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Discussion of the Month
September and
I have been cancer free for one year. I almost want to forget the whole
experience. Not because it was so bad, but because of the stark truth of
the matter. Cancer or any terminal disease could strike anyone at anytime.
It's a little scary to even think about it. I heard somewhere that the
things you worry about never occur. I don't think that is necessarily
true. The healthy view of the situation to me is to embrace the reality,
but don't overemphasize and worry about the possibilities. I think the
saying, "take one day at a time" says it best. In other words,
I'll never forget the feeling, be thankful for the outcome, keep the
situation in perspective and make the most of each day.
Did you know
that you are affected by my brush with melanoma cancer? See how thoughtful
I am. I want to share all of my situations with you. We, who are blood
relatives, now have a common link in our medical history. We have melanoma
cancer in our family. Each of us must be informed, aware and vigilant in
the physical condition of our bodies. Yes, we should examine our bodies on
a regular basis for any changes or irregularities in moles or any other
marks on our bodies. In the broader scope we need to be aware of other
medical abnormalities affecting our general health. We live in our own
body, we must be aware of the medical condition of our bodies.
Now don't take
this to an extreme. Don't become a "worrywart" about this. Worry
is just another word for inaction. Just take a weekly self inventory of
your body and it's functioning. You know the drill. In short, if something
appears out of the normal in regards to your appearance or physical well
being - examine, research and talk to your primary care physician.
Don't assume. Be realistic and proactive.
I'm really
getting into this HMO stuff. Until recently I would have referred to your
primary physician as your family doctor. Now I use the current term,
primary physician. I learn fast.
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Back to work
for me. Over the summer I was contemplating working a few more years than I had first anticipated. I just couldn't fathom giving up my
salary for retirement. I thought a few more years, maybe until I turn
60 or maybe even 62 when I would be eligible for my full retirement and
not subject to penalties for early retirement. Hopefully by that time I would
be able to pay off my condo and be in a good place financially.
I just
completed my second week of work, as of August 21, 2004. There are more
new students than ever. Schedule changes are coming in by the dozens. The
"system" seems to be coming apart at the seems. Politics and the
state assessment test are taking center stage, upstaging the real reason
for our jobs - the education of children. The needs of the individual
student seem to be low on the list of priorities of the powers that be.
Stress is at an all time high.
Well all bets
are off. I'm out of there as soon as possible.
I don't think
that my particular job is any different than any of yours' as far as
stress and working conditions. The work place is different than it was a
few years ago. Priorities are certainly topsy-turvy. Today the top priority
in any organization is more for less. The individual worker is a
commodity. More is expected from the worker and fewer resources are
provided.
You've heard
the saying," be a team player." It seems that the statement
really means, "do what I tell you and don't make any trouble." A
real team is concerned with the well being of all it's players, not just
the concerns of the team leader. In many cases the team leader has one
goal, get the job done at any cost. There is no mutual respect. No concern
for the well being of all the members of the team. Being a team player
sucks.
Finally, this
brings me to the real reasons why the work place has changed for the worse,
the quality of the workforce and the "customers" we serve . I don't want to sound pessimistic, but I
really wonder about the kind of people we are finding in our places of
business. Whether it is the corner grocery store, the hospital or school
or governmental place of business, the quality and the integrity of both
the employee and the employer is questionable. What is happening to our
society.
As far as the
people who we come in contact, as a society
we are rude, hard to get along with, self centered and in many cases
people of low morals and ethics. Just read the paper or watch the news on
television about the absurd occurrences within our society. These things that are happening in our neighborhoods, country
and world are not happening in a vacuum. These kinds of things are
becoming the rule rather than the exception. To function in the world of
the 21st century one must constantly be on the alert for unethical and
irrational behavior of (perhaps chemical dependent) people and deal accordingly.
How do we deal
with these situations? First and foremost be proactive. Realize the
situation and do remove your rose colored glasses. See the situation as it
exists not the way you would like it to exist and deal with it. Deal with
it in a fair, genuine and human manner. You don't necessarily have to
fight fire with fire. State your case and then move on. Above all, always
keep the well being of yourself and love ones as your number one priority.
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