Another Change of Plans

Well, I had to work with my boss this afternoon, Ms J. The BIG boss. He's the Senior Manager at the train yard where I work. He's new. He's full of himself, high on his authority, and busy changing things. He's despised. His name is John. Guess what his last name is? Just guess. Think "despised", Ms Journal. Think "corpse". Got it? Yup. Coincidence? Probably not. My lesson is to learn tolerance and acceptance of ... well, of Kelly.

He and I had words, Ms J. Strong words. Abusive words. I talked. Shouted, actually. Hollered my indignation. He pretended not to know why I was upset, why we're all upset. Power-tripper. Idiot. I drove home just now pumped and primed for a great, big rant against this moron, and against Canadian National Railways and their new official executive direction:

"COMPLIANCE."

I was ready to sit with a glass of wine and write about "abuse of power" and "the use of fear as a tool to enforce 'compliance'." I had planned to employ hackneyed expressions like "more flies with honey ..." and "be careful what you ask for .."

Et cetera.

I parked the car in the driveway and stomped up the steps to the front door, and there, in the mailbox, was a large manila envelope. Unaddressed. I snatched it from the metal box and carried it inside.

The envelope contained a cute little pen topped with a bunny that lights up when you write, a small journal type book with metal cover, and a card. The card was the best bit.


Friends are thinking of me.

I belong to a study group at church. Bible study, I suppose you could call it, although we've recently been studying Marcus Borg's book - "The Heart of Christianity". The group meet on Tuesdays. Another group meet on Wednesdays. I'm disappointed that my play writing group meet on the same two evenings, so I can't be with my church friends during the week. I miss them. Evidently, they miss me too. The card was signed by all eight members of my Wednesday group.

Dear Dale, missed you at bible study. Gert

We miss you ... but do you know you're missing chocolate chip cookies? Dolly

Dale, Hope you find this pen as illuminating as the group. We miss you. Charlotte

All the best with your play. We miss you at Bible Study. Karen

Dale, Just remember 'The play's the thing.' Larry

Missing you and your creativity. Bob

We miss you, Dale. I hope you are having fun! (Isn't it good?) Carla

Sure miss you Dale and all your witty remarks. Love Patricia

Patricia reminded me of the homework for this week: Write five things every morning and five things every evening for which you're thankful.

---

1. Friends
2. Faith
3. Family
4. Home
5. Gainful employment

Tomorrow morning, I will seek out the man to whom I was disrespectful and abrasive. I will offer him a humble apology. Although my opinion of him will remain unchanged, as will my opinion of CN's soul-sucking policy of enforced employee compliance, at least there will be one less arsehole at work.

Good night, Ms J.

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