Cleaning Out My Desk

I don't want to sound pompous in my name dropping because my thumbs are peeling like the next person's. Gross. But... how many can say Secretary of State Joan Anderson Growe sang to them on their birthday?

In an impressive going away bash, even the most cold hearted cynic would have to be moved by being rewarded for three years of hard and difficult work. 102,517 calls!!! One question: Where the hell was Arne? But seriously, they threw me one heck of a shindig. Now the impersonation of Ikiru continues.. .

The lesson learned is the importance of making the employee feel like they have made a difference. The motivation, the satisfaction makes some of it worthwhile. A good organization wants to make its employees feel like their work is appreciated. This doesn't always require an elaborate effort. Just a small thank you is often appreciated.

With the turning of another calendar year, one is forced to ponder the significance of growing just a wee bit older. Why are birthdays such an ordeal for some people?

I looked in the mirror and another gray hair appeared (my third) a difficult reminder of what is to come. As various body parts (hair, gums) recede, one has to marvel at the effects of time. A birthday for whatever reason is a time to reflect on your state of affairs (so to speak) ... Just you watch, this next year will be the best ever. At which age did you realize you were getting old? The newsletter wants to know.

I too, me also, was impressed by DIN and MUSE. Dittos to Al's comments. Excellent job! Imagine a professional publication coming out of our company? What a concept!

This week's newsletter is a very special one that you'll want to bring home and savor. It's our big ACTIVITIES issue. For those who feel their writing has the punch of plumber's handkerchief, who feel their command of metaphors is as useful as a pork chop in a synagogue, we have provided a writing assignment. And for those of you who enjoyed our last crossword puzzle (see issue number 4) we have another! Enjoy.

As for next week's newsletter, it too promises to be extra special. That is because the editor, is taking a leave, a much needed respite from his day to day activities. For those interested he is going out East, where he will get together with his sister and a former feisty friend (who is chewing gum for the eyes if you know what I mean) and enjoy the comforts and dangers of the nation's capitol. Anyway for our regular contributors (you two know who you are) if you don't see your efforts in next week's issue-don't take offense. There will be plenty more pages to fill in the future. Bon Soir!!!

"The adventures we seek, the footprints we follow, may not be together but they will always be shared."