It’s Friday and here are 5 random happenings and thoughts from this week:
1. Hubbs and I talked about this a couple of days ago but who else remembers when TV dinners were good and something to look forward to? I remember, on special occasions, Mom coming home from town with some of these. Our excitement was palpable as we placed our foil trays into the oven and, later, peeled back the cover and attacked the fried chicken, potatoes, vegetables and little apple or cherry dessert. It was even better if Mom and Dad were going out for the night and my cousin and I had an Elvis movie coming on at 8! Haven’t had one of these in 35 years but I still smile at the memory.
Oh yes!
2. Road trip Wednesday crossing three counties and at least 3 weather bands. Several times I drove through freezing rain or flurries. On my way to my last appointment, I rounded the bend on a country road, and spotted something odd. It took me a few moments to realize what I was looking at: newly shorn sheep shivering in the snow. (Say that seven times – ha!)
Dude! It’s way too early for us to be naked!! Google.images.com
3. Stopping for gas yesterday morning, an older gentleman was filling his van up just ahead of me. As the wind blew my hair sideways I looked up, his eyes met mine, I smiled and commented, “So much for Spring, hey?” He laughed and replied, “I know, we just got home from Florida yesterday, and I told the wife next time we’re staying there!” He chatted a bit more about their trip there and the snow on the ground at his home here and what a crazy year it’s been weather-wise. He paid his tab, wished me a good day, and off he went. And as I left the gas station, there he was at the next intersection, giving me a hearty wave good-bye. I smiled, waved back, and gave thanks for living in a place where weather is always a safe topic and more people than not are friendly and nice.
4. I’ve been out of the office a lot lately and something I’ve had reinforced again is a simple rule of business etiquette. When I’m away, I put the “out of office” message on ~ I let internal employees know how to reach me and my team and external contacts know I am away until X time or date. I do the same with voice mail. This helps manage the influx of requests, keeps inquiries and tasks moving, and lessens the “Hi it’s so and so; call me back please” messages — simple, effective, and irritating when others don’t do it, too. Yes I know we live in a 24/7 society and instant everything but there are times I’m in meetings or out of range. I’m not a Fireman and managing expectations has become as important as meeting deadlines.
5. Saw this recently and laughed out loud. I’m pretty sure our dog Frankie would have answered to these names, too!
Do you remember having TV dinners on special occasions as a kid? What’s the most interesting thing you’ve seen on a recent road trip? Does it make you happy when random people comment on the weather to you? What rules of business etiquette work for – or annoy – you? And what other names do your pets answer to?
Happy Friday, peeps!
