Licking Boots I Will Not

So, the licking of boots is in full swing in my office. We have a regime change and the amount of boot-licking is impressive.

No can do.

Man, that's akin to walking across broken glass and completely against my nature. This regime is all about boot-licking. Oi vey...am I in trouble here.

Bob Baer set a fine example of not licking boots back in "See No Evil" and he's to be admired. I think its called not settling for mediocrity. I see nothing wrong with sitting down for a hard day's work and going home knowing that one gave it all they had in them. What I do have issues with is licking boots to make sure one is firmly entrenched in the status quo. I liked Baer's take no prisoners attitude and refusal to settle for less than his best. Maybe that's why I like his style and his writings.

Me, in my little civil service world, is embarking on new ventures and trying to move up the ladder the honest way. Pure hard work with tons of elbow grease. I learned that skill in college and refused to play the political game. Kissing ass is not my style...nor will it ever be my style.

So, I venture away from the familiar and embark upon the unknown. I like the unknown to be honest. It's a breath of fresh air for me and gives me a chance to sharpen my talents. This is a chance to swan dive into the game of life.

Yes, I sit frustrated at the fact others with less talent are getting jobs that I'm qualified for more so that they yet I'm not the one who will be happy with settling for what they salivate and grovel. I think long term and not short term as far as a career. It's worth the marathon.

At least that's what I keep telling myself.

That and copious amounts of grape koolaid.

Simplify

Yes, we are simplifying Christmas this year. No over the top stuff for us. Caught a challenge yesterday to simplify and remember why we have Christmas. So I've decorated on a simple level and implemented our decorations into the house on a basic level. Basic meaning if you don't look hard, you won't notice them. My nativity went center stage on the mantel. Perhaps it will stay as my reminder to why I exist and serve a higher calling.

I'm pretty low key to begin with and this decorating confirms it.

We'll do a tree...a live one outside in the back. It's hypocritical to save trees and cut one down during the holidays. If folks want to see our Christmas tree...it's out back all decorated up nice.

Lights AND ornaments, too.

I want away from the Mass Commercialism of the holidays so I can return to the simple reason of why this holiday exists...Christ.

I'm not saying I'll rail anyone who celebrates with a credit card or start preaching on corners. Those who know me realize that's not me. I'm more about the "ya, its a pretty cool gig and you can join me if you want. If not, cool." I'm good with pretty much anybody.

That is all.

Holy Schmoly, I'm Alive

Yes, I'm alive. Yes, I still exist.

Work is challenging and I'm being stretched to my limits faith wise in people. Be open but that's cost me since the individual I'm open with is critical and meanspirited.

Explain to me how to be open and NOT vulnerable?!

I've decided to look to promote in the Capital and leave the situation since the critical individual will now be my boss since they've kissed enough ass to get there. 

I'm done being open. I'm done being vulnerable. I'm done being sensitive.

Need to look out for my family and me. Co-workers be damned.