Mary's Birthday Carrot Cake

I made this for my co-worker Mary for her Birthday. I had planned to put carrots on the top in a starburst but when I took them out of the package . . . they were to big to do that so I put them on the sides and then just decorated the top for fun.   Cream cheese frosting and I dyed the coconut in a baggie with food safe food dye.  Happy Spring to one and all.

Absence makes the Heart grow fonder . . .

Well I know they say absence makes the heart grow fonder and in a 1:1 relationship- this probably is true, but in a blogging world It alienates I am told.  I blog for my enjoyment , for a way to preserve memories or my thoughts and pondering's  so I will have times when there are more posts and then where there are not.  Believe it or not after 11 months I still do not feel settled into my new job.  Healthcare is not what it used to be, you work harder, longer for less pay, spend more time on paperwork than with the people, you are at the mercy of a computer and just when you get time to catch up - you will lose wifi or such and be able to access nothing at all.   The actual space i work in is beautiful, there are big windows that look outside to large trees and grassy places,  Of course my back is to them much of the day but it still beats a windowless room.

       This is Oren having a little Cat nap in the Catnip - he knows just how to relax!  Cheers everyone- will try to make August a banner month in the blogging world.

Volunteering . . .

                So this morning I am pondering  . .Why do some people volunteer their time while others sit by and watch?  Why are some willing to help where needed and others can actually poke fun at those that are doing an act of kindness or volunteerism?   " what - you don't get enough snow shoveling at home?  - as one shovels the walkways at church . . .  " Oh don't worry Jason will do that . ."  " Oh Jason can do that"  " Just ask Jason"   But why?  Why do these individuals not step up themselves? Why always think that someone else will?  Is our time not as valuable as theirs?  Do those volunteering have skills that others do not?  - I could agree for some specialty things but not general things.   ( ie being an EMT vs helping at a Bake Sale)   Are people intimidated by volunteering, are they nervous or are they just lazy-?  " Oh the Walton's will do it - they always do"  This article from Volunteer Maine discusses some of the thoughts about why people Volunteer.

Wikipedia defines volunteering . . .

Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity and is intended to promote goodness or improve human quality of life. In return, this activity can produce a feeling of self-worth and respect. There is no financial gain involved for the individual. Volunteering is also renowned for skill development, socialization, and fun. It is also intended to make contacts for possible employment. Many volunteers are specifically trained in the areas they work, such as medicine, education, or emergency rescue. Others serve on an as-needed basis, such as in response to a natural disaster.



Why do people Quit volunteering . . ?

.Number 7: No flexibility in volunteer opportunities or scheduling
Number 6: Too much wasted time in useless or unproductive meetings
Number 5: Lack of communication
Number 4: Lack of professionalism
Number 3: The feeling that the volunteer is not really making a difference
Number 2: No feedback from leadership about how the volunteer is doing

And the Number 1 reason: The volunteer leader who doesn't know how to lead

            So as I look at the list above, I can agree with many of the points . . . in other-wards every organization that needs volunteers must be organized like a well run business, I can totally agree and support except  - that to get to that point it is a lot of volunteer hours.
            I think one of my big issues is those that complain a lot about what is not happening or information that they are not getting but those same individuals are never the ones that are helpers. Step up folks, make a difference, or at least give support and thanks to those that do.  But do not make fun of your volunteers, they give their time and talents to make the world a better place.  

 

Tea any body?

         So this was a gift from a co-worker.  She is an incredibly creative and kind person.  I love tea and I love Hands.  There is a thin cardboard base like a record album - but narrow and then the clothes pins are hot glued onto the cardboard.  She added all the tea and it could be replaced with photos.  The Hands are just fun foam.  My other co-worker got one like it but it had bright red lips as she cannot work with out her Channel Red lipstick . . . I thought this was really creative.  Marsha my co-worker is such a hard worker,  kind and gentle, a hug when you need it and always a smile and positive words.   She has a lot on her plate but finds time to do such nice things as this.   The world could definitely use more Marsha's in it.   Thank you for being such a great co-worker!   The post it hangs on is right in the middle of my kitchen - so it is front and center for a while.