It's appraisal time at work. This was the first time I've ever been in a position to do these for my employees, & I never thought that I would enjoy telling people what they do right & what they do wrong, but I was pleasantly surprised at the whole experience. Maybe it's because I have an excellent staff, & would consider all of them friends. This doesn't mean, however, that everything they do is perfect, & I'd be quite irresponsible to praise them without explaining what they could do better. Obviously, nobody likes to hear about things they don't do so well & I dreaded those parts of the appraisals more than anything. However, this turned out to be the most rewarding part of the experience, & I think I got my points across without hurting anybody's feelings. It's fun to get people on board to improve themselves, & it seemed like a positive experience for everybody, at least I hope so. Each time, each employee walked out of the offices with smiles on their faces.

My turn was this afternoon. I walked out of my boss'es office with a smile on my face, too.

Five Favorite Songs of the Day

Seeing Other People-Belle & Sebastian, If You're Feeling Sinister

I am now officially a Belle & Sebastian fan. Thanks Dan. The latest album is next.

Modern World-Wolf Parade, Apologies to the Queen Mary

"I'm not in love with the modern world, it just brings me down." Amen.

I Threw it All Away-Bob Dylan, Mohegan Sun Arena, November 20, 2001

An excellent concert.

Oh Well-Fiona Apple, Extraordinary Machine

One of the three finest albums of 2005, in my not so humble opinion.

When I Ran Off & Left Her-Vic Chesnutt, Drunk

What a strange little man Vic Chesnutt is. Strange little men usually make the best songwriters, though.


Happy Friday, friends...

andrew