Did You See The Memo About This?

We've all seen a memo. Whether one was sent to you or you sent one, you are probably familiar with what they are about. In today's society of promptness and sticking to tight schedules, we are all held accountable if we decided to one day show up late to work...or, show up at all. Usually if we make a decision to be late or tardy in our work, consequences are paid and punishment is given. Well, in light of the unusual weather we are experiencing this time of year, I wondered if Mr. Winter would be disciplined for his lack of job appreciation. We all have a job to do and he's not doing his...and getting away with it. Just because no one is complaining doesn't make it right. So, I wondered what it would be like if the Four Seasons had a "Board of Seasons Directors" and they were to send a memo to "Old Man Winter."

So, here is my attempt at what I think a memo would look like coming from the Four Seasons Commissioner addressing his "tardiness":

Dear Mr. Old Man Winter,

The residents of the State of Michigan and those of the midwest region of the United States of America wanted to make sure you realized that the first offical day of Winter was December 22, 2006. Our records indicate that to this date, January 12, 2007, you have yet to make an appearance. We also wanted to make it a point that the first offical day of Spring is March 21, 2007. Just so there is no confusion in your job description, you may "show up" when you like, but you are to be terminated as of March 20, 2007. You are alloted a working time frame, not a total amount of time. That means, if you arrive later than expected, the days you were late do not get to roll over into the start of a new season, thus pushing back the start time of Spring. For example, if you do not deliver snow until March 1st, you don't get to deliver snow after March 20 so you can make up for lost time. There is to be no "catch up" period. You can come in on any weekend prior to that end date and play "catch up" but that is all. No overtime. No grace period. Nothing.

However, it should be noted that if you decide not to produce any snow, most of the customers will not complain. Lucky for you, you have that luxury. Summer, unfortunately, doesn't get away with 60 degree days in June or rainy days in July and August. That does cause for some stress with the other "guys" in the group.

We thank you for your cooperation in this Winter Schedule "Budget." Times are tough in our Four Season Economy, so please understand our concern. We do not want to upset the other deserving seasons of the same pleasures and opportunities. We want you to know that your services are important.

And finally, your services are needed most from December 20 to January 5 to cover the Christmas and New Year's celebrations. Because no snow was produced during that time for the Spirit of Christmas, sales were down and you will be put on a suspension. Because sales declined, we had to make cuts in the 2007 budget. You are losing 30 days of your Winter 2007 season. That will take in affect January 5, 2008 because of the required mandate to have snow on the ground over the 2007 Christmas vacation.

Sincerely,

Mr. Summer Time
Chairman of the Four Seasons