The recent history of Jenclyde World.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Plan Burkina Faso
I'm super excited so I thought I would share this right away. When I was on holidays I went out shopping in Van & was feeling good, etc. and I ended up signing up to sponsor a child through Plan 'Because I am a Girl' campaign. Now after I did that I had what I call 'buyer's remorse' - a feeling of regret and worry over how much I spent. I also was worried that I was being conned because I spent a long time in retail and became a very suspicious person. However, I have been thinking about contributing to something for years now, I just wasn't sure what I should do and I made no effort either. So, this guy was standing around near Kids Books and then voila! When I got home I looked this up online and I tried to convince myself it was legit. But, really, until today I felt like maybe I really was an idiot. One of the things that appealed most to me was that it was not religious based, which is why I have not been keen on some of the other organizations that advertise on T.V. so often. I am by no means opposed to their work, but I would personally rather contribute to something secular.
The proof is now here though and I am ecstatic that I'm not an idiot and I'm helping others at the same time. I got a pamphlet about the 'ambassador' child who's name is Hairata. She lives in Burkina Faso. They also provide some info about the community and provide pictures of Hairata and her brother, as well as more detailed info about how Plan uses sponsor donations.I had never heard of this country but it is just north of Ghana & Cote D'Ivoire (they were in the 2011 World Cup, though their main striker plays for a European team professionally - if you even care about Soccer, which you should). The money I donate does not go directly to the child, but the whole community. It's used for improving their schools, access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare (which includes things like providing mosquito nets, vaccinations, etc.). It's $35/month which is why I had the buyer's remorse - but it's really just the cost of a dinner & a movie or a pair of shoes which I can definitely do without. I can also claim it on my tax return so that will help a bit.
They encourage the sponsors to write to the child which I feel a bit weird about. I think About Schmidt is kind of in the background of my mind. But, I suppose it would be interesting for Hairata & her family to see pictures of where I live. I really have no idea what to say exactly but I suppose if I muster up enough umph to do it I'll just keep it pretty simple & not blab on about my problems. I will likely send a picture of Hal too though, because he is really cute.
The proof is now here though and I am ecstatic that I'm not an idiot and I'm helping others at the same time. I got a pamphlet about the 'ambassador' child who's name is Hairata. She lives in Burkina Faso. They also provide some info about the community and provide pictures of Hairata and her brother, as well as more detailed info about how Plan uses sponsor donations.I had never heard of this country but it is just north of Ghana & Cote D'Ivoire (they were in the 2011 World Cup, though their main striker plays for a European team professionally - if you even care about Soccer, which you should). The money I donate does not go directly to the child, but the whole community. It's used for improving their schools, access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare (which includes things like providing mosquito nets, vaccinations, etc.). It's $35/month which is why I had the buyer's remorse - but it's really just the cost of a dinner & a movie or a pair of shoes which I can definitely do without. I can also claim it on my tax return so that will help a bit.
They encourage the sponsors to write to the child which I feel a bit weird about. I think About Schmidt is kind of in the background of my mind. But, I suppose it would be interesting for Hairata & her family to see pictures of where I live. I really have no idea what to say exactly but I suppose if I muster up enough umph to do it I'll just keep it pretty simple & not blab on about my problems. I will likely send a picture of Hal too though, because he is really cute.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Snow day
No work today! I am snowed in and only 1 person showed up at the office this morning so I don't feel any guilt.
The drift outside my door - I know you prairie folk will think we're a bunch of pussies but really, do you want to slide off the mountain and to your death? Not me.
This looks worse! Too bad it will melt soon...
Sunday, January 9, 2011
The plunge - do NOT tell my Mother!
My first week back was...Well, work, you know...Hmmmm. Um, well, I was in tears by the end of day 1. This is actually a fairly typical occurrence at my job so on a more philosophical level it's 'just the way it is' there. However, after a month off it's all really much more dramatic and painful than it would be if I had the same thing happen my last day. That would have just been the pinnacle of lameness and sorrow. And, then I maybe would have recovered or adjusted my plans accordingly. But, no, in true corporate fashion the crap hits the fan at the most inconvenient and harshest time possible.
What's going on you ask? Well let me tell you! As well as a bunch of crack-downs on various activities and expenses through the company we also have to take another week unpaid and ALL of our vacation time by the end of April. Now, if I was 'towing the company line' as I have heard at the office I would go 'okay, I would love 8 weeks off now, fantastic. Thanks for the offer. I love working here. Yay' and so on. However, after approximately 3+ years of saving for Africa I am now forced to use all the vacation time I have been stock piling now and will not have any left for my planned trip this fall. This is what affects me the most. The only reason I am at my current job and have put up with the last 2 insane years is so that I could save up and have enough money and holidays set aside to do this trip. That's it. If the company policy was to always use up my holidays every year I would have. But, the alternative to not using them in the next 3 months is to forfeit them. So, the 7 weeks of paid time will be lost. I can't even see how this will help the company cut costs - short of having all the books clean and all their employees having to forfeit their holidays because they can't take that much time off. Which, actually is probably what they're hoping for, the bastards. The other thing that really bothers me about this is that our busy season starts at the end of March/early April and if half of the office is forced to take all of their vacation before then we will have nothing prepared and will not be ready for anything. The result of which will be an even more stressful summer than the last one, more unhappy clients, more late deliveries and an even worse financial outcome than this past year. On top of all this my direct supervisors have been busy with holidays, meetings, and other responsibilities so I have no one to turn to. Though, even if they were more available I do not think there is anything that they could do to help me. Many co-workers seem to be just hunkering down and will try to see it through. Others are looking elsewhere. The idea of another summer like the last one is what's really pushing me to the next move. If I have to endure the same difficulties as last year I will have a nervous breakdown, and I am not in any way joking or over dramatizing. I have barely just gotten over last summer emotionally. I can't survive another one like that. But, that's exactly how it will be if these new rules are enforced.
The result of this insanity is that I have been forced to finally get off my butt and start looking for alternate employment. It actually makes me sick to my stomach to face the fact that I can no longer do my job under these conditions. The though of leaving my co-workers and possibly my home brings me to tears. I may find work here but most likely I would have to commute far and last time I applied to at least 200 jobs before I got one. I have to be open to the possibility of moving if I can't find anything here. But, if I were to move far away I would have to give up the Zoo, which would be devastating. The idea of moving eventually was fine, because in a few years I would be ready. After the big trip I was intending to save up for a year or two and then pursue the Kennel business. But, I can't deal with all this corporate bull-sh$%. And, even if I could I may be fired anyways.
Really, I could just go on and on so I'll stop. Needless to say if you mention any of this to my Mother I will never speak to any of you again. And, I'm not even joking. If she hears about this she'll freak out. I tell her work is fine, and it is dammit!
The good thing is I found my old resume this morning and have spent the day updating it and doing some job searches. I hope to apply for the few that I found tomorrow if the finally editing goes well. So, wish me luck!
What's going on you ask? Well let me tell you! As well as a bunch of crack-downs on various activities and expenses through the company we also have to take another week unpaid and ALL of our vacation time by the end of April. Now, if I was 'towing the company line' as I have heard at the office I would go 'okay, I would love 8 weeks off now, fantastic. Thanks for the offer. I love working here. Yay' and so on. However, after approximately 3+ years of saving for Africa I am now forced to use all the vacation time I have been stock piling now and will not have any left for my planned trip this fall. This is what affects me the most. The only reason I am at my current job and have put up with the last 2 insane years is so that I could save up and have enough money and holidays set aside to do this trip. That's it. If the company policy was to always use up my holidays every year I would have. But, the alternative to not using them in the next 3 months is to forfeit them. So, the 7 weeks of paid time will be lost. I can't even see how this will help the company cut costs - short of having all the books clean and all their employees having to forfeit their holidays because they can't take that much time off. Which, actually is probably what they're hoping for, the bastards. The other thing that really bothers me about this is that our busy season starts at the end of March/early April and if half of the office is forced to take all of their vacation before then we will have nothing prepared and will not be ready for anything. The result of which will be an even more stressful summer than the last one, more unhappy clients, more late deliveries and an even worse financial outcome than this past year. On top of all this my direct supervisors have been busy with holidays, meetings, and other responsibilities so I have no one to turn to. Though, even if they were more available I do not think there is anything that they could do to help me. Many co-workers seem to be just hunkering down and will try to see it through. Others are looking elsewhere. The idea of another summer like the last one is what's really pushing me to the next move. If I have to endure the same difficulties as last year I will have a nervous breakdown, and I am not in any way joking or over dramatizing. I have barely just gotten over last summer emotionally. I can't survive another one like that. But, that's exactly how it will be if these new rules are enforced.
The result of this insanity is that I have been forced to finally get off my butt and start looking for alternate employment. It actually makes me sick to my stomach to face the fact that I can no longer do my job under these conditions. The though of leaving my co-workers and possibly my home brings me to tears. I may find work here but most likely I would have to commute far and last time I applied to at least 200 jobs before I got one. I have to be open to the possibility of moving if I can't find anything here. But, if I were to move far away I would have to give up the Zoo, which would be devastating. The idea of moving eventually was fine, because in a few years I would be ready. After the big trip I was intending to save up for a year or two and then pursue the Kennel business. But, I can't deal with all this corporate bull-sh$%. And, even if I could I may be fired anyways.
Really, I could just go on and on so I'll stop. Needless to say if you mention any of this to my Mother I will never speak to any of you again. And, I'm not even joking. If she hears about this she'll freak out. I tell her work is fine, and it is dammit!
The good thing is I found my old resume this morning and have spent the day updating it and doing some job searches. I hope to apply for the few that I found tomorrow if the finally editing goes well. So, wish me luck!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
I forgot about Maru!
I almost forgot to mention Maru. You must watch this!
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=mugumogu#grid/uploads
and more Maru
http://sisinmaru.blog17.fc2.com/
Thanks to Julie & Eric for introducing me to Maru, and the joy of mash-ups!
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=mugumogu#grid/uploads
and more Maru
http://sisinmaru.blog17.fc2.com/
Thanks to Julie & Eric for introducing me to Maru, and the joy of mash-ups!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Trip pics
Hal before I leave with his new Christmas toy & some catnip. 
Phoenix, not Phynix.
ORANGUTANS!!!!
The Mom & toddler together.
Freaked Tracey out but beautiful colours.
GIBBONS!!!!
A person, starts with a "T".
The elusive silverback Charles & the youngest of the group. This scene was followed by the baby rolling around in the leaves. It was hilarious.
The youngest of the group. Too cute.
Red things in the trees. Pretty. Do you know what these are? We didn't.
Burrowing Owl!!!
Notice the two behind the big guy (or girl).
Great Polar Bear exhibit. There was quite a large area, lots of little nooks for the bears and viewers. There was even an underwater area.
The Komodo Dragon. It was pretty chill for a supposedly scary and vicious lizard.
Wine tasting. I believe this was the Chateau - very fancy.
Phoenix really really loved me. This is her wondering why I have to leave.
Mom's lovely tree & the excess of Christmas manifested in gift bags.
Who is this wacky kid? Sugar does weird things to people.
Oddball. Image snorting, lots of it and then running, jumping, licking. She's awesome.
Bella & Marley at the dog park, still with most of their booties here I think. We left with only 2 or 3 between the 2 at the end.
This is Elwood playing frisbee with us on the PS3. He kept running to the next room to try to catch it. It's the biggest tease really, I felt a bit bad.
Cousin Mikie lighting stuff on fire. Happy New Year!
So you may notice that there tend to be way more animals than people, though technically people are animals too. This is just how it is. I try every year to take amusing people shots but I always end up with scenery and animals. Scenery and animals. I tried to incorporate some actual friend & family this time just to represent. And if you don't see yourself it's either because you're just a hand or foot, or I forgot my camera that day, or I replaced you with a picture of an orangutan or lizard. Sorry! I love you, hopefully you can forgive me.
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