Well it's 7a.m. and I've dealt with mom a couple of times through the night. She had cataract surgery on her right eye Thursday and in a bit of discomfort. Nothing bad, but something a 85 year old women doesn't want to have. And a bit of disappointment that she can't see remarkably better than she could before the surgery. I think she was expecting a small miracle and because of that, she has been letdown by the outcome. Doesn't help much that the doctor and nurse we've had to deal with either. They certainly helped in her disillusions of a wonderful outcome.
So, I'm sitting here on the computer, coffee made, load of laundry in the washer, dishes done, waiting on the next phone call or visit from mommy ;-) Thought I'd take a few moments and catchup on my blog and stuff.
Lots of changes at work. It's almost night and day from what it was like on 8/31 to what it become on 9/1. It's hard to fathom the immense changes that has taken place, nor the attitude that permeates the department now. I've been asked to join a couple of advisory committees already. Seems before, management would not allow me to have anything to do with any of the different counsels or committees because of a "Conflict of Interest." Now it was alright for a couple of other maintenance employees to be on committees, but for some reason I was a conflict of interest. No one can figure that one out and when the DM was confronted by this, he basically sidestepped the question. I've also been contacted by a couple of higher management types and asked about what has transpired at the unit. Found out yesterday the last manager we had has been fired and it sounds like the DM is sitting on the bubble.........along with a certain HR personel - mmmmm
So, things basically seems to be back to what it was pre-2005, not my position at the college for I actually enjoy being a janitor, but my standing in the college community. Maybe I should say that the college community can now utilize me for input again. Instead of me voicing my opinions, they can actually ask me for an opinion, and man they have the past couple of weeks.
Oh yeah, and the Student Programs and Services director just resigned from his position at the college. Interim is the head of the Cerf Center. I've already had a couple of staff people asking me if I would consider putting in for one of the positions that may be opening up. Me - a manager again - we will have to see about that one, but it would be nice to have a semblance of regular hours instead of the god-forsaken ones I'm working now. At least it will still be with Student Programs and Services and dealing with student life.
End of an Era - beginning of a new one..................
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The end in sight
Well it's semi-official, but the contract between the college and Sodexo will be terminated on September 1, 2011. Rather fitting because on September 1, 1997 we became Marriott employees. Basically all the employees of the physical plant, maintenance, grounds, and housekeeping, were fired by the college and hired by Marriott. Marriott, a few years later, sold off the management portion of their company to Sodexho International. Which in turn splintered off into Sodexo USA.
Been a long and gruel time. While under the employment of Marriott Management Services, part of the Marriott Hotel Group, the time was fairly decent. A few upheavals but all in all a good ride. Then came along Sodexo and, well, it went down into a nutshell real quick. Marriott came in because of maintenance issues and Sodexo leaves with maintenance and grounds issues and a housekeeping staff cut in half. Good call there guys, good call.
The last few years I was pretty distracted by my son and wife and that is enough to say about that. If your reading this then you know me and know what I went through. About 2 years ago I woke up, is about the best way to put it. I can't believe that a company of that size could have this many management problems when things were so topnotch. How the mighty do fall. Sodexo was one of the best run and biggest management company in the world. I think they are now rated at about third or fourth. Most of that is caused by contract holders being tired of how they treat their hourly employees while employed at their facilities. Biggest problem, substandard wages and below level employment. Basically they do not employee enough custodians nor pay them enough.
The college complained about this and was promised change by the Sodexo management. Blaming all problems on the current manager in charge. Replacing managers and giving raises that were promised and college was already paying for. The last manager was the last straw as he really totally overwhelmed by the responsibilities of his position. That - and - well - he didn't know how to tell the truth. LOL - really - he lied through his teeth so badly it was totally pathetic.
Well, you guess it, last week there was a announcement by the college that the contract would not be renewed. They did say they would hire us IF we wanted to - WELL HELL MARC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, time will tell if the college does hire me back. BUT I am planning one hell of a send off on September 10th :-)
Oh, and on the bright side of things - I "could" possibly get up to 6 weeks pay for the accrued vacation time I have.
Been a long and gruel time. While under the employment of Marriott Management Services, part of the Marriott Hotel Group, the time was fairly decent. A few upheavals but all in all a good ride. Then came along Sodexo and, well, it went down into a nutshell real quick. Marriott came in because of maintenance issues and Sodexo leaves with maintenance and grounds issues and a housekeeping staff cut in half. Good call there guys, good call.
The last few years I was pretty distracted by my son and wife and that is enough to say about that. If your reading this then you know me and know what I went through. About 2 years ago I woke up, is about the best way to put it. I can't believe that a company of that size could have this many management problems when things were so topnotch. How the mighty do fall. Sodexo was one of the best run and biggest management company in the world. I think they are now rated at about third or fourth. Most of that is caused by contract holders being tired of how they treat their hourly employees while employed at their facilities. Biggest problem, substandard wages and below level employment. Basically they do not employee enough custodians nor pay them enough.
The college complained about this and was promised change by the Sodexo management. Blaming all problems on the current manager in charge. Replacing managers and giving raises that were promised and college was already paying for. The last manager was the last straw as he really totally overwhelmed by the responsibilities of his position. That - and - well - he didn't know how to tell the truth. LOL - really - he lied through his teeth so badly it was totally pathetic.
Well, you guess it, last week there was a announcement by the college that the contract would not be renewed. They did say they would hire us IF we wanted to - WELL HELL MARC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, time will tell if the college does hire me back. BUT I am planning one hell of a send off on September 10th :-)
Oh, and on the bright side of things - I "could" possibly get up to 6 weeks pay for the accrued vacation time I have.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Ah yes
As I walk outside to hang sheets in the line, my nostrils are filled with the smell of burning branches. Sounds of chainsaws and chippers assault my ears. The cleanup from Tuesday's storm continues. I went to my grandsons ballgame last night and drove past the park I played in as a kid. Spent many happy days and had many happy moments hanging out there. But as my eyes gazed upon the site of so many trees toppled, uprooted or splintered, I'm filled with a sense of sadness. Many of those trees I had climbed in my youth. But through the chaos of change, growth is attained. Take this entry for example. A few years ago I would have been sitting qt the computer typing this out. Today I've started writing this on the iPhone. I take the opportunity to multi-task. I'm writing this as I think of things, while also doing laundry and dishes while planning the strategy of my day.
So many thoughts are going through my head. So much I want to talk about but don't for fear of retaliation, hurtful feelings, and misconstrued statements. Somethings I have written, by my hand, has constitute great reprisals when read in a later light. This taints me to no end. And then I ask myself why?? Why do I suddenly care what you or anyone thinks about me? Why is it that I get this great feeling of doubt coming from certain people when I do talk about stuff. Take the recent storms and the trees that toppled. I have felt that some think I'm exaggerating about it. I don't know but maybe I just need to stop sharing things with certain people.
So many thoughts are going through my head. So much I want to talk about but don't for fear of retaliation, hurtful feelings, and misconstrued statements. Somethings I have written, by my hand, has constitute great reprisals when read in a later light. This taints me to no end. And then I ask myself why?? Why do I suddenly care what you or anyone thinks about me? Why is it that I get this great feeling of doubt coming from certain people when I do talk about stuff. Take the recent storms and the trees that toppled. I have felt that some think I'm exaggerating about it. I don't know but maybe I just need to stop sharing things with certain people.
Monday, June 27, 2011
just another day in paradise
So where to begin. First day back from a “semi-mandatory” week vacations. “So that I won’t lose any of my time AND that we have to make money here;” is what the manager said. Guess the vacation pay is taken from the home account and hence we get “reimbursed for an employee taking leave.” Which in the 14 years I worked in the office I never heard of this “policy.” But then again, as it has been pointed out to me in the past, things change over time. Yeah well, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
It’s pretty much a common given that the reason why I was “given” this time off is so the manager could do some “damage control” after the Mag Hall misstep. Won’t go into great details here, but there is an issue in the building that the manager said had been taken care of by Marilyn and myself. Needless to say, neither of us knew anything about the problem. Which in turn was caused by the total ineptness of the manager, AND our in-house plumber. Let’s just say there was an issue there and the plumber blew it off and the manager (without checking) told the CFO of the college it had been taken care of by us. Lets also point out that this issue was caused the first week of April and we just found out about it at the end of May. Yeah, pretty nice huh.
So, as it is, I created quite the commotion about it all. Right along with some of the college staff personal, but still, I affirmed all that was being said by them. Realize this is a sketchy rehash of everything and much more stuff had and is going on and the fact that I (and a few others) have been shining light about other matters that Sodexo Management have been “missing” for quite some time. Let’s face it, Sodexo has been screwing the college over for almost 5 years now. This fact is what ticks me off the most I think. I know what Sodexo is capable of, what management is truly supposed to stand for, what their true policies are. But unfortunately, we have had a series of managers that do not share this same knowledge. But how can they, when Upper management keeps sending us or hiring worthless people who are willing to tell you how wonderful and committed they are and overlook simple policies all to send the most profit back to the Home Office.
Now, let’s go back a bit here and bring up the plumber again. Supposedly he was to take care of the mess he created in the basement of Mag Hall. Needless to say, when I came back and checked it is all still there. Today I heard that he had blowup at the Admin for the shop and was to be “written up” on Friday. What has come to me is that the manager and the plumber had a “nice chat” in the manager’s office. According to the Manager, the plumber was written up and told that if it continues he will be fired, according to the plumber, nothing like that happened.
Let’s just put it that all the managers “damage control” that he attempted throughout last week has been pretty much negated today. Things have been put into motion, and hopefully will start to bear fruit around 4ish today ;-)
I just hate it when someone in a position of power, tells everyone how wonderful, overly qualified and how committed they are. Most of the time I’ve noticed that when people start to tell me how much they are qualified to manage, they aren’t.
It’s pretty much a common given that the reason why I was “given” this time off is so the manager could do some “damage control” after the Mag Hall misstep. Won’t go into great details here, but there is an issue in the building that the manager said had been taken care of by Marilyn and myself. Needless to say, neither of us knew anything about the problem. Which in turn was caused by the total ineptness of the manager, AND our in-house plumber. Let’s just say there was an issue there and the plumber blew it off and the manager (without checking) told the CFO of the college it had been taken care of by us. Lets also point out that this issue was caused the first week of April and we just found out about it at the end of May. Yeah, pretty nice huh.
So, as it is, I created quite the commotion about it all. Right along with some of the college staff personal, but still, I affirmed all that was being said by them. Realize this is a sketchy rehash of everything and much more stuff had and is going on and the fact that I (and a few others) have been shining light about other matters that Sodexo Management have been “missing” for quite some time. Let’s face it, Sodexo has been screwing the college over for almost 5 years now. This fact is what ticks me off the most I think. I know what Sodexo is capable of, what management is truly supposed to stand for, what their true policies are. But unfortunately, we have had a series of managers that do not share this same knowledge. But how can they, when Upper management keeps sending us or hiring worthless people who are willing to tell you how wonderful and committed they are and overlook simple policies all to send the most profit back to the Home Office.
Now, let’s go back a bit here and bring up the plumber again. Supposedly he was to take care of the mess he created in the basement of Mag Hall. Needless to say, when I came back and checked it is all still there. Today I heard that he had blowup at the Admin for the shop and was to be “written up” on Friday. What has come to me is that the manager and the plumber had a “nice chat” in the manager’s office. According to the Manager, the plumber was written up and told that if it continues he will be fired, according to the plumber, nothing like that happened.
Let’s just put it that all the managers “damage control” that he attempted throughout last week has been pretty much negated today. Things have been put into motion, and hopefully will start to bear fruit around 4ish today ;-)
I just hate it when someone in a position of power, tells everyone how wonderful, overly qualified and how committed they are. Most of the time I’ve noticed that when people start to tell me how much they are qualified to manage, they aren’t.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Dear Friend;
I have come into possession an immense gift and would like to pass these benefits onto you, my dear friends and colleagues.
What I am referring to is a great quantity of DIY wand, staves, broom handles and many other wooden implements that could be used by a discerning witch or warlock such as your self. These basic DIY kits come totally complete. All you have to do is supply the tooling and decorations that your heart may desire.
What better gift could there be than a hand made, hand carved wand by your very own hand. Get one for your budding apprentice or minion, your significant other, or someone whom you would like to give a special gift too.
These DIY kits come in many sizes, length, diameter, and shapes. Each one will be hand picked by you, crafted by your own hand, with all the care and magic that you could put into it.
These DIY kits will not be sold on TV, the store, or online, but you may come and pick one (or more) out while supplies last. Don’t be the last on the block to have your very own DIY kit.
What I am referring to is a great quantity of DIY wand, staves, broom handles and many other wooden implements that could be used by a discerning witch or warlock such as your self. These basic DIY kits come totally complete. All you have to do is supply the tooling and decorations that your heart may desire.
What better gift could there be than a hand made, hand carved wand by your very own hand. Get one for your budding apprentice or minion, your significant other, or someone whom you would like to give a special gift too.
These DIY kits come in many sizes, length, diameter, and shapes. Each one will be hand picked by you, crafted by your own hand, with all the care and magic that you could put into it.
These DIY kits will not be sold on TV, the store, or online, but you may come and pick one (or more) out while supplies last. Don’t be the last on the block to have your very own DIY kit.
Solstice
Well poo. The group had the solstice celebrations tonight amid all the thunder and lighting. Came home and fell asleep for a bit, then woke up and you guessed it, wide butt awake. I'm usually up by 2 for work anyway. In fact I would have left for work already. So, why is it, when I should be working I'm so damn tired but now I am wide butt awake?? Oh well, might as well blog.
Like I said, we had Litha tonight by none other but me. Weeeehaaaw!!!!! Well, ok, I did have a bunch of help. Evan a few brave adventurers foolishly took to the streets to come help celebrate. Thanks be to Joe for his assistance. Small turnout but still worthy, much worthy. Shame everyone "forgot" their story. Ah well, left for another time. Not sure how it went over though and afraid that most may have taken everything at face value instead of putting all the parts together and seeing the underlying message. Ah Well, at least the group won't have to put up with me until towards the end of 2012. Bet there is a collective sigh of relief - ROTFLMAO
Storm must have been pretty intense though. When I drove into town I could see small limbs down on the streets. Quite a few of the neighbors have large limbs down in their yard. The next door neighbors HUGE tree had the top broken out of it. It's down across the back of their house. It doesn't look like the tree broke through, just up against, if that makes sense. Heard chain saws running a few blocks over. hopefully no major damages for anyone.
well - on to the next thought.........
Like I said, we had Litha tonight by none other but me. Weeeehaaaw!!!!! Well, ok, I did have a bunch of help. Evan a few brave adventurers foolishly took to the streets to come help celebrate. Thanks be to Joe for his assistance. Small turnout but still worthy, much worthy. Shame everyone "forgot" their story. Ah well, left for another time. Not sure how it went over though and afraid that most may have taken everything at face value instead of putting all the parts together and seeing the underlying message. Ah Well, at least the group won't have to put up with me until towards the end of 2012. Bet there is a collective sigh of relief - ROTFLMAO
Storm must have been pretty intense though. When I drove into town I could see small limbs down on the streets. Quite a few of the neighbors have large limbs down in their yard. The next door neighbors HUGE tree had the top broken out of it. It's down across the back of their house. It doesn't look like the tree broke through, just up against, if that makes sense. Heard chain saws running a few blocks over. hopefully no major damages for anyone.
well - on to the next thought.........
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Summer Solstice
Today we celebrate the longest day of the year through song, words, and actions. The promise of a bountiful harvest can be seen in the fields
May the Sun God's light break through the clouds of stagnation, deception, and harm to bath your heart and hearth in peace and tranquility
May the waning year bring a lightening of life’s burdens so your heart, soul, and mind be eased throughout the coming months
May his light bless you and release you of all worldly things that do not serve you
May today’s longer sunshine, spread light in your gardens and bring fruition in your life
May the coming harvest bring sustenance in your life as you learn and grow throughout the coming year
May the Sun God and Moon Goddess spread the golden light upon the path you walk
Solstice blessing to one and all
rbb 2011
May the Sun God's light break through the clouds of stagnation, deception, and harm to bath your heart and hearth in peace and tranquility
May the waning year bring a lightening of life’s burdens so your heart, soul, and mind be eased throughout the coming months
May his light bless you and release you of all worldly things that do not serve you
May today’s longer sunshine, spread light in your gardens and bring fruition in your life
May the coming harvest bring sustenance in your life as you learn and grow throughout the coming year
May the Sun God and Moon Goddess spread the golden light upon the path you walk
Solstice blessing to one and all
rbb 2011
Monday, June 06, 2011
I usually have a title for a post but this time I really can't think of one that would fit. Lots going on at work, lots going on at home, usual stuff I guess. Just gets old after awhile. I've got to sink my mind into the books I've been putting off. Lets not forget to finish a few of those stories I got swirling around between my thoughts and the hard drive. I've got to write more stuff in this blog and less stuff on facebook. It's easy to post little snippets on Facebook though and I've got a pretty captive audience there too. ;-)
But I can delve much deeper by posting here. I can also post here with a bit more comfort than I can with Facebook too. My facebook has a lot of college personal on it.
Joe and I have talked about gathering up a bunch of the groups writings and publishing them. We've not started that so maybe we can start a blog for that. Toni and I just started a blog for the newsletter. So we will see.
So I procrastinate a bit but I've got to start the fourth installment of the Dragon Story. Got some ideas where to take it too. So we will see.
But I can delve much deeper by posting here. I can also post here with a bit more comfort than I can with Facebook too. My facebook has a lot of college personal on it.
Joe and I have talked about gathering up a bunch of the groups writings and publishing them. We've not started that so maybe we can start a blog for that. Toni and I just started a blog for the newsletter. So we will see.
So I procrastinate a bit but I've got to start the fourth installment of the Dragon Story. Got some ideas where to take it too. So we will see.
Saturday, June 04, 2011
We bought the "directors cut" of the DVD "The day after Tomorrow" and I watched the second dvd about the information behind the movie. After watching the DVD on climate change I have a few words I would like to say. First off, that the DVD, the show and the information presented is tainted. All information we receive is “tainted” one way or the other. Every person who talks about Climate Change and/or Global Warming has their own ideas, views and agenda. Even what I am about to say is “tainted”. It is up to you, as individuals, to process and research the information you receive and do with it what you would like.
There is a school of thought and I will try to explain it here, in the next couple of paragraphs. Basically, most scientist and environmentalist talk about how our technology, our way of life, etc. is polluting the air. Causing Carbon Dioxide (and other chemicals) to accumulate in the air and hence add to the Climate Change that is coming. Global Warming.
But think for a second, take a deep breath, and then exhale. What are you exhaling? Is it not Carbon Dioxide? Now think about the animals, the cows, sheep, dogs, cats, and all the other animals. Do they not breath and release Carbon Dioxide too? There is a scientific study going on in New Zealand right now about the emissions caused by the simple barnyard animal called a cow. How the “emissions” from that animal is actually increasing the Global Warming on a large scale. Consider this too, that the surface population of the world has increased over the millennium. Include too the animal kingdom and how it has changed.
Consider too the fact of the number of concrete and asphalt roadways we have created over the years. These do little to “help” the environment and actually have a large impact upon the face of this Earth. Not to consider they add “weight” to the tectonic plates but that the weight has been shifted from one place to another. Consider too that they add and retain heat from the sun. Have you ever gone outside and “felt” the sidewalk or roadway? How hot was it to the touch even on a cool day? How has that changed things? Considering that just a little while ago that rock and clay mixture was buried underground and under trees and grasslands. Consider the chemical imbalance they cause in their immediate area, the increase in surface temperature, and the increase in our mobilization. How have they increased the Global Warming and upcoming Climate Change just by being? But they truly haven’t “caused” Climate Change. What has been caused is simply the speedup of the Climate Change or the Global Warming.
No, I am not trying to diminish the effects that is caused by the cars, motor homes, factories, etc. that is causing most of the chemical pollution in our environment. I am not trying to tell you that driving that big gas-guzzling car and SUV is o.k. Or even lessen the traumatic impact our lifestyle is having onto our environment. I am just trying to make you consider that there are other possibilities, other things, which are also assisting in this problem of ours. I am also not saying that Global Warming could have been adverted or diverted. I do consider that Global Warming is an inevitable circumstance that we have just “helped” along.
Environmental scientists believe that there have been many Ice Ages. They have been preceded by a warming of the environment which caused things to change and cause glacial forming and the coming of the Ice Age. The Great Mother may actually have a pattern. We go from a tropical climate to an ice age then back to the tropical climate in a basic full circle. I’m not going to get into a faith or religious argument here, but I am just stating that some facts point to a climate change through the life of this planet.
Way back when (in the 70’s) many called Global Warming the Coming of the Ice Age. But because another Ice Age is probably hundreds and/or thousands of years away, the closer or predominant change is a temperature increase and Global Warming. These are our immediate problems. Droughts in some places, excess rainfall in others, increase turbulent weather and temperature rise will cause mass amount of suffering in the areas affected. Again, these things luckily are a long way off. They will be affecting our children childrens or our childrens children-children. We are a short-sighted creature. What affects us in the now, is what we are worried about. What will affect our children and grandchildren we can not fathom because we have no idea what it is about or how it will affect them.
How can we lessen the impact, or change the impact? That is up to you, as an individual, to figure out. We can not allow our governmental, religious, or political bodies dictate what we can or should do. It is up to us to figure out what we must do and do what we must do. We can not push our thoughts and ideas upon others. We must make the change inside and outside of our immediate environment. Make changes that we can live with and continue. What we do may feel like little drops in a big bucket, but we will fill that bucket up with many many little drops. If we just start.
Rbb 2005
There is a school of thought and I will try to explain it here, in the next couple of paragraphs. Basically, most scientist and environmentalist talk about how our technology, our way of life, etc. is polluting the air. Causing Carbon Dioxide (and other chemicals) to accumulate in the air and hence add to the Climate Change that is coming. Global Warming.
But think for a second, take a deep breath, and then exhale. What are you exhaling? Is it not Carbon Dioxide? Now think about the animals, the cows, sheep, dogs, cats, and all the other animals. Do they not breath and release Carbon Dioxide too? There is a scientific study going on in New Zealand right now about the emissions caused by the simple barnyard animal called a cow. How the “emissions” from that animal is actually increasing the Global Warming on a large scale. Consider this too, that the surface population of the world has increased over the millennium. Include too the animal kingdom and how it has changed.
Consider too the fact of the number of concrete and asphalt roadways we have created over the years. These do little to “help” the environment and actually have a large impact upon the face of this Earth. Not to consider they add “weight” to the tectonic plates but that the weight has been shifted from one place to another. Consider too that they add and retain heat from the sun. Have you ever gone outside and “felt” the sidewalk or roadway? How hot was it to the touch even on a cool day? How has that changed things? Considering that just a little while ago that rock and clay mixture was buried underground and under trees and grasslands. Consider the chemical imbalance they cause in their immediate area, the increase in surface temperature, and the increase in our mobilization. How have they increased the Global Warming and upcoming Climate Change just by being? But they truly haven’t “caused” Climate Change. What has been caused is simply the speedup of the Climate Change or the Global Warming.
No, I am not trying to diminish the effects that is caused by the cars, motor homes, factories, etc. that is causing most of the chemical pollution in our environment. I am not trying to tell you that driving that big gas-guzzling car and SUV is o.k. Or even lessen the traumatic impact our lifestyle is having onto our environment. I am just trying to make you consider that there are other possibilities, other things, which are also assisting in this problem of ours. I am also not saying that Global Warming could have been adverted or diverted. I do consider that Global Warming is an inevitable circumstance that we have just “helped” along.
Environmental scientists believe that there have been many Ice Ages. They have been preceded by a warming of the environment which caused things to change and cause glacial forming and the coming of the Ice Age. The Great Mother may actually have a pattern. We go from a tropical climate to an ice age then back to the tropical climate in a basic full circle. I’m not going to get into a faith or religious argument here, but I am just stating that some facts point to a climate change through the life of this planet.
Way back when (in the 70’s) many called Global Warming the Coming of the Ice Age. But because another Ice Age is probably hundreds and/or thousands of years away, the closer or predominant change is a temperature increase and Global Warming. These are our immediate problems. Droughts in some places, excess rainfall in others, increase turbulent weather and temperature rise will cause mass amount of suffering in the areas affected. Again, these things luckily are a long way off. They will be affecting our children childrens or our childrens children-children. We are a short-sighted creature. What affects us in the now, is what we are worried about. What will affect our children and grandchildren we can not fathom because we have no idea what it is about or how it will affect them.
How can we lessen the impact, or change the impact? That is up to you, as an individual, to figure out. We can not allow our governmental, religious, or political bodies dictate what we can or should do. It is up to us to figure out what we must do and do what we must do. We can not push our thoughts and ideas upon others. We must make the change inside and outside of our immediate environment. Make changes that we can live with and continue. What we do may feel like little drops in a big bucket, but we will fill that bucket up with many many little drops. If we just start.
Rbb 2005
The Leprechaun's Button
Once, when I was younger, I took a stroll in the woods not far from home. This being not unusual for me, since they were so close. But one day, late in the evening, while dusk was drawing near, I heard a wondrous sound of tap tap taping upon the land. This being far in the woods and fair distance from the closest hearth, I took it upon myself to investigate.
As I stole closer and closer to where the sound came from, I could hear a song upon the winds. It was a rather lyrical tone from an ancient selection. I crept among the bushes and finally was able to peer upon where the sounds came from. What would my wondering eyes do see, but a tiny man no bigger than a small boy. From him came the song to help in the tapping upon the sole of a small shoe.
I blinked once, and then twice, but to no avail. A leprechaun sat very close to me repairing a shoe. Then I thought, and then I remembered. A leprechaun is never without his pot of gold, and if one was lucky enough to capture a leprechaun he was gifted with this same pot of gold. My mind whirled and my mind twirled, oh what happiness would the pot of gold bring to me. But there is a note of warning upon this, for if you take your eyes off the slippery little man, off he is to his home and you are there grasping fast upon a hold of air.
I took a deep breath and counted three. I jumped from my hiding spot and landed right upon the wee fellow. We tousled, we turned, from side to side we both rolled. He cursed; he spat, and cried foul deed. He bellowed that my hold was too tight and was choking him, that he would breathe his last this very night. My hold upon him was steady and fast and as fair as circumstance could be. For you see I truly didn’t want to choke the poor soul, I just wanted his gold. But soon he did get tired of tossing me. In a harried voice I did lastly speak, “I have capture thee, now where is the gold.”
He started to chuckle and was soon trembling with laughter. He finally spoke, “Foolish child, my gold is by those same bushes right where you were at. All you had to do was reach out and take it. No foolhardy wrestling was needed this time.” I turned around and looked at the bushes and then I knew.
That I truly was just such a foolish child. For I took my eyes off the little Leprechaun you see, and his laughter soon filled my ears as he danced off in the night. When I turned back around to where we once were, what did catch my eye? Nothing but this small button that was still in my hand.
Remember this story that I’ve retold. Whether a tall tale or truth be unknown to you, but know this to be true. If a Leprechaun you hold in thy hands, keep also your eyes and ears on the little bugger too. For if not, all that you will take home, may just be a little button.
As I stole closer and closer to where the sound came from, I could hear a song upon the winds. It was a rather lyrical tone from an ancient selection. I crept among the bushes and finally was able to peer upon where the sounds came from. What would my wondering eyes do see, but a tiny man no bigger than a small boy. From him came the song to help in the tapping upon the sole of a small shoe.
I blinked once, and then twice, but to no avail. A leprechaun sat very close to me repairing a shoe. Then I thought, and then I remembered. A leprechaun is never without his pot of gold, and if one was lucky enough to capture a leprechaun he was gifted with this same pot of gold. My mind whirled and my mind twirled, oh what happiness would the pot of gold bring to me. But there is a note of warning upon this, for if you take your eyes off the slippery little man, off he is to his home and you are there grasping fast upon a hold of air.
I took a deep breath and counted three. I jumped from my hiding spot and landed right upon the wee fellow. We tousled, we turned, from side to side we both rolled. He cursed; he spat, and cried foul deed. He bellowed that my hold was too tight and was choking him, that he would breathe his last this very night. My hold upon him was steady and fast and as fair as circumstance could be. For you see I truly didn’t want to choke the poor soul, I just wanted his gold. But soon he did get tired of tossing me. In a harried voice I did lastly speak, “I have capture thee, now where is the gold.”
He started to chuckle and was soon trembling with laughter. He finally spoke, “Foolish child, my gold is by those same bushes right where you were at. All you had to do was reach out and take it. No foolhardy wrestling was needed this time.” I turned around and looked at the bushes and then I knew.
That I truly was just such a foolish child. For I took my eyes off the little Leprechaun you see, and his laughter soon filled my ears as he danced off in the night. When I turned back around to where we once were, what did catch my eye? Nothing but this small button that was still in my hand.
Remember this story that I’ve retold. Whether a tall tale or truth be unknown to you, but know this to be true. If a Leprechaun you hold in thy hands, keep also your eyes and ears on the little bugger too. For if not, all that you will take home, may just be a little button.
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