Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Up close and personal

I'm not gonna lie, my first few days on the new job have been quite stressful. Having no previous job experience in the banking industry, I was overwhelmed by all the government rules and regulations. Even though my job is assisting the CEO and will have little to do with banking, I still have to pass examinations on The Patriot Act, Bank Secrecy Act, etc. Then my trainer confidently (and wrongly) assumed I could pass the Sexual Harassment exam without studying the module. Yep, I failed it and had to take it again. Embarrassment #1 has been documented, and I have a sinking feeling there are many more to come. Tomorrow I actually get to train for the JOB I've been hired to do, but I still have five exams left to take.

Enough of that nonsense.

I came home today and found my little dragonfly buddy waiting for me in the garden. For the last two days he (or she) has been smitten with the skinny metal posts holding up my tomato plant. Isn't she cute? I shot all of these with my 35mm f/2.0 on a tripod. She let me get that close. This made me happy.


Can anyone ID this little cutie?


Big ol' smile!

39 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

that is a pretty cute face! :)

you're gonna be fine, gail. if it was easy, it wouldn't be called work.

Kerry said...

Your dragonfly is magnificent; congrats on these pictures!

I've had to take similar tests for the state of Oregon and discovered that I had to read the stuff first before attempting the test. It's easy to fail those tests.

beth said...

wow....what a face. like maybe only one a mother could love....LOL

and omg....i can't imagine how stressed you are with your job. it makes me nervous to think i could go back to work someday....yikes.

Evelyn S. said...

Oh wow, Gail! I can't believe you got that close! What a beauty...I like the little face, but I love that second image of the whole dragonfly. Beautiful color, too.

As for your job...ridiculous to have to take all those tests! Patriot Act? Had to snicker about you failing the sexual harassment test...there's a test?? Enjoy!

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

A new job is stressful anyway you cut it but to have to study and take test... triple whammy. I think this dragonfly deserves a name now, I think it was sent to you to lift your spirits.

Prayers for brighter days ahead and that you will ace those test.

Deanna said...

Oh wow, what great macros...she is a beauty, but I am not sure what the attraction is to a metal post?? hmmm. Starting a new job is a drag when you have to go thru all that upfront stuff...but you will get to the good stuff soon. Failed the sexual harrassment test huh? You naughty girl you....just kidding. If there is a question about calling anybody "honey" or "sweets" I would definitely answer yes, which means I would probably fail as well. Continuing thoughts of you while you struggle through the first few days.

Hilary said...

I agree with Tex. I'm sure you'll be fine. Just make sure that on the retake, you don't pat the male examiner on the bum. ;)

Gorgeous dragonfly.. the colours are so beautiful. Great captures, Gail.

Suzan said...

Dragonflies are neat insects. Interesting how they twist their head when they look at you!!
Good luck on the new job!!

Anonymous said...

These are wonderful shots! What a cute little critter!

Autumn said...

Gorgeous macros!

I'm sure you'll get into a groove really soon with the new job. It's an adjustment period, especially coming from a very small business to a corporation (in the banking industry, no less!). Big culture shock. Try not to worry too much!! It'll all work out.

Brian King said...

What gorgeous photos! The eyes are magnificent!

Anonymous said...

Those shots are unbelievable!!! And so are all those tests that you have to take for that job!! The first few weeks at a new job are always challenging, but you will soon get into the groove!!! Thanks for stopping by my place and saying hello!!!

Nancy said...

In my book, it's a dragonfly! Lol. That's the extent of my limited knowledge.

And you will be fine in the new job -- it takes time to settle in.

Kathy said...

I know nothing about dragonflies, but we have a blue one just like this who hangs around but usually on an old metal ladder that provides the ugliest background I've ever seen. Maybe they like he heat emanating from metal.

I'll add my two cents of encouragement to the others above and pretty soon you'll be wealthy in all the good wishes!

Christine said...

What a cute little face; it really does seem to be smiling!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Your photos provide a view of a dragonfly that I've certainly never seen before. Such stunning close-ups! I don't know what kind it is, but its colors are beautiful.

Wishing you well on your new job. The fact that you're stressing over it tells me you care. And that's a good indicator of your work ethic.

Anonymous said...

Exquisite shots!

Good luck with all the tests you have to take...

hootnonny said...

Love the ear muffs the dragon fly is wearing!

Over regulation is a real pain! I taught Sexual Harassment so I can tell you how and how not to do it!

Enjoy all that learning. Show them what a tremendous asset you are to them!

Reena said...

These are outstanding! And she is so beautiful! I don't see many in my backyard. Sure wish I did though!
Good luck on your exams ... soon you will be an ole' pro at the job!

Charlotte Wilson said...

What a nice diversion to shoot a sweet little dragon fly. That is the only name I know of ...dragon fly. And you are right, she is kind of cute.

♥charlotte

Rosemary Aubut said...

You are truly amazing! These shots are incredible! Talk about up close!
Sure you will do just fine at your job! Have a great day tomorrow!

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

AMAZING photos!! Love the eyes, such a beautiful colour, especially in the first and last photos.

Hope the settling in stage at work progresses more smoothly. Quite a challenge by the sound of it.

Gale Wall said...

Love these. I really enjoy your blog and photography :)

Barbara said...

She is gorgeous and I want one of those lenses! I actually spotted one similar to this today (my photos aren't nearly this good!) and will be curious if anyone id's it beyond 'dragonfly'.
Good luck on the job - you've made me nervous in my own job quest! But I know you'll do fine!

tinajo said...

Your pics are amazing and after the first overwhelming time it will all fall together at your new work! :-)

Starla said...

Your photos are nothing short of amazing! Though, I have to agree, that is a face only a mother could love, LOL!
I feel for you on the new stress. Just keep reminding youself that it will get easier as the days pass!

Unknown said...

What a fabulous shot.. How cool that you were able to get that close without it flying away..

Wishing you all the best at your new job. I am sure it will get easier as time goes by..

Hugs~

Nadine, Chewy and Lilibell said...

Dam Girl, those pictures are amazing and also beautiful!!

Don't worry, two months down the road you'll be at your desk like you've been there for years!

Tricia said...

Oh Gail, these photos are wonderful! Don't worry too much about your job, it will all come together :)

rainfield61 said...

I did this before using my canon 100mm f2.8 macro lense.

That was great.

Your are great too.

Dave said...

Nice dragonfly pictures Gail. It looks like you may have made a friend? - Dave

Phil Slade said...

That comment made me laugh - If you failed the sexual harrassment test does that mean you are good at it or bad at it?LOL - very unPC. Great close ups of the dragon. By the way (Great) Cormorant and European Shag are different but closely related species.

Dianne said...

these dragonfly shots are astounding!!
thanks, I feel like I know the little guy

I was once an EVP and on the board of directors
I got there after starting as a temp years earlier
I always had the notion that everyone knew stuff I didn't and finally discovered that most knew a lot less than it appeared
it's important to know how to find out way more than it is to be "born knowing"
as for the sexual harass test, I'm impressed that you failed
I failed twice because I just have such a hard time thinking like a jerk :)

La Vie Quotidienne said...

I cannot believe these photos...they are amazing! I have lots of dragonflys around my pond but I have never be able to get such wonderful pictures. Great!

Anonymous said...

An image with great closeness and wonderful details. And an unusual place for the dragonfly.

Cynthia Schelzig said...

What absolutely fabulous shots of the this dragonfly...beautiful!!

Gone Country said...

Great shots! I love dragonflies! I heard they were a symbol of good luck but don't know how true that is.

One of my former jobs was a Bank Teller. I know what you mean about all those tests, ugh! Good luck!

Anonymous said...

I believe that you'll be just fine w/ the new job... & I'll be saying a prayer for you, too! =)

The dragonfly shots are AWESOME! You & your camera ROCK the close-ups! Look at those eyes or whatever they're called... LoL! =)

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Amazing photos. I'm so glad that your photography is a stress reliever for you as you start your new job -- and gladder yet that you share the results..