August 15, 2007

Last night, one of our co-workers departed unexpectedly due to a medical concern. He is the second person I work with to leave with this type of disease. It has actually stirred up a little concern here because the two infected led very different lifestyles and there's no indication as to where the bacteria is being contracted from. What is it you ask? Necrotizing fasciitis...also known as "flesh-eating disease". The assumption on the first person was that it was contracted through a dirty grate at the public pool. This second person doesn't go to the pool - only work, DFAC, and his room. The first had a cut - the second didn't. They were of different genders, age groups, and body structure. The only thing I can think of that was in common is that both lacked exercise in their daily activities and both worked themselves silly. Fortunately, this coworker left BEFORE it was a serious problem to have proper treatment. The first was medivaced (sp?) out. Either way, extra precautions are being taken JUST IN CASE and hand sanitizer was distributed. It's interesting the rumors that are produced as a result of it. So far I have heard, with great certainty, that the cause was the pool, the shower water, and bed bugs. I don't go to the pool and I haven't noticed any bed bugs. Guess I'll change the sheets and cross my fingers it's not the water. I believe Mike and I have pretty strong immune systems so I'm not concern..but I definitely won't take any chances if I notice any swelling or redness on our skin. :) Guess the ginormous hand sanitizer bottles my mom sent me will come in handy!

Our usual Monday meeting occurred today and preparation/presentation went rather smoothly considering the number of leadership we had in attendance. Due to yesterday's conference we had more in person than via the teleconference. Each person 'deserved' a seat at the table and there was less room available than people. Proper seating protocol still had to be followed and seats in the audience had to be assigned. To top things off, someone decided to offer extra input in the arrangement, after it had already been approved, and insist on performed maintenance (air conditioner) 10 minutes before the CG's due arrival. Yes I know, petty stuff, but when the General's glaring at you because things aren't 100% ready, you'd understand! To add to the tension, the power went out in the middle of it. ;) No worries though, the presentation went smoothly and I corrected the power situation quick enough that it wasn't too much of a nuisance.

Mike took his personality test today too! Turns out he is a Benevolent Director. In case you are wondering where these are coming from - I noticed an ad directing me to the www.personaldna.com website for a free personality test. It sounded fun so I thought I'd try it out. It consists of 11 pages worth of 'gauging' questions. Check it out!

Benevolent Director:

About Me:
As a DIRECTOR, you combine an unusual openness and passion for beauty and style with confidence and a down-to-earth sensibility that allow you to realize your vision.
You are practical and pay attention to the details that others tend to miss.
By focusing on what is real and concrete, you achieve more than those who always have their heads in the clouds.
When it comes to what really matters in your life, you are confident in your ability to succeed.
Having beautiful things in your life gives you pleasure and satisfaction - you have a keen eye for style.
Even when problems present themselves, deep down you know you will overcome these challenges.
When routines get too familiar, you become bored and start looking for ways to spice things up.
You are open to new types of experiences – you are not afraid to take a risk on something new.
You have a highly developed sense of taste – you know what looks good on you, in your home, and in the world at large.
Your independent streak allows you to make decisions efficiently and to trust your instincts
You're not afraid to let your emotions guide you, and you're generally considerate of others' feelings as well.
You have a strong sense of style and value your personal presentation - friends may even seek your style advice from time to time.

How you relate to others:
You are a great person to interact with—understanding, giving, and trusting—in a word, BENEVOLENT
You don't mind being in social situations, as you feel comfortable enough with people to be yourself.
Your caring nature goes beyond a basic concern: you take the time to understand the nuances of people's situations before passing any sort of judgment.
You're a good listener, and even better at offering advice.
You're concerned with others at both an individual and societal level—you sympathize with the plights of troubled groups, and you can care about people you've never met.
Considering many different perspectives is something at which you excel, and you appreciate that quality in others.
Other people's feelings are important to you, and you're good at mediating disputes.
Because of your understanding and patience, you tend to bring out the best in people.