Listening

Well…. It has been WAY too long since I blogged, and unfortunately, I am pretty sure …no wait, I am ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE this will be completely boring to everyone. Trust me though; this post does have its purpose. The first, for those of you that don’t really understand what I do – again, I think this is everyone I know, unless you work with me – by the end of this post you will. (That is if you keep reading!! Ha ha) The second, I am frustrated, and I think writing my thoughts, and subsequently sharing them with the world, will help me be un-frustrated. (To those of you I work with – the names have been changed to protect the innocent!! LOL, totally joking!)

To understand my issues, it is necessary to explain what I do. First of all… I think most people would find my job VERY boring, but I REALLY love it! Seriously, I LOVE my job!!! There are always new challenges, and I work with awesome people. They are people, that due to the crazy chicken plant life, I consider family. Yes… family. I really do (most of the time) love them that much!! J Anyway, back to the point. I am a HACCP Coordinator. When people ask what I do, my usual response is “I work with USDA to make sure everything we produce is safe”. That is the super short, abbreviated version. Here is the kinda short version of my main job responsibility….

HACCP means… let me just say that I am going to use “I” a lot, that is DEFINITELY not the case!! I work with a whole team of people from various departments, and every single aspect of what I do is a team effort. I am definitely not able to take all the credit for the hard work that goes into what “I” do. So, I evaluate everything, everything, in the plant for any potential physical, chemical, or biological hazards that can be introduced. That is the HA part – Hazard Analysis. Then I identify critical control points (that is the CCP part) to help control the process. There is A LOT of paperwork that goes along with this: supporting documents, justification for decisions, and lots of records to show “we are doing what we said we were going to do”. I get to work with every department as well as the USDA. Most of the time, getting to interact with everyone else and see pieces of what they do is super interesting. Of course, as with any job, it has its stressful times too, and remember those people that I said are like family. Yeah, that is in every way possible. Including the disagreements, but that is one of the good parts of being so close. We all understand how stressful and frustrating it can get sometimes, and we typically forgive easily – well we are all stubborn, I guess quickly would be a better adjective than easily!!!

To summarize the previous paragraph, that basically means I am the person that is… well there are a lot of adjectives that could go here, most tend to be condescending!! Lol, and believe it or not, I am TOTALLY ok with that! Here are a few of the ones I typically hear….

Nitpicky

Police

S*!^-Stirrer

Necessary Evil

I am sure there are people who could supply MANY more names to this list, but like I said, it typically doesn’t bother me. Because at the end of the day, I am the one who is all of that. But, like all of the un-fun, necessary things in life, I do have a purpose. When something does happen, it is usually my department’s responsibility to:

1.       Identify what product is not acceptable to release into commerce. (i.e.: I am the one to blame if you get sick or hurt!!)

2.       Justify why everything else IS acceptable to release into commerce.

3.       Complete the above while remembering we are in business to make money, and either decision, especially if it is the wrong one, will cost A LOT of money. We are talking about millions of pounds of food being produced in a very short amount of time.

So, to go back to me being a “necessary evil” – I do pick on the people I work with LOTS, and I am thankful they put up with me! I swear, I really do have good intentions though! (I have to insert that my grandaddy always said “good intentions pave the road to hell” – and I find this amusing, because this is one of “his proverbs” that he told me frequently!) This is because it is really easy to think “huh, if we would have done this, we wouldn’t have this problem”. I really do try my hardest to think of as many of those things as possible before something happens. It is important when you work in QA/HACCP that you think very proactively. If you don’t, by the time you realize something is wrong, you have probably lost the company a significant amount of money. It also means I have to ask a lot of questions, because there is a lot about processing I don’t know. I promise, I do have good intentions with all of my questions too!! I can make much better decisions if I understand how everything works better.

All of this rambling brings me to my point, while I understand I am in a position to be the bearer of bad news …all the time… it is my hope that the people I work with do see there is a purpose for what I do. I have a vast amount of respect for the people I usually pick on, and I should probably tell them that more! Sometimes though, I feel that SOME, and let me say there is a TON of emphasis on SOME, of the people I work with, could absolutely care less about my goals, and more importantly how they could impact the goals of the company. I normally don’t care too much about what others think, but for some reason I am having a really hard time with it. I have to add that I am by no means at all perfect or easy to work with. I have plenty of faults of my own, but I am not asking for everyone to be happy and agree all the time. (Life would be boring if I didn’t have anything to gossip about!! J) I guess I really don’t know what I expect, but I think it is that I will be respected for the assets that I bring to the table. As I said, I know I have plenty of faults, but it seems like the only time I am useful is when I am doing something that someone needs to complete their job. The problem is, with the good comes the bad. So, when I am doing all of the good stuff, I do have to point out all of the bad stuff.

I feel better after writing this, but I do feel stupid and somewhat petty. These are probably issues that everyone in every job deals with, and I am just not adjusting well. I truly hope that I do not make my co-workers feel this way. We all have different functions, but we are all working toward the same goal. I think it is very important we recognize what everyone has to bring to the table, good and bad. Perhaps I am idealistic …wait, I know I am. Is there anything wrong with that?? Is it wrong to expect that at some point we will get to that ideal place? (I must say, the other plant I worked in had pretty much the perfect atmosphere – most of the managers were older, and had worked in a lot of plants. I think that makes a difference too. They understood what was important, and they had made a lot of mistakes to learn from. They were also very interested in teaching young managers how to be the best, and they were patient. They put up with my questions, and they taught me a lot.) Don’t get me wrong, the people I work with now are fantastic!! I wouldn’t trade them or what I am doing now for anything!!  I don’t know, I don’t think there is a solution. The really nice thing about it, as I said at the beginning, we are a lot like family. That means that we can tell each other that “I have a bad attitude” or “today is just not the day”, and everyone (almost everyone) understands and more importantly, cares.

I have said it a lot, but please don’t take this the wrong way!! I really love my job, and it wouldn’t be the same without the people that I get to work with everyday!! I am truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life – I guess my young, idealistic view of the world is being compromised, and I am not quite ready to let go of it!!! That being said… I watched Harry Potter with Ella as she was falling asleep, and this Dumbledore quote stuck with me…

                “A child's voice, however honest and true, is meaningless to those who've forgotten how to listen.”

--Albus Dumbledore

“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”

Here is to hoping that I never forget how to listen… let me rephrase that, here is to hoping that I get better at listening!!! (and yes, those of you I work with are more than welcome to make fun of me for this!!!) I also have to brag… I didn’t once mention names, the company I work for, or any confidential information. Which is difficult because everything I do says “confidential”, and I would get fired... J Have a good night!!

--Amanda

30 Days ...Day 7

Day 7: A picture of your most treasured item.

I am a firm believer that there is nothing in this world I need as long as the people I love are ok. So, my most treasured items are, without a doubt, the people in my life. Since, I have to choose an "item" that I treasure... I guess it would be some of the jewelry that I have been given. First, my wedding ring....

Obviously, it has alot of sentimental meaning. It was designed at Underwoods, and it is one of a kind. I fell like there should be so much more to say about it, but I really don't know what else to say!! I really enjoy when I do get to wear it because I can't wear it at work.

Second, I have a ring that my grandparents gave to me. My Mammy had a ring that she had taken apart and made into three rings for my cousins and I. Her and my Grandaddy had our birthstones put in the middle of each of our rings. I really like this because it was something that had special meaning to my grandparents, they gave it to me, and my cousins have matching rings. It makes me feel like they are all with me when I wear it.

My parents also got me a pandora bracelet when I was pregnant with Ella, and they purchased a charm that had Ella's birthstone in it (which is emerald, by the way). Alan also purchased me a charm the day after Ella was born --that just happened to be Mother's Day-- for me to add to it. It means so much to me to wear this jewelry knowing that I am carrying a piece of some of the people in my life who mean the most to me.

Earlier this week, we went to my parents house to visit. Check out this video of Ella singing with my dad....

We were having so much fun!!!

Have a good night!!!!

--Amanda

Today...

Fair warning... the first part of this blog is going to be depressing!! If you don't want to read it feel free to skip to the bottom!!!

If you have been reading my blog, you know this past year has been difficult. We have lost one of Alan's great-grandmothers, Alan's uncle, my Grandaddy, one of my great-grandmothers, and after this week another one of my great-grandmothers.

This week my Nanny passed away. She was so sweet and such a strong person. She loved deeply, and she told you how much she loved you. Although I am so sad to know that she is gone, she was 97 years old. I have learned there are things worse than dying, and I feel like she had seen her fair share! Her mother died when she was young, her first child died when he was 2, her father died shortly after her son, her husband died in 1996, and since then two more of her children have died. I couldn't imagine, but she stayed strong and happy through all of it. So, while I am very sad to see her go, I know there are a lot of people in heaven she is very happy to see!!!! 

This week has been really hard...

The first is that she was my last great-grandparent. I was very blessed to get to know six of my great-grandparents, and the thought that they are all gone is very difficult for me to comprehend. I am so sad to see this chapter of my life closed!! When Ella was born, she had 5 generations in 4 different directions. Now, she only has one great-great-grandparent left! She was blessed to have that many, and I am glad they were able to spend this short amount of time together. I know she was a blessing to each of them, and I am sad that she won't remember them.

The second is that this was my last relative in Morrilton, AR. My grandparents are from there, and it was always a fun trip to go visit in Morrilton. I realized today as I was driving down there that this would be the last time we would need to go to Morrilton to see any family. It was sad leaving today!!!

The third is that this was my Grandaddy's mother. There is a large empty space in our lives that I don't believe can ever be repaired from losing Grandaddy in January. I miss him more than words can express, and it still doesn't seem real that he is gone. Also, I come from a family of very stong women (I know that is hard to see because I am so quiet and reserved... lol). To see three of the strongest women I know feel so depressed and sad is one of the hardest things I have ever done. I think my mother said it best when she said "He was the rock that held this family together" -- I think there may have been some words said about how well he handled being in the middle of so many strong-willed women!!! Ha ha, he handled us well, that is for sure!!! He held us together, and he loved deeply just like his mother. Going through today was like losing him all over again.

The fourth is all of the devestation from the weather! I was able to go help in Joplin last Thursday, and to actually see the impact of the storm was amazing. There are so many people who lost so much. It was difficult to see, but I was so thankful to get to help people when they needed it. My prayers are with all of those who have been impacted by the terrible storms this year! I was so happy to get home and just hold Ella and Alan!!

So, I think that is all of the depressing stuff -- at least for now! To the fun stuff! I am really excited about summer! I love being outside, and I am ready for the warm weather. Ella is growing up so fast! She is becoming more and more like a little adult everyday, and it is hilarious! She carries on conversations, not only with us, but with dogs, dolls, bath toys, anything she can make sit still long enough to listen to her! She is also getting very good at going potty in the potty!! It is wonderful to not have to change diapers so much!

Today she made me laugh, as I said she has gotten very good at communicating... unfortunately she has learned "shut-up". Until today, she had just yelled it at the dogs, and I figured she had picked it up from Alan. Until I heard Alan's dad get onto their dog and tell her to shut-up!! lol Well, she appropriately used it today when Mimi (my mom) was singing in the car. While this doesn't seem that funny, neither my mom or I can sing well, and the fact she told her to be quiet while she was singing made Mimi mad!! I thought it was funny! When we got home, after she and Abby had spent most of the day together, I guess Ella was ready for alone time. She looked at Abby and said "Abby, go home". I about died! At least we know she will tell people what she wants!

Here is to hoping my next blog post will be happier!!! Have a great memorial day weekend!

--Amanda

30 Days... Day 5

Ok, so I had a little skip in the "30 Days" series... we have been busy lately!! Day 5 is a picture of your favorite memory. Well... I have LOTS of pictures of this. On April 25, 2009 my brother got married, and it was a wonderful weekend. I was 37 weeks pregnant with Ella (yes, I was a little uncomfortable!!), and I was getting a wonderful new sister-in-law and niece. It was a wonderful time in our lives!

The first picture I posted solely for the purpose of seeing the shoes. I picked these shoes when I was 5 months pregnant -- I weighed alot less, and I was not swollen.... look how things change. (No Ms. Piggy comments Matt!!!) I did manage to wear them though!!

Here are pictures of us getting ready at the church. I thought this was a beautiful picture of Crystal.

 

I really liked this picture of Abby and Crystal!! Abby was having so much fun dressing up like a princess.

Like I said, LOTS of pictures!! Here are a couple of everyone.

 

The Happy Couple



Family Pictures ...


Me and Dustin


Me and Daddy
 

Ok I have to brag on my Mom -- I thought this was a really good picture of her, but look at some of the recent pictures of her from Ella's Birthday Party!! I am so proud of her and how much weight she has lost!!! She looks beautiful!!

More of the happy couple!!


What a good looking group of boys!!!


Look at my swollen feet!!!


Dustin and Crystal's Escorts!!


...and the best part of a wedding... the cake!!


And of course the toast!! --That is Jenn, Crystal's sister hidden behind the tent pole. She was a great Maid of Honor, and I really enjoyed getting to hang out with her!


The first dance.


My cousins Taylor and Kristen, aren't they beautiful??


Me and My Mommy!!!

...and then the hard liquor came out!!!

...Alan might have enjoyed some too...

At some point my brother ended up getting thrown in the pool!! I love this picture because I think he looks Daniel Craig-ish!!!

Random Pictures... 

This was also a very bittersweet time for our family. We had just recently found out that my Grandaddy had esophageal cancer. He had surgery the Tuesday after the wedding, and he fought very hard for the next two years!! Unfortunately, he lost his battle in January of 2011. This was the last family event we had that he really felt well, and that is why this is one of my favorite memories.


Grandaddy, Uncle Tony, and Daddy


Mammy and Grandaddy


Grandaddy, Aunt Terri, Taylor, and Kristen

Grandaddy loved to dance, and we all loved watching Mammy and Grandaddy dance!! He had alot of fun dancing tht night!!

 

I love you, Grandaddy!!

--Amanda

Puppies!!!

We finally have puppies!!! Thursday night, I thought Babe was going to have babies soon, but I was disappointed to wake up Friday with no puppies. I had to take Ella to the doctor Friday afternoon so luckily, I was able to run home and check on Babe (which saved us a trip to the emergency vet clinic). I could tell then something was wrong... So, Alan came home to take Babe to the vet while I took Ella to the doctor. (Ella's doctor's visit was an adventure all its own, which ended up with me throwing a fit and getting a free doctor's visit -- that was a first!) Anyway, after a few hours, one c-section, and a significant amount of money later --- WE HAVE PUPPIES!!!

  There 8 puppies --- 7 boys, and 1 girl! They are all very healthy! 

  

All the hungry babies!!!!

I like this picture -- Babe kept "hiding" the puppy with her nose. It was adorable!

Momma escaped for a little while to eat. The puppies are very loud, and they figured out she was missing very quickly!!

So, if there is one thing Alan and I have learned, it is that getting attached to a puppy in the first week is bad luck. It usually seems that one just doesn't make it, and I am FANTASTIC at becoming attached to that one who doesn't make it. Well, we said we weren't going to do that this time, but I did. Babe was given to us by my Grandaddy, and I was planning on naming one Bobby in memory of him. As soon as we saw the puppies, I knew which one Alan would like the best. It just so happens that this puppy has a broken tail (like one of Grandaddy's favorite dogs did). Since it was just perfect that it is the puppy Alan likes the best, and it has a broken tail, I find it only appropriate that it be named Bobby. I feel like I have cursed him, but we are on day number three, and he is still very strong.

Here is to hoping I have not cursed him by naming him!! Isn't he adorable?

I am sure I will be posting many more puppy pictures over the next few weeks!!!

--Amanda