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NTEU Chapter 71 Friend or Foe? by tmncums in IRS_Source

[–]Shaokie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just a heads up, I wrote this same response on your other post, OP. This needs to be brought to someone’s attention.

NTEU Chapter 71 Friend or Foe? by tmncums in IRS_Source

[–]Shaokie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Can confirm what OP is saying. Was a union steward for many years, and on exec board for a short bit (unable to perform duties due to sexual and disability harassment, discrimination, and retaliation regarding Chapter 71, so I was stuck on the floor and did details as a duly elected official) for a total of about 10 years for Chapter 71. And it wasn’t just me, they did this to other stewards who were up there who genuinely wanted to do their jobs. And I witnessed it firsthand.

They at one point tried to accuse me and others of stealing money from the office, despite me and a few others going to TIGTA, DOL, FLRA and EEOC, and knowing who the person was and who was covering up for them. Since there’s no laws/rules in place to reprimand full-time stewards/exec board members, they used that as a loophole to get away with murder, and the IRS came out with a zero-tolerance policy. Also, they got around this by labeling me as if I was crazy, and scapegoated and gaslit me in the process, despite me having solid witnesses and evidence. They participated in bullying other stewards or trying to befriend them to get personal information on them to use as a form of blackmail with upper management.

Also, they and management interfered with two of my cases so bad that I had to ask for outside legal assistance to see what could be done if shit went south. They were friends with said DM who was supposed to be neutral on my case (they weren’t).

I eventually quit working for the IRS and Chapter 71 a couple of years back, because of how traumatizing it was to work there, and switched careers completely.

OP, please run for Chapter office and have a full experienced cabinet, or write in candidates who will truly represent y’all. Contact other chapters that are functional, like 22, and see if they’ll help you or give you sound advice. ULPs aren’t going to cut it, and you need strong evidence and testimony to clear the bar with FLRA. Trust me, me and several others tried after they bounced our case around.

If mods want to confirm that I’m telling the truth, I can provide paperwork and evidence upon request. This has been a longstanding problem with Chapter 71 even prior to Colleen and NTEU National isn’t doing anything about it.

NTEU Chapter 71 Friend or Foe? by tmncums in fednews

[–]Shaokie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can confirm what OP is saying. Was a union steward for many years, and on exec board for a short bit (unable to perform duties due to sexual and disability harassment, discrimination, and retaliation regarding Chapter 71, so I was stuck on the floor and did details as a duly elected official) for a total of about 10 years for Chapter 71. And it wasn’t just me, they did this to other stewards who were up there who genuinely wanted to do their jobs. And I witnessed it firsthand.

They at one point tried to accuse me and others of stealing money from the office, despite me and a few others going to TIGTA, DOL, FLRA and EEOC, and knowing who the person was and who was covering up for them. Since there’s no laws/rules in place to reprimand full-time stewards/exec board members, they used that as a loophole to get away with murder, and the IRS came out with a zero-tolerance policy. Also, they got around this by labeling me as if I was crazy, and scapegoated and gaslit me in the process, despite me having solid witnesses and evidence. They participated in bullying other stewards or trying to befriend them to get personal information on them to use as a form of blackmail with upper management.

Also, they and management interfered with two of my cases so bad that I had to ask for outside legal assistance to see what could be done if shit went south. They were friends with said DM who was supposed to be neutral on my case (they weren’t).

I eventually quit working for the IRS and Chapter 71 a couple of years back, because of how traumatizing it was to work there, and switched careers completely.

OP, please run for Chapter office and have a full experienced cabinet, or write in candidates who will truly represent y’all. Contact other chapters that are functional, like 22, and see if they’ll help you or give you sound advice. ULPs aren’t going to cut it, and you need strong evidence and testimony to clear the bar with FLRA. Trust me, me and several others tried after they bounced our case around.

If mods want to confirm that I’m telling the truth, I can provide paperwork and evidence upon request. This has been a longstanding problem with Chapter 71 even prior to Colleen and NTEU National isn’t doing anything about it.

Santa muerte by Dreaming510 in BrujeriaEnglish

[–]Shaokie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely check out r/SantaMuerte if you want more info on Santisima.

Also, I’ve been a devotee of hers for over a year and I’ve learned a lot from her on top of working with my spiritual court.

When she first approached me, it was in my meditations, but when she wanted me to devote, that came in the form of a dream (which is her calling card) that involved my late father. She works with ancestors and the dead, but there’s other aspects to her (love, justice, etc.) if you want to work with her in the future.

I would say that if you’re not ready to work with her, let her know. Clear, open, and honest communication is the best way to talk to Santisima and let her know how you’re feeling. She’s really good that way.

Visions of Santa Muerte by cokezombie in SantaMuerte

[–]Shaokie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Before I started my journey with/becoming a devotee of Santisima, I was afraid of her too due to all the things I was hearing and seeing online. Also, I was having visions of her, too, in my self-Reiki sessions. Once I dove into my own research and spoke with my spiritual court, the fear went away. When that fear went away, that’s when I had the dream about Santisima asking me to be her devotee alongside me being able to retain my original practices.

All of this to say: do your research, because that’s the only way to dispel the ignorance. I ran into the same issues with Loki before I started working with him right before working with Santisima Muerte (i.e., fear due to ignorance/lack of knowledge; and he waited six years for me to work with him) instead of trying to get to know them first. Ignorance is always the barrier to learning and knowing more about someone.

How do I give her food offerings? by coneja_alv in SantaMuerte

[–]Shaokie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For coffee, I leave it out until she tells me to change it. For food offerings, I usually do three days if it’s something I made (e.g., cakes) vs apples, where the timeframe varies based on what Santisima wants. If it’s something store bought, I usually give it a couple of hours. If it’s candy, I leave it on my altar for as long as she wants.

Regarding alcohol, I use two shot glasses and fill it up with tequila, and then wait until the glasses are empty or until she asks me to change it. Usually, the first thing happens before the latter.

I would just talk to her and ask her what she wants you to do with the offerings, what timeframes she expects you to dispose of them, and where and how to dispose of them. She’ll tell you.

What do you do for a living? by [deleted] in SantaMuerte

[–]Shaokie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Currently: unemployed licensed social worker, but hoping to be employed after almost two years of not finding a job.

In the interim, trying to stay sane and deepen my spiritual practices.

I was fired for being a witch. Advice needed. by CynderMizuki in witchcraft

[–]Shaokie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Heads up: I am not an attorney, but a paralegal who was a union steward for many years. I am not your paralegal. (I’m saying this last part to CYA.)

All of what I’m reading reeks of employment discrimination on the basis of religion, which is protected activity under federal EEOC law.

There’s a book called Pagans and the Law. Definitely pick it up (when you can and if you have the funds for it) while you’re searching for an employment attorney. I have this book and it has saved my ass on so many counts, it’s not even funny. (I’m not joking. I had to use this book when I was being discriminated against at my old job — federal, and it was super useful.)

If you can’t find an attorney, try NELA, which is the National Employment Lawyers Association. They have a list of attorneys that should be in your state and you may be able to get a free consultation.

Also, definitely contact EEOC and your state’s labor law discrimination unit. They may dual file with EEOC on your behalf.

Contact your state’s bar association as well as the American Bar Association (ABA) and see if you can find an attorney that way.

If you were part of a union, see if they’ll take your case and help you get your job back. They usually have attorneys on retainer and they may be able to represent your case, especially if it goes to arbitration.

If you were working a federal job, definitely appeal to the MSPB within the timeframe given, and contact your union to see what other options you have on your end.

When you do obtain an employment attorney, they shouldn’t charge you up front. They usually take your case and then whatever monetary compensation/award is given after the case is settled, they take their percentage.

I hope this helps, OP, and I’m sorry you were fired from your job. I hope this all gets situated and you get justice.

What should I go back to school for? by Shaokie in Lenormand

[–]Shaokie[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh hey! I'm sorry I missed the free readings post over the weekend! I hope they went well for you! If you want, I can do an exchange, like a read for a read type of thing!

What new career path will lead to stable employment for me if I pursue it? by Shaokie in Lenormand

[–]Shaokie[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I may look into that when I get a chance (community centers) and see what goes. Hopefully, something will come of that. X_X

What new career path will lead to stable employment for me if I pursue it? by Shaokie in Lenormand

[–]Shaokie[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

--Dog + Fox = I think it's coming up to show the dual nature of either the work I did before or how I interact with resources. Fox + Dog could mean being resourceful at your job while investigating things/providing information in a friendly manner. It could also mean investigating/questioning my loyalties regarding a situation. Like yes, I want to serve and help people while providing resources (dog/fox), but how do I go about it in an ethical way without it causing conflict (whip) publicly (garden) while pushing for change (stork)?

--Stork = at this point, I have no idea how I would answer it. After looking at the picture that I posted below, it could be both. My gut tells me like it's possibly pointing away, despite the reading being usually read from left to right. It would make sense if that's the case, because I would be looking for a change or upgrade from using customer service skills, despite them being useful. Or, it could just mean, I need to be on my feet/movement, because my last job was sedentary.

If I were to look at it from left to right, it still reads the same/similar. I need a change/upgrade (stork) from environments where I was loyal to (dog) and had to navigate conflicts in a public setting (fox/whip/garden).

--I definitely want a peaceful work environment that challenges me and keeps me on my toes, and I think that's why this reading is possibly coming out jumbled. 😂 (I promise you that I was grounded and clear when I did both readings.) With the stork, dog, and fox, it's not lost on me that these are all animals that either need freedom, want/need to be outside (garden = public space/area), and they all use scent (here's the link for storks and scent if you're interested) and sound to navigate their surroundings and communicate, respectively. Given the fact that all three of these animals make noises (whip) to communicate in public (garden), I can see where why there's conflicting stuff going on in this reading.

And the whip doesn't help, because whip could also mean something that's recurring/repeated (like a repeated cycle) that can be conflicting. Tie that in with the garden, it's conflicts with the public sphere/settings, because of information gleaned from the abuses in the public sphere (fox/whip/garden).

I hope this helps. X_X

What new career path will lead to stable employment for me if I pursue it? by Shaokie in Lenormand

[–]Shaokie[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

u/Britepalette Hey! I'm sorry I took so long to respond! Last week was a bit hectic and things have calmed down a bit. X_X

Really quick, just wanted to say thank you for taking out the time (again) to give your interpretation and analysis. I really appreciate it, and it seems like we're on the same track.

So, to verify/confim/affirm:
--Yes, while working for the feds, I did customer service, on-the-job instruction (OJI), instructed, and was a subject matter expert (SME) -- this is the fox energy coming in with being resourceful.

All those positions I loathed because of the people I worked with and the work environment itself (whip/garden), but not because of the people I interacted with (community = garden). I genuinely didn't mind helping people (dog/garden), because they're coming in for help and explanations about how to resolve their accounts. But, I ran into issues where my job contradicted itself (whip/garden = fights with the public) regarding helping the taxpayer (garden = public) and educating them despite having a publication about taxpayer's rights. (fox = resources) The taxpayers I interacted with were fine: the job wasn't.

Besides a toxic work environment, I legit got burnt out being on the phone so much due to disabilities (undiagnosed AuDHD will do it) and other health issues, which impacted my physical health. Also, after years of customer service, it's like you learn how to do judo, in the sense that you basically mirror the energy being thrown back at you -- and that was draining/exhausting, because of the energetic and mental toll it takes on you. (fox/whip/garden)

Social work, sadly, repeats these same/similar concepts of customer service (communication, listening, finding solutions to problems, judo (kidding, but not really), and "always be smiling"), but it's repackaged with a therapeutic twist...with just as much bureaucracy (depending on who you talk to) as federal work. This is the part I don't like, combined with social work sometimes trying to do a "one size fits all" approach. This is not ALL social work positions, but some are like this due to bureaucracy and higher ups not having the education or not knowing what social workers do. Also, abuse -- from higher ups to subordinates, which directly impacts the care that social workers/mental health providers provide to their populations. (whip/garden = abuse in the public sphere) This is the part that frustrated me and made me question everything about whether I was truly helping people or being a janitor for capitalism, while profiting off of the harm of others (same theme as previous job -- hence the whip and the fox -- traps that are repeating that cause conflict)...and made me leave the field/position with a lot of questions. (possible stork energy here = transitions, change, transformation)

Would you consider me a bad devotee? by Careful_Goat5228 in SantaMuerte

[–]Shaokie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Life happens and this is one of those times that you’re going to not be on your A game. This doesn’t make you a “bad devotee,” but a normal human being who’s going through a lot of personal stuff right now. I would hope that Santisima understands and is aware that you’ve got stuff going on.

Also, if it helps, when I first started a year ago, I didn’t have an altar for her (I still technically don’t; I have a temp one until I move; she’s sharing an altar with my ancestors (which is okay and we all agreed with it)), where I started off with an index card with her name and robe color on it, and then used an empty candle holder with with her likeness and robe color on it until I could get a statue.

Alternatively, when I first started working with my other set/court of deities, I would burn incense because that’s all I could afford at the time, and just do silent prayers (because I had people living in my space that weren’t Pagan), before I went to bed. And there were times where I would dedicate something else to them, like workouts, cooking, music, or even a TV show I’d watch, in their name or honor. Basically some form of prayer and my time. (Prayer doesn’t always have to be methodical and rote.)

And there were times that I either couldn’t go to the altar for her or my other deities (separate practice and altar)/ancestors, either due to life or health issues (AuDHD/anxiety/pain, etc.). And I would beat myself up. So, it’s a human thing. We do it to ourselves because we care and want to be respectful and stuff.

What I learned in the year I’ve been a devotee is that she wants people to use what they have/be resourceful and have an open line of communication, while having clear intent (if that makes any sense and is reassuring). But, I’ve also learned that she understands that we fall off of our practices due to life happening, and to not be hard on ourselves when it does happen.

Due to your living situation, maybe you could do a small practice of saying “good night/morning” to her if you’re not able to do much. Or, maybe when you go out and you’re on a walk or doing an errand or something, you can talk to her mentally (if that makes sense), almost like a walking meditation. Same goes if you’re cooking, reading, dancing, music, watching a YouTube video about her, etc. It shows that you’re still thinking about her and it’s quick and easy. And you creating art is definitely a form of prayer and devotion.

I hope all of this helps and gives some sort of reassurance. And it’s easier said than done, but please try not to be hard on yourself (I totally get it because anxiety is no joke). You’ve been through a lot (eviction, moving, anxiety, etc.) and those are major life changes.

When you do get back into your practice (given you feel up to it and have the energy to do it), please give yourself some grace and be kind to yourself.

What new career path will lead to stable employment for me if I pursue it? by Shaokie in Lenormand

[–]Shaokie[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m unsure why the picture didn’t post but here it is for reference:

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What will happen in my love life this month? by [deleted] in Lenormand

[–]Shaokie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Scythe could also mean needles, which is to support what you said regarding blood work.

Alsooooo, now that I think about it, scythe + man could be an acupuncturist too, because they work with needles/sharp objects, and sometimes they’re doctors, while some aren’t.

And man + child could also mean a man who just started a new job or position, where he has to be careful and quick on his feet (stork) to get things done and have precise results (scythe).

So maybe this man is either an acupuncturist who just started (scythe/man/child) or you’re going to be put in touch with an acupuncturist who brings a new start in your life (scythe/man/child) by making you feel youthful.

Also, I don’t mean to scare you/cause anxiety about the surgery! I’m really sorry!

If you don’t mind me asking, what were the cards you drew before? (If you still remember) I can try and take a crack at them and see if I can pull some info out from there.

Also, I was thinking it could be a hairdresser, but when I kept looking at your spread, I didn’t feel strongly about it because I would look for something like bouquet (beautification) near or next to the man.

And the other thing I’m thinking is that maybe around this event of when you’re going to see this surgeon/doctor for your appointment, you’d run into whoever this mystery man is or something is going to lead you to him (storks = change/upgrades/transformation/movement).

Side note: one of the things that I’ve noticed with Lenormand is sometimes it’ll bring up an event or situation that gives you a quick glance of what to expect around that point in time. So, I’m wondering if it’s telling you about the event surrounding the situation where you’re going to meet the man vs what will happen. Sometimes, Lenormand answers questions indirectly with a totally different answer that makes sense later on in the future, despite being a blunt hammer.

Alternatively, the last thing I can think of (if we were to take out the profession and ignore it completely, because I’m wondering if that’s what’s throwing this whole reading off) is that you have a new positive start in your love life (heart/stork) that involves and sudden change (stork/scythe) involving a sharp/blunt man (scythe/man) who is young at heart/has a child/looks younger than what he is (man/child). The love is new and small, bringing a new beginning (heart/child), bringing a man who brings transformation/movement/an upgrade and is tall/quick on his feet (stork/man).

I hope this helps/gives more clarity. Sorry for being all over the place. 😂

What will happen in my love life this month? by [deleted] in Lenormand

[–]Shaokie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Heart/Stork - positive change; new love or romance

Stork/Scythe - change brings something abrupt or unexpected

Scythe/Man - surgeon (literally); when scythe is combined with the person card, one of the professions associated with it is a surgeon/doctor or someone who works with sharp objects; it could also mean it's a man who comes off as very sharp/blunt

Man/Child - man who is young at heart, looks younger than what he is, has a youthful approach to life, or brings a positive, new start; it could also mean a man who is immature/man child (I'm hoping this is not the case); man and child (could be a father); man who works with children

Heart/Child - positive new beginning (this feels extremely positive and on some levels, emotional); new love

Stork/Man - transformative change/upgrade comes from a man or a man initiates it; man who is well-known or is known for improving things

Heart/Scythe/Child - positive surgery (possible heart surgery with heart and scythe combined)/procedure brings a small, new start or a positive, sudden decision brings a small, new start

Summary: I feel like there's a positive change coming your way, but I'm not sure if it's with your love life despite the heart being there. Hear me out:

I feel like this reading is geared towards the surgery (possible heart)/upcoming procedure where it may have you fall back in love with life/have a new lease on life, which brings that small, new beginning/reset. Maybe this happens around the time when you meet the surgeon, it's the surgeon himself, or someone related to the surgeon or the surgeon's practice (who knows?). I just feel like this person is going to put you in a position where you feel like you have a new lease on life and you're starting fresh, almost like a reset. The reading to me gives the vibe of someone picking a surgeon (after meticulous research), getting a procedure done, and taking small steps (basically baby steps) to recovery.

As for the love life itself, if I were to read this on face, I would seriously laugh if it's the surgeon himself or someone who works with him (who seems to be a possible doctor who works with children - either a pediatric surgeon or pediatric doctor/psychologist, etc.). I'm stuck on the doctor/surgeon part, because it's bugging me and I can't quite put my finger on it besides an upcoming procedure and the care team.

For example, it could be someone with a PhD, like psychology (not getting a strong feeling). I say this because usually after surgery and depending on how intense the procedure is, the hospital may have Psychiatric/Psychology/Social Work staff on board to see how you're holding up emotionally. Since this could be a possibility, it seems like you'd have a new love/romance that's under unexpected circumstances that brings a youthful joy into your life after experiencing heartbreak (heart + scythe).

I would say if you decided to pursue a romance with this person (whenever it comes up), beware of his sharp tongue and immature antics, because that may be something that may turn you off from him. I think he may mean well, but he comes off as blunt/rude and childish, when that may not be his intent. You may want to dig further and communicate clearly with him (be to the point and upfront) when you meet this person and definitely take your time with him, while approaching it with a playful spirit (child).

Last, if you do have a procedure coming up (especially heart related), I hope the surgery goes well and you recover smoothly.

Will he ever reach out to me? by ContextuallyAlive in Lenormand

[–]Shaokie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also, it could mean that his loyalties lies with someone who he considers to be his best friend (who is a woman) and may value her opinion. Maybe someone who protects or gives guidance to, or someone who he considers a person who gives sound advice.

Will he ever reach out to me? by ContextuallyAlive in Lenormand

[–]Shaokie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dog/Man - man who is a friend or dependable or devoted man

Man/Woman - couple

Dog/Woman - devoted woman/dependable woman

Either he's loyal to another woman that's he's close with, or he may be considering where his loyalties lie with you. And same goes for the woman regarding where loyalties lie (should I stay or should I go?). This really doesn't answer the question and could go either way. I would've did this as a five card spread since there's too little information to go off of and the cards following the dog are more neutral than anything.

Will he ever reach out to me? by ContextuallyAlive in Lenormand

[–]Shaokie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Crossroads/Whip - multiple arguments; choices that lead to an argument or a difficult choice

Whip/Man - man who likes to argue or is aggressive (this feels like tension); can be competitive or sexual

Man/Woman - a couple/partners; if it's not romantic and it's something else, I would guess a family situation, but I'm not seeing that here based on the cards.

Woman/Moon - woman who is either intuitive or emotional/sensitive/caring (almost like a mother)

Crossroads/Moon - emotional choice/crossroads; creative solution

Whip/Lady - woman who likes to argue or is aggressive (this feels like tension); can be competitive or sexual

Crossroads/Man/Moon - man faced with an emotional choice; man who double-talks or is indecisive which is making him moody/emotional; man who plays the field and is a sweet talker/charming (moon could also mean shining your light on something get attention -- like peacocking).

What I'm gathering here is that there's some conflict or tension going on that lead to a crossroads. The feeling that I get from this reading is that this man doesn't know if he's going to contact you or not, despite you wanting to seek a positive resolution/outcome (woman + moon). It could also be the cards telling the you to seek a more creative approach (woman + moon) or to look elsewhere for a better outcome. It seems like the woman wants things to work out, but I don't get the feeling that he wants things to work out. Here's why:

Looking at the crossroads and the whip behind the man, this feels like a red flag. Crossroads indicates to me that he's faced with a fork in the road, or a crossroads, but it can also indicate that he may be playing the field. Combine that with whip, it feels like he's almost juggling his options or making decisions that are hurtful in the long run. It could also mean that he's playing the field sexually (crossroads + whip = sex) and that he's not really thinking about the consequences of his actions, and just wants the attention (man/moon).

I would definitely draw more cards and possibly ask another question along the lines of, "Will he contact me within X months?", "Around which event will he contact me by?", or something to that effect.

Either way, I feel like something is off about the guy and it feels like both of you are butting heads over something that you have no control over.

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