Yee haw in Idaho ...

So what's the first thing you think of when you see or hear the word Idaho?

Be honest.

What's that? Did you say Idawho? Or did you say, of course isn't that the mountainous 43rd state below British Columbia, just south of the 49th parallel? Then again, like me, maybe you muttered the singular word potato? It doesn't really matter because Idaho is all of the above and a whole lot more.

Being fairly new to the Okanagan and never having been across the border here, I welcomed the chance to help a friend with her first load of moving stuff to Lewiston, yes you guessed it, in Idaho.

Who knew that a seven hour drive just south of Penticton would transport me into the backwoods wonder that is at the heart of this outdoors-oriented community.

Unsuspecting and unprepared, a four-wheeling I did go!

Yee haw! Seated on the back of an ATV (sans cushion or padding other than my own), and holding on for dear life to a parka clad driver who so kindly invited us two girls to tag along for what was to be a boys only outing ... I had the most fun I've ever had with my boots on!

The scenery was nothing less than spectacular as our entourage of four machines started out in single file on the snowy, winding trail alongside Eagle Creek. The further south we travelled saw melting snowbanks give way to mud, sand and water holes that brought us to the shores of Idaho's famous Salmon River...and that's where the scenery captured my soul.

I know it was just the better part of one day, but there was something primal about being out there in the backyard wilderness of Lewiston, away from traffic lights and concrete. It was just enough of a tease to make me want more. Even though my boots still haven't come 100% as clean as they were before the trek, and it took a few days for the criss-cross imprint of steel bars to disappear off my bruised butt, I had a blast!

(Oh, and one more thing while visiting the friend of a friend's backyard in Lewiston, I saw the grandest, most humbling gnarly old tree I have ever seen. 'Twas the biggest tree I have ever hugged! Thanks for standing so proud.)

In conclusion I may stand corrected on getting the names right, but you know who you are. Hugs and many thanks to Robin, Patrick, Jeff and Ron for giving me the opportunity of experiencing and spending an unforgettable day the Idahoan way!

Look out Idaho, this adventure-seeking Canuck can't wait to explore all of the natural beauty and wonder that is Idaho. Now I've added whitewater rafting and hiking in Hell's Canyon to my bucket list ... so please don't pass the potatoes just yet!

Employee bag search ... how much more personal can it get?

Welcome to my first ever blog!

Five months ago I moved to the Okanagan Valley and have been in job search mode ever since. I finally secured a part time cashier /customer service position at a very reputable office supply chain.

However, I'm sorry to say five days on the job and I won't be working there no more. (Hmmm, sounds like a song title doesn't it?) But here's why...

Aside from the fact that I want full time work, it came down to a matter of principle and a question of ethics for me. I think it's immoral, demeaning, humiliating and just plain wrong (not to mention an invasion of privacy) to automatically label all employees as potential thieves or bad apples based on the stats of a select few in the past.

In this instance the end result being pocket and bag checks every time an employee leaves the store. And get this, not only during my hours of work but also on my days off should I happen to go shopping there!

For me this means no trust whatsoever on their part. The company just assumes that I am stealing something or that I have the intention to steal. I mean I totally understand their perspective in protecting their assets etcetera, but surely with today's world being what it is (as was explained to me) then why not use all the technology available. Sadly we expect to be on camera these days just about anywhere and everywhere we are, and it's a much less invasive way of keeping staff honest. And besides that, what has happened to the old adage that a company's best assets are its employees? (A redundant question obviously.)

The buzz words they use are LOSS PREVENTION and please don't take it personally. DOH! How much more personal can it get? I must WILLINGLY unzip my purse or backpack and move stuff around or take it out to show them that I haven't stolen anything ... the guys have to empty their pockets.

I was shocked. Have you ever experienced that? For me, without a doubt, it was downright humiliating especially when it happened in full view of "valued customers." Hmmm, wonder how much confidence and trust the customers have of the staff working there.

Apparently ALL staff and management have to be checked - no exceptions. The GM cannot change the corporate policy so there was no other option for me but to leave. It has been a long, dusty road of life lessons to realize that it's okay and in fact it is mandatory for me to stand up for myself and for what I believe in. I absolutely cannot, and will not compromise or sacrifice my core belief and needs.

This may be an "old school" thought process, but in order for me to be contributing, productive and loyal in the workplace there must be a mutually shared expectation of being valued, respected and trusted ... or at the very least honour my rights as a human being who is innocent until proven otherwise.

The GM's last words were that if I changed my mind, he's okay with that because he's heartbroken that I'm quitting. He doesn't want to lose me, but he respects me for talking to him and for standing up for what I believe in.

Don't get me wrong, I have worked since right out of high school, I enjoy working and I need to work to support myself so there's no "Freedom 55" here, nor am I a sh*t disturber. This was a decision I struggled with, and during the short five day span that I endured this violation I conversed with myself, "WTF? So what's the big deal girl? You know you have nothing to hide, you know that you do not steal, you know that you are as honest as the day is long ... why not just be quiet, be happy to have a job, and just go with the flow?" No can do. Staff searching is just plain wrong. Am I making a mountain out of a molehill? I think not.

THANKS for reading and THANK YOU for keeping your hands off my zippers!