Some Much Needed Reprieve

It’s been an interesting few past weeks at work. A period of time that I hope we will be leaving soon behind us and moving on to other productive things. It’s interesting to see how people respond to changes and process improvements, particularly in a corporate setting. I’ve gone through these types of changes before, a myriad of times, at other places of employment. I’m learning with some colleagues at work, that these types of changes are stressful if they have never been subjected to a process improvement review. Or have never gone through anything like this in their professional working career. Tensions have been high at work to say the least and I’m glad I can be a sounding board for colleagues that are stressed out. I’m glad I have direct work colleagues to vent to.

I’m starting to feel that there are enough things in motion at work that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The much needed changes and process improvements are commencing and starting to fall into place. And enough external departments are in the know of the challenges we’ve been facing, that they can be a catalyst for implementing the changes as well. For the first time in weeks, I feel some sort of reprieve with the work related stress.

The New WaMu

I'm feeling a little bit nostalgic watching WaMu become JP Morgan Chase. I guess probably because I spent seven years of my professional working career for them in product management and deposit strategy, as well as managing branches. I moved to Seattle for employment with WaMu and joined a company firmly grounded in four states, and just ramping up for mergers in three more. I joined the ranks of 9,000 employees. At the time I left the company, I was able to watch it grow to 65,000+ employees conducting retail banking in 14 states and mortgage banking in 32 or so states. Watching it fail, and be taken over by the FDIC and sold has been very interesting. I feel very fortune I offloaded my stock options and common stock in the company back in 2004 when I left financial services, and moved over to health care services. Every time I drive by a branch here in WA state and see the signage changes over to Chase, I always make a brief mention. Too bad the company failed due to poor choices and bad decision making, as well as a very interesting economic melt down. It's interesting to see part of your past be wiped off the face of the planet.


No more "Pixie The Pig," that used to be sold at WaMu Ocassio Financial Centers in four different colors. It's now just a vanilla looking white piggy with a internationally recognized logo. At least the company has that going for it now.

Happy Earth Day!

In honor of Earth Day I thought I would share a few fun twists on your average drinking vessel. While plastic can be convenient we all know it isn't great for mother nature, but if you like the look of your plastic bottle or cup and think it would be fun to freak out your family and friends check out these fun glass bottles and ceramic cup. I think they are genius.

These glass bottles can be found at Crate & Barrel for 7.95-15.95



And this cool cup is 39.00 at generate.



Speaking of Earth Day, my office has been raising money to give a water well kit to a Malawi Village through this great website our office designed called ripple effect. This afternoon we are having a catered organic lunch where we'll be able to see how much money we've raised. Often times my office has activities or venues that I don't really get involved in because the are usually focused around copious amounts of alcohol, so I really love it when my office does something worth while that I can get behind.

Irrational Fears

We’ve been discussing people’s irrational fears today. Some things that people are afraid of are quite interesting! Take mine for example. I have a total and complete fear of being in my car, and being stuck under or close to a bridge, a freeway overpass or a pedestrian overpass for the following reasons.

1) You can not control idiotic drivers! And I know that one of these days; some intoxicated “hoochie” male or female will crash into the guard rail while s/he’s trying to talk on their cell phone. The car will rip through the guard rail and fall a few stories and land on top of my car, killing me instantly.

2) If I’m going to die in an earthquake, I don’t want to die by having a freeway bridge come crashing down on me, again snuffing out my life instantly. I’d rather die in my house with the roof caving in or something. What is the lesser of two horrible endings? Undecided at this point.

3) When it comes to pedestrian overpasses my rule of “assuming positive intent,” quickly turns into “assuming absolute worst intent.” I always get apprehensive driving close to a pedestrian bridge and seeing teenagers [a.k.a. Children of the Devil] more than likely up to absolutely no good! I always assume that some frozen turkey is going to be projected down onto my windshield, thus killing me instantly, or being the onset of a belaboring end to my life.

What are you irrational fears?

Saved

I found this on the conference room door in my office earlier this week and am just getting around to posting it. Do you think this means my missionary efforts are paying off at the office? I guess since the offer has now expired I need to keep at it.

11 Years And Counting

Today is my 11th anniversary at my place of employment. Can you believe it? Actually I've now worked at HA for 11 and a half years including my internship. I got a nice call from my boss thanking me for all my hard work and excellent contributions to the firm. I think that replaces the gold watch in these economic times.