What I Do on My Day Off

I took a day off from work to attend a couple of meetings.

I attended a great training meeting, offered by an insurance benefits company.  I thought it was going to be a networking event. 

But I wasn't disappointed.

The meeting started off with a wonderful, free breakfast: pastries, fruit, breakfast burritos, juice, oatmeal, tea, and other goods. 

I had planned on driving to Oakland, but after looking at the parking costs, it was no for me. 

Took the train, and remembered how much I hate it. 

So happy that I have a car, although no one can ever make me love the color.  

I sat all the way in the front of the meeting.  I wanted to take notes and make sure I could hear and see the presentation.  I wound up sitting by myself, unfortunately.  So much for the networking event.

It started on time, but 3 1/2 hours was a bit long for me. 

First hour plus was mainly benefits information, which luckily, I had already studied.  There wasn't much to offer to me that was new.  I am glad I have had time to research at work.  It wasn't too interesting, and luckily, I was still finishing my breakfast.

But the next section was presented by lawyers who work with the insurance group.  That was a very interesting class.  There were some great interpretation of new labor laws, that have huge effects on companies in CA. 

I had already done a lot of research on the various new labor laws, but there were new interpretations that I had no idea.  I made a list of things that I had to check on, in our company. 

For example, if you have a company in CA, but have people who work outside CA, they should be given the same legal benefits as if they lived and worked in CA, at least that is what the lawyers said.  This is more for disability insurance, paid time off, and other things.  I am not sure I said that right, but it is something the company I work for has to look into.

Also, the whole idea between contractors and employees was explained really well.  I got that down.

A few other important changes such as paid time off was explained even better.  I am all for staying in compliance.

Things are changing all the time. 

The afternoon was spent at a panel at school.  This was a much needed deal for me, plus free dinner.  We were allowed to talk about the good and the much need areas of improvement.  It was a nice evening.

I met the doctor who is in charge of the doctorate classes that I want to take.  I also met someone who is in the classes now.

I was a little put off with the push of studying organizational leadership for education, or the fact that I am not in education.

First of all, someone has to know how to lead all those students when they finish school.

Second, not everyone has to be in education to be a leader.

It was a fulfilling day with a lot of new ideas and opportunities.