The Building Where I Work

This is the building where I work. I’m assigned here from August 13th – November 16th. Over the years I must have passed it hundreds of times and never took notice. I drove here the day before starting so as not to have a problem arriving on time during rush hour traffic.

One of my concerns about working for the Mesa United Way was the possibility they represent an agency that goes contrary to Christ’s teachings. So before volunteering I checked out to make sure there were no connections to agencies that destroy life or are destructive to the fabric of the traditional family. I also checked for what agencies were absent. That can sometimes tell more about the philosophic underpinnings of a group than what they do support. After a rigorous evaluation, I’m able to give my hardy approval of the MUW.

During my initial first week of training I learned the uniqueness of this organization. First, they are solely focused on the Mesa Community and its problems. Second, they are independent. They set their own agenda and their partnering agencies. Third, 100% of the donations go directly to the agencies and programs; none is siphoned off into administrative overhead. That’s because a number of leading companies in the Mesa area believe strongly enough in the MUW to underwrite that expense. Finally, they do comprehensive planning, evaluation and assessments on the health and human services needs of the community. Then under the direction of a group of volunteers from every walk of life in Mesa, the MUW distributes the monies for maximum long-term affect.

My Office

This is the office area I share with three other loaned executives. It becomes very tight quarters when we are all there and begin to fill orders for campaign materials. The hardest thing for me is blocking out all the background conversations when talking on the phone or typing up my notes.

My Labor Day Morning

What an exciting Labor Day for me. My reading has taken me from Colossians, to allergies caused by newsprint and ink, and, finally, to flushing toilets. Mr. Crapper’s claim to the flush toilette is disputed.

This site claims Sir John Harington in 1596 invented the flush toilet and not Mr. Crapper. I don't want to tell the Seattle Underground Tour folks because it will deprive them of a number of great one-liners. Perhaps the rumor of how we got the term john for a toilette should supplement the Mr. Crapper humor. Anyway, I'm sure my son-in-law Mr. Haupt could enjoy the humor. As for me it is 11:00AM and hot enough outside to go to the driving range.

PS. I'm allergic to newsprint. A google of the internet reveals others have the same problem. I experimented today reading my Wall Street with a breathing mask. It was better but trying to drink coffee is the pits. One site suggested putting the paper in a low heat oven for 20 minutes. I don't know how my lovely wife will handle this and what happens if / when I forget to take it out after the prescribe time. There is always the online subscription approach.