Extra! Extra! It's the Afternoon!

He's serious about that "EXTRA!"...and you should be too!

This last leg of the day can either go very fast or dreadfully slow. I'm not sure why (aside from my work is caught up and I'm just staring at the clock), but it always goes slower the day before you have off. That's right readers! Yours truly is taking a vacation day tomorrow to go on a 3 day weekend road trip with his fiancee to Maryland. I'll be happy to speak more about my trip once I return, but let's get back to the topic at hand: The Afternoon.

You've returned from lunch, gotten your second (or third, fourth, or fifth) cup of coffee, and nothing is helping to make the time go by faster. You're not allowed to surf the web (speaking of which, why are you reading this right now while you're at work?) and your doodling is barely above a 2-year old. So what better way to pass the time than to write about it, right?

One fun activity I've indulged myself in is looking at the internal job board. Just moments ago, I spoke with a product manager about a new position that would report directly under her and suffice it to say, I feel more disheartened than when I knew little about it. I was hoping this would be an opportunity to shine and finally start to develop my marketing experience, but all it entails is still answering the phone and eventually moving into an outside sales position.

Random Thought: It's 3:33 p.m. as I'm writing this. Make a wish. :End random thought.

So is your day moving faster now that you have something to read? Maybe a little. That's the goal; to make it to 5:00 p.m.. But even after I leave, I still have errands to do before my trip. Oil change, tire rotation, packing, wrapping, and getting gas. I'm in the final stretch and I'm also starving. Did I mention that? I went out for lunch today and got 2 slices of pizza and a root beer. I thought that would be enough to quench my appetite, but I'm starving. I'm looking forward to coming home and finishing my other half of the sub I got yesterday. Plus some popcorn. Ok, I thought I was done with the random thoughts, but it seems this is what keeps me going.

I hope whoever is reading this has managed to kill a few minutes of their day and I hope this helps speed up the rest of the afternoon. Also, I hope you have a great weekend. A big storm is coming so stay dry and make the best of it.

Mmmm...bologna sandwich!

Truth. Liberty. And the American Way.

Oooh, I can see my state from here! NJ for the....win?!

Howdy strangers! I know it's been a while since I last blogged, but after a few recent conversations with some friends, it got me thinking. When I originally made a post about 1-2 weeks ago, I spoke about a topic and maybe was a little too honest. I understand that by publicly writing a post, potential and current employers can look at this and make a judgment about me. But why should I have to censor my thoughts? Why is it a crime to speak freely and honestly, especially when I don't name names or places. I'm not typing my thoughts to cause a stir, but to express myself. So for that, I'm not going to apologize.

I had another topic in mind for today's post, but I think I'm going to save it. I just really want to talk about the online community and how it can affect someone's future. I remember being a told a story about a possible candidate for a company. This individual (not me, I promise) interviewed very well and they looked like a shoe-in. However, the employer did some background checks and stumbled upon the individual's facebook page. Needless to say, there were some interesting comments and posts that resulted in the individual not getting the job. So is that fair? It depends.

I'm all for using social network tools such as blogs and facebook and myspace (if that still even exists) to do a semi-background check. The truth is, I wouldn't want to hire someone if they posted certain pictures or certain types of posts. It could be a good indicator of how someone is. The flipside is that this may not accurately represent how someone behaves in the workplace. They could be an ideal role model, a hard worker, and a very studious person. Yet, which is more important? I believe a balance of the two are in order.

If someone has no problem posting obscene pictures or posts, I would be hesistant to have them represent my company. But if someone posts comments about his thoughts (see where I'm going now?) and is respectful of what is written, then should he have to worry?

So what are your thoughts on the subect? Or any subject? I want to hear from my readers!

All I ask is you are mindful of what you post....other people are reading!!!

And the award goes to....

Be proud of the award. You deserve it!

Awards. Recognition. A sense of accomplishment. A piece of paper/plastic/plaque that shows that you were deserving of special notice. Many of us are very familiar with awards, dating back to the wee early years of school. If you did a good job, a gold star would go next to your name. If you did extra credit, maybe you got a few extra points on your test or grade. Even in work, the notion of recognizing those who do an above and beyond job is still very much present.

So why bring this up? It's not surprise companies use this as a motivational tool, right? I wanted to discuss this because today we have our Birthday and Service Anniversary Lunch Recognition. During this time, the company gives out two awards to employees who have displayed an above average level of work and went so high above that their manager and/or co-worker wanted to pay tribute. Seems hardly worthy of discussion, but there are a few things that irk me. And not the fact that I don't always win (hardy har har....).

I'm a strong believer in awarding those that do a good job; great job even! I'm all for motivation and making the employee/co-worker happy and ready to continue working harder. I just find it discomforting when managers don't recognize their employees and it falls to the wayside. A lot of people go to work off the saying of "pay me, don't praise me". But why can't we have both? Why do we have to wait until review time to hear how we have been doing? Would it be better to hear it once every (or every other) month or just once a year? Which one would you prefer?

I look around and see a lot of people deserving of an award. Deserving of their 15 minutes of fame. But it normally doesn't occur. You would think you would have to have performed major surgery to get any notice around here. Why is that? Why can't a customer saying "good job" to a manager be enough for the manager to say something? Why does it always have to be that once in a lifetime thing you did that gets you a pat on the back.

I don't mean to harp or be spiteful, but I think we, as a society, have placed too much importance on awards to the point where a lot of us feel that this is how we know we are heading in the right direction. I know everyone can't be superstars everyday, but we can also be noticed for our contributions.

So let's make today "Award" Day. No matter what job you do, no matter what position you are in, let today be a day for your recognition. Be proud of the work you do and be proud of your contributions to your company (and even society). Let's not let companies dictate who is better than others. Let's all deserve to be recognized!

....*kicks feet* still would be nice to have that award though....

So that's the new guy!

A good handshake is a great first impression!

We've all been there. We've either been the new guy (or girl) or been in the department when the new hire starts. For some, it's just another day in the office. For others, it starts to stir up a lot emotions. Who is this new person? Are they going to take my job? Will they fit in? No matter the thought, you know it's percolating up in your 'ol noggin.

I bring this up because I myself have had the privy of being not only that new hire from outside and from within, but also in a department that has a new person starting. The thoughts that come to my mind is that I hope the new person is nice, educated, and very mindful of others. I'm not one to worry about someone trying to steal my spotlight or move up ahead of me. I have always been on the notion that if someone deserves a promotion, they should be able to obtain it.

As a past store manager, I even volunteered to step down as a manager so that my assistant could take my spot (mainly because I knew he needed it more than I did at that point in my life). The district manager said no, but I wanted to use this an example to my outlook on this topic. However, there are others who view this situation from the other side of the spectrum. They feel the new person is out to get them, got hired to eventually replace that person, or just feels that this person is going to get in the person's personal space.

I'm not sure where these feelings originate from, but it's a shame that we have them. Instead of welcoming the new person with open arms, we put up our hands in defense. We try to shield them from learning too much about us or getting too comfortable in their new environment. I'm not saying this is how the majority feels, but it's evident. I also take the viewpoint that in today's economy, I'm glad someone got a job. I just hope they take it seriously and add to improving the department as opposed to making it more difficult.

I remember my first days at a new job: Am I being too nice? Am I being too quiet? Should I not be this enthusiastic? Am I giving off the wrong impression? What happens when I make my first mistake? Why is that person staring? It's a scary feeling to walk into a place where everyone but you knows each other. It's like moving to a new town or going to a new school. Will you fit in with the kids already on the playground? Will they want to be your friend or will they shun you (yes, the dreaded shun. I am all too familiar with this notion).

No matter the reason, a new hire is a new hire. It's up to them to make a good first impression, but also for the existing employees to do the same. I'm under the belief that it's better for everyone to get along and I know I will do all I can to make the new person feel welcomed.

However, that pudding cup my mom packed for me is mine; no sharing!

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue...

...& Roll!

...aren't you glad that you got me, 'cause baby I got you-hoo! So yes, it's that magical time of the year called "Valentine's Day". Or "buy lots of chocolates, cards, flowers, and help the economy out" day". As you can see, the former title won out, but nevertheless, it is a good day to remember your loved one. It's also a day to reflect on the past and loved lost or loved thankfully gone away. In either case, I'm thankful for who I'm with today. So let me share you some wonderful memories of yester-year.

It was a warm August evening when I took my drive down to New Brunswick to find the elusive Brunswick Zone Bowling Alley. After about 30 minutes - 1 hour on Route 1, trying to find that exit, I eventually made it to the parking lot. But not before first speaking to my, now-fiancee, on the phone along with her dad for directions. After parking the car, meeting her parents (on the 1st day...can somebody say nervous?), we went inside to bowl. What began as a friendly conversation and teeny bit competitive date, we decided to go get some food. So, it was off to the local mall by her house that had a Ruby Tuesday (note to everyone: never go to Ruby Tuesday on a first date).

At Ruby Tuesday, we were seated fairly quickly and got to know our waitress VERY well! She thought it be best if she started vacuuming our section while we were still eating since she had to go home to visit her mother. She made that point again when she asked if we could leave the tip before she left. AWWWKKKKWARD! So, as we sat and talked, got to know each other, it really felt like catching up with an old friend. There wasn't any of that weird pauses or shifty eyes to the clock, but a very nice evening. So we finished up and we headed back to drop her off at her house. Now please bear in mind that her house is literally down the road and across the street from the mall. It can't be more than a 5 minute drive. Yet somehow, she got me lost...

See, even though I suggested using the trusty ol GPS, she was confident that she could get me to her house. Instead, we ended up at Rutgers University, a good 15-20 minutes away. So what else could we do? We went for a stroll on the campus and she showed me some lovely spots. We also took silly pictures and I knew I found my soul-mate. Who else wouldn't mind getting lost on a first date with a stranger and just taking goofy pictures on walkways and by puddles (passion puddles even!). After a while, I took her home (with the GPS turned on) and the rest is history.

So here we are, just celebrating our 29 month anniversary (or 2 years and 5 months for those mathematically challenged) and we're getting married in just 9 short months. So Happy Valentine's to you my love and to everyone else who have found their significant other. Their best friend, amigo (or amiga), compadre, and confidant. Here's to all of you that show that with patience, a J-Date account, and a mutual friend, you can really find your "one".

I LOVE YOU SHANNA AND I LOOK FORWARD TO OUR FUTURE! *MWAH-HUH?*

Do you know what your "dream job" is?

Dream Job + Jon = Sign!

So yesterday I made a post (which I quickly retracted and deleted), that focused on dream jobs. I feel that I came across the wrong way and in a way in which I made some accusations to certain professions and companies. For that (for anybody who read it), I apologize. Allow me to reiterate my thoughts in a way that I hope is more concise with how I truly feel about the subject and to not offend anybody along the way.

The topic is your dream job? It's that job that you may have wanted since you were little or as recent as a few weeks ago. Whatever the length of time, you know this is a job you just would LOVE to have. It's that job that would make you giddy with joy, happy to wake up in the morning, sing on your commute, and feel such a sense of gratitude doing day in and day out.

But what is your dream job? Is it something manual that you do with your hands? Is it something that you do with computers? Is it a game of "Guess Who?" where you keep eliminating criteria and whittle down the various possibilities, haha? There are so many jobs out there so how does one truly know what they want? I know this is starting to sound more like a Q & Q instead of a Q & A, but this subject poses a lot of questions and inquiries.

So let's start answering some of those questions with my own thoughts on the matter. For me, the dream job is one where I am doing marketing. I've hesitated on picking a specific field, but I really enjoy advertising and promotional marketing. Nothing tickles my fancy (odd saying) than teasing at a new product (or comic book) with a one page ad that may show just a few words or maybe a picture or maybe just a symbol. Also, I like that feeling of getting the consumer excited about something up and coming. It's those little ads that I look forward to during the day on my comic sites, but more importantly, I believe it's a crucial first piece of contact between the product/company and the consumer. So I would have to say I would really love to work in an industry that revolves around products that I enjoy (movies, comics, or games).

Another aspect of my job I would enjoy is the ability to tele-commute in bad weather or have that flexibility of making a reasonable schedule. What if I have a doctor's appointment on a Wednesday, but I'm doing nothing on Saturday. If my projects aren't due in a short time frame, why not substitute those days as opposed to having to use up vacation or personal time for a quick appointment. And if that is not an option, then how about letting me work from home as soon as I'm done with the appointment to make up the lost time?

I would also like to work with a group of individuals (maybe not all the time, but definitely in a team environment) that shares the same passion as I. What better feeling is there (back to the questions) than working with like minded individuals who bring something new and exciting to the table? We're all working on the same goal and are vested in the product.

So that's my dream job in a nutshell. What's yours? What do you want to wake up and do 5 days a week? What would bring you joy to talk about and to share with others?

Please, share your thoughts and let's start making our dream job become a reality *insert cheesy motivational music here*

Whistle while you (drive to) work!

I promise, all the Disney pictures are coincidental. Really!

It's that time again. The alarm clock has rung (multiple times), you're dressed, brushed, and out that door. You get into your car to start your morning commute and what's the first thing you do? If you're like me, you turn on the radio and listen to some music. For me, I have my iPod hooked up to an adapter, so I have a lot of genres and bands to choose from.

Yes, music is what helps my commute go faster and more enjoyable in the morning and in the evening when I leave work. Some people opt to listen to the news or has a favorite radio station, but for me it's the iPod. At times, there may be only one band I listen to on repeat for weeks, before finally choosing someone else or hitting "shuffle". No matter who I'm listening to, I have to have music playing as I'm driving.

So what music do you listen to? Who are your favorite bands? Which artists would you play in the morning and would they be the same on your way home? Are you like me and play fast music and then end up speeding because you pretend to be a speed racer? Yeah, me neither *wink wink*. I'm hoping with today's blog, I'll actually have some comments as to who to listen to.

However, before you wonderful readers can make suggestions, you'd have to know my preference. Currently, I'm listening to: The Bravery, The Kooks, The Rakes, Black Kids, Panic! at the Disco, The Young Knives, The Killers, Plain White T's, and possibly some show tunes. What? I'm not allowed to sing "To Life" and "If I were a Rich Man?" I do enjoy a lot of European bands for some reason (could be the accent), but I'm typically open to anything that has a good beat. I've been known to listen to Lady Gaga and other pop stars that are hot right now (but please, no Justin Bieber!).

I do love music. I love to hear that song for the first time and then find the lyrics online to sing along. I love to get that one great song on "shuffle" that just sums up the day you're having, or possibly lets you scream out your frustration. I mean, would I look like that weirdo if you were driving next to me? You bet your tuchus! But still, it'd look like a fun party you kinda/maybe wish you were invited to.

So with the weekend upon us and one more drive (on the way home) from work this week, who are you going to listen to? Are you going to be singing some pop, listen to country, or rock out to hard metal? No matter what you choose, just remember that no matter how good you may think you sing in the car, you probably shouldn't try out for American Idol.

At least that's what my parents tell me.

I'm going to be SOOOOOOO late!!!!!

I'm late. I'm late. For a very important date...

Well not really. But there are those times where we're running late in the morning. Be it the alarm clock didn't work or maybe we just kept hitting the snooze button, there are many reasons for this. In fact, it could be that you just overslept or just refused to leave on time. Maybe it's the traffic or something with your car. Maybe you got into an argument with someone in your household that caused you to not leave on time. Regardless of the reason, one fact remains: You're late for work.

There's no worse feeling for those who are monitored by the clock by their supervisor/manager. You know what I'm talking about. You're running into the building, already past your start time and you get that knot in your stomach. You worry about being written up or talked about amongst your co-workers. It's a crappy feeling, plain and short. Although, if you are of the select that get to choose your hours or possibly work from home, you're in a much favorable position.

Today, I completely miscalculated the time I thought it would take to chisel my car out of the block of ice it was encased within. On top of that, I left the house only a few minutes earlier than normal, thinking this would be sufficient. Needless to say, when I realized that the ice wasn't being scraped away, I started to panic. You should have seen me attack my car with my scraper. At points, it appeared as if I was making an ice sculpture, what with all the ice flying in the air. I didn't even think to do it discreetly in case I was being too loud. I was banging, scraping, and mildly cussing at my predicament.

Eventually, I got enough of the ice off my front and back windshield and made my way to work. I decided to go on the highway instead of the backroads, considering I already lost about 20 minutes working on my car. As I was cruising along and making good time, I was almost at work when I ran (or should I stay stopped dead) in traffic. I could see my exit, but couldn't get to it. Out of nowhere, all the cars decided to just start crawling along at 1-2 miles per hour and I was anxiously looking at the clock and how much distance I had left.

I then made it to my parking garage, parked the car, chiseled the rest of the ice on my windshield wipers (as it left my right wiper disfigured) and quickly made my way to my desk. With 3 minutes left until 8:30, I plugged my computer in, logged into the phone, and breathed a deep sigh of relief. So here I am now, fully caught up with my work from a day ago (our office was closed yesterday, w00t!) and I am writing this post.

But yeah...late to work. It's not a pleasant experience and for those who aren't used to it, I don't wish it on anyone. But for those who are always late (and you know who you are), shame on you! Then again, it's not like the world would have ended if I did come in a few minutes late.

But I'm not going to be the one to find that out!

I had the weirdest dream last night...



*snore*Oh no! Not....8-BITS?*snore*



...is how the story usually begins. I come into work (see, I was able to relate it to the workplace) and someone starts their conversation off like this. Or if you're like me, your fiancee texts you with these words. Regardless, this post today is about a dream that I remember bits and pieces about. It just felt so vivid and in lack of a better word, AWESOME, that I just wanted to share with all my readers. Plus, if you're looking out the window at the snowy/rainy/ugly day outside (while you are at work), maybe this will brighten up your morning.

So where was I? Oh yes, I remember hanging out with my friend John at someone's house. The room we were in did not resemble any room I recalled, but it did take place in a bedroom (not that kind of story, sheesh!) and a living room. What I remember was is that were giving fighting lessons to people and I had a super-power. That's right, my power was that I was able to look at any action figure (in this case it was X-Men action figures) and I could turn into that person. So, if I looked at the Wolverine action figure, I was able to transform my body into that of Wolverine as well as get his powers. Oh yes, this did happen (in my dream).

After I changed into Wolverine, I went into the living room to fight this guy and his daughter (I think) for a little bit. I remember the TV was on, but I do not know what was playing. We fought for a bit and then I decided I wanted Cyclops powers, so I went back into the bedroom looking for the action figure. I couldn't find it, but was holding a Magneto or Sentinel figure when John came in and say "Don't be cheap and turn into one of them". I said I wasn't and was looking for Cyclops. Stay with me people, it gets weirder.

After a bit of searching, the guy (who I presume to be the father) and his wife (who just appeared out of nowhere) came in and saw that Madagascar was playing on the TV. We started into a conversation pertaining to children's movies and if I liked them. I told them I never saw the second Madagascar (I don't even know if there was a second one) and that my taste for movies had changed. At that point, I think I found the Cyclops figure, but woke up from my dream.

I tried desperately to try and go back to that dream, but alas, it was too late. I was unable to return and was now forced to just write it down like a past memory. But yeah, that was morning before I found out I had to travel in the worsening weather. I'm now safe and sound at work, but worry as to how the roads will be later today. I'm hoping we will be able to leave early before all the cars are on the road, but who knows?

Sometimes I think this job is a bad dream (see what I did there?!).