Hey you...yeah YOU....YOU'RE FIRED!!!

So 'they' (the blogging experts) say I need to blog about something that interests me huh? Computers? Ok I can do this but will it interest me in 6 months (heck what about next week!). Cross that off the list. Relationships?! This REALLY interests me but who am I kidding I am by far no expert in many areas here . So what can I do that's random enough to keep my interest and appeal to cyberspace? GOT IT!!! My Pondering Thoughts!! Catchy huh?? My mind is random enough to write something everyday - in fact several times per day. I'll obviously be interested in this stuff because - well - it's what's on my mind!!

I've contemplated blogging for some time now but never really made much of an effort. I wrote some thoughts here and there but nothing worthwhile. I've read many many MANY blogs contributing to many hours of 'research' (of course none of this was time wasted!!). I never seemed to have any time to blog between work, maintaining a social life, and of course all that 'research' *wink*. Well my friends it turns out I have PLENTY of time now. Yes, late last week I heard the dreaded words "You're FIRED"! Well it didn't quite go like that but in the end it all means the same thing - unemployment line. I understand why I was terminated but I still disagree.

Here's what happened: I worked IT security for a large financial services firm. It was my teams responsibility for maintaining various types of user accounts. One type of account in particular was FTP (File Transfer Protocol - used to move big files from one place to another). I created an FTP account and MISTAKENLY gave it the wrong permissions. I completely and totally admit to this being my mistake but it was an honest one. This mistake can easily be done by not completely copying and pasting one line of text. I copied the line but left the last word off which gave the account incorrect permissions. For this one mistake - this very ONE I was terminated. I had a stellar record in the four years I worked there. I've made many positive and cost-saving contributions. I personally feel I wasn't well represented by my management. Then again I really didn't argue or try and persuade them otherwise. I acknowledged my mistake and their decision and left peacefully. I was a bit upset though that they would not let me say goodbye to my team nor anyone else there. These are people I've spent many hours each day with and got to know very well. These people were/are my friends. That's what hurt the most out of this whole ordeal.

So what to do now? Most would probably rush out and try to find another job immediately. I never was one to follow the pack though. I'm going to take some time and try to make something of myself. I was somewhat successful working these last few years with this company but I'm going to be a little greedy and try to make myself better, wealthier. Not necessarily financially wealthier. I want more. I don't want to have to ask permission to see the dentist for some pain I'm experiencing. I don't want to be questioned with what I'm doing (I can't stand micromanagement!!!). I want my freedom. My time. Now I know I'm going to have to work REALLY hard to get this but I know I can do it.

I invite you to follow along and see how I do. I most definitely encourage feedback whether it's good or bad. Words of encouragement won't hurt either *wink*.

Til next time.....this is Joe signing off! (I know I know...I think it's lame too but it made me laugh!!)