7.31.2006
Have you ever been in a situation where information just flow-eth out of your mouth and then, at the moment the words spewed forth...you realize you probably shouldn't have voiced said words??
Yeah. Me either.
BUT...I have this friend, that ummm..did this thing...recently...
I guess it's not really that bad...but, I just came home and was casually talking with my neighbor and we got to houses and such...and the fact that the one I live in is being sold...and blah blah...
Well, as I already knew, he lives in a house that's owned by the same family as mine...as does my other neighbor...and.......next thing I know, my dumb ass blurts out how much I pay in rent.
Bad idea. I know how money can be an issue amongst families...I also absorbed the reaction from my neighbor's face when I told him how much my landlord was charging me. I tried to justify it...
But...whatever...it may come back to me, but I'm not really sure what I would do about it...or why it would matter...
Sure...my mouth would work better sometimes with a freakin' sock stuffed in it....I know this...
Yeah. Me either.
BUT...I have this friend, that ummm..did this thing...recently...
I guess it's not really that bad...but, I just came home and was casually talking with my neighbor and we got to houses and such...and the fact that the one I live in is being sold...and blah blah...
Well, as I already knew, he lives in a house that's owned by the same family as mine...as does my other neighbor...and.......next thing I know, my dumb ass blurts out how much I pay in rent.
Bad idea. I know how money can be an issue amongst families...I also absorbed the reaction from my neighbor's face when I told him how much my landlord was charging me. I tried to justify it...
But...whatever...it may come back to me, but I'm not really sure what I would do about it...or why it would matter...
Sure...my mouth would work better sometimes with a freakin' sock stuffed in it....I know this...
7.28.2006
My guess at the dialogue in a thought-cloud of a Republican representative:
Okay...you won, you sneaky liberals....we'll let the poor stay poor ONLY if we're allowed to keep our pile of diamonds and gold medallions on top of this hill for our (no...MINE, not YOURS) children to sit on.
Deal?
Excellent.
Okay...you won, you sneaky liberals....we'll let the poor stay poor ONLY if we're allowed to keep our pile of diamonds and gold medallions on top of this hill for our (no...MINE, not YOURS) children to sit on.
Deal?
Excellent.
7.26.2006
It's the power of love....can you feel it?
Two post in one day.....what's going on?!?
Eh. Not much. That pretty much explains it...but, really, I needed to share an experience that I had this morning that makes one of my mental "Top 5" lists....Okay. I just made that up..but, after this encounter, it's going to be hard to usurp THIS number one spot.
I made a *hopefully* final journey to my local STD clinic early this morning. On a side note, IN THEORY, this was the last test/urine sample/questioning that I will have to endure before turning in my Peace Corps medical clearance packet. Yay! I have to wait for some results to come in, so it's not mailed yet......but, damn if I ain't close.
Anyway....It's the STD clinic...there's a waiting room...we all know what we're there for and the staff is so blasé about their daily duties that no consideration is given to the weirdness of explaining how to pee in a cup...while the entire waiting room listens in.
Whatever. I didn't find it terribly embarrassing or anything...in fact, I don't find many things all that embarrassing...but, it was slightly amusing.
Everything worked out fine...I wasn't there for very long and it turned out that I didn't even really have to do anything because I was there a couple weeks ago any they were able to work with me based on my previous visit. Cherry.
So, I made my way out to the parking lot, not really paying any particular attention to the fact that another gentleman* was leaving the clinic at the same time.
He casually walked up to me and asked, "Hey...you take-a da bus?"
I didn't really respond, I just kinda looked up and shook my head "No."...I caught a glimpse of him as he asked me the second question, "So..you got a ride? Do you need me to give you one?"....all this smooth-talking was being delivered with a wry smile....I shook my head again as all the piece began to fall into place.
This guy was trying to "pick me up"....outside of a goddamn STD clinic! He can't be serious....can he?
I was waiting for him to take the next step and inquire on the results of my tests. I guess it might be seen as a safe place to pick up chicks...at least you know they're conscious of their sexual health.
Wow. So, there we have it....the #1 Most Inappropriate Place To Be Hit On....I think this position could be commandeered only by a rare instance of being asked out at a relative's funeral...
*this term is used loosely
Eh. Not much. That pretty much explains it...but, really, I needed to share an experience that I had this morning that makes one of my mental "Top 5" lists....Okay. I just made that up..but, after this encounter, it's going to be hard to usurp THIS number one spot.
I made a *hopefully* final journey to my local STD clinic early this morning. On a side note, IN THEORY, this was the last test/urine sample/questioning that I will have to endure before turning in my Peace Corps medical clearance packet. Yay! I have to wait for some results to come in, so it's not mailed yet......but, damn if I ain't close.
Anyway....It's the STD clinic...there's a waiting room...we all know what we're there for and the staff is so blasé about their daily duties that no consideration is given to the weirdness of explaining how to pee in a cup...while the entire waiting room listens in.
Whatever. I didn't find it terribly embarrassing or anything...in fact, I don't find many things all that embarrassing...but, it was slightly amusing.
Everything worked out fine...I wasn't there for very long and it turned out that I didn't even really have to do anything because I was there a couple weeks ago any they were able to work with me based on my previous visit. Cherry.
So, I made my way out to the parking lot, not really paying any particular attention to the fact that another gentleman* was leaving the clinic at the same time.
He casually walked up to me and asked, "Hey...you take-a da bus?"
I didn't really respond, I just kinda looked up and shook my head "No."...I caught a glimpse of him as he asked me the second question, "So..you got a ride? Do you need me to give you one?"....all this smooth-talking was being delivered with a wry smile....I shook my head again as all the piece began to fall into place.
This guy was trying to "pick me up"....outside of a goddamn STD clinic! He can't be serious....can he?
I was waiting for him to take the next step and inquire on the results of my tests. I guess it might be seen as a safe place to pick up chicks...at least you know they're conscious of their sexual health.
Wow. So, there we have it....the #1 Most Inappropriate Place To Be Hit On....I think this position could be commandeered only by a rare instance of being asked out at a relative's funeral...
*this term is used loosely
Adios, MoFo
You know...I'm not usually in the habit of commenting on political goings-about here on this blog, but I just can't seem to help it....it's really all that's going on in the world...as far as I can tell.
So, I was reading my local news and came upon this article: Group Fears Sale of Texas Park
What really got me about it was the flippant remark that our pretty-haired MoGo of Texas made...
"If you've got a park somewhere that no one's using, that could bring in a substantial amount of money to operate parks that people are truly using, then, I think, it makes sense to have that debate," Perry said.
Ummm...maybe the wildlife is using it?!?! Is it not a freakin' wildlife management area?!? Not only that, but I am highly skeptical of money from sale of land going to schools and parks...sure, sure.
After looking up some info on this area on the TPWD site, I read that the Black Gap WMA has already suffered through over-grazing and other human wildlife-destruction practices. So, yeah....no one's using it....that was the INTENDED affect behind turning it into a wildlife management area.
Well, I guess on the upside...when I end up traveling to Big Bend, I'll have plenty of Wal-marts, Best Buys, Lowes', Chilis', Bennigans', Home Depots............to purchase all my comfort needs!!
So, I was reading my local news and came upon this article: Group Fears Sale of Texas Park
What really got me about it was the flippant remark that our pretty-haired MoGo of Texas made...
"If you've got a park somewhere that no one's using, that could bring in a substantial amount of money to operate parks that people are truly using, then, I think, it makes sense to have that debate," Perry said.
Ummm...maybe the wildlife is using it?!?! Is it not a freakin' wildlife management area?!? Not only that, but I am highly skeptical of money from sale of land going to schools and parks...sure, sure.
After looking up some info on this area on the TPWD site, I read that the Black Gap WMA has already suffered through over-grazing and other human wildlife-destruction practices. So, yeah....no one's using it....that was the INTENDED affect behind turning it into a wildlife management area.
Well, I guess on the upside...when I end up traveling to Big Bend, I'll have plenty of Wal-marts, Best Buys, Lowes', Chilis', Bennigans', Home Depots............to purchase all my comfort needs!!
7.23.2006
My brain hurts.
I think if this blog posed a competition for a theme song, it'd be a battle to the end between Doris Day and Blackalicious ditties...
Just think of the smear campaigns...or, no!....the results of a collaboration....take that, Suduko.
Just think of the smear campaigns...or, no!....the results of a collaboration....take that, Suduko.
7.22.2006
I really am hot blooded...I invite you to check and see.
I remember from my days as a college lass, I learned from one of my criminology professors that it was not, in fact, the heat that caused the rise in violent crime rates during the summer months but, rather, an abundance of free time...
Kinda like when people are unemployed...Supposedly, when we're running around without any purpose, we tend to want to punch each other in the face or, alternatively, put a cap in another's ass. Supposedly...
As of lately, I feel like I have cause to argue this claim.
It just seems like there a whole lot of free-floating irritability and anger roaming the street these days...and it's not coming from bored teenagers. People are honking more...shorted tempers and more demands...even my recreational soccer league is plagued with insults, elbow jabs and the occasional fist-a-cuffs.
What gives?
Most of the time, I think it's just me. It's been over a month since I've gotten out of town...my home's being invaded by potential buyers!! and my near future is uncertain (but, when hasn't it been?). Work sucks and I keep trying to look ahead but each hour doesn't go by any faster.
Or maybe it's the current state of the world that's gotten everybody on edge. I know I feel damn helpless when it comes the actions of our world leaders...our country's decisions...you know, war and whatnot.
Eh, it's probably just the heat.
Honestly, I think I always have unfocused angst and cynicism in front of me...I wouldn't exactly say it's getting in the way of my life, but it's damn unshakable. Even if the world was perfect, I'd probably doubt it.
I'll tell you what I AM looking forward to, though...getting rid of all my "stuff." I've been gradually down-grading for several years now. A little here and there...selling when I need the cash...donating when it's just time for it to go...but, my current actions are the most drastic.
It's scary...and interesting and exciting. My prediction is that I'll feel more free and mobile...or maybe I'll feel like a destitute loser.
I'm just curious enough to find out. I figure the end state is about as predictable as anything else...
Kinda like when people are unemployed...Supposedly, when we're running around without any purpose, we tend to want to punch each other in the face or, alternatively, put a cap in another's ass. Supposedly...
As of lately, I feel like I have cause to argue this claim.
It just seems like there a whole lot of free-floating irritability and anger roaming the street these days...and it's not coming from bored teenagers. People are honking more...shorted tempers and more demands...even my recreational soccer league is plagued with insults, elbow jabs and the occasional fist-a-cuffs.
What gives?
Most of the time, I think it's just me. It's been over a month since I've gotten out of town...my home's being invaded by potential buyers!! and my near future is uncertain (but, when hasn't it been?). Work sucks and I keep trying to look ahead but each hour doesn't go by any faster.
Or maybe it's the current state of the world that's gotten everybody on edge. I know I feel damn helpless when it comes the actions of our world leaders...our country's decisions...you know, war and whatnot.
Eh, it's probably just the heat.
Honestly, I think I always have unfocused angst and cynicism in front of me...I wouldn't exactly say it's getting in the way of my life, but it's damn unshakable. Even if the world was perfect, I'd probably doubt it.
I'll tell you what I AM looking forward to, though...getting rid of all my "stuff." I've been gradually down-grading for several years now. A little here and there...selling when I need the cash...donating when it's just time for it to go...but, my current actions are the most drastic.
It's scary...and interesting and exciting. My prediction is that I'll feel more free and mobile...or maybe I'll feel like a destitute loser.
I'm just curious enough to find out. I figure the end state is about as predictable as anything else...
7.14.2006
I'm going to Graceland.
My,my...life moves fast...I guess. Well, it seems like everything ELSE around me moves fast...most of the time, I feel my initiatives remain pretty stationary.
I've had it in the back of my head that I'll be moving out of my house by September 1st. I've casually thought about getting rid of some extraneous furniture (isn't it all, though?) and packing some books, but that's about it.
At the same time, I've been corresponding with my landlord about his plans to sell the property. And, apparently, this is happening NOW.
I just signed a piece of paper that permits strangers to come into my house and look around. I was also advised to "try to keep the place clean"...um, sorry, the potential buyers don't get a better show than what I live in daily....you ain't my grandma!...and that I should start packing..."the more stuff in boxes, the better!"
Hi, ummm....ouch? I've lived here for three years and treated this damn house as it were my own. I've fixed plumbing and fixture issues...painted every single room...regularly mowed the lawn...and numerous other things.
I kinda just wanted to move out of my house with out being hustled out.
I also keep telling myself that I'm not upset that the house is going to be torn down...that it doesn't bother me at all that there's a good chance that the property will be bought by an investor eager to claim the entire block for potential re-development....or better yet, by a Californian immigrant heralding the joys of "affordable housing" but grumbling about the heat and lack of beaches in central Texas....no, that doesn't bother me ONE BIT.
Pssh...it's not like it's my house or anything. So...yes...homelessness is in my near future. Where to?
I've had it in the back of my head that I'll be moving out of my house by September 1st. I've casually thought about getting rid of some extraneous furniture (isn't it all, though?) and packing some books, but that's about it.
At the same time, I've been corresponding with my landlord about his plans to sell the property. And, apparently, this is happening NOW.
I just signed a piece of paper that permits strangers to come into my house and look around. I was also advised to "try to keep the place clean"...um, sorry, the potential buyers don't get a better show than what I live in daily....you ain't my grandma!...and that I should start packing..."the more stuff in boxes, the better!"
Hi, ummm....ouch? I've lived here for three years and treated this damn house as it were my own. I've fixed plumbing and fixture issues...painted every single room...regularly mowed the lawn...and numerous other things.
I kinda just wanted to move out of my house with out being hustled out.
I also keep telling myself that I'm not upset that the house is going to be torn down...that it doesn't bother me at all that there's a good chance that the property will be bought by an investor eager to claim the entire block for potential re-development....or better yet, by a Californian immigrant heralding the joys of "affordable housing" but grumbling about the heat and lack of beaches in central Texas....no, that doesn't bother me ONE BIT.
Pssh...it's not like it's my house or anything. So...yes...homelessness is in my near future. Where to?
7.13.2006
What's real and what's for sale?
Oh, doctors.
How I love ye so!
In fact, the majority of you in our for-profit health care system...let's all just have a group hug!!
I have some preliminary statistics relating (in some way or another) to my journey of completing my medical screening packet for the Peace Corps. Let's review:
Number of times I've:
...been jabbed with a needle (thus far): 3
...peed in a cup: 3
...had my appointments delayed or rescheduled due to situations out of my control: 3
...been judged by someone who has known me for a cumulative hour or less: 4
...had an offer of reviewing my medical records rejected by the licensed person making these judgments: 2
... Quantitive amount of personal "worry" that can be directly associated with my fear that Peace Corps is just as stringent with their decision making based on pre-set ranges, limits, studies, etc...despite the continual requests for volunteers to be flexible and open-minded: 2, 395.93
...reassured myself that these things will work themselves out: 52-57
Amount of money spent (non-reimbursable): data inconclusive due to steady growth
I have a butt-load of skepticism about the health care industry. It has gradually developed over the past ten years with my shifty-eyes focused on several personal experiences and numerous observations.
It just seems to me that doctors look to find things wrong without really considering the person as a whole. They look at the little questionnaires a and make decisions about a person and don't really think twice about how their professional signature fully affects an everyday person.
In fact, I'm wondering if a full grown adult has EVER walked into a doctors office and been honestly told (after a bona-fide exam) that everything's A-Okay!! and that the patient should keep up the good work...habitually, physically and genetically!
On this same thought...do you think doctors talk to their doctors about prescription medications when diet and exercise are not enough? Or I wonder...if they are as concerned about every tick, slightly out-of-range or abnormal body idiosyncrasy for themselves?
It's just incredibly hard for me to accept that perfection is the norm. I consider myself reasonably healthy overall. Maybe I'm in denial...and I know there are things about myself health-wise that I could improve...but, when I open my eyes and really look around at the people around me...I truly feel like there's a good chance that I'm average in the realm of general healthiness. And, yes, I realize that I no clue what every person deals with on the inside...
..but, I DO know what I deal with. And, I don't really like it when my opinion doesn't count because I didn't go to medical school.
Ok. I know doctors and nurses can be very compassionate, caring and helpful....at least, I hope they can be...this opinion is based more on hearsay rather than my own observations and experiences. I don't visit medical offices very often and in my recent experiences, I've met a few very nice people.
So...yeah...needless to say, I don't feel like I've been all that pleasant to be around in the past couple weeks. I get frustrated and I tend to take my irritation out on all the nice people in my life. So if it seems like I've been isolating myself, it's because I've been trying to do just that.
Eh, it never works...and, besides, I've found that a few hours of being by myself and listening to Stone Temple Pilots does wonders for my psyche.
How I love ye so!
In fact, the majority of you in our for-profit health care system...let's all just have a group hug!!
I have some preliminary statistics relating (in some way or another) to my journey of completing my medical screening packet for the Peace Corps. Let's review:
Number of times I've:
...been jabbed with a needle (thus far): 3
...peed in a cup: 3
...had my appointments delayed or rescheduled due to situations out of my control: 3
...been judged by someone who has known me for a cumulative hour or less: 4
...had an offer of reviewing my medical records rejected by the licensed person making these judgments: 2
... Quantitive amount of personal "worry" that can be directly associated with my fear that Peace Corps is just as stringent with their decision making based on pre-set ranges, limits, studies, etc...despite the continual requests for volunteers to be flexible and open-minded: 2, 395.93
...reassured myself that these things will work themselves out: 52-57
Amount of money spent (non-reimbursable): data inconclusive due to steady growth
I have a butt-load of skepticism about the health care industry. It has gradually developed over the past ten years with my shifty-eyes focused on several personal experiences and numerous observations.
It just seems to me that doctors look to find things wrong without really considering the person as a whole. They look at the little questionnaires a and make decisions about a person and don't really think twice about how their professional signature fully affects an everyday person.
In fact, I'm wondering if a full grown adult has EVER walked into a doctors office and been honestly told (after a bona-fide exam) that everything's A-Okay!! and that the patient should keep up the good work...habitually, physically and genetically!
On this same thought...do you think doctors talk to their doctors about prescription medications when diet and exercise are not enough? Or I wonder...if they are as concerned about every tick, slightly out-of-range or abnormal body idiosyncrasy for themselves?
It's just incredibly hard for me to accept that perfection is the norm. I consider myself reasonably healthy overall. Maybe I'm in denial...and I know there are things about myself health-wise that I could improve...but, when I open my eyes and really look around at the people around me...I truly feel like there's a good chance that I'm average in the realm of general healthiness. And, yes, I realize that I no clue what every person deals with on the inside...
..but, I DO know what I deal with. And, I don't really like it when my opinion doesn't count because I didn't go to medical school.
Ok. I know doctors and nurses can be very compassionate, caring and helpful....at least, I hope they can be...this opinion is based more on hearsay rather than my own observations and experiences. I don't visit medical offices very often and in my recent experiences, I've met a few very nice people.
So...yeah...needless to say, I don't feel like I've been all that pleasant to be around in the past couple weeks. I get frustrated and I tend to take my irritation out on all the nice people in my life. So if it seems like I've been isolating myself, it's because I've been trying to do just that.
Eh, it never works...and, besides, I've found that a few hours of being by myself and listening to Stone Temple Pilots does wonders for my psyche.
7.05.2006
Happy Berftday 'merica..
Yes...happy birthday, indeed.
I had a damn nice Fourth of July...it's the one holiday of the year that I've generally managed to not have to work, PLUS it's one of my favorites.....
Why? Because there's no real obligations associated with it. I'm not expected to attend services..be anywhere in particular...or spend it with a certain person/persons....not that I dislike spending time with anyone in particular, but I don't harbor any residual Catholic guilt when I'm not with my family on this day.
I got to sleep late...then ate some French toast (um..I mean Freedom Toast...)..watched Italia kick some ass in the World Cup Semi-Finals (yes...it's that big sport that 99% of the world refers to as football....although, we may be more familiar with the term soccer...)...enjoyed some BBQ and good company...and then fruitlessly pursued a big fireworks show in Cedar Park...BUT we all ended up hanging out and playing anyway...I really had an awesome day overall.
So, that was yesterday. Today, I started gradually working on Peace Corps stuff again, peppered with some more World Cup (eh, I only saw a little bit on a very fuzzy Univision at my house) and then I was required to go up to my employer's corporate office to sign some stuff regarding an HR transition.
Gah. Ok...first, before I start my unchecked rant for the day, I'd like to state that I really, really, really love this country. I still fully believe that I'm lucky enough to have been born in a country where you can do a whole-lotta-shit if you have the will...we also have a whole-lotta-inherent rights...whether we know about them or not....I like the Constitution and suggest that every able-minded individual give it a read and maybe some of our elected officials, too... So, anyway...I could go on about this for hours.
Anyway...that doesn't really have much to do with any of my situations...on the surface, anyway. During my company HR transition today, I was coerced by my new bosses that I should probably "...just sign it...it'll be ok."
Yikes.
If there's one type of phrase that sets off my internal "legal issues" alarm, it's that one. The particular form that I hesitated a wee bit to sign pertained to waiving my legal rights to sue in the event of an on-the-job accident.
See...I'm not a lawyer...currently, I'm a part-time, base minimum-wage-earning, delivery driver...but, the semi-educated logical side of me makes me wonder how exactly I would benefit from giving all the power regarding my health care/injuries to The Company...I should really just waive my right to litigation and allow The Company to pick a mediator if I have a problem....yes...
I should sign this form stating that all my health care and doctors connected to my work-related injury will be chosen by The Company. If I go to a doctor or hospital that The Company has not approved of, I have automatically given up my right to pursue compensation. Mind you, that because I signed this form...I've also given up my right to sue.
Remember, if The Company doctor or mediator doesn't side with me....or determines that my work environment was not at fault for my injures...oh well...sucks to be me. They won't pay for my treatment but I can't get a lawyer and sue either.
Soooo...here's where I'm stuck. Exactly what rights as an employee does this leave me? Why should I believe that The Company will act in my best interest?
Today when I was at this meeting, I asked The Company representative if my pay or employment was going to be effected if I didn't sign and turn in this form. Her general response was:
HR Lady: Well, this form just makes sure that you're going to receive payment if you get hurt on the job.
Me: Yeah...I know. But, the general summary at the end of this packet basically says that enrolling in this program waives my right to pursue litigation.
HR Lady: Yes...but, do you hurt yourself at work often?
Me: Well...I dunno. Sure...sometimes...I take it as it comes...but, that doesn't really matter right now. I just want to know if I HAVE to sign this form in order to be employed here.
HR Lady: Well, no...not really. Although, they'll probably get on your case for not signing it.
Psssh...I wonder why. When I looked up from browsing over the extensive literature, I found that I was the only one left in the meeting room...apparently, nobody else cared...or maybe they have better sense than me.
I've been pretty fortunate to not hurt myself very seriously at work...yet. I don't know what's going to happen if I end up in the ER when I break a bone because I work in an unsafe environment. Maybe I'm shooting myself in the foot by denying the loving care of The Company.
....sometimes...I ask myself, "Why the hell am I always thinking that corporations are out to get me...or moreover, generally inclined to make decisions that are far from my best interest?"
I believe I generally know the answer to that...at least partly. Ummm....because they're not. Individuals hardly matter to large companies....groups of individuals, maybe...but, one guy with a broken finger? Hmmm...but it would really suck to BE that guy with the unusable finger...huh.
And...think about it....Who, if ANYBODY, is inclinded to make a decisions in your best interst when it's their money at stake? Jesus? No, no....I got it...The president!
... in reality, the only entities that come to mind are myself, my close friends and family.
Whatev.
Also, a few years back I was faced with an on-going situation where I was often pressured to "just sign it"....ummmm...no? In some cases, that slight movement of your wrist can end up costing you a lot more than money.
Again....why are these people, who don't know me at all, so eager to have my name on their forms? I think I'm gonna take it home and read it first. In my very limited experience, I feel like I retain MORE rights and benefits when I withhold that signature rather than doling it out like some bank's promotional stress ball.
I can't recall one situation I've been in where someone has told me, "Whew. Good thing you signed these forms beforehand!"
...maybe I'm just paranoid...
Oh..and for the record, I don't believe in modern love either.
But...I'm happy to be a citizen of 'merica...I get to make these kinds of decisions without having a semi-automatic weapon pointed at my head...and still earn a paycheck. Umm...for now.
I had a damn nice Fourth of July...it's the one holiday of the year that I've generally managed to not have to work, PLUS it's one of my favorites.....
Why? Because there's no real obligations associated with it. I'm not expected to attend services..be anywhere in particular...or spend it with a certain person/persons....not that I dislike spending time with anyone in particular, but I don't harbor any residual Catholic guilt when I'm not with my family on this day.
I got to sleep late...then ate some French toast (um..I mean Freedom Toast...)..watched Italia kick some ass in the World Cup Semi-Finals (yes...it's that big sport that 99% of the world refers to as football....although, we may be more familiar with the term soccer...)...enjoyed some BBQ and good company...and then fruitlessly pursued a big fireworks show in Cedar Park...BUT we all ended up hanging out and playing anyway...I really had an awesome day overall.
So, that was yesterday. Today, I started gradually working on Peace Corps stuff again, peppered with some more World Cup (eh, I only saw a little bit on a very fuzzy Univision at my house) and then I was required to go up to my employer's corporate office to sign some stuff regarding an HR transition.
Gah. Ok...first, before I start my unchecked rant for the day, I'd like to state that I really, really, really love this country. I still fully believe that I'm lucky enough to have been born in a country where you can do a whole-lotta-shit if you have the will...we also have a whole-lotta-inherent rights...whether we know about them or not....I like the Constitution and suggest that every able-minded individual give it a read and maybe some of our elected officials, too... So, anyway...I could go on about this for hours.
Anyway...that doesn't really have much to do with any of my situations...on the surface, anyway. During my company HR transition today, I was coerced by my new bosses that I should probably "...just sign it...it'll be ok."
Yikes.
If there's one type of phrase that sets off my internal "legal issues" alarm, it's that one. The particular form that I hesitated a wee bit to sign pertained to waiving my legal rights to sue in the event of an on-the-job accident.
See...I'm not a lawyer...currently, I'm a part-time, base minimum-wage-earning, delivery driver...but, the semi-educated logical side of me makes me wonder how exactly I would benefit from giving all the power regarding my health care/injuries to The Company...I should really just waive my right to litigation and allow The Company to pick a mediator if I have a problem....yes...
I should sign this form stating that all my health care and doctors connected to my work-related injury will be chosen by The Company. If I go to a doctor or hospital that The Company has not approved of, I have automatically given up my right to pursue compensation. Mind you, that because I signed this form...I've also given up my right to sue.
Remember, if The Company doctor or mediator doesn't side with me....or determines that my work environment was not at fault for my injures...oh well...sucks to be me. They won't pay for my treatment but I can't get a lawyer and sue either.
Soooo...here's where I'm stuck. Exactly what rights as an employee does this leave me? Why should I believe that The Company will act in my best interest?
Today when I was at this meeting, I asked The Company representative if my pay or employment was going to be effected if I didn't sign and turn in this form. Her general response was:
HR Lady: Well, this form just makes sure that you're going to receive payment if you get hurt on the job.
Me: Yeah...I know. But, the general summary at the end of this packet basically says that enrolling in this program waives my right to pursue litigation.
HR Lady: Yes...but, do you hurt yourself at work often?
Me: Well...I dunno. Sure...sometimes...I take it as it comes...but, that doesn't really matter right now. I just want to know if I HAVE to sign this form in order to be employed here.
HR Lady: Well, no...not really. Although, they'll probably get on your case for not signing it.
Psssh...I wonder why. When I looked up from browsing over the extensive literature, I found that I was the only one left in the meeting room...apparently, nobody else cared...or maybe they have better sense than me.
I've been pretty fortunate to not hurt myself very seriously at work...yet. I don't know what's going to happen if I end up in the ER when I break a bone because I work in an unsafe environment. Maybe I'm shooting myself in the foot by denying the loving care of The Company.
....sometimes...I ask myself, "Why the hell am I always thinking that corporations are out to get me...or moreover, generally inclined to make decisions that are far from my best interest?"
I believe I generally know the answer to that...at least partly. Ummm....because they're not. Individuals hardly matter to large companies....groups of individuals, maybe...but, one guy with a broken finger? Hmmm...but it would really suck to BE that guy with the unusable finger...huh.
And...think about it....Who, if ANYBODY, is inclinded to make a decisions in your best interst when it's their money at stake? Jesus? No, no....I got it...The president!
... in reality, the only entities that come to mind are myself, my close friends and family.
Whatev.
Also, a few years back I was faced with an on-going situation where I was often pressured to "just sign it"....ummmm...no? In some cases, that slight movement of your wrist can end up costing you a lot more than money.
Again....why are these people, who don't know me at all, so eager to have my name on their forms? I think I'm gonna take it home and read it first. In my very limited experience, I feel like I retain MORE rights and benefits when I withhold that signature rather than doling it out like some bank's promotional stress ball.
I can't recall one situation I've been in where someone has told me, "Whew. Good thing you signed these forms beforehand!"
...maybe I'm just paranoid...
Oh..and for the record, I don't believe in modern love either.
But...I'm happy to be a citizen of 'merica...I get to make these kinds of decisions without having a semi-automatic weapon pointed at my head...and still earn a paycheck. Umm...for now.
