Great Neighbors!
This morning, I was prepared to offer a neighbor cash if he would clear my driveway and sidewalks with his snowblower. I went through my regular morning routine and still didn't hear the snowblower running, so I headed out the door with shovel in hand. When you aren't sure which house the neighbor lives in, it's not nice to go knocking at 6:30 am. I shovelled a small path to my car and by the time my car was cleared off the guy (Wayne) was out with the snowblower. I went over and introduced myself and asked if he could do my sidewalk and driveway. He explained he was already late for work but would be happy to do it when came home. That was fine by me, my little car wouldn't have a problem getting out of the driveway.
When I arrived home, about 5:30, my driveway was clear, sidewalks all clear. It was great!! Wayne was outside using a shovel on his back walk so I went over to pay him. That's when I found out, he had just gotten home and didn't do my driveway and sidewalk. My neighbor, Debbie, shovelled everything!! I immediately knocked on Debbie's door to thank her and pay her shovelling. She refused to take the money. I need to find a way to say "Thank you" to her and I'm open to suggestions.
In the meantime, Wayne has agreed to do our driveways and sidewalks for the rest of the winter!!! YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
Saturday, January 24, 2004
SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!
As I was getting ready to leave work yesterday, I FINALLY figured out why I can not connect to the Watkins Intranet. The connection that was being used is so antiquated, I had only heard stories about the connection and how it worked. It was the dust bunny connection!! They link together for a direction connection to the server in Lakeland, Fl. Unfortunately, I can not recreate the connection since these were version 2.7 dust bunnies and they were tossed out when I cleaned. The current version is 352.7 and no longer contains the static electrical current necessary for the connection.
As I was getting ready to leave work yesterday, I FINALLY figured out why I can not connect to the Watkins Intranet. The connection that was being used is so antiquated, I had only heard stories about the connection and how it worked. It was the dust bunny connection!! They link together for a direction connection to the server in Lakeland, Fl. Unfortunately, I can not recreate the connection since these were version 2.7 dust bunnies and they were tossed out when I cleaned. The current version is 352.7 and no longer contains the static electrical current necessary for the connection.
Thursday, January 22, 2004
BUSY first week!
This week has been FULL of work to do. Not only am I learning new jobs (time card/payroll, cash deposits) I'm also secretary to the Terminal Manager. Between last night and today, he had 2 dock performance meetings, one all day budget meeting and a customer appreciation dinner tonight. I spent yesterday locating, updating and printing (on paper and overheads) various charts, graphs and agenda for the dock meetings. Then it was onto gathing budget (actual and projected) information for the all day meeting, setting up a few spreadsheets (thankfully no calculations) writing the agenda and creating identical folders for all the managers that would be in the meeting. I was doing all this while attempting to fix the intranet connection for my computer --- it's still not working!
When I arrived at work today, my first call went to the Help Desk -- my password was locked out for some reason. About 30 minutes later I placed another call to the help desk about my intranet connection. A gentleman from the networking group finally called back about 9:30 -- we spent TWO HOURS!!! trying to get my computer to a "custom" intranet logon screen and finally gave up. Neither of us has a clue how my predecessor was connecting previously. We set up an terminal emulation program so I can sign onto the mainframe and process the cash deposits. However, the time card/payroll function is a network based program. So, until I get a new computer, I must use someone else's PC to access the software.
After I finished "playing" with my PC, it was back to the learning phase at another computer. The time cards/payroll is suppose to be done by 10:00 but because of the computer problems, we've been late. Today we finished up about 1:30, just in time for the Watkins Birthday Party. They opened our terminal 4 years ago today. There was a pizza party and cake for lunch today. The afternoon was spent creating placecards and a cheat sheet for tonight's customer appreciation dinner.
Now for the fun news. I had the pleasure of breaking the news to my new boss, the PC I have WILL BE REPLACED within the next 6 months, by corporate. All those documents (HUNDREDS OF THEM!!) I have been complaining about, must be weeded through and either deleted or saved. Watkins is currently going through the same process I went through at International Paper. They are replacing old PC's and installing new ones with Windows 2000. Any software we are currently using (hmmmm bar code scanner software) will need to be upgraded as well. Thankfully he was very understanding and said my predecessor was afraid of corporate doing just what they are now doing. He will contact corporate and try to obtain a schedule so we can be prepared for the new PC.
Oooooo I'm having so much fun!!
This week has been FULL of work to do. Not only am I learning new jobs (time card/payroll, cash deposits) I'm also secretary to the Terminal Manager. Between last night and today, he had 2 dock performance meetings, one all day budget meeting and a customer appreciation dinner tonight. I spent yesterday locating, updating and printing (on paper and overheads) various charts, graphs and agenda for the dock meetings. Then it was onto gathing budget (actual and projected) information for the all day meeting, setting up a few spreadsheets (thankfully no calculations) writing the agenda and creating identical folders for all the managers that would be in the meeting. I was doing all this while attempting to fix the intranet connection for my computer --- it's still not working!
When I arrived at work today, my first call went to the Help Desk -- my password was locked out for some reason. About 30 minutes later I placed another call to the help desk about my intranet connection. A gentleman from the networking group finally called back about 9:30 -- we spent TWO HOURS!!! trying to get my computer to a "custom" intranet logon screen and finally gave up. Neither of us has a clue how my predecessor was connecting previously. We set up an terminal emulation program so I can sign onto the mainframe and process the cash deposits. However, the time card/payroll function is a network based program. So, until I get a new computer, I must use someone else's PC to access the software.
After I finished "playing" with my PC, it was back to the learning phase at another computer. The time cards/payroll is suppose to be done by 10:00 but because of the computer problems, we've been late. Today we finished up about 1:30, just in time for the Watkins Birthday Party. They opened our terminal 4 years ago today. There was a pizza party and cake for lunch today. The afternoon was spent creating placecards and a cheat sheet for tonight's customer appreciation dinner.
Now for the fun news. I had the pleasure of breaking the news to my new boss, the PC I have WILL BE REPLACED within the next 6 months, by corporate. All those documents (HUNDREDS OF THEM!!) I have been complaining about, must be weeded through and either deleted or saved. Watkins is currently going through the same process I went through at International Paper. They are replacing old PC's and installing new ones with Windows 2000. Any software we are currently using (hmmmm bar code scanner software) will need to be upgraded as well. Thankfully he was very understanding and said my predecessor was afraid of corporate doing just what they are now doing. He will contact corporate and try to obtain a schedule so we can be prepared for the new PC.
Oooooo I'm having so much fun!!
Monday, January 19, 2004
Great First Day!
The morning was rather slow but interesting. I spent about an hour filling out forms. You know all those tax, health insurance, life insurance, 401k, disablity forms we so dearly love. The rest of the morning was spent watching video tapes about Watkins, phone etiquette, customer service and proper procedures for hazardous waste handling. The hazardous waste video came with a test that I needed to pass. It's not as easy as it may sound. Mostly because it's not just the proper handling of the material as much as what information must be included on the shipping papers and it must be in the proper order. Of course, I probably will never need to use the information but everyone must know the procedures.
All that took me right up to a few minutes before lunch. That is when James (HR Manager) finally showed me that I have desk. There isn't any place close enough for a 30 minute lunch but the usually order out and one person picks up for everyone. They do have a lunch room and there I met a few of the guys that work on the dock.
This afternoon was spent CLEANING my desk. Tomorrow I will be armed with 409 and paper towels, to complete the cleaning task. There was a guy in the position previously and he apparently didn't clean. Everyone else has nice clean work areas --- not so with this cubicle. I'm also "special", I have the only PC that works as a stand alone or on the network. Yes, I will be "tweaking" this PC and cleaning up the hard drive before I create more data. They do not have internet access via their network, which surprised me. However, I have a dial up modem and will have my own internet access. I haven't been shown what they have yet for dial up access. Sorry Vic and Bonnie but I won't be doing many Scrabble moves during the day.
I couldn't have hand picked nicer co-workers. There is also a good possiblity these people are crazier than the zanies I worked with at International Paper. I will definately fit in there!!! They are all extremely friendly, joke around with each other and just plainly have fun during the day. That was something I picked up on when I interviewed and my first day proved my thoughts to be accurate.
The commute this morning wasn't as bad as I anticipated. The roads were in better shape and I forgot today is a holiday. It was about a 35-40 minute ride but tomorrow will be a better judge on the timing.
Now for the funny part of my day. When I returned home, I had a message waiting. Apparently Henkel-Loctite is still asking for me and wants to know if I am happy at my new job. I guess they didn't take me seriously when I said I really don't want to work 3rd shift. The money at Henkel is really good but sometimes it's just not about the money.
The morning was rather slow but interesting. I spent about an hour filling out forms. You know all those tax, health insurance, life insurance, 401k, disablity forms we so dearly love. The rest of the morning was spent watching video tapes about Watkins, phone etiquette, customer service and proper procedures for hazardous waste handling. The hazardous waste video came with a test that I needed to pass. It's not as easy as it may sound. Mostly because it's not just the proper handling of the material as much as what information must be included on the shipping papers and it must be in the proper order. Of course, I probably will never need to use the information but everyone must know the procedures.
All that took me right up to a few minutes before lunch. That is when James (HR Manager) finally showed me that I have desk. There isn't any place close enough for a 30 minute lunch but the usually order out and one person picks up for everyone. They do have a lunch room and there I met a few of the guys that work on the dock.
This afternoon was spent CLEANING my desk. Tomorrow I will be armed with 409 and paper towels, to complete the cleaning task. There was a guy in the position previously and he apparently didn't clean. Everyone else has nice clean work areas --- not so with this cubicle. I'm also "special", I have the only PC that works as a stand alone or on the network. Yes, I will be "tweaking" this PC and cleaning up the hard drive before I create more data. They do not have internet access via their network, which surprised me. However, I have a dial up modem and will have my own internet access. I haven't been shown what they have yet for dial up access. Sorry Vic and Bonnie but I won't be doing many Scrabble moves during the day.
I couldn't have hand picked nicer co-workers. There is also a good possiblity these people are crazier than the zanies I worked with at International Paper. I will definately fit in there!!! They are all extremely friendly, joke around with each other and just plainly have fun during the day. That was something I picked up on when I interviewed and my first day proved my thoughts to be accurate.
The commute this morning wasn't as bad as I anticipated. The roads were in better shape and I forgot today is a holiday. It was about a 35-40 minute ride but tomorrow will be a better judge on the timing.
Now for the funny part of my day. When I returned home, I had a message waiting. Apparently Henkel-Loctite is still asking for me and wants to know if I am happy at my new job. I guess they didn't take me seriously when I said I really don't want to work 3rd shift. The money at Henkel is really good but sometimes it's just not about the money.
Watkins
Today I start working for Watkins Motor Lines. Currently I have a severe case of the first day jitters and "let's skate into work" today shakes. Mother Nature decided to show me the bad part of my 35 mile commute on the first day of work. My car is in the process of de-icing itself, while I sit cozy and warm inside.
I am more nervous about starting at Waktins than I was at Scan-Optics. That could be simply because the job at Watkins is not working in IT. I'll be an Administrative Assistant at Watkins. While I am certain I can do the job, it's still a new challenge for me and there is always an uncertainty when faced with a new challenge. One aspect I am looking forward to is "playing" with PowerPoint. While I have viewed presentations, I haven't been involved with creating them.
Well, I guess it's time to put on the coat and head out the door. Cross your fingers for me today!
Today I start working for Watkins Motor Lines. Currently I have a severe case of the first day jitters and "let's skate into work" today shakes. Mother Nature decided to show me the bad part of my 35 mile commute on the first day of work. My car is in the process of de-icing itself, while I sit cozy and warm inside.
I am more nervous about starting at Waktins than I was at Scan-Optics. That could be simply because the job at Watkins is not working in IT. I'll be an Administrative Assistant at Watkins. While I am certain I can do the job, it's still a new challenge for me and there is always an uncertainty when faced with a new challenge. One aspect I am looking forward to is "playing" with PowerPoint. While I have viewed presentations, I haven't been involved with creating them.
Well, I guess it's time to put on the coat and head out the door. Cross your fingers for me today!
Friday, January 16, 2004
Dilemma
Here's a dilemma for you.... With all your honor and dignity what would you do? This test only has one question, but it's a very important one. Please don't answer it without giving it some serious thought. By giving an honest answer you will be able to test where you stand morally. The test features an unlikely, completely fictional situation, where you will have to make a decision one way or the other. Remember that your answer needs to be honest, yet spontaneous. Please scroll down slowly and consider each line - this is important for the test to work accurately. You're in Florida...In Miami, to be exact. There is great chaos going on around you, caused by a hurricane and severe floods. There are huge masses of water all over you. You are a CNN photographer and you are in the middle of this great disaster The situation is nearly hopeless. You're trying to shoot very impressive photos. There are houses and people floating around you, disappearing into the water. Nature is showing all its destructive power and is ripping everything away with it.
Suddenly you see a man in the water, he is fighting for his life, trying not to be taken away by the masses of water and mud. You move closer. Somehow the man looks familiar.
Suddenly you know who it is - it's George W. Bush!
At the same time you notice that the raging waters are about to take him away, forever. You have two options. You can save him or you can take the best photo of your life. So you can save the life of George W. Bush, or you can shoot a Pulitzer prize winning photo, a unique photo displaying the death of one of the world's most powerful men.
And here's the question (please give an honest answer):
Would you select color film, or rather go with the simplicity of classic black and white?
Here's a dilemma for you.... With all your honor and dignity what would you do? This test only has one question, but it's a very important one. Please don't answer it without giving it some serious thought. By giving an honest answer you will be able to test where you stand morally. The test features an unlikely, completely fictional situation, where you will have to make a decision one way or the other. Remember that your answer needs to be honest, yet spontaneous. Please scroll down slowly and consider each line - this is important for the test to work accurately. You're in Florida...In Miami, to be exact. There is great chaos going on around you, caused by a hurricane and severe floods. There are huge masses of water all over you. You are a CNN photographer and you are in the middle of this great disaster The situation is nearly hopeless. You're trying to shoot very impressive photos. There are houses and people floating around you, disappearing into the water. Nature is showing all its destructive power and is ripping everything away with it.
Suddenly you see a man in the water, he is fighting for his life, trying not to be taken away by the masses of water and mud. You move closer. Somehow the man looks familiar.
Suddenly you know who it is - it's George W. Bush!
At the same time you notice that the raging waters are about to take him away, forever. You have two options. You can save him or you can take the best photo of your life. So you can save the life of George W. Bush, or you can shoot a Pulitzer prize winning photo, a unique photo displaying the death of one of the world's most powerful men.
And here's the question (please give an honest answer):
Would you select color film, or rather go with the simplicity of classic black and white?
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Do I feel like an ass!
I came home straight home tonight, to wait for my new laptop to delivered. I need to install Cox Internet before I can bring it to Scan-Optics for them to install VPN and install their software.
While waiting for the delivery, the phone rang. It was Michelle in HR at Scan-Optics. They have apparently hired my replacement and she will send me a paycheck for last week and the two days I worked this week. She was under the impression the VP had spoken to me (no, had not!) and told me they weren't ready to have anyone to start working from home yet. He had mentioned it to me last week, but I was under the impression everything would be in place for me to start working from home, on the 19th.
So as it stands right now, I no longer work for Scan-Optics and won't be until someone gets off their ass. Needless to say, I believe I just spent $1200, on a laptop, needlessly!! They way this has been handled has not left me with a warm and cozy feeling. Michelle left it with "We'll call you when we're ready to set people up at home."
I AM NOT A HAPPY CAMPER!!!!!!!!!
I came home straight home tonight, to wait for my new laptop to delivered. I need to install Cox Internet before I can bring it to Scan-Optics for them to install VPN and install their software.
While waiting for the delivery, the phone rang. It was Michelle in HR at Scan-Optics. They have apparently hired my replacement and she will send me a paycheck for last week and the two days I worked this week. She was under the impression the VP had spoken to me (no, had not!) and told me they weren't ready to have anyone to start working from home yet. He had mentioned it to me last week, but I was under the impression everything would be in place for me to start working from home, on the 19th.
So as it stands right now, I no longer work for Scan-Optics and won't be until someone gets off their ass. Needless to say, I believe I just spent $1200, on a laptop, needlessly!! They way this has been handled has not left me with a warm and cozy feeling. Michelle left it with "We'll call you when we're ready to set people up at home."
I AM NOT A HAPPY CAMPER!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, January 11, 2004
Ex US-Treasury Chief: Saw No Evidence of Iraq WMDs
"In a new book chronicling his rocky two-year tenure and in an interview with CBS's "60 Minutes" aired on Sunday, O'Neill said removing Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was a top priority at Bush's very first National Security Council meeting -- within days of the inauguration and eight months before the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. "
"In a new book chronicling his rocky two-year tenure and in an interview with CBS's "60 Minutes" aired on Sunday, O'Neill said removing Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was a top priority at Bush's very first National Security Council meeting -- within days of the inauguration and eight months before the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. "
Saturday, January 10, 2004
Job Updates
I started working at Scan-Optics, tuesday morning. The work is mindless data entry work but it's money coming in. When I arrived home tuesday, I had a message from Watkins -- I HAVE THAT JOB TOO!!! When I explained about working for Scan-Optics and currently in training. We arranged for me to start at Watkins on the 19th. This will give me a chance to complete the training and get set up, to enter the data from home.
Friday, I spoke to the IT person at Scan-Optics to make certain my system is able to run their software. Bad news -- I need a MAJOR upgrade to my system. I held off upgrading the operating system because I knew it would require major work to upgrade. Now I have a choice, either buy a new hard drive, install a new operating systems (roughly $400) and then reinstall all my current software on the new harddrive. This will take me most of the week to accomplish. OR I can bite the bullet now and purchase a new system with the "bells and whistles" I have been wanting - like a CD writer.
Well, today, I bit the bullet and called my parents for a loan. I found a Compaq Presario laptop with everything I want, already installed. The cost after rebates -- $1000 plus tax from Office Max. The only software I need to install prior to working at home will be my Cox Internet connections. The other software (Office Pro 2000, Webshots......) I can install whenever I chose.
This week has been a little hectic, trying to get back into the working mode. Last night I joined several friends at J&G's to celebrate my return to work. It's nice to have a place to go where people know your name..... Yes, it IS a lot like Cheers in the atmosphere but not the decor. I was given many hugs, congrats, hand shakes, free drinks.... and all from people I call my friends.
I started working at Scan-Optics, tuesday morning. The work is mindless data entry work but it's money coming in. When I arrived home tuesday, I had a message from Watkins -- I HAVE THAT JOB TOO!!! When I explained about working for Scan-Optics and currently in training. We arranged for me to start at Watkins on the 19th. This will give me a chance to complete the training and get set up, to enter the data from home.
Friday, I spoke to the IT person at Scan-Optics to make certain my system is able to run their software. Bad news -- I need a MAJOR upgrade to my system. I held off upgrading the operating system because I knew it would require major work to upgrade. Now I have a choice, either buy a new hard drive, install a new operating systems (roughly $400) and then reinstall all my current software on the new harddrive. This will take me most of the week to accomplish. OR I can bite the bullet now and purchase a new system with the "bells and whistles" I have been wanting - like a CD writer.
Well, today, I bit the bullet and called my parents for a loan. I found a Compaq Presario laptop with everything I want, already installed. The cost after rebates -- $1000 plus tax from Office Max. The only software I need to install prior to working at home will be my Cox Internet connections. The other software (Office Pro 2000, Webshots......) I can install whenever I chose.
This week has been a little hectic, trying to get back into the working mode. Last night I joined several friends at J&G's to celebrate my return to work. It's nice to have a place to go where people know your name..... Yes, it IS a lot like Cheers in the atmosphere but not the decor. I was given many hugs, congrats, hand shakes, free drinks.... and all from people I call my friends.
Monday, January 05, 2004
IT'S PARTY TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have officially re-joined the ranks of gainfully employed people!! This morning, I was interviewed, offered and accepted a position at Scan-Optics in Manchester. Tomorrow morning, at 7:30 am, I start training in Data Entry. I will be starting as a data entry clerk and at the end of the training period, depending on my abilities, move to the open supervisor's position. While the pay isn't even close to what I was making, it is close to home - less than 5 miles and 1st shift hours.
I am also waiting for a call today from Watkins Motor Lines. The hiring manager at Scan-Optics is aware of the possible job offer from Watkins. If Watkins offers a position to me, I can accept and work for Scan-Optics on a part-time, work from home basis. So, by the end of the day, it's possible that I will have TWO jobs and not just one.
I have officially re-joined the ranks of gainfully employed people!! This morning, I was interviewed, offered and accepted a position at Scan-Optics in Manchester. Tomorrow morning, at 7:30 am, I start training in Data Entry. I will be starting as a data entry clerk and at the end of the training period, depending on my abilities, move to the open supervisor's position. While the pay isn't even close to what I was making, it is close to home - less than 5 miles and 1st shift hours.
I am also waiting for a call today from Watkins Motor Lines. The hiring manager at Scan-Optics is aware of the possible job offer from Watkins. If Watkins offers a position to me, I can accept and work for Scan-Optics on a part-time, work from home basis. So, by the end of the day, it's possible that I will have TWO jobs and not just one.
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