Frog and Goat

So, for years, I taught classes about a software package that a specific population of state workers uses on a daily basis. This week I’ve been observing the new crop of trainers who are now teaching this course. I’m ready to stab myself with my ink pen.
I’m afraid that all of the progress our old training team made with getting good, quality information out to the workers is about to be erased. These new trainers have been on the job for 6 months and I can’t tell if they’ve done one minute of preparation to familiarize themselves with the software program. The trainers have sort-of learned the policy but I’m appalled at the level of comfort with the software program. I should point out each of these trainers were aware of the commitment to teaching software when they applied for and accepted their positions.

My heart is heavy and I’m ready to leave this classroom…obviously, I’ve already left, at least mentally, if I’m writing this in real-time.

I’ve been attending a training class this week in the official capacity of “observer”. My unofficial capacity is to snark about the training with my boss. We just snuck back into training after spending lunch at the beach. In case you hadn’t noticed, it is hotterthanhell outside.

I’m the designated supply person for the office for the month of August. When you are the supply person, you are supposed to buy a month’s worth of paper towels, hand soap (because we’re too delicate to use the stuff building management puts in the dispenser), paper plates, cups, napkins, etc. The coffee club supplies their own supplies related to coffee. I am not a member of the coffee club because I am a coffee snob and refuse to drink coffee that comes in a 5 gallon bucket. Not to mention the little packets of dried cream.

The group I work with is self-described as having too much time and money on their hands and therefore they like to have a little bit of Martha at the office. I’m all for a little bit of Martha at home but at the office? The office is not my home away from home. It is where I go to make money to pay for my real home. It is a means to the end. Therefore I don’t see the point in spending too much money on fancy schmancy paper towels and other products that we use once and throw away. Except for plastic cutlery. I’ll spend a few extra cents for those because I hate having a fork tine break off in my lunch.

Once I had to bring in paper plates for a potluck lunch and I went with Chinet dinner plates. Practically a sin. I figured Chinet would carry me through. These folks expected me to go to the party store and create a theme. Know what? I don’t live anywhere near a party store and I’m not going across town to buy plates and cups to create a theme. Unless, of course, I’m having a group of people over to my house and then I’ll make an effort.

Last night Kroger had a pack of 8 paper towels on sale. I bought them and these folks will have to live with those rolls of paper towels for the month of August. I may get nuts and buy another pack of Chinet plates. Just my passive-aggressive way of rebelling.