As a PTO president, I am always looking to involve other erstwhile
volunteers so that I don't have to do as much real work. For some
events that works the charm. At others, well... I'm the chairman
and several volunteers.

Don't get me wrong: I like volunteering!

I volunteer for two reasons. First -- and foremost -- I keep
myself informed of all-things school-related. Secondly, I have
enough ego (and id) to reach out to my daughter-units' community
to [hopefully] make a difference. (It helps being an axe murdering
psycho, too.)

In 2004, right as the school year let out, a dad (an Ex-Software
Engineer [ESE]) walked up to me and started visibly grousing about
how his PTO didn't meet his specific needs. "Dammit! They're a
clique! They don't listen to anyone but the 'inner crowd.'"

Since I was actively involved in our community outreach program
that year (which turned numbers triple those of previous years), I
was concerned by this arm-chair criticism.

"Really? Like what?"

"The Group, you know, the same Power Families that work their
wiles every year, didn't 'hear' anything that was submitted for
this year."

"Like what? Please! Let me know. I _know_ the pres! He's willing
to listen -- especially since I have his ear!"

"You do? I was told he's process-driven and only cares about how
things are done?"

"Shee-it... You're an ex-engineer. Is there anything beyond
process?"

"Well, yes. There's the people. Their feelings and desires. If the
management doesn't listen, then the people won't implement the
requests!"

"Ah... Gotchya!"

"Anyways... The Anus* is good for key projects but sucks as a
manager. He's a Carly and Gates and Jobs, only their worst
traits..."

"Go on." I was actually loving every minute of my anonymity.

"So," ESE groused, "he sits in his ivory tower making
prognostications and rolling his 4-sided die** in the hopes that
he figures out the 'best' guess. Why doesn't he effin' asked the
community? THEY'D tell 'im!"

"Really?" I look at ESE and gauged his 6'2", 276 lb frame. "My
name is '[The].' '[The Ranger]' and I have to tell you that _you_
are the _first_ person to talk to me like I was part of the
community! For that... I THANK YOU! I'm very concerned about that
POV! Please, if you're able, continue."

"You're... I... I... I... I didn't mean to tell you..."

"Stop." I held up my hands pleadingly. "Please." ESE's jaw loudly
clicked shut. "Do I," I smiled, "have Death," and I looked over my
right shoulder, "hovering right here? No. I'm half your weight and
half your height. There's not much I _could_ do to you -- even if
I wanted."

ESE smiled.

"So... I've heard your concerns. I'm REALLY interested in them. My
only concern is that I haven't seen you at ANY of our meetings,
PTO or otherwise, and simply wonder if it's an oversight on my
part. If not, then I invite you to our next meeting and hope that
you'll address these same concerns there. If you haven't been to
any meetings, then I INVITE you to attend and I'll pick you up
prior to it."

"Well..."

"No 'well.' I'll pick you up!"

"Uhm..."

"Great!" I exclaimed and reached for his hand. "I appreciate your
honesty and willingness to volunteer! I will make SURE you won't
regret this!***"

The Ranger


* A particular orifice of small design used to evacuate waste
material and excess food products.
** AD&D reference
*** He did. He's now the daughter-units' PTO prez.

"The Ranger" > wrote

> "So," ESE groused, "he sits in his ivory tower making
> prognostications and rolling his 4-sided die**

> ** AD&D reference

Accidental Death and Dismemberment? Just what goes
on at those meetings.

nancy

In article >,
"Nancy Young" > wrote:

> "The Ranger" > wrote
>
> > "So," ESE groused, "he sits in his ivory tower making
> > prognostications and rolling his 4-sided die**
>
> > ** AD&D reference
>
> Accidental Death and Dismemberment? Just what goes
> on at those meetings.
>
> nancy
>
>

Advanced Dungeons and Dragons. ;-)

The 4 sided die is used during RPG gaming.
It's been so long since I've played, I've forgotten what the 4d was used
for, but I think it's a hit counter, used to roll for damage?

Yeah! My memory did not fail me!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four-sided_dice

Cheers!
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack Nicholson

In article >,
"Nancy Young" > wrote:

> "The Ranger" > wrote
>
> > "So," ESE groused, "he sits in his ivory tower making
> > prognostications and rolling his 4-sided die**
>
> > ** AD&D reference
>
> Accidental Death and Dismemberment? Just what goes
> on at those meetings.
>
> nancy
>
>

Basically, he was calling the PTO Prez. a dungeon master.
The person that runs the games has "absolute power" over the players.

For one familiar with RPG's, that was a pretty damned funny statement!
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack Nicholson

On Sat, 31 Dec 2005 16:39:15 -0500, "Nancy Young"
> replied:
>"The Ranger" > wrote
> > "So," ESE groused, "he sits in his ivory tower making
> > prognostications and rolling his 4-sided die**
>
> > ** AD&D reference
> >
> Accidental Death and Dismemberment? Just what goes
> on at those meetings.

AD&D --> Advanced Dungeons & Dragons.

As far as PTO meetings; they were more social than business
oriented, often lasting two hours. One of my goals was to run the
monthly meetings like a regular meeting and have those that didn't
want to go home, socialize afterwards. It took three months and
some minor head-butting but the meeting times were reduced to 30
minutes, agendas were formalized, and socializing was done
_afterwards_.

The Ranger

"The Ranger" > wrote

> On Sat, 31 Dec 2005 16:39:15 -0500, "Nancy Young"
> > replied:

>> Accidental Death and Dismemberment? Just what goes
>> on at those meetings.
>
> AD&D --> Advanced Dungeons & Dragons.

Yeah, I was goofin, didn't know what it was but I didn't think
it was insurance. Thanks you and Om for the answer.

> As far as PTO meetings; they were more social than business
> oriented, often lasting two hours. One of my goals was to run the
> monthly meetings like a regular meeting and have those that didn't
> want to go home, socialize afterwards. It took three months and
> some minor head-butting but the meeting times were reduced to 30
> minutes, agendas were formalized, and socializing was done
> _afterwards_.

Heh, as one who feels like they're being tortured to be in meetings,
I thank you. Hang around all you want, get the business out of the
way first.

nancy

The Ranger related in part:

> "You do? I was told he's process-driven and only cares about how
> things are done?"
>
> "Shee-it... You're an ex-engineer. Is there anything beyond
> process?"
>
> "Well, yes. There's the people. Their feelings and desires. If the
> management doesn't listen, then the people won't implement the
> requests!"

Er...there's also what the process is intended to accomplish, i.e., goals.
A process which is good for making chili probably won't be much use when
your goal is to repair a flat tire.

Bob

On 31 Dec 2005 17:33:03 -0600, "Bob Terwilliger"
> replied:
>The Ranger related in part:
> > "You do? I was told he's process-driven and only cares about how
> > things are done?"
> >
> > "Shee-it... You're an ex-engineer. Is there anything beyond
> > process?"
> >
> > "Well, yes. There's the people. Their feelings and desires. If the
> > management doesn't listen, then the people won't implement the
> > requests!"
> >
>Er...there's also what the process is intended to accomplish, i.e., goals.
>A process which is good for making chili probably won't be much use when
>your goal is to repair a flat tire.

True but processes for streamlining inefficiencies (meeting and
time management issues) were needed to be implemented so that we
could draw on a larger community. Most parents don't have three
hours at night to toss away and that's what the meetings lasted
prior... Agendas weren't really observed, either; it was not
unusual for someone to walk in and expect time to talk about an
item (or three).

The Ranger

The Ranger wrote:

> processes for streamlining inefficiencies (meeting and
> time management issues) were needed to be implemented so that we
> could draw on a larger community. Most parents don't have three
> hours at night to toss away and that's what the meetings lasted
> prior... Agendas weren't really observed, either; it was not
> unusual for someone to walk in and expect time to talk about an
> item (or three).

Sounds like you needed another member of the august Bob community:

http://www.robertsrules.com/

Bob

On 31 Dec 2005 21:22:01 -0600, "Bob Terwilliger"
> replied:
> > processes for streamlining inefficiencies (meeting and
> > time management issues) were needed to be implemented so that we
> > could draw on a larger community.
[snip]
> Sounds like you needed another member of the august Bob community:
>
>http://www.robertsrules.com/

I did implement them. That's what caused the problems. A very
minor, but very vocal, group of two thought I was steamrolling
participants by actually asking for meeting to follow minimal
guidelines. ESE'd half-listened to a gripe about me and assumed
the rest.

He's a damned-fine participant nowadays.

The Ranger

"The Ranger" > wrote in message
...
> As a PTO president, I am always looking to involve other erstwhile
> volunteers so that I don't have to do as much real work. For some
> events that works the charm. At others, well... I'm the chairman
> and several volunteers.
>
> Don't get me wrong: I like volunteering!
>
> I volunteer for two reasons. First -- and foremost -- I keep
> myself informed of all-things school-related. Secondly, I have
> enough ego (and id) to reach out to my daughter-units' community
> to [hopefully] make a difference. (It helps being an axe murdering
> psycho, too.)
>
> In 2004, right as the school year let out, a dad (an Ex-Software
> Engineer [ESE]) walked up to me and started visibly grousing about
> how his PTO didn't meet his specific needs. "Dammit! They're a
> clique! They don't listen to anyone but the 'inner crowd.'"
>
> Since I was actively involved in our community outreach program
> that year (which turned numbers triple those of previous years), I
> was concerned by this arm-chair criticism.
>
> "Really? Like what?"
>
> "The Group, you know, the same Power Families that work their
> wiles every year, didn't 'hear' anything that was submitted for
> this year."
>
> "Like what? Please! Let me know. I _know_ the pres! He's willing
> to listen -- especially since I have his ear!"
>
> "You do? I was told he's process-driven and only cares about how
> things are done?"
>
> "Shee-it... You're an ex-engineer. Is there anything beyond
> process?"
>
> "Well, yes. There's the people. Their feelings and desires. If the
> management doesn't listen, then the people won't implement the
> requests!"
>
> "Ah... Gotchya!"
>
> "Anyways... The Anus* is good for key projects but sucks as a
> manager. He's a Carly and Gates and Jobs, only their worst
> traits..."
>
> "Go on." I was actually loving every minute of my anonymity.
>
> "So," ESE groused, "he sits in his ivory tower making
> prognostications and rolling his 4-sided die** in the hopes that
> he figures out the 'best' guess. Why doesn't he effin' asked the
> community? THEY'D tell 'im!"
>
> "Really?" I look at ESE and gauged his 6'2", 276 lb frame. "My
> name is '[The].' '[The Ranger]' and I have to tell you that _you_
> are the _first_ person to talk to me like I was part of the
> community! For that... I THANK YOU! I'm very concerned about that
> POV! Please, if you're able, continue."
>
> "You're... I... I... I... I didn't mean to tell you..."
>
> "Stop." I held up my hands pleadingly. "Please." ESE's jaw loudly
> clicked shut. "Do I," I smiled, "have Death," and I looked over my
> right shoulder, "hovering right here? No. I'm half your weight and
> half your height. There's not much I _could_ do to you -- even if
> I wanted."
>
> ESE smiled.
>
> "So... I've heard your concerns. I'm REALLY interested in them. My
> only concern is that I haven't seen you at ANY of our meetings,
> PTO or otherwise, and simply wonder if it's an oversight on my
> part. If not, then I invite you to our next meeting and hope that
> you'll address these same concerns there. If you haven't been to
> any meetings, then I INVITE you to attend and I'll pick you up
> prior to it."
>
> "Well..."
>
> "No 'well.' I'll pick you up!"
>
> "Uhm..."
>
> "Great!" I exclaimed and reached for his hand. "I appreciate your
> honesty and willingness to volunteer! I will make SURE you won't
> regret this!***"
>
> The Ranger
>
>
> * A particular orifice of small design used to evacuate waste
> material and excess food products.
> ** AD&D reference
> *** He did. He's now the daughter-units' PTO prez.

LOLOL.. good for you)))) That's the way to do it LOL

Happy New Year Ranger I look forward to your posts in 2006

Ophelia
Scotland

The Ranger wrote:

> As a PTO president, I am always looking to involve other erstwhile
> volunteers so that I don't have to do as much real work. For some
> events that works the charm. At others, well... I'm the chairman
> and several volunteers.

..... snip........

Too true. There are a lot of organizations run by individuals to the
best of their ability. They rarely get help but they are always the
target of petty sniping. I used be be involved in our union, not
because I was a rabid unionist, but because I thought my sensible <?>
approach would balance counteract some of the more rabid types. I
used to hear all sorts of gripping about "the union" this and "the
union that" to which I would respond that they were part of the
union, but I don't recall ever seeing them at meetings or volunteering
their time.

When my son was on teams or in cubs my wife and I always made it known
that we were willing to help out. It always turned out that we were
the only people who were ever called because they knew we would come.
Meanwhile, there are all sorts of other people harping and carrying
on, but never offered to lift a finger. It seems that entertaining
their kids is someone else's job.

On Sat, 31 Dec 2005 20:43:43 -0500, Dave Smith
> replied:
>The Ranger wrote:
>> As a PTO president, I am always looking to involve other erstwhile
>> volunteers so that I don't have to do as much real work. For some
>> events that works the charm. At others, well... I'm the chairman
>> and several volunteers.
>
>.... snip........
>
>Too true. There are a lot of organizations run by individuals to the
>best of their ability. They rarely get help but they are always the
>target of petty sniping. I used be be involved in our union, not
>because I was a rabid unionist, but because I thought my sensible <?>
>approach would balance counteract some of the more rabid types. I
>used to hear all sorts of gripping about "the union" this and "the
>union that" to which I would respond that they were part of the
>union, but I don't recall ever seeing them at meetings or volunteering
>their time.
>
>When my son was on teams or in cubs my wife and I always made it known
>that we were willing to help out. It always turned out that we were
>the only people who were ever called because they knew we would come.
>Meanwhile, there are all sorts of other people harping and carrying
>on, but never offered to lift a finger. It seems that entertaining
>their kids is someone else's job.
>
That's one of the reasons I chaired the outreach program. I don't
like silence or complainers and used them in non-monetary-based
ways. If they said they couldn't fit the time to come to a
meeting, I found something they could do at home. If they
complained about a festival or committee, they often chaired the
next one. Some of our festivals have been run by these armchair
generals that were braying from their stalls...

"'No, I can't' is just trying to find the 'Yes, I will'."

The Ranger

In article >,
The Ranger > wrote:

> As a PTO president, I am always looking to involve other erstwhile
> volunteers so that I don't have to do as much real work. For some

>
> "Great!" I exclaimed and reached for his hand. "I appreciate your
> honesty and willingness to volunteer! I will make SURE you won't
> regret this!***"
>
> The Ranger


What are you, bored? Looking for reviewers? You posted this to the
other group months ago. Unless it was here then.
--
http://www.jamlady.eboard.com, updated 12-22-05

On Sat, 31 Dec 2005 20:54:01 -0600, Melba's Jammin'
> wrote:

> In article >,
> The Ranger > wrote:
>
> > As a PTO president, I am always looking to involve other erstwhile
> > volunteers so that I don't have to do as much real work. For some
> >
> > "Great!" I exclaimed and reached for his hand. "I appreciate your
> > honesty and willingness to volunteer! I will make SURE you won't
> > regret this!***"
> >
> > The Ranger
>
> What are you, bored? Looking for reviewers? You posted this to the
> other group months ago. Unless it was here then.

I love reading his stories.

Carol

In article >,
Damsel in dis Dress > wrote:

> > What are you, bored? Looking for reviewers? You posted this to the
> > other group months ago. Unless it was here then.
>
> I love reading his stories.
>
> Carol

Me, too. He's a talented writer. I still crow about him hosing the
peach thief!
--
http://www.jamlady.eboard.com, updated 12-22-05

On Sun, 01 Jan 2006 08:26:36 -0600, Melba's Jammin'
> replied:
> [..] He's a talented writer.

Stawp... You'll turn my head with such praise.

> I still crow about him hosing the peach thief!

It was nectarines, and they weren't even RIPE! And she was
severely pruning my tree trying to get them!

The Ranger

On Sun 01 Jan 2006 07:26:36a, Thus Spake Zarathustra, or was it Melba's
Jammin'?

> In article >,
> Damsel in dis Dress > wrote:
>
>> > What are you, bored? Looking for reviewers? You posted this to the
>> > other group months ago. Unless it was here then.
>>
>> I love reading his stories.
>>
>> Carol
>
> Me, too. He's a talented writer. I still crow about him hosing the
> peach thief!

Talented or not, it is excessive and OT, and should have been marked as such.
personally, I considered it drivel.

--
Wayne Boatwright *¿*
__________________________________________________ ________________
And if we enter a room full of manure, may we believe in the pony.

Wayne Boatwright wrote:
>
> Talented or not, it is excessive and OT, and should have been marked as such.
> personally, I considered it drivel.
>
For your 2006 New Year's Resolution, you might try getting a sense of
humor. -aem

In article >,
Wayne Boatwright > wrote:


> Talented or not, it is excessive and OT, and should have been marked as such.
> personally, I considered it drivel.

Something tells me that the fact that you don't have kids, won't ever
have kids and don't like kids, has colored your interest in this post.

:-)

I agree that it should have been marked OT, but I often forget myself.

--
Dan Abel

Petaluma, California, USA

On 1 Jan 2006 17:22:58 +0100, Duh-Wayne >
brayed:
> [..] I considered it drivel.

Since everything you post is sniveling drivel I'd say you're still
way ahead on that score.

2006 New Year's Resolution #1: Continue to **** Duh-Wayne off so I
remain in his KF.

The Ranger

In article >,
Wayne Boatwright > wrote:

> On Sun 01 Jan 2006 07:26:36a, Thus Spake Zarathustra, or was it Melba's
> Jammin'?
>
> > In article >,
> > Damsel in dis Dress > wrote:
> >
> >> > What are you, bored? Looking for reviewers? You posted this to the
> >> > other group months ago. Unless it was here then.
> >>
> >> I love reading his stories.
> >>
> >> Carol
> >
> > Me, too. He's a talented writer. I still crow about him hosing the
> > peach thief!
>
> Talented or not, it is excessive and OT, and should have been marked as such.
>
> personally, I considered it drivel.


Tsk!

I consider it a nice break from food..... :-)

Om -> Trying to get her fat ass back on low carb
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack Nicholson

Wayne Boatwright wrote:
> On Sun 01 Jan 2006 07:26:36a, Thus Spake Zarathustra, or was it Melba's
> Jammin'?
>
> > Me, too. He's a talented writer. I still crow about him hosing the
> > peach thief!
>
> Talented or not, it is excessive and OT, and should have been marked as such.
> personally, I considered it drivel.
>

Wayne! This is completely out of character for you. Hope your day is
a better one tomorrow.

Happy New year,
sf

On Sat, 31 Dec 2005 20:54:01 -0600, Melba's Jammin'
> replied:
> What are you, bored?

Yep.

> You posted this to the other group months ago. Unless
> it was here then.

It was AM and ou're subjected to many of them because of that
extra exposure.

The Ranger