Mindless Thursday

Jackie -- that's sad.  Animals become incredibly resourceful -- Florida has done many things "wrong" in allowing the state to be so populated with no place for the indiginous wildlife to go -- but they just adapt.  I'm 4 houses off a major commercial 6 lane and yet my yard is FULL of raccoons, possum, birds (from songbirds to 3-4 varieties of owls & also osprey).  Osprey?  Yeah because I'm half a block from three lakes!  If I wind thru the subdivision behind me to go to Fed Ex, there's a famly of 4 Whooping Cranes that feed alongside the road (and they're like 3-4 feet tall!)

I'm not advocating cities ignore wildlife -- (I'm pretty adamant politically about that kind of stuff) but I'm thrilled when I see Nature devise ways to survive despite humanity.   A few weeks ago I saw a flock of Ibis in my neighbor's front yard.  Last Thursday David saw something like 13 Turkey Buzzards on the power lines and in our front yard when he came home.  (There was a possum that had gotten hit and I think they thot it was a cafeteria but there was too much traffic for them to pounce!)

It makes me sad "nature" doesn't have the room with the ecroachment of civilization, but it also makes me happy that Nature is resourceful enough to endure.  I wish I saw the hawks, etc. you do --

I just wish I could bring my dogs to work like you can.  The detriment of working in a glass office building.  *sigh*

Tina -- "nature's refrigerator" -- HA!  Good thing you and Deb can keep each other warm!    Deb, that drink sounds fantastic!

Glenda -- maybe you should tie some weights to your ankles to help keep you upright and steady in the wind!

Karen, I got an email from the volunteer coordinator at our local shelter last night asking for help with a "gopher problem" in one of the dog walking/exercise areas.  They were looking for donated or low-cost pest control services.  Maybe Bugsy would like to come out and take care of it?  It sounds like he could have quite a project on his hands (it's a big area).  We're happy to host him -- Ruby would love it.  And we'd love to meet you!

I feel bad for the wildlife affected by the work in the creek area, too.  You'd think these projects would include some planning and input from folks aware of the issues affecting birds and critters, but sadly that may not be a priority for whoever is ultimately resposnible for the work being done.

I slept a wee bit better last night, but still woke up a few times.  I swear, sleeping a solid 6-8 hours without waking is impossible anymore.  No wonder I'm always tired.  DH has tomorrow off, so at least I won't hear his alarm at 5AM.  I can sleep until about 6 or 6:15AM.  WooHoo!

Gee, some of us actually LIKE selling! 

The problem with the wind is that it's pretty steady, and then suddenly gusts from a whole different direction.  But, at least I'm working from home and I won't blow away here!

 I've been on a cruise to Bermuda before, but I was at the wrong age to really enjoy it.  I was an awkward teen, too old for kid stuff, but too young for the adult stuff.  I loved the snorkeling excursion I took though!

Yeah, I really hate selling.  I love meeting with prospects who call us to inquire, talking about our services and encouraging them to sign on.  But, trying to make contacts at places like hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, trying to get meetings with discharge nurses or social workers to drum up more referrals just isn't my thing.  I harbor no love or interest in it unfortunately.  But, I have no choice. 

Jewlieee

When there is federal money spent here on projects we have to take into consideration all plants and wildlife.

The info we were sent about this project mentioned the various impact studies that were done concerning wildlife and plants, etc.  Many projects here, like elsewhere in the country, come to a complete halt when an endangered species is discovered.  Recently, a huge highway improvement project came to a screeching halt when a tiny little spider was discovered in an underground cave near the construction site.  It was thought to be extinct.  They had to kill it in order to test the DNA.  I found that rather ironic. 

As far as many species being able to adapt to living so close to humans in urban areas, it is amazing.  I'm reading a book now that conjectures that coyotes and foxes are possibly on the way to self domesticating their species.  The author's theory is that wolves weren't purposely domesticated by early man; they domesticated themselves from generations of living off human scraps and living in close proximity.  Losing their fear of humans led to the bond formed between the two and that led to a whole new species of canine, the dog.  Interesting theory and quite viable, IMO.

glenmar

Just remember that the absolute worst they can do is say No.  You know all the selling points of your company, just be yourself, be personable and make 'em LOVE you.  That part should be easy for you!

JackieG

Recently, a huge highway improvement project came to a screeching halt when a tiny little spider was discovered in an underground cave near the construction site.  It was thought to be extinct.  They had to kill it in order to test the DNA.  I found that rather ironic. 

Well if it wasn't extinct before....

the_gopher

JackieG

Recently, a huge highway improvement project came to a screeching halt when a tiny little spider was discovered in an underground cave near the construction site.  It was thought to be extinct.  They had to kill it in order to test the DNA.  I found that rather ironic. 

 

Well if it wasn't extinct before....

I know and how anyone even noticed it is beyond me.  Maybe when the cave was discovered they sent in some biologists to check for cave dwelling species.   The original contractors on the job have filed for bankruptcy since the project is cancelled until an alternative route can be found.  I feel bad for that company as they had probably spent or borrowed some big money in preparation for this huge multi multi million project.  Nobody wins sometimes when man and animal come into conflict.

Sharon, I'm sorry to hear about your company struggling.  Sales cold calling is the worst and I'd hate it too.  Hopefully you can start putting out some feelers for another job, just in case.

the_gopher

JackieG

Recently, a huge highway improvement project came to a screeching halt when a tiny little spider was discovered in an underground cave near the construction site.  It was thought to be extinct.  They had to kill it in order to test the DNA.  I found that rather ironic. 

 Well if it wasn't extinct before....

Jackie, I heard a blurb on NPR I think it was, talking about something similar to what that book is about, and how wolves may have domesticated themselves, intentionally approaching humans due to food needs.  It makes sense. 

You make the selling sound so easy, Glenda.  All your points are true, but it's easier said than done!  I wish I had your confidence.  I've been helping to procure sponsorships and donated items for our shelter's fundraising auction for several years, and it never gets easier to cold call local businesses, despite the "practice" I've had.  I find myself giving them an easy out for saying no before I even finish my pitch!    I much prefer contacting people via email, but I know that's less successful than a face-to-face ask.  I think some people have a natural comfort and ability to do such work, and others don't.  A skilled salesperson is a powerful force!

 Jackie I did throw my resume into the mix for an administrative job at the University in town.  It's HIGHLY doubtful I'll even get a phone call (I've been applying there for years without so much as an email or phone call), but I figure what the heck.  The University is strong with nepotism and I don't have an "in" there.  At the very least, it got me off my butt to fix up my resume, which I hadn't done since getting this job.

tacran

I find myself giving them an easy out for saying no before I even finish my pitch! 

LOL - that would be me too! I can't even hold a garage sale. I don't like the idea of put a price on my junk but it would hurt my feelings if someone said it wasn't worth what I was asking. I also don't go to garage sales because I always feel awkward looking over someone's "treasures" and then walking away.

Sharon - I hope you have a great time on that cruise.

I think you're right Tracy.  For me, selling is as natural and easy as breathing.  And, I actually LIKE cold calls.....I see them as a chance to meet new people and make new friends.  I like them a whole lot better when the wind isn't trying to blow me into New Hampshire tho!  I try to spend a couple hours every week cold calling because that refills my prospect pool.  I stop every week at a lot of my cold calls just to drop off the new paper, and let those folks know about upcoming specials at the same time.  Sometimes I forget that it isn't so easy for everyone.

This honestly is such a perfect job for me.  I get to sell which I really enjoy but I also get a chance to write now and then too.

By the way, for those who wanted to see the story about winter sports for dogs, go to www.berkshirebeacon.com and use the site search function to look for Winter goes to the dogs.  Just now remembered that I was supposed to post a link!