One of my favorite terms is the word “special.” It can be used to describe so many people in this world, but in a politically correct way. (Unlike “retarded” which I have used and realize it can be demeaning to others. Though I always felt anyone who is dyslexic & flunked college algebra 9x’s is allowed to use such a term.)

I’ve been working for the same organization now for 7 years. Straight outta collage I applied and for some reason they hired me. I’ve had two different jobs there. The first was more of a social work position, then I was moved over to working with youth in our local schools.

The first year and a half were spent understanding what real life is. In the first position I taught financial budgeting classes, gave out food/clothing referrals, and took phone calls and walk-in’s that needed help.

Most needed help I couldn’t provide them. I listened intently to many sad and horrific stories. The big lesson was I had to learn how to read people, because I got burned many times by the sob stories some would tell.

My “co-worker” who had been there a whole 4 months longer, had that kind of personality where she needed to be in control. She also felt she was the “supervisor” and was too good to do the mundane things our positions sometimes required. Being 22 and inexperienced I did most of the work and she had a rather easy life for about 6 months.

My first day on the job she shared with me that she “made” her husband get a vasectomy before they got married. She despises children. A little too much info for day one on the job.

She had this attitude about her and she spoke down to the clients we worked with making them feel low and worthless.

And she’s an environmentally friendly person. She collects collects things to recycle from the office and they actually converted her car to some used oil machine to save on gas. But two weeks ago they purchased a Ford F-250 monster truck and about every 30 minutes you can find her outside our building smoking and then throwing the cigarette on the ground.

During my time with her time I learned how to stand up for myself and when the opportunity presented itself to change to a different position, I jumped at the chance to climb the ladder and leave her behind.

Since then she was finally “promoted” to the supervisor she dreamed of being and has hired 5 different workers for the position I left. The 5th just left last week. You could say that they didn’t find the position paid enough to put up with her.

In the elevator yesterday I asked her if she’s interviewing and she stated yes. Then she went on to say, “I’m going to take my time though. I want to actually sit down and interview them. Ask them questions. Call references.”

Good thinking! Bet she’s looking for someone special.

See that box over on the right that is flashing words? Well I’m in a contest to win a song written just for me by HANSON! Stop laughing. They’re still together. In fact, they have a new album coming out soon. I LOVE the Um-Bop Boys!!! I don’t ask for much. But if you could just click on it each time you visit it will help me win.