Red Nose Day

We all wore our red noses in support of Red Nose Day to raise money for children in poverty.

Bunch of clowns...any excuse for a group picture!

Gone to the Dogs

Bark for Life was a success!  As of the last I checked we had raised over $12,000 with our BBQ sales at Relay still to come.  We should be able to give them a check for at least $13,000 this year.  There were lots of dogs and even a goat and a pig! Jayke loved seeing all the dogs and even had his own job holding leashes of dogs while their owners registered.  Looking forward to next year!

Bark! Bark!

It's Bark time!  I spent the entire day working on the above swag bags for the Bark For Life participants this Saturday.  Midwest Homes for Pets hosts this sister event to Relay for Life.  We host Bark then participate in Relay and present our check.  Last year we gave over $12,000 that we raised and this year we are on track to achieve well over that!  I volunteered to put the swag bags together thinking, oh that will be fun!  It was at first but after a while I was sore, sweating, and overwhelmed by the amount of work it would take to put together 150 of these bags.  We have a lot of stuff this year, way more donations than last.  It literally took the entire day of two of us working pretty much non stop (they did give us lunch).  Hopefully my job on Saturday will be a little easier.  I am taking pictures for the day.  I think I can handle that!  

I also put all the signs together for the even...about 100 or so signs... here they are before I put the stands on them.

Below is a picture of our boss, Brad's, office where we put the bags together.  Tara took this picture and sent it to him in Europe where he is on business this week.  This is when we were just getting going...it got way worse!

First GREAT Valentine's Day...Maybe Ever...

I've always HATED Valentine's Day.  Probably because I never had someone I truly considered my "Valentine" but this year, that all changed.  I was really looking forward to this day mostly because I had such a great gift to give to Jeff.  I had been working on it for weeks and oddly, had managed to keep it a secret.  Normally I would be too excited and ruin the surprise but not this year.  Turns out I wasn't the only one with a surprise to give.

A ring of the doorbell brought the roses in the picture above while I was busy doing my usual Saturday ADD cleaning.  That would be when I start one thing and get distracted by something in another room and never truly get anything finished.  That's how I roll these days in my advanced age. 

I love getting flowers.  LOVE it!!!  Funny that no one ever sends them to me, no one until now that is.

Later that evening Jeff showed up with more goodies.  He and I have an ongoing "fight" about who loves who more and who can come up with the most creative way to say/prove it.  He bought me the sign in the picture above to remind me that he SUPPOSEDLY loves me more (he is wrong...as usual btw) he also got me a book that he had to fill in what he loves about me.  This was both sweet and humorous...much like our relationship.

My gift to him had a theme.  I gave him one of the below jars (filled with his favorite candy) each day starting on the Monday before Valentine's Day leading up to the grand finale...

The Jar's Contents and notes

Sour Patch Kids --"You're my candy crush"

Gummy SweetHearts--"You have my heart"

Hershey's Kisses--"Kisses for you"

Sweet Tarts

Gummy Sour Worms--"Hooked on you"

....and the final jar, which I gave him on Valentine's Day was 365 love notes (reasons I love you, lyrics, quotes, remember whens and anything else I could think of) one for each day over the next year.  Some what similar to his book he gave me only on a grander scale (because I like to go over board).  He loved it, of course, but maybe not as much as I loved making it and giving it to him. I also gave him a colts t-shirt and a new blanket (card with the blanket read "It's cold, lets cuddle!")  I'm betting he cheats and reads more than one note a day, which is why I actually put over 400 notes in the jar...that and because I mis-counted.

 We went to Fuji for dinner so I could have scallops and back home to watch a movie.  

I did the same thing for Jayke...jars of treats, a new Nike t-shirt and a Hershey's I Love You chocolate.

Before the actual holiday we also celebrated at work by making Valentine's boxes and passing out candy and little Valentine's to every one.  We also had a breakfast carry in.  Our department is always the one that comes up with these ideas and gets everyone involved.  We have fun every day.  

Laura, who sits in the cube next to me, made us each personalized Valentine's, mine is below and very fitting.  Wish I had thought of this idea...

She nailed it!  

Any Reason to Bust out The Booze

This group looks like they need some booze.  The work crew, all decked out in their Halloween best!  Above is the entire group who dressed up.  I think we had more this year than we did last and the costumes were better too!

Above is our department.  I didn't want to wear an uncomfortable costume all day so I just made a prop and went as in Instagram post.  

Our boss, The King.  Rollerskating Elvis who later, when the booze was brought out, dedicated songs to different departments/people.  I left early so I missed this part of the party, along with the booze, but I did see a video.  My favorite dedication was the one he did for the warehouse and EDI department (This would be Jeff and all who participate in the drop ship program) Return to Sender.  Hilarious!

Creepy the Clown was waiting for us in the darkened cubes.  Good thing clowns are about as scary as kittens to me.  He chased people around all morning with his creepy voice and laugh.  Not all are as unaffected by clowns as I am though.

My favorite, by far, The Gingerbread Man!  Doug, from Quality, as The Gingerbread Man.  He had a video from Shrek all cued up for us to watch with the part including The Gingerbread Man.  Then he had a performance of his own...running, flopping around on the floor, and yelling EAT ME!  By far the best and most entertaining.

Our sales team, Neil, Jeff Bird, and Brad.  We work with the BEST people!  There was tons of food and entertainment all day and at the end of the day they brought out the wine for one of Midwest's infamous "Happy Hours".  The owners enjoyed themselves so much they told us to figure out something for Thanksgiving so we could party again!  I love my job.  Stressful as it is, this makes it worth it!

Treats!

Treat bags for the co-workers

BOO!!!

I was "Booed" at work by a co-worker...Got these wine glasses, that pumpkin decoration, and a bottle of sparking grape juice.  Fun!  Wish we did this in our neighborhood too.  

Cube 3

That's me on the left...cube number 3( The one with the flag banner going down the side)  All decorated for Halloween.  Thought I should post a picture of my "other home".

And...the outside view with our new flag...

Because MidWest is Pretty Awesome!

MidWest donated about 40 skids of dog beds to, not only ARF, but also the Muncie Animal Shelter (donation pictured below with facebook post following) and several other shelters in the surrounding counties.  Love that we do this! This happened back in August but I thought I'd share now.

MidWest Homes for Pets shared Muncie ARF's photo.

August 25

Last week MidWest had the opportunity to provide QuietTime® pet beds to multiple pet rescues and shelters in and near our community. We are grateful for each organization. We appreciate their efforts to care for animals and pets when they are in need and their work in uniting pets with loving and caring families. Thank you for all you do!

We are more than grateful for the wonderful donation of many dog and cat beds from Midwest. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Many ARF animals will sleep snuggled in these gifts.

MidWest Facebook Post: Luna was Featured!

MidWest Homes for Pets

September 30

Wendy, a member of our customer service team, has shared two adorable photos of her "fur baby" for this week's MidWest Employee Pet Spotlight. Luna, short for Lunatic, has earned her name.  She is 6-years-old and has three fur siblings including two dogs and another cat. Luna likes to hang out in fancy room décor and her sister Zoe's LifeStages crate.

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Relay and Bark for Life

(Note the photo bomber in the background)

This year we only made a quick stop off at Relay For Life.  We stayed long enough to help serve some BBQ and let the kids play and visit some of the other booths, like the face painting.  Emily got to meet up with Kaylee and the boys got to hang out with Perrin.  Kaylee and Perrin's mom works with us and also will baby sit from time to time if we need someone to stay at the house with the kids.

Mid-West metal raised over $12,000.00 through our Bark For Life event, which we were the hosts, and Relay for Life of Delaware County . Bark for Life is a cancer walk for survivors with their dogs although, we did have someone register and walk their goat as well.  We weren't able to attend this event due to a soccer tournament but I'm hoping my schedule works out to be able to go next year.

We were the number one fundraising team at Relay and our co-workers presented a check to the American Cancer Society at the event. (We weren't there for this but below is a picture of our team).  You can see pictures in The Star Press from the Bark for Life here.  

We left Relay early so that we could take the kids to the Drive Inn Theatre!  There is still one left in nearby Winchester and we made the drive out to watch a couple of movies.  We had the kids in chairs behind the car watching their movie while we were inside the van watching the other screen.  None of the kids had ever been so it was something fun and new that we could all do and all enjoy.  I'm hoping to go back again before the summer is over.  You can't beat paying $26 for 6 people to watch four different movies (2 on each screen) AND you can bring your own food and drinks!

Can't Call It A Christmas Party???

I don't know why we have our Christmas party in January and call it a "Holiday Party" but...we do.  This year we went to Fuji.  Here is Neil trying to get us all drunk on Sake.  

Work Crew

The Mid-West office crew celebrating the 4th in appropriate dress and some of us with head-dress as well.  Flashing tiaras for the customer service girls.

Relay For Life...There are no Words...

....for this!!!  That is the president of our company in his "Mister Relay" getup.  They have a competition to see who can get the most donations after performing on stage and taking a parade lap.  I must say, our representative SHOULD have won for many, many, reasons as I'm sure you can deduct from this picture!!

Jayke had a blast meeting new friends, watching the luminary lighting which is always emotional, and taking in the spectacle of the "Mister Relay" contest.  Midwest has a booth where we sell barbecue sandwiches, sodas, and chips.  Most of our employees from the main office donate their time and efforts slinging barbecue and taking turns walking for a cure.  Jayke was able to take his soccer ball and play in the center of the midway with his new friend, Perrin.  He is looking forward to going back next year!

Christmas Weirdness

My gift from my aunt Robin...Wonder if I can get Jayke to use it, THAT would be a gift!!!

And...below, my co-workers secret Santa gift.  Shows you what kind of crazy people I work with.  It got even better though when I took these panties, with the air freshener taped to the crotch, and stole the president of the company's keys to his truck to hang these bad boys from his rear view mirror!  We all gathered in the windows upstairs to watch as he left for lunch and discovered them dangling from the mirror.  He didn't even bother to remove them, just drove off and waved.  LOL...great people!!

Dog Cages Anyone?

Just a shot of our warehouse.  Dog cages and dog beds stacked floor to ceiling and it goes on and on and on.  Yes, the warehouse really is this big...not an optical illusion from the picture.  It goes just as fare the opposite direction too.  I learned yesterday that I can get any cage out of the warehouse no charge.   Just a tiny little perk we get as employees.  Useful when you are as big an animal lover as I am...and as I'm turning Bobby into!

What He Does

Not that I completely understand it myself but I'm including a link to a website that Bobby built. He did all of the coding and created the logo. I'm not going to attempt to explain any further what he does because I'm sure I won't say it properly. You can look at the website and pretty much figure it out on your own. Safe Guard Inspection Group ....and then you can also go to his business website... Inspector Mobi to see the product he developed

The Road I Travelled

I haven't talked about my job situation on here at all so I guess it's time for a post updating my current occupation....and the route I took to get here.

I left Anesthesia Services after 3 years in February, 2011. I looked for a job relentlessly right off the bat. Went on many interviews only to feel like I was given the run around. One place went to far as to have me work a half day, didn't bother to pay me, and then didn't hire me either. After that, I was completely discouraged. I spent the next 10 months lunching with friends and watching daytime television. I finally got a call in November to come in and take a test to see if I would qualify to tech support Turbo Tax software. I took the test and was told that I had scored higher than all the other candidates who had applied. Encouraging. Hired on the spot. Would start in December, 3 days after Christmas. 3 days after Christmas I realized I was beginning a job that I was going to hate.

I spent 3 months telling people how to do their taxes, how to access what their accounts, how to download their software, and how to trouble shoot various other computer issues. It was stressful while on the call but I have to admit when I helped a little old man get through his taxes and I could hear the relief in his voice, it felt good. Not good enough to stay though. After the tax season they started trying to push us out since they no longer had positions for us with Turbo Tax. We could be moved to the Apple account to support the iPad, iPod, and iPhone but I would have to work a night shift. 4 til midnight. I would never seee Jayke. I quit right then.

Two days later I took a job at a collection agency doing their data entry work. This was more my speed. At least I knew how to do this work and felt comfortable. My new boss was thrilled with me because I actually knew how to do the work and needed little assistance or training. I caught them up from a period of time they were missing an employee. This would work for a while but I had something else going on.

I had interviewed for a position with a company called Midwest Homes for Pets. The supervisor and I had immediately hit it off and I was going in for a second interview. 2 hours after that interview, I had the job. Now all I had to do was tell the collection agency I was leaving them after only 3 days. This conversation went a lot better than I thought it would. She told me she was grooming me for her position and if it didn't work out at this job to give her a call. THAT made me feel good and I was excited about the new position.

Here is my new home: http://www.midwesthomes4pets.com/

I was hired as a supervisor and key account manager. I handle their two largest accounts, Petsmart and Amazon. I'm responsible for measuring product to meet the meter requirements for container loads coming from China. I also manage the website for Amazon, basically if you go to Amazon.com and place an order for one of our dog crates I'm the one who gets that order and ships it to you from our warehouse. I bring all the product for those two accounts over from China and get it it to it's prospective distribution centers. Sounds crazy but it is actually fun. I enjoy it. I enjoy the women I work with. I know I'm learning a job and eventually will be taking over a position of supervisor. I'm moving forward...finally. I look forward to going to work.

So that's what I've been up to for the past year and a half.  Got the good job...time for other areas of my life to follow suit.

Comedians

We have an Employee of the Month at my place of work. It really has nothing to do with job performance since they draw your name out of a hat, but it is a treat. It is a way for our boss to reward us through out the year. You get balloons for your office, fresh flowers delivered, small gifts given to you randomly through out the month, a prime parking spot at the front door, and at the end of the month you get a lunch in your honor. Of course, lunch is paid for and brought in from a restaurant of your choosing.

I have been there going on 3 years and had yet to win the Employee of the Month honors. My supervisor even went and checked to make sure my name was in the "hat" because we couldn't believe that it hadn't been pulled yet. It had become sort of a joke around the office because my name was never announced. I really was convinced that I was not meant to win it when one month I wasn't present for the drawing (you have to be there to win) and they DID pull my name. Since I wasn't there they had to draw another name and it ended up being Holly, my best friend at work. THAT made it even better for them all. I got a phone call immediately after to fill me in on my "loss"...and her "win".

This month...I FINALLY won!! Woohoo for me! I'm already trying to decide where I want my lunch to come from and can't wait to get my flowers tomorrow. I did receive my balloons though and placed them in the corner of my office where I can see them. I should have known the "funny" people I work with would not pass up an opportunity to continue to tease me about this though. When I came in to work this morning this is what I found...





That would be my seahorse balloon 'working' at my desk. There was also a sign that read, "We found your replacement!" They are real comedians. It was pretty funny though. I plan to enjoy my reign as Employee of the Month regardless of their jokes. Ha!

I should have written this yesterday....oh well, here goes...

I have had two requests from friends now to update this thing. They may not be "Commenters" but at least I know someone reads this other than my family who are required by law.

Yesterday was my one year anniversary at my wonderful place of employment. Yeah rah. I so should have written this yesterday when I was amused with the place instead of ready to quit, but anyhoo...Since it was my anni I promptly went to Jessica's office when I got there to ask where my balloons, streamers, and marching band were. Afterall, an employee like me should be celebrated right? Right! She told me happy f'n anniversary and went back to what she was doing. Shes just sweet like that. I smiled waved my favorite finger at her and strolled on down the hall.

I went to my office and dove right into my work like I do every morning...snicker...when all of a sudden the owner popped in. She handed me something and told me it was the best she could do and happy anniversary. I was so touched that she would take time out of her busy day, doing whatever it is she does in that mess of an office of hers, to come bestow a gift upon me in celebration of me gracing her with my presence for an entire year. So, what did she give me you ask? What does the bestest employee eva get on her anni? Well let me show ya....





You may be asking yourself what the hell is that? I totally would have been too if I hadn't made floral arrangements for ten years before I became a slave to the medical billing world. That, my friends, is a Christmas bulb which has been floral taped to a wooden floral pick that she pulled out of the arrangement in the board room. You gotta love a boss with a sense of humor like that! No one gets anything for their anniversary cept a review but I got this special gift. Something no one else got or probably ever will!

I immediately called Jessica to tell her what a smart a** she is. She didn't know about the special gift but had sent an email to Jill about my inquiring about my marching band and streamers. Of course, she thought her creativity in coming up with the appropriate show of appreciation was outstanding. I have to admit it was pretty funny and I felt special even if it was the two of them laughing at me. Like she told me Monday, whilst glaring at me over her tissue,..."I just joke with you because you're the only one I can talk to like that and not find crying in their office later!" I can feel the love people.


I may have a Christmas update someday soon. That will be after Sara has me make contact with Miss Cleo to find out what my future may hold...