mythanks

My CEO just came by my office to give me a thank you card, thanking me for my efforts in 2004, and wishing me happy holidays. Its funny, but that chokes me up. This is the same person who has made one of my projects…okay, one of his projects that I’m working on, a nightmare. But I’ve never doubted his vision or sense of momentum. The project is very valid, even if his particular direction with it (against my trained advice) is not. I’m glad to work for him.

One of the VPs gives Christmas ornaments to all of the staff each year, complete in its own little holiday bag, or otherwise appropriately dressed. Thats a very sweet thing, too.

One of my coworkers, a lateral worker, but according to the command chain, she’s above me, walked in yesterday while I was on the phone, and gave me a chocolate bar which she had found someplace, which bears her family name. Just a nice little gift, sharing the irony with me and the rest of our group.

For our office Christmas party a few weeks ago, we all buy clothes and supplies for poor children attending one of our area grade schools. We bring these to the party instead of gifts for each other. We used to draw names, and it was neat getting to know each other this way…but I like giving to those without even more. However, my boss and his wife still got something for all of us, including spouses of employees. Again, its something simple, but something I’m very thankful for.

Another of my coworkers dropped of a colorful bag, containing a holiday coffee mug and several flavors of cocoa and spiced beverage packets.

“Mythanks” is a line from a short science-fiction story about a bewitched pig who helps the village idiot become a wise and influential woman, all to the aid of the pig who wishes to change his enchantment. The first word the woman learns to speak, and the last one she says when the pig’s machinations collapse about them threatening their destruction, is “mythanks”.