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Post by ALJD on Aug 8, 2013 22:17:39 GMT -5
I don't think people looking for information on the actual topic of this thread are interested in debates about smoking. Since it's now reached the level of a personal argument, can we get back to something close to the topic? Your wish is my command... New location for smokers and non-smokers to beat up on each other.
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Post by funkyodar on Aug 8, 2013 22:20:28 GMT -5
I don't think people looking for information on the actual topic of this thread are interested in debates about smoking. Since it's now reached the level of a personal argument, can we get back to something close to the topic? Your wish is my command... New location for smokers and non-smokers to beat up on each other. Sweet. a smoking section. thanks ALJD
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Post by moopigsdad on Aug 9, 2013 6:17:32 GMT -5
I don't think people looking for information on the actual topic of this thread are interested in debates about smoking. Since it's now reached the level of a personal argument, can we get back to something close to the topic? Plain and simple,there are no smoke breaks allowed during the WD/ LBMT test. This thread is now complete per observer53's wish.
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Post by crab on Aug 9, 2013 6:27:15 GMT -5
I don't think people looking for information on the actual topic of this thread are interested in debates about smoking. Since it's now reached the level of a personal argument, can we get back to something close to the topic? Your wish is my command... New location for smokers and non-smokers to beat up on each other. Thank you for moving this ALJD! I tried to derail it by asking my hat question to get back on topic but it had become a force of its own by then!
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Post by funkyodar on Aug 9, 2013 6:30:11 GMT -5
Is it a smokin hat?
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Post by crab on Aug 9, 2013 7:05:56 GMT -5
But of course, funky, to match the smokin jacket I'll be wearing.... (Actually, the hat will be smokin since it's a patent-pending heat-wicking cap, designed at the local university to keep my hair from catching fire during the exam - look for them soon in a store near you!) I really did want an answer to the hat issue but I spose I'll just have to tuck my cap into my bag along with my 10 packs of gum and hope for the best.
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Post by lurker/dibs on Aug 10, 2013 6:22:46 GMT -5
Funky I may try the e cig suggestion during the lunch break. Certainly will have some gum for testing. And I'll be the one to light up as soon as we are "released from custody"!
I'm proud to see we have a smoking section in here!
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Post by bartleby on Aug 10, 2013 8:21:18 GMT -5
Trust me, that is not anything to be proud.
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Post by mcb on Aug 11, 2013 1:05:54 GMT -5
Funny to see on the general board page that the smoking break thread is on fire.
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Post by funkyodar on Aug 11, 2013 7:56:58 GMT -5
Last nite, following a morning where my little family did some volunteer work and an afternoon working on a quarter mile of new fencing on funky's farm, the wife and I put the kids to bed and went out to the pond deck with a couple cold bottles of pinot to watch the perseid meteor shower.
While I had every intention of relaxing in a moment without thoughts of ssa, alj or my upcoming testing, two thoughts did briefly enter my mind.
As I looked up into the expanse of perfect darkness and watched stars fall to a symphony of crickets and frogs, I thanked God I lived in "crapland" and for the fact so many people don't want to.
Then, as I glanced to the chilled glass of wine in the left hand and the smoldering perfect cigar in the right, I was thankful to be blessed with the wherewithall not to give 2 craps for the opinion of those that feel they have any right to impose their choices or beliefs on me.
Have a great day.
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Post by privateatty on Aug 11, 2013 8:17:31 GMT -5
Last nite, following a morning where my little family did some volunteer work and an afternoon working on a quarter mile of new fencing on funky's farm, the wife and I put the kids to bed and went out to the pond deck with a couple cold bottles of pinot to watch the perseid meteor shower. While I had every intention of relaxing in a moment without thoughts of ssa, alj or my upcoming testing, two thoughts did briefly enter my mind. As I looked up into the expanse of perfect darkness and watched stars fall to a symphony of crickets and frogs, I thanked God I lived in "crapland" and for the fact so many people don't want to. Then, as I glanced to the chilled glass of wine in the left hand and the smoldering perfect cigar in the right, I was thankful to be blessed with the wherewithall not to give 2 craps for the opinion of those that feel they have any right to impose their choices or beliefs on me. Have a great day. Great post funky. After well over a score of years spending my Saturdays answering mail and catching up on all kinds of pressing problems in my practice, I suddenly found that I had Saturdays to myself once I got this job. It was a profound revelation and it quickly became "my" day. As to how you choose to spend it speaks volumes--and why you would be so good at this job. Which brings me to the second part of your post. Becoming an ALJ allows you the freedom to "just say no"--on so many levels. Yes, you have to show up and do the work that is alloted to you, but if people don't like your purple socks (or beard), @#$% 'em. I know that in private practice I never had the freedom to let my hair down. It is the peace of mind that you so eloquently describe that is the greatest gift I have been given by my Agency. I hope those that yearn for it (I rather think you have found it, funky) are able to attain it.
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Post by JudgeRatty on Aug 11, 2013 10:05:59 GMT -5
Last nite, following a morning where my little family did some volunteer work and an afternoon working on a quarter mile of new fencing on funky's farm, the wife and I put the kids to bed and went out to the pond deck with a couple cold bottles of pinot to watch the perseid meteor shower. While I had every intention of relaxing in a moment without thoughts of ssa, alj or my upcoming testing, two thoughts did briefly enter my mind. As I looked up into the expanse of perfect darkness and watched stars fall to a symphony of crickets and frogs, I thanked God I lived in "crapland" and for the fact so many people don't want to. Then, as I glanced to the chilled glass of wine in the left hand and the smoldering perfect cigar in the right, I was thankful to be blessed with the wherewithall not to give 2 craps for the opinion of those that feel they have any right to impose their choices or beliefs on me. Have a great day. I think you have paradise....NOT crapland. But don't say that too loud or they will all want to be there! Let them think it is crapland! LOL! Hey, hope I didn't come across as imposing choices or beliefs on you... I certainly did not mean my comments to be that way at all. Quite the contrary, was trying to point out that nothing is as black and white as some try to make things out to be. MANY shades in between and you have to find your happiness. Sounds like you are in exactly the right place my friend! Awesome post!
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Post by bartleby on Aug 11, 2013 12:08:47 GMT -5
Privateatty, you posted, "Which brings me to the second part of your post. Becoming an ALJ allows you the freedom to "just say no"--on so many levels. Yes, you have to show up and do the work that is alloted to you, but if people don't like your purple socks (or beard), @#$% 'em. I know that in private practice I never had the freedom to let my hair down. It is the peace of mind that you so eloquently describe that is the greatest gift I have been given by my Agency. I hope those that yearn for it (I rather think you have found it, funky) are able to attain it." I have a friend Judge that has been counseled about how he has to dress for the office, on his hearing days, and on casual Friday. He has also been counseled about his friendly conduct with the staff, including after hours activities. Judges have been fired for activities outside the office. As an attorney-advisor or senior attorney you might go out and smoke a little weed on the weekend, not so much as a Judge..
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Post by philliesfan on Aug 11, 2013 12:51:36 GMT -5
I have a different take than Bartleby. I have worked in three ODAR office, one as SAA, GS, etc. and two as an ALJ. In none of those offices has any ALJ been counseled about their dress. The only dress code ever imposed was no flip flops for the staff. I have worked with ALJs who wore jeans and tee shirts or polo shirts under their robes and sneakers on their feet. I personally wear a suit and tie on hearing days. I also have known ALJs who socialized with staff without being counseled about it. I find being an ALJ a great job. What I like the best is that nobody can tell me what to do. Yes, there are goals to meet, but at any given moment, if I am not holding hearings, I am on my own as to what exactly to do. However, this may be a function of the management teams in the offices in which I have worked. I suppose if your HOCALJ, HOD, or Region are micromanagers, you could have a different experience.
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Post by funkyodar on Aug 11, 2013 13:19:22 GMT -5
No offense, bartebly, but I hope if I am lucky enough to get an alj gig it isn't in a locale where we could become acquainted. Seems as every judge you know is in trouble for something.
As to socializing with staff, any preclusion is news to me. I'm not sure, but I would also bet it would surprise the 2 aljs from my office that spent last sunday afternoon drinking beer and fishing in my pond with me, another AA and the husband of an sct in our office. Probably shock another of the judges in my office that, along with her husband, hosts a superbowl party every year and invites the whole office.
I'm more interested in these judges that have been fired for private time activities. The few judges I have ever heard of getting fired all had done some offense on the clock. Considering I have heard rumors of a member of management in another office admitted to a substance abuse problem and coming to work a couple times baked and only got a 2 week suspension and reffered to the EAP, I'm surpirsed to hear a judge, whom has many more protections, would be fired for doing anything short of a felony off the clock.
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Post by bartleby on Aug 11, 2013 13:38:00 GMT -5
You guys are right, I am a naysayer that knows nothing. Enjoy the ride, just don't come whining to me for advice when you find your arse in a bind.
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Post by privateatty on Aug 11, 2013 14:30:32 GMT -5
Privateatty, you posted, "Which brings me to the second part of your post. Becoming an ALJ allows you the freedom to "just say no"--on so many levels. Yes, you have to show up and do the work that is alloted to you, but if people don't like your purple socks (or beard), @#$% 'em. I know that in private practice I never had the freedom to let my hair down. It is the peace of mind that you so eloquently describe that is the greatest gift I have been given by my Agency. I hope those that yearn for it (I rather think you have found it, funky) are able to attain it." I have a friend Judge that has been counseled about how he has to dress for the office, on his hearing days, and on casual Friday. He has also been counseled about his friendly conduct with the staff, including after hours activities. Judges have been fired for activities outside the office. As an attorney-advisor or senior attorney you might go out and smoke a little weed on the weekend, not so much as a Judge.. I don't know anything about your office, bartleby. But something smells rotten, my Prince. To be counseled about whom you socialize with when you are not their supervisor? This could not be a written rule, it would not pass the laugh test. Looking unprofessional IMHO is an OK topic for a suggestion, but hardly discipline unless it is fragrant. Sounds more like the weak are being picked on by the strong. In other posts you have referenced strong arm tactics being used against ALJs. Why then have a Union if it is not to proctect the weak from the strong? If someone told me with whom I could socialize, I'd say fine, put it in writing and we'll take it from there. And you can bet your bottom dollar I would have fun litigating that case.
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