I'm slipping...

I had hoped to maintain a level of weekly postings...hmm, I'm getting to the once a month level now.

Life is rather busy at the moment...

School started for the boys last week. I was able to take leave the day before they headed off to school and while Debbie slaved at the school, "the boys" ran errands and then hung out downtown Seattle. We rode the new light rail into town, visited my office, took in the view of the area from the 73rd floor of the Columbia Center and hung out at the library. A good day!

This week was filled with three evening meetings (we could attend...a fourth that we couldn't make) and the boys getting into a bit of a routine.

The first week of the month saw the purchase of a new refrigerator. The GE experienced the same problem that we repaired in March for nearly $400. Rather than spend another $400...we opted to buy new.

Trouble is, top freezer models that can hold 8 gallons of milk and a whole lot more just aren't made anymore (or aren't affordable). We opted for a spiffy Samsung French Door/freezer on the bottom model coming in at 26 cubic feet. Two features we weren't looking for were included...ice maker and water dispenser. Neither in the door. Ice maker where it belongs in the freezer and water dispenser inside the fridge.

The ice maker initially only made 2 cubes at a time...

Samsung gave me the run-around.

Sears didn't seem to think that a brand spanking new fridge should afford any higher priority than 10 days out for a repair. We waited and I complained. The repairman found the kink in the line inside the unit...and Sears will give me $50 in a gift card to keep me coming back.

I'm still not a happy camper. If we had purchased from a local dealer, I betcha there would have been someone standing tall at my door to get the thing working correctly as soon as I called.

See ya Sears!!!

Enough whining. Saturday sees me in front of some folks at the library to teach a class on Excel.

TTFN

Good Fences!

The ones they built in the neighborhood a few years back were pretty good, but alas, the post that supports the gate rotted away.

After only about 2 months, I replaced the post...then this weekend, finally got around to hanging the gate.

Since a "4x4" these days is really a "3.5x3.5" I ended up needing to fill in a 1/2" gap for the fence panel. With some scrap wood to act as shims, the panel is up. I re-seated the edging block under the fence to keep the doggie in and Debbie made it look nice. The boys say the gate works far better now than it did before...there wasn't much cement holding in that post, so I betcha it's been failing for a while now.

Evan continues his intense study of observational astronomy. I've checked out several books for him and he regularly stays up pretty late observing. That said, I think his most productive session was when he arose at 0400 to get a much darker night sky.

Spencer discovered Pokemon...so now his list of things to buy include Lego sets AND more Pokemon cards

Work continues to go well and now I just need to figure out how to work back in Kiwanis!

Debbie now stresses about not being able to complete her project list: the school district called her back so she'll be gainfully employed for the school year. Maybe we'll get to Disneyland this year!

TTFN

It's been too long

The 4th of July weekend winds down.

I did get some reading in...Isaac Asimov's Nemesis. Intriguing. I wonder if he'd managed to live a few years longer if he'd actually tied in the Foundation series to this one?

Next year I will challenge my friends and anyone who picks up the pose on the social networks to spend a bit less on fireworks and give that little bit to a food bank or other agency that needs assistance. I saw no indication of the recession last night...two solid hours of people blowing up their money!

The job continues to go well. Busy but well.

My one weekend project to replace the post in the fence will be a multi-weekend project. The old post has yet to be liberated from the dirt. Fortunately the original seating process wasn't all that good and I don't have a huge ball of cement to dig out. My father-in-law brought over the heavy duty tools -- large pry bars!

More next week!

Challenges, fun and stress

I still like the job. I end the week and feel that I've done something to help the organization. I think it's been fun so far. Quite an amazing thing to be given the title AND the authority that should go with it!

Of course, there are leadership challenges looming...but unlike in the past, I feel I have a great network of mentors to help with ideas and encouragement.

Stress. Believe it or not...church. Myself, and two others lead service tomorrow. I had to think of a favorite scripture and hymn. That was stressful. I haven't studied the Bible that much, and even when I do hear a passage I like, I never think to mark it!

Now to prepare for tomorrow...practice the readings and what we have to do!

TTFN

9 days down

Last week I had a "crutch" in the office...my mentor from the SF office helped me with many things.

This week, I just had the phone and no one to immediately get an "read" on something.   However, I'm getting positive feedback.

I'm lucky.  The Navy and Airborne Express prepared me well for the job.  My wife said it best -- you actually know what you DON'T know.  So true.

I was feeling today like I already really "belonged" in the job.  Perhaps that means I've just taken ownership right away with the reigns fully in my hands.  I never really felt that way at "my last gig."  Here I've truly been given authority to do something (and it doesn't hurt that I'm one of several "Office Manager" and the role is pretty well defined).  

For me then, it's the best of all situations.  I get to use my "people skills" in an environment where I don't have to both carve out a role from nothing.  Let's not forget having a staff that does a fair whack of the work.

All-in-all, this will be good.

TTFN

Two down...many more to go!

Day two ended successfully.  

I think my main challenge with this position will be to re-invigorate my team and boost their morale.  

I've told many folks that in the past, I've done well with large organizations and the IRS is a big piece of an even larger group...relationship building will be a prime skill to employ here.

Much to learn, much to do but I'm looking forward to it.

The basic thing right now is clearning out the JUNK from my office.  It was a dumping ground for 6 months and so I need to clear the place out first up!

TTFN

I'm going to miss it!

Getting to the end of my last week of "freedom"!

What's been great about the last couple of weeks is that I've not had to do the job search.  To collect unemployment, one needs to make 3 job contacts a week...When you have to fill out lengthy questionnaires each time, that gets tedious.

I called the unemployment folks a couple weeks ago and asked about it, and they flagged me as being exempt from that requirement!

So, I spent the time helping out at the schools and feeding my Facebook addiction...:).

All in all, I've enjoyed being home when the boys get home to help with homework or just find out how their day went.  I also enjoyed getting everyone kicked out of the house in the morning.  Spencer still gives the nice hug each morning as the bus arrives and I've enjoyed the brief chats with the driver.

I suspect the job will be a challenge at first, but I think it will be a good one.  My "concern" is how quickly I'll be able to figure out my work schedule to weave in some running.

TTFN

Finally!!!

So, I first had to get fingerprinted, then a tax check done.

Next step was to fill out paperwork for a background check...

All the hoops successfully jumped through and the formal offer letter is in hand.  Start date May 26th.  

I'm SO looking forward to getting back into the work swing of things.  

I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at home with the boys each day; getting everyone out the door each morning, keeping things picked up around the house; making dinner (when I knew what to cook).

Hopefully I can settle into a new routine quickly -- mainly to not miss too much in the way of working out!

TTFN

Fingerprints and trial run

Friday was fingerprint day.  Headed to my future place of employment with some paperwork and then off to the King County Sheriff's office to get fingerprints -- the old fashioned kind, too.

Met the future team and saw the office in more detail than when I interviewed.  

The day also served as a trial run for the commute.  Depending on when I start the day, my trip to Seattle was probably at the time I'll go every day.  No complaints -- just a bit over an hour to get into town including the walk to the shuttle and the walk from the train.

Same story for the trip home, though I took the first train out of town which won't happen much.  

Wrapping up paperwork now and will make a run up the UPS store to ship the remaining forms off to the personnel folks back in New York.

TTFN

Like moving the space shuttle...

I'm not complaining, but things do move slowly when it comes to the government.

Spoke with the HR representative today and the ball is rolling.  I guess they have firewall issues, and the initial email last week didn't make it in...so we move along.

Fingerprinting is first and that will happen 4/23 or 4/24.  I'll have a bunch of forms to fill out and along with the fingerprinting will come a tax check (rank and file IRS employees don't have the "option" of "honest mistakes" on tax filings).

Then a background investigation -- that shouldn't be an issue since I've held a Top Secret/SCI clearance in the past.

So, the process could take 4 weeks...but we're getting closer!

TTFN

Winding down the search...

Call on Monday 4/6 to see if I was still interested in the Office Manager position with the IRS I applied for last December 2nd...

Interviewed on Wednesday 4/15 (how ironic is THAT!).  Called this morning about doing the reference checking and just before lunch got the word that I will receive an offer.

So, this job hunt was harder than the last, but shorter than my first one out of the Navy.  I'm just glad for tools like LinkedIn, Facebook and just the internet itself.  Makes the search much easier!

TTFN

Another move forward

TAX Day...and I'll interview with the IRS that day!  How ironic!

I applied for a position with the Office of Chief Counsel back in December and I received a call Monday about scheduling an interview.  I knew my application had been referred to the reviewing officer, but wasn't sure what was to happen next.  

It will be a busy week next week with test proctoring going on for me as well -- one of those earlier short-term gigs I lined up for some extra $$.

Kids are off this week for Spring Break.  Had hoped for a snow shoe expedition (still lots of the white stuff in the mountains) but no one else seemed interested and I was too busy Monday to get all the prep done.

Tomorrow we look at a restored private aircraft (after my Kiwanis meeting) and then I'll have a Living Last Supper practice.  Being out of work is BUSY!!

TTFN

Small Steps

Well, I snagged a small, short-term position with Pearson scoring standardized tests for schools.  That starts May 11.

Today I sent in my application materials to be a proctor for the WASL for a local group of schools (Washington Virtual Academy).

I think I'll also apply to be an emergency substitute teacher.  It's something and maybe I'll learn that teaching would be a good calling.

Taxes were filed and by this time next week we should have some $$ in the bank with the refund.  Once employment settles down, we need to do a better job with our witholding...

TTFN

The Fridge Gave Up!

As I grabbed "stuff" out of the refrigerator this morning, I thought things felt mighty warm and alas, they did.  Fridge is unplugged awaiting bailout from the repairman.  Hopefully the fix won't be too bad (nor will we need to wait forever for parts).  

Friday I spent tinkering with internet connection.  Seems that the power outage the previous Sunday mucked up the wireless router and I couldn't get to it until Friday...took a while but got it figured out and then Saturday Harley got the laptop to connect!

Jobs on the Federal listing seem to have tapered off a bit.  Will have to explore what's up with that.

Taxes need to be done. 

This is shaping up to be a busy week.  Helping out with a field trip on Wednesday; Living Last Supper practice that night, too.  

Tuesday is repair day, so I'll be on hold until someone shows up for that.

Thursday is an interview from the previously mentioned post.

Breather on Friday...but no sapphire...

TTFN

Some Opportunities

The news doesn't get any better, but I'm tuning out some stories.  Yesterday and today I got quite tired of hearing about the demise of the Seattle PI.  Yes, it is sad that the paper is shutting down, but after about the 20th story, I'd had enough!

Internet connection is down at home, so I've headed down to the church to work a bit.  That works fine, but I spent too much time today on church matters and not applying for a job.

Sunday learned that Big Lots was looking for store managers.  Sent a note to the recruiter...no reply yet, but I'll tweak her on Friday if I haven't heard anything.  It could be spring break where she's at, so vacation could cause a delay.

Also applied for a job grading exams.  Wouldn't necessarily want the day shift for that one....but the evening shift would work out just right I think.  Boring work, but $$ nonetheless!  Interview for this one is Wednesday.

TTFN

More snow!

It's close to mid-March and we have snow!  Kids really aren't interested in playing in it.  Imagine that.

Monday morning, the snow came and no delay of school.  In theory the white stuff will melt by the time the school day ends.

The job search continues.  No word from the Auburn School District position.  

The NOAA job from a while back appears to not have been filled at all.

I continue to apply for Federal jobs.

I'm frustrated that I missed the deadline for the VTS job.  Too many positions floating around in my head with differing dates.

I'm networking with my Kiwanis Club and will start at the library doing some teaching of computer classes in the near future.  I figure if I impress well, they will remember me and if something comes up, someone will let me know.

I guess I was a hit at the "Read Across America" event last week in one of the classes.  they were a great group of kids and were fun to read to.

We had the pastor and his family up for dinner on Friday night and had a great time.  Our church is so fortunate to have him there.  

TTFN

I came, I saw, I answered.

Four folks faced me, and they asked the typical job interview questions.  I think I answered them all well...Job interviews give the company a chance to see you and try and get a sense for how you respond to questions.  Hopefully I made a good connection with the folks there.

Wrapping up an application package for the Coast Guard for the VTS here in Puget Sound.  While it has a rotating shift, it would be a way cool job.

Not encouraged by the continued dip in the stock market.

Amused by the spat amongst the "leaders" of the RNC.  Is it Rush or Michael Steele?  

Disgusted by all in the Congress who'd rather snipe than try and get something done for the nation and not just a single congressional district in a state.

TTFN

I GOT ONE!!

Well, the first real interview happens next week.  I applied for a dispatcher position with the Auburn School District and I received a call today that they want to see me next week.  Don't know if they HAVE to interview all candidates, but who cares!  It's an interview.

Nothing much else to report.  The kids are off this week for "mid-winter break."  Haven't done anything fun this week.  We did get new military ID cards for all but me...Debbie's was expired and the kids got their first cards.

The big task now is "19 questions"...answering questions for a position up in Seattle for the Coast Guard/Homeland Security.  They need a Vessel Traffic System Control Specialist.  Should be able to leverage my Navy experience...only "issue" is that the experience was over 10 years ago.  We shall see!

TTFN

I guess not...

At least they got back to me...but applied for a job as a "Budget Coordinator" with a local health system...Other than being in the medical field, the job read pretty much like what I've done for the past few years.  Alas, they wanted (and could require it) experience in the medical field.  

Got the email today that essentially said...sorry.  Oh well, forge ahead and keep up with the search.  There are a few cool jobs showing up on the Federal sites...I'll keep pushing in that direction.

Mid-winter break is upon us.  Hoping to get up to do some snow shoeing one day.  Need to get Evan's plane up in the air once...hopefully we'll have a calm day later in the week.

TTFN

"Recessionista" now the "in" thing

Warning...SOAP BOX...

I find it hard to believe that some are just getting to the idea that only buying things that you need really makes sense.  

I watched the "Mark Twain" award show last night honoring George Carlin. His routine on "stuff" rather hit the nail on the head.  Why do we need a "McMansion" other than to hold all the stuff we need?  And why do we need a salary of over $500K other than to accumulate more stuff?

I just hope the new-found insight to buying things at a reasonable price (does a $5,000 watch REALLY work better than a $50 dollar one?) translates into something positive.  How about if the reformed "fashionistas" out there (now recessionistas) that couuld have bought that $5,000 watch, take some of their new found savings and head on down to the local food bank and not only give money but help hand out the stuff?!?!  Or maybe buy a big stack of books and take down to their local school and READ them to some kids that don't get 10 minutes of attention at home...

Off the soap box...

Evan starts pre-algebra today.  He'd been bored in the regular 6th grade math course that was geared to everyone.  He came from a gifted program and is in honors everything else...so it's no surprise.

TTFN

It's February and ...

...The job hunt continues.  I will say that the past couple weeks it's been hard to stick to the job search activity.  Networking in person is enjoyable, but trolling for jobs that match my skills just isn't.

...I'm enjoying my involvement with the Kiwanis group here in Auburn.  We are really trying to make a difference in so many lives here.  I'm helping monthly with the Community Suppers where anyone that wants a warm meal just shows up and receives one.  We help run the dishwasher.

...Facebook is fun, but dangerous.

...I need to work out.  I'm saving money by ditching the gym membership, but I really need to get into a pool on a regular basis for some good aerobic workouts.  My knee is keeping me from running and it's just more efficient for me to run than walk.  My bike probably needs $2-300 worth of repairs, but I should try and figure out what to do to get it back up and working or find something new.

...I'm enjoying cooking.  I've not gotten back to my comfort level from many moons ago, but I'm getting there.  I managed to get some eggs cooked up this morning and make lunches all in about the same amount of time as usual.  In fact, I think the dishwasher was emptied long before normal.

That's all the news that really isn't...

TTFN

Roll up the sleeves

I typically don't enter into public political discourse, but I just wish all citizens of this great country would put aside their petty grievances and get on with it.  ALL need to roll up their sleeves to get us back to prosperity again. 

Back to Auburn and the bubble...Microsoft is laying people off today and more throughout the year.  Hopefully that will be met by attrition and not more outright layoffs.  I frankly don't want the competition.  I'll ramp up my volunteering a bit to at least make new connections in the area.

Wednesday was an exciting one for my 4th grader...His bus driver might not have thought it, but Spencer thought the slide down the little hill and into a light post was pretty fun.  No one hurt and the bus suffered just a bit of damage.  The road was ICY.  I heard that the mayor wasn't happy about the loss of the pole, but then the school district transportation folks thought that if the city had been out de-icing, the bus might not have slid down the street!  Communication is a wonderful thing!

Debbie's job goes well and I think she is getting into a routine.  They've asked her to stay late two days a week to help with an after-school program (two more hours of pay!!!).  

Job search marks time.  I spent a good amount of time wrapping up online courses for reserve points...got a bit behind the power curve so needed to essentially do one course per day for 3 weeks solid.  Now I can get into a better routine.

TTFN

Water Water EVERYWHERE!

We thank our lucky stars that we moved OUT of Pacific when we did.  My oh my!

I spent a few hours Sunday helping out our friends and former neighbors.  Can we say ICKY mud throughout the garage?!?!

Kudos to Home Depot for sending folks down there from their stores to help (I assume HD is paying for them to be there).  They brought pumps to de-water crawl spaces (nasty "basement" pools...); loads of boxes for people to pack up stuff to move; and hauled away soaked sand bags.

The Red Cross has been down there working on handing out supplies to people (the squeegee was GREAT) and food and helping as they do.

King County folks were down there too, helping with trash removal and other things.

Volunteers.  Many stories of folks just down there with no connection to the people impacted -- just working away.  A couple of guys pulled up to our friend's driveway and started loading up the back of their pickup with garbage to help haul it away!

Of course, we need to figure out why the release of water caused so much devastation and why no one there got any warning!

TTFN

This is why

I'm so happy Debbie has gainful employment...

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/37291099.html

And this...

http://www.komonews.com/news/national/37292639.html

We've got the WAMU folks hitting the streets soon, so we can all be in the same boat together. 

More positive posts later...

Rain Rain go away!

Employment started officially for Debbie Tuesday the 6th.  I think this will be good all the way around.

I continue to look for that dream job -- applying for quite a number of federal positions.  One out-right rejection so far.  Keep trying.  Not that I want to go there, but there are about 59 weeks of benefits available...that's a LONG time and I hope the economy improves before then.

I've joined Kiwanis of the Valley.  We meet at 0700 on Wednesdays and it's a good group incredibly devoted to helping kids at school -- whether it's kids that need a leg up or recognizing those kids doing a super job.

Now the rain...it's NASTY.  Between my sore knee and the wind and wet, I don't really feel like launching into a training run any time soon.  Maybe Friday morning I'll do a swim!

I've listed the link to the right, but Cliff Mass is the guy to watch for the local weather:  http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/.

TTFN