The Worst Job Interview Ever

About 6 or 7 years ago, I had a very strange job interview experience. I submitted my resume online for a job postion at a small local business. I received a call from the human rescources manager to come in and interview for the position the next day. I responded and went on the job interview the following day. Now, I have over 10 years of experience in the position that I applied for and have education, training, as well as a state issued license to work in that position.

On the day of the job interview, I showed up a little bit early and sat in the waiting room to be called in to interview. While waiting, I filled out a job application. Suddenly, a woman walked out into the waiting room, said hello to everyone present and then she walked outside into the parking lot. There was a clear view of the parking lot from the waiting room. I peered through the waiting room window and observed that this woman walked near my car. She was walking back and forth around my car and glancing inside of it! The first thing I thought was, "Who the hell is this lady? and, "Why is she looking inside of my car?" She went on to go to another car in the parking lot and then re-entered the waiting room area. I didn't say anything to her, because I didn't know who she was and I didn't want to create a scene or leave a bad impression. The woman went about her way and about 5 minutes afterwards, I was called in to the H.R. office for the interview.

Lo and behold, the same weird lady was waiting in the human resources office for me to come in and have the interview with her. She was the human resources manager for the company and the same woman that contacted me about coming in for the job interview. The lady was very affable and introduced herself. The department supervisor was also present and we were introduced, too.

We went through the usual questions that are asked during a job interview. So, the human resources manager knew through my answers and my resume that I was well qualified to do the job. I would have been a perfect fit for the postion, since I had the precise training, experience, and skill set that they were looking for. By the way, I found it really odd that the department supervisor hardly said a word. The human resources manager did most of the talking.

Everything went well up until the point where the human resources manager started to glance over my job application. She noted that on the application, I did not include my past pay information on my prior jobs. I put a slash through the boxes where the information was requested. When possible, I do not include my past salary information on job applications. From my personal experience, unscrupulous employers tend to use the information to try to undercut your pay. It was never an issue in the past with other companies, when I have decided not to include my past pay.

It is said that the person who brings up any numbers regarding salary/ pay negotiations is the one who loses. You lose your negotiating power when you lay all your cards on the table prematurely. I didn't bring it up, because it is inappropriate for the job candidate to bring up salary. I waited for them to bring salary up. The human resouces manager tried to persuade me to add the information to the application, but I gently refused. Then, she started to get pushy and started accusing me of "hiding something". I told her that I had nothing to hide and she would learn that if she veried my background and professional references.

The human resources manager went on to ask me for a range of what I am willing to work for. I gave her a pay range. She went on to try and get me to provide my past salary information again and I refused again. When that didn't work she tried to ask me for an exact figure on what I would work for. So, I asked her if she was making me a job offer. The human resources manager told me "no" and that they were still interviewing candidates.

I told the human resources manager that she already knows what people in my line of work are paid based on my level of experience. I became so exasperated with her demands for my past salary. It was obvious to me that she was trying to use manipulation and bully type tactics to get what she was looking for. I told her that in the same way that the company looks out for its best interests, I am looking out for my best interests.

The two woman gave some really discouraging signs in their body language. At that point, the human resources manager didn't have a pleasant dispositon. She became somewhat flustered at the fact that I didn't give in to her demands. My intuition told me that they weren't going to hire me. In all my years of going on job interviews, I have never had a manager to bring up salary before making a job offer. Generally, if a manager wants to hire you, they will be very forthright and tell you what you can expect to be paid.

She pretty much gave it away that it was her (and her organization's) goal to hire a qualified worker at the lowest hourly. The human resources manager told me that they do not discolse their pay information to candidates. She mentioned that she had interviewed a candidate whom had much more experience than me and was willing to work for only $10 an hour. I gave her one of those looks like "Lady, you've got to be friggin kidding me". I think this was a attempt by her to try and feel me out and see if I would work for dirt cheap pay.

Incredibly, she made another attempt to try and get me to reveal my past salary information. I just came straight out and told her that I felt she was trying to find a low-cost worker. Neither the human resources manager nor the department supervisor denied my assertion. They decided to give me a tour of the building. During the tour I saw several former colleagues and waved at them all. We all chatted for a few moments and my former colleagues told the human resources manager and the department supervisor that they should hire me. They know my temperament and that I am a hard worker and a team player.

The way that I see it, If you go to school, pass a state exam, received a state issued occupational license, and gained years of experience through work, then you should never undercut your pay. I have definitely paid my dues and then some. A professional should be paid fair wages to reflect his or her level of experience and credentials. The people who become desperate and are willing to short sell themselves on pay, just make it bad for the real professionals to negotiate a fair wage.

What the hell do I look like, accepting a job with that much stress and responsibility for only $10 an hour? It defeats the purpose of going to school to beter myself and make more money. I'd rather work in retail or customer service for $10 per hour, than to work as a professional with experience for only $10 per hour. I could understand accepting lower wages if I didn't have any experience in the field at all. However, this was not the case.

To make a long story short, I never heard from the human resources manager again. I made a few attempts to make contact with her via e-mail and phone to follow up. However, she never responded. I am ambivalent to the way things turned out. I was enthusiastic about the opportunity to work for that company. I would have even entertained any reasonable attempt at a pay negotiation. At the same time, I don't want to work for an employer that isn't willing to pay me anywhere close to what my labor is worth.

What are your thoughts? Have you ever been treated this way during a job interview or had any similar experience?


© Copyright 2013  Susan Broadbelt

www.thewhimsicalmusingsofsusan.com

Quit Complaining About Your Job

I am (almost) so over people that like to complain about their job. Everyone complains from time to time. Indeed, constructive complaints are occasionally necessary for positive change. The type of complainers that I refer to in this post are those afflicted with chronic complaining disease. They complain just for the sake of complaining.

There was this one lady that I used to work with that complained nonstop about her job. From the minute that she started working there, she complained. The things that she complained about were very trivial, and not really worth talking about. I had never met anyone in my life, who was that negative.  Each time that she opened her mouth, I felt like playing a sad song on an imaginary violin. 

Me and several other co-workers came to the conclusion that there was something seriously wrong this woman. If you ever tried to engage her in conversation, she would try to shift the discussion into a litany of complaints. Also, she wouldn't ever let anyone get a word in edgewise. She was the type of person that would try to get you to gossip about others, and that's not really my cup of tea. I started to think that she was on some mind altering substance, which caused her lips to open and shut 1000 times per minute. Most people, in the know, avoided her because of the incessant bitching and whining about nothing.

So, when I found out that she quit (without proper notice), I was so fucking relieved. Everyone wonders what the hell took her so long to come to the realization that the job was not for her. She knew exactly what she was getting herself into when she was hired. It brings me to the point of this blog post: Why do people complain so much about their job?

The national unemployment rate is a little below 8%, meaning that millions of people in the United States are without gainful employment. This figure doesn't take into account that there are people that are underemployed. It also doesn't factor in the people living in numerous cities around the country, where it is even more difficult to find work. Factor in other demographics, such as age, race, ethnicity, disability and the unemployment figure increases dramatically.

Therefore, a job, albeit fantastic or craptastic, is a blessing. I have worked for most of my adult life, from the time that I was an adolescent. However, there was a point a few years ago, when I was unemployed. I was broke and wished that I had two nickels to rub together. When I was lucky enough to get this job that I currently have, I got on my knees and thanked God. It is not a great paying job, but at least I get along well with most of my colleagues and I receive a regular paycheck and benefits.

I don't know whether it is a generation X thing or a generation y thing, but in my travels I have noticed that many younger people moan and gripe ad nauseum. It seems to me that they lack patience and have a bizarre sense of entitlement. It is almost like some American youth behave like spoiled brats. The funny thing is that employers don't owe employees anything, other than what the employee has earned.

As a matter of fact, employers take on risk in hiring employees. Companies spend money to train employees, pay their benefits and workmen's compensation, etc. An employee could end up costing a company more money than he or she brings in. For example, an employee could cost a company lost business and goodwill through incompetence, poor impressions, or lack of professionalism. Some employees have habits that create unnecessary liability and legal fees for companies. If anything, employees should be appreciative of the fact that their employer was willing to take a chance on them.

Now I realize that working for someone else is mostly challenging. Sometimes I get frustrated with my job, but I try to keep things in the proper prospective rather than focusing on negativity. If it weren't for the fact that I have goals, and greater plans for my life, I would have left my job long ago. I am grateful for my job, but it is really just a means to an end. I don't plan on doing that type of work forever, but I am hanging with it for the time being.

When I start feeling frustrated with my job, I compare myself to others less fortunate. I think about the families that are destitute and homeless because of unemployment. I think about the people working in foreign countries at "sweat shops" for low wages, in extremely poor conditions. I remind myself that there are Americans that don't have medical insurance coverage and the fact that I do have medical insurance coverage. That's enough to ground me in reality, whenever someone pisses me off at work.

So, if you don't like your job, then maybe you should do something about it. Complaining won't solve your problems. Someone said that the definition of insanity is doing the same things and expecting different results. Maybe it is time for you to move on to something else. Do something to improve you skill set, so that you won't have to work at a dead end job. If you don't like the people that you work with, transfer out to a different department or find another job.

To anyone out there in management who may be reading this, you need to take a long hard look at the complainers in your organization. They are time wasters and energy suckers. They cost companies money, by disrupting the other employees' focus on their jobs, thus reducing productivity. The negativity that they spread may weaken employee morale, and spread like a contagious disease. Do your organization a favor and assess the true value of a chronic complainer within your organization. Is it really worth it to have someone like this around?

Now back to the chronic complainers. Only you know your situation. Unless you have signed an employment contract, you are probably not bound to work for your employer. Therefore, no one is forcing you to continue working for the company. Most employees whom have not aren't bound by contractual obligation, are employees "at will", meaning that their work relationship can be dissolved at anytime, without notice. Your company can fire you, and you can fire your company.

I have been so miserable on jobs, that I walked off without notice. Yeah, it was not honorable and very risky, but I did it. I took the position that I would rather be free of misery than, to make myself sick every day. I am not telling anyone to quit their job abruptly, without notice. You should really do the responsible thing and give your employer at least two weeks notice . Also, have a Plan B and another job lined up before leaving your present employer.

Hey if you don't want to do the job, then there are probably a 1,000 other people vying for your position. Most of them have more pressing issues than worrying about trivial matters on a job. Better yet: Start your own company and then you will experience the legal and financial pitfalls of running a business. That's when the real bitching will begin. Enough said. 


Related posts:

To Whine or Not to Whine

Never Leave Your Job Because of A Few Assholes

Someone May Be Holding A Grudge Against You And You Don't Even Know It

Why We Should Not Be Loyal To Employers


© Copyright 2013 Susan Broadbelt

www.thewhimsicalmusingsofsusan.com

 

Hotels.com- Paying the Price of Cheap

I had a horrible experience with a hotel recently. I won’t be disclosing the name of the hotel, since I don’t have any photos of the room and premises. I don’t want to call names without adequate proof, but rest assured that I am telling the entire truth. It’s a shame that the battery died on my LG smartphone, otherwise I would have taken photos of the hotel room and put them on full blast.

My boyfriend wanted to surprise me, so he went online to hotels.com to find a cheap room for us to sleep in this weekend near the Fort Lauderdale beach. If I could describe the place in a phrase, it would be "not all that ". This hotel is located just off "the strip" or A1A. Allow me to explain why I have a low opinion of this hotel. On our way over to finding this hotel, I began to have some trepidation about it when he told me that he only paid $69 plus taxes, totaling $76. I mean, this is really cheap for a hotel on the beach, especially in comparison to other more upscale hotels.

When we finally arrived at this place, it is definitely not what we were expecting. The place is old and very poorly maintained. It is probably more of a motel/efficiency than a hotel room. The entrance door to the room had very flimsy locks that anyone could kick in if they wanted to. The door had lots of dirt and scuff marks on it. The paint on the walls were peeling off in some spots and there were some large and poorly patched up holes in them.

The room was clean, but only on the surface. Upon examination we found that there was dust on a lamp and some of the light switches were dirty. We checked the linens on the bed and they appeared to be clean with no stains or odors. A couple of the pillows (not the pillowcases) smelled like a mixture of sweat and fragrance, though. The furniture and television were old, scratched up and outdated. The sofa had an unidentifiable stain on it.

As far as the bathroom is concerned, it did look clean. However, the bathroom door looked like it was severely water damaged and there was a small amount of mold on the walls in the shower.

The area is pretty safe and there are not many worries about crime. At the same, time the hotel was very noisy. You could hear people on the floor above us moving things or coming and going. This went on until the wee hours of the morning and I couldn’t get much sleep. I felt restless and didn’t fall asleep until around 7a.m. I was abruptly awoken went the front desk clerk tapped on our door at 11 am to tell us that it was check out time. This is disconcerting, since the customer service rep at hotels.com told my boyfriend that check out time is 12 noon.

The only thing that I liked about this hotel is that there was a ceiling fan and wall unit A/C, which blew ice cold. The hotel is situated less than one block from the beach and just a few miles away from gas stations, tourist attractions, and major shopping plazas. Also, the room included free Wi-fi internet and Xfinity cable television.

I think that if you are running this type.of business, where customers are concerned about comfort as well as amenities and location, it would be wise to pay attention to details.
Even if this business never did any extensive renovations to the property, a few hundred dollars to upgrade each room would go a long way.


When my boyfriend went to the front desk of the hotel to demand his money back, the clerk refused the refund. Another thing, that he noted is that he asked for a room with a king sized bed when he made the reservations with hotels.com, but the were two double beds instead. Since the hotel refused to give a refund, my boyfriend called hotels.com to try and get his money back. He complained about the condition of the hotel room and the fact that there was no king sized bed. The customer service rep that he spoke with, told him that she was not able to grant a refund. Instead she sent a $20 (or $30, I am not sure of the exact amount) credit to his e-mail for use towards his next booking with hotels.com. So, he is very dissatisfied and is not sure whether he will ever use hotels.com again.

He feels that he should have stuck with LaQuinta Inns & Suites, which is his favorite hotel, besides the Marriott. But no, he had to go and be a cheapskate. I am still pissed about the whole things as I write this post.
I told him that the first mistake that he made is that he booked a reservation with this hotel without ever knowing what the room looked like. He is not an internet savvy person, so he sort of wanted to believe that the room would be fine. Had I known his intention to rent a room at this hotel, I would have done research before he gave hotels.com his debit card info. If we did a Google search beforehand, it would have turned up enough information for us to realize that he shouldn’t book a room there.
I did go to www.tripadvisor.com and there were several bad reviews on this same hotel, left by previous customers. Most of the reviews cited conditions similar to what I describe here. Some people said that there were roaches and other insects in their room. We didn’t experience pest problems, though. Just from our experience, I would never recommend that hotel to anyone.


As a word of advice, always do your research when dealing with these types of websites and businesses. I am not discouraging the use of hotels.com or others like expedia.com, travelocity.com, or hotwire.com, etc. You just need to read the fine print, know the terms or service, refund policies, of the hotels and the third party travel booking/agency website that you choose. I would not give them my banking account info and would much rather use a prepaid debit card or credit card. Save yourself some hassels and headaches by doing your research.


© Copyright 2013 Susan Broadbelt

www.thewhimsicalmusingsofsusan.com

Stuck on Stupid: People That Waste Their Income Tax Returns

I was talking to a friend the other day, and we were having a conversation about someone that we know who is expecting a very large income tax return check- over $10,000. The bulk of the person’s federal income tax refund came from Earned Income Credit, which gives the filer an additional $3,000 credit per dependant claimed. This person perfectly fits the stereotype of a low-income, financially illiterate, wage earner. Why? She basically has grandiose plans for the huge income-tax return that she will receive. Like, running out and purchasing name brand clothing and shoes for her family, several HDTVs, new furniture, giving money to other people, having house parties, and the list goes on.

Well, there is nothing wrong with taking some of the money and actually doing something to enjoy yourself. At the same time, some people just go buck wild with this. They justify their excess spending by telling themselves things, such as “You only live once” or “Why have all this money if you aren’t going to spend it?” Some of them can’t sleep, fervently anticipating the day when that money arrives. They don’t think about planning for the future or putting something away for a life crisis. Then, when the shit really hits the fan, and they need cash immediately, they realize that they have screwed themselves with a metal spiked dildo and no Vaseline.

I don’t mean to sound harsh, because I know what it is to be poor and disadvantaged. I think that the reason why the U.S. government established the Earned Income Credit is for the main purpose of stimulating the economy. The politicians know that most people of the lower socioeconomic class are lacking in financial literacy. When poor people get a windfall, they usually do something stupid with the money, rather than looking out for themselves. They know that the first order of business for these folks is to go to a casino and gamble away their income tax check or to go on major shopping spree, thus boosting the economy.


People need to wake up! This lump sum is really a blessing, so it would be better if people learned to put the money to better use, by doing things with it that will truly benefit them. Do things that make more sense, such as paying down debts, saving the money for an emergency fund, investing, and buying things that you need versus things that what you want.


If you have any outstanding debts, make sure that you pay as much as you can on that debt. Even if you can only pay down a small debt, it a still a good step in the right direction. You are making progress in the way of reducing or eliminating late fees, accumulating interest, and getting rid of the negative mark on your credit report. So, even though you have to relinquish some money in the short term, you are putting more money back into your pocket in the long term.


I have a friend that was complaining that after she filed her 2013 income tax returns, the IRS sent her a letter in the mail regarding her income tax return. She was due a federal income tax refund of around $5,000 but the IRS is going to use the money to offset her outstanding student loan debt. My friend was very disappointed, because she had big plans for the money. I told her that they really did her a favor. Knowing her as I do, she probably would have squandered some of that money instead of paying off the debt. The bright side behind her situation is that she can have a little peace of mind in knowing that her future income tax returns won’t be used to offset her student loan debt. Also, she doesn’t have to worry about her wages being garnished, since the bulk her student loan debt is now paid.


I don't generally get back large income tax refunds, because I claim myself on my W-4 form. Thus, less federal income taxes are withheld from my pay throughout the year. However, if I were in the position of receiving a large income tax return, I would just keep quiet about it. Keep your personal business to yourself. When you tell everyone how much you are getting back on your income tax returns, you’re just opening up a Pandora’s box of sorts. People will start coming out of the woodwork whom somehow feel that they are entitled to some of that money. Never miss a golden opportunity to shut the hell up in this respect.

The first thing that I would do, is set some money aside in an emergency fund. The next thing that I would do is put some of the money into an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) and invest it in a low-risk, low-volatility investment vehicle. Then, I would put some of the money towards paying off a debt. Lastly, I would enjoy some of the money by taking a trip to a get away somewhere or spending some on my kids (if I had any). These are arbitrary numbers but I would divide up the refund money about 25% to each area of spending just mentioned. But hey, this is what I would do. Whatever you choose to do is really your business. To each his own.


© Copyright 2013  Susan Broadbelt 

 www.thewhimsicalmusingsofsusan.com

Never Leave Your Job Because of a Few Assholes

I was having a conversation with a co-worker several weeks ago. She told me that she was having a problem with a few fellow co-workers. Just to truncate the particulars on her situation, this woman feels like she is being bullied and taken advantage of. She went on to tell me that she is considering quitting her job because of this. When she told me this, I shook my head in disbelief. In these tough economic times when it is more difficult to find a job, who would just up and quit a job without another job lined up? Who would quit a job over a few low level assholes?


It turns out that she decided not to quit her job (at least in the short term). The advice that I gave to this co-worker was this: Fight for your job and put those assholes in their places. There are ways to do this without getting yourself in hot water and without enduring much drama. By the way, the suggestions that I make from here on out assumes that the “asshole” is not your supervisor or in a position of authority over you. If your supervisor is an asshole then you might want to take a slightly different approach, which I don’t discuss here.


If someone is making your life hell on the job, then you should identify what it is that this person is doing. Document each instance that this behavior occurs, so that you will have some evidence of what has occurred. Keep track of exactly what the offender has said or done to bother you, as well as the date and time. It’s almost like you are building up a case against the person. If you have to bring this to the attention of a supervisor then, the documentation makes you look more credible.

The next step is to talk directly and privately to the offender about his or her behavior. That is-if you feel that the offender is even approachable. If you believe that you can have a mature discussion with the offender, then go for it. Tell this person in a diplomatic, yet stern manner that the offensive behavior needs to end. Give the offender specific examples of his or her behavior in order to help him or her understand what you are referring to.

The offender is either going to apologize for the behavior and stop or pretend that he or she doesn’t know what you are talking about and even amplifies the offensive behaviors. I call the later, “game playing” or “being spiteful“. Most people who are normal will feel remorse for the bad behaviors, but there are a small group of individuals that have personality disorders or they have low levels of emotional intelligence. Some of these people are not capable or feeling remorse and there is very little that you can do to help them to change.

Hopefully, the issue should be resolved after a brief discussion. If not, you should follow the chain of command and then complain to your supervisor about it (remember to bring your documentation). Your supervisor will probably talk to the offender about his or her behavior and document the discussion. Most of the time, this should do the trick. Again, a normal thinking person will usually see the error of his or her ways. If the behavior continues, then go back to the supervisor with your complaint. Your supervisor will have to take corrective actions to see to it that the situation does not repeat itself. Otherwise, you will need to go above your supervisor’s head or human resources to see to it that once and for all, the situation is resolved.

I am going to suggest that we should not take filing complaints against co-workers lightly. It may backfire on you if you are filing petty complaints and in the future you may not be taken seriously. So, choose your battles very wisely.


Sometimes you have to let minor offense go. An example of a minor offense would be, a co-worker doesn’t respond to you when you say “Good morning”. Or, a co-worker gives you a dirty look from time to time. In my opinion, these are very trivial behaviors that should be ignored. Once in a while, people do things that are rude or offensive because they might be having personal problems or a bad day. It is not always about you personally.

This reminds of something that I read in a book called “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz. One of the four agreements is “Don’t take anything personally”. If you subscribe to this idea at least somewhat, you will probably eliminate a lot of stressors in you life.


In the same breath, there are some things that we should not let go, such as sexual harassment, manipulation, humiliation, defamation of character, sabotage, threats of violence, etc. These are things that could interfere with your ability to do your job. They could also have a very negative impact on your psychological well being. Also, you may find yourself in a situation where you have to “nip it in the bud” stages, before it snowballs out of control. If you are experiencing any of this on the part of a co-worker, then it is time to stand up for yourself. You deserve to do your job and be treated with respect and dignity.

Copyright 2013 www.thewhimsicalmusingsofsusan.com

Mini CVS Haul All Laundry Detergent

CVS haul, All laundry detergents

One day, I was on my way to do my laundry, when I discovered that I left the laundry detergent at home. Well, instead of doubling back home to get the laundry detergent, I went to CVS and purchased some more detergent. You might think that this is a waste of money, but I know how to get these things for fairly cheap. I usually keep a stack of clipped coupons with me in an envelope. I went through my coupons looking for some on laundry detergents and quickly found some. There were a couple of coupons in the stack for All laundry detergent that happened to be expiring very soon.


I went through the CVS sales circular as well and noted that there was a “buy one get one free” sale on All laundry detergent this week (from Sunday, February 17, 2013 through Saturday, February 23, 2013). I picked out two bottles of All laundry detergent, used one manufacturer coupon from the newspaper insert, and 1 CVS Extrabucks reward during this shopping haul. Select bottles of All laundry detergent were priced at $7.99 that week. Please note that this sale is no longer in effect.

Transaction breakdown:

1 bottle of All Oxi-Active Stainlifter liquid detergent, Waterfall scent, 50 fl.Oz. $7.99

1 bottle of All Stainlifters liquid detergent, Free Clear, 50 fl.oz.                          -$7.99

6% sales tax                                                                                                                  $.48

Subtotal before coupons, Extrabucks, etc. were applied                                 $8.47


1 CVS Extrabucks reward redeemed                                                                     -$5.00

1 manufacturer coupon for $2.00 off any two All detergents                              -$2.00

Final total after coupons, Extrabucks, etc. were applied                                $1.47

Therefore, I paid an average of $.74 for each bottle of All detergent (including the sales tax). I didn’t earn any Extrabucks rewards for the purchases this week. Aside from the fact that there was a strange dude hanging around the shopping plaza begging for money, I feel good about the shopping trip. I can’t stand it when people hang around shopping centers trying to hit people up for money, but that’s another blog post. Anyways, I saved a good amount of money and didn’t have to make a trip back home for laundry detergent.



© Copyright 2013 Susan Broadbelt

 www.thewhimsicalmusingsofsusan.com

Review of Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Calming Lotion with Cooling Action

Aveeno Active Naturals
Skin Relief Calming Lotion
with Cooling Action

Disclosure I was not paid or compensated in any way to write this review. I am not affiliated with the company that manufactures and distributes this product. I paid for this product with my own funds. This review reflects my own experience with and opinion of the product as a consumer.

Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Calming Lotion with Cooling Action is manufactured by Johnson and Johnson Consumer Products Company. I purchased this product on sale at CVS/Pharmacy for $4.99 in a 7.0 oz. (198g) bottle. If you want to know the truth, I actually got the product for much cheaper than $4.99 and I explain this in another blog post. It usually runs in the price range of $7 to $9 (depending on where it is purchased). There are usually lots of coupons available in the newspaper inserts for Aveeno products. This product comes in a flexible, flip cap bottle which makes it very convenient for travel.

The lotion is a crème or beige color and has a nice consistency (not watery and not too thick). Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Calming Lotion, with cooling action smells strange. The best way to describe the scent is maybe mint like or medicine-like. I wouldn’t describe the scent as anything remotely fragrant and I am not exactly thrilled by it. The product does contain menthol, so this might explain the peculiar scent.

I am not an avid user of Aveeno Active Naturals products. Although it is called “Active Naturals”, I don’t consider this to be a natural product per se. It does contain a few natural ingredients, such as Shea butter and oat extracts. I have tried Aveeno Active Naturals Anti-Itch Cream with 1% hydrocortisone and experienced good results, though. As far as this product goes, I have a mixed view on it. According to the information on the bottle, this lotion is steroid free and provides “immediate and lasting moisture relief for itch, extra-dry skin.

The thing that I like about this product is that it is not greasy feeling at all and it absorbs into the skin fast. The lotion immediately gives a cooling, soothing sensation after application. I think that it provides adequate moisture to normal to moderately dry skin. So it works very well on most of my body.

However, anyone who is a regular reader of this blog is aware that I have severely dry skin on my hands. The skin condition has not been officially diagnosed by a dermatologist, but I suspect that I have either eczema of the hands or contact dermatitis. When I apply this product to my hands, there is a definite relief of the dryness and itchiness, but it is very short lived. It is as if the lotion is sucked in quickly by the skin cells and then 15 minutes later, my skin is very dry again.

So, I can’t recommend the product for people whom have extremely dry skin. I doubt that this product would help with itchiness due to allergies, but I am not an expert. If your problems are that severe, then it is best to see a dermatologist for a prescription. The product is dermatologist tested, but I haven’t seen any information that suggests that it is hypoallergenic. It contains petrolatum, so it isn’t a product that I would put on my acne-prone face. I do think that Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Calming Lotion with Cooling Action can be a good product for persons with normal skin. That’s if you can deal with the weird scent.

Active Ingredient: Dimethicone 1.3% (Skin protectant)

Inactive Ingredients: water, glycerin, distearyldimonium chloride, petrolatum, isopropyl palmitate, cetyl alcohol, avena sativa (oat) kernel flour, benzyl alcohol, steareth-20, chlorphenesin, menthol, cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose, avena sativa (oat) kernel oil, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, avena sativa (oat) kernel extract, sodium chloride

If you have any question or comments about this product call 1-866-428-3366 or visit www.aveeno.com

　

Copyright 2013 www.thewhimsicalmusingsofsusan.com

Never Miss a Golden Opportunity to Shut the Hell Up!!!

Some people don’t know how to be quiet. They are usually fidgety and have the impulse to talk incessantly about things that aren’t that important and they suffer from diarrhea of the mouth. This is a real problem, because the words coming out of a person’s mouth could cause major problems in life. As someone that I know once said, “Your mouth is the most powerful thing on your body. Your mouth can bring a life into this world, and it can take one out of this world”. Hence people should really think before speaking and choose their words carefully.

I will give you three classic categories of people that can’t shut up or control their mouth. They are: the complainer, the gossip, and the rebel. I have worked with and encountered people that fall under these categories.

The complainer is the type of person that whines about anything under the sun.  They have a pessimistic outlook on life and take note of all the negative apsects of everthying, everywhere. I am currently working with a person that does this non-stop. She will overrun you in a conversion in order to continue complaining and won't allow you to get a word in edgewise.

She drives everyone on the job crazy with her complaints. My head spins every time I hear her complaining about something. It is at the point now where people avoid her because of the non-stop complaints. I don’t understand why she does this. Sometimes I think that she loves to hear herself speak, she is miserable, or that she wants attention. The woman complained about an icemaker for about three minutes until someone changed the subject on her. Nobody wants to hear that crap.

Her biggest complaint is about her job.  The way that I see it, is like this:  She ought to be thankful that she has a source of income for the time being.  She needs to see the positive aspects of her job, instead of overanalyzing the negatives.  I avoid her, just like my other colleagues do.  If you listen to a complainer long enough, you will begin to adopt the complainer's attitudes.  I don't want to be poisoned with that negativity in my life.  Hell, I have my own problems.

The gossip enjoys getting into other people’s business and spreading rumors. Again, most people don’t want to hear that crap. I try to avoid people that gossip, because they aren’t usually trustworthy people. Some of them try and “fish” for information about others. In other words, they might make negative statements about a person or a situation, which may or may not be true. It is done mostly with the intent to illicit a reaction from you and/or to get you to talk about it. The gossip might even take what you have to say about the person or situation and then spread it. This is how they get you entangled in the “he said, she said”, bullshit. I think that on some level, that it is a game for the gossip that he or she probably gets kicks from. So, when I suspect that someone is a gossip, I don’t engage in conversation with that person. A gossip’s credibility is weak with me.

The rebel is a person that disagrees with or rebels against everything. I know this type very well, since I am related to a few knuckleheads that are like this. This woman that I used to work with was a rebel. She seemed to have constant problems with authority figures for some reason. She also disagreed and liked to debate with others a lot. There is nothing wrong with disagreeing with others, but there is a way to do it. You have to know how to “agree to disagree”, which she didn’t understand. Oftentimes, when she disagreed with someone about something, she could not back down and end up in heated arguments over nothing. It seemed that she always had to have the last word in a discussion.

Anyways, this woman got into it with her supervisor one day. She ended up blowing up in front of everyone, including customers. It ultimately cost her a job. Had she just kept her mouth shut, she would have still been working, since she was otherwise, a good employee. There are many things that I would like to say to customers or even my supervisors. But, I bite my tongue, because I want my job. The moral of the story: Never miss a golden opportunity to shut the hell up.


Copyright 2013  www.thewhimsicalmusingsofsusan.com


　

　

　

　

　

　

Why I No Longer Give Money to Beggars

I would like to think of myself as a charitable and generous person. If I have it to give to a church or worthy cause, I will. I draw boundaries at my giving, though. There was a time that I would give freely to panhandlers on the streets. However, since my financial situation is not as favorable as it was in the past, I have had to cut back in a major way on my giving to panhandlers.

After a closer look, I decided to nearly eliminate giving to panhandlers. It is not that I look down on the homeless or less fortunate. I have been homeless through no fault of my own, as a child, so I know exactly what it is like. I am also aware of what it is like to reside in shelters, in cars, and basically live from pillar-to-post. So, I am not here to cast aspersions on those whom are less fortunate than I am. On extremely rare occasions, I do give to panhandlers, when my gut instinct tells me that I should.

Anyway, I have observed of late that there is prevalence in scammer/panhandlers. These are the people that stand at busy intersections, with cardboard signs with statements scrawled on them, such as “Will work for food or money”. For the most part these people are full of shit. The way that I look at it, if you have the balls and gusto to stand in an intersection looking like a hot mess, begging for money, then you can get up and hustle for money. I mean, do some real work to earn money. We aren’t responsible for these people, they are responsible for taking care of themselves.

The scammer/panhandlers are just playing on our sympathies and they excel at it. Those little dollar bills that suckers give to them really stack up, too. I have not conducted a survey or taken a poll, but I think that most of the scam artists make more money in one day than the average American does in one week. They have the easiest job on Earth. All they have to do is wave and flash a toothless smile. Some of them may or may not be homeless, but many of them don’t have to be. They can take that money a make a fresh start if they truly wanted to. But this is the lifestyle that many of them choose. 

There are times that it is painfully obvious that panhandlers are scamming folks.  Once, I was at a gas station with my sister and this well dressed guy was panhandling.  I think he wanted gas money.  I almost hit the ceiling when my sister reached into her purse and handed him $5.  I told her that she just took food out her kids mouths to give to a scam artist.  The guy was wearing an Ambercrombie & Fitch leather belt.  If he was in such dire need of money he would sell that belt for cash.

I remember several years ago, I was getting ready to enter a Winn-Dixie supermarket. There was a young man loitering in front of the door begging for money. He asked me for a dollar and I felt sorry and gave it to him. He appeared to be able bodied and healthy. So, when I saw the same young man standing in front of Publix a week later, I was pissed. As I approached the store's entrance, I already knew he was going to ask for money, and I had a big fat “No!!” waiting for his ass. If he has a brain and a mouth, then he can get a J-O-B! In spite of the economic downtown, we are living in the land of opportunity.

I suspect that the scammers take most of the money to support substance abuse problems. I don’t want to be a part of that. A friend, of a friend, of a friend knows some people that panhandle on a regular basis. From what I hear, these “career panhandlers” use some of the money collected to support drinking problems. The panhandlers even bragged about making well over $200 in just a few hours. People like that don’t contribute to society. They are dead weights and use up resources for those who really need it, like starving and homeless children.

Long story short, I feel more comfortable giving donations to reputable charities, rather than individuals on the street. At least, there is a greater chance that your money is going to be properly allocated. I don’t donate to charities for tax write offs, but there is that added benefit as well when you donate to reputable nonprofits and charities.

What is your take on this? Do you give money to beggars? Should we feel compassion for scammer/panhandlers?

© Copyright 2013 Susan Broadbelt

 www.thewhimsicalmusingsofsusan.com
 

The Nice Changes at Pompano Beach, Florida Pier Lot

Sailboat off the coast of Pompano Beach, Florida

 

Beach chairs on Pompano Beach, Florida

The fishing pier at Pompano Beach, Florida- inside view

The fishing pier at Pompano Beach, Florida-
outside view

Moon over Pompano Beach

High rise condos and Beach chairs
 on the shores of Pompano Beach, Florida

 

High rises on Pompano Beach-

taken from the fishing pier

Pompano Beach has upped its game. I am specifically referring to the Pier Lot on Pompano Beach, along A1A, between Atlantic Blvd and NE 5^th Street. I really love going to the beach to relax, meditate, and free my mind. Pompano Beach and Hollywood Beach are my beaches of choice here in South Florida. But Pompano Beach is my favorite beach, because it is less “ghetto” than Fort Lauderdale Beach and there are less troublemakers frequenting Pompano Beach.

I recently went to the Pompano Beach Pier Lot after a 8 or 9 month hiatus and there are some remarkable changes to the Pier Lot. I guess that the city wanted to improve the landscaping and amenities there in order to attract more tourists (as well as locals) and increase revenues. Before the developments, there was hardly anything there, but the fishing pier, sparse parking, a concession stand, volleyball nets, and restrooms. All in all, I think that they have done a good job.

From what I can see the biggest changes have occurred in parking, landscaping, pavement, and seating. Whereas before, you had to drive in circles to find parking, there is much more metered parking spaces available. It costs about $1.00 an hour to park on Pompano Beach, which is the going rate in Greater Fort Lauderdale. There are computerized parking meters along the sidewalks, which accept cash, credit cards and debit cards. As far as horticulture and pavement goes, the city has put up more palm trees and flowers along the new sidewalk. Also, the strip of road behind A1A looks newly paved, painted, and improved. There are also wooden beach chairs, more barbeques grills, and more picnic benches. If my memory is serving me correctly, most of that didn’t exist before.

The weather was just right on my most recent visit. Nice and breezy. I decided not to get in the water, but rather to take a stroll on the beach and enjoy the lovely scenery. I went down and hung out at the  fishing pier for a bit. I always get a kick out of the people trying to catch fish, who end up "catching rocks" on the ocean floor instead.  It has happened to me several times so I can relate.  Plus, it is hiliarious to watch the sea birds trying to swoop down and steal bait and fish.  

It was just before sunset when I took most of the photos, so I was able to capture a beautiful shot of the moon. By the way, there is a public library just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the beach area. Also, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and hotels within walking distance along A1A. Anyways, if you are ever on this side of town, check out the Pompano Beach Pier Lot.

　

More info:

http://mypompanobeach.org/parksrec/weather.html


http://pompanobeachcra.com/east-cra/pier-development

　

© Copyright 2013 Susan Broadbelt

www.thewhimsicalmusingsofsusan.com