What I Saw Today...

That's an engineer rappelling on the Washington Monument.  Cool eh?  Photo courtesy of NPR.

Hacked?

I logged onto my work's web-page, but all there is right now is the following image:

I think the Department of the Interior's webpage has been hacked.

Update: The website is back up.

Armando Bars

Armando and a glimpse of his bars.

In July, I made "Smore's Bars" for my roommate's birthday. I took several of the bars to work to share and one of my co-worker's was smitten. We're talking, asking about them a month after the fact, asking me to make them again almost every day for a couple of weeks, randomly telling me several days about how good they were in love. His birthday was today, so I decided to make him a batch. In honor of the Birthday boy, the treat was renamed, "Armando Bars."

Here's the recipe:

Armando Bars

1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs*
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 king-sized milk chocolate bars*
1 1/2 cups marshmallow creme/fluff (not melted marshmallows)*

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light. Beat in egg and vanilla.
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture and mix at a low speed until combined.
Use about 2/3 to
Place chococolate bars (or bar) over first layer of graham crackers. If you use two bars, lay them side by side. If you use chocolate chips, just sprinkle them over the first layer of dough. If you use one king size bar, just break it up and lay it over the dough in a single layer.
Spread chocolate with marshmallow creme or fluff.
Place remaining dough in a single layer on top of the fluff (most easily achieved by flattening the dough into small shingles and laying them together).
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until lightly browned.
Cool completely before cutting into bars

Makes 16 cookie bars.

*3/4 cup crumbs is approximately 7 full-sized graham crackers, put in the food processor or food chopper until ground into crumbs.

*1/2 to 1 cup chocolate chips can be used instead of the chocolate bars. You just want enough chocolate to cover the layer of chocolate. I used 1 king sized bar for this batch, and I think it worked out just fine. There still was enough chocolate to cover an 8 by 8 pan.

*Marshmallow creme is a pain to smooth onto the layers without everything sticking to it. It's also a pain to measure. I've found microwaving the jar for 15 seconds aids in spreading the creme onto the layer. If you have a hard time measuring the creme, you want about a half inch or so layer over the bars, or measure it to what you prefer. 1 1/2 cups is most of a jar of marshmallow creme I've found, if that helps.

Adapted from Baking Bites

decompressing

I somehow worked 11 hours on my regularly scheduled day off today. I'm still here at work but off the clock, and taking a few minutes before I catch the train to go to a party tonight on my way home. This week has been something else. I'm coordinating a walking event for 250 employees. We've never done anything like this before, and the response has been phenomenal. Registration closed this afternoon and I spent this early evening tying up loose ends for the event.
Even though I was busy with the walking event, Jane Goodall was here today so I took time out to listen to her speak about endangered species. Being in the same room as Dame Jane Goodall? Absolutely inspiring. Her lecture was great, and the room was packed. She greeted us with how chimpanzees greet each other, which was simply awesome. She talked a little about her work and her latest book. Although there was one question posed to Dr. Goodall that was well, out of this planet (she was asked how researchers should respond to aliens visiting this planet-I kid you not), one of my favorite parts of her lecture was when a 8 or 9 year old asked her how she came to do the research she did. Dr. Goodall replied that when she was a little girl, she had a crush on Tarzan and was absolutely crushed that he married Jane, but she was convinced that she would visit Africa. She said that even though this was World War 2 Europe and her family didn't even have enough money for a bicycle, she was a girl, and Africa was considered the "Dark Continent" still, she had a supportive mother who told her that anything was possible. Although Dr. Goodall talked about the dire straits the planet was in, she also brought a message of hope that inspired me and others I spoke with to be better.

Speaking of mothers; Yes mom, the Departmental award idea I had last week for members of the public was presented to it's first recipient, Dr. Goodall, by the Secretary. No, I didn't get to meet her, although I could have. I was asked by the Secretary's photographer (I'm not name dropping, I've just worked in the building for 7 years so I know people) if I wanted my picture with her, but I didn't want to stand in line and needed to get back to the walking challenge registration. And, I might've had a momentary lapse of shyness.

Jane Goodall and Pedometers: Just another week in the office

I don't think I talk about my job much here on the blog.  I work in Human Resources for the Department of the Interior (Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs etc).  At least that's what I tell most people.  I've had this job for four years, and just a year ago both my mother and best friend asked me...now what is it that you do again?  Needless to say, the explanation took several minutes.  Either or I'm not eloquent, or it's kind of complicated. 

Anyway, my office is the Policy and Guidance office for Human Resources for the Department of the Interior and we're under the Policy, Management and Budget Assistant Secretary and part of the Office of the Secretary (that might be too much Fed govt. lingo right there, oops).  We don't actually process human resource actions, each of my counterparts in my office are responsible over Human Resource programs.  I'm over Work-Life programs (health benefits, awards, leave, childcare subsidy, wellness etc.).  If any of the bureau or office Human Resource Offices of the Department (see incomplete list in the first sentence) have any policy or procedure questions, they come to my office.  My office also works closely with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).  When OPM needs data for their annual reports to Congress, they come to my coworkers and I to get the data from the bureaus and offices.  If there's new laws or policy issued from OPM, my office issues the data to OPM.  In addition to these tasks, we also issue Department Specific policy and procedure, as needed.  A lot of my time is spent writing policy and making sure it follows OPM guidance, the Code of federal regulations and Public Law. 

As the Awards Coordinator for the Department, I don the event coordinator cap twice a year.  I'm in charge of two Secretarial events a year, one is a formal event, and the other is a few hours before the fireworks on the 4th of July.  The formal event takes several months of planning, and I work with 50-75 people to pull off the event. I also answer random awards questions, and "consult" about awards during the year.  Just yesterday, I was asked about how the Department could honor Jane Goodall. 

Since the Obama Administration took office in January, I've been even busier than I was before.  Wellness and work-life has been a focus, and we're working on several initiatives that will benefit not only the Department but the Federal Government  and the American Public.

One of the initiatives we've been working on is a wellness-campus project.  Three Government agencies are consolidating their services (which will save money) and also working together to provide more wellness services to employees so the workforce will be healthier, more productive, and retain employees etc.  Interior's kick-off for the wellness campus is a 5 week team walking challenge which I'm coordinating.  The challenge might be considered "fluff" but I think it'll be successful, and people will get into it. 

Anyway, here's a lot more than you'll ever want to know about my job, I'm sure.  Needless to say, I enjoy it most days. I've learned a ton, and working at Interior is challenging, that's for sure. I am lucky enough to work with a lot of great, great people and it's a pleasure to serve the employees of the Department of the Interior.  

66th Honor Awards Convocation

I don't like bragging, I figure if I work hard enough-people will notice, and if they don't--I'm either not working hard enough or they don't care-and that's okay too.
For the first half of every year, my job revolves around the Department of the Interior Honor Awards Convocation. This year was the 66th Convocation the Department has put on. The event is a formal awards ceremony honoring employees who have received the highest honor awards the Department gives. These awards, the Distinguished Service, Valor and Citizen's Award for Bravery are for employees who have changed the Department for the better(we have 60k employees and only a dozen receive this award a year, ) and employees and citizens who risked their lives to save the life of another.
The ceremony is a Secretarial event, and I found out that putting the event on during a transitional year creates its own kind of excitement. We have slides, videos, a choir, an honor guard, a reception afterwards in our South Penthouse (hard to beat that view), our own Vanna White giving the awards. I coordinate with various Department Bureaus and Offices to pull it off. Many, many (close to a hundred, and I'm not exaggerating) employees and citizens are involved with pulling this event off the ground, and it was my pleasure to work with each and every one of them. That being said, we pulled it off this year, everyone including the Secretary was complimentary, and most importantly--all the award recipients and their families seemed very happy.
This year, the Valor/Citizens Award for Bravery story that stood out to me was a park ranger and guide who flew up Mt Rainer to rescue a climber who was hurt on the most dangerous part of the mountain. The helicopter crashed, the ranger was covered in oil, the park ranger and guide stabilized the pilot who was injured, called for help, made sure help got there and then continued up the mountain to rescue the stranded climber. The least I can do is make sure the ceremony allows the Secretary of the Interior to give these employees the honor they deserve.
Now it's off to create a work-life utopia, but before that? Miami for a benefits training tomorrow. Me voy mañana en la mañana.

Guess what this fellow is doing! (There's a hint in the background)

My Zimbabwean Girlfriend

At work, I have a one letter policy. If you're a crazy, I'll still send you a reply, but that's it. I've received a Dollar check for the White House (guy wanted the White House for a buck), letters about conspiracies, curses, and a Native American Gentleman who'd call every couple of weeks (when he was drunk) to ask me for his money the government owed him. My job rocks. Anyway, I was busy yesterday, and replied to an e-mail. I was suspicious, but decided to send a reply. I get this in response. Meet my new Nigerian Girlfriend. Funny, I've been hit on by men and women before, but this is the first time someone has asked me to be their boyfriend.

Dearest ,how are you this day? How was the night i hope fine,let me tell you
about my self my name is Miss Jenny Desmond I am 24 years old, I am hoping to
further my education in this career. I am not married and don't have any
children. I am fair in complexion and of average height, my photos will explain
to you better.

i am the Daughter of Mr.Desmond Cleng, of blessed memory from Zimbabwe,During
the current crises against the farmers in Zimbabwe from the supports of
President Robert Mugabe to claim all the white-owned farms to his party members
and his followers, he ordered all white farmers to surrender all farms to his
party members and his followers.My father is One of the most successful multi
farmers in our country and because he did not support Mugabe`s ideas, Mugabe's
supporters invaded his farm and burnt everything in the farm,kill him and made
away with a lot of items in my fathers farm.

it is only me that is alive now then I have to ran to Dakar Senegal which is
where I am now in a church, have not finish up my education and need a person
who will make use of my fathers wealth and get me through in life,I would like
to know more about you.Your likes and dislikes, your hobbies and what you are
doing presently. i want you to know that age means nothing to me and it can not
hinder me from getting relating with you because i really need a man that is
older than me such man who can take good care of me and show me sincere
love.

I do not want a younger man how will betray me and run away with this money
so please sweetie i am not concerned about the age gap or something of that
nature.I have attached my photo to this email please if it is possible also send
me your photo and your telephone number so i can speak with you.I am waiting
eagerly for your replyLots of lovekiss kiss

Thoughts on First Lady Michelle Obama’s visit to the Main Interior Building February 9, 2009

Friday afternoon, Interior employees were told that the First Lady would be speaking in the Main Interior Auditorium on Monday. This morning, I noticed many of my co-workers dressed a little nicer than they usually do, especially for a Monday. My hallway was a buzz with contagious excitement, especially when my co-worker found out she was going to be on the stage with the First Lady until about an hour before the assembly when the hallway went completely silent. After realizing everyone was gone, I decided I’d better go downstairs to get in line to attend the event. I went down-stairs and the line started at the auditorium and went up the stairs, and into the 2nd floor hallway. Our building is 2 city blocks long, and the line was already more than 2/3 the length of the building. By the time the auditorium opened up, the line stretched the length of the building and all the way down one of the side hallways (about 2.5 city blocks). I got through without a problem, but one of my new friends that I met in line had a couple of expensive pens (pens weren’t allowed into the auditorium) and he didn’t end up going into the auditorium. We got in okay (100 or so employees were turned away) and the event started about 15 minutes later. Our auditorium isn’t a huge space (fits about 600-700 employees) and it was full. The event started out with a drum circle until the Secretary spoke. He gave a nice speech, and then the First Lady arrived. She was presented a native American shawl that Nedra Darling made her, and then we listened to another song by the Drum circle. After that, the First Lady spoke. She wore a conservative black outfit (very DC chic), and only spoke about 15 minutes or so. Several people said she looks much more petite in person. Personally, I was impressed with her down-to earth manner. She gave us what was essentially a pep talk, telling us that we have a lot of work to do, it was going to be hard, but worth it. She also called us her family’s co-workers and talked about how we were all in it together. Anyway, love her or hate her, but everyone in the room appreciated the fact that she came to talk to us.

Somehow

I have 3.5 weeks of leave (not counting Federal Holidays or my every other friday off) to burn by the first week of January. There's some bonuses about selling my soul to the government, I tell you.

Wordless:¡por fin!

Thing 2 and Thing 1

I've been a member of the Department of Interior Toastmasters for a few months now and although I'm more or less a deadbeat toastmaster (anyone want to write my first speech for me), sometimes we get to do cool things. Yesterday for Dr. Seuss's birthday (and my dad's) we were asked to read the Cat in the Hat to elementary classrooms here in DC. I got to read to a room full of kindergartners and it was great. The little kids were a trip. There were a couple of very inquisitive kids, a bossy one, several shy and sweet kids...all in their little uniforms of dark pants and white shirts. Definitely an experience I'd like to do again.

Here's a picture of the Toastmasters that attended.

Technical Writing Sucks the Creative out of Me (2007 Books Part I)

I've been doing a lot of writing at work the past month or so, consequently I rarely really write on here anymore. Oh well, I get paid to write policy and guidance...This blog doesn't pay too much. Anyway, here's part of a review of the books I read in 2007. The way I'm going, I'll finish this list in June, but here's a part of it. Notice how it's written in Department of Interior technical format.

For the past couple of years, I've kept track of the books I've read that year. I do this mostly so I remember what I read. My memory of keeping track of books I've read is bad enough that I really don't remember a couple of this books hardly. I know I’m missing books. Which ones, I couldn’t tell you.

Peace like a river by Leif Enger. Debut books by authors are sometimes iffy, this one is a gem. Two of the main characters echo the two children in To Kill a Mockingbird, but its just a distant echo. This coming of age book was one I’d recommend to anyone.
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. Dan Brown used to be my most loathed living writer. Stephanie Meyer currently holds the title. Between her shabby writing, plot structure and plotting, character development, imagery etc. Dan Brown has been bested.
Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer. See above. I will give Ms. Meyer one thing. The character of Jacob. He’s alright.
New Moon by Stephanie Meyer. See above. This trilogy, oh how I loathe thee. Oh Bella how I loathe thee more.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. An example of a thriller that both Dan Brown and Stephanie Meyer can only dream of writing. An intelligent, fun, well-crafted vampire hunting story. This one I’d recommend to anyone who wants to read a well-written and extremely thoroughly researched book. The last 50 pages drag a little, but its still well worth the read.
The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards. The first 50-75 pages were very well written. The problem is that there is about 250 pages to this book. Definitely popular fiction, but a little more than mediocre read. The premise is fascinating but I had the feeling the author painted herself into a corner and the way she got out of it wasn’t that believable.
Sophie’s Choice by William Styron. Mesmerizing. Stunning. A true American Masterpiece. The brutal, complex, story of Stingo and his telling of Nathan and Sophie. A dear, dear, read.
The Tie that Binds by Kent Haruf. Haruf is a treasure I found this year. He writes what he knows, which is small-town Eastern Colorado. All of his books I’ve read of his so far (and I believe I’ve read them all now) are set in the same little town. He writes sparingly in a style that vaguely echoes Cormac McCarthy (more or less without the brutal violence) but his true talent lies in character development. The Tie that Binds is ultimately about the price the family farm can exact on a family when the patriarch considers the farm the most important possession in the family. The story resonated with my mother especially.
Where You Once Belonged by Kent Haruf. Up until the last 50 pages of this book, I enjoyed this story about a former high school football star whose actions were tolerated but never really addressed by the townspeople. Before the ending, I considered this book the weakest of Haruf’s books (its his first, I believe) but now, I’m still haunted by this one. This was his first book, and although he’s since honed his writing voice, the strong character development is there, as is at moments the simple, profound moments.

Uh...Good Question....

I don't talk about my job much but I got a question posed to me a few days ago that has me scratching my head. An employee has asked if she can use sick leave to get a massage (I don't know any other details) because her insurance pays for part of it. The Code of Federal Regulations says that sick leave can be used for medical treatment. Anyway, I've come up with as many reasons why she could use sick leave as she can't... Any thoughts? I know there's at least two masseuses that read my blog..but I'm trying to look at it from the HR viewpoint, not really the masseuse view point.

Virtual Scrapbook

My supervisor's supervisor's supervisor told me to scrapbook the following, but I'm just going to put it up here so you can mock me or tell your friends you know someone who wrote a memo that was poked fun of in the Washington Post. Yup, today on Page A19 Al Kamen published a memo I wrote last month in his column and made jest of it. No, my name isn't Marilia Matos, but that's my memo.

Wintry Work
Heartfelt apologies. We failed to alert readers to an important telework meeting on Nov. 30 at the Interior Department. We're hearing that it will be repeated in the next few months -- watch this space for details. Meanwhile, here's the e-mailed invite from Interior's Marilia A. Matos, director of the Office of Human Resources.

Subject: Brown Bag Telework Meeting
With the wintry weather fast approaching, the price of gas fluctuating, and the threat of pandemic on the horizon, telecommuting is seen as a valuable option for eligible employees.
All employees and supervisors are encouraged to attend this informal brown bag presentation by OPM's telework team, highlighting the benefits of telecommuting. A question and answer section will follow the presentation.

Works for any and all pandemics.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/12/AR2006121201311_2.html