Managing Expectations

For the most part, Grandy is very good at managing other peoples' expectations.  I try very hard not to disappoint folks, and work diligently at doing what I say I'm going to do.  At the same time, if someone is being unrealistic about their expectations, Grandy will be the first one to tell them too.

Here's an example:

Client says, "Grandy, do you think there's a chance the money will come this week?"

• Knowing they had been working on getting their carrier to pay these funds for several months before they became our client, and now I have only been on this project for two weeks, I respond with...

Um...Let's put it this way...I'm not going to pee on your head and tell you it's raining. 

Granted, Grandy could have just used a simple "NO", or even gone as far as saying "HECK NO", but he wasn't hearing NO, or even the HECK NO part of the conversation.  The only thing that sank in was the pee comment.  Sad...but true.

When someone is in the midst of a "crisis", the worst thing to do is give them unrealistic expectations.  You can't promise that things will get done "by the end of the week", when you know darn well it's taken months to get to this point.  What can I promise?  An update by the end of the week.  And guess what...that update will be there.  It may not have the information you hoped for, but that was never promised.  Just an update.

It's kind of like trying to pretend you know something when you really don't.  People see through you, and there's nothing wrong with saying, "I don't know.  Let me check and get back to you."  They will respect you more in that case anyway, but some people just don't seem to get that and "fake it til they make it".  It's so frustrating!!

There are days that I want to stick my head right out the window and say, "Everybody just calm down and DO YOUR JOB". 

That said, Grandy is having a particular difficult time managing certain expectations this week.  Can you tell?  Whether it's the full moon, the long hours of endless phone calls, or the sheer timing, it's been difficult to be "Grandy" to all people. 

This week, Grandy is going back to basics.  Brutal honesty.  Setting boundaries.  Directing traffic. 

Big week ahead folks.  Lot's of expectations and people counting on me for many things.

Wish me luck!!!

Yes...this is what it feels like

Grandy has been absent for a couple months.

It has been a difficult time in the Grandy home, as fubby has lost his mother. The process of grieving and dealing with her effects has been a bit overwhelming to deal with. There have been many times where I have started to write a blog post or a poem, or post a picture, and then I stop. I didn't realize the impact it all would have on me, nor did I want to acknowledge it out loud.

Grandy stayed strong for Fubby & Little Man Grandy, who I am proud to say have been doing amazing with how they are coping with the loss.

In the last two months, Grandy has also been in charge of various events. Coordinating events, "task forces", putting out fires on my desk at work, and essentially giving new meaning to the phrase "directing traffic", has left me feeling a bit like...

...well...

THIS!!

Grandy-isms...Work Edition Again

There were about 15 people who reached out to me this week saying, "WTF Grandy!! What's up with the blog?" (alright, perhaps that's a bit of a paraphrase)

So...in honor of all my friends who have been waiting for me to entertain, Grandy presents another rousing chapter of "Grandy-isms". The last couple of weeks have provided for some EPIC material. Remember folks, I can't use names, and must keep it vague as to WHO I may be having these conversations or email exchanges with, in order to keep my job protect the sometimes innocent.

Him: So, what happened with that? Did it slip through the cracks?
Me: Not my crack...yours.

Email exchange:
Adjuster: (received first thing in the morning) Dear Mary, as I promised you last week I will be calling you today to discuss.
Me: (sent at the end of the day) Dear "Adjuster", technically the promise was that you would call me yesterday, given that our deadline is tomorrow. How bout you just tell me in your email, what it is you don't seem to want to tell me on the phone?

Shared on FB...but good enough to repeat:
Him: How did you get so smart?
Me: I surround myself with truly gifted people who help me, or really stupid people who make me look good.
Him: Which one am I?
Me: That depends on the day.

Different "Him": ::smiling:: You were snippy with me in that email.
Me: Which one?
Him: Which email were you trying to be snippy in?
Me: No, they were all meant to be snippy. Which one finally worked?

Her: Why does your office IM status always show as "busy"?
Me: Because there was no status available for "Drowning within an inch of my life".

Different "Her": If I ask you a question, will you give me an honest answer?
Me: Will you be able to tell if it wasn't honest?
Her: I suppose not.
Me: Well there you have it. Let's play!!

There you have it folks. Another brief chapter of Grandy-isms. I really do have a lot of fun at my job. I am easily amused, and it helps get me through the day. :)

Stay tuned next week for "Grandy-isms...Back Stage Edition"

Singing & Dancing Grandy

It has been almost 15 years since Grandy has performed on stage.

It has been even longer than THAT since she has had to kick, two-three-four, turn, kick, turn.

This Friday, June 17th, Grandy makes somewhat of a comeback in The Producers.

When my friend asked me about 6 weeks ago (days before my 39th birthday) if I would consider, I of course hesitated. The work/life balance hasn't exactly been the best feng shui mode lately. 60 hour work weeks. Board Meetings. Boy Scouts. Boosters. There was just not enough hours in the day.

But my girlfriends talked me into it because there are never enough hours in the day. They were right, and it's been a blast. My daily schedule continues, but somehow I'm mustering up the strength to get my butt there. And although my body is asking me, "WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING TO ME?" it is lots of fun.

Really. My body hurts like no other. There has been a lot that's happened to me physically since I last did this. If I were in the finance world (which I'm not) I would suggest the following stock tip: Buy stock in Ben-Gay and 5-hr Energy. WOOF!!!

I think my boys notice I'm having fun with it too. Although I come home tired and hurting, I'm smiling.

So...Friday is opening night. There are 6 performances. And Grandy's anxiety level is reaching new heights. It has dawned on me...my past life and my present life are colliding. NOBODY in my current day-to-day life (minus my mom and sisters) have ever seen me perform on stage. They didn't even realize that's what I used to do for a LIVING.

There are A LOT of people dying for the opportunity to catch this. "What? You're going to be funny ON STAGE? REALLY?!?" To which I respond..."Let's hope so."

Kind of exciting...kind of anxious...kind of hope I don't fall off the stage. While Grandy can't promise she will take this on as a regular hobby (remember all the stuff going on), it's good to be "back".

"Let's Do This!!!"

HELP: When two worlds collide...

So the last post Grandy got up here was almost 2 months ago. Hmmmph! So much for the motivation. Oh well. Those of you out there looking for me, know I will return.

Funny thing is, there have been several things calling me back to this blog lately. And no, it's not the nagging voices I get from a couple of you out there. Actually, Grandy has been meaning to come back and check in. I only just now realized that my last update to you all was that poor cat stressed out. Here Grandy sits...almost 2 months later...just as stressed. Today's stress level hit a relatively euphoric moment, however. It is what prompted Grandy to come and tell all my fans about it (all two of you that is).

Let's see...I think I told you that in the last year my job has changed, and a new boss. There are all sorts of new expectations, learning curves, goals, pressures, wins, losses (blah blah blah) associated with your work life that it seems all I can do when I log off from a long day is play a game on the laptop. My brain has been MUSH!!

One of the new projects I've launched is a monthly newsletter that is distributed to many law firms in Northern California. I'm pretty proud of this project actually. I formally launched it's premier issue in October, and sans the month of January, I have published a new one each month. The topics are not a rocket science, but there's more to providing quality content to a bunch of attorneys and legal administrators than I am used to. Grandy doesn't get to insert ONE piece of Grandy-isms in there. Oh well...their loss.

In the last couple weeks, the popularity of the newsletter has been increasing even more. I have even received a permission request for the re-publication of one of my newsletters on a national site. Really? Alrighty then.

Keeping up with who to include (or making sure I'm including everybody) is quite the task. Grandy has set a goal to have 500 contacts in her distribution list by the end of 2011, and judging by the hubbub surrounding recent issues, I should be there by June. It will take me just that long to manually get all the data in the system for submissions.

Today there was a suggestion made about how to make the newsletter accessible for anyone to see. Something about increasing my visibility among the industry. Ideas were being tossed around to try to show the benefits of my...um...skills?

Grandy should "start a BLOG".
*blink blink*

Me: Um...no. Can't do that, sorry.
She: Really? You have such a talent for writing!! "So and so" (protecting the innocent) said it would be easy and she could help set you up. You could link all your newsletters there.
Me: Yeah, I know it CAN be done. But I can't do one.
She: WHY?!?
...pause...
Me: I already have a blog.
She: REALLY?!? That's GRRRREEEAAAATTTTT!!!
Me: Um. Not exactly.
She: Oh for goodness sake, why not?
Me: IT'S MY BLOG!! It has nothing to do with professionalism. It's written as me. The real me. Full of Grandy-isms (yes, those moments are also referred to that in the real world too) that may not be my finest moments.
She: I don't understand.
Me: Let's just say that there are some things shared on this blog that are better off not blending with my professional life. While I can assure you that all names have been omitted to protect the not-so-innocent in most cases, I'm just not sure those two worlds should collide.

So while she didn't understand what I was saying, I'm pretty sure this will not be the end of the discussion. In fact, this topic came up at the end of 2010, when I was making progress with the newsletter.

Don't get me wrong, I'm honored they think I'm qualified for such a thing. HOWEVER, there are only a handful of people in my professional life that know this blog exists. Those people that know are FRIENDS and people I trust. Friends and family know of my blog, and several follow it regularly (well, when I'm posting regularly that is).

It would only take ONCE for someone to Google me and they would get directed here first. Not sure I want that. What would become of my "WTF Wednesday"? There's a couple random silly posts I've shared (I'm thinking of "Things you hear at my Desk" posts) that are so much more fun when anonimity can be attached to it.

This blog started as a creative outlet for me 3 1/2 years ago, when I was searching for a place to connect to people. I was terribly ill, on disability, and needing a way to connect to the outside world. In this time I have connected with people in ways I could never explain, nor could I replace. I don't even actively publish about my blog on my Facebook. I'd rather post something completely random like a Bejewled Blitz score, than advertise this blog. This blog is kind of protected ground for me. Like a "home base" when we played tag as kids.

Here's where Grandy is seriously needing some input from my blogging community and friends. Many of you read my blog...but never comment. If ever there was a need for your input, I need it now.

What are your thoughts? HELP!! I need your brilliance!!

Woof!!

It is day 3 of the new year back at work.

Grandy has only one word to describe it...UNCLE!!!

There are a few things on the bright side though:

• I'm making some significant progress on some complex projects.
• The new boss has a great energy, and I'm hopeful for big things in 2011.
• I am laughing A LOT at my desk. I'm dropping a couple of swear words too...but for some reason I'm having more fun doing so.

While my phone is still ringing off the hook, my email keeps climbing over 500, and 12 people come to me with request a day...I am still having fun.

THAT...dear readers...IS A GREAT START!!

Benefits of B12

There many benefits to getting your daily B12 vitamin.

Grandy is pretty deficient in B12, so she supplements with an injection. The rule of thumb (or the prescription) says that Grandy should take a GINORMOUS needle amount every two weeks, via a garden hose for dispensing.

Grandy loves it when she can get the shots injected on a regular basis (aka as prescribed) but because of the size of the needle, she will not let FUBBY give her the shot. It scared her when over a year ago the pharmacist cringed when I mentioned the possibility of letting Fubby give me my injections.

Her: How were you going to administer the shot?
Me: I take daily shots of insulin, I should be able to do this.
Her: Oooohhh...no. Not with THIS needle. This needle is your every day variety "garden hose".
Me: Huh?
Her: My husband tried to give me a shot with this sized needle before, and he thought for sure he was playing darts.
Me: Nevermind.

So, needless to say, Grandy finds others (in the nursing field) to administer the shot. Scheduling said shot administration was a horse of a different color. When I did see my girlfriends or my sister, I never had it with me. It got to a point where the shots were coming every 2 months, as opposed to every 2 weeks. My energy level was really suffering.

Grandy is trying to get better at this, and trusting more people to give me the shot (still no Fubby) while making it a point to get the shot. I think there's a noticeable difference in my energy level, considering I'm not taking the dose I need to get me OUT of the negative category.

One bad thing about the B12, and having friends administer it for you?

My friend came over at about 8:00 to give me my shot. It's now 2:00 AM, and Grandy is already writing a post for the day, because I CAN'T SLEEP!!

YAY ENERGY!!

Let's Recap...

Today Grandy took a bold step in the office. She's prepared to take her career to that next level, and isn't going to let little petty insecure people try to manipulate her.

Step 1: Grandy participated in a great class that explained a lot last week. - WIN

Step 2: Grandy had some words with one of the more "seasoned" professionals (and when I say "seasoned" I definitely mean he has more salt mixed in with his pepper on the hair he has left). Rather than play the old Grandy, and curse him out, there was a diplomatic response and I walked away.

Step 3: Grandy followed up later in the week with same putz seasoned man via email and said, "Perhaps we should discuss this further".

Step 4: Grandy scheduled an appointment with said putz.

Step 5: Grandy met with same putz and had a frank discussion about his a-hole-ness. He tries to justify his actions by exclaiming that he's just an ass, and that's what I should be used to. I explained that although I'm quite familiar with his ass-ness, that was merely a character flaw as opposed to an excuse to treat people like crap.

Step 6: Grandy expresses her appreciation for agreeing to have the meeting. It's important to clear the air, if you're going to grow and be able to work together. I explained to him that now that we're both on the same page, I will feel far better the next time he acts like a turd and I have to tell him to F-OFF!!

Oh yes, Grandy is growing up...but not all the way. ;)

Computer Issues

Grandy has been working LIKE A DOG lately.

When Grandy is on a roll, there are few things that irritate her more than computer issues. Good Grief!!


Every day, for the last 2 weeks, it has taken about 30 minutes to get logged into the computer. Each time I try to log in, there is an error message with the network.


Rather than try to FIGHT the system, why can't my system just give me this message?





Ummmmmmm.....YEAH!!!

To those fighting the battle of Unemployment...

As I sit here, on a Sunday night dreading my week ahead of me with my job, I'm reminded of my many dear friends and colleagues out there that maybe don't have a job to go to tomorrow, or the next day, or even next week.

Grandy-land went through this struggle ourselves over the last year, and it's NOT fun. I didn't write about this at the time, because it was something so painfully close to my heart over the last year, that it wasn't until now that I could even express it.

Last year, on my birthday, my husband's truck broke. As an owner-operator truck driver, who works very hard to keep things moving on the road, it was devastating for him...and for us. After 10 months of struggles, he began a job working for someone, in a different field. It's not what he WANTS to do, but he does it to help the family.

Since that time, several of my friends have also lost their jobs. I have witnessed many bloggers struggle with their own battles of employement (or lack thereof) as well as their spouses. It's everywhere, and it's not something that is easy for me to talk about.

I KNOW...Grandy, at a loss for words? Wonder where I've been in the bloggy world lately?

Well, although our personal situation is going to get better, we have many friends who continue their struggle. And this blog post is for them. You are not forgotten. I know that you put your heart out there with every resume submission, every job interview, and with every call. It is crushing to not get the job.

Many of you became unemployed only because your position was eliminated, not because you were incapable of doing your job. And yet now you go to all these interviews with many others in the same boat.

What makes it harder for you?

The lack of response.
The path of hope you go down, only to be headed off at the pass.
The uncertainty of how long you can keep trying.
The worse uncertainty of how long this will last.

Please know that those of us with the jobs have not forgotten or forsaken you. When layoffs happen, there is often a lot more work piled on those left behind, and nobody feels they can complain.

To my dear friend who inspried this post...know how much I want you to find something soon, and we are cheering for you. You're doing everything you can to stay positive. I get it.

Hang in there everybody. There has to be a light at the end of the tunnel. I can't control the economy, or even pretend I know what each of you is feeling, but I hope you know that there are those of us out there that "get it" and truly want the best for you.

Who Has Time for THIS?

We all get VERY busy at work. Grandy would like to confess that lately she has been blowing chunks big time slipping back into her old ways in the work-life balance arena. It always amuses me to see how people find little ways to cope with work stress.

So, when this email was sent to me at work, I glanced at it and saw the pictures attached, and OH-MY-GOOD-GRACIOUS!! They struck a funny bone. This guy gets an award for creativity, while at the same time gets a "weirdness" award for having all those dead flies around.

A day at the beach...

A day at the races...

A day at the pool...

And of course...A night at the bar...

Who has THIS MUCH time on their hands??

Not I, said the fly!!!

WTF WEDNESDAY - A Letter to a BULLY

Dear Asshole Mr. Client,

I would like to go on record by stating that I am NOT an IDIOT. Although you tried your darndest to call me one, and berate me like the bully that you are in your classic style, it is only BECAUSE of me that you are even recovering some of your money. There is no coverage under your commercial policy for the personal assistant that walked your dog, and I'm really sorry that karma kicked your ass she stole a significant amount of money from you.

Please know that I am doing everything within my power to try not to beat you with a bat help you with your current dilemma. I cannot do so, however, while you are being an asshole screaming at me, using profanity, or calling me names.

I am pleased that I was successful in saving your ass recovering some of your loss for you. However, it is unfortunate that you feel disappointed in the fact that I was honest and wouldn't lie for you perhaps did not recover your entire loss.

If there is anything more that I can do to keep you off my ass assist you, please don't hesitate to take a flying leap contact me.

Sincerely,

Grandy

Grandy Strikes Again

I think it's safe to assume that when Grandy is out in public, the adventures never stop. It's sometimes a good thing when there are people around to witness the hilarity that ensues. And then there are times that...well...you almost wish that there were no witnesses, because when there are, you will NEVER live it down.

Case in point...Grandy's most recent adventure.

The scene: VERY fancy and elegant Dim Sum restaurant in San Francisco. My co-workers and I are sitting at a VIP table with the owner and her family. These are elegant and almost royal Asian women. They disply nothing short of class and grace. (Grandy is intimidated a bit by their presance but they are so gracious, they make you feel comfrotable.) It's lunchtime, and this restaurant is bussling with business. There's quite a bit of ambient noise.

Daughter: Mary, are you "Adventurous"?
Me: Sure! I'm game for anything! (of course I am)
Daughter: Really? We have "Chicken Feed" (and she does the quotes with her fingers) on the menu. It's kind of a delicacy, but some people don't like it because they can't get past the texture.
Me: Why? How bad can it be? Is the corn raw or something?
Daughter: Are you up for trying it?
Me: (Not one to refuse a challenge) Sure!
Daughter: Mom! Mary's going to TRY the "Chicken Feed".
Mother: REALLY?!? That is WONDERFUL!! Oh Mary, I do hope you like it.
Me: Oh I'm sure it will be fine.
Daughter - To the waitress: We're going to have an order of ::raise of the eyebrows:: "Chicken Feed".
Waitress: Oooohhhh! Okay!!
Me: Why did you do your eyebrows like that, when you said that?
Daughter: Oh, it's just because I'm excited.
Me: ::thinking to myself...what's the big deal? It has to be raw corn, maybe mixed with something::

The waitress returns with a silver platter, covered with a dome lid. There's a sense of excitement as she delivers it with flair and sets the platter in front of me on the table. My co-workers are smiling at me, seemingly impressed with what I'm about to do.

The lid comes off...

Grandy looks at it, puzzled. There's not a single piece of corn in this bowl. There's obviously enough for others around the table, but it looks like there are breaded things in this bowl. There are several, and it's hard to make out what it is. The waitress puts a piece on my plate.

Me: ::thinking to myself:: That's odd, it almost looks like...
Daughter: Well? What do you think?
Me: IT'S A CHICKEN FOOT?
Daughter: Yes, it's Chicken Feet! (She says proudly with a smile)

Mind you...this is the VERY first time Grandy has heard the word "FEET".

Daughter: What do you think?
Mother: ::looking so proud:: It's a delicacy, and people really either love them or hate them.
Me: ::staring at a single chicken foot on her plate, cooked in what looked like a thick terryaki sauce:: Ummm...You have to know that up until now, I thought you were talking about chicken FEED. With a "D".
Daughter: You thought we were saying FEED?
Me: Yes.

The entire table breaks out in laughter, simultaneously. My co-worker to my right has tears coming down, she's laughing so hard, as I find myself staring at a lone chicken foot on my plate. The Mother and Daughter are even graceful as they laugh hysterically at me, and the waitress puts a foot on each of their plates.

Mother: ::gathering herself:: So? Will you still try it?
Me: (Never one to disappoint. EMBARASS...but not disappoint) ::smiling:: Of Course!

The dang thing was slippery as all get out. I'm pretty good with chopsticks, but this foot kept slipping out and dropping. Now there's an audience watching for my reaction, and I can't get the dang thing in my mouth.

I take a bite...

They're watching anxiously...

Me: Not BAD!!
Daughter: Really? Do you like it?
Me: It's really not that bad. It is pretty much just skin and bones (spitting a bone into my napkin) but it just still...tastes like chicken.

Laughter.

Me: Well, it's official!!
Daughter: What's that?
Me: Proof now that they use every part of the chicken.

Laughter.

Co-worker: You are NOT going to live this down any time soon.
Me: I figure as much.

STORY OF MY LIFE!!

Titles Shmitles

Although these comments aren't as funny as previous episodes of "Things You Hear At My Desk", they are indicative of the how much fun we have in Grandy-land.

There are few things I WON'T say to ANYBODY. Grandy tends to use the "out-loud-voice" whenever possible, regardless of your title. It's not that I don't have any respect for authority, or recognize the importance of a position...quite the contrary. I just happen to think that just because you hold a certain title, it doesn't bar you from getting the real Grandy.

Watch out!!

Big Man 1 (Regional VP of HUGE Company): Thank you for helping us work through this, Mary.
Me: Cum-ba-frickin-ya!

******
Big Man 2 (Owner of FANCY Restaurant): Now that I'm back in the states, Mary, I need to understand this better. I knew you were just the person to call and ask.
Me: What are you buttering me up for?
Big Man 2: I'm not buttering. I'm just saying you know all this stuff, and will tell me honestly.
Me: Uh-Oh... What did you do?

******

Big Man 3 (CFO of Company...not sure what they do): Please review this document from our Paris location, and tell me what you think.
Me: Ummm... I think it's in FRENCH!

******

Not-So-Big-But-Fun-Man: I'm afraid we're about to make your client unhappy, and need to schedule a conference call. We'd like you to be on the call.
Me: Why? Do you need back-up or a witness?

******

Oh yeah...Grandy is having more fun than should be allowed...with her clothes on.

I wonder if any of these will reflect on my performance appraisal.

Wonder if I care?

Nahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....

What NOT to Say When Interviewing with Grandy

Grandy has been going through the interview process, on the other side. Since moving up in my company, we have been on the hunt for looking for my replacement. During this time, I've been doing the full-time job of 2 people (as usual) while trying to make things happen in the new position.


There's something interesting about interviewing people for the position you've put so much into. The people participating in the interviews with me are interesting because I keep hearing, "But they're not Mary!"


Well yeah!! Hello!! I'm MARY!!


With the economy being what it is, and the fact that we had over 50 candidates apply for the position, one would think that we would have a plentiful supply of qualified folks. What I've learned, however, is there are a lot of wierd people out there...(and of course I'm irritated to no end that I don't get to do the initial screening process, or the wierdos wouldn't even make it through the door).


So, here are some "gems" that were shared with Grandy over the last couple months:

Me: So you've read the job description?
Candidate: Yes I have.
Me: So what was it about the description that interested you most when you applied?
Candidate: Well, you know.
Me: I do?
Candidate: Yeah, pretty much all of it.
Me: Could you be a bit more specific?
Candidate: Ummmm...yeah...I didn't read it. I just need a job.

::blink blink::


Me: So, you mentioned you left your last job 5 years ago because there were "issues"?
Candidate: Yes I did. I was horrible to work with, got too big for my britches and ended up leaving because I thought they weren't being very nice to me.
Me: So how was the job you went to after that?
Candidate: They were worse.
Me: And what's different now?
Candidate: I learned the problem was all me, after going through a great 12 step program. I'm much better now!


::blink blink::


Me: Your resume says you were still with **** company. But your recently filled out applications says you left in October?
Candidate: Yes.... Ok... I might as well tell you, you're going to find out anyway. I got fired.
Me: Oh?
Candidate: I was the manager, and I gave an employee permission to fudge something on a report because she was struggling to make her quota, and I got fired. I was trying to help... and IIIIII GOT FIRED.


::blink blink::

Oh yeah...Grandy could have eliminated at least 3 of the candidates from the 15 interviews we actually had to SIT through. Really? We couldn't narrow it down more than that?

Oh that's right. I wasn't part of that screening process.

Alas...I just work here.

Grandy shoots! SHE SCORES!!!

Grandy is really excited.

Can you tell?

REALLY EXCITED!!!

Wanna know why?

At the end of last year, Grandy decided she needed to focus on her professional growth. She's been doing the same job for 6 years, and in the same industry for 14 years. (Yeah, I did start when I was 7...yeah-huh!)

Grandy went to her bosses and said..."I want to do this!" Bosses looked at her like she was a dumbass bit crazy, because it was completely different than what she was already doing, but patted her on the head, and pretty much said "here are 52 flaming hoops for you to leap through...let's see ya do it."

Well hell...give Grandy a challenge and she'll take it head on. Unfortunately it's that fine line between challenges and DARES that sometimes gets Grandy into a world of fun trouble...but that's another post entirely.

As of today, Grandy has successfully scaled hoops 26-38! Why not all 52? I still have a lot to learn, and so much more a$$ to kick along the way. I would never say I'm quite there. As soon as I get to 45...there will be more lined up...53...54...96...97...you get the point.

Grandy has to give her big bosses credit though. Times have not been easy on the company (as with any other company) but with every hoop scaled, they have stood by their commitment. Grandy gives them swift kicks pause with some of her antics, but somewhere in there...they trust Grandy.

Thank you, bosses. Your fear confidence in my abilities gives me a new sense of commitment. Grandy will make you proud...and make you a lot of money!!!

Watching Your Back

Grandy feels like she's watching the shadows over her back.

It's nothing I can place my finger on exactly.

But I can definitely relate to this fish.

I'm juggling a lot (of course) and have a couple people watching to see if I fail.

I'm here to tell ya, "Putty Tat"... That is so NOT going to happen!!!

WTF Wednesday - Grandy Steps In It

Grandy's schedule is starting take it's toll.

It's that time of year, like clock-work, where Grandy seems to need a break. Regrettably, it is also this time of year where Grandy has been forced to take medically induced sabatticals 4 times in her lifetime.

Perhaps Grandy has some sort of adverse allergic reaction to the months of August and September?

At any rate, Grandy has not popped...yet.

HOWEVER... tomorrow Grandy is taking a day long "business trip", on a boat, with the President of the company, and the Vice President, and the other one, and every other dang executive in the company. Grandy will be the only girl on the boat.

There will be food. There will be wine. There will be Grandy.

Better take my Benedryl now to avoid the rash of Grandy-isms that could break out.

Grumpy Grandy

You know those days when you should just get back in bed? Well today Grandy realized before she even got out of bed that it was going to be one of those days.

FOLLOW YOUR GUT GRANDY!!

Well in classic Grandy style, rather than sit here and mope about her day, she has decided to come online and bitch and moan share with you all some clues she's had throughout the day that maybe pointed out the fact that Grandy was in a foul mood.

Clue 1: When carpool friend asks you, as you're walking to her car, "What's the matter with you today Grumpy Grumperton from Grumpville?" - Was it THAT obvious?

Clue 2: Ladies...when you use the toilet seat protector in the restroom, Grandy is pretty certain that if you didn't want to plant your ass on the seat, we don't want to plant OURS on your seat protector. Here's a hint...flush it WITH your stuff. - Normally things like that don't bug Grandy.

Clue 3: Nasty Man calls weekly to yell at Grandy. TODAY...Grandy hung up on Nasty Man. - Oh yes she did!

Clue 4: One of the owners sends a special invitation to 9 people in the company for a special event on his boat. Grandy realizes she is the ONLY female in the group, and her first thought is not one of appreciation, but an image of Grandy entering into the lion's den.

Clue 5: Grandy is having a discussion with an attorney representing a crack whore plaintiff who has a history of tormenting my client and other tenants with threats of physical harm. While cutting the conversation painfully short, Grandy let it be known he would have his hands full with his client. - Normally Grandy tries to keep those things to herself, but when she got off the phone she couldn't help but feel bad for the guy.

Clue 6: Grandy had 6.3 people ask her if she was alright today. - Seriously? I tried to keep to myself and mind my own. Is that where I went wrong?

Yep! Grandy was in a bit of foul mood indeed.

Oh well. At least she can laugh about it...tomorrow.

Making a Difference

Grandy goes through her job doing the best she can for her clients. It's not done because they PAY me (although it does help me actually GET to work if there's gas in the car). I truly do like helping the clients. Lately though, with everyone's spirits being so low, I can't help but wonder why I try so hard. Really... Does my extra effort matter? Does this client care that I'm working on their monthly summary over the weekend? Do they even NOTICE that I am responding to their inquiry asking for help at 9:00 at NIGHT?!?

Today Grandy's faith in why she does what she does, and why she tries so hard, was restored.

Back in the early part of the year we had a former client in a real bind. This sweet man, who had moved his business away from us a couple years ago due to something WAY beyond my control, found himself in such a mess. He was facing a litigation without insurance coverage that would pay for his defense. I spent MONTHS trying to dig deep through whatever lead I could find to retrace his insurance history that dated back to the early 1980's. NOT an easy task.

One day in April, this sweet man called me. He sounded like he was at the end of his rope. "I'm going to have to file bankruptcy," he said. He had already paid thousands of dollars towards the attorneys, and didn't think he could carry it any further. This case was NOT going to go away. This man has been in business for 36 years, and he was at his threshold.

"Give me 2 more weeks!" I said. "I HAVE TO TRY!"

He agreed to give me two more weeks. I had regular dialogue with his attorney, and was trying EVERYTHING. Then one week later the clouds opened. A couple of avenues I tried paid off big time. Not only did I find coverage, and they agreed to defend him...but they were also going to reimburse him for his bills he already paid. THOUSANDS!!!

Yesterday Grandy finally met this man in person for lunch. That's right...I had not met him in person before. I had only spoken to him on the phone. I reached to shake his hand, and this gruff, self-proclaimed "Oakie" knocked my hand away and gave me a big bear hug.

This gentle-man shared some amazing stories about how he met his wife, how she saved his life, and how things happen for a reason. He talked about what he's been working on since I have helped him. He's trying something new with the business, to try and generate business, and it seems to be working well for him.

He then turned to me and said the following:

I just want you to know that if you ever question how you make a difference in this world, you should know that you saved my business, and you saved me. My current broker wouldn't even look at the lawsuit. In fact he asked me, "What am I supposed to do with this?" You took care of this because YOU cared about what happened to ME, and I will never forget that.

Then he turns to the Producer who had worked on the account for many years and said, "As far as I'm concerned, you've got my business back. You make it happen."

As soon as Grandy got done tearing up (who am I kidding...I full on cried...even sniffled) he handed me a note and asked me to open it later, in private.

The note said: I want to Thank YOU from the bottom of my heart. Without your efforts, I would have had no choice but bankruptcy.

Yep!! This is going to be a great week!!