Curmudgeon

Howdy Ya'll,

The word for today is Curmudgeon. It is defined by Merriam-Websters as follows:

cur·mud·geon

Pronunciation: (")k&r-'m&-j&n
Function: noun
Etymology: origin unknown

1 archaic : MISER
2 : a crusty, ill-tempered, and usually old man

I have grown fond of this word for two reasons. The first being that it is simply fun to say outloud. It rolls off of your tongue so easily. Just say it with me - Curmudgeon.

Okay, the second reason is more practical. I work with a curmudgeon. It is safe to say that he won't be reading this blog or even become aware of its existence, so I can safely proclaim to the world that I work with a curmudgeon.

Now, my professional interactions with the aforementioned curmudgeon would be of little consequence except that I have realized that I am not alone in my experience. I believe that we have all had to deal with our own personal curmudgeons in some aspect of life. Please take the time to reflect back upon your various professions, hobbies, organizations, and even family events, and identify the curmudgeon in those instances. You may even find that you have encountered more than one at any given time. Curmudgeons generally gravitate toward one another to enhance the bitter resentment exuding from them.

After you have identified the curmudgeons in your life, take special care to recognize those traits common to a curmudgeon. This is an important step because the only way to prevent yourself from evolving into a curmudgeon is the stay aware of the warning signs.

Do you -

1. Assume your personal preferences are the same for everyone else
2. Disregard the comfort of others when adjusting the A/C settings
3. Impart unsolicited advice and then take offense if it is not heeded
4. Address others in a tactless manner in even casual conversation
5. Make changes to the environment of others in their absence (for their own good)
6. Disregard the opinion of others outright
7. Kick puppies (I haven't observed this behavior yet, but I can only assume)

This is just a short list of characteristics that you can use to identify the onset of curmudgeonliness. Do not take these warning signs lightly. Onset can result in:

• A lack of social life
• Professional disrepect
• Unwanted ugliness
• Talking behind your back
• A poor sense of style
• No friends
• A sad, lonely and bitter death with only a pack of Camels and a case of Natural Light.

Results will vary. Consult a physician.

-Pooh out.

Welcome Back

Howdy Ya'll,

It's been a long time, but we have come full circle and I am still in Iraq. Today marks a full year since I first set foot on Iraqi soil, and with a new year comes new challenges. I have started a new contract with a new company, and I remain optimistic. New opportunities abound.

I spent a good three weeks back in the States, which proved to be very refreshing, but I can assure you that any longer and I would not have had the motivation to return to this country. Home is a nice place to be.

With a new job in front of me, it presents almost the same period of acclimation to the environment. I am the new guy in the office, complete with no key, no phone, and little direction of responsibility. I do hold the advantage of familiarity of the camp, which will expedite the settling in process. There is much to look toward. This contract is in full swing, but the work is only just begun. There will be much to do, and much to learn. I am hopeful that my talents will prove useful and perhaps even prove myself to be an invaluable asset to the team.

Okay, enough of the overview. It is cool to be back, but home is again far away. Hopefully we can look forward to a new year of blogs and dreams. Take care and keep checking in.

-Pooh out.