Ranging Mom

The boss is giving me assignments at work that I am certain he thinks are 'prizes.' I, however, find them a big trial. For example, he has assigned me- the only female ranger-- to give a talk to 60 monks in their monistery. The special bonus is that the monks will 'treat' me to a tour of their home afterwards. Now, the 3 male rangers I work with do think this is a fine assignment, but they aren't the ones who got it. Why couldn't the boss ask who was interested and let them volunteer? And this is only the most recent example.

Current Mood: frustrated

I'm a strong believer in tolerance. I don't care to argue your beliefs as I am not needing to convert you or be converted by you. I like "multiple points of view," and feel sad that you feel attacked when I don't think as you do. I shalln't attack back, OK? Give it a rest, already...

"YOU?" To whom am I addressing this message? Those who are smug as they blast the 'ignorant' believers of other systems.

The beliefs of the American Indian are not quaint stories for your amusement, idiot. It is their understanding of the world and their place in it. I think the problem is not with the stories, it is with the translations. Someone says this Navajo word= that in English and right away a wealth of misunderstanding is introduced.

Turn that to different "Christian" points of view, say Creationists or Flat Earth believers. Ok, I disagree, but I am more than willing to let you hold your own beliefs without converting you to mine. May I in turn be left to develop my own understanding of the world and my place in it? Let's not ridicule believers on any slice of the arguments, if they are not converted to one 'truth' is it worth the battle?

Let's go further and add 'conspiracy theories' to the list. If an all powerful government/Big Brother is able to control your beliefs, bully for you. I chose to think differently. I won't attack your beliefs (refute maybe, rebut surely) and I'd like the same courtesy in return. Thank you.

Current Mood: thoughtful

There's a job opening that I believe I have more than a 50/50 chance of filling. It is at a park in Arizona, just about where my husband and I have always held as our goal. The job is not a promotion, that's the only downside, but it would pay the same as my current job. Rarely is this position open, the last incumbent (a friend of mine in fact) was there for at least 14 years that I can recall. My problem? The kids are in their final years of high school. I doubt they'd want to move, and I'm not sure my husband can afford to maintain a separate residence. I'm bored with my current job, but otherwise have no issues with it. There is a tiny chance that in one year, when my current supervisor retires (the retirement is definite), I might get a promotion. I am filled with angst! I'd love the Arizona job but I don't think I could be happy without my teens. Please feel free to write any and all advice you'd care to share. I've until October 20th to apply.

Thanks,
Mom

Current Mood: restless

It seems, sometimes, that challenges come in cycles. This month's cycle is filled with people for whom laws, rules, or even a locked gate do not apply.

I don't hold with the idea that the speed limit is 'only a suggestion,' for example. Many places actually spend time and money on traffic surveys and studies to determine the best/safest speed for the roadway. Unfortunately, one local community here decided to save the money for such a study and simply buy new speed limit signs, but they had a strong reason for the reduction in speed. That change will likely not be argued against, lowering the speed due to children and other concerns seems to be a good idea- study or no. People disregarding the change in speed (it went from 55 mph to 35 mph) are breaking the law, even if it is at night or whatever their excuse is.

At the park where I work we have a walkway through the woods that is made of wood. When there is precipitation we close the walkway because it is slippery. I was once assigned to walk down this boardwalk to see if it was still wet and slippery- it was. I fell and was unable to walk for over a month, I greatly damaged my knee. Yet when we are blocking off the boardwalk we must close gates and padlock them, because just closing the gate and having a sign that the walk is closed is not enough. Well, even the locked gate doesn't stop some locals from jumping over or skirting around the area to jump on the walkway at a mid-point. The closed sign is NOT a suggestion, people!

I suppose I am just frustrated that I have to work extra hard this month to protect people from their own selves. The safety net is in place, but they are determined to ignore it... or some such. Grr.

Current Mood: grumpy

Yesterday daughter and I went out to Staple Bend Tunnel as I was assigned to patrol there. That means 6 hours of walking back and forth on the (mostly) level 2 mile trail to the tunnel. It was a great day, 60F, and we saw some 36 visitors and 14 dogs using the park. Daughter is officially a park volunteer and wore her uniform shirt, I was in uniform myself, of course. I don't think many visitors cared about the history but at least they were out enjoying the park.

Current Mood: refreshed