It's Sock Weather

So, the truth is, I am in a mourning period. This morning when I was getting ready to take my little one to daycare, my little helper brought me my flip flops. Clearly she was reading my mind, because, they would be my shoe of choice. I didn't have socks on, went outside and the reality hit me like hammer to the head...or feet in this case. It is sock weather.

Sock weather. Do you know what is followed by socks? Coats, hats, scarfs, gloves...cold. Dark. Winter. Dark when you leave for work, dark when you return. Less sunlight, less vitamin D, less warmth.

I think what I will enjoy least is the extra time it takes to get ready. I love just throwing on sandals and bopping out the door with reckless abandon. (what a rebel I am.)

Now, there will have to be coordination, socks that match things, shoes with laces or boots with zippers, stuffing my wiggly child into snow gear. . . all the things that will require an earlier wake up time. Let's face it. THIS is the true fear. I will have to get up earlier, plan more and it will take longer to drive, thus forcing my non-morning self to spend more waking hours in what I feel should be mandatory sleep time hours.

It's sock weather. I'll adjust, but for this moment...I mourn. I will save money on pedicures. Ah, a glimmer of good.

Goodbye sandals.

On oade to sandals:

Public Radio Anyone?

So, I love MPR, WKAR Public Radio...I really am "over" other radio stations for the most part, and listen to MPR. I was listening today and at the end of a segment, the reporter will say, "For WKAR East Lansing, I am Joe Smith." As their by line. Very interesting. The different shows have different by lines representing their title, like, "For All Things Considered, I am Jane Doe." But today, it struck me as I was driving back from Onondaga for work, that there was a stroke of genius one day in a marketing meeting...or a stroke of idealism, or a VERY INFLATED SENSE OF SELF perhaps. Whatever the reason, I would love to do a piece. The show is called The World. Can't you just hear it now... "For The World, I am Jaimie Hutchison." Quite some ring to that, eh? I bet that never gets old. Great marketing... "For It's Just Not The Jaim Without Me, I am Jaimie Hutchison." (It just not the same ring as "For The World, I am Jaimie Hutchison!")

Toronto Fun

Top 10 Things I Learned on a trip to Toronto, Canada with Five Friends:

10. 14 hours in the car...you learn a lot about each other--or sleep? Both good options.
9. You can have fun doing anything...like a traffic jam...if you have the right company. (Where ya at...ew?
8. There are women who ARE drama free.
7. I love Peach Blossoms...
6. Phrases can be repeated over and over and they still get laughs...you betcha.
5. Canadians know way more about our politics than I know about theirs...sorry.
4. Most people DO snore...even...
3. Six women can sit quietly when there is fantastic food on the table.
2. Amsterdam is an interesting place too......
1. I am lucky.

It's Official No Talking About Politics At Work

The official memo came out today about not discussing politics at work or on work time.

"Refrain from public displays of positions and candidates on agency property and time. This includes materials as well as use of email." This is a good policy. It makes sense that we work while at work and not create any strain between co-workers. A few emails have gone out in the past two weeks, sure to offend some that don't agree with others' positions. I have caught myself saying, "did you watch the debate?" I clearly understand and appreciate the position of the leadership.

However, it got me thinking...


Could I have a picture of a pig with lipstick displayed?

Could I bring in a Pit bull?-- What if it has a hockey mask on?

Can I talk about the fact that we can't talk about politics--or would the mention of politics then be talking about politics?

Can I mention that when I was in Toronto this weekend, I could see Russia from the CN Tower?

Can I mention that I prayed for a pipeline last night?

Can I discuss things related to politics, like the economy. For instance a co-worker of mine was looking at an agency bookshelf and made a statement about a book titled Working with the Poor. She said, "Can we re title this book Working with Each Other or Working amongst, for and with the Poor?" Clearly a statement about the economy, but the economy is the leading issue voters are concerned about.

Can I mention I met a guy named Joe Six Pack?

Can I talk about change?

Can I talk about the elderly, people of color, women in positions of power, sexism, racism... OK... and ageism?

Alas, my brain spin from all of the "what ifs" took at least five minutes.

Should I stay five minutes later? I will.

In all seriousness, I get it. I sent the director an email and asked if this policy included buttons on purses, coats, etc. He said "I think the best rule of thumb is to what extent clients and colleagues would be exposed to that in the workplace, don’t you? If your coat or purse is out of view, I don’t think it’s a big deal. We don’t want this to become paralyzing."

I think that is a fair statement, but now I am thinking about my purse. My purse is very big and I wear my coat inside. Maybe I could take a note from the the NBA's old rule where players used to have band aides over their tattoos. I could cover my button with black tape and untape it after work. I will try that and let you know how it goes. You betcha I will.

Oh, the leadership at Horse and Cart also attached a fascinating article about the study of a writer's intent displayed in emails. So, the advice of the article is if you meant it seriously, read it as if you were reading it from the position of sarcasm and if you meant it sarcastically, read it from the position of taking it seriously. So, just to clear this up I am having fun with my thoughts and the leadership thinks its great they finally made my blog. Glad to have a good bunch around here!

One final note: the term "rule of thumb" was popularized by early laws that a man could beat his wife but only with a switch (stick) smaller than the width of his thumb, TA-DA! "Rule of thumb" was born.

Okay guys and gals, you all have a good day now! I will, you betcha ;). (I hope Runs with Spatula, Shae on line, Diaper, my favorite undecided and Hugs with Heart enjoy that last line...it was just for them.)