Fresh Starts

Can I just say that the month of June sucks? Or do I have to admit that I sucked at the month of June?

First, the natural calendar is devoid of holidays (with the brave exception of Father's Day) or any rational cause for scheduled celebration. There is Red Rose Day on the 12th, and since then I've been idle.

June was a rough month. I've had a difficult time being (or even getting) excited about anything. My home life has been stressful with my son's transition out of school, my professional life has been as hectic as a mosh pit at a country music concert, and I've been suffering from a serious motivational drought.

But enough with the excuses.

It's July first. And while I'm at it, happy Canada Day to all my Canadian friends. It's a good day for a fresh start. Time to get back in the saddle. Time to think like Billy Corgan and say that today is the greatest day I've ever known. I can not testify to the veracity of that last statement, but if I say it enough, I might actually believe it.

This is going to be a good month, I can feel it. July's calendar is packed with celebratory goodness. In a few days, we get to celebrate America's independence from those crazy Brits. As the month progresses we'll enjoy days like National Fried Chicken Day, Vanilla Ice Cream Day, and my personal favorite - Embrace Your Geekness Day.

July is also National Hot Dog Month and National Blueberry Month (both are occasions I can wholeheartedly support). However the second week of the month is Nude Recreation Week; don't expect any naked recreating from this blogger.

I'll leave you with one final thought: today is also Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day. Before you crash for the night, indulge yourself in a nice scoop of fried eggplant ice cream. Or Dracula cool garlic mint ice cream. Or perhaps bay leaf ice cream (tastes like eucalyptus).

All things go

Chaos. Madness. Insanity. Pandemonium. Strife.

Can you celebrate turmoil? Because that's what work was like today. Yet, I felt strangely calm. And the atmosphere among my coworkers has been eager and optimistic.

I can't disclose the details of what composes our chaos, other then the fact that my workplace has been an environment where change is modus operandi. That isn't a bad thing. It's challenging. It's filled with opportunity. But it's not always easy, or pleasant. And it's rarely simple.

I've had a song stuck in my head all day. Oddly, I've found comfort mentally humming this song to myself as the day progressed.

It's Chicago by Sufjan Stevens. Over and over, I kept hearing those lines: "You came to take us, all things go, all things go. To recreate us, all things grow, all things grow." Sufjan's lyrics have been my source of comfort for the day.

What's been yours?

The friendly face at the front door

Receptionists come in many shapes, sizes, and personalities. Those that I've worked with have cut a wide swath through the spectrum of the human condition. From the crazy (I referred to her as the "bird lady" because she had the facial features of an ostrich and usually wore hats that resembled bird nests), to the inept but eager individual that can not tell the difference between a paper clip and a fax machine. Some are flamboyant, greeting everyone with frightening exuberance. Or one I worked with in Sioux Falls approached her job with clinical isolation; she stuck to the job in it's barest definitions as if there is a special place in the sixth level of hell for those that engage in conversation.

From bored to busy, there is a common thread that unites every species of receptionist. They are essential. With out them, your business would fall apart.

I know this, because for many years, my mom worked as a receptionist. In churches, manufacturing companies, and a pest control business. My mom was the smiling face that welcomed you through the front door and the warm voice that answered the phone.

In reality, I have no idea what receptionists do on a day-to-day basis. Their job is one that I could never hold with any sense of proficiency. The fact that they can juggle the demands of a functioning business while ushering the needs of a revolving public without committing homicide is amazing. They have superpowers.

Keep that in mind. Be nice to your receptionist. And if you didn't wish them a happy receptionist's day today... shame on you. (Actually, receptionist's day is on the 12th, but the calendar I am liberally stealing from listed it as the second Monday in May. Therefore, I celebrated today. If you've not said thanks to your receptionist, you still have two days to think of something creative.)