R Block to kind of get the ball rolling. So I start classes the 17th. The good thing is that if I pass this class with an 80% or above, I basically have a job during tax season (even PT if I chose). My hope is to do well and get hired and use that money to pay off some bills. And then, next fall I can look at starting to work on my CPA. It's a good idea in theory; hopefully by putting it in writing, I will follow through. So, I will start perusing my textbooks this weekend to prepare for the classes. Sounds fun, huh? (And if you are one of my sorority sisters and you are reading this, I very well might need my head examined because didn't I tell you I was done with school after we finished our MBAs?)
Well, work calls, so I'd better get back to it. Have a safe weekend and God Bless!
However, as with other Americans, that doesn't mean that I don't wince when I have to fill up my gas tank. You see, I have a 45 mile one-way commute into the the city to work. My husband works out in the field and has to use his personal vehicle to go on calls. I have a car with a 15 gallon tank that gets approximately 24 mpg on regular. B's vehicle has a 37.5 gallon tank that gets about 18 mpg hwy on regular. So you can just imagine our gasoline bill right now. Granted, B does get reimbursed for his driving, but mind you, this is at the $0.40/mile rate set by the IRS at last year's gas prices.
So, B & I have been discussing the effect of the prices (as I am sure every couple is). If prices get much higher, I might approach my supervisor when she gets back into the office next week about work four 10 hour days as opposed to five 8 hour days. I would check into commuting in with someone from my town, but I also have M with me in the mornings and I drop him off at my mom's for the day. So, commuting is out of the question unless someone is open to his being with us. B & I also discussed how it would be interesting to see whether the tax code is adjusted for the huge spike in prices and just how much more the reimbursement rate will be for mileage for him. Quite frankly, $0.40/mile isn't cutting it.
Also, am I the only one that has felt like this is longest week I've had in a long time? It just seems like it will never end. The feeling really has nothing to do with the crisis blasted on the TV (although seeing the devestation and chaos does contribute). It's just been one of those weeks. Between closing, reports, auditors, training (which GIT has actually been here all week and trained surprisingly well (well better than I had hoped for)), I'm just so glad it's Friday.
It will be nice to just sit at home this weekend and not have to worry about working and auditors and closing and gasoline and all the other stuff. B & I talked about taking M to the Kiddie Park possibly this weekend, as it is the last weekend of the season. Other than that, we also talked about renting a movie or two and just vegging. I'll probably study a little bit this weekend as well.
Yes, you read that right, I will probably be studying a little bit this weekend as well. I know I finally finished with schooling, but I've been seriously thinking about going back and getting my CPA to allow for more working arenas. However, since I have been out of "accounting" school for over 5 years now (there is a difference between going to school in your major and getting an MBA), I thought I would ease back into things. So, I signed up for a tax class through H&R Block to kind of get the ball rolling. So I start classes the 17th. The good thing is that if I pass this class with an 80% or above, I basically have a job during tax season (even PT if I chose). My hope is to do well and get hired and use that money to pay off some bills. And then, next fall I can look at starting to work on my CPA. It's a good idea in theory; hopefully by putting it in writing, I will follow through. So, I will start perusing my textbooks this weekend to prepare for the classes. Sounds fun, huh? (And if you are one of my sorority sisters and you are reading this, I very well might need my head examined because didn't I tell you I was done with school after we finished our MBAs?)
Well, work calls, so I'd better get back to it. Have a safe weekend and God Bless!
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Outsourcing, Benadryl, and other gripes
Ok, I understand that companies want to save money by outsourcing. Heck, I am contracting for an outsourcing group. However, as with some companies, the company I work for sent functions like accounts receivable to India.
Apparently, regardless of where in the world you are, companies think that AR individuals should be strictly data entry individuals. They are not supposed to think outside of the box and make educated decisions. I hadn't been in 5 minutes this morning when I was dragged into a chat session with a clerk in India that needed me to tell her how to book an intercompany receipt between cash accounts. Well, my dear, here is the background on why it was done. How would you normally apply a receivable on our books? Duh, I'm tellin' ya. In addition, this clerk contacted the person that used to do my desk. I have been doing this desk for a year and a half. You would think that she would have figured it out by now that I am the one she should contact--not the other individual. She has been told repeatedly. Update your desk procedures for pete's sake if you can't remember off the top of your head.
Yesterday evening, I stopped by a lady's house on the way home to pick up an item she needed to return from when I was selling Avon. It is the last of the returns I have to do. Well, I hadn't taken more than one step out of my car when I stepped in a hole (couldn't see it because the grass was so thick). I fell forward on my knees, hurt my wrist, twisted my ankle.... Well, you get the drift. The right side of my body is so sore.
So, I rubbed myself down with some Blue Emu as best as I could, took some Tylenol, and had B do the areas I couldn't do (my shoulders). Well, it didn't register with him until this morning that I had tripped and fallen (I assured him it was just on my knees; the baby is fine), so I got a verbal admonishment to watch where I was walking. I WAS!
So, here I was already sore, and B's allergies were bothering him very badly so he took two Benadryl last night before bed. Of course, this knocked him out to the world. He spent a lot of the night in the middle of the bed on his back--SNORING! He told me this morning that I should have kicked him and made him roll over. Uh, sorry babe, but I did. As I said, he was dead to the world.
Then, M crawled in bed with us about 3 and of course, B was near the center of the bed and M got between us. Where did that put me? On the edge of the bed, of course. I woke up this morning to find I had my head resting on the bedside table. Now the crick in my neck (which has moved from the left side to the right side in the last week) is worse. I'm very sore today and quite generally in a cranky mood. This also coincides with the first day of the month and closing and more training of GIT.
Anyone have some Calgon they can send my way? Oh, yeah, I forgot that I can't take a bath because the plunger mechanism broke and I have forgotten to get a plug every time I have went to the store.
Is it Friday yet?
Another gripe
As an accountant, you can imagine my love for auditors. Really, though, I have nothing against auditors. I just once again have my “please use your common sense" mentality. How many times do I have to repeat myself to you and show you the same supporting documentation OVER and OVER and link it together. And why do auditors feel the need to “visit” during closing? Um, hello! You are an accountant. You know the books have to be closed, but you pick that week to “visit,” and I have to drop everything I am doing during my closing process to answer a question for you yet again that has already been addressed. And they wonder why we just love them…
Let me do my job when it needs to be done, and I’ll help you do yours, ok?
Apparently, regardless of where in the world you are, companies think that AR individuals should be strictly data entry individuals. They are not supposed to think outside of the box and make educated decisions. I hadn't been in 5 minutes this morning when I was dragged into a chat session with a clerk in India that needed me to tell her how to book an intercompany receipt between cash accounts. Well, my dear, here is the background on why it was done. How would you normally apply a receivable on our books? Duh, I'm tellin' ya. In addition, this clerk contacted the person that used to do my desk. I have been doing this desk for a year and a half. You would think that she would have figured it out by now that I am the one she should contact--not the other individual. She has been told repeatedly. Update your desk procedures for pete's sake if you can't remember off the top of your head.
Yesterday evening, I stopped by a lady's house on the way home to pick up an item she needed to return from when I was selling Avon. It is the last of the returns I have to do. Well, I hadn't taken more than one step out of my car when I stepped in a hole (couldn't see it because the grass was so thick). I fell forward on my knees, hurt my wrist, twisted my ankle.... Well, you get the drift. The right side of my body is so sore.
So, I rubbed myself down with some Blue Emu as best as I could, took some Tylenol, and had B do the areas I couldn't do (my shoulders). Well, it didn't register with him until this morning that I had tripped and fallen (I assured him it was just on my knees; the baby is fine), so I got a verbal admonishment to watch where I was walking. I WAS!
So, here I was already sore, and B's allergies were bothering him very badly so he took two Benadryl last night before bed. Of course, this knocked him out to the world. He spent a lot of the night in the middle of the bed on his back--SNORING! He told me this morning that I should have kicked him and made him roll over. Uh, sorry babe, but I did. As I said, he was dead to the world.
Then, M crawled in bed with us about 3 and of course, B was near the center of the bed and M got between us. Where did that put me? On the edge of the bed, of course. I woke up this morning to find I had my head resting on the bedside table. Now the crick in my neck (which has moved from the left side to the right side in the last week) is worse. I'm very sore today and quite generally in a cranky mood. This also coincides with the first day of the month and closing and more training of GIT.
Anyone have some Calgon they can send my way? Oh, yeah, I forgot that I can't take a bath because the plunger mechanism broke and I have forgotten to get a plug every time I have went to the store.
Is it Friday yet?
Another gripe
As an accountant, you can imagine my love for auditors. Really, though, I have nothing against auditors. I just once again have my “please use your common sense" mentality. How many times do I have to repeat myself to you and show you the same supporting documentation OVER and OVER and link it together. And why do auditors feel the need to “visit” during closing? Um, hello! You are an accountant. You know the books have to be closed, but you pick that week to “visit,” and I have to drop everything I am doing during my closing process to answer a question for you yet again that has already been addressed. And they wonder why we just love them…
Let me do my job when it needs to be done, and I’ll help you do yours, ok?
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