All Work and No Play is No Fun

More than 30 years later, I have vivid memories of my first job, as a waitress in a popular family-owned restaurant that specialized in Texas hot wieners. There was a lot to love about that job – the predictable cadence of the different shifts and sections, chatting with the regulars, the cups filled with quarters at the end of the night.

And there was Ruben. The dishwasher from the Dominican Republic was 4-foot-barely-anything, with a huge grin of misshapen teeth. He was a dedicated family man with a house full of kids, who also was dedicated to banter with the teen waitresses.

As I neared the dishwasher, Ruben would drop the sprayer. He’d lift the front of his apron with one hand, and with the other, hold up his fist, flex his arm and brag: “It’s like theees, Lee-sah. Like theees.” Then, that toothy grin.

Ruben impression for my ex boss,
Jody, at a team outing. Seriously.

Yes, he was talking about what you think he was talking about. And yes, it probably sounds a bit creepy. But I found it hilarious. Both then as a naive 16-year-old, and now, as a 47-year-old human resources professional well versed in sexual harassment.

My work colleagues have come a long way since Ruben, but they still make me laugh. And when that stops, I know that it’s time to brush up the resume and move on. Because you spend too much time and emotional energy at work not to have some fun.

My closest colleagues and I have the combination of personal knowledge and trust that is the foundation for a lot of laughs. Barely a day goes by without some good-natured ribbing, some of it fit for print, and some of it, well, not. I’ve been appreciating that even more lately, as I transition to a new team.

Ozzy, back row, third from right

Happy Hour body spelling

I’m grateful that I'll be with the same organization. I've had a lot of fun over the last seven years. I dressed up as Ozzy Osbourne (complete with both arms covered with fake tattoos) for a skit at a summer picnic. I told a new employee that every Friday was “Bring Your Dog to Work Day” and that our vice president liked to be called “Bubbles.” And predictably, some of the fun has been at my expense.

No recollection here. None whatsoever.

It’s been as simple as returning from the restroom to see that a massively overgrown zucchini someone brought in to share from their garden had replaced my computer mouse. I knew Jason had been there.

Jason also was the coworker who, soon after he got word that I passed the four-hour (and very difficult) senior HR certification exam, decided to leave me a voice mail message while I was celebrating with my study team. Ever the master of the disguised voice, he said he was calling from the certification institute to notify me of “a colossal error” and that he regretted to inform me that I hadn’t passed after all. I was listening on my cell phone and had to pull the car over to avoid having an accident. That was late June six years ago, and I still can recall the sick feeling in my stomach until I got to the very end of the long message and he said, “Ha. It’s Jason!”

My favorite prank involved not Jason, but my current team, with an assist from our vice president’s administrative assistant. It was in our old building, where we’d constantly pass huge pallets of materials with signs saying, “Hold for John Doe.” I remarked more than once: “I’ll know I’ve made it when someday there is a sign with my name on it.”

One day, upon my return from vacation, I turned the corner and there was a pallet of toilet paper with the sign, “Hold for Liz Caras.” I laughed for days, and still have the framed photo of that day on my desk.

One of the other teams within my organization recently interviewed a job candidate, and she asked the group, “Do people have fun around here?” Great question. They said yes. They offered her the job and she accepted.

I’m looking forward to having some fun with my new colleague when she starts in October. But I’ll have to get creative. Overgrown zucchinis will surely be out of season.

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Requisite Weight Loss Update

Where have I been since my last update in May and my do over? As Inigo Montoya says in one of my favorite movies, “There is too much. Let me sum up.”

So, briefly, in a stream of consciousness reminiscent of Terry McMillan’s How Stella Got Her Groove Back (Because if anyone were ever trying to get her groove back it would be me), here goes: Was on a bit of a roll with the diet and exercise regimen, worked out with the trainer but got into trouble on my own when I forgot that I was grossly out of shape and started jogging. Ouch! Lateral shin splints on both legs and a calf muscle tear on one. Then, frustration and a back slide made worse by my son being away for five weeks at summer program (missed him terribly). Soon snapped out of it. Rejoined HMR diet program with the aid of a scholarship (thanks Mom! And Happy Birthday!), renewed meditation commitment with a weekend retreat, back with therapist I love, back with trainer but taking it slowly and letting calves heal. Even sucked it up and endured a water fitness class with a couple of women old enough to be my grandmother. On a roll, but ever mindful that it’s a journey and I’m in it for the long haul. No such thing as perfection and all or nothing makes no sense. Down 16 pounds in one month. Shooting for at least more 12 this month and every month after until I’m happy where I am. I’ll check back at the 6-month mark, just after my 48th (yikes) birthday. Thanks to all for you continued support.

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I’m recovering from some oral surgery and had to lay low for a couple of days. I share with you, dear readers, one of my couch projects. You, too, can create your own magazine cover here: http://www.oprah.com/omagyourself.

And yes, I was prescribed some pain pills.