Time Management Tips



Developing the habit of sticking to schedules and routines will not end up having no time left. On the contrary, it produces more opportunity that can be enjoyed without the stress of knowing that there are urgent things that are still waiting to be done.

Here are some time-tested tips on getting the most out of time and relieving stress.

- Let others work for sixteen hours a day. You do not have to. Realize that half of the 24 hours allotted to each of us each day are to be spent for personal necessities like eating, sleeping and toilet. The remaining hours is for travelling and other personal errands. The eight hours left to work everyday is not only very reasonable it is ideal.

- Individuals may differ but for most people, the first working hours in the morning are the most productive. Use it well. Say no to interruptions that you can do without. The greatest time stealer between the phone, the visitor, the prolonged break, the e-mail and the chit-chat is the never ending "do you have a minute?" approach. 
Whenever possible say no. Allow a time each day that is dedicated to projected time lost.

- Find out why you are wasting time and have a realistic plan not to fall into the same pattern.
- Prioritize work from the most immediate to the least and work from there. You can also start from the work that you like doing least. This action plan allows you to somehow maintain your pace as the day moves on. Procrastinating on things that you do not like doing can only accumulate and create backlogs, which means poor time management.
- Allow a realistic time frame for each job.
- Delegate tasks whenever possible and do not commit to working on a project that could mean losing your personal time.
- At the end of the day, have a to do list for the following morning and stick to it.
- Use time management tolls. Different softwares are available on the net.
- Attend time management programs. If your company does not sponsor these, spend a little, you will gain more.

It is a misnomer to say that there is not enough time. For the successful and for those who are not, there is the same number of hours of each day at disposal. Time is always there in abundance. The ability to use it well spells the difference.

Proud To Be A U.S. Veteran

Today was a day that really hit me hard emotionally. Although being a mere 48 years old, when it comes to being or showing my patriotism, I am a "little cry baby". I had an appointment at the North Texas VA Medical Hospital, and as always: I relish the time that I get to people gaze.

I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to have served in 2 branches of the US Military. I was in the US Navy form 1982-1986 as an Aviation Boatswains Mate Fuels (meaning - flight deck fuels) and earned a campaign medal for the Beirut/Lebanon Crisis. I was also in the US Army from 1987-1991 as a 13BJ4 (meaning - Field Artillery Nuclear Assembly) and earned 2 Campaign medals for Desert Shield and Desert Storm/Gulf War. Wow, still get the goose bumps thinking of my sacrifice to this great land I chose to protect.

Back to the VA Hospital. Seeing all those men and women that put their lives on the line for our freedom was astonishing. I saw old Veterans from WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam just shuffling around. Some were in wheelchairs, some limping, some moaning or grunting when they walked and others that had to be escorted because it seemed they didn't even know they were there. I had to wipe tears often as I sat there waiting for my appointment.

Then I saw the most recent War veterans. That was the "kicker". I have never seen so many amputees in one place in my life. I am talking about your service members that are in their early 20's and 30's that have their whole life ahead of them but without certain limbs.

We as US Americans CAN NOT take this for granted. Just look around and see who sacrificed their livelihood for your freedom. Their lives will NEVER be the same. One of the tings I do on an everyday basis is when I see a person wearing a military war veteran hat or shirt at the store, I stick out my hand and thank them for their service. I dont start a conversation, I just say thank you for your service and be on my way. You never really know how much someone appreciates the simple "thank you's".

I am also a Past Post Commander of American Legion Post 23 Rowlett, Texas for 2 years. And also Past Board Trustee of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5076 Garland, texas for 1 year. I love my combat comrades as much as I love myself.

I AM A PROUD US VETERAN and you should too.

Rewarding An Employee

So many times it seems that our work in an office environment or in a “cubicle farm” is never or rarely recognized. We feel like we are under appreciated or over looked upon in the big scheme of the big corporate roller coaster. Even if we just get a “pat” on the back or a soft spoken word of a “job well done”, we will feel like we have some self worth in the office environment.  But there are some things that could be done besides a “pat” on the back that would  not cost a company or an inner office budget to much. Let us look at a couple of ways that an employee might be .....(Continued on OfficeRave.com).....

Why Do We Rush In Life?

I do know that this is the time of year that we all seem to notice all the rushing around in life. But have you ever taken the time to sit down and wonder about all the other times in the year that we seemed so rushed. It is amazing to watch how people think that rushing around in everyday life will get them that extra time for other things. When sometimes when we try to rush around, it actually waste time and sometimes it ends up in an accident or an unexpected mistake.
Have you ever noticed that in the store that they have a lane that is for 20 items or less and that line is a mile long? As opposed to the other lanes that only one full cart in line. I have gone through the one full cart line quicker than the people in the 20 items or less lane. In this case, the following statement is true – Haste Makes Waste. Because as Society, we think that the speed line is usually the quickest route to buy and leave the store. If 10 people are in line with 20 items that equals 200 items to scan where as if the person with the full cart only has 75 to 100 items, they will check out quicker.
Then, there is the the rush that we all are fond of. this the rush on the road or on the freeway. I know that many of us have plenty of pet peeves when it come to driving but we have to admit that drivers that seem to be in a rush with no regards to anyone else is that major peeve. Like when the traffic is barely crawling and the “rush driver” is constantly weaving lane to lane and it always seems that no matter which lane he goes to, it is the one that is a stand still and you always pass him. LOL! and there is the electronic construction road sign that tell us that the “Left lane will end in 500 feet”. If you are like me, you change lanes way before the 500 foot mark but there are the ones that try to race down the left lane all the way to the orange markers and try to weasel their way in and almost causing a fender bender. When this happen, I guess they didn’t get where they wanted to be on time, did they?
Last, how about the employees that rush and get thing done too fast or quickly at their job. Of course, this be good and it can be bad. The bad is that it almost never fails that when you an employee gets work done to quickly, they end up getting more or or even more projects “dumped” in their laps. Now it seems that they will never get caught up with all the extra work given to them. It is like a “brown nosier” saying that they can get their work done quickly then have it “all smeared” when extra is given to them.
Remember what your Mom or your Grandmother used to say “Haste Makes Waste”. For me, I stop and smell the roses and enjoy life at the right pace, if life passes me too quickly, I might miss that one special event and never be able to make it up again.

30 minute Lunch Activities

Have you ever spend hours trying to figure out what you were going to do with the 30 minutes you have at lunchtime? It is incredible that we spend so much time thinking of how we are going to cherish a 30 minute break in our hard driven day.

 

The most obvious way that many spend it is catching up on the texting. All those friends we have that have nothing better to do than text us, we have to use our time at lunch catching up on all the latest news and or gossip. Or the few of us that are contacting our financial advisors (yeah right). It is amazing how much time we spend exercising our thumbs.

How about dashing to the bank to make that last minute deposit. You know the one, the one where we have to make a late payment before the end of the work day. For some reason that is unknown to man, we always wait to the last minute to make some of our payments so we have to use that cherished 30 minutes of lunch time to race to the bank.

Besides eating a well balanced lunch, this is probably the second best thing you can do in that 30 minutes. As most doctors will tell you, a brisk 30 minute walk during lunch will help you heart and well as rejuvenate the rest of your work day. I am sure many employers would advocate this so that they could squeeze that little bit of extra work out of us. But then in the long run, we know we did this walk to better our over all health. Just think how refreshed one would feel after a brisk walk to relieve all that morning work stress.

Now this one I can attest to. Being so busy during the morning, I have to play “catch up”. I mean, I have to read and answer all the emails I received that I didn't have time to answer while doing all the projects that were given to me first thing in the morning to complete. Of course we cant answer all of them but my gosh we try.

OK, even I have to admit that this is probably the most common. As we dash out the door, drive like a Nascar driver to the nearest fat food restaurant to get that hot quick meal. Then race back to work to see if we have enough time to sit down with our friends to enjoy it. and not to mention when we do sit down to enjoy it, we might do some of the above if we have time (i.e. texting, paying bill or emails).

All I can say is that the short 30 minutes we have is precious time well spent. We might spend hours trying to figure out what we are going to do in that small time but we do get it done. Hope everyone has a Happy Holiday Season !!

Reusable Mugs For Work

As simple as it is to be “Green or Eco” at your job, you would think that almost everyone there would have their own reusable coffee mug. I can’t tell you how many employees at my last employer relied on the company to pay for Styrofoam coffee cups. There are 3 things that are wrong with this picture:

1. The cost that a company spends is astronomical
2. The Styrofoam in the landfills will take thousands of years to break down
3. It is pure laziness & cheap not to provide your own mug

One can take pride in the mug that they have at work. To me, mugs reflect one’s personality. One’s likes and dislikes: whether it be sports, hobbies, religion, cats, dogs or any type of theme. Like me, I have been using a “Dunder Mifflin” mug for years: it tells everyone that I am a geeky nerd. My whole cubicle was set up as  - The Office.
Here are just a couple if ideas on how you can buy reusable coffee mugs for your job and be environmentally conscious as well. Just click on the photo and it will link you to the site where you can buy it. I have not included any type of theme since that is up to your personal taste.

 

This is an example of the first reusable mug I owned, In fact I still have and use this one when I am at home at the computer writing my blogs. It is very sturdy and has lasted many falls on the floor. It’s awesome features include:  durable BPA-free plastic with a nonslip sleeve attached, double wall insulation to keep fluids hot for hours, the lid seals tight to prevent leaks or spills, is a 16oz mug that is microwave and dishwasher safe.

This mug is perfect to have on your desk instead of carrying it around from cafe to cafe. The mug is elegant looking and is breakable yet sturdy enough for a busy day in the office. It features: it is constructed of double-walled porcelain for hot or cold drinks, has a flexible silicone lid that is fits snug to prevent spills or splashes, is dishwasher safe but can only be warmed in the microwave (remember warm not boiling hot) and this mug only holds about 10 ounces.

The last mug is a personal favorite of mine. I do know that some of these mugs listed are one’s I have used or have owned but they are durable, lasted years and help save the environment. This mug is the one I use in my backpack when I go to sporting events or expos. The great features include: one hand activation, has vacuum insulation for hours of hot coffee, double wall stainless steel that makes it odor free and the major feature is that it has 3 seals that keep it from leaking or even spilling. I hope that you have found this helpful and I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season.

To Knock or Not to Knock

Today's blog is being written on one of my major frustrations with being unemployed. I have been unemployed for about 10 months now and I am hating it. Blogging about the subject of unemployment is a very sticky and hard subject to blog about. Mainly due to all the pros and cons that I have been reading from all the other blogs and forums on employment. I have read many forums and blogs where people tell other people to get off their “rears” and just get a job and stop whining about unemployment of or their unemployment benefits. Well let me tell you from one educated man, times are tough and jobs are more scarce than meets the publics eyes.
Us educated people can apply at McDonalds or Burger King just to makes ends meet but these places usually “99.99%” of the time wont hire highly educated people because they are afraid that after all the fast food training, that employee will leave in a heart beat when a better job is offered to them. So they just hire high school people of people that they know wont leave. I have been scanned over on more lower paying jobs than jobs that fit my area of expertise.
Which now leads me to the Blog title – To Knock or Not to Knock. I have heard from many people that we unemployed people just need to go out and “pound the pavement” and knock on potential employers door. Well, I am here to tell you that in today age, this does not work. I cant even begin to count how many potential employers I have been to “in person” and then I hear from the front desk or from Human Resources, “we don't take applications or resumes here, you have to get online with the companies website and enter your application there.”  Not to mention, the gas used to drive all over the North Texas Region and then come home with empty hand and empty hopes. Another wasted day, another wasted tank of gas (which is nearly $3 a gallon).You see, the frustration comes in when you enter it online, you are competing with hundreds of other applicants and you don't know for a fact that your resume or application has even been seen. I have only received less than 10 responses in 10 months telling me that  that my resume was received or that they chose someone else. Again, I say less than 10 out of the 30+ resumes/applications sent out every week. Very frustrating during these hard times during a really bad recession.
I have a family and I WILL prevail but I ask – Do I knock or do I not knock?

Plants For The Cubicle/Desk

This blog was really hard to figure out due to everyone’s likes and dislikes. Do I want put a small plant or do I want to put a big floor plant in my cubicle or next to my desk. As I am well aware of, they all have their pros and cons. So I decided to just list the plants that we can set on top of our desk tops. Again, as with my last couple blogs, you can click on the picture and it will take you straight to the site where you can purchase them.

First is the Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, most commonly called the ZZ Plant.  This is nice due to the cat that all of the plants listed will thrive and grow in dim or low light areas around the office. The most notable feature on the ZZ Plant include: it is an easy to grow house or office plant, will grow in lower light areas and it also makes an unusual indoor bonsai plant if you keep it trimmed.

The Aglaonema, most commonly known as the Chinese Evergreen Plant, is a favorite of almost anyone. In fact I will lay odds that everyone has received one of these as a gift. These are mostly sent as a gift from a florist. I have gotten these perfect office plants on my wedding and on the birth of our daughter. And they live forever and ever. The things we have to remember about the Algaonema is that they are a very easy to grow house or office plant, low maintenance, 7 water when dry & grows in dim or low  light conditions, These would also be great in a apartment as well due to being easy to take care for and being a low light plant.

There is a lot of things that cane be said about our next office or desk plant. It is the Tropical Aloe Vera or tropical medicine plant. I remember seeing this on our warehouse mangers desk so that he could use it to help someone who cut or scraped their hands. It is very easy to grow and only needs water when the soil is completely dry. Some people use the leave (after they are cut in half to expose their gel liquid) to treat burns and minor scrapes. They also produce some very neat color variations on the leaves.

For the people that love to grow plants at work, this would be perfect. It is a Mini Hydro Greenhouse. It is small and would fit in a nice corner of your desk or cubicle. The Mini Hydro Greenhouse is fully self contained and  uses the latest advanced hydroponic technology. You can grow vegetables, herbs, plants, and flowers. Just think of the herbs you can take home after work and use them in your dinner when you get home. The kit includes planting bed, greenhouse incubator, auto feed system, 24 ounce nutrient reservoir, refill indicator, inert growing gravel, nutrient mix, and gardening tools. Everything to be an office or cubicle farmer. I think it would be a perfect gift for someone in your office that plays the online game – Farmville.

Having a plant at your desk or in your cubicle is all about personal taste. But remember to get one that is for low light or dim light. They are also good for the office and planet environment as the purify our air that we breathe. You can be “green” without being a “Green Thumb”. And plants also calm our surroundings and as we all know, we need “calm” at the office. I hope everyone has a Happy Holiday Season.

Pets for your Cubicle/Desk

Working or “living” in your cubicle can be quite lonely sometimes. Just think about all the hours that you sit and work without any human or living creature contact for 8 to 10 hours a day. It is almost enough to drive us insane or make us us have imaginary friends sitting in that small cube with us. Well I think I have a solution to this dilemma. Whether you like Goldfish, Bettas, Hermit Crabs or even those cute small African Dwarf Frogs, there is a solution for you to have that special Cubicle Companion.  I have included 4  items that look very interesting and suitable for anyone’s desk, just click on the photo and it will “Direct Link” straight to the website where it can be bought online.
I wish I knew about this one when I worked in my cubicle at my last employer. It is to me the ultimate cubicle wall decoration. It is the Wall Mount Fish Bowl Aquarium Tank and is perfect for a Betta. The features are: a 10″ diameter. 1/2 bowl made of Acrylic and  easily mounts to a wall or a cubicle wall. It has an open top for easy cleaning. Holds approximately 1 gallon of water. Does well for the employee that want to keep their desk clear and clean and yet still offers another breathing creature in your “cube” with you.

This habitat is for the lover in animals that are not aquatic. It is the infamous all child pet, the Hermit Crab. The easiest way to have one or two at your desk is to purchase Lee's Hermit Crab Hideaway. This is an all in one kit and features the following sea sponge, plastic plant, gravel, hermit hut, reversible background, and a hermit crab food sample. It is constructed of plastic and has great ventilation or your cubicle pal to breathe.

This is one of the high tech item’s that every desk geek wishes they had.  It is the USB Powered Small Desktop Aquarium. It features a fully functional small desktop aquarium with running water that is powered by the USB port in your computer. It comes with an adjustable overhead light, multicolor interior lights and it even comes with a low voltage working pump and an under gravel filtration system. The small aquarium doubles as a desktop organizer/pen holder. Built right into the USB aquarium is a multi-featured digital LCD information system that displays the time/date and week/temperature that also features an alarm clock with snooze and a countdown timer. It also emits pleasing nature sounds to further compliment this desk organizer/aquarium. Perfect for a Betta or couple of Neon fish. I have to admit that this is something I would buy. I love this.

Last but not least, this is a Classic African Dwarf Frog EcoAquarium. This is something my daughter had in her classroom at school. I thought it would be great for a desk at work as well. In fact, I will probably get one of these when I start work again. They are no mess and have special rocks for filtration. It features and includes the following: 4"x4" tank with 2 Frogs, Lucky Bamboo Plant, Decorative rock, Living Gravel, care guide and your choice of Colored Gravel (9 different colors including some that are Neon colored). Besides you get that special feeling on the inside that you are helping the environment.

I hope this has helped to answer some questions on what type of pet to have in your cubicle or at your desk. Just remember that you don't have to alone in that dull grey cubicle.

Holiday Gifts for the Boss

Earlier in the week, we discussed what would be a good Holiday present to give to your fellow employees. However in this second installment of Holiday gifts; we are going to give 3 or 4 ideas on what you can give your boss or what your boss can give to a fellow boss.
It is a pretty hard decision on what to give a boss or a “higher up” because you don't want to break that fine line of “employee to boss” relationship. But if you are a boss giving to another boss, this will be easier for you.Again, these are from Amazon or from a company called – Think Geek. All you have to do is click on the photo and it will open up to either Amazon or Think Geek. This is an Uzi 5x SportScope Periscope, this is the ultimate tool that almost every “cubicle farm” boss wish they had in their arsenal. Grant you, that I wouldn’t give my boss this but from boss to boss, I can see it happening. The simple features include:  5X magnification, adjustable height 17" to 28", detachable handle, weatherproof and durable, lightweight aluminum construction.

We have all seen or at least heard of The Office – Dunder Mifflin, Inc. This is the famous World’s Best Boss / Dunder Mifflin Mug. This would be the perfect gift to give without having to “cross” that employee – boss line. Besides it is humorous due to the fact that the Dunder Mifflin logo is on the opposite side. To me, this is my favorite gift. this can be for your favorite boss, favorite fellow co-worker or you can just give it to yourself.  It is made from the world famous Hasbro game – Scrabble. It can be personalized with a name, a title or a saying. Also make sure you glue the pieces together (as my wife pointed out to me). The game itself features: Word-forming board game, score as many points as you can by forming words from the letters on the tiles, bonus squares on the board give double or triple letter word points, use all 7 tiles in your hand and score 50 bonus points and this is perfect for Family Game Night events. Now for the boss that thought they had it all. Now there is a cubicle doorbell available from Think Geek. If you are a boss that is in a teleconference or just plain don’t want to be bothered then this is for you. It allows you to screen who enters your office or cubicle. It features several different “sound” choices: Chirping birds, Old car horn, "Ding-Dong" doorbell, Fading laser, Knocking on door, Fog horn, Big band, "Quack-Quack", Ring tone, Cat meowing and Chimes. It also has 3 different sound levels depending on the environment you are set in.I hope that this has helped in making your decision on what to get your boss. I wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season !!!

Employee Christmas Gifts

Now is the time of the year that we as office employees have to think very hard on the Christmas presents we want to give to our co-workers. Or you may have the same thing I had at my old employer and that is the Secret Santa. I like this the most because that way I can get a clever gift that is somewhat special to that individual person.
I am the kind of person that finds a gift that they will use while funny and odd at the same time. I want to share some of the gifts that were given to me over the years and I hope that you find them useful ideas as well. You can "click" on the image and it will take you straight to that item for sale on Amazon.com .

This is the The Butt Station -Desk Accessory : Tape Dispenser Pen Memo Holder Clip Storage. It comes in either Orange, Blue or Green. It features a pen, memo pad holder, paper clip storage and a tape dispenser. This will surely have people asking questions. As can attest to, it is also something that will bring laughter to yourself during that long hard day when you think everything is going "down the crapper".

I just love this gift. For those of us that live in a cubicle 8 to 12 hours day, it is a way that we can express our own individual imagination on how we see ourselves. The possibilities are endless as you can have anything in your "Cubes Office" as you see fit. Such as a break room, a copy room, a board room or anything you want in your "virtual cube farm".

How about the famous Red Swingline Stapler just like the one from the cult classic - The Office Space. This is a gift for the person that feels like they can relate to Milton at Initech. All of us that feel like we are under appreciated. This is a real working stapler that staples up to 20 sheets, plus offers the added versatility of pinning and tacking and features open-channel loading, jam-proof performance, supply indicator, all-metal body and pinning and tacking capabilities.

I know we all feel the need to let out our frustrations at the "Higher Ups". Well now we can without them ever knowing. Something you can keep in your desk drawer out of plain sight. Just crack the drawer open; do your "thing" and close. It contains a corporate voodoo doll-complete with pins and spells-and executive spell book guaranteed to turn nasty colleagues into friendly allies So simple to let your frustrations go.
This is the time of the year that you can let your imaginations go. Please be respectful to your fellow employees feelings as you choose the right gift but have fun as you look around in different store. Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas.

Proud To Be A Veteran x2

Well, today's blog is on a subject that is very dear to my heart and soul. I am a military Veteran of two foreign wars. While I served in the United States Navy from 1982 to 1986, I was deployed in the Lebanon/Beirut Conflict; while serving on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CVN-69 Flight Deck Fuels. And while I served in the United States Army from 1987 to 1991. I was deployed and served in Desert Shield/Desert Storm attached to the 17th Field Artillery 1st Calvary Field Artillery. Today, I reflect on 2 specific memories from each of the 2 branches I served in during wartime.

While with the US Navy on board the USS Eisenhower, one of my fondest memories was when we were on our Mediterranean cruise. We had been cruising off the coast of Beirut Lebanon doing some flight operations due to the Lebanon crises, when early one morning our Captain came over the loud speaker. He told everyone on the carrier to repost on the Flight Deck. When we got there, there were hundreds of trash cans on the flight deck filled with large rocks. The Captain then instructed all the crewmembers to grab a handful of rocks and throw them at the land on our starboard side, which we all did. Then the Captain said all of us could return to our bunks and get the much needed sleep we needed. Now the funny thing about all this is; Omar Kadaphy(who was the Dictator) said that if our Carrier was to get into his waters that he was going to blow the Nuclear Carrier out of the water. That is when our Captain decided he would get within 100 yards of his shore and let us lob rocks at it knowing good and well that he didn’t have the guts to blow a nuclear carrier up near is country due to all the devastation. To this  day, I can only imagine the look on Omar’s face.

As for my time in the United States Army, there are so many memories. Especially the ones from the Desert Shield/Desert Storm Gulf War. But one of my most vivid memories is the one of the young men that didn’t think twice on why they were there. Which was to represent our great nation. I remember one day that our Field Artillery command was following the 1st Cav Infantry so that we could support them in a more efficient manner. As my team sat and watched these young men exit their armed vehicle and run and yelled their charge, you had to admire them for running into battle without thinking twice of it’s outcome. To me that is true bravery.

We are blessed to live in the United States of America. And we should never take for granted the lives that have been lost to protect it or the ones that are alive and protecting our freedom now. I am proud to be an American but I am most proud to be an AMERICAN VETERAN.

More Than One Boss?

Isn’t it amazing, it doesn’t matter how long we sit in our small grey cubicle; there seems to be more than one “busy body” or boss that finds their way in to tell us something new to do. It never fails, that one boss’s request is ALWAYS more important than the previous boss that just exited the cubicle or desk. To me, it is really hard and confusing at times to distinguish on who has the most important task to perform or to review. It almost falls into that old “catch 22” category or list.

I do know that many of us employees have only one top supervisor that falls in the chain of command or on the company organizational chart. But there are some of us that were hired to perform more than one task. There are also the people that were hired and on their “job description” it stated - all other job duties as assigned by management. Which to some of us, that is pretty well broad.

I know from my position of Special Projects Coordinator at my old employer, the realm of bosses was too many to count. I remember one day when a boss came into my cubicle, he had a task he said was due at the end of the day. Which I could have done in 3-5 hours on Excel or Access. but it was no sooner than he left when the Operations Manager walked in and said he had a task that was due yesterday. Yesterday? And I just now got it? What planet was he on or what planet did he zoom down from. If it was “yesterday” then why bring it now? And if that didn't make matters worse, someone else came in before lunch and asked why I didn’t have their project done that was due that day.

At first, I thought of getting a dart board with all my boss’s pictures on it. And then I would takes random throws to see who would get their project first then decided against it due to someone seeing their faces on a dart board. So I went to that famous man, Franklin Covey. His books and Day-Timers were just what I needed to manage my time. And the time of all my bosses, whether they knew they were getting “managed” or not. With a little effort and planning, I am able to do what ever task is given me, no matter how many bosses I have. They thought I would break, but – HA on them.

That is why I am the – Ultimate Cubicle Warrior. I will prevail in this Corporate Cubicle Jungle.

Your Monitor Direction

Isn’t it incredible; how the placement of your computer monitor can define how you really feel at your desk or in your small grey”cube”? I have seen it over and over again that some people’s whole attitude at work can be defined on where the monitor is placed.

Let’s talk about the placement in cubicles first. Again, I am only speaking of my observations at my past employers. I remember at my last employer that the Customer Service Department had their own set of rules and regulations. One of the rules was just exactly where an employee could place his or her computer monitor. Since most of the cubicles there were in the “L” shape on the inside, the monitor was to be placed in the corner of the “L”. This was to allow the Customer Service manager and General manger to walk by the cubicle and let them see what was going on in the cubicle or on the computer. It was not enough to have the latest computer IT technology to track what was on the computer at all times, they had to be able to physically see it. Sort of like “double jeopardy”. But you wouldn’t believe it, some of the customer service reps had it all figured out. What they did, even surprised me. They mounted 12 inch square mirrors on the upper backside of their monitors so that they could see who was around the corner of their cubicle before they entered. But this also led me to believe that they were surfing the internet as well. Which is something we all have done at one time or another on the companies “dime” or time.

Now for the placement of the monitor on the desk. You either have an office or sit at a desk in a large room. If you have an office, you sit facing the door so that no one can see what you are typing or surfing on. To me this would;d be the best case scenario. A little privacy is what we all want at work or on the job. But if you sit at a desk in a large room filled with other employees and their desk, the best option you have is to obtain a desk that faces to others. So that your monitor is hidden from view from all the employees that pass by throughout the work day.

Just remember, no matter what you are doing on your computer during work time is most likely being monitored by the IT Department. SO be careful and use your full discretion when online. Good luck and Happy Surfing.

Men’s Bathroom Observations

Today's subject is Bathroom Observations or to be more specific – Men’s Bathroom Observations. I know this is a subject we all know all to well but are sometimes way too scared or afraid to say anything about. So I guess I will be the one that will open up this “can of worms”.
I am not telling how I know this, but how come a woman’s office restroom almost always smells like a rose or flower garden with slight hints of flowers. not to mention, flowers in the stalls and on the bathroom sink. And you enter the men’s office restroom and it smells like you are entering a massive construction zone or the after effects of class 5 nuclear bomb blast. And there is nothing in the men’s restroom except for the occasional Sports Page or Business Journal which we are way too afraid to touch since no telling where the previous hand have been that read it.
One of the oddest habits I have noticed in the Men’s Bathroom is the washing of the hands before they do their “business”. This part I can understand because one does not know the germs they have handled throughout the day. But the thing I really don't understand is why do some men just “zip up” and abruptly leave. I mean leave without washing their hands.  And to think, I shake hands and handle paperwork throughout the day not knowing the germs that are floating around.
Then there is the time I enter the Men’s Office Restroom as if it was just declared an off limits nuclear blast zone. One really needs to be more considerate after they have “dropped the bomb”. And it almost always seems that there is absolutely no “sweet” smelling aerosol in the restroom. And if by some slight chance there was some, even in an old rusty dented can, they do not even make an attempt to use it of check to see if it works.
And now for the one that is a major no-no. I guess this is the ultimate Men’s Office Restroom sin, and this is the “wondering eye syndrome”. When in there, it is understood (the #1 unwritten rule) that one does not look over, lean over and catch a glimpse look at another man when in there. You want to talk about awkward? Well this would be. Enough said on the #1 Cardinal sin.
In closing, I would like to ask that all men be more considerate when visiting the “John”.  Was your hands before and after your “business”, spray a little aerosol before you leave and last keep eyes to yourself.

Halloween Hindsight In The Office

This is the ghoulish time of the year that we, as mature adults, let our inner shields down and wear something that we would regularly not wear in public. I say public, but to be more specific; I mean in our workplace where we spend 8 to 10 hours of our precious day with people that we know most about next to our immediate family.


One has to have some morals and extremely good judgment when it comes to what we want and will wear to the office on Halloween or to that infamous office Halloween party. I have been employed at some employers during my life; that at this of year when all the “office weirdo’s” come out of the woodwork.

The employees that get get me the most are the “big busted” women that decide that they have the inner most desires and needs to show or flaunt what God has blessed them with. They have worn the nurse, the policewoman or the “she devil”. But the one that gets me the most is the female gothic vampire. Do you know how difficult it is to work around this? You know, when they come to your desk and lean over to ask questions.Then there is the women that want to dress like the sweet little kitty cat. Of course that is enough to make anyone become “pet friendly” and want to support your nearest and local pet shelter. Need I say more?

Then it is the guys. They wear any costume that involves blood, guts or political attire. One has to wonder how many Obama's, Kennedys or Clintons there are on this earth. And dressing like a “slasher” with all the intestines and guts falling all over the place. I do not need someone hovering over my desk “spattering” fake blood or slime over me. I have even seen fully grown men dress like their childhood super heroes or their favorite cartoon character. Grown men dressing like Stewie, Bart Simpson or Ferb.

I am not against anyone celebrating Halloween or dressing up for the office party but one needs to be tasteful and considerate of others. Like no wearing of the Sexy Nun or Sexy Priest.

It is just like the Office Christmas Party, people remember that they see. Whether it is good or whether it is bad. Please use your common sense and good judgment when you choose something to wear for Halloween.

Milton’s Red Swingline Stapler

Do you ever feel like you have the “Milton Red Swingline Stapler” syndrome from Mike Judge’s cult classic – Office Space? You know, The “syndrome” that no matter when you leave your office space for the day or go on a break; there is the mysterious office ghost or phantom the tends to swipe or “permanently” borrow things from your beloved desk or cubicle.

I have had almost everything imaginable known to mankind borrowed from me. Lets take a look at what is borrowed:

• Office Supplies – stapler, pens, paper pads, Post-Its, paper clips, empty notebooks, push pins, ruler

• Food – sodas, lunch, cookies, candy

• Clothing – winter gloves, wool scarf, wool cap

Can you name some odd or unique items that have magically disappeared from your beloved desk drawers or neatly organized cubicle desk top? Feel free to enlighten the other members of OfficeRave with your “disappearances”.

As with may companies and/or employers, money is ever so tight and we have to rely on ourselves to purchase some of the simplest necessities. The simple things that make our jobs easier to perform; have to come out of our penniless pockets. I know that I am sounding pretty petty on this subject but now days money is ever so tight and some of us are barely making ends meet.  And we purchase office supplies to make our “cubicle farm lives” easier and more productive.

As I sit here in my beloved space, I question and ponder on how I can keep my fellow employee’s grubby little fingers and hands out of my “space”. I ponder on how some of my fellow employees have solved this; not saying that I have done this before.

One is the food issue. I have heard that some of my fellow employees have mixed EXLAX with the candy and left it on the desk top just to catch the perpetrator in the act of “stealing” the candy or chocolate chip cookies sitting out in plain view. With this, you would know simply by watching to see who goes to the restroom often during the day. Or by knowing who calls in sick from an upset stomach the very next day. I know that this sounds awful crude but it fixed their dilemma.

Next would be the borrowing of all the neat and special pen you buy to bring to work. Just like some of the department sores, you can take those giant plastic flowers or toys to the top of the pen. I have also seen the ones where they have Super Glued the flower to the top so that it couldn't be removed. With this, you can literally see who barrowed your pen.

Last it is the stigma of barrowing the big items like Milton’s Red Swingline Stapler. The simplest and most logical solution is to Velcro the item to your desk. Use the Velcro that is produced for use outdoors because it is produced for heavy long lasting strength. That way you can still be able to use it yourself. If someone else wants it, they are going to have to “wrestle” it to make a clean swipe.

I know a lot of this is sounding pretty harsh, but we have to respect our fellow workers. Lets be considerate and make the days pass more peacefully. Just remember how Milton felt, do you want to feel like that too?

Lunch Consideration

Eating etiquette in the office or in a cubicle; now this seems to be a touchy subject with some office employees and supervisors. All I can do is give my opinion on what I have seen in my many endless hours and days working in a “cubicle farm”.

I do know that many of us take our own meals, snacks and to our desk so that we can eat and work during lunch so that we don’t have to “clock out” or we might have a boss that is pressuring us to finish a project or meet a tireless deadline. But come on folks; let’s be real and considerate of our fellow employees sitting in the close “cubes” all around us. Yes, I am talking to you, the one that just brought the can of sardines to work as if you are trying to scrape up your last dimes for a meal.

Just imagine having to sit next to that person (just one cubicle over) and having to smell a can of sardines smothered in green chilies and oil. And then to top it off, they decide when they are done eating from this small tin; they dispose of it in the trash can under their desk for all the “cubes” around to smell for the rest of the day. You can’t get more considerate than this. Yes, that was being sarcastic.

Then comes the employee that burns the bag of Orville Redenbacher in the break room next to all the desk and cubicles. Fill the whole floor with that burnt smell. You know the kind that lingers like a smog day in Los Angeles. I don’t know if there is a fire or if I need to sit and wait for an oxygen mask to drop down from the ceiling tiles. Like the ones on a doomed airline flight.

I also see the employee that is leaving for a “fast food” run and doesn’t even bother to stop and ask everyone to see if they want something. I guess that is a clique thing (but that will be another blog at a later date). Here I sit in my cubicle eating the lunch I scrounged up early in the morning and in comes the “fast food” runner. For some reason, my bologna sandwich and potato chip just smell like the Jack in the Box that just entered the room.

In closing, all I can say is; be considerate of the others around you. Or be forth warned that the day is coming when I do the “Pay Back” and everyone wishes that they had left the building for lunch.

Does Size Really Matter?

OK, everyone, get your minds out of the "gutter". I am speaking of your cubicle office space. This is where many of us spend 8-10 hours of our day. You could say that it is like a second home to us. And no, I am not speaking of a spare home in the "Hamptons". I am 6'5" and have been in a few different size cubicles in my life.

One of my cubicles was 6'x6'. You talk about loving in a box, those years felt like it. I sympathized with all those homeless people living in Dallas's Box City. You could not sit and stretch without hitting your elbows against the wall. With the PC, phone and all the stacks of paper, it was really hard to decorate to make it feel like "home". It felt like a hamster in a box.

My last cubicle however was the Cream of the Crop. It was 9'x12'. I felt like it was a second home. It also had a huge 5'x7' window on one side so that I could see that life really did exsist out of the 4 walls. I even had an end table and 2 chairs in the corner for guest. It was a slice of heaven.

So I guess in this case, SIZE DOES MATTER.

Sending Email to 1 Cubicle Over

Some co-workers have become so lazy in their environment, that it really isnt too funny. What I am ranting about today is the over use of emails. Good grief, have you seen how dependent we as a society have become dependent on the communication with emails? In the office environment, I see that the people in just one cubicle over, would rather send an email rather than stick their head around the corner to say it. Or the co-worker that sends it ranther than walk 10-15 feet to you to say something that is really not pertainant with what is going on in the office. Then comes the co-worker that gets mad when you haven't checked your email for over an hour and when you do finally respond, they say never mind or forget it. GRRRRRRRRR! Again (as I have said) they are only a couple feet away. Used to be that we depended on telephones too much and now it is the email. Go figure!!