Hello y'all!
I'm still working in the office. There are ten of us in the office. There were eleven but her husband is home sick. Yes, a co-worker's husband is sick. My town of about 38000 has no "test kits" available so there is no way to be sure of what his affliction is. My co-worker will be working from home for about two weeks. I admit that I'm feeling far more stress than any person should but I know that my situation is not bad. We have plenty of food, all the vehicles have a decent supply of fuel and my family still ok.
I have the next four days off from work. I advised my wife that I'll be spending all of my time "extra girly." I have nails painted a deep red and for the first time in a while I applied makeup. My choice of lipstick really makes my face look "washed out." I also used eye shadow and mascara. My ample brow was trimmed way back. I have never thinned them out as much as I did this morning.
I was planning to go to the desert with a friend on Monday but out of a sense of fear, we're not going. My plan for Transgender Day of Visibility may be renamed Transgender Day of Socially Distant Visibility. I think I'm still going to take a drive to a place where I can go for a nice walk into the desert. Heather's never been out hiking but she is itchin' for an adventure. If I do take a walk, I'll try to take some photos. It will be nice to add some color to my page.
Have you noticed that people seem to be going stir crazy? My little town had four fairly major criminal incidents this week. A guy was angry about an internet outage and when he didn't get an answer which satisfied him, he called a bomb threat to the police. Later that night, a young man had stabbed someone. The police tracked the suspect to his residence and in the process of speaking to his mother, the guy started firing a shotgun at the two responding officers. The officers returned fire. The suspect is deceased and one of the cops was shot but is expected to eventually recover. Then I heard about a high speed chase along our main highway. Some woman in a BMW was arrested after the police and highway patrol safely ended the chase. The police found the woman's two kids in the car. The last incident was where a woman was shooting a gun in a neighborhood. She was safely taken into custody and as far as I know, nobody was injured. On top of those wretched acts, a Nevada Highway Patrol officer was murdered yesterday. It happened in northeastern Nevada, near Ely. Tragic and senseless.
On a similar note, my very conservative uncle posted a meme on Facebook. The meme was saying how some wingnut is outraged that relief money is being "given to the Kennedy Center and PBS." Times like these are exactly why we need funding for the arts and humanities. We have millions of children staying home from school. I would rather them watching the educational programming on PBS than other "over the air" daytime television.
People need to calm down, acknowledge their stress and find a way to reasonably blow off steam.
Becoming Heather is one of my primary ways of finding refuge. Heather has a calming effect in my life. When I'm Heather, I feel there is a part of her who is my "Jiminy Cricket," the one who is making sure Heather's being the best person she can be. Heather does have her faults. She likes to buy new clothes and she may have an overabundance of bras... and I have not bought anything in months! Such is life.
Have a safe week, please! Keep your distance if you are near other people. Wash your hands. If you feel sick, it is imperative to stay home and stay away from others. Don't touch your face. Cough into your elbow or sleeve.
Love and respect to all.
Heather
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Sunday, March 22, 2020
We've survived the week.
Greetings all,
March 22 is here. Week one of the new time has passed. Lots of things have happened in the course a few days.
When you see the social media postings thanking everyone still working, remember that there are people who are always forgotten in these lists. Everyone working in Social Services Agencies, Unemployment Departments, Food Banks, Community Outreach Organizations, Charitable Organizations, Women's and family shelters and many other groups trying to help their communities through this trying time.
Even with all that is happening, I'm still hoping to have plenty of time to spend on March 31. We'll see what we're permitted to do by the authorities. I may not be permitted to take my two days off simply because the office is bracing for a huge influx paperwork. Whether I take two days off this month or I postpone my time, I have every intention of getting out and being visible.
For now, I have the time at home to be myself. At work, I'm always "under dressed." I think I've not been to work braless in over two years. Some days, I'll wear nylons or my black tights, other days I wear knee-hi's and occasionally it's regular socks. It's just what I do. I always wear patterned, button-up shirts. I don't know if the bumps from the bra closures are visible or if the seams show when I'm wearing a racerback sport bra. Honestly, I don't really care!
I know that many people are struggling with the social distancing, items in short supply, worried about paying bills or losing medical coverage. If you are out of work, do these things: File for unemployment, file for your state's medicaid coverage, file for your state's SNAP program. The worst thing that could happen is they won't approve it. Even if you think you can manage by using your savings or the resources you have on hand, it may take a couple weeks for your first paycheck when the employers call you back.
One last bit of motherly advice. Call your family and friends. Catch up with an old friend. Do a well check by phone, it may just brighten their day.
Love and respect
Heather.
ps. stay healthy, my friends.
March 22 is here. Week one of the new time has passed. Lots of things have happened in the course a few days.
When you see the social media postings thanking everyone still working, remember that there are people who are always forgotten in these lists. Everyone working in Social Services Agencies, Unemployment Departments, Food Banks, Community Outreach Organizations, Charitable Organizations, Women's and family shelters and many other groups trying to help their communities through this trying time.
Even with all that is happening, I'm still hoping to have plenty of time to spend on March 31. We'll see what we're permitted to do by the authorities. I may not be permitted to take my two days off simply because the office is bracing for a huge influx paperwork. Whether I take two days off this month or I postpone my time, I have every intention of getting out and being visible.
For now, I have the time at home to be myself. At work, I'm always "under dressed." I think I've not been to work braless in over two years. Some days, I'll wear nylons or my black tights, other days I wear knee-hi's and occasionally it's regular socks. It's just what I do. I always wear patterned, button-up shirts. I don't know if the bumps from the bra closures are visible or if the seams show when I'm wearing a racerback sport bra. Honestly, I don't really care!
I know that many people are struggling with the social distancing, items in short supply, worried about paying bills or losing medical coverage. If you are out of work, do these things: File for unemployment, file for your state's medicaid coverage, file for your state's SNAP program. The worst thing that could happen is they won't approve it. Even if you think you can manage by using your savings or the resources you have on hand, it may take a couple weeks for your first paycheck when the employers call you back.
One last bit of motherly advice. Call your family and friends. Catch up with an old friend. Do a well check by phone, it may just brighten their day.
Love and respect
Heather.
ps. stay healthy, my friends.
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Essential worker
Good morning everyone,
Office update.
We are "essential workers." Our office is still open to the public, for now. Half of the staff is working from home. We tried to have one of our clerks working from home Tuesday, it didn't work.
On Tuesday our state's Governor has closed all non-essential businesses for thirty days. Next week, our office will be closed to the public. Like many businesses, we have a mailbox, internet and phone services. This is going to be really interesting. With the closure of so many businesses, we're expecting an immense increase of customers. I have a feeling we'll be seeing overtime in the very near future.
On a lighter note, I have elected to take March 31 off. It is Transgender Day of Visibility. I don't know if there will be much visibility that I can have but we'll see. One of my daughters has been asked to work from home. The other daughter will be out of work for the imposed 30 days. Maybe she and I can do something like meet up for a hike. It would be fun for two girls to enjoy an outdoor adventure.
We all have to be diligent in taking the right measures: If you're feeling ill, stay home. Practice social distancing. Wash your hands. Clean surfaces. Avoid physical contact.
Thanks and be safe
Heather
Office update.
We are "essential workers." Our office is still open to the public, for now. Half of the staff is working from home. We tried to have one of our clerks working from home Tuesday, it didn't work.
On Tuesday our state's Governor has closed all non-essential businesses for thirty days. Next week, our office will be closed to the public. Like many businesses, we have a mailbox, internet and phone services. This is going to be really interesting. With the closure of so many businesses, we're expecting an immense increase of customers. I have a feeling we'll be seeing overtime in the very near future.
On a lighter note, I have elected to take March 31 off. It is Transgender Day of Visibility. I don't know if there will be much visibility that I can have but we'll see. One of my daughters has been asked to work from home. The other daughter will be out of work for the imposed 30 days. Maybe she and I can do something like meet up for a hike. It would be fun for two girls to enjoy an outdoor adventure.
We all have to be diligent in taking the right measures: If you're feeling ill, stay home. Practice social distancing. Wash your hands. Clean surfaces. Avoid physical contact.
Thanks and be safe
Heather
Monday, March 16, 2020
Paid day off.
Hello again,
Day one of the work from home directive has been fabulously boring. Cats are all napping. I have had the pleasure of wearing exactly what I want for the third day in a row. One good result.
First thing this morning, the management staff texted us and directed us to access our work email and install Microsoft Teams. We did that and have been chatting all day.
I don't know if the caseworkers have been given access to the system but clerical hasn't been. I'm not about to ask the others if Ms. CH and I are the only ones sitting around our houses, goofing off.
We were asked if we'd work from home and we both said yes. Last I'd heard was that there was a conference call but what was said? No clue.
So here I sit. Chatting with the ladies from the office, listening to Gunsmoke on SiriusXM Radio Classics, surfing the internet, blogging and watching the laughable current event press conference on television.
I am sure that I'll be advised with some course of action before 8:00 tomorrow morning but until that time, here I am goofing off.
If you have to go out, please be respectful of those who are required to work. To every worker you encounter, offer your gratitude.
In my family, my sister who works in town government is still working, youngest daughter doesn't work directly with the public and so far is still working, oldest daughter works inside an MGM resort. She has no idea of what is happening. She's not an MGM employee, she works for a store in the building. The store's management says it's staying open but the hotel/casino facility is closing for at least 2 weeks. We'll see how this plays out.
Have a pleasant Monday evening.
Heather.
Update!
Got an email telling us that half of the staff will be working from home and the other half will be in the office. Many of us will be sitting in different locations to allow "social distancing." I'll be in my regular area. Gonna be interesting, I won't deny it.
I'll keep everyone posted.
See ya later.
Day one of the work from home directive has been fabulously boring. Cats are all napping. I have had the pleasure of wearing exactly what I want for the third day in a row. One good result.
First thing this morning, the management staff texted us and directed us to access our work email and install Microsoft Teams. We did that and have been chatting all day.
I don't know if the caseworkers have been given access to the system but clerical hasn't been. I'm not about to ask the others if Ms. CH and I are the only ones sitting around our houses, goofing off.
We were asked if we'd work from home and we both said yes. Last I'd heard was that there was a conference call but what was said? No clue.
So here I sit. Chatting with the ladies from the office, listening to Gunsmoke on SiriusXM Radio Classics, surfing the internet, blogging and watching the laughable current event press conference on television.
I am sure that I'll be advised with some course of action before 8:00 tomorrow morning but until that time, here I am goofing off.
If you have to go out, please be respectful of those who are required to work. To every worker you encounter, offer your gratitude.
In my family, my sister who works in town government is still working, youngest daughter doesn't work directly with the public and so far is still working, oldest daughter works inside an MGM resort. She has no idea of what is happening. She's not an MGM employee, she works for a store in the building. The store's management says it's staying open but the hotel/casino facility is closing for at least 2 weeks. We'll see how this plays out.
Have a pleasant Monday evening.
Heather.
Update!
Got an email telling us that half of the staff will be working from home and the other half will be in the office. Many of us will be sitting in different locations to allow "social distancing." I'll be in my regular area. Gonna be interesting, I won't deny it.
I'll keep everyone posted.
See ya later.
Sunday, March 15, 2020
Covid-19 strikes Nevada
Howdy, y'all!
I've gotten a call from my office. I have tomorrow off. We're asked to be available to see if we can access our office's secure network. Heather's going to have another day at work!
But the impact of this illness is going to be huge. I've lived in Nevada for a quarter century and have never seen entire hotel/casino companies shut down for any reason. This corona virus and the leaders of our nation's delayed response to it has brought two Nevada casino companies, MGM Resorts and Wynn Resorts, to cease operations for at least two weeks. States are asking people to restrict their travel and to stay out of large groups. Restaurants and bars, school districts and offices are being closed.
This is unprecedented.
Once again, I've never seen anything like this in my 54 years on this planet.
Here's my request to y'all, my readers: Please be safe out there. Listen to the people offering smart advice and stay home for a bit of time, please. Limit your exposure to groups.
I've gotten a call from my office. I have tomorrow off. We're asked to be available to see if we can access our office's secure network. Heather's going to have another day at work!
But the impact of this illness is going to be huge. I've lived in Nevada for a quarter century and have never seen entire hotel/casino companies shut down for any reason. This corona virus and the leaders of our nation's delayed response to it has brought two Nevada casino companies, MGM Resorts and Wynn Resorts, to cease operations for at least two weeks. States are asking people to restrict their travel and to stay out of large groups. Restaurants and bars, school districts and offices are being closed.
This is unprecedented.
Once again, I've never seen anything like this in my 54 years on this planet.
Here's my request to y'all, my readers: Please be safe out there. Listen to the people offering smart advice and stay home for a bit of time, please. Limit your exposure to groups.
Saturday, March 14, 2020
The fate of Friday, March 13th 2020
Hello everyone.
What an adventure!
Bit of backstory. I've been a clerk in an office for about 5 years. Our office currently has 4 clerks, about 14 case workers and 5 members of management.
Historically, our office had 5 clerks.
Mrs. KK was the boss and retired last May. Super lady.
Mrs. JH promoted to the boss position. She's also good people.
Mrs. KW was a bitter person who loved to point out the failings of everyone but like all bullies hated to have her failings revealed. She "retired" about two years ago and was never replaced. We all agreed that we did not have enough work for a team of five.
My "partner in crime" and Halloween compatriot, Ms. ML found a different job a couple years ago. Ms. CH replaced her.
A year ago, ML was laid off from her new job. She came back to our office for a few months but she wasn't happy and left in November.
Mr. TV replaced her.
At 8:00, I arrived at work this morning to find that our office's telephones and computer network are down. Of course being 2020, we have no real capability of doing work in our office with no computers. It's Friday, the office is already staffed a bit light.
The management team instructs us to use pen and paper to get our customers checked in and the rest of the staff will do as much as possible.
I take my break at my usual 9:15 and after my coffee, come back to find one of my two direct co-workers, Mr. TV, had gathered his belongings and looks ready to head home. My other co-worker Ms. CH, said TV had offered his resignation. He is called into the manager's office, the door's closed, minutes later he walks out the door without saying a word and proceeds to leave.
Mr. TV had transferred from another location and before that another location and before that yet another location. Our office has suffered with Mr. TV for about 3 years. He's filed grievances with management throughout the course of his tenure in our office. He moved from the back office and a case worker position down to the front office into a clerical slot back in December. We all know his quirks and how his personality traits are and had been advised to accommodate him as well as possible. We worked with him, trained him and there were good moments but apparently there was some sort of transgression which cost him his job.
Back to the first part of the story, our phones and computers were down for seven hours. We were advised at 3:00 to reboot our PCs and everything was functional. Between additional customers coming and in two of us trying to get 7 hours of work processed, we barely made a dent in the pile.
Monday is going to be wicked busy especially since we've lost a member of the team.
We had a full moon and Friday the thirteenth in the same week, was that a sign?
What an adventure!
Bit of backstory. I've been a clerk in an office for about 5 years. Our office currently has 4 clerks, about 14 case workers and 5 members of management.
Historically, our office had 5 clerks.
Mrs. KK was the boss and retired last May. Super lady.
Mrs. JH promoted to the boss position. She's also good people.
Mrs. KW was a bitter person who loved to point out the failings of everyone but like all bullies hated to have her failings revealed. She "retired" about two years ago and was never replaced. We all agreed that we did not have enough work for a team of five.
My "partner in crime" and Halloween compatriot, Ms. ML found a different job a couple years ago. Ms. CH replaced her.
A year ago, ML was laid off from her new job. She came back to our office for a few months but she wasn't happy and left in November.
Mr. TV replaced her.
At 8:00, I arrived at work this morning to find that our office's telephones and computer network are down. Of course being 2020, we have no real capability of doing work in our office with no computers. It's Friday, the office is already staffed a bit light.
The management team instructs us to use pen and paper to get our customers checked in and the rest of the staff will do as much as possible.
I take my break at my usual 9:15 and after my coffee, come back to find one of my two direct co-workers, Mr. TV, had gathered his belongings and looks ready to head home. My other co-worker Ms. CH, said TV had offered his resignation. He is called into the manager's office, the door's closed, minutes later he walks out the door without saying a word and proceeds to leave.
Mr. TV had transferred from another location and before that another location and before that yet another location. Our office has suffered with Mr. TV for about 3 years. He's filed grievances with management throughout the course of his tenure in our office. He moved from the back office and a case worker position down to the front office into a clerical slot back in December. We all know his quirks and how his personality traits are and had been advised to accommodate him as well as possible. We worked with him, trained him and there were good moments but apparently there was some sort of transgression which cost him his job.
Back to the first part of the story, our phones and computers were down for seven hours. We were advised at 3:00 to reboot our PCs and everything was functional. Between additional customers coming and in two of us trying to get 7 hours of work processed, we barely made a dent in the pile.
Monday is going to be wicked busy especially since we've lost a member of the team.
We had a full moon and Friday the thirteenth in the same week, was that a sign?
Sunday, March 8, 2020
Easter?
Hello again,
Heather's been busy and preoccupied so I've been derelict in my duties of blogging. I have not been able to be out in a while. I think the last time was on Christmas day so I haven't had any interesting stories to share.
The group with whom I volunteer is going to be handing out candy at an Easter themed "trunk or treat" event and since I'm so personable and don't mind tossing candy into a thousand little bags...
I have been asked to participate. I'm not interested in wearing a rabbit costume! I told my wife it would be funny and totally inappropriate to say I would rent a bunny costume and show up as a Playboy bunny! I'm sure the locals would be offended by my blasphemy.
I won't be renting a costume.
On another note, March 31 is Transgender Day of Visibility. I have every intention of being fully visible on March 31. I have put in a request for time off from work and am setting up some plans.
Thanks for stopping by
Heather.
Heather's been busy and preoccupied so I've been derelict in my duties of blogging. I have not been able to be out in a while. I think the last time was on Christmas day so I haven't had any interesting stories to share.
The group with whom I volunteer is going to be handing out candy at an Easter themed "trunk or treat" event and since I'm so personable and don't mind tossing candy into a thousand little bags...
I have been asked to participate. I'm not interested in wearing a rabbit costume! I told my wife it would be funny and totally inappropriate to say I would rent a bunny costume and show up as a Playboy bunny! I'm sure the locals would be offended by my blasphemy.
I won't be renting a costume.
On another note, March 31 is Transgender Day of Visibility. I have every intention of being fully visible on March 31. I have put in a request for time off from work and am setting up some plans.
Thanks for stopping by
Heather.
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