Everybody gets the gold star

I attended a free breakfast this morning, sponsored by the HR department. The caterer used powdered eggs, but the grits were pretty good, and I (thankfully) missed the multicultural-bingo portion of the program. There's nothing that promotes the concept of "inclusion" more than being told that you're expected to attend the annual event they orchestrate to pretend like they actually attempt to promote a multicultural corporate environment the other 364 days out of the year. If you ever have the time, I'd be happy to share with you the impression given by the priorities of our EEO office. Not to mention that a local newspaper published an article today about how some of the upper management at the main office just got bonuses - in the midst of a supposed budget freeze and continuing budget cuts. One of them got $20,000 when they just laid off about 70 people at the end of the year! WTH!! Yeah. We're all about "higher ethical standards" here, alright.

Thanks to M for driving me around the SRQ, buying me a milkshake and taking me shopping. One of my new shirts is a *tad* too snug, so I guess I'll hang it in the back of my closet until it fits.

Since I need a little reminder about the silver lining hiding under these thunderheads, here are some things coming up that I'm looking forward to:

• Ren Fair with M
• Having most of the end of the month off (will be spending it doing as much cool stuff with my son as possible)
• Family visiting in April
• Possibly - maybe - going to Disneyworld for my birthday. M may be on board (and I love you for letting me rope you into that considering your employment situation, but I'll completely understand if you aren't able to go with us). Anyone else game for stalking Disney characters for photo ops, multiple rides on Pirates of the Carribbean and Teacups 'til you're walking in circles?