$&*)#*&@#*@ MONDAY!
Today was the typical bitch of a Monday!! It started with nightsweats at 12:34 AM. That was first time I woke up. I was awake at 1:30, 3:00, 4:00 and finally at 5:00 I climbed out of bed. So much for getting a good night's sleep.
Ok, so I get the coffee going, let Shadow out and go through my morning routine. Finally it's time to leave for work. Climb in the car, turn the key and listen to my battery's last gasp. Thankfully, my neighbor was still home and I knew she would jump start the car. Otherwise it meant waiting for AAA to arrive. Just what I needed for a Monday morning ... a dead battery and now to be late for work. It wasn't too bad, I was only 15 minutes late.
I get to work and things are going too smooth for a Monday morning. Finally an e-mail from the CEO arrives. Business has been extremely slow and there is a hiring freeze in effect. In the meantime, we need to "tighten our belts" across the board. Although he didn't come right out and say it, I'll go out on a limb and state it -- looks like we will be having layoffs. The question now becomes WHEN. Happy Holidays -- yeah right!
Now it's time to leave and guess what?!?! My battery is totally dead. It didn't do any charging on my drive to work. Thankfully we have a Maintenance Shop for the tractors & trailers. They have portable batteries for jump starting. While I waited for someone to come out and jump start the car, I called my mechanic. He usually closes at 5:00 PM but stayed at the shop until I got there, to install a new battery for me.
Let's see, to recap the car issues for the last couple of months -- Tune-up & oil change, new water pump, 4 new tires and 1 new battery. What next!?!?!?
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Washing Maching Update
My e-mail was passed on to Excel Direct Logistics, the company that handles the deliveries for Bernie's TV & Appliances. Last Thursday I had a call from them, on my answering machine, when I returned home after work. After playing "telephone tag" for several days, we finally got to speak to each other today.
First, this was a new driver and he was being overly cautious. Apparently the drivers are held financially responsible for any damages, dents, scratches...etc, during deliveries. Ok, so now I understand why he was being way too cautious about getting through the tight spaces. If it was coming out of my pocket, I would be just as cautious. He needs to explain this to the customer and let the customer decide if they want to take chance.
Second, as for disconnecting the old hose, he will be spoken to about that problem. Reconnecting the old hose to the new machine, again goes back to the first issue of being held financially resposible.
Third, connecting to the drain pipe. On that issue, the driver had previously been told to not connect to any drain pipe that was more than 4 ft. high, from the floor. That isn't what the driver said to me but I let it slide. The reason for this (I had already made sure this wasn't an issue for me) some machines can not pump the water, out of the machine, up more than 4 ft. to the drain pipe. I had previously checked out washer specs to make sure my old machine and new machine, were capable of pumping the water up to drain pipe.
Anyway, it's a long story to say that it was happily resolved. The driver will be coached in how to properly explain things to the customer and I will be receiving a full refund on the delivery fees.
My e-mail was passed on to Excel Direct Logistics, the company that handles the deliveries for Bernie's TV & Appliances. Last Thursday I had a call from them, on my answering machine, when I returned home after work. After playing "telephone tag" for several days, we finally got to speak to each other today.
First, this was a new driver and he was being overly cautious. Apparently the drivers are held financially responsible for any damages, dents, scratches...etc, during deliveries. Ok, so now I understand why he was being way too cautious about getting through the tight spaces. If it was coming out of my pocket, I would be just as cautious. He needs to explain this to the customer and let the customer decide if they want to take chance.
Second, as for disconnecting the old hose, he will be spoken to about that problem. Reconnecting the old hose to the new machine, again goes back to the first issue of being held financially resposible.
Third, connecting to the drain pipe. On that issue, the driver had previously been told to not connect to any drain pipe that was more than 4 ft. high, from the floor. That isn't what the driver said to me but I let it slide. The reason for this (I had already made sure this wasn't an issue for me) some machines can not pump the water, out of the machine, up more than 4 ft. to the drain pipe. I had previously checked out washer specs to make sure my old machine and new machine, were capable of pumping the water up to drain pipe.
Anyway, it's a long story to say that it was happily resolved. The driver will be coached in how to properly explain things to the customer and I will be receiving a full refund on the delivery fees.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
New Washing Machine
I HAVE A NEW WASHING MACHINE!!! Yippee!!! Ok, I never thought I would be this excited to be able to do laundry but, my machine bit the dust about 2 weeks ago. While I love my new washer, if it had been left to the delivery people, I wouldn't be using the machine now. Here is a copy of the e-mail I sent to their customer service dept. after the horrendous delivery today.
"This the 4th major purchase I've made from Bernie's and to date, I've always been happy with the deliveries. Today's delivery started with the driver believing the washing machine would not fit through a narrow area in my kitchen or down my cellar stairs. I told him it's a tight squeeze but yes, it will fit. When he got down stairs, he tried to loosen the hoses. The cold water came off easily, the hot water was going to require a little muscle that he didn't bother to use. Instead he kept insisting that he couldn't disconnect the old washer but he would bring the new one to the celler and leave it there. It would be up to me (single female, living alone) to disconnect and remove the old washing machine. He didn't even attempt to disconnect the hose at the washing machine connection, only at the pipe.
When I suggested he disconnect the hose at the machine and reconnect the new machine using the same hose. He started about how the hose was old and bloated and couldn't be connected to the new machine because it would burst. Funny how there was nothing wrong with the actual hose until I made the request.
At that point is when the 2nd delivery person came downstairs. Surprisingly he was able to remove the old hose, at the pipe without ANY effort. They disconnected the old machine and saw that the drainage hose is not the typical connection. The water has to go up a PVC pipe, approximately 5 ft., to the drain pipe. I had rubber coupling and clamps but was told they wouldn't fit on the hose for the new machine. Finally, I just told them to remove the old machine and leave, I would do the installation myself. It was easier than trying to tell them it could be done. Within 15 minutes after they left, not only did I have the machine installed, I was doing laundry.
The impression the first person gave me, was that he just didn't want to do the work associated with the delivery & installation. I can appreciate that it's not an easy task but it IS his job. There are many people that aren't willing/capable of installing a washer. If I had a couple of guys and a truck available, I wouldn't have spent $60 to have the machine delivered and the old one taken away."
Needless to say, I was not happy with the delivery service. The 2nd person seemed to be ok, for the most part. As for the hose being larger than the coupling/clamp. I don't know that the 2nd person even looked. He just took the 1st guys word that the hose was larger than the coupling. If either had bothered to look, the hose for the new machine AND the old machine, were the same size!
Anyway, I'm just happy that I can do laundry again.
I HAVE A NEW WASHING MACHINE!!! Yippee!!! Ok, I never thought I would be this excited to be able to do laundry but, my machine bit the dust about 2 weeks ago. While I love my new washer, if it had been left to the delivery people, I wouldn't be using the machine now. Here is a copy of the e-mail I sent to their customer service dept. after the horrendous delivery today.
"This the 4th major purchase I've made from Bernie's and to date, I've always been happy with the deliveries. Today's delivery started with the driver believing the washing machine would not fit through a narrow area in my kitchen or down my cellar stairs. I told him it's a tight squeeze but yes, it will fit. When he got down stairs, he tried to loosen the hoses. The cold water came off easily, the hot water was going to require a little muscle that he didn't bother to use. Instead he kept insisting that he couldn't disconnect the old washer but he would bring the new one to the celler and leave it there. It would be up to me (single female, living alone) to disconnect and remove the old washing machine. He didn't even attempt to disconnect the hose at the washing machine connection, only at the pipe.
When I suggested he disconnect the hose at the machine and reconnect the new machine using the same hose. He started about how the hose was old and bloated and couldn't be connected to the new machine because it would burst. Funny how there was nothing wrong with the actual hose until I made the request.
At that point is when the 2nd delivery person came downstairs. Surprisingly he was able to remove the old hose, at the pipe without ANY effort. They disconnected the old machine and saw that the drainage hose is not the typical connection. The water has to go up a PVC pipe, approximately 5 ft., to the drain pipe. I had rubber coupling and clamps but was told they wouldn't fit on the hose for the new machine. Finally, I just told them to remove the old machine and leave, I would do the installation myself. It was easier than trying to tell them it could be done. Within 15 minutes after they left, not only did I have the machine installed, I was doing laundry.
The impression the first person gave me, was that he just didn't want to do the work associated with the delivery & installation. I can appreciate that it's not an easy task but it IS his job. There are many people that aren't willing/capable of installing a washer. If I had a couple of guys and a truck available, I wouldn't have spent $60 to have the machine delivered and the old one taken away."
Needless to say, I was not happy with the delivery service. The 2nd person seemed to be ok, for the most part. As for the hose being larger than the coupling/clamp. I don't know that the 2nd person even looked. He just took the 1st guys word that the hose was larger than the coupling. If either had bothered to look, the hose for the new machine AND the old machine, were the same size!
Anyway, I'm just happy that I can do laundry again.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Fun At Work
Since I bitch alot about my job, I thought I would give a few minutes to the fun side of my job. We occassionally have cookouts where the company buys all the food and management does the cooking. Well tomorrow, our sales reps are cooking for the drivers. Our drvers are the people the customer deals with most of the time. They make the sales reps. job alot easier with they "take care" of the customer.
Today I designed a sign for the cookout. The office personnel were rolling with laughter. Even the boss asked for a copy and passed it around, laughing. You will notice the sign is complete with Bromo Seltze and name badges! This image has color but I printed it in black & white to give it more of a oldies feel.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Aww Fuck!
Finally over the FedEx to Watkins paperwork hurdle. We survived the visiting VP hurdle. Thinking finally time to relax a little --- not gonna happen this week. We received notice this afternoon the Corp. Auditor will be here Wednesday. Just what we needed amidst all the other BS going on.
My paperwork should be ok with the exception of a shortage in the petty cash that happened while I was on vacation. I reported the shortage, to my boss when I noticed it, a few days after I returned to work. If it was for a couple of dollars - not a problem just put the cash into the drawer. This was not a minor shortage, nor did someone get paid from petty cash and not submit a receipt. This was a theft. Since we have never run across this before, neither of us knows how to report it to Corporate. Hopefully he will be able to get some answers and have this resolved before the auditor shows up.
Finally over the FedEx to Watkins paperwork hurdle. We survived the visiting VP hurdle. Thinking finally time to relax a little --- not gonna happen this week. We received notice this afternoon the Corp. Auditor will be here Wednesday. Just what we needed amidst all the other BS going on.
My paperwork should be ok with the exception of a shortage in the petty cash that happened while I was on vacation. I reported the shortage, to my boss when I noticed it, a few days after I returned to work. If it was for a couple of dollars - not a problem just put the cash into the drawer. This was not a minor shortage, nor did someone get paid from petty cash and not submit a receipt. This was a theft. Since we have never run across this before, neither of us knows how to report it to Corporate. Hopefully he will be able to get some answers and have this resolved before the auditor shows up.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Sunday Ramblings
The beginning of the week was filled with stress. The VP of FedEx National LTL was visiting and my boss had to do a presentation. Silly me, I thought everything was all set Monday night, after putting in a 11.5 hr. day. Tuesday morning, all I would need to do is print out the presentation and assemble in binders. WRONG! I arrived to find the District Manager wanted changes made --- Add 5 new graphs, delete one graph, change the title screens. After all that, reorganize them and then I could print them. All this had to be done before 10:00 AM, when the meeting was to start. Co-workers were a tolerant with me when I tied up two printers for about 30 minutes. During their lunch break, I informed my boss that I was going home early. Thankfully he said "Go for it!"
While looking for some paperwork, I came across a statement from the Wiremold Federal Credit Union. As I looked at the statement, I couldn't recall if I had ever closed my account with them. I hadn't received statements for years but then again, I've also moved several times since leaving Wiremold in 1998. If the account hadn't been closed and I remembered correctly, there was about $100 dollars in the account. The CU's hours are strange in that they are only open from 11 - 1:00 on certain days and one day until 3:00. I managed to call them this week and inquire about my account -- it hadn't been closed! Woohoo --- found money! I like found money :) In order to close the account, I would need to go to the CU during their hours. After explaining that I work about 20 miles away, during those same hours, they agreed to close the account, if I could fax them a copy of my drivers license. I could pick up the check at Wiremold's Security Office during the off hours.
I haven't a clue how much was in the account at the closing point. The teller said the amount in the account was $105 but that interest needed to be added. Yesterday, I happily drove to West Hartford to pick up the check. I arrived and explained to security why I was there. There was no check waiting for me. Ut oh, where's my check? Well it seems there had orginally been 3 checks to be picked up by various people. One of those checks was left to be picked up but it wasn't my check. The guard on Friday night, apparenty gave the wrong check to a Wiremold employee and we have no way to contact this employee. This employees check had been made out to CL&P. I'm hoping and praying he realizes the error before he sends the check to CL&P. Here I am, with found money that is now lost. Just in case the employee realizes the error and returns the check, I left my home & work phone numbers with the security office. On Monday, I'll contact the CU, again, to see if they can contact the employee.
The beginning of the week was filled with stress. The VP of FedEx National LTL was visiting and my boss had to do a presentation. Silly me, I thought everything was all set Monday night, after putting in a 11.5 hr. day. Tuesday morning, all I would need to do is print out the presentation and assemble in binders. WRONG! I arrived to find the District Manager wanted changes made --- Add 5 new graphs, delete one graph, change the title screens. After all that, reorganize them and then I could print them. All this had to be done before 10:00 AM, when the meeting was to start. Co-workers were a tolerant with me when I tied up two printers for about 30 minutes. During their lunch break, I informed my boss that I was going home early. Thankfully he said "Go for it!"
While looking for some paperwork, I came across a statement from the Wiremold Federal Credit Union. As I looked at the statement, I couldn't recall if I had ever closed my account with them. I hadn't received statements for years but then again, I've also moved several times since leaving Wiremold in 1998. If the account hadn't been closed and I remembered correctly, there was about $100 dollars in the account. The CU's hours are strange in that they are only open from 11 - 1:00 on certain days and one day until 3:00. I managed to call them this week and inquire about my account -- it hadn't been closed! Woohoo --- found money! I like found money :) In order to close the account, I would need to go to the CU during their hours. After explaining that I work about 20 miles away, during those same hours, they agreed to close the account, if I could fax them a copy of my drivers license. I could pick up the check at Wiremold's Security Office during the off hours.
I haven't a clue how much was in the account at the closing point. The teller said the amount in the account was $105 but that interest needed to be added. Yesterday, I happily drove to West Hartford to pick up the check. I arrived and explained to security why I was there. There was no check waiting for me. Ut oh, where's my check? Well it seems there had orginally been 3 checks to be picked up by various people. One of those checks was left to be picked up but it wasn't my check. The guard on Friday night, apparenty gave the wrong check to a Wiremold employee and we have no way to contact this employee. This employees check had been made out to CL&P. I'm hoping and praying he realizes the error before he sends the check to CL&P. Here I am, with found money that is now lost. Just in case the employee realizes the error and returns the check, I left my home & work phone numbers with the security office. On Monday, I'll contact the CU, again, to see if they can contact the employee.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Happy Birthday Hailey-Jai
I spent my day, at Hailey's (my niece) birthday party. It's good to be home were things are MUCH quieter. Aunt Bernie bought Hailey her first Barbie doll. As you can see from Hailey's dress, that was the theme for today. Luckily Hailey isn't much of a fashion diva and didn't seem to mind that Barbie showed up wearing the same dress!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Reorganizing at work
Just a few of the changes now being put into effect at work:
Just a few of the changes now being put into effect at work:
- No more Regional VP's (they have been downgraded to Regional Managers)
- Only sales force will have company cars -- currently all VP's, Regional, District
and Terminal Managers have company cars. - Sales people will not longer report to terminal managers but will have their own "chain
of command" up the corporate ladder.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Crazy Days
These last several weeks have been a madhouse at work! The rumor about the Personal Time "use it or lose it" was true! "Corporate" didn't want to tell the workers about this because everyone would want to take the time off. Our TM went against their decision because many of us had accrued a significant amount of personal time. He felt we had earned and deserved to use that time before losing it. I had 50+ hours of personal time and managed to squeeze in a week off, this month. If possible, I'll use up my last 10+ hours this week otherwise, I'll lose it. I don't mind losing 10 hrs. It's difficult to leave early when I'm putting in OT everyday. As for my vacation time, well I currently have 64 hours that Watkins will pay out at the end of August.
To say it has been stressful at work would be an understatement. Trying to allow people to use up personal time, has left us short staffed. We've also had 1 driver quit without notice and another took 2 weeks vacation. It was either allow the driver the vacation or he would quit. We have another contract driver that decided to call out sick because she wasn't being kept locally. She would have needed to gas up her tractor ($350+) for the 2nd time in a week. This driver is not making the move to FedEx and doesn't care whether freight is delivered or not.
In the office, one co-worker started having seizures last weekend. After several days in the hospital and numerous tests, the doctors have put her on medication to control the seizures. Unfortunately, until they are certain the dosage is accurate and controlling the seizures, the doctors will not allow her to drive for 6 months. That means she can't get to work! She lives about 45 minutes from the office and public transportation, in CT, sucks.
One of our sales reps is also in the hospital with heart palpitations and internal bleeding. So far, there is no word on what is causing either of these conditions.
And if those were enough, a Dock Supervisor was on vacation in FL when his wife fell at the hotel swimming pool and fractured her ankle in 3 places. She is having orthopedic surgery, if FL, and he needs to stay in FL to take care of the kids.
Last week we had "Employee Appreciation" week. This is where Waktins thanks their worker's by filling them with food! Tuesday we had free ice cream bars. I ordered 300+ ice cream and the night workers said they didn't get any ice cream. Apparently someone called corporate and the complaint made it down the "chain of command" to me, that I didn't order enough!! After being told that, I discovered there were still 50+ ice cream bars in the freezer! Apparently the guys decided they didn't like the bars and therefore there was nothing left. For Wednesday, I ordered grinders. Now these are not the average size grinders. These are 16" grinders with atleast 2 lbs of meat on each grinder!! A 1/2 grinder, for a "normal" person is 2 meals. I ordered 115 grinders for 100 people and was told it wouldn't be enough and to order another 50. By friday, I was begging people to take the leftover grinders, home with them!! While the bread had become stale, the meat was still very good and would make excellent sandwiches.
Today is the culmination of Employee Appreciation Week - an outing at High Meadow. Having been to High Meadow when I worked for Wiremold, I know what they provide for rain shelter (yes, it suppose to rain most of the day). There is one covered pavillion where the food and tables are set up and an activity tent. We are sharing the grounds with Hamilton-Sunstrand employees. I have a feeling everyone will be packed into the pavillion. Unless other tents are set up, it's going to be very crowded with screaming kids running amok. While I did want to attend, it doesn't sound like much of a fun time to me. I'll stay home, unless the sun comes out and dries up the ground.
With all the above happening, I did manage to squeeze in a week's vacation to Campobello Island, Canada/Lubec, ME. Thanks to Victoria and Karl it's was a very nice week. They had already rented a cottage and invited me to join them for the week. I took a few pictures and downloaded them to my webshots page. We spent time playing tourist and visiting with another friend, Colin, that is from Lubec.
These last several weeks have been a madhouse at work! The rumor about the Personal Time "use it or lose it" was true! "Corporate" didn't want to tell the workers about this because everyone would want to take the time off. Our TM went against their decision because many of us had accrued a significant amount of personal time. He felt we had earned and deserved to use that time before losing it. I had 50+ hours of personal time and managed to squeeze in a week off, this month. If possible, I'll use up my last 10+ hours this week otherwise, I'll lose it. I don't mind losing 10 hrs. It's difficult to leave early when I'm putting in OT everyday. As for my vacation time, well I currently have 64 hours that Watkins will pay out at the end of August.
To say it has been stressful at work would be an understatement. Trying to allow people to use up personal time, has left us short staffed. We've also had 1 driver quit without notice and another took 2 weeks vacation. It was either allow the driver the vacation or he would quit. We have another contract driver that decided to call out sick because she wasn't being kept locally. She would have needed to gas up her tractor ($350+) for the 2nd time in a week. This driver is not making the move to FedEx and doesn't care whether freight is delivered or not.
In the office, one co-worker started having seizures last weekend. After several days in the hospital and numerous tests, the doctors have put her on medication to control the seizures. Unfortunately, until they are certain the dosage is accurate and controlling the seizures, the doctors will not allow her to drive for 6 months. That means she can't get to work! She lives about 45 minutes from the office and public transportation, in CT, sucks.
One of our sales reps is also in the hospital with heart palpitations and internal bleeding. So far, there is no word on what is causing either of these conditions.
And if those were enough, a Dock Supervisor was on vacation in FL when his wife fell at the hotel swimming pool and fractured her ankle in 3 places. She is having orthopedic surgery, if FL, and he needs to stay in FL to take care of the kids.
Last week we had "Employee Appreciation" week. This is where Waktins thanks their worker's by filling them with food! Tuesday we had free ice cream bars. I ordered 300+ ice cream and the night workers said they didn't get any ice cream. Apparently someone called corporate and the complaint made it down the "chain of command" to me, that I didn't order enough!! After being told that, I discovered there were still 50+ ice cream bars in the freezer! Apparently the guys decided they didn't like the bars and therefore there was nothing left. For Wednesday, I ordered grinders. Now these are not the average size grinders. These are 16" grinders with atleast 2 lbs of meat on each grinder!! A 1/2 grinder, for a "normal" person is 2 meals. I ordered 115 grinders for 100 people and was told it wouldn't be enough and to order another 50. By friday, I was begging people to take the leftover grinders, home with them!! While the bread had become stale, the meat was still very good and would make excellent sandwiches.
Today is the culmination of Employee Appreciation Week - an outing at High Meadow. Having been to High Meadow when I worked for Wiremold, I know what they provide for rain shelter (yes, it suppose to rain most of the day). There is one covered pavillion where the food and tables are set up and an activity tent. We are sharing the grounds with Hamilton-Sunstrand employees. I have a feeling everyone will be packed into the pavillion. Unless other tents are set up, it's going to be very crowded with screaming kids running amok. While I did want to attend, it doesn't sound like much of a fun time to me. I'll stay home, unless the sun comes out and dries up the ground.
With all the above happening, I did manage to squeeze in a week's vacation to Campobello Island, Canada/Lubec, ME. Thanks to Victoria and Karl it's was a very nice week. They had already rented a cottage and invited me to join them for the week. I took a few pictures and downloaded them to my webshots page. We spent time playing tourist and visiting with another friend, Colin, that is from Lubec.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Bad Bernie!
I know it's been way too long between updates but I've been keeping busy with mundane things like work.
The trip to Maryland was great! I got to see my cruising cronies and had a fabulous time. The surprise guests were Steve & Arline Holub, all the way from Lakeland, Florida. I had been secretly hoping it would be them but knew that it was a long drive from FL. Arline doesn't fly unless she has no choice. I think I'm getting too old for these mini-vacations. For the most part, I just wanted to eat and sleep while I was there.
At work we still have more questions than answers regarding the FedEx purchase. The SEC imposed "closed mouth" period, ended last Tuesday. Hopefully will have some answers this week but I won't count on it. Rumors have been flying around regarding our Personal Time. One rumor is that we will be able to use our accrued PT until a certain date. On that date, we lose whatever we have for PT OR they could buy it back from us. The other rumor (I don't like this one) we will simply lose all accrued PT without having a chance to ever use it. I haven't heard any rumors about Vacation time, yet.
On 8/1/06 we will receive New Hire packages from FedEx. We, in essence, need to reapply for our current jobs. While this is simply a formality, it will be a PITA because of the timeline. We have only 1 week to make sure about 150 employees fill out the forms and they must be done on-site, no taking them home to fill out. Later in the month we'll need to go through all this, again, but with the Benefits package. No one should have this much fun at work.
This weekend I drove to Manchester, NH for my cousin's (Maxine) wedding reception. Maxine & Matt had the ceremony on Friday night and the reception on Saturday afternoon. The drive up was long and very tiring. Torrential downpours plagued me for the whole trip. At some points the top speed on the highway was 45 mph. Visibilty was near zero during these downpours.
I arrived at the reception 30 minutes late but still ready to have fun. This was a very untradional wedding and the reception was more of party. We entertained ourselves while listening to a local radio station. The cake, instead of traditional tiered cake, was a sheet cake. The dinner was a simple buffet. It was great to see several cousins that I hadn't seen in way too many years and catch up with them.
After the reception was formed a mini caravan to the hotel. After checking in, several of us were going to continue the party at a local "watering hole". Once inside the hotel is when the troubles began. First to check in was Cote/Perry. Ok, Perry reservation is good! Woohoo! Oops, no reservation for Cote. Ut oh -- not good. Next to check in was Nash but two rooms. Hmm, there are 3 rooms booked under Nash. Ok, they give one of the rooms to Cote, afterall we're all family. Next come my parents - 2 rooms for Damboise. Wait, there's only booking for Damboise. The girl is frantically searching for the 2nd reservation and there is none and the hotel is booked solid. The clerk wanted me to wait because someone else was having a problem with their credit card and that room MIGHT become available. I nicely explained that if it wasn't available, I have atleast 2-hr. drive to get home so I wasn't hanging around for a "maybe room". While everyone headed to their rooms and then to the watering hole, I drove home last night! Thankfully I had only had 1 glass of wine at the reception so I was capable of driving that distance. I made it home, thankfully without torrential downpours, about 9:30 last night.
Needless to say, the management at Fairfield Inn by Marriott, in Manchester, NH will be on the receiving end of a complaint. I don't fault the clerks, there was simply nothing they could do. I do fault the sales person that handled all the room reservations. When we told the clerk who the sales person was she shook her head and called him "her problem child" and "I should have known it was him". Those statements alone, tell me they have problems with him on a regular basis.
I know it's been way too long between updates but I've been keeping busy with mundane things like work.
The trip to Maryland was great! I got to see my cruising cronies and had a fabulous time. The surprise guests were Steve & Arline Holub, all the way from Lakeland, Florida. I had been secretly hoping it would be them but knew that it was a long drive from FL. Arline doesn't fly unless she has no choice. I think I'm getting too old for these mini-vacations. For the most part, I just wanted to eat and sleep while I was there.
At work we still have more questions than answers regarding the FedEx purchase. The SEC imposed "closed mouth" period, ended last Tuesday. Hopefully will have some answers this week but I won't count on it. Rumors have been flying around regarding our Personal Time. One rumor is that we will be able to use our accrued PT until a certain date. On that date, we lose whatever we have for PT OR they could buy it back from us. The other rumor (I don't like this one) we will simply lose all accrued PT without having a chance to ever use it. I haven't heard any rumors about Vacation time, yet.
On 8/1/06 we will receive New Hire packages from FedEx. We, in essence, need to reapply for our current jobs. While this is simply a formality, it will be a PITA because of the timeline. We have only 1 week to make sure about 150 employees fill out the forms and they must be done on-site, no taking them home to fill out. Later in the month we'll need to go through all this, again, but with the Benefits package. No one should have this much fun at work.
This weekend I drove to Manchester, NH for my cousin's (Maxine) wedding reception. Maxine & Matt had the ceremony on Friday night and the reception on Saturday afternoon. The drive up was long and very tiring. Torrential downpours plagued me for the whole trip. At some points the top speed on the highway was 45 mph. Visibilty was near zero during these downpours.
I arrived at the reception 30 minutes late but still ready to have fun. This was a very untradional wedding and the reception was more of party. We entertained ourselves while listening to a local radio station. The cake, instead of traditional tiered cake, was a sheet cake. The dinner was a simple buffet. It was great to see several cousins that I hadn't seen in way too many years and catch up with them.
After the reception was formed a mini caravan to the hotel. After checking in, several of us were going to continue the party at a local "watering hole". Once inside the hotel is when the troubles began. First to check in was Cote/Perry. Ok, Perry reservation is good! Woohoo! Oops, no reservation for Cote. Ut oh -- not good. Next to check in was Nash but two rooms. Hmm, there are 3 rooms booked under Nash. Ok, they give one of the rooms to Cote, afterall we're all family. Next come my parents - 2 rooms for Damboise. Wait, there's only booking for Damboise. The girl is frantically searching for the 2nd reservation and there is none and the hotel is booked solid. The clerk wanted me to wait because someone else was having a problem with their credit card and that room MIGHT become available. I nicely explained that if it wasn't available, I have atleast 2-hr. drive to get home so I wasn't hanging around for a "maybe room". While everyone headed to their rooms and then to the watering hole, I drove home last night! Thankfully I had only had 1 glass of wine at the reception so I was capable of driving that distance. I made it home, thankfully without torrential downpours, about 9:30 last night.
Needless to say, the management at Fairfield Inn by Marriott, in Manchester, NH will be on the receiving end of a complaint. I don't fault the clerks, there was simply nothing they could do. I do fault the sales person that handled all the room reservations. When we told the clerk who the sales person was she shook her head and called him "her problem child" and "I should have known it was him". Those statements alone, tell me they have problems with him on a regular basis.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
End Of The Tunnel
I can finally see a light end of the roller coaster tunnel!!! It's been a very hectic couple of months and should be slowing down after this weekend --- I hope!
Updates:
Dad is home and his recovery is going great! There has been a VN coming in daily to check on his incision and progress. I didn't ask how his doctor appointment went yesterday but the VN expected him to be released from their care.
Darryl's divorce was finally granted last Monday, now it's time for his healing to start. Unfortunately he won't be getting back any of the money he put into his ex's house. On the up side --- she didn't get the $1/yr alimony she desperately wanted.
Work has been a feast or famine these last few weeks. First, I didn't get the job as District Secretary. For reasons, only known to the District Manager, he hired someone from the outside. My boss was more upset than I, that I didn't get the job. Actually he was more upset at the way the DM handled the whole process. Personally, I felt I was called in for the interview only because the DM had been questioned about it. I really believe he had already determined he would not hire from within. The next issue was the DM never told either of us that he had hired from outside or that he made a decision to hire someone. I found out from the "out going" secretary that she would be in the office, last week, to train her replacement.
For anyone that does not follow the business/industry news, Watkins Motor Lines was purchased by FedEx. While we all knew something was going on, the rumor mill was that it was DHL buying Watkins. Maybe two weeks before the announcement, I had been hearing it was FedEx. Right now the SEC, other government agencies and lawyers are working out the details and paperwork. Sometime within the next 60 - 90 days, there will be a new division of FedEx called -- FedEx National LTL. That will be us. Our jobs, at this time, are secure. Of course we all know that is always said during aquisitions. Only time will tell if that is a reality. I don't believe my job would be jeopardized but upper management & corporate may need to worry.
News:
On 06/06/06 my parents celebrated 50 years of marriage!! Tomorrow, Darryl & I have a surprise cookout planned to celebrate. I wish I could do more but it's difficult without the funding. We have about 25-30 people attending and hopefully it will be a nice surprise for them. From the looks of the weather forecast, we may even have sun tomorrow. THANK GOD! I wasn't sure how we could do an indoor cookout if it was pouring outside.
Next weekend, I'm off to Maryland for another of our annual "Cruisers Land Parties". It's about a 5-6 hr. drive but will be well worth the time can gas prices to relax with my friends. Cruisers beware --- Lunyma & BadBinky2 will be sharing a room again!! Will the Clarion in Aberdeen survive us? I seriously thought about cancelling but Lunyma had already purchased her airline ticket and I had promised to share costs for the hotel.
With everything that has taken place in the last few months, I've earned some serious R&R. That's just what I'll be doing during July 4th week. I was going to visit relatives in Maine but have decided to stay home. Gas prices are currently $3.19/gal. and I know they will go higher for the Holiday. While I can pay for the gas to get to & from Maine, I usually do alot of driving while there. We're talking about $150 just for gas --- never mind tolls, eating out, must have lobster, Pat's Pizza, Italian Sandwich.... Then to fight the Holiday traffic, it's just not worth the trip and definatley not the relaxation I could use right now.
TTFN!
I can finally see a light end of the roller coaster tunnel!!! It's been a very hectic couple of months and should be slowing down after this weekend --- I hope!
Updates:
Dad is home and his recovery is going great! There has been a VN coming in daily to check on his incision and progress. I didn't ask how his doctor appointment went yesterday but the VN expected him to be released from their care.
Darryl's divorce was finally granted last Monday, now it's time for his healing to start. Unfortunately he won't be getting back any of the money he put into his ex's house. On the up side --- she didn't get the $1/yr alimony she desperately wanted.
Work has been a feast or famine these last few weeks. First, I didn't get the job as District Secretary. For reasons, only known to the District Manager, he hired someone from the outside. My boss was more upset than I, that I didn't get the job. Actually he was more upset at the way the DM handled the whole process. Personally, I felt I was called in for the interview only because the DM had been questioned about it. I really believe he had already determined he would not hire from within. The next issue was the DM never told either of us that he had hired from outside or that he made a decision to hire someone. I found out from the "out going" secretary that she would be in the office, last week, to train her replacement.
For anyone that does not follow the business/industry news, Watkins Motor Lines was purchased by FedEx. While we all knew something was going on, the rumor mill was that it was DHL buying Watkins. Maybe two weeks before the announcement, I had been hearing it was FedEx. Right now the SEC, other government agencies and lawyers are working out the details and paperwork. Sometime within the next 60 - 90 days, there will be a new division of FedEx called -- FedEx National LTL. That will be us. Our jobs, at this time, are secure. Of course we all know that is always said during aquisitions. Only time will tell if that is a reality. I don't believe my job would be jeopardized but upper management & corporate may need to worry.
News:
On 06/06/06 my parents celebrated 50 years of marriage!! Tomorrow, Darryl & I have a surprise cookout planned to celebrate. I wish I could do more but it's difficult without the funding. We have about 25-30 people attending and hopefully it will be a nice surprise for them. From the looks of the weather forecast, we may even have sun tomorrow. THANK GOD! I wasn't sure how we could do an indoor cookout if it was pouring outside.
Next weekend, I'm off to Maryland for another of our annual "Cruisers Land Parties". It's about a 5-6 hr. drive but will be well worth the time can gas prices to relax with my friends. Cruisers beware --- Lunyma & BadBinky2 will be sharing a room again!! Will the Clarion in Aberdeen survive us? I seriously thought about cancelling but Lunyma had already purchased her airline ticket and I had promised to share costs for the hotel.
With everything that has taken place in the last few months, I've earned some serious R&R. That's just what I'll be doing during July 4th week. I was going to visit relatives in Maine but have decided to stay home. Gas prices are currently $3.19/gal. and I know they will go higher for the Holiday. While I can pay for the gas to get to & from Maine, I usually do alot of driving while there. We're talking about $150 just for gas --- never mind tolls, eating out, must have lobster, Pat's Pizza, Italian Sandwich.... Then to fight the Holiday traffic, it's just not worth the trip and definatley not the relaxation I could use right now.
TTFN!
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Week at a glance
Sat. 5/13 - Happy Birthday Darryl!
Sun 5/14 - Happy Mother's Day! Visit the family for celebrations & gift exchanging. Also, Happy Birthday Becky
Mon 5/15 - Dad goes in for stress test and possibilty of stents. Slight change in plans. Dad has stress test, immediately transported to Hartford Hospital for emergency quadruple bypass. Oops, another change in plans, need to get Dad's BP under control, bypass scheduled for Wed.
Tue 5/16 - Quiet day. Work, as usual, then visit Dad at Hospital
Wed 5/17 - Happy Birthday to me! Dad goes in for quadruple bypass at 1:00. I leave work about 3:00 to keep Mom company at Hartford Hospital. Dad's surgery goes without complications and he's out of surgery about 6:00 and made comfortable in ICU. I headed home around 7:00.
Thu 5/18 - Dad's breathing tube was removed, he's walking around and doing well. Unfortunately, Uncle Edmond is now admitted to hospital in Maine with shortness of breath. Shadow brought me a belated birthday present around 6:00 am --- a Blue Jay. His first ever catch. Quickly catch Shadow and put him outside. Determine the bird is still alive but has broken leg and maybe injured wing (or just in shock). Bird is now cornered in the dining room (with food & water) and I'll determine what to do when I return home from work. No visiting Dad today, I have bird to attend to! Return home to find bird is now missing. I'm only guessing but I'd say the wings are fine. After much searching I locate the bird -- snug in my bed!! No doubt about it, it's wings are fine, I couldn't catch the bird. I opened the back door and did my version of a "round up", heading the bird towards the door. Finally bird finds open door and flew away.
Fri 5/19 - Dad not doing well at all. Didn't sleep Thu night and not able to hold down food. Again, I didn't visit because Dad wasn't up to having visitors. Uncle Edmond was checked out and determined his previously inserted stents were fine and they found no blockage. However, he has now been diagnosed with emphysema. Should be discharged Sat.
Sat 5/20 - Dad still not holding down food but did sleep better. Uncle Edmond will NOT be released today because he was having chest pains last night. They are keeping him in for observation. I won't be seeing Dad today. My apartment looks like Hurricane Katrina aftermath. My clothes refuse to jump into the washer and wash themselves. I can't trust Shadow to the grocery shopping.
I NEED A CRUISE!!!!!!!!
Sat. 5/13 - Happy Birthday Darryl!
Sun 5/14 - Happy Mother's Day! Visit the family for celebrations & gift exchanging. Also, Happy Birthday Becky
Mon 5/15 - Dad goes in for stress test and possibilty of stents. Slight change in plans. Dad has stress test, immediately transported to Hartford Hospital for emergency quadruple bypass. Oops, another change in plans, need to get Dad's BP under control, bypass scheduled for Wed.
Tue 5/16 - Quiet day. Work, as usual, then visit Dad at Hospital
Wed 5/17 - Happy Birthday to me! Dad goes in for quadruple bypass at 1:00. I leave work about 3:00 to keep Mom company at Hartford Hospital. Dad's surgery goes without complications and he's out of surgery about 6:00 and made comfortable in ICU. I headed home around 7:00.
Thu 5/18 - Dad's breathing tube was removed, he's walking around and doing well. Unfortunately, Uncle Edmond is now admitted to hospital in Maine with shortness of breath. Shadow brought me a belated birthday present around 6:00 am --- a Blue Jay. His first ever catch. Quickly catch Shadow and put him outside. Determine the bird is still alive but has broken leg and maybe injured wing (or just in shock). Bird is now cornered in the dining room (with food & water) and I'll determine what to do when I return home from work. No visiting Dad today, I have bird to attend to! Return home to find bird is now missing. I'm only guessing but I'd say the wings are fine. After much searching I locate the bird -- snug in my bed!! No doubt about it, it's wings are fine, I couldn't catch the bird. I opened the back door and did my version of a "round up", heading the bird towards the door. Finally bird finds open door and flew away.
Fri 5/19 - Dad not doing well at all. Didn't sleep Thu night and not able to hold down food. Again, I didn't visit because Dad wasn't up to having visitors. Uncle Edmond was checked out and determined his previously inserted stents were fine and they found no blockage. However, he has now been diagnosed with emphysema. Should be discharged Sat.
Sat 5/20 - Dad still not holding down food but did sleep better. Uncle Edmond will NOT be released today because he was having chest pains last night. They are keeping him in for observation. I won't be seeing Dad today. My apartment looks like Hurricane Katrina aftermath. My clothes refuse to jump into the washer and wash themselves. I can't trust Shadow to the grocery shopping.
I NEED A CRUISE!!!!!!!!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Comment of the day:
One of the Operations Managers was leaning over my cubicle wall, speaking with another co-worker on the other side. As I turned my chair, I discovered there was a butt in my face and couldn't resist the comment.
"Mike if you're going to put your butt in my face, atleast give me a butt to look at!"
Mike rarely misses a comeback opportunity. However, he was laughing too hard to tell me "It's not the size that matters!"
One of the Operations Managers was leaning over my cubicle wall, speaking with another co-worker on the other side. As I turned my chair, I discovered there was a butt in my face and couldn't resist the comment.
"Mike if you're going to put your butt in my face, atleast give me a butt to look at!"
Mike rarely misses a comeback opportunity. However, he was laughing too hard to tell me "It's not the size that matters!"
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Memories.......
Today, while everyone was requesting July 3rd as a vacation day, I smiled knowing I had previously requested the whole week off. Thankfully, I reminded my boss before he gave the day off, to a co-worker that is suppose to cover for me. I plan to be in Maine that week and getting my fill of Lobster, Pat's Pizza, Governor's, LaBree's Doughnuts and Italian Sandwiches.
Anyway, I was talking with another co-worker about my cousin, Joey, and the family "bash" he has every July 4th. Of course, whenever I speak of family back in Maine, I get a little homesick. I was probably closet to my cousins Juanita, Vicki & Joey. Nita and I fought like siblings, until we moved to CT. You would have thought we were sisters the way we fought. Of course, I always managed to get my way. She never said it, but I was probably called "The Tattler". All I had to do was run to Memere, crying, "Nita won't let me play....." and of course, Nita would get in trouble. What fond memories I have! Nita, if you're out there, reading this, I do apologize for all the times I got you in trouble. Not that you didn't deserve it but I apologize for tattling :)
I can't recall what Vicki and I would play (probably made up games or with dolls and dress-up) but I know we played together all the time. At this time in my life, I'm closest to Vicki and we keep in touch all the time. I always stay with Vicki and traverse the State of Maine, in search of scenery and "wicked good" eats.
Joey helped the "tomboy" in me. We'd climb trees (apple trees as I recall) and build forts. One year, while spending the Christmas Holidays in Maine, Joey lent me his ice skate, so I could learn to skate. Not that anyone was volunteering to teach me. My cousins left me to fend for myself in the "swamp" where they would ice skate. Using branches from bushes, I pulled myself along the open areas of the swamp. When a big gust of wind would come along, everyone would run (or skate) to a protected clump of bushes. There I am, barely standing and trying to pull myself to the protected area, while they are snug, warm and watching me.
Anyway, I thought I would post a picture of us, in our VERY early years. The gorgeous 2 year old child on the left is yours truely. The "ears" belong to 3 (?) year old Joey. Shirley Temple wanna be is 4(?) year old Vicki.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
My Aching Body
I finally did it and didn't procrastinate!! I've wanted to put in a real flower garden and I did it ALL today. Late this morning, I went shopping for outside plants and a quick stop at the grocery store. Before I lost my momentum, I headed outside to start digging a garden.
The area I chose is in the front of the house between my door and Debbie's door. It's about 15ft. long and maybe 3 ft. deep. On my hands and knees, I pulled out every weed, dead and live grass, rotting leaves and turned the soil by hand. For those of you that know me, you'd be proud! I didn't scream even once at the sight of a worm!! I just very quickly reburied it and dug elsewhere.
After a few hours of clearing and digging, the garden was ready for a little white fence. It looks so cute! Then came the plants. I picked up a few perennials -- Bee Balm, which has a wine red flower. The other 2 plants, I don't recall the name, have creamy pale yellow flowers. I also picked up vibrant purple Impatients, pink Petunias, and a couple of other "whatevers" that are yellow. As you can tell, I like lots of color in my garden.
I also picked up Morning Glory seeds, for planting along the fence in the back yard. As well as Basil, Dill, and Chives to be in pots in the front garden.
Not a bad day's work, if I do say so myself. Time for a hot bath and a bite to eat before lounging in front of the TV. I've earned my evening "veg out" time.
I finally did it and didn't procrastinate!! I've wanted to put in a real flower garden and I did it ALL today. Late this morning, I went shopping for outside plants and a quick stop at the grocery store. Before I lost my momentum, I headed outside to start digging a garden.
The area I chose is in the front of the house between my door and Debbie's door. It's about 15ft. long and maybe 3 ft. deep. On my hands and knees, I pulled out every weed, dead and live grass, rotting leaves and turned the soil by hand. For those of you that know me, you'd be proud! I didn't scream even once at the sight of a worm!! I just very quickly reburied it and dug elsewhere.
After a few hours of clearing and digging, the garden was ready for a little white fence. It looks so cute! Then came the plants. I picked up a few perennials -- Bee Balm, which has a wine red flower. The other 2 plants, I don't recall the name, have creamy pale yellow flowers. I also picked up vibrant purple Impatients, pink Petunias, and a couple of other "whatevers" that are yellow. As you can tell, I like lots of color in my garden.
I also picked up Morning Glory seeds, for planting along the fence in the back yard. As well as Basil, Dill, and Chives to be in pots in the front garden.
Not a bad day's work, if I do say so myself. Time for a hot bath and a bite to eat before lounging in front of the TV. I've earned my evening "veg out" time.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Surpise!
This weekend was filled with changes and surprises too! Where to start...the beginning is always good.
My weekend was suppose to be somewhat quiet and all planned out. Friday afternoon...run errands on my way home from work. Saturday, join a couple of friends, Lynn & Andrea (former co-workers) for an early lunch in Enfield, then housework. Sunday was to be a "veg out" day.
It all started Friday when a co-worker suggested pizza for lunch. I offered to use up some of my "no-no" overtime and pick up pizzas at J&G's. While I was waiting for the pizzas, I chatted with co-owner, Manny. He complained because I hadn't spent very many Happy Hours there and told me I was too young to spend my time at home. Then he did something that Manny rarely, if ever, does...he said he would buy me a drink if I showed up for Happy Hour. Now how could I possibly turn down a free drink? Definately not if Manny is buying!! I told him I'd think about it but wasn't thinking too hard about it.
Mid afternoon, Marsha sent me an e-mail asking if I wanted to meet her after work. There was a 4:00 pm showing of her house and she couldn't go home. That clinched the deal. So I was off to J&G's for a last minute Happy Hour. Now to re-arrange my Saturday schedule. Ok, so I can do the housework in the morning and run the errands after lunch with my friends. Sounds good to me.
Satuday morning gets here and I'm just too tired to do housework (I procrastinate alot). I shower, dress and drive to Enfield. Lynn & I arrived at the same time. When we get inside, she says a few extras will be joining us for lunch. I'm thinking Andrea's daughter? sister? both? decided to join us. While we wait for the table to be ready, I realized I should have invited Joyce (former and now current co-worker) to join us. That's when Lynn says, "Too late, she has already been invited." At that same moment, Joyce walked through the door. Ok, so that was our surprise guest. Or so I thought.
Lynn, Joyce, Shannon (Lynn's son) and I sit down and chat while waiting for the "late" Andrea. Of course it was Tyra's (her daughter) fault that she was an hour late. While we are sitting there, a nice looking older gentleman stands behind Lynn and just looks and smiles at us. OMG!!! IT'S AL!!!! I'm in SHOCK to say the least. Al has lost over 100 pounds and looks fabulous!! There's only one little problem, Al always had the right look and attitude for Santa. He still has the jolly demeanor but no longer the "jelly belly".
We spent a couple of hours at the restaurant, reminiscing and catching up on our former co-workers. While I was only at IP for 4 years, I made some life-long friends. We always had fun at work and still managed to get the work done. Now, it's time to say our good-byes but not without making arrangements to meet up again, in June.
As I drive home, still in shock, it's pouring outside and I realize I need to use the bathroom. So, instead of running errands, I head straight home. The errands will wait until Sunday and again, so will the housework.
Sunday has arrived, the errands MUST be done today and I really must do housework. Well, maybe I'll do housework...or maybe I'll take a nap? The first stop was to the pet supply store and they don't open until 10:00 on Sunday. I wander around for 15-20 minutes and realize they don't have what I'm looking for....so off I go to the next stop, Big Lots.
At Big Lots, they have some really nice and cheap gardening supplies. I was looking for those inexpensive plastic, stick in the ground, fences. My landlord keeps rearranging and mowing over flowers in the yard. So I'm roaming the aisles and look up to see, OMG it's Don Foster from Wiremold!! I haven't seen him since I left Wiremold, 8 years ago. Ok, so I did the same thing I hate when other people do it --- spent 20+ minutes, blocking the aisle and catching up on the past 8 years. Don looks exactly the same as he did 8 years ago. We hugged, chatted and hugged again. He was one of my favorite people at Wiremold, even though I called him my "pain in the ass". It was more of a term of endearment. He's also the only person I know that smokes unfiltered Camels --- strong stuff!
Now it's off to the grocery store for just a few items (yeah right!)....$40.00 later I'm heading home ands it now 3:00 pm and I'm hungry. I fixed a quick sandwich and turned on the TV. Big mistake :) I woke up about 6:00 and of course the housework STILL needs to be done.
In the words of Scarlett O'Hara, "Tomorrow is another day."
This weekend was filled with changes and surprises too! Where to start...the beginning is always good.
My weekend was suppose to be somewhat quiet and all planned out. Friday afternoon...run errands on my way home from work. Saturday, join a couple of friends, Lynn & Andrea (former co-workers) for an early lunch in Enfield, then housework. Sunday was to be a "veg out" day.
It all started Friday when a co-worker suggested pizza for lunch. I offered to use up some of my "no-no" overtime and pick up pizzas at J&G's. While I was waiting for the pizzas, I chatted with co-owner, Manny. He complained because I hadn't spent very many Happy Hours there and told me I was too young to spend my time at home. Then he did something that Manny rarely, if ever, does...he said he would buy me a drink if I showed up for Happy Hour. Now how could I possibly turn down a free drink? Definately not if Manny is buying!! I told him I'd think about it but wasn't thinking too hard about it.
Mid afternoon, Marsha sent me an e-mail asking if I wanted to meet her after work. There was a 4:00 pm showing of her house and she couldn't go home. That clinched the deal. So I was off to J&G's for a last minute Happy Hour. Now to re-arrange my Saturday schedule. Ok, so I can do the housework in the morning and run the errands after lunch with my friends. Sounds good to me.
Satuday morning gets here and I'm just too tired to do housework (I procrastinate alot). I shower, dress and drive to Enfield. Lynn & I arrived at the same time. When we get inside, she says a few extras will be joining us for lunch. I'm thinking Andrea's daughter? sister? both? decided to join us. While we wait for the table to be ready, I realized I should have invited Joyce (former and now current co-worker) to join us. That's when Lynn says, "Too late, she has already been invited." At that same moment, Joyce walked through the door. Ok, so that was our surprise guest. Or so I thought.
Lynn, Joyce, Shannon (Lynn's son) and I sit down and chat while waiting for the "late" Andrea. Of course it was Tyra's (her daughter) fault that she was an hour late. While we are sitting there, a nice looking older gentleman stands behind Lynn and just looks and smiles at us. OMG!!! IT'S AL!!!! I'm in SHOCK to say the least. Al has lost over 100 pounds and looks fabulous!! There's only one little problem, Al always had the right look and attitude for Santa. He still has the jolly demeanor but no longer the "jelly belly".
We spent a couple of hours at the restaurant, reminiscing and catching up on our former co-workers. While I was only at IP for 4 years, I made some life-long friends. We always had fun at work and still managed to get the work done. Now, it's time to say our good-byes but not without making arrangements to meet up again, in June.
As I drive home, still in shock, it's pouring outside and I realize I need to use the bathroom. So, instead of running errands, I head straight home. The errands will wait until Sunday and again, so will the housework.
Sunday has arrived, the errands MUST be done today and I really must do housework. Well, maybe I'll do housework...or maybe I'll take a nap? The first stop was to the pet supply store and they don't open until 10:00 on Sunday. I wander around for 15-20 minutes and realize they don't have what I'm looking for....so off I go to the next stop, Big Lots.
At Big Lots, they have some really nice and cheap gardening supplies. I was looking for those inexpensive plastic, stick in the ground, fences. My landlord keeps rearranging and mowing over flowers in the yard. So I'm roaming the aisles and look up to see, OMG it's Don Foster from Wiremold!! I haven't seen him since I left Wiremold, 8 years ago. Ok, so I did the same thing I hate when other people do it --- spent 20+ minutes, blocking the aisle and catching up on the past 8 years. Don looks exactly the same as he did 8 years ago. We hugged, chatted and hugged again. He was one of my favorite people at Wiremold, even though I called him my "pain in the ass". It was more of a term of endearment. He's also the only person I know that smokes unfiltered Camels --- strong stuff!
Now it's off to the grocery store for just a few items (yeah right!)....$40.00 later I'm heading home ands it now 3:00 pm and I'm hungry. I fixed a quick sandwich and turned on the TV. Big mistake :) I woke up about 6:00 and of course the housework STILL needs to be done.
In the words of Scarlett O'Hara, "Tomorrow is another day."
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Getting A Break?
There may be a few breaks coming my way finally! The first has to do with work. The District Secretary is moving to Syracuse on May 1st. For the most part, her job can be done from the terminal in that area. There will be times when she will need to "visit" our terminal to obtain files and physical items. Those times are few and she can make arrangements to travel to our terminal, when necessary. If the District Manager is open to this working arrangement, great for her. If he decides he must have someone in Hartford, that may be good for me. She is planning to speak with him this week and let him know that I am very interested in her job.
While the job has it's own set of headaches, I wouldn't need to deal with the daily BS from current co-workers. The job would also come with a raise but I don't know how much.
The second break has to do with home. This week, my landlord showed up and finally raked the dead leaves from last fall. To me, this is a sign he is getting ready to put the building up for sale, again. While I really don't like this apartment, I hate the thought of moving again, into another apartment. I spoke to my neighbor yesterday and she had talked with the landlord, while he was cleaning the yard. She questioned him about the building going up for sale and his response was that he's going to hold onto it for awhile.
Of course, neither of us knows how long "awhile" might be. Since, last year, he waited until the last minute to tell me about putting the building on the market, I thought I might question him about it this year. With the possible increase in income, and more time to save money, I may be able to buy a condo or small house, before he is ready to sell this building.
There may be a few breaks coming my way finally! The first has to do with work. The District Secretary is moving to Syracuse on May 1st. For the most part, her job can be done from the terminal in that area. There will be times when she will need to "visit" our terminal to obtain files and physical items. Those times are few and she can make arrangements to travel to our terminal, when necessary. If the District Manager is open to this working arrangement, great for her. If he decides he must have someone in Hartford, that may be good for me. She is planning to speak with him this week and let him know that I am very interested in her job.
While the job has it's own set of headaches, I wouldn't need to deal with the daily BS from current co-workers. The job would also come with a raise but I don't know how much.
The second break has to do with home. This week, my landlord showed up and finally raked the dead leaves from last fall. To me, this is a sign he is getting ready to put the building up for sale, again. While I really don't like this apartment, I hate the thought of moving again, into another apartment. I spoke to my neighbor yesterday and she had talked with the landlord, while he was cleaning the yard. She questioned him about the building going up for sale and his response was that he's going to hold onto it for awhile.
Of course, neither of us knows how long "awhile" might be. Since, last year, he waited until the last minute to tell me about putting the building on the market, I thought I might question him about it this year. With the possible increase in income, and more time to save money, I may be able to buy a condo or small house, before he is ready to sell this building.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Fur Ball
This innocent looking "fur ball" is very adept at raising hell. My neighbor wakes about 4:00 AM, depending where her first repair stop is located. One of the first things she does, in the morning, is to let the kitties go outside. I swear the Shadow watches out the bedroom window, waiting for signs of movement. As soon as one of the kitties has been spotted, he starts scratching at the bedroom window, wanting go outside and play.
It wouldn't be bad, if I needed to be awake that early. My alarm doesn't sound off until 5:30 AM. Shadow's scratching usually earns him a pillow being thrown across the room. You would think I would know by now, that only stops the scratching for a couple of minutes. Eventually, I stumble across a darkened apartment to the living room door, swearing at the cat and calling him unspeakable names. The tone of my language is a good indication of just how much he's pissed me off, so instead of running out the door I've climbed out of bed to open, Shadow hides from me. There have been several mornings Shadow has found himself tossed out the door and not let back in, until I'm ready to open the door again.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Fun at the dentist....
Not many people can have fun while in the dentist's chair. While I really don't like seeing the dentist, I usually find plenty of laughter while in the chair. Today was no exception. Today's visit was with the dreaded Periodonist. When she does a cleaning, novocaine is a requirement! Ahh today she is going to work on the right side of the mouth. Believe it or not, her novocaine shots are painless. She uses some kind of topical numbing treatment before giving a shot.
Finally the mouth is numb and she starts the root scaling & planing. After what seemed like an eternity, she stops and askes me to thoroughly rinse and spit. Ok, no problem, I've done this many times. Oops, never when half my mouth and tongue are numb. Thankfully, I'm wearing the bib and 1/2 the cup of water. Now it's time to start swishing. Oops, my mouth isn't closed!! Water shoots across the room and I'm creating a mess in the office.
After laugher died down, she went back to work, on the bottom teeth this time. As she reached the front teeth, she asked me to relax my lips. That request caused me to burst out in laughter and choke a bit. How the hell do you relax your lips?!?!? I never knew I could relax them!!!! I'll have to practice relaxing my lips before my next visit. So when I flub words, remember, I'm relaxing my lips and they don't work well when they are sleeping. Oh wait, they seem to work fine when I'm sleeping. I've been told I talk in my sleep.
Not many people can have fun while in the dentist's chair. While I really don't like seeing the dentist, I usually find plenty of laughter while in the chair. Today was no exception. Today's visit was with the dreaded Periodonist. When she does a cleaning, novocaine is a requirement! Ahh today she is going to work on the right side of the mouth. Believe it or not, her novocaine shots are painless. She uses some kind of topical numbing treatment before giving a shot.
Finally the mouth is numb and she starts the root scaling & planing. After what seemed like an eternity, she stops and askes me to thoroughly rinse and spit. Ok, no problem, I've done this many times. Oops, never when half my mouth and tongue are numb. Thankfully, I'm wearing the bib and 1/2 the cup of water. Now it's time to start swishing. Oops, my mouth isn't closed!! Water shoots across the room and I'm creating a mess in the office.
After laugher died down, she went back to work, on the bottom teeth this time. As she reached the front teeth, she asked me to relax my lips. That request caused me to burst out in laughter and choke a bit. How the hell do you relax your lips?!?!? I never knew I could relax them!!!! I'll have to practice relaxing my lips before my next visit. So when I flub words, remember, I'm relaxing my lips and they don't work well when they are sleeping. Oh wait, they seem to work fine when I'm sleeping. I've been told I talk in my sleep.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Spring is here?
This has got to be the most screwed up winter on record. We've had temps anywhere from the single digits to the mid-50's. Last weekend we had 2 FEET of snow and today is warm enough to not need a coat. Spring is here? This has got to be the most screwed up winter on record. We've had temps anywhere from the single digits to the mid-50's. Last weekend we had 2 FEET of snow and today is warm enough to not need a coat. As I was letting Shadow out the back door, I noticed a strange little happening --- leaves on my Forsythia bush! Not just buds either -- actual leaves! At first I thought they might be from last year, then I touched them, they aren't dried out leaves. Could this be my long awaited for, sign of spring?!?!?
For those you that notice the date/time stamp, I am at home today. Long story made short, I had a wisdom tooth pulled this afternoon. So far so good, the novocaine hasn't worn off yet :) The doctor didn't feel there would be sufficient pain to warrant anything stronger than Tylenol. Co-workers were offering their sympathies yesterday. Little did some of them know but lately I would consider a bad day at the oral surgeon better than a good day at work.
My brother, Rick, is flying in from Hawaii today. This time his wife, Jasmin, flew to the Philipines to visit her family. Rick is expected to stay for about 2 weeks and then join Jasmin in the Philipines. I'm not sure when I'll go see him, or even if I will visit him. Many times I feel he stays in Hawaii not to keep away from his ex-wife but to distance himself from all of the family. It's probably not the truth but it is how I feel.
Well, I'm off to see if I have anything here that I can eat --- besides ice cream. Not that the ice cream is bad but I need something a little more nourishing at the moment.
In the words of Tigger -- TTFN
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Very Interesting
I was checking out my tracking stats and see my blog has been very busy lately. In the last week, I've had 34 hits from people searching for info on DHL buying Watkins.
Ok people, are you Watkins employees? You can send private comments to me. I'm just as curious as the rest of you. No, I we haven't heard anything more at our terminal either.
I was checking out my tracking stats and see my blog has been very busy lately. In the last week, I've had 34 hits from people searching for info on DHL buying Watkins.
Ok people, are you Watkins employees? You can send private comments to me. I'm just as curious as the rest of you. No, I we haven't heard anything more at our terminal either.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Guilt Trip
I guess it's my turn for an update since Victoria and Bonnie have made me painfully aware of my resolution. Then again, I was doing good at updating weekly, until last weekend. The truth is, I threw out my back (again) and it was a bit too painful to sit in front of the PC for too long. My weekend was spent taking muscle relaxers, soaking in hot baths, and sitting on a massage/heating pad. By late Sunday afternoon, I was finally able to stand up straight.
To update a previous post, we passed our terminal audit!!! My boss left the petty cash alone and it balanced. Amazing how it balances when he keeps his mitts out of the drawer.
My resolution to quit smoking is still in progress. Quitting "cold turkey" is not for me but I have cut down. My 1 1/2 pack a day habit is now down to 1/2 - 3/4 pack a day. It depends on how busy I can keep myself. My biggest fear about quitting is the possible weight gain. Having lost 65 lbs. I don't want to gain ANY of it back. I refuse to use food as a substitute for cigarettes. What I need to do is to start an exercise routine - probably walking. That won't happen until the weather warms up. I hate going outside in the cold.
Mom called yesterday and we discussed the situation regarding my brother's children. Rick will be coming home again on Feb. 15th and staying for 2 weeks. This time his wife will be flying to the Philipines to see her family. Rick hasn't come out and said anything but Mom believes he has voluntarily terminated his parental rights. If he has terminated them, then he may as well stop visiting and acting like a concerned parent. Leave the kids alone and let them move on without him. He seems to have created a new life without them. These kids deserve to have parents that love and want them around. At this point, I'm not sure I even want to see my brother while he's here.
Well, this update will have to do for now. I need to get away from the PC and the ashtray.
TTFN
I guess it's my turn for an update since Victoria and Bonnie have made me painfully aware of my resolution. Then again, I was doing good at updating weekly, until last weekend. The truth is, I threw out my back (again) and it was a bit too painful to sit in front of the PC for too long. My weekend was spent taking muscle relaxers, soaking in hot baths, and sitting on a massage/heating pad. By late Sunday afternoon, I was finally able to stand up straight.
To update a previous post, we passed our terminal audit!!! My boss left the petty cash alone and it balanced. Amazing how it balances when he keeps his mitts out of the drawer.
My resolution to quit smoking is still in progress. Quitting "cold turkey" is not for me but I have cut down. My 1 1/2 pack a day habit is now down to 1/2 - 3/4 pack a day. It depends on how busy I can keep myself. My biggest fear about quitting is the possible weight gain. Having lost 65 lbs. I don't want to gain ANY of it back. I refuse to use food as a substitute for cigarettes. What I need to do is to start an exercise routine - probably walking. That won't happen until the weather warms up. I hate going outside in the cold.
Mom called yesterday and we discussed the situation regarding my brother's children. Rick will be coming home again on Feb. 15th and staying for 2 weeks. This time his wife will be flying to the Philipines to see her family. Rick hasn't come out and said anything but Mom believes he has voluntarily terminated his parental rights. If he has terminated them, then he may as well stop visiting and acting like a concerned parent. Leave the kids alone and let them move on without him. He seems to have created a new life without them. These kids deserve to have parents that love and want them around. At this point, I'm not sure I even want to see my brother while he's here.
Well, this update will have to do for now. I need to get away from the PC and the ashtray.
TTFN
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Rumors and More
This week has been filled with rumors at work. The rumor - DHL is buying Watkins. Apparently DHL had submitted 2 offers that were both rejected. They submitted a third offer and the Watkins family has seriously taken it into consideration. It is a logiclal fit for both DHL and Watkins. The major air/overnight carriers have purchased freight/over the road carriers over the last few years. If DHL wants to remain competitive, they must either purchase or grow their own freight carrier. DHL, like Watkins is a non-union shop. Both companies strive to remain non-union and therefore pay competitively and keep benefits on par with the union shops.
As for what a buyout would mean to me, it wouldn't have any effect on my job. DHL needs the teminals (we're the reason they want to buy Watkins). The major changes would be with corporate and higher level management. This should prove to be an interesting week at work. Hopefully we will hear something difinitive early in the week.
Now for more on the work front. My anniversary date at Watkins is January 19th. can you believe it's been 2 years already?!?!? Last week I had the pleasure of typing my own review!! Well, my boss wrote it but I got to type the review and calculate my raise. Damn! There is a set calculation for raises depending on the review scoring. For over a year, I had the distinct pleasure of being the only employee my boss had reviewed as being "Outstanding". Last fall he reviewed our HR Manager and gave him an "Outstanding" as well. I now have the pleasure of being the only person to receive an "Outstanding" for 2 consecutive years. We'll see how Dean does on his next review :)
Also for this week, we have the auditor arriving. Gee, the petty cash hasn't been over/short since I sent my boss the e-mail. I need to place a few fixed asset tags on the network equipment but that's about all I should need to do for the audit. I have already closed out the OSHA Log for 2005 and the required totals will be posted before the auditor arrives.
Things at home have been quiet as usual. We've had some very strange (even for CT) weather this weekend. Yesterday it was in the 50's and I was outside without a coat. I woke this morning to a fresh blanket of snow and temps barely reaching the 20's. Shadow is a tad upset because I refuse to shovel the back steps. Go figure - he'll play in water but doesn't like it when he gets wet outside. If he gets wet outside, he stands on the kitchen rug and waits for me to wipe him off with a paper towel.
As I previously wrote, I'm trying to quit smoking. While I haven't completely quit, I have cut back. At one time I was up to 2 packs a day. Now I can get one pack to last almost 2 days. I'm sure I could get the pack to last longer if I could find more to keep my mind occupied. It seems many times, I light up without thinking about it or wanting one. As soon as I tell myself not to light up, is when I can't get my mind off them.
Oh well, my coffee mug is empty and that's the sign that it's time to move my butt. Have a fun week! If I hear anything about DHL/Watkins, I'll be sure to post.
TTFN!
This week has been filled with rumors at work. The rumor - DHL is buying Watkins. Apparently DHL had submitted 2 offers that were both rejected. They submitted a third offer and the Watkins family has seriously taken it into consideration. It is a logiclal fit for both DHL and Watkins. The major air/overnight carriers have purchased freight/over the road carriers over the last few years. If DHL wants to remain competitive, they must either purchase or grow their own freight carrier. DHL, like Watkins is a non-union shop. Both companies strive to remain non-union and therefore pay competitively and keep benefits on par with the union shops.
As for what a buyout would mean to me, it wouldn't have any effect on my job. DHL needs the teminals (we're the reason they want to buy Watkins). The major changes would be with corporate and higher level management. This should prove to be an interesting week at work. Hopefully we will hear something difinitive early in the week.
Now for more on the work front. My anniversary date at Watkins is January 19th. can you believe it's been 2 years already?!?!? Last week I had the pleasure of typing my own review!! Well, my boss wrote it but I got to type the review and calculate my raise. Damn! There is a set calculation for raises depending on the review scoring. For over a year, I had the distinct pleasure of being the only employee my boss had reviewed as being "Outstanding". Last fall he reviewed our HR Manager and gave him an "Outstanding" as well. I now have the pleasure of being the only person to receive an "Outstanding" for 2 consecutive years. We'll see how Dean does on his next review :)
Also for this week, we have the auditor arriving. Gee, the petty cash hasn't been over/short since I sent my boss the e-mail. I need to place a few fixed asset tags on the network equipment but that's about all I should need to do for the audit. I have already closed out the OSHA Log for 2005 and the required totals will be posted before the auditor arrives.
Things at home have been quiet as usual. We've had some very strange (even for CT) weather this weekend. Yesterday it was in the 50's and I was outside without a coat. I woke this morning to a fresh blanket of snow and temps barely reaching the 20's. Shadow is a tad upset because I refuse to shovel the back steps. Go figure - he'll play in water but doesn't like it when he gets wet outside. If he gets wet outside, he stands on the kitchen rug and waits for me to wipe him off with a paper towel.
As I previously wrote, I'm trying to quit smoking. While I haven't completely quit, I have cut back. At one time I was up to 2 packs a day. Now I can get one pack to last almost 2 days. I'm sure I could get the pack to last longer if I could find more to keep my mind occupied. It seems many times, I light up without thinking about it or wanting one. As soon as I tell myself not to light up, is when I can't get my mind off them.
Oh well, my coffee mug is empty and that's the sign that it's time to move my butt. Have a fun week! If I hear anything about DHL/Watkins, I'll be sure to post.
TTFN!
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Any Suggestions?
At Watkins, we have an annual internal audit. One of the audit items is to check the petty cash to be certain it balances. Last year aq few weeks prior to our audit, I replenished our petty cash drawer. The bank, in error, gave us a nickel too much. I took the nickle out and placed it in a "spare change" box in my desk. A few days before the audit, my boss insisted I balance the cash drawer. When I did, I was a nickle short. Immediately I thought of the nickel the bank had given me. So, I counted again, and sure enough I was short. Thinking I must have miscounted the money the previously, I put the nickel back into the drawer. I never mentioned the overage or shortage to my boss. Imagine my SHOCK when the auditor counted the drawer and said I was a nickel OVER.
It didn't matter that I told the auditor exactly what had taken place. It didn't matter that the drawer was over. All that mattered is the drawer didn't balance, therefore we failed the petty cash audit.
Every time I have balanced the drawer since then, it has balanced to the penny. My boss likes to tease me about the cash drawer not balance even though I insisted it did balance. Just prior to the Christmas Holiday, we receive word the auditor would be arriving about mid-January and to prepare.
My boss walked by my desk a few times just stating, "you better balance the petty cash" and chuckle. So to make him happy, I counted the money and I was 2 cents short. Swearing under my breath, I counted again and still I was short. That's when it hit me! The only time my drawer DID NOT balance, was when my boss ask me to balance the petty cash. Aha! I'm onto something here. I put in the 2 pennies from that spare change box. Then I went my boss and said "the petty cash balanced great after I put in 2 pennies! He turned a bit red, laughed and said "very good".
Last week, we were getting low in the petty cash drawer so I needed balance the drawer and cut a draft to replenish the drawer. My boss cashed the draft today and as he handed me the cash, he told me to balance the petty cash again. Being a suspicious, I counted the money in the drawer. Sure enough I was short 1 penny this time. I counted it 4 times then had a co-worker count the pennies. We came up with the same count each time. I hadn't even given out any change since balancing the drawer last week! So, in goes another penny.
Then I very quietly sent my boss an e-mail. It simply said "LEAVE MY PENNIES ALONE!" Of course he denies everything but only he and I have the keys to petty cash drawer.
I want to get him and get him GOOD for playing with my cash drawer and making me count 44 pennies repeatedly! I'm open to suggestions for a good payback. Although one I've thought of is to remove the petty cash drawer and lock it in the safe. Let him wonder what happened to the money :)
At Watkins, we have an annual internal audit. One of the audit items is to check the petty cash to be certain it balances. Last year aq few weeks prior to our audit, I replenished our petty cash drawer. The bank, in error, gave us a nickel too much. I took the nickle out and placed it in a "spare change" box in my desk. A few days before the audit, my boss insisted I balance the cash drawer. When I did, I was a nickle short. Immediately I thought of the nickel the bank had given me. So, I counted again, and sure enough I was short. Thinking I must have miscounted the money the previously, I put the nickel back into the drawer. I never mentioned the overage or shortage to my boss. Imagine my SHOCK when the auditor counted the drawer and said I was a nickel OVER.
It didn't matter that I told the auditor exactly what had taken place. It didn't matter that the drawer was over. All that mattered is the drawer didn't balance, therefore we failed the petty cash audit.
Every time I have balanced the drawer since then, it has balanced to the penny. My boss likes to tease me about the cash drawer not balance even though I insisted it did balance. Just prior to the Christmas Holiday, we receive word the auditor would be arriving about mid-January and to prepare.
My boss walked by my desk a few times just stating, "you better balance the petty cash" and chuckle. So to make him happy, I counted the money and I was 2 cents short. Swearing under my breath, I counted again and still I was short. That's when it hit me! The only time my drawer DID NOT balance, was when my boss ask me to balance the petty cash. Aha! I'm onto something here. I put in the 2 pennies from that spare change box. Then I went my boss and said "the petty cash balanced great after I put in 2 pennies! He turned a bit red, laughed and said "very good".
Last week, we were getting low in the petty cash drawer so I needed balance the drawer and cut a draft to replenish the drawer. My boss cashed the draft today and as he handed me the cash, he told me to balance the petty cash again. Being a suspicious, I counted the money in the drawer. Sure enough I was short 1 penny this time. I counted it 4 times then had a co-worker count the pennies. We came up with the same count each time. I hadn't even given out any change since balancing the drawer last week! So, in goes another penny.
Then I very quietly sent my boss an e-mail. It simply said "LEAVE MY PENNIES ALONE!" Of course he denies everything but only he and I have the keys to petty cash drawer.
I want to get him and get him GOOD for playing with my cash drawer and making me count 44 pennies repeatedly! I'm open to suggestions for a good payback. Although one I've thought of is to remove the petty cash drawer and lock it in the safe. Let him wonder what happened to the money :)
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Cat Dials 911
January 1, 2006 - COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Police aren't sure how else to explain it. But when an officer walked into an apartment Thursday night to answer a 911 call, an orange-and-tan striped cat was lying by a telephone on the living room floor. The cat's owner, Gary Rosheisen, was on the ground near his bed having fallen out of his wheelchair.
Rosheisen said his cat, Tommy, must have hit the right buttons to call 911. "I know it sounds kind of weird," Officer Patrick Daugherty said, unsuccessfully searching for some other explanation.
Rosheisen said he couldn't get up because of pain from osteoporosis and ministrokes that disrupt his balance. He also wasn't wearing his medical-alert necklace and couldn't reach a cord above his pillow that alerts paramedics that he needs help.
Daugherty said police received a 911 call from Rosheisen's apartment, but there was no one on the phone. Police called back to make sure everything was OK, and when no one answered, they decided to check things out. That's when Daugherty found Tommy next to the phone.
Rosheisen got the cat three years ago to help lower his blood pressure. He tried to train him to call 911, unsure if the training ever stuck.
The phone in the living room is always on the floor, and there are 12 small buttons - including a speed dial for 911 right above the button for the speaker phone. "He's my hero," Rosheisen said.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
January 1, 2006 - COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Police aren't sure how else to explain it. But when an officer walked into an apartment Thursday night to answer a 911 call, an orange-and-tan striped cat was lying by a telephone on the living room floor. The cat's owner, Gary Rosheisen, was on the ground near his bed having fallen out of his wheelchair.
Rosheisen said his cat, Tommy, must have hit the right buttons to call 911. "I know it sounds kind of weird," Officer Patrick Daugherty said, unsuccessfully searching for some other explanation.
Rosheisen said he couldn't get up because of pain from osteoporosis and ministrokes that disrupt his balance. He also wasn't wearing his medical-alert necklace and couldn't reach a cord above his pillow that alerts paramedics that he needs help.
Daugherty said police received a 911 call from Rosheisen's apartment, but there was no one on the phone. Police called back to make sure everything was OK, and when no one answered, they decided to check things out. That's when Daugherty found Tommy next to the phone.
Rosheisen got the cat three years ago to help lower his blood pressure. He tried to train him to call 911, unsure if the training ever stuck.
The phone in the living room is always on the floor, and there are 12 small buttons - including a speed dial for 911 right above the button for the speaker phone. "He's my hero," Rosheisen said.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Happy New Year!
I've been lazy and not posting very much in my blog. Actually it's not lazy as much as there is nothing going on worth writing. Normally I don't make New Year's resolutions but I'll make an exception this year. I resolve to post weekly, in my blog. You may get the ramblings of a wandering mind or you could get lucky and find I had something happen that is worthy of a blog entry.
As long as I'm breaking my resolution rule this year, I may as go all out and make several resolutions. Hopefully I'll be able to keep at least ONE of them! Here's my list, not any particular order:
Weekly blog post (you already know about this one)
Quit smoking (I've been trying for about a month now)
Follow Victoria's, Home Run software --- faithfully!
Prepare now for moving in the Spring/Summer
So do you make resolutions? If so, what have you resolved to do this year?
I've been lazy and not posting very much in my blog. Actually it's not lazy as much as there is nothing going on worth writing. Normally I don't make New Year's resolutions but I'll make an exception this year. I resolve to post weekly, in my blog. You may get the ramblings of a wandering mind or you could get lucky and find I had something happen that is worthy of a blog entry.
As long as I'm breaking my resolution rule this year, I may as go all out and make several resolutions. Hopefully I'll be able to keep at least ONE of them! Here's my list, not any particular order:
Weekly blog post (you already know about this one)
Quit smoking (I've been trying for about a month now)
Follow Victoria's, Home Run software --- faithfully!
Prepare now for moving in the Spring/Summer
So do you make resolutions? If so, what have you resolved to do this year?
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