Whew! Well, it’s over. Christmas that is. Another year’s pinnacle holiday has come and gone. And, amid the wrapping paper, leftovers and empty boxes, I have a couple of observations.
Beginning in the fall of this year, we heard – daily – it seemed, about all of the politically correct retailers and companies that had opted to say, advertise, and publish “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”. This in some misguided attempt not to offend anyone. Amusingly enough, it tended to do just the opposite – it offended just about every Christian and many non-Christian Americans across the country. Hmm…I wonder if the ACLU was watching and listening.
This entire episode in the history of America was ridiculous. 85% of Americans claim to be of Christian faith. 85%! So, these retailers, school boards, city governments and the countless others who embrace “PC” behavior sought to not offend 15% of the country. In reality they offended 85% or more. This is the ultimate level of stupidity when it comes to “political correctness” (pc behavior is a blight on common sense and intelligence in my mind).
Then, it struck me. Christmas morning, after all the wrapping paper had been removed, my husband and I left the house and our boys under the watchful supervision of my Dad. We went to the barn to bandage our 2 year old filly (she cut her leg the previous Thursday). As we drove to the barn and back, we were struck by the quiet, empty streets and parking lots. All of the retailers who sought to be “PC” and not offend and businesses who did not want employees to say “Merry Christmas”, and City Halls who would not allow manger scenes – all of them, every single one was “Closed for the Holiday”.
Now, some would say that I enjoy twisting the knife, or rubbing salt in a wound. But, I ask you this – if you are one of those who finds Christmas “offensive”, did you go to work December 25th? Did you accept the paid Holiday your company offered, or did you refuse the paid day?
What then, would you consider the height of hypocrisy? Denying Christmas in your advertising, yet closing for the Holiday or being offended at the country celebrating one of the most holy of days for the majority of Americans, yet accepting without offense, the paid time off from your employer? Makes you think...hmm?
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Big Changes! The love has faded....
Wow! The past two years have been so incredibly full of change!
In October of 2003, we had our second child, a little boy. When I cam e back from maternity leave, I was offered a chance to move and relocate to Savannah, Georgia (or lose my job) as the company was moving it's Operations from Texas to Georgia. We opted to stay in Texas, as there was also my husband's job (or lack thereof in Georgia) to consider. So, a lay off I took.
In April of 2004, I took a contract job with Neiman Marcus - to fill in for a woman going on maternity leave. In August she returned and I was again "out on the street" as of September 1.
In November of 2004, I took a contract position that "might lead to a more permanent situation" at Home Interiors and Gifts. Well, in March, I was laid off at the end of my project. Again.
In July, I started a project contract with Palm Harbor Homes. I lived for 3 months with a Director who told me everyday "well, you are just a 'hired-gun', so if we don't need you at the end of the week, I'll let you know. Nice guy, huh? In October, he "let me know" and I was laid off again.
In October, I also interviewed for, and accepted, a position as a Project Manager with a nice company in Carrollton. I like everyone I work with and I feel much more stable on a daily basis. That is a good thing.
But, I have been thinking during this whole time - and I have to tell you, I am really not in love with Corporate America. After college, I was in love with working in a big company. The love has faded after two recessions and the experience of the past two years.
Well, you say, no other choice. You must work to live. And that is correct. But, no more will I be a puppet of big companies! I would rather work harder for myself than for someone else. And that is my resolution! I resolve to work my personal Mary Kay business harder so I can become free of the professional life I have come to hate.
Wish me luck!
In October of 2003, we had our second child, a little boy. When I cam e back from maternity leave, I was offered a chance to move and relocate to Savannah, Georgia (or lose my job) as the company was moving it's Operations from Texas to Georgia. We opted to stay in Texas, as there was also my husband's job (or lack thereof in Georgia) to consider. So, a lay off I took.
In April of 2004, I took a contract job with Neiman Marcus - to fill in for a woman going on maternity leave. In August she returned and I was again "out on the street" as of September 1.
In November of 2004, I took a contract position that "might lead to a more permanent situation" at Home Interiors and Gifts. Well, in March, I was laid off at the end of my project. Again.
In July, I started a project contract with Palm Harbor Homes. I lived for 3 months with a Director who told me everyday "well, you are just a 'hired-gun', so if we don't need you at the end of the week, I'll let you know. Nice guy, huh? In October, he "let me know" and I was laid off again.
In October, I also interviewed for, and accepted, a position as a Project Manager with a nice company in Carrollton. I like everyone I work with and I feel much more stable on a daily basis. That is a good thing.
But, I have been thinking during this whole time - and I have to tell you, I am really not in love with Corporate America. After college, I was in love with working in a big company. The love has faded after two recessions and the experience of the past two years.
Well, you say, no other choice. You must work to live. And that is correct. But, no more will I be a puppet of big companies! I would rather work harder for myself than for someone else. And that is my resolution! I resolve to work my personal Mary Kay business harder so I can become free of the professional life I have come to hate.
Wish me luck!
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