Wow. This job is totally voluntary, but it should pay more than my other job!!

For those who don't know, I'm a Steward with the United Steelworkers Union at the copper mine where I work. We have had contract negotiations since August. The final draft has been reached, and now we will get to vote on accepting the contract. This is only for Union members. With Arizona being a "Right to work" state, we can actually have Union and Non-Union working side by side covered by the same contract and having the same pay and benefits.

So anyway, there are SSSOOOOO many rumors running rampant about the terms of the new contract. Every day I get asked about it, and every day I hear something different about what we are supposed to "get" with the new contract. Of course, only part of it is true. The rest, mostly rumor.

I guess what gets me are all the people out there saying "What has the Union done for me?" Well, for one, we have an outstanding medical benefit package. Then there's the fact that we make more money than most other places in town. Also there's the fact that a Union Rep (that would be me) needs to be present for any and all disciplinary actions. We also go to bat for folks who have special needs to be met. The Unions aren't always right, but they sure help!

Frankie

Ok, in all fairness, I have to admit that I realize my doggies are upset because of all the packing and stuff I've been doing.

That said, why does it seem that they have to be underfoot at all times???? I mean really!! Every other sentence out of my mouth, at home at least, is "Move doggie. Move baby" I mean, c'mon!! I don't mean walk in front of me, or stand there and look at me lovingly. I mean MOVE IT!!

It's really hard to pack and move boxes around when you have 3 doggies who want to help. And they have to guide the way so I know which hallway to take.

Gotta love the furbabies!!!

Frankie

Have you ever heard something you wish you hadn't heard? Or known something you wish you didn't know?

It's almost like the old question, "Which would you prefer, to see something you wish you hadn't seen, or not see something you wish you had?"

How do you "unknow" things you have heard???? How can you go back to total ignorant bliss?????

Man, sometimes I think I would be better off in a convent!!!

Frankie

Yuck!!!!

Ok, I've been packing for this upcoming move for about a week now. Today, my current landlord came over and when I mentioned pro-rating the rent this month (since I'll be our 10 days before the end of the month) he got a little testy with me.

About a year and a half ago, I got the landlord's permission to paint my apartment. That was with the understanding that I was going to live here for a long while. I had no plans to move until this one particular house came available. Anyway, the landlord asked me today if I was going to repaint the walls to the original color. I hadn't really planned on it, then he said the going rate for painting is $1 per sq ft. So I guess I get to repaint the walls I painted. It doesn't even make any sense, because he has to paint the rest of the place anyway!!

Oh well, if I'm only painting and not cleaning and moving stuff around and doing all the edge trimming and stuff, it won't take too long. I guess I get to move all my stuff one day, then paint here the next!!! You can bet I'm not going to do the greatest job of painting that has ever been done. Just as long as it covers the paint I did.

Yee Haw. It gets more exciting every day!!

Why do we make resolutions at the New Year? Was the past year really all that bad? What do we really need to change?

Maybe instead of vowing to lose weight, or quit smoking, or whatever, we should resolve to do things differently this next year.

Things like seeing the best in people. Or not judging each other because of our race or religion or social status. Maybe just seeing this wonderful world of ours with the wonder of a child first discovering it.

Sure, changing our lifestyle where needed is a worthy effort. Being healthier, or more financially responsible are noble pursuits. But how about treating our friends and neighbors with more respect. How about being more responsible at our jobs. How about being more accountable for our own actions.

Maybe the New Year is a good time to take our hatreds and prejudices and throw them out. Maybe just seeing other people as folks, just like ourselves. Maybe taking responsibility for what we have done in the past, and facing the consequences of our actions and attitudes.

What do you think? Was 2006 a year worth remembering, or a year to put behind you with all the fanfare of killing a fly? What do you want to or need to change about your life?