Where has the word "thanks" gone

Yesterday, when we were out and about, I heard a very interesting comment from someone.  "Where has the word thanks gone."  That is so true because so often people don't remember to say a simple thanks when you do something for them.

Maybe I think about this the wrong way, but I think part of this is the "entitled generation" that expects people to do things for them without having to say thanks.  I know not everyone in that generation is like that, but it is frustrating when such a simple word is missed.  A simple word can really make a difference on how you are dealt with and respected.  The situation yesterday was an eyeglass salesperson adjusted a girl's glasses that had been bent out of shape.  Something that does take a few minutes and meant the girl could see better once it was done.  Neither the parent nor the girl said thanks, and considering there were no cost, thanks would have been really nice.  The sales person then after not getting a thanks turned and said "you're welcome" making it known that the family hadn't said anything.  The father looked a little shocked and then said thanks, but the girl never did.  I guess it really says a lot about how people deal with others.

I know the word "thanks" isn't a big deal, but it can make such a difference to how people respect you and deal with you.  Maybe just acknowledging what someone did for you with those 6 letters could make a big difference.  I know when someone says "thanks" to me for something that I have done, I feel appreciated.  Sometimes what I did wasn't such a big deal, at least I know the person appreciated what I did for them.

Remember, say "thanks" and let someone know you appreciated what they did.

Some days

Well, there are some days that I think I should just go back to bed and hide and let the day just pass me by.  Today was one of those days and I have to admit that after just two hours of working I wanted to turn off my computer and blackberry and let the rest of the day just happen without me.

I think everyone has those days every once in a while, and I just happened to hit it very hard this morning.  I have been able to deal with all the issues that have hit my desk the best way I could.  I know some of the issues still aren't resolved, but at least I have started that process to ensure everyone is happy and all the issues have been dealt with.

Knowing that I can get things resolved does make me feel happy, knowing that even when things are going crazy around me, I can still get things accomplished.  I may not be working as quickly or efficiently as I normally do, but at least little things are getting done.  OK, my to-do list today has just got longer, but at least I know what I need to work on and hopefully will figure out a plan of attack later.

Some days are crazy, but at least I know that things will get better, and I will get things accomplished.

Snow

It's amazing to watch people drive when it snows out.  Ontario got a lot of snow on Friday, and some people drove like it was perfectly dry out.  I was able to watch one truck fishtail a couple of times, and I am not sure if he made it to where he was going or not.  The media kept saying to drive slowly and be patient, and you would get to where you were going.

For me, it meant a day to watch people through a window instead of being out in it.  The most amazing thing was listening on Saturday to people complaining about the roads not being plowed on Friday.  I had watched the plows go by at least 3 times during the day trying to keep ahead of the snow but considering we got between 25 and 35 cm in under 24 hours it was a lot for a city to handle.

The city seems to be able to get the roads cleared as much as they could, but it was the cars that were parked on the sides of the roads that made it difficult.  Lots of cars parked on the roads meant that the plows couldn't get close to the edge of the road, resulting in narrower roads.  Hopefully now that the snow has started to melt, things will start to get back to normal.

My advice when it snows like it did on Friday, stay home if you can and avoid being out on the roads and dealing with the individuals that don't know how to drive in snow.

Slippery weather

Today was a day when people that couldn't drive in slippery weather should have just stayed home.

The weather has been very up and down lately and today was one of those days when we woke up with 6 cm of snow and the forecast was for freezing rain and then rain.  The temperature was just at -1 C, so it meant that the snow was heavy and hard to deal with.  While waiting for a bus, which was probably the best mode of transportation today, I got to watch people and vehicles go by.  One bus that seemed to have problems stopping and going around curves in the road was interesting to watch.  It made it to my stop without too much problem, but that was it.  It got to the next stop with some difficulty but leaving that stop is when it got stuck.  I am so glad that I wasn't on that bus because everyone had to get off it and onto another bus, so they could continue their trip.

People walking didn't seem to have too much problem, but not sure how long that is going to last because if we do get any freezing rain it is going to make the shovelled sidewalks very slippery.  So people that wore running shoes may find it hard to walk if it does get slippery.

The good news is this afternoon we are supposed to get to +4C, so a lot of this rotten snow should start to melt.  The bad news about the melt is if the sewers are blocked with plowed snow the water will have nowhere to go, so it will mean big puddles which drives seem to like driving through and seeing how high the water will spray.  So, let's hope that the temperature rises slowly, so it can make its way to the sewer so that puddles are very small.

So, for people that don't like driving in slippery weather, just wait until tomorrow, as we are supposed to have really nice weather and all of this snow and slippery stuff will be gone.

Using a word to blanket everyone

Recently, I was on Facebook and noticed that someone had posted that "Everyone lies".  Using the word everyone really frustrated me because she was saying that everyone, she knows, doesn't just tell little white lies but outright lies.

If you are upset with individuals, that is one thing, but it is very important that you don't use the word "everyone" when you only mean certain individuals.  It is understandable that you may not want to point fingers and name the individuals but using the word "everyone" is not right.

I know I don't outright lie, so that was frustrating to see that I was considered as someone who did by this person who I thought was a friend.  Yes, people can up upset and be frustrated but saying statements like she did really bother me.  If you are upset, take some time, and think before you post something on Facebook or any other social media because remember, once you have said it, it's out there.

Remember if you are going to paint everyone with a single brush remember that you are going to greatly affect how people think of you.

Snow

Our car covered in snow - Dec 27/12

For a lot of people around the world, snow is something we deal with a few months of the year.  Other people never see it as their country is a lot warmer and closer to the equator, and then there are others that deal with snow most of the year.

This picture is of our car buried in snow after 27 cm of snow hit just after Christmas in 2012.  The car was pretty covered in snow and all around the car looked the same.  It took DH a while (almost 30 minutes) to dig out the car but thank goodness the driveway was plowed out before we tried to move the car.

For some people the thought of snow means an enjoyment of skiing, skating, tobogganing and other winter events.  I don't mind some snow but have to admit that when we woke up to that much snow and when travelling I could have had a lot less.  I love seeing snow outside, but I don't like the slippery conditions that result when it starts to melt and then freezes.

So, for those of you like me, just remember it only lasts a few months each year.

Goal setting and goal review

It's hard to believe that 2012 is over, and a new year has started.  It's now time to review my 2012 goals and set some new goals for 2013.

2012 Goals:
1.  Blog four times each month - didn't achieve this
2.  Write content for company website - tried to do this and ended up with draft items
3.  Achieve CAPM - achieved February 2012
4.  Learn to take time for myself - ongoing

2013 Goals:
1. Blog four times each month
2. Complete 3 course toward Fundraising Certificate
3. Write a minimum of 15,000 words a month.
4. Take time for me on a regular basis.

My goals this year a little different but of course there are some courses involved just like last year.  I really enjoy taking different courses, so figured it was time to do something a little different.

Now to see how things go over the next little while.  I know that work is picking up for me, but I enjoy being busy, so that is fine with me.