To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Battle Pay???

So, as I have mentioned, I work in Pomona. And, as I have mentioned, IT IS SHADY IN POMONA. Last year, a friend of mine told me that he feared for my life and so it was his intention to find me a "red Kevlar sweater". Um... so I had no idea what or who Kevlar was, and I know my sweater designers! He informed me it was the maker of bullet-proof vests, but that he was sure I'd refuse to wear one, since they're ugly, so he was going to see what he could do about getting them to make me a bullet-proof sweater. Sure enough, one morning I found a shopping bag on my car with a red sweater (made by Target or something) hand-stitched were the numbers "9-0-9" on the right sleeve and the inside was lined with a pillow, which was sewn in. That was funny back then... but, now, I might actually need it!

The reason my office is in Pomona is not because of it's proximity to the owners, neither of whom would be caught dead (no pun intended) living in the area. One lives in a palatial mansion in Chino Hills and the other "behind the gates" in Coto de Caza. But, our company is in a HUBZone (Historically Under-utilized Business Zone). This gives us special preference for contracts issued by the Department of Defense, our main client. It also puts me in harms way. There is a great reason why the "zone" is under-utilized... fear of impending injury, even death!

So, within the past year there have been 3 SCARY incidents, of which I am aware, (I am sure there are WAY more, but I am trying not to pay attention). Please note, I am not exaggerating! Once I had to drive all the way around the city trying to find a way into the parking lot of my building, because apparently there was a hit and run fatality on the other side of the street, I saw the body covered with a sheet! Aaaahhhh! Next there was a nice couple with their 2 kids in the back seat getting gas about 6 blocks from my office, the husband/father was shot point blank in the head, without cause, and was pronounced DOA. I had to divert my patronage to a new gas station. Actually, I try to pump up in the O.C. these days. The latest happened today. Three contractors got shot on their way to 7-eleven to get something to eat (this is gross, I know, but they are contractors, that’s where they eat lunch), this was about a mile from my office. All three were shot multiple times.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-shooting21mar21,1,3115934.story?coll=la-headlines-california&ctrack=1&cset=true

At what point is it appropriate to ask for a raise, not based on performance, but more on fear, I think the military calls this "battle pay"???

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

ALISON-- oh my...

Seymour Glass said...

actually it's called "hazard pay" and it sounds like you deserve it.

Ali B. said...

Ok, hazard pay it is. That's what I want. How do I get it? Sign me up!

JudoChop said...

Actually, there are 2 different items: hazardous duty pay is used for people who jump out of planes and stuff and it is $150/month. The second is what I think you qualify for: imminent danger pay/hostile fire pay -- this is used for when you go to the desert and it is dangerous. That is $225/month, and I think that you should petition your boss for the raise. Also don't forget to ask for the tax free benefits that go along getting shot at!

me :) said...

how did you make that gravestone?

Ali B. said...

Seth! Thank you, that will increase the odds of my petition being excpeted from about 1 in 1,000,000 to 1 in 500,000. So, I am totally going to throw that in!

Linds, The site is called make your own damn tombstone. Here is the link:
http://www.autowitch.org/?q=node/916

Anonymous said...

By the way... I'm just now noticing the birthdate on that tombstone. Oh.My.Gahh. That's hilarious!

Ali B. said...

Remember when we used to be total freaked out when we heard someone who was born in the 80s? Well, there is a girl in my RS born in 1990!!! I wanted to take my own life! Good Land... so, since it's my tombstone, I get to be 21 - STILL!

f*bomb. said...

What the f*...Girl, let me get you a new job. For crying out loud!

And don't knock the 80's. There were a few good years there. And I really like the boys born around '84 nowadays...Juuust right.