Okay - now I need some cheering up.

mwild31 · November 2003

Too bad there's not an emoticon that looks like Eeyore - that's how I feel right now. x:-(

We have a very important vote coming up tomorrow, it's an initiative to repeal the Washington State Ergonomics rule (the ONLY one of it's kind in the nation) and the pollsters say that it will fail by 15%. I think it will fail largely due to the opposing sides very own negative campaign ads on TV (those jerks - the reasoning is clear enough for it's passage and they didn't have to stoop to the level they did) and I'm really frustrated. It's such a dumb law & it is SO backed by labor unions, that if it does fail, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that labor unions control Washington State. So, come Wednesday morning, I may be looking for a new job in a different state - I'm easy, I'll move anywhere there's a starbucks and a birkenstock outlet - any takers? x:-)

Parabeagle · November 2003

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 11-03-03 AT 07:36PM (CST)[/font][p]There's always your much-more-sensible neighbor to the south, Oregon. x;-)

No ergonomic guideline
No sales tax
Smaller population
Friendlier people

Leslie · November 2003

How do you like heat? We've got the Starbucks covered, and with all the outlet malls around here I've got to believe at least one of them will sell Birkenstocks. Maybe best of all for you - it's a right to work state.

Sunny · November 2003

Come south - we need more folks like you here. The weather's great and there's a Starbucks outlet in the super Target. I don't know about birkenstocks but there is a discount shoe store that advertises birkenmocks (no kidding!)

But seriously, if we all moved because our state legislatures were stupid and/or corrupt we'd have to start our own country. Hmmm - not a bad idea.
O=*

Hunter1 · November 2003

Well, good luck with your ergonomics rule, but be careful when you say you're easy; might get the wrong kind of offers. OK, Ray, I'm ready to join your ranks.

ray a · November 2003

Hey Hunter, how come everytime someone is "bad" they mention me? x}>

HRsage · November 2003

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 11-04-03 AT 10:26AM (CST)[/font][p]Hey Mwild, this will cheer you up....just say to yourself....

At least I don't live in California!!

Yes the weather is great, but the labor unions had our former Governor and our current state legislature in the palm of their hands.

I just recently saw the list of new labor laws that take effect in January. That sucking sound that Pork keeps talking about is going to be all the businesses leaving California!

San Francisco · November 2003

Darn, HRSage, I was going to say move to Berkeley - tons of birkenstocks and coffee houses. In fact, Berkeley had an initative on their last election to allow only organically grown coffee to be sold in Berkeley. Ah, the intellectually weird and challenged.

Elizabeth

HRsage · November 2003

Yes, I forgot about Berkeley (which I usually try to do) Wasn't it Berkeley that didn't allow the fire trucks to fly the US Flag after 9/11? Very patriotic.

I think it's also a city ordinance that everyone in Berkeley has to own at least one pair of Birkenstocks. And from what I hear they are very anti- Starbucks- too corporate, that's why they had that ballot initiative.

Parabeagle · November 2003

My niece, who went to UC Berkeley, refers to the town as "The People's Republic of Berkeley." And she's one of the most liberal people I know.

marc · November 2003

I heartily recommend Nevada. We do have starbucks, birkenstock, etc. Great outdoor and indoor recreation. No personal income tax (so far), and a 'rebel without a cause' attitude.

System · November 2003

But a whole lotta smokers!

marc · November 2003

Yes, one of the many very sad facts about our State. We also have some very low wages in the casino industry and get a lot of people in the community with issues related to the under educated and low income profiles. That means we HR folks need to shine some real bright lights to show people a way to go.

OK, I am off the bully pulpit now.

Don D · November 2003

I bought a very expensive pair of Birks following toe surgery. They came with shades. We don't allow Starbucks in this state except inside Barnes & Noble where liberals hang out. You can't come to this state, 'cause we don't hold to uppity women who claim to be 'easy'. We insist you be able to cook cornbread in a cast iron skillet and spit a watermelon seed 35 feet standing flatfooted. Have you checked on re-enlistment? Don't go telling me how mean I am now...you know my humor by now. x:-)

mwild31 · November 2003

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 11-04-03 AT 05:00PM (CST)[/font][p]Thank you for your posts! As to Oregon - I have a sister that lives there & I've always thought that I'll probably end up retiring down there or at least moving there once my son is in college. I love Arizona too - my great-grandfather lived in Sun City - I like the idea of retiring there as well - I've always wanted to trade in the high car payments for a golf cart. California - it's like a home away from home for me - I was actually stationed there (while in the USAF) for about 18 months at the now defunct George Air Force Base. I loved every minute I was there. Nevada - not exactly my cup of tea - but if the people are as nice as you Marc - then what the heck! x:-)

Today's the day for the vote - so we'll see what happens. At least on the brighter side, if it does pass, it will sure mean job security for me. x:-)

Thanks again everyone!

Just saw the post from Don - I'm amending my closing "Thanks again everyone!" to "Thanks again everyone, 'cept Don!" I was in Mississippi for about 6 weeks - man - the cockroaches were everywhere x;-) You know my humor too my friend x:-)

Parabeagle · November 2003

Isn't Keesler AFB the pits, Mwild?

Don D · November 2003

Most of the US pilots in the armed forces were either trained at Meridian Mississippi or Keesler AFB. I remember as a kid when my dad would have to pull summer tour there. We'd go with him to the coast for vacation. I always thought those yankees in uniform were the weirdest people in the world. They were mostly greasers and talked filthy and were always leaning against the walls around the strip clubs droolin'. Actually, the cockroaches are indigenous to the Gulf Coast area because of those damned banana boats. That's the countries largest inbound port for that stuff. The roaches piggy-back from wherever they grow bananas. They leave the state, though, in air force luggage.

mwild31 · November 2003

Keesler was the pits. I was always the first one up on my floor (had to have time for my beauty routine) and I would stand outside the bathroom & snake my hand inside to flip on the light switch (learned behavior). Once the lights went on, the walls would literally come alive with little cockroaches crawling all around - very creepy. Don't worry Don, for as much disdain you had for the AF types - we were all told that the locals were crazy x;-)

ps - other than the cockroaches - I did like my time at Keesler.

Paul in Cannon Beach · November 2003

Mwild31,

Sorry to hear that! Don't give up. Polls are often wrong.

I was in the Poulsbo area looking into a possible staff retreat site when I got stuck in traffic (traffic? in Seattle? Never!) Anyways, I tuned in to a great discussion on the radio about your ergonomics law and the repeal effort. The callers tended to be against the law and did a pretty good job of showing why it needed to be repealed.

The only guy in favor of it was an ergonomics consultant who stood to get alot of business helping companies with compliance.

When is the vote?

Paul in Cannon Beach, OR

mwild31 · November 2003

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 11-04-03 AT 09:08PM (CST)[/font][p]Hi Paul. The polls opened today at 7:00 a.m. This has been a long process for me - about 4 years. The initiative only came about this summer, however there's been a long legal campaign going on (last couple of years) that I've been closely following and I've written numerous letters to the Governor, State Legislators, letters to the editor, interacting with a local organization called Association of Washington Business. I even went so far to tell my state senator (he was a former teacher of mine at a local community college) when he showed up on my doorstep looking for votes that I wouldn't vote for him based solely on his approach to business in the state & specifically his votes in favor of the ergo legislation. Hard to say, especially since I really liked him (in a non-sexual way Ray x;-)) and enjoyed his classes.

It's crazy to know that tomorrow could actually be the last day that I have to think about this garbage or the first day that I have to put it in place.

I feel like I've just run the marathon but don't know if I finished. (:|

Don D · November 2003

I have a great bloody mary recipe!

mwild31 · November 2003

See I knew you liked me - x:-) - please feel free to send it my way!

WOCO Frank · November 2003

So?

What happened?

Parabeagle · November 2003

I suspect Mwild's popping the cork on a bottle of champagne right about now x;-)

Paul in Cannon Beach · November 2003

Here is a link to the story:

[url]http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_110403_news_washington_election.1d4f9ea4.html[/url]

Paul in Cannon Beach

mwild31 · November 2003

:oo ..."Here comes the sun, little darling x:-), here comes the sun x:D, and I say, xhugs it's alright..."

93% of the vote is in, unions are already whining x:'( that business outspend them in the campaign and 53% of the voters have APPROVED the initiative to repeal the ergonomics regulation. I'm so happy, I have to wear xB-)!

Parabeagle · November 2003

Don't mince words, Mwild, tell us how you REALLY feel. x:-)

WOCO Frank · November 2003

You're on a roll now! It's the perfect time to run for Governor!

Leslie · November 2003

So the next recall is in Washington?

ray a · November 2003

Mwild, does this mean you won't be moving to MS to hang out with Don wearing your matching Birks and sipping latte from Starbucks?

Safety Witch · November 2003

Since I'm from Washington I have to add my three cheers to the Washington voters. The ergo issue is just another plot to get business to leave our state. When the doctors who treat our employees know how to properly diagnose (using objective testing) carpal tunnel, then'll I'll consider voting for an ergo law, but when you have clinics where the protocol goes something like this...."Hey doc, my wrist hurts. Well you must have CTS"....I have to vent! The statistics used to show "overwhelming" evidence that MSD's are the major source of workplace injury need to be questioned! Employers continually bear the burden for our aging workforce and hobbies and it's time our politicians recognize that people have to be accountable for their own health conditions. IT"S NOT ALL WORK RELATED!!!!!

Thanks, I needed that.

Safety W

Okay - now I need some cheering up.

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