Best Surprise In a Long Time

I have been a buyer for over 40 years. It's been a wonderful career, and I really couldn't have asked for a better one. The job I now have is for a super company and I will be celebrating my 5th anniversary in just a few weeks. The only drawback to this, has been my co-buyer whom I have mentioned a few times. From the very first day, she for some reason, decided not to like me, I have no reason why, except I believe she had someone else in mind for my position, but I was hired without consulting her. The way she treats (or doesn't treat) me, isn't much better with the rest of the company and she isn't friendly with too many co-workers either.

Over the years, I have pretty much ignored her snarky remarks, choosing instead to befriend co-workers in other departments. This has worked well for me (remember it was these friends who replaced my lost Ipod at Christmas).

Being one of the buyers means that it's my responsibility to purchase what our employees need to fulfil their jobs. Over the years (not just here at this company), I have always tried to provide a genial service to everyone, being as helpful as I can when they have a problem, or don't understand something. If I have a question regarding a buy, instead of returning the request, I call the person to ask for clarification and between us we get it fixed. My co-buyer doesn't do that and never has. Helpful is not her middle name, and never has been.

Now for my wonderful news. In January of this year, my company initiated a new employee reward program. Each month all the employees vote for the co-worker they feel offers the best they can not only to the company but to everyone. The reward is $500.00 and a plaque. On Thursday it was announced that I have received this great honor from my company's employees. I received the notice along with the rest of the employees in the E-mail issued to everyone. When I read it, I started to cry. What a wonderful tribute this is from my fellow co-workers. It affirms the service I have provided the past 5 years has been appreciated. People from all through the building sent me E-mails congratulating me, plus many came over personally to offer their hugs and congratulations as well as ask what I would do with the money. I told each one that it's not the money which is important but just knowing how people feel is the most treasured thing.

As grateful as I am for this honor, the best part is that my co-buyer was not happy one bit. She has not acknowledged this at all, never saying one word ot me, and I do believe I could see smoke rising from her cubicle all day. This alone makes the way she has treated me the past 5 years worth every day I have endured either the silence or the sarcastic remarks. I was the one chosen as the best buyer, not her. What a wonderful high!!!! I just can't ask for anything better. If there were no monitary reward, just having her see the plaque every day will be the most punishing to her. I know this is not what this is supposed to stand for but for now, I accept this honor with the conditions that for a while, this has given me a chance to just rub her face in my glory, and repay her for all the crap sdhe has put me through.

Tomorrow, I will go back to just being another buyer, but nothing will ever be the same again. Both of us know that something happened last week to change not only me but the way everyone looks at our purchasing department. Will it rub off on her?? I doubt it. She is what she is. Will it put a chip on my shoulder? I doubt that too, but what may change is the way I react the next time she issues one of her famous sarcastic remarks in my direction. Only time will tell, but for now, I will bathe in the light of receiving this wonderful surprise.

Happy Birthday to Canada and Me

So here it is July 1 and both Canada and I are having another birthday. Fortunately I am a lot younger than Canada but still not a kid any longer, and to be honest, I can't believe I am 65 years old today. I have almost convinced myself that my parents lied about my age and I must be younger, but alas, it's true that I have reached the age which I have always considered old.

We had a company lunch today in honor of new successful products and our president took the opportunity to have everyone sing happy birthday to me which was wonderful.

My Canadian flag is hanging in front of my house as it always does on this day and tomorrow I will change it for the American Flag in celebration of July 4th.

So all in all, it's been another great birthday. I look forward to the next when I will actually be able to retire. Happy Birthday Canada. It's been great sharing this special day for the past 65 years and hope we have many more together.