Attitude and Disappointment

How does one keep a positive attitude in the shadow of a huge disappointment? 

JRCC is in the middle of a huge...I mean, HUGE, transformation.  The Warden of 16 years took another position within the DOCR.   His vacancy left the door open for upward movement through the ranks.   We've recently hired (from within) a new Warden, Deputy Warden, Chief of Security, Unit Manager, new Captain, two new Lieutenants and two new Lieutenants. 

With all of those promotions comes both joy,  for those who received the promotions, and disappointment for those who were not fortunate to be promoted.

There are so many hard feelings running through the staff.  Why did "they" get it over me?  I've been here longer!  I've worked hard to get where I'm at!  What could I have done differently?  I deserved the promotion, they didn't.

I feel for them.  I do.   I wish everyone could come out on top.  But there are only so many positions and not everyone can win. 

For those that were promoted, I congratulate you.   I have opinions about some of those promotions, but will not voice them.   Time will tell whether the right decisions were made.   PERFORMANCE will confirm it.  

For those that were not promoted....I say this....take a long, hard look at yourself.  Were you really prepared for the interview?  Do you view each day as a learning experience.   Do you know the facility and the daily in's and out's or running it?  Or do you go through the day on autopilot and just 'put in the time'?   What can YOU do better each and every day when you report to the front gate?
Are you a negative nelly - always the first to play the blame game?  Or are you one to take charge and dig down deep and go that extra mile to help fix that which is wrong?  Are you quick to criticize and the last to applaud effort?  Are you really a team player when it counts?  Or do you have that sense of entitlement? 

Morale is low....there is a lot of negative vibrations going through the facility.  I'm doing what I can to bring morale up...but I'm only one person.   Small things mean a lot...true...but it's going to take a whole lot of small things to turn things around.   Management has a long road ahead of them.  Change, in any organization, is inevitable.   It's how that change is handled that determines the final outcome.

Attitude can make or break an organization or institution.  Let's hope it doesn't break ours.  We can't afford to show weakness in front of the inmates.  But I'm afraid that's already happened.

Happy Easter

It''s Easter Sunday and spring has finally sprung in ND...at least for today.   The temperature is a balmy 73 degrees with a 25mph wind.   Windows are open and I'm loving it.  

I cook dinner for my in-laws today.   Originally it was just going to be me, T and Ella but I invited Bill and Jackie yesterday.  I always make far too much food as it is so I knew I had plenty.  I haven't seen them since they came back from wintering in Arizona.  Ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, burnt buns and orange dreamsicle jello soup (my jello wouldn't set).     Oh, and Angelfood cake with strawberries, glaze and whipped cream.

As I was slicing the store bought Angelfood cake, I remembered my mother.   Angelfood was her absolute favorite.   She used to make them from scratch and when she did, she'd make 4 or 5 at a time.  She didn't frost them or anything - it was just plain, no fuss, no muss.   When she was on kidney dialysis, us kids would treat her once in a while with a piece or two.  Her eyes would light up and her smile would grow wider.   She loved her Angelfood cake.    So today, I remembered my mom as I sliced the cake.   I smiled as I had my first bite and thought of her. 

After everyone left and T went out to look for arrowheads, I changed clothes and went for a bike ride.   I bought a mountain bike at Scheels on Thursday.  Why?   Why not?!   Since I cannot run anymore and the doctor said that riding bike would be good for my knee to keep it moving and to strengthen the muscle., I decided to purchase a bike and give it a shot.  

I took it for it's maiden voyage today.  It went pretty good.  I didn't fall off or go ass over tea kettle.   The gravel is a little tough to ride on though as the gravel stones threaten my forward motion.  lol   I'm going to have to find some prairie trails to ride so that I don't get thrown from my aluminum ride. 
I went 3 miles today.  It feels good...I can tell I am going to need a few accessories....bike gloves being one of them.  The grooves of the handlebars were cutting in to my hand.   Of course, perhaps it was the death grip I had on them that was the cause of the pain and not the grooves :)  I can tell already that I'm going to have fun on the bike...exploring and just getting out in nature.  Thursday nights, Friday nights and Saturdays and Sundays are going to be riding days.  

What's on deck for the upcoming week?  Yoga and gym...pretty much the story of my life.  

Have a good one everyone.